[Prospero]

This doesn't pass the smell test, though it would take an international wine tasting contest judge to tell al-Qaida from a Ba'athist.

The Israelis want a Sunni regime in Damascus. Okay, let's say that this is true.

Is that same end-game in the interests of the American people?

Israel does not speak with a single voice, being a genuine representative republic. Until we hear this same unequivocal high note from the Israeli foreign ministry I'll have a hard time believing this.

[Colonel Kangaroo]

Israel does not speak with a single voice, being a genuine representative republic.

It sure seems that there's a hotly contested debate there over this issue.

[Duke of Milan]

I think you are right in that the Israelis are trying to decide the best strategy and outcome. I have also read that Israeli policy if Assad is overthrown is to go in and take or destroy wmds because al-Qaida, hamas, Hezbollah et al MUST not be allowed to have those weapons. To me a stalemate seems best but eventually one side will win and Israeli leadership needs to decide which devil is best.