All I can say is that sometimes the only way to communicate is through humor, even in the blackest of situations. I was sickened by the photos and found it very hard not to rail against those who were using them as justification without any real understanding that without a solid plan and international support, we would likely be causing deaths without any reward for us or the Syrian people. Yes, the photos create a gut reaction but gut reactions rarely lead to good decisions.
We, and by we I mean the United States government, need to step back from the precipice and plan this thing out, not just try to solve the problem with ham-fisted strikes which will inevitably lead to retaliation and then escalation. We need answer to some serious questions such as whether Putin is insane enough to jump in on Syria's side and what trust can we place in the rebels to not knife us in the back once we've done the job for them? In the aftermath will we be creating a new Jordan or a new Iran? I honestly do not believe we have asked those questions let alone answered them.
That's why the UN or NATO is so important to this operation. If we go in with the world community claiming it is an illegal act, we lose credibility and our justification. Every time we lose credibility, world players like Putin gain respect, especially if they can play the part of protecting the little guy. It is difficult to claim the high ground when everyone thinks you're playing in the gutter.
Look, I know there's a contingent at DU as eager to see Obama fail just as there is a contingent that will excuse every action he makes no matter how horrible. Personally, I want Obama to succeed at creating good policies both foreign and domestic but I won't back him in making bad decisions because that's not my job. I'm an advocate for causes not persons so that is where my loyalties lie. As my opinion is that the Syria issue is extremely complex, I believe more facts are needed and a detail plan developed with support from the world community. Without that we don't stand much chance of long-term success.
= new reply since forum marked as read
