I can see much logic in this analysis. But, as Prof. Cole states, "when the regime used heavy weaponry on the revolutionaries, the latter militarized their struggle. They weren’t able to get funding from democratic countries for their militias or for the purchase of weapons. Many turned to Turkey and the Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia."
So, I'm left with the conclusion that the rebels had no alternative but to "militarize" their struggle against the murderous Assad regime. And when western countries, and particularly the Obama administration, cut off aid, that made it all but certain that the rebels would turn to more questionable allies and patrons.
What I remember seeing was a movement that began as non-violent street demonstrations but were forced into a militarized struggle by a regime that thought nothing of using the most brutal measures against peaceful protesters. There still seems a case to be made that the Obama administration abandoned what might have become a moderate and democratic movement in its haste to "stay out of Middle East wars."
I can see much logic in this analysis. But, as Prof. Cole states, "when the regime used heavy weaponry on the revolutionaries, the latter militarized their struggle. They weren’t able to get funding from democratic countries for their militias or for the purchase of weapons. Many turned to Turkey and the Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia."
So, I'm left with the conclusion that the rebels had no alternative but to "militarize" their struggle against the murderous Assad regime. And when western countries, and particularly the Obama administration, cut off aid, that made it all but certain that the rebels would turn to more questionable allies and patrons.
What I remember seeing was a movement that began as non-violent street demonstrations but were forced into a militarized struggle by a regime that thought nothing of using the most brutal measures against peaceful protesters. There still seems a case to be made that the Obama administration abandoned what might have become a moderate and democratic movement in its haste to "stay out of Middle East wars."