Are we totally sure that we are backing the right side?
I have a number of Syrian friends, who are all Sunnis. Without exception they all support the govenment forces and are horrified about the atrocities being performed by the rebels in the name of Islam. One of the guys knew personally the conscript who was 'eaten' on camera.
They agree that Assad isnt the best example of leadership in many respects, but he kept Syria reasonably stable, multi-ethnic and allowed all forms of religion.
One of my mates has expressed his views on Facebook and has had several death threats if he ever goes back to Syria.
This is a horrendous war in every respect, but arming bands of extremist thugs doesnt feel the right solution to me. As has been said many times before, we have no real idea of the identity of the end users of the weaponry.