Naomi....I am aware of the Sunni/Shia situation, although I couldn't pass an exam in the subject !
But if we don't seek out the moderates, what alternative do we have ?
The situation in Syria is an absolute scandal, and the whole region would appear to a basket case. But millions of completely innocent people are involved, most of them children. The surrounding more moderate countries are inundated with refugees....10,000's more have joined then in the last few days.
I'm not sure what the best thing is to do...indeed, there may be no overall "good thing" just the less worst of out a collection of sorry solutions. But to do nothing is not an option. I am not suggesting a military answer but something needs to be done.
The region may be on a par with "a far-off country, of which we know little" but it impinges on the whole of Europe, as well as farther afield.