Issues Under Fire: Syria Has Become the Devil's Playground

Issues Under Fire: Syria Has Become the Devil's Playground 

If anything could be considered a hopelessly lost cause, the Syrian civil war would be it. With so many state sponsored and independent entities conducting military operations in the country, its impossible to determine who is fighting whom at any given time. Since the Obama administration's efforts to recruit, train and equip a Syrian rebel force committed to the overthrow of the Assad regime, while at the same time combating ISIS failed miserably, it looks as though Russia is preparing to enter the fight. And in a big way too. 

Stories are breaking everywhere reporting a major Russian buildup of military resources in Syria far beyond what would be needed for force protection. Russian tanks, heavy weapons, air defense systems and a surge in military advisors has gotten the attention of not only Washington, but the Israelis as well. With the Russian's strong support for Bashar al-Assad, its difficult to see how U.S. and Israeli forces can operate without coordinating closely with Moscow. So they are! 

Make no mistake about it, the Obama administration, as well as the Israelis want Bashar al-Assad gone and they want that to happen yesterday. Given the opportunity, he'd be taken out with a drone strike in the blink of an eye. The elimination of Assad would disrupt the Iranian Syrian connection that has caused so many security concerns for Israel. With the nuclear deal done, it is feared (by some) Iran will have billions to fund operations in the region to bolster the Syrian regime and continue support for Hezbollah, Israel's primary regional rival. 

Unfortunately, no amount of collaboration and coordination can prevent so many players both known and unknown from clashing and stepping on one another's toes when interest, agendas, and motives vary so wildly. While everyone reportedly hates ISIS and ISIS reportedly hates everyone, if ISIS gets the upper hand against the Assad regime, would the U.S. and Israelis let their enemy kill its enemy without considering who or what will fill the void?  

If U.S. special forces have an opportunity to destroy Syrian military assets that the Russians are protecting, will they engage those targets? If forces loyal to the Syrian opposition (whoever that happens to be these days) has to choose to fight Assad, ISIS or the myriad of jihadist groups seeking opportunities in that country, who would they engage and why?  

Bottom line: The international community, led by a seriously flawed U.S. foreign policy has turned Syria into the devil's playground. Falsely claiming Bashar al-Assad had lost all legitimacy to remain in power, while he retained support of a clear majority of his people, placed the Obama administration in a no win situation. By the time the White House realized Assad had the will, resources and protection from Russia, Iran and even China, the devil had already secured a space for himself in the war torn nation. Podcast Below!