The U.S. may change the balance of Syria’s civil war

 'This endgame talk may be overly optimistic, but it shows that the Syrian war is approaching a potential turning point. If the U.S. strikes, the rebels will push to seize the advantage, and the fighting could enter a decisive new stage. The U.S. hopes that if the opposition forces gain ground after an attack, the regime and its allies would be more ready to negotiate a cease-fire.'