> Simplifying it to not bribing Assad enough is a complete fantasy. True, I don't think anyone was convinced Assad would step down if given more time or money

> Simplifying it to not bribing Assad enough is a complete fantasy. True, I don't think anyone was convinced Assad would step down if given more time or money. Just saying, that in that calculus offering a ceremonial role is still a cheap bargain -- assuming you can get the people in power to take the offer -- that's not a given.