Similar to the Spanish Civil War, there are three sides in this conflict: AQ/MB (with clandestine American support via Turkey), Assad, and the FSA (now with a grudging and pathetic show of American support).
Syria is being fought on a much higher level then the ground..or the political show we are watching.
No matter how this plays Assad is done. Currently he is simply a temporary placeholder only.. and the minion's on the ground to keep him occupied.