Defection of Syrian prime minister a blow to Assad regime?

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The White House now saying the defection of Syria's prime minister shows the regime is crumbling from within and that Syria's president is struggling petition to control his country that's what the White House has to say.

But the facts are with this case we're really not quite sure when it comes -- the prime minister's defection apparently came shortly before a bomb blasts ripped through offices.

The state run TV headquarters in Damascus.

Michael saying is managing director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in joins us now so -- still the details are working through but if this defection is true.

How big of -- -- is that.

Well it's a big deal -- because quite symbolic you know this person the prime minister was not a member of the sort of inner circle of the regime.

But obviously he's the highest ranking official yet to flee the regime.

And it comes at a time when the regime is having a hard time consolidating its control of a let -- and Damascus Syria's largest cities.

And so looks like a further gradual erosion in -- -- power.

So apparently again -- -- -- a prime minister fled to Jordan Jordan to -- is that right now but it's tough to know it's true here we do know.

That the saudis are involved here with this Syrian -- as we know Jordan Turkey.

Qatar is involved as well cutters involved at what's it mean when all those other countries are involved in the United States is not.

Well I think it creates a risky and obviously you know -- a lot of people talked about looking for regional leadership here.

But I think without the United States actually lead that coalition lead an international coalition.

What you see is a risk of the conflict just realizing turning into not just a Syrian civil war.

-- -- regional conflict that's much more dangerous for our interest and so it is creek -- I think Jenna the United States decide how it's gonna acting get in there and show some leadership.

Senator Graham senator Lieberman and Senator McCain for an editorial in the Washington Post today that.

That made that argument as well Michael about this dissolving even further and the effects that could be for our national security what would this affects the.

Well I think maybe manifold -- I mean first of all if you look at Syria itself.

Obviously in the absence of western help -- Syrian opposition seems to be turning to Islamic extremists for help and that's bad for us.

And of course any successor government Syria won't be very happy with the west having failed to help it during this civil war.

And I think if you look more broadly and it's critical to look at the regional picture Jenna.

What message does that send to Iran that were not willing to intervene even in a case like Syria.

And yet we say the military option is on the table with -- respect to Iran I don't think that's a very credible message when we're not willing to act elsewhere.

Michael saying nice -- fast today -- story we're gonna continue to watch.

Of course are happening now thank you thank senate.

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Defection of Syrian prime minister a blow to Assad regime?

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