Imperial Presidency

Scheuer: Ten questions worth pondering on Obama, Syria, and Interventionism

"Question: Is it justifiable for America to go to war in Syria to get President Obama out of the box he created for himself by talking about a 'red line' in the Syrian civil war, a conflict in which no genuine U.S. national interests are at risk? Answer: No. Obama’s inexperience in foreign affairs and his seeming personal arrogance got him — and America — into this mess, and so little a man is he that he now refuses to accept responsibility for foolishly drawing the red line, instead blaming it on 'the world.' Let him swing. Question: Will America’s credibility as a great military power be denigrated if it does not attack Syria? Answer: No. We have already lost most of that credibility [..]" Continue reading →

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U.S. Admits No Imminent Threat from Syria, No Clear Evidence

"Obama is going on a whirlwind media blitz this week in an attempt to sell a very skeptical public on war with Syria. Yet the Washington Post notes: 'Obama’s top aide says the administration lacks 'irrefutable, beyond-a-reasonable-doubt evidence' that skeptical Americans, including lawmakers who will start voting on military action this week, are seeking.' Indeed, those who have seen the evidence say that it is incredibly weak. German intelligence also says that Assad didn’t order the attacks." Continue reading →

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Eric Margolis: Syrian March To Disaster

"Politicians invoke credibility as a excuse after they have made a huge blunder –notably Obama’s foolish 'red lines' in Syria that boxed the president into a corner of his own making. What we are seeing is the latest, 21st century version of the new era of colonialism and imperialism, with a touch of Crusader zeal thrown in. Today, the favored euphemism is humanitarian intervention, but the song remains the same. Syria is not about poison gas or human rights: it’s about a proxy war against Iran, the only nation now challenging total US and Israel military domination of the Mideast. For France, it’s about reasserting its former colonial rule in Syria and Lebanon." Continue reading →

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The Rise of the Antiwar Libertarian Republicans

"If you’re among the majority of war-weary Americans who oppose any sort of military intervention in Syria, thank libertarian Republican lawmakers Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan. If the House and Senate vote against authorizing war next week, the efforts by these two guys will have been instrumental. Indeed, their outspoken, principled pushback is part of the reason that President Barack Obama—the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner—hasn’t already pursued some sort of strike 'just muscular enough not to get mocked' by the world while not inciting retaliation by Bashar al-Assad’s allies, Russia and Iran." Continue reading →

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After Bold Step on Syria, French Leader Finds Himself Dismissed as Lackey

"As portrayed in a satirical television show here this week, President François Hollande is left behind to hold President Obama’s coat while the American leader and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia hold private talks. Mr. Hollande gullibly concludes he is playing a key role. In the show, 'Les Guignols de L’Info,' a rough equivalent of 'The Daily Show,' Mr. Hollande is seen interrupting a visit to a school to ask Mr. Obama’s permission to use the bathroom. If Mr. Hollande ever thought that his decision to stand steadfast alongside the United States in backing a retaliatory strike against Syria would give him new stature on the global stage or help him at home, the last week has been a sharp shock." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAfter Bold Step on Syria, French Leader Finds Himself Dismissed as Lackey

‘Obama to attack Syria regardless how Congress votes’

"America's envoy to the United Nations singled out Russia for criticism - for its outspoken opposition to strikes. And that's as the UN chief himself ruled out a military solution to the Syrian crisis - warning that a strike would have tragic consequences and fuel sectarian violence in the region. Investigative journalist Charlie McGrath has commented on the US envoy's statements - saying international trust in Washington's words has all but eroded." Continue reading →

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President Obama Calls for Conscience Vote On Syria, Even If Public Opposed

"'It's conceivable that, at the end of the day, I don't persuade a majority of the American people that it's the right thing to do,' Obama said in response to a question from ABC News during a solo press conference at the conclusion of the G20 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia. But, Obama said, members of Congress need to consider the lessons of World War II and their own consciences and vote 'yes' to authorize the use of force, even if it means going against the opinion of the majority of their constituents. 'Each member of Congress is going to have to decide if [they] think it's the right thing to do for America's national security and the world's national security,' Obama said." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPresident Obama Calls for Conscience Vote On Syria, Even If Public Opposed