McCain: Hey, let’s bomb Syria
posted at 6:09 pm on March 5, 2012 by Allahpundit
After a week of Afghans rampaging over burned Korans, a series of Islamist landslides in Egypt’s elections, and now grave desecration at a war cemetery for Allied heroes in Libya, anyone else eager to risk more American lives to help?
“Foreign capitals across the world are looking to the United States to lead, especially now that the situation in Syria has become an armed conflict,” he said. “But what they see is an administration still hedging its bets — on the one hand, insisting that Assad’s fall is inevitable, but on the other, unwilling even to threaten more assertive actions that could make it so.”…
“These people are our allies,” he said. “They want many of the same things we do. They have expanded the boundaries of what everyone thought was possible in Syria. They have earned our respect, and now they need our support to finish what they started. The Syrian people deserve to succeed, and shame on us if we fail to help them.”…
“The benefit for the United States in helping to lead this effort directly is that it would allow us to better empower those Syrian groups that share our interests — those groups that reject al Qaeda and the Iranian regime, and commit to the goal of an inclusive democratic transition, as called for by the Syrian National Council,” he said. “If we stand on the sidelines, others will try to pick winners, and this will not always be to our liking or in our interest.”
The last point is a good one — if Syria’s destined to become a free-for-all, we’d best maximize our influence to stop Bad Things from happening — but I can’t believe he’s still arguing circa 2012 that siding with Middle Easterners against their oppressors earns us “allies.” He does realize that the new boss in Syria after Assad falls is apt to look a lot like the new boss in Egypt now, yes? I sympathize with Maverick’s today-we-are-all-Georgians solidarity with bullied populations, but no one believes this anymore. If you want to intervene, do it to deal Iran a blow, to lock down Assad’s WMDs before they go loose, or to spare innocents from butchery. But don’t do it in the idiotic expectation that you’ll gain a new ally or anyone’s gratitude. Fearless prediction: Post-Assad, Syria will be even more hostile to Israel than it is now. There’s your “gratitude.”
Watch what he says about creating a safe haven in the north of the country for rebels to organize and arm. That possibility has been kicked around for months, but as of two weeks ago Turkey was still cool to the idea. The problem right now, I think, is that not only are people still uncertain about who’s involved with the opposition — the latest faction to call for Assad’s ouster is, er, Hamas — but no one’s really sure if there’s enough of it to sustain itself even if western intervention bought it some breathing room. (Even the Saudis and other Gulf states are hesitating on weapons shipments because of all the question marks.) You know how this story goes by now: Once the U.S. and Europe are in, the only way to avoid losing prestige is to keep at it until Assad is gone, whatever that may mean in terms of deepening our commitment. And as true as that was in Libya, it’ll be ten times as true in Syria, where the battle will quickly become a proxy war between the west and Saudi Arabia on one side and Iran, Hezbollah, and, to some extent, Russia on the other. Once we’re in, we’re in. How lucky do you feel?
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I feel for Del’s sundial.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:06 PM
What is even funnier is that libs on the blogosphere are calling Inhofe sexist. Sexist.
They take sexism from that?
OMG!
IlikedAUH2O on May 12, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Big snowstorm in Canada, internet may be down.
slickwillie2001 on May 12, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Who the eff stopped Hussein and his posse from finding out about the terrorists who killed our Ambassador ? No one stopped him or Killery. They have the full assets and resources of the government with them. This carnage happened sooooooo….lllooooooooonnnngg ago and yet no one knows nothing about nothing ??
Hussein is busy partying and vacationing when he is not golfing and Killery is busy collecting kickbacks from the taxpayer money she is handing out to jihadies all over the world.
And then they send you to defend them ?
burrata on May 12, 2013 at 1:08 PM
Are the deals good in Vegas in September?
/
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:09 PM
http://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-live/2013/05/feinstein-talking-points-were-wrong-163759.html
The fact that you’re talking about it Diane…
dogsoldier on May 12, 2013 at 1:09 PM
House Intel Committee Chair says more Benghazi whistleblowers coming forward…
http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2013/05/12/House-Intel-Cmte-Chair-More-Benghazi-Whistleblowers-To-Come-Forward
workingclass artist on May 12, 2013 at 1:10 PM
Trolls seem all bent out of shape.
Who gave the stand down orders HAL?
No sea-bourne air assets? You sure?
wolly4321 on May 12, 2013 at 1:11 PM
The Las Vegas Review Journal-Nov 1, 2012.
They also noted:
Any chance the election was a few days away?
/
Talk about politics you lib effing freaks.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:12 PM
House Intel Committee Chair says more Benghazi whistleblowers coming forward…
http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2013/05/12/House-Intel-Cmte-Chair-More-Benghazi-Whistleblowers-To-Come-Forward
workingclass artist on May 12, 2013 at 1:10 PM
Surely more of those ‘hyper-partisan conspiracy theorists’ the Left keeps talking about.
Liam on May 12, 2013 at 1:13 PM
HAL’s so quiet. What a tool.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:13 PM
Hey HAL, cant wait to see how you try to spin this after the impeachment hearings start, its gonna be fun………………..Freakin moron……………
angrymike on May 12, 2013 at 1:14 PM
Petraeus was useless.
Obama knows how to pick eunuchs and crooks.
His special gift.
Which will now keep giving.
profitsbeard on May 12, 2013 at 1:14 PM
“I think the talking points were wrong,” the California Democrat who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “I think the talking points should not be written by the intelligence community.”
It’s the talking points that were wrong. I guess we have found our culprit, eh difi?
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 1:14 PM
Benghazi, Pigford, and the IRS.
Corruption they name is liberalism.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:14 PM
Does Al Gore know about this?
Just checked the radar, looks like the only snowstorm at the moment is in northern Michigan and southern Ontario.
Want to really “chill out”? Yesterday John Hinderaker at Power Line had a hilarious post about the start of fishing season in northern Minnesota.
Ice Fishing in May
(includes pictures!)
Del Dolemonte on May 12, 2013 at 1:15 PM
I recently read a liberal’s comment where he told a young liberal how much fun the news was in the Watergate years.
Yeah, I hear him. I haven’t enjoyed reading the news so much since a blue dress needing a cleaning surfaced.
MaxMBJ on May 12, 2013 at 1:16 PM
Terrorists who killed our ambassador are ‘covered’ by the WH. Due to the WH supporting their overthrow Of Quadaffi in Lybia. WH is provided with cover by the lame media (these events occurred in Sep 2012, and you belch we should be ‘happy’ that some of the facts are being discovered eight month later? )
You aren’t very bright, are you HLA? Sheesh, you’re a maroon.
socalcon on May 12, 2013 at 1:16 PM
It’s hard for me to believe that a person such as Patraeus will continue to be silent about this whole thing. I hope I’m right.
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 1:17 PM
Who wrote the utube talking point, HAL? And why?
wolly4321 on May 12, 2013 at 1:17 PM
The FBI took it in stride, with humor. They called the stain ‘presidue’. LOL
Liam on May 12, 2013 at 1:18 PM
Rep Mike Rogers was on FNC saying this too. All the networks are talking about Benghazi now.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3460_162-57584087/gates-some-benghazi-critics-have-cartoonish-view-of-military-capability/
The regime is crapping their collective pants…
dogsoldier on May 12, 2013 at 1:18 PM
Patraeus’ hasty departure making a lot more sense.
Rational Thought on May 12, 2013 at 1:19 PM
HAL tell me when the youtube video was originally posted.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:19 PM
WHO wanted a CIA post in Benghazi and WHY ?
WHY was Stevens in Benghazi ?
burrata on May 12, 2013 at 1:19 PM
Your current tea party God from Texas was a green card holder. Where are the hearings on how long it took for him to become an American citizen? If he wants to be “president” lololol, inquiring minds would like to know.
HotAirLib on May 12, 2013 at 1:20 PM
They never came to any conclusions. They thought it might come down to the wire.
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 1:21 PM
Surely more of those ‘hyper-partisan conspiracy theorists’ the Left keeps talking about.
Liam on May 12, 2013 at 1:13 PM
Isn’t interesting that the whistleblowers are/were all members of THIS admin, in some capacity, yet called right-wing partisans ?
Go figure.
pambi on May 12, 2013 at 1:21 PM
There is this thing called google…then again in your case drudge report. Try finding out from there.
HotAirLib on May 12, 2013 at 1:22 PM
Hillary? Because it’s closer to Turkey and Syria?
Just spiffballing it.
wolly4321 on May 12, 2013 at 1:22 PM
Useless is the perfect word to describe Petraeus, who stood silent as Obama and Clinton deceived the nation. Why did Petraeus stand by and do nothing?
Was he blackmailed or did he censor himself, knowing that he was vulnerable to being forced from office in disgrace? Does anyone on the House Intelligence Committee have the courage to ask these questions.
Basilsbest on May 12, 2013 at 1:23 PM
Look up the answer on worldnetdaily
HotAirLib on May 12, 2013 at 1:23 PM
HA’s dumbest troll seems to think the Republican House should be running the investigation instead of Comrade O’s Justice department, the FBI, and the CIA. Apparently the moron thinks that since agencies and departments run by Comrade O and Eric Holder have nothing to show after eight months of investigation the Republican House should take over the investigation.
The troll proudly displayed its ignorance of how the US government is structured, who runs what, and who responsible for what.
farsighted on May 12, 2013 at 1:24 PM
It was posted about 2-3 months prior to the ‘protest’.
Keep carrying the water boy.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:24 PM
Petraeus is still an azzhole for not exposing the truth. He can go to Hell. He should have never accepted the patsy job at the CYA. Obama needed a front there and had him by his…leash.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:24 PM
They must all be ‘Bush appointees’. Or something…
Liam on May 12, 2013 at 1:24 PM
HAL’s gonna cry …I can tell.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:25 PM
By the way, you all need to realize the IRS is reading or comments … and checking ISP’s.
MaxMBJ on May 12, 2013 at 1:25 PM
The same inquiring minds that are hoping this whole Benghazi fiasco would just go away?
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 1:25 PM
HAL doesn’t seem to know much.He keeps telling us to look elsewhere.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:25 PM
I’m still looking for your post where you complain about wasted money spent as the IRS directed a witch hunt against Tea Party organizations.
Can you help me find it?
I am also unable to find your post disclaiming Sebelius’ wasted time and money in her attempts to extort the health insurance industry.
Difficultas_Est_Imperium on May 12, 2013 at 1:26 PM
Has Cruz munched on dogs HAL?
If you want I can let you hear the indonesion in his very own words.. ;>)
wolly4321 on May 12, 2013 at 1:27 PM
Edited for Accuracy.
Del Dolemonte on May 12, 2013 at 1:29 PM
Moron, Congress doesn’t do investigations to find the terrorists who attacked us. That’s an executive branch job, you blithering idiot. You know, that’s what the intelligence agencies are supposed to do – the ones that your Indonesian Imbecile has stopped from doing their job and turned into propaganda tools to be used against America and Americans. Congress’ job is to make sure that the Executive branch is doing its job – its Constitutional responsibility.
You lefties are just plain stupid in addition to being lowlife scumbags. No wonder you idolize an 84 IQ America-hating Indonesian without any talents or skills, whatsoever. That is your god. A dog-eating retard with a third world chip on his puny shoulders.
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on May 12, 2013 at 1:29 PM
“tough………”
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 1:29 PM
Petraeus has been mighty quiet. I’m guessing he objected to the whole Benghazi episode but got a phone call from the WH saying, We know what you did last summer … and last night, for that matter.
MaxMBJ on May 12, 2013 at 1:30 PM
Yeah…
See This?
“Lt. General William Boykin (Retired) was on with Governor Mike Huckabee last night. Boykin was the latest official to put blame on the president for giving the stand down order.
“The order to actually engage troops in a rescue operation has to come from the president unless it’s a military facility and then the commander has certain authorities. But it has to come from the president to put troops in harm’s way. Now, in that case, because we don’t know enough of the details, that could have come from the commander from the Africa command who told them to stand down. But play that all the way out, who told him not to allow them to… You are under attack, we are going to be there. That was the whole point of it. And so to say that we didn’t know enough, I don’t buy that. I think that is incredible and I think someone needs to be taken to task over it.”
Previously:
** Rep. Ann Wagner: Only President Gives the Stand Down Order (Video)
** Lt Gen Mclnerney on Benghazi Scandal: ‘There Is Only One Person Who Can Say, Stand Down – And That’s The President’ (Video)
** Father of Slain Benghazi SEAL: White House Order Was “Don’t Help Them, Let Them Die” (Video)
video at link:
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2013/05/lt-gen-william-boykin-on-9-11-the-order-to-engage-troops-has-to-come-from-the-president-video/
workingclass artist on May 12, 2013 at 1:30 PM
I don’t need worldnetdaily, HAL. I’ve got Darrel Issa. ;>)
wolly4321 on May 12, 2013 at 1:31 PM
The “protesters” were so incensed they waited two plus months…..
only an idiot would believe such a thing.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:31 PM
Maybe we should enlist O.J. Simpson’s help, to find the “real terrorists”.
listens2glenn on May 12, 2013 at 1:31 PM
Cruz never had a green card, you despicable, lying scumbag. He’s not eligible because he was born in Canada.
Your father was right – you are a useless waste of flesh.
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on May 12, 2013 at 1:32 PM
Well, let’s try this and see if it sticks, shall we?
Difficultas_Est_Imperium on May 12, 2013 at 1:32 PM
Since your crew knew about this Benghazi coverup from day one, why do you care if the “lame street media” is just reporting it? After all, a majority of Americans are conservatives who watch Fox News aren’t they? And your crew has always told us that the other non conservative Americans are the ones who prefer watching American Idol while chatting on their Obama phones you are currently keep paying for.
HotAirLib on May 12, 2013 at 1:32 PM
Clinton and Obama had no interest in the truth coming out. The spontaneous demonstration lie served to obscure the fact that Obama’s stupid Libyan intervention paved the way for al Qaeda to operate in Libya and protected both of them for their gross negligence in not providing proper security for American Diplomatic staff in Libya even after the attack on the British Ambassador and the Red Cross.
Basilsbest on May 12, 2013 at 1:33 PM
Who stopped the Dems from holding such hearings ?
Why don’t they ?
burrata on May 12, 2013 at 1:33 PM
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:33 PM
“Yes, but this is all just a witch haunt”
HAL.
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 1:34 PM
Now you’re trying to change the subject, but anyway: What proof do you have he had a green card?
Jeff Weimer on May 12, 2013 at 1:35 PM
Gov. Rick Perry is a 4th generation native Texan…Sen. Ted Cruz has been a Texan since the age of 4.
Maybe you’re confusing Julian Castro, Mayor of San Antonio…But he’s a Democrat and also a native Texan.
workingclass artist on May 12, 2013 at 1:35 PM
You’re flailing like a duck flying with one wing.
It’s beautiful. Thank you. So much straw.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:35 PM
For your sanity this better not be Cruz. If it’s him you refer to, you can turn yourself inot the insanity ward now. To observe your side go apoplectic on this non-item will be hilarious.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:35 PM
HAL you’re a hoot . A funny idiot. Just soo much fun. Please hang around a while. Bwhaahaha.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:36 PM
Valerie called, your cell was busy. She says you are not changing the subject fast enough!
Difficultas_Est_Imperium on May 12, 2013 at 1:37 PM
If you refer to Ted Cruz, for this reason alone he must run for president. It will be hilarity pure to observe all of you. Such schadenfreude there never was.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:37 PM
HAL heartache:
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/51790397/t/can-cruz-run-canadian-born-senator-eyes/#.UY_TKcrC41c
What was that about “conspiracy theories” again?
Jeff Weimer on May 12, 2013 at 1:40 PM
I think HAL means George P. Bush…He’s running for Land Commissioner in Texas?
Native Floridian…And not Tea Party.
workingclass artist on May 12, 2013 at 1:42 PM
Jay Carney being honest. HAL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe2jLfBxvQU&feature=youtube_gdata_player.
Rick Perry shot a coyote once. Not quite the same.
*woof*
wolly4321 on May 12, 2013 at 1:42 PM
HAL, you moron, by this Cruz is more eligible than Obama ever was (see Obama’s mother’s age/time she lived in the US, bef. she had him). Per legal scholars, way smarter than you, both men were/are eligible, by being born to their mothers. There is still dispute over Obama’s mother’s items but no one ever challenged them. I can’t wait for Obama and you to challenge Cruz, hah. Such laughs I never had, and you provide plenty.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Funny this HAL character.Unhinged more and more by the minute.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Pretty sure he means Cruz. He’s been harping on this for weeks on here.
gophergirl on May 12, 2013 at 1:45 PM
HAL, just for you.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:46 PM
You’re correct that Cruz is more eligible than Barky ever was (and Cruz is far more qualified to be President than Barky ever could be) but Cruz still isn’t eligible. His father wasn’t an American citizen at the time of his birth and he was born in Canada.
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on May 12, 2013 at 1:47 PM
Bushs are not TEA partiers.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:47 PM
HAL knows. He’s simply trying to needle people.
I’m not sure Cruz would be ineligible, because his parents are American citizens who were working in Canada at the time. His father came here during the Cuban Revolution in 1959, and his mother was born in Delaware. It might end up a court case in any bid Cruz might make for the White House. For right now, he seems too inexperienced in Federal politics to wisely consider such a run. But after another decade in Washington, who knows?
Liam on May 12, 2013 at 1:47 PM
You just ruined HAL’s day. Good for you!.
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 1:47 PM
Petraus.
I’m pretty sure what an ‘honorable’ military man would do.
socalcon on May 12, 2013 at 1:48 PM
I’m waiting for HAL to comeback with something about Bush and Cheney !! Those ramblings are just so delicious ….mmmmm…
:O
burrata on May 12, 2013 at 1:48 PM
YOU are dead wrong, good one. On this topic I will not climb down, no way. Now this is for you too.
The sooner you get over this, the better. You are wrong, friend.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:49 PM
After the collective Headplodes of the Left aka The Borg…We’ll need Hazmat cleanup crews all over both coasts…
workingclass artist on May 12, 2013 at 1:49 PM
And, obviously, it’s the left wing.
Liam on May 12, 2013 at 1:50 PM
DUH!
I was listing Latino politicians HAL was confused by…
See to someone like HAL all Latinos are alike.
workingclass artist on May 12, 2013 at 1:53 PM
On this we will have to just disagree. Two American parents (and nothing but American – naturalized American is perfectly fine) are required for natural born citizen status.
I like Cruz a lot but this is my view on the natural born citizen class’ definition. Not being eligible for the Presidency is not the worst thing in the world and is not a value judgment about anyone.
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on May 12, 2013 at 1:53 PM
May the jellyfish find a way to become vertebrate finally.
profitsbeard on May 12, 2013 at 1:55 PM
All birthers, and especially you leftist dummies and hypocrites extraordinaires, get used to this. I will post it for you a 1000 times, if I must. I love this topic.
Obama’s mother doesn’t meet the “how long resided in the US” and he still is president.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Shade linked it. I’ll link it again, because it’s good.
http://predicthistunpredictpast.blogspot.com/2013/05/benghazi-definitive-timeline.html?m=1.
Tell me where she’s wrong, HAL?
RWM- you dear lady are impressive.
wolly4321 on May 12, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Good one, this is simply not true. I just posted above why it is not true. Don’t be a birther and don’t be a leftist, pls.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 1:58 PM
He has to be surrounded by folks hoping that he will open up. What does he have to lose? His pension? He could write another book and make that X 1,000.
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 1:58 PM
Liam- Nice one
-
Actually he is and his father doesn’t matter in this case.
CW on May 12, 2013 at 1:59 PM
Petraeus could never have gotten by the security vetting to become cia director with such an indescretion. He could be compromised. Barry would had to have given the waver and did just that for just that reason. He could be leaned on if needed.
But when the administration tried to cover their lies and cowardice by pointing at the cia and ultimately at him, he wouldn’t bow down to it. Can’t blame him for going for the gold with the director’s job, but he had to have known when he defended himself and the agency that he was also likely destroying his career and reputation.
He had strayed from his primary directive as no doubt commanded to him, above all, protect the “O”s cred. If you’re called on to check toe in on the bus, you get under there. Chicago don’t play.
onomo on May 12, 2013 at 1:59 PM
He is eligible bro. Period.
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 2:00 PM
One more thing
Derschowitz is a leftard but is a great legal mind. He was Cruz’ law professor at Harvard. He find Cruz’ mind one of the best and says that Cruz doesn’t lose debates. This, and Carville’s statement, scare the leftists silly.
If you see that nobran/nonpartisan want Cruz to run, they think it’s cute, that he’ll be the best for them…they be dead wrong.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 2:02 PM
Nope. One must be SOLELY an American citizen at birth, born in America, and must never gain any other citizenships in order to have and maintain “natural born citizen” status. That is my view on it since that is what the Founders were working with when they inserted the “natural born citizen” qualification into the Constitution. At that time, there was no such thing as an American dual citizen, to start with, and all who became naturalized Americans had to “renounce and abjure” all other citizenships and allegiances, thereby making all naturalized Americans nothing but American (as is still required by law and by oath of naturalization, though this is no longer enforced and makes nothing less than a mockery of the first law that naturalizing Americans encounter).
I’ve been through these arguments for years and years with respect tot he 84 IQ third world dog-eater, Barky, who is clearly ineligible (and totally unqualified, though that is not a Constitutional requirement).
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on May 12, 2013 at 2:05 PM
It had to be an
MSNBCNBCNews report. Just for the extra frisson.Jeff Weimer on May 12, 2013 at 2:05 PM
This is not a matter of personal views. This is what the definitions are, as they currently stand.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 2:06 PM
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on May 12, 2013 at 2:05 PM
Sorry, this is all your personal opinion. I’m very disappointed.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 2:06 PM
Who is this azzhole congresscritter on FOX news right now? Keeps interrupting the host and spin, spin, spin. These folks are getting very nervous.
VegasRick on May 12, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Which means, in addition to other things, two American birth parents.
That’s it. I’ve stated my position on this. Many disagree with me. Fine. It’s all moot, anyhow, since we are no longer bound by anything in our Constitution.
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on May 12, 2013 at 2:09 PM
Ah, yes, but there were other considerations of course as well.
Tzetzes on May 12, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Throwing it over to the next column.
Schadenfreude on May 12, 2013 at 2:12 PM
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