While slower than poison gas, starvation will slaughter people, too. Syrian rebels are desperate to stop that:
Fierce fighting to the east of Damascus has killed more than 160 people [NOTE: 100 rebels and 60 government troops, according to a pro-opposition group] in the past two days as Syrian rebels struggle to break a months-long blockade by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, activists said on Sunday.
It began on Friday when rebel units attacked a string of military checkpoints encircling the opposition-held suburbs in an area known as Eastern Ghouta, which has been under siege for more than six months.
Local and international aid workers say Assad's forces appeared to be trying to starve out residents - indiscriminately affecting civilians as much as rebel fighters.
The rebels say Hezbollah is fighting there. If so, the Assad side will be a tougher nut to crack than the Syrian forces that otherwise should be easier to target.
We handicapped our ability to achieve a victory in Syria. But we didn't eliminate the chance. I guess it depends on whether we want Assad to survive this revolt.
