What would you do in Syria

[*bfine32*]

(04-08-2017, 06:40 PM)Dill Wrote: No one doubts the US has the capacity to strike without UN permission. It is not a matter of "can" but of "ought". Does the US want to signal the world that the most powerful military on earth does what it wants when it wants, or does it want to signal that it respects rule of law, including international law, and premises military action on precedent, diplomacy and consensus rather than the impulse of this or that president? 

Let's say you are correct and that Trump and his NSC determined "option B" as in the interest of our national security.

Do you see a pathway or chain of events leading from a gas attack on Syrian civilians all the way to damage of US interests--lives, property, business, profits, either at home or abroad? Even a potential one?

I am guessing that "civilized" means US allies here. Though it is still not clear that most of the civilized world is applauding, I am pretty sure most would applaud action through the UN as well. France and Germany say the attacks were "understandable." Let's check that international response again in two/three weeks. 

Also if you take international approval/disapproval as a standard for evaluating Trump's foreign policy, I hope that you will use that standard consistently. Trumpsters say it doesn't matter what "they" think when it comes to US foreign policy. (Though you have been a consistent defender of Trump, I don't consider you a Trumpster (a true believer who voted for the guy) .)

Perhaps we share some common ground, here, as I do think international approval is one standard for evaluating US foreign policy. 

Sure I could see a chain of events that could lead to him using chemical weapons on US interests. We have Troops over there in a supporting role trying to fight ISIS. Assad had no regard for his citizens when he wanted to bomb his rebels. What makes you think he would have regard for our Troops if we didn't answer quickly and decisively? 

We should make our foreign policy decisions based on the best interest of out Nation. It's just icing on the cake when the rest of the world (except Russia, Iran, and members of PnR) applaud it.