Netanyahu: Syrian Assad Regime Will Go

By Douglas V. Gibbs

When it comes to the fate of the Assad regime in Syria, with the occurrence of violence in Syria, it is only a matter of time before the current government falls. In an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the current Assad Regime in Syria will go - it is just a matter of when.

Netanyahu also indicated that Israel hopes not to have to get involved, but the presence of weapons capable of mass destruction, like chemical weapons, in Syria are unacceptable. Israel prefers that action against Syria will not be necessary, but making a move against Syria will happen if the need arises. Such a military operation, be it a joint maneuver with the United States, an international force, or by Israel alone, may happen if the regime collapses. The reality of taking action will be necessary upon the collapse of the Assad regime because in such a scenario, the weapons sites would become unprotected, and open to access by groups that would use such weapons against Israel, and countries in the west. Securing the weapons is a common concern, and nobody wants to see such weapons fall into the hands of terror groups. Therefore, though Israel is not seeking to take action, as far as Netanyahu seemed to be concerned according to the interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News, Israel does not preclude the possibility, either.

These concerns arise because the civil war that has erupted in Syria has come to a point where massacres by the Syrian government seem to be common place, the Muslim Brotherhood is forming a political party in Syria hoping to take advantage of the chaos (as they have in Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Tunisia), and the Arab Spring in the Middle East has opened up the opportunity for Islamist regimes to gain control of a number of countries beyond just the ones that have experienced regime changes up to this point in time. The decades of instability is coming to a head, and the times demand that nations outside the chaos pay attention, and take action if necessary. The Middle East is unstable, and Israel realizes that her presence in that rough neighborhood means that she will have to take action to defend herself.

The situation in Syria is especially unique because while the Muslim Brotherhood, and other terrorist organizations, are vying for control, the various sects are battling it out as well.

While a call for intervention may seem reasonable, however, we must look at the dismal record of intervention in the Middle East by well intentioned operations. Successes in the Middle East are rare and far between, and usually only last as long as the foreign forces remain in place to enforce peace. Sometimes, as in the case of U.N. forces in Africa, the occupation is even more of a detriment, than a benefit. The question then arises, should the United States get involved, and in what manner should the U.S. intervene?

The unfortunate answer is that there is no answer. Military involvement definitely has its drawbacks, as does sitting back and letting the region burn. We must remember, as well, that our ally, Israel, is sitting in the middle of it, surrounded by hostile peoples and regimes just waiting to gain the opportunity to move against the tiny Jewish nation. Could our involvement in Syria inflame the hostilities against Israel and The West, or quell the fires of hatred? Could our unwillingness to get militarily involved in the region hang Israel out to dry, or dampen the willingness of these Islamists to take action against Israel and The West?

In the end, the best strategy in this particular circumstance may be to follow the Founding Fathers' notion that we not get involved in foreign entanglements as long as we are not directly affected. The worry about an interruption of oil production from the Middle East is simply more reason for us to drill domestically. If the region ignites, and Israel needs our assistance and calls on us to help her, then at that time it would be perfectly reasonable to get involved in a limited manner. If Americans become targets, and are killed as a result of the chaos, then a full response is warranted. Until then, it may be best to wait, watch, and listen.

We will know when it is time. Until then, it is best for us to allow the Assad regime to fall, and for the various groups to duke it out in Syria, while we observe with a watchful eye, and a ready hand should the need arise.

There is a season for all things, and right now the season grows dark in Syria. We must Wait, Watch, and Listen.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Netanyahu on Dangerous Times in the Middle East - Fox News Sunday

Syrian Muslim Brotherhood to Launch Political Party - Breitbart

Syrian Chaos: Terrorists to Blame for Uprising - KIAH 39

Israel to Defend Against Syrian Chaos: PM - Global Times

Damascus Chaos Strikes Fear in Assad's Alawite Bastion - Reuters

Syrian death toll tops 19,000, Say Activists - Guardian U.K.