I think at some time in the future, with the colition that President Trump has built:
Neither Secretary Tillerson, nor President Trump, would be leaning forward on the position to remove Assad politically without that position being the recommendation of the aforementioned “Freedom Alliance“:
Fattah al-Sisi (Egypt), King Abdullah II (Jordan), Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel), Mahmoud Abbas (Palestinian Authority), King Salman and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (Saudi Arabia).
Thinking in larger terms, the discussion about who to blame for the chemical attack, and the political removal of Bashir Assad are not mutually exclusive. Meaning, it is quite possible for President Trump and the U.S. team to understand it was NOT Assad who carried out the attack, and yet still use the appearance of Assad’s culpability (compromised position) to gain the political leverage for Assad to step down.
(Taken from the article)
““Freedom Alliance“:....Fattah al-Sisi (Egypt), King Abdullah II (Jordan), Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel), Mahmoud Abbas (PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY), King Salman and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SAUDI ARABIA).
How can SAUDI ARABIA be part of any “Freedom Alliance” alliance?