AS Nato defence ministers gather in Brussels it would seem that the US is trying to encourage the Saudis and Gulf States into committing ground forces to the Syrian conflict.

Of course, they seem to have overlooked the fundamental point that Syria is sovereign country and in spite of overt action by the coalition air campaign there is no UN mandate to do so.

The Americans and others have unilaterally attacked the country intending to defeat Isis and support so-called moderates. However it would seem this potential increased deployment of ground forces flies in the face of any authority to do so.

What I believe is that this is an attempt by the US to enlarge a proxy war with Syria, which is backed by Russia and Iran.

As the Syrian forces start to defeat the rebels, including Isis, the Sunni-led coalition is desperate to get involved to mitigate damage to the side they have been supporting from the start of the conflict.

The West also seems hell bent on getting rid of President Bashar al Assad and is trying to protect its side of the conflagration. Bullets and bombs from both sides kill. Collateral damage takes place on both sides.

If we do not want to make this horrendous civil war any worse we need to accept that we will not remove President Assad as long as he enjoys Russian support. In fact, he will defeat the rebels within the year.

At least then the country can start to rebuild itself which is something we all want.

C Gallacher, Redcar.