Wouldn't it be more fruitful if the President called ASSAD?

[Rosa Luxemburg]

After all Assad is an intelligent man, highly educated - a doctor. Negotiation is the best way forward. A deal could be that Assad moves to London with a handsome salary. An apartment in Knightsbridge perhaps? Then take care of his henchmen. You would then see progress.

[Cooley Hurd]

1. That's how PEOPLE do things...

...Governments? That's a different, less-sophisticated animal.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

2. I sense

some right wing pressure somewhere?

If you were a dictator you might worry if you were going to be taken out. Why not move to somewhere nice?

[sharp_stick]

3. He's also a psychotic despot

Mengele was also a doctor and pretty damned bright.

I don't think Assad would take the deal to leave in any case, it would make him look weak kind of like the deals that were apparently offered to Saddam Hussein and Mohamar Gadaffhi at several points in their "careers".

[Rosa Luxemburg]

6. Actually

I think he may take the option of a nice life incognito. Even 'rent a dictators' retire.

[polichick]

4. The mic wouldn't make money if things were done that way...

How wonderful it would be for the people though!

[RC]

5. Too civilized. Not enough brown people die. Not enough profit replacing the bombs, bullets and such.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

7. I'm sure the House and Senate could see the savings for their budget

it would be less expensive to provide him with a Penthouse and private yacht. He could also have a villa in Spain if he wants.

[JustAnotherGen]

9. Why can't Russia pay for it?

Not being snarky - just a fair question. He's Putin's boy - and Putin is now worth millions. He can throw a few million at him and make him go away.

[geek tragedy]

11. Yes, because Barack Obama hates brown people and wants to kill as many

as possible.

Jesus, do you people ever listen yourselves and realize how stupid and deranged you sound?

[Rosa Luxemburg]

13. I hope that you missed the sarcasm out?

[David__77]

8. I agree with talks, but that exile won't happen.

Even IF he wanted to do so, Assad would not be allowed to resign his position. He would be arrested and executed before that would happen. Obama should talk to Assad directly to facilitate a political solution.

[JustAnotherGen]

10. As I understand it

Russia is a strong supporter of Syria . . . Putin should speak with Assad. Obama speaks with the Saudis - while sneaking in food and medical needs (humanitarian aid) to the people in Syria behind Putin and Assad's backs. If they get angry about humanitarian aid, then they are both just assholes.

[DFW]

21. Obama already asked Russia to intervene with Assad--THREE YEARS AGO

Russia told Obama to get lost. They saw themselves in a no-lose situation with Assad. Probably still do.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

15. Disappearing is an option?

who would know?

[geek tragedy]

12. Assad wants to be President for life. There's nothing to negotiate. nt

[Rosa Luxemburg]

14. How could you possibly know that?

[geek tragedy]

17. You think such offers haven't been made already?

And Assad is just a frontman for the Allawite minority sect that rules Syria and controls the armed forces. Take Assad away, some other goon would replace him and continue the war.

The war there will end when one side has completely lost.

[fadedrose]

16. Anywhere - as long as he leaves the mid-east

Maybe Russia in the airport with Snowden...that'd be cool .... big airport, maybe a lot of others could be persuaded to move in.

Who'd pay him a salary?

[treestar]

18. Maybe Assad refuses to talk?

It's so easy to find simple solutions here. I bet the President never even thought of it! No one on his staff either!

[Rosa Luxemburg]

19. They obviously haven't tried hard enough

[treestar]

20. That's easy to say

I doubt Assad is all that reasonable a person, or he wouldn't be doing what he is doing.