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

[Mass]

52. I think the media are also reacting more positively than I would have thought

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/09/john-kerry-diplomat-96300.html

Granted, those are media I generally do not agree with, but they are not the highly ideological media and they have never ducked a chance to make fun of Kerry. I think part of the issue is that, for the last few months at least, DU has been invaded with people with whom it is impossible to discuss things in an intelligent manner. Just suggesting that Syrian people are suffering is seen as supporting an intervention (stupid morons without a touch with reality. Frankly, some are worse than the Tea party because they fancy themselves as great internationalists, but their reasoning does not go beyond America presence in a war. You recognize them because they are the ones who compare Powell and Kerry).

I certainly hope they find a way to avoid intervening, but it seems clear that this is what Kerry hopes too, even though his statements come out weirdly and seem incoherent when he says them.

I agree about Obama and it is frustrating. It looks like if their case for war was different, but they do not want to make it and basically grasp other arguments to make the case, because I cannot believe that they think the case they make will convince people here.

One last point after having watched the hearings, two uncomfortable moments for me: McCain and Kerry joking before the meeting (I wished that the Obama administration in general stopped making McCain the leader of the opposition. The guy is a moron). Dempsey clearly showing he disapproves the operation, even if he will do his job. It is problematic because he is good at communicating and speaks plainly. Frankly, when Kerry asked him to answer a question yesterday and declined, it was a pretty negative sign. Once again, I have been closer to being convinced on Iraq (of course based on lies) than I have ever been these last few days, largely because it is clear that, while they would like to be rid of Assad, they also see the risks.

Sorry for the rant, but this makes me feel uncomfortable, largely because there are so many questions unanswered.