The regional actors who oppose Mr. Assad — Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf countries — have limits to their support of the rebels. The Europeans, at one time fierce adversaries of Mr. Assad, have been largely silent as he obliterates Aleppo. Other than Europe, it is hard to see where Mr. Assad could attract the funds he would need to rebuild his devastated country. Mr. Obama always resisted involvement in the civil war, focusing on defeating the Islamic State and giving limited training and support to the rebels opposing Mr. Assad. Meanwhile, the Assad government appears to be moving methodically to destroy the remaining rebel positions around Homs, Damascus and Aleppo.

Source: International New York Times November 29, 2016 01:57 UTC