Looking at this, I see Tillerson saying that first ISIS needs to be defeated. Then Assad needs to be removed through a political process.
Again, bombing Assad is a hell of a way to defeat ISIS. Assad is supposed to be fighting ISIS, yet to defeat ISIS, Assad is bombed. But I think I get it. It goes thusly: The neighbor cusses you out, the boss chews your butt a new one. You go through the door at home, beat the hell out of the wife and children. Then say to yourself: I just showed those sobs who is the boss. The neighbor and boss say another word to me and they will get again. It works on the same principle of hitting your big toe to cure a migraine.