Two weeks ago, the stated objective was to "punish Assad" for having used chemical weapons . . .

[markpkessinger]

. . . and not merely to hinder his ability to use them again. So I think the claim that Obama has "achieved his objective" in this whole mess is rather dishonest.

[cali]

1. do you mean to say that the stated objective was to punish him?

[markpkessinger]

2. That is certainloy how it was characterized

[cali]

15. your op title says "was NOT to punish...."

[markpkessinger]

18. Ooops! Corrected - Thank You! n/t

[cali]

22. you're welcome, mark.

[JoePhilly]

3. I heard everyone on DU agree Obama's goal was to strike so he'd look tough.

It was VANITY. There was no other purpose.

Now its fun watching folks try to figure out how this outcome is in actuality, a bad thing.

[NoOneMan]

8. This outcome is an embarrasment, but its the least embarrasing option

All in all, it beats everything else hands down (so its "good&quot . That doesn't mean the US government doesn't have egg on its face.

I don't think people are trying to say this is a "bad thing". Rather, people are trying to be realistic in light of the 9th dimensional chess propaganda. You can only spin so far before all credibility is lost

[JoePhilly]

14. Were you one of the folks predicting a 2nd Iraq war?

There have been so many, I've lost count.

Obama's threat of strikes forced Russia and Syria to the table.

Or wait ... Putin made this deal because he's a swell guy ... yea, that must be it.

[NoOneMan]

19. All evidence pointed to a Syrian war in the last two weeks

And maybe a world war (or at least a large proxy war). Maybe Russia's threats forced Obama back to the table. Who knows. Im not trying to spin anything. Im glad people aren't going to get bombed at the end of the day.

[morningfog]

21. Well now you are just making shit up to go with your rollies.

Everyone did not agree that there was no other purpose.

[NoOneMan]

4. And send a message to Iran and other Hitler-esqe dictators

The new message is: "You can gas your people just once and get off free. Just don't do it again. Or. We will, um, well....."

[last1standing]

5. Is it that important to win a talking point?

We might avert escalating violence in the Middle-East because of this change. Would you rather we send the bombs over because Obama wants to save face?

Give the man his victory lap and be happy for a peaceful solution.

[markpkessinger]

7. I'll give him credit . . .

. . . for being smart enough to know he had better take a way out of the mess he created for himself when it came his way.

[NoOneMan]

12. I'm not sure "smart enough" is saying much

A 5 year old could see this was the best of bad options. Though, Bush probably couldn't

[Catherina]

9. *Might* This thing is far from over. And the problem isn't Obama the man n/t

[KittyWampus]

11. isn't it more like an International and Diplomatic Victory though? And I'm considered by many DU'ers

to be a BOG'er even though I am not.

It seems like the real victory is for Diplomacy

[Avalux]

6. How do you know Obama's true objective?

Yes we know the stated objective, the one made public. But as I've said time and time again, a lot goes on that is not made public. World politics is messy and complex when dealing with enemies; getting them to do what you want requires a bit more finesse than just telling them outright. None of us have any way of knowing if the outcome which appears to be on track, wasn't Obama's true objective all along.

[markpkessinger]

10. Perhaps I don't. . .

. . . but that cuts two ways. Neither do those who say he has 'accomplished his objective.'

[LanternWaste]

23. I too often rationalize a wild guess on the fact the others make wild guesses too

I too often rationalize a wild guess on the fact the others make wild guesses too, well... I did when I was much younger. But after a while, we take things as either a valid or an invalid method, regardless of who else may or may not be doing the same.

[Kber]

13. You sound disappointed.

Are you upset that it is turning out this way?

Personally, I'm fine with a diplomatic solution and don't care who gets credit / blame.

[markpkessinger]

16. On the contrary, I am relieved that a solution short of the missile strikes Obama was so eager for..

... has been found.

[JoePhilly]

17. Obama was supposed to prove he was a secret member of PNAC

by invading Syria and creating a 2nd Iraq like war.

Since that's not going to happen, the outrage machine is starting to sputter.

[LaydeeBug]

20. You do the best you can with what you've got, and when you know better, you do better

so now he knows, and he did better.