This is a curious debate we’re having here in America –
whether, or not, to bomb Syria. Anti-war liberals are saying “Bomb”, while
bomb-happy conservatives are saying “No.”
Many of the Republicans say “No” only because “Yes” is what they think
Obama wants (and needs) to hear. Democrats say “Fight” for the same reason – to
back their president. Both sides appear to be under the impression that Obama
wants to bomb Syria. He does not.
Obama is a leaf caught in the currents of American history.
He is bullied – not only by a conservative agenda that seeks to project
military might at the drop of a hat, but by a nation whose very nature it is to
bully (and bomb) lesser nations.
Obama did not help his cause when he spoke of a “red line”
and said, “Assad has to go.” (Sounded very American.) But he said it at a time
when the Assad regime was teetering – mass defections of top officials and
military personnel, and amid rapid gains by rebel factions. Most pundits were
predicting that Assad would fall within that year. Obama simply went with the
flow; it seemed like the fashionable thing to do… that is, until Assad came
storming back.
It reminds me of when I went to Vegas to witness the
Holmes-Cooney heavyweight championship fight in 1982. Midway through the 2nd
round, Holmes dropped Cooney with a big right hand. I leaped from my seat and
yelled, “Kill the m-f!” Cooney got up off the canvas and, for the next ten
rounds, waged a valiant battle, during which time I remained uncomfortably
silent, wondering what would happen next.
Obama should have stayed in his seat and kept his mouth
shut. At least, that is what he is thinking now.
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