In 2021 it will probably be Africa we are colonizing.

I think it will be more containment. The whole thing is too much of a mess for anyone to get involved and neither Assad or ISIS are to be trusted. While there are some moderate "rebels", I think backing them would be a terrible idea.

While I agree we should get rid of ISIS, the problem remains how. Considering they are spread out over several countries that will be difficult. Even if we got rid of them in Iraq, they'll just run to Syria and other places. It does no good really. Syria and Iraq really need to deal with the problem on their own, but neither are capable of it.

Can't start wars with lukewarm objectives and expect anyone to join in.

Can't let the Free Syrian Army win without tons of vetting and this takes time and testing them.

Can't have US troops on the ground. Just no.

Can possibly get support from Arab nations. If not then mere containment. If yes then strategic attempts to weaken over a long time horizon.

I sure as shit wouldn't want his job with all the crap going on these days. It just keeps getting worse.

I would recommend watching this week's Charlie Rose. Robert Ford, the former ambassador to Syria who resigned earlier this year, has a lot of insight to offer on all these current issues in the region. He says the FSA is still pretty viable (for fighting ISIS on the ground there) and Assad's forces are getting tired. He seems to think a "third way" in Syria is possible with the cooperation of Russia and Iran, in this case meaning a new inclusive government rather than an either/or choice between Assad and the FSA. Much more.

and full of those who could join Isis Nusra whatever. Isis pays better $400 a month.

Plus some oil wells in the areas they control.

Besides Sunni vs. Shia, loyalties in all those groups are beyond me.