Posted on 09/08/2013 12:42:42 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
The dilemma: how can we punish Assad for his violations of international law, when his opponents are also in violation—in this case, killing prisoners?
The Times called this a "foreign policy puzzle." But there’s a solution to this puzzle. Some have suggested the solution is: don’t bomb Assad. Those people are spineless and unprincipled. The obvious solution is simple: bomb both sides.
The principles enunciated by President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry are clear and uplifting: it’s our job to punish evildoers. It’s our job to send a message, so that others will not follow the example of evildoing. Those who oppose sending a message will be responsible for whatever evil follows.
Kerry made it clear that those who refuse to support American intervention against Assad will be responsible the next time the Syrian regime "gasses its citizens" -- and they will also be responsible "when North Korea or Iran attempts to use nuclear weapons." But of course the same argument applies to the other side: those against bombing the opposition with also be personally responsible if Iran attacks Israel with nuclear weapons...
As the president has said, “Assad must go.” Now we need to add, “And the opposition must go.” Who then should govern Syria? Again, the answer is simple: the United States of America.
(Excerpt) Read more at thenation.com ...
I wonder why they don’t build a pipeline thru Iraq instead. The Saudis and Iraqis are buddy buddy...for the moment.
Or are there terrain issues?
LOL. This guy has finally hit upon a good solution.
You mean, bomb Assad AND Obama?
That works.
Can’t Assad just charge for the pipeline to pass through? Pipelines are vulnerable to attack, as is shipping in the Gulf.
https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Take a look at the map. You can’t get from Saudi Arabia to the Mediterranean without going through Syria. Any other route has insurmountable problems if you’re Saudi. I’m not sure why the Sinai is out, but my guess is it isn’t an available route for political reasons you’d only understand if you were Saudi. The Israeli route is out of the question. It’s Syria or nothing. So, the aforementioned powers have pulled out the stops, short of sending in their own armies. Among other things, that would probably put them in direct conflict with Iran. Their time is running out. It will take a long time to build and they only have until Iran goes nuclear to have it all done. IMO that’s why Obama is going nuts on their behalf. They’ve hired us to do the dirty work.
They would if it had enough megatons.
My gosh, as I read the responses on this thread, most readers don’t think this is tongue-in-cheek.
Come on, folks, get a grip.
“Can’t Assad just charge for the pipeline to pass through? Pipelines are vulnerable to attack, as is shipping in the Gulf.”
If you were Assad, what would you ask for? You’d say, 1. Stop supporting Al-queda. 2. Support me. 3. We’ll work out reasonable rates.
For political reasons, Alawites vs. Sunnis, say, they can’t support Assad.
> I have a better and much more effective solution.....Impeach Obama!!! This incompetent, failed POTUS created this entire Middle East mess, from day one of his term as POTUS!!! Remove him, Obama, Biden and all their Obamabot failures!!! We need a POTUS that will lead...not lie!!! This evil human being, Obama, will gladly put American military folks in harm’s way to protect his butt and inflated ego!!!
My solution too. The AntChrist in Chief is just doing his job to stoke the fires of Armageddon and get the ball rolling...
Oh, don't be silly. Syria is used to being governed by a ruthless strong man who kills anyone he wants to for any reason and brutally persecutes anyone who disagrees. Surely there isn't anyone in American government who fits that description...hmm...well, I guess I could be wrong about that.
Verity: The only good Muslim is a dead Muslim. Works for me!
Please, failed homo Marxist Muslim fraud...............
Thanks. I guess I was trying to get the pipeline to Turkey. It is at least semi-stable.
I agree with you regarding being hired to do the dirty work. When Kerry said the Saudis would finance the “shot across the bow”...my head nearly exploded.
(1) Unlawful conduct.— Whoever knowingly provides material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both, and, if the death of any person results, shall be imprisoned for any term of years or for life. To violate this paragraph, a person must have knowledge that the organization is a designated terrorist organization (as defined in subsection (g)(6)), that the organization has engaged or engages in terrorist activity (as defined in section 212(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), or that the organization has engaged or engages in terrorism (as defined in section 140(d)(2) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989).
And needless to say this same law should apply to everyone involved, but it doesn't:
"(j) Exception.— No person may be prosecuted under this section in connection with the term “personnel”, “training”, or “expert advice or assistance” if the provision of that material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization was approved by the Secretary of State with the concurrence of the Attorney General. The Secretary of State may not approve the provision of any material support that may be used to carry out terrorist activity (as defined in section 212(a)(3)(B)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act)."
So apparently if Secretary Kerry says its OK, then you can provide expert training and support. But the guys you train and arm can't be given any material support "that may be used to carry out terrorist activity." No doubt the Islamic foreign fighters in Syria will carefully follow that rule.
Not acknowledging that there are three sides fighting in this mess is the most obvious.
I say we sell each of them all the weapons they want.
I know lets bomb IRAN!!!!
Why doesn’t the United States, the country that put a man on the moon, and cured the common cold, send a respected Statesman, with the weight of world opinion, with unquestioned persuasive skills, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, to negotiate a cease fire, and win the Peace?
Reminds me of the LAUGH IN news segment in which (future) President Goldie Hawn asks NBC to STOP THE BOMBING.
For those behind the times, that was during the Viet Nam war in which Lyndon Johnson ordered the bombing of North Vietnam.
NBC’s fall season of TV shows also bombed.
Attack all the muslims in Syria. Afterwards, the non-muslims can run the show.
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