over a hundred people were murdered in the past few hours in the Syrian city of Hama

The situation is distressing, but I'm not sure I share your clarity. Equating Syria with Friend is a bit of a stretch, don'tcha think? Also, the whole "freely elected" scenario is anything but a gimme. Last but not least, exactly what is to gain among the people of Syria if we do the right thing vs. the wrong in their eyes (which may not see things as we do, hard to say where things are now)? You seem to think it's more clear cut, than I do, as to the correct path as well as what is to be gained vs. lost.

 

Like I have said, and I repeat. The US isn't losing much. That is all that matters. What sense does it make sacrificing American lives for Syrian lives? I know that sounds harsh, but its not just American lives but tax dollars. After the whole Iraq + Libya debacle I highly doubt anyone wants to start another conflict, especially in that war-torn region.

Honestly, I think the strife strengthens the people, at least over time. If the old regime is stripped down and destroyed it really does instill courage in the peoples of said country and motivates them to set foot on the right path. Sounds corny, but I believe it'll have a great effect. Its like a coming-of-age for the entire country. Granted, they'll have to win.

 

Seriously, they don't want the dollars, the weapons or the lives. They just want a truly firm statement, rather than this non-committal crap that gets thrown around.

Also, I'm not sure if it's just strange wording, but you seem to imply in your first paragraph that tax dollars are more important than lives by saying "its not just American lives but tax dollars."

 

This is what the White House had to say on 7/31 after the Hama stuff:

[rquoter]THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
July 31, 2011

Statement by the President on the Violence in Syria

I am appalled by the Syrian government’s use of violence and brutality against its own people. The reports out of Hama are horrifying and demonstrate the true character of the Syrian regime. Once again, President Assad has shown that he is completely incapable and unwilling to respond to the legitimate grievances of the Syrian people. His use of torture, corruption and terror puts him on the wrong side of history and his people. Through his own actions, Bashar al-Assad is ensuring that he and his regime will be left in the past, and that the courageous Syrian people who have demonstrated in the streets will determine its future. Syria will be a better place when a democratic transition goes forward. In the days ahead, the United States will continue to increase our pressure on the Syrian regime, and work with others around the world to isolate the Assad government and stand with the Syrian people.[/rquoter]

Seems pretty firm in condemning Assad, and supporting the protesters. Also pretty firm in not suggesting any kind of US military involvement, which I don't think anyone wants anyway. The one thing they aren't doing is shouting this from the rooftops -- repeating the message at every press conference and address. If they did, that might make people feel the condemnation of Assad more fully, but I don't know if it would be any more effective.

I can understand the frustration in the US sitting idly by while Syrians die, but intervene to save Libyans. But, Libya looked like low-hanging fruit, and Syria is going to be a very tough nut. I don't think it is reasonable to do otherwise.

 

Obama should have used ALL CAPS

 

Hadn't seen that, thanks.

Would have been nice to see something like this way earlier, but at least is was said.

 

And yet....

WikiLeaks: Bush, Obama passed on sanctioning Syrian insiders

 

Good one!

 

I was thinking about this the other day and it really seems like the US can't do much in regard to Syria. Given the current deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya we don't really have the resources or the political will to take on another even limited Libya type deployment.