Washington debates future Syria policy

The onslaught is ongoing in Homs, the city at the epicentre of the uprising. This, coupled with Russia and China's veto on 4 February of the UN Security Council resolution calling for Assad to step down, has prompted several US politicians including Senators John McCain, Lindsay Graham and Joseph Lieberman to propose the idea of providing military supplies (arms and communications equipment) to the FSA. While the administration of President Barack Obama is showing no sign of considering such a course of action, the option of providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian people is being discussed at high levels.

There could be benefits for the US in providing military assistance to the FSA. First, it might decrease the bloodshed against civilians by enabling the FSA to better protect them and its members and to mount a more effective insurgency against regime forces. Second, it creates closer contact with the rebels and, should they topple Assad, greater leverage over Syria's future.