I have to take exception to this notion that we're being "fooled" by anyone.
This is not the Carter or Clinton administration. This is George W. Bush who since 9/11/01 has been tireless and persistent in advancing the war on terror.
He and his advisors are NOT being "fooled" by anyone. When He himself says that "it looks like Syria's coming around to our way of thinking," then I will give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he knows far more than you or I.