Thank God we now have a President who ACTS decisively when a dictator commits war crimes. It's that simple. This is not complicated. Yes he is a father whose enormous love for his children helped him to raise not one but four outstanding adults, something even Hillary recognized in the heat of a debate. Yes the images of children dying slowly and painfully caused him deep pain. He knew our two ships had the capacity to be remarkably precise with their weaponry to the point they could avoid accidentally spreading the enclosed gas on the base. This operation took heart, guts and decisiveness that even many democrats recognized. "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition."
5
Saber rattling conducted at the spur of the moment without thinking it through. A $34 million plus naval bombardment that puts the safety of future coalition air operations at risk. It is the Commander in Chief sole responsibility to weigh and decide the consequences of military action based on expert advice. This was another opportunistic stunt to aggrandize himself and not a humanitarian act.
1
When President Obama went to Congress in 2013 regarding reciprocation for Syria gassing its own people, this was the reply from Mitch McConnell:
"I will be voting against this resolution. A vital national security risk is clearly not at play, there are just too many unanswered questions about our long-term strategy in Syria, including the fact that this proposal is utterly detached from a wider strategy to end the civil war there, and on the specific question of deterring the use of chemical weapons, the president’s proposal appears to be based on a contradiction. Either we will strike targets that threaten the stability of the regime — something the president says he does not intend to do — or we will execute a strike so narrow as to be a mere demonstration."
It doesn’t sound like Trump discussed his decision to attack Syria with Congress. Wonder what Mitch is saying today…
"I will be voting against this resolution. A vital national security risk is clearly not at play, there are just too many unanswered questions about our long-term strategy in Syria, including the fact that this proposal is utterly detached from a wider strategy to end the civil war there, and on the specific question of deterring the use of chemical weapons, the president’s proposal appears to be based on a contradiction. Either we will strike targets that threaten the stability of the regime — something the president says he does not intend to do — or we will execute a strike so narrow as to be a mere demonstration."
It doesn’t sound like Trump discussed his decision to attack Syria with Congress. Wonder what Mitch is saying today…
13
The New York Times should invite scientists to give their estimate of what 1,790 nuclear warheads would do to the United States if Trump starts WW III.
6
I appreciate Charlie Savage's article providing succinct coverage of how the Obama legal team mulled the question of legality of a U.S. stike in response to Assad's earlier use of chemical weapons. Clearly, the deal brokered by Russia didn't work. I think that a strike against the Syrian airbase was the only responsible action, if we claim to care about human rights.
1
I think, until Saudi Arabia and her gulf kings have oil money, America has nothing to worry about the cost of any middle east war. Saudi is bankrolling our cost many times more than what we spend. And, American politicians including Obama and Bush have used that money gladly. Trump has started now, and soon we will see American missiles and bombs in Iran at the cost of Saudi and Arab kings.
I think smartly Saudi Arabia has used a fake plot of involving Assad for the chemical attack, when she realized that Trump and his team is totally favoring Assad regime, and there was no other way but to design a such plot of killing babies of chemical attack, to force Trump administration to take 180 degree turn. Looks like Saudi succeeded in their game.
Saddam and Gadhafi were also toppled using such fake plot, now they have to design one more for IRAN!!
Saddam and Gadhafi were also toppled using such fake plot, now they have to design one more for IRAN!!
4
Is this the way Trump is going to make military decisions? Knee jerk reactions to what he sees on television? What will this mean for North Korea? Will Trump decide that shelling or bombing North Korea is a "painless" way to stop their nuclear program regardless of the consequences for our Asian allies?
3
Is Trump just trying to show that he acts counter to Russian interest?
3
Wag the Dog. Since when has Trump had any concern about atrocities against the Syrian people?
5
Altruistic bombs will always temporarily hide the fact that this an administration that has no plan, no vision, no idea of what they are getting into, and no maturity whatsoever at governing. Applaud the Santa Claus of boom-boom, but wake up: your troops do more damage to civilians in the middle-East than you would like to believe!
4
I had reassured my students, the day after the election, when they were scared, that American presidents can't start a war in the middle of the night; that they must go to Congress first for permission. "The middle of the night" is an exact quote. So we had a long talk this morning. The way this decision was made is outside the boundaries. However I agree with the decision and according to the N Y Times so do John McCain and Hilary Clinton. So I feel that I am in good company. I hope this also means that we help Syrians who are displaced, scared, sick and starving. That will be a lot more expensive, difficult and require more consideration and fortitude.
We now know that the military will obey this president-something that some of us wondered about. I hope it will be very clear to the president that he needs to make crucial appointments to the state department immediately as he is going to need very experienced, competent advice from this minute forward. He needed it before but he did not think so. To hear him praying for the world felt redemptive. I actually believed that he meant it.
We now know that the military will obey this president-something that some of us wondered about. I hope it will be very clear to the president that he needs to make crucial appointments to the state department immediately as he is going to need very experienced, competent advice from this minute forward. He needed it before but he did not think so. To hear him praying for the world felt redemptive. I actually believed that he meant it.
3
Is it odd that there have been no reports of casualties, what equipment was hit, etc.? Or did I just miss this? Seems like that stuff is usually reported.
5
This attack was for show.
This attack was a diversion.
This attack was an attempt to fool.
This attack was pointless and ineffective.
This attack is another fiasco by our loser commander in chief.
This was cleared with Putin.
This has fooled no one.
This attack was a diversion.
This attack was an attempt to fool.
This attack was pointless and ineffective.
This attack is another fiasco by our loser commander in chief.
This was cleared with Putin.
This has fooled no one.
I understand from NPR news (Friday) that very little damage was done.
1
There are reports of about 7 people dead and about the same number of planes destroyed. Btw, if this is airbase from which chemical attack were launched, Trump was risking to bomb chemical arsenal -- and cause a chemical attack on his own. But I guess, just like the rest of logically thinking people, he knew that Assad did not use chemical weapons.
4
Well, so much of President Trump being a puppet of Mr. Putln.
3
Cannot believe I am saying this; great move Pres. Trump! Assad is sociopath with misanthropic, megalomaniac delusions of grandeur. To stand by and allow genocide is evil in and of itself. We live in a fallen world....In this situation there was no other solution.
4
I wish people could remember TWO things. First, the people that revealed and laid this attack on Syria are the same that swore there were WMDs in Iraq. Second, perhaps some of this OUTRAGE should be directed at the USAF for killing more then two hundred innocents when they hit the wrong target. I have noted not one word of regret from any US official anywhere. I would be the last one to call this hypocritical, you have to decide that for yourself.
3
The U.S. military very rarely admits to ever doing anything wrong. It might taint their Hero status.
2
Not a fan of Trump but I applaud this decision. I would go as far as targeting Assad directly if he continues gassing civilians.
4
The word is "if"
1
I don't know why America gave the Russians prior notice before launching the missiles, as they are complicit in any atrocity that Assad is responsible for.
This just confirms the collusion between Russia & Trump. America, nothing has been accomplished, Assad is still in Power & the Russians & Iran are still supporting him. What it did accomplish is it took the Russian Gate off the front pages, & Trump is still not qualified to lead our Nation.
This just confirms the collusion between Russia & Trump. America, nothing has been accomplished, Assad is still in Power & the Russians & Iran are still supporting him. What it did accomplish is it took the Russian Gate off the front pages, & Trump is still not qualified to lead our Nation.
8
This crisis will only deepen because one look at a map indicates how strongly Syria is of strategic importance to the (former?) Soviet Union in both a defensive and offensive capacity. Defensively Putin will simply not let the U.S. get a further toehold so close to his borders and in terms of the Kremlin's long-held goal of ground-gaining, absorbing Syria gains Russia ports in the Mediterranean which puts their navy even closer to Europe. A fight with Russia has no good outcome as it stands because Putin is ex-KGB and an old-line Soviet but he's not a Leninist which means he probably doesn't see the wisdom of pulling back to gain strength for a wider strategy -- and not nuclear M.A.D.
This seemingly and probably impulsive action has raised the stakes and uncertainties surrounding Syria and its inhabitants, and the security of the United States, even as it has signaled Assad that his monstrous destruction of his own people and others within his reach -with at least 400,000 dead in 6 years while inflicting immense suffering on the many millions of persons displaced- can no longer be ignored by the U.S. or the international community. This action has also sent a harsh warning to Russia, North Korea, and China, even as the Chinese and U.S. presidents were meeting in Florida. No doubt its effects on Congressional willingness to approve the president's proposals and nominees may well improve, temporarily, while the panic lasts, and this crucial political factor was taken into account when deciding whether to embark on this sudden dramatic change of course for the U.S. The question is, what mid-term and long-term effect will it have on Russia-U.S. relations and China-U.S. relations and China-Russia relations, and on the universal war on terrorism? On future events like Brexit? On the world at large?
1
While Trump’s military response to Syria’s chemical attack was appropriately measured and quickly delivered, his failure to hold Russia to account for its support of and complicity with Assad’s war crimes stands out, starkly, particularly in consideration of his many “unconnected dots” with Putin’s regime.
His teleprompter read of the strike announcement was terribly delivered, devoid of any trace of emotion or anger, or even resolve—just a head-left, head-right read. No aid should have been necessary for the announcement he made, and his warning to President Obama NOT to use force against Assad is not forgotten. The latest war-crimes attack was no less terrible than any of Assad’s previous ones and should not have been a trigger for Trump to change to what should have been his stance all along.
One-third of the Senate’s seats are up for election in one year, seven months, along with all those of the House, but it seems there’s a good chance you won’t last that long.
His teleprompter read of the strike announcement was terribly delivered, devoid of any trace of emotion or anger, or even resolve—just a head-left, head-right read. No aid should have been necessary for the announcement he made, and his warning to President Obama NOT to use force against Assad is not forgotten. The latest war-crimes attack was no less terrible than any of Assad’s previous ones and should not have been a trigger for Trump to change to what should have been his stance all along.
One-third of the Senate’s seats are up for election in one year, seven months, along with all those of the House, but it seems there’s a good chance you won’t last that long.
3
Good try, Donald, but we will still be investigating your ties to Russia and Vladimir Putin.
11
Are we as us citizens this stupid as to believe another weapons of mass destruction claim by the government? I am not. Let the president continue to govern from Fox news and we continue at risk of the drummers beating us on to another war. Does trump want to build a hotel in Damascus? He doesn't care about Americans with no health care or shot by criminals with guns. A liar in chief is no reason to start another war. Last week trump said assad was fine to stay. Now the dissembler bombs with the feeling of removing a dictator he should apply to himself
9
Last week Mr. Trump approved an attack on Yemen that killed many civilians: This week he approved an attack on Syria with dozens of missiles, ostensibly because he was so wrought up over "babies" being killed in gas attacks that were, as yet, not factually identified. Yet innocents were killed in Yemen in an attack he acknowledges approving, and that seemed to bring any tears to Mr. Trump's cheek. When the facts are ascertained as to the details of any chemical attack that took place in Syria, Mr. Trump may find out it was no Syria but a rebel warehouse that was the source of the chemicals. If so, and he had waited o find out the facts, he might have avoided the warlike action he took and saved the destruction and injuries that must have occurred from his premature decision making. Shooting off costly and destructive missiles without adequate knowledge of what he was accomplishing by doing so is hardly the work of an experienced judgment. We apparently have Mr. Trump playing Quick-Draw-McGraw while using some of the world's most lethal weapons. It's certainly not comforting to say the least.
4
As the old time comedians were wont to philosophize, "Life is a rim shot!"In other words, one never knows in life as in foreign policy what the outcome will be? How many marriages begin in bliss and end in despair? Did the Third Estate on August 4th, 1789, moderate Girondins, foresee the establishment of the Comite du Salut Publique and Comite de la Securite Generale and the establishment of "La Terreur?"US under Trump had to act to curb the carnage, the holocaust ongoing for 4 years. We had to regain credibility after O's volte face in 2012 on the Red Line ultimatum. There was nothing else we could do. Trump, growing in the Presidency by the day, ordered a measured, careful response, avoiding Russian casualties, but issuing a stern warning, an "avertissement" to Assad and his inner circle.He's got to go! Assad is expendable! Past time for Russia and the US to combine forces to force his departure, and replace him with moderate elements, which do exist, within the Syrian armed forces and civilian ranks!
3
Dear Mr. Trump: Children will also die agonizing preventable deaths if your attempt to de-insure them is successful. Just a friendly reminder.
9
What about the "beautiful little children" of Newtown?
When will the President send the NRA a message about their senseless slaughter?
When will the President send the NRA a message about their senseless slaughter?
13
In a proxy war, not only do the countries fighting both lose(just like in a regular war), but the country caught in the middle also loses. The only winners are the banks who finance it, and the war-mongers who exploit it.
8 years of leading from behind are over. Thanks to Trump we're again leading from the front. MAGA
6
So, then I take it you are going to stop endorsing trump's suggesting that we ban Syrian refugees - man of whom are children?
Good to know.
Now why not suggest he give advance notice to OUR CONGRESS next time instead of Russia. John, you do realize, don't you, that Russia is allied with Assad, right? Are you sure trump's aware of that?
Good to know.
Now why not suggest he give advance notice to OUR CONGRESS next time instead of Russia. John, you do realize, don't you, that Russia is allied with Assad, right? Are you sure trump's aware of that?
5
No matter what our political leanings may be, at a significant time like this, we must put partisan attacks aside, support our government and understand that the US acted with resolve last night in trying to put an end to this horrible violence. I have been calling for 6 years that we as a moral leader in this world would take a stand against tyranny. I wrote the Obama administration countless times, wrote my Reps, to no avail. Back then, it was not as complex today, with the brutal dictators of Russia and Iran and other miscreants having a hand in the violence. Let us all hope that we can move forward with resolve to end this war once and for all, with the full support of our allies and the Arab world that has been silent too long. Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and Syria have done enough damage to the country, Europe and human rights, they are now officially on notice that we will not take this lying down.
4
Last week we killed 200 civilians by bombing in Iraq. I agree that a leader who would do such a thing is deplorable and should be removed. Oh wait a minute, it was trump who did it so forget the disgrace of the country that did the evil deed
2
I actually DO support our government, which is why I don't support this president.
Please stay on point, we are here in support of our government that is working to resolve a longstanding problem the world has ignored for far too long and all you have is that inane comment, stop wasting our time?
So The Donald has replaced "You're fired!" with "You're blasted!"
What could possibly go wrong?
What could possibly go wrong?
6
Congress needs to finally do what it was afraid to do under President Obama: Declare war on Assad and rid the world of another ruthless killer. Whether it be chemical weapons or conventional warfare, collateral damage is collateral damage. Killing of innocent is still killing. The problem is Assad of Syria. Convince Putin to give Assad refuge in Russia where he belongs and send the Syrian Shiite to Iran. Then allow the Sunni Muslim world to rebuild Syria for the Sunni, and Christians of Syria. Free world: let's get our act together.
1
Heck no! We do not need another middle east cluster.
Look what Hillary and Obama accomplished in Libya and Syria so far, and Iraq is still in dysfunction and turmoil.
We should never have gone into Iraq, we should never have removed Ghadaffi and we darn sure don't need to be in Syria.
Look what Hillary and Obama accomplished in Libya and Syria so far, and Iraq is still in dysfunction and turmoil.
We should never have gone into Iraq, we should never have removed Ghadaffi and we darn sure don't need to be in Syria.
3
@Senate,
I'm sorry to inform you but Obama already put US boots on the ground in Syria in 2016. Our neighbor's son has been in-country there since last year. You don't hear too much of that story from the NY Times....
I'm sorry to inform you but Obama already put US boots on the ground in Syria in 2016. Our neighbor's son has been in-country there since last year. You don't hear too much of that story from the NY Times....
5
The bombing that, in retrospect, it seems we perhaps should have done in 2013 might have prevented ISIS from moving tons of oil through Turkey and into Europe, and thus obtaining massive amounts of money to fund their terrorism. But Trump was against this. Whether it was correct or not (and it's not, of course, that simple) Trump supported our previous president's position.
Now Trump sees some photos on TV and gets emotional. But is the present military strike justified and does it have beneficial and achievable goals? By beneficial I mean not only to the US, but to the Syrian people and the world. My gut feeling is yes, maybe we've been right in doing this.
But my gut feeling and Trump's gut feeling are not reasons for such actions. I'm sickened at watching Trump play preacher in the pulpit, his speech packed with religious language and claims of the US's moral superiority. I'm sickened that he chooses this moment to play politics, tossing in comments comparing his present action with lack of action in the past (which again, he agreed with at the time).
Although Bannon and Ivanka and Jared are still there in the picture, there is some hope in the most inexperienced and radically political advisors being pushed out by experienced professionals. I hope that our decisions are being directed by these professionals, and not by Trump's impulsiveness.
Now Trump sees some photos on TV and gets emotional. But is the present military strike justified and does it have beneficial and achievable goals? By beneficial I mean not only to the US, but to the Syrian people and the world. My gut feeling is yes, maybe we've been right in doing this.
But my gut feeling and Trump's gut feeling are not reasons for such actions. I'm sickened at watching Trump play preacher in the pulpit, his speech packed with religious language and claims of the US's moral superiority. I'm sickened that he chooses this moment to play politics, tossing in comments comparing his present action with lack of action in the past (which again, he agreed with at the time).
Although Bannon and Ivanka and Jared are still there in the picture, there is some hope in the most inexperienced and radically political advisors being pushed out by experienced professionals. I hope that our decisions are being directed by these professionals, and not by Trump's impulsiveness.
3
Call me conspiratorial, but I would at least give some thought to ISIS mortars loaded with Sarin being fired at the exact time of a Syrian/Russian bombing run.
4
Was any time taken to see if there was any truth to the Syrian assertion that the rebels had the chemical weapons that they hit? Every one wants to drop bombs and behave just like the Syrian regime. They got rid of Saddam believing that there were chemical weapons and there were none. Every one should pause and reflect on why the middle east is in turmoil? American meddling and Russian meddling? May be Trump got some one to show the 2013 videos to distract the public from his Russian association? There are too many rotten apples and young Americans in war zones are being exposed to avoidable harm.
5
Hrao - Excellent question. In fact, was this United States military action based on any intelligence at all other than the TV news story?
11
We have at trial a suspect accused of killing many people. The prosecutor wants the death penalty. The burden of proof is on the prosecution.
Do we know, beyond any reasonable doubt, that Assad's military carried out the chemical bombing? I have not found that proof despite reading many articles. It makes no sense that Assad would kill those people...no motive. That he "probably" did it does not stand up in any U.S. court.
Our "verdict" and missile attack was clearly a political move intended to bolster Trump’s standing in the eyes of his brain-numbed supporters and to distract us from his many questionable actions.
Regardless, the U.S. violated U.S. and international law merely by being involved at all in Syria or in the Middle East or in AFGH, much less attacking a Syrian air base.
As an aside, if we posit equal treatment/justice under the law, how many civilians has the U.S. killed/maimed/displaced during our 15-year attempt to bring peace, democracy, and freedom to the Middle East and AFGH? According to what I have read, the number is in the hundreds of thousands. That number ignores our previous deadly-to-civilians ventures post-Korean conflict.
Do we know, beyond any reasonable doubt, that Assad's military carried out the chemical bombing? I have not found that proof despite reading many articles. It makes no sense that Assad would kill those people...no motive. That he "probably" did it does not stand up in any U.S. court.
Our "verdict" and missile attack was clearly a political move intended to bolster Trump’s standing in the eyes of his brain-numbed supporters and to distract us from his many questionable actions.
Regardless, the U.S. violated U.S. and international law merely by being involved at all in Syria or in the Middle East or in AFGH, much less attacking a Syrian air base.
As an aside, if we posit equal treatment/justice under the law, how many civilians has the U.S. killed/maimed/displaced during our 15-year attempt to bring peace, democracy, and freedom to the Middle East and AFGH? According to what I have read, the number is in the hundreds of thousands. That number ignores our previous deadly-to-civilians ventures post-Korean conflict.
7
I would give more credence to the thought that the Obama folks in the Intelligence Community want this Syria thing to keep going on and told Trump that they knew beyond a shadow of a doubt Assad did this.
Other than that, I agree there is no evidence that another party could have launched chemicals via artillery or mortar at the same time a Syrian warplane was making a routine bombing run.
That makes more sense, since a sarin attack does nothing to help Assad, but American intervention does help ISIS and other Jihadists trying to build their caliphate.
Other than that, I agree there is no evidence that another party could have launched chemicals via artillery or mortar at the same time a Syrian warplane was making a routine bombing run.
That makes more sense, since a sarin attack does nothing to help Assad, but American intervention does help ISIS and other Jihadists trying to build their caliphate.
1
Typo, sorry:
...there is no evidence RULING OUT that another party could have launched chemicals via artillery or mortar at the same time a Syrian warplane was making a routine bombing run.
...there is no evidence RULING OUT that another party could have launched chemicals via artillery or mortar at the same time a Syrian warplane was making a routine bombing run.
2
Assad promised Obama he got rid of his chemical weapons. Apparently he lied to our first American-African president. Thankfully, President Trump does not take well to liars.
4
"Trump does not take well to liars."
That's good, really good coming from the biggest liar to ever sit in the White House. Nice!
That's good, really good coming from the biggest liar to ever sit in the White House. Nice!
6
Are you suggesting Assad lies BECAUSE Barack Obama is African American?
"President Trump does not take well to liars."
Well, President Trump is a liar who takes and takes and takes. Isn't that closer to reality?
"President Trump does not take well to liars."
Well, President Trump is a liar who takes and takes and takes. Isn't that closer to reality?
7
The Tomahawk strike on Shayrat certainly satisfied the desire of the American public and President Trump to "do something," but it was just a knee-jerk reaction, and exhibits an improvisational approach to complicated foreign policy issues that usually ends in disaster. As much as we might desire it, our problems with Syria do not fit neatly into an episode of "West Wing" where all the plotlines are wrapped up in sixty minutes, with four convenient commercial breaks. We still have no policy and no idea what we are up to in Syria, other than to strike when the mood hits our President. A lot of things are now going to happen very quickly, and we are still making it up as we go along. Congress is going to demand that it be consulted, since absent such consultation, strikes like the one we undertook last night are illegal. And we have only just started hearing from the Russians, who are ideally placed for asymmetric retaliation. From President Trump's point of view, there is one unalloyed positive: he has finally found a way to distract the American public from his current domestic policy failures and to rebuild his popularity. But military solutions rarely work out in the Middle East, particularly when there is no plan. Remember the initial euphoria of Afghanistan 2001, Iraq 2003 and Libya 2011? How did those actions eventually turn out for the incumbents in the White House?
5
There here in no such thing as an unsolvable problem. American foreign policy vis a vis Syria is no exception. Assuming intelligence was correct identifying a Syrian air base as the source of the aerial sarin attack, the US missile attack in response was measured, proportionate and rationale. I'm no fan of Trump, but this is one executive action (so far the only one) that got it right. (No surprise President Bannon has been removed from the Security Council.) The second step is also clear. The US must immediately initiate plans to implement and enforce a no-fly zone in Syria. Ideally, the no-fly zone will be policed and coordinated with Russia. If however the Russians balk at policing and coordination, the US must decide on the third step, whether to unilaterally implement a no-fly zone. Assuming military feasibility, this is the preferred course of action. Russia has shown so far either an inability or unwillingness to promote stability or a peaceful resolution of this interminable conflict. The sole effect of Russian policy has been to prolong the war and consolidate Assad's power. The implementation of a no-fly zone will at last enable Russia to take a constructive role in pressuring all parties to come to a peaceful resolution and compromise and to concentrate Russian military efforts with the United States in defeating ISIS.
2
So this was what Tillerson was referring to..hmm. Knew it was just a matter of time..but NOT think this quick.Less than 3 months.
45 has been itching for popularity and perhaps "push every button in the WH" he has access to while he can.
Syria has A LOT on its plate but of course Toddler-in-Chief felt the need to add-on by impulsively rushing to pick at an already badly opened wound of an already vulnerable state.
Barely saw much reaction to the London attacks only 2 weeks ago.
Is he eventually going to issue an invoice to Syria, once (if) the dust settles for HIS CHOICE to intervene? I'm betting his tax returns, he will use this for bragging points at his next rally or during one of his early weekend morning tweet rants very shortly when it all goes wrong...wait for it!
PS: POTUS can't blame Obama or Hillary for this one.
45 has been itching for popularity and perhaps "push every button in the WH" he has access to while he can.
Syria has A LOT on its plate but of course Toddler-in-Chief felt the need to add-on by impulsively rushing to pick at an already badly opened wound of an already vulnerable state.
Barely saw much reaction to the London attacks only 2 weeks ago.
Is he eventually going to issue an invoice to Syria, once (if) the dust settles for HIS CHOICE to intervene? I'm betting his tax returns, he will use this for bragging points at his next rally or during one of his early weekend morning tweet rants very shortly when it all goes wrong...wait for it!
PS: POTUS can't blame Obama or Hillary for this one.
2
I wonder how many of the children and their families who were gassed and killed in Syria were being " extremely vetted"?
3
What is the ultimate goal? Trump is all over the place. Meanwhile Russia just announced they are replacing the planes. Will this mean escalation? If so, what is Trump's next move?
The big question will Congress pass another Authorization allowing Trump to do what he wants without their specific agreement? Our past does not bode well for that option. Especially problematic with an erratic administration.
The big question will Congress pass another Authorization allowing Trump to do what he wants without their specific agreement? Our past does not bode well for that option. Especially problematic with an erratic administration.
3
Russia just announced they're replacing the planes? Well, that puts a piece in the puzzle. The president gets the poll-bumping distraction of ejaculating several dozen missles and the Syrians don't have to dismantle the junk hardware before the new shipment of planes arrives.
Did he do it "for the babies"? Given that Assad has been known to have and to use chemical WMDs long before last week; given that Syrian children had been suffering under Assad for years; given that Trump's stance is to shut the door of refuge in their faces; and given the fact that the slaughter of children right here at home didn't prompt him to stand up to the weapons-of-slaughter lobby; one could reasonably say, No, this was as shallow and cynical as everything he does.
Did he do it "for the babies"? Given that Assad has been known to have and to use chemical WMDs long before last week; given that Syrian children had been suffering under Assad for years; given that Trump's stance is to shut the door of refuge in their faces; and given the fact that the slaughter of children right here at home didn't prompt him to stand up to the weapons-of-slaughter lobby; one could reasonably say, No, this was as shallow and cynical as everything he does.
4
The republicans spend so much time effort money and energy in the Benghazi hearings, they have no money or resources for investigating unilateral Syrian missile strike. The republicans have eaten so much money by special interests that they have disappeared Russian interference investigation. Our media is clueless because its been hostile to Trump from the start so he won't tell them nothing. And all that quest for the Truth will be left to Americans scratching our collective heads (where! what hit us!).
6
It was smart of Trump to respond forcefully so as to maintain the leverage of potential military action that Obama never had, but this air strike is a small piece in a massively complex puzzle.
The important questions are where does Trump go from here and why?
The important questions are where does Trump go from here and why?
3
How about not banning Syrian refugees, many of whom are children - or hasn't that thought even occurred to such a "smart" guy.
2
It looks manly, and decisive for Trump to blow up a Syrian air base. Obama didn't, but Trump did. You can be pretty sure the attack was motivated by Trump wanting to impress his fans in the U.S. He couldn't care less what happens to the Syrian people - as evidenced by his attitude towards refugees.
8
Well done, President Trump. It's taken over two months, but you finally got one right. Russia is not our friend. There's nerve gas stored at that airbase you bombed yesterday, gas the Russians said previously they had disposed of. Then they try and excuse the gassing of innocents the other day in the Syrian airstrike by claiming Assad's warplanes mistakenly bombed a warehouse of nerve gas controlled by the rebels. Remember, these are the same guys who shot down a commercial airliner by equipping an invading army with Russian insignia torn off the uniforms. Why are we consumed with kicking Muslims and Mexicans out of our country when in fact we should be expelling every Russian?
3
I'll admit it, I'm finding myself looking for the part of the story where Trump did something categorically stupid, either out of habit by now or because the vindictive cro magnon in me wants to see him fail, or probably both.
However, being fully aware of that reflex on my part, I'm looking at this more objectively, and what I'm seeing is that the president has made a decision whose merits can be debated at a high level of discourse. I personally recognize that I do not possess the requisite knowledge or experience in international diplomacy or military operations to have a valid opinion on whether this was the right move. It's a positive change -- for a lot of his previous actions and decisions, we've been relegated to arguments we're not even sure why we need to have, like "should you accuse your predecessor of illegally personally wire tapping you", or "should you bully companies that make business moves that are unfavorable to your daughter", or "should you put a brain surgeon with no housing experience in as head of HUD because the job title had the word urban in it and he was the first black guy that came to mind"? "Is a missile strike an effective answer to Assad's gassing his own citizens" is by contrast a much more substantive question.
However, being fully aware of that reflex on my part, I'm looking at this more objectively, and what I'm seeing is that the president has made a decision whose merits can be debated at a high level of discourse. I personally recognize that I do not possess the requisite knowledge or experience in international diplomacy or military operations to have a valid opinion on whether this was the right move. It's a positive change -- for a lot of his previous actions and decisions, we've been relegated to arguments we're not even sure why we need to have, like "should you accuse your predecessor of illegally personally wire tapping you", or "should you bully companies that make business moves that are unfavorable to your daughter", or "should you put a brain surgeon with no housing experience in as head of HUD because the job title had the word urban in it and he was the first black guy that came to mind"? "Is a missile strike an effective answer to Assad's gassing his own citizens" is by contrast a much more substantive question.
1
That brain surgeon just found $500 billion wasted at HUD so I guess him being black and urban don't really matter. Do you dislike the poor so much that you don't want them to get all the funding allocated ?
1
I logged on today to see if the American people are as hot headed and lacking in some basic cognitive abilities as their leadership.
I was pleasantly surprised by many on here, and disappointed in many others.
Assad is no saint, but he is also very intelligent he is an MD and no fool. He wants to stay in power to ensure the continued existence of his religious minority against hordes of local and foreign Sunni extremists who murder and rape all who are not "real" muslims.
Put your self in his shoes for a minute even though you are not someone who is wholly focused on the politics and optics of the Syrian Proxy war.
you are pushing ISIS and extremists back on every front.
you have 80% of the countries people under your care and control.
You have agreements and common ground with the Kurds who protect 10-15% of the syrian population
leaving only 5-10% of the population left to "liberate" (remember we are in his shoes)
You've out lasted Obama, Trump has just signaled that he is OK with you continuing with your presidency.
I was pleasantly surprised by many on here, and disappointed in many others.
Assad is no saint, but he is also very intelligent he is an MD and no fool. He wants to stay in power to ensure the continued existence of his religious minority against hordes of local and foreign Sunni extremists who murder and rape all who are not "real" muslims.
Put your self in his shoes for a minute even though you are not someone who is wholly focused on the politics and optics of the Syrian Proxy war.
you are pushing ISIS and extremists back on every front.
you have 80% of the countries people under your care and control.
You have agreements and common ground with the Kurds who protect 10-15% of the syrian population
leaving only 5-10% of the population left to "liberate" (remember we are in his shoes)
You've out lasted Obama, Trump has just signaled that he is OK with you continuing with your presidency.
3
Correct, it makes no sense that the Sarin came from Assad's warplanes.
It doesn't help him at all.
It doesn't help him at all.
1
Looking for congressional approval beyond the 2001 declaration, sought of course by #43 in order to run al qaeda to ground, that same declaration has been used with carte blanche ever since.
But it is no less true now than then, in as much had our legislators spoken with the same "voice" as our executive it would have sent a more forceful msg. to our friend and foe alike, always a good idea. It is perhaps more evidence of how..dare I say; the chambers were more bent on obstructing Mr. Obama, regardless of either intent or outcome. Now we as an electorate caught in this widening dilemma, have to support a "righteous" strike against child murderers..but where were we in 2012-13. So in the end is it we, again the electorate, who should share the blame for what is now widely perceived as an Obama admin. failure?. Using the words (albeit on a different issue) of our current POTUS, "...who knew that this would be so complicated". If there is to be a "silver lining" in this cloud we find ourselves under these days it might be this..perhaps a much larger segment of our electorate will stay informed on the questions and problems facing us all in this.."experiment in self governance".
But it is no less true now than then, in as much had our legislators spoken with the same "voice" as our executive it would have sent a more forceful msg. to our friend and foe alike, always a good idea. It is perhaps more evidence of how..dare I say; the chambers were more bent on obstructing Mr. Obama, regardless of either intent or outcome. Now we as an electorate caught in this widening dilemma, have to support a "righteous" strike against child murderers..but where were we in 2012-13. So in the end is it we, again the electorate, who should share the blame for what is now widely perceived as an Obama admin. failure?. Using the words (albeit on a different issue) of our current POTUS, "...who knew that this would be so complicated". If there is to be a "silver lining" in this cloud we find ourselves under these days it might be this..perhaps a much larger segment of our electorate will stay informed on the questions and problems facing us all in this.."experiment in self governance".
Now everybody:
"And it's one, two, three,
What are we fighting for?"...
"And it's one, two, three,
What are we fighting for?"...
2
This was a deliberate planned politically motivated action to do 2 things 1.Distract us from the investigations into the criminal hijacking of our Democracy by a gang of thugs. 2. To con the less informed into thinking that Trump is a strong guy.
What the action actually revealed was what we already know about Trump. If he thinks he is crossed or threatened in any area he will immediately strikeout with as much force as he can possibly muster. We should be thankful that there were apparently some sane people around who got him to the the least thing rather than the worst thing.
What the action actually revealed was what we already know about Trump. If he thinks he is crossed or threatened in any area he will immediately strikeout with as much force as he can possibly muster. We should be thankful that there were apparently some sane people around who got him to the the least thing rather than the worst thing.
5
So, Trump without consulting the Congress released his news - not from the White House - but from his Florida's resort (with Chinese leader there at a dinner table) and once again - - without consulting the Congress. What is going on? Does that really mean for now on Trump is running USA by himself with his partner Putin?
His whole scenario is fishy – Trump has a hidden agenda and he is totally nut!
Retaliation by violence! How about sitting with Congress and think of a better solution that retaliating with more death? Violence begets violence.
Is President Trump’s strike on Syria constitutional? No.
What is even more depressing…it is to see that lots of people are approving bloodshed and war. We do not evolved even after thousands years of history of massacres – we are still behaving like apes.
His whole scenario is fishy – Trump has a hidden agenda and he is totally nut!
Retaliation by violence! How about sitting with Congress and think of a better solution that retaliating with more death? Violence begets violence.
Is President Trump’s strike on Syria constitutional? No.
What is even more depressing…it is to see that lots of people are approving bloodshed and war. We do not evolved even after thousands years of history of massacres – we are still behaving like apes.
3
So, have I got this right? The wealthiest nation on earth for the large part refuses to accept and shelter Syrian refugee families, which would protect them from Assad's cruel treatment and give them a chance at rebuilding their lives.
Instead, we're "concerned" enough about them to rain more war, death, and destruction down upon them?
This kind of logic fits Trump to a tee.
Instead, we're "concerned" enough about them to rain more war, death, and destruction down upon them?
This kind of logic fits Trump to a tee.
8
Now what? Is the United States ready to continue here? Are we ready to commit money, arms, and troops for this cause? Are we ready to take on another Middle Eastern debacle? Chemical weapons are indeed unacceptable but so is just about everything else that goes on in the Middle East. Women and children have no basic human rights. Are Americans really ready to take on ALL of the atrocities that go on in countries like Syria? And if some of are how are we going to pay for it? And how many American lives are we willing to give up for it?
3
I am sure we don't agree politically, but on this, we do.
No more Iraqs, no more Libyas
No more Iraqs, no more Libyas
2
No Congress approval,
no international approval,
no proof of chemical weapons.
no adherence to, nor respect for, the rule of law.
But, the 45th has never been concerned with the rule of law when it comes to his actions. He has always behaved as if money and power put him above the law and allows him to do whatever he pleases with impunity.
He still doesn't get that being President of a country is not the same, by any stretch of the imagination, as being President of his own company.
no international approval,
no proof of chemical weapons.
no adherence to, nor respect for, the rule of law.
But, the 45th has never been concerned with the rule of law when it comes to his actions. He has always behaved as if money and power put him above the law and allows him to do whatever he pleases with impunity.
He still doesn't get that being President of a country is not the same, by any stretch of the imagination, as being President of his own company.
10
Apparently the only approval he needed was that of Netanyahu's.
8
Has the main stream media learned nothing from Iraq? Where is the concrete evidence that Assad and not some other terrorist organization unleashed these chemical weapons? And how does this square with Mattis' own assessment in 2013 that the US should avoid attacking Assad regime? Very sad.
7
One commenter here said he was not a Trump supporter -- but gave a thoughtful defense of the military strike. One reply said, "Thank you for your honesty and showing your neocon stripes. . ."
In my opinion, the reply was useless -- probably untrue. Worst of all, it was rude. We can do better in this forum.
In my opinion, the reply was useless -- probably untrue. Worst of all, it was rude. We can do better in this forum.
4
Will the President be attentive to the complexity of the situation? Or will it again be:
Lights! Camera! Action!
Shoot first. Plan for the consequences later. Unknown unknowns give rise to unintended consequences, etc.
Then a "coalition of the willing."
I have seen this movie before. Indeed, the last reel of that film is far from being in the can. The current call for "Lights! Camera! Action!" initiates the shooting of one more reel in the longest running cinematic event in U.S. history.
Personally, I have no wish to continue watching this unending flick.
I can't help thinking that the Great Deflector at this early juncture already has seized upon the most powerful distractor within his reach: military action.
I hope I am wrong in suspecting this, but that possibility strikes me and many others as not devoid of merit.
I hope against hope that tonight's attack results in something other than more military and civilian deaths, in more combatants and non-combatants who are maimed and crippled for life, and in the further hemorrhaging of treasure.
Why are Republican leaders so willing to spend billions and billions on military adventures, but so loathe to fund healthcare, education, refugee relief and other humane endeavors?
President Eisenhower was certainly on target when he warned Americans of the dangers inherent to the military-industrial complex.
Where have all the moderate Republicans gone? Unlike the flowers in the folk song, they were a quick time passing.
Lights! Camera! Action!
Shoot first. Plan for the consequences later. Unknown unknowns give rise to unintended consequences, etc.
Then a "coalition of the willing."
I have seen this movie before. Indeed, the last reel of that film is far from being in the can. The current call for "Lights! Camera! Action!" initiates the shooting of one more reel in the longest running cinematic event in U.S. history.
Personally, I have no wish to continue watching this unending flick.
I can't help thinking that the Great Deflector at this early juncture already has seized upon the most powerful distractor within his reach: military action.
I hope I am wrong in suspecting this, but that possibility strikes me and many others as not devoid of merit.
I hope against hope that tonight's attack results in something other than more military and civilian deaths, in more combatants and non-combatants who are maimed and crippled for life, and in the further hemorrhaging of treasure.
Why are Republican leaders so willing to spend billions and billions on military adventures, but so loathe to fund healthcare, education, refugee relief and other humane endeavors?
President Eisenhower was certainly on target when he warned Americans of the dangers inherent to the military-industrial complex.
Where have all the moderate Republicans gone? Unlike the flowers in the folk song, they were a quick time passing.
2
Russia is teetering on bankruptcy. Now is the time to drive the price of oil even lower to force the Russian government and military into financial shutdown. It's the best way to crush Putin. Obama knew this when responding to Russia's Crimean invasion. Putin feels the pain when oil prices fall.
1
70 million dollars would have been much better spent by helping the remaining living Syrian children of god and their parents escape the hellhole and be given sanctuary.
3
The speed surprises people?
What on earth did you expect with a Marine as Sec Def?
Way to go Maddog.
Semper Fi
What on earth did you expect with a Marine as Sec Def?
Way to go Maddog.
Semper Fi
3
Instead of shock and awe, we have aw shucks.
Trump gives new meaning to mercurial. He must wear headphones to sleep tuned to some alt-right garbage. The last thing he hears before he loses consciousness is what he bangs his head on in the morning. Relieves himself with a bunch of tweet blasts.
Thinks opening the door a crack and throwing into the mix fifty or so missiles, like a handful of firecrackers, then closing the door and forgetting about it is suitable move? Genuine retaliation?
If he's going to take us into war, then Trump should bomb Assad where it would hurt, like a palace or government buildings, weapons stockpiles. And then sit back and see what happens. Because Trump and his goon squad don't know.
We do know that Trump's BFF won't be his BF anymore at all, because Putin is pretty ticked at just this little wimpy onslaught against another BF.
How did we get into and how do we get out of this testosterone sandbox?
Trump gives new meaning to mercurial. He must wear headphones to sleep tuned to some alt-right garbage. The last thing he hears before he loses consciousness is what he bangs his head on in the morning. Relieves himself with a bunch of tweet blasts.
Thinks opening the door a crack and throwing into the mix fifty or so missiles, like a handful of firecrackers, then closing the door and forgetting about it is suitable move? Genuine retaliation?
If he's going to take us into war, then Trump should bomb Assad where it would hurt, like a palace or government buildings, weapons stockpiles. And then sit back and see what happens. Because Trump and his goon squad don't know.
We do know that Trump's BFF won't be his BF anymore at all, because Putin is pretty ticked at just this little wimpy onslaught against another BF.
How did we get into and how do we get out of this testosterone sandbox?
3
I can't believe our government is openly defending ISIS!!!!
We bombed an air base!!!!
We bombed an air base!!!!
1
Nobody guarantees a limited war. Chemical war is the worse thing against innocent people from Syria. However, now the diplomacy is fundamental because the United Nations, NATO, USA, Russia, China and Security Council of the United Nations should have an agreement to get a real equilibrium in this troubled area.
Assad had about 85 people killed through the use of chemical weapons. As a response, we fired 59 cruise missiles. At about $1.4 million each, that means we spent about $1 million for each person.
I'm not really sure what to make of that other than we got a whole lot of money.
I'm not really sure what to make of that other than we got a whole lot of money.
3
So, the Pentagon says they informed the Russians in advance, but the State Dept. says they did not? Did we hit an empty airbase? What happened to Trump's element of surprise?
3
The prospect of peace in Syria was moving closer before the attack, with ISIS and Al-Qaeda on the run.It looks like maybe somebody didn’t like that so there had to be an episode.
It doesn’t make any sense for Assad under these conditions to all of a sudden use poison gases – there’s zero chance he would have done this deliberately. I agree with former congressman Ron Paul.
The incident was clearly being exploited by American neo-cons and the deep state to enlist support for war.
“It’s the neo-conservatives who are benefiting tremendously from this because it’s derailed the progress that has already been made moving toward a more peaceful settlement in Syria,” said Paul.
Many have questioned why Assad would be so strategically stupid as to order a chemical weapons attack and incite the wrath of the world given that he is closer than ever to winning the war against ISIS and jihadist rebels.
It doesn’t make any sense for Assad under these conditions to all of a sudden use poison gases – there’s zero chance he would have done this deliberately. I agree with former congressman Ron Paul.
The incident was clearly being exploited by American neo-cons and the deep state to enlist support for war.
“It’s the neo-conservatives who are benefiting tremendously from this because it’s derailed the progress that has already been made moving toward a more peaceful settlement in Syria,” said Paul.
Many have questioned why Assad would be so strategically stupid as to order a chemical weapons attack and incite the wrath of the world given that he is closer than ever to winning the war against ISIS and jihadist rebels.
3
Let's hope that Trump, with his characteristic lack of subtlety, doesn't see military attacks as the key to increasing his popularity. While my inclination is to applaud an answer to Assad's use of any weapons on innocent civilians, I do not want to encourage the applause-seeker-in-chief who has a hateful history of seeking approval.
Even Clinton recommended the bombing a few hours before it was ordered. It remains to be seen what Russia's response it other than calling it a act of aggression and violation of international law. But they didn't seem to think using chemical weapons were a violation of international law. So if Clinton recommended even though she was SOS when Obama made his red line speech that he backed off on, why would anyone be against Trumps decision.
3
It is time to acknowledge that IT IS TIME TO ACT. We have let the barriers of consequences, complexity and nationalism get in the way of taking action. Our commanders and diplomats make working those issues a daily exercise.
I have an old expression that has served me well, "NEVER take action until you have to, but ALWAYS take it when you have to." IT IS TIME..
Also, the finger pointing by both parties has to stop! Today is not yesterday, or the week before, or the year before that. It is TODAY, and the more time spent focused on it, the less time there is to face today's difficult challenges. (Besides, it is childish and futile.)
I have an old expression that has served me well, "NEVER take action until you have to, but ALWAYS take it when you have to." IT IS TIME..
Also, the finger pointing by both parties has to stop! Today is not yesterday, or the week before, or the year before that. It is TODAY, and the more time spent focused on it, the less time there is to face today's difficult challenges. (Besides, it is childish and futile.)
4
This President has lied so continuously and trashed the media as fake news, why on earth should the world believe his words on this bombing action? It makes no sense for Assad to have done this now, it does make sense for those wishing to goad the US into getting involved in this war. Going forward, how many more kids will be gassed, complete with lots of tragic pictures, to trick the President into precipitous action in other civil wars? Perhaps to keep health care for Americans, we need more TV pictures of dying people, especially children.
4
If I were Assad, the message I'd get from this is "Don't use chemical weapons." Never mind all the other stuff--strategy, ISIS, alliances with Russia, Israel, or relations with Iran. Just this, "If you use chemical weapons, expect more of your airbases obliterated." The message is loud and clear.
3
The air base wasn't "obliterated". We sent 59 Tomahawk missiles at $500,000 a piece (that's $60 million dollars) to put a few potholes in just a part of a Syrian airfield. On top of that we called Russia and told them we were going to bomb that air field and told them to get their people out. Then Russia told the Syrian Air force so the total damage was a few potholes leaving the airfield functional and killed like six people, probably 4 airplane mechanics and two janitors. Basically the result was nil.
Symbolic muscle-posing is no more effective than crazy Russian and Korean military parades with missile weaponry on full display. What is the point of or the difference made by the seven-thousandth US bombing of Syria since 2014? Syrians will likely face an even more ferocious use of non-chemical weapons like barrel bombs dropped from helicopters
2
As other commenters have pointed out, Trump's poll numbers almost certainly will rise as a result of this missile attack (getting Gorsuch confirmed won't hurt either). But he should know those poll-number boosts don't last long. At the tail end of the first Iraq War, Bush the Elder's approval rating was 91%. But that was 21 months before Election Day 1992, by which time the first Iraq War was ancient history and Bush's popularity rating had steadily dropped, into negative territory. Bill Clinton easily beat him in the Electoral College (though Clinton won only 43% of the popular vote -- those were the days when Clinton supporter that the Electoral College was the bee's knees!)
3
So, let's recap events.
In 2013, he was against any intervention at all and implored Obama to not get involved, or at least to seek Congressional approval.
Congress did not approve any retaliation. An agreement was reached with Syria and Russia to remove all chemical weapons.
On the campaign, Trump said Syrian refugees, including the "children of God" he now wants to protect, should be barred from the US.
Trump is facing extraordinarily low approval ratings for a new presidency.
A few days ago, his cabinet said that Assad was not a priority.
Assad launches chemical attack on own citizens, purportedly in it's fight against ISIS.
Last night, US launches missiles into a largely empty airfield (after warning Russia, and by implication Syria) to "send a message". This was also referred to as a "one-off". What does that mean? The next chemical attack will go unanswered? Conventional weapon attacks are OK? He will support who(?) to unseat Assad? He will bomb North Korea next?
I wonder where Trump's approval ratings are today...
No one can condone the chemical attack on innocent civilians, indeed I would think conventional weapon attacks are equally abhorent, and undoubtedly most would support a retaliation such as this. Now Trump has drawn his red line, is there a coherent long term policy waiting to be revealed? There certainly has been a more than a few backflips and many unanswered questions.
In 2013, he was against any intervention at all and implored Obama to not get involved, or at least to seek Congressional approval.
Congress did not approve any retaliation. An agreement was reached with Syria and Russia to remove all chemical weapons.
On the campaign, Trump said Syrian refugees, including the "children of God" he now wants to protect, should be barred from the US.
Trump is facing extraordinarily low approval ratings for a new presidency.
A few days ago, his cabinet said that Assad was not a priority.
Assad launches chemical attack on own citizens, purportedly in it's fight against ISIS.
Last night, US launches missiles into a largely empty airfield (after warning Russia, and by implication Syria) to "send a message". This was also referred to as a "one-off". What does that mean? The next chemical attack will go unanswered? Conventional weapon attacks are OK? He will support who(?) to unseat Assad? He will bomb North Korea next?
I wonder where Trump's approval ratings are today...
No one can condone the chemical attack on innocent civilians, indeed I would think conventional weapon attacks are equally abhorent, and undoubtedly most would support a retaliation such as this. Now Trump has drawn his red line, is there a coherent long term policy waiting to be revealed? There certainly has been a more than a few backflips and many unanswered questions.
4
and when Obama drew his line in the sand, sec-state Clinton was urging him to action similiar to what trump just did. so even if hrc was president, I expect her action would have been similar. and dems would be praising her for that response. funny, huh?
The one thing it did accomplish was to finally get the topic of conversation changed from the Russian influence in our election and the likely complicity of the Trump campaign. It took some creativity but, hey, win win for Trump and the Military Industrial complex....now we'll need another $60 million dollars for whoever makes our Tomahawk missiles.
Remember Trump has banned Syrians from entering into the USA. Reduced the number if refugees fleeing that war torn country ...refugees include women and children fleeing that oppressive regime. And now, he cares about the babies.
This is another insane excuse for making consistently conflicting national security decisions.
The distractions are getting more dramatic.
Its time for the news organizations to dig deeper. In Trumps quest to distract from his role as Russia's chosen leader for us, he might expose us at home to the terrorism he continues to rail about.
This is another insane excuse for making consistently conflicting national security decisions.
The distractions are getting more dramatic.
Its time for the news organizations to dig deeper. In Trumps quest to distract from his role as Russia's chosen leader for us, he might expose us at home to the terrorism he continues to rail about.
5
so your opinion is he should have done nothing? other than say, "bad dog assad, bad dog"?
2
Actually the strike is nothing but an attempt to change the subject from the investigation of Traitor Trump's collusion with Russia.
Although there may be no method to the Trump madness, there is some utility in the speed with which this action was put into operation, and its unpredictability. President Trump shows a consistent ability to keep his opponents off guard, which is useful strategically and tactically.
4
"It is easy to start a war, but hard to stop."
Has the US ever been in a war where the soldiers weren't all going to be home by Christmas?
But that's our fault. We always think "home by Christmas" means the current year. The government almost never actually says what year they're talking about. Sometimes "Christmas" is accurate, or close to it -- just the year (or the decade) is off by a little bit.
And sometimes things takes longer than expected. After all, when the US attacked Afghanistan in October 2001, would the American public have been so hung-ho if Bush had added "... and we expect to remain in Afghanistan at least until 2017, by which time we will have launched another war on Iraq, and still be there too, and jumped into a long-running war in Syria?"
Has the US ever been in a war where the soldiers weren't all going to be home by Christmas?
But that's our fault. We always think "home by Christmas" means the current year. The government almost never actually says what year they're talking about. Sometimes "Christmas" is accurate, or close to it -- just the year (or the decade) is off by a little bit.
And sometimes things takes longer than expected. After all, when the US attacked Afghanistan in October 2001, would the American public have been so hung-ho if Bush had added "... and we expect to remain in Afghanistan at least until 2017, by which time we will have launched another war on Iraq, and still be there too, and jumped into a long-running war in Syria?"
2
This was just a warning. There are six airbases in Syria yet we only attacked one. The Chinese President is with Trump now and it is a message to him about his ally N Korea which s far more dangerous. He hasn't gone home. Russia has not cancelled its meeting with Tillers on for next week. And the best news is that Steve Bannon seems to be out of favor with Trump
4
Bannon is going nowhere.
His strategy and advice won Trump the election and will win him a second term as well.
His strategy and advice won Trump the election and will win him a second term as well.
Take a look on Google earth at the air base Trump bombed.
Nestled around the Al Shayrat air base and the presumed poison gas supplies are around half a dozen villages of a few hundred houses each, some within a mile away.
Do you wonder if any of the gas got blown up?
Was there any wind?
Some of the villages must house children just like the children gassed a few days ago in another Syrian neighborhood whose deaths we all decry.
Does this attack make you feel good?
Nestled around the Al Shayrat air base and the presumed poison gas supplies are around half a dozen villages of a few hundred houses each, some within a mile away.
Do you wonder if any of the gas got blown up?
Was there any wind?
Some of the villages must house children just like the children gassed a few days ago in another Syrian neighborhood whose deaths we all decry.
Does this attack make you feel good?
6
Did you read the article? they went to great lengths to make sure NOT to blow up the gas for that very reason.
1
T is for T-R-A-I-T-O-R and to see murdered babies and kids used as a pretext for having to defend against this "threat" to our security by launching missiles merely to deflect attention from Collusion Gate makes me want to vomit.
Begin plans for resigning NOW Donald T.
Spare your country from further embarrassment and probably avoid leading us into a war over a country and people the world has already emphatically said by inaction, for five years, and you yourself, that nothing there is worth fighting over ... honestly, Mr. T,; in the scheme of things - a dead Syrian baby from a gas attack is equal to a dead Syrian baby from a bombing which is equal to a dead Syrian baby from a chlorine attack.
For Christ sake --- FIVE YEARS BABIES HAVE BEEN DYING !
Before God and country, tell us Mr. T, ... why is it NOW that you "found religion?"
Five years following your repeated, unsolicited, public advice to President Obama to not attack Syria for its first gassing of babies why have you now so suddenly stepped forward to put down a stake in what happens Syria?
You no more care about Syrians of any age dying than you do about the naive Americans that voted you into office.
You wouldn't be caught dead at the same dinner table with either group...unless you had a way to make a buck off each and everyone.
RESIGN
Begin plans for resigning NOW Donald T.
Spare your country from further embarrassment and probably avoid leading us into a war over a country and people the world has already emphatically said by inaction, for five years, and you yourself, that nothing there is worth fighting over ... honestly, Mr. T,; in the scheme of things - a dead Syrian baby from a gas attack is equal to a dead Syrian baby from a bombing which is equal to a dead Syrian baby from a chlorine attack.
For Christ sake --- FIVE YEARS BABIES HAVE BEEN DYING !
Before God and country, tell us Mr. T, ... why is it NOW that you "found religion?"
Five years following your repeated, unsolicited, public advice to President Obama to not attack Syria for its first gassing of babies why have you now so suddenly stepped forward to put down a stake in what happens Syria?
You no more care about Syrians of any age dying than you do about the naive Americans that voted you into office.
You wouldn't be caught dead at the same dinner table with either group...unless you had a way to make a buck off each and everyone.
RESIGN
9
"For Christ sake --- FIVE YEARS BABIES HAVE BEEN DYING !"
No kidding! And your beloved Obama did NOTHING. Oh he drew a "red line", which was crossed, and still did NOTHING.
No kidding! And your beloved Obama did NOTHING. Oh he drew a "red line", which was crossed, and still did NOTHING.
2
hrc, as sec-state, urged Obama to do exactly this when he drew the line in the sand. if she was potus she would have done exactly this, would you be asking for her resignation now? please have some level of rationality. here, let me give you a coloring book and some crayons.
2
I'm glad to see that our president at least showed some apparently genuine empathy, and it's hard to ignore the horrifying drama of children struggling against the effects of chemical weapons. But what is the difference between Assad's attacks against his citizens and dumping coal mining waste into our water supplies or allowing power plants to release emissions into the air? We will all suffer the effects of such poisoning of our water and air, even beautiful little babies. The main difference is that the poisoning is slower and the motive is profit instead of power.
3
So what exactly is the incontrovertible evidence that Assad was behind the chemical attack? It seems very unlikely that his regime would have done this and thus provoked the new belligerent US president, who is already itching for distraction from domestic troubles.
3
Tam: the chemical attack came with jet air strikes that were being VIDEOTAPED by victims...can you name even one Syrian rebel group with jets capable of dropping chemical weapons? How can it be anyone but Assad or the Russians?
1
Can you post some links? If it's so obvious why are many press outlets (the more careful ones) calling this a suspected attack by Assad? And why are many national leaders, including Trudeau, calling for a UN investigation to find out what happened before taking illegal military action?
2
Every day, I'm becoming less and less beholden to paying my share of taxes.
1
I think its probably the right thing. The problem is that I don't in any way trust Donald Trump to make decisions like this.
I think a military strike directly against the Assad dictatorship was long overdue however I just can't help but be cynical.
Trump has repeatedly demonstrated he is a self serving manipulator and liar, with a irrational love of Putin. There is also evidence to support the statement that members of the Trump team have colluded with Putin to undermine US democracy.
The Trump administration informed Russia prior to the attack, and there is an incredibly small number of casualties when there should be large numbers of Syrian military casualties.
Clearly this was a symbolic target. I just can't help but wonder if it was an agreed to target as well. It's also an amazing diversion for Trump.
I am left with mixed feelings about this...which might be the true purpose of this attack...this may have more to do a diversion than retribution.
Trump has repeatedly demonstrated he is a self serving manipulator and liar, with a irrational love of Putin. There is also evidence to support the statement that members of the Trump team have colluded with Putin to undermine US democracy.
The Trump administration informed Russia prior to the attack, and there is an incredibly small number of casualties when there should be large numbers of Syrian military casualties.
Clearly this was a symbolic target. I just can't help but wonder if it was an agreed to target as well. It's also an amazing diversion for Trump.
I am left with mixed feelings about this...which might be the true purpose of this attack...this may have more to do a diversion than retribution.
Unless fully verified quick military actions could lead to world war. No one country in the world can dominate all the countries and make unilateral decisions.These are the lessons from history and also from First and Second world wars. As a very civilized nation restraint and wisdom should dictate our actions and there should be no abrupt or emotional decisions to impress the public with Macho leadership image.
2
With of the day already passed over there, is it not very odd that we have seen nothing i about how "effective" the strike was? What we do know is the Russians in Syria were given advance warning that a strike was imminent. The Russians anti air defenses are supposed to be capable of taking down some of the incoming missiles. At this moment, it appears they did not. Certainly the first phone call the Russians made was to the Syrians, and the first thing they certainly would have done is - move their aircraft. I suspect we just fired 59 miles to blow up empty hangars and make holes in vacated runways. I suspect this whole exercise is a sham deal worked out between Russia and the Trump administration to make embattled Trump look good while Trump does Russia's dirty work of punishing Assad for them while not really doing much to Assad at all.
1
The impulsiveness of this, apart from all the sound reasons to seek to remove Assad, is unsettling. Trump did not consult with Congress, and even Bugs Bunny realized, that 'this means war.' Syria is a state, there is no legal grounding in the carte blanche permission Congress gave Bush in 2001.
The cynical argument--and one ignores this with the Trump White House at great peril--is unsettling, too. This changes the subject. It puts the possibility that Trump's team was working with the Russians to win the election on the back burner, and at the same time implies that he wouldn't have crossed Russian interests if he had cut a deal for them to help him win the election through its cyber hacking and release of damning documents against his opponent. Attacking another entity is usually perceived to make a president look stronger, and Trump's approval ratings are circling the bowl these days. All cynical arguments, but this White House has raised cynicism to art form, so it isn't unreasonable to divine ulterior motives.
The impulsiveness also suggests a White House in disarray. Who might we launch a missile attack against tomorrow if the president expresses moral outrage? It's not even clear that the Trump team understood this was a different level of involvement--an act of war against another state, in the world's geopolitical cauldron.
The cynical argument--and one ignores this with the Trump White House at great peril--is unsettling, too. This changes the subject. It puts the possibility that Trump's team was working with the Russians to win the election on the back burner, and at the same time implies that he wouldn't have crossed Russian interests if he had cut a deal for them to help him win the election through its cyber hacking and release of damning documents against his opponent. Attacking another entity is usually perceived to make a president look stronger, and Trump's approval ratings are circling the bowl these days. All cynical arguments, but this White House has raised cynicism to art form, so it isn't unreasonable to divine ulterior motives.
The impulsiveness also suggests a White House in disarray. Who might we launch a missile attack against tomorrow if the president expresses moral outrage? It's not even clear that the Trump team understood this was a different level of involvement--an act of war against another state, in the world's geopolitical cauldron.
Why didn't Sec. of State Tillerson and Trump forewarn Assad last week that the U.S. would not seek to challenge Assad's leadership in Syria so long as he did not use chemical weapons like he did in the Damascus area in August of 2013? I suppose tailoring our acquiescence of Assad's leadership to such a condition, based upon mere short term memory of @ 3 years ago would have asked too much of Tillerson and Trump's diplomatic experience and statesmanship.
2
Not only would it have been better if we had conditioned our acquiescence to Assad's rule on his not committing war crimes, but it would have been consistent with Candidate Trump.
Trump prides himself on deals but provided Assad with an unconditional promise to not try to depose him in exchange for nothing from Assad and nothing from Russia, not even a promise to not commit mass murder of civilians with WMD.
It was completely gratuitous and unnecessary. But clearly Trump trusted his gut at that moment just as he trusted his gut to reverse course and will trust his gut to give us yet another reversal. It's foreign affairs and matters of life and death treated like it was early morning tweets.
Trump prides himself on deals but provided Assad with an unconditional promise to not try to depose him in exchange for nothing from Assad and nothing from Russia, not even a promise to not commit mass murder of civilians with WMD.
It was completely gratuitous and unnecessary. But clearly Trump trusted his gut at that moment just as he trusted his gut to reverse course and will trust his gut to give us yet another reversal. It's foreign affairs and matters of life and death treated like it was early morning tweets.
Syria is not part of US soil, but frankly, if we follow that to its logical conclusion, we should have no involvement with and no opinion of what goes on in Syria. We do, because we do have some role as a world protector at a basic level. If someone releases chemical or radiological weapons on civilians, that is evil and we will try to stop such an attack, on behalf of humanity. We have both the ability and the willingness to do this on a limited basis (another was to intrude into Pakistan to fetch and kill Osama Bin Laden). This should be used sparingly, and only in cases were 75%+ of the world will agree it is right and just. This case appears to meet that requirement.
2
When did the world vote?
1
Yes,this was a terrible thing that Assad did to his own people.However, should not Trump have first gotten Congressional approval for this?There was no imminent danger to the United States to allow for this.
1
We are sprinkling bombs across the ME again for no apparent purpose with no end in sight. How can we end our insane fascination with violence and emotional reactions? Why do we think one death is worse than another?
I sincerely hope this is real retaliation for Assad's use of WMD on his own people. And I also sincerely hope that this not a ploy to distract attention from Trump and his coterie's Russian Connection.
"So see, I bombed Syria, hence Russian interests, so in reality, I don't like Russia and this proves that we are not in cahoots hence they didn't fix the election!"
5
didn't hrc and dnc cospiracy to fix the election also? they never once denied the truth of the emails released. how's that investigation progressing?
1
Let's keep things in context. We are enraged by the videos of victims of the chemical attack. But on March 17, our own airstrikes killed more than 100 people in Mosul, with much less visual coverage in our media. Killing of innocent civilians anywhere, by anyone, is reprehensible, so let's not be holier-than-thou.
Well that was nice so now what is next. Is there a plan and a end game or just more open ended war. Just hope this was not just a wag the dog moment. This will needs serious consideration.
3
A cynic indeed:
"A cynic would say that we must have had some old missile stocks that ... needed to be replaced. How else can one justify destroying two small runways with 60 missiles..."
If it's any consolation, it was only 59 missiles, not 60, and reportedly only 23 of them hit the base. No word on what happened to the other 36.
"A cynic would say that we must have had some old missile stocks that ... needed to be replaced. How else can one justify destroying two small runways with 60 missiles..."
If it's any consolation, it was only 59 missiles, not 60, and reportedly only 23 of them hit the base. No word on what happened to the other 36.
Just a schoolyard bully looking to pick a fight...from Twitter to Tomahawks. You can be sure the North Koreans are paying attention and that is not a hornets nest we want to be shaking...
2
Trump does have a policy stance after all - act first, and think about consequences later. The Syrian situation is a problem that is not for us alone to solve.
After 9/11 the world was ready to do whatever to come together and route out the terrorists behind the act, but George W. Bush took all that good will and trashed it, and led us into the war without end the Middle East has become. Now Trump has acted alone as well, when other nations were willing to come together to produce a strategy to address the Syrian situation.
I have no idea what happens next, nor does Mr. Trump and his advisors. Here we go, yet again. Act first, regret at leisure. How many more lives will be affected forever? How much blood spilled?
After 9/11 the world was ready to do whatever to come together and route out the terrorists behind the act, but George W. Bush took all that good will and trashed it, and led us into the war without end the Middle East has become. Now Trump has acted alone as well, when other nations were willing to come together to produce a strategy to address the Syrian situation.
I have no idea what happens next, nor does Mr. Trump and his advisors. Here we go, yet again. Act first, regret at leisure. How many more lives will be affected forever? How much blood spilled?
Here we are again with a dictator in the Mideast...isn't this a well-known plot and story line?
3
Attack on Syria: War as domestic politics by other means
War as domestic politics by other means:
- Trump is using cruise missile attack to re-seize the political initiative in Washington
- the media will praise Trump as "presidential" at long last
- Trump is also using the cruise missile attack to divide Democrats
- HRC and establishment Democrats in supporting the cruise missile strikes will re-seize the political initiative within the Democratic Party and marginalize Sanders' supporters as insufficiently patriotic and hawkish.
War as domestic politics by other means:
- Trump is using cruise missile attack to re-seize the political initiative in Washington
- the media will praise Trump as "presidential" at long last
- Trump is also using the cruise missile attack to divide Democrats
- HRC and establishment Democrats in supporting the cruise missile strikes will re-seize the political initiative within the Democratic Party and marginalize Sanders' supporters as insufficiently patriotic and hawkish.
Here's what you're not being shown. A collapse by the Syrian regime means military victories by the opposing factions (including ISIS). That means, not peace, but millions more refugees... and more factional splits. As Donald throws 50 ageing Tomahawks into one air base, he cuts off aid to Syrian refugees and bars their entry to on the basis of their religion and nationality... which is itself a violation of international law. So one "compassion" talking point for Donald, millions more dead and dying children.
1
Aren't these 'children of god' the same ones that we've refused as refugees and affected by attempted 'Muslim bans'?
As President, Hillary Clinton would not have been suckered into this attack on Syria.
Bombing Syria....how does this "Make America Great Again?"
Bombing Syria....how does this "Make America Great Again?"
3
It doesn't but it does divert attention from the Trump Russia connection, the travel ban, the healthcare bill, etc. It looks positive even if it isn't.
1
I think you are mistaken, Jimmy. In an interview several hours before the missile strike she went on record as saying at the very minimum, we should bomb the airfields used in the gas attack.
1
Here we go again. Another Trump promise broken. He told us during the presidential campaign that he wouldn't get involved in another Mid-East war. He said that Obama shouldn't get involved in Syria despite Assad using gas on other Syrians during that administration.
Did Trump consult with the congress before the bombing - NO. Did he consult with the UN - NO. He just decided he knew what was best for that horrible civil war.
This is the same man that bans the children of that conflict from refugee status in the United States; give me a break!
In basketball we would call this a cross over dribble. Imply you're going one way, then go in the opposite direction. Isn't it strange that media isn't talking about the vote of the stolen supreme court seat going to Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch today. Haven't heard anything about the investigation into Trump's ties to the Russians during the presidential campaign either. In fact now he and Putin are no longer friends and admirers; give me a break!
When is this congress going to step up and take a vote concerning these military actions? There are US troops in Syria now. The Trump administration is bombing in that civil war and our elected representatives are sitting on their on hands, afraid to take a vote; cowards.
As Yogi Berra said: "This is deja vu all over agin."
Did Trump consult with the congress before the bombing - NO. Did he consult with the UN - NO. He just decided he knew what was best for that horrible civil war.
This is the same man that bans the children of that conflict from refugee status in the United States; give me a break!
In basketball we would call this a cross over dribble. Imply you're going one way, then go in the opposite direction. Isn't it strange that media isn't talking about the vote of the stolen supreme court seat going to Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch today. Haven't heard anything about the investigation into Trump's ties to the Russians during the presidential campaign either. In fact now he and Putin are no longer friends and admirers; give me a break!
When is this congress going to step up and take a vote concerning these military actions? There are US troops in Syria now. The Trump administration is bombing in that civil war and our elected representatives are sitting on their on hands, afraid to take a vote; cowards.
As Yogi Berra said: "This is deja vu all over agin."
7
It's curious how Trump has suddenly grown compassionate. Maybe he can revisit his position on keeping out those "terrorist" refugees from Syria.
1
Shouldn't we investigate the chemical attacks before we start bombing?
"The biggest lesson I learned from Vietnam is not to trust government statements. I had no idea until then." J. William Fulbright.
"The biggest lesson I learned from Vietnam is not to trust government statements. I had no idea until then." J. William Fulbright.
6
Actually, reported elsewhere, this plan was on the books during Obama's administration, and not implemented because Assad lied that he would destroy the chemical weapons, which I bet Russia (Trump's buddy) knew he didn't do it. So, like someone else said here, calm down it wasn't the nitwits idea, but probably resurrected by Jim Mattis.
1
There are no easy answers in Syria, and Donald Trump is as divisive a president as this country has seen in decades.
I applaud the missile attack on Assad yesterday. No one wants yet another ground war in the Middle East, but our enemies are all around us, and Trump's isolationist tendencies are worrisome. We stood by while over 500,000 Hutus and Tutsis massacred each other in the 1990s and didn't do a thing to stop it.
We can't be on the sidelines in this crazy world.
I applaud the missile attack on Assad yesterday. No one wants yet another ground war in the Middle East, but our enemies are all around us, and Trump's isolationist tendencies are worrisome. We stood by while over 500,000 Hutus and Tutsis massacred each other in the 1990s and didn't do a thing to stop it.
We can't be on the sidelines in this crazy world.
2
Is the US the only country capable of projecting lethal power? What about Turkey and Israel? They both are more than capable of attacking a remote airbase.
Yesterday, tRump ordered a major air attack on a foreign country without consulting with Congress. He ordered an act of war without Congressional authority. He was advised by a band of people with no foreign policy or even governmental experience. His Chief Strategist, Mr. Bannon, was for years the leader of a right-wing organization best known for distorting, and just plain making up, claims that it published as facts. tRump, himself a self-admitted serial sexual abuser of women, has shown himself to be delusional and prone to jumping to conclusions based upon unsubstantiated rumors mongered by Faux News purveyors.
This is how World War III, which will end the world as we know it, will begin.
This is how World War III, which will end the world as we know it, will begin.
This is as cynical as war violence gets. Trump weeping big crocodile tears for babies while he gets to play with the toys of war.
Hillary Clinton spoke out in favor of an air strike. Trump thought he better order one quickly or be viewed as letting Hillary determine his foreign policy.
Putin is starting to have buyer's remorse.
well thats the end of the russian investigation
cant question donny now that hes a wartime pres
gosh, war is swell, aint it, yanks
4
All the whiners in here about Trump using his gut ... eat rocks.
What oh what is the purpose of Ivanka's daughterly presence as father Trump made his statement on Syria Thursday night at posh Mar-a-Lago? If she's the stand-in for a mostly absent first lady Melania, would the president's wife have attended such an event? No. So why is daughter Trump there? What official role exactly does Ivanka fulfill? Is she a high level military or defense expert? Did Ivanka advise her father on whether to attack the Syrian air field? What utter foolishness to turn a serious moment into a photo op.
7
Well, it didn't take long. Trump, he of the itchy trigger finger, just two months in to his administration, has pulled the trigger. After years of telling President Obama how to run foreign policy, admonishing him for taking possible actions which may plunged US into yet another war didn't take long to reverse his position. Syria has been a hellhole for years, and babies, little babies, beautiful babies, have been killed though most not by gas, which somehow is illegal versus good old-fashioned bombing and bayoneting. This appears just another case of Trump the bully being able to show off for his Chinese visitors. He'll show them the power of the US. He'll show them and North Korea, and Iran that you don't mess with Trump. He's no "wimp loser" like his predecessor. Nope, Trump, with Russia-Gate smouldering, decided this was a good time to pick a fight with Russia and Putin. Brown Nosed Sean Insanity heralded this attack as "proof" Trump wasn't in cahoots with the Russian hacking. Can you believe this nonsense.
Now Trump is going to ask we Americans to believe him? Forget it. Trump has lost all credibility. That is what you get when you base your entire campaign on insult and ridicule. You're on your own Trump. We made a mistake believing Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld. Not this time and not for someone as hideous as yourself.
DD
Manhattan
Now Trump is going to ask we Americans to believe him? Forget it. Trump has lost all credibility. That is what you get when you base your entire campaign on insult and ridicule. You're on your own Trump. We made a mistake believing Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld. Not this time and not for someone as hideous as yourself.
DD
Manhattan
4
Jared is busily redrawing the Treaty of Sevres with his set of Crayola Crayons. He looks up, smiles at Dunford and says, "Mission Accomplished, what intractable problem is next?".
1
How many of those dead
babies were denied
entry to the US?
babies were denied
entry to the US?
2
My take on this is related to the rapidity of Trump's "change of heart" and his willingness to describe it as an emotional decision.
Seems to me it's a ploy to raise his rapidly falling approval numbers. An effort to deflect attention from the fact that he is being investigated for possible treason, related to Russia's efforts to sway the election on his behalf.
What caused him to turn on a dime? Malignant Narcissism, say I! Desire to bask in the glory of Military Might, of feeling powerful. Wanting the adulation of military success. And also wanting to provide a very shiny object.
I simply do not trust his stated reasons. I do not trust that will ever have an ability to reason through things on a consistent basis or to establish any consistent principles for decision-making.
I think he did this for ego reasons. Like he does everything else. It worries me greatly if he turn to military expeditions to address his self-created bad poll numbers or terrible policy decisions.
If he wants the role of savior, start with the environment! Follow that up with consumer protection, Medicare for all, product safety, true infrastructure repair and replacement.
Seems to me it's a ploy to raise his rapidly falling approval numbers. An effort to deflect attention from the fact that he is being investigated for possible treason, related to Russia's efforts to sway the election on his behalf.
What caused him to turn on a dime? Malignant Narcissism, say I! Desire to bask in the glory of Military Might, of feeling powerful. Wanting the adulation of military success. And also wanting to provide a very shiny object.
I simply do not trust his stated reasons. I do not trust that will ever have an ability to reason through things on a consistent basis or to establish any consistent principles for decision-making.
I think he did this for ego reasons. Like he does everything else. It worries me greatly if he turn to military expeditions to address his self-created bad poll numbers or terrible policy decisions.
If he wants the role of savior, start with the environment! Follow that up with consumer protection, Medicare for all, product safety, true infrastructure repair and replacement.
....and does anybody really believe that by launching 59 cruise missiles at a single airfield will change anything?
Maybe launching 59 cruise missiles at every airfield to disable or destroy the Syrian Air Forces' capability to launch such attacks in the future might have....
This was a message...One that was badly sent....One that will be ignored....
Maybe launching 59 cruise missiles at every airfield to disable or destroy the Syrian Air Forces' capability to launch such attacks in the future might have....
This was a message...One that was badly sent....One that will be ignored....
We are asking the wrong questions. Here are some good ones:
1. Where is the evidence that Assad forces launched the chemical attack a few days ago? Recall that CIA Director John Brennan said last year
"We have a number of instances where ISIL has used chemical munitions on the battlefield."
2. Assad has virtually won the civil war. What would he have to gain by a chemical attack on a population center? Counter to his interests (as last night illustrated).
3. Could Israel or Turkey have done the "punitive strike"? It's their region. Why the US?
1. Where is the evidence that Assad forces launched the chemical attack a few days ago? Recall that CIA Director John Brennan said last year
"We have a number of instances where ISIL has used chemical munitions on the battlefield."
2. Assad has virtually won the civil war. What would he have to gain by a chemical attack on a population center? Counter to his interests (as last night illustrated).
3. Could Israel or Turkey have done the "punitive strike"? It's their region. Why the US?
6
the comments praising this action must be from the same gullible pack that voted him into office
they think it accomplished something
just like they think trump will accomplish something
isnt that funny
2
Who is more nuts, Assad or Trump? Here we go again beginning a war that no one wants. This kind of action should be undertaken by a coalition of other countries not by the U.S. we are not the world police. This action just makes us look stupid again. This president is too impulsive and unpredictable.
2
Is that even a serious questions? Until Trump starts gassing his own citizens...I'm going to say Assad
Dear Vladimir: The hounds are closing in and I need a diversion. Here's a plan for your approval. Act I: I feign horror at the use of chemicals on children and my public will sympathize with me. Act II I warn you of an upcoming attack on the airbase at Al Shayrat so you can move your men to safety. Act III My destroyers nearby fire missiles at the airfield as a result of just "another hasty and ill planed decision". Act IV You issue a protest and warning. I need your help and, as always, I thank you for it and will compensate in the future somehow. How about a bit of golf in Florida next winter?
The Donald
The Donald
5
Brilliantly put!
1
All this policy argumentation and sanctimonious hand-wringing about the attack on the Syrian military is very discouraging. Remember the Rwandan genocide and the hands-off position of President Clinton and the US government?
Trump's motives are surely suspect in bombing the Syrian Air Force target after what is merely the latest evidence of Assad's butchery. That Trump gave his seal of approval to Assad's staying in power one week ago proves once more that Trump is a dangerous idiot. But the bombing was the right thing to do.
Assad has to be brought down and brought to justice.
Trump's motives are surely suspect in bombing the Syrian Air Force target after what is merely the latest evidence of Assad's butchery. That Trump gave his seal of approval to Assad's staying in power one week ago proves once more that Trump is a dangerous idiot. But the bombing was the right thing to do.
Assad has to be brought down and brought to justice.
This is one of the many things many of us have been dreading; an international incident to give him the excuse he wants to provide the ultimate deflection from the investigation of the very legitimacy of his so-called presidency. He was handed the perfect opportunity to start dropping bombs someplace -- pictures of dead and injured babies, but only those that could be used selectively, not those of migrants fleeing the very tyrant he now finds so heinous....a radical change in attitude within mere days. Don't let this provide the ultimate distraction from investigation the Russian corruption of our election process! KEEP INVESTIGATING, NYT!!!
4
Did Russia provide the Sarin so Syria could tempt Trump, so Russia could prove to itself the patsy it helped elect?
There are a lot of ways to "control" an egomaniac.
We citizens are in the dark here. I intend to remain very, very skeptical of an impulsive sociopath who lacks compassion and loves to con people into adoring him.
There are a lot of ways to "control" an egomaniac.
We citizens are in the dark here. I intend to remain very, very skeptical of an impulsive sociopath who lacks compassion and loves to con people into adoring him.
3
the gullibility of the pro trump commenters is what got him elected
trump does not care about syrian babies -
this was an opportunity to bump his poll numbers and he took it
and it worked
1
actually they did it before anybody in congress could leak it to the media! giving assad a warning! but this goes beyond just assad this was a message to the globe!
Does anyone really think Trump's bombing of Syria has anything to do with the suffering of the Syrian people or the use of chemical weapons? The more likely scenario is that Trump is using this as yet another diversion from his incompetence, the dismal jobs number that just came out, his pending meeting with the Chinese about trade and North Korea and the looming Russia investigation. The con is on!
What if the US provided humanitarian aid instead of firing missiles? Our military just spent about $50 million to destroy an airfield. What if we had spent that money to help Syrian civilians instead? Or is it just that much more satisfying to blow things up?
1
We already paid for the missiles.
Very odd Assad today calls the chemical attack "false propaganda." Of course it didn't occur to Assad that the missile strikes were also "false propaganda?"
As much as I detest Trump, I find Assad's cruelty and sadism unmatched except for ISIS. Unfortunately, Trump has boxed himself into a corner by first embracing Assad without condition which opened the way for Assad to commit war crimes. Then Trump had to walk backwards by refuting Assad and if Trump did nothing else ( that is he didn't let missiles fly ), N Korea and Iran would understand Trump is a man of bluster and little resolve.
As much as I detest Trump, I find Assad's cruelty and sadism unmatched except for ISIS. Unfortunately, Trump has boxed himself into a corner by first embracing Assad without condition which opened the way for Assad to commit war crimes. Then Trump had to walk backwards by refuting Assad and if Trump did nothing else ( that is he didn't let missiles fly ), N Korea and Iran would understand Trump is a man of bluster and little resolve.
1
Give credit where it is due. This is the first action of President Trump of which I approved and one where he is not spinning his wheels chasing one false problem or creating another. It is also the first time he looks like a President who could be more of asset than a problem. Now, on to North Korea, then take care of Putin!
1
No evidence of chemical attack. No evidence means the story is propaganda and pictures fake.
2
The next time polls are taken, you can bet Trump's numbers will rise. Launching missiles is an adrenaline rush for a lot of Americans. This will provide a good distraction and cover from the Senate's probe of Trump and his cohorts’ ties to Russia.
This is also another distraction for the millions of dollars it costs American taxpayers to foot his lavish lifestyle in Florida. You can't say Trump doesn't have style announcing a strike after dining beneath sparking chandeliers and fine china.
And blaming Obama...
This is also another distraction for the millions of dollars it costs American taxpayers to foot his lavish lifestyle in Florida. You can't say Trump doesn't have style announcing a strike after dining beneath sparking chandeliers and fine china.
And blaming Obama...
2
Let me guess:
1. The US military pointedly avoided attacking any location at which Russian planes or military personnel were located. Does this make it more likely or less likely that Russian planes and military personnel henceforth will be located at Syrian airbases? If the answer is "more likely" (Guess what? That's the answer!), does this mean that, next time, the US military will bomb a Syrian air base that has Russian planes and military personnel located there, or will even more Syrian air bases be off-limits for US bombers? If the former, are we confident the Russians will not mind if we blow up their planes and kill their soldiers? Or do we not care -- "Bring it on?" If the latter, won't that be a pretty easy way for Assad and the Russians to defuse the US "threat?"
2. What if Assad WASN'T responsible for the CW attack? After all, there's no evidence that he was, and anyone who thinks about this for more than a nanosecond concludes that a CW attack on his own people would be the stupidest thing Assad could possibly do right now. What if you were the leader of a rebel group that had been responsible for the CW attack. Would your reaction be: "Well, that was fun, but I don't think we'll do any more CW attacks -- innocent people die, after all!" Or would you say: "Well, that worked out pretty well. Let's do it again!"
1. The US military pointedly avoided attacking any location at which Russian planes or military personnel were located. Does this make it more likely or less likely that Russian planes and military personnel henceforth will be located at Syrian airbases? If the answer is "more likely" (Guess what? That's the answer!), does this mean that, next time, the US military will bomb a Syrian air base that has Russian planes and military personnel located there, or will even more Syrian air bases be off-limits for US bombers? If the former, are we confident the Russians will not mind if we blow up their planes and kill their soldiers? Or do we not care -- "Bring it on?" If the latter, won't that be a pretty easy way for Assad and the Russians to defuse the US "threat?"
2. What if Assad WASN'T responsible for the CW attack? After all, there's no evidence that he was, and anyone who thinks about this for more than a nanosecond concludes that a CW attack on his own people would be the stupidest thing Assad could possibly do right now. What if you were the leader of a rebel group that had been responsible for the CW attack. Would your reaction be: "Well, that was fun, but I don't think we'll do any more CW attacks -- innocent people die, after all!" Or would you say: "Well, that worked out pretty well. Let's do it again!"
1
Had Obama developed a backbone and taken a limited military strike when Syria had crossed his "Red Line," our country would not be in this situation now - which is something 'Armchair General Democrats' are incapable of understanding.
Trump offered an Olive Branch to Assad last week. Unfortunately, Assad wasn't smart enough to recognize the gesture for what it was, nor were the critics of Trump for that matter.
I do find it funny that nothing Obama did would make Republicans happy and now... nothing Trump does will keep the Democrats happy. As a result, about the only thing this attack will accomplish is upsetting the fans and editors of the NYT.
At least there is symmetry in our country!
Trump offered an Olive Branch to Assad last week. Unfortunately, Assad wasn't smart enough to recognize the gesture for what it was, nor were the critics of Trump for that matter.
I do find it funny that nothing Obama did would make Republicans happy and now... nothing Trump does will keep the Democrats happy. As a result, about the only thing this attack will accomplish is upsetting the fans and editors of the NYT.
At least there is symmetry in our country!
1
Then on the site of Syria would be the second Libya. No?
Do we need Israel's approval and appreciation? Looks like Israel knew first before even our Congress!
Wow. One more time, one marvels at the mindset of Americans, in this case (pseudo)liberal Americans.
According to what readers appear to think, the problem would not be that Trump attacked a country without any evidence of the presumed cause, for which no serious investigation had even begun, and in total violation of international law.
The problem would be that Trump was erratic, incoherent and, of course, blamed that saint of Obama - actually an appalling warmongering President - for the current situation in Syria.
Some readers went even as far stating that it was Trump's decision to give up on regime change that encouraged "Assad to gas his own people" (I congratulate the American readers' logic one more time, here: Assad, who was indisputably winning on the ground WITHOUT chemical weapons, just had no better idea than inviting worldwide condemnation and a West' reverse of action, to his clear detriment, by doing something totally unnecessary in military terms: attacking civilians with chemical weapons.Right.)
In other words, just wait for some democrat (pseudo)liberal president to do better. Heck, he/she would have bombed Assad out of the way and given free rein to the worst Islamic fundamentalists of the region without all this flip-flopping!
If this really is the stance of American democrats, then yes, God help us.
According to what readers appear to think, the problem would not be that Trump attacked a country without any evidence of the presumed cause, for which no serious investigation had even begun, and in total violation of international law.
The problem would be that Trump was erratic, incoherent and, of course, blamed that saint of Obama - actually an appalling warmongering President - for the current situation in Syria.
Some readers went even as far stating that it was Trump's decision to give up on regime change that encouraged "Assad to gas his own people" (I congratulate the American readers' logic one more time, here: Assad, who was indisputably winning on the ground WITHOUT chemical weapons, just had no better idea than inviting worldwide condemnation and a West' reverse of action, to his clear detriment, by doing something totally unnecessary in military terms: attacking civilians with chemical weapons.Right.)
In other words, just wait for some democrat (pseudo)liberal president to do better. Heck, he/she would have bombed Assad out of the way and given free rein to the worst Islamic fundamentalists of the region without all this flip-flopping!
If this really is the stance of American democrats, then yes, God help us.
2
this was a godsend for donny
his poll numbers were awful
now hes a wartime pres, unquestionable
amazing what $ 100 mill in cruise missiles will buy you these days
such a bargain
3
"Mr. Tillerson added that the United States had not informed Mr. Putin about the coming missile strikes and that Mr. Trump had not spoken with the Russian leader in the hours afterward."
I read that Russia had been warned. Which is it Mr. Tillerson? Am I to believe we bombed a base that is used to house Russian troops but we didn't warn Russia? If no warning went out why did we destroy planes in a maintenance hanger with no other mention of aircraft damage? The reason...the other planes flew away because they were not broken and they knew we were attacking because we told Russia.
I read that Russia had been warned. Which is it Mr. Tillerson? Am I to believe we bombed a base that is used to house Russian troops but we didn't warn Russia? If no warning went out why did we destroy planes in a maintenance hanger with no other mention of aircraft damage? The reason...the other planes flew away because they were not broken and they knew we were attacking because we told Russia.
America First!
(Syrian babies second...)
(Syrian babies second...)
2
How would you react if China launched cruise missiles at Israeli military targets because the Chinese Government did not approve of the way the Israelis conducted a military operation in the West Bank. You would be outraged, right?
Now tell me why the United States has any standing to launch a punitive attack against Syrian forces in the wake of their use of chemical weapons on Syrian citizens.
How are chemical weapons different from more traditional ways of brutally killing people?
I have no solution here. In an ideal world, the UN would be unanimous in its condemnation of the Syrian regime and all of their actions against civilians. It would also deplore any rebel actions aimed at civilians.
For the United States to have any credibility, we need to either stand up for innocents EVERY time governments use any weapons against them or we need to be much more cold-hearted and practical and respond only when our self-interest as a nation is at stake. Our selective moral outrage drives me crazy and only serves to lessen our credibility around the world.
A weapon is a weapon, whether it be a suicide bomb strapped to the belly of a 12-year old girl, a drone-launched missile fired at a Land Rover in the desert around Marib in Yemen, a smallpox-infected blanket left as a gift for relocated Native Americans, or Sarin gas deployed against a town in Syria. The people who die, die.
http://c-dawson.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-is-bullet-better-than-poison-ga...
Now tell me why the United States has any standing to launch a punitive attack against Syrian forces in the wake of their use of chemical weapons on Syrian citizens.
How are chemical weapons different from more traditional ways of brutally killing people?
I have no solution here. In an ideal world, the UN would be unanimous in its condemnation of the Syrian regime and all of their actions against civilians. It would also deplore any rebel actions aimed at civilians.
For the United States to have any credibility, we need to either stand up for innocents EVERY time governments use any weapons against them or we need to be much more cold-hearted and practical and respond only when our self-interest as a nation is at stake. Our selective moral outrage drives me crazy and only serves to lessen our credibility around the world.
A weapon is a weapon, whether it be a suicide bomb strapped to the belly of a 12-year old girl, a drone-launched missile fired at a Land Rover in the desert around Marib in Yemen, a smallpox-infected blanket left as a gift for relocated Native Americans, or Sarin gas deployed against a town in Syria. The people who die, die.
http://c-dawson.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-is-bullet-better-than-poison-ga...
12
Well said. Gracias.
The American and Russian governments will both talk this conflict up and pretend that they are escalating the conflict. Then they will save the whole world by agreeing on a tremendous deal. That deal will include the US removing sanctions on Russia, in return for Russia leaning on Assad to not use chemical weapons on his own people. Nobel Peace Prize for Trump and Putin for averting nuclear armageddon.
Winners: Trump, Putin, Exxon
Losers: Syria, America
Winners: Trump, Putin, Exxon
Losers: Syria, America
2
You are describing the deal Obama made with Iran and Syria.
1
At this point, why don't we "little people" all just have our salaries directly deposited into the Pentagon's bank account? Somebody will have to pay for all these military strikes, and it sure isn't going to be the tax-evading, money-grubbing buzzard who ordered them last night.
6
While I am a full time Democrat, I absolutely support the presidents call to launch this attack. Syria is the new Holocaust and we do nothing except play with our cell phones. Thank you President Trump and please do something to stop the slaughter and close the torture camps.
1
those of you looking for any deep meaning in trumps actions are silly
he saw an opportunity to boost his poll numbers and he took it
he would have bombed the gobi desert if he thought it would benefit him
hes hardly a humanitarian
5
More Spin Doctoring from Mr. Trump. How are we to believe that Mr. Trump has any concern for the Syrian victims of Chemical Warfare when he will not accept the war torn refugees into the US? How can we believe he is actually concerned about the children when he is so viciously willing to deny American children healthcare? We must remember who we are dealing with, a Mr. Trump who worships money above all else. Syria has vast reserves of Oil and Gas and now Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump are vying for control over it. These are not two Countries trying to control Syrian minerals, but two men, Putin and Trump. Mr. Trump did another one of his knee jerk reactions by ordering the strike, though I speculate that he may have went back on one of his conditions with Putin considering the big favor Putin extended to him on helping him bag the 2016 Presidential Election. Whoops. Mr. Trump, in feeling his oats, could not wait for the opportunity to launch weapons as his executive privilege while screwing up his deal with Putin. Though, he could be trying to convince people the he is not friends with Putin. Barak Obama was so very careful to not escalate matters in this region. Barak, a wise and level headed man.
5
Matters escalated drastically during 8 years of Obamas presidency. The rise of Isis, civil war in Syria and Iraq, growth of Islamic terrorism....
What's your point. There was an escalation, ok, and Obama being included in your remarks means what?
The rule of law should be our guide, and this was how such individuals as Slobodan Milošević were brought to justice.
Slowly, but correctly, with a indictment and a trial.
War is too indiscriminate, and indeed should be in defense, and this situation is very complex in that of course innocents are being attacked and who will defend them?
Also I flagged the leading comment for violating for making a personal attack characterization. Again, it's about following the rule of law, and not merely passions of the moment. Adding more wrongs don't create justice.
Slowly, but correctly, with a indictment and a trial.
War is too indiscriminate, and indeed should be in defense, and this situation is very complex in that of course innocents are being attacked and who will defend them?
Also I flagged the leading comment for violating for making a personal attack characterization. Again, it's about following the rule of law, and not merely passions of the moment. Adding more wrongs don't create justice.
2
He warned the Russians, who warned the Syrians and he blew up an empty airfield. Lots of noise with little result. Typical of the "commander" in chief.
Los of noise and very little results. The treason however continues.
Los of noise and very little results. The treason however continues.
10
Many of the comments here are thoughtful and others reek of internal politics. I think that:
1) Had Clinton been President, she would have done the same thing. Not so scary.
2) Had Clinton been President, we the people would know where she stood because we have watched her for years. Trump? Nobody knows what he believes on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, and that is scary.
3) Had the military men suggested to Trump that a small nuclear device should be used, he would have done it because he has no morals, and that is scary.
4) Wars against ones own are evil, but only the USA has the power to do anything it wants if war breaks out somewhere on the planet and that is scary.
5) Millions of people in the USA are hawks and think power trumps diplomacy and that is scary.
I feel terrible for Syrians, but a president should not repeat isolationist words many many times, then turn on CNN, then completely reverse course in two seconds.
It's an awful thing we have done electing this man.
1) Had Clinton been President, she would have done the same thing. Not so scary.
2) Had Clinton been President, we the people would know where she stood because we have watched her for years. Trump? Nobody knows what he believes on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, and that is scary.
3) Had the military men suggested to Trump that a small nuclear device should be used, he would have done it because he has no morals, and that is scary.
4) Wars against ones own are evil, but only the USA has the power to do anything it wants if war breaks out somewhere on the planet and that is scary.
5) Millions of people in the USA are hawks and think power trumps diplomacy and that is scary.
I feel terrible for Syrians, but a president should not repeat isolationist words many many times, then turn on CNN, then completely reverse course in two seconds.
It's an awful thing we have done electing this man.
11
I'm pretty sure Hillary would have carried out the exact same attack...so everyone jumping on Trump, just calm down.
9
Hillary folks live in a bubble of arrogance, cynicism and denial that she lost.
I find it embarrassing the way that some of the American people are bout Trump...I always thought that the US was a democracy ...
1
Maybe, but she's not the president is she.
1
1) If we are going to escalate from crisis to war, what happens once we have won? It would seem absurd to say "democracy will stablize the region" if it was a push for democratic reform, the Arab Spring, that increased instability in the region.
2) Who in this President's cabinet is capable of thinking that winning a war is not just about weapons, cash, and a strong belief your way is the best?
2) Who in this President's cabinet is capable of thinking that winning a war is not just about weapons, cash, and a strong belief your way is the best?
2
It makes no sense to condemn poison gas while saying it is just fine to blow people up with explosives or kill them by riddling their bodies with bullets and shrapnel or frying them with flames and radiation. The poison gas taboo is a relic of an earlier time and long gone technologies and is no longer relevant. We cannot claim the moral high ground by deploying cruise missiles against bayonet charges and gas attacks of enemies limited to the technology of wars fought 100 years ago.
8
You would legitimize a chemical attack just to marginalizes Trump's action?
It is easy to start a war, but hard to stop.
The costs and outcomes of war are highly unpredictable, as the previous Republican president can attest. Therefore, military conflict should not be initiated without having a clear goal and strategy thought through.
We are all listening...
The costs and outcomes of war are highly unpredictable, as the previous Republican president can attest. Therefore, military conflict should not be initiated without having a clear goal and strategy thought through.
We are all listening...
5
good way to raise your poll numbers, donny
and it only cost the taxpayers ( of which you are not one ) $ 100, 000, 000
now thats good multitasking
12
Temporary lift, ex. George H. W. Bush.
2
About Donald Trump's speech I was scared only by one thing, when at the end to the usual God bless America he added...And The World!
3
The world is a place that is run by the aggressive use of force. It just is. It's about time the United States got off the sidelines.
1
Absence of draft leaves most jingoistic U.S. citizens "on the sidelines ".
3
I thought Trump was uncharacteristically smart when during the campaign he denounced Obama for broadcasting his plan to recapture Mosul because "if the enemy knows you're coming, they won't be there." So before attacking Syria, he warned their ally Russia and the Russians warned the Syrians. Big surprise - no one home!
2
Why are we always going it alone in the Middle East? Why is it always on the U.S. to "fix things" there. Where are our allies? Where are the other ME countries?
The past 16 years of US war efforts in the Middle East has proven we cannot bring peace and stability to the region. (If anything, we made things worse when Bush invaded Iraq.) The only winners here are the defense contractors who make the bombs we drop and sell.
There's international outrage over Assad's use of chemical weapons on his own people. But what do they do beyond make statements?
Maybe bombing the airfield will do have a positive effect (cause Assad to stop using chemical weapons). Or maybe it will make things worse. Who knows? Certainly not Trump or anyone in his administration.
The past 16 years of US war efforts in the Middle East has proven we cannot bring peace and stability to the region. (If anything, we made things worse when Bush invaded Iraq.) The only winners here are the defense contractors who make the bombs we drop and sell.
There's international outrage over Assad's use of chemical weapons on his own people. But what do they do beyond make statements?
Maybe bombing the airfield will do have a positive effect (cause Assad to stop using chemical weapons). Or maybe it will make things worse. Who knows? Certainly not Trump or anyone in his administration.
4
Tomahawk misses cost about $1 million each. 59 x $1 million = $59 million. Trump is a smart business man. Couldn't he have made the same statement with just ten misses? And used the savings for a Bill O'Reilly defense fund?
4
mo that would be obama vacation packages totaling 300 million for the family and relatives and friends or better yet his 160 billion shovel ready jobs remember that? fdid you get one of them, lol
Trump is a cunning con man, that's not the same as being a smart businessman.
2
The first time anything critical has been said about Trump on RT TV. I guess Putin must be having buyer's regret about making him president.
4
Our imperialist nature is alive and well. The fact that we attacked a sovereign nation doesn't seem to matter. We won't accept refugees but will bomb them to solve this humanitarian crisis.
13
If we do anything we are imperialist if we don't do anything we are wimps. Which one is true?
1
Trump ordered an unauthorized military attack against a foreign country without the consent of Congress. Is Congress irrelevant? Do we dispense with the senators and house representatives since they are not needed in Trump's new form of government?
11
kush and vanky thought it was a swell idea
maybe even neat-o
so they told president daddy to go ahead
2
We've already done this during obama's administration.
I'm sorry, is there NOTHING this president can do right? I didn't vote for him and never would, but geez. There's no doubt the Assad government used chemical weapons on its own people. There's also no doubt, the Russians and Iranians were watching to see our reaction (assuming they didn't put Assad up to this in the first place). We needed a strong reaction to let the world know that there are limits. Limits to what we will tolerate in Syria, limits to what we will tolerate from North Korea (are you listening China?). The people of Syria deserve better. Of course, no course chartered is perfect, but we've seen what happens when the world thinks the US isn't watching or doesn't care. The Russians and Chinese really only respect power and backbone. We have our limits and Trump has shown them what they are (and now, back to your regularly scheduled program of Trump nonsense).
A civil war does not last this long and does not get this bloody without fuel from outside. The Saudis and Qataris supply that fuel in abundance. Turkey, Jordan and the US are their willing intermediaries, with the US making a tidy profit from sales of weapons that end up with the rebels.
Saudis want to get rid of the Alewite Assad and establish a Sunni thoecracy in Syria. Big black eye for Iran if that happens. This is partially why Iran is supporting the Houthis in Yemen against the war criminal Saudis.
If the US stopped being the Saudis' and Israelis' stooge, forced, with Russia's help, Turkey and Jordan to seal their borders so that jihadis and weapons would be harder for the Saudis to ship over, this tragedy would end in two weeks.
Saudis want to get rid of the Alewite Assad and establish a Sunni thoecracy in Syria. Big black eye for Iran if that happens. This is partially why Iran is supporting the Houthis in Yemen against the war criminal Saudis.
If the US stopped being the Saudis' and Israelis' stooge, forced, with Russia's help, Turkey and Jordan to seal their borders so that jihadis and weapons would be harder for the Saudis to ship over, this tragedy would end in two weeks.
2
Since Russia has been propping up Assad, and has many soldiers on the ground in Syria, what happens if we killed Russian personnel as a result of our missile strike? Did Trump et alia even think of the possibility of killing Putin's soldiers? Trump has no idea of how complex the situation is in any Middle Eastern country, let alone Syria! What a dangerous mess!
6
Enough with the herd mentality. Can we be sure that it was the Syrian military that attacked civilians with chemical agent? The Trump administration has not presented any conclusive evident. Is it not a coincident that when it looks increasingly certain that the Syrian government is winning that a chemical attached happened to draw in the US? There are actors in the region who desperately want the US to get involve. Knowing Trump is easily provoked and would act impulsively, might it be possible that it was the work of the rebels supported by these actors?
9
So - you would be okay with chemical weapons used on your child and family? You can't have it both ways.
1
President Trump is obsessed with showing up President Obama. The reasons for this strike had nothing to do with Syria or Middle-East politics. The President has no understanding of these things. We know he knows two things, Obama didn't bomb Syria after a chemical attack and his poll numbers are falling though the floor. He might also have known about the abysmal jobs report coming out today. That is all that went into his thinking; I will show up Obama and further distract everyone from the controversies and scandals bringing me down in the polls. Remember, he invited Assad's chemical attack when the administration said it no longer had the goal of getting rid of him; last night's attack was a complete 360 by a President with no understanding of the World, a man without a plan.
All Trump has accomplished is to show, once again, that America can kill with the best of them. We spend more money on it and do it more efficiently than any other country in the world and it gets the world nothing more than a bigger pile of dead bodies. This won't bring peace to Syria, get rid of Assad or solve the problem of Middle-Eastern terrorism. We can consider ourselves lucky if Assad or the Russians don't retaliate and the President, with his short attention span, moves on to something else, like tweeting about Arnold Schwarzenegger. The alternative is that Trump will stumble us in to WWIII.
All Trump has accomplished is to show, once again, that America can kill with the best of them. We spend more money on it and do it more efficiently than any other country in the world and it gets the world nothing more than a bigger pile of dead bodies. This won't bring peace to Syria, get rid of Assad or solve the problem of Middle-Eastern terrorism. We can consider ourselves lucky if Assad or the Russians don't retaliate and the President, with his short attention span, moves on to something else, like tweeting about Arnold Schwarzenegger. The alternative is that Trump will stumble us in to WWIII.
9
This was done after meeting with the Jordanian King and while the Chinese president was at the Florida white house. The Russians were given a heads up prior to the attack. Trump will not stumble into WWIII.
1
Did President Trump's statements of support for Russia and acceptance of Assad's rule in Syria and all of his America First pronouncements send a green light to Assad to pursue his war against his own people without limit?
I think the answer is yes.
Will Representative Gowdy now lead an inquiry into Benghazi, where the main problem was what Hillary Clinton and Susan Rice said after the attack - not before it.
How did we get from Trump's open door to Assad's unlimited war back to Benghazi? There you go, taking words literally instead of seriously, and not payiing attention to the alternative facts.
I think the answer is yes.
Will Representative Gowdy now lead an inquiry into Benghazi, where the main problem was what Hillary Clinton and Susan Rice said after the attack - not before it.
How did we get from Trump's open door to Assad's unlimited war back to Benghazi? There you go, taking words literally instead of seriously, and not payiing attention to the alternative facts.
6
Assad used chemical weapons multiple times during the presidency of Barack Obama.
1
Unfortunately, Trump didn't go into this with any knowledge or any policy. His strategy for grabbing women was more thoughtfully considered. This act, whether good or bad in itself, is unlikely to be successful unless he really knows what he is doing.
If he did this on the basis of sound moral principles and carefully considered geopolitical insight, it would be a first for him.
If he did this on the basis of sound moral principles and carefully considered geopolitical insight, it would be a first for him.
8
I wonder if you thought this way about disastrous foreign policy of Obama.
Whenever the innocent (BABIES) are mentioned (without a care for the millions of refugees, many of them, kids), and this is a "THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY", THREAT TO "OUR" FREEDOM, and a light bulb shows up. Sounds too much like a false flag 9/11-type operation to give us reason to and gain support for military action (Oh ya, with Trump, we don't need the public's support).
9
Wonderful move. Syria and the rest of the middle east MUST be stabilized so these people can stay in their own countries without flooding the world with refugees.
5
So bombing people creates stabilization? Are you saying the more bombs drop the more people want to stay put? How do you people rationalize such twisted thinking?
1
Chris if it isn't war, climate change will force people out of their habitats. It's the story of human migration since Homo sapiens emerged in mother Africa.
Trump’s strike signals to Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, Assad: The party’s over.
After years of inaction under Obama, the new president delivered the overdue message: There will be a price to be paid for massacres, for terror attacks, for the use of chemical weapons
After years of inaction under Obama, the new president delivered the overdue message: There will be a price to be paid for massacres, for terror attacks, for the use of chemical weapons
7
Wasn't it Trump in 2014 that tweeted that President Obama should not take the exact action that he just took.....he also tweeted that President Obama needed Congressional approval for any actions he would take against Assad. Interesting how quickly Trump is learning that shooting off some tweets is much different than actually governing. Trump at least has republican support for the most apart; republicans never supported any of President Obama positions toward Libya or Syria. Children have been killed by Assad for years now, and Trump is all of a sudden waking up to these atrocities. Where was his outrage at babies refugees washing up on shore...
Do not kid yourself into believing this administration acted because Trump is taking a stand against the use of chemical weapons; Russia and Syria called this administration out and said what are you going to do about Assad's use of chemical weapons. Trump's actions are to save face in light of all his administrations ties to Russia so he does not appear soft on Russia and their ally Assad.
Do not kid yourself into believing this administration acted because Trump is taking a stand against the use of chemical weapons; Russia and Syria called this administration out and said what are you going to do about Assad's use of chemical weapons. Trump's actions are to save face in light of all his administrations ties to Russia so he does not appear soft on Russia and their ally Assad.
1
Any normal people would have been outraged by the chemical attack in Syria, and it warrants a response from the rest of the world.
However what is worrisome is the speed of Trump's respond, it took only two days to extract a respond from our great leader. This is not an uncoming imminent threat but rather something already happened; some investigation to properly determine who's really behind this attack would seems prodence.
Unfortunately just like how quick Trump changes his administration staffing, this gives our potential enemy insight on how to manipulate Trump to move event in the direction they desired. Keep in mind we are living in the crazy world of fake news.
However what is worrisome is the speed of Trump's respond, it took only two days to extract a respond from our great leader. This is not an uncoming imminent threat but rather something already happened; some investigation to properly determine who's really behind this attack would seems prodence.
Unfortunately just like how quick Trump changes his administration staffing, this gives our potential enemy insight on how to manipulate Trump to move event in the direction they desired. Keep in mind we are living in the crazy world of fake news.
8
Trump is a liar. He lies so often that everything he says is tainted. If it comes out of Trump's mouth, there's a pretty good reason to be skeptical. When he fires missles into Syria, he's really aiming them at his detractors.
Trump was correct in giving the Russians a heads up on the airfield attack. No need to kill Russian personnel inadvertently.
I hope, however, we don't get sucked into Syria deeper than we already are. Saving that country from its murderous dictator or its equally murderous jihadist militias is not worth a potential WWIII.
I hope, however, we don't get sucked into Syria deeper than we already are. Saving that country from its murderous dictator or its equally murderous jihadist militias is not worth a potential WWIII.
7
He has already sent in more troops to Syria, secretly. We're already in a third war.
Breaking news: In several tweets, Trump questions his own judgment in bombing Syria:
"What will we get for bombing Syria besides more debt and a possible long term conflict?"
"The President must get Congressional approval before attacking Syria-big mistake if he does not!"
"What will we get for bombing Syria besides more debt and a possible long term conflict?"
"The President must get Congressional approval before attacking Syria-big mistake if he does not!"
9
I have to admit, I got a real kick last night listening to Brian Williams
doing the math on the cost of this airstrike in terms of Cruise Missile prices. I didn't stay up late enough to hear him get to where he subtracts out the cost of dead kids to find out if the math added up or not.
doing the math on the cost of this airstrike in terms of Cruise Missile prices. I didn't stay up late enough to hear him get to where he subtracts out the cost of dead kids to find out if the math added up or not.
i want to congratulate you yanks on having the good sense to not have elected hillary, who would have gotten you into a war by now for sure
guess i just misunderestimated that good ol' 'merican perspicacity
2
This is ridiculous. How far are we willing to go with these conspiracy theories?
Anyone who cares to become informed can do a bit of research and find that this kind of activity has been going on in the Middle East for hundreds of years. It is not a conspiracy involving Trump or the Russians.
Perhaps it was somewhat motivated to divert negative talk about him, but Trump would have done this either way, and his critics would be howling regardless. I am also a liberal Trump critic, but I'm a patriot first. I don't care how he got there, he made a major stand for what is just and right. Bravo to Trump for his first positive action. It has been exactly 100 years since our country came face to face with poison gas warfare, and WE WILL NOT stand for it, never again.
Anyone who cares to become informed can do a bit of research and find that this kind of activity has been going on in the Middle East for hundreds of years. It is not a conspiracy involving Trump or the Russians.
Perhaps it was somewhat motivated to divert negative talk about him, but Trump would have done this either way, and his critics would be howling regardless. I am also a liberal Trump critic, but I'm a patriot first. I don't care how he got there, he made a major stand for what is just and right. Bravo to Trump for his first positive action. It has been exactly 100 years since our country came face to face with poison gas warfare, and WE WILL NOT stand for it, never again.
So Trump sees a picture of dying children and now he suddenly cares about them? Now they've gone too far? Not when they were pictures of families and children dying washing up on beaches, drowning in boats trying to escape from the war in Syria? “We’re a humanitarian nation,” Trump has said. In what world is that true anymore? How about you allow some refugees into the country Mr. Trump where we can really keep them safe instead of trying to pose these people as a terrorists that must be kept out? And do we really know that it was Assad who did this? Wasn't he winning? Does this even make sense for Assad to do this? Suddenly Trump trusts the intelligence community (convenient for him) to make this decision. If he wasn't such a moron I wouldn't question everything he does but I assume there are better options then whatever this guy would decide. Have you heard him speak? He knows not what he does. President Id in action.
15
I'm a very strong opponent of DJT but I support this strike.
The question is: why did he do it? There are a few possibilities:
1) He has a principled stance against the use of WMD
2) He has a principled stance against the civil war in Syria
3) He wants to show that he's a strong leader
4) The pictures he saw on Fox made him angry
I would dismiss option #1 because he once said "...if we don't use them, why have them?" about the U.S. nukes.
I would dismiss option #2 because only recently he said that the future of Syria is in the hands of the Syrian people alone.
Option #3 is basically built into him, it has to be a factor.
Option #4 then gave the final push to act.
President Obama once went to Congress to get a AUMF on Syria and the first action would have been very similar to what happened yesterday. But neither Democrats nor Republicans wanted to get involved, so the whole thing was pulled before it could embarrass the president.
DJT is not the guy to ask for permission. And he stated over and over again that he want's to keep his enemies in the dark, that he will be unpredictable and so on. Well, in this case he succeed, nobody expected such a quick reaction.
I wonder if Assad learned a lesson, if he will pull back from the brink, or if he's now gambling that DJT will not follow up with airplanes and ground troops (after more atrocities). I would if I were in his shoes, knowing what the U.S. population thinks about war and their current president...
The question is: why did he do it? There are a few possibilities:
1) He has a principled stance against the use of WMD
2) He has a principled stance against the civil war in Syria
3) He wants to show that he's a strong leader
4) The pictures he saw on Fox made him angry
I would dismiss option #1 because he once said "...if we don't use them, why have them?" about the U.S. nukes.
I would dismiss option #2 because only recently he said that the future of Syria is in the hands of the Syrian people alone.
Option #3 is basically built into him, it has to be a factor.
Option #4 then gave the final push to act.
President Obama once went to Congress to get a AUMF on Syria and the first action would have been very similar to what happened yesterday. But neither Democrats nor Republicans wanted to get involved, so the whole thing was pulled before it could embarrass the president.
DJT is not the guy to ask for permission. And he stated over and over again that he want's to keep his enemies in the dark, that he will be unpredictable and so on. Well, in this case he succeed, nobody expected such a quick reaction.
I wonder if Assad learned a lesson, if he will pull back from the brink, or if he's now gambling that DJT will not follow up with airplanes and ground troops (after more atrocities). I would if I were in his shoes, knowing what the U.S. population thinks about war and their current president...
Is this going to end in an armed conflict between the United States and Russia? I am praying that this ends quickly. God help us.
Mr. President,
You said "No Child of God Should Ever Suffer Such Horror". I agree fully and wholeheartedly, and I am sure many of my fellow country persons believe in the same.
Saying this, does this mean that every time and in any place children suffer the horror of being killed by say a machete somewhere in Africa or a bomb in Eastern Europe, cruise missiles will rain down on the perpetrators? Or how about one of the saddest days in our history - December 14, 2012 when 20 beautiful innocent children IN OUR COUNTRY suffered these horrors, as perpetrated by a citizen of our country. Where is your proposal today on how we help make sure that never happens again? Do you have a target package for the NRA? Are there budget increases in the US for helping the mentally unstable (or just budget cuts?). Words matter Mr. President. Deeds matter Mr. President. If these are your values, they align with many of us. Please exercise your values and promises CONSISTENTLY.
Sincerely,
NK
You said "No Child of God Should Ever Suffer Such Horror". I agree fully and wholeheartedly, and I am sure many of my fellow country persons believe in the same.
Saying this, does this mean that every time and in any place children suffer the horror of being killed by say a machete somewhere in Africa or a bomb in Eastern Europe, cruise missiles will rain down on the perpetrators? Or how about one of the saddest days in our history - December 14, 2012 when 20 beautiful innocent children IN OUR COUNTRY suffered these horrors, as perpetrated by a citizen of our country. Where is your proposal today on how we help make sure that never happens again? Do you have a target package for the NRA? Are there budget increases in the US for helping the mentally unstable (or just budget cuts?). Words matter Mr. President. Deeds matter Mr. President. If these are your values, they align with many of us. Please exercise your values and promises CONSISTENTLY.
Sincerely,
NK
Dear Margaret, and all the commentators blasting the Trump Team's bombing of a Syrian military airbase.
The NYT today, in the article before these comments, by Michael Gordon et al,
stated: "The Pentagon on Thursday night released a graphic showing the flight track of Syrian aircraft as they left the Shayrat field on Tuesday and carried out the chemical attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib Province."
This measured response is similar to what the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Hillary Clinton asked Obama to order. Trump has just sent a grown up message to Bashar Assad, the Iranians, the North Koreans, and China, that we are still a world power, and we are not hog tied by our mistakes of the past. It was Secretary of State John Kerry, who said repeatedly, I need some show of force, for people to take our diplomatic efforts seriously.
The NYT today, in the article before these comments, by Michael Gordon et al,
stated: "The Pentagon on Thursday night released a graphic showing the flight track of Syrian aircraft as they left the Shayrat field on Tuesday and carried out the chemical attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib Province."
This measured response is similar to what the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Hillary Clinton asked Obama to order. Trump has just sent a grown up message to Bashar Assad, the Iranians, the North Koreans, and China, that we are still a world power, and we are not hog tied by our mistakes of the past. It was Secretary of State John Kerry, who said repeatedly, I need some show of force, for people to take our diplomatic efforts seriously.
9
Let me remind you, that when Pres. Obama wanted to bomb Syria after the last chemical weapons were used on civilians, he asked Congress to authorize the attack because Syria is a sovereign nation and the attack would have been made without provocation. The GOP controlled Congress refused to authorize the attack!! This is just bravado on the part of Donald! Another diversion to keep us from focusing on his treason!
1
Sorry folks
Tail wagging the dog
As horrible as children dying. Gas is not any worse then barrel bombs. Dead is Dead, why is seeing choking children worse then seeing bodies blown apart.
Also, lets not forget that just last week we our selves blew up an apartment building on Mosul killing at least 200 civilians.
As for the strike, it did not even remove the air strip, that everyone was talking about with baited breath, should be the target.
Window Dressing and another scripted diversion.
Tail wagging the dog
As horrible as children dying. Gas is not any worse then barrel bombs. Dead is Dead, why is seeing choking children worse then seeing bodies blown apart.
Also, lets not forget that just last week we our selves blew up an apartment building on Mosul killing at least 200 civilians.
As for the strike, it did not even remove the air strip, that everyone was talking about with baited breath, should be the target.
Window Dressing and another scripted diversion.
14
A Blind hog will find an acron now and again. Trump will do something right now and again.. I think this was the type of response Obama should have used. Seventy misles at million dollar plus seems a bit extravagant for a small secondary airport.
4
Nov 2016: Pres-elect Trump says he will cut Obama's extensive support to rebels fighting Assad.
Feb 2017: CIA acknowledges flow of weapons and supplies to Kurds has dropped
Last week: Nikki Haley says removing Assad no longer US priority
This week: Trump says gas attack changed my mind about Assad
Last night: "Let's blow up a Syrian airport to take away attention from tomorrow's lousy jobs report"
Feb 2017: CIA acknowledges flow of weapons and supplies to Kurds has dropped
Last week: Nikki Haley says removing Assad no longer US priority
This week: Trump says gas attack changed my mind about Assad
Last night: "Let's blow up a Syrian airport to take away attention from tomorrow's lousy jobs report"
11
How fickle are Americans? In 2012 Vogue magazine launched an article on Assad's wife and family:
"The glowing article praised the Assads as a "wildly democratic" family-focused couple who vacation in Europe, foster Christianity, are at ease with American celebrities, made theirs the "safest country in the Middle East," and want to give Syria a "brand essence."
We love to launch scathing comments from our computers while we have a non fat latte for breakfast....but most of us our truly ignorant regarding the quagmire that is the middle east. Meanwhile, the effete UN sits back and does nothing. Sickening.
"The glowing article praised the Assads as a "wildly democratic" family-focused couple who vacation in Europe, foster Christianity, are at ease with American celebrities, made theirs the "safest country in the Middle East," and want to give Syria a "brand essence."
We love to launch scathing comments from our computers while we have a non fat latte for breakfast....but most of us our truly ignorant regarding the quagmire that is the middle east. Meanwhile, the effete UN sits back and does nothing. Sickening.
3
While Syria is doing heinous crimes against people, the issue at hand is actually about Iran. The Koch's can't directly deal with Iran because of US blocks but the Kochs can deal with the Iranian government via the Koch's German corporation. The present Iranian government doesn't want to deal with the Kochs so the Kochs want to undermine the Iranian government. The Kochs have now put in place a government to do exactly that...begin the undermining of Iran.
Russia invaded Ukraine and the world did nothing. They shot down a civilian commercial airliner with hundreds of people aboard and the world did nothing. This war has killed so many hundreds of thousands of people, the world is numb to the carnage and those in charge of the war have demonstrated ruthlessly criminal behavior for years and the world has done nothing but argue about who should take the refugees. Trump was roundly criticized for putting so many military members in his circle. Brilliant professionals in the field. Maybe, just maybe, those guys are smart enough to finally end this endless carnage.
Perhaps a small point, but shouldn't such actions be initiated from Washington and not Florida???
5
The attack in Yemen was hatched in Florida as well.
So now the President can go to war with any country he chooses without the consent of, or even informing, Congress?! It didn't seem to bother John McCain or Lindsey Graham.
By this act alone, Trump should be impeached. (The Navy should have refused to obey the order; No soldier is required to obey an illegal order.)
Gassing of human beings is horrible, and should not go unanswered.
And we are a nation of laws. Used to be, anyway.
By this act alone, Trump should be impeached. (The Navy should have refused to obey the order; No soldier is required to obey an illegal order.)
Gassing of human beings is horrible, and should not go unanswered.
And we are a nation of laws. Used to be, anyway.
7
Yes, the world is horrified by the results of Syria's chemical attack on civilians. War photos are emotional proof especially when they show children. Mr. Trump was moved to demonstrate that he does has morals. However, Mr. Trump failed to get approval from Congress - as Syria did not attack the USA.
Once again, a President has taken it upon himself to militarily attack another nation. Now if it's OK for USA - then it's OK Israel, Iran, and any other leader of nations with military power (mostly purchased from USA) to do the same. We are not making the world safe, we are making it more dangerous.
Once again, a President has taken it upon himself to militarily attack another nation. Now if it's OK for USA - then it's OK Israel, Iran, and any other leader of nations with military power (mostly purchased from USA) to do the same. We are not making the world safe, we are making it more dangerous.
8
No proof, who did it. Could just as easily have been an accident, by the Syrian air force hitting an ammunition depot, not knowing, that the 'good rebels' were making chemical ammunition there.
Quite plausible, no?
Quite plausible, no?
3
How often have we heard from the right in defense of refuting gun control efforts that guns don’t kill people, people kill people? Shouldn’t this also translate to other weapons, i.e., sarin gas doesn’t kill people, military aircraft don’t kill, etc., people kill people? If this Republican maxim holds true then why did we use 59 cruise missiles to kill 6 people? At a cost of $832,000 per missile it means we spent $49,088,000 in total or $8,181,333 per person killed. Now, it’s being reported that Trump broadcast his intention so the people who kill people could get out of harm's way. If we want to save children there are better ways of putting nearly $50 million dollars to work. If the Republicans are right, i.e., it’s not the weapons, it’s people who kill people, it’s highly likely those people who kill people are back at work today.
A cynic would say that we must have had some old missile stocks that were obsolete and needed to be replaced. How else can one justify destroying two small runways with 60 missiles, when two, may be three, would have done the job. A meaningless slap on the wrist so that our so-called president can puff his chest a little more, and a nice new supply contract for the makers of the Tomahawk.
5
The wisdom of bombing the Syrian air base aside--If Trump is swayed by photos of suffering children, I suggest someone show him photos of all the children who will suffer if their parents lose their health insurance. Actually, I was pleased to see that Trump apparently can display some compassion. But where is that compassion for the people of the United States!
7
Compassion? It that what you call it?
It's a show, Mary, the man does not have a heart. This is just another deflection to keep us from focusing on his collusion with Russia!
If you are going to use force, there must be a strategy and an end game. Trump has given no indication that he has either. Is this strike just to "send a message"? If so Trump should have linked specific demands that the regime and its allies can understand and reasonably satisfy.
Have they thought through what the Russian/Iranian/Chinese response will be?
Mission creep is real, and miscalculations can happen. And we are currently led by a president who is obviously erratic, uninformed and dishonest and thus unable to make credible commitments.
This can have enormous geopolitical consequences that Trump will possibly (even probably) not be able to handle.
What about US forces currently in Syria?
What effect, if any, will this have on the coalition against ISIS?
What is our end game?
Most importantly, what are the legal ramifications of this? No congressional approval nor UNSC resolution was sought.
And finally, wouldn't it be nice if pictures of innocent children and families caused Trump to reconsider his ban of refugees rather than unilateral military action.
Have they thought through what the Russian/Iranian/Chinese response will be?
Mission creep is real, and miscalculations can happen. And we are currently led by a president who is obviously erratic, uninformed and dishonest and thus unable to make credible commitments.
This can have enormous geopolitical consequences that Trump will possibly (even probably) not be able to handle.
What about US forces currently in Syria?
What effect, if any, will this have on the coalition against ISIS?
What is our end game?
Most importantly, what are the legal ramifications of this? No congressional approval nor UNSC resolution was sought.
And finally, wouldn't it be nice if pictures of innocent children and families caused Trump to reconsider his ban of refugees rather than unilateral military action.
It was reported that the US bombing of Mosul killed twice as many civilians as reported by the poison gas attack. Why is that a lesser crime? Because it was inadvertent? Incompetent? Or because "we" did it and that makes it OK? Or if we focus world attention on the other guy's misdeeds ours will be forgotten?
Mote and Beam?
Mote and Beam?
7
One thing is certain....no foreign friend or foe is going to regard Trump as the weasel talking out of both sides of his mouth which was how they viewed Obama.
2
No they will view him as the inept, ignorant bully that he is. Have you heard him speak? He can't put two coherent sentences together and you think people around the world can't see this? President Obama was thoughtful, intelligent and weighed national security matters with the gravitas they deserved. He didn't go off half cocked to prove how tough he is to score political points or to divert attention away from poor job numbers and a Russian investigation.
So now Russia and Benedict collude to put up a sham conflict between themselves, with a show of force that was non-threatening to the situation.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE and ignore Benedict's red-herring.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE and ignore Benedict's red-herring.
3
During the election my response to commentators who said they were voting for Trump to "shake things up" was I could drive my car off a cliff and that would "shake things up" regarding my car but to no good purpose. I have never been so sorry to be so right in my life.
5
I hope I'm not the only person that sees the disconnect of Trump calling for an air strike after seeing footage of children suffering and dying. These are the same people he wants to keep out of the U.S. with his travel ban.
10
Many are fooled, but I know this is a diversion, to keep focus off the truth!
When we were at war with Germany and Japan 75 years ago, did people then not realize some Germans and some Japanese were not violent, and even opposed their governments? Of course they did. But they were also on the land of the enemy, and they knew full well they could be killed by the same bombs aimed at the Nazi's and Japan's imperial forces. And the A-bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki did not only kill innocent people, they also killed our enemies, too, and ultimately destroyed the will of the Japanese people - yes, the people - because ultimately it was the people who made Imperial Japan possible in the first place, as well as the German people who made the Nazi's possible - to further resist American might. Let us hope this display of American might in Syria has the same effect of Assad and other dictators who would threaten us and our allies. You can mourn the innocents, but remember, even these are among the enemy. It is tempting for me to say let the women weep for the children, as people did in the old days, but that would ignore the fact today that women in the army were also involed in the launch of the Tomahawk missiles. Do they weep? Do they?
This whole story doesn't pass the sniff test.
1. Anybody who was paying attention knew about chemical attacks in 2013. Nothing new in brutality.
2. DjT was paying attention in 2013, he tweeted about it.
3. Even so, beleaguered Russian crony Tillerson more or less baited Assad by giving him a get out of jail free card.
4. Not sure if Assad cashed that card, or someone did it for him, but how curious that he would gas his own people on the heels of that announcement.
5. Suddenly Trump cares about "beautiful babies"? He's shown nothing but disinterest in the plight of other humans, uniformly, across the board. See his policies and rhetoric for evidence.
6. Strike is limited and moves nothing forward and carefully manages to only mildly offend Putin.
Well, what a brilliant plan. Now, he and Putin get to trade a few insults and the world is assured that Trump is not in cahoots with Russia.
Folks...that's called theater, and while we may be the spectators, real people in Syria are paying with their lives.
Say what you want about the realities of that volatile situation, but don't look for Trump to manage it for the greater good. His interest remains what it's always been: his own old and leathery hyde.
1. Anybody who was paying attention knew about chemical attacks in 2013. Nothing new in brutality.
2. DjT was paying attention in 2013, he tweeted about it.
3. Even so, beleaguered Russian crony Tillerson more or less baited Assad by giving him a get out of jail free card.
4. Not sure if Assad cashed that card, or someone did it for him, but how curious that he would gas his own people on the heels of that announcement.
5. Suddenly Trump cares about "beautiful babies"? He's shown nothing but disinterest in the plight of other humans, uniformly, across the board. See his policies and rhetoric for evidence.
6. Strike is limited and moves nothing forward and carefully manages to only mildly offend Putin.
Well, what a brilliant plan. Now, he and Putin get to trade a few insults and the world is assured that Trump is not in cahoots with Russia.
Folks...that's called theater, and while we may be the spectators, real people in Syria are paying with their lives.
Say what you want about the realities of that volatile situation, but don't look for Trump to manage it for the greater good. His interest remains what it's always been: his own old and leathery hyde.
My question is what do we do now if Assad drops conventional bombs and kills hundreds of people including innocent children? Is that ok? As far as I know, dead is dead. What's next is the billion dollar question?
And, by the way: How many children killed in these strikes on the Syrian government forces?
1
Four.
Yesterday I posted a comment here that the Trump administration’s announcement that it was considering military options in response to Assad’s attack was all for show. Obviously I was dead wrong. If Trump is so impulsive and reckless, he’s much more of a danger to the world than I had previously thought.
4
I don't understand why Trump wasn't as moved when Assad and Russia were bombing hospitals filled with civilians, women and children. Where was his outrage then? Why now? And why, if he is so outraged so all of a sudden, has he not opened the door to Syrian refugees who are only trying to flee this horror?
8
500,000 dead Syrians over last 5 years was not enough to start a fire under the Donald till 100 died in sarin gas attack, (which has happened before). Bombing hospitals and starvation left Donnie unmoved. And Donnie accused Hillary of being the war monger. Hillary had espoused a no fly zone in Syria. trump needs a war to boost his tanking poll numbers,Time for some righteous blood to be spilled, the "go to" Republican ploy.
It's about time someone pulled the trigger on Assad. No more innocent children or people should die for Assad's evil schemes. If it takes that trigger for Trump to act, then so be it. Assad is a monster and Trump will remove him. For that I am thankful.
1
Who killed McKinley, Lincoln, Kennedy?
Not foreigners: Americans.
Start there.
Not foreigners: Americans.
Start there.
Did you see the report that 9 civilians died including 4 children? Well, at least they were gassed to death by Assad. BTW, Trumps policy in Syria and Assad hasn't changed. See Tillerson's statement. Good thinking.
We just spent about $94,400,000 to blow up an airfield and some aircraft.
I wonder what the ounce of prevention would have cost? I wonder how many more lives that would have saved?
I wonder what the ounce of prevention would have cost? I wonder how many more lives that would have saved?
5
Has anyone ever considered that the so called rebels could have had those chemical ammunition in storage as claimed? Thanks.
1
Finally, a President who actually stands up for innocents - men, women, and children - against the thugs. No red lines, no acceptance of a Crimean invasion inviting an Ukrainian invasion, no providing the aid necessary to build a nuclear ICBM force, no providing trade deals in return for negotiating a 10 year path to nuclear armament. We're in a new world - even PolitiPolitics has admitted its error agreeing with Kerry & Obama that Syria had gotten rid of its chemical and nerve agents. We'll all see where this leads, but everything continues to look up for America.
1
Let me remind you that Congress refused to authorize an attack on Syria! And that what Donald did was illegal, he bombed a sovereign nation, without the authority of Congress! This may look "amazing" to you but it's just a show! The airfield was small, and insignificant.
IF Donald really cares about the poor children, he would allow them to come to our nation and seek safety here!!! He is a hypocrite!
IF Donald really cares about the poor children, he would allow them to come to our nation and seek safety here!!! He is a hypocrite!
Question: is this too gangster for real life, or not gangster enough? Already surveyed NYU and the PATH, would love to hear from the NYT
Trump and Tillerson verbally acknowledged that Assad would not be deposed. Days later, Assad gasses his own people.
Whether or not you think US airstrikes were an appropriate response to Assad's chemical warfare, don't lose sight of the fact that Trump words may have precipitated the chemical attack in the first place.
Whether or not you think US airstrikes were an appropriate response to Assad's chemical warfare, don't lose sight of the fact that Trump words may have precipitated the chemical attack in the first place.
5
"Days later, Assad gasses his own people."
No. Days later, the rebels and their supporters set up a false flag operation, that can be blamed on Assad, causing international outrage and elicits a reaction from an unstable US President.
Well played.
No. Days later, the rebels and their supporters set up a false flag operation, that can be blamed on Assad, causing international outrage and elicits a reaction from an unstable US President.
Well played.
I am Brazilian, and here we support the US, we support domocracy and freedom. We are against totalitarian and abusive governments. The US is the only country that can help these people and the world. Thanks Mr President.
2
This is the first time I agree with anything Trump has done. This should have been done a long time ago before the Russian air force arrived in Syria. Assad without his air force is a dead duck. Russia will never risk a direct confrontation with the US over a Assad. They have nothing much to gain by doing so. Still, Putin and Trump are reprehensible human beings. They are cut from the same cloth.
1
I would say that we go after Assad just like we finally tracked down Sadam Hussein. Don't waste time effort and treasure bombing Syria.
As much as I think Trump is incapable of being a President we can be proud of, this is something Obama should have done when the first "red line" chemical attack took place. I don't want to involve us in a war anymore than most people, but there are times when you have to punish the enemy in the only way they can be punished. With a show of strength. Obama was so worried about angering the Iranians and his nuclear deal, that he basically signaled to Assad, we won't do a thing to stop you. Now will this airstrike change Assad's behavior? Probably not, but it's something this country needed to do. What else should we have done, hold love-ins around the country and sing Kumbaya? Assad as a war criminal gives Saddam Hussein a run for his money. One is dead. The other needs to be.
1
I am 59 years old so literally all my life we have been fighting wars: Korea, Vietnam, Chile (coup), Central America (various) and then there is that excursion to Grenada. What have I left out... please help.
Then these forever wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. We cannot sustain this as a society, This will not end well for us. This will not end well for the world. Is there anyone in the government who has a clue?!
Then these forever wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. We cannot sustain this as a society, This will not end well for us. This will not end well for the world. Is there anyone in the government who has a clue?!
7
Unfortunately, the readers of NYT don't have a clue as to just how many wars we are currently fighting. They don't know just how many countries our Special Forces are currently in. They don't know how many drone strikes occur each day, week or month. They have no idea as to what our country was doing the very day Obama left office!
Trump's poll numbers are in the basement. Investigations of his Russian connection continue to ramp up. Trump launches missiles and we will see him gain at least 10 points in his approval ratings. Now, he has a better ability to push through his legislative agenda. Plus, no one will be talking about his coziness with Putin for a while, since the Russians apparently oppose Trump's military action. Why do I think launching missiles was a no-brainer for Trump and had zero to do with children foaming at the mouth? He will now learn that war is better than fake news about Obama wiretap when it comes to getting everyone off his back. Get ready for a lot more military action, folks, but don't take your eye off your health care, climate change, and civil rights.
We apparently have a President that wants to punish Assad but not hurt the children. He bombed an Air Force Base where damage could be done and no children would be. This is a man with guts and brains. He is not into drawing lines in sand and making threats. I applaud his strategy! What a change.
Just read this and agree totally: "News should be based on evidence - not moulded around a foreign policy agenda of regime change." So who wants regime change in the Middle East? Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen etc??? The trouble is you have a President who watches fake news and is surrounded by military personnel. America has already been involved bombing Syria before the Russians came in. Who is arming and paying the rebels? In whose interests is it to hate Assad? Come on, people, ask the questions.
2
I am no fan of war and certainly no friend to Mr. Trump, but I have to agree..... Finally !!
Think about it. If someone asked, would the modern world stand by and watch a Stalin slaughter his own people, doing nothing? We would say, of course not. And yet here we were, watching Assad, doing nothing. It was monstrous.
Now, I am sure this was an impulsive move and was not well thought out. This is, after all, still Trump. I am sure tomorrow the consequences will come. But for now let me enjoy the fact that I can look my Syrian refugee patients in the eye.
Think about it. If someone asked, would the modern world stand by and watch a Stalin slaughter his own people, doing nothing? We would say, of course not. And yet here we were, watching Assad, doing nothing. It was monstrous.
Now, I am sure this was an impulsive move and was not well thought out. This is, after all, still Trump. I am sure tomorrow the consequences will come. But for now let me enjoy the fact that I can look my Syrian refugee patients in the eye.
1
I am first and foremost for the children of Syria. We have watched countless images of children being bombed or drowned, people desperate and dying and the US response thus far was basically to do NOTHING. I knew yesterday when 45 said he was "thinking differently about Assad" that something was in the works.
Look, this air strike hit an empty airbase. It sent a message. It also serves as a show of force during a time when NK is test firing missiles every week. Had the strike happened in a highly populated area I would feel differently, but it wasn't. It was a *military site*.
The air strike in direct response to the gassing of innocent people was the right thing to do. We have got to start standing up for the Syrians and remind the world that we can and will do the right thing when push comes to shove. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it was a good move.
Look, this air strike hit an empty airbase. It sent a message. It also serves as a show of force during a time when NK is test firing missiles every week. Had the strike happened in a highly populated area I would feel differently, but it wasn't. It was a *military site*.
The air strike in direct response to the gassing of innocent people was the right thing to do. We have got to start standing up for the Syrians and remind the world that we can and will do the right thing when push comes to shove. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it was a good move.
2
Trump is a total hypocrite. He's now so concerned over protecting the Syrian children. Yet, in his travel ban, he's trying to block these exact same children. Makes no sense.
6
So I guess Trump responded to Assad crossing Obama's red line...
Given 2001 comments as I write this, why haven't the photos of people being unearthed alive, or dead from being crushed in their homes, been enough to trigger action?
Having the life squeezed out of you as your ceiling and mattress are bombed on top of you is harder to imagine, I guess.
Beautiful babies, beautiful children, beautiful mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends have all been murdered one way or another in Syria et al under our gaze.
So sad that humanity is so very inhumane
Having the life squeezed out of you as your ceiling and mattress are bombed on top of you is harder to imagine, I guess.
Beautiful babies, beautiful children, beautiful mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends have all been murdered one way or another in Syria et al under our gaze.
So sad that humanity is so very inhumane
7000 U.S. air strikes in Syria since 2014 hasn't deterred Assad from using chlorine, "barrel" bombs, or cluster bombs along with a whole host of incendiary devices.
59 Tomahawks will?
59 Tomahawks will?
This was a pathetic political statement and nothing more. The strikes did nothing to diminish Assad's ability to use his air power, the Russians knew in advance and shared the information with the Syrians and they removed their aircraft. Millions spent for one pin prick strike on one isolated base and the air strip was not even peppered so as to be rendered useless for further aircraft use. I've lost respect for General Mattis who should know if deadly force is going to be used, it should be used effectively. What happened to being unpredictable? Notifying the enemy in advance is hardly using the element of surprise. The message sent to Assad is if you use chemical weapons we'll let you know in advance what our intentions are, will limit the loss of life and property and be sure the impact of our response is so ineffective that you and your Russian bosses really have nothing to worry about with future use of illegal chemical weapons on innocent civilians.
This is an illustration of the complete absence of policy and an inept National Security Counsel that used million dollar weapons to kill 9 Syrians. The leaders of the free world of course applaud this ridiculous response since between them all they have no will or spine to address the real threat which is good old Vladimir Putin who laughs at us and his puppet, Donald Trump. What a joke. Hey Trump supporters, is America great again? Are we winning yet? What a dismal performance at deterrence. Shameful.
This is an illustration of the complete absence of policy and an inept National Security Counsel that used million dollar weapons to kill 9 Syrians. The leaders of the free world of course applaud this ridiculous response since between them all they have no will or spine to address the real threat which is good old Vladimir Putin who laughs at us and his puppet, Donald Trump. What a joke. Hey Trump supporters, is America great again? Are we winning yet? What a dismal performance at deterrence. Shameful.
Putin: "Let's put on a show where we pretend were mad at each other, and help Trump get some consensus at home. Americans love a happy trigger."
Trump: "Let's pretend to care about the children we're trying to keep as far away as possible."
Here we are... there is a plan: dupe the public with smoke screens and mirrors.
Trump: "Let's pretend to care about the children we're trying to keep as far away as possible."
Here we are... there is a plan: dupe the public with smoke screens and mirrors.
2
Never missing an opportunity to take pot shots at Barack Obama, of course the usual suspect conservatives are crowing loudly about the bombing of Syria against the alleged American failures of the last eight years in the war torn country. George W. Bush thought he was being decisive attacking Iraq, and history has shown what a mixed bag that intervention turned out to be. This cruise missile rap on the knuckles of Assad might send a strong message after the gassing of innocent civilians, but military intervention has a tendency to follow an unintended course. Anyone prone to chest thumping, would be well-advised to keep that in mind.
2
So we are the world's policeman? When did Emperor Donnie the Dunce run on that plank?
It's troubling that our first response to the killing of innocents in Syria is more killing. Furthermore, I don't trust Donald Trump's motives. He says he was horrified by the deaths of innocent babies. So are we all. But many more innocent children have died attempting to escape Syria, and Trump has no sympathy for those refugees. Remember the photos of the dead child on the shore of an island in Greece who drowned when his Syrian family tried to reach a safe haven? Where was Donald Trump's outrage then?
I've grown so accustomed to seeing over the last sixteen years that endless video loop of the same Cruise Missile being launched from the same ship's deck at night, that it's time to get my own copy to enjoy as my desktop screen saver. Is that for sale from iTunes, you think? Maybe permanently embed it into your masthead of the Times, like you would the Statue of Liberty . . . an emblem of who and what we are.
This operation is as important for our relations with Russia as it is for Syria. Putin only understands force. Obama's biggest miscalculation in his attempt to avoid military action against Syria was making a deal with Russians to force Assad to abandon his chemical weapons. No deal with Russia while Putin is in charge is worth anything. His lying is beginning to dwarf Trump's prevarications, which is pretty hard to do. Timely visit for Tillerson to Moscow next week. It was refreshing to hear him denounce Russia for letting chemical attacks happen instead Trump blaming Obama for everything.
No attack on US soil. Syria is not part of US jurisdiction. No debate from Congress with a chance for constituents to weigh in. No declaration of war from Congress, as required by the Constitution for military action abroad. This is absurd. The intervention-first, neo-con war-mongers who control both parties win again.
3
Do we know for sure that this chemical attack was ordered by Assad? I very much doubt it. He should have known its consequences in the international community. Do we have a proof beside these photos which can be easily fabricated by Assad's enemies which are many: US, Turkey, ISIS, and Israel?
2
P.S. Do we even know for sure that this attack even occurred?
So trump is moved by photos of Syrian children enough to denounce this barbaric act, but not moved enough by Sandy Hook to simply denounce those conspiracy theorists who deny it. Show him the pictures!
3
Before April 4 Donald Trump praised and expressed admiration for Bashar al-Assad.
Before April 4 Donald Trump was unconcerned about the atrocities occurring in Syria.
Before April 4 Donald Trump considered the children of Syria a threat.
Before April 4 Donald Trump was oblivious to the plight of civilians in Syria.
Before April 4 Donald Trump enabling Bashar al-Assad.
Go back to April 3 to see the real Donald Trump.
Before April 4 Donald Trump was unconcerned about the atrocities occurring in Syria.
Before April 4 Donald Trump considered the children of Syria a threat.
Before April 4 Donald Trump was oblivious to the plight of civilians in Syria.
Before April 4 Donald Trump enabling Bashar al-Assad.
Go back to April 3 to see the real Donald Trump.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Let's hope the egomaniac Donocchio doesn't get a real taste for using his big megalomaniac toys. There's nothing funny about it. DT was more interested in establishing himself as anti-Obama than as pro-Syrian children. This missile strike only makes sense if it ushers in prudent diplomacy in regard to Syria/Russia.
Two issues with djt's action. 1) It's not part of a larger Syrian strategy - it's thoughtless, knee-jerk. 2) If he REALLY cared about the beautiful children of Syria, he'd be more thoughtful about immigration and refugee policy.
3
Whenever a present-day combat veteran speaks to the issues of military action, whether General or GI, it's almost always the same message: war isn't just hell; it's the wrong answer. It's not what people imagine and it doesn't accomplish what it sets out to.
Responding to the chemical attack was necessary, though it's hard to see how shooting a child or an adult is acceptable and gassing one isn't.
We learned during Shock and Awe that military action is not a TV show; the bad guys don't just throw up their hands in surrender, "collateral damage" means more civilian men, women and children are murdered by the good guys, and evil leaders continue being evil no matter how many of their citizens suffer for it.
Nw, as we once again pursue the Shock-and-Awe non-strategy: do we trust a TV host to know the relative value of military action? A TV host's son-in-law? An oil company CEO? What are our generals, our military people saying about this action, and are they being paid attention to?
Responding to the chemical attack was necessary, though it's hard to see how shooting a child or an adult is acceptable and gassing one isn't.
We learned during Shock and Awe that military action is not a TV show; the bad guys don't just throw up their hands in surrender, "collateral damage" means more civilian men, women and children are murdered by the good guys, and evil leaders continue being evil no matter how many of their citizens suffer for it.
Nw, as we once again pursue the Shock-and-Awe non-strategy: do we trust a TV host to know the relative value of military action? A TV host's son-in-law? An oil company CEO? What are our generals, our military people saying about this action, and are they being paid attention to?
2
The Gulf of Tonkin, weapons of mass destruction and now Syria using chemical weapons in a manner that would only turn world opinion against the Assad government even further. what is wrong with this present day scenario? The British Government in discussing this incident qualifies its comment with the word "apparent."
Under the agreement with the Assad Government brokered by the U.S. and Russia inspectors have the right to investigate any violation of the agreement and use of chemical weapons. The difficulty is that any investigation requires the cooperation of the Assad Government and the various rebel factions battling it. A team of forensic experts need to be sent to the site with UN protection and provide an honest report. Otherwise, we will become engaged in another useless and unending war. For what end?
Under the agreement with the Assad Government brokered by the U.S. and Russia inspectors have the right to investigate any violation of the agreement and use of chemical weapons. The difficulty is that any investigation requires the cooperation of the Assad Government and the various rebel factions battling it. A team of forensic experts need to be sent to the site with UN protection and provide an honest report. Otherwise, we will become engaged in another useless and unending war. For what end?
just finished watching a Netflix Original Documentary, Five Came Back about five film makers who joined the services and filmed WWII footage: Capra, Huston, Ford, Wyler and Stevens.
quite providential considering this week's events. worth watching, very moving and often disturbing.
Tonight, the last of the series, covered the end of the war and included real footage of the Dachau Death Camp, horrifying.
I can't help but wonder if we had bombed German airstrips when Hitler was just ramping up if things would have been different.
I abhor violence, but I applaud Trump's response to Assad's gassing of his own citizens
quite providential considering this week's events. worth watching, very moving and often disturbing.
Tonight, the last of the series, covered the end of the war and included real footage of the Dachau Death Camp, horrifying.
I can't help but wonder if we had bombed German airstrips when Hitler was just ramping up if things would have been different.
I abhor violence, but I applaud Trump's response to Assad's gassing of his own citizens
Translated by google
"According to Russian means of objective control, only 23 missiles flew to the Syrian airbase. The place of the fall of the remaining 36 cruise missiles is unknown, "Tass quoted Konashenkov as saying.
According to Konashenkov, the Syrian Air Force lost six MiG-23 aircraft. "As a result of the attack, the warehouse of material and technical property, the educational building, the dining room, six Mig-23 aircraft in the repair hangars, as well as the radar station, were destroyed. The runway, taxiways and airplanes of the Syrian Air Force are not damaged in the parking lots, "the general quotes Interfax.
"According to Russian means of objective control, only 23 missiles flew to the Syrian airbase. The place of the fall of the remaining 36 cruise missiles is unknown, "Tass quoted Konashenkov as saying.
According to Konashenkov, the Syrian Air Force lost six MiG-23 aircraft. "As a result of the attack, the warehouse of material and technical property, the educational building, the dining room, six Mig-23 aircraft in the repair hangars, as well as the radar station, were destroyed. The runway, taxiways and airplanes of the Syrian Air Force are not damaged in the parking lots, "the general quotes Interfax.
In this same edition of the Times is an article, "C.I.A. Had Evidence of Russian Effort to Help Trump Earlier Than Believed"
By ERIC LICHTBLAU APRIL 6, 2017
Another day, another distraction.
This one cost you real money! Someone here posts that those missiles cost $1,400,000 each.
Please stay focused everyone.
1) Russian interference in US elections to favor Trump.
2) Trump's tax returns.
By ERIC LICHTBLAU APRIL 6, 2017
Another day, another distraction.
This one cost you real money! Someone here posts that those missiles cost $1,400,000 each.
Please stay focused everyone.
1) Russian interference in US elections to favor Trump.
2) Trump's tax returns.
2
This is just trash. The Russians had Missiles that could have intercepted the American ones, but did not.
It is evident they were warned in advance. Now they release utterly bogus condemnations of an attack they TACITLY endorsed.
The New York Times needs to be more expansive in their reporting of this effort to show an orchestrated distance between Russia and their favorite son, Donald Trump.
Thus far, the European media is doing a better job of assessing the true rationale for the action, Russian response, and the Trump strong man pose.
It is evident they were warned in advance. Now they release utterly bogus condemnations of an attack they TACITLY endorsed.
The New York Times needs to be more expansive in their reporting of this effort to show an orchestrated distance between Russia and their favorite son, Donald Trump.
Thus far, the European media is doing a better job of assessing the true rationale for the action, Russian response, and the Trump strong man pose.
3
I don't like this man at all - a disgrace to the office of the President. Having said that, however, I must say I was touched by Trump's very human response to the atrocities we all saw - men, women and especially children gasping for air, slowly and agonizingly suffocating to death. I support what he did - quickly and decisively - without a lot of hand-wringing and political indecision. It was the right thing to do at the time. When Obama and/or Congress chickened out in 2013, it only emboldened Assad, the same way Chamberlin emboldened Hitler in 1938. It shows Assad, Isis, Iran, North Korea and the rest of the world that the US is not a paper tiger, as many must have thought. This will also inure to the benefit of Israel as well if any Arab state, Isis or Hamas moves against it - that the U.S will stand by its ally with real bullets.
3
LOL. If Trump cured cancer, many of you would still find fault.
1
The man is a misogynist, what has he done in his entire life to help humanity? Zip.
So step up and take every single child and "baby" that is wandering, displaced by this Syrian regime, and allow them immediate safe harbor in the United States along with their parents. Oh- right. Those kids might be terrorists in the making. Not my President - ever.
13
Good for Trump. Swift, clear, crippling, preventive, moral.
Sophistication in defense is no virtue. Common sense in defense is no vice. (Apologies to Goldwater.)
Did it ever occur to leftist snobs that sophistication, doing the same ol same ol, specious reasoning instead of truth/critical thinking, & the belief that geopolitics can be "managed," are why we are 1 terrorist attack away from extinction?
“We will degrade & ultimately destroy ISIL” Obama puffed…& then proceeded—rather expensively—to do neither. "Ultimately" was a dead giveaway his true intention was simply to contain—manage—the threat, which was his original proffer. (The beheadings/resultant public outrage forced him to up the ante verbally, i.e., lie.)
But the "sophisticated" prez couldn't even do "containment." ISIS metastasized globally under his watch & his legacy-driven deal/secret side deals de facto nuclearized Iran, setting up a nuke arms race in entire insane, apocalyptic region intent on annihilating us—deals that IF OBEYED, give Iran nukes in a blink of an eye as they defeat the grim logic of MAD
Against the will of the people, Obama gave a mortal enemy devoted to our destruction the means to achieve that very end. This is anthropogenic interference of cataclysmic proportion & Obama owns it.
“I’ve been very clear that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch.”– Obama to T Friedman
The latest Paris brew / Terror infused w/ CO2. / Apocalyptists. Nukes. Fusion / Café au 'bama's delusion.
Sophistication in defense is no virtue. Common sense in defense is no vice. (Apologies to Goldwater.)
Did it ever occur to leftist snobs that sophistication, doing the same ol same ol, specious reasoning instead of truth/critical thinking, & the belief that geopolitics can be "managed," are why we are 1 terrorist attack away from extinction?
“We will degrade & ultimately destroy ISIL” Obama puffed…& then proceeded—rather expensively—to do neither. "Ultimately" was a dead giveaway his true intention was simply to contain—manage—the threat, which was his original proffer. (The beheadings/resultant public outrage forced him to up the ante verbally, i.e., lie.)
But the "sophisticated" prez couldn't even do "containment." ISIS metastasized globally under his watch & his legacy-driven deal/secret side deals de facto nuclearized Iran, setting up a nuke arms race in entire insane, apocalyptic region intent on annihilating us—deals that IF OBEYED, give Iran nukes in a blink of an eye as they defeat the grim logic of MAD
Against the will of the people, Obama gave a mortal enemy devoted to our destruction the means to achieve that very end. This is anthropogenic interference of cataclysmic proportion & Obama owns it.
“I’ve been very clear that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch.”– Obama to T Friedman
The latest Paris brew / Terror infused w/ CO2. / Apocalyptists. Nukes. Fusion / Café au 'bama's delusion.
2
it accomplished nothing
but for trump, accomplishing nothing is a step up
2
God for Trump, perhaps. But is it good for anyone else? No! Oh...except maybe Putin who has an excuse for further entrenchment in the Middle East....and perhaps Iran which can now easily argue it must increase its own spending on offensive weapons.
Speaking as what I assume you would perceive to be a leftist snob (aka an educated person not consumed solely with their own well being) does it occur to fascist warmongers like yourself that the actions taken last night were the "same ol' same ol'" as you fauxlksily write (or would with an understanding of apostrophes). Those are the actions that have landed us, as you believe, one terrorist attack away from extinction.
You and those of your ilk are the cause of the problems and, as ever, speciously seek to lay blame elsewhere.
Speaking as what I assume you would perceive to be a leftist snob (aka an educated person not consumed solely with their own well being) does it occur to fascist warmongers like yourself that the actions taken last night were the "same ol' same ol'" as you fauxlksily write (or would with an understanding of apostrophes). Those are the actions that have landed us, as you believe, one terrorist attack away from extinction.
You and those of your ilk are the cause of the problems and, as ever, speciously seek to lay blame elsewhere.
1
The ol' punctuation deflection. "Ol" happens to be an accepted idiomatic form. The vernacular is often degraded/reduced.
As to my comment about "leftist snob," it's not about education. It's about intolerance of diversity in its every aspect, including diversity of thought.
The "intelligentsia" and the klepto-plutocrats never took Trump seriously, but always took him literally. (Conversely, they always took Clinton (and Obama) seriously, but never literally, and therein lies the problem.)
The underlying error: the belief that one's virtuousness is determined by one's policy positions rather than whether one has a moral core. This compartmentalization spills toxicity into–corrupts–the culture.
If mere identification with good policies makes one virtuous then those policies become iconographic, i.e., they just represent virtuousness. They don't necessarily do virtuous things. If Clinton-Obama's semantic parsing strips meaning from our words, Clinton-Obama's iconographic policies strip meaning from our society, systematically deconstructing it as a democracy….
As to my comment about "leftist snob," it's not about education. It's about intolerance of diversity in its every aspect, including diversity of thought.
The "intelligentsia" and the klepto-plutocrats never took Trump seriously, but always took him literally. (Conversely, they always took Clinton (and Obama) seriously, but never literally, and therein lies the problem.)
The underlying error: the belief that one's virtuousness is determined by one's policy positions rather than whether one has a moral core. This compartmentalization spills toxicity into–corrupts–the culture.
If mere identification with good policies makes one virtuous then those policies become iconographic, i.e., they just represent virtuousness. They don't necessarily do virtuous things. If Clinton-Obama's semantic parsing strips meaning from our words, Clinton-Obama's iconographic policies strip meaning from our society, systematically deconstructing it as a democracy….
For goodness sake America give your President a chance...you are really becoming to be known as a bunch of sore losers.
Your own people elected him ...move on...if your not happy vote him out next time.
Your own people elected him ...move on...if your not happy vote him out next time.
3
You send your money and kids/grandkids, scarlett. Leave OURS out.
15
Scarlett, Please educate yourself about the America electorate before you send a post like this. Trump lost the popular vote by 3 million votes but won enough electoral college votes to assume the presidency. The majority of Americans who voted, voted against Trump. We did not want him because we understand what a fraud he is. This is our system of government, and freedom of speech, including speaking out against the president, is guaranteed by our Constitution. You're entitled to your opinion but don't make blanket statements about something you clearly don't understand.
3
Stop being so hysterical...accept he is your President. Of course I believe in freedom of speech but to the rest of the world those Americans that are against Trump are looking pathetic.
Move on...like I said if you live in a democracy vote him out in four years time.
Move on...like I said if you live in a democracy vote him out in four years time.
"1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;...
11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;"
Guess what? Number 11. is dead. Too many presidents have violated this one.
11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;"
Guess what? Number 11. is dead. Too many presidents have violated this one.
I really, really, really dislike Trump and what he has done domestically.
I have gone to marches, to town halls, and yes have neg posters about him...
Today I stand so strongly behind him for this exact UNILATERAL action.... undertaken with precision by the generals at his side. I am delighted that he did not await deliberating with the congressional circus more interested in nominating/fillibustering/grandstanding.... blahblahblah.
What Asaad did was horrible... what he did 4 years ago was even more so and congress did not have the moral turpitude to act when Obama asked them to.
If this escalates.... I am with him... if this involves invading Syria... with him.
If this involves warring with Russia.... still with him... Nuclear weapons.... still with him..... we are not looking for oil, we are not looking for territory, we are not looking for weapons of mass destruction.... we want the horror in Syria to stop. This is the only right reason for a war.
The armchair congressmen and senators need to act now... don't tell Trump he needs to ask them.... put your words into action.... tell him you are ready to support him, and authorize what is needed to fight the good fight. This is the only right reason for a war!
I have gone to marches, to town halls, and yes have neg posters about him...
Today I stand so strongly behind him for this exact UNILATERAL action.... undertaken with precision by the generals at his side. I am delighted that he did not await deliberating with the congressional circus more interested in nominating/fillibustering/grandstanding.... blahblahblah.
What Asaad did was horrible... what he did 4 years ago was even more so and congress did not have the moral turpitude to act when Obama asked them to.
If this escalates.... I am with him... if this involves invading Syria... with him.
If this involves warring with Russia.... still with him... Nuclear weapons.... still with him..... we are not looking for oil, we are not looking for territory, we are not looking for weapons of mass destruction.... we want the horror in Syria to stop. This is the only right reason for a war.
The armchair congressmen and senators need to act now... don't tell Trump he needs to ask them.... put your words into action.... tell him you are ready to support him, and authorize what is needed to fight the good fight. This is the only right reason for a war!
5
Don't believe you.
1
You will stand with Trump if he uses nuclear weapons? Perhap you need to read a quote from Einstein:
“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”
“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”
As a Trump supporter, I find this deeply upsetting. I wanted isolationism, not more Obama-Bush-Clinton interventionism, a rat hole from which the US has yet to emerge in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dead children gassed to death are a horrifying sight, but they're just as dead as kids in Yemen who were blown up with conventional weapons from the US. They're just as dead as the thousands of Syrian kids killed with artillery and mortars. The only difference? Intact corpses make for more compelling photos than ones blown to smithereens. Political operatives know this, so they use moments of high emotion like this one to further their agendas.
Never forget that Syria was long ago targeted by the Neocon movement for destruction because it posed a threat to Israel. What we're now seeing, I'm sad to say, is the continuation of business as usual under Obama and Bush II. Let's hope Trump comes to his senses and stops the "killing them for their own good" policies of Obama-Bush.
Never forget that Syria was long ago targeted by the Neocon movement for destruction because it posed a threat to Israel. What we're now seeing, I'm sad to say, is the continuation of business as usual under Obama and Bush II. Let's hope Trump comes to his senses and stops the "killing them for their own good" policies of Obama-Bush.
2
So does Trump now suddenly care for all the Syrian babies? The ones carried by their fleeing parents to other countries to escape the violence? Or just the ones gassed this week? I want to think positively but it is too difficult with a so-called president. He sure doesn't care for poor American children with his so-called health care bill that thankfully was defeated.
10
Another campaign promise to the base. Make America Great. Go to war.
7
Trump loses Devin Nunes - his "mole" in the investigation into his Russian ties - so he decides to drop some bombs in Syria as a diversion. We're being conned again by our Con-man in Chief. That's why this story is at the top of the page and the investigation is way, way, way down the page.
11
Exactly! Diversions. Deflection.
I just want to know what Trump's end game is. He does so much that is fly by the seat of his pants, which might have allowed him to get by in NY real estate, but now we're talking potential war.
Was this a gut reaction to pictures of 'beautiful babies' suffering under gas masks?
Was this a reaction to a 35% approval rating?
Was this something that McMaster or Mattis have pushed (in which case, what is THEIR end game?)
How does Trump plan to follow this up? From day to day we don't know which angel-cum-devil sits on his shoulder. Will he listen to Bannon one day and then Kushner the next?
The potential for escalation and getting stuck in the quagmire of war is so great. George W Bush got us into 2 wars and its taken all of Obama's presidency to get us out as far as we have. Do we want to get sucked back in to something that may be another 10-20 year conflict? Yes, the image of children suffering under a gas attack is horrendous, but we can't charge in there blindly to avenge them without a plan, because so much more pain, suffering and problems can be unnecessarily caused this way. Moreover, if ground troops are committed, we need to be clear about what the US objectives are. Obama may have been too cautious, but he always had well defined objectives. With Trump, even a well defined starting objective may be easily ad libbed into WWIII. And don't say that wouldn't happen. We should all have learned after Nov 9 to never say never.
Was this a gut reaction to pictures of 'beautiful babies' suffering under gas masks?
Was this a reaction to a 35% approval rating?
Was this something that McMaster or Mattis have pushed (in which case, what is THEIR end game?)
How does Trump plan to follow this up? From day to day we don't know which angel-cum-devil sits on his shoulder. Will he listen to Bannon one day and then Kushner the next?
The potential for escalation and getting stuck in the quagmire of war is so great. George W Bush got us into 2 wars and its taken all of Obama's presidency to get us out as far as we have. Do we want to get sucked back in to something that may be another 10-20 year conflict? Yes, the image of children suffering under a gas attack is horrendous, but we can't charge in there blindly to avenge them without a plan, because so much more pain, suffering and problems can be unnecessarily caused this way. Moreover, if ground troops are committed, we need to be clear about what the US objectives are. Obama may have been too cautious, but he always had well defined objectives. With Trump, even a well defined starting objective may be easily ad libbed into WWIII. And don't say that wouldn't happen. We should all have learned after Nov 9 to never say never.
In 3rd grade I had a crush on a boy. When my crush was made public, I dealt the object of my affection a swift punch to the stomach as "proof" that there was no crush. I cannot help but feel that Trump is the 3rd grade me in this situation, with Putin as the boy, and our strike on Syria the punch to the stomach.
3
How Ironic that the part of the world where civilizations most probably arose is the most unstable part of the world. The middle east instability has been going on for centuries. Diplomacy is the answer and is a long term project. Is Trump and his administration up for continuing the job? Somehow I doubt it.
2
There is no direct evidence showing that the Syrian government carried out this attack. Why on earth will the government use such a controversial and ineffective weapon? If it really wanted to kill civilians, the Syrian government would use weapons that are much more effective. I am not saying that it is right to kill, I am simply saying that we should determine who is behind this attack. It is possible that the rebels did it to gain an upper hand in garnering support from the Western governments.
3
As President Trump likes to say, there are many bad actors in the Middle East region (and neighboring super powers.) The missile attack on the Syrian airfield was long overdue. It would have been better targeting Assad's own backyard but one must be grateful for small mercies. It was a dangerous exercise admittedly but someone had to put Assad on notice that his brutality will not be tolerated. As for the Russians and Iranians, maybe they will think twice about ratcheting up the turmoil in that region. And maybe they won't. We will see sooner or later. So, be prepared America.
1
While trump blames Obama’s red line inaction, could trump’s recent comment that removing assad was no longer a US priority have emboldened assad , which lead to the horrific chemical attack a few days ago?
5
Or was the traitor just making more mindless, blundering statements? Statements that gave putin an idea about how to simultaneously put Assad in jeopardy (and potentially a reason for russia to bail on Syria), and give cover to our traitor, and a major distraction from the russia investigations?
It is not clear, or proven that gas attack was actually from Assad, but that wouldn't matter to putin.
It is not clear, or proven that gas attack was actually from Assad, but that wouldn't matter to putin.
2
On what legal basis do we have the right to drop bombs on the government facilities of a foreign nation that has not declared war on us or attacked us in any way?
Yes, what Assad (probably) did is horrendous and he should be punished. But that doesn't answer my question.
Yes, what Assad (probably) did is horrendous and he should be punished. But that doesn't answer my question.
Remember the US silence when Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons in its war with Iran
Remember the US silence when women and children died in the recent SEAL attack in Yemen
Remember the US silence when women and children died in the building collapse as a result of our recent bombing
Remember the US silence when Yemeni women and children die as a result of the Saudi use of American-supplied munitions
Are they any less dead because the cause was not chemical weapons?
Finally, please explain to me the 'vital US national security interest" that was at stake in THIS situation.
Remember the US silence when women and children died in the recent SEAL attack in Yemen
Remember the US silence when women and children died in the building collapse as a result of our recent bombing
Remember the US silence when Yemeni women and children die as a result of the Saudi use of American-supplied munitions
Are they any less dead because the cause was not chemical weapons?
Finally, please explain to me the 'vital US national security interest" that was at stake in THIS situation.
10
The way to "Make America Great Again" is not by involving ourselves in yet another Middle East conflict. Give the neighboring countries the opportunity to solve any problems in their region. Notice I wrote "their region." I do not think the like the idea of the Great Satan interfering in their affairs.
Does Donald Trump have compassion for the victims of the atrocious nerve gas assault on innocent Syrian civilians or is the attack a deflection from the alleged meddling of Russian interference in the U.S. elections? Where is Trump on the humanitarian crisis in Africa? What is Trump doing to alleviate the hunger as a result of the famine in various African countries? Hundreds of millions for bombs and only crumbs to alleviate hunger! What hypocrisy!
How in the heck are all of you supporting an unbalanced president firing missiles at Syria or any country without Congressional approval? The Republican's strategic plan of boasting Trump's approval rating while launching another distraction with his involvement with Russia is working.
Trump's speech (reading from a prompter while the President of China is in the next room with his family) from his Mar-a-Lago estate, complete with podium, patriotic blue draped background and bookend American flags was a dictator's dream come true. America needs to wake up before Trump and administration create WWIII.
Trump's speech (reading from a prompter while the President of China is in the next room with his family) from his Mar-a-Lago estate, complete with podium, patriotic blue draped background and bookend American flags was a dictator's dream come true. America needs to wake up before Trump and administration create WWIII.
One illegitimate president supported by Russians launches missiles at another illegitimate president supported by Russians after the latter attacks his own citizens. The former attacks his own citizens too, if more subtly and - so far - less lethally. The common threads are violence and Russians.
3
We are very good at starting war we cannot finish. The United States should not be sending missiles and false hope to Syrians. It should allow Syrian refugees. But Trump won by proposing to "ban these Syrian beautiful babies". So spare me the fake outrage.
11
Cost of launching 59 Tomahawk missiles
$95 Million
National Endowment for the Arts 2016 Appropriation
$148 Million
In one day Trump spent 64% of the NEA annual budget he plans to eliminate, to send Assad a message.
$95 Million
National Endowment for the Arts 2016 Appropriation
$148 Million
In one day Trump spent 64% of the NEA annual budget he plans to eliminate, to send Assad a message.
When innocent children and families are being destroyed by dictators and heartless evil barbarians whose only interest is accruing wealth, power and "the cleansing", it would be really cool if people would stop the constant "he said, she said" rhetoric. While kids are getting gassed "you" just want to be right. I am so weary of this useless, unproductive sentiment that continues to divide our world. Everyone looks the same with a helmet on. Please, let's work together to restore humanity, it is in all our best interests. Looking forward to hearing from the rest of the civilized nations on Syria, a collabrative effort sends a much stronger message.
1
What a nightmare. It is worth noting that Hillary Clinton is applauding this obscene escalation. Every sane person in the country needs to get into the streets to protest this. If there isn't a protest organized in your town or city tomorrow, put out the call yourself. Don't wait for the Democrats to lead the resistance to this reckless war making either. Most of them will probably join Clinton in cheerleading it.
1
Not me!
Trump needs the intelligence agencies to find out where those deadly chemicals are stored and produced, then they need to also be bombed.
Meanwhile, why was it necessary to tip his idol, Putin, off so that he could give Assad a heads-up on what's coming? So much for surprise...
Meanwhile, why was it necessary to tip his idol, Putin, off so that he could give Assad a heads-up on what's coming? So much for surprise...
1
"Why Mr Assad chose to order such a strike now, at a time when his domestic position looked unassailable and just days after the Trump administration signalled it had accepted the reality of his rule, is something of a mystery." So said one talking head. A very valid point.
The only question that will answer "who is responsible" is to see who has the most to gain. Certainly not Assad, but probably one of the belligerents or a benefactor country of one of the belligerents. Take your pick.The outrage produced the desired result. So Trump bombs Assad ignoring the normal decision making process of learning, evaluating, and then deciding. Any other order of action results in chaos.
So what are the consequences: Trump demonstrates he is a "man of action" and gets favorable reviews, ISIS and the fractious US supported rebels get a boost when they were clearly losing, the embarrassment of Trump's Russian relationship fades into the background and the Russians get a lesson.
European leaders, nod their heads in agreement and assume the moral high ground. But as Pontius Pilate reflected "What is Truth?" before turning away.
The only question that will answer "who is responsible" is to see who has the most to gain. Certainly not Assad, but probably one of the belligerents or a benefactor country of one of the belligerents. Take your pick.The outrage produced the desired result. So Trump bombs Assad ignoring the normal decision making process of learning, evaluating, and then deciding. Any other order of action results in chaos.
So what are the consequences: Trump demonstrates he is a "man of action" and gets favorable reviews, ISIS and the fractious US supported rebels get a boost when they were clearly losing, the embarrassment of Trump's Russian relationship fades into the background and the Russians get a lesson.
European leaders, nod their heads in agreement and assume the moral high ground. But as Pontius Pilate reflected "What is Truth?" before turning away.
1
This is so sad. Trump is being suckered into another mideast conflict. Where are neighbors of Syria and what are they doing?
I fear more loss of American life in a country and region that hates our guts. How many more will become anti-American from this latest attack by the US.
Did Syria send troops to the American Civil War? I do not recall.
I fear more loss of American life in a country and region that hates our guts. How many more will become anti-American from this latest attack by the US.
Did Syria send troops to the American Civil War? I do not recall.
1
The sad thing is, he'll get praise for this from the right. But we always knew he knew how to drop bombs.
If only he'd known how to keep his stupid mouth shut about leaving Assad in power, effectively giving him permission to stage another gas attack.
Yes, he'll get praise for this, but it's the Iraq war all over again: belligerence on top of incompetence, with no day-after plan.
If only he'd known how to keep his stupid mouth shut about leaving Assad in power, effectively giving him permission to stage another gas attack.
Yes, he'll get praise for this, but it's the Iraq war all over again: belligerence on top of incompetence, with no day-after plan.
4
Does this mean Trump is going to revisit the ban on Syrian refugees? He's so heartbroken and horrified about the chemical attacks that he will bomb Syria but giving the victims safe refuge and sanctuary here in the US is out of the question. Got it. What a brave, benevolent leader Trump is.
4
Sorry - no war, mr. T. Diplomacy, sanctions, and whatever creative things bright minds can come up with (you will have to hire a few bright minds), but but no boots on the ground. Yes, it's a lot more complicated than you thought. Yes, you should have been doing your homework and getting your briefings. But our sons and daughters must not be sent. Ultimately, unless one completely crushes an enemy, things must be sorted out, must be negotiated. So don't wait.
1
I am so tired of reading these comments from uninformed people about Obama. Obama tried to get Congressional approval for military action in Syria. He was voted down. Not only by Reps who voted against anything he wanted, but by Dems too. I remember reading comments from Congressmen about how they were receiving 1,000's of calls, emails, 99% against going into Syria. I watched CSPAN & every call was against it. I was against it then & I still am. What is the point? Who can replace Assad? We tried arming rebel groups very early on & our weapons just ended up in ISIS hands. Some commenters here don't understand that Assad, as well as the Iranians, Russians, & The U.S. are all fighting against ISIS. And the terrorist group is not growing. It has been greatly diminished in Syria & Iraq. Their money & weapons much harder to come by. This is a very complicated situation. You can remove Assad, that's easy, then what? Leave the country in whose hands? It would be worse than it is. This has always been the dilemma.
Also to those who say this is a warning to N Korea. If we ever struck N Korea they would retaliate by destroying South Korea & Japan. They certainly have the capacity to do that, before we wiped them off the map.
Now we find out The Russians were contacted before the strike tonight. They probably told Assad. So what was the point. To destroy an airfield? So many writing here just want us to drop bombs. We have killed many children with our bombs, that's OK?
Orange,NJ
Also to those who say this is a warning to N Korea. If we ever struck N Korea they would retaliate by destroying South Korea & Japan. They certainly have the capacity to do that, before we wiped them off the map.
Now we find out The Russians were contacted before the strike tonight. They probably told Assad. So what was the point. To destroy an airfield? So many writing here just want us to drop bombs. We have killed many children with our bombs, that's OK?
Orange,NJ
4
Not a Trump supporter at all, and believe most of his supporters are indeed deplorables.
That said, I commend Trump on the TLAM strike and its scope - not enough to create a vacuum for the most radical Islamists, but enough to send a message of American resolve.
It will help in Syria/Iraq, with North Korea's Kim Jung-un, and with China's Xi Jinping.
That said, I commend Trump on the TLAM strike and its scope - not enough to create a vacuum for the most radical Islamists, but enough to send a message of American resolve.
It will help in Syria/Iraq, with North Korea's Kim Jung-un, and with China's Xi Jinping.
Let's not forget about the investigation about Russia's meddling into the US elections. I find it weird that days after they said Assad should stay in power, he gases more civilians. I smell another smoke and mirror exercise orchestrated by Kremlin.
3
Do we really have to rush right to war, with no understanding or planning for the consequences, just because the idiot in the White House, who thinks the beginning and end of all military doctrine is surprise attack, might be embarrassed by some of the incoherently belligerent things he said yesterday after all the stupidly dismissive things he said in the months and years before?
I'm confused. If Comrade Trump desired the "element of surprise", why did we give the Russians a warning of what we were about to do? Perhaps they in turn "warned" Assad?
What a hypocrite Trump is. He promised throughout his campaign to keep us out of Syria. Now he goes back on his word and drags us into another useless war. And he didn't even bother to seek approval from Congress before doing it. I foresee a creeping ground war in Syria. I pray that the war does not lead to a war with Russia.
1
So much for America First !
Is this new guy in the White House leading us into a war over a country and people the world has already emphatically said by inaction, for five years, and you yourself, that nothing there is worth fighting over ... honestly, Mr. Trump, in the scheme of things - a dead Syrian baby from a gas attack is equal to a dead Syrian baby from a bombing which is equal to a dead Syrian baby from a chlorine attack.
For Christ sake --- FIVE YEARS BABIES HAVE BEEN DYING !
Before God and country, tell us Mr. Trump, ... why is it NOW that you "found religion?"
Is this new guy in the White House leading us into a war over a country and people the world has already emphatically said by inaction, for five years, and you yourself, that nothing there is worth fighting over ... honestly, Mr. Trump, in the scheme of things - a dead Syrian baby from a gas attack is equal to a dead Syrian baby from a bombing which is equal to a dead Syrian baby from a chlorine attack.
For Christ sake --- FIVE YEARS BABIES HAVE BEEN DYING !
Before God and country, tell us Mr. Trump, ... why is it NOW that you "found religion?"
2
I am having truly mixed feelings about this. It seems like an impulsive, unilateral response. I know the Syrian people need our help, but what's the long range plan, now that force has been introduced? What happens next? We have troops on the ground in Syria already fighting ISIS. This is a president who has consistently insisted we stay out, and refuses to help refugees, and now feels compelled to act in a very aggressive manner. I'm confused. Assad has been killing his people for months, years. We still don't know the extent of DT's involvement with Russia. Obama tried to get Congress take a stand, and get their permission to use force, but they wouldn't. Call me skeptical, but I simply don't trust this president. He is after all a serial liar who dislikes transparency. Come on NYT, please get to the bottom of this.
2
No no no no. Trump has been dragged into the war mentality that is US foreign policy. Now that's the deep state.
Realize the price that will be exacted, DT. The proof it was Assad is like the proof Colin Powell gave at UN of WMD.
Just say NO.
Realize the price that will be exacted, DT. The proof it was Assad is like the proof Colin Powell gave at UN of WMD.
Just say NO.
How many "beautiful babies" and other assorted civilians were killed during the recent US airstrike in Iraq?
And what happened to "not telling our enemies what we were going to do"?
“Russian forces were notified in advance of the strike using the established deconfliction line,” said Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman. “Military planners took precautions to minimize risk to Russian or Syrian personnel located at the airfield.”
Hmmm, I guess they are his allies - and lets face it we don't need to start a war over Bashar - but the Syrians? We needed to minimize their loss of life? Listen to that bloated Paper Tiger. He's so excited he finally got to use the military. Best night of his life.
And what happened to "not telling our enemies what we were going to do"?
“Russian forces were notified in advance of the strike using the established deconfliction line,” said Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman. “Military planners took precautions to minimize risk to Russian or Syrian personnel located at the airfield.”
Hmmm, I guess they are his allies - and lets face it we don't need to start a war over Bashar - but the Syrians? We needed to minimize their loss of life? Listen to that bloated Paper Tiger. He's so excited he finally got to use the military. Best night of his life.
He didn’t tell us, but there were no casualties because he told them ahead what he was going to do. No Russians, Syrians or Iranians are collected for war crimes. Advance notice means nothing on wheels or wings was damaged. It compromised US ability to capture Russian and Iranian targets in the event a military intervention is indicated in the future. So, it was a $100M publicity stunt that is part of no short- or long-term strategic initiative. Got it.
It would be interesting to know WHO sold the Syrians chemical weapons. Let's also bomb the chemical weapons factories and jail the arms merchants.
How about showing the syrian victims of ISIS and rebel attacks? This "gas attack" did not happen. The Syrian Air Force hit legitimate targets of enemy combatants. The real criminals are the rebels / ISIS who stored chemical and gas knowing full well they would get hit by an air strike and cause fatalities. Not the US and Israel are using this fake attack as a prelude to invade or bomb Syria. Will the media show the 100s or possibly 1000s of victims the US coalition will create in the false flag attack on a sovereign nation. The US command and weapons manufacturers now have a stooge as president which is easy to fool. Where is the balanced reporting? Russia clearly stated the the gas/chemicals were hit by a legitimate air strike against the terrorists but none to very little Western Media coverage.
Hillary Clinton called for the very same strikes this morning, so please stop with the knee-jerk partisanship:
From Reuters:
"I think we should have been more willing to confront Assad," Clinton said in the interview, conducted by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.
"I really believe we should have and still should take out his air fields and prevent him from being able to use them to bomb innocent people and drop sarin gas on them."
From Reuters:
"I think we should have been more willing to confront Assad," Clinton said in the interview, conducted by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.
"I really believe we should have and still should take out his air fields and prevent him from being able to use them to bomb innocent people and drop sarin gas on them."
1
Although illegal, this strike will cause Russia to talk faster and deny. That's it.
1. Don't for one minute think that Trump is in charge.
2. The plans for the strike have probably been sitting in a vault under the title of "Where to hit if Syria uses WMDs again."
3. There are only 2 small villages in the vicinity of the base. (This was reported last night by a military person who had been there).
4. Also reported, there were maybe 12 - 15 planes there IF in fact there were NOT in their hardened bunkers.
5. This was "putting soap in a bad child's mouth".
When Israel bombed a nuclear facility in Pakistan everyone went apeship publicly and smiled privately. Russia has no more control of Assad then China has control of NK.
1. Don't for one minute think that Trump is in charge.
2. The plans for the strike have probably been sitting in a vault under the title of "Where to hit if Syria uses WMDs again."
3. There are only 2 small villages in the vicinity of the base. (This was reported last night by a military person who had been there).
4. Also reported, there were maybe 12 - 15 planes there IF in fact there were NOT in their hardened bunkers.
5. This was "putting soap in a bad child's mouth".
When Israel bombed a nuclear facility in Pakistan everyone went apeship publicly and smiled privately. Russia has no more control of Assad then China has control of NK.
1
This is a distraction to create a strong man, image instead of the growing narrative of one compromised by Russia.
This attack, I would wager, was shared with Putin in some way. Now, we wait for synchronized drama from Putin to confuse the issue with a fabricated outrage against the "surprising" attack.
This is terrible.
This attack, I would wager, was shared with Putin in some way. Now, we wait for synchronized drama from Putin to confuse the issue with a fabricated outrage against the "surprising" attack.
This is terrible.
1
This is a tried and true strategy for presidents who are unpopular domestically: divert attention by starting a war against a foreign power. What better target than the evil Bashar al-Assad. Will the American people support this? I fear we will watch his popularity ratings rise. And consider what happens next if he is successful. We'll be in a state of perpetual war. Now we see why he wanted a big increase in the Defense Department's budget. He intends to use it.
And the final irony, he's happy to bomb Syria but forget about letting Syrian refugees into the US. We're going to be a nation of warriors, not humanitarians.
And the final irony, he's happy to bomb Syria but forget about letting Syrian refugees into the US. We're going to be a nation of warriors, not humanitarians.
2
An imbecile who will, as predicted, fall backwards into war because of his callous ignorance and complete lack of understanding of anything needed to be a successful president.
He wanted to look "tough" and divert attention from his treason investigation. Blowing up a few random things - an order probably given between overcooked cheap steaks and the fruit cup at his gold painted Howard Johnsons in Palm Beach- fit the ticket. Who cares about the repercussions, right?
He wanted to look "tough" and divert attention from his treason investigation. Blowing up a few random things - an order probably given between overcooked cheap steaks and the fruit cup at his gold painted Howard Johnsons in Palm Beach- fit the ticket. Who cares about the repercussions, right?
2
Which type of tomahawk was used? The single bomb or the cluster bomb type?
1
How is it that 3 years ago when President Obama was talking about intervening in Syria that private citizen Trump was dead set against it and ripped anyone who suggested that the US ought to do so on humanitarian grounds as weak and ill informed? And after helping kick out the one responsible for the horrific Lockerbie bombing, the bloody dictator Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, Trump referred to our then President as reckless and the venture, "Not helpful"?
Just what is different, 600,000 thousand Syrian lives later? I think the answer is as plain as the threat of Congress seeking a Special Prosecuter to investigate a now President Trump Trump's involvement in the Russian Hacker Gate Scandal.....Change the subject.
Just what is different, 600,000 thousand Syrian lives later? I think the answer is as plain as the threat of Congress seeking a Special Prosecuter to investigate a now President Trump Trump's involvement in the Russian Hacker Gate Scandal.....Change the subject.
18
Please, birddog. Are you trying to suggest that anything The Con Don does is "normal"?
The Top 1% Global Financial Elite want WW3 to consolidate their power and steal even more of the wealth of the world. War is money.
RESIST. OBSTRUCT. Do not let them start WW3. Do not let them kill OUR children, grandchildren and future children in their bloody power battles.
Not now. Not ever again.
The Top 1% Global Financial Elite want WW3 to consolidate their power and steal even more of the wealth of the world. War is money.
RESIST. OBSTRUCT. Do not let them start WW3. Do not let them kill OUR children, grandchildren and future children in their bloody power battles.
Not now. Not ever again.
2
Well it depends on which NYT article or news source you choose to read... one says he was against and another says he was for - and that is just NYT articles.
The same impulsiveness that Trump displays in his tweets is displayed here in USA military action. **This should have involved the UN and UN forces.**
6
Ya, so that 10 years from now some resolution would be introduced and vetoed by some Security Council member. That will teach Assad.
God bless Donald Trump. Despite all his boorishness and his crassness. Today he is on the side of angels. Today, the United States reclaims its role as the leading defender of human rights and human dignity.
4
The fault for the US response, which is overdue, lies entirely with Assad and his Russian backers. Is it not the case that Assad was meant to have surrendered his chemical weapons stockpile already? The civilised world should not stand by and allow VX gas to be used on ANYONE. Yes, what's the difference in what kills you, a bomb, a bullet, nerve gas, but nerve gas is a threat to everyone, everywhere. I hope they blow up Assad's entire air force and hit a chemical weapons warehouse that just happens to be located next to door to his place, too. Then, maybe, Assad will come to the table, the Russians will come to the table, and there will be an end to this horror. Well done, America.
If Obama did this, I'd have to say that I would be OK with it if the following were also true:
1- There was an agreement between Russia, Iran and the U.S.: NO chemical weapons usage by Assad
2- U.S. views recent chemical attack by Assad on civilians as a horrific violation of the agreement
3- This is a targeted warning
4- Russians were warned throughout the day
5- Russians have the ability to shoot our missiles down. the did not do so
I can't stand Trump. And this might just be a cynical diversion on his part. But let's separate our feelings from what is happening.
1- There was an agreement between Russia, Iran and the U.S.: NO chemical weapons usage by Assad
2- U.S. views recent chemical attack by Assad on civilians as a horrific violation of the agreement
3- This is a targeted warning
4- Russians were warned throughout the day
5- Russians have the ability to shoot our missiles down. the did not do so
I can't stand Trump. And this might just be a cynical diversion on his part. But let's separate our feelings from what is happening.
"I really believe we should have and still should take out his air fields and prevent him from being able to use them to bomb innocent people and drop sarin gas on them."
-- Hillary Clinton earlier today
And Trump informed Russia (thus Assad) what he was going to do, telling the enemy of our plans before carrying them out, just like he complained about President Obama doing.
So if you like this action by Trump, just remember it's exactly what Hillary would have done.
-- Hillary Clinton earlier today
And Trump informed Russia (thus Assad) what he was going to do, telling the enemy of our plans before carrying them out, just like he complained about President Obama doing.
So if you like this action by Trump, just remember it's exactly what Hillary would have done.
While I have been and still am very concerned about many of Trump's policies (most notably those on the environment and his attacks on the press and the judicial system) here I think that the US president would not have any other option facing the evident attempt to probe his willingness to act as a puppet of Putin. Assad carried out this heinous crime with the understanding that it would not have had consequence. It was a bad gamble. Clearly Putin thought that he could play cards with the US presidential election. But he is not used to the complexity of the political game in a democratic system. In Russia he can openly kill journalists and dictate every move without difficulties. Here, even the president (and even one as incompetent like Trump) must deal day in and day out with many voices and constraints. Lacking such experience, It is no surprise that Putin miscalculated his own game.
1
SM, you took everything the whitehouse and media is throwing out there at strictly face value, than you projected what you think Putin is thinking and what his "game" is. Ugh.
Not sure what you see coming from the white house or the media in what I wrote. Or are you one of those that take at face value everything that RT broadcasts and would like to dispute that the gas attack occurred or that it was carried out by Assad? Nobody seems to dispute that the gas attack happened. The only thing in tenuous question is whether it was Assad or the rebels. But the gas apparently dropped from the air and the rebels do not seem to have an air force. So, the the attempt to blame the victims here looks a bit tenuous. On the other hand it was not long ago that Assad declared that Trump was a natural ally of his. It seems reasonable for him to expect that nothing would have happened.
I guess I just don't get it. Beautiful children are killed in Syria, and America attacks the planes that carried out the mission. Beautiful children die in America (Sandyhook did happen Mr. President) and Americans refuse to attack the guns that kill them. What has to happen here to get us "beyond a red line"?
See thats the difference between having a president instead of a community organizer in charge.
We support U.S. President Trump in this targeted military strike and hope it will cause Syrian President Assad to retire. This war has gone on long enough and too many have been killed.
1
This has been American problem for a long time. The US is blamed by some for interfering in other countries, and is also blamed by some for not coming in to clean up the mess in other countries. I don't know what it will take? Can't have it both ways! This fiasco in Syria, unfortunately, is a result from the US stupid actions in the region before. Now, after trying to stay away, US is back in, this time going after the murderer of his own people, and some will object to that too. So, all you so righteous commentators, what would you do, and why?
1
Why would anyone believe this administration? Bush lied about WMDs? why wouldn't 45 look for ways to boost his pathetic polls and start a bloody war? I am very distraught about what happened here but for a president to pronounce disdain upon members of the intelligence community, in the manner that he has, and then buy into intelligence reports that can't possibly be that accurate...well, I'm just not able to buying into this logic or any of these scenarios.
4
Where was congress and the people on this most recent military action?
Who exactly is in charge?
While a dictator is in his finest hour bombing perps of a gas attack, to do so without control and consent from a civilian government is as terrifying as the gas attack.
Congress must recover their senses and regain control of the Commander and his generals to design a long term plan with an achievable goal beyond emotional short term knee jerk reactions.
The survival of America is at stake here to and a tweeter-in-chief controlling the most powerful military on the planet without control and consent of the people through congress is our worst nightmare, pale by comparison even to yet another grizzly attack on civilians by a military dictator in the Mid East.
Wake up America!
Who exactly is in charge?
While a dictator is in his finest hour bombing perps of a gas attack, to do so without control and consent from a civilian government is as terrifying as the gas attack.
Congress must recover their senses and regain control of the Commander and his generals to design a long term plan with an achievable goal beyond emotional short term knee jerk reactions.
The survival of America is at stake here to and a tweeter-in-chief controlling the most powerful military on the planet without control and consent of the people through congress is our worst nightmare, pale by comparison even to yet another grizzly attack on civilians by a military dictator in the Mid East.
Wake up America!
6
A good thought, but I'm not sure that a long term plan with achievable goals is something Congress is capable of these days. I'm impressed simply when they find a way to keep the lights on at Capitol Hill, forget navigating the intricate streams of foreign policy with President Trump at the helm.
Go ahead and wag the dog, Donald. Maybe we will forget all your other behavior that way. right? You're going to need to wag it real hard though.
If the U.S. Warned Russia prior to the missile launch- can't we assume that Russia warned Syria? Could this be Trump taking advantage of the emotional tide surrounding the sarin attack- in much the same way he co- opted the grief of a War widow? Is it possible The sarin was originally provided to Syria by Russia? Is it possible Putin and Trump are colluding to divert attention from the current investigations by staging the "attack" to portray Trump as opposed to Russia to bolster the notion that there was no collusion during the election? Most importantly- does this mean our refugee policy towards Syria will change?
1
Surprised to see Putin's spokesman voice disappointment with the way Trump is working out. Buyer's remorse? Can they return him to the store and exchange him for a different purchase?
A successful public relations act by Trump who was given his chance by the supremely stupid gas attack made by Assad. But Trump, ignorant as he is, like so many others, do not have a clue about what is going on in the middle east. After about half a million dead, millions of refugees and a country destroyed almost to the ground, the people who live in the area are still motivated, as ever, by a clannish culture, ancient religious grudges and Byzantine local and regional power plays. As long as Iran and Russia are willing to support Assad to the last Syrian, the war will continue. The moment they stop Assad will fall and hell will break loose as hundreds of all-stripe militias, criminal gangs, religious loonies, opportunists and others who forgot, if ever knew, what this war is all about will continue the fight, fueled by Sunni Arabian-Peninsula states on the one hand, Shia Iran, who will never give up on it's interest, on the other and the usual horde of profiteers who always know that there is a bundle to be made where people kill each other.
1
And exactly how has our just killing more people helping?
This is insanity.
This is insanity.
3
And so it begins... "God" help us all.
6
Bravo!
1
While the President meets and dines with the staunchest ally North Korea has, he crosses the previous President's 'red line' after first warning Russia he's coming with missiles. Neither does he take out Syrian airstrips. This after giving Assad a 'pass' only days earlier. None of this is what it seems to be, not to me.
3
Bold and decisive, or just emotional and imprudent?
The US is now at war with Syria!
In for a penny, in for a pound. No going back and saying we were just sending a you a strong message.
Also no more US led coalition forces free overflight in pursuit of ISIS.
Syria has significant and very sophisticated ground based anti-aircraft defenses (Russian made and supplied and in some cases manned). That capability now must be considered hostile and aimed at what have unquestionably become invasive enemy aircraft.
Many implications yet to be revealed.
The US is now at war with Syria!
In for a penny, in for a pound. No going back and saying we were just sending a you a strong message.
Also no more US led coalition forces free overflight in pursuit of ISIS.
Syria has significant and very sophisticated ground based anti-aircraft defenses (Russian made and supplied and in some cases manned). That capability now must be considered hostile and aimed at what have unquestionably become invasive enemy aircraft.
Many implications yet to be revealed.
Good move by the US... Bravo!! Seems President Trump has been getting things right in the past two weeks.
He got it right.
He had an emotional reaction to the horror.
He convened his advisors, asked for options, asked questions about the options. Narrowed that down to two and then one. And followed through. Among his advisors were the intelligence groups and he listened to them. And respected their opinion.
He's gotten a taste of how foreign policy should be done.
He's going up the learning curve. Who knew?
All he has to do now is get rid of Bannon and is son-in-law......
He had an emotional reaction to the horror.
He convened his advisors, asked for options, asked questions about the options. Narrowed that down to two and then one. And followed through. Among his advisors were the intelligence groups and he listened to them. And respected their opinion.
He's gotten a taste of how foreign policy should be done.
He's going up the learning curve. Who knew?
All he has to do now is get rid of Bannon and is son-in-law......
This is another illegal war! It should have been approved by the Congress. Assad poisons Syrian children. Are we doing better in US? Children dying everyday from gun violence. Wrong place to intervene. Easy. Against all international rules and conventions. A replay of our catastrophic Iraq invasion under another President without a clue about the political situation in Middle East.
Is the Sarin Gas of the same composition as gas used years ago in Syria, and can such a gas chemically be sourced because of signatures in it's composition?
Can it be sourced to Russia, only the Mossad knows for sure.
Can all of this have been a Putin setup, from the supply of the gas to the dropping of it and target selection? To give T a boost and derail the Russia investigation. Suggesting the target selection to give Don his mojo back.
Small price to pay for breaking NATO and possibly grabbing more of Ukraine and Georgia. And Assad or worse get to stay.
Can it be sourced to Russia, only the Mossad knows for sure.
Can all of this have been a Putin setup, from the supply of the gas to the dropping of it and target selection? To give T a boost and derail the Russia investigation. Suggesting the target selection to give Don his mojo back.
Small price to pay for breaking NATO and possibly grabbing more of Ukraine and Georgia. And Assad or worse get to stay.
Crash course on immigration ban- FAILED
Crash course on health care reform- FAILED
Crash course on SYRIA - ???
Trump is influenced by what he watches on the news. He watched the disturbing video of the chemical attack. Military action within 48 hours!
Did his historically low approval rating have any impact on his decision for military action?
Lets hope and pray that our leaders have a decisive strategy to deal with any fallout. Lets hope and pray there are some well-informed people within the administration that can end the madness in Syria.
From what I have observed since the election, I do not have a heck of a lot of confidence in Donald Trump. I've been waiting for him to prove me wrong..............I'm still waiting.
Crash course on health care reform- FAILED
Crash course on SYRIA - ???
Trump is influenced by what he watches on the news. He watched the disturbing video of the chemical attack. Military action within 48 hours!
Did his historically low approval rating have any impact on his decision for military action?
Lets hope and pray that our leaders have a decisive strategy to deal with any fallout. Lets hope and pray there are some well-informed people within the administration that can end the madness in Syria.
From what I have observed since the election, I do not have a heck of a lot of confidence in Donald Trump. I've been waiting for him to prove me wrong..............I'm still waiting.
TRUMP IS STARTING A WAR! That's what this is. One can't attack a country and not think one gets away without it being seen as an act of war! Trump now spreads the chaos he has spread domestically also in foreign affairs. He must be stopped from using nuclear weapons, which he has said he is willing to use. He does simply not have the temperament fit for a President. He'll throw the entire world into CHAOS!
2
And yet we have turned out back on these defenseless people who have sought refuge. Shame, shame.
3
Welcome to another war, America! Whose child will die in a foreign land? Who will be buried at Arlington? Not any politician or a politician's relative, you can be sure. Politicians start wars, they do not fight in them !!
1
Although I am not a Trump fan, I think this was a good air strike. I agree with McCain and Graham, we need to take out all of the other airbases that have been used to deliver terror by Assad. He is the number one terrorist in Syria. We need to try to cripple his ability to use barrel bombs.
Assad is a horrible man. Any person that truly cared about his country and countrymen would have stepped down long ago. He is simply a terrorist with a Russian partner. We need to help deliver him to the Syrian people.
Assad is a horrible man. Any person that truly cared about his country and countrymen would have stepped down long ago. He is simply a terrorist with a Russian partner. We need to help deliver him to the Syrian people.
Ironically the superior man and President did not have the courage to stand up to the carnage from Bashar Assad in 2013 in his earlier wmd usage against his citizens.
It takes a weak man, unsuited for his position as US president, to spank Assad in 2017.
It takes a weak man, unsuited for his position as US president, to spank Assad in 2017.
1
I can't find the words........
A show of force which will prove nothing and have no affect upon the conflict in Syria. Show me one example where military might delivered at arms length has ever stopped or even shortened a conflict. It never happens and it never will. This is insane.
2
Diplomacy: no escalation ....this strike was a wake up call to Russia and Iran
for supporting a criminal like Assad....
Emphasis on the co-conspirators of Assad....criminal acts exposed at The
United Nations ....and thus international condemnation ....this is the warfare
need to oust Russia and Iran from their military aid to Assad..
Keep the TRUTH alive about this criminality by Russia and Iran....and then
the time will come to remove Assad....and go to the next step for Syria
by The United Nations....We cannot and should not be unilaterial...
And I am sure that General Mattis has a plan...so tighten your seat belts
and realize that ....Trump is going to be kept in check by the generals..that
is really what is happening...and be glad of this...Trump elected his own
nursemaids..thank God !!!
for supporting a criminal like Assad....
Emphasis on the co-conspirators of Assad....criminal acts exposed at The
United Nations ....and thus international condemnation ....this is the warfare
need to oust Russia and Iran from their military aid to Assad..
Keep the TRUTH alive about this criminality by Russia and Iran....and then
the time will come to remove Assad....and go to the next step for Syria
by The United Nations....We cannot and should not be unilaterial...
And I am sure that General Mattis has a plan...so tighten your seat belts
and realize that ....Trump is going to be kept in check by the generals..that
is really what is happening...and be glad of this...Trump elected his own
nursemaids..thank God !!!
For seven years Assad's human rights abuses and war crimes have been well documented. Yet an unconcerned Donald repeatedly praised him.
Donald Trump oblivious to war crimes and atrocities, callously praising Bashar al-Assad, then with one horrible atrocity Donald is outraged. Where was his heart, where was his head?
Even though I agree with this military action, I have little faith in Donald's sincerity or his ability to know what is right.
Donald Trump oblivious to war crimes and atrocities, callously praising Bashar al-Assad, then with one horrible atrocity Donald is outraged. Where was his heart, where was his head?
Even though I agree with this military action, I have little faith in Donald's sincerity or his ability to know what is right.
If this administration has suddenly developed a conscience, shouldn't it alter it's draconian stance on Syrian refugees, and right away?? S Bannon was right there when Trump delivered what was obviously a Bannon creation - a miserably hypocritical speech bragging about and justifying tonight's bombing exercise. "We ask for God's wisdom . . ", "no child of God" . . . a disgusting play by Bannon to the religious right, possibly an indulgence as well of his own religious wackiness. A deeply cynical gesture to get the poll numbers up.
Don't be fools. It's a proxy war with Russia. And the so-called president has the nuclear codes. Maybe I won't have to pay my taxes this year?
Trump's actions remind me of the old Italian proverb about the hunchback's shirt. Just because the shirt happens to fit the hunchback it doesn't make it a well-made shirt.
So much lying has made Trump a hunchback with regard to the truth. Can we believe he did the right thing? If this was the Cuban Missile Crisis and Trump bombed Cuba, because his gut told him to, where would we be? Trump has little (or no) credibility left to squander.
I am afraid this will only encourage him to shoot from the hip more often because that is his nature.
So much lying has made Trump a hunchback with regard to the truth. Can we believe he did the right thing? If this was the Cuban Missile Crisis and Trump bombed Cuba, because his gut told him to, where would we be? Trump has little (or no) credibility left to squander.
I am afraid this will only encourage him to shoot from the hip more often because that is his nature.
The scary part for everyone is no one can really prove that Assad ordered the use of a gas strike. With so many enemies, the U.S. could be bombing fake news. It's really a mess out there.
Is it more likely that Trump had a change of heart about Assad or that he saw air strikes as a way to deflect attention from his domestic difficulties? I predicated the latter in a comment last week.
1
The most ugly crime - much uglier than chemical weapons - is fomenting and fueling civil wars in other countries. Most of the culprits sit in Washington.
Should we start the bombers?
Should we start the bombers?
So important to mention God when dropping bombs. So presidential.
4
esp from one so religious as trump
how many times has he ever set foot in a church ?
never ?
I am actually impressed. I never thought he would actually do it- though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised since he does seem to follow through with his campaign promises (a worthy thing regardless of which side of the spectrum your on). I will be hesitant to call this a good choice- not because I think attacking was the wrong choice (I believe it was definitely the right choice) but because he has not shown himself to be thoughtful. This may have been him showing his trigger finger- and right now I cannot decide it it's twitchy or steady (flare of the moment v. A thought out action). Either way, I'm sure the Syrian government will think twice about the use of chemical weapons. I never thought I'd say this but, good job Mr. President.
I see this slightly differently than most of you commenting. True, it was a barbarous act using a chemical agent in Syria. But, I see this as a warning to North Korea. What was the down side of the attack on Syria? Syria has severely limited resources to attack the US, now and in the future. Of course, Syrian agents could always perpetrate a terrorist attack on American soil. North Korea now has to reckon with the fact that Trump will order missile strikes. It appears he will not hesitate. Stay tuned for a new military action by the US, all within a year of being inaugurated.
1
Everything trump does is a stunt with a very calculated eventual outcome. His actions are not 'normal' or benevolent in any way. He's an evil, manipulative man. He has gathered around him a host of incompetents. It attests to an abysmal leadership deficiency ... an assessment today shared by far too few right now, but most everyone tomorrow. Truth makes converts.
2
Assad is ruthless & had war criminal status long before his government's latest atrocity. The air strike changes nothing. It is simply Trump proving that his foreign affairs strategy is all brawn & no brain.
Brass knuckle diplomacy is what was called for in this instance keeping military action in reserve when tough diplomatic action yielded very little change. The airstrike does nothing to bring Assad & his murderous henchmen to justice. Bringing a war criminal to justice does not give Trump the psychological satisfaction his low sense of self worth craves.
Brass knuckle diplomacy is what was called for in this instance keeping military action in reserve when tough diplomatic action yielded very little change. The airstrike does nothing to bring Assad & his murderous henchmen to justice. Bringing a war criminal to justice does not give Trump the psychological satisfaction his low sense of self worth craves.
Finally! No one can stand it anymore, homeless terrorists and terrorist lands for want of brave men in power. Finished the meme, now it's war, enough loss of innocent lives by terror! Congratulations Trump ...
Trump was right on this but telling the Russians might not have been so smart.....Trump appears subordinate to Putin with the warning.....The Russians back this regime and as such are on the wrong side of the equation.....Syria is a war zone and as such the Russian troops should not have immunity - a position they clearly are abusing......Trump might consider telling Assad in no uncertain terms that he now has personal exposure - Assad, you crossed the line here and be warned you can run but you cannot hide.......make it a pointed and direct threat to this butcher
1
"The decision to act came with a swiftness that took observers of the new president by surprise." Doesn't this mean that the New York Times, which has replaced actual news reporting of the Trump administration with anti-Trump propaganda, was taken by surprise because you believe your own propaganda (fake news)?
2
Generals 1, WH 0, Americans 0. Warriors see battlefields everywhere, causalities are just people who get in the way of their missions-ones they make up for themselves to say mission accomplished. At dawn, Assad will fabricate or take real images of the casualties from our bombing. We just killed more Syrians, hopefully not Russians. The fear that an inept mentally unstable President would give our military a blank check to respond to any crisis has happened. We are closer to midnight than we were a few hours ago. King Trump talked to us from Florida, he could not bother going to the WH even to assure us that he was in control of the situation. Our Generals are extremely happy campers today, they are in control. Now what?
Assad's side: gassers
Opponents: ? beheaders Do we know who the opponents are?
There is no end game for us.
The response is measured. It will not end anything.
What is the Russian response? Will they continue to condone Assad and gassing as the better of two Syrian evils?
Alternatives are few.
Staying out is one alternative.
Opponents: ? beheaders Do we know who the opponents are?
There is no end game for us.
The response is measured. It will not end anything.
What is the Russian response? Will they continue to condone Assad and gassing as the better of two Syrian evils?
Alternatives are few.
Staying out is one alternative.
Now what? So Trump bombs Syria what's next? More bluster? What will be Putin's reaction will be interesting. Will his bromance with Trump be on the rocks? Does he (Putin) regret backing the wrong horse (Trump)? Will he resort to vindictive tactics and leaks to WIKILEAKS about Trump?
Please look to the facts. Trump's Florida PRIVATE CLUB == sells memberships == it is not an ESTATE - that implies a private home/family residence. Don't legitimize his pandering and profiteering by pretending that his fancy MEMBERS ONLY CLUB is a private residence. It's not.
MY take? I don't even know why I comment anymore.. preaching to the choir and all. Cowboy waits till Senate is on vacay... and creeps a little more toward ultimate power/dictatorship. I had to listen to his "protecting america" speech whilst driving to the post office today on NPR, and, I thought.. wait.. America wasn't attacked..? and, isn't Congress supposed to be somehow involved in acts of war against another nation? I think that's what's going on.. he's counting on us being too busy for survival, and slash or, to be to ignorant, to "keep up" with the insanity. I called my daughter in NYC.. and wanted to calm HER fears. She's afraid. And I couldn't assuage her fear, as I am too. Will someone please stop this madman?
Hypothesis: Putin and Trump made a deal. Putin agreed to finally cut Assad and Syria loose. The place is ruined now anyway; what does Assad have that Putin needs? Russia -- not Syria -- made the chemical attack* to give Trump a pretext for being the tough guy in response. The Trump administration has been totally on the ropes, so he needed a little distraction. The innocent lives gassed? The price one pays so the big boys can play.
*Think not? Who shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 with a Russian Buk launcher?
*Think not? Who shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 with a Russian Buk launcher?
There remains no remotely conclusive evidence that Assad's government was behind the attack. Further, we know that the doctor who live-tweeted what purported to be the treatment of victims, was previously charged with terrorism by the British over the kidnapping of a British journalist.
Is it possible Assad is responsible? Yes. Is it likely? We don't even know enough yet to declare it likely. Yet here we are, with too many even on the left cheering on the deeply unstable Mr. Trump and encouraging him to go to war
Seymour Hersh got the previous attack, in 2013, right. (It was not Assad.) What does Hersh have to say? Canadian reporter Eva Bartlett, is immune to the Pentagon's desire for war in Syria. What does she have to say? How about Charles Shoebridge, who notes the timing of the attack is extremely favorable to opponents of Assad?
The New York Times and the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Secretary of State seem remarkably disinterested in the analysis of those who got it right last time. Why?
Put another way, when Senators John McCain and Lindsay Graham both think bombing is a good idea, how likely is that to be the case?
Is it possible Assad is responsible? Yes. Is it likely? We don't even know enough yet to declare it likely. Yet here we are, with too many even on the left cheering on the deeply unstable Mr. Trump and encouraging him to go to war
Seymour Hersh got the previous attack, in 2013, right. (It was not Assad.) What does Hersh have to say? Canadian reporter Eva Bartlett, is immune to the Pentagon's desire for war in Syria. What does she have to say? How about Charles Shoebridge, who notes the timing of the attack is extremely favorable to opponents of Assad?
The New York Times and the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Secretary of State seem remarkably disinterested in the analysis of those who got it right last time. Why?
Put another way, when Senators John McCain and Lindsay Graham both think bombing is a good idea, how likely is that to be the case?
2
good blog
"The Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Government of Syria to Respond to Use of Chemical Weapons (S.J.Res 21) is a United States Senate Joint Resolution that would authorize President Barack Obama to use the American military to intervene in the ongoing Syrian Civil War. The bill was filed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on September 6, 2013"
Republicans are lying about Syria. They refused to give Obama the authorization needed to strike Syria. Now they blame Obama.
Republicans are lying about Syria. They refused to give Obama the authorization needed to strike Syria. Now they blame Obama.
Seems very possible that Putin used Assad and Syria to test Trumps resolve on his campaign promises about not getting involved internationally...America First. Well, looks like Putin is going to need to re calibrate his land grab strategies going forward.
2
Most folks here seem to have missed the significance of the action taken by Trump. This was a singular retaliatory action with respect to the Assad regime, but a massively strong message timed specifically for North Korea. Xi will now deliver the SERIOUSNESS of that message.
Step up to the plate China!
Russia, Iran, you are officially on notice.
The 'game' is much bigger than many seem to contemplate.
Step up to the plate China!
Russia, Iran, you are officially on notice.
The 'game' is much bigger than many seem to contemplate.
2
Whenever someone was taking ages to take a decision, my grandmother would sigh impatiently and say "come on, it's not like we're asking you to sort out the Middle East!".
Well, Trump is about to find out how easy it is - or not, to 'sort out the Middle East'. Literally.
Well, Trump is about to find out how easy it is - or not, to 'sort out the Middle East'. Literally.
All show. We gave the Russians advance notice so all aircraft and other valuable equipment was moved. The Russians also get the opportunity to denounce the attack and say that relations are bad. This was likely a little-used or needed airfield and we spent more blowing it up then it costs to build.
I believe the Russians encouraged the chemical gas attack, then orchestrated the trump response, to make trump look better, to be able to say relations are bad (how could they be -- we're a puppet of Russia now), etc...
The Russians elected trump. They are doing a fine job controlling him. This is show. We need the investigation to continue and we need those trump tax returns.
I believe the Russians encouraged the chemical gas attack, then orchestrated the trump response, to make trump look better, to be able to say relations are bad (how could they be -- we're a puppet of Russia now), etc...
The Russians elected trump. They are doing a fine job controlling him. This is show. We need the investigation to continue and we need those trump tax returns.
2
Dear readers, don't fool yourselves. All these war scalation in part is work of American foreign policy, started by Obama and continued by Trump. God will not help you against Russia.
I'm certain tens of millions of Americans feel good about Trump bombing a government airfield in Syria. But it accomplished nothing and it had nothing to do with protecting America. Syrians, including children, have been dying for many years in Syria from bombs and bullets. When our President does everything he can to deny those very children access to our protection through a refugee program he doesn't get to yell moral outrage when children are killed by chemical weapons. Our military cannot solve all world problems. In fact, it can solve very few world problems. But we do have the power to help people through acts of kindness. Why don't you cross that line, Mr. President?
Here we go again. Those favoring the attack and this kind of hawkish foreign policy--but not Trump-- now find themselves in the awkward position of applauding it and conceding ground to the Trump administration they are trying to undermine (and if possibly impeach). How to reconcile these positions? Alas a new spin on the White House politics starts making its rounds today: splitting factions within the Republican cabinet vying for Trump's ear. A supposedly reasonable and "center" force represented by his son-in-law (allegedly the "Democrat" in the belly of the Republican monster) and the deranged forces led by Shannon. Alas, the good sensible Republican son in law favors a hawkish policy. If his views prevail Trump will become palatable. Watch the spin.
Democratic Party meeting earlier today:
"We love when presidents drop bombs, so we're in full support of Trump here. So is Hillary. However, when you speak to the media, don't give Trump credit. Say that the 'United States' was right to drop bombs instead of Trump. Another talking point: complain that Trump didn't elicit congressional approval. . .although we all know we would've voted for it anyway".
"We love when presidents drop bombs, so we're in full support of Trump here. So is Hillary. However, when you speak to the media, don't give Trump credit. Say that the 'United States' was right to drop bombs instead of Trump. Another talking point: complain that Trump didn't elicit congressional approval. . .although we all know we would've voted for it anyway".
I don't like this. As always, America can't resist firing missiles at someone whenever it sees pictures of dead kids. When are we going to stop acting based on our emotions? People die in war. That isn't a cold, heartless remark - that's a fact. And they die in multiple, gruesome ways. Why the outrage over chemical weapons? Is it worse then being beheaded? Or being hit by a .50 caliber bullet? Sorry, but I'm still not convinced. As bad as Assad will get - and he WILL get worse - I still prefer him over psychotic terrorists. Surely we can remember the last time we hastily removed a dictator from power in a Middle Eastern country?
What do Republicans do? Go to war. That is their MO. What better way to deflect attention from the Russian investigation.
1
Funny thing, but historically, it was always the Democrats who started and/or provoked wars and Republicans who ended them.
Where were you all when Syrians including the children were getting barrel-bombed and dying in the deserts and drowning in the Mediterranean? Just asking...
So, this is the "winning" Trump promised? You eat out of his hand and let him use you and all of us, keeping us ignorant and poorly informed.
Why is this political theater, this strike for show back home, with the equipment and personnel having been evacuated after Trump forewarned Putin, so worthy of this hyped-up front-page coverage but all the drone attacks being carried out daily, by the hundreds, are not? You hype this too much. This is what you did in 2016, and now Trump is president.
Why is this political theater, this strike for show back home, with the equipment and personnel having been evacuated after Trump forewarned Putin, so worthy of this hyped-up front-page coverage but all the drone attacks being carried out daily, by the hundreds, are not? You hype this too much. This is what you did in 2016, and now Trump is president.
And the odds are high that the Russians dropped the chemical weapons. Now what? Trump and Putin are masters at defection a few innocent lives means little. Trump a "hero"-- not likely. The news blogs are eating this up but have no clue how this game is played. Friends we are being duped in the worse way.
"Russian forces had been notified in advance of the strike"......."Russians had not been notified of the attack".....???????
One or the other is wrong.
I would take more comfort in thinking that this is not just the equivalent of a military Tweet and just as shallow.
In terms of blaming Obama for not going forward in retaliation to previous chemical attacks by Syria: he asked Congress to pass a resolution approving it. The Senate did approve, the House in a count would not approve it--chiefly by GOP opposition.
One or the other is wrong.
I would take more comfort in thinking that this is not just the equivalent of a military Tweet and just as shallow.
In terms of blaming Obama for not going forward in retaliation to previous chemical attacks by Syria: he asked Congress to pass a resolution approving it. The Senate did approve, the House in a count would not approve it--chiefly by GOP opposition.
All you lefties have become totally unhinged by President Trump. Not one comment here is based on any fact. Just unthinking opposition to Don Trump.
3
In 1999 Russian Apartment Bombing, it turns out it was the Russia intelligence agency FSB who bombed the apartments. They blamed the Chechen rebels and Putin initiated military action against them which boosted his popularity at home. Putin killed his own people to make himself more popular. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Russians coordinated with the Syrians to help boost Trumps deflated popularity numbers. If you think about it, why Sarin and why now? With all the secret communications between Trump's ilk and the Russians, how could this not be possible. Especially with the lack of death and serious damage in the retaliatory missile strike. It's all staged and the cost of admission is innocent Syrian civilians including kids and babies. Trump's OK with that I bet just like Putin is OK with killing his own. We're being played again. DON'T FALL FOR IT!!
2
"In 1999 Russian Apartment Bombing, it turns out it was the Russia intelligence agency FSB who bombed the apartments."
No it wasn't. Alleged (conveniently) yes, proven - no.
No it wasn't. Alleged (conveniently) yes, proven - no.
NYT reports as fact Tillerson's statement that "Putin" was not notified in advance, yet also reports (in separate article) that Russian forces had indeed been notified in advance of the strike, quoting a US military spokesperson who said this was done "to minimize risk to Russian or Syrian personnel located at the airfield” and that "No Russian aircraft were at the base."
Were any Syrian aircraft still on the ground at the base? Was it an empty airfield that was bombed?
Were any Syrian aircraft still on the ground at the base? Was it an empty airfield that was bombed?
Trump looked week and frazzled while addressing the nation for starting his first war. In his closing remarks
Just imagine how those "investment opportunity" computers are humming.
War means Money, money, money for the Robber Barons.
Average people and institutional investors - get your/OUR money out of "markets". Starve the beast. Do not let them start WW3.
War means Money, money, money for the Robber Barons.
Average people and institutional investors - get your/OUR money out of "markets". Starve the beast. Do not let them start WW3.
2
Once again reality intrudes to destroy the paranoids fantasies of the "resistance."
In their heads, Trump si a Russian stooge.
In reality, Trump acts swiftly and decisively to advance American interests - without informing Putin in advance or even communicating with Putin afterward.
In their muddled telling of the story, Trump and his cabinet are cynical champions of wealth, with no interest in American moral values.
In reality, Trump's Syrian strikes just accomplished far more to uphold the principle of universal human rights in one night than Obama did in five years.
In their fevered dreams, Trump and his national security staff are incompetents who jeopardize our security and make war more likely.
In reality, Trump's core national security staff are far more resolute, disciplined generals with vast experience from the Afghan and Iraqi theaters whose calm, deliberate and steely determination are already beginning to reverse our enemies' view of the prior administration as vacillating, weak and feckless.
In their heads, Trump si a Russian stooge.
In reality, Trump acts swiftly and decisively to advance American interests - without informing Putin in advance or even communicating with Putin afterward.
In their muddled telling of the story, Trump and his cabinet are cynical champions of wealth, with no interest in American moral values.
In reality, Trump's Syrian strikes just accomplished far more to uphold the principle of universal human rights in one night than Obama did in five years.
In their fevered dreams, Trump and his national security staff are incompetents who jeopardize our security and make war more likely.
In reality, Trump's core national security staff are far more resolute, disciplined generals with vast experience from the Afghan and Iraqi theaters whose calm, deliberate and steely determination are already beginning to reverse our enemies' view of the prior administration as vacillating, weak and feckless.
I have disagreed with Trump on almost everything BUT for the first time I fully support this strike in Syria. Assad had it coming, we cant just sit back & continue to watch as children die without doing something about it. I pray it all goes well, and Assad is captured and hung upside down to bleed to death for all the war crimes he has committed for the past 7 years!!!
This can spiral out of control in so many ways. Putin might be feeling jilted and could unleash on Trump the tools he used against HRC. We might need to explain after all to our children what is a golden shower.
And, the President, the President who admitted who knew the healthcare could be so complicated could very well go insane with the sticky elastic muck that the Middle East problem is. It's all him. No Obama. No tweets possible on 9:00 pm shows to blame Ryan. No Republican factions to criticize. No democrats to accuse. Blame Tillerson? But he is in State not Defense. And does Trump know that there would also be pictures, real or fake, of women and children, killed because of his orders.
We have a President learning on the job without a willing or capable teacher. What's worse is he is in show me mode. Assad was fine before this gas attack? That man has been killing innocents for years.
It's like a diapered baby is alone in the cockpit of a 747 flying at full speed seven miles up in the sky. And, the auto pilot is off.
The airline is called USA. Sorry, seat belts are not going to make a difference.
And, the President, the President who admitted who knew the healthcare could be so complicated could very well go insane with the sticky elastic muck that the Middle East problem is. It's all him. No Obama. No tweets possible on 9:00 pm shows to blame Ryan. No Republican factions to criticize. No democrats to accuse. Blame Tillerson? But he is in State not Defense. And does Trump know that there would also be pictures, real or fake, of women and children, killed because of his orders.
We have a President learning on the job without a willing or capable teacher. What's worse is he is in show me mode. Assad was fine before this gas attack? That man has been killing innocents for years.
It's like a diapered baby is alone in the cockpit of a 747 flying at full speed seven miles up in the sky. And, the auto pilot is off.
The airline is called USA. Sorry, seat belts are not going to make a difference.
The timing is impeccable. As speaking softly is not in the man's demeanor, Trump has been itching to swing the big stick and the images of dead and dying Syrian children provided the opportunity to scratch that itch. Assad's barbaric chemical warfare against children, and his blunder in hitting a target that had no military value at all, has enabled Trump to possibly place Putin in a corner.
Now Putin has few options and none of them good. Quagmire anyone? He must either apply pressure on Assad to the negotiating table or Putin himself will support regime change by placing a puppet General in power. It is quite possible that Assad could meet the same fate as most tyrants who rule by violence in that they often come to a violent end. Few tyrants die peacefully in their sleep.
The last option and least likely is that Putin will go to war with the US over Syria. It is more than difficult for Putin to use Russian military to confront the US military when the Russians have to tow their sole aircraft carrier to a theater of operations.
Again, timing makes a difference. With the uptick in heated rhetoric over the NK missile launches, perhaps the cruise missile attack against Assad will more than prod Xi to actually apply meaningful pressure on Kim to abandon it's nuclear and missile programs. Although Kim is not a popular neighbor, he is greatly preferred over Uncle Sam on China's southern border.
Welcome to Mar-a- Largo President Xi.
Now Putin has few options and none of them good. Quagmire anyone? He must either apply pressure on Assad to the negotiating table or Putin himself will support regime change by placing a puppet General in power. It is quite possible that Assad could meet the same fate as most tyrants who rule by violence in that they often come to a violent end. Few tyrants die peacefully in their sleep.
The last option and least likely is that Putin will go to war with the US over Syria. It is more than difficult for Putin to use Russian military to confront the US military when the Russians have to tow their sole aircraft carrier to a theater of operations.
Again, timing makes a difference. With the uptick in heated rhetoric over the NK missile launches, perhaps the cruise missile attack against Assad will more than prod Xi to actually apply meaningful pressure on Kim to abandon it's nuclear and missile programs. Although Kim is not a popular neighbor, he is greatly preferred over Uncle Sam on China's southern border.
Welcome to Mar-a- Largo President Xi.
GOP loves blowing stuff up. McConnell blows up the Senate, Trump blows up an airfield, everybody cheers. No reports of any Syrian or Russians killed yet since we warned them to get out of the way. No doubt we are in the Syrian war now. American troops there are fair game for attacks by the Syrian Army, its not an if, its a when.
Something had to be done but potholing an airfield seems a light sentence for a regime that has committed genocide on its people. Trump made his move so now the next move is on Assad and his Russian advisors. Does anyone think Syria will sit on their hands and do nothing?
Trump is enjoying Mara A Lago, US troops are in Syria waiting for the next round, moms and dads, sisters and brothers, significant others are praying for their soldiers and we sit in our cozy homes writing comments on the NYT articles and Donnie is now an American hero to his base.
Something had to be done but potholing an airfield seems a light sentence for a regime that has committed genocide on its people. Trump made his move so now the next move is on Assad and his Russian advisors. Does anyone think Syria will sit on their hands and do nothing?
Trump is enjoying Mara A Lago, US troops are in Syria waiting for the next round, moms and dads, sisters and brothers, significant others are praying for their soldiers and we sit in our cozy homes writing comments on the NYT articles and Donnie is now an American hero to his base.
1
No Child of God should ever suffer such horror, he says. So he admits Syrian children are children of God? That's progress, I guess. Can we now take in some of these children of God who are being made homeless refugees by Assad and the Russians and perhaps by our bombing? Or is that a bridge just too far? He can use them as an excuse to bomb and deflect attention from his low poll numbers, but we don't want them in our country. Let God take care of them.
Well now we know how to get thru to Trump - pictures! As apparently he can't hear or read words and imagine atrocity...he has to see it.
So the many things he's denying - too long to list - need to be presented by the various parties in picture book form. And short captions. Like; "bad dude doing bad things".
So the many things he's denying - too long to list - need to be presented by the various parties in picture book form. And short captions. Like; "bad dude doing bad things".
Another commenter writes:
"... the same chemical weapons that Russia assured the world were destroyed ... hadn't actually been destroyed. They're still in the hands of the Syrian military..."
If that were true, of course, Syria would have violated its solemn promise to the UN Security Council that it would give up its chemical weapons. Ever wonder why the US government has never even suggested that has occurred?
"... the same chemical weapons that Russia assured the world were destroyed ... hadn't actually been destroyed. They're still in the hands of the Syrian military..."
If that were true, of course, Syria would have violated its solemn promise to the UN Security Council that it would give up its chemical weapons. Ever wonder why the US government has never even suggested that has occurred?
As if the barrel bombs didn't kill babies, beautiful babies.
Or any kind of bombs.
Or any kind of bombs.
1
Asad was not interested in chemical bombing as he almost won the war and set free for Aleppo, Palmira, Homs .
List of intermational organizations during 2014 - 2016 checked defferent places in Syria where chemical weapon could be stored or produced and confirmied that Syria goverment and army do not have it
Asad and Russia have much more usual bombs to kill everything . No need for chemical weapon
Who is interested in thos chemical bombing and next tomahawk strike ? Turkey , American hawks , Trump - to increse reduced ratings
Bombing was agreed with Russia and all necessary preparations were done . People and aircrafts left.
What it was ? Show . It must go on . Have a good weekends
List of intermational organizations during 2014 - 2016 checked defferent places in Syria where chemical weapon could be stored or produced and confirmied that Syria goverment and army do not have it
Asad and Russia have much more usual bombs to kill everything . No need for chemical weapon
Who is interested in thos chemical bombing and next tomahawk strike ? Turkey , American hawks , Trump - to increse reduced ratings
Bombing was agreed with Russia and all necessary preparations were done . People and aircrafts left.
What it was ? Show . It must go on . Have a good weekends
The only real speed was in the decision to launch. This is a sectarian struggle between the sunnis and the shia and the shia were winning. We , as usual, got sucked in to aiding the people the took down the twin towers, not that the other side has any redeeming qualities.
Don't believe any of this. Way too convenient. And, gee, Bannon was "removed" from the NSC just before all of this goes down. So now we can all rest, since Russia is once again our enemy. Not. I have no issues believing Putin/Trump/Bannon could easily "sacrifice" a bunch of Syrian's to divert the story once again. After all, they don't want these people in the U.S or Russia, so why not? Nope, a ruse, and not even a good one this is.
Well, let ok what everyone's talking about NOW.
Not the GOP Senate going nuclear and hiring a biased judge.
Not about Trump's lies.
Not about the poor jobs report that just came out.
Not about Trump's incompetence.
Not about swamp of ethics violators in the White House.
Not about Trump's costly golf vacations.
Not about the potential treason among the Trump administration in working with Russia.
Not about the Russian dossier on Trump.
Nope.
Now were talking about the Midnight Cowboy, Donald J Trump, our Crusader-in-Chief.
Not the GOP Senate going nuclear and hiring a biased judge.
Not about Trump's lies.
Not about the poor jobs report that just came out.
Not about Trump's incompetence.
Not about swamp of ethics violators in the White House.
Not about Trump's costly golf vacations.
Not about the potential treason among the Trump administration in working with Russia.
Not about the Russian dossier on Trump.
Nope.
Now were talking about the Midnight Cowboy, Donald J Trump, our Crusader-in-Chief.
Clearly- President Trump as a puppet to Putin ordering these strikes at his request........
Or this doesn't fit the Left's narrative of Trump..
You be the judge.....
Or this doesn't fit the Left's narrative of Trump..
You be the judge.....
I would like to see an analysis of the target and the damage. My guess is that this amounts to a slap on the wrist and is an attempt to achieve the image that Trump is in charge, is as macho as ever, and has no Russian loyalties.
The White House must be very pleased with the optics of the following paragraph:
"Dmitri S. Peskov, a spokesman for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, told reporters Friday morning that the strike “deals a significant blow to relations between Russia and America, which are already in a poor state,” according to the news agency RIA."
The White House must be very pleased with the optics of the following paragraph:
"Dmitri S. Peskov, a spokesman for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, told reporters Friday morning that the strike “deals a significant blow to relations between Russia and America, which are already in a poor state,” according to the news agency RIA."
Destroying evidence. Period. Still in cahoots.
Three branches controlled by one party. A leader with no respect for the laws of the land. An obsequious legislature. And now a military attack on a small nation. Fellow Americans, prepare to meet your dictator.
"Bombing is the continuation of tweetting, with other means." (General Donald von Clausewitz)
Omg, WWIII about to commence and the most incompetent ignorant uninformed and unformed narcissistic crazy irrational possibly delusional demented man is our president, I fear for our future, for my children, for everyone. Lord help us.
Trump's transformation from Syrian dove to hawk is a bit hard to take. After thousands upon thousands of deaths caused by every type of weapon Assad can get his bloody hands on, Trump is suddenly jolted by the use of poison gas, a dastardly violation of the agreement to cleanse Syria of such agents a couple of years ago? Barrel bombs, artillery strikes, missiles, assault rifles, etc., are all permissible but nerve agents are beyond the pale? Trump's Rose Garden comments were tear-jerking disingenuousness at best - the man is not a warm and tender human being. The gas attack gave him the perfect excuse to exercise his manhood, show his phony grit and, oh, by the way, pump up his miserable poll numbers. I'm willing to bet the last item mentioned was first on his list as he pondered what to do - he knew his flagging supporters would go crazy for a good little sanctimonious airstrike.
1
"Unlike Mr. Obama, who weighed--and ultimately rejected--the use of a similar strike at targets after Syria used chemical weapons in 2013...."
President Obama did NOT reject a policy of military retaliation for Assad's use of chemical weapons. He asked Congress to authorize such action, wanting to establish that the country was behind him in deepening our involvement and willing to accept the consequences. Despite weeks of aggressive lobbying by the President and his deputies, it became clear that Congress was not willing to authorize retaliatory use of force. In the meantime, Secretary Kerry negotiated a deal with the Russians and Syrians that led to the supervised destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.
If there is no Russian, Syrian or Iranian response to the current action, Trump will have won a gamble and will no doubt be applauded as looking "tough" and "decisive." But if the responses of our adversaries suck us deeper and deeper into that horrible civil war, it will be important to keep in mind the actual history of President Obama's Syria policy. Neither Congress nor the public showed much appetite for our direct involvement in Syria in 2013 and it is highly unlikely that that appetite has grown since.
President Obama did NOT reject a policy of military retaliation for Assad's use of chemical weapons. He asked Congress to authorize such action, wanting to establish that the country was behind him in deepening our involvement and willing to accept the consequences. Despite weeks of aggressive lobbying by the President and his deputies, it became clear that Congress was not willing to authorize retaliatory use of force. In the meantime, Secretary Kerry negotiated a deal with the Russians and Syrians that led to the supervised destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.
If there is no Russian, Syrian or Iranian response to the current action, Trump will have won a gamble and will no doubt be applauded as looking "tough" and "decisive." But if the responses of our adversaries suck us deeper and deeper into that horrible civil war, it will be important to keep in mind the actual history of President Obama's Syria policy. Neither Congress nor the public showed much appetite for our direct involvement in Syria in 2013 and it is highly unlikely that that appetite has grown since.
Mr. President, I don't understand how you can turn away all Syrian refugees because they are, in your opinion, "terrorists," and then launch an extensive air strike on Syria in retaliation for the murder of 80 Syrians, who you refused to shelter from harm in the first place. Are you not, to a significant degree, responsible for the murder of these "beautiful babies?" You have spent nearly every moment since you took office (God, has it only been three months?) telling the American people that both national and foreign intelligence cannot be trusted, and yet you have such confidence in reports from Turkey, a corrupt authoritarian regime under the umbrella of Russia, that you would put our country at risk of war on the basis of the same intelligence you so vehemently eschew? God bless America? No, God save us all!
2
ISIS is having a party. They thank you Trump.
The use of chemical weapons is an atrocity, but throwing the U.S into another possible war without debate is questionable. Pres. Obama sought Authorization of Military Force against Syria to respond to chemical attacks by Assad including against children in 2013. He was threatened with impeachment by Republicans.
Now that Trump has turned from mean tweeting to bombing in less than three months, who will he bomb next? Trump announces this from his golf resort at Mar-a-Lago where he is accompanied by his daughter and advisor Ivanka.
So why are there two rules for Democratic and Republican presidents? Trump violates the Constitution with his anti-Muslim ban, violates the emoluments clause, violates all previous precedents for releasing his tax returns, and quite possibly Trump people violated precedents about colluding with Russians in election interference. McConnell violates 200 years of precedent with his obstruction to Pres. Obama, including the president's Constitutional authority to nominate a Supreme Court justice.
Was there a second set of laws and a second Constitution written for Republicans? Will the citizens of the U.S. be allowed to see that one? Or will we have to wait for more revelations from Mar-a-Lago as the country heads towards another war in the Middle East?
Now that Trump has turned from mean tweeting to bombing in less than three months, who will he bomb next? Trump announces this from his golf resort at Mar-a-Lago where he is accompanied by his daughter and advisor Ivanka.
So why are there two rules for Democratic and Republican presidents? Trump violates the Constitution with his anti-Muslim ban, violates the emoluments clause, violates all previous precedents for releasing his tax returns, and quite possibly Trump people violated precedents about colluding with Russians in election interference. McConnell violates 200 years of precedent with his obstruction to Pres. Obama, including the president's Constitutional authority to nominate a Supreme Court justice.
Was there a second set of laws and a second Constitution written for Republicans? Will the citizens of the U.S. be allowed to see that one? Or will we have to wait for more revelations from Mar-a-Lago as the country heads towards another war in the Middle East?
Trump sends missiles to punish Assad for using chemical weapons and killing defenseless civilians. Trump tells us the site of the carnage has caused him to rethink his positions regarding the Syrian leader. Is this the same Trump who wanted a Muslim Ban? Is this the same Trump who said we must turn away thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing the Syrian battlefield? The site of the young Syrian boy who died last year that was on the front cover of every major paper in the world was not enough to soften Trump’s heart. Now we are to believe Trump is so appalled by the deaths of Syrians from chemical agents that he is ready now to play Mano y Mano with Assad. Trump needed anything to get the Russian collusion windstorm off the front page for a while and prove he could be more macho than his nemesis Barack Obama. So, are we to believe from this point on when our president sees suffering anyplace in the world he we put on his Lone Ranger costume and ride out to confront the bad guys? I wonder when he will notice the atrocities in other parts of the world and send a few Cruise Missiles to get the attention of the bad guys. I remember when Obama asked congress for the OK to punish Syria for using chemical weapons and congress sat on their hands and was as quiet as a church mouse. A novel idea would have been to get the other countries of the world to help but that would not have made good copy.
Civil wars are atrocious. If Mr. T really cared about the Syrians being killed and maimed regardless of their age and gender - and about the millions forced from their homes as refugees he needs to reverse the ban on Syrian refugees coming to the USA and accept a lot more of them, put pressure on his Russian and Saudi friends to come to a lasting peace agreement and spend some money on helping the Syrian refugees instead of spending $500 million to drop some bombs that might make the civil war worse. Much easier to push a button and show off to his Chinese guest about how "tough" he is.
It's bad enough that Trump now tries to sound like a magnified version of a TV evangelical but, remember, the women and children killed in this horrific attack are the same people he - and his supporters - spent the last year and a half vilifying as "terrorists" or "sleeper cells" unworthy of safe passage out of the war zone. Put away your fake piety and hollow "concern", Trump. Neither fit you.
Beware a Trump who likes the taste of tomahawks. And beware when he figures out it's the only way for him to get majority approval on anything.
We will see what this brings and possibly we will see soon. Interestingly worded headline in The Guardian: "Donald Trump launches 60 missiles in US strike after Syria chemical attack." The Times reports that "the United States had carried out a missile attack..." So, who dun it?
1) Flagging poles
2) Stuck on Obama care
3) Mired up to his ears in Russia connections
4) etc.
Q. What's a guy to do?
A. Bomb a bad guy- to look like a hero.
Please---don't forget his most common motive in your analysis. (His ego).
2) Stuck on Obama care
3) Mired up to his ears in Russia connections
4) etc.
Q. What's a guy to do?
A. Bomb a bad guy- to look like a hero.
Please---don't forget his most common motive in your analysis. (His ego).
Good!
On April 1 Trump announced that he was abandoning the Obama administration's policy of attempting to force Bashar Assad out of office.
On April 4 Assad ordered the use of poison gas against civilians.
On April 5 Trump announced that he was horrified to learn that Assad gassed babies, something anyone could have known merely by reading a news source other than Fox News or Breitbart.
On April 6 Trump launched cruse missiles against Assad's forces.
Whatever you think of the outcome it is clear that the armed forces of the United States are being directed by one man. And that that man is ignorant, emotional, and out of touch with reality.
These facts should frighten every person in this country and indeed the world.
On April 4 Assad ordered the use of poison gas against civilians.
On April 5 Trump announced that he was horrified to learn that Assad gassed babies, something anyone could have known merely by reading a news source other than Fox News or Breitbart.
On April 6 Trump launched cruse missiles against Assad's forces.
Whatever you think of the outcome it is clear that the armed forces of the United States are being directed by one man. And that that man is ignorant, emotional, and out of touch with reality.
These facts should frighten every person in this country and indeed the world.
So many different and often conflicting responses born of this action. Some will say, "It's long overdue". Yet others will say, "Why so little?". Far reaching thinkers, policy geeks? will stroke their chins and ponder. Fatalists will shrug while waiting for the next bomb/shoe to drop. Military guys pondering re-enlistment, their families along with those thinking about "joinin' up" will have their takes. The broad feeling of work-a-day Americans might tend to agree. And of course the conspiracists will drag in all number of foreign players with attendant far ranging theories, perhaps among them one would offer that, "I bet this is a Trump-Xi deal", or, "This was done to raise his poll numbers".
No hand wringing here folks and at the same time no backslapping..this is not rubber and tin drives, ration cards and war bonds. And just as importantly this does not make a President, was he correct? the answer, "yes this time". But it was widely held plan including both Mr. Obama and Ms. Clinton.
Sooo...get up this morning go to work or...and continue the conversations about this presidency indeed about our America..
No hand wringing here folks and at the same time no backslapping..this is not rubber and tin drives, ration cards and war bonds. And just as importantly this does not make a President, was he correct? the answer, "yes this time". But it was widely held plan including both Mr. Obama and Ms. Clinton.
Sooo...get up this morning go to work or...and continue the conversations about this presidency indeed about our America..
If you can't get anything else done, you can always blow somebody up. It always captures the attention of the one-line readers and the ignorant public-at-large.
Who's gonna get blown up next, us?
Who's gonna get blown up next, us?
Attacking Syria is like commenting on this article. It may feel good to react in some way, but what does it actually accomplish?
If Mr. Trump was moved by innocent Syrian kids gasping from chemical weapons, maybe he will reconsider letting those same kids into the U.S. as refugees fleeing a regime trying to kill them?
Which is worse for the Syrian people -- to die as the result of a sarin attack or to drown while trying to escape in boat that capsizes or to die in a camp raging with disease and lack of water or food or to die knowing that a country like the US refuses to take any of them in as refugees from a terror regime because, hey, they are Muslim and we hate Muslims?
Regardless -- they are dead -- and take note, President Bone Spurs, that includes "little tiny babies."
Once again -- we barge into another country not as humanitarians but as the bringers of more death and destruction. Look at Iraq -- the monument to Bush/Cheney stupidity -- another mess brought to us by a Republican half-wit and the enablers in the Congress the oils the wheels of the war machine with more money while trying to eliminate Meals on Wheels and healthcare for our own "little tiny babies."
Regardless -- they are dead -- and take note, President Bone Spurs, that includes "little tiny babies."
Once again -- we barge into another country not as humanitarians but as the bringers of more death and destruction. Look at Iraq -- the monument to Bush/Cheney stupidity -- another mess brought to us by a Republican half-wit and the enablers in the Congress the oils the wheels of the war machine with more money while trying to eliminate Meals on Wheels and healthcare for our own "little tiny babies."
Russia\Syria kill innocent babies and the response is to tear up some pavement.
Reasonable response indeed .
Reasonable response indeed .
One day the US president tells Assad that he's of no concern to us giving him the green light to do whatever he wishes. The next moment the US president bombs the same Assad for acting on the US president's tweets.
The US president denies the child refugees from escaping the horror of their country because they are not with Jesus, they are Muslims. Then he bombs their country to save them?
It is painfully obvious that the US president has no foreign policy or strategy. In fact, they have gutted their state department and placed a billionaire stooge in charge of the State Department of the most powerful nation on the planet.
Bombing sovereign nations without any provocation is what got us in to this horrific mess in the first place.
"What will we get for bombing Syria besides more debt and a possible long term conflict? Obama needs Congressional approval."
Tweet by Donald J. Trump, Aug. 29, 2013
The US president denies the child refugees from escaping the horror of their country because they are not with Jesus, they are Muslims. Then he bombs their country to save them?
It is painfully obvious that the US president has no foreign policy or strategy. In fact, they have gutted their state department and placed a billionaire stooge in charge of the State Department of the most powerful nation on the planet.
Bombing sovereign nations without any provocation is what got us in to this horrific mess in the first place.
"What will we get for bombing Syria besides more debt and a possible long term conflict? Obama needs Congressional approval."
Tweet by Donald J. Trump, Aug. 29, 2013
1
Indeed. America should not be attacking countries that are not attacking us and do not pose a threat to attack us. But Obama didn't live by those rules (Syria, Libya) so why should DJ Trump?
1
I myself quite liberal hates the Left's penchant for paranoia and conspiracies. That said, with Assad's dismemberment of the Rebel resistance seemingly well past the midpoint the use of chemical weapons serves what purpose at this point in the conflict? And what of the heretofore apparent elimination of these weapons from Assad's armories? If, in fact, they were all surrendered then where did these weapons come from? And who supplied them? Who benefits the most from this whole series of events? I can think of several unflattering if not downright ghoulish possibilities.
And the mad scramble starts at the NYT and WAPO to write articles to say this is a bad thing...
Refreshing to actually have a President who takes action!
Refreshing to actually have a President who takes action!
Americans got played by the jihadists (ISIS, and their sympathizers). You have no idea who are these people.
You know what they say about "He who lives by the sword..." Well, this nation not only lives by the sword but also by manufactured consent! However, the UNI-verse, despite appearances to the unconscious, is never a bystander in the arbitration of Cosmic Law- the very thing this nation was founded on!
So, who are we really fooling? Ourselves?
So, who are we really fooling? Ourselves?
It looks like American Liberals will get the war with Russia they've long dreamed of to defend their cherished Sunni Muslim terrorist movement in Syria.
I hope they get as much of the latter as they can stand, but I'd be happy to see them get even more.
And who would have thought?
Trump is their man after all; precisely as much as he is the man of the global terror masters in Saudi Arabia.
The editorial accolades to him in the NYT will soon begin, I'm sure.
I hope they get as much of the latter as they can stand, but I'd be happy to see them get even more.
And who would have thought?
Trump is their man after all; precisely as much as he is the man of the global terror masters in Saudi Arabia.
The editorial accolades to him in the NYT will soon begin, I'm sure.
So we're going this alone.
Two days after praising Sisi, DT decries the slaughter of innocents -- the Syrians he refuses to help.
His geopolitical strategy? To look decisive.
Now Ji, Putin and Kim Jong Un see that he is one of them.
An ego-driven loner.
But not as smart.
Two days after praising Sisi, DT decries the slaughter of innocents -- the Syrians he refuses to help.
His geopolitical strategy? To look decisive.
Now Ji, Putin and Kim Jong Un see that he is one of them.
An ego-driven loner.
But not as smart.
Didn't Trump kill a few civilian's (babies) with that first strike on whoever it was? sorry i didn't pay to much attention at the time :-(
1
I am stunned by how many readers find this action the approiat response when just a few days ago both trump and tillerson more or less washed their hands of Syria in statements they made. So as long as bombing with conventional weapons were being used to kill children that was ok but the use of chemical weapons has made these deaths unbearable. Anytime an action is prasied by McCain, Graham and Netanyahu, you know indiscriminate killing is next.
War.
Always the "answer."
Another trick to turn attention away from the Russian scandal.
An exploitation of the country's tendency to rally around a "war" president.
Listening to this man, Trump, talk about the death of children and innocent Syrians, when he's done nothing but insult Syrian refugees and close off our country to them, is sickening.
If he wanted America to help, we should take all the refugees we can.
I don't want this dangerous man playing war games.
He has no foreign policy, no beliefs in anything other than the moment.
I can't believe people are supporting it.
Chemical warfare is a horror. But this isn't the first time.
Why now?
Where's Congress?
What irony -- Hillary Clinton was a "hawk." She'd start a war.
Well, popular vote loser President Trump has started one and he hasn't even been in office 100 days.
Another distraction, another crazy change of policy.
God help us.
Always the "answer."
Another trick to turn attention away from the Russian scandal.
An exploitation of the country's tendency to rally around a "war" president.
Listening to this man, Trump, talk about the death of children and innocent Syrians, when he's done nothing but insult Syrian refugees and close off our country to them, is sickening.
If he wanted America to help, we should take all the refugees we can.
I don't want this dangerous man playing war games.
He has no foreign policy, no beliefs in anything other than the moment.
I can't believe people are supporting it.
Chemical warfare is a horror. But this isn't the first time.
Why now?
Where's Congress?
What irony -- Hillary Clinton was a "hawk." She'd start a war.
Well, popular vote loser President Trump has started one and he hasn't even been in office 100 days.
Another distraction, another crazy change of policy.
God help us.
1
$100,000,000 publicity stunt or the con man conned by ISIS?
I can't fully believe that this was a good thing - the consequences of a con man & pathological liar saying, "Believe me, this was a good thing to do". Trump simply has no credibility left and this is a taste of what might happen in a real crisis. SAD. VERY SAD.
I can't fully believe that this was a good thing - the consequences of a con man & pathological liar saying, "Believe me, this was a good thing to do". Trump simply has no credibility left and this is a taste of what might happen in a real crisis. SAD. VERY SAD.
If Mr. Trump was so aghast and appalled by what happened in Syria, maybe he should reconsider allowing Syrian refugees into this country.
4
Trump decides to launch more than 50 missiles in an attack on a Syrian military airfield. That is an act of war against a country that has not attacked or threatened people of the United States.
This action will not bring peace to Syria and its people.
So then, what?
George W. Bush's unnecessary Iraq war cost us thousands of US casualties and an estimated $1 trillion. It destroyed Iraq, killed an estimated 500,000 Iraqi civilians, spawned ISIS, and led to mass migration to Europe.
Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria. "Smart" bombs kill "good and bad guys" as well as women and children. How many other countries before we realize that bombs and missiles are not good foreign policy tools?
Trump's action is not a sign of strength and will not alter the outcome of the Syrian Civil War.
This action will not bring peace to Syria and its people.
So then, what?
George W. Bush's unnecessary Iraq war cost us thousands of US casualties and an estimated $1 trillion. It destroyed Iraq, killed an estimated 500,000 Iraqi civilians, spawned ISIS, and led to mass migration to Europe.
Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria. "Smart" bombs kill "good and bad guys" as well as women and children. How many other countries before we realize that bombs and missiles are not good foreign policy tools?
Trump's action is not a sign of strength and will not alter the outcome of the Syrian Civil War.
1
Ok! This military strike seems a fitting reaction to the dastardly actions of Assad. For once he seems sincere in his good intentions and the attacks seems justified. For once he forgot about himself and focused on the ' babies, small little babies '. But his response is very scary too. The secrecy, the swiftness and the deliberations with his advisers ( like Bannon - experience of Breitbart news(!!!) and Ivanka Trump! ) in the Situation Room ( at Mar-a-Lago! )has also created a dangerous situation too. Message to Assad ,Russia, N. Korea and Iran? If they respond fire with fire, then it would be World War III. This time the war would be more lethal in every part of the globe. Advanced weapons with nuclear options in rogue countries like Korea and Pakistan, could only result in war in every part of the globe. All Treaties, Agreements will be nullified. It would result in a free-for all. And what about the refugees from the six banned countries? Would Trump also have a heart for those babies trying to flee their countries ? Are they terrorists? Assad maybe eliminated but the World has become a tinderbox ready ti explode! Again, the big question will be who is fighting whom.
Plans are for wimps. We are so strong that we don't need a direction. We'll Tweet them into submission.
I hope I'm wrong, but might this whole horrific tragedy be a staged event to take eyes off the investigations of Trump-Putin/Russia connections? Why would Assad do this now? It makes no sense for him conduct a small attack in a relatively removed area, with nothing much at stake, after practically being kissed by Trump recently.
Pres. Trump orders a strike at a Syrian air base (evacuated?) where no Russian "peace-keeper" planes will be hit. So Trump gets to look tough at precisely the time the Chinese--who are at Russia's back door--are visiting the US.
Putin and Assad help Trump look strong and mighty, the Chinese are given a warning about American military power, eyes are off the Putin-Trump love-fest-shady-business, Assad is still sitting pretty, and innocents are terrorized and die.
Sorry to be cynical. It's hard to know what to make of anything these days. We are all pawns.
Pres. Trump orders a strike at a Syrian air base (evacuated?) where no Russian "peace-keeper" planes will be hit. So Trump gets to look tough at precisely the time the Chinese--who are at Russia's back door--are visiting the US.
Putin and Assad help Trump look strong and mighty, the Chinese are given a warning about American military power, eyes are off the Putin-Trump love-fest-shady-business, Assad is still sitting pretty, and innocents are terrorized and die.
Sorry to be cynical. It's hard to know what to make of anything these days. We are all pawns.
1
First time that I have heard Trump sounding presidential. And. This strike has changed the perception of America. Both Iran and North Korea need to take a long hard look at what the United States is now. Obama is gone.
Why don't all of you critics of the president pretend that the Syrian air base was the train tracks to Auschwitz.
One day they will make movies about all of this - the president with lofty words and no action, the president who finally sent a strong message and the chattering classes whose only interest in the whole affair was how they could leverage it for their own clever games - a sort of political Dangerous Liaisons.
You chatters won't look so good.
You chatters won't look so good.
One day they will make movies about all of this - the president with lofty words and no action, the president who finally sent a strong message and the chattering classes whose only interest in the whole affair was how they could leverage it for their own clever games - a sort of political Dangerous Liaisons.
You chatters won't look so good.
You chatters won't look so good.
And what was the goal of this attack? What did it achieve? I'll bet my reputation as a small time blogger that all this will be forgotten after his next tweet about the Clintons... Hillary - BTW - told him to bomb the airfields...
In the big picture - btw - Trump is now ISIS's biggest ally!
In the big picture - btw - Trump is now ISIS's biggest ally!
"Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said Russian forces had been notified in advance of the strike."
"Mr. Tillerson added that the United States had not informed Mr. Putin about the coming missile strikes..."
I'm confused. Russia knew according to the Pentagon and Russia did not know according to Mr. Tillerson. Which is it?
"Mr. Tillerson added that the United States had not informed Mr. Putin about the coming missile strikes..."
I'm confused. Russia knew according to the Pentagon and Russia did not know according to Mr. Tillerson. Which is it?
All this policy argumentation and sanctimonious hand-wringing about the attack on the Syrian military is very discouraging. Remember the Rwandan genocide and the hands-off position of President Clinton and the US government?
Trump's motives are surely suspect in bombing the Syrian Air Force target after what is merely the latest evidence of Assad's butchery. That Trump gave his seal of approval to Assad's staying in power one week ago proves once more that Trump is a dangerous idiot.
But the bombing was the right thing to do. Assad has to be brought down and brought to justice.
Trump's motives are surely suspect in bombing the Syrian Air Force target after what is merely the latest evidence of Assad's butchery. That Trump gave his seal of approval to Assad's staying in power one week ago proves once more that Trump is a dangerous idiot.
But the bombing was the right thing to do. Assad has to be brought down and brought to justice.
Here we go! The much needed boost in Trump's ratings. Rah Rah! We are all going to rally around our President in a time of " war". A few weeks ago Assad was great. Gonna help us fight terroists along with the Russians. Now we are all going to wave the American flag.
Yes, The situation in Syria is awful and very heartbreaking.
I have no idea what we can do against a brutal dictator but the world is full of them. Maybe Obama should have done much more ( maybe?) but on the other hand we have learned the consequences of blindly going into the Middle East. And it is astonishing to say but I trust this administration and their total amateur hour far less than George W Bush. And that is not sayong much.
So enjoy the surge in polls and the patriotism. I just hope we can deal with the consequences.
Yes, The situation in Syria is awful and very heartbreaking.
I have no idea what we can do against a brutal dictator but the world is full of them. Maybe Obama should have done much more ( maybe?) but on the other hand we have learned the consequences of blindly going into the Middle East. And it is astonishing to say but I trust this administration and their total amateur hour far less than George W Bush. And that is not sayong much.
So enjoy the surge in polls and the patriotism. I just hope we can deal with the consequences.
The US strikes at Syria after warning the Russians, who, no doubt, warned the Syrians, their allies.
So on what basis, NY Times, are you describing these strikes as "punishing?"
Without further evidence, Potemkin is the adjective that springs to my mind.
Please don't editorialize.
When there is some evidence of how successful the strikes are, then you can share it.
So on what basis, NY Times, are you describing these strikes as "punishing?"
Without further evidence, Potemkin is the adjective that springs to my mind.
Please don't editorialize.
When there is some evidence of how successful the strikes are, then you can share it.
Well done Mr. President. I did not support you in the elections but you did the right thing here. You did not let it pass as an empty UN resolution but you also did not start WW3. You did not sink US troops into the Syrian mud but you did tell the leaders of Syria, Iran and Russia that there are red lines that should not be crossed.
Exactly the right response. Had Obama done the same thing a few years back, the murdered children from this week might have still been alive.
Exactly the right response. Had Obama done the same thing a few years back, the murdered children from this week might have still been alive.
Hillary Clinton did an interview just before the missiles hit and said she'd bomb Assad's airbases. Just like Trump did!
This is weird. Really weird. It's almost like it doesn't matter who's the President. They all want perpetual warfare in order to boost the defense industry!
Weird isn't it?
This is weird. Really weird. It's almost like it doesn't matter who's the President. They all want perpetual warfare in order to boost the defense industry!
Weird isn't it?
This was a good way to do it. Unpredictable and decisive. Finally.
Had Obama developed a backbone and taken a limited military strike when Syria had crossed his "Red Line," our country would not be in this situation now - which is something 'Armchair General Democrats' are incapable of understanding.
Trump offered a Olive Branch to Assad last week. Unfortunately, Assad wasn't smart enough to recognize the gesture for what it was. Again, the critics of Trump are not smart enough to understand this.
I do find it funny that nothing Obama did would make Republicans happy and now... nothing Trump does will keep the Democrats happy. As a result, about the only thing this attack will accomplish is upsetting the fans and editors of the NYT.
At least there is symmetry in our country!
Trump offered a Olive Branch to Assad last week. Unfortunately, Assad wasn't smart enough to recognize the gesture for what it was. Again, the critics of Trump are not smart enough to understand this.
I do find it funny that nothing Obama did would make Republicans happy and now... nothing Trump does will keep the Democrats happy. As a result, about the only thing this attack will accomplish is upsetting the fans and editors of the NYT.
At least there is symmetry in our country!
A few things come to mind:
First, it's about time we did something. Obama asked Congress and got a "no" and backed off his red line and got blamed for it.
Trump acted against what he has been saying all along about interfering. Why? Was it "wag the dog"? Trump is at a low point. He needs war.
Ig Trump feels so bad about these innocent children, innocent people being taken out in this way (as opposed to barrel bombs) why here is he calling them all terrorists and refusing them asylum?
First, it's about time we did something. Obama asked Congress and got a "no" and backed off his red line and got blamed for it.
Trump acted against what he has been saying all along about interfering. Why? Was it "wag the dog"? Trump is at a low point. He needs war.
Ig Trump feels so bad about these innocent children, innocent people being taken out in this way (as opposed to barrel bombs) why here is he calling them all terrorists and refusing them asylum?
while not a fan of trump after seeing what those chlorine attacks did to those civilians, especially the children I applaud that someone stood up and took action. It is very likely that Obama set up this scenario by not following through on his 'draw a line in the sand' policy. This not only emboldened the Syrians but saw Russia reinforce and prop up Assad even further. However, with that said Assad needed a punch in the mouth from someone; and since the world was not stepping up to the plate as usual America took action. What this action or any future action does remains to be seen. This is the world we live in like it or not and sorry to say but America is the worlds policeman. And hopefully this sends a signal to Putin and his cowards that they are not and will not get a free pass in Syria. What I want to see now is the other free nations of the world stand up and be counted. Talk is cheap.
Back it up with action like the U.S just did. We cannot turn our backs on civilians getting slaughtered no matter what.
Back it up with action like the U.S just did. We cannot turn our backs on civilians getting slaughtered no matter what.
hair trigger
What I'll find most interesting is how the NYT handles this. For years, it has advocated US intervention in Syria, and now Trump (whom the NYT strongly and openly opposes) has intervened. Hillary Clinton always talked the talk (no-fly zone over Syria -- that sort of thing), but Trump has actually walked the walk. Does that mean the Times and Trump will be buddies?
Actually, it's not difficult to predict how the NYT will react. It will react pretty much the way it reacted to Bush's attack on Iraq. Though its "official" position on the Iraq War was "against" (only a few NYT columnists -- Tom Friedman, for example -- formally endorsed the Iraq War), it was always clear that the NYT favored that war. It simply complained that Bush wasn't walking the walk the way he ought to.
This time too, we won't see the Times criticizing Trump for intervening in Syria. It will simply criticize the way in which Trump has done so. Trump warned the Russians, for example, enabling them to give a head's up to Assad, thus guaranteeing that the US raid would have little or no effect. We'll see more of that sort of criticism (though without any suggestion that the Russians SHOULDN'T be warned, or that the US ought to attack air bases where Russian planes are located). What we WON'T see, however, is any suggestion that (1) the US should stay out of Syria; or (2) we have no reason to believe Assad was responsible for the recent CW attack -- which, I note, the Times has "officially" blamed on Assad.
Actually, it's not difficult to predict how the NYT will react. It will react pretty much the way it reacted to Bush's attack on Iraq. Though its "official" position on the Iraq War was "against" (only a few NYT columnists -- Tom Friedman, for example -- formally endorsed the Iraq War), it was always clear that the NYT favored that war. It simply complained that Bush wasn't walking the walk the way he ought to.
This time too, we won't see the Times criticizing Trump for intervening in Syria. It will simply criticize the way in which Trump has done so. Trump warned the Russians, for example, enabling them to give a head's up to Assad, thus guaranteeing that the US raid would have little or no effect. We'll see more of that sort of criticism (though without any suggestion that the Russians SHOULDN'T be warned, or that the US ought to attack air bases where Russian planes are located). What we WON'T see, however, is any suggestion that (1) the US should stay out of Syria; or (2) we have no reason to believe Assad was responsible for the recent CW attack -- which, I note, the Times has "officially" blamed on Assad.
Was it the Syrian government employing the gas attacks? Why?
Take some time to think about it. No really. Why should they do this in a position favourable for them, with only negative outcomes possible?
I am starkly reminded about Bush's WMD hoax on Irak. This was a misake. We might even know who the enmy is here. And as things seem fro my perspective, the probability is very high we hit the wrong side.
The Islamic State will of course profit from diminished airpower on the Syrian side. Why are you helping those who bomb our cities in sucide attacks liek 9/11?
Its a continuation of the old program to topple Assad at the expense of the security of the next country, Turkey, a NATO member. These are allies, still. You want to drag this into a NATO-Turkey, Russia-Syria conflict? Really? Back to a new cold war era? Because being targeted by ICBMs is fun? It isn't. It is insane.
Its sad to see Mr. Trump switched sides on the issue. Assad is no nice guy, for sure but this will further destabilize the region.
And yes, i see why Isral supports this action. Syria and Israel ar not on friendly terms and given the history of Israel as a state i do understand that. My sympathies to Israel for the situation it finds itself in. But this is not the way to resolve it. It will create more problems. Its a mistake. A huge one.
Take some time to think about it. No really. Why should they do this in a position favourable for them, with only negative outcomes possible?
I am starkly reminded about Bush's WMD hoax on Irak. This was a misake. We might even know who the enmy is here. And as things seem fro my perspective, the probability is very high we hit the wrong side.
The Islamic State will of course profit from diminished airpower on the Syrian side. Why are you helping those who bomb our cities in sucide attacks liek 9/11?
Its a continuation of the old program to topple Assad at the expense of the security of the next country, Turkey, a NATO member. These are allies, still. You want to drag this into a NATO-Turkey, Russia-Syria conflict? Really? Back to a new cold war era? Because being targeted by ICBMs is fun? It isn't. It is insane.
Its sad to see Mr. Trump switched sides on the issue. Assad is no nice guy, for sure but this will further destabilize the region.
And yes, i see why Isral supports this action. Syria and Israel ar not on friendly terms and given the history of Israel as a state i do understand that. My sympathies to Israel for the situation it finds itself in. But this is not the way to resolve it. It will create more problems. Its a mistake. A huge one.
Remember: We warned Russia and Russia warned Syria. In plenty of time. So this was a multi-million dollar publicity stunt. Syria left a few "volunteers" behind to get killed for dramatic effect. Russia can threaten to withdraw from cooperation and go after more rebels now and Trump gets kudos from "the usual suspects", i.e. his intoxicated base. Just waiting for some lackey to say, "Trump became President today", as if he is not encouraged to use military force now.
Think our enemies in China, N. Korea, Iran and Russia don't know the deal? And now the fringe media & fake news sites are saying the con man was conned by a sophisticated ruse.
Poor world, you are so bruised and abused I hardly recognize you any more.
Think our enemies in China, N. Korea, Iran and Russia don't know the deal? And now the fringe media & fake news sites are saying the con man was conned by a sophisticated ruse.
Poor world, you are so bruised and abused I hardly recognize you any more.
On Friday morning, Russia condemned this missile attack and said they support Assad. They also set aside the agreement with us that prevents aircraft flown by different countries in Syria from accidentally attacking each other.
Major win, right? We really scared Assad and the Russkies, right? On to scaring China and North Korea next.
Major win, right? We really scared Assad and the Russkies, right? On to scaring China and North Korea next.
Why do we have so many psychopaths as our world leaders?
Don't be silly; Obama's terrible presidency is the reason for the chaos in Syria. And the reason for one of the worst refugee crises in decades. And to invoke Bill O'Reilly in your argument only belies your anger at Fox News. Nothing to do with real world.
One day DoS announces that they no longer want to topple Trump, two days after there is a chem attack. Who is interested in that? Assad? Hardly. And why the victims of US air raid in Mosul get almost no coverage?
Raytheon shares will climb tomorrow as the only needle that will move. Trump will look at the pictures and be soberly disappointed at how little damage is done with 50 cruise missiles. In all, 100 million dollars spent and the air base will be open for business and war planes flying by Tuesday, or sooner. He might had better tweeted that he was mad about "things" and that he would never take Putin golfing.
Patience, that is all I ask when considering what our next actions should be. For now, another attack, just three miles from Assad's home would be in order. It is the first action the president has done that is encouraging. I am against the U.S. expanding its presence in Syria, but fully support the president for his actions as a result of the chemical warfare used by Assad. No more innocent children should die in Syria.
This article says a pentagon official stated we warned Russia the attacks would happen. Tillerson says we didn't tell Putin. Which is it? Was this a "punch" for show, which we know Trump loves, sanctioned by the Russians to shore Trump up at home, or an initial attack with a plan for how to proceed from here. Do these actions signal a plan to unseat Assad? Then what? That was the Obama administration concern. Do we want to create another vacuum of power in the missile east? Did the Trump administration consider these things? Will he make a further, considered speech to explain his change in course, and what happens next? Just saying, "I don't share my military plans won't really be enough.
And just to think that the children in Syria were not his concern just three weeks ago as he attempted once again, to ban Syrian families from entering
U S soil.
Hey, 'Mr.President', what gives?
Or was this action to show the Chinese president how 'tough' you are.
U S soil.
Hey, 'Mr.President', what gives?
Or was this action to show the Chinese president how 'tough' you are.
In 1982 Syrian President Hafez al-Assad bombed the Syrian city of Hama. In one of his books, veteran NYT pundit Thomas Friedman made mention of this.
President Ronald Reagan did nothing - this is the appropriate US response to an event that does not threaten Americans. Trump, acting like a range-of-the-moment Democrat, uses US military force to do ... what, exactly?
The next step for Bashar al-Assad will be to acquire more Russian and Iranian weapons, and kill even more Syrians.
America is not the world's policeman, or the world's parent. America should stay out of yet another Middle Eastern mess of one group of rabid religionists killing another group of rabid religionists.
President Ronald Reagan did nothing - this is the appropriate US response to an event that does not threaten Americans. Trump, acting like a range-of-the-moment Democrat, uses US military force to do ... what, exactly?
The next step for Bashar al-Assad will be to acquire more Russian and Iranian weapons, and kill even more Syrians.
America is not the world's policeman, or the world's parent. America should stay out of yet another Middle Eastern mess of one group of rabid religionists killing another group of rabid religionists.
Children are dead, but who is responsible? We have "definitive proof" that it was Hassad doing, or do we?
Hassad denies it, just as Sadam Hussein denied thar he had an atomic bomb ready to be fired.
But who was lying then, and presented fabricated evidence ro the whole world?
And whose intervention in Irak, Afghanistan end Lybia has brought about catastrophic results for the population, worse than it was before?
Are we going to put boots ob the ground? Are we going to bomb Damas and its civilian population? Are we going to shoot down russian planes if they bomb the "rebels".
And if we "get rid" of Hassa, are we going to send american soldiers to eradicated Isis and its cut throats?
Hassad denies it, just as Sadam Hussein denied thar he had an atomic bomb ready to be fired.
But who was lying then, and presented fabricated evidence ro the whole world?
And whose intervention in Irak, Afghanistan end Lybia has brought about catastrophic results for the population, worse than it was before?
Are we going to put boots ob the ground? Are we going to bomb Damas and its civilian population? Are we going to shoot down russian planes if they bomb the "rebels".
And if we "get rid" of Hassa, are we going to send american soldiers to eradicated Isis and its cut throats?
1
this will have no effect on events in syria
all you did was waste another $ 100, 000, 000 taxpayer money
but of course you cant afford single payer health care
onward, christian soldiers
Looks like you guys are moving to the second Iraq..again. Good luck then. Your Twitterman certainly will need more tomahawks to send another messages.
1
So now I see Joe Scarborough warning the Russkies, "Comrades, friends! Don't tell Donald Trump 'you didn't damage our airfield' because I CAN GUARANTEE you he will come back and hit you again tonight."
Morning Joe is now fomenting a bellicose, running-dog jingo foreign policy from his comfy chair next to Mika and his other mealy-mouthed suddenly war hawks. The smell of cordite in the air lets all manly men jump on the bandwagon cheering the run up to the next huge U.S. foreign policy disaster in the middle east. (Oceania is at war with Eastasia: Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia.)
Morning Joe is now fomenting a bellicose, running-dog jingo foreign policy from his comfy chair next to Mika and his other mealy-mouthed suddenly war hawks. The smell of cordite in the air lets all manly men jump on the bandwagon cheering the run up to the next huge U.S. foreign policy disaster in the middle east. (Oceania is at war with Eastasia: Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia.)
1
If the comments section were an organ it would be Playing into Putin's hands.
After a Putin instigated attack on Russian citizens he had to blame someone so he blamed others. Now he can say to them it was just a mistake and we will support Syria against the United States.
Dump Trump has no other plans.
After a Putin instigated attack on Russian citizens he had to blame someone so he blamed others. Now he can say to them it was just a mistake and we will support Syria against the United States.
Dump Trump has no other plans.
Here we go again..........
1
Why the sudden outrage - America and its allies killed 1400 Muslims in the Middle East in March of this year alone (source Newsweek 31/3/17) - where is the outrage at that as over 50% of those were innocent bystanders: women and children?
America speaks with a forked tongue
America speaks with a forked tongue
1
Ron Paul thinks this chemical attack was a false flag operation done to escalate the conflict.
Why the rush? Why not confirm that there were chemical weapons used, and confirm that they were deployed by the Assad regime, and then strike?
Why the rush? Why not confirm that there were chemical weapons used, and confirm that they were deployed by the Assad regime, and then strike?
1
Does anyone in their right mind believe that Donald Trump is going to get this right?
Even if a military response is necessary, shouldn't we build global consensus instead of going it alone. What about NATO and the UN? Shouldn't they at least help?
And if Syrian children are important to us, why are we denying them refuge? When has Trump ever demonstrated concern for the plight of the Syrian people? He was vocally opposed to US intervention after the gas attack in Syria in 2013.
Putin needs help in Syria and knows an American president who owes him a favor. We have isolated all of our other allies except Putin's Russia. Now, all of a sudden air strikes are important to Trump? I wonder what changed his mind this time?
Even if a military response is necessary, shouldn't we build global consensus instead of going it alone. What about NATO and the UN? Shouldn't they at least help?
And if Syrian children are important to us, why are we denying them refuge? When has Trump ever demonstrated concern for the plight of the Syrian people? He was vocally opposed to US intervention after the gas attack in Syria in 2013.
Putin needs help in Syria and knows an American president who owes him a favor. We have isolated all of our other allies except Putin's Russia. Now, all of a sudden air strikes are important to Trump? I wonder what changed his mind this time?
Finally, a small warning shot to Assad. Only a warning. Thank you, President Trump, for speaking with actions, not words. And speaking of actions, thank you for Mr. Gorsuch.
Speaking about children, babies being killed by chemical nerve agents is low-hanging fruit for Trump. What is his plan in the days after? What is the endgame? What is the exit strategy? What is going to make this different than all the other wars that his predecessors waged and mired our country in? These are all lessons learned by past administrations that thought US military action solves all conflicts.
I know he is in his element at Mar-a-Lago, but reading off a teleprompter like he is at a staged rally somewhere in Wisconsin, just reeks of "Wag The Dog". A leader doesn't have to look to the side and read off a board. Like with Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Shrub, and Obama before him...Trump needs to look into the camera and tell the US and the World that this is HIS decision that HE will own...for better or for worse.
Trump's going to find out the hard way that criticizing Obama's "weak decisions" is way easier than actually having to make decisions and being accountable for the life or death consequences that come from them. Getting involved in Syria triggers their ally, Russia. Getting involved in North Korea, triggers their ally, China. No different if any of them sent missiles into South Korea or Europe. You better have a plan President Trump for all your ego and bluster or you are going to take our country where everyone thought you were going to go...into a World War where 6am Twitter rants have no importance.
I know he is in his element at Mar-a-Lago, but reading off a teleprompter like he is at a staged rally somewhere in Wisconsin, just reeks of "Wag The Dog". A leader doesn't have to look to the side and read off a board. Like with Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Shrub, and Obama before him...Trump needs to look into the camera and tell the US and the World that this is HIS decision that HE will own...for better or for worse.
Trump's going to find out the hard way that criticizing Obama's "weak decisions" is way easier than actually having to make decisions and being accountable for the life or death consequences that come from them. Getting involved in Syria triggers their ally, Russia. Getting involved in North Korea, triggers their ally, China. No different if any of them sent missiles into South Korea or Europe. You better have a plan President Trump for all your ego and bluster or you are going to take our country where everyone thought you were going to go...into a World War where 6am Twitter rants have no importance.
WAIT!!! Is the US at war with Syria or Assad? How is Syria the business of America? By doing this, Trump has shown that he is just like every other past American Govt and President. Use bombs and weapons in military action in a dispute that is not in the interest of America and then leave the mess to everyone there to fix. Mr Trump has succombed to the typical American political pressure to act big in the world. Problem is it's usually the wrong move. Let the Syrians sort out their messes one way or another.
Could it be that what changed his mind was his desperate need to look as if he were firmly in control after months of ineptness and plunging poll numbers? So he changed--almost overnight--his approval of Obama's caution and his oft-stated position that non-intervention in Syria was the best course to follow. So what? This is Trump, after all! For the umpteenth time: Do not believe a word he says; it is meaningless. Watch what he does.
By the way, in ten years I wouldn't be surprised to find a Trump Hotel in Damascus and a Trump golf resort in Aleppo.
By the way, in ten years I wouldn't be surprised to find a Trump Hotel in Damascus and a Trump golf resort in Aleppo.
OK! So whatever your issue (pollution, poverty, climate change, etc) just get some some really graphic video and get it on CNN!!! Telepolicy.
A terrific political ploy by Trump. After unsuccessfully to take his Russia collusion off the front page he came up with a whopper, and finally succeeded in changing the Russian subject.
It’s imperative that we keep the pressure on Trump & his Russian Buddies. Take note, that he informed the Russians of the impending attack, as though they were uninformed about the Chemical attack & were completely innocent. If you believe that, I would like to sell you a bridge.Russia, Iran & Assad and the Russians share the blame for these heinous acts by Assad. It was Russian
Planes that decimated Aleppo & murdered men women & children, what is the difference how you murder the innocent, it’s still murder.
Lets not be deceived by this act,it was designed to move away from the collusion of Trump & Russia, like the Obama Lies.If anything, warning the murderer Putin about the attack only confirms the Russian , Trump Collusion.
It’s imperative that we keep the pressure on Trump & his Russian Buddies. Take note, that he informed the Russians of the impending attack, as though they were uninformed about the Chemical attack & were completely innocent. If you believe that, I would like to sell you a bridge.Russia, Iran & Assad and the Russians share the blame for these heinous acts by Assad. It was Russian
Planes that decimated Aleppo & murdered men women & children, what is the difference how you murder the innocent, it’s still murder.
Lets not be deceived by this act,it was designed to move away from the collusion of Trump & Russia, like the Obama Lies.If anything, warning the murderer Putin about the attack only confirms the Russian , Trump Collusion.
A muscled foreign policy long overdue! The strike, which Obama should have crdered in 2012, but dithered and reneged at almost the last minute, will and should dissipate any doubts among his critics that he is not up to the responsibility that comes with the office of President. Coupled with HRC's mendacity encapsulated in her interview with your scribe last night,Nicolas Kristof, Mr. Derring Do, fearless investigative reporter who dares to go where more cautious journos would hesitate to tread, c-in-c seems all the more impressive by comparison."De l'audace, de l'audace, toujours de l'audace" declared Danton,one of the 10 revolutionaries who assumed power in France as collectively the Comite de Salut Publique in the wake of the abolition of feudalism in France on 4 August, 1789, sounding the deathknell for the monarchy,and President Trump's venturesome fearless actions should lead all Americans of every creed and color to say, "Estamos orgullosos ser Americanos!" America is back!
i
i
i
i
This attack has little to do with humanitarianism, much less a coherent strategy for dealing with Syria or the wider middle east. The attack is an attempt to distract from Trump's impotence at home. We destabilized the region with our unnecessary war in Iraq. Our lack of an effective plan for governing the country after deposing Saddam Hussein was a huge win for Iran and has brought untold suffering to Iraqis and their neighbors.
Our representatives and Senators must find a way to prevent from staggering, drunk with military power and full of rage at his inability to govern into another lost war.
Assad is a monster. And his attacks on his people are criminal. But anything more than imposing a no fly zone and setting up humanitarian zones in Syria's periphery will likely end in more, not less, misery for the people we claim to help. Toppling Assad would be just. And, if we had a plan and the ability to run Syria with him gone, regime change would be a worthy goal. As it is, whatever replaces Assad would likely be much, much worse for Syria, the region and the world.
Trump knows little and he knows least about humility. A rational leader acting in America's best interest would recognize, respect and be guided by the reality of our power - especially the limitations of it. Heaven help the people of Syria and of the US.
Our representatives and Senators must find a way to prevent from staggering, drunk with military power and full of rage at his inability to govern into another lost war.
Assad is a monster. And his attacks on his people are criminal. But anything more than imposing a no fly zone and setting up humanitarian zones in Syria's periphery will likely end in more, not less, misery for the people we claim to help. Toppling Assad would be just. And, if we had a plan and the ability to run Syria with him gone, regime change would be a worthy goal. As it is, whatever replaces Assad would likely be much, much worse for Syria, the region and the world.
Trump knows little and he knows least about humility. A rational leader acting in America's best interest would recognize, respect and be guided by the reality of our power - especially the limitations of it. Heaven help the people of Syria and of the US.
1
This entire story seems so odd. None of it lines up and raises a lot of questions. Why would the Assad regime do this now? Why launch a gas attack on this particular part of the country? Why launch such a feeble attack, killing less than a hundred when previous attacks killed hundreds or thousands? This kind of damage is done in this part of the world regularly with conventional weapons. Yes, this attack was terrible but it is one of those moments when I have to cock my head and ask "huh?"
This report did not do anything to address the serious oddities in this story.
This report did not do anything to address the serious oddities in this story.
1
So NYT, has anyone asked whether any Sarin was detected when the airbase and all its facilities were destroyed? Crickets.
1
"No child of God . . . "
How dare Trump serve up a worse-than-lame, political name-check of diety over the deaths he mentioned. Death and god are both tools for this awful man.
How dare Trump serve up a worse-than-lame, political name-check of diety over the deaths he mentioned. Death and god are both tools for this awful man.
2
Little Donnie gets his war.
I predict more Syrian civilians will die.
Young American men and women from our military will be sent there to die in the desert. Will my nephew be among them? Your daughter or son?
The mess will last at least until 2020, at which point Donnie will campaign for his next term on the need for continuity in maintaining the Syria War effort.
Billions of American taxpayer dollars will be funneled into the coffers of the multi-national corporate arms manufacturers.
Donnie's friends will get richer.
Sound familiar?
I predict more Syrian civilians will die.
Young American men and women from our military will be sent there to die in the desert. Will my nephew be among them? Your daughter or son?
The mess will last at least until 2020, at which point Donnie will campaign for his next term on the need for continuity in maintaining the Syria War effort.
Billions of American taxpayer dollars will be funneled into the coffers of the multi-national corporate arms manufacturers.
Donnie's friends will get richer.
Sound familiar?
1
Real empathy would include an immediate withdrawal of the (anti-Muslim) immigration ban and a reinstatement of the US commitment to accept refugees.
I think this administration will use any opening, whether valid or not. to go to war, whether domestically (Obama, health care, environment, refugees, women, etc.) or internationally. It almost seems as though their reason for being is to be against everything and everyone, even if they have to provoke it. Still hoping for some peacefull vs. warlike action.
Wow! Talk about a negating a red line travel ban! Oh, and by the way, will Trump now put his arms around the Syrian refugees coming to America?
To all you maniacs who think launching Tomahawk missiles makes Trump look "strong": How strong is Trump going to look when Syria starts shooting down American jets with its top-of-the-line Russian air defenses?
Trump did not "send a message" tonight. Diplomats send messages. Trump committed an act of war against Syria.
Prepare for unforeseen consequences.
Trump did not "send a message" tonight. Diplomats send messages. Trump committed an act of war against Syria.
Prepare for unforeseen consequences.
1
Obama drew a line in the sand and Assad stomped on it. Tens of thousands died. About time the US did something.
1
This isn't doing "something", its merely making a chaotic situation worse.
2
If someone were to fire 59 cruise missiles at us, what would we say?
We would say we were at war. How is it that we can somehow differentiate this huge overreaction as a "response" as opposed to an act of war.
Trump is a very dangerous knee jerk reactionary. He has now purposefully immersed us in another war.
I'm certain he is internally rationalizing his actions, not so much by saying he's saving children's lives, as much as "now I'm a war president just like W and I will be able to get away with anything under the guise of war".
"And if my desires should continue to go awry I will have the military on my side so that I can suppress any and all significant opposition here at home.
And even further, I just gave the military industrial complex a shot in the arm. My economic numbers should improve significantly and if we actively manipulate the news from Syria as thankfulness and support for my policies, my poll numbers will surely rise."
"I know what, lets make sure all the media have video of us firing cruise missiles. They will never be able to resist publishing those pics. They will concentrate on Syria and Russia will fade into the back ground."
"I will have successfully cemented my presidency in place".
"I have so much power and Americans are so easily duped, I love it".
We would say we were at war. How is it that we can somehow differentiate this huge overreaction as a "response" as opposed to an act of war.
Trump is a very dangerous knee jerk reactionary. He has now purposefully immersed us in another war.
I'm certain he is internally rationalizing his actions, not so much by saying he's saving children's lives, as much as "now I'm a war president just like W and I will be able to get away with anything under the guise of war".
"And if my desires should continue to go awry I will have the military on my side so that I can suppress any and all significant opposition here at home.
And even further, I just gave the military industrial complex a shot in the arm. My economic numbers should improve significantly and if we actively manipulate the news from Syria as thankfulness and support for my policies, my poll numbers will surely rise."
"I know what, lets make sure all the media have video of us firing cruise missiles. They will never be able to resist publishing those pics. They will concentrate on Syria and Russia will fade into the back ground."
"I will have successfully cemented my presidency in place".
"I have so much power and Americans are so easily duped, I love it".
Assad doesn't have a motive to gas anybody at this point. Who does?
Stay out of it. Our involvement should be limited to selling weapons, at a profit, to someone else willing to deal with it, like the EU. It's closer to them than us.
But...but...but....I thought Trump was Putin's puppet???
As long as Assad is in power this is no more than a slap on the wrist. However, the timing of the response was good.
Maybe Trump will reconsider his State Dept. cuts. They can be very helpful in times like these.
But first replace the malcontent you have for a Secretary of State.
Find someone you can trust, NOT your son in law.
Now, tell me again how this comports with your America First vision?
Maybe Trump will reconsider his State Dept. cuts. They can be very helpful in times like these.
But first replace the malcontent you have for a Secretary of State.
Find someone you can trust, NOT your son in law.
Now, tell me again how this comports with your America First vision?
1
Did Trump also "ask for God's wisdom" in Yemen when the recent botched US effort killed 9 young children or in Mosul where up to 200 civilians are thought to have been blown to pieces by US bombs?
2
Note:
"A military official said the attack was at the more limited end of the military options presented to Mr. Trump on Thursday by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis."
The disciplined hand with humanitarian overtones can be seen in the involvement of Secretary of Defense Mattis in this military operational plan and response to the Syrian problem under consideration.
Semper Fi.
"A military official said the attack was at the more limited end of the military options presented to Mr. Trump on Thursday by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis."
The disciplined hand with humanitarian overtones can be seen in the involvement of Secretary of Defense Mattis in this military operational plan and response to the Syrian problem under consideration.
Semper Fi.
Re: ".... the Syrian problem under consideration."
The essential question is:
What is to be done about the use of chemical weapons.
Solutions anyone.
The essential question is:
What is to be done about the use of chemical weapons.
Solutions anyone.
It's right for us to take military action against Assad. But let's be clear. If Trump cared about protecting Syrian civilians, he wouldn't have twice already attempted to ban Syrian refugees from entering our country.
The Trump administration should not have contacted Russia to advise them of the missile strike. Russia and Iran and Syria are in cahoots. The Russians that were there at that base must have been there to help Assad move his most important assets. Assad is a proxy for Russia. Next time you want an air strike done properly, ask the Israelis.
The strike was insufficient. All of Assad's bases should have been attacked.
The narrative about Obama and his Red line is ridiculous given that Congress did vote for his planned action in Syria against Assad. And CNN reported that this plan may have used part of those plans.
The strike was insufficient. All of Assad's bases should have been attacked.
The narrative about Obama and his Red line is ridiculous given that Congress did vote for his planned action in Syria against Assad. And CNN reported that this plan may have used part of those plans.
All that is circling my mind right now is MISSION CREEP.
1
This is an easy one!
- When UN previously investigated chemical gas use in Syria - the US, and others too, prevented UN inspectors inside Syria from investigating/uncovering which side used the weapons. Thus explains why UN, as a body, has never accused Assad - they only confirmed use of chemical weapons within Syria.
- Last week, Tillerson's State Department indicated targeted leadership change within Syria has been replaced with fresh priority to defeat ISIS.
- Senator John McCain, this past Sunday interview with Martha Raddatz: "Mr. Tillerson's statement that the Syrian people will determine their own future, that is one of the more unusual statements I've ever heard....What signal do we send people who struggle for freedom around the world? That Syria is determining its own future?"
Conclusions:
- Assad has been fighting ISIS, and heretofore, US has been fighting Assad.
- McCain realizes, if given choice, Syrians choose Assad over ISIS affiliated groups - hence, the Arizona Senator believes it is NOT in best interest of US for Syrians to have self determination.
Seems to me, one or more Syrian opposition groups did not take too kindly Tillerson's remark that ousting Assad was no longer priority.
- When UN previously investigated chemical gas use in Syria - the US, and others too, prevented UN inspectors inside Syria from investigating/uncovering which side used the weapons. Thus explains why UN, as a body, has never accused Assad - they only confirmed use of chemical weapons within Syria.
- Last week, Tillerson's State Department indicated targeted leadership change within Syria has been replaced with fresh priority to defeat ISIS.
- Senator John McCain, this past Sunday interview with Martha Raddatz: "Mr. Tillerson's statement that the Syrian people will determine their own future, that is one of the more unusual statements I've ever heard....What signal do we send people who struggle for freedom around the world? That Syria is determining its own future?"
Conclusions:
- Assad has been fighting ISIS, and heretofore, US has been fighting Assad.
- McCain realizes, if given choice, Syrians choose Assad over ISIS affiliated groups - hence, the Arizona Senator believes it is NOT in best interest of US for Syrians to have self determination.
Seems to me, one or more Syrian opposition groups did not take too kindly Tillerson's remark that ousting Assad was no longer priority.