Assad will have to go. Sooner, rather than later. A Global coalition may even have to play some role in his removal. But today, Barack Obama showed some uncommon strength, that for years have been bereft in occupants of the oval office, and continues to be wanting in many so called world leaders. He stepped the US away from the brink, even if for another 10 days.
Syria is embroiled in a civil war, and the west has taken sides - with the Islamists. Iran and Russia have taken sides too, with Bashir El-Assad. Indeed, many in the west see the war in Syria as a proxy way with Iran, but they are wrong. It is a proxy war with Russia, and the west will not win an easy war against Russia as they might have expected against Iran. China is standing by, waiting to capitalize on a weakened US. It is but a matter of time before the US is too weak to stare down China in the Pacific, and perhaps, China can become the sole Pacific power.
Barack Obama understands this calculations. It is why he was against the mad war in Iraq, why he is ending the misbegotten misadventure in Afghanistan, and why he has pivoted to the Pacific. Syria can only be a distraction, perhaps one that is worse than Iran.
There are crazy people in the foreign policy establishment of the west, who are perhaps as messianic as Netanyahu and who for unknown reasons believe the US has an unlimited supply of resources and a god given mandate to rule the world. They are indeed poor students of history, but today, they will not have their say.
Perhaps, on September 10, Congress will authorize the use of force, and perhaps, Russia would have agreed not to stand in the way. Perhaps, by then, the nations of the Arab League would have agreed to underwrite the cost of a campaign in Syria, and perhaps the French will agree to fly the required sorties, sort of like the Lybian attack. Perhaps, America will again manage to lead from behind and maybe, just maybe, the Syrian government will find a face saving way to stop all the madness, in the next 10 days.
But for now, Mr. Obama has shown the character that led to his first Nobel Peace prize. He has let reason prevail, and has delayed the war, until a consensus may be reached.
Syria is embroiled in a civil war, and the west has taken sides - with the Islamists. Iran and Russia have taken sides too, with Bashir El-Assad. Indeed, many in the west see the war in Syria as a proxy way with Iran, but they are wrong. It is a proxy war with Russia, and the west will not win an easy war against Russia as they might have expected against Iran. China is standing by, waiting to capitalize on a weakened US. It is but a matter of time before the US is too weak to stare down China in the Pacific, and perhaps, China can become the sole Pacific power.
Barack Obama understands this calculations. It is why he was against the mad war in Iraq, why he is ending the misbegotten misadventure in Afghanistan, and why he has pivoted to the Pacific. Syria can only be a distraction, perhaps one that is worse than Iran.
There are crazy people in the foreign policy establishment of the west, who are perhaps as messianic as Netanyahu and who for unknown reasons believe the US has an unlimited supply of resources and a god given mandate to rule the world. They are indeed poor students of history, but today, they will not have their say.
Perhaps, on September 10, Congress will authorize the use of force, and perhaps, Russia would have agreed not to stand in the way. Perhaps, by then, the nations of the Arab League would have agreed to underwrite the cost of a campaign in Syria, and perhaps the French will agree to fly the required sorties, sort of like the Lybian attack. Perhaps, America will again manage to lead from behind and maybe, just maybe, the Syrian government will find a face saving way to stop all the madness, in the next 10 days.
But for now, Mr. Obama has shown the character that led to his first Nobel Peace prize. He has let reason prevail, and has delayed the war, until a consensus may be reached.
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