there are no absolutes here. if the united states wanted to lead in this situation they could lead in lots of ways. with greater military strikes, larger sanctions. if they wanted to do less, they could pull out. the problem is the president and this white house has not decided. the united states, especially special operators, are stuck on the ground. they've taken most of the territory. they have a lot more isis fighting to go but they don't know what's coming next. they don't know if they're going to be there six months or a year. there will be more air strikes or a peace process that ends in geneva because according to the u.s. military, that's the end mission. they're committed there until they get to a peace process in geneva and right now there is no u.s. leadership to make that happen from this white house. >> naveed, i talked about the geography a moment ago. this attack confined to a suburb outside damascus which is government-controlled. where does this conflict stand, as you see it? >> kevin again is also right have the kurds and turks who are