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Like Saddam Hussein, he used poison gas against his own people. His brutal repression of dissent ignited a civil war in which 190,000 people have died. The UK and the US have called for his overthrow. But now, despite official denials, there is mounting evidence that a shocking U-turn may be imminent.
originally posted by: ugmold
a reply to: Daedal
And I thought Assad was the good guy.
originally posted by: Daedal
a reply to: kosmicjack
I agree...If Assad can be so call rehabilitated, the aggressiveness towards other regional nations toppled by the Arab Spring may begin to abate.
But the question remains, is it too late?
The redirection has been recoined as the Asian Pivot, lmo. If we can join forces with Assad and assist in eradicating or dismantle Isis, regional stability may develop.
But many things hinge on the pivot such as the Trans Pacific Partnership, and other trade development agreements. Grinding and turning the wheels against the tide may have unforeseen consequences, however the case may be, war seems inevitable.
I really think you're missing the point. ISIL?ISIS? is meant to accomplish a few goals on behalf of the west and Israel. Instead of having a multitude of puppet dictators to deal with, some who venture too far off the reservation for their liking, they'll just be one. That's the purpose of this caliphate. To provide one entity to deal with that is, at this point in time, malleable by western influence. However, like everything else, they have miscalculated and have taken the short term approach. This too will backfire and may already have.
originally posted by: kosmicjack
It seems to me that the ME is far more stable with dictators than democracy. But instead of accepting that, the West continually tries to subvert their power structures in pursuit of profits and any leader that objects is subject to removal by force. The vacuum that's left gives rise to groups like ISIS/ISIL/IS.
If Assad can take on ISIS and be rehabilitated as a regional leader - is Syria better off? Is the U.S.? IMHO - yes.