Every time the death toll rises in Syria, the question seems to get louder and louder: Should the U.S. use military force to remove Bashar al-Assad from power?
Fareed Zakaria isn’t so sure. Writing for Time magazine this week, he makes the case that sanctions and embargos are the way to go.
“It would be morally far more satisfying to do something dramatic that would topple Assad tomorrow,” Zakaria said. “But starving his regime might prove the more effective strategy.”
We opened up the debate on Global Public Square to see if readers agree with Zakaria. Many did, many didn’t, but there were interesting points made on both sides.
One common argument is that the U.S. needs to act on humanitarian grounds.
Tim in Minneapolis: “I know that the U.S. is tired of war and conflict, but America will lose its moral compass if we just sit by and watch innocents killed 100 at a time. The United States had the same public disagreement before we entered World War II to help the Europeans, but we had to stop Hitler, we had to stop evil.”
gingersrule1: “If we don't protect freedom worldwide, we might as well give it up here. If you think watching people get murdered and not even lifting a finger to stop it, you become a part of the problem.”
Reader j. von hettlingen pointed out that sanctions might work, but they would hurt everyone in Syria, not just those in power: “Before Assad's loyalists feel the squeeze, ordinary citizens are already bearing the brunt. They have suffered enough and don't have the perseverance to endure more hardship.”
KDD said the Syrian people need U.S. intervention just to level the playing field:
“As an active member of the Syrian opposition, I want Americans to understand that the intervention of the United States is not requested simply because we can't do the job ourselves. We could, if it were Assad alone that we were fighting. But we’re not. We are up against Russia and Iran, who are maintaining a flow of arms and personnel.”
Many of those against intervention said they are tired of the U.S. being “the world’s police” and that America has enough problems already both domestic and abroad.
H: “Syria is not our problem. I sympathize with the Syrian plight, but that is their problem, not ours. We have done enough for the world and still the Arabs blame us. Let some other country like France, Russia or China solve the world's problems, and let's not spill our own blood or money.”
freddy A: “How naïve! Why does anyone think the U.S. has anything to do with the region or rest of the world? BUTT OUT. Fix our own crap. We are friends with Saudi Arabia, which has less human rights than any other Middle East country. Stop being silly. We are not better than anyone else. Let’s educate our children and fix the economy.”
Anonymous010: “The reason we should not be the world's police force is because the world didn't ask or choose us to be its police force; we inappropriately assumed that responsibility all on our own. How would you feel if your neighbor decided he held jurisdiction over your whole neighborhood and started enforcing his own rules and values with a bigger posse and better guns than anybody else in the neighborhood could afford?”
Other readers expressed concern about what would happen after al-Assad was overthrown.
Bruce Hedley: “Military intervention in Syria comes with much more risk than Libya due to the many ethnic/religious groups caught up in this: Arab, Kurd, Turk, Christian, Sunni, Shia, Alawite, Maronite, etc. Regional destabilization is a real possibility, and are we prepared for that?”
mmi16: “There is no group that is in a position to assume leadership and control in Syria once Assad is gone. Taking Assad out would create another Iraq after Saddam. The Syrian opposition needs to unify itself into something that can assert a level of control in the struggle against Assad.”
One comment, made by Ron, acknowledged both sides of the argument and illustrated how complicated the issue is:
“Yes, U.S. military in Syria would not likely work. Most of our major military interventions since Korea have been profoundly unsuccessful.
But on the other hand, what do we do? Nothing? Sit idle while innocents are being killed in great numbers? Isn’t that what America stands for? Should we just look the other way? Or enter with military force to ‘save the oppressed’ even though we know it will ultimately be unsuccessful, involve us in a lengthy and very expensive occupation, and take the lives of many American personnel? Darned if we do, and darned if we don't.”
Do you agree with Ron? Or do you think America is more “darned” with one particular course of action? Let your voice be heard in the comments below.
Editor’s note: Some comments edited for length or clarity.
Of the U.S. should never intervene in Syria. If the necons in Washington want to get rid of Bashar al-Assad badly enough, then let the French do it, singlehandedly! France is much more powerful than Syria militarily. Moreover, France is far closer to Syria than we are. In fact, the French already occupied Syria right after WW1.
Very well put, Quigley. Like you say, let the French fight their own battles instead of acting like the wimps they are today. They need to formulate their own policies instead of merely carrying out orders from Washington D.C. This subservience of theirs is truly disgusting. Where is their national pride anyway if they still have any?
In fact Syria – together with Lebanon – had been under French rule since 1919 till 1946. It was the more peaceful chapter of Syria's history. Since Syria gained independence from France it experienced a series of short-lived military governments, After an unsuccessful experiment of Union with Nasser's Egypt and the the rule of a revolutionary party based on the ideas of Arab nationalism and socialism, Hafez al Assad seized power in 1971. Perhaps the French might be able to solve the conflict in Syria better than others.
This is the "Arab Spring". Arabs should to take leadership, and the EU and US should support them. This will start by unifying the opposition. The opposition must retreat for a time to allow unity to occur. Once the opposition unifies, then there will be more progress. They can get out of Homs and take Damascus. I have a hunch the Syrian govt will pull a stunt with Israel (to leverage regional support) before it is over.
It is not a French battle. Just because the French occupied Syria doesn't mean they have anything in common with Syria. Why should they be able to solve the situation better than others? The best solution, though painful as it may be, is to leave them alone. It is their problem. It is an Arab problem. Let the Arabs solve their problems on their own. Why should Western powers want to intervene in something that is not their affair. What if China starts killing a minority group? Are Westerners going to intervene. Not bloody likely.
A little more respect for France is needed here. If it wasn't for them we would still be paying taxes to the Queen of England
Taking orders from Washington ? Oh, you mean like in 2003 when Chirac happily said yes to Georges W Bush, let's invade Iraq together ! My memory is so bad.
Nice one showings stereotypical ignorance about the French. I have an ignorant list about US, where should I start.
Their pride?? - Slowly being overtaken by the mus-slimes
You idiot. Wake up. Get smart. Look around.
Why not invite the bandit who raided and pillaged the Old Summer Palace to join in the fun. Maybe the 'brave' and 'courageous' victor of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu can show the Syrians how they won the First Indochina war.
We must intervene. Fareed, grow a heart.
There are innocent women and children being butchered by this bloody dictator. We must intervene.
The US should just intervene. We don't need permission from Red China or Russia. Screw them!
Why did we all go and get hitler in WWII then? - a question for some others that said, it's none of our business... I'm just curious is all ..... of what is different here?
The US has always been involved along with its best friend in the area,this destruction of Syria by extreemly cruel forign Govts. has nothig to do with the Syrian people,I wish it was this is all about Iran,and the crushing of Syria is a normal brutal tactic commonly used by these Govts.if we crush Syria it is the stepping stone to Iran we have been looking for,never mind how many people get killed in Syria that is the price we must pay,untill the US takes there best friend in the area by the collar and said enough is enough give back what you have stolen and let us have piece,we can all forget piece how sad the world is.
when will we learn that there is a stretch of desert several thousand KM long and nearly as wide which simply can never be brought into the 21st century. put the west back to work, forget invasions, let's wall the middle east off with 50,000,000,000 tons of concrete and be done with it.
I agree with JAL. But if the French do take the lead in monetary and military support, that would be great. It is the hard work of coalition building that takes even greater effort and skill. The United States is actively doing this. Democracy is hard and painful. But it is a commitment that heralds us as Americans and one that we should gladly accept. That commitment will pay great dividends as more and more countries experiment in establishing rule of law and secular Demogracies in this region.
Isn't there a Muslim counterpart to NATO? The United Arab Emirates Federation Or something??? Why are they letting all the Christian countries take care of the muslim countries??? We spend the money, the muslim fat cats sit back and do nothing... Isn't it time the United Arab Emirates Federation Or Something start dealing with their own. It makes the Muslim fat cats look bad having outsiders take care of buisness which is clearly an inhouse issue.. Take care of your own FIRST!*
Arab League.
Lol, no sweetie, the United Arab Emirates is a country...
The blood shed going on in Mexico far surpasses what is going on in Syria and that is our border.
They are not allowed to kill muslims. That's what good Muslims do for living. Bad Muslims love killings and wars. For example, al-Qaeda terrorists are bad Muslims. If you have some Muslim neighbors and they don't seem a threat to you, then they are good Muslims.
Wish people would use google more oftern lolz.
Good Point Billy. The Muzlim Brotherhood is staging these massacres to force America to do their dirty work and over throw Assad. Then they will just take over Syria too, the MB and force their twisted barbaric SHARIA Law on everyone and continue their quest for the ALLAH COMMANDED WORLD WIDE ISLAMIC STATE.
BAN ISLAM!
AMEN THAT AREA OF THE WORLD NEED TO TAKE CARE OFF THEIR PROBLEMS . WE WILL NEVER WIN THEIR LOVE OR APPRECIATION
This is a world wide problem when people are getting killed do to one ass hole in power. People would just like to have some amount of freedom and standing up against not having any should not get them killed along with innocent children! We should go in just like we did in Libya with everyone else and then get out quick. We don"t need to go in the GWB way and spend trillions to get it done. Just take out the ass hole and get out then let Syria deal with getting some new form of government in place.
They can burn the whole country to the ground, rather swim in the bottom of a portapotty then set one foot in their. Its nothing but death for American soldiers over there, havent we had enough already?
You are absolutely true; I am going to post your response on al Alarabiya.
I tried to post your opinion on Alarabiya they refused saying that this comment violates the rules of publication – I thought Alarabiya is about free speech I was wrong !!!!!!
Everytime things get rough overseas in another country, John McCain shouts for air strikes, arm that country, get involved. Thank goodness he wasn't elected president. We would be at war with every country where there's an uprising! We have tried to find peaceful ways to end conflict. This is not our war. The UN was formed to handle such things. Let them!
That's the funniest thing I have ever heard, let the UN handle it. Have you not paid attention to anything the UN has ever done? They are incompetent with about a 0% success rate. They are far more effective at setting up underage brothels in countries they occupy than in protecting the people. Let the UN handle it, thats like saying let a pedophile handle a daycare.
By and large , we ARE the UN....
Didn't the US try that before WWII under the League of Nations. Yes we did and it didn't work.
The trouble is that the UN is only as powerful as the permanent members of the security council will let it be. This time, the permanent security council members holding the UN back are China and Russia. At other times it's the USA.
Oh, Christy9! You are SO right. Thank God he was not elected.
agree with you overall. we need to not intervene, but i think that goes for the UN as well. sadly, the killing today is a drop in a bucket compared to the torrent that would begin once when we dive in there, guns a-blazin and strategically arming our favorites of the day. look at Libya. that crazy ole dictator was actually the lesser evil, suppressing all-out mayhem. we "helped" them by pouring tons of ordinance on their streets and destabilizing an already fragile and complex mess (how altruistic of us), and now what's emerging? ugly, sectarian violence and factions who will in the end be our next enemies. we need to stop meddling, stop bombing, stop believing the lies we're being fed.
I can't say I do not agree with you Quigley. On the other side, I hate to see innocent people getting killed like this. I truly believe that the cause of all the problems in Syria and Lebanon is France. Both Syria and Lebanon were under French control till 1946. Before the French left they made sure that they put in place the rule of "Divide and conquer". The linked the positions of power to religions in the country and made sure that the presidency belonged to smallest minority group, and the majority had the lowest position of power in the top 3 positions in government. All this lead to the problems that we are seeing now and since the 50's.
France has a history of screwing things up and running away, they did it in Vietnam when they dragged the US into hell. UN is not doing enough because they bought into Assad nonsense and forgot what Assad said about UN. He clearly stated that he does not recognize the UN and he plays games with them.
Very difficult situation any way you look at it....
Where is the proof of massacre? We saw videos of the Muzlims staging these massacres to force Americans to get involoved. Muzlims are playing the WEST for fools!
Let the Muzlims do what the do best. MURDER! Maybe the people will get sick enough of it to EVOLVE!
We fought and died enough for others. It is now our turn to take care of the US and the US people. It is sad the innocent people and children are dying under a evil person, but I would hate to see a mom be notified that her only son was killed in a war to save a group of people that we will never see or know of. These people have been fighting and waring amongst themselves for ever. We will not make a change in that. I dont need anymore american men and woman dying for someone else. If we are attacked then that is another story. If America is attacked then use what we have. We can level a country or the entire planet. We can economically cripple them. The last thing we need to do is die for them. I highly doubt they would for us.
For crying out loud Google Syurian history before you write. France occupied Syria & Lebanon from 1918 to 1946 after driving the out the Turks who had occupied & abused Syria over 300 brutal years. Divide & conquer was a technique well developed by the Ottoman Turks to control their subjects. The occupation of Syria & Lebanon was a short blip in the lengthy historyu of this ancient land.
@Eric US was ignoring Osama for years in 90s relying on your comment and i am sure you saw the results with your own eyes.
Agree with Quigley, Marine5484 & j.von hettlingen, the US shall stay out of other nations' internal issues if they do not affect interest of the US. If French colonized Syria in the past and thus made contributions to mess in the nation, let the French colonialist pigs contribute in cleaning the mess. Let French take out al Assad as any covert military operation by the US against a foreign leader is against laws of the US. I have never figured how that works. Frenchs should be ok with assassination of al Assad. Removing the head and triggering a power struggle among the privilaged Alawites would give a better chance to the opposition. That would be cheaper and better than a full blown military intervention. For al Assad, death is better than facing charges of treason, mess murders, starting a civil war, corruptions and so on. Plus, he can spare himself from sinning more and save Syrian tax revenue.
I find j. von hettlingen's statement disturbing. It sounds like a justification of colonialism. Maybe Syria should colonized Germany, Austria or Holland wherever von hettingen came from and brutally oppress the ruled to maintain peaceful order someday. How would you like that, von hettingen?
We fight wars to be safe ! A democratic world is a safe world !! If we don't fight tyranny and help democracy we'll never be safe and we will have to fight later for our safety !! We are in a position of greatness power and moral , it's our GODLY duty to intervene and stop those atrocities and bring about democracy and JUSTICE !!
@abe Well Said
@abe, you sound just like the Muslim extemists, saying something is our Godly duty. Trying to convince people to kill in name of your god is makes you a jihadist.
abe,
Please note we are not a democracy and that we've never been a democracy. It is not our responsibility to sort things out for Syria via boots on the ground, and attempting to do so would endanger our relationships with the two other most powerful nations in the world. We can play by politics and talk, but definitely not violence as this is absolutely none of our business. We saved Syria from Israel some time ago by convincing the Isrealis not to continue their assualt, and we should do so now by convincing Asaad of similar action. Cheers.
NO NO NO.... EXACTLY.. This people gonna turn around and hate us, after spending so much money & our soldiers blood + sweat. As with every democracy in middle-east, it will turn into next IRAN. It would be matter of years and Islamist fundamentalist take over democracy. SO STAY OUT.... NOT OUR BUSINESS. AT LEAST, ITS NOT US KILLING THEM. THEY ARE KILLING EACH OTHER. STAY OUT.
lol. i hate the fact you are right, Tejas
I'm a Saudi and if what's happening in Syria happened here in Saudi arabia I would wish for the Devil "himself" intervention if needed. And you may be right about "those people gonna turn around and hate us" if I were an American i would think the same thing I think, and just enjoy being an American
I don't know about Syrian people. But I know Saudi People, few will stand this position (turn around and hate you), few will beg for your intervintion, many MANY will stay neutral.
And Richard, Please dont say that ↓↓
"WE WILL NEVER WIN THEIR LOVE OR APPRECIATION"
@Abe
It is NOT our duty or obligation to stick our noses into other nations problems. It is our duty to take care of our OWN children!
Totally Agree. You just wrote what I was thinking.
They can't even get out of Afganistan lol. No matter how hard they try. Its the crazy managment lol.
We are the only one you want doing this. You are basically saying let the France act like America, and America act like France. That's just a bad Idea. As to whether invading Syria is a good idea, It's all a question of money as far as I'm concerned. The middle east has shown no real ability or desire to stand up and contribute to the World, and it's seems unlikely we would see a return on our investment. As soon as we left they would just backslide to religious barbarism. So I say no. But your idea is just silly. The French economy is worse than ours, and they haven't spent decades investing in there military, sending them into a middle east hot zone could result in WW3.
The more Arabs that get killed the better off the world is. Keep it up and kick it up a notch!
There is no such thing as a neo-con. Get a brain, please.
Obama's Afghan Troop deaths are more than double Dubya's.
Obama is war criminal too - no European Vacations for him when he retires - the Swiss or Swedes will arrest him
** booskooo
There is no such thing as a neo-con. Get a brain, please.
-------------------------
Sorry boobrain,
Neo-conservative such as George Dubya Bush.
Try google, an education is your friend.
Agreed, this is not the job of the United States to intervene in every country around the world. As an American, I am tired of paying with American lives and American dollars to defend these other countries. Let Europe take care of this problem, or better yet, the arab league. No more intervention unless war is declared by congress, and if war is declared, win in days and take no prisoners.
I think hillary should take a rifle and head over herself.
Great point.
Yes, Assad is a murderous tyrant who deserves to be strung up to the nearest light pole. But, let his own people do it. The fact that they despise him does nothing to change the fact that they do not share any of our values, and will start dancing in the streets if they can see Americans dying. Until we can be assured that they (the opposition, and the people of Syria) will not support Islamic terrorism in any way, shape or form, we should not even consider sacrificing the lives of any of our young men and women on their behalf.
Seems to me there are four choices – jump into another war, sit on the sidelines and do nothing, arm the resistance, or stop Russia and China. Morally sitting on the sidelines should not be an option. Jumping in or arming the resistance without addressing Russian and China are both futile. So why don't we continue to press them to change what they are doing?
US needs to know to when to stay outta other COUNTRIES business.
Sorry, the World is a crowded place and humans are the only species that don't weed out the weak. Let them kill each other.Sad to say, but, if they can't get along, if they can't take care of themselves, then what happens to them, happens. Next...
by the all means why we should give a damn about what is hapening in Syria??
in a nutshell, the cause of this whole fuss in the middle east was caused by the Sykes – picot agreement signed in 1916 to split the colonies of the Ottoman Empire after WWI and the Balfour declaration of 1917to create Israel on Palestinian soil. in other words, let the French & British clean up their mess although it been almost a century when they screwed up a whole region!
khaled is blaming the west and israel . How typical – no personal responsiblity for anything. This conflict happens for the same reason why all violence hapens in the region – hate and intolernce and complete disregard for the rights of minorities. When sunni are in power they walk all over shia, when shia get the upper hand they persecute sunni, all treat christians and jews and second class citizens and no one is willing to share power. But just blame the west and stay blind to your own defects – you just making sure nothing will ever change.
Nothing. It's a religious war that's been going on since the death of Mohammed. The period of 1919-1950 was equally horrible as the slaughter of Sunnis (Muslim Brotherhood) by this Assad's father. This is an Arabic War between Sunni's and Shi'ites and their sects. Stay out. For more go to http://www.where-eagles-soar.com Click on DDBlog
Look,it is of the US interest to make sure that syria of the future is a friendly country not a foe and the later the us intervenes the more we alinate the people of the muslim world who are a majority suni muslims and they will be victorious at the end.
Ron is exactly right, this is a delicate and difficult situation. To answer Quigley and the marine's question, France cannot act without approval from the U.N. That being said China and Russia see this is a domestic situation in which they believe outside sources do not need intervene. With China and Russia being against intervention, and considering their positions on the security council, the U.N. will never be able to pass any military actions in Syria. As Ron said the United States has been quite unsuccessful in many of the recent wars. I think that strict sanctions are the way to go, and that we need to starve the al-Assad regime. America is just ending a war, we do not need to be starting another.
We cannot stay out because Syria has huge Chemical weapons, al Qaeda will get chemical weapons to use these weapons against the U.S. Do you want another 9 11 by chemical weapons ? "1 million " Americans will die . Wake up .
Unfortunately, if we don't do it no one will.
It would be smart to take interest in syria war. First reason is the people lives its 2012 . U.S citizens dont care because there not seeing the kids brains leaking out all over his mother then the mother gets her head cut off. Sad to say we u.s think we are any better.. Too worry about our kids and have more stuff for them to be boiled little brats. Secondly it be a good idea because we would block russia and china from the mediterranean sea which allows us to control that side of europe . if we could stick a few nuclear weapons in and around syria we could actally have china in russia land locked in. don't forget we owe china trillions upon trillions of dollars! if we don't pay it, always use syria as a ace in the hole
After the overthrow of Iraq and Libya, everybody in the world should be perfectly clear: If you kill a zookeeper and turn loose all of his animals, it doesn't turn out positive for the animals, the zoo, or the neighborhood around the zoo.
Syrian situation is quite different than any other nation in the Arab World. They are not only a country by themselves but have the full support of other militant groups in the area including that of the Hizbollah and advisory support from both China and Russia. A military intervention in Syria would be a quagmire of immense proportion that the US can reel out from. A great miscalculation of the US media about Syria so far...
The US MUST intervene. If not us, then who??? This is like the Nazis and what they were doing-and the world not intervening when it should have. This would be an easy military mission for the United States..... if we can not take on a bloody dictator like Assad, then what hope do we have against Red China?
You must be a stay-home mom who goes on daily play-dates and ice-cream outings with your children. Amirite?
The US isn't god. It's not upto you to intervene and decide what's right or wrong. By involving yourselves, you're not solving anything. It will result only in needless deaths of your soldiers and even more Syrian civilians.
Creating another war is not the answer to the Syrian question.
But intervening will cause another war, with both sides aided by so called super powers.
So morally, sitting out could seem like the better option.
Taking out Assad would not be a problem. The difficulty, as in Afghanistan and Iraq, would be establishing a stable government to replace the current regime.
This is a civil war. We have no more right to interfer in their country than tehy would have to interfer in ours
Rob - I don't see how this is similar to WWII. We were attacked - and at that point realized that it was only a matter of time before the Axis would further instigate the U.S. With Syria being "close" with Iran, I think any act on the part of the U.S. and other allies would result in a firestorm. Just speculating but, I suspect there would be involvement from other counties to help Syria - and then there'd be a full blown war. However, I wish the U.N. could do something but, am not holding my breath.
Dear Americans, your government prevent some countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia to send weapons like anti-aircraft and anti-tanks. This is not the American political morality. We are not asking you to intervene militarily. We want from your government to allow other countries to send weapons to the rebels Syrians to defend themselves. Assad regime kills innocent people and children without mercy by tanks and Military aircraft, and your government to prevent other countries from sending arms to the rebels. What does this mean? Your government involved in genocide in Syria. We can rid of the Assad regime if we get anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles. Tell you that this is enough. Participate your government to kill us. Please stop this scam . I repeat , Please stop this scam .
we should help the people being killed . Like we did in Libya . bomb the army and assad until they have nothing left. kill and run them out of the country. then find them and kill them like they did in Libya. What will it say about the united states if we are seen to be bigger wimps then the french.
I'm not saying you're wrong and that someone else shouldn't do it, I'm just saying that we could do it, and the reasons not to do it aren't worth it when I put my kids faces on the dead bodies in those videos. At any rate something will have to be done soon... and if France doesn't do it... we'd better. I don't have a problem leading from the front on this one.
Screw the French, lets invade them and Syria and bring it in for the big win huh!
You are SO right. We need to leave them to their own conflicts! EVERYWHERE!
How is this different than Bosnia? US itervened there...
Nope, Think the US of A should stay out of this one, and let them slaughter each other. Maybe a few more muslim on muslim slaughters will make them think twice before bashing democracy and telling us their way of life is sooo perfect. Also not to keen on WW3 coming otu of this over a bunch of filthy binders who start a war but cant finish it on their own. You made your bed, now sleep in it!
Not our business, not our problem. A sovereign government is fighting off a rebellion that poses an existential threat. It is well within their rights to put down the rebellion using any means necessary. However distasteful those means may be to observers.
How can a dictatorship that maintains its power solely by force and repression have a "right" to do anything? Assad is "President" because his dictator daddy handed him the country as if it were a new car.
As the government in power, Assad may be ABLE to do these things, but he has no "right" to be in power in the first place.
SPB: Who are you to say how power is given in another sovereign nation? Did any country interfere in the rebellion that the founding fathers of this nation created? Does the US has to intervene every single time a population has a problem with its government? If the answers to all those are yes, all it does is create a view that America is a Nation builder.
Well said Brett.
And let's pretend for a moment that you think we should intervene. Which side do we aide?
1) The current government that is capable of killing women and children or
2) The Islamic replacement goverment (see Iraq and Lybia) which is just as capable but hates everything USA.
Which side do you really want to be on in that fight?
Did I say a word about whether the US should intervene? My issue is with the notion that Assad's government has a RIGHT to preserve itself in the face of a rebellion.
To quote someone far smarter than you – Dennis the Peasant: "Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony." If the masses in Syria don't think Assad has a legitimate claim to power, who are YOU to say no?
Well according to your definition, in 1864 the southern states determined that Abraham Lincoln had no right to be in power.
Last I checked that Lincoln was a smart man.
Dennis was smarter than Lincoln, and lived 1000 years earlier, to boot.
while you're out to string up the bad guys,throw the white house in there too-take them all and throw them in guantanamo for worldwide terrorism-then it will all be even
The US GOP held Congress is just such a power. They maintain their power through the use of the (un)Patriot Act and hold this country hostage through the use of force, terrorists actions and repression. If we can do it, anyone else in the world can do it. Personally, I think that we should lay waste to the land as an example to the rest of these 2 bit creeps who have been led to think their their tiny bits of tribal acreage are more important than it actually is.
There are still some monarchies lef: I am looking forward to see US going around destroying each and every one of them! Just rush in with guns blasing! That's the way to go USA! USA! USA!...
That will be precious!
It's rather silly to speak of what "right" anyone has to do anything. You have a right to do anything you can do in defiance of anyone who wants to stop you. That is the only meaningful definition of "right".
actually Brett the French intervened in the American Revolution. French money and naval blockade at Yorktown were key, not to mention the French threat of taking the caribbean from the British (which were far more lucrative than the US colonies) forced the British to move about 10,000 soldiers out of the US and down to the islands. Considering the British at their peak had about 30,000 soldiers in the US, moving a third of them was no small thing. So yes, we were helped. Still not sure I want to go into Syria.
People are missing the point, its not whether we should intervene, its whether we can. Where exactly will the troops come from? The Marines and Army are currently slashing men. I was in the Marines and I get a newsletter from them. The Marines are currently offering early retirement with full benefits. They are dropping to below 200,000. Army is similar. It is extremely difficult to even enlist now. We are slashing men, slashing the budget and yet people are talking about starting up a new war? How absurd. Liberals may hate this but this is why you really cant cut defense spending. You cant order up an aircraft carrier or a Marine infantry battalion like you do a pizza. Rumsfeld's quote about fighting with the war with the military you have was largely panned but was dead on. You're cutting Marine battalions yet looking to pick more fights. How idiotic can you be? The US needs to maintain a military that can respond to 2-3 emergencies/wars at a time. Expensive yes, but cheaper than having to retrain/rebuild in every crisis.
Good point. Germany and France provided the "terrorists" with troops and weapons, When the massacre ended, the colonial terrorists became known as "Patriots" although only 1 colonist in 10 supported the revolt. The winners of any revolt get to write the history of the event and turn themselves into the "good" guys.
*** Brett
SPB: Who are you to say how power is given in another sovereign nation? Did any country interfere in the rebellion that the founding fathers of this nation created?
Yes The French and the Germans.
Idiot.
I AGREE WITH YOU STAY OUT OF SYRIA
Does inaction not violate our very values that has brought us to this great state through mass cooperation.
Complacency defies the very horrors others endure, as this does not bring us peace. How can we bear denying thankless sacrifice that only we know too well as innocent women and children are killed in droves daily.
We are the authors of give us freedom or give us death. How can we deprive others of this great liberty. How can we not extend compassion and respect human value against yet another barbaric regime. We are not animals to passively neglect their plight.
There is no place for tyranny, lest it expand to threaten our shores. Gallant and steadfast, the best decisions take time as we encompass evil on many fronts.
God forgive me, as it is with great reluctance I feel we must continue assisting our fellow man, our families, and our selves until we evolve to such a state that wars are deemed barbaric and prehistoric.Until then, we must continue to lead the way by policing towards resolve and make our cause inarguable to those who may oppose it.
Dimtrakis from Canada:
I agree with you but I would like to point out that Canada is not rushing to Syria to "save" the women and children that are being murdered there. While the USA has a moral obligation to stamp out tyranny wherever it rears it's ugly head, countries like Canada, Britain and France seem to sit on their laurels while Americans sacrifice their young policing the world. Other NATIONS need to take the ball and run with it and allow the US to heal its own wounds and stamp out the terrorist policies of those who control our own Congress. Continuous war has eroded the very rights we were founded on. We need to get our own house in order.
Les, you are an idiot. Canada has been sending its people to die right along Americans in Afghanistan. We have a population of just 10 mil., yet everytime you yanks start some war we get called to back you up. 158 dead so far in Afghanistan, which is the 3rd most behind the US and the UK. We ALSO televise our dead being repatriated when they are flown back home. We were also the ones flying the bombers over Libya. Before you open your yap check into your facts. Ignorance is NOT bliss, its just ignorance.
Howie is 100% correct. How did the U.S. Government look to observers during our own civil war..
Well said Howie. We need to fix problems at home before we start taking on an other Arab country. Recent Failures of the USA post WWII; Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan and Im sure many more.
Sorry Howie, when it affects the ability of the World economy to grow and develop it is "our" business. No pun intended. People love to complain about the lose of jobs, but don't understand that the hard work of developing them sometimes means using the military.
we would intervene for oil
It is amazing how cold and heart-less people are. Fareed, you too..... grow a heart. There are innocent women and children being butchered every day. There is a bloody dictator who is training the modern killing machine of modern weapons on his own people. The civilians are helpless.
We should do nothing. We have enough problems to deal with. Stop grabbings seconds when you havent finished what's already on your plate.
grabbing*
We can easily do in Syria what we did in Libya. The innocent babies and children who are being killed need our help.
"Those with great power have great responsibility." I think the U.S. should only intervene if we truly believe we can save lives and make a democracy. There are many risks but also you have to wonder what the right thing to do is.
If this was in Africa, would we care? Mali is in civil war, yet there is little talk of military interventionism there. We have
I don't think America should play regional favorites especially with the terrible PR America gets for drone strikes and puppetry in the Middle East.
"Save Lives"? Are you serious? You think the U.S. really gives a crap about some folks over in Syria? C'mon man. You buy all that save lives and free people stuff. The U.S. would have gone in already if there was Godless amounts of oil to grab or other natural resources it could plunder. That's it, that's all buddy. Don't believe the hype. "Save lives". Ha, its about saving buck and making a buck. We are not the world police. We have our own problems and our economy is shaky at best.
If its going to start WWIII, then yes we should intervene otherwise deal with civil war like everyone else has. Life's tough so why should we be the ones to fix it all.
If America gets involved in Syria, the first problem we have is that
military base the Russians have on Syrian soil.
Should we take out that base and start a war with Russia ?
Hey, you mentioned WW3.
Idiot.
Not my concern in the least.....Let the Ragheads and Camel Jockeys (Including Israel) go ahead and war and kill themselves until there is no one left to worry about.....like I said not my concern in the least.
100% agreed!
I for one am not concerned about how the world sees America if we do not intervene in Syria because we have some house cleaning to do on our own. Quite frankly, what is the point of cleaning up someone else’s house when we have our own mess to contend with? Let’s get our own house in order first and then focus our efforts to help others elsewhere.
Well put, momo0828. If the Washington bureaucrats are so worried about what's happening in Syria, then let France intervene instead of us for a change!
The only thing France knows howto do is surrender.
Gregg,
don't be silly. They also know how to retreat like nobody's business.
I D I O T
----
Gregg
The only thing France knows howto do is surrender.
-----------------------------------------
Napoleon went all the way to Moscow before being pushed back and then defeated at Waterloo.
They did not surrender.
France fought Germany to a bloody standstill during WW1.
They did not surrender.
After WW1, so many young frenchmen had died during the war almost a whole generation of
men whiped out. Hard to replenish an army without bodies.
The french surrendered to the Germans during WW2 to keep
nazi troops from burning Paris to the ground.
So have a little respect for the French,
they helped us win our battle of independence from Brittain.
The US needs to step in and supply arms to the rebels. Also send in advisers to help them learn to fight. If theres ever been a good reason to fight for democracy...this is one of them.
Her goes another ignorant fool calling for U.S. intervention in Syria. Can't these people think?
If im the ignorant fool, then you must be a monkey's uncle. Im in the military and I say this is a cause worth fighting for. I actually fight for a living...what do you do?
You got me, I am just a monkey who knows how to type.
But you, haha!..stop lying..you are no soldier Mr Couch Potato.
The US is not the world's police and the so-called rebels are hardly the good guys, but rather thinly disguised terrorists and radical Islamic extremists.
These "rebels" are the sames ones that passed arms and explosives into Iraq which killed many of our soldiers. If you talk to anyone in the know, they'll tell you the Syrian border was reknowned for arming the bad guys in Iraq.
They choose their side. Now they are begging for our help.
Terrorist!!!!! Hardly!!! You are an idiot if you think people who fight for a just cause is a terrorist. Were we terrorists during the revolutionary war? In some perspectives yes we were. But we fought for a cause that we thought was right. We did not wanted a fair government. We got killed during our Semi-peaceful protests. These Rebels are fighting for the same cause. We can not just sit idle while innocent people get slaughtered. Military intervention was needed for a long time
Sorry meant to say we wanted a fair government. They are asking for help. Why would we turn our backs on people who are getting slaughtered senselessly.
I agree. The younger people who blogged on here with bleeding hearts about those who are just fighting for their freedom don't know much about our history of trying to help Arab so-called freedom fighters. Some are likely sincerely seeking a more democratic form of government with more individual freedom, but they don't have much backing while radical leaders among them have always prevailed and just want power. They need to read about how we "helped" Iran and the Shah to get a real idea of what happens when the U.S. and other "Western" countries get involved in their internal wars and politics.
Problem is...look at how "democratic" those other so called "Arab Spring" countries have become. Assad is awful, but do we want to roll up our sleeves to push him off the top and watch it slip into one of the many harsh religious theocracies in the region?
thank you.
Well said. These countries are not ready for democracy, the people are not ready. Even if this Assad goes, one more will take place of him. Not a single country in so-called Arab Spring proved to be different. The leader reflects the people. The oppressed call for oppression. It will be long way to go for the Arab people before anything positive happen in the region.
I can't think of anything in Syria worth a single American life. Not even their oil.
Thanks Thomas.You prove you care about humanity!!!!
They don't have oil.
I care more about American humanity. And I am not ashamed about it.
Lemme ask you a question. Are YOU willing to sacrifice YOUR life for Syria? Or do you just want to sacrifice some nameless, faceless poor military member?
It is easy to sacriface someelse for your ideals. But are you willing to sacriface yourself for your ideals?
I respect that you are in the military, but that doesn't mean you are an authority on anything, now does it? Your political views hold no more weight than mine here, in this arena of CNN forums. I pay taxes, therefore your check. The U.S. is going to send itself to the poor house trying to fight all these wars. We have probably fought way too many wars over the last 10 years and folks are still screaming for more bloodshed. Let those people figure out their problems themselves. The military there are members of the country too, when they decide that Assad is being a completed a-shole, they will turn the tables and remove him from power. We have to stop applying our might just because we have the ability to.
That's brilliant. Let supply weapons to the rebels again. And the last time we did that, we were attacked on our homeland by the same group of rebels for the first time since Pearl Harbor. People think we can save the world. We can save ourselves, and anyone else is a morality bonus.
The Saudi's need to arm the rebels.
If you are in the military, how is it that you know
nothing about that Russian military base on Syrian soil ?
You wanna go start WW3 fighting the Russians ?
Idit.
PS : Cute little come back about you working for a living like the other poster doesnt have a job,
Only Republican morons say things like that.
Are you six or seven years old ?
Although I don't agree with doing nothing, Syria is not our problem. The Arab world can help Syria out if they are allies. The thing is, Assad's dad had an uprising like this and used military force and kept power, it's very likely that it will end the same way.
Russia will handle. In order to hold on to any type of economic or political influence Russia currently has, they will ask Assad to step down, rent him a condo in Russia, and keep the structural integrity of the basic Syrian govt in place.
Yes, and kiss your backside! Do not hold your breath or you suffocate!
Russia has already achieved what it intended to achieve there: flaged its independent and honest position. All it needs now is to maintain it. So do not expect it suddenly to change its course and do what you want just to please you: unlikely to happen Dreamer!
In my opinion US has no business to physically intervene in the Syrian crisis. All the peace loving nations must condemn and resist any such action by the US.
NO it should not.
Didn't we say after the holocaust never again? Didn't we say after Darfur never again? Yes, Syria is thousands of miles away but at the end of the day, they are people. If you saw somebody getting murdered across your street, wouldn't you try and help them out. Though we are not heavily involved with Syria, a life is extremely valuable and important. It is very tricky whether the US should supply the rebels. I am surprised the President has not really said much about this situation. It is very disheartening.
The USA has been turning a blind eye to injustices and the suffering and deaths of innocents for decades and continues to do so all over the world when it suits our own selfish nationalistic goals. The USA has supported more repressive regimes and dictatorships than any other country on the planet, and continues to do so today in with its support of Israel's occupation of Palestine, its support of the Saudi regime and its support of Bahrain's king Khalifa etc, so the best thing that could happen for world peace is for the US to mind its own damn business.
Palestine is occupying Israel. Do some research beyond Yaser Arafat's time. He told a lie so many times it became the truth now people who don't research believe the lie. Israel own's less than 1% of the land in the middle east and the Arabs can't stand it so they spread a lie so many times so loudly it became the truth. Even the Koran says that Israel is the Jewish homeland not that the koran is a legitimate source for anything but the ramblings of a 7th century warlord. The Arabs tend to forget their own book when it comes to the rights of Israel to exist.
Israel does not occupy Palestine.
You are a fool.
The US never said ( never again) after WWII was over. The Jews said it to indicate they wouldn`t allow the Holocaust to happen again. The internal affairs of nations, though hurtful and vile they may be are not the business of the US. Enough lives have been sacrificed for others who don`t appreciate it or thank the US for it. Agree that some conflicts were arrived at for the wrong reasons, but the US cannot afford interventions everywhere, just to support populations in trouble. Let the Arabs in Syria and the Arab League solve Arab problems. They don`t need Western powers to dictate to them how to treat their own population.
The President is worried about his Election. The people of America is okay with finishing what is going on in Afghanistan, however not truly ready to support another war effort in another country that isn't worth the time or resources.
President Obama doesnt want any more Americans coming home in body bags.
You been eating Republican chocolate.
I second Josephs statement. I hope we spend less money overseas and more at home. All the money we have spent on the Arab nations we could of rebuilt the infrastructure of the US. I dont know if thats true but it surely would of helped.
Last week 49 babies and children were stabbed, shot, and executed. THAT is MY only problem w/ the Syria issue!!! I could care less about their politics. But when families, such as that 11 year old boy's who faked dead and survived to tell his story, are executed BY the Government then the leader is responsible and needs to go!
People keep talking about "terrorists", I don't think those 40 babies and children were terrorists!!! They were INNOCENT defenseless babies, one with a pacifier STILL in it's mouth when shot :'(
You are correct. From the government's point of view, they have prevented the children from becoming the opposition and have stopped the breeders from making more. Vile? Yes. But the taking of those lives is no more reprehensible than murdering the elderly and others that are unable to fight back. The real issue is the killing of anyone what ever their gender or age. It's all the same.
Derek,
Do you scream this loud when Hamas fires rockets at Israeli school children ?
Wrong. With the population of the earth destined to reach close to 9,000,000,000 over the next few years, the loss of a single human life is insignificant.
If only Syria was not running out of oil...perhaps the west would already be intervening militarily. Syria's needs play second fiddle to those of Russia and China, both of whom do not want western powers involved in what they consider their own sphere of influence. It's just like in Vietnam at the end of WW2. Ho Chi Minh asked the United states to be his his ally and new found friend in Vietnam. The USA did not want to "upset" France by uprooting a French colony and politely told Ho Chi Minh "sorry". That decision eventually resulted in 58,000 American deaths. Only time will tell how many people will die in Syria.
The US should have not meddled in the affairs of Syria in the first place and certainly should not even be considering further aiding the so-called rebels unless it wants to see the bloodshed increase ten fold or more. Sadly the only countries demonstrating any common sense in regards to Syria are Russia and China, while the Obama administration continues on with its reckless and dangerous foreign policy of destabilizing countries in the ME.
CORRECTION: The Obama administration continues to wrestle with the aftermath of the Bush administration's reckless and dangerous foreign policy of destabilizing countries in the ME while dealing with a rogue GOP Congress.
The US must intervene in Syria. Unfortunately, US foreign policy has been hijacked by the zionists who want the criminal syrian regime to stay for the benrfit of Israel. So, it is not only the syrians who need freedom, but the US too.
Your approach is rather simplistic. The situation is a lot more complex. Russia and China have definitive interests in Syira. You would risk an escalation of a local conflict to a regional or perhaps even larger? A lot of American boys would really appreciate your opinion just before they die.
John, what's your arab name?
I've never heard anyone named John use the word "zionist".
lolz
Syria has attacked Israel three times, and you think that Israel wants to keep the
current Syrian regime in place ?
You are NUTS.
We need to stop supporting the rebel Al Qaeda thugs and tell them to join the democratic process in Syria, like the rest of Syrians. The rebels think that by blowing up buildings and terrorizing the population they can win, but they are sadly mistaken, Whatever support they once enjoyed is vaporizing quickly.
There are lots of unanswered questions regarding Syria ? Overthrowing the regime is not only the solution that west seeks. Who will take charge of the country if Assad steps down? Are there any way out if Assad decides to step down? How to deal with the sectarian violence? Are there any chances the revolution will unite all the ethnic minorities? Why are west so much concerned about Syria when the same happened in Bahrain last year and was left alone? The innocent protestors were shot dead in the streets and beaten to death but those revolutions were unseen by west and forgotten by the world. It’s time to raise the question on UN. Do they stand for all or just to serve few countries? Are they concerned to liberate the Syrian people or its fight to regain the control of the region? It’s seems a tug of war between Russia , China at one end and America , Europe at other. But lessons should be learned from Iraq , Egypt , Libya , Afghanistan that war is not only the solution. These countries should act above their political interest to breed the new freedom to Syrian people. But will they????
Not our problem, time to recoup from two wars. Some how we always find a reason to go to war. Syria is not threatening us,
let the Europeans and Turkey handle this one.
Didn't Fareed Zakaria advise against intervention in a recent op-ed?
If you ask me, the matter is settled at that point.
Don't you just love it when people speak about our MORAL COMPASS and want to intervene everywhere. Let the Anderson Coopers and war mongers go to Syria along with their children, their brothers, and cousins. Stop asking Americans to Bleed for others when we have problems here that need solving. We have Narco terrorists next door. We have roads and bridges that need restoring, have fires to fight and no money to take care of our own internal problems.
Yet we have those in Congress and outside who lust for us to have our children Bleed for people who would not Bleed for us. How many of these war mongering people have children in the Military? Does Romney? Does Bush? How about
Cheneys kids. These People wave the Flag and frown but say but "Not My Kids. The truth is that military action only helps Lockheed, General Dynamics, Boeing and every Military Supplier and Contractor. Those are the businesses that support and finance the War Mongers who are their willing surrogates. With our soldiers serving multiple tours in harms way it seems clear that we should make military service mandatory. Then of course the lust for war and military intervention would cease. Then it would be them and their kids.
Ausgezeichnet!
We should do nothing at all.
The US, with as many partners as possible, should demand that the opposition agree that the coalition can go in and take over Syria and hold it in trust for the people of Syria until they are ready for self-government.
If such an agreement is reached with enough of the opposition, do it. If there is no such agreement, let them kill each other and sink further and further into death and ararchy.
My opinion is to let the Arab League deal with this.
> the Arab League represents regional interests and are most knowledgeable about the Syrian personalities, politics, and issues
> the U.S. has notoriously backed the wrong replacement governments in the past
> the U.S. will be blamed for all that goes wrong, and will unnecessarily build resentment against us by our intervention
> the U.S. does not have the money to pour into this, while the Arab League does
> the Arab League is best positioned to negotiate a resolution of the conflict
> if necessary, the Arab League can formally request additional assistance from the West, allowing us to respond "indirectly" to the Syrian conflict
> Syria does not represent an immediate or direct threat to us
What Arab League? They are just as useless as the UN. They can't even get along together let alone make intelligent decisions. lol
But I agree that the U.S. should let it ride out. Focus more on Iran ... which IS the main culprit here is disguise. Trust me.
US never cared about syrian ppl, and even if US step in its not to save the ppl, its to put puppet gov't so they can control the country.... its all propaganda and politics....
US simply want a regime change and nothing else... US started the protest and fueled this revolt for their own benefit at the cost of syrian ppl's life, so that they can easily take on Iran for israel...
Bomb Assad already. But if we do, we MUST secure the Iraqui & Lebanese borders, because that's where Assad is getting his terrorists from: Southern Lebanon & Iraq/Iran. They are the ones committing all the massacres and kidnapping children. Democracy is the way to go, down with Iranian islamists!!!
***kidnapping children ?
going in syria is not worth it and those rebelas are terrorists who are actually doing the massacre and blaming on the government. this is what happened to lybia and we know where it ended to this day. support the terrorist rebels and regret later. let syria deal with this and at the most the arab league. this league is so useless and full of hatred amongst themselves that they cant even help each other. why is it that the usa sells billions of weapons to the arab league countries but they cant do nothing without the help of western countries especially the usa???? let them deal with it. fix your country cus those arabs dont really care for you.
Yup,
I am going to kill my brother, his wife, and thier children, so i can blame it on the government.
Another idiot.
For the love of god, INTERVENE now and save the babies of Syria
Take me Home, I would like you to sign up for the military today and go to war in Syria. You may never see your loved ones again and may die a gruesome death but that is what you are saying. I have a brother in the military and I can't understand how our people want our men and women to shed blood for everybody else. Didn't they sign up to protect America? It was not to protect Syria.
You need to tell that to the French, Take me Home. It's their place to intervene like I said before, not ours!
For the love of god, INTERVENE now and have more Americans get killed.
Take me home,
Why doesn't your god just miracle the Syrians into peace? Since evidently your god is not taking action, wouldn't intervention be going against your god's wishes?
Just trying to understand this god thing.
We say that we are fighting for freedom to justify the wars in the Middle East, yet we are incapable of helping the rebels to overthrow the regime? Let us show that we will not only fight for oil but that we will fight for freedom.
Very, very naive statement. That kind of thinking is what led your country into two unwinnable wars, and propped up extremist governments in other middle eastern countries, who now openly hate the US.
No doubt – the US goes in with good intentions and then ends up managing a mess. This has happened so many times – and the root cause is a misunderstanding of what is the right form of goverment for a country. Democrazy (intentional miss spelling) isn't right for every country. You need a population that is educated and tolerant. All democracies struggle with those two items – and "mob rules" is only productive when the mob is educated and tolerant of those outside the mob. If you think a country is ready for "mob rules" then great – but is Syria really ready to be that? Is Lybia? Egypt? Iraq we already know was not ready. Iran? China? I thin China will be ready in about ten years – but right now democrazy would split them into chaos. Russia? I thnk Russia was ready for democracy but not capitalism. They are getting better at it and they pass the basic test of an educated and tolerant population (on average). I don't think Syria is ready so If the US intervenes you end up with another Iraq and everyone crying about us invading after the fact again....
Dom
I never expected something sensible from an American.Are you an American.
We are bad when we intervene and we are bad when we dont intervene, lets take the lesser of two and save our people.
Best thing for the US to do is stay out and get Russia to stay out too. Eventually the middle east is going to split into a big war – with Saudi Arabia and the other gulf states fighting Syria and Iran. Iraq will ultimatley get divided. The last thing we want is to have Russia and China on the Iran/Syria side and the West getting pulled in on the other side. If we make an agreement now with Russia and China to stay out then perhaps when the big war begins we can all stay out of it other than selling arms. This way we make money off the coming war but we don't spill blood or harm relations with China and Russia beyond the normal "show" for the public.
Sorry, we only start wars for profit.
You seem to be assuming that these rebels are good people.
The enemy of my enemy may be my enemy.
The difference between men today and men of the last century is that the former were willing to step forward with pride and sacrifice their lives as soldiers to prevent the deaths of women and children and the latter don't care. A couple of drones dropping well placed bombs would tell Syria we don't like their slaughter.
Let's just let the French do that notatall, not us. They too have drones or they can purchase them from us!
Of course for most of the last century we had the draft so the men really did not have much of a choice.
As a retired service member I find your comment somewhat offensive. The young men and women of today's military are every bit as dedicated as there predecesors. As mentioned below, then there was a draft, now every servicemember is a volunteer. Second, today's servicemember is better educated and more worldly aware then the predecesors, so they tend to rightfully ask more frequently what is the purpose of their sacrifice. I have and would lead any of them to battle anywhere, anytime. While I despise what is happening in Syria, it's not in our interest to intervene, in fact it is dramatically against our interest. We modern day servicemember's are intelligent enough to learn from our recent history and know what both the cost and likely outcome of intervention would be, and it is not worth the cost. Let our government help with consultation, negotiation, even with sending funds, but no boots on the ground. You must understand your enemy, we are being pulled into this so our enemies can continue a Jihad against us in the country they know best and because they could never bring the fight directly to us otherwise like the sucker punch they threw on 9-11. We need to prepare our selves for the future, rebuild our infrastructure, educate our children, rebuild our economy in order to save ourselves and be prepared for any future crisis that pose a threat to our own country. It will soon be a reality that this country could be taken from us for our debt without firing a shot. Let's save OUR children and OUR grandchildren first and foremost. Ponder this – what happens when the Policeman of the World dies?
I agree with you. But Isn't the greater question WHY would our milk toast politicians who don't raise their children to fight in Foreign Wars want to shed our soldiers Blood and spend our money for Syria when we have so many problems here? Doesn't it defy logic? We have children that are homeless here in America. We have narco terrorists in a corrupt an ineffectual government poisoning our country while killing and mutilating 10s of thousands of people just across our porous border.
Why not solve some of our peoples' problems before concerning ourselves with Syria? People generally solve their own problems and are stronger for it. We must stop fighting wars for Oil, military Industry and Israel.
Those beating war drums should be the ones going to fight along with their children. Over 95% of the people in our Government along with those seeking to be have never heard a shot fired in Anger, never saw a friend die in combat and never even ventured to put on the uniform which they are so anxious to send to be bloodied. I resent the Anderson Coopers, the bleeding hearts and all these muscle flexing pansies who are eager to fight with YOUR life. To espouse this intervention rhetoric at this time while playing political games about Birth Certificates, and obvious injustices and indeed needs of our people remain unaddressed for political purposes is appalling. This vomitous crud called Congress which consist of PAC owned lackeys must be held to account and every single one replaced.
As a fellow vet, thank you for your service and for a well written post.
E7,
Well said sir, and thank you for your service.
The ongoing tragedy in Syria with all the crimes against humanity that the Assad criminal army and paramilitary units committed with help of Iranian revolutionary guards and lebanese hezebllah will no doubt result in the fall of Assad and his government of thugs. The risk of NOT getting involved far outweighs any risk the west takes by helping the Syrian revolution achieve its aims, faster, with as little blood shed as possible. So far 15000 have been killed, 50000 missing without a trace and 200000+ are imprisoned. This is for sure no "overblown" crisis, it is simply a government willing to kill even babies to cling to power. The West by intervening now will surely be doing the right thing and drawing a line in the sand against three totalitarian regimes, China, Russia, and Iran.
Angie – don't you know that Russia and China are actually doing the US a favor by not allowing intervention? There is no way Obama wants to go into Syria in an election year. No way – remember it is his party that wanted the troops out of Afganistan and Iraq. If he invaded Syria he would be a complete hypocrit. At least Bush thought there was a legit reason to invade Iraq (Saddam killed way more of his own people that Assad has...). Russia and China are resisting and this is good because the US cannot afford another war and this one would be a complete repeat of Iraq. Outside of the public view I am certain Obama is thanking China and Russia for their position...
The Wall street speculators and oil companies would love for the US to get involved. Just think what will happen to the price of oil if we get involved.
Precisely !!! Syria doesn't export much anyway, and will be an excuse for the big oil companies to raise the prices so they can retire with fat bonuses too.
Syria is owned, lock, stock and Barrel, by Russia. Now way in hell in Putin going to stand by and watch one of his last remaining allies in the middle east fall to the west or to the Islamist. No we have two choices as far as I can see. We either support the insurgency with weapons and cash which means we are fighting a war by proxy against Russia. Or we stay the hell out of it.
Let the Saudis do it, unless they want to end up living in Los Angeles with the Iranians from after the Iranian revolution, after the Iranians overthrow them. The former Shah's cronies are living the good life in LA. Anyway, the weather is MUCH nicer in LA, than in Mecca. And booze is legal. The Iranians will still let them do the pilgrim thing to Mecca. Well, maybe?
Let the Arab League live up to THEIR responsibilities.
Whenever we're involved we hit A civilian and are accused of trying to conquer.
Ron isn't too bright. His assesment of our military interventions is third rate at best. No, the US does not need to iron out Syria. Americans do not understand the Arab/Muslim culture. The Arab League, on the other hand does. They need to take care of this conflict. Yeah, if we don't show up for the fight, we can not be blamed for it going badly.
Prediction: Russia values it's Syrian arms sales and naval port too much to let a civil war break out that eventually leads to the whole government collapsing. They will remove Assad, put him up in a nice little pad in Russia, and maintain the Syrian government below Assad. Hence, protecting their interests, or at least giving them the best chance to protect their interests. They have much more to lose than the U.S. does there.
Russia is maneuvering for a deal. Syria for Russia is a "failed-business" venture. The debt that Syria holds for Russia is enormous. And while that may give Russia a political leverage with the current Syrian regime, it is by no means a good investment. Russia is going after are two things: One the Missile shield over Europe, and the blocking of a gas and oil pipeline through the fertile crescent. If both are agreed upon, Russia won't mind if the whole Syrian regime is thrown out.
This thing going on in Syria will not stop till it reaches its conclusion. Its conclusion will be either victory for the revolution and Assad ouster or Assad managing to murder his way into staying in power. Both options will only happen after a very, very long period of time. This could easily take three to four years. By that time, aside from the destruction and deaths in Syria ( which will probably be in the millions) the conflict no doubt would have spread to ALL countries encircling Syria. Yesterday the Israeli leadership stated the following: WIth Assad staying it will be bad enough because he is already weakened to the point of no recovery and he will not control all Syrian territories, the other option will be if Assad is removed from power by the revolutionaries WITHOUT western intervention. So best is to have a control demolition so to speak with an international alliance, both Arabs and Westerners, to pluck out the current regime in Syria and help in the transitioning to democracy. This way it will happen under the guidance of the international community and will shorten the time-period and minimize the blood shed
An America intervention in Syria should be similar to the intervention in Libya of last year and Iraq in first Gulf War. We should get in and get out. No nation building or counterinsurgency. Our primary objective should to undermine Assad apparatus, as long it exist. Assad will continue have his thuggish regime is father created; his state will continue to be in Iranian Orbit with its Shia-minority controlled state. And Assad will continue poisoning the well, whenever he blames the atrocities on “terrorist”, President Assad inviting Al-Qaeda-like groups into his country. President Assad is a threat to our allies in Middle East such as Israel, Jordan, and Turkey. Assad’s Syria is also undermining the entire Middle East Calculus, where there nation was once essential building block to stability in Middle East, it’s now in ruins because of its Internal struggle. The violence is spewing over in Lebanon and I suspect much of the bombings we seen in Iraq since the Arab Spring started had some relationship to the Syrian conflict. We should intervene in Syria. If we do not intervene our foreign policy will become clotted, if we let this conflict and other conflicts build up. We would be confronted with a foreign policy triage.
Isn't there a Muslim counterpart to NATO? The United Arab Emirates Federation Or something??? Why are they letting all the Christian countries take care of the muslim countries??? We spend the money, the muslim fat cats sit back and do nothing... Isn't it time the United Arab Emirates Federation Or Something start dealing with their own. It makes the Muslim fat cats look bad having outsiders take care of buisness which is clearly an inhouse issue.. Take care of your own FIRST!
Well said, Gronk. These Muslim fat cats are the biggest problem these Muslim countries have. They're no different than the current leaders of Europe who sit in their ivory towers awaiting orders from Washington D.C. We need to let these countries in the Middle East sort out their own problems without outside interference, especially from the U.S. and Great Britain!
US should bomb, bomb, bomb and destroy their helicopters and planes. Then arm arm arm the rebels of course setting up the defeat of assad. However, conditions should be set if and when a new government is installed. No al quaida,
no type of terrorist groups allowed and no dehumaningizing of any type. Set the basis and the rest will be easy.
Just who are you to say that we must bomb Syria and kill their people, tutster? And who are you to decide Syria's future? This kind of ignorance makes me sick!
Oh and I suppose the Russians would mind us getting involved at all right?And I'm sure the Chinese won't mind either no chance this thing could ignite world war 3 .Think again!This thing is a nightmare we need to stay out of it.We have to stay focused on Iran they control what happens in Syria.And keep them from getting nuclear weapons if possible.
Involvement in Syria isn't worth starting a potential world war with the Russians or the Chinese PERIOD.
I DON'T FEEL WE SHOULD GET INVOLVED. THE TIME HAS COME FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA TO GET TO WORK CORRECTING OUR COUNTRY'S PROBLEMS. THE ANSWER IS NO STAY OUT OF SYRIA' S PROBLEMS.
If we don't attempt to solve our own problems in the U.S., why and how can we solve other countries problems? That sound like a better way to do things. BUT, Iran is another story that should seriously handled, but not just the U.S., but all nations that want peace in this small world we live in.
The government is already intervening in Syria.
Many good points here on both sides of the ball. Intervening doesn't necessarily mean risking our lives. In Libya a downed US pilot was found, aided and sheltered by a Libyan family until he was evacuated. I never hear Muslim and Arab fearing Americans bring up this very compassionate deed. Intervention can be our satellites and advanced communication and special fueling planes etc..... Helping out the NATO alliance. As for our money being spent.........It already is in many ways. W heather weapons or aid or cash for the opposition to do as they want is and will continue. We all enjoy freedom. Everyone deserves to be able to live without fearing their government. What we do with our freedoms is up to individuals but not having any is a shame.
We need to stop bankrupting the treasury by first clandestinely investing millions and billions through Presidential Findings to destablize regimes, and then to militarily intercede in the conflict we ourselves helped cause through covert means.
It's great business for the military industrial complex, oil companies and banks, but it's destroying the nation to put the financing and fighting on the backs of the average American.
You don't see all this fuss about the women and children our bombs and drones kill almost daily.
We need to learn to apply even standards, no exceptions, no excuses. I'm ashamed of my nation, and I'm not the only American who feels that way.
You are so on the money I'm afraid that maybe 1 out of a million will understand what you just stated. Actually, I think you must have quite the brass pair to spell it out so truthfully. Thanks.
THE US SHOULD NOT BEAR THE BURDEN OF UNILATERALLY INTERVENING.
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD.
ITS A MORAL AND HUMAN OBLIGATION.
HOW LONG MORE WE ARE GOING TO WATCH AND HEAR REGARDING THE SYSTEMATIC MASS MURDER OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS BY A DESPISED DICTATOR?
FORGET ABOUT ASSAD PAST. WHAT HE HAS DONE JUST SINCE LAST YEAR SHOULD SUFFICE TO ESTABLISH THE FACT THAT HE IS NOT A HUMAN BEING.
KURDISTAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
K.I.M.
There are ways we can support the rebels without military intervention. It can even be done through third countries to avoid any direct confrontations with Russia. If we help to even the fight and the rebels take over, then it will be their country, and we won't have to police or rebuild it. In broad terms, this is what Obama did in Libya, and it worked. Yes, Syria is a different situation, and should be handled somewhat differently, but in broad terms, we should help even the fight as we did in Libya.
BAQI BARZANI
THE US SHOULD NOT BEAR THE BURDEN OF UNILATERALLY INTERVENING.
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD.
ITS A MORAL AND HUMAN OBLIGATION.
HOW LONG MORE WE ARE GOING TO WATCH AND HEAR REGARDING THE SYSTEMATIC MASS MURDER OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS BY A DESPISED DICTATOR?
FORGET ABOUT ASSAD PAST. WHAT HE HAS DONE JUST SINCE LAST YEAR SHOULD SUFFICE TO ESTABLISH THE FACT THAT HE IS NOT A HUMAN BEING.
KURDISTAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
K.I.M.
Isn't it marvelous that Kurdistan is now aligned with Turkey concerning Syria, Iran and the oil pipeline flowing form Kurdish Iraq into Turkey?
After all, the mamluk Salah ad Din was a Kurd who vanquished the shiite Fatimids.
How does it feel to have been used as a mamluk by the Arabs against the Turks? Not too great huh? Perhaps, it is time Kurds and Turks consolidated themselves as a single federation. Then y'awl would be the regional power to police that part of the world, just like the days of Salah ad Din.
THE US SHOULD NOT BEAR THE BURDEN OF UNILATERALLY INTERVENING.
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD.
ITS A MORAL AND HUMAN OBLIGATION.
HOW LONG MORE WE ARE GOING TO WATCH AND HEAR REGARDING THE SYSTEMATIC MASS MURDER OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS BY A DESPISED DICTATOR?
FORGET ABOUT ASSAD PAST. WHAT HE HAS DONE JUST SINCE LAST YEAR SHOULD SUFFICE TO ESTABLISH THE FACT THAT HE IS NOT A HUMAN BEING.
KURDISTAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
K.I.M.
the RTP doctrine, a favourite of the anti semite samantha power who happens to be baracks closest advisor, is a doctrine only applicable to some countries... syrian blood is less worthy of other peoples blood...or so obama is telling us.
what a selfish manipulative president this is...no heart, no backbone...no honour. Its always ONLY about how it affects him.
You sitting on your brains again ?
keep massaging China & Russia's third leg while we keep the U (useless) N afloat...
How many people will die in Syria if this intervention happens? Anybody from this forum asked this question? You guys can not even imagine it. Russian fight with US over Syria because 100,000 Russians live there , they will be killed instantly by AL-khaide if aggression happens so before say war think twice.
Not one American should ever set foot in Syria for absolutely any reason at all. Not until, at least, it is explained how the U.S. became the world's police department. Besides, Islam and Arab cultures predate we uncivilised Yanks by 50 or 60 millenia. Their superior ways for living will certainly find a quicker way out of it than we barbarians can.
I think the Syrians should be left to sort it out themselves. I don't like the idea of innocent people dying but the Western World should not and cannot continue to take the woes of the world on its shoulders. Sooner or later countries like USA GB and Australia will bankrupt themselves fighting everyone else's battles and supplying endless amounts of Aid. Charity must begin at home. Let's look after our own people first.
If the US would threaten to use airpower immediately if any hostilities are not stopped, that might quell it down (hopefully). I think that this is the course of action that should be taken. Assad will hopefully fold back. No real action on the ground (that may lead to many fatalities) will likely be taken this year.
There is a lot going on behind the scenes in informal discussions between world leaders especially during an election year in the US, worries about Iran, etc. and most notably who will replace Assad that all couple to this mess. Annan is trying his best to help and to appease others in action via contact groups. On the US side, beyond tough words and good intentions, it might be postulated that it is better indeed not to rock the boat during an election year and to effectively let China, Russia, Iran, and Turkey take the leash. Beyond politics, on a deeper level this may reproduce the disaster in Iraq. The question of who can replace Assad is of course vital. The minimalist approach would be to emulate the "Yemeni solution" and to let Assad flee while his cronies replace him. That would blow off most notably (hopefully) thwart a civil war and formally lead to a change of power while appeasing Russia, China, and Iran.
Sure, intervene. Nato (aka US) helped Libians, and how do they repay? By attacking the US consolate in Libya. I know that American politicians are really desperate to be welcomed with cheers and flowers, but come one, when was the last time that has happened, and when has it not backfired?
We pour billions of dollars into these toppled regimes,send in troops and leave then they hate us. Why is it always us? Our sole concern should be nourishing our youth and mending what needs mending right here at home. Thats what is needed,the next generation will make the united states of america what it once was. Education without Regulation.
On the surface, it is ironic how other historically "non-capitalistic" countries (ie. China, Russia, etc) seem to be capitalizing from Syria while the USA, an historically capitalistic country, is automatically just expected to extend protection and support almost as if it were social or communist brethren. The key phrase here is "on the surface".
Perhaps somewhere down the road, foreign terrorists will carry out large scale attacks on China and Russia too. In the meantime, Syria can only be left to resolve it"s on internal strife.
What about Israel next door? If the US does nothing we are setting up the next slaughter in a country we consider our only ally in the region. Doesn't a defiant China and Russia tell us enough to act?
Israel is an ally?
Yup.
You stupid ?
Yup !
Thomas is on the mark....Israel sold our military tech to China – and when they get their allotment of F-35s, they ll let the Chinese have a good look – then they ll be able to complete their 5 generation engine for the J-20.
I realize that Israel is in a tight spot, but you dont sell out your friends to do it.
Respected, Mr.Fareed Zakaria Garu, U S is the financial terrorist for World. Already U S eaten Iraq, Egipt . Now ready to eat Syria, But Syrian public not aware of U S tactics and rebel public seeks only how to demolish Al-Assad Garu Govt. In future, rebels will face much of trouble from U S. In my verdict, U S having Replile Administration.Syrias concern, so many people was died in this conflict,But U S inconnection is there thats why, U S seeks how to intervene in Syria.
just leave us out of it
Not only no but HELL NO! I have had enough of combat deployments. It is real easy for people to say sent our troops there send them here, when there the ones not going. I am tired of going into harms way. Let some other countries take the lead. It's always the U.S and the U.K with the Aussie's and Canada pitching in a little. Throw a couple of billiion at the rebels. We are already so far in debt that a few more billion is really not gonna hurt anymore than now. Us Soldiers have been fighting two wars for 11 years now. Let someone else take the lead. People blame us for evreything anyway let them hate us for sitting this one out.
Not only no but HELL NO! I have had enough of combat deployments...
Stop playing games on your computer, problem solved.
Having spent over 20 years in the military (USMC & USN), an effective message to the Syrian government would be a battery of Cruise missiles fired on all its military bases, arsenals, military supply and maintenance facilities. Additionally, all military command, control, communication and intelligence facilities should be targeted at the same time.
This could be done solely by the U.S. or a coalition of NATO members without the involvement of ground troops.
Granted this will not immediately bring down the government but will seriously degrade it's capability to wage terror on its own citizens.
Exactly. I am the only one who realizes wars can be won by air only. The boots on the ground concept is passe. Check out Kosovo and Libya. 2 bombs ended WWII in the Pacific. And continuous firebombing of German cities would have done the trick. Boots on the ground in Afghan ...useless. Drones total success. Air war wins. Ground wars futile...needless deaths.
You want the killing to stop in Syria? ORDER both of Saudi Arabia and Qatar to stop handing over weapons to the rebels in Syria! This is a terrorism, the last thing we need is another radical Islamic government like the Saudis who clearly believe in blowing themselves up just to go to heaven, after all, Saudi's were the cause of 911 and killing of the innocents!
Time to put a leash on the Saudi's and Syrian people will figure out what's the best for them
Saudi Arabia and Qatar stop handing over weapons to the rebels.
There !
I told them, they wont listen.
Now what ?
We should let Muslim nations deal with it.
Why should we expend our money, blood, and in return invoke greater wrath from the Muslim world (which is never ending anyway......thanks to our own people like CNN's Fareed Zakaria who FAMOUSLY DECLARED (I quote his own words):
"THE DANGER IS FROM US and NOT them"!!!!!!
Concluding that EVEN Al-Qaeda's terror was caused by the US!!!!
Ref: CNN GPS Reflections on 9-11 & aftermath" Fareed Zakaria Sept 9th 2011
This is not Libya. The rebels are not organized, do not control any large areas of terrain to be used to drop off supplies or to be used as a "buffer zone". If we wanted to create a "buffer zone" we would have to send 70,000+ boots on the ground, in door-to-door urban fighting. And what do you do with Syrian civilians who support Assad? There will be many. Do you kick them out of their homes? Drive them off their lands? Shoot them if they resist? Civilians?? Do you leave them behind to be massacred in revenge killings? Does anyone seriously think that the opposition will not go on just as large a killing spree if they get the upper hand?
Damned if we do, damned if we don't.
Can we choose "don't", just for a change of pace?
The opposition is nothing but civilians with guns, the Syrian supporters of al-Assad won't be shot or killed or detained.They are still family to the opposition and they have had to leave their homes in fear for their lives as well as the opposition, Bombs don't stop to ask who you support before ripping your body apart.
I understand why most people are screaming "the US should mind our own business" but at the same time how in the world can anyone with a heart sit back and watch innocent men, women and children be slaughtered? While I admit I am partial to Syria cause my husbands family is there, if this was any other country I would feel the same way. Maybe the military shouldn't step in but there HAS to be something that can be done! We tried Anon"s Peace Plan, that didn't work and we all KNEW it wasn't going to. Time to drop it and figure something else out and quick. In case anyone hasn't noticed this thing isn't going to just fizzle out, not until there is no one left to fight.
Annan* sorry for the misspelling.
"how in the world can anyone with a heart sit back and watch innocent men, women and children be slaughtered?"
1) resignation. a feeling that you cannot really stop it anyway. which gradually turns into resentment for pleas for aid when you feel like nothing can be done. along the lines of "why are you asking me to stop what I can't stop anyway???"
2) fatigue. generally this occurs more as "donor fatigue" when people stop donating to charity relief funds because they feel like it's an endless black hole of need that NEVER ENDS. I suppose in a way, this is really just another manisfestation of #1 above.
3) self-centeredness / tribalism. when times are hard, people tend to focus on their immediate families and friends first, and worry about distant people who they have never met and will never meet much later. It's not one of the better aspects of human nature, but it is often so. Right now economic times are hard in most of the world. I grant you, that is NOTHING compared to the hell Syria is going through right now. But people are kind of "hunkering down" looking to ride our their own personal troubles.
I can understand, I really can but at the same time just because the people of Syria aren't everyone's family, they are someone's family. Luckily my sister in law and father in law left before it got too bad however my husband's grandmother hasn't been able to leave. Maybe I am partial to their plight being that it is my family that is tied in. I just don't see a point in countless people dying for the stubborn bull headed ass hole of a man that Assad is.
For what it's worth, I hope your husband's grandmother comes out of this OK, in one piece. I'd say my prayers are with her and her family, but I'm an atheist and that would be a lie. Hopes are all I can offer. I just... I just don't want more american soldiers coming home in body bags to make this happen. It feels like the rest of the world always sits back and waits for the US to ride to the rescue, and it *really* feels like it ought to be someone else's turn by now. I don't know. Torn between that fatigue I've been talking about, and that really irksome quiet voice that says "who else will watch over them, if you do not?".
Hopes are better than nothing, if you aren't the type to pray then thoughts and hope are appreciated. I honestly don't want anymore soldiers dead either, I also don't want anymore soldiers stuck thousands of miles away from their homes for who knows how long. I don't know that military intervention is the best idea I just want something better for these people. Sanctions didn't hurt the country at all, closing our embassy didn't hurt them that bad either. Annan"s peace plan didn't even work for 2 days, kicking the Syrian Ambassadors was like smacking them on the wrist. Nothing we (when I say we I am not only referring to the US, considering the UN has been doing a lot of the same things the US has I am including them as well) have done has hurt them more than a mosquito would hurt something if it was trapped in a jar. al-Assad is blaming terrorist groups for all these attacks, the opposition is just people, just normal everyday people who have gotten fed up and are tired of their government, much like at one point the colonies were fed up with England and wanted to break free of the tyranny of the king. Were we committing act of terror then? NO, but we were accused of treason correct? I don't care how the intervention is done, nor by whom but something needs to happen.
Well said. This really is one of those times where the very complexity of the situation brings weariness to the soul. I know I hate seeing people suffer, and I know the dangers of this country (Canada), or any western country getting involved. What I don't know, is what the correct course of action should be. Maybe that's why I choose to be a believer; in situations like this I can always pray, and if you think I'm foolish for believing, at least I have that one more option to resort to than those who believe in nothing. Any port during a storm is better than no port at all.
What news are you listening to may i ask? Nightly news, CNN and Al jazeera? My husbands family also lives there but they are Christian and if the Al-assad government falls who will take over to protect the other minorities in the country? I have traveled to Syria 5 times – last time in Summer 2010 i brought my 1 year old and i was pregnant with our second now i am afraid we might not ever again. Before this uprising started was your husbands family mistreated or living a bad life because of the government? My husbands family was not.
There are over 200 other countries in the world besides the US. How about we share the glory of being the saviour of the downtrodden?
That is fine with me provided that someone actually does something.... like i said it doesn't have to be military actions but there has to be something that will be better than what we have done
Let's just call it "lesson learned" from Iraq. We thought we'd go there, knock down Saddam and let the people choose a government democratically, and be mostly gone in a matter of months. We all know what happened... why would Syria be any different from our experience in Iraq? Don't tell me we can do what we did in Libya. Syria resembles Iraq much more closely than it does Syria.
Can you assure us that America won't be struggling to leave Syria in 2017, bogged down in counterinsurgency action, with thousands of American men dead; the blood of tens of thousands of civilians on our hands, hundreds of billions more in debt, hated by all Arabs, censured by supposed allies, and in a tense standoff with China and Russia? Past experience tells me you can't.
I have yet to hear why the "Arab League" can't intervene. Oil revenues are soaring.
I guess maybe I wasn't clear in what I said. I don't really care if it is the US, the UN, France, the Arab League or whoever that actually does something more than what has been done. Just as long as it gets done, I don't want anyone to struggle, or to lose loved ones. I don't want troops stuck far away from home for way too long, but at the same time with the US being such a melting pot of cultures someone else's family is always going to be in danger. It is a never ending cycle I know this but how can there be absolutely no country that does something? I mean they all sit around and talk but nothing has happened that would actually put an end to this.
until there is no one left to fight.
are you saying you would rather an entire country wipe its self off the map?
question. who is supplying the rebels with weapons? We know Iran is supplying the government and possibly Russia. We need to stay out of it. We have too much on our plate already. Defense cuts are coming! We can't afford to go in. This would not be a quick and easy war. It's time the other countries in the regine step up and take care of this.
Technically, we don't know that Iran is supplying support. We are being told that Iran is supplying support. A subtle but important distinction.
Turkey has intercepted weapons from Iran heading for Hezbollah,
But somehow you doubt that Iran is sending weapons to Syria ?
Wow !
Does anyone know that the sanctions that are being placed are not really being felt by the ruling party but are being felt but the struggling Syrian people?!?!?! It does not make any sense. What is really going on here? Why is the US and the west REALLY want to bring down Al-Assad – or is that really that the point to all this? Is the plan just to keep it unsettled and unstable while Israeli settlements exspand and exspand and expand? No one is talking about the Israeli / Palestine conflict. I believe Israel has the right to thier land but not at any cost. The recent murders in Houla of 49 childeren was not done at the hands of the syrian government but Suni radicals that are being supported by the west. The people in Houla all belonged to the same extended family that were supporters of the syrian government. All the press here is writing or reporting what we are supposed to hear and not the truth. Syria was not perfect but i believe it was as good as it gets for an arab country.
Most of Syria's "money" comes from the small amount of oil they do sell.
You need money to pay troops.
Yes the people will hurt, but with all of Syria's bank transactions frozen worldwide,
soon, the money to pay troops will be gone.
Most of these troops are not loyal, they are just paid.
Every tyranical government in history has held power,
through force.
The well is going dry.
We are very selective in our intervention choices. We have never considered intervening in the many slaughters in sub-Suharan Africa. Thus there seems to be a racial/ethnic component in our "humanitarian" interventions. Moreover,
Jefferson got it right. "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none."
All those favoring international interventions should send their first-born to the battlefield.
In other hand CNN fails to even mention massacres' in Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Congo or Mali, why not just admit the CNN is doing its best to push US into this conflict to appease the gulf states' whose sovereign funds just so happen to have invested in time warner.
You're right on target here.
Do not forget the Saudi's. They are using american provided weapons and attack choppers to mow down the protestors against their government and you don't see these pathetic clowns at CNN covering that now do you? If memory serves was it not Saudi citizens that perpetrated the attacks of 9/11?! Sure it was! Where are either the dems or repubs on that one? What a sick joke america has become!
Yeah, 12 morons with box cutters,
who couldnt even fly a cessna, caused 911.
You fell for that one good.
I just googled it.
CNN is owned by Time Warner.
The majority holder of Time Warner is The saudi Royal Family.
I was surprised.
One of the people quoted in the article make a very good point. If we invade Syria, we are not just up against the Syrian government, we are up against Russia and Iran. The massacres over there are horrible, but equally horrible will be the number of US soldiers killed in an attempt to over throw the Syrian government. Like most of our "invasions" this will drag on and on with little or no success.
Yes – just not in the "boots on the ground mode"...
We should use precision military force via Tomahawk cruise missiles to remove Bashar al-Assad from power as a demonstration of US expertise and power.
Of course – the Syrian people must determine their own destiny, but not at the expense of innocent women and children being slaughtered wholesale. Bashar al-Assad's regime is corrupt and murderous. One way or another – he has to go.
Let Russia, China & Iran all cry foul all they want, but they will ultimately come to accept the outcome.
Such a demonstration will also serve as an object lesson for Iran – the US can and will eliminate any threat at anytime of our choosing. The US has the might & a responsibility to effect changes globally in ways that mirror and foster our most cherished values.
What purpose is there to paying mere lip service to our core beliefs when only our immediate intervention will prove most useful in stopping the slaughter.
In conclusion: The US is the world's sole superpower and should embrace the responsibilities that such leadership demands.
Many corrupt and murderous regimes exist all across the world.
Shall we use Tomahawk's to kill off the leadership in Zimbabwe next? Somalia? Sudan? North Korea? What about the killings that go on in various parts of South America that we never hear much about? Or the drug cartels? More tomahawks? Where does it end? DOES it ever end? How do you plan to pay for these endless interventions? Money doesn't grow on trees and neither do tomahawk missles or the hardware use to transport and fire them.
For that matter, the US is no longer the world's sole superpower. China has pretty much risen up and assumed a similar mantle. They appear to be more business focused and don't want to be involved in humanitarian causes, but that does not mean they are not just as much a force to be reckoned with as the US.
China as a super power has been over-hyped and sold to the US populace as something that it is not.
Do a side by side weapons comparison. China pales in contrast to US firepower.
Without their stockpiles of nukes, both China & Russia are mere paper tigers. It really is no contest. You must become a student of history and arm yourself with the facts. The US is able to solve this crisis in an instant if we have the will to make the tough decisions that leadership requires of us.
As I stated earlier: US Tomahawk cruise missiles and unmanned stealth drones can effectively eliminate corrupt leaders any where & any time. The Tomahawks are rather inexpensive compared to a full scale invasion and can be used in precision strikes without endangering 1 American soldier. If there was ever a case to illustrate the ease with which we can do this, it is Syria. KABOOM – regime change in a flash.
We really must learn to be more assertive and less reluctant to embrace our place in this world. As the saying goes, "Unless you are the lead dog, the view never changes"...
So why has it taken over a decade for the 'all powerful' usa to fight uneducated heathens living in caves in both Iraq and Afghanistan? Small arms and improvised explosive devices seem to have been more than effective at bogging down the huge american military machine (with all those technological instruments of death) while also simultaneously breaking the bank. From all of that you somehow delude yourself into thinking it would be easier to fight both Russia and China. Tell you what, go for it. Do it. You americans start the war with Russia and China and we'll finish this discussion in 10 years. Just do it. The last decade in Iraq and Afghanistan has displayed to the entire world how weak the usa really is. Come on you exceptional americans, show the world how tough you are. Let's see the usa and isreal beat the rest of the entire world.
You are willing to gamble other peoples lives
that there will be no response from Russia ?
Thank god you dont have a finger on the button.
The US, thru its proxies, is already arming and supporting 'the rebels', in it's effort to engineer regime change. Why isn't this ever reported on CNN? Why can't your listeners get the truth? People should notice that CNN reporters always leave some doubt as to exactly who committed these crimes in Syria. They suggest it's the government, but there is no hard proof of that, yet it's very clear what the goals of the US are. Of course, one wonders why? If the Assad government falls, the result will be a harshly religious regime more akin to that in Saudi Arabia. Is that what the US wants? More Wahabis? They may think that regime change is helping Israel, but they should ckeck again. This kind of regime change is very dangerous, not just for Israel, but also for all the minorities who have been living in Syria just fine until now. This is a tragedy that has the West's fingerprints all over it. Not reporting this truth is equally sad.
I cant believe the way the news is twisted. I have totally given up on mainstream media. Several people have brought up the movie Wag the Dog, but that is exactly what is going on here.
Parking Lot. Then let UAE turn it into a mall with an airport
I think as Americans, its our responsability to answer the calll for help. The last thing we need is another nations resentment.
Because answering the call for help in Iraq got us no resentment at all.
And answering the call for help in Afghanistan got us no resentment at all.
Just so we're clear on that.
Mandor I will give you Iraq. Never should have been.Afghanistan was retaliation because of September 11. Just so were clear on that.
Fair enough. Though there were a few times Karzai basically pled with the US not to leave right away, I can see that being cancelled out by "shouldn't have been there in the first place".
We went into Afganistan to find Bin Laden in.......Pakistan.
Create a coaliton to enforce a blockade on Syrian ports, except for humanitarian aid. The Russians will have to decide real quick whose side they are on. This would be help enforce the sanctions, while not actively attacking targets in Syria.
Todays top story :
American troops are reported on the ground in Syria.
Russian president Putin has called this a serious violation of
Syria and vowed retaliation.
The Al Assad government has appealed to all "brother" Muslims to fight
the imperial invaders.
The response was quick as several other nations have agreed to send troops to fight.
Lebanon, Egypt, and Iraq have demanded an America pullout.
Turkey has sealed its border as millions of Muslim Turks head for Syria.
The Israeli military is at its highest level since the war with Lebanon and has been
repeatedly shelled from both Hamas in Gaza, and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The Saudi Royal Family has said that any attack on its borders will result in retaliation.
Fighting has also been reported between Kurdish rebels and Turkish troops.
Sectarian violence has escalated as tensions between Shiite and Sunni muslims increase.
China has demanded sanctions against the United States through the United Nations.
Iran announced that if The Al Assad government was overthrown by American
forces a state of war will exhist between the United States and Iran.
Many other nations, including Pakistan, Sudan, North Korea, Myanmar, Indonesia and Cambodia
have denounced the American assault and several have cut off diplomatic ties.
The government of Norway has called for a special meeting of the UN.
Troops and arms have been pouring into the area surrounding Syria and Israel from all sides.
I agree with Tim in Minneapolis in the article. I have likened this conflict to World War II myself. We can not just sit idle while innocents are being slaughtered daily. That is not what America stands for.
No.
Should the US intervene in Syria? No.
In this day and age of a budget minded Congress critters, who's going to pay for it? Costs money to go to war like that, who's going to pay more or lose more to pull this off?
Who is going to pay for it is different from who should pay for it, that being every single fortune 50 company that gets away with murder by not paying its full taxess while the rest of us do. THAT's WHO, the same rih thrieves that make money off the infrastructure our tax dollars provide (highways, shipping routes, air raffic – WE PAY THE PEOPLE pay for big business. It is time for big business to pay it's share so that this country can do the right thing. We will not have that until we get every single conservocrat in this country deep into the political grave. They are killing our ability to do good not just in the world but in our own country.
Please do tell, what is the going cost of a human life these days?
Just do what Bush did.
Put it on the credit card.
NO!! We need to mind our own business and fix our own problems. A big cause of our economic mess is the trillions of dollars we've spend intervening around the world the past twenty years.
Iraq and Afghanistan cost trillions. Simple drone strikes are not trillion dollar operations. Drones are surgical scalpels that take out the enemy with far better precision and less cost than a full scale assaut. there is a reason wny we have drones, and Syria is it. If it was good enough for Libya.....
We spent billions on the Libya intervention. Drones alone will not suffice in Syria. Once we get started, we will be forced to do much more expensive things, perhaps even an occupation.
Just remember, we have to "give peace a chance"..... with EIGHTEEN Useless Nations Resolutions not being enough diplomacy.
But, oh, that's right, a Democrat is in the White House now. They can do no wrong.
With a Democrat in the White House,
we are less likely to get into another war.
Heard Romney lately ?
Somebody should pull in his leash, he sounds like a rabid dog.
YEAH CNN - WHY DON'T YOU GO THERE AND BE THE HERO.
Why would we intervene in Arab Muslim affairs? Hell no. Let the Arabs take care of their own murdering kindred spirits.
Why not a precision strike? No troops. Let someone else deal with the world's crazies. Tired of it.
We do not belong there. I understand the people of Syria are suffering, where is the Arab league and the EU? They have the numbers to get in there with better resources and understanding of the region. It should be their duty to address this, leave the USA out of this one.
the american people must replace the disgrace obama if they are going to do anything..
We like Obama.
He is not a war hawk.
You are an idiot.
Israel really likes this guy. He has killed more Arabs then Israel ever did.
No way. Who is paying for all this? Not only money but human life. We are only 300 million people out of 6 billion. Enough with the sacrifice crap.
we hear dr owour a prophet among us. read deuteronomy 18 & st marks 16 to confirm. he explains the war coming to iran and usa and israel will loose because they are not seeking G. advice. and more prophecies coming for usa the great lakes area and a second earthquake and sunami for northeast coasts. lets pray to G. for protection and listen to his message. No more war from either side. how much are they taking whem they die. 0000000000 stop the killings.
Uh right, the US should intervene in Syria to help install Sunni radicals there.
Just as it has done in Libya perhaps?
Let them kill each other, both sides hate America. You know it.
Why not??? The US intervenes everywhere else!
Our situation domestically is strained..we should b doing something..people r dying in africa asia south america and europe....but theres alot to b done well need the whole planets manpower to act on such despotism and terrorism
You can write the word domestically but you can't write the word "be" or "are"???
No we shouldn't.
Since Israhell or Syria won't let the UN inspectors in, if we intervene in Syria then we must intervene in Israhell. I think we whould do both sine they are both considered Terrorists who abuse, and murder human being in the name of whatever they want to call it. Both place have evil leaders who should be in Prison. We should stop all support and welfare for Israhell until they let the UN in. It is against America's foreign policy to do otherwise. There is no place for thie double standard in American policy. The world is not dumb and can plainly see America is supporting the Israhell Terroist leaders.
Israhell
I said this word out loud, and my six year old brother giggled.
Did you make that up all by your little self ?
The problem becomes when we don't intervene, we get skewered for not helping people in need. Then when we help people in need we get blasted for sticking our noses where it doesn't belong. Make up your mind people, either you want us to leave you alone, or you want us to solve your problems. You can't have both ways when it suits you. Pick one and stick with it.
Ya right.. with all the money we don't have. It's ok, I"ve got Chinese on order from Rosetta Stone. I'll be fine.
CNN CREATES THE HATE...
No, they create the story.
You supply the hate.
The US is not responsible for any country other than it's own. Getting involved in war after war is financially unsound and ridiculous. Countries that have had conflict after conflict are dysfunctional and need to be left alone to sort out their own problems.
Why should the US always be called upon to fight other people's fights?
We have our own problems that we should take care of first:
1. The economy
2. The rising defecit
3. The homeless
4. Our woeful education system (sports figures make at least a 7-figure salary a year, and teachers barely make ends meet, and have to buy their own supplies)
5. Healthcare issues
6. Our aging infrastructure
I'm sure there are a lot better issues at home that money spent on Syria could be used for, if we decided to intervene. Let NATO do, heck, Russia is their ally, let them deal with it.
Additionally, at what point do we stop fighting other people's battles? When would it end?
Why the fu*k do we insist on making everyone in the worlds problems our own?? We should not have anything to do with anything unless the UN decides & everyone at that table agrees, and participates as well. Lets handle our own massive problems at home first, then worry about babysitting the rest of the world!!!
we listen to dr owour a prophet amont us, he talks about the war and how it is going to end.
As much as I hate to see the killing on CNN. We need to stay out of this mess. I've deployed four times, and lost some good people. I've been at war for most of my 19 years in the Army. Let's finish the war we have and then only use military force when we are under direct threat.
Thank you for your service to our country. I honour the sacriface of your friends.
I agree with Fareed Zakaria, he makes valid points. Why would the U.S. stand alone on this against Iran, Russia, China, and Syria? That doesn't even make sense. Pure suicide. We have already paid a very high cost in blood and treasure for Muslim causes. Hopefully Obama will stand his course. This is a losing cause and one that would cause ruin to our country. We are struggling to maintain our position in the world as it is, why throw it all away for yet more waring Muslims?
Correct me if I'm wrong but weren't these the same people burning American flags right after 9/11? Why start another war and in an area where they hate us?
The enemy of my enemy is my ????
We don't have the money to spend or repair the damage we might cause. This is Syrians civil war, not ours. We've stuck our noses into too many issues already. Wasted billions on long wars and billions to rebuild what we destroyed.
Intervene? You mean should we spend billions, sacrifice our children's lives and slaughter their people for 10 years only to end up with a different problem that's just as bad? Hmmm let me think about that one.....
US should go in and have another victorious war! And then another one! And if the world does not become a better place: go and have couple of more wars after that! After reading all that crap people post here, I tend to agree: let them have all the wars they think they can handle and couple more! And pay for all of them too! If they want it: let them have it! Let them rule the world: let us see how much they can take before the hate consumes them! Let's the world watch how their feeling of all kind of superiority leads them to their downfall! Please proceed! People, please step away and let them handle your problems: kill your enemies, elect your new good rulers, teach you to be nice obidient slaves to their democracy!
Radical Islamists are behind all of the uprisings. That's a fact. The leader of the uprising in Libya fought against the US alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan. The new government there will either a Taliban-like group or the Taliban itself. If the US intervenes and Assad is deposed, the new government there will be as well. We are throwing out governments that abuse their own civilians but necessarily hate the US and replacing them with governments that abuse their own civilians and DO hate the US. What exactly are we accomplishing?
Typo- I meant "don't necessarily hate" the US.
Sure why not? We can't be a global police force without policing the globe!
America, f*#k yea! Here we come again to save the motherf%#@in' day yea!
At least 919,967 people have
been killed in Afghanistan and Iraq
since the U.S. and coalition attacks, based on lowest credible estimates.
And that’s a conservative estimate. So what nation is the biggest killer? I'd say it is the United States. To invade yet another nation, to begin yet another war is complete hypocrisy. Not to mention, a war with Syria will lead to war with Iran, and thus Russia and China, as both nations are staunchly opposed to any further invasions and occupations on the part of the United States. CNN is part of the propaganda mouthpiece of western imperialism.
From the air to help others like Libya. No more.
Not if they don't have oil. The help of the Empire never comes for free.
NO!!
OK!!!Everyone Wake UP!!!
Bush II invaded Iraq, American Vegeance onto Afganistan, now Syria???? I don't think so.
Haven't we learned YET!! the repercussions and how the ARAB world pawns our military lives and the lives every American.
First of all this is nothing like WWII. WWII was a lot bigger than one country. The US has no business sending troops in there. If we do what we did in Libya and lend support but don't be on the ground doing the fighting I'd be alright with that. But these people need to do the fighting themselves.
would it make a difference for the Syrian people?
Arab League, it was made for a reason. We have absolutely no reason to go, and don't say humanitarian because honestly that is not a reason. Really its a shame that innocents are dying but it we cannot intervene. We just need to stay out of the middle east and out of other countries.
No – we should let the ARAB Countries deal with this situation – it's in their region and they NEED to start taking some responsibility for this situation. – RUSSIA should be honorable and step up as well.
No matter what we do, it will be the wrong thing. We intervene, people cry we're spending money we don't have to help people that hate us and want us gone, our people are dying for someone else's cause. We don't intervene, people cry innocents are dying and we did nothing, how horrible and cruel of us -we have so much power yet care nothing for these people being slaughtered. It'll always be wrong no matter what.
.........no no no ........NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The killing of innocent people in Syria by assad is only going to get worse. The UN and sanctions will solve nothing for cowards can have bread and water before they kill innocent children. Military intervention will be very brutal but that is what is required to stop tyranny. The people of the US and Europe may be tired of war, but what of the combat soldier who woul fight it. Who has asked them what they think. You will be surprised as to how many are wandering when get started fighting the assad regime. Many would volunteer to go with smiles on their faces. But nobod y wants to ask what they think. They are afraid of how confident they are that well executed violence can solve the problem of tyanny. As far opinions on fighting tyranny goes, start asking true warriors if they go not just because they are told, but because they truly want to fight assad and his regime. And figure that into the equation of what to do.
I worry that someday Americans will reap a bitter harvest from all this adventurism.
The standards we use to judge and attack others will be the standards by which others judge and attack US.
We should not get near that area. WE are already hated by many of the nations in the area and we don't need another reason to give them to hate us. The UN is the organization invented to provide aid.
SOMEONE should do something in Syria, but it should not be the US. The world has gotten too lazy about dealing with oppressive regimes. They yawn and put their feet up and wait for the Americans to solve the problem by sacrificing our military's lives and paying for someone else's freedom with our taxpayer dollars. And then, when we have done the world's dirty work, we are called imerialsts and war mongers for invading another country. (Or if we do nothing they say we are responsible for every civilian that dies. We CANNOT win, so i'd rather "lose" with our military healthy and our dollars still in the treasury this time around).
For once, it is someone elses's turn.
Stay away from interferring in any country
What authority does the US have to dislodge any foreign govt?
US is responsible for the uprising in Syria
talk peace
Shameful war mongers
No matter who "wins" this war we know they'll hate us as will the losers. Just for once let's mind our own business. I know the defense contractors will disagree, but not to worry, our leaders will find us another place to interfere soon enough.
We can not get involves. We have spent to many lives and money in the last two country's we tried to help. my answer os NO
Never, never, never should this country spill another drop of blood to 'save' humanity.
Syria – none of our business; and, we have our own deplorable human rights problems
WE CANNOT TO BE THE COP ALL OVER THE WORLD.................where is audi?........where is Europe?.......where are those nearby?..........................not our country, not our fight, not our side of the world.....................NOT MY SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are already on the verge of war with N. Korea and Iran. We are still in Afghanistan for another year, do we really need another war? Can't we just mind our business, take some time to solve our own problems and put our resources elsewhere, like alternative energy, fixing the economy, legalizing weed? "We are up against Russia and Iran", so we help Syria and before you know it, Russia and Iran are helping Assad, a Russian gets killed by an American and now we are at war with Russia and Iran has a reason to declare war on us, too.
No, the US should not get involved in Syria. The real question is why is CNN pushing this story so hard? What is CNN's agenda? CNN has been advocating US intervention for months while other news outlets are simply reporting the news on the ground.
The for profit defense contractors and mercinaries like Blackwater can invade Syria as soon as taxes are raised on the rich to pay for it.
Want another war neocons, put your money where your chickenhawk words are.
NO, NO NO U.S. Stay out. I'm not sending my son to fight someone elses battles and put his life on the line for people that don't UNDERSTAND FREEDOM. They want to stay 200 years behind. No sympathy from me.
Remember when we stopped the Serbs from finishing their genocide against the Muslims in the former Yugoslavia? Remember how we oversaw the creation of an independent Kosovo? Well, those Muslims we saved hate us now. If we try to help out in Syria, in just a few years they will all condemn the U.S. for trying to take their oil, or their virgins, or whatever. The UN and the Arab League need to deal with this.
Am I the only one who thinks that Assad looks more like a Mississippi village idiot than a Middle East dictator?
His wife is smokin hot though.
I googled her. I had no idea he was married to Julia Roberts.
With current situations the U.S. sits in, this is the last thing we should do. Do we really need to take on the burden of another countries issues AGAIN?? Any simply minded person can review our history and see it just wouldn't make sense for us to step into Syria's issues. Another Vietnam...Iraq...Afghanistan,etc...seriously?
Also, I'm a 19 year old who plans to enlist in the Army. I plan to fight over seas and I may not agree with the U.S. being there (aside for the fact we are stuck in Afghanistan) but I look at it someone needs to fight this war. But the last thing we need right now is to jump into another countries issues. Ok, Syria is a mess right now, but that doesn't mean they're the only country having tremendous issues and massacres. We just need to concentrate on figuring out what we are doing in Afghanistan, get our economy stabilized and produce more jobs in America. Not put more burden on us. Thats enough of me venting.
One for America! None for the world! Should we help Syria? H** F**&ing no!
Not now. Not ever.
Where are all the oil rich Arab nations with all their spphisticated arms - Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, India, pakistan, Kuwait, UAE, Dubai -– Let those nations take care of their Muslim brothers and sisters - why should the US stick its neck out when all these other countries combined could marshall a formidable force capable of ending this.
When will you people stop messing around with these guys? The fascist regime of Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies in Syria and elsewhere must be stopped now!!
Fareed, I have been following your reports for almost two decades. You have evolved!! I believe you have been purchased by oil giants. I am sorry; I no longer can trust you!
I'm sorry, but since when did America become the world police when it was convenient?
Everytime America intervenes, they're labeled interventionists and our troops are treated as terrorists.
But when it's convenient for Americans to intervene, they're criticized for not doing so.
Make up your mind. I don't mind if America goes to Syria.
What I do mind is global opinion of America that is so confused.
The only intervention we need to do with any other middle eastern countrys is a big old hydrogen bomb, do the world a favor.
Somebody needs to, and soon. The tragedy is that intervention means more death – but it is obvious that the letter-writing campaigns that the UN like to employ aren't going to have much of an affect. Shocking that taking away a Nordstrom's card hasn't solved this problem
If there were a large coalition who wanted to remove Assad from power, I would support being a part of it, but not a dominant part. I envision something akin to our actions in Libya when I say this, where we provide help but provide neither a plurality of the forces, nor the top leadership. The United States can ill afford another drawn out nation building exercise. Similarly, we can ill afford to be seen as dominating yet another nation, especially an Arab one. We must accept that we are just one nation of many. We have disproportional economic and military capital per capita, compared to much of the world, but there are a number of countries similarly enough situated to spearhead this project.
We should freeze assets held by Syrian leadership, impose sanctions targeted at weaking their military and government, and possibly try to funnell arms to the resistance. Meanwhile, we should try through back room conversations and the application of pressure to stop other countries from backing syria. What we must not do, however, is spend the lives of our youth, and much of our treasure, on yet another country that is of little to no long term strategic importance to us. It is the responsibility of the American government to look after our own interests, not to put our country in grave danger to protect the interests of others. It is not worth losing the American experiment to start a Syrian one.
"The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." No doubt there needs to be an intervention. The entire world should be outraged by what's going on in Syria, not just the US! The US is not the only country with the capability to resolve the Syrian crisis and be successful. The US has repeatedly intervened in such humanitarian crises, even at its own peril. It's time for some other nation or nations to step up to the plate.
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
I am currently serving in the military. The reason why I joined the military is for this reason here. During rawanda massacre we did Absolutly nothing while hundreds of women and children where slaughtered and butchered and left where they fell no one did anything. I joined the military so I can help stop these types of things. We are all humans and everyone should be treated as such. It is really heart breaking that innocent people are being sucepted to these horrible things. If we do nothing as the united states, no not as the united states. If we do nothing as HUMAN BEINGS, we are no better than the people doing the killings. We would be no better than the people taking videos of all the killings. We must do somthing for those inocent people being slaughtered.
If we do nothing the people live under an evil government that murders its citizens.
If we help, then the people will have a new evil government (Islamists) that will murder its citizens. If you watch any of the videos of the conflict, you will see that all the rebels are chanting "Allah Ackbar". Why should we help Islamists create a new evil theocracy?
As a human, I think we should help our fellow man. But if we do so, we need to put conditions in place. For example: we will only help if the people first agree to a Bill of Rights that protects freedom of religion, speech, etc.
We can't be expected to help others anymore. Let's concentrate on helping Americans for once.
People will appreciate their new found freedom if they fought for it rather than it being given to them The fighters should be logistically supported but no direct intervention. Let them fight for their freedom. Look at how appreciative the Iraqi people are to the US. Compare that to the Libyan people who took back their freedom. Whether the US intervenes or not, there will still be innocent victims. Better to let the blame fall on someone else than the US
Instead of focusing on other countries where we wont benefit from, shouldn't we focus on Mexico. These ruthless people are just like Al-Qaeda. We need to take care of our border first.
There have been civil wars all over the world.Now in the last few years Our government under Obama wants to intervene in the civil wars in muslim countries. Why? What is the difference in the civil war in Syria and civil wars anywhere else.We need to stay out of it . If we need to replace a Government it's the one in Pakistan.
The answer is quite simple really - NO !!
I'm sorry for the Syrian people but NO, the US should NOT get involved. We are already involved in everyone else's business. Lets keep out of this and have those other nations get involved. The US has to stop being the worlds police, that's the only way these other countries will stand on their own two feet – enough said
Should Syria have intervened in the US during the civil war?
I'm a bit of a civil war buff, and neither side engaged in systematic slaughter of civilians as Assad and his henchmen are doing precisely because he is betting he can get away with it. His daddy did years before, and now junior is butchering women and children. Big difference.
And, if the rest of the world were able to develop a collective spine when Hilter began sending jews and others that didn't fit his Aryan race profile to slave labor camps and death camps (long before invading Poland), instead of doing nothing and hoping words and appeasement would work, the largest conflict in human history may well have been avoided.
Is the US the only free country with a military?? Why can't other countries do it instead of waiting on the US? People keep saying the US is not the world's policeman. Maybe not, but we seem to be the only policeman willing to work. Let the EU do something for a change, besides complain about the US. If they're not willing to intervene, then we should not be expected to do anything either.
Let's look at the ECONOMICAL point of view here. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan is already costing us a huge fortune. In our "broke" times, how on earth could we possibly find the funds to "butt in" to once again "save the world"? I don't even know how we're supporting the war as it is. Anyway, I feel for the innocent Syrians. I really do, but why should we put OUR troops on a suicide mission? Their war is not about a threat to us. It's their own "personal" war, because they are unhappy with their leader. I say, let's butt out of this one, and hope they come to their senses. Killing NEVER solves anything.
No way should the US interven in internal problems of Arab countries. Let them take care of themselves. We never get any credit for help we provide. No blood and no meny to Arab countries.
The Arabs need to take this one. They have the money & the manpower. The US is spread too thin right now, and from past experience, they won't appreciate it.
.........
No no no no No.
It's time for other countries to be marshal.
Doesn't the picture on the main page of the CNN website that leads to this story show a terrorist in ski mask in the street with a machine gun? Why should the US be supporting ski mask wearing terrorists that are trying to overthrow the gov't of Syria? Stay out US and get the story straight CNN.
I agree with the ending of the article that "darned if we do, darned if we don't." Im against so much occupation in the mid east, however, there are certain worldwide guidelines we choose to enforce as a civilized country and member of NATO. Have we formally declared war anywhere since the first Gulf War actually? Occupation is what is screwing us. I think in this situation, the best course of action is to supply aid and arms. We dont need to do the fighting. Listen to how intelligent and ready the rest of the world is on its own without our all-important American presence, from KDD above "“As an active member of the Syrian opposition, I want Americans to understand that the intervention of the United States is not requested simply because we can't do the job ourselves. We could, if it were Assad alone that we were fighting. But we’re not. We are up against Russia and Iran, who are maintaining a flow of arms and personnel.”
Ok? So we cannot watch innocents butchered, yes, so lets be an ally to a "opposition" party, even if we are not "allies" with Syria, and give aid and arms and supplies, like any normal corner man in a fight. Let the opposition "declare" itself the government of Syria, then we can be "allies" with that government, and its all wrapped up neat.
Why? There is not one valid reason to do so. Let some other country play World Cop.
Where do we as Americans get off thinking our problems at home are worse than or deserve more attention than the slaughter of innocent men, women, and children? Where do we get off thinking it is okay for us to standby and let that happen. When embargos and sanctions are more likely to punish the innocent than destabilize the guilty, we have a moral obligation to act to protect those who can't protect themselves.
The Nazis went after a group of people who couldn't protect themselves, they killed thousands before we got involved, is that okay? NO.
If we sit idly by and watch people be slaughtered, we will eventually be no better than those doing the slaughtering. Not acting when we have the ability to act will create a state of complicity in which we will be as guilty as those commiting the crimes.
Syria has become a sectarian battleground. Russia and Iran should not supply arms, but neither should we intervene. How do we keep Russia and Iran from sending arms?
HE11 NO we shouldn't help! Let the Muzlims all ki11 themselves. THEIR GOD LOVES THIS SHYTE! Let IRAN or Saudi Arabia take care of their own! WE ARE PEACEFUL CHRISTIANS here. Let the Muzlims do what their IDEOLOGY DEMANDS THEY ALL DO! PERPETUAL GENOCIDE!
Def not, this is their problem allow Great Britain,Germany and France handle this one... we don't need to get involved in yet another middle eastern country. We need to worry abut our own problems for once
When US would go in, they all blame US. After Assad is gone, just liked happened with Saddam, they're all happy for a moment. After that USA, would be blamed for being there. Islam demands a dictator. When there is none in Syria, they'll all starting fighting over to become the next one.
The U.S. should pull out the middle east entirely and let these people kill each other in their own country. We have no business over there other than trying to take their oil. These are Arabic lands and this is the way they treat each other naturally.
While I agree that we should stay out of it, it's not that they are killing each other. They are killing innocent CIVILIANS! It's not a war of one side fighting the other. They have taken to killing innocent people, especially children (in fact, they are targeted....seek them out) in order to get the message out loud and clear.
We have shed enough treasure and $$$. They hate our guts. Let the French fight this conflict.
Syria has never been a friend or ally of the U.S. nor has its citizens have anything but hate for the U.S. They all danced in the streets after 911 – how soon we forget. Let them kill each other and consider it them doing us a favor.
A whole lot of Arabs may have rejoiced after 911, but a lot didn't. Syria supports those seeking to overthrow Israel, activity supports Herzbolah and a lot of the anomosity towards the U.S. originates from the U.S. support of Israel. But to imply the entire population, particular the repressed Sunni majority, rejoiced over 9/11 is ridiculous.
Ideally they would be getting international help, but nobody seems to be willing to without the United States' involvement. We will be judged poorly no matter what we do. Either we get involved and get accused yet again of policing the world and trying to force democracy on others or trying to get rid of Islam, or we sit back and do nothing and get accused of only helping when it benefits us. I think eventually we will, but the upcoming election is almost definitely effecting the "when/if" aspect of it. The allies of Syria also pose a potential problem, but it's not clear yet if they'll actually do anything if we invade. Personally I think we should, but ONLY to depose the current regime, not to become mired in the region for 10+ years wasting billions upon billions of dollars like we've done with Iraq. Let Syria decides what happens afterward.
If you invade a country to change the government it is a total waste of life and money to then "Let Syria decide what happens next". That usually is all out tribal wars or voting in fanatic clerics, or voting in fantic Muslim terrorists. In short they normally make it worse for themselves and hate the U.S. even more. No – just let them kill each other since the end result is there is no "win" for the U.S.
I can't say I disagree – it is difficult, because as you say, we can't "win", but not doing something makes us look complicit in the regime's actions. I said we should leave it up to Syria because installing what we consider a good government doesn't work. We have proven that quite well. In the end, I don't know. To "solve" the problem in the Middle East would require getting to the root of the problem, but we can't just up and invade China and/or Russia. I don't think there is a purely military solution to it, but at the same time it feels like the only thing we CAN do (besides do nothing).
"Should the U.S. intervene in Syria?"
HELL NO!
The US should stay out. There are just to many groups involed in Syria to know who we are actually supporting. I would not be againts a safe zone for civilians protected by other countries including the US. Unless more nieghboring countries get involved nothing will change.
Everyone who has concern about freedom – compassion – liberty for Syria should go right ahead and "suit-up" and head that way! Wars have never solved a damn thing. Money is the primary reason countries go to WAR.
You are Correct regarding war and Money.
There are also other factors Involved.
First, thank you for surviving Viet Nam and coming home to be part of our Early Warning System. We need you guys.
Maybe we also need to dust off some of the old LPs and start playing them. Let's start with the Fixin' to Die Rag: "And it's one, two, three, what are we fightin' for?" Then, we can go to "War, Good God y'all, what is it good for?"
It makes me so sad that people are so willing, once again, to "Be the first one on your block to have your boy come home in a box." We haven't learned a damned thing.
The world politicals is all about national interest. China and Russia are after their interest, Usa intervention ll spark more hatred. The arab hates america but still need their help is it not a paradox? AMERICA IS ANOTHER WOLF IN sheep clothen:) i know it happens that their oil in syria they would've interven.. This a Game Theory. ASSAD d Tyrant ll face wrath of the Allah Soon with all is agency. FREEDOM CAN NEVER COME TO THE WORLD.
Drunk? High? Or just illiterate?
I think the U.S should stay out of it let them clean up their own back yard , why is it our responsibility to come to their aid, I mean when we have natural disasters in the U.S no one shows up to help us out I dont hear about syria, or china or russia or any other countries sending foriegn aid to the United States I say let the middle east fight their own fights ....
To be fair, we got millions of dollars worth of international aid after Hurricane Katrina. Russia was one of the first to send aid. China, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and many many other countries also sent or officially offered assistance. Yes, most of these were just political posturing/token gestures, but it was aid nonetheless.
Also in the past the US has refused aid.
Doesn't matter what Obama's decision is. The conservatives will say it's the wrong one.
This is the same country that sent it's fighters across the boarder to attack us in Iraq. Now they want our help. Sorry buds. See how you fare with the Chinese.
Get your facts straight. The Syrian military did not get involved in Iraq. Syria was a route used by al quida and others to enter Iraq. The border between Syria and Iraq is long, desolate, and extremely porous. The Syrian government did little if anything to prevent the use of its territory as a path for those who fought against the U.S. in Iraq, but that is different from sending troops to fight Americans. Jordan was also a transit point.
Oh, how I would love to see the "shock and awe" reign down on Assad and if it was 1992, we probably would. But, we've learned a painful lesson over the last 20 years... and a costly one (thousands of US military lives, unfathomable amounts of money, and the loss of far too many innocent civilian lives in Iraq and Afghanistan). The truth is the most powerful force in the world. And thanks to today's technology, we see the truth of the Syrian slaughter in real time. The whole world is watching, not just us. Our morality compels us to intervene, but our experiences have taught us we cannot. The outcome is absolutely unforeseeable if we take the lead. We can hardly claim Iraq a success. The military needs to hold tight, the press needs to keep pushing the truth, and the global Christian church (and every other peace-loving religion) needs to be on its knees crying out to God on behalf of our Syrian brothers and sisters. Scripture is clear... we are our brother's keeper. That doesn't necessitate bombing the hell out of an area, but it does compel us to bombard the gates of heaven seeking God's mercy. He loves justice. Vengeance is his.
May God bless the world.
As terrible as these atrocities are, it is not our job to be the world police. We have enough problems here on our own soil. We have children living in hunger as if this were a third world county. We have people who are losing their houses all around the county. People are dying cause they cant afford to go to the doctor. It seems we cant go a week or two with out another murder suicide having to do with financial woes. This country is already being run on the backs of the poor, we can not put any more burden. Yet we are expected to just throw more money into a region of the world that is like spot fires, you squash one, another starts in another country. Let someone else stand up for a change.
Why is it always our business if another countries leader kills his subjects? If people want freedom, they should fight for it. Supply arms to people we believe will be a good ally in the future, but keep our military out. Nobody wants us bullying their country around after overthrowing their own leaders. Loan them some weapons and let them do what is best for their country. if we intervene, we will lose a lot more people than they have so far. The term "innocent civilian" sounds good for news, but nobody is born a soldier. Our country was formed by "innocent civilians" who were sick enough of tyranny, that they became soldiers and won freedom.
Basically I agree.
you are absolutely right. But what if they want it now. It is one life, ONE LIFE. if they didn't get it now, those who die struggling to have it will never have it. I don't know what to say but you will never know how dose it feel to be an Arab when have nothing like an Arab. However I don't blame . Enjoy your life
send romney five songs , they are cowards , father and sons. romney always take about making war with the world yet he or his father and now sons never signed up. americans are cowards
Sad that there is all the war in the middle east. Where are the Arabs who practice Islam a so called religion of Peace
No more American blood on foreign soil. If they want to fight like men to protect their own, I would agree with arming them.
H#ll YES we need to get militarily involved. The military is a huge Govt program, and as any bloated bureacracy, we need to keep it going & growing – whether it's war on terror, nation building or just maintaing 700+ bases around the world. Socialism = Govt jobs!
No, the USA should stay out. If have yet do demonstrate that we can "come to the aid" of the citizenry of a tyrant's country in the middle east without making it a worse situation. The middle east and perhaps France should be the one's cleaning up this mess, if anyone outside is needed. Remember, the ones you are protecting today will most likely be your enemies tomorrow. A Muslim can never be thankful or loyal to an infidel.
This is an internal political matter of a sovereign nation. It is neither our responsibility nor our right to intervene.
How is it not our right to intervene? Don't you think there are cases when there are moral obligations?
Here's an idea, everyone who wants to go to war with Syria can send their own kids over there, and special tax will be assessed on their families to pay for it.
Sad that there is all this war in the middle east. Where are the Arabs who practice Islam a so called religion of Peace
No more American blood on foreign soil. If they want to fight like men to protect their own, I would agree with arming them.
We don't even really know who is creating the arocities. Often it is on tribe killing another for centries old revenge when there is chaos due to "civil war'. Let them kill each other if they want to – they are just doing what they have always done.
What national interest could we possibly have that would trump the current situation in Syria? Currently, they have a weak leader that keeps order just enough to prevent radical rouge groups taking over certain regions of the country yet has too little power to pose any threat to foreign countries. Our best interest is currently being served.
It should be a golden rule to NEVER intervene in anything middle-eastern unless you don't have a choice. Too many people there are just looking for any excuse to blame western civilians for any problem. We are considered radioactive to them.
For Syria specifically, the political situation isn't even half as stable as Afghanistan or even the already lost Pakistan. A foreign power toppling the regime would only serve to be the perfect excuse for radicals to rally and declare jihad. And Syria would remain in a civil war, only it would be civilians fighting each other instead of the government. There is no one in any position to take control of the country after al-Assad.
It's a religious conflict , Muslim on Muslim power struggle. Stay away...
We need to butt out. Our people are suffering as well. Our fight is at home now.
The U.S should mind they're business...IN EVERY FOREIGN AFAIR!!!!
The US IS intervening in Syria, who do you think is funding and organizing the "Rebels" This is a Libya 2.0
covert destabilization operation. We've just sent in the "Jackels" from the John Perkins book the "Economic Hitman".
We've told Russia to either stop supporting Assad so we can invade and affect "regime change" and get a piece
of the pie or we'll escalate the murder and mayhem until we get it anyway and they'll get nothing. I think Russia
will call our bluff and send in their own troops to seal the borders we are smuggling weapons and fighters over
to strangle the CIA operation.
I am against us getting involved any further than maybe a limited heavy bombing campaign and only if clear rebel leadership is established first and the goal of the bombing is clearly defined. I am a firm believer in air power and what it can do. If the Syrian rebels can establish a base of who and what it will look like for them to win and we see it as a good thing then I am all for doing a shock and awe campaign for several weeks to even the playing field a bit other than that I do not want us involved. No more massive treasure and American lives no matter how good the cause, help yes but only help those who are very committed to making their country better and are willing to invest the bulk of blood and treasure.
Afghanistan was right at first, Iraq was wrong and is part of what almost destroyed this country lets not add Syria as a ten year drain on recovering from Bush.
Syrian people can fight the gang of Bashar Al-Assad if they have weapons. For some reason USA is preventing its agents (rulers of other Arabic countries and Turkish government) from providing weapons to Syrian people to defend themselves.
USA can launch 100 cruise missiles from one of it submarines in the red sea to destroy Al-Assad intelligence headquarters and his defense ministry coupled with well equipped free Syrian Army will be enough to topple this dictator.
I guess it is election year in USA and president Obama does not want to take any risk!
Spending billions on weapons and cruise missiles to send Syria into anarchy and a massive civil war indirectly killing 1000's of more people with no idea who would take over is even worse than doing nothing.
well stated BoB L!
I couldnt agree more
Are we going to keep asking this question until Russia tell us its ok???????????
Syria=NO! oil, NO! profit ~nuff said~
ONE LOVE
The U.S. is not the world's police. I believe that something should definitely be done in Syria based upon what's happening but the burden should not fall on the U.S. alone. We helped establish organizations like NATO and we create alliances so burdens like this won't fall on us in full. Our troops have been fighting a war that has not been fully backed since 2001. It's time to bring those active duty troops home and share the burdens of things like this with all other nations.
No! NO and NO!!!! America does NOT need to touch that country, I don't care. We have bigger problems that we need to take care of. I'm tired of us trying to police the damn world. It's too costly and why can't we help our own damn people? You know, America's problem is ignoring its own problems and taking care of other people's problems from other nations.
Their proxies are already intervening. BTW, I think it's time for another Nobel Peace Prize.
YESS!! It's a humanitarian issue!!
Why do we even care what is going on in Syria? There are hundreds of people killed every day across the Mexican border but Syria appears in the head lines every day. Enough already!
Shouldn't the headline read as a statement instead of question?
"The US will intervene in Syria and probably already is covertly. Aerial bombardment or ground troops may be needed shortly though." quoted the US State Department
i'm not quite sure where the "world'd police" thing is from. i'm a Canadian and i have the utmost respect for America's intervention in global conflict. but American intervention has never been about saving the world. it's always been about self-interest and to think otherwise is completely naive. and that's not in ANY way a criticism. that's how it should be. someone mentioned entering WWII to save Europe and protect the world from evil. no, the Americans intervened because they were provoked through an act of war. the Americans went into Korea and Vietnam to stop the spread of communism. they went into Iraq... well, not going there.
as an outsider, i can assure you that the world does not look to America to do the policing. Syrians are not waiting for American intervention. no one is. America won't and shouldn't intervene. this is what we created the UN for. but even the UN's hands are tied. people need to understand that removing Assad from power, while solving one problem, will open the floodgates to another series of similar problems. any military intervention would have to come with a decade-long commitment. that country would almost have to start from scratch.
If something awful like this happens to America, the rest of the world is going to laugh in our faces when we ask them for help. We are all human beings.
if something awful like this were to happen to the US, it's because we couldnt keep our noses out of everyone elses business. while we may be trying to help, we are doing nothing but making enemies left and right. sooner or later, all the enemies we made will turn on us. and how do we keep getting all these countries that hate us? because we keep interfering with other countries business.
we should be involved but... since Syria doesn't have any oil reserve my guess would be we will not do anything it seems like if humanity lost its touch if we look to the broader picture i am sure we could see that the (US) don't want to topple the regime due to the fact that this regime have maintained a calm border with Israel in the Golan heights all what we are doing is called game of politics it don't matter how many children's or elder people loose their lives or how many massacres we see its all politics ( humans to politics is only number ) until we find another dictator regime this will stay the same ...
All hypcrites here MUST STFU and try to put themselves in the shoes of Syrian people.
This should neither be a question nor a debate. Syrian people need help and prompt action must be taken to put and end Syrian Government's atrocities !
Let's put it this way, what if...USA is dictator and the government is killing its own people and Syria is there to ready to interfere to end the oppression, will these armchair NUMBSKULLS would say to Syria to stay out of our country because it's non-n of their business?
People are dying every minute in Syria because they don't have the right that we are enjoying now, to choose their leaders to govern them. This must be STOP at ALL cost!
US and its allies should make it sure that Al-Ashaad would share the same experience; would end the same way and would join the likes of Gaddafi. These kind of leaders must learn their lessons.
emotions are wonderful but your STFU is offensive. if you cant see both sides of this issue then you are not very bright. you dont enter into a war you cant win and, even if we saved people in syria, we dont win.
You may have made a case that someone needs to intervene but you did not make the case that it needs to be the US.
Think of it this way – would we want Syria's help if they were going to install their own version of what they consider a good government? No. No American citizen would want their fate decided by someone else. I am pretty sure most Syrians feel similarly about American-initiated regime change. That said, we should be helping in other ways, but as someone else said, this whole situation is what the UN SHOULD be handling. Too bad they have proven to be useless in all but the simplest of cases.
you seem to think that intervention will result in some kind of democratic republic or something. this is as much a sectarian war as anything else. no matter who is in charge there, the slaughter will continue. unless there's a way to bring religious peace to this country, this war will rage. these people want to kill each other, and that's not going to change.
Question. Has a country that the populace had the right to bare arms ever been taken over by a dictator?
I think you are the hypocrite. I say things that I will back up with my actions. My sons are just as important to me and to the world as a Syrian mother's are to her. My sons killing her sons doesn't solve anything. Until you go or, better yet, until you send your children to die in some other country, you will not know the sacrifice that you are so easy to call for. You haven't got a clue what war means. It's just a clean daydream to you, but the reality is bloody and filthy and full of pain and fear. America would gain nothing real and protect nothing real by killing people. You can't save people by killing people.
Agree with your sentiment that making the decision to take lives and risk lives should be taken very seriously and with a great deal of thought. But, I think there are cases where taking lives can save lives.
while military intervention may help kill whatever the hell that guys name is, and his troops, what gain would there be?
so what? so we stop one war? (not really anyway, there will always be someone who will pick up where it left off) wars wage every day. people die every day. its not a big deal.
you are not in their shoes (and if you were, then you sure as hell wouldnt be typing all this, you would be fighting for what you believe or you would be running away from explosives or something). everyone is different, so putting yourself in one other persons shoes gives you one other viewpoint. but there are many people. why dont you put yourself if my shoes, and look at the big picture, instead of being so self centered and single minded. open your world to see all the positives, AND negatives that could happen if we went there.
YES! Syria currently hates our guts and sponsors terrorism, like Iran. Plus Syria borders Iran, so it would give us an additional "edge" to have a country that is newly friendly to us on Iran's border.
Uh , there is a country called Iraq between Syria and Iran. They don't share a border.
"Plus Syria borders Iran"
(facepalm)
Crikey and this guy thinks his opinion matters.
Perpetuum bellum as they once said in Rome. Perpetual war! Ah yes; that is the purpose of being an American. 58 people were shot in New York City over the last Labor Day Weekend. Who went to their rescue?
We cannot police the world. We cannot even afford to fund our own medical care. Let the world act as a unit to "intervene". Let us defend our own shores!
Speak softly and carry a big stick!
military intervention is not clean. any bump in the road and the entire region would blame us. they would quickly forget that we had done it to save lives. i can see the propoganda now about being an agent for israel, etc.
i believe the correct answer to "should the US intervene...?" is "HELLFUKING NO!"
Why doesn't NATO/UN finally do something besides hand out warning citations? They could approve a coalition that makes this alot easier than us having to step in and be the bad/good guy. As much as people like to blame George W. for Iraq, alot of that was born out of NATO/UN constantly wagging its finger at Hussein until we decided to try and ride in and look for stuff. I'd rather stop blatant disregard for human life in Syria than the other messes we have gotten into and stayed in.
Unfortunately, it woudl have to go through the UNSC. With the stupid single veto rule, fat chance of anything being accomplished.
No, absolutely Not. That is Syria's civil war and is none of our business. With the P/C garbage our brave volunteer soldiers have to endure, we do NOT need another war where they are not allowed to kill the enemy.
No thanks. The Israelis can go take care of it. Or send the Saudi's. Or any other one of those puppet kingdoms in the middle east that is supported by America (so that we can get Cheap OIL).
NO. Let them eat each other alive like dogs over there. Stay out of it FOR ONCE. Let's stay out of this and not end up taking the blame for the whole mess FOR ONCE.
My past self would say yes, but with current world situation, no. Let the muslims sort each other out. Everyone begs for our help, and then when we are there they all complain about the "infidels". FU@K 'em!
Is unaccepted from what Ron said.
As a military member with 4 deployments two to iraq and two to afghanistan. We as soldiers are tired. I really do feel sorry for all those people getting killed but we need a break. I think the US going there would just complicate things and make for another long drawn out war.
I couldn't agree more you said it all there my friend.Thank you for your service it is greatly appreciated god bless you and your family.The United States needs to stay out of this thing our blood has been spent enough and international opinion always makes us look bad even when our intentions have been good and genuine.
Why we need to get involved in everything that happens around the globe; because it's the right thing to do? I defer from some of the commentators. We need to step aside and let someone else to be the "cop" in this matter. Someone else within that region should take action and put a stop to that madness. The Syrian president is talking from both sides of his mouth. He sits with the UN Envoy Koffe Annan and assures him that he will resolve their internal problems, but it seems to me that whomever is working under the president does not have to answer to Mr. Annan and continues engaging innocent civilians. Let's stay in our lane and pray that someone else will do the right thing. Give a break to our troops; they deserve it, big time!!!
US should move to condemn Stalin crimes against humanity. It's the Russia's own history and lack of punishment that prompts then to support Syrian regime and their crimes.
Every man, woman, child, and goat in Syria could be killed in this civil war and it would not make one bit of difference in the U.S. Syria has nothing we need. Let the Arabs clean up this Arab mess.
Cold and harsh. But I really can't disagree with that.
It could make a difference it you believe in Karma. I'm not saying we should necessarily go all out and send in the troops or anything, but if you have the ability and means to do good, you usually should. Weak sauce like seeing someone stranded on the side of the road and keep going because you're a weenie and think someone else should take care of it or because you're paranoid and think it's a trap and everyone's out to get you gets on my nerves.
First rule of fighting: Don't start a scrap unless you reckon you can win! Starting one and then asking the audience to help you is plain dumb. Syrians started this – let them finish it. Why should any other country risk the lives of their soldiers?
No
Save a group of a population that has always hated us?... No.
As was mentioned before , the Arab League should be dealing with this . It's not like they don't have billions in oil assets to finance military intervention. they're lack of involvement is sending us a message....heed it..
US navy! A global force for peace, they say in the ad. So, technically we should be standing in front of anybody that commits crimes against humanity like this, am I right? Considering this, why is it taking so long for the US to react, when George Bush started without any hesitation two wars that killed nearly 1 million civilians for oil?
@BrooklynZ00 – you mean the oil that Russia and China got? You mindbogglingly dumb buffoon.
There is nothing stopping you from puchasing a one-way ticket to Syria and helping out your fellow Syrians. Perhaps if you do this, you will gain a better perspective on life.
nonsense coffee house talk I bet you are wearing a beret and fake glasses
Wow if it was for the oil you'd think prices here would have gown down since then you idiot.Can you or anyone else for that matter prove the US invaded Iraq for its oil if so where is the proof and how have we benefited from it show me a link for a reputable study group that proves this .Im talking a politically unbiased set of proof?The only thing that came out of the invasion of Iraq was the elimination of Saddam Hussein and the deaths of hundreds of US service men and women on the false presence of supposed weapons of mass destruction.At the time hell even I was in favor of it I'll admit it.But the whole thing was a god awful mistake it wasn't worth it.The men and women in the US military deserve all the support and praise they can get they only follow the orders of politically motivated civilians.However trying to say it was only about the oil is ridiculous and moronic.
Don't forget the United States has been at war for 11 years now we are a war weary people we've lost enough young men and women to war.Our society needs a break.Enough flag dropped coffins have come home give the American people a much deserved rest from its tears.As I said and I'll keep saying this Syria isn't worth starting a world war with the Russians or Chinese PERIOD!We have to keep an eye on Iran who is probably getting ever closer to have nuclear weapons.
NO, THE UNITED STATES SHOULD STAY OUT OF SYRIA.
There are other conflicts going on around the world I don't see the necessity to get involved in every single one of them.Or any of them for that matter.Even if we supply the rebels that will only make worse an already bad situation feeding more fuel to this fire.War is a fact of man kinds history wether it be a civil war ,regional or world war man will always kill period.The Russians and Chinese don't mind the endless slaughter and any involvement by the US could trigger a wider war with those countries.Its Not Worth 1 American life PERIOD.
Unfortunately, Syria doesn't hold much strategic value for the United States. They have few oil reserves and nothing much else to offer. And while it's tragic what the Syrian government is doing to its people, it is an internal conflict that must be solved by Syrians internally. It would be one thing if Syria were attacking another, sovereign nation. But they are not. The United States cannot be the world's police in every single conflict that erupts. It's just not feasible economically or militarily. We must, for better or worse, choose our battles wisely.
Why doesn't the UN deem him a war criminal, put him on an international most wanted list. Then add his subordinates as time goes by and evidence presents so they know that no matter what they will come to answer for their crimes? Either that or figure out where he his and zap their command and control infrastructure and his 47 residences. Just like Momar under Reagan, Start whacking his homes make it uncomfortable for him. There is plenty we could do without putting boots on the ground. Maybe he needs his children whacked to get him to stop whacking other peoples kids.
God no these people are maniacs they hate no matter what we do.
Someone needs to go over and put a well placed bullet in Bashar Al-Assad's brain. Problem solved, end of discussion. In fact, that is probably what the CIA will end up doing.
Why aren't any of the Middle Eastern powers doing anything meaningful? Why do the clerics remain silent while Assad commits genocide against Muslim women and children, yet when someone writes a story mentioning Mohammed, they call for his head? The hypocrisy on display here is stunning.
I think the United States has enough issues on their plate and enough troops sacrificing in countries that want our help privately, but want us out publicly. I feel for the plight of the innocent in Syria. However, we need to move away from the role of being the World's police. There are many other powerful nations that can step up and take the role. Where is the rest of the Arab Community? Russia, China and France, all members of the U.N. can take a leadership role in this.
For me, I don't have a problem with us getting involved with issues where humans are being slaughtered. I agree that, like many here, we plenty of house-cleaning we need to do. The real problem I have with our interventions overseas is that the military is not allowed to go in and get the job done and leave. Too many times, we have to agree to certain "rules of engagement" that do nothing more than tie our hands and drag the conflict out much longer than necessary. Two cliche' come to mind: General Sherman's "War is Hell" and John Lyly's "The rules of fair play do not apply in love and war."
The problem as I see it is, with us engaging into this mess, we leave ourselfs vunerable to the whims of Iran. We must remember, Iran is their ally. And Iran is allied with Chiba, Russia as well. While it is a treaversty what is happening there, the senseless killing of innocents. We MUST be certain that there is no other way...
I think we should intervene but if/when we do what happened in Iraq with the massive inlux of anit American fighters is gonna be a cake walk compared to what will happen in Syria. I also don't see how US intervention in Syria will not be a green light for every local terrorist to attack Israel. This is a no win either way you slice it.
The United States is already involved. Lets look at the violence in Syria from a world perspective. Our fellow human brothers and sisters are dying violently. Misinformation is prevalent. A path to peace is forged with peaceful footsteps. There is much we can do without military intervention from the United States government. From economic sanctions, to pressure from foreign leaders, to helping organize and educate Syrian citizens. The actions in Syria can continue only in darkness. The greatest tool of the United States is to lead by example. As long as the United States government condones violence as a form of conflict resolution, how can it act to bring about peace within its borders and ensure freedom throughout the world? The way of violence belongs to the old world order. Have we not learned from the atrocities of the 20th century? Each one of us plays a role in the state of our world - let us shout to Syria, that violence, either from the government or from its citizens is not acceptable. Let us lift the consciousness of each person so that a higher order resolution may be found. If you believe violent uprisings lead to peaceful, democratic governments, I encourage you to study the history of our species. There is a better way. Demand it of yourself and it will be reflected by our world.
WE NEED TO LOOK AT AMERICA'S PROBLEMS AND LET OTHER COUNTRIES WORK ON THEIR OWN SITUATION. NO MATTER WHO WINS IN SYRIA, IT IS NOT GOING TO BE A WONDERFUL FREE DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY. IT WILL BE ANOTHER SIMILAR GOVERNMENT TO WHAT THEY HAVE NOW AND WE DO NOT NEED TO EXPEND OUR RESOURCES IN MONEY OR MEN TO TRY TO MAKE IT DIFFERENT. LET'S WORK ON APPALACHIA OR OTHER IMPOVERISHED AREAS IN AMERICA. LET'S SPEND OUR MONEY ON BETTER BRIDGES AND ROADS AND ON BETTER SCHOOLS. THOSE WE HAVE TRIED TO HELP ONLY HATE US MORE. STAY ON OUR OWN SIDE OF THE WORLD AND MAKE AMERICA A BETTER PLACE.
why can't china protect the syrians?
No frigen way!!!!!
Have you seen Bashar Al-Assad killing any of his people of the Christian faith (2 million + in Syria), or any other citizens of the minorities (Kurds, Armenians, Druze, etc.)? The answer is NO – he is killing some Sunni Muslim rebels who are associated with Al-Qaida and want to bring "Sharia" rule to Syria. Furthermore, it seems like most of the atrocities committed in Syria are rebel against loyalists to the regime, not necessarily the regime itself (i.e. Al-Assad). Therefore, we should stay clear of this bad situation and let the chips fall where they may.
The NATO countries need to handle this. Yes, it is likely to lead to a wider war that could make the Middle East explode. But that war has come whether we like it or not. We can turn a blind eye and say that Syria is 10,000 miles away and not our problem. But though our governments are many, our peoples are one. We have an innate human responsibility to stop rogue governments from slaughtering innocent people - especially when multiple states are funding the slaughter. We must act, or brutality will grow like a tumor on the earth, and sooner or later it *will* arrive at our doorstep.
Time for the Arab League to intervene. They are a 22 nation club full of wealthy oil countries with a shiny new American Made and American Trained military. The conversation always circulates around whether the US should be involved, but no one mentions the Arab League, why? Because they hide behind the American flag. They let the real men (Americans) do the heavy lifting, then critize the "colonialists" for throwing their weight around the region. If the Arab League wants to be a legitimate group that doesn't appear to the rest of the world as a disfunctional, toothless group of rich oil monarchs, then they should be the ones putting in the work.
Because the Arab League is a league of losers.
Please clean your own house before you clean someone else's.
I like how people in here are saying the warcries only come from the Republicans. Yet it was Obama who pushed the envelope on Libya without the approval of Congress. Obama ramping up drone strikes, Obama bulking up Afgani forces after they were supposed to wind down.
Obama – the war hawk that Dubya Jr WISHES he could have been. L O L
No
Let the Muslims rot in their own pig blood.
What strategic interest would it serve? Once we can answer that question, we should proceed. If we cannot answer that queston we should stay out.
NO FLY ZONE...
If you have a little compassion in your heart, and imagine that those innocent murdered there, where your children, what would you do?? Taking under consideration that you have unlimited financial and political resources. It is very easy to sit in front of your laptop in a cozy room (oval office) and be totally disconnected from the pain and suffering. My answer is YES, even though there is nothing I can do except speaking for the speechless.
Head to Syria and go fight with the rebels then, otherwise STFU
LOL I love the STFU part the best!!!!!
The 'what if' implication never works..simply because it is NOT...secondly, we do not have unlimited financial OR political resources. Do you not know there are starving, homeless, sick, non-working people in our own country? sympathy has nothing to do with it. you can help build a wall (fix syria), but if you are using weak bricks (sending troops in from a country that has lots of issues), the wall is going to break down sometime.
Yea send the Unions. The more we lose the stronger we get.
After spending the lives of our soldiers and our money, how much are our efforts appreciated in Iraq and Afghanistan? We give our all and get kicked in our butts for not being Muslims. The killing by Muslims of Muslims is accepted by the populations, as being OK.
So let them do to each other what they will, maybe they'll learn something from that and we won't be spending our blood and money for a thankless population and the outcome they work towards. Let's take care of our domestic problems first and let them take care of theirs.
I am sooo tired of their stupidity and their denouncing us for trying to help. Let them drown in their own bloodletting.
US intervene? You mean more then they ALREADY ARE?
Are you trying to imply the CIA isnt already on the ground.?
Are you trying to imply the CIA isnt behind the massacres thenselves?
I thought you were supposed to report the news.
No, I think the US is doing quite enough. But I dont care. Kill em all. This is not my war.
Ragheads killing ragheads: It's GREAT!!!!!
No the US shouldnt interfere, leave them alone and let them sink or swim on their own!
In a word.........NO. We can't fix the problems we have here and are headed for our own revolution.
Yes and whether that is via sanctions or military force, we have an obligation to help and protect innocent people around the world. The United States has built its empire on its relationship with the rest of the world. During that time we've amassed power, money and the privilege of being the "leader of the free world." With that power comes great responsibility and we've watched too many times what happens when the world sits by idly while people die. So for every American who says that its not our job or our role, I say its our honor and duty to extend the rights and protection to people around the world that we cherish so deeply. We could have all easily had the misfortune of being born in a country like Syria and we didn't “earn” our right to be Americans. How will we sleep at night if we continue to watch Syrian men, women and children die when we had the chance to prevent the tragedies occurring on a daily basis?
The better question, is WHY should anyone interfere with an internal matter. Unless it would result in security issues outside of their borders, they need to solve their own problems. Yes, there is no question that what is going on there is bad by our standards, but think of how the American civil war, or fighting off the British would have gone if there had been massive external support and aid from another nation.
We need to encourage the countries in the middle east to remedy this problem. The United States needs to realize the government in power Is willing to kill all manner of civilians (women, children) and any government that would replace their current government will be against us as well. In fact we are generally hated throughout the region. We have spent enough of our blood in that region for all sorts of nebulous reasons. Let the middle east, so stridently against anything we represent, solve their own problems and let us get away from our present Vietnam style national bloodletting.
If you are living on a same street with a family which is terrorized by one of its members – beaten, tortured, occasionally one of the children is killed etc...would you think it is the right thing to intervene ? Don't get deceived by space. As we have learned time and space are relative. The moral law is not. The real evolution of humanity is not in the technological advances nor even in the economic prosperity. It is in our moral standing, in our ability to recognize good and evil and choose. You can not not to choose. There is not such a thing as being neutral. How would you judge that neighbor who looked the other way because he had "other things to worry about" ?
There will be a human loss both if we intervene and if we don't. The question is will it occur because we decide to fight against evil or because we allow the evil to have its reign? Choose.
In any war, one side wins and the other side loses. People from all parts of life are killed because it is war which is what normally happens. America had its own Civil War and the casualties were no less impactful than they are in Syria today. The only difference is back then; we did not have Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or any 24 hour news Channel, let alone cable TV informing the world population of the casualties. With social media; opinions such as mine are abundant and plentiful. But too often many forget that when we send our service members into these countries to promote peace we inevitably become the targets because we have to take a side. And whenever we take a side, the opposing side targets our service members and we suffer casualties which are what see today in Afghanistan. As a former soldier and government contractor serving overseas I have come to understand that in a country where sectarian violence can lead to civil war, there will never be peace until one side eradicates the other. Tragic as it may seem to some, allowing the Syrians to figure out their own destiny is the best alternative; otherwise we risk s losing one of our own to country that could seriously care less about us and to me that price is not worth it.
Why do we care so much? If they fight their own battle they will grow from it, if we hand them the fish they will be useless.
The US has been very good to the world but what it gets in return is Anti American sentiments.
I don't think the question here is whether we should intervene or not. I have always believed that the existance of this kind of evil in the world is nothing but a way for us to truely find out who we really are. It is a way to differentiate people and this case nations of character from others. Will you watch it happen and find excuses not to intervene? Will you stand for what is right? Will you not care about your brothers and sisters being slaughtered? or will you rush to save them? Who are you really? Who are we? In my entire life, i haven't seen a war in which the right and wrong sides are more clearly defined as with this one. We will get involved eventually, Either by stopping it now. or by letting it be until they get stronger and attack and bring the war to us. So it will come to us eventually, maybe not right away, maybe not by Asad, but we will have to get involved at some point. Honestly, I don't think that the question here is whether we should intervene or not. We will be forced to eventually. I think the real question here is who are we?
Every time a UN security meeting is about to take place, the terrorist masters order them to conduct a massacre that gets quickly coordinated with the Western and Wahhabi media which immediately put all the blame on the Syrian government and utilize the massacre as war propaganda materials. Blaming the Syrian government will follow up quickly from Western politicians while the news are hot. Talk on using chapter 7 has already started and the West hasn’t given up on their war campaign against Syria. And here on CNN, all the Israeli trolls will be logged in and blaming president Assad and spreading lies and hate messages preying on the naive and the misinformed. I hope most of you are smart enough to figure out that this inhuman killing is done to help the war propaganda campaign against Syria. Pray to God for the innocent souls that are being sacrificed to satisfy the greed of the Western elite.
It all depends on whether or not it is in our (the U.S.'s) interest to do so. I don't think it is in our interest to do anything regarding Syria.
if's there an oils in syrian, American should get involved.
Why stop at Syria? Why doesn't the US go ahead and "liberate" Iran, North Korea, China, Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Columbia, etc al as well? Why not just start World War 3 in the name of peace and freedom?
why the hell can't russia do something? do we have to do everything? is russia just gonna sit on its a ss and twiddle its thumbs and make us do everything?
Russia is the problem.
Go ahead United States, intervene Syria, invade the country and destroy it, which is the only good thing you do...More money wasted from taxpayers, more young troops slaughtered, like Irak, more hell for americans. Syria is a socialist, peaceful country. They dont mess with anybody, they dont have oil, they dont get involved but in thei internal affairs only, which is the right thing to do. Both father and son have done great things for their people, but the media doesnt say that. Whomever is framing Bashar al Assad with this so called masacres needs to burn in hell !!!
Peaceful socialists who attacked Israel at the Golan Heights. You're an extraordinary storyteller Georgio.
Syria is a PEACEFUL country? Surely you can read a newspaper...
Nice peacefull Syria,
who funnells weapons from Iran to hezbollah & hamas
to murder Israeli children with.
Nice peacefull Syria.
We're stretching ourselves too thin. It's been done repeatedly in history and has led time and again to a demise. I'd like to assume that the officials in charge of our financial and military affairs are most intelligent than I am. Therefore, I'd think they would not even consider this as an option when already we are cleaning up after a decade of warfare abroad for reasons I believe, but will not mention. Let's stop assuming it's our responsibility to police the globe for a moment and focus on ousting our corruption from within and rebuilding our nation. We are obviously in no position to be doing what we are doing.
China has been committing genocide in Tibet for more than 60 years. That situation deserves attention first.
Lets make a list in alphabetical order of all the countries.
Then we cross off our friends, ya know, like canada and Germany.
Then we go down the list one at a time.
We attack, toss out the government, put in place a new one and.....ta da !
The United States Of The World.
We start with Albania, when we get to Zimbabwe we know we are done.
What makes you think the opposition would be any better than the ruling party??? They have created their problems, let them solve them.
I think the question posed by Zakaria is fundamentally the wrong question, and it carries within it part of the negative answer that most people would unconsciously be obligated to give. The proper question would be: Is there a moral/legal obligation to stop the bloodshed in Syria? The answer to this question will also carry within it some positive answers, but it will not be misleading.
The US is part of the international community, member of the UN, thus a signatory to the Responsibility to Protect mandate that the United Nations has adopted in the aftermath of massacres in Rwanda, Somalia, former Yugoslavia, to obligate the United Nations to act "if a state “manifestly fails” to protect its people, then the international community has the responsibility to respond “in a timely and decisive manner, using Chapters VI, VII, and VIII of the UN Charter,” and by taking a range of peaceful or forceful measures." [In a 2009 report, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described R2P].
Civilians are massacred in Syria. The opposition blames the regime for the killings, and the regime blames terrorists, whichever the cause, the fact remains that civilians are indiscriminately massacred and the Syrian regime, even if in the very unlikely situation is not responsible for the killings, it has manifestly failed to protect its civilians. Now it is the obligation and duty of the international community to stop it. The US, as part of the international community, and furthermore assumes a leading role, is equally obligated both morally and legally to protect the Syrian people.
You goto Syria and spill your blood on their soil then, you drone. I fear to even think of your sentiments if you would have been part of the Third Reich.
War always comes down to one mother's children killing another mother's children. The men think in terms of honor and strategy. Women think in terms of blood and pain and loss. I will not sacrifice my sons to save the sons of Syrian mothers. My sons are just as important. Don't you try tell me that it's my duty to send my sons to lie dead on the ground next to her sons. Neither of us want that. It's men who want that.
Is there oil in it for us? If so, we'll intervene. We always intervene on the side of rightoil.
Really? Like how Europeans went to Libya for oil?? Or how China and Russia got Iraq's oil? Where's all the oil at that the US has been stealing?
Perception my friend.
You dont understand how it works.
The "oil" was not for "America".
The oil companys use American politician to start war in Iraq.
American troops go into Iraq.
Install new government.
Then oil companys get Iraq oil contract and sell oil to China.
Now do you get it ?
American troops die and taxpayers pay for war.
Oil companys get rich.
Thats how it works.
I DID NOT KNOW THAT 100,000 HAVE TO DIE TO BUILD THE CASE TO INTERVENE.
May God help and bless the babies and women in Syria..!!
CNN daily propaganda in a feeble attempt to get us into another conflict. How about we start with TOTAL pull out from Afghanistan first? Then rest of you warmongers can send your Sons and Daughters to Syria if you want but leave mine out of it. The time has come for Arabs to fix their own problems.
You dont like war ?
Dont vote for Romney or you will get one.
Syria is an Islamic nation. Rather than the U.S. getting involved and giving Muslims more reasons to hate us, it seems their fellow Islamic nations in the region should deal with the problem.
Amen to that!
Everybody agrees that Assad's war against his own people is the most horrible and cowardly of tyrannical acts.
Just like raising a child, there is no manual on how to create and sustain a democratic government. Over 200 years later, we're still learning. I would suggest that a people's culture would probably have some influence in the evolution of their form democracy. Folks in the Middle East obviously have a different culture than we do, and there are bound to be at least subtle differences from one country to another.
That said, I'm not sure we can lump all the various situations in the Middle East together and come up with one cure for all of them. Each has to be treated independently according to what the specific situation demands. In Egypt, we did nothing. The Egyptians said "thanks but we got this" Their democracy is of to a rocky start, but it's starting. In Libya, the revolutionaries absolutely did not want American or anybody else to put their boots on they ground but did specifically request air support against a superior force. We listened, provided what they wanted, and the seeds of a new democracy are planted.
In Syria, I've not heard the oppressed express any desire for anybody else to fight their battles for them. They are to be commended for their courage to fight their own fight and on a human level, their wish should be respected. Let them tell their grandchildren how Syrians created a new, free Syria on their own. However, it's apparent that Assad the Bully is being supported by his buddies Russia and Iran through the provision of weapons. Bullies never fight alone without a superior advantage. So the revolutionaries aren't just fighting Assad, they are in effect fighting to other countries as well, even though no Russian or Iranian solders are in combat (yet). So what are we to do? How can we help these oppressed people achieve their dream of liberty without stomping on their pride as a people? Perhaps rather than help them take on Assad directly, we (meaning preferably NATO) could separate him from his lackeys by disrupting the supply of weapons from them. This might be done diplomatically or if need be, through covert military action (a la Seal Team 6) in a manner that might retain "plausible deniablity". A bully without backup is revealed for the coward he is. And guess what we could do with the captured weapons? Supply them to the good guys. The results of such action would have a "lag time", and yes, more innocents would die, but far fewer than if we took no action at all. Eventually the tide would turn. A new Syria would be born, and as far as the Syrian people would be concerned, they did it with their own blood and sweat. After that, we can only pray that the good guys don't become the new bad guys, as seems to happen so often in that part of the world.
I just turned 52 and the way the U.S. is going, I think I may get drafted soon.
you won't post it anyway – but i am outraged – i don't want our men and women over there dying for what is really a civil war – the people over there hate americans anyway – it would be an inhumane tragedy to lose americans in this situation
No...enough with these stupid wars. WE ARE NOT THE POLICEMEN OF THE WORLD....
Saddam was way more brutal on his people so this is a non-issue as far as America is concerned.
if there NUKES then will we come running, like kill'em all, funny yet but sad....
Not only NO but HELL no.
Would you have stood around and just watched as the Nazi's killed the Jews???? These people are killing children....come on people-where the he** is your compassion!! Yes-time to intervene. They already hate us so what's the difference. The UN is USELESS........
Go for it sport, fly over to Syria and get yourself killed in the name of "freedom"
Would gladly do it.....I guess you'd can sit around and watch. Douch.
Alright dude, stop posting on a CNN commentary section and get your flight out of the country.
Israel would say, and how would we profit from interfering in Syria's plight. We should think likewise that nothing positive could come from meddling in a civil uprising in Syria.
Since the end of World War II, the United States acknowledges military intervention in 63 countries on five continents. It has earned us distrust from most of Earth's population and lots of enemies. It is time we learned to mind our own business. We should be repairing our own schools and bridges.
OK so CNN censors and denies legitimate comments, now I know.
Now you know what ?
NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!! We are not the world police. Doesnt affect us and gives us no benefit STAY OUT OF IT! We stil want people to follow the Monroe Doctrine, yet we feel as though we can stick our nose in everywhere and anywhere things happen we dont agree with!
It's not so much that we think we can just put our noses everywhere. It is that on some level their is a social responsibility..
Fact is, there is a government slaughtering its people. Someone needs to do something.
Problem is, those who should act, like other nations in the region, wont. And probably never will, even though they all keep saying something should be done. This is usually when people look towards the U.S ...and then afterwards criticize us.
I would agree except for Viet Nam, Mogadishu, Bosnia, Iraq, Lybia, Egypt, and so on. We constantly stick our nose into things that dont concern us. Other countries and organizations (THE UN EVEN THOUGH IT IS WORHTLESS AND WE SHOULD GET OUT OF IT) need to handle some of these things, not us.
How about Turkey? ..or Saudi? ..or just Europe? ..Syria is in their backyard, not ours. Something needs to be done, but by those in the region.
But as usual, this is the part where the world is suddenly looking towards the U.S. All of a sudden, we are loved.
We will go in, intervene, and afterwards, these nations and region will criticize the methods. Well then, shut up, and do it yourselves. You should be anyways. Otherwise, stay quiet.
It's very simple.... the USA is not getting involved because there's no oil. If there was oil, we would have already gone.
We should just send the drones after Al Assad. Let him live his life hiding in bunkers and dressing in women's clothing whenever he sticks his nose out of his hole.
Christians are scared to because Syria is in Asia at Asia Minor same area Jesus was said to have been born . Would this be mans last battle as many think ?
Either the UN should do it's job or disband and throw them out of the U.S. The U.S. alone should stop helping countries who afterward complain.
sure, if we send Congress over there to do it in person.
NO!
We must stay out. What more can we ask of our soldiers?
It is not a question of should we, or shoudn't we.....It is a question of...can we? The answer is no. We are broke...our military is over stretched. And we seem more interested in protecting the Liberty of stranger is other countries, than we do our own American Citizens.
1st rule.Do not catch a falling knife . Let it be. Pick it up later. Hooah !
we can't take care of ourselves, much less take on another country, what are you guys thinking? Is the author of this column a rep.?
We don't know for sure what is going on in Syria.. everyone sees the news and decides that Assad is the bad guy, but I would like to counter with the fact that the media has routinely lied to us before. Remember those non-existent weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? How about the non-existent Mercenaries in Libya? Amnesty International released a report not so long ago that the "Free Syrian Army" was killing and torturing civilians and government soldiers.
There is also a bigger problem, one which one of the interviews eluded to, Assad is backed by Russia and China.. Do we really wan't to risk World War III? War with Syria has the potential for something much greater than an in and out intervention.
I just don't see how this is much different from Iraq. The only real difference is we waited a few years after Saddam kiiled like 20k of his own people before we invaded. One of the reasons Bush gave for the invasion was freeing the people from Saddam. There was also the fact that he had chemical weapons, was trying to build nukes (although never proven) and was harboring terrorists (also never proven). Bush gets a bad rep because two of the three reasons were not proven – but there is only one reason to invade Syria and that is the same reason we invaded Iraq. Afrer Assad is gone we will have to occupy Syria just like we did Iraq. ONce it is clear the if we leave too soon there will be civil war we will stay around for too long – just like Iraq. We will also end up being held responsible for everything that goes wrong in Syria after we invade – just like Iraq. All the good things we do in Syria – like we did in Iraq – will be ignored and if Obama loses the election the media will start blaming the war Obama started on Rommny....
There was also the fact that he had chemical weapons....
Sold to them by The United States, under Donald Rumsfeld,
Who later became Secretary of Defense Under George Bush.
Bush gets no free pass here.
Yes, US should intervene in Syria. it's a moral and human obligation. You can't just stand and watch the slaughter of people because "we have no interest" or "it's an election year" or other feeble excuses. If USA is truly the land of the free and the home of the brave, there is no excuse not to intervene.
Nobody is stopping you from going over there yourself and joining their civil war. Go for it.
Agree with Link, since you are so free and brave, go. Stop trying to send others to do what you need to.
if we're so free and brave, why don't we take care of our own first??? get your own house in order...
Money doesn't grow on trees.
*** a moral and human obligation. You can't just stand and watch the slaughter of people ....
Countries that have "slaughtered" people:
North Korea
Kazahhstan
Uzbekistan
Pakistan
Russia (Chechnya)
China (Tibet)
Sri Lanka
Saudi Arabia
Bahrain
Myanmar
Cambodia
Laos
Syria
Iran
Yemen
Afghanistan
Turkey (Armenia)
Turkey (Kurds)
Sudan
Niger
Central African Repunlic
Zaire (Congo)
Zimbabwe
Ivory Coast
Mali
Somalia
Uganda
Rwanda
But you want to start in Syria because its in the news.
No, it is NOT a "human obligation" to clean up everyone else's messes. Aren't you one of the ones complaining about OVERSPENDING? How do you think that happens?????
No way. But maybe if the government fabricates a reason to intervene and utilizes its puppet news organizations to convey false information, everyone will submit and fall in line like a flock of sheep.
One sure fire way for Obama to hand the election over the Mitt Romney is to intervene in Syria...
I say we gather all of the armchair generals posting on this commentary board and send them to Syria to aid the rebels. We'll see how well they can use fat, out of shape slobs who really have nothing to offer other than yelling at people to do things they'd never do themselves.
What is the purpose of the UN, if we are constantly called to battle? Our economy is still recovering from Irag and Afghanistan. I can understand sacrificing our sons and daughters for our freedoms, but I don't see how that can be justified with somebody elses issues. There will always be conflict in the middle east until the end of time. We simply can't get involved in everything. What's the payback? These people hate us and breed terrorist, while our economy suffers and country becomes more unsafe everyday.
As a nation, we decided in the last presidential election that we are not the world's policeman. That not only includes giving up the power to intervene with our military, but also the disrespectful practice of telling other nations what to do. We are only one nation among many equals. Let the UN resolve the matter.
"Why quit our own to stand on foreign soil?"
George Washington
George was was right. Let them kill each other. We can't afford another one of these sand wars!
There is a trend that cannot be denied by anyone. Once the US removes one "problem" state then another pops up. If we did regime change in North Korea, Iran and Syria then what? The US has to have someone to villify in order to justify spending billions on defense. Who would be next? China and Russia? Sure – we already demonize them in the Media so we can justify spending tons of money and building new toys. The US military built the internet, microwave, cell phone, GPS, etc, etc. – Everyone beneifits from the US development – but at some point we won't have anyone left to drive this engine.
There is no profit in peace
when you are in the business of selling weapons.
Ideally, the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia and China should SELL (not give) arms to both sides. Workers, arms merchants and arms manufacturers would profit, and murderers, torturers and other assorted lowlifes would die throughout Syria. A weak Syria would provide the conditions needed so that Lebanon could dismantle Hezbollah and reclaim its democratic traditions. It might even permit all those supposedly innocent Syrians to discover that the general 3rd world definition of democracy, that the majority rules and the minority dies, doesn't work. THAT would be a true miracle.
Yes we should get imvolved. if innocent lives are being killed, we have a responsibility to stop it.
Grab your sword and board and head on over there you ignorant twit.
Go ahead get on a plane and go... Send your kids not ours.
How do you define 'innocent lives'?
If you allow tyrants to run your country and don't throw the monsters out, you get what you asked for. You will have to bleed to throw them out why should it be us.
Syria must be patient and take a number in the US attack candidate waiting room. We have many more other rich target environments we can send our drones into - so just wait a bit, and we will be with you soon.
Ask about our 30 day Rent-A-Drone Program is you do not wish a full blown attack (Hell fire missles extra).
US Armed Intervention Call Center
Washington DC
Call 1-800-bombs away
Awesome
Hell of funny lmfao.....
WOW I can't stop laughing.
NO WAY... WE CAN NOT BE THE WORLD POLICE. Look at the middle east.. When we leave they burn our flag and continue killing. Just apply economic sanctions. Thats it.
Yes. How can any country, or for that fact any human being, sit back and watch innocent children and women be murdered in such a horrific manner and not act to stop the killings. Any country thats sits back and watches without acting humanely should bear the shame of such killings, knowing damn well they have the power and authority to stop the senseless acts. This is no longer a political issue. This is mass murder! The United States and its allies have the capability to stop Assad and his regime but it appears the U.S, is frightened of Russia. We took action against Hitler for the senseless killing of so many. Why is Assad any different? Children should not die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay I expect you to be first to sign up for the tour and you can give 5 or 6 years of your life to repeated deployments.
Ive already given twenty.
Going to say a prayer and send a sympathy card.
Hope that helps.
we are not welcomed in Asia or any Muslim country so why are we there, they hate us, and tell me a country that has peace after we been there? look Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan etc
Enough is enough. Syrian dictator must stop and step down. He has killed tens of thousands. What else is he waiting for? Foreign countries must sever their military and financial aid to Damascus immediately. Otherwise, they could be held accountable for their role in abetting a dictator commit war and crimes against humanity.
KURDISTAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
K.I.M.
FIGHTING FOR KURDISH RIGHTS, JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND DEMOCRACY
SEEKING TO ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT KURDISH STATE IN IRAQI KURDISTAN!
We should just invade every country now and get it over with. It's not like the U.S. won't eventually have fought a war with every country in the world anyways. The U.S. will always try to destroy and kill until there is nothing left to destroy and kill.
If Americans feel they need to go there and fight, well just go. You do not have to send any military.
Put out the fires in your own backyard before tending to those neighboring or abroad.
If Americans feel they need to go there and fight, well just go. We do not have to send any military.
Removing Assad is not the solution. He is only the figurehead for a corrupt and brutal Alawite dominated regime. The Syrian opposition with help from their rich Arab neighbors should carry the ball. That said, all bets are off as to what the ultimate outcome would be. For indicators look at Lybia, Egypt, Tunesia, et al. Why? They all share a "religion" that preaches violence, hate and intolerance.
We cant stand by and watch them all die. send in some snippers and end the deal i say.
Send in some snippers ?
Dont you mean slippers ?
By the way, i doubt Assad is stupid enough to be stiitng by a window.
If not now then when???
I'll sum it up with one word: NOPE, the United States has enough problems here we don't need to be the police for the world, we fought our own civil war here and it only strengthened our nation, let them hash it out for themselves, and yes war is grusome and bloody deal with it
The United States is NOT obligated to intervene in the affairs of all countries in the world at any time; we are not the world's police force! And what is this claptrap about maintaining our " moral compass"? That is a naive notion, and justifies interfering with any country at any time. It's time to tend to our own problems right here at home.
Sure, arm Rush Limbaugh and send him in.
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I think that we should worry about getting our country out of this huge debt that we are in prior to worrying about another war. If we were to intervene in this and actually put boots on ground, it will not just be Syria that we fight face to face with. It will literally turn into WW3. This would not be just like Libya last year and only like 5 months. This would last a long time due to ties with Iran and Russia, both of which are not favorable to U.S. especially when it gets down to the nukes(not saying anybody would launch one) and arms deals that we have been banning.
Yes it sucks for those in Syria, but we as a country are not wanting to go through WW3. Those of you who say that we should intervene and are not apart of the military, why dont you join and go to Afghanistan for 6+ months at a time. We will be there til 2024 at least, so you have plenty of opportunities to do that. See how fun war really is.
Leadership is not starting WWIII with boots on the ground and billions of dollars investment. There is a difference between “Leadership” and “Brood Force”. Leadership is something that Obama Administration doesn’t have. Do nothing is what US did when Assad’s father did the same thing. Do nothing when this administration did in the “green movement” during the Iran’s recent election. These problems will not go away. If US claims to have high moral objectives, take a stand on moral issues rather that operating Drones in Vazirestan. This President (Obama) lacks leadership and minimum of moral standards. He is a media star, “Barak Kardashian”, running from one campaign fund raising to another, we need a President. That is exactly why Putin of Russia ignores him, by passing on two recent invitations to US, currently meeting with Chinese in global issues and did the same in the past two weeks with Europeans.
American has been hurt ENOUGH in irak and other arab countries for the world, and now it is the turn of others like arab countries to save their brethren in syria?
Do nothing and let the bad guys do anything and you will have more problems
No. All you folks speaking to moral obligation – I'm disgusted by what appears to be occuring as well, but there are countless equal if not worse atrocities occuring all over the globe; including directly south of our border on this continent, and South America. Where's the outrage for that? Where do we draw the line? The only reason Syria is all over the media is because of US strategic interest. Otherwise we'd likely never hear about all this; maybe a footnote on some back page. The US, as a developed nation sits idle while it's own people die of starvation, and lack of healthcare while others have more than several generations could spend. We can't even save our own, much less the rest of the world. If we go against China and Russia on this we will be making a huge mistake. We need to fix our own backyard before we start pointing over the fence
did everyone forget that the people of Syria were among the first people to be in the streets cheering after 9/11? do they think that we have forgotten their support for Hezbollah for all these years? the people of Syria have burned American flags in their streets for years, and now they cry and whine about needing our help. i think you people are finally getting whats coming to you, and you are witnessing the fact that America never forgets who our enemies are. do not cry when our government does nothing to help you, you reap what you sew
That was the Palestinians you ignorant corn dog.
The Syrians held a candlelight vigil.
The Ongoing situation viewed by the vast majority of World Nations, their Leaders and citizens alike would prefer a better Life for the People of Syria. Inasmuch as propaganda is common Place in such situations, arming the Opposition with better
Equipment and Intelligence may in Fact Allow more Truth to Unfold so Further Considerations may be then Reviewed and Considered. Direct "Known" Military actions should be a Last Resort. There are other Ongoing Situations which have also Prevailed.
As far as the whole situation in Syria goes,I have a couple of thoughts on it, the first being that if there is really so much bloodshed and violance going one someone must stand up to it. That someone not necessairly being the US, but more or less any country that has the recorces to spare and not going into MORE DEBT THEN ANY COUNTRY IN HISTORY, and also has the biggest wars going on in the world right at its border!
The second thought that i have on this is, what is really going on in Syria? I am by far not a conspiracy theory believer or a promoter of them, but the whole situation of the arab spring seemed a little fishy to me and seems, to go hand in hand with what the united states has started in Iraq and Afganastan. That being slowly gaining control of key areas that are benifitial of the US, in the middle east. With Syria looking like the latest prospect for the US giving them a direct path by sea into iran, but more improtantly into a oil rich country that will give them a direct link into Asia, via iraq and afganastan.
What they do with these recources is any ones guess but if you want mines(which by this point you might see as nonsince) is use these oil fields and pump the into asia taking them directly through Iraq, and through these piplines that the united states owns in Afganastan, and make a profit by selling this oil that they will buy at a "we saved your ass discount" from the Syrians just as they do the Iraqies and sell it to the growing countries of Pakastan, india, and china.
Now as far as what is going on in syria, I have no idea i dont live there and my only link is through the media, which is controled by the united states, which has a profit to be made by this.
So my two cents on this is if you want to stop the blood shed, first stop the war that is happening at your own back door with the cartels and the mexican gov.(60,000 deaths not including civilians have died in the last 5 years), then you can worry about the blood shed that is happening thousands of miles away in the middle east.
also sorry for any spelling errors english isn't my first language
I"m a teacher and I counted a grand total of eight spelling and grammar errors, none of which affected your ability to clearly lay out your perspective, including one brilliantly insightful statement that I have not seen in any of the comments before or after yours:
" Syria looking like the latest prospect for the US giving them a direct path by sea into iran."
I think you might actually be the first, and possibly only, person to have figured out the real interest that is at the bottom of the warmongering.
Sir, your command of English is excellent. I probably made more punctuation errors than you did. You formulate an argument in English as well as or better than most Americans. And, you also have something worth saying and worth listening to. Thank you for contributing.
Word of advice.
Most of the trolls on here dont have the IQ or attention span
to read a novel.
It's beyond me that any country would even respect SCAMerica enough to consider their opinion. SCAMerica is the MOST corrupt nation on earth by 10000% - SCAMerica companies are 99% frauds. The SCAMerican Stock Market is completely manipulated and corrupt. The SCAMerican Government deceives its citizens with EVERY action. Who cares what SCAMerica thinks or does? SCAMerica should be insignificant to all. There is ZERO benefit to emulate any action from the SCAMerica
Better watch out, there is a SCARmerican sneaking up on you......B O O !!!!
Having experienced UN sanctions while living in Iraq under Saddam Hussein's rule. I can tell you that the only thing they affect is the public. Not the government. I remember how scarce everything was while Saddam's regime and loyalists lived lavish lives. I remember being angry at the U.S. and UN for the sanctions. In a way i was perplexed. Asking... Why is the US trying to starve the people? Dont they know that it does nothing to hurt the regime?
Al Assad's Regime is the exact replica of Saddam's. In fact, they have the same party. Al Baath party with the same ideals.
So Should U.S. get involved? So far Washington seems to want him out. To me, it means it is part of the overall US strategy and benefit to have him oust from power. But thats just the political aspect.
Morally, the U.S. has not just the obligation but the duty to intervene militarily. Simply put, we are the biggest baddest kid on the block. It would be immoral of us not to act.
We are not asked to predict what will happen to Syria after the regime collapse. Its true, the Arabs might still hate us. A terrorist government may or may not seize power. We are not asked to be fortune tellers of the future. We are only asked to do what is right at this time. That is all that is expected of us. And if it was me, i would give Assad 23 hours to leave Syria. 1 less than that given to Saddam by George W..
Absolutely not! America, do not get involved in saving the lives of innocent children being butchered like cattle! We the people are in a NEW WORLD of technological advancement and do not need any disruptions from our comfortable dinner table and gouging of our good fortune! The world is not one, right? Ignore those children please baby boomer politicians unless there is a monetary value we can make out of this! WAY TO GO AMERICA! MY GOD, DO WE REALLY NEED TO ASK IF WE SHOULD DO SOMETHING? Home of the free and brave, right? Besides, those children will never have enough money or education like us to make it to America! RIGHT?????????
Unfortunate about children being killed, but it is still their problem and their issue. Sorry Syria. Fight for independence just as we fought tooth and nail against Britain
With help from the French.
If we get involved with Syria we would be confirming to the world how stupid we are. Haven't we had enough with these worthless Muslim countries? Hardly anyone in America could careless about those countries and wish we could deport all the Muzzies here and stop the immigration of them completely. Look at how they have destroyed Europe if you need an example.
stupid comment
agreed...
Because Bashar al-Assad the massacres, fled Sunni Muslim from Syria to other countries. Some of them arrived to U. S. If continue the massacres in Syria for several years, will reach 3 million Sunni Muslims to West . Bashar al-Assad issue now Sunni Muslims to U.S and Western countries. Are you happy with this? Should be military intervention now to stop the migration of the Sunni Muslims to the West. Some commentators here do not know the danger of al-Assad to the national security of the West .
Assad should go – but the Arab League should do all the heavy-lifting and $$$ support. NO American troops should be involved!
Think CIVIL war.
How many people are being killed in the drug wars in Mexico which is just miles from our border? Seems the news is always reporting of finding numerous murdered bodies..
I'll fight for the Syrian Opposition. But no freebies. We're done being the UN's go-to force left with contempt for showing up or not showing up on someone's behalf. Our economy is in no condiction to fund a liberation campaign that will entail a security assistance cooperation and fund the transitional Government, all of course paid for by the US Taxpayer. We're hated if we intervene, we're hated if we don't, so let's keep this strictly business and the UN and EU can pay us at least for the cost of waging a campaign and the ripples afterwards. Run a cost benefit analysis and shove your moral compasses up your collective asses because people are going to die either way, so man up and make a decision.
No, no, no...... We are not the World's police force and we are ruining our nation trying to be such. Let these people fight their own fight.
It's never as simple as "remove him and everything will be ok!" Military force must be matched or at least compensated with structural support. More to the point, the Syrians should be allowed to pick their own government. If it's a Sharia based government then that is their choice. Much as we have a choice every 2, 4, or 6 years so should the Syrians.
Short term: assist the rebels. Sanctions are effective to a point,.
Long term: assist the rebels in creating a political structure that suits their needs.
Moral: Help your enemies find their way and you'll be friends.
The US is already there. If the Iranians and Russians are providing arms to Al-Assad, then you can bet the CIA and US special ops forces are involved. My guess is that they are there performing various missions, while the Pentagon waits for the right moment to strike in force. Al-Assad is going down, either on his own or with a US (and possibly NATO) "escort".
Did you just leak top secret information ?
If you have to leak, the bathroom is that way.
History has shown that people over throw governments. The US over threw it's British rule during the Revolutionary war just like those in Egypt and Libya over threw theirs. People fought for what they believed in. Americans died fighting in the Revolutionary war. Countries have to learn to fix themselves, if they have big brother in the fight at all times what good will that do? The US government feeding and fueling a government means that the government gets fat and lazy not having to worry about running their country if they have the big brother watching over. The US has a load of its own problems it needs to fix. The people who want to fight for their country of Syria and make it a better place need to do it themselves. It will mean more in the long run and it might just turn out better.
So everyone saying that we should go over there. you guys are saying we want to put are soldiers through the almost the same mess we just put them through for the past 10 years and now that the war is slowing down you want to send them off again.. If you want the U.S. to help then why dont you sign up and see how you like it... Im not sayin the US cant help. We could and we would do a tremendous job!! My answer is NO! its an ugly picture and children should not die (Jason). but when is it time to stop putting are foot in the door
No. The US should encourage the regional powers to make peace. Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the other significant players in the region should be capable of pulling it together. We can't afford it. I believe the wealthy Saudis could stop this overnight. Get with it Saudis! Show us you know how to handle a crisis in your region! You've been armed by the US. Step up and show some leadership or give back the weapons. The answer to every situation on the planet is not sending in US troops and drones.
No. The US should encourage the regional powers to make peace....
Like with the Palestinians and Israeli's ?
Good luck.
Muslims dont seem to think too much about peace.
@CNN – No. The U.S should not intervene in Syria.
The same "Freedom Fighters" that are fighting there are the same Al Qaeda rebels that we are fighting in another front.
Hey CNN, why don't you explain that instead of pushing more and more war propaganda? Why is the U.S willing to back AlQaeda rebels in Syria? Because they did it in Libya?
If CNN want's to go to war with Syria then send in your best writers, editors, producers and Anchors, equip them with an M16 and have them go to War.
Enough with the Syria War propaganda – We know the Truth about "Danny" queuing gunfire and blasts to sell us war and Fear. We know about AlQaeda "Freedom Fighters" doing the killing then pointing the finger and selling us more propaganda.
*** @CNN – No. The U.S should not intervene in Syria.
Do you actually think that there is a human being sitting behind
a screen and reading every post ?
Wow.
It is not the US moral compass that is at stake, it is the Muslims, Arab countries, Russia and China's moral compass that is at stake. It is time that the USA show some real leadership by staying out of Muslim affairs. No matter what the USA do the USA will always be blame it is best that the USA identify and protect the real people who needs protecting. In Syria's case, establish a SAFE ZONE for all peaceful and none combatants only make sure no militants are allow inside the SAFE ZONE.
I know war, I've been to war. It should be avoided when possible. As to Syria, I will only say this. If the leaders of the world decide to do nothing but offer stern warnings, sanctions, and cling to a peace plan that will never be implemented, and watch as women, children, and those that wish for a better life are killed, then it comes with a price.
That price is that no leader of any country may ever stand before his countrymen and the international community and say that events like the Holocaust or genocide in Rwanda we will never let happen again.
The credibility of humanity is at stake. Is it worth the price?
Fortunately unlike Libya France doesn't get 20% of their oil and natural gas from Syria so there isn't the political impetus to get involved in yet another war that we have absolutely no business in. As tragic as these massacres are we need to wean ourselves off the notion that we are the police of the world and it's our job to stop bad people from doing bad things everywhere.
We invaded Iraq on the grounds of WMD's. Where are they? What was that war fought for? Thousands dead, both Civilian and military, and an insane amount of money spent. We could have spent this money on education, science, alternative energies, etc. If we invade countries on these grounds how can we ethically stand by and watch? We call ourselves a civilized socitey..... Right.....
Hey Thor,
Didnt you hear ?
Republicans couldnt find any WMD so they changed the definition.
It now includes, cherry bombs, bottle rockets and empty coke cans.
O, I didn't get the memo.
What's going on in Syria is horrible, and something needs to be done about it. I don't think it should only be the US that intervenes though; It needs to be a global intervention. I am all for fighting your own wars, but what they have isn't a war. They have no resources to tap that will help them defeat Assad, and are being massacred.
On a side note-
Seeing all of this unfold makes me thankful for the 2nd Amendment, the 31,000,000 hunters, and the US military in the case of something like this happening here.
THE ANSWER IS NO! When will this madness end? We don't have any money to intervene. It's none of our business. We're not the policeman of the world.
SMALL GOVERNMENT!
Let their people rise up and fight their own battles. We have too many problems here that are being neglected, and we can't save the world!
So just tally it up for me. How many are for or against? Do we help them now and worry about the outcome of bunch of terrorists settling in there afterward, or just wait till they kill each other and we go and bury them all later.
The Arab countries have come to the United Nations to send troops to Syria which will put our children into harms way. This is a perfect time for them to step up and put their military into action Arab issue should be handled by their own troops( let their sons and daughters be on the front line
Boo frigging hoo. How about we take care of our own problems before interfering in someone else's for a change?
Heck No. (sub and word you want instead of heck). Stay out and get all our troops home from places they should of never been sent.
Doing nothing is exactly what we did when Assad's father did the same thing in 80's killing nearly 10,000 people. Like father like son. Doing nothing is what US did in Iran one year ago when locals had enough during the election. This administration (Obama) is do nothing administration. As for Mr. Fareed Zakarai, he is smart but he an advisor to the administration, so his comments are administration's position. Shame on you Mr. Zakarai. You are a disgrace to reporting objectively. Do nothing is true weakness, that is why Mr. Putin of Russia does not waste his time with Obama, and passed on two recent meetings in US and currently is in China discussing global strategy, and had series of meeting with the leaders in Europe, rightfully leaving Obama out of the equation. I may not agree with what he is doing but he is doing something. Being a media star as Obama is (Barak Kardashian), and jumping from one campaine fund raising event to another is not Presidential Leadership.
I'm very glad that Mr. Putin is meeting with other leaders about the problem in the MIddle East, especially given that his country has a long history of intervention there, not to mention a few issues with ethnic Arab populations on his own borders.. I wish him luck in solving the problem, and can't think of a more appropriate western nation to deal with them. I don't really feel insulted by his actions because he is not someone I hold up as the gold standard of ethical behavior and I don't feel that we need to grovel for his approval. It wasn't very long ago that the person who would very much like to take Mr. Obama's place, called Mr. Putin's former government (and KGB employer) the greatest risk to America. So, I suppose you'd like to see him replace Obama and expect that it would result in our having more respect for and from Putin. Perhaps you should ask us if we want that.
*** (Obama) is do nothing administration...
Bin Laden might not agree with you.
So, if Obama does something, then you can call him a warmonger, right ?
Another Idiot.
Your skat is all over. You were easy to find.
Islam hates the west and Muslims have no problem
killing unbelievers (us) or killing their own.
Exactly who would we be fighting for ?
Also, have you noticed how few of the Muslims in America
come out and openly condemn the Muslims killing Muslims
or Muslims killing unbelievers over there ?
Think about it.
Regardless of the cost, we must act to destroy evil. Not doing anything to stop the senseless killing is the greatest hypocripsy of all. It is counter to everything we stand for as the beacon of freedom for the world.
What are you talking about? this area has been unstable and under one authoritarian regime after another. Let them take care of their own problems, STOP imposing our way of government on others...it wont work. We'll intervene, get rid of Assad and some other dictator will take his place. Didn't we learn anything from IRAQ? over 4,000 americans have died over there, not worth it
Who decided we are the beacon of freedom ?
Funny how we use "defending America" as an excuse to invade other countries.
Defending America means our own borders.
let me answer this question w/ a resounding "F NO"!!!! haven't we spent enough time and money in other countries trying fix their problems? we have our own problems here in america. the united states is not everyone's "daddy" to call and come rescue them. and the u.s. has to stop trying solve everyone else's problems. if the u.s. is "daddy", all good parents know it's okay to say "no" sometimes.
This is different. We don't need to send troops over there. Just support the rebels.
If the syrian regime falls, the iranian regime will follow. There will be no need to waste more time negotiating with iran about its nuke or even going to war against iran. The US can support the rebels who can finish assad and we won't lose any american soldier's life.
People should ask how many people want Assad out of office in Syria, the news is focused on the area of Syria that do not want Assad tribe in power, CNN should be showing report of other places in Syria. Unlike Libya where the excitment of seeing Ghadafi leave power, many people in Syria are confused about why others want Assad out and feel they are breeding division. My take is for the west and UN to invite Assad and the rebels to meeting in Damascus and settle this without insisting on Assad stepping down because it might not be accepted by majority of the people in Syria. I feel the issue in Libya and Syria can be sorted for the peace and progress of the people by avoiding statements that fuel the situation. One thing that does not make sense is the allegation of Syrian soldiers killing defensless people, and drawing attention to themselves. The whole crisis same as in Libya makes one feel there are unseen hands working hard to escalate the issues. I pray for peace in Libya and Syria.
Haven't you Americans learned anything from your two last wars...You are pretty much bankrupt, and now you are all ready to engage another war. The only real interest for the US in Syria is OIL. It's funny how you are all ready to jump on the war bandwagon, but you fear universal health care like the next coming of the plague. Also stop bashing the French, they are the only reason you won your independence.
Signed some Canadian.
The only real interest for the US in Syria is OIL.
Syria ranked 31st in oil production....very little.
--------------------------------
It's funny how you are all ready to jump on the war bandwagon,
There are over 325 million Americans and you think we all want war ?
-------------------------------–
but you fear universal health care like the next coming of the plague.
Nope, Republicans have fooled thier supporters into thinking its bad.
Most of us have brains.
-------------------------------–
Also stop bashing the French, they are the only reason you won your independence.
They helped and most of us know this.
We are grateful, but we did most of the fighting.
--------------------------------–
You shattered my illusion that all Canadians are smart.
More troll skat.
I'm Canadian and I'm on your side. My apologies for the offensive comment of my fellow contributor (I think he may be lying about his place of birth).
Zakaria, in making his pitch for non-intervention, reminds me of nothing so much as that of Charles Lindbergh, of German descent, siding with Hitler before December 1941. He needs to do a gut check on his motivation and loyalties.Eventually, Israel will be blamed for all of this in Syria and Iran will try to use that as a way of pushing Saudi Arabia et al out of the picture. Will Russia or China go to war against us to "save" Syria for Assad? That is the big question and is probably the main reason we have not acted thus far. Major risks for us either way. Islam is as islam does.
Why bother–If we get involved it will just cost us lives and in the end we will be faced with giving them Financial Aid–Waste of time–
Please go ahead, you are very welcome! Go do your world policing and pay for it too! Why to stop half-way! US has already gone through two wars, and this is just a start! it is just 20 years since USSR is gone from the map, no deterrent, no new bright future anywhere in the sight: so you have full time and life long position as a world police guaranteed! You are the only candidate, the only country willing and arrogant enough to take it up, so please do by all means!
Whatever happens to US will be an important lesson for the rest of the world! I think the world will survive it, seriously!
Leave this one up to the Chinese and Russians. Let's watch this one from the sidelines.
How many times is CNN going to ask this question? The American people have no interest in getting involved in another Islamic/ethnic war. Turkey has 630,000 active troops. Saudi Arabia has the most modern air force in the region. There is no reason who Sunni neighbors can't get involved before the US. The bigger question is why, once again are Muslims neighbors failing crying to the world and yet doing little themselves to solve their own problems.
There isn't any oil in Syria is there?
plenty enough to give the US reason to go
Well, we have been nothing if not successful in our last two Crusa...I mean wars against Middle Eastern countries...I think any country we haven't attacked, subverted their leadership or given billions of dollars to might feel left out. The problem is Syria would be hard. The terrain and the fact that their government is still intact would insure a protracted ground war...Any volunteers?...and no you can't send our active duty personnel that have already done 2-5 tours...actual fresh volunteers. I say we start with the children of any sitting congressmen and senators...and when those two people enlist they might reconsider how important our role in Syria is. Don't forget we have to pay for it too, I say we start with decreasing congressional salaries to match that of our front line soldiers...You're always saying how you're only in politics to "Serve your country"
a 'bushism" – I like it.
CNN – you are losing the INFO WAR.
We LOL @ your Epic "Danny Syria" fail.
No. Let the Muslim countries intervene if they want to. We have enough on our plate.
DO NOT INTERVENE. It's their problem. QUIT being the world's policeman. We have a MYRIAD OF PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES to take care of in our own beloved USA. I wish them the best, that's all!!
Why should de USA intervene, the big question would be, is the US an International Police Force, my humble opinion is that an combine force from countries of the same region handles that, the US have enough domestic problems to solve let others look after this.
Unfortunately – The UN will pass a resolution and force our troops into Syria.
Don't forget what Leon Panneta said . Congress is ceremonial because the U.N. can now legally send in our troops.
We are losing control. We no longer have a say.
*** Unfortunately – The UN will pass a resolution and force our troops into Syria.
The UN has no control over the military of any country.
Very stupid comment.
Put Assad, his generals, and his evil regime on trial at the Hague, now!
Stay home and mind our our own business. We do not have to make the world conform to our standards. The Middle East has been fighting since before Christ was born. Why should they stop now?
The US is NOT the police force for the planet. Let them kill each other if they want too. We have nothing at stake there and in all honesty, it's none of our damn business.
So our obligation to play world police is only there if there is something of abundance that we need? Granted there is no direct pay for liberating innocent poeple but isn't the moral obligation enough? If you're a bigger kid in high school and you're witnessing a smaller innocent kid being bullied, you wouldn't step in because the smaller kid has nothing to offer you in return? I am afraid that makes you no better than the bully, and you may have lost your way as a true American. "To whom much is given, much is expected."
Mike, how inspiring you are. Grab a weapon and go. Don't forget to write.
Gladly will Bob because I am a true American. Marine OCS is a very good life choice! Why don't you apply for citizenship somewhere else because you sir must not be American.
If you don’t feel some sort of moral obligation to intervene in this travesty that is occurring then you have lost your way as an American. DISAGREE. We are minding our business before meddling in another endless conflict with no end in sight. We have a number of issues to take care ourselves, leave them alone- they'll find a way
Should the world have "minded their own business" when the Nazis were mindlessly killing innocent poeple as well?
Mike, the world did mind their own business in WWII until each country was invaded, (except England maybe). The Nazis tried to eliminate the Jews and look at them now. They take a personal interest in national security and BUY the best weapons available. They don't sit around and hope someone else will bail them out. Your "innocent civilians" need to take responsibility for their own security.
RONALD REAGAN – CIA – SANDANISTA policys..............
nobody is fooled.
If Russia and China continue to interfere with attempts by the international community to stop the violence in Syria, put them on trial too–and kick them out of the league of civilized nations!
Many oppose more war and taking on the role of “World Police”. While I do understand that thinking; especially since we have been at war in the Middle East for some time now, I feel obligated to point out a few things. The United States stands for freedom, equal rights and the opportunity to pursue a happy and SAFE life. Roughly 15,000 people have been killed in Syria in the past year. If that pace continues, in two years Syria will have killed almost as many people as the Nazi’s killed Jews in Belgium in all of WWII (Roughly 35,000 Jews killed in Belgium during WWII). If you don’t feel some sort of moral obligation to intervene in this travesty that is occurring then you have lost your way as an American. I know personally as an American we take many of our freedoms for granted and it is hard to imagine the life of others less fortunate than us. Just try to picture living every day in constant fear of not knowing if your village is next to be massacred. Ask yourself if you were in their situation, would you want our help?
Mike,
I understand what you are saying. But it is not our job to police the world. We cry fould on "dictatorships" while running a proxy dictatorship but telling others what type of government they can and cannot have. It is hypocrisy. It is disgusting. It is not American and it's laughable to think that we're upset a rebellion is being violently suppressed when you know damn well the US government would do the same.
Courtesy of British Admiral John Arbuthnot Fisher “The essence of war is violence. Moderation in war is imbecility.”
Mike I appreciate your thoughts, but my sons are as important to me as Syrian children are to Syrian mothers. I will not call for American mothers to sacrifice their children to save Syrian children. The interventionist philosophy is idealistic. The reality of it is violent and bloody and American men and women die because of it. When you can honestly say that you would lay down your own life, then you can call on others to join you.
*** The United States stands for freedom, equal rights and the opportunity to pursue a happy and SAFE life.
Unless your gay.
Next.
Assad is facing off a Western led insurgency. The insurgents, i.e. Free Syrian Army, have no legitimacy when the leadership runs from the country and hides out in Europe. This is a poorly orchestrated regime change using proxies. The Russians have the right idea in putting shared blame on this issue.
Quite frankly I'm tire of Western government's telling others how they should be governed and then trying to overthrow the existing regime. Yet oddly enough the West isn't too interested when it is lectured on government itself. Assad needs to be allowed to put down the rebellion. No Western government would idly look on as a rebellion festered on it land. It would suppress it first through the police services and when that failed the military would be called in to suppress it violently. Who here seriously thinks France or US would just go "oh you're not happy with us well let me just step aside for you". So why should Assad?
disclaimer: I'm not saying Assad's regime is composed of saint's but the US is not rushing into China to "democratize" them. We're not rolling into North Korea or Iran are we?
Granted much of the world isn't too happy with our government; we don't kill our innocent civilians. China isn't killing their civilians either. As for North Korea, that situation comes with much more heavily weighed possible outcomes. Invading N. Korea to topple their regime would cause major political and industrial problems, as well as many deaths for innocent civilians in South Korea. Taking out N. Korea would put another country at risk and not even us Americans can justify that. They need to be handled with sanctions and regulations to cut off all supplies from their country and essentially starve out the regime.
Taking out N. Korea would put another country at risk and not even us Americans can justify that. They need to be handled with sanctions and regulations to cut off all supplies from their country and essentially starve out the regime...
Who will keep all of the food for themselves and the military while millions starve.
As they have been doing since 1950.
Rinse and repeat.
Al Assad has been blaming the violence for over a year now on Terrorist insurgence.
Suddenly a few days ago he started blaming Western led insurgency.
Change in tactics.
Doesnt change what is happening on the ground.
Unfortunately – The UN will pass a resolution and force our troops into Syria.
Don't forget what Leon Panneta said . Congress is ceremonial because the U.N. can now legally send in our troops.
We are losing control. We no longer have a say.
Nice to hear Americans finally tired to be "world police". Maybe it will change world to be a bit better.
I do not wish my country (Russia) to be world police either. So – it is not Russian problem too. And not France problem. And not problem of anyone else. Not a problem of UN either. Syria is souvereign country.
I am quite sure – anyone should stay out of their internal affairs.
But, guys: all that is DREAM. It will never happen. Your government (like our ones too) does not listen – wish you more wars or not.
Was yopu asked permission to start Vietnam, to start Iraq, to start Afganistan, to start Libya war? No1
And Hillary Clinton with McCain does not ask you now. They already participate in Syria war – without any permission from you. And so – you will pay for this new war. Wish you that or not.
correct
Much respect man. Well written and intelligent thought.
Thank you for a new perspective. We appreciate hearing from thoughtful people from different countries.
OK folks, give me ONE example of a country we have intervened in via war that we have truly "helped" that we did not bomb into total utter submission. Waiting.
By the way, if you have not noticed the contempt held for the US and West in general by (name any mid east country) then you are remiss in the reality department. We have been sending some sort of aid to these maniacs forever to no avail. America is not the moral compass of the world. It is a rapidly declining "teet" being sucked dry and will be a shell of itself in no time at all.
Syria has been a part of an area much more ancient than the US and have been in this sort of flux forever. What makes us think intervening in this sad affair is going to make any difference at all? Look at Libya, Somalia, Yemen, etc...
WWII was the last justifiable major conflict that we had to be involved in. Everything else has ended in miserable failure and has cost us our people and who knows how much money. Let nature balance itself. If we need to get "involved" with any military incursions, let them be for self defense, something really worthy.
The scorpion asked the frog to carry him across the creek. The frog said but you will sting me. The scorpion promised he would not. The frog assented and carried the scorpion across on it's back. On the other side the scorpion dismounted and promptly stung the frog. As the frog was dying he asked the scorpion why he had stung him when he said he would not.
The scorpion replied, " I am a scorpion" So goes the middle east, don't doubt it.
*** max
OK folks, give me ONE example of a country we have intervened in via war that we have truly "helped" that we did not bomb into total utter submission. Waiting.
----------------------------------------------------
Grenada.
Regan was feeling left out.
The violence i Syria is very sad, however, we have no way to understands the sources of division in the couintry. In our ignorance our best of intentioins would end badly. American soldiers & innocent Syrians would die and we would get yhe blame for the chaos & anarchy that would follow. The results of the violence in Syria will be tragic & wasteful and even under the very best of efforts we would only add to the tragic toll. Sad!!!!!
No because it may set off mideast war.The people in syria should have try to bring change without violence.They should have thought of game plan before they decided to try to overthrow their goverment.The political way wouldve work out better for them and recieve more sympathy for their cause.Russia and China is supporting the Syrian leadership because its same way they would react in their respected countries.They already done the same thing remember tinnamen square and russian history will its harsh response and opressive rule over its people
*** Name*will
No because it may set off mideast war.The people in syria should have try to bring change without violence
------------------------------------------------
They tried that.
They got shot.
Bombed.
Knifed.
Dead.
Didnt work out too well, did it ?
When will the US do something, when will the US send some more people to die for others.
As I understand it Greece and Spain seem to be having a bit of an unemployment and funding problem. How about those who want to see a military intervention in Syria get a kickstarter off the ground and give Spain and Greece money to fund a police action in Syria. They could hire some of their unemployed to go help ensure the spread of freedon in the Middle East. You'd get to help Syria, Greece, and Spain all at once.
Be sure to get back with me with how that turns out.
LOL
Yeah, thats the ticket.
I lost my job baking bread in Greece, so i will pick up
a gun and go to Syria, ya know, collect a paycheck,
kill somebody, get shot at.
Wow, great idea.....................................MORON.
I think that anytime muslims are killing other muslims we should just stand by and watch. These guys are eliminating more terrorists and future terrorists that we ever could and not a drop of AMERICAN blood is shed.
It is people like you who fuel the hate that others have for Muslims... it honestly appalls me to see things like this. JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE MUSLIM IT DOESN'T MAKE YOU A TERRORIST!!!!! Seriously why don't you try to meet some new people you might learn a thing or two.
American foreign policy is a tale of two faces: One that American citizens see in the media, and the other that the rest of the world sees. We Americans are taught that America fights for "freedom" everywhere. But the rest of the world sees an arrogant bully, imposing its policing actions on certain nations based on an updated, expanded version of "Manifest Destiny." Assad was not too long ago a "friend" of the U.S., educated in the West, having a healthcare practice in Britain until his father died. He was seen as a moderating influence in an extreme world. And now all of a sudden, he's a bloodthirsty enemy who wants to massacre innocent children. So I ask? What happened? And why do we hear more about the demonization of Assad and yet hardly anything about the Syrian opposition? Why are we not investigating the facts behind the massacres and making sure we have the true culprits? Not all of the info flowing from Syria via the media adds up yet. And it appears no one cares.
This is the same question am asking the whole world. lets us stop beeing one sided. we should remain neutral. thanks for the coment.
Nothing on your planet happens by chance.
These events have been planned.
There will be a one world government.
It is no longer possible to leave your fate up to you,
as you have proven over and over that, left alone
you will constantly be in a state of war.
It is war, that will end war.
This must be.
Stop making the world's problems America's problems. America is already ahead of other countries in the moral compass race. We paid a price for getting there. Let some other country step up for once.
The price isn't just financial. Syria already hates Americans. To fight them would be to create more terrorists.
YES to United States to intervene.
got to stop doing Israel's dirty work...
israel/AIPAC/and the turds that support them =9/11
And the six year olds who believe this garbage.
Haven't we wasted enough men, women and tax dollars on that hellish part of the world? What is going on? After Syria, what's next?
Iran.
Try to keep up.
We should arm the opposition in Iran before we invade Syria.
Arm the Smurfs,
Let them take out Gargamel once and for all.
Viva le Smurf.
Why is this question being asked? Of course we should stay out of it! It is a civil war in case no one noticed and what interests do we have there? None that i can see, let the Israelis and Turkey watch the situation. We have enough on our plate, the economy, drawing down our forces in Afghanistan and now we have China "our friend" to watch also.
Why is this question being asked?
To get you to say something stupid.
Hasn't been declared a civil war officially.
We should do absolutely nothing and let them kill each other.
Absolutely and positively NO ,none of our business.
I think the U.S and other "friends of Syria" will have to intervene militarilly eventually,but sadly,after much suffering and loss of life.Al-Assad seems to have become a lunatic.He knows he is now doomed, even if he were to stop the killings today. Apparently he wants to inflict as much damage as he can, before he goes the Khadafi way, or to the Hague, or Sadam Hussein's way.Please try to cut short the loss of further lives, by acting now with actions not words which do not bother the deranged butcher.
Thank You!!!! Finally some one whose comment didn't make my blood boil!!!!!
if america doesn't do anything then the door is open for other countries to do the same. Even the USA government will do this to americans.
And how will going there stop the US government from doing this to us?? If we ever get a REAL Liberal in the White House that wants world peace and to help people there will be a military coup with in three months. Your precious 2nd Amendment deer rifle wont be much good against a tank.
Every time Israel has a problem in the middle East, weather it's in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan or Syria, AIPAC is ready to send the U.S. armed forces in to bomb and kill. That being said, it's time America stopped being Israel's puppet and let Israel do their own work there
Kevin,
Have your head examined.
If i was a Jew, i would be flattered that you think we had that much control.
stay out of Syria. Let the ragheads kill each other off. who cares.
The US is darned when they do nothing and darned when they interfere. All the countries that stand aside will be blamed for doing 'nothing' and each country that will interfere will be blamed for doing what they did for some reason, isn't it he oil then it will be for some strategic or commercial reason. That is the tragic of the situation. As in many countries in history something terrible always seems to have to happen to enter a new era with new fortune and misfortune. The reality could be the opposition will be supplied with more weapons and some civil war will start that will weaken Syria in many ways at the cost of many many lifes. But how much lifes will it take when Syria would be 'helped' by the Americans? or Europe? The big problem is: there is a lack of healthy moral thinking and acting alover the Arabic world in a situation where there is – in contrary to the western world – no respect and empathy for the individual human. It is a tribal, family and group drama that is not able to enter the modern times of responsible human individualtiy. So in some – terrible? – way the future will destroy these conservative anachronistic cultures. It is up to the people in power overthere how tragic this all will be.
I say arm them up. Any and all small arms we have kicking around gathering dust. Maybe some stingers or whatever they use now for atg missles. They are allies of Iran, Russia and China. Which of course are NOT allies of ours. Just think of all the shiite (pun intended) we could stir up by just arming them and letting them duke it out. Who really gives a crap who they are. If they are enemies of ASSad and Iran they should be friends of ours. I don't want us to put boots on the ground, just Dessert Eagles in their hands. A covert war, which we are pretty good at. Maybe call up Ollie North to help out. Just saying....
Good thinking patthepatriot! Keep it up! That was exactly how you have created al Qaeda and supported the Taliban – because they were enemies of your enemies. But that was in the past. Only weaklings would look back and spend time trying to learn from their mistakes. Do not look back, act first then think!
But I say why would not have another victorious war instead!
The USA is not the police force of the world.If the U.N. and Nato can't handle it we need to stop our funding to them.
The U.N. was supposedly formed to handle the world problems that come up with all members help
These folks hate the USA and always have - just review their chants after 911 – the heck with them
k
repeat after me................
The Syrians did not cheer 911.
The Palestinians did.
Now say it over and over and over.
Anyone who thinks he/she has the answer to Syria's problems should first read "Hero", a book by Michael Korda, which paints a comprehensive picture of the nature of the tribal conflicts in that area of the world. It is basically a biography of "Lawrence of Arabia", who spent years there during and after WW I and utilized the concept of "asymetric" warfare.
ok how should i saiy this.... first off im tired of hearing the word world police its getting annoying when the rest of the world is the way it is thats why you have to have someone take control and be the leader.. just so happens america was the biggest back in the day. the reasons why china and russia wount do anything is because there still part of the problem still living in the cold war. i do understand we are falling apart in this country, it is not because of the wars though. there has been war for 1000's of years. we are falling apart because china and everybody else makes are stuff. you can only import so much before u run out of money wat do we export in this country nothing because they all went to mexico and china cause of mr. clinton. we need to do exactly what we did in libya yes that country is still a mess about civs arnt being massacred by the 1000's daily. if we let all of these countrys do what ever we want and said to hell with the rest of the world america is gonna close up its boarders and shut everyone out guess what thats only gonna make the problems worse and then guess what the problem will be at are door soon enough. one more thing when we go to war every soldier that joins the military knows the risk, and if they dont then they shouldnt be in the military if you look at our causulties with iraq and afghanistan the few 1000 we lost is nothing compared to vietnam ww2 ,ww1 or any other war so really get over it.
American needs to get involved . Our country was founded on the Belief that ALL men are Created equal , Freedom of Religion and Basic Human Rights . I agree that this conflict will only hurt America in the long run in regards to our economy as well as spill the blood of many of our Hero’s in the Military , but we can not sit back and become an accomplice of Evil . more then 13,000 innocent civilians mostly women and children have been slaughtered by Assad . We might as well Retire our Flag and national anthem and everything we stand for if we look the other way on this issue. I am a 26 year old Y-gen American with three kids and a 9-5. I am struggling to feed my family like most middle class families in America are at this time and get no hand outs from our government, but choosing economical security and ignoring wide spread murder is something I do not support . We would be just as if not more guilty of the crimes being committed in Syria if we did nothing knowing we have the technology and Military superiority to stop the mass murder happening in that country today . Those who would say I am naïve just take a few minutes and place yourself in an innocent families shoes in Syria . Surrounded by violence with no where to go . knowing that one foot out the door might get you killed by a coward sniper on a roof top 100 yards away who while taking a swig from his flask happens to notice you on the empty streets and picks you off like a dog or bottle in a shooting range and then just laughs with his buddies about how stupid you looked trying to hide from him . When all you where doing was trying to find some food in a garbage can or dumpster to feed your children so they can stop crying about how bad their stomachs hurt since they have not had anything to eat in a week . Are you not glad you where born in America …. I’m sure you are , so am I , but guess what I did not choose to be born here and these innocent people did not choose to be born in Syria , think about that and then respond with your ignorant and selfish comments . I also recommend that you watch “In the Land of Blood and Honey”. This Movie Directed and produced by Angelina Jolie illustrates a very detailed view on what is happening in Syria at this time . As you all watch it remember my comments .
*** American needs to get involved . Our country was founded on the Belief that ALL men are Created equal....
Unless you are gay.
All governments are pawns in a global chess game played by people that follow an evil course...the basics of human kind is to fight for what is good and noble for all. The system based on debt is at the crossroads and unless we come with a new vision like a Resource-Based-Economy model, our future is doomed for extinction
We're doomed for extinction if we don't go to a resource based economy model? Kind of like the Middle East where all of their GDP is oil? People consume what they want to consume, to include stuff like services, technology, information, entertainment etc etc....
That is what RBE model is about...to share and share alike and to live your life in enjoyment to what life offers...to fight a war without hate in your heart is a complete different concept and is a more creative approach towards conflict then to have a greed as motivation. Call it what you like but mother Earth has enough to supply for all...there is no need to be greedy.
...the basics of human kind is to stack the deck in your favour to get rich.
But the rich play monopoly with real money,
and they play risk with real armies.
You are a pawn on a boardgame.
You are also not educated enough to figure that out.
the move depicts this conflict in Bosnia when the Turks where killing innocents . it giives you not a millitary view of the conflict but a view of the conflict from the people caught in between the fighting . The innocents that suffer in war . It has been a very long time since america had war on its own land and we are blessed for this . Think America and lets get in the fight and help these people. what their goverment does after is not our concern but the killing needs to stop NOW !!!!
the move depicts this conflict in Bosnia when the Turks where killing innocents . it giives you not a millitary view of the conflict but a view of the conflict from the people caught in between the fighting . The innocents that suffer in war . It has been a very long time since america had war on its own land and we are blessed for this .
I'm more of the impression that we should by all means intervene with Syria and any other country we can get our hands on. We are a warmongering nation and we would be completely remiss if we didn't get involved wherever there is conflict. That said, where there isn't conflict we need to drum some up because that's what we do all under the American banner for democracy. We know what is good for you because it is good for us, and thus for all!
I am really wondering if it is Assad commanding those Killings. Logically if Assad knows that the whole international community is looking at him, why would he go on to butcher his own people.This is pretty puzzeling. well at this point a Neutral army if not America but also Russian army or Chinese army should go in and stop this. America has done enough, its time that other countries like Russia and China show, that they also care about the Human rights. Let us stop taking sides and stop the killing of Innocent people. Later on we can start pointing fingers and we punish those accountable for the bloodshed after Investigations for at the moment we really dont know who is telling the truth.
If the US does nothing, the world says we should have done something. If we do something, the world says we should mind our own business and stop being the worlds police force.
I'm sick of other countries telling us what we should be doing or not doing. Let them sent their military to intervene. All the criticism of the US is wearing pretty thin and I think they other countries need to either shut up or put up. The US provides more aid to more countries than anyone else, and they'll take our handouts, then criticize us for what we're doing. You want someone to intervene? Then go do it, but don't get all up in our grill because we're not doing it.
The US has intervened- Barack Obama has called the activist killers the good guys and the elected government the bad guys. Cheerleading by Obama and Hellery Clinton has made many government workers get killed in Syria and Lbya and Egypt, plus the familes of those government workers.
With all the opinions floating around here and in the press, I personally would be interested in what the Canadian General Dallaire (ret.) would say about all of this. For those who may have forgotten, he was the one in charge of the United Nations troops during the mass murders in Rwanda, and who was not given any support, guidance, or permission to act by the UN in order to handle the terrible situation in Rwanda. If anyone has the first-hand knowledge and experience to provide some guidance to this mess in Syria, I think (IMHO) it would be him.
In a word....No!
Like I'm sure that there are no covert operations going on right now.
We need to intervene ourselves. We have enough problems right here at home.
If we must do some intervening let's try Mexico. The problems there are horrendous.
This is neither our fight nor our problem. When it comes to healthcare, education, transportation, job security, and civil infrastructure the U.S. is way behind many 3rd world countries.
Thanks to George W. Bush and his NeoCon team, they wasted over $1.5Trilltion of U.S. tax payer’s money on a big lie, that money should have been spent to improve our ailing health care system, horrible education, and stone-aged infrastructure.
Mr. President, the Syrians didn’t vote for you, I did. I need to you to focus on more serious issues at home. I need to make sure that my children’s future is better than my present.
Let those fat cats in the Arabian Gulf (Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar) who are buying up Europe to fight their own war against Iran.
Mr. President, America’s Economy is your only priority!!!
From watching everything that is happening around the world. I don't think there's an answer to every situation... Sadly as it is humans by nature are in a way self destructive, and being in that kinda of society probably amplifies it. Not saying were better off here in the states. The country needs adjustments to make it great again. Too many of our leaders have been seduced by the all mighty dollar instead of the greater good, that can come from good honest decisions. To the question of going into Syria and toppling the current regime.. I would have to say no to that at this point. Boots on the ground would complicate things even more. Civilian casualties would more than likely increase more than if we didn't go in and let them sort it out by using nothing but political sanctions to help. Why does it always seem that when something like this happens the U.S is always called upon to "fix" the issue. Last I knew of we were not a world police force, and there are other nations that could be stepping up... The U.N probably should be doing more, but I think that whole organization has passed its expiration date. Its gets nothing done beside keep itself in power. Its no better at this point.
Simply put...Damned if we do, Damned if we don't...
I think all the horrible problems in the world stem from the veto powers of certain members of the UN Security Council. If this power is taken away from ALL the members and replaced with a majority rule, then this absolutely ineffective and lame agency may be able to stop these types of genocides. As it is right now if a massacre of certain people serves my purposes, then let it be.
*** majority rule,........
Like how 22 Muslim nations gang up on Israel at the UN ?
Like during the cold war when you could bribe other nations to take your side ?
How a country like Syria, Kenya or Cuba got voted into a human rights commision ?
Now what ?
Today Syria, tomorrow the world. Nothing can stop us. Buy defense stocks now.
http://www.Hear-The-Truth.com
Guess **
In 2006 Isreal blows the hell out of Lebanon killing hundreds of women and children and the US didn't intervene.
In 2009 Israel blows the hell out of Gaza killing hundreds of women and children and the US didn't intervene.
Why should the US now intervene in Syria?
Exactly! let Israel blow the hell out of them too. they pay for their weapons.
Both times Israel was attacked first by rockets fired at civilians.
Interesting how you Jew haters always leave that part out.
Why is it that the U.S. is always called to intervene in gettting rid of blood thirsty tyrants? As a veteran I oppose any more inerverntions and waste of taxpayers money when there is so much to do at home for our veterans, and economically. What's wrong with Turkey,China,Russia or an Arab coalition taking care of this business. Are they not as peace loving, humanitariian as are the U.S. Aren't they as capable of helping make this world a better place for all of us? Or is it all about mercantilism for them?
The main problem is that a military intevention is impossible at the moment: Russia said that will not tollerate an other intervention like in Libia... What do you do if China invades Canada or Brazil or an other US ally?
I think that NATO will not risk WW3 for Syria.
Maybe we have to do something, but a war it's really too dangerous
The atrocities being committed in Syria are deplorable. However, it is not the US's responsibility to police the world. This whole situation is a powder keg waiting to blow...
We should intervene in some form. We do not have to do the boots on the ground as we can the Libyan approach and utilize our air superiority. Nothing like a U.S. aircraft carrier group sitting off the coast of Syria and ensuring that no aircraft are launched from or into Syria and they can take out Assad mortar and artillery positions as well as stopping convoys from Iran, Shina and Russia from entering.. Let the Syrians and Assad fight mano y mano while the US ensures a fair battleground.
We never asked to be the world police and while not formally asked by the world, their lack of action and deference to the US made us the world police. Until NATO, the Warswa Pact countries, or someone else takes up the flag to fight against these issues, the US will have to maintain their police duties.
Sorry guys, there were a lot of typos in that one.
i do agree that other world powers need to also get involved as it should not be left for america to resolve the worlds problems and the fact that we have done nothing in past conflicts does not mean we should ignore this one either . the examples of isreal bombing others does not complare to the clearly depicted slaughter and murder being commited by Ashad's Regime on his own people that clearly do not want him there anymore . I am all for trying to resolve this issue with sanctions and good diplomacy but if thatdoes not work , which it has not as of yet we can NOT look the other way . We are Americans , We stand for freedom , We represent a Civilized society that belives in the rule of law and justice for ALL not just a few . We toss it all in the garbage if we do nothing . I hope that our govt. can solve this with nothing more then words and treaty's . i am not a warmongerrer . but i value life more then money and wealth . It is sad that so few are willing to sacrifice everything for what is right and just . so sad .....
My vote goes to not doing a thing, not our problem. Where is the rest of the world? I dont see the same outrage in other countrys.They aren't doing a thing! lets fix things at home before we try to free the world.
"America will lose it's moral compas"
Oh...hurts...can't stop...
We sold that compass for $1.99 long time ago.
" Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27 This is human responsibility not a country problem. Many Americans will says this not our problem and turn a blind eye. Those who are in power have a responsibility to protect and help those who are weaker. We have a obligation to humanity to stop the violence. I am disgusted reading many of these post over the blatant disregard for human life. What is wrong with you people? Open your eyes. These are people not a Muslim or Syrian, they are people. They bleed as we do, they hurt as we do and they hope as we do.
Maybe they need to learn to fight like we do.
Hey, What Moral Compass ??? The USA sure did not act in 1993-1994 Rwanda Genocide when the Organized Hutu gangs/ Government slaughtered nearly 1 million Tutsi and sympathizers within weeks, all in the gaze of international media. Why, they were ghastly images of videos of people brutally slaughtering children with machetes right before our eyes. Perhaps they were of no concern to US public or to the US national interest. So to hell with the moral compass or supposed moral superiority of the US and of course the rest.
Pray for them. That's all I can do.
Just say "do nothing". It's more honest and effective.
It is time to speak frankly and without fear about Islamic governance. What is transpiring in Syria is NORMAL. Political power in Islamic countries periodically transfers between Sunni and Shia Muslims. These transitions are often barbaric and bloody. Islamic countries understand and, unfortunately, accept this. This is why when ten countries organized a condemnation of the massacre in Hama there was not a Muslim country among them. Russia and China see this for what it is as well. Saudi Arabia could easily establish a no-fly zone above Syria if they thought it was called for. Instead they will let this transition take its natural course as has been the case for thousands of years. The opposition forces in these conflicts will beg for international assistance in a manipulative attempt to gain a military advantage over their oppressors who will, one day, do the same when the roles are inevitably reversed. Those of us who live in the 21st century must condemn, we must embargo, we must sanction but we must not shed a drop of blood. For, to do so, would be to shake one's fist at the moon.
To all those ignorant people who think US intervention in this case is a bad idea let me remind them, weren't we ignoring Al Qaeda and Taliban for years? saying that let them abuse human rights and kill each other its not our business. My dear friends this world got very smaller than it was and its like a neighborhood, we might have some good or bad neighbors but our duty should be to make sure there is peace, nobody like to live in a neighborhood with no peace, or do you?
You were not ignoring al Qaeda and Taliban: you created al Qaeda and supported Taliban based on "enemy of my enemy = my friend" logic. And you want to repeat it again in Syria. So that only proves that you are incapable of learning from your own mistakes. But you can do it: if you stop believing your own lies for a change. I am not saying that you should stop lying: that is too much to ask from anybody. Just stop believing – you can not go far if you keep believign all that crap you say!
send rpmney and kis 5 sons so the can fell how a bulit feels
Lost Moral Compass? I am astounded by the hypocrisy of such a statement. Where is the U.S. moral compass requiring intervention in Eastern Congo, Zimbabwe, Sudan or other African nations enduring humanitarian crisis at the hands of sovereign leadership over the last 20 years? The moral compass must only apply where the AP and main stream media take it. Intervention at what cost to what purpose? As a nation we can’t always afford to follow our moral compass and we are hypocrites to promise we will. The fact of the matter is, we don't.
I think moral compass can also be marketable. We should not involve in Syria simply because of what happening in that country. There are quite a few countries, including N. Korea, where people are under tremendous oppression. But if we have to get involve, instead of France or other nearby neighboring countries, we should not do it for "FREE". Nothing is free, that is what I learn from capitalism. I hope whatever fight we come to as a "good guy", we deserve to get paid. Practically speaking, I want to see our economy benefits from such nasty involvement. Moral compass won't earn us a dime, and please do not do it for free while we do not even have free healthy care.
"Thats a negative ghostrider the pattern is full"
pretty sure that ended with a fly by anyway...
Yes .
We need to stay out of there. those double bombings you see weekly are the exact tactic that Al Qaeda developed in Iraq. It's in Al Qaeda's charter to drag us in as many wars in the middle east as possible. You can look it up on wikipedia
We cannot stay out because Syria has huge Chemical weapons, al Qaeda will get chemical weapons to use it against the U.S. Do you want another 9 11 by chemical weapons ? "1 million " Americans will die . Wake up .
The only way there will be another 911 is if our government lets it happen.
OOPS !
Thats how the first one happened.
Never mind.
Obviously, Syria is only the beginning of a series of explosions and implosions to extend the Arab Spring. We shud wait and see as the whole wall of dictatorships crumbles. After all, the people are responsible for the government they get. And it shud be remembered the role Syria played in the destruction of the previous jewel of the Middle East, Lebanon that led to a 15-y/o civil war. America shud stay out of the Middle East except to prevent Israel destruction.
This is what a liberal world looks like...
Ineffective hotair buffoons like the UN and Obama who do nothing to help no one while demanding others do everything for everyone.
Please stick to the topic. You are too "LIBERAL"
You are worthless.
You want to live in a constant state of war ?
Vote Republican.
Haven't we done enough to impoverish our country and kill our young adults while meddling in other countries' internal affairs? This was and is an internal rebellion and its leaders only started asking for outside help when they began losing! Enough already.
Military intervention now, not tomorrow. To stop the massacres, to prevent chaos in the Middle East, maintaining the security of Israel and the control of chemical weapons before al-Qaeda get these dangerous weapons to use it against the U.S .
agreed .
Time for Arab to ask for Israel help if they themselves cannot help each other. Syrians, where are your Arab friends when you need them the most? where are they? where is Arab league, busy about persecuting women in bikini on the beaches?
Next time before you show hatred of Jews, look at your own governments_ they could be worse than the very enemy you wish remove from existence.
I agree. Short and to the point.
NO
We should condemn the atrocities and do nothing else.
It's highly probable that whatever regime would replace Assad will be just as oppressive and brutal. How many times has our support of Middle Eastern nations come back to haunt us? The fewer US fingerprints on whatever government runs Syria, the better.
This is tough, but I don't think sending foreign troops into Syria will create a stable new government, we can look to Libya, and Egypt, Iraq, and Afghanistan to see that it's a dice game. The U.N. needs to develop a formula that must be used as a guide to define when outside international interaction is warranted. When a government kills mothers and their children I expect China and Russia to agree that the government will be completely isolated from the world, to begin with.
Drone’s are taking out Al Qaeda why not let a drone take out Bashar al-Assad-opps missed.
The ruthless killing of all these people is indeed tragic but it is NOT the U.S.A.'s job to "protect freedom worldwide".
No uprising is going to be tolerated by any government, and it is not surprising that Assad too did not tolerate it. When he realised it could go out of control, the agitators did not meet with government representatives because they had see the west help the Egyptian agitators and the bombing of Libya. Yemen and Tunisia were different cases as Syria was far better placed as far as governance was concerned. Even now it is time for the west to back out and let Assad and the agitators handle things themselves. What the US and Europe should remember is that by them forcing their type of democracy on the Middle East, the Al qaeeda stands just around the corner to take advantage of the fundamentalists not only in Syria but as they do in Libya.
No uprising is going to be tolerated by any government....
Worked pretty good in Tunisia.
Just do the most simple thing. Drop one nuke in the Middle East and show everyone who the superpower really is, it is time for the United States to put back on the boxing gloves and do this right. No infantry, just planes. A superpower needs to remind their weak opponents of the rule that is being imposed.
This could not be more messed up if we tried!
First of all, the diplomatic measures that the U.N. could use if China and Russia would let them are not going to work. Those measures fall upon the masses hardest and are meant to impore the population to revolt or to stir some empathy in the leaders. The Syrains are all ready revolting and the leaders have no sympathy. Those measures don't work, Ask Cuba, or North Korea sometime.
Secondly, this is not the U.S.A's game. We haven't been invited. We are still trying to heal the fiscal wounds of our aid efforts and war in Iraq and Afganistan. We do not have the resources to protect all people in all places. We are a World Power, but not a Super Hero. Our military personnel are poorly paid and our country is having serious economic worries of it's own. France and Brittain are having a Fiscal nightmare right now, too. The EU is crumbling and they don't have the resources to swoop in and save anyone, regaurdless of moral right or wrong. Reality is reality. Since Russia and China seem to have such vested interest in the outcome of the Syrian regime, the pressure should be placed on them to go in and take care of this crisis. Push it back into their seat. Don't be fooled. If America is streched too thin it will be vulnerable to attack and that would be a great loss for the world.
Third, my heart does weep for the innocent that have died, but the brothers and mothers and fathers and sisters of the fallen need to think this through. What is a real solution to this situation? What do they really want? If Assad falls, then what? Will they take up arms and create more bloodshed to see their religious/political party win? They speak of democracy and the wish to have the freedom to choose and to vote, but what if your vote loses? Grab a gun and shoot someone? Riot and burn the opposition? That is not democracy. When Assad falls, and he will eventually, the victims of these massacres will have died for nothing no matter who goes in to help the innocent because the people will not allow a democracy.
thumbs up for your comments here
No. We are not the police of the world. We therefore do not get reimbursed for the cost to fight other's battles as was proven by Iraq/Kowait. We should be getting their oil for free but you see how that is going. But, enough about the money, we can't afford any more innocent deaths of the US soldiers that have nothing to do with that country. Would any of the middle eastern countries come to anyone else's aid......NO. The other middle eastern countries should be the one's that come to Syria's aid.
Sanctions are not going to work. In any of the conflicts we've been involved in over the last 20 years (including Bosnia) have sanctions worked one single time? Have they ever worked with North Korea – going back to the 60s? They never ever work. I don't even know how people could pretend to think they might work (and I'm talking about our politicians and the UN here) with a straight face. As was previously pointed out, we waited two years before Clinton got involved in Bosnia – and that was after 100,000 or more civilian massacres including all the women and children the Serbs could find to exterminate. The hand-wringing/sanctions-might-work phase goes on way too long in these situations. Either we use force somehow (eg. no fly zone & arm the rebels) or just accept the fact that we will sit it out and just watch what happens.
I wonder if WWIII started and we just don't know it yet. Conflict still in Afghanistan. Growing likelihood of conflict with Pakistan and Iran. Sabre rattling at China and Russia and North Korea. An all out war in Mexico. And then there is Syria, Israel and Palestine. Sounds like a global conflict too me, the sides just are not all aligned.
Not to nitpick but I think that "World War" is an antiquated concept from the previous century. In this technological and terrorist-special ops age I don't think we'll see a classical WW again. That's not to say that we won't see nukes get used at some point. But the idea of mass armies operating in a large number of countries all at once is one that I don't think we'll see come to pass in this age.
When the Soviet Union fell,
the Military Industrial Complex found themselves without an enemy.
So they created one.
Al Queda.
Then they had a stroke of genius, a face to put on it.
Osama Bin Laden.
Its a great enemy to have.
Its like playing whack-a-mole.
It pops up here, and you hit it.
It pops up there, and you hit it.
They have created the perfect enemy.
A perpetual state of fear and war.
The problem is, while they get rich, you get poor,
and many die.
These are the people who run your planet.
You have been warned over and over.
But you ignored the warnings.
Now you will live with the results.
You wont like it.
I suggest US take on the WWIII all by itself, without involving China and Russia. Still plenty weapons to use and people to kill, but not too radical! I think that is a great idea which should suit everybody!
I actually agree with the idea of a strike. The Russians and Chinese will object, no doubt, but no amount of barbarity by Assad is going to change their entrenched defense of their former satellite/client.
A decapitation strike, even if unsuccessful, would he helpful. Take out as much of their military as possible. When Iran comes to the aid of their allies, try to extend the revolution to Tehran, too. Stop arms shipments from Russia and Iran. There should be no western troops on the ground, though.
Sitting idly by makes us look like cowards. Would the opposition accept help from Israel? This would be a good test for the Israeli army.
I think US should intervene and I don't think US should just stand and watch. Crimes against humanity especially kids and women should not be ignored just because it is not "US job to protect worldwide freedom". What if it happened to us here in US? Would we not want someone to help us? I think US along with France, United Arab should intervene. I don't think so putting sanctions on Syria is going to help when China and Russia keeps on providing them weapons etc to fuel the war.
Thank you Maria. I believe it is morally wrong to sit by and watch murder. If I saw a girl standing in front of me being murdered and I did nothing what would that say about m?. We go crazy when a mother kills her baby or a white man kills an African American man, we scream and shout for justice and demand it. Why should we as one of the greatest nations stand by and watch mass murder and genocide? We should not.
Where is the rest of the world? The US has major problems of its own, we need to look after ourselves for once. The very very last thing that should happen is for the US to get involved. The entire region hates us with a passion.
Let Russia or China showcase their good will and put an end to this as they ve rejected previous solutions put forward by the UN.
Let the world solve its own problems – it ll be bloody and horrible to watch but in the end will be better than any US involvement.
Going into another war may harm US short term, but it may be important long term. US should learn and draw a line somewhere: what would be the goals and what would be necessary conditions. Right now it is just writing on the sand... Let have it sorted rather sooner than later. At the moment US do not want to get involved into Syria because it is preparing for the war with Iran and want to have a break before it starts. What about going for it all the same: it would be on the scale similar to Iraq and Afghanistan, but would help to build some critical mass: having four wars in a row may help American people to realize the need for having their politicians caged within certain framework, not having them running amok! It may be a hard lesson, but it would be well worth it!
Based on recent history, here is how US intervention in Syria would play out.
1. US sends troops and bombs into Syrian government strongholds.
2. In about a week Assad would be toppled, people would cheer, and we would smugly declare "mission accomplished".
3. The next day, factions in Syria would be battling for power. Shiites would start killing Sunnis, and vice versa, and both would start ethnic cleansing on Christians and other religious minorities.
4. Al Qaeda would also come in to promote violence.
5. The US would feel responsible for the terrible bloodshed and increase troops to try in vain to stop the violence.
6. Everyone would blame the US and we would wish we never got involved. Syrian's would reminisce about the good old days when they had a tyrant for a dictator,yet they lived in relative peace.
exactly!
AGREED !!!
we need to stop sticking our noses into other peoples problems. It is NOT a reflection of our morals that other people decide to kill each other.
And dozens of factions would battle for power after Assad falls. It would be another 10 years of us being there. NO WAY. Let the arabs fix their own problems.
The Arab countries ran to the UN to send troops in but will not use their troops. Why should our sons and daughters risk being killed when The other Arab countries will not put them at risk Then they will say see the west is going where they are not welcome I say you show use your commitment first not only words but deeds Than maybe the rest of the world will help. Stop screeming for the west to step in man up!
If America could get involved in Libya though indirectly then Syria is a MUST involvement. Not only is it the right thing to do, it is the Moral thing to do. Anything else is Uncivilized.
And in Mexico too! US should have intervened there a long time ago! It is its direct responsibility, stop to ArabLeague around!
Thought about it again, I think the US is better off staying away. History is a better judge
FYI, Obama has passed an Executive Order under the cloak of "national security". This order forces US media not to show what is really happening in Syria. The Order orders that the killing done by the rebels must not be shown. FACT.
Where did you get you information Mike? Just because someones say FACT does not mean that it is. Who is the reliable source for your information.
If it is national security, how do you know about it ?
You are either commiting an act of treason,
or you are an idiot.
I go with idiot.
The Arab terrorist monarchies of Saudi Arabia and Qatar are funding the killing. They are hiring foreign mercenaries, al Qaeda, and any hired killer they can find to go to Syria for one reason....... kill Syrians.
Are you actually Charlie Sheen?
Not only Saudi Arabia and other kingdoms.....USA participate in funding, training, organizing.
Thus, who will help syrians in this situation? Noone!
The US is involved in training and logistics. The wealthy Arab kings are paying out millions to terrorists.
If USA wish others to correct Syria problem.......for the beginning, you should stop finance Al-Quaeda there.
Till you finance it (and you do!) noone will help – and people will die more and more.
Say "thank you" to Hillary Clinton and John McCain.
Thank you, Hillary Clinton and John McCain...
BTW, what did I just thank them for?
I think we should stay out of this mess. The arabs have the wealth an power to police their own neighborhood. Besides, these muslims hate the US anyway. let them kill each other. Russia and China can clean up the mess. THere is no plus side for intervening. If syria falls like egypt, then the muslim fanatics will take over. Leave syria alone. We are not responsible for the world.
FYI, the majority of Syrians support Assad......FACT. You will never see the millions of Syrians in the streets showing their support for Assad. The US govt., under the cloak of "national security" has ordered US media not to show such things.
You see right through all this stuff, don't you Mike?
Americans are being fooled by their own government. That is a fact.
So if I am being fooled by my own government am I also being fooled by my in laws who tell me the same things? Grow up, not all Muslims hate America and if you want me to be honest more American hate America than Syrians
As per John McCain: "shame on the west."
It is way, way past time to intervene.
Tomahawk missiles away... target Damascus, Tehran, heck – even Moscow & Beijing if necesary.
!!! Let's get it on !!!
John McCain can stuff it. If Assad falls there will be even MORE killing when various factions step in to fill the power vacuum. It would be a worse bloodbath.
Look at egypt, they are putting in a reliigiious fanatical muslim gov't there and they hate us.
Leave the arabs alone, there is nothing to be gained by helping them. Do them a favor and let them take care of their own prolbems. They're grown up now.
I would agree except for the innocent children that are being targeted for death by torture now. It's very grizzly and I find it hard to just look the other way with that happening.
Another massacre... how many more need to happen? As John McCain said, "shame on the west." How many more need to be slaughtered before the free world steps in? It makes me lose any hope for humanity and mankind as these slaughters continue to happen while we stand silent on the sideline. I place the blame on President Obama.
Another massacre... how many more need to happen? As John McCain said, "shame on the west." How many more need to be slaughtered before the free world steps in? It makes me lose any hope for humanity and mankind as these slaughters continue to happen while we stand silent on the sideline. I place the blame on President Obama.
Sassan K. Darian
Orange County, CA
Not that I think we should have to always be the one to shoulder the world's burdens, but if we don't do it no one else will.
It is time to put aside our Imperialist Expansionist policies and allow what happens in Syria be on the heads of the Arab countries that have the control of their own destiny. The people in the middle east hate us for good reason; we continue to meddle in their affairs. If the Arab League invites us to participate in THEIR program to dump Asaad, then we can ASSIST with material and advisers, NO aircraft, NO boots on the ground. Strategic advice from the rear lines using their men and equipment. They need to police themselves and get the guts to live and die with their own decisions. The USA are NOT the cops of the world and it is time to stop.
YES .
The majority of the Syrian People, and the Syrian Military support Assad. The US knows this and will therefore not get involved. Expect just tough talk and sanctions from the US.
I believe that there should be an intervention in Syria but it should not be solely placed on the shoulders of the United States. The decision to intervene should be decided by the UN. The atrocities being committed in Syria are not a direct threat to the United States and as such I believe we haven't cause to intervene militarily. Morally on the other hand human life needs to be preserved and the US should have an active role in a UN intervention. Although the US has often taken the roll of moral compass of the world when it comes to things we want it always bites us in the butt. Here something should be done and the best way the US can handle this situation is by doing what its doing now.
The UN won't intervene beyond sending in some targets... I mean observers. It's nearly a worthless organization.
The Syrian People will tell you that the atrocities are being committed by the foreign backed rebels. Bought and paid for by Saudi Arabia.
I agree with Ron. We're damned if we do and we're damned if we don't so let's don't.
Let China and Russia each have half.
Geez, when did McCain become such a bleeding heart hippie?
I'm pretty sure that bleeding heart hippies aren't advocating the use force, as McCain is.
Shouldn't the intervention come from Middle East countries? It's in their back yard and they never invite us in to play in their back yard? And what do they mean by intervention? Give them arms and munitions....or boots on the ground? NO BOOTS. Put pressure on Russia and China...especially Russia. Keep pushing the weapons connection between Russia and Syria...
Ask yourself........... why do you not see the killings committed by the rebels on the US media? The US govt. has named it a matter of "national security". No video of killings committed by the rebels allowed to be shown in the US media. FACT.
Well, recent history of US intervention in other countries affairs depends in the amount of OIL that determined country extracts. The more OIL extracted, the higher chance US or Europeans countries will do soemthing about the situation.
Irak? OIL
Afghanistan? Vendetta
Irak again? More OIL and contracts
Lybia? More and more OIL
Syria? Little oil= no intervention
Sad but true
So, shouldnthe US or any other country do something about the syrian situation? Well, if they had lots of oil they would have already occupied Syria, no doubt about it.
So istead of saying: no intervention EVEN FOR OIL, we should say: intervene whatever? Interesting!
Andrey, the problem is that the US and Europeans countries have no shame on being so obvious about who to "help" and who not to help.
If a country has oil then it receives help
If a country has no economic interest then let it go to hell.
Thats the problem i see.
Serbia? No oil.... Let them kill each other
Mexico? The same......
Shy of all the arabic countries civil wars in the last years, the only intervention was in Lybia? Because Lybia was the only one of those countries with enough oil to draw their attention.
VIc I agree. The thing is that there is no reason for them to by shy: people will suck it up and ask for more! You can see it from the discussion here!
Forgot about Lebanon.... Got bombed by Israel and I saw no intervention from anybody.
No oil in Lebanon...
The real problem is that there is an organization that was supposed to takencare of things like this, but its completly useless and its the UN. If they did what they were supposed to do no country by itself would have to interfere ,only the UN as representative of the whole world.
Andrey, of course, i agree with you on that
Government intelligence agencies supply the explosives plus the retarded bomber, it results in a higher budget for law enforcement. Same story all over the world.
The situation is going to spiral out of control as more advanced arms are funneled to a ragtag rebellion. There is going to be a major, daring attack against the Syrian military that will inflict many casualties, which will precipitate a crushing response. This pattern will repeat for some time. If Assad and the Alawite elite begin to feel truly threatened, they may stage some event with Israel or Lebanon...
ARAB SPRING, true that this is in fact an Arab issue. Not an American or French, but one thing is for sure and that is that neither France, Russia, China, Arab Spring, or any other country for that matter will lift a single finger to do something about this. And this is why we are stuck with these problems and are forced to become the world police. We cannot stand by and let this massacre go on, it happened in WWII, it happened in Bosnia, and now its happening again and how long will be sit on the sidelines while innocent people die? This is truly not our problem, it is strictly Syria's but as a moral country, how can we stand by and do absolutley nothing?
I don't think America should get involved on it's own. I think the UN needs to grow a pair and stop trying to avoid offending someone. If people are being slaughtered by a government, a heavily armed overwhelming force made up of ALL other countries with something to offer should be brought in and that government should be annihilated. Then, an equally powerful UN appointed government should be placed until a new and representative government system can be established. If we go in now and start toppling the existing government, we'll be there for a very long time trying to establish a replacement. This is the sort of thing the UN was set up for. It is up to them and it is up to us as members to support their decisions no matter how ineffective or naive or nutless it might be.
If war is to be put down to the level of voting. It means that we have taken our domestic political system and through the influence of news organizations and rapid international communication transferred it to the whole world. Our eyes in the sky have not made us feel any more safer when they are used to peek into everyone's back yard and go down the list: evil, evil, probably evil.....surely that one is evil. This does mean acceptance of the Bush doctrine: any potential threat is to be taken out. Rulers, ancient Judges and Kings strived would have sold their souls for this capability to know everything. Keeping watch over the world leads to paranoia and distrust. Democracy is not the only political system and ours is barely hanging together as it is. Being the world's peeping Tom will be our legacy. We are but one member of the world. If the world wants to vote on going to war over a hick country like Syria...then abide by the world's vote.
It is a good thing then that we live in a Republic!
If most people saw the images showing the resulting piles of dead children, I think most would favor intervention... I, myself, cannot abide!
From the discussion here I understand that US has a responsibility to go aroung the world and kill all the bad guys. So I do not think there is any difference where to start. Why not to go around Americas first? Mexico would be the great place to start with: much longer conflict and much more civilians already dead than even in Syria! And after you are finished with Mexico – just keep moving on, as simple as that!
Fruck NO we shouldn't intervene. C N N needs to quit meddling in foreign affairs. They keep saying that Americans are sick to their stomach of the violence, but I could care less. Let them figure it out. Muslims will continue killing muslims, muslims will continue persecuting Christians, the Middle East will continue to hate the West regardless of how many lives we have sacrificed for their freedom. Democracy to muslims = Islamic oppression. Fareed Zakaria should offer his life to free the syrians.
NOTHING –The people in the Middle East decry the USA as the Devil spawn of the West but let their own country start killing those same people unmercifully and “Wha Wha – Help! USA please save us from our own government, they are brutish murderers”. Well guess what , who is really the devil spawn now? I guess this gives them someone who really is a threat to jihad all over Just wanted to remind them, WE TOLD YOU SO
Well guess what, USA is still the devil spawn even now. Even more now!
This is not about who is right and who is wrong and who is the devil. This is about innocent people being gunned down in the streets of their home town. It does not matter whether intervention is popular, profitable, or difficult; all that matters is whether intervention is the right thing to do.
US should work with Turkey and also involve Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt and come up with a joint plan.
Good plan. Great list of democratic allies you have got there!
If our military intevention saved even one child's life it would be worth it beyond any doubt. Any parent would understand that.
Shame on all the countries who do not step in to stop the slaughter of innocent people. Babies and children being shot and stabbed to death and it will take 20 years to bring those responsible to justice. I say the U.S. Security Council should send in troops and end it. Let Russian abstain since Syria is their big weapons trading buddy. SAVE THE CHILDREN
The more children are killed, the more support the rebels get from you. So you may cal it encouragement or motivation – I do not know. But so far the slaughter only helps al Qaeda. So who could be doing it? Hm...
These killings can be stopped in one minute if Obama announces that it will not support Syrian democracy. The rebels will go to their homes and there will be no disturbance anymore.Save children Mr Obama just with one statement.
Yes , Help the Syrians innocent, Stop the massacres in Syria
America, NATO, the UN need to pressure the Arab states to take on the Syrian issue as it threatens them more than
us and it is in their national interest as well as their religious interest to stop the killing of muslims. No reason for our
kids to die for those who can help themselves, the Arab States, they have plenty of money, arms, and resources but
expect us to fight their wars, sorry, we will give you arms, food, and assistance but America needs to get it's people out of the Muslim world.
For those of you who do not think the US should act as a world police force and believe we should let these oppressed countries figure it out for themselves, need to take a step back and think about how our free country was founded in the first place! The French could have ignored our plea for help and said "Why help the colonies fight Britain? Let them deal with it, we have our own problems here in Europe." It is human nature to help oppressed people and we are in a position to do just that, like the French were hundreds of years ago.
French only did it because they hated British. And they had colonies of their own at the time – did you know that?
But you are right: you are exactly what French were hundreds of years ago!
So the west strongly dislikes oppressive dictators...grounds to intervene? That is apparently the only reason the French got involved in the revolution according to your post.
Of course we should intervene. The massacres are unthinkable, but are happening on a regular basis. We waited far too long to intervene in Bosnia and we shouldn't wait any longer to offer tactical and logistical support in Syria.
There is a big difference with Bosnia. There were no armed people in Bosnia. But in Syria the killings are a result of armed people. When the people will leave weapons there will be no killings.
Your name isnt an American!
Yes, it should rescue the Syrian of massacres .
The U.S. "spread of Democracy" is turning out to be quite messy. The CIA should stop meddling in the affairs of Sovereign Nations. The so called "opposition" knew innocent people on both sides would be killed. But the lust for power trumped all other considerations.
It is instructive to note that true dictatorships such as North Korea never have "protests" around which the lower class can rally. If people are so worried about "freedom and Democracy" they should focus on states like North Korea. Guess its safer to beat up the little guy. JMO
Its a civil issue let it alone, yes people die and they will everyday ALL over the world just as they have been doing since day one! Nothing new under this sun. Stop your weeping!
The fact that people die everyday does not influence the fact that we as a nation can prevent some of those deaths from occurring.
The so called President of Syria is nothing but a murderer and should be hung as a war Criminal. He obviously has no respect for the Syrian Citizens and killing women and children is beyond the pale.
The Arab and Western World need to stand up to these kind of subhumans who threaten their own population.
Very ugly event.
We should work turn by turn and first hang Sir George W Bush.
Mr. Taher, first your name is not American!
Second, your President Bashar al-Assad is a war criminal and murderer .
I have no problem helping other countries but as a soldier our military forces are week we need to focus on our homefront more then the rest of the world we have to pull back into a defensive front to protect the homeland build up our defenses around the coastlines and borders and look forward at our enemys not other countries problems because that is what it is because one thing is right if we intervene we will make ten more war lords who will try to take over the country and do the same thing and it will never end instead we must support other countries who want to do something. The UN is a good treaty in its thoughts but it is pretty much ran with United States money our bullets our fuel our soldiers our supplies that is why we are in debt so bad because of two wars in which the US supported almost every other country involved so if we did this is syria the same thing would happen The other countries in the UN take advantage of the US and always believe it is up to us to fun their Wars and their conflicts.....We must let the other countries of the UN to put up more support or get out.
Build up our defenses around the coast lines? We have thousands of miles of Ocean on both sides of us...Canada to the North and Mexico to the South. Both of which are allies. Pretty much impossible for an invasion to take place.
Mines? ok you think mines are enough right now we cant get close enough to china to see their coastlines mines are good if they were not models from the cold war that is the point our homeland defenses are out of date that is my point we need up to date stuff and more of it and mexico is a perfect place to invade the US the border patrol is streaked thin and we dont have enough drones to patrol every inch of it and we can see underground tunnels and it is not hard to get into mexico from the outside there are bigger pictures then you think mines dated from the cold war is not enough and money buys allies
I think that the U.S. should help the people of Syria, but I do not think we should be the only country to help. NATO and all the other coutries bordoring Syria should take action to help out and take refugees until this mess has stopped. Let's think about human rights... every person should be able to live free and not have to worry about being killed by a greedy government.
I do not think that the rebels represent the people of Syria. They are a violent front seeking power and purposely shoot at soldiers from houses that they know will be shelled in response. Is that not how we handled to "rebel" fighters in Iraq?
You are definitely not an American or not at least a republican.
I agree with you. I wish I had good people like you .
Mr. Tahir , Your name is not an American!
Obama does not act on humanitarian grounds. Look at his city – Chicago! One child murdered by drug gangs each week. 10 shootings per day, at least. More than one murder per day! Obama never cared – at the victims are most often Black! But the murderers are most often Black. Obama, Jackson, and Sharpton would have a problem rounding up killers in Chicago. The pictures, even black and white, would show the "little Obama's".
Why can't we just stay out of it and take care of our own. Everytime we try to help these countries they just want us out and never thank us.
No body like an unwanted and non invited guest.
I'm really tired of CNN beating the war drums over this. No matter how many dead infants they throw at us on their website, there are two inescapable facts:
1) It's not our problem.
2) The media, and our government in the U.S., have lost credibility to the extent that we simply do not believe them anymore.
I am not a believer, and usually do not give a shoot. But that Antichrist prophesy is really scary: it is SO American Liberal I cannot believe it! How did these Jews of old know that there would be that great American Liberal (dem or rep – I do not know and do not really see the difference) who would go around the world bringing freedom and democracy, dominating and policing! That stuff is just amazing! And all these American church situation... bizarre stuff!
It does not matter what France, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, or even the UN decide to do. The decisions made by these actors should not have any bearing on the decision of the United States in a situation involving a third party like Syria. Are we so eager to let our foreign policy be dictated to us? Should we really let our foreign policy shift so dramatically based on whether Sarkozy or Hollande won the election half a world away? It might make sense to do so in dealing with France, but not in deciding whether to save civilians in Syria. All that really matters is whether intervention is the right thing to do within reason.
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
I was not you.
well said, here is a true freedom loving American , if everyone in the world thought like this there would be no tyranny!
I believe we should commit the united nations troops to syria, not just the US. Also make it LARGE and swift, with a definite time table to exit (IE:6mo, to no more than 1yr) all the countries signing on, send the exact same amt of troops. 20,000 per country.
Justin – While I prefer that anything be done as part of a UN lead coalition that will never be. The UN can't send troops because Russia doesn't support it and Russia has veto power over any UN resolution. So the UN can act if and only if the people who happen to be selling Assad his weapons (i.e. Russia) want the UN to destroy one its most loyal customers.
The unfortunate truth is that there will be no coalitions going into Syria, the politics of the situation make multilateral moves an impossibility.
Should I fart?
Because Bashar al-Assad the massacres, fled Sunni Muslim from Syria to other countries. Some of them arrived to U. S. If continue the massacres in Syria for several years, will reach 3 million Sunni Muslims to West . Bashar al-Assad issue now Sunni Muslims to U.S and Western countries. Are you happy with this? Should be military intervention now to stop the migration of the Sunni Muslims to the West. Some commentators here do not know the danger of al-Assad to the national security of the U.S and West .
Its a bad idea to get involved over there. I'm sorry but deep down, everyone knows that at least a doesn't other countries should be stepping up to the plate before America should. Why aren't the Arab League nations that support action putting their money where their mouths are? The bottom line is that this has become a fight with the opposition and elements of Al Qaeda vs Iran's best friend and Russia's biggest arms buyer. This is a tough position to be in
What evidence is there that al quida are involved in Syria? None. The name has been used as a scapegoat in a lame attempt to justify some unbelievably brutal atrosities being systematically carried out to prop up a dictator, who (like his father) has turned into a butcher of his own people. That butcher repeatedly blames "terrorists", doesn't allow anyone from the outside to see what is going on as he and his Shahiba goons (largely members of the Alawite majority who have had it really good under Assad at the expense of the majority of the population), are the teal "terrorists" killing Syrian civilans.
I believe the US/UN should intervene but under the sense of humanitarian crisis, with members of the UN being fired upon the US and its allies should act upon this as a Humanitarian Crisis and nothing more, Innocent people are dying day after day and when the rebels ask for our help and we don't come cause we don't want Russia to cry then it just makes us look weak, so this isn't about war anymore its about a country that its leaders are Slaughtering them.
Yes, it's time for the US to act since the UN is incapable due to Russia and China.
UN is incapable due to veto right of five terrorists nations.All problems can be solved easily in a democratic way at UN.
15,000,000,000,000 reasons not to interfere.
WE are waiting on saudi arabia to deploy to syria and then the United States will be THEIR backup.
Now where is this comparrison to Hitler coming from? What countries has Assad invaded? Has he Blitzkrieged into Poland, crossed the Rhine into Checksolavikia? have I missed something? Have the Syrian forces invaded Iraq, Quatar, United Arab Emirites? The comparrisons don't even make sense. He maybe a Hitlerite person, but who isn't over there? There is not a THING we can do except get in the middle of yet ANOTHER Civil war where we will be attacked by both sides, have multiple deaths and the very people who supported us intervening blaming us for war crimes when we shot anyone. No thanks. Pass on this one.
Hitler committed genocide against his own people, just as Assad and his Shahiba goons have been doing for months. Whatever legitimacy Assad may have once had to continue to rule Syria is long gone. Kill him, before he continues with his killing. We have weapons (albeit costly) that are able to send the message home without putting boots on the ground.
Will killing Assad unleash civil war? Possibly. It may already be too late as there will be revenge killings directed against the Alawites who have committed the current rounds of atrosities. Will allowing Assad to continue with his butchery bring civil war – bet everything you got on it. Assad has brought it to this level, and he has had opportunity to stop his massacres, and he has chosen not to. Instead he continues to outright lie and tell half-truths. The "terrorists" are Assad's henchmen, some being paid to kill civilians to terrorize those who have had enough of him and have the audacity to protest. Now its time to target Assad and then let the Syrians sort it out.
drones
You should always remember that there are Russian military bases in Syria. You hit wrong green-painted truck there and BOOM, you have big problem on your hands. Yes, situation is surely bad, but military intervention is not always good idea. Especially in country where another superpower has it's interests...
We, the United States, cannot fight the world's battles. The cost in lives of our young men is too great! However, the
U.N. needs to step up and intervene. As to the U. N. representatives being fired on, give them guns & let them fire back.
Innocent people, mostly children, are dying or tortured all over the world every day & it's time someone stepped in but not
our soldiers, our arms, our money. We seem to support , in every way, the U.N. & we aren't the only member country. We need to take care of our own!
All UN peacekeeping missions need to be approved by UN Security Council (Russia and China will no doubt veto it)..
Kudos to that post, Jackie...very well stated!!!
With great power comes great responsibility, some of you on here make me sad you call yourselves Americans, thank goodness the French didn't say , "America is not our problem" when we were fighting for independance from England , thank goodness America didn't say it's not our problem when Hitler invaded Europe. Thank goodness America didn't turn a blind eye when North Korea invaded the South. how can you as humans even bring your self to say it's not our problem when 14,000 Syrian's including innocent women and kids have been killed, and more are dying daily. I wonder how many of you call yourselves Christian? i think it's sad that I as an agnostic have to remind you of your human duties to your fellow man. i am ashamed for you as you are the same crowd that screams save the whales, protest against Animal cruelty, Donates to the Rain forest , and screamed for BP's head when they accidentally spilled into the gulf. Most of you believe your God see's all , what do you think he would think of your indifference?
I can say this because I am tired of being led around on a chain by everyone who wants to start a rebellion and bring me into their war. We are not the saviors of the world. The French hated the British and rejoiced at their defeat. North Korea was settled by a United Nations response. And the rebellion in Syria was ill conceived and I believe that if these rebels are successful, the situation and blood-letting will be worse under them than under Assad. God bless.
"What do you think he would think of your indifference?" you ask....
I can speak on his behalf, I can only offer speculations and a couple of hypotheses. I would guess that GOD may want the US to stay out of other nations internal strife. Maybe he actually wants the people of Syria to make a stand, not unlike the people of Egypt, when they ousted Mubarak. History is often painful and unpredictable. God gives us free will...he is giving the people of Syria free will to shape their destiny.
@ Ross , so i guess you believe God see's the invisable borders that devides his children into lands humans decieded on and call countries, which means you believe your God see's a difference between Syrians and Americans so since we are a different country we should just let his children be massacred. ?
Not our problem. Period.
Let me tell you frankly, the U.S against the Syrian revolution. Dont care about the media and political support. They only deceive the rebels. But will not help them militarily .
The whole world is a cartoon to unschooled Americans and their hero is Captain Uhmerikwa. Captain Uhmerikwa spreads tyranny at home and murder abroad. Soon the economic collapse will put an end to the last Evil Empire of the USSA.
Uhmerikwa Numba One,
Shut your pie hole you low class buffoon.
Dear Americans, your government prevent some countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia to send weapons like anti-aircraft and anti-tanks. This is not the American political morality. We are not asking you to intervene militarily. We want from your government to allow other countries to send weapons to the rebels Syrians to defend themselves. Assad regime kills innocent people and children without mercy, and your government to prevent other countries from sending arms to the rebels. What does this mean? Your government involved in genocide in Syria. We can rid of the Assad regime if we get anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles. Tell you that this is enough. Participate your government to kill us. Please stop this scam .
Dear Syrian terrorist do you want the same US help which once was given to Uncle Osama against Russians. Do you want USA to suffer from the same adventure(Newyork).
We do not want to help you. We want your government to allow other countries to help us. We defend ourselves, we are not terrorists. You villain!!
Your name is not American. You are from terrorists Alawites .
Mr. Tahir , Your name is not American. You are from terrorists Alawites who rule Syria .
Dear rebel Syrian. Stop shooting at the soldiers from places you know will be blown to bits by their response. You too are just as guilty of the death of the innocents when you take up war in crowded places.
You are a liar!
Handle it on your own. We don't care about you and your double standards.
If those who write these comments are Americans "do not Alawites" against me. This means that the Americans encouraged the killings in Syria like their own government! You like the slaughter of children by knives!
Mr. RebelSyrian : Unfortunately, our government is not doing anything to stop the massacres in Syria. Dont care about some dirty comments .
Please do not think all Americans feel the way these people do.
هناك امور اكثر اهمية من ان تثبت للشعب جاهل عنيد أن ما تقومون به هو الشيء الصحيح. من فضلك لا نفقد الأمل، وهناك أناس طيبون في هذا البلد وبطريقة أو بأخرى سوف تحصل على المساعدة التي تحتاج الرجال. قلبي مكسور على الأشياء يحدث في بلدكم كنني أصلي من أجل سلامة أو شعبكم. قريبا الذين عملوا على خطأ يعاقب وسوريا سيكون قريبا قادرة على أن تكون سعيدا مرة أخرى.
I think this stupid thing posted it backwards sorry about that
Is their any oil at stake ??
The only way to safe the lives of Syrian people is by stopping US backing of Syrians terrorists. Americans are helping terrorists in Syria for US interests which is resulting in loss of human life.These US supported terrorists will again do an adventure(9/11) in USA.
Tahir,
Sure! As soon as Syria stops its funding of terrorists, we'll do as you say!
You are claiming to be the best and right and so you should act first.
Mr. Taher: Your President Bashar al-Assad helped al-Qaeda in Iraq to 4,500 troops killed an American. Therefore, your day will come! Alawites in Syria are terrorists. They have supported the al-Qaeda in Iraq against the U.S. military. They have supported Hezbollah and Hamas against Israel. They supported the PKK against Turkey. Now you slaughter children in Syria by knives! My question to you, are you from human ?
The only way to safe the lives of Syrian people is by stopping US backing of Syrians terrorists. Americans are helping terrorists in Syria for US interests which is resulting in loss of human life.
We would act first if we thought Syria was capable of reciprocity and a good faith collaboration, but they are not. Solve your own problems...we don't care.
Your name is not an American, it is clear you from the terrorists Alawites who rule Syria. My question to you, why you slaughter children by knives? Are children are the rebels? Your President Bashar al-Assad's Alawite is a war criminal .
We should send " B-52 " to kill the terrorists Alawites in Syria .
U.S. should never intervene with any other country. Ever.
why doesnt the USA intervene in the american economy, unemployment, national debt, broken american border, broken infrastructure, american jobs outsourcing. fix the problems at home !
Exactly. I could not have stated it better! Screw the Middle East and all those who live there.
noooooooooooooooooooo!!!! why US .
NO! They are not US allies, they have been on the Terror Watch list for decades and were allies to the Iron Curtain countries all throughout the Cold War. They only want our blood, money and military hardware and will NEVER appreciate the US if they ever got them. NEVER.
Let someone else do the heavy lifting on this one. If there is ANYthing that we have learned, it is that NO ONE appreciates what the US does, so Stop doing it!
No,No,No.No intervention.Look at Iraq they are burning American flags.
A single statement by Obama stating WE WILL NOT SUPPORT DEMOCRACY IN SYRIA can save thousands of lives in Syria. After this statement rebels will go to home and there will be only peace in Syria. OBAMA PLEASE WAKE UP AND SAVE INNOCENT LIVES WITH A SMALL MOVEMENT OF LIPS.
Here...watch a small movement of my lips..."screw youuuuuuuuuuuu!!!"
Tahir ,
A telephone call from Obama to Bashar al-Assad "Stop killing innocent people or I'll send B-52 to kill you and destroy your army " . New Syria will be Democracy .
Syrian situation is not as presented in the western media. It is a flame created by the west, the Saudis and Israel. The Syrian government has no choice but to defend the majority of its citizens against the onslaught created by those who are enemies of both Iran and Syria, and want to destabilize both of these independent countries.
Max, I've never made this accusation before to anyone here – but are you by change paid by a foreign govt? An, oh I don't know, Syrian Govt.?
No Kevin, he is russian. Try watching a russian news channel about syria, or even just look for it on Youtube. it is pathetic how twisted and full of propaganda they have made their journalism.
Yeah Max, Assad really has no choice in having women and children hacked and shot to death. And the only solution to policitcal protest is to have snipers shoot down protesters in cold blood (and shoot his own troops if they refuse to do it because their consciense sees something horribly amiss in using overwhelming military force against protesters, even as they try to scatter from the gunfire. Assad is a butcher, just like his father was, and it is high time the butcher gets put in the grave.
yawn...who cares.
When arabs kill arabs, Israel wins.
When arabs kill muslims, Israel wins.
When muslims kill muslims, Israel wins.
Stay out of it.
Not a single drop of American blood should be spilled putting this down. This is a Arab problem, let them solve it.
i cant see how people will sit by and watch children get killed, it shows me what people can be...(monsters)
The Mexicans do it on all the time.
True .
I think our country is in debt enough. The media is pouring this bloodshed out onto Americans sympathy. We are not the only country with a military power. Send in the lazy French! Syria is their neighbor not ours. We have a big huge fish to fry of our own; that no one seems to care about here in America. It's called Mexico. They are invading our country and murdering, beheading and kiddnapping our people. Our corrupt amininstration along with our corrupt DOJ, Holder has done nothing but arm them! Our country is where our focus needs to be. I doubt France would even consider comming over here to help us with Mexico! Our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are already in too much debt, thanks to this administrations attempt at creating jobs and bailing out the banks and all of the other B.S. they've done to try and bring our country down! No more American blood on Muslime land!
For those of you who claim to be Christian, and I am one of them, you need to read your Bible concerning these things.Start with the book of Matthew and read Luke Chapter 10. When good men do nothing, evil triumphs. Evil, sin and sinful men must be opposed. God commands those who are good, not just to avoid evil but actively oppose it. The Syrian people are human beings and they need our help, now.
Maura, the parable of the Good Samaritan is not a call to arms. The Good Samaritan didn't wage war, he simply helped someone who had been hurt. Jesus' words on what to do in the face of evil men? Matthew 5:39...
If only Mccain were elected this would be over by now. Assad would have been blasted via cruise missle and the sunnis would be running the iranian backed Alawites out of the country. How stupid can the west get, do they not realize that ACTION resolves conflict? Instead we should sit back and let a mad man murder the innocent. How much is too many? How ignorant and pathetic can the 'peace' lovers get? Its ok if he only kills 100, tomorrow 200, o wait 10,000? When is too many? We send people to jail for life for the murder of one (if not execute them) but we sip our tea and drink our starbucks and barely read the news without blinking an eye while this madman continues his rampage. What would you do if you were there? Picture yourself next to the dead, the dying, the murdered? Oh I am sure you would just turn away, spurn their despair, and ignore their suffering. Now imagine if it was your mother, father, brother, sister, cousin, neighbor? Yes, you would just shrug the shoulders because it may cost too much to do something. Maybe you would log into facebook and update your status. Such a productive member of society you would be. This is nothing new, look at what his father did in the 80s. We dont even need to do anything other than bomb. If we spent the money we just wasted on the silly satellite to take pictures of black holes on cruise missles for our dear friend Assad, we would have had over 150 attempts at taking him out! Lets go study some more blackholes, that has a good shot at saving innocent Syrians... Assad supporters will retreat in droves when their forces begin getting blasted with out even being able to defend themselves. Did we already also forget that this lunatic recently had a secret nuclear facility destroyed by the Israelis?