You know the hysterics regarding Syria are truly disrespectful

[jimlup]

96. I disagree and here is why:

Your analysis "that cruise missiles are not a war" is in fact most likely correct. It does mean that "enemy targets" will be taken out and real human beings will certainly die as a result - but let's put that human cost aside for the moment.

The nightmare scenario is a real possibility in this case. Maybe it's a 1 in 20 chance or maybe it is a 1 in 100 chance. But consider that "chance":

Syria retaliates by attacking Israel. Israel responds in kind. If Syria uses chemical weapons against Israel that response will be nuclear. Russia backs the Syrian regime and you should be able to follow the war game from there. It isn't pretty.

To assign an actuarial value to this outcome multiply the fractional chance that it will occur by the carnage that could result. Considering this are you sure you want to argue that violence against a nation that we are not at war with isn't war?

I don't think this will happen mind you but I think that people concerned that we are starting a "war" do have a legitimate concern. If we attack Syria it is a major international war crime against a state of unknown psychology. Say what you will but the concerns of war are very real.