Max Fisher provides the worst guide you can read about Syria: an anthology of cliches, conventional wisdom, fallacies wrapped up in the silly non-cute language of Thomas Friedman

So Mr. Fisher: tell us how the armed groups of Syria emerged:  "Eventually, civilians started shooting back."  I see, so the Saudi Arabia and Qatar played no role in that process.  And the military bases in Turkey and Jordan and Lebanon played no role in training fighters.  OK, Mr. Fisher: tell me about foreign fighters: what do they come to Syria?  "either because they wanted freedom and democracy for Syria or, more likely, because they are jihadists who hate Syria’s secular government."  OK, Mr. Fisher, having little faith in the knowledge of someone on Syria who relies on the wisdom of Fareed Zakaria, can you name for me ONE BATTALION or military unit formed by those foreign fighters who flocked into Syria merely because they want freedom of democracy?  Is there a Voltaire or Montesquieu or Al-Kawakibi battalions in Syria?  Now, all-knowing, Mr. Fisher, tell me: what about the sectarian problem in Syria?  "The Alawite government rules through a repressive dictatorship and gives Alawites special privileges, which makes some Sunnis and other groups hate Alawites in general."  Oh, Mr. Fisher. So prior to the Asad dynasty, the Alawites of Syria never faced discrimination and bigotry and hatred and takfir from non-`Alawites (Sunni and Shi`ite alike and Christian)?  So according to your silly account, the supporters of Al-Qa`idah and Wahhabiyyah in Syria, and the sectarian thugs of Fee Syrian Army all would immediately end their hatred of `Alawites once the Asad regime falls? 

PS The National Inquirer has better coverage of Syria than this silly guide.