- Several explanations are available for Assad's use of extreme military tactics. Some believe that the Syrian president's strategy is designed not just to defeat the rebels but also to scare off anyone else who might have ever wanted to join them. http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/foreigners/2012/10/bashar_assad_may_be_destroying_syria_but_we_have_more_options_than_simply_watching_the_carnage_.html 5 comments worldnews