"After enumerating a list of proxy conflicts in Syria, As’ad AbuKhalil writing in Alakhbar English says, “These proxy conflicts now determine the course of events in Syria and the Syrian people themselves, on either sides of the conflict, have very little control over them. The slogans that are being raised by both sides of the conflict merely serve to rationalize the policies and decisions of external patrons.” It is no longer about the aspirations of the Syrian people for a more democratic society. It’s about Salafis, Shias, Alawites and what not." Well, not exactly: I meant to say it is about the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, Iran and others.