Rick Staggenborg doesn't mention Iran or Iraq, nor does he point out that there are no "good guys" in this war.  Furthermore, al Assad is one of the most, if not THE most, brutal dictators in the world today.  To what degree should that be a reason for the United States to involve itself in Syria?

In geopolitics, protection and expansion of economic sphere of interest is the long game, with political influence going along for the ride.  It is a high-stakes game, and a deadly serious one.  Russia wants seaports in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas, hence retaking of Crimea and Syria, and moves toward the Baltic states.  NATO stands in the way of those ambitions.  China wants the New Silk Road and the South China Sea.  The TPP is part of the US counter to China's growing influence and a bid to keep US influence in the western Pacific.

Syria is a battleground in proxy wars waged by Iran and Iraq against Saudi Arabia, Turkey vs Kurdish autonomy, Russia vs NATO, with ISIL Hezbolla and...