What was the worst case scenario in Syria if the opposition groups just decided to stop street protests after the initial crackdowns? Well, obviously, the worst case scenario was simply that things would remain as they were; and there would have been potential for incremental reforms over the long term
What was the worst case scenario if they had continued protests? There would have been increasingly brutal crackdowns, mass arrests, greater restrictions, and so on.
Compare either of these scenarios to what we have had over the last 5 years, what we have now, and what we can expect to have in Syria as a result of the war for generations to come. If you have a mind, and if you have a heart, and if Islamic understanding is present in your heart and mind, you must recognize that both alternative scenarios were infinitely better.
If you are unable or unwilling to admit that, then I am very sorry, but you have severe psychological problems and a serious thinking disorder, not merely ignorance about the religion, no, you are dangerously ill.
The regime’s crackdown against protesters was vicious and criminal, there is no question about that; it is a brutal authoritarian regime, just like many other regimes in the Arab world. But, generally speaking, if you were not active in political opposition, you were safe to live your life, practice your religion, provide for your family and educate your children; and that was the case with the vast majority of the people.
Should Bashar have been punished for the atrocities against protesters? Of course; assuming you had the capability to do that without punishing the entire population. If you did not have that capability (and you didn’t) then you do nothing, because that is just the reality of your situation. You bear patiently, and work in whatever way you can for justice while trying to avoid making the situation worse. That would be the sane approach, and that would be the Islamic approach.
The religious obligation of Jihad, and our love for it, does not require us to blindly support any and all violent struggles against oppressive regimes. It does not require us to suspend rational thought; and just because armed opposition may be justified, it is not always right.