I have a number of links on this GD thread re Syria

[karynnj]

57. The problem with going to the UN is Russia - it will not work even if there were iron clad proof

that Assad himself did this - and the US does not belong to the International Court. I do NOT see Obama walking back the red line comment. To me saying it is an international red line.

I agree that it is tragic for Kerry, but this is something he does believe in. Remember his position on Libya and consider Boxer's position. I wrote the above this morning before attending Synagogue. One thing that surprised me is that the rabbi's sermon which addresses many problems included a comment that though poison gas was used, the international community is not even debating action. This is a man who favors VT's progressive party and is one of the leaders of an effort to keep F35s out of Burlington - fighting the entire delegation - yes, including Sanders, who has gotten a lot of flack at town halls on the issue.

I think we all have a tendency to assume that a favored politician's views are identical to our own. In this case, I think Kerry is more hawkish than almost all of us - in that he does see the need to use force to stop evil actions. I do see that his words and actions are coming from the same moral heart that his efforts for peace come from. In addition, I assume that he also may be thinking of what would create the balance needed to get to a political solution.

Still, it is heart breaking to see these events rather than an announcement (likely by Obama) of some political solution of Israel/Palestine or Afghanistan/Pakistan/India.