The Obama administration has been reported as wanting to engage in tokenism against the Assad regime in Syria. It just wants to get a point across for propaganda purposes. Nothing serious. Tokenism in diplomacy. Basically, the President apparently wants to do something, but nothing too deadly. Just enough to prevent the US government being mocked. A symbolic gesture.
Recall that President Obama declared a bright line with respect to the Assad regime. The use of chemical weapons would result in US military attacks upon that country. Some critics have said that this "doctrine" had all the hallmarks of being an off-the-cuff remark in a news conference. A typical Obama playing-to-the-crowd gesture. Part of the photo-op session. Well, it has come to pass that the Assad regime has used chemical weapons to deadly effect. What now. Obama has to live up to his words--or face the consequence of being seen to be an empty suit.
His Secretary of State, John Kerry has taken up the role of the Greek chorister, solemnly intoning the moral outrage of chemical weapon use, its condemnation by the international community, thereby reassuring the gallery that the Obama bright-line is corruscatingly intense. Meanwhile, the British Parliament votes down the proposal by its Prime Minister to become militarily involved. The list of US allies grows shorter by the day. At last count it was just Australia and France. The latter, intoned the Greek chorister, was the oldest ally of the US. Kerry's words will be empty before the month is out, we expect. Meanwhile, the French want their own parliament to approve any military action--something the Hollande government has been reluctant to seek. New Zealand has been asked for "moral support". Parliament will consider whether we will provide it--for what it is worth.
Charles Krauthammer had this to say:
“It’s rather shameful that while the British prime minister recalled Parliament to debate possible airstrikes — late Thursday, Parliament actually voted down British participation — Obama has made not a gesture in that direction,” Krauthammer wrote. “If you are going to do this, Mr. President, do it constitutionally. And seriously. This is not about you and your conscience. It’s about applying American power to do precisely what you now deny this is about — helping Assad go, as you told the world he must. Otherwise, just send Assad a text message. You might incur a roaming charge, but it’s still cheaper than a three-day, highly telegraphed, perfectly useless demonstration strike.”Obama had been on record as a US Senator strongly opposing any war, without Congressional authorisation. Now, he has had a change of heart. He has reversed course and announced that he will seek such approval for war. Congress will not reassemble for some time. There is doubt that approval will be forthcoming.
The United States is war weary, having shed the blood of loyal citizens it does not deserve in just about every place on the earth with no success or victories to be seen. Even if approval by Congress is given, Obama is reduced to demonstration strikes--to enable the Administration to save face. We suggest that as a result it will be Assad's face that will be saved. He will grow in stature, boldness, and reputation. His use of chemical weapons will increase. Obama's hands will grow white with the wringing.
Sometimes the most effective and powerful and right course is to make the ethical point and leave the Assadians and the Syrian rebels to the judgements of Almighty God. But that is so hard for American administrations to do because they believe in the manifest global destiny of the United States. A man, said Clint Eastwood, has got to know his limitations. So do nations--particularly Western ones.
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