The most optimistic way to view this is that a POTUS is going to Congress to authorize a ‘war’ of which he will be Commander in Chief. This would alter the precedence set by past Presidents who committed US military personnel and resources under the opinion they had that authority. It also involves the legislature forcing them to take some responsibility for what happens.It must still be argued that any response to Syria must have Middle Eastern powers taking the lead with western powers providing intell and support, especially with eliminating SAM sties with unmanned systems like drones and cruisemissles.^The US intell people should tell the Syrian people what is to happen. Put maps on the internet and broadcast for tvs to see. Color important static military targets in red. Secondary in yellow. And color targets we don’t want to hit, schools, historical or holy sites, in green. We don’t want to kill Syrian soldiers, we want them to turn on their leadership.And if we have the proper coalition from the Arab League, NATO and others, we can tell them this. Give them two or three days and after that, all bets are off. Promise that if we have to do what the Syrian people should be doing, there will be NO military structures standing and it will cost trillions and take decades to recover. Inform Assad that placing weapons in civilian areas will result in his palaces and family properties being destroyed. The Syrian people must be convinced that the spirit and the scorched earth tactics of General Sherman is about to descend upon their nation, and what the allies did to Dresden Germany will be done to every military bases, weapon systems, CnC centers, and storage areas. Ships will be sank at their moorings.And may the God of Abraham, the God of Jews, Christians, AND Muslims, have mercy on us and Syria for our failure to find a better way.^I will add that Sherman dedicated his retirement to helping repair the damage done by his scorched earth strategy, a strategy for which he had much regret, but no idea of what else would have so critically harmed the Confederacy’s military infrastructure.This is what our modern military was designed to do. It is not a fencing foil, it is Thor’s Hammer Mjolner and if it is to be used, it needs be used with purpose and wisdom that our Syrian neighbors, and particularly their military, recognize there is truly no future in letting Assad remain in power.But still…I pray for peace.Respectfully,C.
If individuals, or a “gang” attack a person, or another “gang”, it’s a criminal act. If a NATION ATTACKS ANOTHER NATION – it is “WAR”, no matter how few, or many, the bombs. 9/11/01 was a criminal act, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Tunisia (everyone forgets that one already), or Syria, represent WARS! period.
Isn’t it interesting btw, that every nation in the Middle East that poses even a remote or a possible threat to Israel has already been bombed, overthrown, or is on the target list for our next “action”?? Just sayin’.
Tigger, the media was expecting Obama even before the report you mention. I think I saw the story on MSNBC later that day.I am glad he is holding off, not because he needs Congressional approval, though it’s nice of him to ask. I would like the US to take a similar role to what we did in Libya, though I know only we have the technology to identify and destroy SAM sites. The hazard will be mobile SAMs placed near schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods. The Arab League should be the actual nations overflying the country with aircraft.Glad to see you have variety in your news gathering.Respectfully,C.
Hmm, nobody reads any more. Iran: first the Shah overthrew the government, then HE was overthrown, and note I said “on the target list”.
David, with due respect, check out the history of the IDF, and LESCHI and ETSEL, those terrorist Zionist groups attacking the British, and Arabs, PRIOR TO WW II!! They refused to “negotiate” after WW I, when Faisal tried to reason with his “fellow Semites”, Lawrence at his side. Taking the land under the auspices of the United Nations didn’t endear them to anyone who’s families had occupied the lands for a couple thousand years (roughly) since the diaspora saw most of the Hebrews driven out, because of their centuries of wars launched against their neighbors. They just didn’t do so well against the Roman Empire!
It does no good to point out the violent histories of “good guys”, be they Jews, Crusaders, Missionaries like Serra who made folks slaves, or the later protestant missionaries who killed people, and cultures, with “kindness”, and well, disease, if not the gun to “save their souls” for Jesus! And lest we forget, Mohammed also honored Jesus as a prophet, and was actually far less violence prone than either his latter-day followers, or those of the other “faiths”.
Simply put, red lines have drawn throughout history, in blood, and gore, and yes, even with chemical weapons (mustard is VERY horrific btw, not at all as “benign” as nerve agent!).
A ChickenHawk is one who failed to serve when it was his time. That’s the Chicken part.-The Hawk part is support for the war he failed to serve in and other wars where he is oh so willing to send others to their deaths.-Obama was not of draft age during Viet Nam and did not support the Iraq invasion, so you’re wrong on both counts.-Prominent ChickenHawks include George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Willard Romney, Phil Gramm, Dan Quayle, John Bolton, and a host of neocons. -Stop trying to hijack the meaning of the term.
David: sorry for running that IDF into the same sentence! You know what I meant, and yes the Ottoman Empire was more stable than what replaced it! (not saying much)
Also you’ve probably picked up my posts in the past to know that I have great respect for the talent, and efficiency of the IDF, and for that matter Mossad, I just don’t care much for the “politics” behind some of their actions, just like some of our own “involvements”. There IS a difference between respect for “skill sets”, vs “application”.
You’re also well aware, speaking of “ancient history”, that Jews in Spain (and elsewhere) were FAR better off under Islamic rule, than after those “nice Christians” took over!
The REAL hidden secret is that while I have a “problem” with SOME people running Israel, that dosn’t apply to ALL Israelis, Jew, Christian, or Muslim! Likewise, the constant harping on the “violent Muslim extremists” fails to mention that this is also a MINORITY of Muslims, world-wide, and that many of the “radicals” actions are in direct OPPOSITION TO THE TEACHINGS OF MOHAMMED! Just as radical “CHRISTIANS” also go against the original teachings of the Christ, it might be “nice” at times to actually go back to that “ancient history” and restore the actual teachings and intent of the prophets.
I can’t really see much value in restoring the violent nature of Man, and “Man’s God” of the Old Testament however! Peace be with you, and all of us!
chazandru over 10 years ago
The most optimistic way to view this is that a POTUS is going to Congress to authorize a ‘war’ of which he will be Commander in Chief. This would alter the precedence set by past Presidents who committed US military personnel and resources under the opinion they had that authority. It also involves the legislature forcing them to take some responsibility for what happens.It must still be argued that any response to Syria must have Middle Eastern powers taking the lead with western powers providing intell and support, especially with eliminating SAM sties with unmanned systems like drones and cruisemissles.^The US intell people should tell the Syrian people what is to happen. Put maps on the internet and broadcast for tvs to see. Color important static military targets in red. Secondary in yellow. And color targets we don’t want to hit, schools, historical or holy sites, in green. We don’t want to kill Syrian soldiers, we want them to turn on their leadership.And if we have the proper coalition from the Arab League, NATO and others, we can tell them this. Give them two or three days and after that, all bets are off. Promise that if we have to do what the Syrian people should be doing, there will be NO military structures standing and it will cost trillions and take decades to recover. Inform Assad that placing weapons in civilian areas will result in his palaces and family properties being destroyed. The Syrian people must be convinced that the spirit and the scorched earth tactics of General Sherman is about to descend upon their nation, and what the allies did to Dresden Germany will be done to every military bases, weapon systems, CnC centers, and storage areas. Ships will be sank at their moorings.And may the God of Abraham, the God of Jews, Christians, AND Muslims, have mercy on us and Syria for our failure to find a better way.^I will add that Sherman dedicated his retirement to helping repair the damage done by his scorched earth strategy, a strategy for which he had much regret, but no idea of what else would have so critically harmed the Confederacy’s military infrastructure.This is what our modern military was designed to do. It is not a fencing foil, it is Thor’s Hammer Mjolner and if it is to be used, it needs be used with purpose and wisdom that our Syrian neighbors, and particularly their military, recognize there is truly no future in letting Assad remain in power.But still…I pray for peace.Respectfully,C.
rini1946 over 10 years ago
yes spend more money we have plenty. And heck we do not have enough dead soldiers now we need more
Dtroutma over 10 years ago
If individuals, or a “gang” attack a person, or another “gang”, it’s a criminal act. If a NATION ATTACKS ANOTHER NATION – it is “WAR”, no matter how few, or many, the bombs. 9/11/01 was a criminal act, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Tunisia (everyone forgets that one already), or Syria, represent WARS! period.
Isn’t it interesting btw, that every nation in the Middle East that poses even a remote or a possible threat to Israel has already been bombed, overthrown, or is on the target list for our next “action”?? Just sayin’.
chazandru over 10 years ago
Tigger, the media was expecting Obama even before the report you mention. I think I saw the story on MSNBC later that day.I am glad he is holding off, not because he needs Congressional approval, though it’s nice of him to ask. I would like the US to take a similar role to what we did in Libya, though I know only we have the technology to identify and destroy SAM sites. The hazard will be mobile SAMs placed near schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods. The Arab League should be the actual nations overflying the country with aircraft.Glad to see you have variety in your news gathering.Respectfully,C.
pirate227 over 10 years ago
The con conundrum, “Do we love war more than we hate Obama?”.
SusanCraig over 10 years ago
What about sending humanitarian aid to the civilians?
Dtroutma over 10 years ago
Hmm, nobody reads any more. Iran: first the Shah overthrew the government, then HE was overthrown, and note I said “on the target list”.
David, with due respect, check out the history of the IDF, and LESCHI and ETSEL, those terrorist Zionist groups attacking the British, and Arabs, PRIOR TO WW II!! They refused to “negotiate” after WW I, when Faisal tried to reason with his “fellow Semites”, Lawrence at his side. Taking the land under the auspices of the United Nations didn’t endear them to anyone who’s families had occupied the lands for a couple thousand years (roughly) since the diaspora saw most of the Hebrews driven out, because of their centuries of wars launched against their neighbors. They just didn’t do so well against the Roman Empire!
It does no good to point out the violent histories of “good guys”, be they Jews, Crusaders, Missionaries like Serra who made folks slaves, or the later protestant missionaries who killed people, and cultures, with “kindness”, and well, disease, if not the gun to “save their souls” for Jesus! And lest we forget, Mohammed also honored Jesus as a prophet, and was actually far less violence prone than either his latter-day followers, or those of the other “faiths”.
Simply put, red lines have drawn throughout history, in blood, and gore, and yes, even with chemical weapons (mustard is VERY horrific btw, not at all as “benign” as nerve agent!).
braindead Premium Member over 10 years ago
A ChickenHawk is one who failed to serve when it was his time. That’s the Chicken part.-The Hawk part is support for the war he failed to serve in and other wars where he is oh so willing to send others to their deaths.-Obama was not of draft age during Viet Nam and did not support the Iraq invasion, so you’re wrong on both counts.-Prominent ChickenHawks include George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Willard Romney, Phil Gramm, Dan Quayle, John Bolton, and a host of neocons. -Stop trying to hijack the meaning of the term.
Dtroutma over 10 years ago
David: sorry for running that IDF into the same sentence! You know what I meant, and yes the Ottoman Empire was more stable than what replaced it! (not saying much)
Also you’ve probably picked up my posts in the past to know that I have great respect for the talent, and efficiency of the IDF, and for that matter Mossad, I just don’t care much for the “politics” behind some of their actions, just like some of our own “involvements”. There IS a difference between respect for “skill sets”, vs “application”.
You’re also well aware, speaking of “ancient history”, that Jews in Spain (and elsewhere) were FAR better off under Islamic rule, than after those “nice Christians” took over!
The REAL hidden secret is that while I have a “problem” with SOME people running Israel, that dosn’t apply to ALL Israelis, Jew, Christian, or Muslim! Likewise, the constant harping on the “violent Muslim extremists” fails to mention that this is also a MINORITY of Muslims, world-wide, and that many of the “radicals” actions are in direct OPPOSITION TO THE TEACHINGS OF MOHAMMED! Just as radical “CHRISTIANS” also go against the original teachings of the Christ, it might be “nice” at times to actually go back to that “ancient history” and restore the actual teachings and intent of the prophets.
I can’t really see much value in restoring the violent nature of Man, and “Man’s God” of the Old Testament however! Peace be with you, and all of us!