Falkenrath: No Syrian Opposition for the US to Support

Falkenrath: No Syrian Opposition for the US to Support
Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates - The Aspen Institute
When it comes to Syria, does the U.S. have a 'dog in the fight'? There are no good options and many reasons not to intervene in Syria: Assad's powerful allies, the public's aversion to another war, and wariness over an opposition army that includes Islamic extremists. However, holding back means ignoring a growing humanitarian crisis, where the number dead has topped 100,000. Discovery of Assad's use of chemical weapons prompted President Obama to approve the delivery of small arms and ammunition to rebel forces. But does this call for more assertive policy from the administration, or would direct intervention hurt our strategic interests?