Thoughts Out Of Season

Reports are that the Pentagon has ordered naval vessels armed with cruise missiles to Syria in response to President Assad's purported use of chemical weapons that killed over 1700 civilians yesterday. Photos from the scene show the dead lined in rows, many of them children, most dressed in night clothes indicating an attack occurring while people were asleep,  at their most vulnerable. Earlier in the day Obama appeared a bit cautious, even detached as he spoke of what amounted to a wait and see approach regarding action against the Assad government. Many, including me were left a little flabbergasted that the President didn't use stronger language than the situation in Syria being "troublesome". But it appears that Obama was playing the bluff and playing it well. 

Multiple reports coming out of Syria are pointing to an attack of chemical weapons, Sarin, VX, Mustard gas on several villages in Syria. Photos from the scene show numbers of dead, including many children none with obvious wounds laying in rows. Most are in their nightclothes suggesting that this vicious attack occurred in the middle of the night when people would be at their most vulnerable. The UN Secretary General says his organization will investigate whether chemical weapons were indeed used. Look for delays, excuses and a lot of foot dragging during the investigation. The UN would be obligated to act if it is found chemical weapons were used, not only verbally but militarily. Another chief concern is what will happen to Assad's chemical weapons stockpile should his regime fall? That's a very sobering question at this time.