So I'm expected to believe Obama never intended to attack Syria?

[NCTraveler]

24. I do think...

I do think that having such a strong military and being willing to use it is a huge tool to have by your side diplomatically. I can't imagine being Assad last week. Hearing the things coming out of Washington. It has to have had an effect on his thought process. I also think that very little coming out of Washington the last few weeks has been for American consumption. The verbiage was for Syria, the UN, Russia, and China. People think that when Obama or an administration official speaks that it is meant for the American public. That is not the case. I think a part of the play was to rattle cages and see who is willing to play diplomatically, all while keeping missile strikes planned and ready. Did they plan on this possible deal with the UN? Probably not. Did they rattle cages and hold off on sending missiles long enough to see if some other resolution would come up? Yes. They deserve credit for that.

"By staying firm, Obama will very likely get what he wanted and not have to use strikes."

I think a problem many of us have is that we have no clue what Obama wants. Not sure if Obama knows what he wants.