U.S. Sponsors Ops Against Assad

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- For the first time since the Sunni revolt in March
2011, the United States has begun operations against the regime of Syrian
President Bashar Assad.
Western diplomatic sources said the administration of President Barack
Obama has ordered the U.S. intelligence community to ensure the ouster of
Assad in 2012. They said Obama, urged by allies that range from France to
Saudi Arabia, was persuaded that without U.S. intervention, Al Qaida would
emerge as the leading force in Syria.