Does the war in Syria constitute a strategic concern for America, and if so, is there a way to protect those interests, without the threat of military force? Recent history seems to indicate that military intervention in the region deteriorates, rather than advances, US strategic interests.

America already has experienced a significant deterioration in our strategic interests in this conflict. If Iran, Syria and Hezbollah further tip the balance in their favor, this will result in a strengthened axis of resistance against US interests, stretching from Iran, through Iraq and Syria, to Hezbollah in Lebanon.  This will represent an unstable, long term situation for the US, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel and our allies in the Gulf.

A solution in Syria which halts this surge against our strategic interests will take leadership by President Obama to communicate a clear vision and mission, and to execute that mission.  This is something he has been unable to do thus far, which has caused confusion with the American people, our elected officials, as well as, our allies in the region.

While the US wants to punish Syria for the use of chemical weapons, we should have a more long-term goal: to drive Syria and its benefactor, Russia, to the table to negotiate a settlement that forces the Assad regime to step down, and to create an orderly transition leading to a democratically elected government.  Unlike Iraq where we were not invited in, the Syrian opposition, which constitutes a majority in the country, has asked for US support and leadership in support of this objective.

Unfortunately, the Syrian government and the Russians are not yet interested in a negotiated settlement.  Yet the events of the past several weeks have shown that only when the threat of force is imminent is there an interest to sit down and talk. The threat of a military strike against Syria seems to be the trigger that impelled Russia to undertake its recent negotiations.

The threat of force therefore must be “on the table” as a means of achieving a negotiated settlement and orderly transfer of power from the Assad regime.  How do we accomplish this without US boots on the ground, and avoiding radical opposition forces from taking over in Syria?

The militant jihadists, who are the core radicals in the conflict, number in the few thousand, although widely dispersed and can be difficult to identify.  The larger group of anti-regime forces is organized as the Free Syrian Army, under the central command of a credible general, and made up of multi-religious, multi-ethnic fighters, who mirror the diverse Syrian population, which has co-existed for centuries. Secretary Hillary Clinton and General Petraeus called for the arming of these rebels more than a year ago to no avail.  Secretary Kerry made another attempt to convince President Obama earlier this year of the need to arm the Free Syrian Army.

Finally, last week the President announced that arms were flowing to the rebels under General Idriss, head of the Supreme Military Council of the Free Syrian Army.  Although it would have been easier a year ago, before the heavy counter offensive by the regime that includes the use of chemical weapons, there is still enough time to achieve the mission.  A key factor is for the President to convince the Qataris and Saudis, who are supplying arms and money outside the command control center, to get behind American leadership and that of General Idriss in support of the Free Syrian Army and to stop supplying arms and money to the radical rebel factions.

Such an approach will require the President to explain plainly and in detail why it’s in America’s national interest to support the Free Syrian Army, and display the leadership that gives confidence to our Arab and European allies to direct arms and money to a friendly and allied central command.  The objective is not to topple the Assad regime directly but to drive them and Russia to the negotiating table, so that the chances for an orderly transfer of power are enhanced.  If instead the rebel opposition has to drive Assad out of office, it should be the Free Syria Army doing it, not radical rebels.

Regarding Syria’s use of chemical weapons, the President makes an important and compelling case for military action, as it goes against American values and principles enshrined in international agreements.  In light of the weariness of the American people to entangle itself in another military intervention, the President was deft in seeking congressional support.  And it’s commendable that the President, by using the threat of force, encouraged Russia to negotiate a plan for Syria to give up its chemical weapons.

However, if force must eventually be used, the targets selected should include the military and defense capabilities of Syria, as part of the larger strategy regarding a transition of power in Syria.  The chemical weapons issue should not be a goal in itself, but rather an objective in support of a larger mission.

Whatever the outcome of the current negotiations with Russia regarding the use of chemical weapons, America must preserve its sovereign right to act against those who would do us and our allies harm.  The US must assert the leadership that our allies demand in order to ensure a coordinated approach to the instability and conflict in Syria, including preserving our right to use force if necessary and the flow of arms to the Free Syria Army.