Kerry Says U.S. May Negotiate With Assad

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/15/kerry-says-u-s-may-negotiate-with-assad.html

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's statements made some headlines this week.  Kerry announced the U.S. may negotiate with Syrian president Bashar al Assad to end the now five year old civil war in Syria.  This comment shows a change in stance by the United States regarding al Assad. Previously, all U.S. Statements were quite adamant in stating Assad must go.  Kerry's statement comes on the heels of a statement by CIA director John Brennan that a collapse of the Syrian government would create a danger of Islamic Extremist groups, namely IS, of seizing power.

These comments show the Utilitarian nature of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.  This foreign policy seems to measure the greater good in its decisions.  Unfortunately, the United States determination of what this greater good actually is is seemingly as nebulous and quick to change as the political theater in the region.  In this case, the "Pros and Cons" list has clearly evolved.  Initially, Assad needed to be removed as he was killing peaceful protesters.  The greater good seemed to involve the suffering Syrian people.  Now, as the threat of IS grows, the greater good has shifted to one of stabilization.  Suddenly, the enemy has become the enemy of my enemy, and this is apparently an entirely different proposition.