You want fresh ideas about Syria? Listen to Ambassador Ford

"The real question is: Can they be unified enough to present a relevant and cogent program and alternative? There are many indications that they can. But it also requires that foreign patrons of different groups agree themselves on how a unified command should operate. It doesn’t help for us to increase aid to some groups, with other countries aiding different groups, so they don’t coördinate." So if only the patrons unite.  Patrons of Syrian rebels, unite, please.