Syria: How U.S. Military Action Could Alter the Civil War

The United States clearly does not want to act on its own in Syria — doing so would leave it solely responsible for whatever happens in the absence of Syrian President Bashar al Assad. And yet there are indications that Washington may be planning a comprehensive campaign meant to degrade the Syrian regime and its military capabilities. This kind of campaign differs markedly from the limited strike option, a more symbolic, punitive measure that would target command and control or leadership targets but would not remove al Assad from power. Comprehensive strikes would benefit the Syrian rebels, who want to topple al Assad by any means necessary, but ultimately Washington does not want to give the rebels too decisive an edge.