Patricia H. Kushlis sees an appeal to Russia as one possible out. Vivienne Walt reports on the opposition's attempt to split Moscow and Damascus:
[T]he [Syrian National Council, an opposition group,] is beginning to talk to Russian officials about persuading Assad to allow relief organizations access to beleaguered communities, which are increasingly cut off from the outside world. That, the opposition believes, stands a better chance of success than coaxing Moscow into abandoning its long-held friendship with the Damascus regime.
Steve Heydemann, by contrast, thinks increased militarization of the conflict is inevitable:
External warnings have had no effect on the pace of militarization, which has accelerated steadily over the past six months. Even as peaceful demonstrations have continued, Syrians are determined to defend themselves and fight back against a ruthless regime. Instead, current approaches leave the United States and other supporters of political transition without the tools that might mitigate the worst effects of militarization, and potentially, channel it to support rather than undermine diplomatic efforts aimed not only at the end of the Assad regime, but to the emergence of a peaceful, stable, post-Assad Syria.
The Dish 