As most of us are, I am conflicted by the dilemma in Syria. I do hope the “Russian Proposal” (originated in an offhand remark initially by John Kerry) generates a diplomatic solution to this problem. A lot of hard slogging and negotiation will be needed to get this baby to fly. Already Assad is laying down ground rules of no American aid to the rebels (or “Terrorists” as he refers to them). Already we are rejecting such a proposal. And the Russians: aye, there’s the rub.
I find it difficult to swallow the image of Vladimir Putin as a moral reformer, referencing God, disputing American “exceptionalism” and lecturing us on morality. The hypocrisy is overpowering. Here is this former K.G.B. chief telling us how to act, this same tyrant who punishes, imprisons and clamps down on any kind of dissident opinions within his country. The op-ed piece in the NY Times was a master stroke of presumption, smugness, arrogance and just plain bullshit. He wanted to strike while the iron was hot in an effort to stir the pot even more in this country. And can you believe the image of Mother Russia as the Great Negotiator and Statesman who, out of one side of her mouth, preaches morality and fairness to us, all the while she is supplying arms and all kinds of aid to special friend, Bashar al-Assad.? Will the Russians agree not to supply Syria aid if we do not supply such to the rebel forces?
Obviously, the weight of public opinion is heavily against Mr. Obama and any kind of U.S. military involvement. We are all fed to the teeth of fighting in regional wars, gaining nothing in terms of regional democratic success and only achieving loss of American and native blood. Our president is privately kicking himself for the famous “red line” remark, I’m sure, and is looking for an honorable way out. I pity the President who has ultimately to seek a solution. I’m glad I don’t have his job. It will not be easy to be extricated from this dismal swamp, but perhaps diplomatic work and world opinion can pull off a rescue. It certainly will not be due to the “morality” of Vladimir Putin.
I find it difficult to swallow the image of Vladimir Putin as a moral reformer, referencing God, disputing American “exceptionalism” and lecturing us on morality. The hypocrisy is overpowering. Here is this former K.G.B. chief telling us how to act, this same tyrant who punishes, imprisons and clamps down on any kind of dissident opinions within his country. The op-ed piece in the NY Times was a master stroke of presumption, smugness, arrogance and just plain bullshit. He wanted to strike while the iron was hot in an effort to stir the pot even more in this country. And can you believe the image of Mother Russia as the Great Negotiator and Statesman who, out of one side of her mouth, preaches morality and fairness to us, all the while she is supplying arms and all kinds of aid to special friend, Bashar al-Assad.? Will the Russians agree not to supply Syria aid if we do not supply such to the rebel forces?
Obviously, the weight of public opinion is heavily against Mr. Obama and any kind of U.S. military involvement. We are all fed to the teeth of fighting in regional wars, gaining nothing in terms of regional democratic success and only achieving loss of American and native blood. Our president is privately kicking himself for the famous “red line” remark, I’m sure, and is looking for an honorable way out. I pity the President who has ultimately to seek a solution. I’m glad I don’t have his job. It will not be easy to be extricated from this dismal swamp, but perhaps diplomatic work and world opinion can pull off a rescue. It certainly will not be due to the “morality” of Vladimir Putin.
I don't care if Putin gets all the credit as long as the plan works. That's a big "IF".
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