Analysis: Can IS be ousted from Syria without Assad's help?

[TomSea]

Analysis: Can IS be ousted from Syria without Assad's help?

    BY ZEINA KARAM The Associated Press 1 hr ago (0)

BEIRUT — As the U.S.-led coalition tightens the noose around the Islamic State group in Syria, President Bashar Assad’s Iranian-backed troops are also seizing back territory from the militants with little protest from Washington, a sign of how American options are limited without a powerful ally on the ground.

Washington is loath to cooperate with Assad’s internationally ostracized government. But it will be difficult to uproot IS militants and keep them out with only the Kurdish and Arab militias backed by the U.S. — and a coalition spokesman pointed out that Assad’s gains ease the burden on those forces.

Letting Assad grab IS territory, however, risks being seen as the U.S. legitimizing his continued rule and would likely strengthen his hand in his war against the already struggling rebellion. It also threatens to further empower Assad’s allies, Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah, which both have forces alongside his troops in the assault into IS-held territory.

Continued: http://www.telegraphherald.com/news/national_world/article_dc1c3a74-1c18-5123-9a31-8879bd270fa3.html