Here are some links to read if you would like to gain a Ph.D. version of the Syrian conflict:

• a. 1956: CIA plot to overthrow the Syrian government
• b. 1983: CIA document on plans to obliterate Syria to enable an oil pipeline
• c. 1986: CIA document on how to use Muslim Brotherhood to fuel a sectarian (Sunni v. Shiite) civil war in Syria
• d. 2001: Wesley Clark told that USA will take out 7 countries in 5 years (Libya, Syria etc.)
• e. 2005: CNN Interview. Christiane Amanpour tells Assad that the western governments are plotting a regime change in Syria
• f. 2006: State Dept cable: Detailed discussion of various strategies to enable regime change in Syria
• g. 2009: State Dept Email: Saudi Arabia is worried that a Shiite crescent is turning into a full moon (referring to a possible Iran-Iraq-Syria-Lebanon coalition)
• h. 2009: State Dept Cable: Saudi Arabia is the #1 source of funding of terrorism worldwide
• i. 2012 State Dept Email: Conquest of Syria means a weakened Iran and this is important for Israel
• j. 2012: State Dept Email: Use Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey to arm/train rebels
• k. 2014: Hillary Clinton admits in an email that Saudi Arabia and Qatar fund ISIS
• l. 2015: Joe Biden says Saudi Arabia and Qatar arming/funding Al Qaeda in Syria
• m. 2016: John Kerry in a leaked audio recording explains how the US trained/armed the opposition and was hoping to use ISIS to force Assad into negotiation
• n. Israel's Mossad chief admits helping Al Qaeda and says that it's because Al Qaeda never attacks Israel