Contain situation?... How expand on that. Are they going to overthrow basher and set up and elect another leader who will fulfil the needs of America? Very intelligent move on Americas part, think about it they could almost overthrow all of the Middle East governments and stragically place in a leader of their own with exception to Lebanon and Iran which most likely America could have a conflict with using its allies eg all Middle East including turkey and Israel. (I wanted to continue this whole imperialism theme lol)
Yeah, but that's the danger with the whole situation, isn't it? You do nothing and the bloodshed continues (not to mention Assad may get to walk away free), you intervene and you might get al-Qaeda sympathisers. Thankfully, we've been luckier than that in Libya. Trying to install a favourable government might run contrary to the ideal of self-determination, but it might be the best alternative. I think that whether or not the US intervenes in the conflict, all major international powers will attempt to intervene post-overthrow (if and when it happens) to ensure the emerging regime is as favourable to them as possible. Such is international relations, once you get past the
book.
all we could is just pray for the best resolution ( rebels get bored and find a new hobby).
If that's your definition of the best resolution...