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Friday, December 30, 2011

Obama administration secretly preparing options for aiding the Syrian opposition - Josh Rogin

http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/12/28/obama_administration_secretly_preparing_options_for_aiding_the_syrian_opposition



The options that are under consideration include establishing a humanitarian corridor or safe zone for civilians in Syria along the Turkish border, extending humanitarian aid to the Syrian rebels, providing medical aid to Syrian clinics, engaging more with the external and internal opposition, forming an international contact group, or appointing a special coordinator for working with the Syrian opposition (as was done in Libya), according to the two officials, both of whom are familiar with the discussions but not in attendance at the meetings.

"Boots on the ground" is not an option here, as Iran has already decided that Assad's departure is a redline itself. It may even be that the noise they are making in the Gulf is a warning not to interfere in Syria. A very complicated plan will need to be in place that does not involve the US military (or maybe even US civillians) and does not involve overt Turkish involvement, so as not to provoke the Iranians too far.

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