We need a plan if Assad wins

Telegraph ^ | 28 November 2016

[TigerLikesRooster]

We need a plan if Assad wins

28 November 2016 ? 9:00pm

The word “unacceptable” has been used a great deal in the context of the Syrian tragedy. Bashar al-Assad’s use of chemical weapons was branded “unacceptable” but there is evidence of their continued use after Western plans to bomb arms dumps were aborted. Then, it was “unacceptable” that President Assad would ever be part of the future of Syria. No peace deal would be countenanced while he remained in power. Yet, with Russian help, he may be on the verge of a military victory.

It has been apparent for some months that if anyone would eventually emerge as a “winner” in this bloody civil war it would be Assad. His forces have in recent days made significant advances in the key city of Aleppo, with insurgents reportedly abandoning positions held since 2012. This may not yet be the end game but Western countries need to prepare for that possibility, rather than continue to wish for a conclusion that they were unwilling to bring about and is now not going to happen ? the removal of Assad.

[BeauBo]

I guess that the main thing that we could hope for in Syria is a lessening of Iranian influence. A replacement for Assad would be nice, but less likely.

[bert]

I agree. Assad is now toothless and very broke.

Even if he survives he will not be capable of mischief for a long time.

[struggle]

SEND ALL THE SYRIANS BACK.

[Netz]

True, Iran is the kingpin and the Obama administration empowered and emboldened Iran. Russia could not go it alone with Iran and soon Iran will have the bomb that Obama so vehemently tried to arm them with. Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and other Sunni nations will have to unite and attack Iran before she goes “hot”. Fortunately, unlike Obama, he will not threaten to shoot down Israeli fighters on their way to hit Iran...

[libertylover]

Bashar al-Assad’s use of chemical weapons was branded “unacceptable”

But, but, wait. The media assured us that GWB made up all that stuff about chemical weapons in the Middle-East.

[freedomfiter2]

Assad is better than anyone the US has been helping.

[FreedomPoster]

5. Get the nukes out of Incirlik. Heck, completely decamp U.S. Forces from Turkey. They are not allies.

[kearnyirish2]

That’s right; Assad, Qaddafi, even Saddam were bastions of stability in an area with very few. I guess our overlords wanted Muslims killing other Muslims, which is the most direct outcome of our involvement there...

[Little Ray]

A plan?
Maybe send him a magnum bottle of champagne?

[The Toll]

“if” <—— ha ha ha ha. That was settled the moment Vlad said it was.

[TigerLikesRooster]

From “unthinkable” to “if.” It is a progress of sorts for those in denial. It is the best we can expect from them.

[Harpotoo]

DIdn’t Obummer and his allies let assad cross a red line a while back with absolutely no repercussions?

[TigerLikesRooster]

U.S. red line means nothing these days. Actually it goes back before Obama, even though he definitely made it much worse. All weapons and professionally trained troops won't do much if enemies are convinced that U.S. won't use them.

What Trump needs to do is to convince enemies that the red line counts.

[Forward the Light Brigade]

It could explode if Turkey moves in (funded by Saudi Arabia and Gulf States)-— It could blast into a reginal war with us in the middle of a Mess. Lets hope Trump is up to the challenge

[Cronos]

100% agree with you