backdrop. we have an imbalance of power that works against us. this could lead to balance of power that more works in our favor. >> do you think that between the 3,5 3,500 troops in iraq, now the 50 in syria, be united states is engaged in way they will be more in control of situation? what i worry about is at the end of the day this is a very deep sectarian divide. you described it as the middle east 30-year war. can we shape the outcome with these incremental pointed intervention interventions? >> it's the right thing to say. i think that's only true if your goal is to win war in the traditional sense. i don't think it's our goal to