US still focused on a Syrian 'negotiated settlment' rather than on an 'outright victory to one of the parties'

Subtext: le the killing continue! 

"... On Syria, concern remains high, but the Administration remains deeply conflicted on the question of arming the Syrian opposition. The announcement of Al-Qaeda’s formal integration with opposition elements has energized the debate, with some arguing that this reinforces the urgency for US military aid to more moderate groupings. Some steps are being taken in this direction, but caution remains predominant, with US officials focused on a negotiated settlement rather than one that delivers an outright victory to one of the parties...."