You're a hero of mine. I know you're one of the few experts who desperately wants peace (even if you and I disagree on how to achieve it). I agree with you Obama would not likely make a big push to oust Assad. But the whole reason, in my opinion, that he agreed to start arming the rebels years ago is because the CIA and Pentagon were pushing him...because they want to oust Assad. I don't think Putin fears Obama at all. But I think he fears that Obama as a lame duck has lost control of both Langley and the Pentagon and that the attack on Assad's forces was done intentionally by those in the military upper brass who refuse to give up the fight to get rid of Assad. Obama might be willing to let Aleppo fall and effectively end the war, but the deep state will not allow it.
Juan,
You're a hero of mine. I know you're one of the few experts who desperately wants peace (even if you and I disagree on how to achieve it). I agree with you Obama would not likely make a big push to oust Assad. But the whole reason, in my opinion, that he agreed to start arming the rebels years ago is because the CIA and Pentagon were pushing him...because they want to oust Assad. I don't think Putin fears Obama at all. But I think he fears that Obama as a lame duck has lost control of both Langley and the Pentagon and that the attack on Assad's forces was done intentionally by those in the military upper brass who refuse to give up the fight to get rid of Assad. Obama might be willing to let Aleppo fall and effectively end the war, but the deep state will not allow it.