President Trump is an expert strategist. Now the Russians don't know if there will be a missile strike or not.
2
I doubt that Trump would dismiss Defense Secretary Mattis....
and I believe that the rule of law will prevail....Congress must approve any
act of war against a sovereign nation....so...Trump can tweet all he wants and
simply make more of a fool of himself.....The Generals will keep Trump at bay.
2
What must go through the minds of military heroes such as Mattis and Kelly? They remain in their positions because of loyalty to country and the understanding, unlike their mindless boss, that diplomacy and caution, not military intervention, are the long term solutions to crises. They fight a two front battle every day, and the enemies are bad actors throughout the world and their own boss, whose ignorance and impulsiveness cause them grave concerns.
3
If you don't have a plan a goal for Syria, stay out. Wise Generals like Mattis knows that. Before the ousting of Saddam Hussein wise people advised the Bush administration to ask the question "and then what?". Starting an all out war with Syria Russia and Iran will kill even more innocent Syrians and after all carnage "then what?"
2
How about we let this go. It's not our business. We are not the world's policeman. We do not need another quagmire which endangers the lives of our kids for no good reason.
And while we're at it let's get out of Afghanistan.
4
Chemical weapons, such as those used recently in Syria are indeed heinous and horrific. Their use does raise several questions.
1. Are not all weapons that cause mass casualties horrific?
2. What exactly specifies a “Chemical” weapon?
3. Aren’t most weapons: i.e. bullets, bombs and missiles made up with chemicals as a main component?
4. Haven’t we also used “chemical” weapons in conflicts? What about dropping NAPALM in Vietnam? NAPALM was a bomb consisting of jellied gasoline, produced by the Dow CHEMICAL company. Why didn’t we or anyone else,” draw a line in the sand when the US deployed this?
My point is, it seems when it comes to the topic of these things, we appear to take the stand- that there are chemical weapons and there are CHEMICAL WEAPONS!
I am going to boldly predict that there will not be a meaningful response to the chemical attack in Syria. Incompetence rules the Trump Administration. Not to mention his personal issues--which take precedence over the business of the country or the world. #somuchwinning
3
Instead of missiles the president should write an executive order to embargo all US trade with Russia.
Time to recognize that Russia has started a cold war with the United States and the allies of the United States. The allies of the United States will follow an embargo against Russia.
The current leaders of Russia will crumble when the Russian oligarchs start losing money.
The question is whether President Trump will work against Russia.
2
I have been commenting since The coup in Ukraine that attacking Syria to draw us, the U.S.(mostly to deaf ears)into a conflict with first Iran and then Russia has been the plan. Trump ran on the promise that he would withdraw the troops from the Middle East, not that anyone actually believed him, what’s one more lie; but H.R.C. made it very clear she wanted to escalate the war in the Middle East, particularly in Syria. The neo cons that supported H.R.C. now have their W.M.D. Moment, they also have the poodle, this time Macron not Blair. Macron is screaming from the rooftops thatt he “ knows” the Syrians are guilty and he being the privileged little boy from the Provences and E’Cole that he is is dying for probably the first chance ever to show his manhood, from the shelter of the Eleysee Palace of course, particularly given his unpopularity after stabbing the working class in the back with a major strike resulting. As usual the only one in the room with a brain is Merkel, no surprise there. With a founding member of the cabal to bomb Iran and Russia in the room in the form of Uber chicken hawk Bolton we are probably being green lighted to make yet another Hhuge mistake, much worse even than bombing Iraq. This one guaranteed not to end with American troops being “cheered in the streets”. There needs to be a tidal wave of protest by the public against this idiocy so the neocons are stopped before the body bags begin arriving at home.
2
"Russia has warned the US that launching air strikes in response to a suspected chemical attack in Syria could spark a war between the two countries. "The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war," Moscow's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on 12 April. He also called for the UN Security Council to meet again on Friday to discuss the possibility of Western military action". BBC
Mattis is of course right. We need to know who did use the chemical weapons. It might have been Russia or Syria or who knows.
In the second paragraph it is stated that two Defense Department officials predicted it would be difficult to pull back from punishing airstrikes, given President Trump’s threat on Twitter a day earlier . . . ." This encapsulates the dangers of having a Mr. Bluster for President. Mattis needs to take Trump aside and tell him to just shut up in exactly those terms.
Foreign policy is difficult enough without having to deal with a President's ignorant and intemperate comments.
" “We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people,” Mr. Mattis said."
Really? I guess that killing hundreds of innocent people with bombs isn't as bad as killing 70 with chemicals. The # of people killed + method of killing + country involved = outrage level. Of course killing with chemicals is worse than killing by bombing and of course it depends on the country doing the killing.
2
Jim Mattis’s restraint at moving against Syria is to be commended.Finally a voice of restraint with a promise to consult Congress before military action is a step in the right direction.
Mathis’s restraint is to preclude a wider war.
Finally, a voice of restraint emerges from the thunderous Trump chaos!
1
Announcing ahead of time a plan to attack? This gives Assad and Russia time to protect all their most expensive weapons and protect their military quiet handily. Was this forewarning perhaps intentional as a 'boon' and nod to 'frenemy' Russia? So, who will suffer in the end? Whether civilians are murdered through gas attacks, bombs, guns, it's still awful and wrong. Expect to see a big blowing up of empty airfields and buildings with any weaponry or chemicals safely relocated thanks to Trumps advance 'heads up' to Assad and Russia.. Just stop all 'collateral' damage of civilians.
1
Is there any doubt that the strike will be timed to preempt the Comey interview?
1
Lost in all this:
1. Is this really a good excuse to get ready for the bigger war with Iran?
2. What will happen to oil prices?
Announcing ahead of time a plan to attack. This gives Assad and Russia time to protect all their most expensive weapons and protect themselves. Was this forewarning perhaps intentional as a 'boon' and nod to 'frenemy' Russia?
So, who will suffer in the end? Whether civilians are murdered through gas attacks, bombs, guns, it's still awful and wrong. So, except to see a big blowing up of empty airfields and buildings with any weaponry or chemicals safely relocated thanks to Trumps advance 'heads up' to Assad and Russia.. Just stop all 'collateral' damage of civilians.
If we are so concerned about the children, we should be working for peace in Syria. We definitely should not be behind further escalation of of this war. Do we have to kill/maim more children to save them?
We have seen that regime change is a horrible idea in that part of the world as it leads to an anarchy that will surely be filled by jihadists. While the gassing of Syrian citizens is deplorable, that doesn't make it automatically our problem. Our legitimate interest in Syria is the defense of Israel. We have had enough pre-emptive wars over there that have nothing to do with defending our country or our allies against incursions. Will Russia gain strategically? Will Iran? Yes. That is unfortunate, but not enough reason to start a war. Especially a proxy war with Russia.
Seems counter productive that the NYT and Reader Picks heavily favor the rambling all-over-the-map insult commentary rather than some of the more thoughtful ones in this thread. The big problem here is that Trump's impulsive behavior may have limited better options. That is bad enough on its own; it is also true that wanting to *do* something about chemical weapons attacks rather than just *complain* about it is, in and of itself, admirable. As for what and how to respond, there are no easy choices here and hurling invectives does not make it otherwise.
1
So it's OK for Assad to use barrel bombs on his people but not gas. This incident is an instance of how common sense and the common people are poorly served by their leaders. Little wonder the world should be concerned about the potential for escalation over such an arbitrary line in the sand.
1
The Russians will lose interest in Syria eventually. We should just be patient and remind Assad that eventually he will pay. Bin laden, Gaddafi are just some of the poster boys ......
We can have a legitimate argument about whether President Obama was weak in his policy towards Syria, but I don't think any reasonable person would argue that Obama was weak, chaotic, incoherent AND insane all at the same time.
In August 2013, Obama asked Congress for support in responding militarily to Assad's earlier crime against humanity. But the GOP Congress was in full and feckless "never support Obama no matter what" mode and refused Obama's request.
Have congress pass a vote, that will override any veto, saying any attack on Syria must have congressional approval before action. We have laws preventing unilateral actions, like war, preventing a President from doing actions that don't truly represent the views of Americans through our representative government.
Congress is abdicating their role as the balance of power against over reach by the executive branch.
Defense Secretary is very wise General. Missile strike is not the answer. We should just walk out of Syria.Let Russian put their resources there and handle that country. We get nothing out from there.Just focus on Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
We do not have to bomb anyone.
Instead the president should write an executive order to embargo all US trade with Russia.
Time to recognize that Russia has started a cold war with the United States and the allies of the United States. The allies of the United States will follow an embargo against Russia.
1
Mr. Trump is reported to have said "We have just about decimated ISIS" Does he know that "decimated" means cut by one tenth, not annihilated?
Why doesn't Trump just fire Assad?
It it is beyond unsettling when an ex-marine, with a nickname of “Mad Dogq,” is the calming influence. Yikes!
Announcing ahead of time a plan to attack? This gives Assad and Russia time to protect all their most expensive weapons and protect their military quite handily. Was this forewarning perhaps intentional as a 'boon' and nod to 'frenemy' Russia? So, who will suffer in the end? Whether civilians are murdered through gas attacks, bombs, guns, it's still awful and wrong. Expect to see a big blowing up of empty airfields and buildings with any weaponry or chemicals safely relocated thanks to Trumps advance 'heads up' to Assad and Russia.. Just stop all 'collateral' damage of civilians.
Amazing that the Secretary of Defense has to walk the POTUS back from bringing us to the edge of war over a Middle Eastern country in which we have no national interests. We certainly have the moral responsibility to do what we can to improve the "situation" in Syria today. But we cannot be the policeman for the entire world. And Trump's "smart missiles" are like his "bigger nuclear button", an adolescent braggart's silly taunts that will do nothing to improve the lives of innocent civilians. Lord knows we aren't effective at policing the monsters within our own national borders. But we can be a world leader in bringing international pressure on the Assad regime and his immoral supporters in Russia and Iran. Trump wants a war. He thinks it will make him more popular. And he saw how after George W. Bush started his silly/tragic war in Iraq that the American voters re-elected him. While almost totally ignorant of American history Trump does remember how the Iraq war kept W in office.
4
Tweety-bird has put us in a position of the Pentagon disagreeing publicly with the Sec. Defense, who is disagreeing publicly with the president. The US looks foolish, while Putin and Assad must be enjoying it all "bigly".
The same sort of policy-by-kneejerk-reaction took us out of TPP, which even Trump is now recognizing was a mistake, again leaving the US looking foolish to the world as we try to get back in.
All this and more, just as Comey describes Trump's horrible behavior and Trump proves him right by tweeting back an insult like some poorly raised 10 year old.
Can't someone block his twitter account, in the interest of National Security?
4
I believe it was McCain's Syrian rebels who done it, just like the last time.
Unless there is presentable proof -- presentable to the U.N. -- Bashar al Assad is responsible, I would humbly suggest Pres. Trump and the rest of the civilized world inform the Syrians, if they do not promptly to allow UN investigators into the affected area the next time this kind of incident occurs, they will be held strictly accountable.*
*Source: "Globalists and Neocons Demand Syria War; Trump Considers Options" @ https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/foreign-policy/item/28717-globalis...
In 90 percent of pictures taken of Trump - he has his arms folded in front of him shielding him from truth, insight, intellect, viewpoints, other’s intelligence and in fact reality.
His thoughts - which aren’t really his because he is not capable of true thought are most influenced by where the wind blows.
And we and the world are at the mercy of this pathetic thug.
1
The time for an effective strike on Assad has come and gone. He's already moved his offensive weapons to undisclosed locations or onto Russian airbases so exactly what empty airbases will be hit?
At this point the only meaningful action would be to take Assad himself out and that's a tough call without perfect and confirmed intelligence as to his whereabouts.
Hitting the Chemical weapons facilities would be good but may also have unintended ramifications and kill many innocents, the very thing we'd be responding to with the military strike. Had Trump not tweeted his intentions we could have done something meaningful.
Trump is unfit to serve and has placed Secretary Mattis in a difficult position. Gen. Dunsford knows if we kill Russians the situation could result in a response by the Russians. From there it all goes down hill.
So we have an unfit moron with an I-phone tweeting out national security policy with tough talk he's unable to deliver on. The very thing Trump swore he wouldn't do.
I hope all you Trump supporters are feeling safe and secure in the knowledge you elected an idiot to lead the free world who is completely clueless on matters of national security and everything else for that matter. He cares only for himself and the show of "horror" about the use of chemical weapons is another smoke and mirrors event designed to make himself look human. He could actually care less about chemical weapons use on children.
Does this mean the Russia is now "ready"?
Honest media has a special duty in reporting these things. Nothing, but nothing Donald Tweets has any meaning -- unless your his psychiatrist. We'll Bomb 'em-- Tweet 1. We'll wait -- Tweet 2. Trump Tweets = Trump University.
Dear Mr. Trump: If you want to help the Russians take over Syria and possibly create a more stable regime then do what Vladimir Putin wants you to do and that is using the CIA move in and kill their biggest problem - President Bashar al-Assad! Got any guts?
Praise the gods there is at least still one adult in the room.
It's a disgrace, what's happening. A disgrace. A disgrace. A disgrace. A disgrace. A disgrace...
Without Jim Mattis in the room we might be at war with Russia by now. Trump needs to stop tweeting. Apparently he respects his first wife's opinion. When he asked her if he should stop tweeting she stupidly told him to keep on tweeting. His tweets are doing this nation a disservice.
Five Hundred thousand deaths in Syria"s civil war including men, women and children. I fail to comprehend the logic of a strategic/tactical pin-prick strike based on 50 more victims because they were victims of a chemical weapons attack while the killing goes on and on. The continuing violence will only cease when Assad is removed from office. Target him .
Old Bone Spurs, that brilliant military mastermind, may find himself chocking on his statements about how Obama handled Syria as he is now falling into the quicksand of the Middle East.
But, he will never admit it.
Not to worry dear Americans. You should realize that any action your President may take will already have been cleared by the Kremlin.
Mr. Putin realizes that even the mob of imbecilic Trump racist supporters and phony devoutly religious imposters are beginning to see a glimmer of light. Putin does not want to lose the Presidency of the United States.
Mr. Putin will sacrifice Russian soldiers to keep Donald Trump in power. Trump followers will love it.
What happened to the United Nations?? Why aren't they addressing this issue in full force? Why does the United States feel compelled to take charge? Is that what Trump is all about? Wouldn't the world be better off without him trying to play big shot? He should give up tweeting and the presidency and play war games on his lap top when not playing with a little white ball.
Telephone call from the Oval Office:
"Hey, Vlad. How's it going?...
Well, that's good....
Yeah, but not so good here. Look, that's what I need to talk to you about, but I don't have much time. They'll all be back in a minute.
Listen, you're really making it hard on me with this Syria thing. I announce that we're pulling out just like you said, and then this chemical business and pictures of dying children everywhere. It's almost the same thing with the NRA. I'm trying to do what you all want, but you're not making it easy....
Oh no. I'm not complaining. Sure, sure. We'll keep using the NRA to launder your campaign contributions. That's not a problem. It's Syria that I'm calling about. Now I've got to bomb something again and I'm afraid it can't be another empty air field....
Exactly. So check it out as fast as you can and give me a target. And if you will call off your other guy for a while, I need to have a little time to get the troops out....
Ok. Thanks. And don't forget. As soon as they're all out of there I get all copies of the tapes and phone recordings....
Great. You promise now? Right? Ok. Perfect. Here they come. I gotta run."
1
Dear NYT,
Please suspend all articles in relation to DJT until you reach the headline
TRUMP IMPEACHED!
Sincerely,
America
The United States and its allies need to get serious about working with Russia, Iran, and Turkey to develop a peace plan for Syria, or get out of the way entirely. The concept of "limited, punitive strikes" is not a real strategy and has not worked in the past even to deter chemical weapons use, let alone the other issues facing Syria. The use of chemical weapons is horrific but small in scale compared to other ways government forces have besieged cities. Reconstruction, political settlement, the refugee crisis and the rise of terrorist groups (including the continuing occupation of Idlib by al-Qaeda) all demand more attention than a handful of chemical attacks.
8
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, as one of the remaining "adults in the room," knows that the best use of the military is in the service of a political objective. Just retaliating by bombing Syria may create a "feel good" moment, but with the likelihood of collateral damage of innocent Syrians along with escalating the war with Syria, Iran and Russia, it makes little sense. Any military strike needs to have a political component like hitting targets threatening our long-time ally in the fight against ISIS and the Assad regime, the Kurds, who have established an enclave in north central Syria where they have lived for centuries and are Syria's largest minority. We could even go one step further and support either the formation of a semi-autonomous Kurdish province or even a Kurdish state. Such thinking may be beyond the capacity of Donald Trump and his new National Security Adviser, "Blowtorch" John Bolton, but perhaps Gen. Mattis can provide the leadership that's been lacking.
13
Collateral damage indeed!
AKA, needless slaughter of innocent civilians, including children.
I would like to share my analysis, to be shared all over the world.
Trump got into office without political nor diplomatic experience. He tweets messages to get a reaction/comment, and he gets this feedback on his tweets, like the proposed retaliation efforts from China or Russia. Now Trump gets the desired reactions and comments from political and diplomatic experienced world leaders. Trump thinks that those reactions/comments are sincere and serious. Then he overthinks what to do or think next, based on those predictions of countermeasurements. Many people (politicians/diplomats all over the world) don't take the tweets from Trump all to seriously, but have to consider the seriousness nevertheless. My not-expert assesment is from what I think that I have learned from Trump that Trump sends out heavy messages just to estimate the opponent's position on matters, and Trump has said in the past that this is his strategy. This last thing I don't know for
sure, and commenters are invited to shed a light on this.
I left out any sarcasm and name-calling (I tried to), and I would like to ask all commenters to do the same, as this gives you a stronger position in a dispute, was it mere to not invite trolls to attack you on that and in the process have a bigger change to have the discussion stay on topic.
Conclusion; All parties involved should not react to tweets but instead only deal with personal or diplomatic communication.
8
What the world leaders and our own politicians should do is treat Trump like the crazy uncle that should not be let out of the attic and ignore his inane tweets.
Also, all Trump decisions are transactional, based in the current immediate moment on an up/down paradigm of his own popularity and ego (think like a stock market, does he believe hypothetical "Trump stock" is going to go "up" or "down" based on a certain presidential act or decision; and also based fully on the idea of him not displaying any perceived "weakness" no matter how small. He is a ludicrous caricature of an Alpha-male, "I drink your milkshake" tough guy, comucally so, and thus his decisions are utterly predictable and easy to anticipate in that light.
There is no long-term planning with Trump, other than his own sense of the immediate up or down of his own popularity, in that fleeting moment, his belief in living to survive another day and him looking good on Fox news, particularly Hannity and the AM show "Fox And Friends." Everything he does each day is done to see how it "plays" with those two shows.
Other world leaders have grown to perceive this, quite easily, and have adjusted accordingly to maximize their positions and exploit Trump's glaring weaknesses.
Nikki Haley should head over to Syria if she is so anxious to fight Russians. Some of the rest of us actually know what Mutually Assured Destruction means, and may want to live out the rest of our natural lives.
What causes all these American women to be such warmongers? They're actually worse than men. No sense of what war actually means. Haley, Clinton, Power, Albright, etc....
11
“They’re actually worse than men.” Disgusting comment
Look at all of our elites. Look at how they behave. All of them. What has happened since the "election" of this incompetent, cowardly, narcissistic perennial liar, this giant man child whose only "experience" is bankrupting himself using daddy's money? What has happened? Nothing. Why? So our elites could get their tax cuts? So our elites could further dismantle what tepid social protections are left from the New Deal? Clearly, our elites do not care about the vast majority of us. Clearly, they believe everything is much better than it is, or are unaware of what drastic consequences their decisions have on our lives. I mean, I'm listening to NPR yesterday (or two days ago) after the Zuckerberg hearing, and the gist of the entire story was that "senators are just learning about how Facebook works for the first time so they can regulate it?" Really? Twelve years after its creation and our government elites are "just learning" about one of the richest companies on the planet so they can "regulate it?" Really? Twelve years and our government elites are just starting to think that maybe, just maybe, a corporate oligarchy where three people have more wealth than 90% of the population is a bad thing? Really? I'm supposed to believe that these people, who do not have the spine to stand up to the embarrassment that is Trump, and do not care if three people still billions of dollars every year (while 90% of us are forced to pay more taxes than ...
12
To bomb, or not to bomb -- hasn't there been enough hemming and hawing on this Syria issue? Now that it's Friday, and they have the weekend off, it's time for Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade (and, what the heck, Janice Dean, too) to make their final decision and tell President Trump what to do.
7
If liberal leaders and thinkers are "snowflakes" that melt when it gets hot. what does that make Trump? A Ping-Pong Ball in Action? Yes. the man truly believes he is confusing our enemies. Trouble is, Trump is confusing all who want to find a solution to a Global or Domestic problem he blows all out of proportion! Fat egos often do that. He should have been denied his right to run for the Presidency as soon as he shouted, "Only I can do that" in his convention speech.
5
He's a real estate developer! Not a politician! Can we hear a hallelujah!!!
7
invisible--I'll give you a hearty Amen.
"....….more time to prepare for an American strike…the train has left the station….I expect him to hit Syria in the next few days.”….We’ve waited too long already.” Bloodthirsty war fever, launched upon a surfeit of could be-s, maybe-s, and seems to be-s, is a sure sign that our elites have reached the end of their rope and are losing control. Will the American people follow?
2
“In my view, the train has left the station,” said Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the Eurasia Group, a political risk consulting and advisory firm. “If Trump now decides not to strike, he’s Obama 2.0 from 2013. That’s the ultimate anathema to President Trump, and I expect him to hit Syria in the next few days.”
In this statement lies my greatest concern. Trumps continuous distain for our black President, Barack Obama. The slams Trump was subject to by President Obama during the White House Correspondents Dinner in April, 2011, remains in the forefront of this man's mind, contiunes to infuriate him and , his on-going mission is one of retaliation.
Every thought, every word this man utters is that of emotionally irrational adolescence. He is a self-obsessed chameleon who thirsts for the accolades of others regardless of the source(s).
This war in Syria has caused the devastation of far too many innocent members of our world. Before any action can be executed, much fact finding must be done. A carefully planned stragerty of action must take into account the thoughts and opinions of other world leaders.
Will someone, anyone please tell Donald John to just shut up for he is way out of his league and knows not what he speaks of.
5
Hits the nail squarely on the head. The entire Trump agenda is centered on two things: (1) Undoing and trashing anything Obama, and (2) pandering any issue to get the adoration he so desperately needs from his simplistic base.
The man is an international embarrassment, and the country has disgraced itself in electing him.
1
Wow. People from the right and left are actually arguing that hey, a guy like Assad's not this nuts, and anyway, the rebels just got the gasses and the choppers from Israel or the CIA or somthing and anyway, who cares what happens to children in Syria?
If you're wondering how we all got together and elected a loudmouthed, greedy fool as President, look no further.
5
Thank you
You Americans are responsible for choosing a fool that threatens the world by simple Twitter messages. Get rid of that incompetent and insane president, for God sake. It's a mad world, indeed. But this madness/madman was democratily chosen, so this is becoming a crisis of democracy. There are no words for what is happening these days. We need more psychiatrists, that's for sure.
12
The budget deficit is expected to be one trillion dollars in 2020. I wonder how many people beating the drums for war would be so enthusiastic to undertake another regime change in another middle east country if they actually had to fork over the money up front to do it. The Iraq war is estimated to have cost us over one trillion dollars. We are in our sixteenth year of war in Afghanistan, a money sucking morass, with no end in sight. We have millions of baby boomers going into the entitlement systems of Medicare and Social Security, both of which are being eyed by conservative as ripe for picking by using our money crunch problems. This whole Syrian thing is almost a verbatim repeat of our entry into the Iraq war. It's depressing to watch the rhetoric from both political parties and the main stream press pushing for this. Trump's election was a blow, but I thought at least he would keep us out, and get us out, of these mindless wars.
6
I thought George W. Bush was crazy for war. Donald Trump is crazier and he now is bringing in the same PNAC neocon hawks George W. had to advise him. I anticipate he'll recruit Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney soon.
3
France should tweet the evidence, Trump would be exalted!!!
Same stuff everyday. Crazy Donald Trump getting crazier and crazier and no one doing anything about it.
Thanks Congress! Thanks Cabinet! Thanks Paul Ryan! Thanks Mitch McConnell! So glad we’re paying you big bucks to keep us scared to death.
One of these days he’s going to totally crack and it’s going to be too late.
6
No sane and rational country would elect a man of the caliber of Donald Trump. We have given this man a powerful military to play with. He behaves in an unhinged manner on many issues, but now we are talking about life and death of people. All we have is General Mattis to prevent this impulsive, sociopathic man and his sycophants from creating a conflict in the Middle East. We as a nation have lost our way. Frightening!
5
Here's the problem with Trump and his smart phone being in charge of government policy: His smart phone is smarter than he is, and even high end phones are as smart as a sack of hammers.
1
If Trump bombs Syria, he also bombs his voting base that got him elected. All the while trying to please people that will never vote for him anyway.
1
You know your foreign policy -- or ANY policy or position -- when a guy with the nickname "Mad Dog" is a moderating force and the one urging caution...
2
This is not about Trump. It is about your lives and the lives of your children.
3
"Where is our Thank you America?"
Wow, it's been a while since I said this, but I think this is a new low for Trump. America is a land of ideas, a shining beacon for the rest of the world, and in one presidency we've been converted into a whiny punk.
It's just disgusting, and sad.
1
Trump - the missiles are coming.
Russia - we will shoot them down and attack the launch sites.
Trump - maybe not.
2
Swell. He'll be fired next.
1
This is INSANE. That - despite the enormous risks of military action as clearly felt by Mattis - we should be forced into such action because Trump was humiliated, wanted to look powerful and TWEETED?? That this somehow "forces our hand"? What kind of country have we become that we should imperil ourselves and the world because of the impulses of an ignorant narcissist...
3
How come the only thing I can visualize here is Slim Pickens riding the bomb in "Dr. Strangelove?" How about this from Aliens??? "Oh dear Lord Jesus, this ain't happening, man... This can't be happening, man! This isn't happening!"
Are Lincoln, Churchill and FDR just shaking their heads in amazement from above?
3
General Mattis, do us a favor and stage a coup d’état to overthrow this clown and his administration, and facilitate a democratic election unfettered by interference by Russia or our own misguided treasonists.
3
This is the second time the US is almost at war because if the Twitter President. Niw hus cabinet needs to catch up to his ignorant words and adjust the Syrian response. This is when diplomacy might come handy, but...
It tells you a lot abut the state of the White House and the CINC when you become a "voice of reason" just for asking for proof.
1
OMG, he reversed his decision!
Do you remember when President Obama pulled back on intervention in Syria?
Do you remember when DJT excoriated President Obama when he pulled back on intervention in Syria?
And do you remember when DJT excoriated President Obama for telegraphing his intentions regarding Syria?
I can tell you, if you require assistance, that DJT has no recollection of any of this.
1
"Shoot first, ask questions later." That is what I am hearing from Washington and London.
What I am hearing from Moscow is: "You shoot a missile to Syria and we will take out the destroyer that sent it." Why is nobody hearing this clearly?
2
Has anyone else pondered the idea that Putin and Trump are saber rattling to raise both Trumps Putins domestic approval rating and distance the two leaders? Trumps last cruise missile attack was all show. The video of the cruise missiles launching at night was impressive to this nation like a nice firework display, but had no effect. The truth is that we can only hurt the situation by escalating a military attack. It's horrible, but the best thing to do is withdraw and further sanction Russia for its involvement. Putin and Trump both stand to improve their domestic approval ratings by killing civilians and military personal. Tit for tat, people die while the strongmen look strong to their base. The NYT had an excellent article describing three terrible scenarios of retaliation, the people of Syria lose in every single scenario. I agree we should park an aircraft carrier over their to project power, but save the missiles. We cannot help the conflict in any way, but we can continue to cripple Russia's economy to turn the public against Putin. I fear this is all theater. Sanctions have worked in North Korea, Sanctions will work in Russia. But America loves fireworks, and these two international gangsters (Trump and Putin) love to look strong. They are the only people on this planet a missile strike will help. Poor, poor Syria its heartbreaking.
2
When he ran for President, Donald Trump purported to be a tough, resillient man who knew how to take a position and stick with it until he won.
Now, he seems like the most wishy-washy, confused, spineless politicos I've ever had the horror of knowing.
Two days ago, He said everything was ready, set, go. He said that he'd attack in 24 to 48 hours. Now, he's not sure.
And this is transpiring in everything:
1) He was against DACA, then he was for DACA and then he was against DACA
2) He was against the TPP and now he's interested in it again.
3) He was for tarriffs, but now he's not sure.
4) Shortly after the Florida school shooting, he talked about restrictions on guns; now he's against those restrictions.
5) In the beginning of his campaign, he said that corporate America was getting away with too much. In office, he was the number one cheerleader of wall street.
6) He used to be for abortion, until he was against abortion.
7) He used to give campaign contributions to Hillary Clinton; now he says "lock her up."
I would feel a whole lot better if the guys in the administration were not taking money from foreign nations.
1
" John R. Bolton... favored strikes against Mr. Assad when ordered last year by Mr. Trump but opposed them in 2013 when considered by President Barack Obama."
Kinda like the same way Republicans feel about budget deficits.
4
Will sanity, reason, and caution prevail?
Germany will not participate in any military action on Syria though they condemn the chemical attack on civilians. Why are they in NATO? Given response is always to not take part in military action. They act like Switzerland which is fine but Switzerland is not in NATO if you are part of a military alliance act like it. It is true their military force is so badly maintained it can barely leave the Kasarnes to find the Autobahn. This is a clear cut international issue requiring a measured forceful reaction.
The bigger question is why does nato exist.
2
What has this to do with NATO?
Attack on a NATO Member? No!
UN mandate? No!
Any other published evidence? No!
Do you think NATO is just another word for US Army reserve corps?
The US and UK Doing stupid things in the middle east and north africa left us with thousands of immigrants.
@DC,
nato provides the u.s. a veneer of respectability. it outlived its purpose after the breakup of the soviet union. nato has done more harm than good in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Ukraine than you can imagine.
nato is nothing more than a hammer for the crumbling empire.
1
The best way to deal with Syria is to deal with Putin , Assad is his puppet.
Deal with Putin not with military action which can lead to either nothing or terrible unintended consequences but with a trade war.
we and Europe should implement sanctions on all raw materials from Russia , transfer the World Cup to Western Europe
Trade and Sport sanctions work , ask South Africa and North Korea.
Putin will lose the support of Russians in these circumstances if he puts Assad ahead of them.
I believe sanctions will drive Putin to negotiating peace in Syria including finding a lasting home for our allies the Kurds
1
Didn't Putin try to negotiate the peace? It was actually the US who jeopardized the peace talk by insisting that Assad should go. Considering there is no an apparent leader who could replace Assad, such demand was just unreasonable and showed. That the US doesn't want the peace. It wants destruction of Syria.
1
What's in it for Putin? Perhaps that 2% surge in oil prices helps relieve the pinch from sanctions? So, don't escalate with missiles which will be what he wants, even further escalated oil prices; instead hit Putin and his Oli buddies with even more sanctions
Every 6th-grader, who is a member of the chess club understands the importance of thinking several moves ahead. Did it not occur to President Trump, given that this, i.e. a chemical weapons attack, has happened before, that he should have had a plan in place, to react immediately--rather than twiddling his thumbs while Syrian and Russian planes are brought into safety?
Will he now make some sort of token gesture, like he did for the evening's entertainment with Chinese President Xi--bouncing untold millions of dollars worth of cruise missiles off of concrete bunkers and runways, while enjoying a delicious piece of chocolate cake?
1
We helped continue this civil war by financing and supplying the 'Rebels'. We act as the Arsonists and claim also to be the Firefighters. Israel assassinates unarmed protesters in front of the whole world without any threat from the US, UK or France. Myanmar can carry out genocide without any fear from the West. Selective morality I am afraid is another name for immorality. Best way to end any conflict is to starve war not feed it. Bombing empty airfields is done only to make Tyrants look good to their domestic audience.
4
In this deadly game of chess, I wonder if the latest chemical attack is a trap. Russia is angry that we killed a few hundred of their special forces in the last few months and I wouldn't be surprised if Russia is waiting to strike a US Destroyer to make a point... we need to stand down and continue to use special forces in the dead of night to exact revenge....
If DT's Twitter feed can be hacked and he can be hypnotized into swallowing his tongue (and his fingers of course) like that scene in "Silence of the Lambs", I propose the event being marked with a the very first "World Holiday", celebrated by every single life form on the planet. Failing that, I wish the Secret Service would all call in sick tomorrow.
1
"Mr. Mattis publicly raised the warning on Thursday morning, telling the House Armed Services Committee that retaliation must be balanced against the threat of a wider war.
“We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people,” Mr. Mattis said. “But on a strategic level, it’s how do we keep this from escalating out of control — if you get my drift on that.”
This is the crux of the matter. As much as we want to punish the Assad regime for the murder of children, we have to deal with the fact that a massive nuclear superpower is in bed with him. If you don't like seeing small children dying or dead from exposure to chlorine and or sarin gas, you really won't like the prospect of a nuclear exchange between the United States and the Russian Federation. The Russians have 100 ton ICBMs they call Satan II, which comes with a dozen independently targetable thermonuclear warheads. One of those missiles can destroy the Eastern Seaboard or the State of Texas, take your choice. So Mattis' warning is a pretty serious one. We have to contain our military strikes on Syria to avoid the Russians. But the Russians are everywhere.
Otherwise, the punishments visited upon Assad have to be serious enough to prevent his use of chemical weapons or their use by future actors in the international system. The Syrians need to be taught a severe lesson and the Russians too.
Leadership requires a narrative, in this case we are left with "nice and new and smart.'" As ever, our President does not stray too far from abiding expectations. Easy to understand if you are willing to accept his view. Oversimplification tends to attract our ignorance.
If you were surrounded by the likes of ISIS and a couple of hundred other jihadi fanatical groups would you not use every weapon to defend yourself and your people (many of whom are extremely vulnerable, like Christians)?
Israel has pushed for her American political supporters to paint Assad as a monster who needs to go. We have no tangible proof who released that gas. It is much, much more likely to have been released by our own supported rebel groups threatened by Trump's withdrawal announcement.
Finally WHO is going to take Assad's place? Why do we assume it will be someone better than Assad?
The violent chaos of a leaderless Syria really is the nightmare scenario.
2
The pretext for the Trump administration's ordering military action in Syria is the unverified and dubious allegation that Syria used chemical weapons on rebel-held Douma. The Assad govt. and Russia have vehemently denied the accusations. And with good reason: The Islamist forces had been utterly routed and have since surrendered. Who should we believe??
2
God bless General Mattis. He’s the last rational man standing.
3
So why is there war in Syria? Why is the US supporting a violent regime change in any country (NPR said today that the US is supporting the rebels). If that's true, why? Would we want a foreign country to be supporting, in any way, a violent revolution in the US? MIllions of people are casualties of this war - whether physically, or psychically including refugees. Is the US doing everything possible to bring about peace? Haven't we learned anything from the debacles in Iraq and Afghanistan? And why on earth should we be responding, as the US instead of the UN or NATO, to use of chemical weapons when millions are already casualties from all other causes, and we seem not to care much about that? Why does it matter that chemical weapons are being used, in the larger context. The rebels are obviously in an unwinnable war - why can't they lay down their arms, as Robt E Lee had to do in 1865, and begin the country's rebuilding? If we aren't on the side of peace, now and forever, no matter who is running the country, we are on the wrong side. Enough suffering of innocent people by whatever means!
6
Russia and totalitarian governments around the world applaud when leadership in the west appears erratic, disorganized and divided. Russia has helped this along by stoking the refugee crisis in Europe through tacit support of Assad's extreme actions in Syria and in both the US and Europe by manipulating our elections. We need to move beyond the daily circus that is President Trump by demanding an end to aspects of our democracy that make manipulation too easy. We should start by demanding an end to the electoral college, unlimited campaign expenditures. We should also define a consistent moral standard for behavior that makes unconventional violence like the use of gas unacceptable.
Cruise missile diplomacy is in effect in the absence of State Dept diplomacy.
After reading several comments, I can only say: every people has the government it deserves.
If Trump took Pope Francis advice talk at all cost to save our world we would not be a minute away on the dooms day clock for a nuclear war with Russia. I hope he has a mental meltdown before he presses the button down and people around him will remove the nuclear briefcase. The Russians are sending troops to the town where the chemicals were dropped . So that to should stop any strategy to bomb. If they die we may be next.
Chlorine gas (Cl2) is notoriously difficult to deploy, and usually doesn’t cause suffocation, Mr. Macron.
A physician MD
2
By the time they do reach a plan of action, those bases will be empty, the weapons hidden away. There'll be nothing for the missiles to hit except dirt. All that barking, followed up by so little bite. It's no wonder Assad called Trump's bluff.
The irony that the voice of sanity in this White House is that of the man nick-named “Mad Dog” should not lost be lost in the din.
Meanwhile it must be becoming apparent even to the densest of Republican supporters that the President’s international policy can be summed up by his favourite response to any question, be it about North Korea, China, Syria or Russia, “We’ll see what happens”.
Thank goodness Mattis hasn’t yet fled the clown show. One adult is left in the room. I’m suffering from Trump Fatigue a new medical condition for which the cure is the Great Blue Wave coming in November.
Its not just Trump. The world can now see how capricious and impulsive the USA is. A coboy with a gun on the hip and not afraid to use it. Friends and enemies, even strangers, will learn. No one knows if someone even more Trump than Trump will be elected by this unpredictable nation. And the US is known as the leader of the free world.
1
We went into the Iraq War based on false claims of chemical weapons, and Trump criticizes the war as a mistake. Now that he sits in the same position, will he rush into judgement and potentially make the same mistake? Anyone who only criticizes but cannot make a right decision of his own is nothing but a reality show star.
1
reflecting mounting concerns at the Pentagon that a concerted bombing campaign could escalate into a wider conflict between Russia, Iran and the West.
All this concern for starting wars makes me wonder why we’ve been so busy fighting in them as long as I’ve lived? I’m afraid I’m somewhat skeptical of Mattis’ Supposed caution. I thought all our latest technology in weaponry had an emphasis on stealth. We could wipe out Assad and no one would even have to know we did, other than the people he didn’t get to kill then.
1
President Trump has set the stage for decisive action with his brilliant red line regarding use of chemical weapons by the Assad Regime. He should act decisively.
If it is conclusive that Assad used chemical weapons then the Security Council should demand his ouster. In 2012 when president Obama drew his red line about the same issue Putin spoke that it was unlikely that the Assad regime had used chemical weapons, but that if investigation confirmed use that Russia would view it as a serious matter. Soon thereafter Russia convinced Assad to give up the chemical weapons and the join the Chemical Weapons Treaty.
If Russia no longer views use of chemical weapons by states as a serious matter it should make this clear. But, if Assad has used chemical weapons in violation of agreement with Russia Putin must take action.
The Security Council has the authority to impose UN control over Syria if the state authority is in violation of the UN charter and treaty commitments including the Chemical Weapons treaty. The death of over 500,000 and threat to regional and global security demands decisive action against the Assad regime by Russia, not just by the U.S. and its allies.
Assad's contempt for international law cannot be ignored. His incapacity to govern the country is an obvious fact. The international community will have defeated ISIS in Syria. They have a stake in the outcome. Syria needs to be placed under UN control until political resolution is achieved.
1
Somewhat encouraging is the fact that, at this fragile point, the Trump administration has at least one grown-up (sorry, Gen. Kelly, you no longer qualify). But the question remains whether one grown-up will be enough to prevent a monumental miscalculation with unconscionably tragic consequences.
1
Divers rebel forces in Syria have been armed and maintained, at great cost by Israel,Saudi Arabia,the UK and France .Turkey supplied massive assistence to Isis. This civil war has long outgrown 'civil' and is a mainly western war aiming at changing the Assad regime. The situation of Syria is catastrophic and Western powers bear a great deal of responsability, as always. Western intentions to regime change in Iran and Syria(anywhere) should finally end, assistence for Syrian rebuilding must be organised, let peace return to the Syrians.
1
Not surprising that no decision has been announced. The bombing of Syria must take place on saturday for that will give it the highest possible ratings. Because of a relentless focus on the Russian interference in the 2016 election, an issue that the population should care about deeply but does not, Trump has been able to move up in the polls to around 42%. The missile strikes on Syria, with no larger plan, will prove entertaining for the American public and irresistible for the media.This very may mark the moment when Trump moves toward 50% approval and we follow Russia and Hungary into irredeemable authoritarianism.
To not respond at all other than to say that 'we condemn' (Germany) is like saying, "You bad boy - don't do that again or we will get really man," i.e., meaningless. It really says, "We don't like it, but go right ahead."
To bluster and threaten, then make what is essentially a symbolic strike feels better to the West and appears to do something, but does little more than Germany. It also risks killing civilians without changing anything.
To not do anything after the child in the White House has blustered and bragged ("new" missiles? good to know we don't send 'used' ones into war) is impossible.
There are no good choices here, which is why Obama ended up doing little. To bomb impulsively or just to DO something is no better, but has more risk to innocent life (and costs us millions of $). The reality is that the only way to 'help' the people of Syria would have been to engage fully militarily in yet another Middle East war, which would ultimately also have risked war with Russia and Iran. There never have been any good choices here - nor will there ever be. Diplomacy is the best (only) hope for the people of Syria - unfortunately, we now have "leaders" who think that diplomacy is weakness.
Mattis must be lonely as the sole voice of reason between Bolton-Trump lunatic ravings and the deafening quiet of the GOP crickets in Congress.
6
Does Mattis threaten his position by bucking the Prez?
Mattis has learned previous 8 years how to better react to conflict areas. Going in alone would be the dumbest thing.
1
The strongest military in the world can certainly go it alone.....
Turns out the most powerful cabal on the globe is the cast of Fox & Friends.
They've seized control of the President's brain.
6
Why unnecessarily antagonize his buddy Putin. Trump threatens and alas nothing will come of it.
48 hours is up. Putin called your bluff, Mr. President, and you backed down. No one will believe your bluster now. You are making Obama look like a military genius.
4
Two issues seem to be conflated here. First, chemical weapons were banned after WWI, as I understand it, because they were too demoralizing to the troops. Second, for decades if not longer it had been a war crime to attack civilian targets with any kind of weaponry. In that context, there appears to be a political and diplomatic need here to stress the chemical nature of the attack, since in Yemen our ally Saudi Arabia is targeting civilians in rebel held areas with missiles manufactured by Raytheon Corporation. Bottom line: I wish that everyone involved would explain the larger issues that justify greater involvement in the Syrian civil war, and confrontations in Syria and the greater Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea with Iran and Russia, because of a chemical attack that apparently took the lives of fewer innocents than the mass shooting in Las Vegas.
10
Day one, DJT's mantra, what are we, men or mice? Day 2 DJT's mantra, pass the cheese. Should I take the Brie or Camenbert?
2
Mattis, a military man, is probably the most cautious about enteric an armed conflict, given he felt it in his flesh, so to speak, and understands, more than any of the theoretician warmongers, what's at steak, and the horrors in suffering, and the tremendous expense involved, both in lives and treasure. Good luck with wishy washy Trump,vain to the point of exploding in our face, irresponsibly starting something for which there are no further plans, no tactics nor strategy, as usual 'shooting from the hip'. How do you like Trump's advertising his next move to the enemy? Stupidity in ample supply, right?
4
On none other than CSPN, I've seen our military experts suggest our aircraft carriers would not survive 24 hours in modern warfare. They are subject to missile attacks from hundreds of miles away. V. Putin is preparing his citizens for a nuclear war. Estimates are over 200 million(likely much over) in the U.S. will die. At least the evangelicals will get their rapture.
12
the carriers have long been "hostages to fortune." The entire US Navy is mainly comprised of ship designed to protect aircraft carriers even though it has been clear for many years that they can't be protected. What is someone fires one hundred cruise missiles at one carrier? And you are right...they can do this from hundreds if not a thousand miles away and do it from land. I confess you last sentence made me laugh. And Trump got in with their votes.
Can't you just see the history books trying to explain to future generations of children that the massive conflict that erupted in mid 2018 was caused by a small electronic device used to convey opinion and other nonsense over an internet platform called Twitter, which was being used by an UN-stable "genius" sitting on his toilet at six in the morning?
13
"Mad Dog" Mattis may be the only person of integrity, sanity and competence left. If he goes look out.
11
Mattis, the one adult in the room it seems
6
I would speculate the person with the hardest job on the planet right now if James Mattis.
8
Trump campaigned on getting out of Syria and stopping new military adventures.
Mattis seems like an adult, what with the likes of the NYT and every talking head available to repeat talking points all banging the drums of war.
There are dead babies, we must do something seems to be the most common logic although asking who is responsible for the attack seems of secondary importance. The dead babies.
Those attempting to goad us into war think if you show Americans pictures of dead babies they will buy any pack of lies associated.
7
The people of Syria have suffered enough because of this war. Assad is a war criminal and if Putin continues to assist Assad, he too should be considered to be one.
It's time to end this war using international consensus to prosecute Assad and powerful sanctions on any countries that continue to support him. There has to be a solution that doesn't involve the continued slaughter of innocents.
32
Civil wars are complicated. The US supported the dubious militias that was bend on yet Assad out. Is it surprise he didn't want to go? especially considering that majority of Syrian population would rather have him than rabid rebels who couldn't even get along. The support of these rebels by foreign countries including the US, that what made this war so long and so brutal, now the US wants to blame Russia for the American failure.
1
How about ending our, and the Gulf states funding of the Islamic radicals trying to overthrow a secular government. True, that secular government may not be one we like, but that is still no reason to create havoc by perpetuating this civil war. A war that just seems to kill civilians stuck in the middle. You seem to to focus only on the civilians killed in rebel areas, but what about the civilians killed by the rebels in government areas? You have a strange disconnect about that.
1
Perhaps it would be best after all to stick with "thoughts and prayers" to support the Syrian people.
After all nothing better is provided domestically.
11
I wish the election were tomorrow.
7
"Could be very soon" meaning shortly after Mueller issues the next headline worthy indictment.
4
“Very soon or not so soon at all”...I would expect a more lucid response from an 8 year replying to: “When is your loose tooth coming out?” Perhaps Mueller can expand his investigation to include whether or not Trump actually completed grade school.
5
We are all in mortal danger. We have a President who is completely unhinged. And a military that is complicit in this man's madness. I hold out little hope that "mad dog" Mattis and Johnny "bring it on" Bolton will hold this man in check. God help us all.
5
Sounds like Trump may have Brain Spurs to go along with his Bone Spurs. Hopefully they will keep him from making a poor decision.
4
At least there is one sane adult in the White House - but for how long? Like the song “99 bottles of advisors on the Wall...”
So once again Trump has to back out of a poorly considered Tweet. Hey, this is the POTUS who is acting like a thoughtless adolescent. I am shocked.
2
We are in so much better shape today than under Barack Obama that adjectives may fail here. We went from the most easily fooled complete ingenue in international and military affairs to a real patriot who listens to the military people.
Mr. Obama didn't make decisions as much as Valerie Jarrett. That's why three perfect chances to eliminate Osama bin Laden were passed up on. Obama had earlier given up on East European air defenses without getting ANYTHING in return.
It's like we have gone from letting a student driver steer the car to a trusted cabbie with decades of experience in his home town.
Perhaps Trump now realizes what Obama faced, but I doubt that Trump con learn anything. I am afraid.
21
You never threaten Russia; it then becomes a matter of pride. Just do it. They will at least respect you.
1
Doh, dammit Mad Dog, you KNOW you're supposed to tell him the OPPOSITE of what you mean! Come on, man.
As much as Trump claims to thrive on considering a wide variety of views from his advisors, the truth is he despises it, and I suspect Mattis' measured and tempered counsel will be yet another nail in his coffin and will eventually lead to his ouster. Trump wants extremist sycophants who will do his bidding, democracy be damned, and so mark my words, Mattis will eventually be out.
3
So we are now down to Mattis being the only grownup in the room. We are being backed into a military coup because of gross incompetence by this president. The very last test of our institutions will be if our military allows that man to start a nuclear war. Sounds like a horror movie? Yep- brought to you by our TV president. NYT ran an op ed urging Ryan to grow a pair of umm, well you know, not gonna happen. God help us
4
"We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people. But on a strategic level, it’s how do we keep this from escalating out of control — if you get my drift on that,"
It is a sad commentary on the state of US foreign policy when a guy nicknamed Mad Dog is the voice of reason and sanity. It's natural when faced with the tragedy in Syria to want to do something. But "do something" is not a coherent policy. Americans are so used to the fiction that their country is a superpower that can cure the troubles of the world with the wave of a magic wand (or cruise missile,) that nobody in politics has been willing to say that there's not much the US can do in Syria that will actually make things better rather than worse. It is a convoluted, multi-sided conflict that is ready to explode into something much bigger and much uglier.
6
The proponents of Assad’s overthrow castigate him as a brutal dictator who is willing to murder his own people to maintain power. The latest example being his alleged use of chemical weapons. Proof that Assad is responsible for the attack remains unsubstantiated, nevertheless the warmongers in congress and elsewhere are beating their war drums. Absent substantiation Trump would be wise to equivocate
Certainly the US can launch ordinance that will affirm our preeminent military capabilities. One could argue that such a demonstration would enhance efforts by the State Department to achieve peaceful resolution to many of the world’s conflicts. If designed to eliminate Russian defense installations It would also expose the hollowness of Putin’s bluster and diminish his ability to intimidate his neighbors. It would likely even be useful in temporarily dimming the imperialist inclinations of Iran, as long as the strike denuded their assets.
In the end however, the question to be answered is what will be long term impact? History teaches us that there will be no lasting benefit. The middle east is dominated by tribal inclinations that have endured for centuries. If a strike is undertaken it should be devastating. It should be undertaken as a visceral demonstration of American power that can be unleashed should the need arise. In the end Syria is doomed to its own devices. We should let nature take its course.
1
Cuz "shock and awe" worked just tip top before. Hope nobody advocates the same for your neighborhood some day.
"We're going to strike soon". "I never said we were going to strike soon". We're out of the TPP. We're in the TPP. I'll protect the elephants, despite the fact that my son, Uday, likes to kill them. Umm, no I'm not going to protect the elephants. Climate scientists? The people who spend their lives studying this problem? I know more about the climate than they do, despite no scientific training at all and never having read a book. Believe me, because I'm, like, a smart person. Stormy? Never heard of her. Talk to Michael Cohen. Talk to Roy Cohn.
We have GOT to neutralize this maniac. Our first opportunity is in November, unless the Congress has an attack of courage (or self-preservation) and realizes that 2/3 of this country wants him gone and there *are* grounds for impeachment, multiple grounds. Read Lawrence Tribe and you'll learn about the Emoluments Clause and Obstruction of Justice.
3
Oh. My god.
When Bush the younger was elected I told my husband to hold onto his hat, that bad things were coming. Even in my pessimism I could never have foretold the fulsome degree to which I was right. I don't have to list the horrors of the Bush administration do I? Katrina, the economic meltdown left to Obama, the Iraq War, Weapons of Mass Destruction, nuclear clouds, Abu Graib, Guantanamo - etc. The Republican party made us live through all that. Eight years of it.
And now, now, they bring us Trump - from the first lies about the crowd numbers at his election - to Stormy Daniels and his Playmate, from unbelievable and easily disprovable lies about almost everything - hyperbole and lies meant to distract from his personal problems - to defenses of to playground taunts about Syria to a huge nuclear power - Russia.
Are we really willing to let this man run so far amok that we will go to war because of his insane rants - in tweet form?
The majority of us do not want him as our President. Why is he still there?
I believe that even conservative Republicans and I - a left wing liberal - have more in common with each other - love of our country - than either of us do with our current President.
6
War is always a good strategy to keep the military/industrial production in high gear and w/ the upcoming election I'm sure MOC'S want to keep folks employed.
Oh, but most of all the corporations/shareholders will benefit.
1
Isn't it obvious when the strike will occur? It will start shortly before the interview with Comey on Saturday night. This should guarantee the news media will divert their attention to Syria.
5
My guess is that the US will be undecided while England and France, tired of waiting, makes their moves. The US will then reply that Syria has been punished enough. Thus it saves the US from being directing involved with Russia. It also helps trump from having Russia share whatever information they have about him.
3
One recalls the lead-up to the second Iraq war...
From the article: "But Germany announced that it would not be part of any coordinated military action in Syria ... "
Before the US attack on Iraq in March 2003, the US government tried to persuade its European allies to join in. All said no (unless one counts Poland, of course). European distaste for that excellent adventure was so strong that Bush the Younger and the UK's Tony Blair moved their planned European meeting to the Canary Islands, where unpleasant protests could be avoided.
This time too, Germany says "no." France? Not so sure. It claims to have "proof" that Assad's side used CWs, though it hasn't revealed any of its "proof" so far and doesn't appear to have persuaded anyone else. If that continues, one wonders whether France will nevertheless insist that it's right, and attack Syria on its own. (Actually, one DOESN'T wonder that: France won't be attacking anyone on its own. Either it will persuade the US that it's got "proof" of Assad's guilt, in which case the US will and should attack Assad and nobody will care whether France does so too, or France WON'T persuade the US of its "proof," in which case NEITHER France nor the US will attack Assad.
Many commenters, and many US publications (you're reading one of them right now) would like the US to jump into the Syria war, attacking Assad, regardless of whether the recent CW attack (if it happened -- I believe it did) was Assad's fault. That would be a mistake.
Reading this article and the comments makes me think I am in the small minority, but I like how Donald Trump is treating this. Let the Syrians hide their aircraft and prepare for an attack. Then hold off on it until they stick their heads out of their shells again. Then strike.
We should not get involved in a big way in Syria. The civil war needs to end and the healing begin. Bashar al-Assad is a terrible tyrant (although he was not bad before the Arab Spring), but peace under a tyrant is better than war between the tyrant and rebels trying to build an Islamic state.
Let's hope we can tame al-Assad a bit and then get out. Leave the Middle East to the countries there. We can do no real good there.
13
"Then hold off on it until they stick their heads out"
There is no strategy, no calculus, no tactic that Trump follows. He yells. When people enjoy his yelling, he tends to enjoy them. When they don't enjoy his yelling he fires them if he can and yells more otherwise.
He has repeatedly demonstrated that is he a fair-weather fan of any particular solution to any problem. He decided to do a strike and people liked that. He got excited and announced it prematurely on Twitter, blindsiding everyone who is responsible for actually carrying out this strike.
He is not handling this. He is not a strategist. He is a patsy.
3
Inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons are set to arrive in Damascus to start an investigation into the chemical attack. They are not due to visit the site of the incident until Saturday, however.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/apr/12/uk-russia-tensions-ri...
Is President Macron in France jumping the gun?
4
No person, nor any country, has or will ever have, less respect for the office of the U.S. president than they have now.
14
U.S., UK and France.....were they the group that destroyed and made a disaster of Libya?? Libya, the country that under Qaddafi worked to keep the migrants from flooding into Europe? Are they at it again?
6
I don't think we should be bombing a country simply because 45 can't keep from tweeting. The expense and potential loss of life, plus the dangers of escalating and expanding war, should not be options to prevent Trump from being embarrassed by his rash, uninformed statements.
5
For Trump, military action appears to be a macho-tweet issue, but war with no clear and compelling strategic goal is a really bad idea.
General Mattis knows that war is very messy and and that an engagement in Syria that could involve Iran and Russia has unpredictable risks. We can be glad that he is keeping a level head.
4
The US Constitution clearly states where the power to take military action (aka making war) lies in our system of government. We have ignored this wise basic decision by the founding fathers for decades by the loosest construction possible of Article I, Section 8, Clause 11. On the other hand we have applied the strictest possible construction, bordering on distortion, to that part of the Constitution which was intended to make the implementation of the use of armed force by citizen soldiers possible in the first place: the Second Amendment.
As a result we nowadays are close to making war with the resulting death of unpredictable numbers of men, women and children elsewhere by Presidential tweet. And we are incapable of stopping the loss of tens of thousands of lives a year among the civilian population of our country by the misuse of firearms.
What have the United States of America come to?
I am scared.
9
So is Trump moving that red line back already? I guess he's finding out red lines are not as indelible as he thought.
6
There is no red line. There is no principle. There is no strategy. There is no expertise. There is no analysis.
There is only the random thought about what to tweet to the base.
4
Some people say that president of USA is the most powerful office in the world. Luckily, that is not true. We have real checks and balances that seem to be working ( hopefully to continue until Trump is removed and beyond).If we had fewer checks, by this time the nukes would be flying and earth destroyed except for New Zealand, Patagonia and Outer Mongolia. But please Vice President, congress, Mueller: move quickly and remove this menace.
3
CREDIBILITY. That word shaped American policy makers response to the Vietnam problem. Those policy makers made Vietnam a test case for American credibility. Apply that word to Syria to find approximate responses by various state actors. Who has staked more "credibility" on an outcome favorable to their client Russia or the US? The US misapplied American credibility in Vietnam by making it a vital sphere for US interests and by default once US troops introduced there, a defeat would severely damage US credibility. Russian credibility is certainly on the line in Syria ( and therein lies the potential for a hot war) is America's?
1
Thank you General Mattis for your profound service during this period of turmoil.
5
I think it is relevant that an attack could be only be justified as an unratified, unagreed upon treaty by the U.S. as the Policeman of the World that dictators can only kill people in certain ways. If they use chemical weapons, then we are willing to risk WW III over it.
I think if it were debated in Congress, it would not be agreed to. That is why Donald uses unconstitutional means to run his government. He also thinks it will keep him a step ahead of Mueller.
1
Trump thinks out loud and does it through his tweets. It's disconcerting but he has good advisors in the military and an appropriate response is coming. Mattis is a level headed warrior who thinks and aims before he shoots. I have no doubt he and the military are working hard to ensure a strong message is sent.
2
It seems like Secretary Mattis is the lone wise adult in the room.
2
Hold n a little bit! Don’t think that the Russians have not been talked to secretly on this situation. Again, the Russians continue to cooperate with us to and from the Space Station. This has meaning. There is no way that Trump or any other President wants to kill even one Russian regardless of their actions to support Assad. The Russians are there for their Mediterranean naval base. Certainly our CIA must have some intel on wether or not Russia has an iron clad treaty with Assad for mutual action if attacked in a regime ending magnitude attack. Beware! It was these kind of treaties that made WWI inevitable.
1
What happened to Jared Kushner and his Middle East plan?
We have never had an administration in modern times of this country that was so unfit, unequipped and understaffed with quality, competent and knowledgeable experts in the various fields of expertise that are necessary to run our country, this is completely embarrassing
6
Understand this: weakness does not bring peace. Backing down to an aggressor only encourages more aggression. Those that refuse to fight back today will have to fight back tomorrow. This is what you get when you demonstrate that your "red line" is no line at all, when you allow Russia to annex Crimea without challenge. If you want war, weaken your military and capitulate to every challenge by an aggressor. Life teaches the same lessons again and again for those to weak and naive to accept what unfortunately has already bee proven reality.
1
Yeah, I think Assad totally agrees with you as well as Russians. I guess we are in such meds because neither side wants to look weak
US frustration was expressed eloquently by Mr. Trump. “It’s too bad that the world puts us in a position like that,” he said. The position, of course, is to be the standard bearer for civilization -- along with the UK, France, and other like minded states -- because of the value Americans place on human life, while at the same time avoiding action that could provoke our enemies to escalate conflict and bring on further human casualties. It is indeed a difficult position to be in. Russia, China, Iran, Syria and other totalitarian regimes would never understand.
We should all rejoice at these words, because it means that Mr. Trump -- for all his shortcomings -- recognizes the difference between good and evil.
For now, compelling intelligence has been collected and as the President of France suggests, has been shared amongst at least some of the civilized nations of the west.
The question now is what to do with it. And the struggle within the USG must be an epic one, with John Bolton pressing for retaliation and the Pentagon urging a more methodical approach -- one that avoids escalation.
So no, we are not likely to see anything happen immediately. You can be sure our military is watching and gauging regional reaction to the discussion here in the USA.
There is no hurry. Let's get some special forces and Navy SEALS in place and do the job right.
“Some things are simply inexcusable, beyond the pale and in the worst interest of not just the chemical weapons conventions but of civilization itself. So the recognition of that means at times you are going to see contrary impulses,” Mattis told lawmakers. “I’ve never seen refugees as traumatized as coming out of Syria. It’s got to end and our strategy remains the same as a year ago. It is to drive this to a U.N. brokered peace but at the same time keep our foot on the neck of ISIS until we suffocate it.”
The last sentence says it all. They are targeting what remains of Assad's forces. All of them. The Russian ships have left the ports. What Russian aircraft remains will be destroyed with Assad's.
This will create a power vacuum "... drive this to a U.N. brokered peace at the same time keep our foot on the neck of ISIS until we suffocate it ...”
This eliminates Assad and knocks out the Russians from Syria.
1
Didn't Syrian refugees flood the Europe before Russian got involved? Aren't the number of refugees from Iraq and Afghanistan second to Syrians? And note there is no Assad or Russians in these countries, but there is the US. Maybe, the US is the reason for these refugees? How about to pacify Afghanistan before trying to pacify Syria?
So let me get this straight: blowing up women and children with bombs during Shock and Awe (does anyone in America even remember that we bombed innocent thousands in Bagdad?), and torturing prisoners in Abu Ghraib, and blowing up wedding parties using drones is all okay...but using poison gas is somehow different? I honestly don't get it. Dead is dead. There might even be less suffering from a death by chemicals than death by shrapnel or flames. What is the big deal about chemical weapons?
4
The big deal is that there are international conventions banning their use. Enforcement is left up to the US and other civilized nations.
That's the "big deal."
Actually, the war on the other countries is illegal by international law. If the US doesn't follow the international laws, why should we expect other countries to follow?
I was absolutely opposed to Obamas's non-actions re his "Red Lines" in Syria. Because of those non-actions, the "Butcher of Damascus" is still alive and well and Russia is now a major player in the Middle East and Iran has a bridgehead in Syria from which to threaten Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the Gulf States.
Teddy Roosevelt had reportedly said: "Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick.."
Unfortunately, Trump "Shouts" Loudly from both sides of his mouth ... and we don't know if he Carries a "Big Stick" ?
This could result in a Major conflict between America /Europe and Russia -Syria -Iran ; and/or between Israel and Syria- Iran- Hezbollah-Russia, because Wars usually begin not by welding a Big Stick, but by a miscalculation between adversarial parties.
Trump has now got himself into a "Catch 22" situation in which an attack on Syria also risks a conflict with Russia; or a non-action ( ala Obama ) risks the United States being portrayed as a " PaperTiger."
The United States must act, because the latter is the worst of the options.
2
I always thought Trump et al would hasten the decline of the West. The hubris, prevarication, uncertain evidence, back-sliding only show weakness, and I imagine China, Russia, India and all those aggrieved with imperialism, colonialism and slavery will be thinking `the time is coming'...
3
Reading between the lines. This administration has no real strategy for Syria. Should it respond militarily or should it refrain? Its muddled response tells everyone that it is unprepared.
2
Maybe someone in the administration needs to explain we are a nation of of laws, not men. The first law they should explain to him is the law of unintended consequences. I his quest to punish Obama from joking about him at the Correspondents dinner year ago Trump tried to erase everything Obama did. Each time he destroyed Obama’s hard work based on coherent policy, unintended chaos arose. Abandoning the TPP, gutting health care, the environment, the international agreements and alliances ... and each time multiple problems sprung up. Now war with fill in the blank. Please, somebody explain unlike trade wars, shooting wars aren’t easy to win. Have him look at a picture book about the world wars, Vietnam, or Korea. Please. Next have someone explain to him what a policy is and how it is developed and carried out by experts.
Syria : As usual. Trump has no clue , and so many chefs are in the kitchen no one has a course to follow. Russia is not going to send nukes any where, Putin gains nothing by doing so , no winners in a nuclear war , this is all fear mongering and power plays for control. Russia wants the warm water port in Syria, Iran does also , so they both need the port. Missile strikes on that warm water port would be a vital target, it would cripple the already struggling Syria, Russia would have to spend more to rebuild the port and send more Russians to Syria. MILLION PEOPLE ARE ALREADY DISPLACED , AND AT LEAST A HALF A MILLION HAVE DIED, RUSSIA IS NOT IN CONTROL , NO ONE IS IN CONTROL OF SYRIA. TRUMP OVER LoaDS HIS MOUTH WITH THE SIMPLICITY OF jr. high student. This is a gangster vs. a gangster game...Putin vs. Trump ..ever notice ...neither gangster has ever taken the hit, they pay others to do that. strikes on warm water ports will bring the country of Syria to a stalemate and stop all the fuel and economy that is left. Putin will not sacrifice the dollars or personnel . Trump is a gangster , treat him like one , Putin is a smarter gangster , old school kgb treat him as such...Russia is not our friend, never has been . Are we clear on that Americans....
2
How many Americans were killed in Iraq? And Russia is much more advanced. Are you willing to risk American lives to figure out what Russia will do to protect to access to the port.
Key word: SUSPECTED chemical weapons attack. Can someone with authority please suggest an investigation before we start yet another war--one that could lead to even worse devastation for Syrians and beyond? Stop the war talk! Sit down and discuss a political solution like grownups. What is behind this rush to war?
3
With Russia and Iran in the game a reckless decision to bomb Syria can lead the US into a trap. Nothing would reverse the horrible chemical attack and unfortunately those innocent children are dead. But avoiding a global conflict with even more casualties is the right approach and Mattis caution is well justified.
2
'Caution' refers to formidable Russia which might retaliate.
1
Mattis has to consider the previous actions of his army. When it bombed/murdered hundreds of "Russian mercenaries" the only excuse was that they endangered American troops. If Russia holds an US attack to the same standard - as it seems inclined to do - it might end up sending missiles towards US ships.
How do you know that Syrian Chemical attack is not a false flag operation?
Please look at it logically. Assad has, for all practical purposes, won the civil war. It was going to conquer that Douma anyway. US has decided to withdraw ‘with a few months’. And it has done this, very intelligently, with the tacit support of Russia & iran.
Why snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with a chemical attack that has no tactical use and is actually counter-strategy? Assad is not so stupid. As a matter of fact, he is very smart juggling the major powers.
According to Reuters, Mattis himself said: “We’re still assessing the intelligence — ourselves and our allies. We’re still working on this.”
A chemical weapons team is on the way to Syria. Let them do their job.
Like the First World War, all the prerequisites for a war are already in place. The global leadership today, like 104 years ago, are looking for an excuse. It is the people who can stop this madness.
3
I wonder if it might be considered a war crime if the Republican Congress of the United States allows a clearly incompetent and unbalanced Trump to engage in hostilities in Syria? Congress needs to step up now and forbid him to order military action in Syria or anywhere else without Congressional assent.
2
The false flag attack by al Qaeda has morphed into, it did happen and we should start a war with Russia, Syria and Iran, although no proof exists and the UN will not investigate. France's Macron is a dangerous over eager wanna be hero. Trump has been goaded by the western news media with their usual anecdotal "evidence" and relentless talking heads. The participants of this fiasco need to step back and think whether this situation is worth starting a major military confrontation. General Mattis might be the only hope of Trump backing off.
5
Remember, for Trump it’s all about ratings. Staying in the public eye. Building and maintaining an audience. That’s why he still makes campaign appearances around the country. He has a celebrity mindset and that is how he is running the government.
Frankly, if I had to pick a celebrity to run the country, I’d pick Kim Kardashian.
1
Has it dawned on Republicans and Trump supporters that having a military commander who is widely perceived by adversaries as a feeble-minded clown is a dangerous thing?
9
Sadly, his base mistake his feeble-minded rants and beating on his chest via Twitter for strength.
2
"it’s how do we keep this from escalating out of control"
Meaning "how do we prevent anybody from striking back at us, or even pre-empting our strike." As the Russians have warned they would if we did this.
How could the Japanese hit Pearl Harbor and then negotiate a favorable peace deal to keep all their gains? That is what they wanted. It was impossible, and they should have known that.
Same now for us.
2
Mattis is a soldier. Soldiers are trained to have highly focused and narrow objectives. They are also taught in this modern age that principle must be sacrificed where this will serve to achieve certain objectives. It is a highly rational but not a principled view. America has long portrayed itself as a country that upholds principle. Whether this is factual is a different matter. President Trump has few principles of the kind traditionally observed by American presidents. But he has some. The outcome here will be especially interesting but I would bet on Trump's political and personal instincts prevailing.
Jim Mattis took pains. Trump has put us all in pain and fear with his ignorance, incompetence and psychopathy, diagnosed, or not. It would see Jim Mattis is all that is between Trump and world-wide conflagration.
11
James Mattis must be frustrated by Trump’s thoughtless tweets. It makes little sense to launch any strike on Syrian military targets now, because the Assad regime has got wind of a response Trump publicised on Twitter, and moved fighter jets to the Russian base, and taken measures to protect crucial facilities. It makes any meaningful strike difficult without hitting Russian targets, which will only trigger an escalation from Moscow.
Only a tough response can punish Assad for gasing civilians. Or else he won’t change his behaviour and sees the use of chemical weapons as a fast-track to victory – the recapture of lost territories. But it’s not without risk. Apart from mobilising European NATO allies, the US should also take regional allies, like the Sunni Gulf states, on board too.
7
This is all political theater in an attempt to provide cover for our unhinged President. First he telegraphs that we will be pulling out of Syria. Putin and al-Assad take the hint and decide to start using chemical weapons again. Then Trump telegraphs that "the missiles are coming" to show the world just how tough he is, when actually this gave his buddy (blackmailer?) Putin time to get out of the way. Now Mattis says we should stop a minute and think about this before we start WW3 (a little late now don't ya think?).
Trust me, just like the last retaliation, we'll send in the Tomahawks and accomplish nothing and damage little all in the name of vainly protecting our "tough" President's bravado.
7
People, Trump has to give the Russians advance warning of any kind of strike. If the US kills Russian troops the Russians are going to start shooting at our planes. Their air defense systems are good; if they shoot down some of our aircraft, then what are we going to do? Shoot back at them? This could all spiral out of control very quickly.
Syria is a pile of rubble and it isn't worth going to war with Russia.
6
We do have an interest in maintaining the taboo against chemical weapons.
Syria agreed to have all her chemical weapons destroyed and Russia was a guarantor.
Syria deserves retaliation and it should be generously served.
I can't wait for Hollywood to make this dark comedy!
3
"Wag the dog" was made years ago
So was "it's a mad, mad world"...
1
Come on people. This is the "yellow cake". How much proof do you need? We're going in. Notify Blackwater, Haliburton. America's honor in on the line. Call up the Guard. 9/11 will not have been in vain.
2
The stable genius got played.
Putin’s got him exactly where he wants, and that idiot in the white house who cant see beyond his chronically and pathalogically inflated ego cant even see it.
5
Glad to hear this.
Many voters will forget this period of our history, and the depths to which this president has taken us. Not unlike the Cuban middle crisis, however, the memory of nuclear powers threatening each other, and the absolute infantile behavior of this president, will remain in the consciousness of many. Including the cowardice of the Republican dominated legislature to reign him in.
4
Assad is brutal but not stupid.
Why would he do the one thing that doesn't help him at all but gives Trump a free shot at looking tough at Syria's expense...exactly at the time that Trump needs a distraction?
Reading between the lines General Mattis is telling us that things aren't quite like they seem...not one bit.
General Mattis may be the one indispensable man. Get ready for the stories seeking to diminish him.
8
Douma surrendered the next day.
Is that not the intended result?
Secretary Mattis: The rarest of things in the Trump Administration.
An adult in the room who is thoughtful, informed, rational, logical, reasonable, measured, and does not have an itchy trigger finger or inferiority complex which causes him to massively overreach in order to demonstrate his incredible bravado or self-proclaimed brilliance.
Thank you so much sir, for hanging in there in this carnival atmosphere of know nothings.
12
This situation grows both more frightening and more appalling by the hour.
A rogue government has once again attacked civilians with chemical weapons. The conflict in Syria threatens to bring the US into a direct confrontation with the military forces of both Iran and Russia. The Russian government sabotaged the agreement negotiated under the Obama administration requiring Syria to destroy its chemical weapons stockpile. The Russians echo the the pathetic excuse of the Assad regime that the rebels used chemical weapons on their own people.
And our Commander in Chief, in this tense and crucial moment? An impetuous child who cannot be controlled by responsible adults. He insists on playing with his favorite toy--braggadocious Twitter attacks.
It's truly frightening. It's even more appalling that the Republican leadership in Washington, or what passes for leadership, refuses to act.
What is Mr. Trump's relationship with Mr. Putin? Does Putin have kompromot on Mr. Trump, as has been widely rumored? Is Putin handling Trump as he would handle a KGB asset?
Instead of asking these questions, the GOP wants to investigate the Mueller investigation.
With my apologies to John McCain and George H.W. Bush, I'm afraid I will never, ever, be able to take the Republican party seriously again. Tax cuts for the wealthy are not worth the price they've made this country pay for them. It's grossly irresponsible and downright scary.
5
This is what happens when you have an incompetent Dope in the Oval Office with very few competent people around him.
5
"We're going to attack!"
"We're not going to attack!"
"We might attack!"
"We're are definitely not going to attack!"
"We may or may not attack!"
"We are going to attack! Maybe."
"We'll have to wait and see if we're going attack."
"We are preparing to attack!"
"We will never attack."
"We might just attack!"
7
only a generation ago, the UN sent peacekeepers into Bosnia to quell its multi-militia civil war. Why won't the UN do this again, and call a peace conference for all parties on the ground?
Of course I'm dreaming; it would also be a chance to arrest Assad and transport him to the Haugue fro a criminal trial, non?
1
Speaking seriously!
We, I mean US and its allies which includes Canada, need to cut our losses and move out of Syria and other wars that we have created. The "proof" the French president is talking about is where? Let's see it. Let the world see it before "we" commit our blood and sweat to bombing there and taking the blood, sweat and lives of people there.
If the Russians are "serious" and they do say "enough is enough" and decide they will actually punish us for these wars that we have created, we need to keep our cool and move away. We should walk away while we are ahead. We have caused a lot of disease, destruction, suffering, and refugees etc. there without much losses to us. Yes, we have spent lots of money and seen some deaths but it is we who went there---and there were no WMDs. Remember that proof! We packed our bags to go there, they did not come here to stir up a war with us.
So, if we start another war, and let's say the Russians and Iranians say that they will punish us and our "allies" like Saudi Arabia, and Israel are we prepared to go to war with Russia? Are we? Are we ready to see a flattened out Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel etc.? We better start "thinking clearly."
4
The real problem here is that there is only one adult in a room filled with children!
2
That one adult is herding cats.
4
President Trump was right last week: we need to pull out of the Middle East, especially Syria, and work through US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley re: Russian and Syrian criminal use of chemical weapons in Syria. Defense Secretary Mattie knows what to do. President Trump should stick to his original plan and instincts. Why not help the Syrian people with serious humanitarian aid?
1
People might want to broaden their focus here. It isn't just Trump that is the problem, though of course he always is there making things confusing at best. But there are a host of people, politicians, professional think tank warmongers, and pundits, who are itching for war in Syria. They are egging Trump on. They want escalation, perhaps a full scale war with Syria, Iran, and even Russia.
Assad is a war criminal, but the US and Saudi support for rebels in Syria was also a crime. At least 100,000 Syrian soldiers and militia have been killed. There is no government on earth which would fight back cleanly in those circumstances and certainly not Syria. Somehow Americans never stop for one second and think about how our allies in that region would react if faced with an armed rebellion that powerful. How much of Gaza would be left standing if some outside country armed Hamas and enabled them to kill 100,000 IDF soldiers? Gaza would be a pile of rubble.
3
We got through Vietnam and Iraq without Sarin and chlorine, actually, thank you muchly.
Thank god someone in this country, besides Tucker Carlson and Jimmy Dore are saying something sane about Syria. Mattis knows what the future will be if we stumble into another Middle East war. For all those who are itching to go to war in Syria, do you realize that tens of thousands of civilians will be killed? And this is what people are willing to do in response to a few dozen civilians killed in a civil war that has already killed thousands? It makes absolutely no sense. The drums for war are beating fast and hard and this is very similar to the run up of the Iraq war. This has the potential to draw in Iran, Russia, the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia and Israel. We are talking a mini world war in the Middle East. We need to stop this madness before it escalates.
5
It appears Russian response will not be limited to only defense. It is a war and Washington will be responsible for it!
3
Chlorine! The gas was chlorine. The same stuff used to disinfect water. It’s readily available, even in war torn Syria. Any of the warring groups could have gotten hold of it and used it. Mattis probably knows that and is why he is proceeding cautiously.
5
I really don't understand how any President, not just Trump, has the power to launch missiles at any other sovereign without the agreement of congress. It's a dangerous power that can lead to war. A president must go to congress to get War declared, but by this action he can start his own war without congress involved. In many ways Trump is showing us that the job of President is too much for any one man, and the job just has too much unilateral power, especially in the area of world politics. It doesn't make sense that a President needs congress to get a tax plan passed, but can launch a missile at any country he wants without approval from any other person on earth.
2
Thomaspaine17: I believe it is still illegal to attack a country Syria) unless we are being threatened with attack.
I am not saying we won't get our hair mussed. But it will be twenty or forty million tops, depending on the breaks.
2
In other words, he's saying Trump should be as weak as Obama. There are many things wrong with Trump, but weakness wasn't supposed to be one of them.
1
I don't get the parallel to O'Bama and his red line. Should he have not to Syria to stop using chemical weapons? Or after they did, should he have refused their agreement to remove chemical weapons and sent them some missiles? Or after they did, should he have agreed to their proposal to remove chemical weapons and sent some missiles too - saying in effect thanks for promising to behave going forward, but I'm going to have to spank you for your prior misbehavior? Chemical stockpiles were removed or destroyed; the fact that others remain or were created, and used, is another story and another problem.
"Speaking before the House Armed Services Committee, Mr. Mattis said that retaliation for the suspected chemical weapons attack had to be balanced against the threat of a wider war."
Trump doesn't "balance" anything--much less facts, laws, expert advice, and the consequences of his decisions and actions..
Leaders of the world are not only aghast at President Trump, they are completely confused about which Trump is in charge at the moment and if Trump means what he says. Given Trump's lie-to-truth ratio, who would know!
Under severe distress of the Mueller and FBI investigations, Trump is giving every evidence of being more irrational, erratic, and incapable of making decisions than ever before. I don't think he knows what reality is, and he is not living in it himself.
A Wash. Post article today describes the chaos, worry, and uncertainty in the White House, and it is very scary for our nation.
We are not "headed" for a national and international crisis, we are in one right now. How many people think Trump might ignore sound expert advice at home and from our allies and just start a war over Syria himself to deflect attention from his legal troubles and scandals at home?
No more turning a blind eye to Trump's derangement and risk to this country and world. Do something before it is far too late!
Very difficult, because he no longer seems to listen to anyone but the voices in his head.
3
War has unfortunately helped many an unpopular leader. Wavering supporters get back in line when a country is at war. Trump may be stupid, but he knows - and even mocks his own knowledge - about how to appear “presidential.” His fans loved his earlier firework show in Syria. He may please them again. It doesn’t take much to please his supporters. Remember when he has given speeches prepared by someone else and displayed on a TelePrompTer? When he temporarily abandoned his own raving lunacy for a Bannon-prepared speech? His fans ate that up like ice cream, reassured that he might not be a totally self-serving illiterate carnival barker after all! How much more pleased will they be with his appearing to attack a country most of his supporters couldn’t even find on a map.
2
What's the point of a military strike by us ... to kill more people? .. send a message ? Assad isn't going anywhere. We have been over this a thousand times. The sooner any rebel forces quit the better. If we take out some military target we just prolong the agony. And the risk of a confrontation between the Russians or Iran is very high. Forget it, it's not worth the trouble.
4
"An estimated 2,000 American troops in Syria have been focused exclusively on fighting the Islamic State."
We were told they were there in a strictly advisory and training role. Now the truth comes out. See how that works? It's always the same, going all the way back to Viet Nam. First advisors, then surrpetitious combat, then escalation. Next thing you know, we'll be bombing the countries next door because our adversaries are using them to transport war materials.
1. Lie to the public
2. Continue to lie as you escalate
3. Escalate
4. Lie some more.
5. Escalate
This is an endless loop. If one loop gets terminated somehow, start another one ASAP. That's the default MO of the United States - and it continues regardless of what the common people think.
4
Message to Trump and his supporters....the end is nigh. Stormy days ahead(pun intended), Bring on the chaos and the midterms elections.
2
This chemical attack came just after Trump announced that the U.S. would be pulling out of Syria (without consulting with his national security advisors or the Pentagon.)
Trump himself may be responsible for emboldening the perpetrators of this horrific act. Did anyone tell him this?
Nothing is not an option. A surgical missile strike is not enough. US has to make a statement with any military action. One B-2 Stealth bomber, one MOAB - mother of all bombs. Make it personal and hit Assad where it hurts, like he hurt his people, in their homes - and level his palace.
The war is over. Putin & Assad won. Save the bombs for another day. There is no point in making the situation any worse than it already is at this point. Time to plan the reasonable exit.
6
Does Gen. Mattis have #45's support? Or are they at odds, which means Mattis will be shown the door soon?
1
Hang in there, Secretary Mattis.
I know that no one needs to tell you your country needs your service, now more than ever. But I'm saying it.
Thanks for standing up for your fellow citizens.
3
So we are currently in two unwinnable wars that are costing us trillions. ISIS is on the run but we all know ISIS 2.0 under a different name is around the corner
Now, we’re going to enter Syria and a massive proxy war with Russia and Iran.
The brilliance is shining:
5
Another sad example of trump's poor impulse control. He is incapable of thoughtful analysis and self-restraint and that is obvious to just about anyone over the age of 10. This is the man who says we're pulling out of Syria one week, then makes childish threats about smart bombing them the next. He is completely incompetent and very dangerous. All that are pandering to "trump's base" are just as reckless. This so-called 40% of ignorant, out of touch isolationists must not be allowed to drive our country into the ground. VOTE THEM OUT.
2
Emmanuel Macron addressed the matter today.
France will do something.
The country wanted to do something in 2013 already but was stopped short by Obama suddenly deciding for what quickly appeared as unefficient Russian control ( nobody is sure Putin can effectively control Assad anyway).
All finally agreed about something explaining the President not so obviously assured annoucements: the American ally.
One among the multiple considerations Macron has to take into accounts before launching a military operation is the POTUS .
That's something new. To such a point that all is possible between all possible pessimistic views for the area.
Macron seems to believe in a few things and does consider long runs. France will act, even if the US ( what's left of a US foreign policy) do not...but working with a partner working in the long run with realism and vision would be undoubtedly much more comfortable...and efficient.
Rather than UK/France alone, the whole EU should stand and act for this attack.
It's not so much Syria the problem, where somebody would have to pay for rebuilding the country, but rather Russia. If we dont want to fall under them we have to resist. Otherwise France might be the next Crimea ?
"President Emmanuel Macron of France cited unspecified proof that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons in a deadly attack on a suburb of Damascus, the capital."
There was never a doubt chemical weapons were used, Mr. Macron. But so far, the U.S. hasn't brought any evidence to the U.N. where it can be presented.
1
If Trump was smart, he would have said nothing and done something.
Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Ah, a voice of sanity. Let's hope he'll take an escalatory military operation and replace it with a political one. The U.S. and it allies have a number of options from additional sanctions on Russia to supporting the creation of a Kurdish homeland, Kurdistan, in north central Syria that would punish the Assad regime while rewarding our most effective ally in the war against ISIS. Both are worthy options that can have much more impact without the risk of a wider war. Like tweets, bombs are easy to drop, but the consequences are potentially quite dangerous. Thanks to Gen. Mattis for being the "adult in the war room."
1
It has been days since Trump said the US was going to use missiles to respond to the gas attack. As this article states, the Syrians have moved their aircraft to Russian airbases and have also likely moved important military assets like communications and logistic support to be close to Russians. If we strike now, days after the initial attack and after Trump has warned them, we are limited in what can be targeted without hitting Russian assets.
If we strike and cause Russian casualties, Putin will likely respond to save face and show that we cannot hit Russian forces without consequences. This tit for tat aggression will bring the US and Russia to the brink of armed conflict.
I imagine the Defense Secretary is really worried about all this. I doubt that Trump can even begin to grasp the enormity of what might happen.
Trump in charge of the military. God help us all.
1
Trump, like Obama before him, has NO good options in Syria.
However, Obama would have listened closely to the advice of his team.
Trump, on the hand, has a team in name only.
Trump doesn't listen to anyone...except Jared and Ivanka. Maybe. Sometimes.
Whatever Trump does, he will get it wrong.
1
Shouldn't Congress be debating Trump's inchoate plans re Syria and asking, for example, whether Syria has attacked the US or our treaty allies or poses an imminent threat of attack? It is hard to make a self-defense argument or to stretch a justification to fight a non-state actor, ISIS, into a justification to attack a state actor, which itself opposes ISIS. Trump's wanting to look tough to his base--and even to his idol Putin--carries little weight in international law or domestic Constitutional theory.
1
All of the ingredients for WWIII are in place in Syria. We have a shoot first - ask questions later- leader who changes his mind and policy several times a day based on one priority - which way makes me look tough and the opposite of Obama. A strike , however well-meaning, that kills a high number of Russians soldiers can easily lead to a nasty conflict which could explode into a very big and painful war. Look before you leap, don"t act on impulse.
Thoughtfulness, caution, tact: great idea!
Poor General Mattis and the senior military generals who have to witness the total instability of Trump each day. They know the consequences of threats and war, and Trump throws out verbal bombs every day that they have to deal with.
2
What President Trump has said is only confusing to our enemies. That's a good thing. Let tour enemies scramble their forces. That's their time and expense. Trump's strategy opens many more offensive possibilities.
1
James Mattis has a very difficult job. Could you imagine the amount of stress this poor man is under having to work with Trump on such serious issues?
2
What proof? I’ve read that victims suffered symptoms of a chlorine gas attack, but haven’t seen proof that the Syrian government is responsible for this particular attack.
"Threaten loudly, and then look for a big stick" - Theodore Roosevelt right?
2
Trump, the bone-spur draft-dodging "Dr. Strangelove" of Tweets threatening Syria/Russians will likely create a catastrophe beyond imagination. Bush/Cheney strategic blunder and humanitarian tragedy of invading Iraq based on misinformation, lies, and hubris destabilized the region and Syria is a consequence. The solution in Syria is diplomacy, not U.S cruise missiles creating even more rubble. Trump in one Tweet screams that the U.S. is withdrawing from Syria and next proposing to attack Syria and perhaps including deployed Russians! How does one describe unhinged incompetence? How could Stormy Daniels even allow Trump to touch her?
Having just vented at this proposed lunacy of a retributive attack at this time, the true response of western 'civilised' nations witnessing yet another chemical attack on civilians is not smart bombs and confrontation. If we truly cared, we would spend our energies on evacuating civilians en mass, from the hospitals and the neighbourhoods. That is the moral and right thing to do and not jeopardise them further.
There needs to be safe havens including our own countries to avert another genocide. Yet we fail in this basic human response and hide behind false indignation. Not good enough when we can afford to care for others traumatised by war. Homeless and living on streets of rubble alone should spur us to action.
Sounds like Mattis is about to retire.
It is absurd to speak of war with Russia but still plan for the World Cup to be held there. I thought trading with the enemy was an act of treachery?
As much as I decry Russian sang froid and criminality in all its forms, similarly do I decry the West. It wasn’t too long ago that western powers invented stories of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to justify the killing of hundreds of thousands of people in the second wave of invasion of the Gulf in which hundreds of thousands had previously killed. Proof had little value then, so, given the tragic context, it should have infinitely more now because, surely, some lesson was learned? We cannot forget that the gory wound of Syria is an extension of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, both of western cause, which still boil without end.
Killing more people in Syria will not soothe the spirits of an alleged gas attack. The solution to this is not to rain more destruction onto the heads of people who are besieged enough. The real solution is to alienate Russia completely from world affairs, stifle its leadership, corral its criminal activities, and deplete its economy until it falls into line with the global community or Putin’s corrupt regime collapses.
Abandoning Assad is a prerequisite to international reintegration for Russia, if that is ever possible while it is under the Putin regime.
Does the New York Times want Trump to call them so they can publish the time and date of the attack
It's time to let one of the European countries handle this instead of the United States.
A good thing that Boss Baby still has a few adult minders ready to change his diapers. Now if only they'd spank him when he throws a tantrum or a spitball...
4
Now we have Trump as our Keystone Kop, Commander-in-Chief stumbling and bumbling while "aiding and abetting" (aka telegraphing) the Syrians, Iranians, and Russians of his intentions (not!). Instead, always the narcissist, he expects us (aka "'America'") to say "'Thank you'" for his latest embarrassment. This is all tweeting up, as Stormy Daniels might say, into one big anticlimax.
8
OK Syria, I’m giving al-Assad his Two Week Warning to get his military prepared because I might, or might not attack the ethnic cleanser for gassing his own subjects.
Killing civilians with gas is OK, or, if not, I might put some holes in a runway again! When my ships get there instead of an instant response. If Russia doesn’t mind.
Oh yeh, forgot- since Russia likes al-Assad, so I guess we lay off him no matter how he butchers fellow Muslims whose ancestors backed the other guy to succeed Muhammed, whether he even wanted one or not.
Happy yom ha-shoah everyone!
(Holocaust Remembrance Day in English, Day (remembering) the Great Burning.
Where people respect another people’s right to call something very significant what they want to, but that would mean using a Hebrew word for something some ‘fine’ friends say never happened anyway.
Like the Syrian government using gas on its own subjects, mostly civilians, or something like that.
Donald-in-Chief
PS - did I say Jews in connection with the Holocaust today? Sorry my fine Nazi friends, slip of the tongue.
3
Uh-oh. Trump won't like someone trying to explain or walk back his incoherent thoughts. Now he'll have to threaten nuclear war with Syria in order to not look foolish.
8
Can the military hem Trump in ? We’re at the end of our rope , they must .
Or-
The Capitalists Will Sell Us the Rope with Which We Will Hang Them
5
Trump knows nothing, and thinks even less - he is the puppet of his own greed, and nothing more. He is incapable of being anyones ally, since an alliance is a knowing act.
6
Is Syria worth a nuclear war?
4
I think maybe the bottom line is that in cases of using United States Military power, because Donald Trump is so limited in his concept of the Constitution and foreign policy, and basically doesn't know what he's doing, I think Secretary of Defense James Mattis and John Kelly need to sit Trump down and lay into him regarding stupid and irresponsible tweets regarding the use of troops, military power and aggressive taunts or have his twitter account blocked, before he causes a stupid unnecessary war.
7
This president is a disgrace to our country. Letting the "enemies" informed ahead... What bad reality show this, even Ryan bail out already....
4
As a Worcester native, I whole heartily agree with you.
Mattis keeps me sane in this crazy administration.
9
Does he mean to be asking America where his “thank you” is? Or is “Thank you America” what he wants all other countries to be saying? (Is the comma itself an enemy of Trump?) And why talk of saying ‘thank you’ and timing of Syrian mussels in same tweet. Are they related?
Get real, America. You wanna play footsie with the devil?
The US should install its nuclear weapons in Poland, Ukraine and Taiwan.
Now.
1
You are aware that those are other, soverign countries, and that we have these thingies called, wossname, oh yes, "treaties," are you not?
Matts seems to be the only rational mind in the entire cast of WH misfits.
8
It is said that Trump is giving the enemy advanced warnings. This may be a deliberate plan to help Comrade Putin soldiers scurry away from the paths of the Hellfire Misiles. These misiles are very smart much smarter than Donald Trump.
How much longer do we need to endure this madness?
8
Three more years. The deal with the devil has already been inked. They got their tax cut, now he gets to be president for his full term. That's the back room deal that was made.
1
We will endure this “madness” as long as we, the people,allow it to continue. Pressure your elected representative and encourage your friends to vote in the midterms......
2
Trumps foreign policy is as clear as mud. A military policy that is clearly ignorant. Donny is awash in scandal and what little thought process he had has been used up tweeting and editing those who write his idiocy.
The state of the executive branch is a sorry one. He should be impeached, if it is truly a political standard, for gross incompetence.
4
Thanks God that we have a Pentagon that is still sane, unlike our demented, unhinged, so-called "president" who threatens the whole world including allies and friends!
3
Want to bet that Trump's strike on Syria will coincide with the release of Comey's new book?
8
Trump will resign before the end of 2018.
4
Here's hoping. Here's praying. Here's willing it to happen.
Yes....the Failure President will resign to “spend more time with his family”....”to pursue other opportunities”.....or “for medical reasons”. We can only hope that he resigns to spend time in jail.
1
Well, it is a relief that America has at least one general still in Trump's Cabinet willing to serve as a necessary buffer to his dangerous, impetuous, non-strategic ignorance. Please hang in there Secretary Mattis!
9
trump is so careless and clueless to the hazards he is creating for our military and allies that he blusters on, telegraphing our intentions and details on them. as usual, it is all about him, not the country. he continues to misunderstand his role and generates grave risks for us.
2
Is Mattis the adult in the room? We'll see.
4
So, is Kim still shaking in his boots over Fire and Fury statements or has our president made it clear that he is nothing but hot air with a mediocre comb-over?
4
There will be a strike. Better to have GB and France join in.
No thanks. The involvement our government want is without oversight. Why should we do Trump's bidding and curry favour with one so unhinged and clueless? An intervention from us will not have public support no matter how it is spun.
We will, waiting for the green light and targets that do not enrage russians directly.
Maybe this time we won't spend $100 mil on missiles to do > $1 mil worth of damage?
6
I'm glad there are some adults watching Trump.
4
Meanwhile Russia is well on its way to its fifth consecutive year of a contracting economy. since Trump shut off his mouth and complete contravention of everything he said about Obama, the best thing to do is to take your time and to strike decisively but had a completely unpredictable time and in a completely unexpected way.
Actually Russia has been expanding at a rate similar to our own, just under 2%, and that is expected to continue. This report can be Googled from Rueters survey and Bloomberg too.
https://www.focus-economics.com/countries/russia
2
They found this massive oil n nat gas deposit in the Persian Gulf a few years ago. It’s shared by Sunni Qatar and Shia Iran. Thus Sunni Qatar and Shia Iran have a common interest. Get the oil to the Mediterranean for export to Europe. Thus the riff between Qatar and their Gulf neighbors. Russia wants to control this oil n gas since it will compete with Russia’s exports to Europe. Getting the oil through Shia Iraq and Shia Syria is imperative for Russia. Controlling Syria is the key, as Syria is the only viable outlet to the. Mediterranean.
Time for the NYT to expose the underlying geopolitical forces here so readers can understand that it’s not because Syria is some Garden of Eden. It’s an outlet to the Mediterranean for natural gas and oil pipe lines. Remember Europe is very highly dependent on Russian nat gas and Russia will do anything to protect its pricing power. Now you know.
6
Thank you for your comment I'm shocked NYT's let you post it.
Also, that is why Iran and Russia are building military bases their , to protect their interest , the state of Israel isn't even on their radar. It's about the energy assets. American MSM news cartel propaganda.
"Mattis Expresses Caution on Imminent Strike Against Syria"
The latest strike on the Justice Department has to be planned first.
2
Rex Tillerson may not have been a good secretary of state, but I completely agree with his assessment of this president -- the man is a moron.
4
Trump miscast as President - he is really insane U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper from Dr. Strangelove. So Yeah-- How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb--
1018. DAYS. : 16. HOURS. : 31. MINUTES. : 26. SECONDS.
I half expect Sarah Huckabee Sanders to pronounce that Trump was "just kidding" with respect to his statements on Syria. Rex Tillerson was absolutely correct in his assessment of Trump's moronic thought level.
1
Without Mattis we would probably already be involved in a major war somewhere. The spineless Republicans sit on their thumbs while we wobble on cliff. Unbelievable.
4
He stressed caution, Mattis didn't say not to strike them, keep that in mind
Looks like Kelly has given up trying to control Mr. Trump and has turned the job over to Mattis. Trump behaves like an angry, wild adolescent who now has the car keys, except Trump has that button.
I'm dealing with Taiwan directly I don't need China's permission. Wait hold on; I'm sorry President Xi Jinping it won't happen again.
I'm gonna bomb Syria.... wait a minute. I may or may not. Hold on that was yesterday. Today I'm not sure. It was just a tweet a negotiating tacit.
I'm gonna rip up that TPP deal... that's right we're outta here. Wait.... hold on now I want back in.
2
Why is there no mention in this article that the OPCW will be conducting an examination of the alleged site of the chlorine attack this weekend?
Why the rush to bomb? -- is there some concern that an independent examination will show that this was a 'false-flag'?
2
We are in desperate need of a safe pair of hands.
I wonder why I hear it only via one interview with a Yale Law professor on NPR, that it would be a violation of the UN Charter for us to please ourselves to a missile attack on Syria; that it would have no foundation whatever, either, in the existing "9/11" Congressional authorization to go ahead and commit war crimes; and that acting as an international outlaw is a bizarre way of disciplining a domestic one. Who's next, the President's special bête noir, Venezuela?
7
When you live in the moment and only two individuals are involved it makes sense to start a dominance challenge with fang-baring and chest-beating, then de-escalate from there.
When complex institutional actions are in question within the context of a long-term web of relationships, then the grunting-thumping thing is less useful.
Why are Americans so fearful of confronting the truth about this president? The poor man is clearly suffering from some kind of mental disorder and it does not take a professional evaluation to reach that conclusion with a high degree of confidence. Just pull up any old tape of Trump being interviewed in the 80s, 90s and the 00s and you see an articulate, intelligent person making coherent speech, not like the sad hulk of a man desperately scraping for words from a shrunken mental library to repeat juvenile, bombastic outbursts. The man is ill and the country wants to look the other way. Spare him any further indignity and gently coax him into a nursing home where he can be cared for.
2
Dear God. The Trumpian thumbs say one thing, then he changes his mind five minutes later. Or worse, denies he said it in the first place. How are our military and diplomatic professionals supposed to do their jobs if they don't have clear direction and can't make solid representations to foreign partners--or adversaries?
The ignorance. The total lack of strategic thinking. The unrestrained impulses. Oh, and the Washington Post is now reporting that Trump is thinking about rejoining the TPP. SMH.
One note to the Times: I'm so sick of seeing Trump's face. Why not a Mattis pic for this article from the hearing? Some of us take comfort in seeing a little sanity.
4
There is no such thing as military and dislomatic professionls. Or gods
I am sure a number of trump supporters brought into that line about taking action without letting the world know what action would be taken. Please pay attention trump supporters he has sold you out. We need to come together as a country and get him out of office, now! This is almost as bad as the last strike that hit nothing of importance. We do not need another Vietnam!
10
"...very soon or not so soon" is there a third option. Who needs to say "Thank You America" or doe he want " Thank you LORD TRUMP" Comes from a person who has been selling out his country to Russia, ridicules US military Vets... on and on
Embarrassing that he is our president.
4
"Where is our “Thank you America?” What is the matter with this person?
How can the person who asked that question be President of the United States?
It really is like a waking nightmare.
9
Urge all you want,Mr. Mattis. Because they only person you need to convince to practice restraint is your boss! And an unhinged one at that with all that has befallen him the last few days.
Indirect public 'scolding' won't do much because he'll be on Twitter shortly afterwards.
3
My guess is that Putin is behind the chemical attack and it was a deliberate attempt to draw America back into the Syria conflict -- which is in Russia's interests but not ours.
It's a mousetrap and Putin knows Trump has no choice but to grab the cheese.
6
Didn't Trump say he knows more than the generals do? Watch out!
2
Russia fears economic sanctions far more than a few missiles. Get England and Germany and France the rest of the EU to hit him where it hurts, in the pockets of the oligarchs.
Trump said he was thinking of leaving Syria alone. Two days later there is a wild eyed chlorine attack...was it to keep the US mired in a bankrupting civil war.
Or should I say, another civil war.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
4
Every day, in every way, Trump demonstrates conclusively that he is incapable of performing the job of president in even a minimally adequate way. It is absurd that over 300 million Americans are hostage to this very impaired president's delusions and whims.
4
Our president is a combination of Biff (from Back to the Future), Archie Bunker, and Don Rickles. Perhaps amusing entertainment. Frightening being in charge of our country and military.
3
Syria is a potential Iraq 2 for the United States and its allies. There's a murderous strongman kind of holding a government in power in a jerrybuilt country set up by the victorious British and French after WWI. We'd like to get rid of this guy but without him all the opposing interest groups inside and outside will fight for dominance or even destruction of their opponents and some of them are as bad or worse than the strongman. Not an easy problem.
Assad deserves to be tried as a war criminal. The only way to accomplish that task is to apply economic pressure on his backers in Syria, Russia and Iran so that they jump him. Shooting cruise missiles won't accomplish this.
1
Another example of the futility of NATO. Europe gives token participation, even though the incident is within their region, and will continue to impact refugee relocation to their Continent. Germany, under Merkel, supports from the rear with refusal to be involved in military intervention. Americans should have interests, and concerns, similar to those in China, Japan or South America. Follow their actions. Withdraw from NATO and remain dispassionate and uninvolved.
1
Surely the President can't just bomb a country when he wants. An act of war--and that's what bombing is--requires Congressional approval. But I know, I forget--there is no Congress anymore, just a bunch of profiles in jello.
3
It would have been so convenient for us if the Japanese had tweeted that they were going to attack Pearl Harbor, and then, on top of that, provided a description of the weapons they planned to use. This is just another example of Trump’s incompetence.
3
The whole thing doesn't make sense. Few days ago Trump wanted to get out of Syria as soon as possible; now he wants to bomb Syria with "beautiful missiles", letting the Russians and Iranians know in advance what he is going to do.
I am afraid that our country is in the hands of not only an incompetent individual, but a mentally unstable person.
We all may pay the consequences of his actions, but ... let's don't forget that more than 60 million Americans voted for him, and still around 40% of the voters support him.
Let's don't blame Trump, let's blame ourselves for what we have in the White House!
1
Trying to walk it back, Mr. President?
Don't bother because even with no timing specificity on this, you will soon blurt out the timing on Twitter. It's what you do.
You're not savvy in any sense nor discreet.
You are all too predictable!
1
When I speak I may mean lots of thing or maybe not. I may know what I’m doing or maybe not. I may be President or maybe not. I may be human or maybe not. I may care for America or maybe not.
2
OMG, this is so exciting! I just love the Trump show! I understand he's kept in a soundproof booth when his advisors testify.
Several days ago right after the chemical attack and all of the fulminations emanating from the Trumpster, I said nothing much will be done. A slight tap on the wrist to Putin and Assad. Now I see I am correct. We are seeing the dancing around the maypole from Mattis and Trump. I guess Vlad must have gotten to Trump Inc.
'“We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people. But on a strategic level, it’s how do we keep this from escalating out of control — if you get my drift on that,” Mr. Mattis said.'
Do we ever! Thank you Mr. Mattis for being our paddle. So far, we are most definitely floating up a creek without one.
if I wanted to give Trump credit as a military leader with strategic acumen, I could say he is reading the late General Giap by sending contradicting messages to keep his adversaries on the defensive. Strike today, next week or month- we are everywhere ( political cadres at least ) but nowhere (a particular piece of real estate unimportant). Time and geography are on our side.
Do I believe Trump is reading Giap? I have not yet suffered dementia.
The Warrior Monk knows that talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. Mattis was a boot on the ground in Iraq and knows the intricacies of the Middle East.
Thank heavens for Mattis.
It's good to know our military strategy options are being discussed in the press. Pretty sure the Syrians and Russians can't read an on-line news source.
All wars are horrible and they all have terrible consequences for innocent people that unfortunately are in the path of a military objective. Civil wars are worse than most, pitting countrymen against countrymen, neighbors against neighbors and even brothers against brothers. Civil wars in countries with several diverse groups of different tribes, religions, ethnic groups, nationalities, political allegiances or even languages all fighting for a place at the table are worse yet. Who really knows who the enemy is other than the guy who is pointing a rifle at you. And then it's too late to try and find out.
Syria has them all, government loyalists, revolutionaries, religious extremists, terrorists and even separatists who want a nation of their own. Added to the mix are outsiders; Americans, Russians, Iranians, Hezbollah, ISIS and of course Israel, who have their own interests to protect and promote. Syria is gripped by a brutal civil war and several proxy wars all at the same time.
Into this mix comes President Trump with his deep and studied understanding of the Middle East thanks to his son-in-law. He will do something, more innocent people will die or flee, and the war will continue until the Syrians, what is left of them, get exhausted and stop fighting. No missile, no matter how shiny and smart can stop this mayhem.
Apparently sensible countries like Germany will not get involved. No such luck for America.
2
We should avoid further air strikes. As hard as it is to say, this tragedy will play out on its own schedule.
The Syrian president behind the long civil war and atrocities is not smirking. Like his father, he is hanging on for dear life. Knowing that he is the last strong man standing in the Arab Spring, he knows he is on the wrong side of history. Patience and compassion should be US policy in Syria.
There are a major reasons here why Trump is all tweet and no action. First, his issues and problems are the priority right now. He's concerned about who he should fire and how to best protect himself from a criminal investigation that is getting too close to him. Second, no matter what nasty things he's said about Russia, he still does not want to anger Putin--whatever the reasons are. Third, he does not have a full Pentagon team in place, but he does have new security hires on board who are untested. Fourth, Syria is harder than it looks. The attack they launched a year ago did zero to end Assad's chemical attacks against his own people. Going unilateral won't get it done. Trump and his team--such as it is--need to take the time to build an international coalition to stop Assad and his pal Putin. Trump needs to stop tweeting taunts and threats and promises he can't keep--until he can.
Who wants an American attack on Syria, especially after a blatantly constructed 'incident' which was conveniently rigged up only days after Trump signaled that he might actually withdraw American forces? I welcome his wavering, it's far better than getting us into another war and leveling another Arab country on behalf of Israel.
1
Trump seriously suffers a lack of discipline and strategy. First priority is to grandstand with a tweet about a future response, which gives Syria enough time to move assets to Russian bases, which weakens the US response by giving us fewer targets. Second priority is to do the opposite of Obama: after pointing out that Trump is telegraphing is plans to the enemy (as he complained about Obama), Trump announces the response Might Not Be Now - how does that help any US strategy, or any coalition strategy with France and UK? That confuses our allies and weakens our response to the enemy, and then the US might follow rather than lead (not necessarily a bad idea), but it makes the US look bumbling rather than calculated in our response. The Republicans should want a coherent and calculated response but they seem unable to criticize Trump. Ugh.
1
Trump knows how to tweet, but little or nothing else and it is astonishing to see that he is oblivious to the difference of his childish tweets as the president versus as a candidate. Tillerson had it right.
The fighters themselves -- they ones shooting the guns-- on all sides are the ones responsible for the deaths and suffering of civilians, whether their cause be just or unjust. Like every other civil war or revolution in history, it is the willingness of ordinary men to die and kill, maim and starve their fellow men, women and children by any means that keeps the carnage and atrocities going. The victims of those chemical attacks are the fellow countrymen of Assad's generals and soldiers, we believe, but the rebels, terrorists or "freedom fighters," whatever we may call them, would no doubt commit equal atrocities. Every fighter makes a decision to take up arms, to follow orders, to lay down arms, to disobey orders, to change sides, to stay or to flee, to draw their own "red lines." It is a hard decision I am sure. There are dire personal consequences to any decision in such circumstances. But other countries. separately or united, can make each Syrian fighter's decision to lay down arms easier and more honorable by their words that appeal to his own humanity and actions that offer him some protection and reward for leaving the blood-soaked field. Adding more foreign fighters and arms to a chaotic seven-year conflict as President Trump and a few allies seem poised to do is senseless. Our leaders need bold, new thinking.
But absent reason to think Assad's side did this, why would we bomb them?
"Hardly need proof of chemical weapons use to justify an attack on Assad's forces ... "
As many others have said, why take the bait? Why not just stay out of it? There's been no evidence whatsoever that Assad's side did it or that the rebels did it -- just speculation base on whichever side one favors in general.
To be sure, the "logical" finger of blame points to the rebels, since Assad's apparently imminent victory could be threatened only by a "game changer" such as his alleged use of CWs. But I've seen no actual evidence that the rebels did it, and so I wouldn't punish the rebels based just on the "logical" finger of blame.
On the other hand, I've seen no evidence that Assad's side did it. The French government claims to have "proof" of this, but it hasn't published any of that "proof," and it's hard not to notice that it hasn't persuaded anyone else.
If Assad did it, obviously it would be unfair to punish the rebels for it. Just as obviously, if the rebels did it (more likely, but not established), it would be unfair to punish Assad for it.
So Thursday morning Trump is still threatening when, not if, there will be a military strike, and Thursday after noon his Defense Secretary says hold on a minute. Haven't they been discussing this with each other in the last 10 days??
1
Looking at the accompanying photo, initially one wants to break out in
laughter at the absurdity of Donald J. Trump weighing in on decisions
of this magnitude.
Then the reality, that we really did this kicks in, followed by apprehension,
concern and depression.
2
We humans are all unique. We all have our differences. President Trump is impulsive. Being impulsive and spontaneous can be a good thing but it can also create problems. The point is that we should not be all alike and act in the way I think we should act. The point is that we should know about our strengths and our weaknesses, and we should constantly learn. I think that President Trump is learning. All Americans should appreciate that and help him. As to this particular case, by backing off an attack in Syria President Trump has shown that he is flexible, that he is open to wise advice. Indeed, an attack could have disastrous consequences for the world and it is good that Mr. Trump did not act on this impulse. However, he still needs a strategy for the region. We all may have our views on this matter. My view is that we and other major players in the region should work together to create a regional security system. Only bad guys need instability in this region and they are not the major state players.
I make it a conscious effort to avoid using the cliche, “It is what it is.” I thus find it amusing that trump’s people, such as Ms. Haley, must now use variations of the same because there is no rational way to explain the irrationality of this man.
Exactly why is it that the Secretary of Defense cannot impose the treatment of TOP SECRET information on Mr.Trump.His tweets to friends and enemies are destabilizing to international relations.He has no right to advertise his every fickle thought on social media.War and international relations are too crucial to be subject to the moods of a distracted and distrusted president.
It is time for a high level Congressional delegation to pay a visit to Trump and make it clear that they will not allow him to threaten our national security by making wild, impulsive statements about what the US will and will not do on national defense, trade or any other critical national interest. Then the Joint Chief's need to make it clear that his actions are hindering the effectiveness of our military forces by immature, threatening, un-thought through actions.
Trump is not only threatening our national security, he is threatening to undermine the civilian control of our military forces. I suspect the Joint Chiefs are going crazy with him incessant tweeting while Mattis is spending more and more time just trying to keep Trump from taking us all over the cliff.
Congress, find a way to get this guy under control!
1
Foreign policy without any advisors? Foreign-policy by tweets?
This is the state of strategic formulation today? All Senators and congressional leaders are guilty of dereliction of duty.
I keep thinking the Cuban missile crisis. Kennedy was a brilliant strategist. We would all be toast with Trump in a similar situation. And that is the direction of current foreign events.
1
U.S. wants to be sure Russia and Assad have plenty of warning before any strikes to move things around and get out of the way of potential targets. As president Trump says one thing and does something else or does nothing at all it serves to discredit the U.S. government. He did say Russia shouldn't be supporting Assad in Syria so now maybe one day he will decide to do something about it.
Thank you, Kurds. I'm pretty sure we won't return the favor. Our country, and especially, our President are not trustworthy. This should be clear, as demonstrated by our vacillation on the Iran Nuclear Treaty, The Paris Accord, Human Rights, etc. Obviously, the WORD of our Country is worth its WEIGHT.
Following the lead of our semi literate Pres., I tried to capitalize randomly. I did leave out some of the requisite confusing and misleading quotation marks and failed to include my quota of exclamation points.
"SAD!"
So Syria joins the other countries in the world that ignore and ridicule the United States while they continue to slaughter civilians and children with impunity. You know, like Israel and Afghanistan?
Meanwhile Trump is now "building a coalition". Guess there's a first time for anything. Will Jared or Ivanka be representing us at these negotiations? Just curious...
Where is George Herbert Walker Bush when we need him? The very last time we had a coherent, consistent and reasonable foreign policy with experienced adults at the wheel.
There is plenty of evidence of numerous chemical attacks against civilians by Assad's military. Assad, Russia, and Iran have been committing horrible war crimes against civilians for years with complete impunity. To echo the student movement against gun violence - 'Enough is Enough'. The U.S., NATO, the Coalition, and Israel have the means and therefore the responsibility to enforce international laws regarding warfare and human rights. Diplomacy, more severe sanctions, and limited military force all need to be used to stop the carnage in Syria. Waiting to see what happens is no longer an option.
1
We humans are all unique. We all have our differences. President Trump is impulsive. Being impulsive and spontaneous can be a good thing but it can also create problems. The point is that we should not be all alike and act in the way I think we should act. The point is that we should know about our strengths and our weaknesses, and we should constantly learn. I think that President Trump is learning. All Americans should appreciate that and help him. As to this particular case, by backing off an attack in Syria President Trump has shown that he is flexible, that he is open to wise advice. Indeed, an attack could have disastrous consequences for the world and it is good that Mr. Trump did not act on this impulse. However, he still needs a strategy for the region. We all may have our views on this matter. My view is that we and other major players in the region should work together to create a regional security system. Only bad guys need instability in this region and they are not the major state players. So, President Trump has listened to his Defense Secretary. That's good! He is flexible.
The complexity of Syria, indeed, the Middle East, indeed foreign affairs, indeed...is beyond the capacity of DJT . Whether he is restrained by some Putin blackmail threat always lurks as a possibility. However, the real priority of DJT is limited by the self centered, distorted lens through which he views the world. His criteria for success are his ratings and money... fame and fortune. In terms of the job he has, it is not an exaggeration to consider him cognitively impaired. This is the crux of the matter. Character is destiny and at the character of this "character" is low, almost beyond belief.
1
Why is Trump saying anything about the Syrian use of chemical weapons ? Either respond militarily or go to the United Nations. Trump knows nothing about anything except that he likes to hear the sound of his own voice and thinks that is a substitute for making sound decisions.
Want a safe prediction?
Right now, the French government is hanging out there all by itself, claiming to have "proof" that Assad's side used CWs but not releasing any of that proof and, it appears, persuading nobody except itself that Assad's side did it.
If the French government persuades the US government that Assad's side did it, the US government will -- and should -- attack Assad's side, in which case, frankly, it won't matter much if the French do too. If not, it's nevertheless possible that the French will attack Assad (presumably arguing: "Even if nobody else is persuaded that Assad did it, we are, and so we're going to attack Assad even though nobody else does).
But -- and here's the "safe prediction" -- if the French government's "proof" doesn't persuade anyone else (as, so far, it hasn't), the French government won't attack Assad. In other words, either the French government's "proof" will persuade the US government (which hasn't happened so far, but could), in which case the US will probably attack Assad and nobody will much care (or even notice, frankly) whether the French do too, or the French government's "proof" will NOT persuade the US government, in which case the French won't "go it alone" and nobody will attack either side for this CW attack. I anticipate the latter.
Assad has won the war. Any continuation will just cost more Syrian lives. No amount of indignation over the chemical attacks will change that.
1
Leadership and the belief in that leadership by those who serve is crucial in both the military and diplomatic ranks. There is a void in this White House, a dangerous void. Somehow this needs to be assessed and repaired. I do not think it can be trusted as it stands now.
2
He doesn't feel a decision is necessary until someone (who?) says thank you. to him. for defeating isis.
I wonder if he's some alien species. The hair and complexion. The tiny hands. The extreme self-centeredness.
This set of tweets seems somehow even farther out than just someone who owes the Russians a huge amount of money. He seems, well, lost.
1
Yet again we have major foreign policy and military decisions being made based on literally zero public discussion of evidence. France says they have evidence that Assad was responsible for the latest chemical attack in Syria but offer none of it for public discussion. The Americans actually acknowledge they haven’t yet been able to make this conclusion. And yet trump is talking publicly about military strikes. This will only change if YOU speak out.
1
The Nation can spend all day every day visiting the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and nuances of Tweets or whatever stage trick Tramp employs to get the Nation's attention, or it can say enough and focus on increasing productivity with fewer resources.
I'e seen his act and it's gotten old. He is simply incapable of properly performing in the position he holds. Another case of Thomas Drucker's "Peter Principle."
Few would argue if the Republicans took actions so he spent his days doing something besides distracting people's attention away from their jobs.
Just because he lacks the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do his job, doesn't mean millions of us can't do ours.
We just need to quit being interrupted.
‘Could Be Very Soon or Not So Soon at All.’ Interpretation:
"Could be soon-soon or not soon-soon."
Every day, we are assailed by this verbally challenged human. who blurts out threats and then has to do the Walk-Back-Dance after consulting with the adults.
Can't this nightmare be over- quick-like?
1
As much as I do not like him El trumpo is not as stupid as we all like to say he is.
I mention this because it has occurred to me that his violating his own "principle" of not telegraphing military action may actually be in line with his until now subservient behavior toward Putin. He has effectively telegraphed an attack making that attack less likely and less safe to launch for our guys. This is in line with his continued subservience to Putin.
How about never? Is that too soon?
40
Donald Trump is a danger to humanity. He is unstable, has a personality disorder that precludes the ability for sustained, rational thought, and is one tweet away from igniting possible Armageddon. Invoke the 25th Amendment now and remove him from power.
3
Mattis said also that the Pentagon had found no evidence at all of a chemical attack or who might be responsible. There’s your headline.
2
If Trump is following the Nixonian strategy of “making people thing you are insane” he has succeeded beyond his wildest expectations.
1
Few people in the public eye say so little with as many words as Trump. Bluster and bluff, threaten then walk-back, lay blame then self-congratulate. Insult those doing good things, protect the odious. This POTUS has no moral rudder.
1
ooops! Shot his mouth (thumbs) off, and then was told, 'no, that's not the way to do it. You don't TELL them what you're going to do. It's kind of like chess, see, ...oh never mind. Just say the opposite now, ok?'
Yep, got it, I can do that!
2
Thank goodness for Mattis, there is one adult in the room. After all, this has been his life's work.
Due to Trump's personality and behavior, Congress needs to pass Congressional legislation as a condition precedent to preclude Trump's rapid fire stupidity, and Bolton's irrational bellicosity, subject to other, defined exigent circumstances.
There's an unmistakable similarity between this run up to a new war with Syria and the events that preceded the invasion of Iraq.
Bot leaders were demonized, both were associated with "enemies." With Iraq it was Al Qaeda, with Assad it's Iran.
Both were accused of chemical weapons use against their own people. Both were referred to as threats to Israel. And both were subject to an endless drumbeat from mainstream media with allegations and accusations, almost none of which were based on proof verified by third parties.
With Iraq the UN weapons Inspection team claimed they had no evidence of WMD's. So the US had them withdrawn before they could complete their report.
With Syria, the only verified evidence of chemical weapons comes from our own National Security apparatus. One independent report from an earlier incident found that the mortar round that delivered a chemical attack only could have been fired from an area controlled by the rebels because it didn't have the range to have come from Syrian lines.
But just as with Iraq, facts don't seem to matter. Our hearts go out to Syrian children who are victims of this civil war. Yet we ignored the 500,000 Iraqi children that we killed with our sanctions program.
We invaded Iraq based on lies and moved combat troops into Syria without any claim to legal authority at all.
We have seen this picture before. One million Iraqi dead, three million displaced and a country in ruin.
Have we learned nothing about ourselves?
1
Trump is ridiculous as always but the idea of making the Syrians and Russians play a guessing game is not a bad one. Make them sweat a bit, move forces around and limit their killing for days or possibly weeks, as long as he does something in the end to make them "pay the price" as he promised. Otherwise it's just another thin red line in the sand
Someone other than I said it best: "Trump as president is like being trapped in a plane with a pilot who doesn't know how to fly it."
2
Talk of telegraphing punches.
In 2011, the UK, France and US, under Obama/Clinton, fabricated news which was then used to overthrow the government of Libya's Qadaffi, despite his cooperation against al-Qaeda. The result was a hundred thousand deaths, a failed state, a terrorist haven, and a land in which African slaves are being sold on the open market. Haven't we seen this movie before?
1
Shouldn't he be attacking China first? The sabre rattling suddenly stopped just when it got interesting!
What about "Little Rocket Man"? I thought 45 was going to give him a bloody nose.
And the nuclear deal with Iran? Shouldn't 45 cancel that first, at least with a twittered message?
How come Syria and Russia are getting preferential treatment from the sabre-rattling choir?
I've got this big bag of popcorn waiting, waiting waiting. All talks and no nukes make 45 a dull boy.
It's YES and it's NO.This is the output thought process of the man 'with a very good brain.'
"What me worry- Alfred E. Neuman "
5
Never has any president been so undeserving of the title, Commander-In-Chief.
5
My thoughts are that the NYT staff that pick the "NYT Picks" are daft!
Anyone that watched the presser, yesterday, would have to be blind, deaf and dumb to think that a decision wasn't made within 48 hours, which is what Trump said he would do.
France has committed forces to this attack, already, and their declaration that they had "proof" it was Syria that launched a chemical attack is de facto proof they'll be involved (and they're providing intel cover, since nobody trusts the CIA, anymore, with fair reason).
TODAY, the UK committed two attack subs to be part of the attack on Syria. They'll need almost two days to get there, from Gibraltar.
Most importantly, we're not going to send a few destroyers (there are four in the Med, only one off Syria), with no air support, to face-off against ELEVEN Russian warships, especially when they'll have more air cover than we will. That's why the USS Truman and their carrier strike group are on the way, but it will take four to five more days to get to station in the Eastern Med.
This attack is coming, and it's coming Monday or Tuesday night (Syrian time). You'll see B-2s used to crater runways (2,000 pound JDAMs and bunker busters do this much more effectively than the 1,000 warheads on TLAMs), you'll see F-22s flying cover for aerial domination, and to take-out the Russian and Syrian AA capabilities with HARM missiles, if they're dumb enough to turn them on, and you'll see TLAMs from ships, and JASSMs from B-1s and B-52s.
This guy is president?
I'm from Queens too, so I know what a idiot Trump is. I watched as he conned his way around Manhattan in the early days and then clowned his way on to the national stage.
Do the balance of Americans and the sitting GOP really think he can manage as serious an issue as pending war in Syria? This is the critical moment we all dreaded, and the boy from Queens says Trump is out of his league.
God help us, and I'm an Atheist!
23
Utter stupidity. 1) Trump told the Russians to get ready, and that's what they are doing. He should have told them to stop supporting dictators like Assad... and to stop interfering with democracies. 2) We are too far away to have any lasting effect in Syria – or the other Asian countries. Our troops **always** come home. And the the local inhabitants take over again. And yes, they are Assad, ISIS, Taliban, etc., depending on the country and area.
4
Another Trump dumb, dangerous doublespeak and with no one around him to rein him in. Another day to add to my fury fatigue. This can't end well as long as be is king - I mean president.
7
LOL! So the "Maddog" is urging caution. What does that make Trump?
2
Ask Tillerson
He must have gotten a nasty call from his master, Putin. Russians definitely have tapes on him.
5
I was listening to Madeleine Albright the other day discussing international policy. Then my mind wandered to the complete moron who occupies the White House. I was in a foul mood for the rest of the day.
12
It seems to me that Trump issued the "statement" via Twitter as a means of covering himself. He gets to say he acted "tough" while simultaneously giving the Russians an opportunity to state that they will retaliate against the specific American military actions that were telegraphed via Twitter, which then gives Trump the cover to "back down" from something he had no real intentions of doing in the first place in order to "avoid" any issues with Russia.
The earlier threat seems to have had the desired effect. The Russians have moved ships and aircraft away from Syria.
I had thought that ''only'' - if you can ever say ''only'' in such a circumstance - a few dozen people was a smaller than usual stimulus for a punishing attack.
But we can assume that Trump always enjoys getting to dictate the top story in the coastal media websites.
Wow!!!! We have the smartest president ever! My first graders are more precise!
4
Mr. Trump's latest statements are just another example of his bullying, chaotic, ignorant, undisciplined, narcissistic machinations.
Mr. Trump excoriated President Obama for telling our enemies what he was going to do. With respect to Syria, Mr. Trump has done exactly the same thing by telling the world that he will hit Syria real soon for the chemical attacks, now only to back track. This is just another example of Mr. Trump way over his head by issuing threats and not following through.
3
Trump’s military advisor’s obviously couldn’t find a clear seam separating Russian and Syrian forces and Russia growled at his first bark. Maybe he’s giving Russia enough time to retreat to a neutral corner and they won’t be rushed.
That’s the major flaw in Bullying diplomacy, it only works once and then never again.
Sorry, was he referring to impeachment?
Ping Poo Whinny de Boo!
Gonna Bomb Syria
When I Say Magoo! (grifterati echo, MAGOO!)
I Am the Greatest Grifter Like The World Has Never Seen!
Ding Dong Sing Along Pirro of Jeanine!
Hannity Scamitty Whing Whee
Tweet Along With Me!
4
This incompetent President is taking us to the brink, and those that put him in office will pay the price...along with every man, women, and child that Trump cares NOTHING about...
8
Trump said that A DECISION on attacking Syria would be made in 24-48 hours. After the presser Sarah Sanders gave, yesterday, it's clear what decision they've made.
Here's a newflash that CNN, WaPo and the NYT seem incapable of communicating: The Truman Carrier Strike Group won't be on station unit Monday night / Tuesday morning, and no large scale attack is going to start until it gets there! We might not even use carrier-based planes in the attack, but we'll need them to protect all the ships that will be firing TLAMs.
If all you armchair generals had your way, the USS Ross would be facing 11 Russian warships, plus whatever air power is currently on Syria's West coast, all by itself.
Anyone interested should understand how complex this is:
1. We'll need to provide force protection for the French and British vessels that will be involved (France already has the Frigate Aquitaine on station, with more vessels coming from Toulon, the Brits are sending a pair of subs), and it'll take a few days for those vessels to arrive.
2. We'll need to forward deploy more B-52s and B-1s. A single B-1 can carry 24 JASSMs (air launched cruise missiles), while a single B-52 can carry 20.
3. We'll need to ensure that we can provide our ground forces with 24/7 combat cover. Syrians, Iranians and proxies will certainly try to retaliate.
4. We need to get F-22s forward deployed, along with a slew of HARM missiles, to ensure aerial dominance, and silence Russian AA.
2
I don't like Trump but I do like your logistical analysis. Thanks.
Gosh, all that military jargon sure sound important!
I guess that the "genius" category in which Donald Trump places himself does not include military matters............
“mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy” Sun Tzu
"The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy". Carl von Clausewitz
4
This is what the Syrian "rebels" from the jihadist Jaish Al-Islam have done in Ghouta few years ago to stop the government from attacking them. They loaded hundreds of Shi'a civilians in cages on flatbed trucks like animals and parked them next to rebels' positions after parading them in the streets. And it is these same rebels who reported the alleged "chemical attack" and produced the photos and videos as "proof" for it. Why would anybody believe these terrorists?
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/11971269/Syr...
There are so far not one independent and reliable source that proved the attack has taken place in Ghouta.
1
Remember when Obama did the exact same thing?
Neither do I.
18
We know that Trump struggles to write or speak a coherent sentence. His tweet makes no grammatical sense and my guess is that he accidentally left out one word - "or" - and that he intended to say "Could be very soon, or not so soon, or not at all!" This then gives the option to opt out of a military strike, which makes sense given that his bellicose warning has given ample time for Syria to prepare for a strike thus rendering it largely ineffective. Having a means of backing away from threat is entirely characteristic of Trump's approach.
His reference to ISIS in the tweet was a complete non sequitur to the gas attack and just demonstrates his jumbled thinking.
Finally, whatever happens, it will not result in anything close to World War III as some fear. Prime Minister May and President Macron, as well as the US defence chiefs, are intelligent and measured and will not let Trump's irrational instincts lead the world into a catastrophic situation.
Mr. Trump appears to lack an appreciation for the outcomes on those whose lives will be potentially at risk from his unrepressed ego and responses to it: people from all sides, including members of the US military become targets. Trump's tendency to tweet whenever Fox News has a story endangers others while he lives in a hyper-protective cocoon. His lack of military experience and lack of respect for those he is putting into battle are an argument to remove the role of Commander in Chief as part of the outcome of the electoral process.
2
About time someone started talking about proof. Where is it? It had better be solid before committing to a direct confrontation with Russia.
For the second time we're being asked to believe that Assad, having nearly defeated the rebels, decided to inflame the rest of the world by using poison gas. This time not sarin but something anyone could make out of laundry bleach or swimming pool supplies.
Not saying Assad is a good guy, or Saddam Hussein was, but haven't we seen this movie before?
3
Yes, we have seen this movie and I do believe that Bolton was in that film, too.
And speaking of swimming pool supplies, here is a link to an incident where lightning struck a pool facility releasing chlorine gas and sending kids to the hospital.
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/5-kids-sickened-by-cloud-of-ch...
Kudos to France for taking a thoughtful, measured approach to the crisis in Syria.
Our friends in Great Britain are reviewing their options with little fanfare.
Trump, on the other hand, is all over the map: We're in, we're out,
We're on, we're off,
We'll withdraw, we'll stay in,
It's sooner, no it's later
Its fire and fury, now it's sound and fury
Trump's initial strike in Syria last year was largely ineffective. How much confidence do we have that this decision will be successful?
Unfortunately, based on his performance in office the answer is........NONE!
5
The following is the best and most effective military option
The US Administration demands that Bashar al-Assad present himself to the International Criminal Court in The Hague in the Netherlands for crimes against humanity in three days.
I am sure that this would bring support from all US allies.
On day four, if Bashar al-Assad does not comply, then the Presidential Palace in Damascus, the residence of al-Assad, will be destroyed with missiles.
Other similar demands and options can follow against senior members of the Syrian government if they fail to present themselves to the International Criminal Court in The Hague in the Netherlands for crimes against humanity in the appropriate time.
This strategy would bring a quick halt to the Syrian government’s campaign of civil war and crimes against humanity which has cost the lives of a large number of innocent victims in Syria over the last six plus years.
3
General Ryan's statements about the President's messages regarding action in Syria are the most astounding pronouncements that I have ever read about an incumbent commander in chief. How often do such prominent individuals use the words "confused" and "unclear" with respect to a President's public communication?
7
We are reaching the point where it is obvious that Trump, for whatever reason, cannot carry out the duties of his office. Hopefully, Mueller will soon deliver enough stuff to qualify as high crimes or misdemeanors, and Congress will take care of the rest.
This isn't funny, it's scary. It's dangerous.
20
This actually isn't a bad strategy. Countries make ambiguous threats of retaliation all the time. Iran actually did that last week saying it will retaliate against Israel's attack in Syria, but as to where and when, we'll keep you guessing so watch out.
Do I think Trump has thought through this kind of tactic? Probably not. He probably is just reacting to criticism of his pre-announcement of missile strikes.
But with strategic ambiguity we can keep the enemy guessing and on its toes, disrupting their operations while they hunker down waiting for the strike (that may never even come).
13
“When the commander in chief speaks publicly about a potential military action, it creates boundaries and limits on what his subordinates can offer him as options,” said Kevin Ryan, a retired Army brigadier general who is now an associate at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. “That’s helpful if his public statements are thoughtful and clear. If those statements are confused and unclear, then they are a hindrance to the outcome.”
“I think the latter is happening right now,” Mr. Ryan said.
2
I don't think we should be holding up Iran as an example of how the United States of America should conduct itself on the international stage.
2
The enemy just hunkering down waiting? No way, the obvious reality is they now have more time to gear up and be completely ready to strike back!
3
Donald Trump appears to be playing the role of a Commander-In-Chief in a TV war game reality show.
In the past, the US president was admired by friends and feared by enemies. Today, President Trump is a source of global amusement which takes the US away from the position of a serious superpower.
5
When he claims "I'll decide my response in a day or two", and a day or two passes without action, then that IS his response- nothing. Mere bluster, sound and fury signifying nothing.
2
Is this potential military escapade also going to be quick and easy, will pay for itself and won't cost a dime, and will we be greeted as liberators?
2
We need to be absolutely sure if there was an attack. If there was, we need to be sure who initiated it. So I am OK with holding off.
Let's be perfectly clear however. If this were President Obama, Republicans would be screaming at the top of their lungs about a "Red-line", leading from behind or waffling.
3
Are we to believe that diplomacy has no place in the solution of international conflicts? Do we choose to act with guns & missiles & drones to right all the wrongs of the world? Where were we twenty years ago before Syrian discontent erupted into bloodshed? Let us improve the world, starting with ourselves.
2
Let's not forget why the first Syria strike fell outside of Trump's "America First" policies to begin with: Ivanka was "heartbroken and outraged by images coming out of Syria" and reportedly influenced her father to act (April). There are many sound reasons to engage or disengage in this situation. Ivanka's feelings aren't one of them.
He thinks he's still on The Apprentice, creating cliffhangers so that people will tune in for the next episode.
God help us.
5
45, simply, does not know what to do. Clearly, the action he took twelve months ago, was meaningless.
Even when he takes action, i am not sure it would be in the best interest of the US.
2
I find it interesting that Angela Merkel is talking out both sides of her mouth. In one breath she says that the west needs to send a clear message that using chemical weapons is unacceptable and in the next breath she says Germany will not do anything about it. Not much of an ally if you ask me.
3
In addition to Trump’s contradictory , incomprehensible declarations, his inability to put together a clear sentence adds to the confusion. When he tweets “ not soon at all”, does he mean not soon or not at all?
2
keep them guessing. And that includes not only Syria, but Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. The bad guys are used to predictability from American presidents, who always talk a big game but never act. Now they will have to be ready for anything, and that insecurity will lead to negotiations that favor the good guys for a change.
I think the right time for an attack on Syria is never. Or at least, not now or in the near future.
Russia has established the dominant relationship in Syria with Bashar al Assad and we are unlikely to dislodge that.
President Trump's original idea to pull the US troops out of Syria is a good one. Too bad he is unable to follow through on it.
6
After the disaster that was and is the last U.S incursion into the Middle East, I do not trust my country, or Britain, to act appropriately. No good military options exist for Syria; back to the bargaining table, put pressure on Russia, get the UN involved--these are the only options if we want to avoid getting mired in another endless war. Unfortunately, I don't see any effective diplomats in this administration.
92
Our "thank you America" will be the day when our divided country which has severed bonds between longtime friends and family members and made most everyone paranoid and fearful, is healed by a leader who brings us together rather than tears us apart.
The departure of Trump and change of leadership in congress and the senate is not enough. We need a true leader who can help mend fences and help people realize we all live in the same country which is great, and respect each other again.
3
When Trump is gone, and he will be sooner or later, we will still be left with an America divided. We need politicians - from both parties - who are motivated to speak for all Americans and help unify our country.
14
Chemicals killed civilians in Goutha. But who is responsible is far from clear.
What is clear is that Trump, Macron, and May all are in political difficulties:
Trump too many to list, Macron is in the fight for his presidency against Unions , from railroad workers, aviation, and students to advocates , and Ms. May over Brexit.
All three are in need of a foreign policy triumph
Urgently.
21
Seymour Hersch reported last June that the deaths by chemicals in the attack we retaliated against were not caused by chemical weapons, but by a bomb:
"Hersh interviewed multiple U.S. advisers, examining the evidence that they provided, and concluded that the so-called chemical attack committed by the Syrian Air Force was really a non-chemical attack upon Khan Sheikhoun, targeting high-ranking jihadist leaders, using a 500-pound conventional bomb provided by the Russians. The place bombed was a two-story building that housed a grocery and other businesses on the ground floor. According to Hersh’s sources, the basement stored rockets, weapons, and ammunition. In addition, medicines and chlorine-based decontaminants were also stored there. The chlorine was used to cleanse bodies of the dead before burial."
The presence of chlorine is by no means proof that it was an attack by Assad's government. The timing of this attack is extremely suspect.
the problem is that whatever they do in Syria will certainly not look like a triumph.
We do not even know that civilians were killed in Goutha. We have an administration that claims such but they lie and lie and lie about everything just like Obama did about Afghanistan and like Bush did about Iraq.
And chlorine gas? Here is a link to an incident in Florida involving chlorine gas, lightning, and some sick kids. With all of the bombing going on in Syria, something similar is quite possible...if it indeed ever happened.
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/5-kids-sickened-by-cloud-of-ch...
How does anyone support this behavior? HOW? These are the actions of an adolescent, not a 71 year old man with a lifetime of wisdom. Hillary's comments in the debate season, about how easily he could be played for a dupe seem prescient and are now on display in each dawn Tweet storm, or new blurt to the press corp gaggle.... I am embarrassed, but more importantly, I have a deep feeling of unease about the future. That there are so many Americans who either buy his point of view or are not paying any attention is at the root of that uncomfortable fear. History is filled with moments of dangerous, unpredictable currents, where wisdom and justice are undermined in a flash. We are watching as the President takes flint to tinder, are we so frozen within our divided and disconnected lives as to watch and not defend our society and its foundations from this manipulative TV celebrity?
109
Thank you for articulating my feelings precisely.
Agreed. What do you suggest we do?
the intense anti-liberal spite... which has been fueled for years (decades?) by the usual suspects...is to the point where it blinds people to what is so blatantly obvious to everyone else. Occasionally you can even get a Trump supporter to freely admit they do not care...as long as it is not Clinton or Obama in office, regardless of what their actual policies are....they do. not. care.
1
“Syria has moved military aircraft to the Russian base near Latakia, and is working to protect important weapons systems.”
And what or WHO exactly prompted Syria to take such evasive maneuvers? Tweeting doesn’t count as telegraphing, get it? After all, telegraphing requires a land line. There’s nothing grounded in a tweet. Just gas.
16
Wow, pass that joint over to me and let the chemicals flow baby flow!
Ground control to Trump. In the real world all it takes is for a country to use the threat of being bombed, attacked (even with no time line) to further their own objective and fire off preemptive strikes or escalate the problem to a level that is difficult to pull back from. It's not like this has not been used disingenuously as a 'defense' tactic many a time, and on far lesser evidence than the tweeted or spoken word.
8
Macron: “We will have decisions to make in good time,"... adding that any strikes would target the regime’s chemical infrastructure.
Huh? Thereby ensuring civilian deaths and the release of more toxic chemicals?
We need to get out and stay out. Let Syria win its war against rebels (including ISIS) so the fighting can stop. We are just prolonging it and increasing the carnage.
18
This has the appearance of more of Trump's mumbling, stumbling, and bumbling but, we've seen this before. We have a shocking tape that depicts a war atrocity, could it be faked? Yes. Does Trump benefit by this by using it as a diversion and proof that he is not connected to the Russians, yes again. Do the Russians have the ability to pull off a ruse for the benefit of their most valuable foreign affairs asset? Yes.
This possibility can't be considered to be anything but a conspiracy theory for now, but, I wouldn't be surprise if one day, we find that it's true.
6
The idea that Putin put Assad up to this in order to distract America from the Mueller probe is not only realistic but probable. Syria isn't the prize Russia is seeking, it is America and Trump must remain for that to happen.
Maybe we'll bomb Syria. Who knows?
Actually, we are going to bomb Syria, but Vlad said through a non-existent back channel communication channel that it would take him until at least Sunday to move all of his expensive military equipment out of the area so his missile defense doesn't accidentally shoot down one of our missiles.
THAT would be embarrassing...
10
Of course not! Because, Trump has discovered, just as Obama did, that the issue is not so simple as drawing a red line.
82
You underestimate the way military force unwinds certain complexities, even as it causes others.
Don't be blinded by the NYT's nonsense. The attack won't happen before the Truman Carrier Strike Group gets there, which gives the UK and France 4-5 more days to get their forces on station.
The two UK subs that were committed, today, can't just miracle themselves over there, and right now, our entire "strike force" consists of one destroyer (USS Ross) and one French frigate, plus whichever US attack sub was already stationed in the Eastern Med. Additional French forces will take a day to get there, from Toulon (and knowing France, they'll wait until the Truman is a day away, so that it can provide air cover for them).
Come Monday night or Tuesday, you're all going to see just how wrong you've been. Trump said a DECISION would be made in 24-48 hours, and anyone that watched the presser Sarah Sanders gave, yesterday, would have to be blind, deaf and dumb not to know that a decision HAS been made!
Hardly need proof of chemical weapons use to justify an attack on Assad's forces, given the general brutality of the regime.
3
Trump must be certain that America isn’t paying attention to what he says. We can only assume so because he pays no attention to anything he says or does.
6
Please world,
Give us a break
on belligerence.
We have an erratic
child-like man as
our "leader". We live
in fear with the knowledge
that he could do anything.
He has no regard for norms,
rules or diplomatic behavior.
Be very afraid of him...not
because of his power but
because of his madness.
Be afraid of him because he
still has support amongst
his constituents which
enhances his confidence that
he can get away with anything.
18
Thoughtful approach to Syria needed.
Notwithstanding Trump’s grandstanding, I’m sure our military has a handle on events in Syria. The US started a well thought out and ultimately successful campaign against ISIS towards the end of the Obama Presidency. Retaliation against those responsible for the recent chemical attack needs to be planned with full reference to this anti-ISIS campaign.
Who launched the chemical attack and, just as importantly, who was it against? Were the unfortunate targets tied to ISIS? Will destroying al-Assad’s air force take out a major defense against ISIS?
Let’s not forget that it’s ISIS and its sister group Boko Haram – not al-Assad – who have committed or been the inspiration for the recent cowardly acts in the US, Europe and Africa.
38
YOUR guy forced the military to fight with one hand tied behind their back, which is why it took more than two ears to get to ALMOST the 30% mark. Trump got us to the 99% mark in less than a year, and would probably be done by now, except that Turkey drew-off the Kurdish SDF commanders, with Afrin, and if he announces that we're 100% done, we'd have no excuse for staying.
Destroying Assad's air force won't really affect the fight against ISIS, one way or the other, since that's not who it gets used against, 99% of the time. It will, however, remove any capability of the Assad Government to use WMDs against their own people, and it will put the onus for ALL civilian casualties on Russia, since there's will be the only air force attacking the Syrian people.
As for well though-out, wait 'til Tuesday. By then, France will have more than one frigate on station, two British subs will be there, and the entire Truman Carrier Strike Group will be there. Tuesday's forecast is sunny skies, with scattered TLAM and JDAM showers!
We clearly have few friends in those parts, a vast array of enemies who are enemies of each other, no clear reason to be in Syria except we shouldn't encourage / allow leaders to gas their own people; Russia relies on Syria so they can buy it now that it's broken, and we need another war like we need a hole in the head.
1
Mike:
"I’m sure our military has a handle on events in Syria."
Like Russia jamming of drones and the fact that Russia has threatened to shoot the sources of any US missiles?
"Who launched the chemical attack and, just as importantly, who was it against? Were the unfortunate targets tied to ISIS? Will destroying al-Assad’s air force take out a major defense against ISIS?"
Better questions.
There's no evidence the Syrian government did this.
1
Erratic as a pinball, and with no military, political or leadership experience (beyond a family company he was named to lead at the age of 27), Trump is clearly the wrong person in the wrong place at the wrong time. Having spent his life over-compensating and lying to himself to accommodate the cognitive dissonance between his protected world and reality, he is sure that whatever decision he alone makes will be right. This formula does not last over the long run in pressure situations. The presidency, in the best of conditions, is the ultimate pressure situation. What we are witnessing is the wheels coming off a crazy train. Where it crashes and who it hurts are tomorrow's headlines.
31
Every time he tweets or speaks his credibility drops even more, and makes it even clearer that he has no blessed clue what it is he’s doing. One of these days he will blunder himself — and us — into a situation that he won’t be able to tweet himself out of. It’s both amusing and appalling — someone trying so hard to appear decisive and intelligent, but coming off as a sad parody. Yet, he’s president, so unfortunately his inanity carries weight.
You can’t set policy in 126 characters or less (or whatever the Twitter standard is) and sound smart — so Trump is at double the disadvantage here. As are we.
15
You Americans should proud to have a president who does what he says and says what he does. Trump is a real beacon of clarity in a muddled world.
1
Please invade. Please. Do it for the children.
Except he usually forgets what he's said. Beacon of clarity? He's a fog machine and we're all going to get lost or worse.
1
You’re joking, I hope. It what he says and does that are the problem.
1
Ok then “thank you America” for putting up with this aberration in office for this long. Hopefully it will end soon.
5
It would appear that Trump has been reminded by Putin that there is a lot of unreleased evidence confirming the allegations in the dossier.
6
Trump has shown himself to be weak, impulsive and extremely out of his depth. Sabre rattling is one thing, but making threats of annihilation are quite another. Especially, when we epically fail to follow through.
He appears to believe that other world leaders are afraid of him. I imagine Putin and Assad are having quite a laugh at the US under our current leadership. Or lack thereof.
Too Much Bluster, Not Enough Sense.
146
You'll be eating those words, in 4-5 days, when the Truman Carrier Strike Group, with 80 air craft and escorts that carry more than 300 TLAMs get there.
In the meantime, he's getting allies to commit forces to the attack, this time, and it's going to take the two British attack subs that were committed by the UK, today, to get there.
If all you VERY STUPID NYT forum posters had your way, the USS Cook and one French frigate would be taking on ELEVEN Russian warships and the combined air power of Russia and Syria, by themselves, and it would be a disaster for us! Cometh the Truman, cometh the air and missile strikes.
What is actually funny, since the Russians SHOULD know this, too, is that it shows how weak and scared Russia and Putin really are. They already sent all 11 of their capable warships in Tartus, Syria, out to sea (the only vessel left is a Kilo Class sub that is out of the water), and they and the Syrian Air Force are all retreating to the two locations that they think they are safe (Damascus and Khmeimim AFB in Latakia Province).
Any good paper, with real analysts, would know this. I'm guessing a few people at NYT know this, but hey, it doesn't fit their narrative!
:) And just how are you privy to the movement of all of these ships? :)
1
To understand this man, turn off the sound and watch his face, gestures and body language. He is looking more cornered and desperate by the minute, as he should (a rare sign of lucidity on his part). The problem is that we have a man making life-or-death decisions in a state of rampant disorganization and emotional duress, whose only concern is how he looks, how he maintains his grip on the levers of power, and how to manipulate them to his best advantage, not the country's. Meanwhile the Republicans look away from this spectacle, in complete dereliction of their duty.
13
and retire in record numbers....
I notice he is hiding his hands folding his arms almost giving himself a comforting hug. A little more pressure and I expect to see him start rocking back and forth in his chair.
Regardless of the what happened - is it noticeable to anyone else how ridiculously passive aggressive our president is? I mean we need to thank him cause "under my administration" he's done a great job? I mean seriously? He sounds like a little brat who didn't get enough attention. It's arrogant fit throwing. You want America to thank you more adequately? Maybe stop acting like a child.
7
A classic symptom of narcissistic personality disorder is anger that other people do not appreciate the talents and achievements of the narcissist.
1
The US will not put troops on the ground in Syria. The Russians will. They hold the upper hand in many ways. Trump doesn't understand how to speak a coherent English sentence. Do not expect him to craft a coherent middle east policy. That would take profound courage, deep thought and many diplomatic alliances. Trump is incapable of any of those 3 components.
The US in Iraq, and more generally, the Mideast, is like a Somali warlord. The warlord is fierce and dangerous if you trespass his territory. But leave him alone, and all he can do is exploit and beggar his captive population. We are captive to the warlord Trump. He has some fancy military hardware, but little else. If he had a plan (or a competent State department), the millions of desperate Syrians might hope for a better future. As things stand, if I were there, I'd flee to any country in the world in hopes of a decent life. Trump won't make the Syrians safer, and the same is true here in the USA - Trump is endangering the lives of 330 million citizens..
4
Remember when Trump said he "wanted to be unpredictable"? Any grade school kid knew that meant that Trump didn't know what he was doing and would flip-flop, obfuscate and evade all over the place. Now we have (yet another) good example of what happens when the president goes all unpredictable on us.
7
AS is Typical ,Trump makes an off -the -cuff, emotional derived belligerent statement which forces the adults in the White House to make him aware of the true consequences of actions ,and he retreats ,walks-Back, or recants ( whatever word you like ) his tweets and statements.
5
I'm afriad the pressure is going to get to the guy, and he'll do soemthing we will deeply regret.
6
He already did. He ran for president.
1
He's giving Russia enough time to relocate their assets. Once Putin gives the word, the bombing will start.
11
Trump is a willfully ignorant 'five dimensional' or '12 dimensional' chess playing moron.
Multi dimensional chess my foot.
Trump would lose a game of checkers to a bright 8 year old.
He is totally in over his head regarding these complex foreign policy and military intervention scenarios.
8
Here is what happened....he tweets yesterday stating that "smart" missiles are coming, then someone reminds him that all during the campaign he ripped the Obama administration for stating their next military moves which led to his maybe they are coming, maybe they aren't.
This is all on Ryan, McConnell and Pence for putting Party over country.
9
You have to hand it to this guy. I would have thought it impossible to make the Presidency look like a Saturday morning cartoon show, but this guy has pulled it off.
I long for Gumby, who had not only more intelligence, but also much more forethought.
8
Don't tip your hand. This may be a rare good use of Twitter.
1
Maybe I will or maybe I won't ... How quaint, coy and decisive .. Leadership at it's best!
7
I'm certain Putin told Trump to drop the idea of a strike. Didn't he come out and say "Hey Russia, they're coming". The Putin just said no.
4
I think that when Trump said that "the missiles were coming" he conflated the Mueller investigation with Syria in his mind and meant that the missiles were coming at him from Bob Mueller...........
Trump tweets: "the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?” "
The Kurds have done most of the serious fighting, and Trump abandoned them to Turkey's murderous invasion of Syria. Where is Trump's "Thank you, Kurds?"
343
Thank you for pointing this out. I’m ashamed as an American they we are not fully supporting the Kurds.
3
So ridiculous that everything is about him. He wants to be thanked!
3
Let's not leave the Iraqi government out of the equation. Truth be told, it is they who have done the heavy lifting. Credit where credit is due.
1
How was Trump's declaration that he will bomb Syria not a heads up to both Syria and Russia to be prepared irregardless of when that strike might be. If that's Trump negativing technique then it's very sophomoric at best. It's more like " hey Russia I'm coming over so move your good stuff out of the way". Trump's foriegn policy is no better than Obama's and in most cases much worse.
2
First of all, it is "regardless". Irregardless is not a word in the English language.
As you will all learn on Monday night or Tuesday morning, the US won't put ships close enough to Syria to launch their TLAMs until they have a carrier to provide air cover. The Truman needs 4-5 more days to get there.
The tweet at Russia is part and parcel of what we've all seen Trump do with his boogeymen (Kim, Xi, Hillary, etc.). He's clearly decided (and by "he", I mean probably John Bolton) that the new boogeyman for DT is going to be Putin. That way, anything he does against Russia/Putin, which will automatically engender a negative response by CNN, et al, allows him to fall back on "you spent 15 months saying I should be tougher on Russia; this is proof of your bias."
Having done what he stated he never would do - telegraph U.S. military moves - President Trump is now pretending that he didn't do it. What a fool!
7
Ringling Bros circus closed just last year. He should hire a good number of their clowns to surround himself with. That way, he won't stand out that much. And, they can also take turns being the press secretary for a day so there would be at least some laughs that go with the jokes they put out there explaining this tweet or that tweet.
7
What must the enlisted soldiers think of this situation?
4
If there was ever a doubt that this man is unfit and unqualified to be president, this ridiculous situation should put it to rest. I'm embarrassed to be an American.
7
trump is enraged about the Syria. He is also enraged about the Mueller investigation, the Stormy Daniels legal action, the Chinese reaction to his tariff threats, and is probably enraged at the Boston pitcher beaning a Yankee, Paul Ryan's is removing himself from Congress, and that there was no ketchup for his overdone burger. He sounds pretty much enraged at everything and all the time. Time to get him out of the WH before he blows.
10
The rage aspect is not new. His biographer wrote that Trump was a troubled child who liked to throw rocks at other kids.
Good Lord - how can anyone whatsoever support this ignorant individual? His nonsensical hypocrisy is unimaginable as a leader of any nation, let alone the US. He truly is getting worse....Mr. Secretive, Mr. Tough Talk, Mr. Deal Maker - all, nothing but a con.
6
Pretty obvious what happened here. After the Putin Puppet threatened a military strike against Syria, he was read the riot act by his mentor. Putin no doubt told Trump: "You either back off or there will be consequences to pay" -- namely a file dump of the FSB's dossier on Trump.
4
So the attack on Syria is not imminent? Then I guess Trump will be able to attend this weekend's Latin American summit after all?
But wait, Syria was never the reason he canceled the trip in the first place. It was always about plotting his next moves against Rosenstein and/or Mueller. "Sorry, Latin America, I've got some urgent democracy-destroying work to do stateside!"
3
Among his many other shortcomings, this President is WAY over his head with respect to foreign policy. I understand that many Republicans consider Trump a "useful idiot" in their efforts to advance their right-wing, anti-American agenda, but it baffles me why they aren't in his face about his inept blundering in this and other foreign policy issues
7
Have actually been places and done things, President Trump is a master of the art compared to Barack the Community Organizer. Saul Alinski never wrote out a foreign policy in his writing, so Mr. Obama just winged it - and got rolled repeatedly by the Russians, Iranians, North Koreans, Chinese, and the human traffickers picking up legal minors along the U.S. border.
Reasonable people can debate whether President Obama was an effective leader. He's no longer the President;Trump is, and he's failing in every area.
I'm really sick of Trump apologists saying, "Yeah, well, look at what Obama did (or didn't do)!" Seems that's the extent of their argument. Sad.
1
The U.S. is returning to its role in international leadership that it held after the Second World War. Obama wanted us to be just one more Venezuela or Kenya or Oman, forgettable and ever mattering.
Millions of people overseas are already safer and more secure because Donald trump replaced a golfer-ideologue-tourist.
No republican can ever complain again about how President Obama backed away from his red line on Syria. Ever.
9
Is there nobody in the WH who can grab that man's phone and smash it?
11
Simply put, Trump is an unreliable, impulsive idiot who lives only in the moment. Let's not try making sense of his ramblings and hysteria with belated analyses, and either get him out or isolate him. The less attention he's paid, the better; he'll either implode or go away.
12
Even if he goes away, he'll continue to tweet impulsive, destructive, unreliable, hysterical rants from wherever he is. He'll do this for the rest of his life or as long as his thumbs work.
2
Trump is now backing away from his own self imposed Twitter-fueled red-line. I propose a change in US policy where we only authorize potential military action if 80% or more of the US population, Congress, and PONTUS can successfully identify that potential target country on a map.
Syria is too complicated and delicate a situation for the US government (in its current form) to handle responsibly or effectively in a unilateral manner.
19
Trump
Thank you so much for ridding the world of ISIS. We now have nothing to worry about in the Mideast - all thanks to you. We acknowledge that you accomplished this task single handed without help from anyone else.
I’d like to thank the soldiers, military leaders, secret agencies, past presidents and leaders, but why bother. It was you working behind the scenes the whole time that led to eliminating all evil in the world.
37
Yes, tell him that he's done, America is great, and he can go now.
Immanuel Macron is a shameless liar. And his weird affaire d'amour with Trump is unfathomable.
How on earth France got a hold of this mysterious "proof" of chemical weapons (well, chlorine) being used in Syria? How?
Seriously; Just HOW? Please enlighten us monsieur le président Macron?
How about a PowerPoint presentation at the UN with pictures and graphs?
6
Maybe you have some intel of note that you could share? please, it would be good to know.
3
You probably do not know that France has special forces in Syria, and good friends in the democratic opposition to The syrian bloody dictature, which can explain the conviction of the French président (and read what OMS declared yesterday). About the love story, I think that, next time, Macron will probably hesitate before to bring the French support to Trump initiative. An other gain of Trump in this confusion created by himself.
Trump would be smart not to attack Syria without knowing for sure that the Syrian government was involved. Secondly if he does decide to attack Syria, I hope the innocent Syrian civilians caught in the crossfire are not adversely affected. Not every Syrian could take refuge elsewhere. Syrians have been suffering for a very long time at least from the early years of the Obama administration when a decision was pushed by the war mongers in senate to arm the Syrian rebels who these dim wits did not know whether they were Al Qaeda or some other terrorist group ( later found to be ISIS) trying to topple Assad.
6
We program our weapons, bombs and paint on a big sign labeled "not intended for civilians". Everything is cool.
3
I say we let France take the lead on this one and see where it goes. Macron comes across as a confidant guy with a steely resolve, so why stand in his way? No good is going to come to America by getting involved in this hot mess on the other side of the globe. Syria will never be a direct threat to our country, so let France and the rest of Europe go pound sand in Syria, or not.
81
Yes I think it's important that we abdicate our leadership of the free world as soon as possible. Trump has nicely launched us in that direction already.
3
Macron does not belong here. Inexperienced, looks like a teenager.
Sure. Let France and Great Britain do what they did in Libya. Yeah...that's the ticket !Yeah...that's the ticket ! We'll join them later, create a political black hole in which chaos thrives, and wonder what to do about the millions of "unintended consequences." that will flood Europe. Eventually, we'll try to figure out what was the justification for it all, try to re-write history, and hope that eventually Humpty Dumpty will be put back together. Yeah...
Well, he is showing some consistency.
Just like his plans for working with the Dems to fix DACA.
5
At what point can we just call Trump's entire presidency comedy? Is the guy intentionally trying to be funny, or just displaying a Great Dictator level of bumbling ineptitude? Does he actually expect the Russians & Assad's government to say, 'oh well, since we aren't sure when the American missiles are coming, I guess we should just go back to business as usual. Send those airplanes back to the exposed airfields! Leave the vital infrastructure totally unprotected! It could be years before Trump decides to attack!"
129
A unending string of evidence of dt's severe lack of character and intelligence.
2
There is nothing comic about this faux president who stole the election with the help of Russia. He needs to go. How can the GOP keep on supporting him? He keeps saying No Colussion-
Think of all his guys being indicted already and more to come. They colluded with Russia to keep Hillary from winning. They cheated, They lied. They took up with an American enemy to stop our democracy. They need to be jailed.
It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye...
Alarmed staffers in the White House have confided that hawks in the administration focused on Iran are repeatedly influencing Trump to get aggressive with Syria. That's Trump: reckless tweets, risky off hand remarks bringing eventual confrontations.
The United Nations Charter prohibits “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”
The inept, inexperienced Trump, an alpha male at worst, will create more problems: General Mattis needs to calm this all down.
This president does NOT deserve to exercise war powers authorized by GOP's Bob Corker's Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
After all, Corker described the White House as an “adult day care center” and warned this president risks setting the US “on the path to World War III.”
Wake up, Republicans!
14
I’m sitting at my computer googling “ Ex Pat “websites.
20
Trump thinks that the U.S. is the world police force as have other presidents before him. He however sends so many mixed messages he sounds like a crazy or impaired person. It is up to the UN to deal with Syria and other humanitarian crisis, unfortunately Trump and Bolton don't believe in the UN they only believe in themselves, a symptom of arrogance, weakness, lack of confidence and bullying.
13
I do not think trump has the intellect to think of a "world police force". An incompetent 71 year old crackpot feeding on fox opinion all day long does not have the cognitive ability to rationally think things through. "He sounds like a crazy person" - if it walks like a duck and quacks lie a duck, it's a duck.
5
No, most likely Mr. Trump doesn't know Russia,
She doesn't recognize any pressure to herself! It's the most important thing for her. Any Russian, will die for the motherland do not think about themselves! Nobody could win Russia in 500 years! Do you really think that the USA which minorities of 250 years. Steeper than Russia!?
Have you won at least one war for your history as Russia? Pindosy!
Could someone please curb him and make it clear that you do not threaten missiles, especially empty threats? His advisors seem powerless to stop him. I haven't kept up with reality TV, but do they still have those Supernannies shows? I know he's controversial, but is Cesar Millan free? His training might not be the greatest for dogs, but refusing to let him have anything until he's calm and submissive might be just right for Trump.
13
Now they have no idea when it's going to happen. What a tactical genius.
5
The President was right to begin with . GET OUT OF SYRIA. Let the French and British go in and bomb if they want to. America must stay our of this.
WE MJST NOT HAVE A WAR OVER SYRIA - IT IS NOT WORTH IT. Let Asssad deal with anyway he wants.
4
Trump is disgraceful. No world leader can believe a word he says or tweets. Time to completely ignore him and let the remaining grownups run the country. Trouble is, there soon won't be any as trump's patsies are either quitting or he's firing them.
14
Seriously? "Very soon or not very soon at all?" What next, nanny-nanny-boo-boo? America, are you watching this?
30
Meanwhile, one by one, the "leaders" of the GOP tuck in their tails and run away.
Disgusting.
17
We might bomb - or we might not
Read my tweet - or ask your bot
We might bomb - and very soon
9 PM - or before noon
Macron has proof - as so did May
But Vlad has something else to say
..........
"...We are the Dead. Short days ago...
"...We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow...
"...We shall not sleep, though poppies grow...
..........
Everything that matters is somewhere in the NYT...
https://www.nytimes.com/1918/02/10/archives/lieut-col-mccraes-warfront-p...
...long before it was - or might ever be - in FB
12
"I'm going to smack you -
no, I won't -
But you wait'll your father gets home!
He'll give you a smackin' -or maybe he won't -
Or maybe I will, after all....."
He sounds like a blithering idiot.
And, maybe he is.
14
I have this image of a bunch of old men with fruit salad and brass all over their chests banging their heads on the table as they see and hear their CinC go on like this.
9
I would pay to watch that - in a movie.
Or he could just keep his mouth shut and have same impact on his perceived enemies without the Market going up down and looney?
7
Some' including the President himself, think he's being clever and cagey. Most everyone, including our allies and enemies alike, know he's confused, conflicted and incompetent. What a disgrace to America.
23
In typical Trump fashion, the fool is trying to backpeddle his Twitter rant.
6
Aw, comeon man. Are you trying to make the world a better place. Or, simply looking for publicity?
2
Wow. He's shrewd. Making us all think he doesn't have a clue. Smart!
9
If I were a blind person, I would not trust this man to walk me across the street. His only weapon is his mouth, which is always loaded but shoots blanks. Angela Merkel is right in that Europe must be responsible for going its own way. What a national disgrace is this man.
11
A 4 time draft dodger who calls out American POW(s) as less than heroic because they got caught, making life & death decisions regarding US Personnel and weapons platforms, while tweeting out, burbling out National Security intentions, has no real cognitive clue of what the heck he's even involved in, and completely detached from reality?
We deserve this as punishment for addictive & excessive TV consumption, which all of us seem to accept as the "new reality".
The time is now; what side of history do you stand on?
Democracy and the Rule of Law? Or Fascism & criminality.
History will judge all of us individuality. As for my family & friends the choice ingrained in our DNA is simple; Democracy & Rule of Law.
Invoke the 25th Amendment and get this lunatic away from the Generals and the Nuclear Football even if it means 18+ months of at fate worse than "President" Trump; President Pence. NOW!
It's a matter of survival and no this is not a "reality" TV Show! IT'S REALITY!
11
Really? National security and military strikes via Twitter? Republicans should hang their heads in shame. Every day.
10
No different than a child.
Do it, don't do it. Either way shut up about it. Stop talking in riddles. Also no matter what impulse you act upon please don't try and turn the story back around to yourself and all the "good" you've done
12
We're going to attack Syria.
We're going to attack the jet bases.
We're going to bomb very soon.
We're going to bomb soon.
We're going to bomb later.
Absolutely fake news......
8
Why didn't he just telegraph the flight paths while he was at it.
37
Give him time.
4
Heck, he was only going to bomb some russian army surplus on an abandoned airstrip - just like last time - anyway.
1
President Trump is trying to make it look like he is being tough on Syria and Russia, when in fact he gave them a heads-up about an upcoming symbolic attack, giving them time to hide and/or defend their military assets. This is further evidence that Mr. Trump is in fact a Russian sympathizer.
36
"This is further evidence that Mr. Trump is in fact a Russian sympathizer."
I would call him a Russian asset, but you know...Tomato, Tomato
3
"France, on Thursday, said that it had proof the Syrian regime had used chemical weapons..."
Sad that I'm more likely to believe what France says than what my own government says. Trump and W. Bush have really shredded our country's credibility.
292
Trump worse than Bush. I never thought I'd ever say it, but I sure miss Bush. He made some bad decisions, but never risked going to war with another superpower.
I'm hoping Putin has the common sense and duck's back mind to settle back and watch and listen and shake his head.
I'd love to hear the private thoughts and conversations occurring among our top military leaders about Trump.
25
All I can say is thank god for General Mattis . I trust him . And thank god for Theresa May and Macron . Someday I’ll be able to thank some other president but not today .
14
Two things: First:Trump has not been the only president fighting ISIS. He inherited a mission that had been ongoing for many years before he took office. You can disagree with how his predecessors effected their Syrian policy, and you can dislike them all you want. But anyone who takes credit for a mission that was 75% completed before he arrived is disingenuous at best. Picture your job. You do most of the work on a project, get promoted and your replacement finishes the project and claims s(he) alone did the project. Secondly: Military strategy implemented so Trump will save face is a disaster waiting to happen. This will get old very quick and many people will get killed if the #1 priority if, whatever the response is, is to make Trump look good. His goal to respond to a threat, so he will be a hero ought to earn him the Purple Bone Spur medal.
11
He fumbled once again and now is back-tracking to cover himself. Whether he listened to his advisors as to military tactics of which he knows nothing about or listened to Putin during a midnight phone call, we'll probably never know. The fact remains that we can not go it alone. We have to work with our allies on this one. But until it is decided, we have a moral obligation to bring aid in the form of medicine, food, water, and shelter to the Syrian people NOW. We must directly help the afflicted somehow, someway NOW. No more genocide...
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Then President George W. Bush was pilloried, and rightly so, for his "bring 'em on" comment to insurgents threatening to attack US troops in Iraq. He later wrote that he regretted this comment and now feels he was rash and out of line. This is a good barometer of how lost we currently are behind this POTUS. An atrocity takes place in Syria and Trump goes to social media to send out needless taunts and empty threats to Russia. Compare that to "bring 'em on" addressed to a group of guys building IEDs in the bedroom.
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Has Trump's 'red line' for action against Syria faded away?
3
They have realized that Putin has a red line.
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Donald is hopefully realizing that the part of being President he was most looking forward to, acting tough and intimidating opponents, has dangerous repercussions.
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Trump, in the role of Mad Hatter, yet again. I keep thinking that, at some point, there has to be the calling of the question as to whether he's cognitively fit for office. Since even before the election, he's resembled, in many ways, older relatives of mine with dementia/Alzheimer's. Across another three years, if he's not removed from office, his behavior will only become more and more irrational and chaotic. Truly frightening.
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"Very soon or not so soon" and "We'll see," translated: "I have no idea, no policy, no organizing principle."
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I wonder if people stateside realize just how much damage Trump has done to the image of America and Americans in the world. And no, it is not just one man or even one party.
US interventionism in the Middle East is as longstanding as it has been disastrous, and yet no one seems to wonder what went wrong. Trump, horrible though he may be, is only the latest manifestation of a crazy rightward tilt in American politics. I thought it couldn't get worse after Reagan, then there was GWB and now Trump. What/who is next?
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>>I wonder if people stateside realize just how much damage Trump has done to the image of America and Americans in the world.
We realize. He desecrates everything he touches.
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If this damage means that other members of the UN have to step up and take more responsibility in what more directly affects them - good!
The US cannot be the bully and savior and scapegoat for the world.
M. Val Dere: believe me, we realize it, and we're working on it. Give us time and we'll pull this whole sorry house of cards down and hopefully make sure something like this never happens again.
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This is absolutely ridiculous behavior -- from anyone -- let alone the nation's elected leader. Yes, he forewarned our enemies of a pending attack. And now that he's been called out on it -- by everyone ---he'll have to wait a week, just like he does with resignations, and then do it anyway. It's called "the element of surprise," and he's the master practitioner, king of the bait and switch and a liar extraordinaire. Watch the master illusionist and be unimpressed and horrified.
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Wow, he's really throwing a curve ball here! Man does he know how to keep the enemy confused.
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Well he did issue a warning but I guess it was a warning that he could change his mind.
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In other words, like usual he has absolutely no idea what to do. So in lieu of a coherent and intelligible plan, he just tweets a bunch of nonsense and goes back to watching Fox News.
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Typical stupid comment by Trump. The man could not lead people to save his life. I doubt the man has ever planned anything that actually was accomplished according to his directions of any serious consequence. His notion of taking action is to pay someone to do it for him. Even then there is a high likelihood that he would change his mind. The man is a tourist through life.
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Our fearless leader speaks and again, and turns out to be the world's fool.
Can we rely upon such a person not to make such a hasty judgment in charge of a potential nuclear matter?
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A master of deception. Trump has fooled Assad, his allies, our allies, our own military and the public.
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Apparently Trump's strategy is to disarm the other side by making them double over with laughter.
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Satirical Twitter Bot emanation or Official "Presidential" tweet. It's so hard to tell, but given the choice I wish we elected the Bot.
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Trump tweets: "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”
Can the majority of Republicans not see the childishness and incoherence of Trump's words?
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batavicus:
The more sobering question is, can the American people who put this moron in power see how dangerous he has become and the slippery slope he is dragging us onto, possibly starting a way with Russia?
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Can you not see when someone is being fearless and tough?
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Still, aren't we all afraid of the trigger finger and isn't that really the intent?
With the hawkish statements and the ability to call for action isn't the world taking a bit more notice? Is that a bad thing?
Don't gas innocent people because you don't know what he's going to send your way. It's scary from either side.
Trump treats international warfare like an episode on a reality show.
Where, please. where is the adult supervision?
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I guess his omnipotence has run into the reality show of actual military preparedness. He has no aircraft carrier anywhere near enough to do anything. So, time to go golfing dude. Makeup something else, like your score.
13
Ok Congressional Republicans, the ball is in your court. It is time to assert Congressional authority on the use of force.
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Will there be an adult in the room while the rebellious teenager plays with explosives?
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Trying to appear tough on your master is a tricky trick isn't it mr. trump? First you bellow out a warning to him so he can put away his equipment and men. Then you delay, delay, delay hoping that Britain or France retaliates so you can safely say to Putin "it wasn't me!" Then you can tell Americans that the action of our "allies" is sufficient to keep the Russians and Assad in check.
Done, done and done.
12
Trump, like Obama, has zero options in Syria. The last time this happened, the U.S. with the most powerful military in the world, with a budget pushing a trillion dollars A YEAR, elected to bomb airport runways in Syria. This same damage could have been caused by a few hours of work by a guy on a backhoe.
Trump, could walk out into the Rose Garden and stomp his feet and it would have the same damaging effect on Assad. This is all theater. With Russians encamped all over the country, comrade Trump is loth to inflict any damage that may kill or injure a Russian. The next bombing run may well be in the waters in the Mediterranean Sea.
The truth is no one wants to really get rid of Assad. The brilliant Bush II administration got rid of Saddam Hussain in Iraq, and the world has reaped the whirlwind from that. Trump, will do absolutely nothing.
6
Despite all of his problems, Assad is infinitely better than any of the grossly-bearded, head-chopping, girl-abducting, death-embracing leaders of the Islamist rebel groups in Syria.
Can anybody name a rebel leader, any rebel leader, who is more acceptable than Assad?
If we are talking outrage about loss of innocent civilian life and advocating harsh military action against the perpetrators (if known), why isn't Trump threatening to shoot missiles at Israel and Saudi Arabia about the loss of innocent Palestinian and Yemeni population - war crimes in themselves?
6
While reading this story, I could hear two four-year olds fighting on the playground. "No you didn't! Yes I did! No you didn't! Yes..." Where is Dr. Seuss when you need him?
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Trump has given Putin plenty of warning and time for him and his allies to prepare.
Mission Accomplished for Trump.
You just have to shake your head in disbelief.
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Trump will attack. And attack he will. It will be relentless, like none other before. Heads will spin. Trump will take no prisoners. And the nations of the world will cower before him.
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