●Build diplomatic support for this more active Syria policy among Turkey, other regional states and European allies. Their support is essential for successful execution and regional legitimacy. Reassure Iraqi and Lebanese leaders that the goal is an inclusive, cross-sectarian Syria that does not threaten Iraqi or Lebanese unity.
●Work closely with the Syrian opposition and regional allies to prepare for a post-Assad Syria. Include steps to secure Syria’s chemical weapons. A good place to start would be the U.S.-Turkey collaboration that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced in Ankara last week.
●Change the U.S. government’s public posture to show that we are leaning forward aggressively to hasten Assad’s departure.
●Along with the Syrian opposition, send messages both publicly and privately to the key pillars of the Assad regime:
Tell Syria’s minorities: You don’t need Assad to protect you; there is a place for you in the new Syria where you can feel secure and prosper.
Tell the Sunni business community: Assad’s clinging to power is all that prevents you from resuming your profitable trade with Turkey and other neighboring states.
Tell the Syrian military: Break with Assad now, and there is a place for you in the new Syria; go down with Assad, and you will be held responsible for his crimes.
This more active Syria policy does not involve U.S. airstrikes or “boots on the ground,” although the use of force should remain on the table to further pressure Assad. One hopes that U.S. military intervention will not be necessary. But that will be the case only if the United States provides appropriate numbers of antitank and antiaircraft weapons — despite the real risk that some weapons may fall into the wrong hands — so that U.S.-vetted opposition units can counter Assad’s stepped-up use of aircraft and helicopters against his own people. That way, when Assad falls, it will be the Syrian people who have toppled him. This is what Syrians clearly want. But they also want, need and deserve a little help from their friends.
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