Obama hints at larger strategy to topple Assad in effort to win over Republicans

[markpkessinger]

Last edited Wed Sep 4, 2013, 04:58 AM - Edit history (1)

And there it is. We are being played for fucking fools. God help us.

From The Guardian:

[font size=5]Obama hints at larger strategy to topple Assad in effort to win over Republicans[/font]
[font size=3]President suggests strikes could lead to longer-term mission as
tough White House rhetoric begins to win over Republicans[/font]

Barack Obama portrayed his plans for US military action in Syria as part of a broader strategy to topple Bashar al-Assad, as tougher White House rhetoric began to win over sceptical Republicans in Congress on Tuesday.

While stressing that Washington's primary goal remained "limited and proportional" attacks, to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capabilities and deter their future use, the president hinted at a broader long-term mission that may ultimately bring about a change of regime.

"It also fits into a broader strategy that can bring about over time the kind of strengthening of the opposition and the diplomatic, economic and political pressure required – so that ultimately we have a transition that can bring peace and stability, not only to Syria but to the region," he told senior members of Congress at a White House meeting on Tuesday.

Obama has long spoken of the US desire to see Assad step down, but this is the first time he has linked that policy objective to his threatened military strikes against Syria. It follows pressure on Monday, from senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, to make such a goal more explicit.

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[MotherPetrie]

1. K&R

[dipsydoodle]

2. Intervention to effect regime regime change is illegal

under International law.

[customerserviceguy]

3. Here's another reason

the President should have left Syria alone. I wonder what the Republicons are going to want (and get) from him in upcoming budget negotiations for helping him go to war (something most of them love, anyway)?

[Countdown_3_2_1]

4. Wait. I thought it was just a few cruise missiles, now its regime change?

That means boots on the ground. a lot of men and years to accomplish the task.

If this is the price of GOP support, count me out.

[Junkdrawer]

5. He's so Bipartisan and Reasonable, Huh?