America’s promise to punish Assad for using chemical weapons — in spite of the fact that the countries who have been urging us to do so are now backpedaling — reminds me of a segment I saw in Planet Earth. Down in the jungles there’s a parasitic fungus that infects ants and messes up their brains. I sometimes wonder if there’s something like that in Washington. (Maybe something called power?)
If you’re curious about which global powers are involved in Syria, this article is an excellent guide. But being informed won’t make any difference — Washington is already aware that the majority of Americans think we should stay out. I agree with Andy Borowitz. It’s too insane not to laugh.
I believe that if all the non Muslim world just kept out of the Middle East, the locals will find their own solutions eventually. In the meanwhile, they will also undergo a lot of deaths and wounds and dislocations and a lot of their wealth will also go down the drain. Eventually, the rest of the world will be able to live in peace.
DITTO. As a tear-eyed female I’d like to to ring Assad’s neck myself.
As a deep-in-debt USA, why think we’re suppose to solve all the world’s problems. All our messing with the Middle East will only cause us bigger problems.
Unfortunately, as the policymic article points out, the big powers have too much at stake.
My initial reactions to the news and images from the chemical weapons attack was horror, indignation that anyone would do something like this, and, damn-it-all, something needs to be done.
However, I’ve come to believe and understand that unilaterally “punishing” Syria is likely to backfire. There are few, if any, benefits to the security of the United States in attacking Syria and many hazards. Punitive attacks seldom accomplish their aim. Instead, the perpetrators become more resolute and hatred for the attacker increases.
This was exactly my reaction! Both in the beginning & later thinking it through——-with the help of commentators.
I agree. Obama’s big mistake was talking about the red line, assuming Assad wouldn’t use chemical weapons. If he backs down he will lose his credibility, but it’s hard to believe his taking action won’t make things worse.
I think the virus is that ‘violence is just a means’ that we can use without consequences.
Agreed.
Let’s not forget about oil.
Apparently Europe and China are worried about oil. Saudi Arabia and Turkey are more concerned about the balance of power between themselves and Iran. Russia has business with the Assad regime and doesn’t want it disrupted, and it’s more than happy to see the U.S. in a mess. One of the big worries is that the sectarian violence will spread to other countries. The main clash is no longer between the West and Islam, it’s Sunni vs Shiite with persecution of religious minorities thrown in. And the refugees from Syria aren’t helping the stability of its neighbors.
wow.
all like minds.
i couldn’t have said any of these comments nearly as well. i agree with them all.
especially rummy’s.
plus…
these people have fought each other hand tooth and nail ever since biblical days.
i honestly don’t think they want to stop the hatred among them. they don’t.
we should just GET OUT of their lands.
it’s the little children who suffer that just breaks my heart. the innocents.
that is tragic beyond belief.
i couldn’t help but notice in that one article about all the ‘powers’ there…
ALL men. most of them OLD. whether they were in their stupid western suits or wearing dish towels on their stupid heads… they’re all just powerful greedy little men playing a dangerous game with other people’s lives.
ahem…
uh. i forgot. did you ask me what i think? LOLOL. next time i’ll tell ya! 😀
Yes, in fact I did ask you what you think! I love your comments. 🙂
Tammy, these places have times of more and less violence. There are causes other than the constants of religion and resources.
I do agree with your comments about the greedy old men.