I got bumped out.
Assad, in my opinion, does not have a deathwish. What he wants is to remain in power and enjoy the benefits derived from that. He will, however, lash out if he believes he is a dead man. What does he have to lose?
And while we may agree as to the lethality of the IDF, the US will be drawn into any conflict that involves Israel, like it or not.
I say, sit this one out. So some people will get mad. There will be those infuriated if we side with the rebels and those who are ready to pronounce Jihad on us if we side with Assad. So, where is the winning scenario?
I would be more willing to go to war if I believed our government was willing to kill those responsible for it but I do not. They will kill the minions and leave the head of the snake. There is a reluctance in all governments to take out the leaders of the opposition, probably a fear of setting a precedence, but they are perfectly willing to let others die for them.