But it is most unlikely any government will commit to military choices involving regime change, and the consequent responsibilities of occupation and stabilisation.
After the Iraqi debacle, it is hardly surprising that we are hesitant to undertake interventions that may well involve regime change.
Peace talks involving regime diplomats and the opposition broke down in Geneva earlier this month prior to the start of negotiations, and fighting has only grown worse since then.
But prospects for an end to violence in parts of Syria — the Islamic State and the al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra Front would not be expected to participate in a ceasefire — was dealt a heavy blow last week when peace talks in Geneva involving regime and opposition representatives let out prior to any negotiations.
Scandals involving regimes of physical and psychological cruelty have been laid bare involving nuns and religious brothers in schools, care homes and the infamous Magdalene laundries set up by the church for single mothers and "fallen women".
Beginning at the end of September, Russia's air campaign turned the tide of war in Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's favor, weakening rebel forces across several key fronts and forcing their Western backers to accommodate a solution to the conflict that involves the regime.
She suspects that this may have happened in several countries where the American government was involved in regime change, including Iraq, Iran, and South Africa.
"We don't get involved in regime change," he told Russia Today, a cable news channel.
But it doesn't involve a regime of any kind, I don't visit any gymnasia, I don't eat rubbish but I never did.
The State Department, in a statement Saturday, called the reports "gruesome," involving both regime and militia forces, mortar fire, and whole families "executed".
