""In many respects the U.S.'s policy is too
late," said Aaron Zelin, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East
Policy who studies radical Islamist movements. "The next opening won't happen
until after the regime falls, once all the rebels groups no longer have the same
goals. Then I think the U.S. will have a better
opportunity to exploit these divisions for its interests. Until
then, it could be an uphill battle for the U.S. due to its dithering policy up
to this point." (thanks Amir)