Obama: There is no "moderate" Syrian opposition forces that could topple Assad

Obama: Notion that Syrian Opposition Could Overthrow Assad a “Fantasy”

President Barack Obama called the idea that the U.S. could readily arm a moderate Syrian opposition force a “fantasy,” saying his administration is still working to bolster rebel groups.



Obama, in an interview today with CBS News, said the more moderate elements of the opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is made of middle-class Syrians who are facing a battle-hardened regime. There is no “ready-made” opposition group for the U.S. to back with arms and military aid, he said.

“The notion that they were in a position to suddenly overturn not only Assad but also ruthless, highly-trained jihadists if we just sent a few arms is a fantasy,” Obama said in an excerpt of the interview broadcast on the network’s evening news program.  Source