read the whole article - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/23/wo...anted=all&_r=0

https://www.google.com/search?q=Matthew+Schrier

The al Qaeda elements of the Syrian rebels I read (somewhere, forget now) were reported hiding into the civilian population in the face of American and French air strikes.

No one mentions that maybe the ultimate aim is to create a level playing field between the Rebels and the Syrian government then stand down and let them destroy each other.