U.S. military officers have deep doubts about impact, wisdom of a U.S. strike on Syria

[BainsBane]

The Obama administration’s plan to launch a military strike against Syria is being received with serious reservations by many in the U.S. military, which is coping with the scars of two lengthy wars and a rapidly contracting budget, according to current and former officers.

Having assumed for months that the United States was unlikely to intervene militarily in Syria, the Defense Department has been thrust onto a war footing that has made many in the armed services uneasy, according to interviews with more than a dozen military officers ranging from captains to a four-star general.

Former and current officers, many with the painful lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan on their minds, said the main reservations concern the potential unintended consequences of launching cruise missiles against Syria.

Some questioned the use of military force as a punitive measure and suggested that the White House lacks a coherent strategy. If the administration is ambivalent about the wisdom of defeating or crippling the Syrian leader, possibly setting the stage for Damascus to fall to fundamentalist rebels, they said, the military objective of strikes on Assad’s military targets is at best ambiguous.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-military-officers-have-deep-doubts-about-impact-wisdom-of-a-us-strike-on-syria/2013/08/29/825dd5d4-10ee-11e3-b4cb-fd7ce041d814_story.html

[global1]

1. You Know The Thought Just Occurred To Me That BushCo Strikes Again.....

BushCo went ahead and lied us into Iraq. They told us of WMD's and mushroom clouds and pulled us into that mire. There really was no justification for that war - but they led us into it anyway.

Now when WMD's have actually been used and there is some real justification to strike a blow to Assad and Syrian Government to teach them a lesson and send a warning shot across the bow of any future despot - to not use WMD's - the world is skeptical, gun shy, war wary and - as was seen in the UK - people are against it. There is also that sentiment here in the U.S.

So bottom line - we are still feeling the effects of BushCo's failures and ineptness - years after they are gone from power.

Now I realize that war and killing of any kind is objectionable to most people - BUT - what if - really - what if - there is a real justification for such - and - because of BushCo - that option is taken off the table of whomever the current leader is of the UK or the US?

Almost like the 'boy who called wolf syndrome' might be playing out - and again - the boy who called wolf (BushCo) originally causes future administrations to perhaps suffer the consequences.

[BainsBane]

2. Americans always have a tendency to see war in relation to the previous one

I think Assad did use chemical weapons. This isn't the same as Iraq. That, however, doesn't mean military action will help the situation. Your point about the Bushies still having an influence, though in the opposite direction, is interesting. It's clear that many on DU see the possibility of strikes on Syria as a replay of the Iraq war.

[global1]

3. Question - Do You Think My Post That You Responded To - Is Worthy Of Posting As An Original Post?...

I know you responded to my BushCo still has influence post in perhaps an opposite direction. Do you think I should repost my comments as an 'original post' to see what other opinions I elicit from DU? Just asking?

[BainsBane]

4. Yes

I think it is a thoughtful idea worthy of an OP. A lot of people won't like it though. I don't think that means you shouldn't post it. Just be prepared for the fallout.

[BainsBane]

5. Did you post it?

[global1]

6. Just Did - Let's See What Happens......nt