Gary Gambill On Assad’s “Blocked Reformer Construct”

Gambill:

The blocked-reformer construct has never been more important to the [Assad] regime’s survival, as deterrence alone clearly cannot halt the momentum of the uprising. In order to clear the streets, the regime must convince a critical mass of the Syrian people that giving the president another chance to reform the system voluntarily is preferable to the consequences of his downfall. Early in the crackdown, Mr. Assad’s leading political adviser proclaimed that she had personally watched him order the security forces to fire “not one bullet” — giving him a blanket alibi for the bloodbath.

The “blocked-reformer construct” is the carefully crafted illusion that president Assad is a weak reformer who is surrounded by old guards who are really in control. But why is the U.S. so naive as to believe this? Apparently they’re not. They’re just playing along:

American officials are reluctant to directly criticize Mr. Assad, not so much because they still buy into the blocked-reformer paradigm (though some surely do) but because they want his subjects to drink the Kool-Aid. Whatever his merits as a reformer, Mr. Assad’s continuation in office is considered less injurious to American interests than any of the scenarios likely to arise from his departure

This is so messed up. It’s like an elaborate conspiracy where everyone is cheating on everyone else at the expense of the poor Syrian people..