It is interesting on how an “off the cuff” remark about red lines placed the USA on a path towards military intervention, and how another “off the cuff” response to a question opened a door to a diplomatic solution. Russia’s intervention has caused Assad to admit he even has these weapons and it is doubtful Mr. Putin would appreciate being made to look foolish should Assad rethink his options. Russia now has some ownership in what is to happen and up until now, this has not been the case.The usual voices of the conservatives are reluctant to speak well of this diplomatic option, and some are lambasting the POTUS for his ‘failure’ and making America look horrible. The usual voice of the Democrats are congratulating the Pres. for a brilliantly played strategy as if it were always his plan.Both are wrong.Mr. Obama’s success in this instance is in not having to fired a missile into Syria. That is the Arab League’s job, not ours.Mr. Kerry’s rather patronizing response to a reporter inspired Russian diplomats looking for a way to stop hostilities and quit looking like the Assad enabler they are to support the suggestion.Mr. Assad’s desire to not see 1000 US cruise missiles and aircraft over his nation, and perhaps his head, inspired him to accept his principle ally’s suggestion.As has often been the case in diplomacy, accidental solutions can be as useful as the ones chosen on purpose.However – This will not help the 5 million Syrians who have left their nation, or the nations to which they have gone. It will not stop bullets or other ‘conventional’ ordinance from killing combatants and innocents alike.But this is an Islamic civil war, and anything a western(Read Christian) nation does will not be appreciated even by those who ultimately win. The humanitarian aid is good as is any intell we can give to combatants who don’t hate us, but it is time for the Arab League to use the many weapon platforms they have bought from the USA and resolve this ‘family’ fight. We can help, but we cannot lead. There’s no future in it. Only time will tell what happens next, but there’s a lot of people finding out the truth about life after death, and some of them are very sadly surprised, or, they’re just dead and don’t care.Respectfully,C.
Agreed. Mr. Martens.On all counts.It requires a more civil and respectful legislature and media than we have to see anyone say the very least kind thing that might be used in a political ad or policy ad. Honor is gone from these self serving creatures of politics and media, and money is more important than integrity. The Ends are always justified by the means, no matter how much damage is done to the country by their divisive and dishonest tactics.Thank you for your comment to which I do agree.Respectfully,C.
Whatever works short of another war, is a good idea. But let’s not fail to consider WHO may be the “alternative”. SOME are tied to Al Qaeda, some may be saner than that, some even CRAZIER!
Interesting that playing poker, it depends on the game. Some games, all cards are held close to the chest, others, part of the hand is exposed from the start, and the “negotiation” over the pot is even MORE complicated. Too many Americans are unable to abide any “complicated” games. It’s been, and will continue to be, “interesting”.
“Too bad the American Rednecks wouldn’t stand behind their president to make the threat more believable and effective.”..Of what business is it to a Canadian Redneck?
“Perhaps you could address DrCanuck’s question as reasonable. Aren’t you capable of answering it cogently?”..Do you consider DrCanuck’s redneck comments cogent? I give respect where respect is due. If DrCanuck is capable of debating facts without name calling, then I will respond in kind. Name calling serves no purpose but to provoke the person for whom it was intended.
“(Nurf nurf) Y’see, I never call any particular individual here a Redneck but I speak of Rednecks in general. So if someone (like Stephen) thinks I’m calling him a Redneck, it’s a matter of self-identification, isn’t it.”..Whatever. There obviously is no sense in debating a subarctic redneck with a retarded mentality.
chazandru over 10 years ago
It is interesting on how an “off the cuff” remark about red lines placed the USA on a path towards military intervention, and how another “off the cuff” response to a question opened a door to a diplomatic solution. Russia’s intervention has caused Assad to admit he even has these weapons and it is doubtful Mr. Putin would appreciate being made to look foolish should Assad rethink his options. Russia now has some ownership in what is to happen and up until now, this has not been the case.The usual voices of the conservatives are reluctant to speak well of this diplomatic option, and some are lambasting the POTUS for his ‘failure’ and making America look horrible. The usual voice of the Democrats are congratulating the Pres. for a brilliantly played strategy as if it were always his plan.Both are wrong.Mr. Obama’s success in this instance is in not having to fired a missile into Syria. That is the Arab League’s job, not ours.Mr. Kerry’s rather patronizing response to a reporter inspired Russian diplomats looking for a way to stop hostilities and quit looking like the Assad enabler they are to support the suggestion.Mr. Assad’s desire to not see 1000 US cruise missiles and aircraft over his nation, and perhaps his head, inspired him to accept his principle ally’s suggestion.As has often been the case in diplomacy, accidental solutions can be as useful as the ones chosen on purpose.However – This will not help the 5 million Syrians who have left their nation, or the nations to which they have gone. It will not stop bullets or other ‘conventional’ ordinance from killing combatants and innocents alike.But this is an Islamic civil war, and anything a western(Read Christian) nation does will not be appreciated even by those who ultimately win. The humanitarian aid is good as is any intell we can give to combatants who don’t hate us, but it is time for the Arab League to use the many weapon platforms they have bought from the USA and resolve this ‘family’ fight. We can help, but we cannot lead. There’s no future in it. Only time will tell what happens next, but there’s a lot of people finding out the truth about life after death, and some of them are very sadly surprised, or, they’re just dead and don’t care.Respectfully,C.
Odon Premium Member over 10 years ago
Tiger – Please note that while Assad is talking he is not the one calling the shots.
chazandru over 10 years ago
Agreed. Mr. Martens.On all counts.It requires a more civil and respectful legislature and media than we have to see anyone say the very least kind thing that might be used in a political ad or policy ad. Honor is gone from these self serving creatures of politics and media, and money is more important than integrity. The Ends are always justified by the means, no matter how much damage is done to the country by their divisive and dishonest tactics.Thank you for your comment to which I do agree.Respectfully,C.
Dtroutma over 10 years ago
Whatever works short of another war, is a good idea. But let’s not fail to consider WHO may be the “alternative”. SOME are tied to Al Qaeda, some may be saner than that, some even CRAZIER!
Interesting that playing poker, it depends on the game. Some games, all cards are held close to the chest, others, part of the hand is exposed from the start, and the “negotiation” over the pot is even MORE complicated. Too many Americans are unable to abide any “complicated” games. It’s been, and will continue to be, “interesting”.
SAStiner over 10 years ago
“Too bad the American Rednecks wouldn’t stand behind their president to make the threat more believable and effective.”..Of what business is it to a Canadian Redneck?
sw10mm over 10 years ago
So, by blink moment, you mean the little o fell asleep? How cute.
SAStiner over 10 years ago
“Perhaps you could address DrCanuck’s question as reasonable. Aren’t you capable of answering it cogently?”..Do you consider DrCanuck’s redneck comments cogent? I give respect where respect is due. If DrCanuck is capable of debating facts without name calling, then I will respond in kind. Name calling serves no purpose but to provoke the person for whom it was intended.
SAStiner over 10 years ago
“(Nurf nurf) Y’see, I never call any particular individual here a Redneck but I speak of Rednecks in general. So if someone (like Stephen) thinks I’m calling him a Redneck, it’s a matter of self-identification, isn’t it.”..Whatever. There obviously is no sense in debating a subarctic redneck with a retarded mentality.