WHY ARE THE SYRIAN RESISTANCE FIGHTERS HOLDING GROUND?

The reports of Douma being partially held by the resistance fighters, along with other "strongholds", needs to be studied carefully.

Does Al Assad own  the military force to crush these resistance pockets?

Absolutely.... well.. it depends on how we define " own".

As has been the case throughout history, a Leader's power is based upon the loyalty of the people he or she leads!

A vast majority of Syrian's military is Sunni and this has been Al Assad's problem from the beginning of events in Syria.

Owning the equipment that can overwhelm a inferior enemy is not in question.

Having the people assigned to those units who will carry out such orders continues to be Al Assad's weak link.

From the very beginning of the uprising, he and his Brother understood the importance of not forcing Sunni majority units  to attack Sunni majority towns.

His problem has become, a larger proportion of the Sunni population inside the military is no longer willing to take orders.

In fact, the numbers of defections is growing at an alarming level... alarming for Al Assad that is.

As I have stated before, the type of limited operations Al Assad must execute, not utilizing fixed wing and ballistic weapons, has limited the impact his forces can have on entrenched locations.

Remember the rule of combat... it takes a ratio  of  4 to 1... four assault troops for ever defender, to win a fixed engagement.

This rule is changed if air power is incorporated, but Al Assad can't take that step... at least not yet.

A few key things to watch for that may indicate he is finally contemplating a true Civil War.... thus utilizing all assets at his disposal.  ( Some we don't even want to think about.)

1.   The world media, to include the " You Tube" reporters, giving the perception the resistance is actually taking ground and holding it. 

The Attached articles speak to that.

2.  If the Syrian military dissertation numbers continue to grow to the point that  organic units turn on Syria.

3.  China and Russia beginning  to hint they may side with a non NATO lead, UN resolution for Peace Keeping Operations.  I think we are a ways off from that, but China and Russia will be hard pressed to resist the Arab League if they head to the UN for help.... something they are about to do.

Finally and probably, in my opinion the biggest indicator Al Assad may not hold back, if Senior Syrian Commanders and supporting political members jump ship.

 At that point in time,we will  have to wonder who would be commanding the Syrian special units?

 Look for the Iranian Quds, behind the scene control. 

The outcry for a ' No Fly Zone' will take on a whole new meaning if Al Assad begins to employ all of his assets. 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9042615/Syrian-security-forces-launch-all-out-assault-on-Douma.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16753500