The original Syrian revolutionaries wanted freedom and an end to grinding poverty. Four years later, groups such as the IS, who rule with a warped religious ideology, are the only apparent alternative to Assad.
Once Tunisia's main opposition, the left-wing Popular Front has allowed the re-emergence of the old regime in its attempts to curtail Ennhadha - so much so that it now backs former Ben Ali stooge Beji Caid Essebsi for president.
The US has disappointed many with its Syria policy over the last four years. No one should expect more in the latest round of Islamic State-driven US diplomacy.
