Bashar al-Assad's interests and
the west's coincide over Iraq

David Wearing
Dreadful article calling for tacit cooperation with Assad.
"And if uncoordinated and informal but nevertheless complementary moves from Syria, the US, the UK and Iran can serve to cauterise the wound in Iraq in a way that all sides feel serve their respective interests, then there is no reason why such tacit cooperation shouldn't take place."
Based on the acceptance that Syrians can't do anything for themselves.
"But one explanation for the Atlantic powers' failure to intervene more forcefully in Syria – as they certainly could if they wished – is the fact that, in their view, there is no such viable alternative available. It is Isis and other jihadi groups that are seen as best placed to exploit the weakening or toppling of Assad, not those forces preferred by the west."
Playing down the cooperation between ISIS and Assad as best he can too.