Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Unclear and Distant Danger

"These drug cartels represent a clear and present danger to the national security of the United States."
--President Bennett (Clear and Present Danger)

As US bombs and missles fly in Syria, I am reminded what Syrian officials said prior to the attack--that any military action taken by the United States in Syrian would be viewed as acts of aggression.

They are correct. We are not defending ourselves against aggression. Syria has not attacked us nor has it brandished a clear and present threat that justifies lethal self-defensive force. Instead, we are the attacker, engaging in offensive action against Syria. Syria is now the self-defender.

Playing out how this could escalate is not a pleasant endeavor.

I am also reminded how similar this president's actions are to his predecessor's, despite claims to the contrary. Distinctions with no difference...

1 comment:

dgeorge12358 said...

Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts.
~excerpt from nobelprize.org, Oslo, October 9, 2009