The armed fighting seems to be mainly in Daraa and Baba Amr. What does this imply for a popular revolt that it's not widespread?
Unfortunately, my guess is that it will be suppressed (or 'cleansed', as the Syrian government is describing its operation) with violent force in exactly the same way as Hama in 1982, perhaps with less loss of life than in that instance.
But who knows how this will play out? China & Russia are unlikely to allow NATO to play the same game in Syria as it did in Libya. However, the Saudis, and others in the Middle East, have an interest in seeing Assad go, as do many in Lebanon (not including Hezbollah).
Unfortunately, my guess is that it will be suppressed (or 'cleansed', as the Syrian government is describing its operation) with violent force in exactly the same way as Hama in 1982, perhaps with less loss of life than in that instance.
But who knows how this will play out? China & Russia are unlikely to allow NATO to play the same game in Syria as it did in Libya. However, the Saudis, and others in the Middle East, have an interest in seeing Assad go, as do many in Lebanon (not including Hezbollah).