I'm not sure the comparison is entirely valid, but in condemning the "brutality" with which Assad is suppressing the rebellion in his country, we might want to reflect upon the fact that The United States was not exactly restrained in the manner in which we suppressed rebellion in this nation. Sherman's march to the sea was hardly an act of kindness, and he burned Atlanta to the ground. Vicksburg and Shreveport were shelled for weeks without discrimination. We thought then, and continue to think now, that such action was justified in maintaining the integrity of our nation.
We may not consider Assad to be legitimate, but he does; and he still enjoys considerable support in his country. What is he supposed to do about those who are trying to overthrow him by force? He is meeting force with force, admittedly with greater force, and I'm not sure that he doesn't have the right to do that.
I certainly am no fan of Assad but I have to agree with your last paragraph. What comes next? That is an important question. Assad has been very good a waging war against his neighbor by proxy. Playing the game as it is played. Will those who come after him be peaceful? Hard to say. Likely not in the long run.
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