I thought this was a very interesting and well-written article. There is a lot of backstory here that is useful in understanding the historical underpinnings to the current conflict in Syria, and why some people (myself included) are not in a particular hurry to help overthrow the Syrian government.
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/...s-dead-and-syria-is-writing-its-obituary?lite
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/...s-dead-and-syria-is-writing-its-obituary?lite