On Syria

  UPDATE : 9/1/13:  Excellent info I'm calling Syria 101.  This piece was helpful to me; maybe it will be for you.  There's a map,  good followup links and even a Syrian music video.  But mostly it's a quick and easy Q & A about the situation there.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/08/29/9-questions-about-syria-you-were-too-embarrassed-to-ask/

 

Images of the children and others who succumbed to the chemical attacks in Syria have stayed in my mind.  I agreed with the President that we can't ignore proof that the Syrian government visited this horror on its own people.  I hope "we" includes many other countries, and maybe even a reconsideration by the UK, by the time action is taken.

 

I have listened endlessly to commentary by former State Department and military officials, as well as some members of Congress and "political analysts."   Still, no easy answers.   I can say only one thing about the U.S. taking "limited and precise" military action:  I was extremely relieved when President Obama spoke today in the Rose Garden, announcing he will ask Congress to debate his decision and take a vote.  Republicans in Congress (and some Democrats) had continued to say the President needed to "consult"with them "more" as they continued their three-week recess.

 

Certain members of Congress would have liked nothing more than to keep the "consultations" private.  That way, they wouldn't need to go on record with a vote and could complain endlessly, berating the President for taking action without a vote.  Well, Mr. Obama has called their bluff.  I believe it was a wise decision, apart from the political reasons.  I'm very, very glad Congress will be held accountable, along with the President, for whatever action goes down in Syria.   (Already certain members of Congress are putting out statements criticizing the President for doing what only days ago they've been criticizing him for NOT doing.  He cannot win over schizophrenic bias like this!)