The United States' strategy against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) would defeat one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's enemies but strengthen other foes who want him out of office.

In Iraq, U.S. air strikes quickly pushed back ISIL forces. However, the situation in Syria is different because Washington has no strong ground allies there, Reuters explained.

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While the latest U.S. strategy aims to end a three-year war that left over 190,000 people dead, it would likely take a long time to turn Assad opposition forces into real military fighters. But Saudi Arabia offered to host training for these rebels, and this additional support could help fuel their efforts against Assad and ISIL.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a speech announcing his decision to launch strikes in Syria and support the rebels there as part of the efforts to crush ISIL. He also clarified that he will not cooperate with the Assad regime, as opposed to the opinion of some analysts.

Since the revolt began, thousands of fighters enlisted with mainstream rebel organizations, according to opposition activists. However, there are still those who prefer to join Islamist groups such as ISIL and Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front because they are better financed compared to opposition groups.

Those against arming the mainstream rebels are concerned that radical groups could get hold of the new supply of weapons. Opposition activists also blame the West for not giving the moderates enough support, leading to the failed uprising.

Some of the rebels have helped in anti-ISIL efforts, but they still consider Assad to be their main foe. And they say Washington has not done enough to assist their efforts to defeat the Syrian leader.

Bolstering the mainstream opposition would strengthen ground forces in Syria and pressure Assad to negotiate for a political transition in the country, said opposition group National Coalition leader Hadi Al Bahra. He said support from the West would convince Assad that his army could not win the battle.

In January, the United Nations tried to broker a truce between Assad and the opposition but the talks quickly collapsed. Assad showed little desire to come up with a political solution when his forces continued to gain traction with the help of Iranian-backed Hezbollah group and his other allies.

Earlier this year, Assad managed to secure his third term as the Syrian president for the next seven years. Still, conflicts continue to disrupt western Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

According to Lebanese political analyst Amine Kammourieh, the U.S. airstrikes aimed to defeat ISIL would only extend up to the border and supply routes in Syria and that efforts of the moderate opposition would be insignificant.

"The strike will be to weaken ISIS, not to eliminate it completely...," Kammourieh said. "The American goal today is always Iraq."

TagsISIL, U.S. airstrikes, Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Opposition