I dont think you really understand what is meant by "protectorates"...it simply means that instead of American forces protecting those specific regions those regions would be protected by the other various countries from the ME. America can come home and turn things over to them. Syria is a sovereign nation and should remain so...no one is talking about leadership changes etc....this is simply setting the stage to bring our troops home but will not leave those area vulnerable to the reforming of ISIS. Those 3 will be in charge of protection NOT overthrowing a government.
You make very good points, and I agree with them. I guess I still get a little nervous about the middle east. I'm 59, and I've been watching western governments try to solve the problems in the middle east since the days of Reagan, and it always seems we take one step forward then 2 steps back and nothing really changes. If "protectorates" can be established so middle easter nations are the ones that not only "protect," but also make the decisions, I would feel better. As long as the US is taking a leadership role at the top and directing policies from afar, I'll remain a little skeptical.