Many Middle East analysts view Syria through one lens: a troubled state in need of regime change. But recent events indicate that a new paradigm is needed—one that accepts that the Alawite drive for communal survival may preclude survival of the present Syrian state.
I've thought this was an option for quite a while now.
If Kofi Annan can't save Syria under Assad's rule with talks and if Russia and Iran can't save Syria under Assad's rule with violence, either Assad has to go or Syria does. I know what Assad would choose.
