Russia, China reject UN move to rebuke Syrian president

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43. There are several overlapping models of regime change and outcomes.

* Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003-2012) - There was the direct, brute force occupation model to grab oil for US-based multinationals and topple a targeted regime used by the Bush Administration: Historical, Catastrophic Fail.
* Lebanon, Gaza (Operation Cast Lead, 2007) - unilateral bombing of infrastucture and limited targeting of political leaders and forces: Moderate Fail
* Libya (Operation , 2011) - Opportunistic regime change of an isolated autocrat with a weak base, UN "humanitarian intervention", accompanied by limited NATO airstrikes and a limited number of outside advisors: short duration of hostilities, coalition operation with UN approval, counted a Success and a model by most sources.
* Syria (Operation name unknown, 2011-present) - Multi-party covert political-military operations and arming of opposition. US, UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Gulf CC, Israel. Heavy civilian casualties for limited payback. Some degradation of Syrian military readiness. Failure to obtain UN resolution. Still in process, but likely Failure to achieve regime change in near-term.
* Iran (Operation name unknown, 2009 - present) Escalation of ongoing covert operations, embargoes and economic sanctions led by US, Israel, UK, Saudis, GCC. Failure of "Green Revolution" political opposition in 2009-10 to achieve goals, some destabilization of broad-based domestic political status quo supporting regime, some suppression of opposition. Campaign of targeted killings of nuclear scientists, Revolutionary Guard military leaders, probably carried out by Israel and proxies. Other paramilitary operations includes sabotage of pipelines. Result has been heightened alert status of Iranian military. Strategy appears to be to provoke Iranian military or unconventional forces reaction creating pretext for military attack. Operations still in process, and outcome is difficult to predict. Risk of uncontrollable spread of hostilities with heavy casualties on all sides is high. Potential Colossal Fail, casualties and costs many times Iraq Debacle.