General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTwo weeks ago, the stated objective was to "punish Assad" for having used chemical weapons . . .
. . . and not merely to hinder his ability to use them again. So I think the claim that Obama has "achieved his objective" in this whole mess is rather dishonest.
cali
(114,904 posts)markpkessinger
(8,401 posts)cali
(114,904 posts)markpkessinger
(8,401 posts)cali
(114,904 posts)JoePhilly
(27,787 posts)It was VANITY. There was no other purpose.
Now its fun watching folks try to figure out how this outcome is in actuality, a bad thing.
NoOneMan
(4,795 posts)All in all, it beats everything else hands down (so its "good" . That doesn't mean the US government doesn't have egg on its face.
I don't think people are trying to say this is a "bad thing". Rather, people are trying to be realistic in light of the 9th dimensional chess propaganda. You can only spin so far before all credibility is lost
JoePhilly
(27,787 posts)There have been so many, I've lost count.
Obama's threat of strikes forced Russia and Syria to the table.
Or wait ... Putin made this deal because he's a swell guy ... yea, that must be it.
NoOneMan
(4,795 posts)And maybe a world war (or at least a large proxy war). Maybe Russia's threats forced Obama back to the table. Who knows. Im not trying to spin anything. Im glad people aren't going to get bombed at the end of the day.
morningfog
(18,115 posts)Everyone did not agree that there was no other purpose.
NoOneMan
(4,795 posts)The new message is: "You can gas your people just once and get off free. Just don't do it again. Or. We will, um, well....."
last1standing
(11,709 posts)We might avert escalating violence in the Middle-East because of this change. Would you rather we send the bombs over because Obama wants to save face?
Give the man his victory lap and be happy for a peaceful solution.
markpkessinger
(8,401 posts). . . for being smart enough to know he had better take a way out of the mess he created for himself when it came his way.
NoOneMan
(4,795 posts)A 5 year old could see this was the best of bad options. Though, Bush probably couldn't
Catherina
(35,568 posts)KittyWampus
(55,894 posts)to be a BOG'er even though I am not.
It seems like the real victory is for Diplomacy
Avalux
(35,015 posts)Yes we know the stated objective, the one made public. But as I've said time and time again, a lot goes on that is not made public. World politics is messy and complex when dealing with enemies; getting them to do what you want requires a bit more finesse than just telling them outright. None of us have any way of knowing if the outcome which appears to be on track, wasn't Obama's true objective all along.
markpkessinger
(8,401 posts). . . but that cuts two ways. Neither do those who say he has 'accomplished his objective.'
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)I too often rationalize a wild guess on the fact the others make wild guesses too, well... I did when I was much younger. But after a while, we take things as either a valid or an invalid method, regardless of who else may or may not be doing the same.
Kber
(5,043 posts)Are you upset that it is turning out this way?
Personally, I'm fine with a diplomatic solution and don't care who gets credit / blame.
markpkessinger
(8,401 posts)... has been found.
JoePhilly
(27,787 posts)by invading Syria and creating a 2nd Iraq like war.
Since that's not going to happen, the outrage machine is starting to sputter.
LaydeeBug
(10,291 posts)so now he knows, and he did better.