I wish that Obama would learn from this that he has *power*---few beside the President are in a position to change the war juggernaut's course once it gets rolling. DP seriously understates the support: the executive branch and the military and the media were set to go; the Congress might have grumbled a bit after the fact about not being consulted. And the "folks" would have come around once they started to talk about supporting the troops. But does anyone really believe that the US wouldn't have bombed Syria if Obama hadn't seized the opportunity of backing down? Just being willing to face the likely chorus of "chicken" is an accomplishment for an American male.
How this came to pass does not do O much credit, true, but one wonders if Bush would have had the intelligence/imagination/guts to take advantage of Putin's help in such a situation. I doubt it; and I also doubt that O will learn much from this, alas. Kind of late for him to be learning, anyway.
On Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 10:22 AM, <dperrin at comcast.net> wrote:
> Wojtek:
>
> "I have to say that Obama deserves a big credit
> for pausing and reconsidering his position in light of changing
> circumstances. This certainly requires more wisdom and courage than
> foolish pride and standing one's ground, warmongering crowds
> notwithstanding . . . By refusing, at the last moment, to go into the war
> first Obama
> showed great wisdom and courage indeed, certainly greater than his
> predecessor did. "
>
> All hail Dear Leader!
>
> Actually, Obama painted himself into a corner and was bailed out by Putin.
> He had practically zero
> support for a strike, and was dragging his feet until Russia came in.
>
> Also, unlike his predecessor, Obama didn't have the fresh memory of 9/11
> to exploit. But fear not -- his drone war
> continues apace.
>
> Dennis
>
>
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