Barack Obama’s efforts in Syria are not enough to effect change in the war-torn nation. Oh sure, Obama announced through his spokesman that American boots will be placed in Syria, but that comes with enough buts and stipulations to render the effort ineffective. “We are not putting U.S. troops on the front lines fighting firefights with ISIL,” Obama said Monday. “I’ve been consistent throughout that we are not going to be fighting, like we did in Iraq, with battalions and occupations. That doesn’t solve the problem.” Battalions of troops don’t work? Please tell us what does, because Obama’s leadership has tolerated the hyper-violent JV team’s terrorist caliphate’s existence for months. Obama continued, “Keep in mind that we have run special ops already and really this is just an extension of what we are continuing to do.” Take notes, people, for this is politician double-speak 101. There’s a policy change in Syria, but the administration is not clear about what exactly U.S. troops will be doing. They might face combat but they will not be in combat roles, apparently. As The Washington Post editorial board pointed out, these special forces will not be helping Secretary of State John Kerry leverage a peace deal with Russia and Syria. Meanwhile, the Islamic State has expanded in Syria because Russia is throwing its firepower against rebel groups fighting the Syrian dictator, giving breathing room to the jihadists. If we’re going to change Syria, then the region needs a stronger dose of American leadership.