What's Next for Syria?

by Stephen Lendman

Conflict drags on interminably. Dozens or more die daily. Syrian forces outmatch Western-backed death squad terrorists. They're not rebels. They're lawless invaders.

They're US proxy fighters. They're imported from dozens of countries. They're waging war against sovereign Syrian independence. Don't expect duplicitous Western politicians or media scoundrels to explain.

Assad's military outguns and outflanks Washington's shock troops. Reinforcements keep coming. Libya 2.0 looks possible. Perhaps likely.

Russia hopes for a September international peace conference. Originally a June one was planned. Why bother when Washington prioritizes war. It spurns peace. Last year's conference failed.

Expect nothing different this time. Peace remains elusive. Advocates have no partners.

According to European Council president Herman Van Rompuy:

"A military solution to the crisis is impossible. (T)he solution is only diplomatic." Conflict can end soon. It can happen if Washington calls off its dogs. It shouldn't have unleashed them in the first place.

Syria is Obama's war. He began it. He can end it. Not according to some reports. On July 18, London's Guardian headlined "Obama considering military power in Syria, top general tells Senate."

Joint Chiefs Chairman Martin Dempsey said he provided Obama with "options for the use of force." He declined to explain more.

"(I)t would be inappropriate for me to try to influence the decision with me rendering an opinion in public about what kind of force we should use."

John McCain's super-hawkish. He's not alone. He asked the wrong question. He asked Dempsey what carries greater risk: continued limited Washington intervention or more robust tactics.

He favors more heavily arming terrorist fighters. They're getting plenty of weapons already. He wants no-fly zone protection implemented.

Doing so's an act of war. It's illegal without Security Council authorization. So is meddling in Syria's internal affairs politically, economically, and/or militarily (directly or indirectly).

McCain's dismissive of international law. So are other congressional hawks. Dempsey said he favors "building a moderate opposition and supporting it."

"The question whether to support it with direct kinetic strikes…is a decision for our elected officials, not for the senior military leader of the nation."

Kinetic strikes refer to missiles, bombs, drone attacks, and other military initiatives.