We are either in a war or we are playing games. The mistake was in trying to oust Assad what ever he was or is is better than what would replace him as we have found in all the places that Obama has taken out strong men. Like it or not those men kept the Islamic fundamentalists had bay. So one can only assume that Obama wanted the Jihadists freed of any restraint. The only sane policy it to join forces with Russia and actually try to take the Jihadists out.