Striking Syria

 This week we will mark two anniversaries, both of them on 9/11. The first, September 11, 2001. Muslim extremists in the guise of Al

World Trade Center Twin Towers

Qaeda, lead by Osama Bin Laden, truck the United States killing more than 3000 citizens. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan were spawned from that attack The second, Muslim extremists, also tied to Al Qaeda, attacked the American Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing four Americans, including the U.S. Ambassador to that country.

Today, we are on the brink of another conflict, this one with Syria.
President Obama, based on reports Syria used saran gas on its own people, is pushing for world approval for a strike, though limited, against Syria. He is being met with disapproval. Even Great Britain, our staunchest ally, has said no.

Folks at home, war weary from Iraq and Afghanistan, along with many members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, are reluctant

to go forward with any kind of military action against Syria. The administration's incompetence and cover-up of the Benghazi attack is also a factor. Read More: Benghazi Haunts Syria Strike

Attack on Benghazi Consulate

The fact that Obama is adamant about going after Syria is strange on several fronts. First, he's a liberal Democrat. Democrats are traditionally doves, balking at conflict. Second, Barack Obama came in to office saying his personality alone would be enough to soothe our enemies. Third, any strike against the Syrian regime will help the rebels fighting the government. The rebels are backed, supported and fighting alongside....Al Qaeda. And, finally, Obama blasted President Bush for going to war in Iraq. Well, there are stark difference's between Bush's Iraq war and Obama's desire to strike Syria. Read More: Bush's Iraq vs. Obama's Syria

Attacking Syria has additional consequences. Should Obama go through with his plan, Syria and Iran will likely attack Jordan and Israel, both allies of the U.S. Egypt, being in turmoil may join in and not necessarily with the United States. Thus, the president's limited and punitive strike mat lead to something much bigger. Both Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have said 'no American boots will be on the ground' should we hit Syria. It seems it would be hard to keep that promise should an all out war break out as a result. 

But make no mistake. The president dug this hole he's put us in. A year ago he drew a 'red line' saying if Syria used chemical weapons against his people we would strike. (Last week Obama backed

President Obama

tracked saying he didn't draw that line, the world did.) But now that the line has been crossed the president is obliged to take action. Not to will simply embolden our enemies in whose eyes the United States will look weak. In that respect a strike may be necessary, then hope for the best. On the other hand, former Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, would rather we stay out of it saying "Let Allah sort it out."




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