Stingray1993

It appears the Vetted Syrian Opposition is struggling to capture territory from Daesh despite coalition air support and Turkish artillery support. It seems to me that the most effective and more influential opposition groups in Syria are extremists. So my questions are, what is the long term plan for Syria? Will there be a shift in strategy due to the lack of moderate effective ground troops, or will the US and its partners push for better training and equipment for the Vetted Opposition? It seems the US wants to focus on fighting Daesh. After the defeat of Deash, will the US work to compromise with the Assad government, or will it pursue a policy of fighting his government? How can the latter be achieved considering Assad holds major population centers and has the support of Russia?

I understand these are sensitive/difficult questions, and I understand if they can't all be answered. I follow the conflict, but obviously don't have the knowledge you do, so feel free to correct me if my assessment is incorrect.

You are taking it the wrong way. Like anyone, they believe in what they think are correct moral and ethical standards. For them, this is Islam. When they say the world will be ruled by Islam, they do not believe that they will forcefully rule the world, but rather that the "truth" about right or wrong will eventually be seen by everyone and everyone will begin to believe in their religion. Fundamentally, they are hoping for a better world so you shouldn't be mad at them, even though you may disagree with their views. Know that they probably have good intentions and with increased exposure to other cultures their views may change. Atleast that is my experience as a non-muslim with many muslim friends.

The US is focused on fighting ISIS. The colonel is referring to diplomacy when he talks about dealing with Assad. This is different than Iraq because the US is supporting Syrian ground forces take territory rather than taking it ourselves. I was asking what the US's plan is because moderate opposition groups have been struggling to capture territory from ISIS.

Thank you for the response

Scott mentions in another comment that his legs swelled up when he returned to Earth. I understand that blood volume decreases in space, but I can't imagine why blood would pool in his legs enough to lead him to have edematous legs. Is it because atrophy of skeletal muscle decreases the ability for venous blood to return to the heart?