[quote=FlyerInHi]I watched all the Sunday analysis.
Syria is not about regime change but a punishing strike for the use of chemical weapons. Kerry made the case that regime change is a goal through diplomatic and political means, not military.
Coming from Kerry, a long time anti war activist, I trust his judgement.
A strike could be something like destroying the presidential palace.
I think that Obama asking for congressional approval will turn out to be a master stoke. We will find out when congress gets back into town.[/quote]
This post reminds me why it’s important not to get too attached to the political party. Obama drew some red line and in order to maintain credibly he has to do something that only his strongest supporters want him to do. Most Obama supporters are anti war yet now they want war (aka “limited strikes” to make it look better on paper) because Obama looks weak if he doesn’t follow through. Obama is indeed fallible, striking Syria with no international support is stupid. Just like it would be stupid to strike Syria if warmonger John McCain was president.
In the world of unintended consequences we probably get drawn in, topple Asad and the Al Qaida linked rebels get access to Syria’s chemical weapons. Brilliant strategy that was executed because of some kind of political face saving. Democratic party strategist, “We’ll poll better in 2014 midterm elections if we look strong. If something bad happens we can just put the blame elsewhere.”