Look at this from Obama’s perspective:
If he wants to help the rebels win, he must take out Assad.
but he does not have the authority to take out Assad.
A bunch of US jets or ships destroyed would give Obama the justification to take out Assad.
As many have pointed out, Obama loathes the military (using a Clinton term). So, why should he care about a few losses for the greater good?
Well, basically all we are waiting for is the 2013 version of the “Gulf of Tonkin Resolution of 1964.” B-P