# So, this is it (Syria) **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [August 25, 2013, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113 "2013-08-25T06:41:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![BrokenBriton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@BrokenBriton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrokenBriton)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/261 "2013-09-01T02:08:47Z")
> [@Mr\_Quatro](#): > > What if your neighbor was seen spanking his child in his backyard rather severely? > > The little child was yelling, screaming, crying bloody murder and hollering at the top of his lungs. Yet the fathers backside was to you and you couldn’t get a good angle for a picture of the man doing the crime. You are almost certain it was him so you check it out. > > You have your child go over and ask the little boy what was going on and the child said that his father beat him unmercifully for no apparent reason. > > You call the cops, but they do nothing. The father finds out from the police that question him that the American neighbor on his left did this (not the Jewish neighbor on his right). > > The father writes a dirty note to both neighbors threatening to take action against both of them. He will put nails in their driveway, he will spray all of their trees with harmful poisons, he will tear down their satellite antenna, he will cut off their phone, lights, gas and internet service. > > What do you do? > > Do you live in fear? Stay the course? Get other neighbors to help you fight back? > > Draw your conclusions from the same thing President Obama and the US Congress have to face soon and very soon. > > Fear is the number one enemy … always has been and always will be > > President Obama is doing the right thing now it is up to the US Congress to decide if the punishment phase should go into effect. It’s like a Tracy Chapman lyric. We are all Syria now, right? Any response from the moral and decent US to the taunt from Putin of “nonsense” about the Kerry ascribed “compelling” evidence? ---
**Author:** ![FinnAgain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finnagain/32/12500_2.png) [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/262 "2013-09-01T02:17:47Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > CIA, Saudis Those bastards, they stole the the! > [@newcomer](#): > > Are people this naive to believe that Syrian mess - mostly exacerbated by “friendly Al Q” - came as a spontaneous citizen-based action? As you have in the past talked about a connection that you believe exists between the Mossad and 9/11, perhaps the story you’ve got in your mind about Syria’s civil war is not, shall we say, rational. Which is to say: cite? ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/263 "2013-09-01T02:32:35Z")
> [@BrokenBriton](#): > > Any response from the moral and decent US to the taunt from Putin of “nonsense” about the Kerry ascribed “compelling” evidence? CNN already carries a story from the "old times"when Soviets used to down an aircraft just because. And a special link that says "More: The Soviet attack that shocked the world " Problem solved. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/264 "2013-09-01T02:56:55Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > CNN already carries a story from the "old times"when Soviets used to down an aircraft just because. And a special link that says "More: The Soviet attack that shocked the world " > > Problem solved. So you’re saying that CNN is controlled by the US government?:dubious: Would you please explain your reasoning because your post strikes me as quite odd. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/265 "2013-09-01T03:08:15Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > So you’re saying that CNN is controlled by the US government?:dubious: > > Would you please explain your reasoning because your post strikes me as quite odd. > > Thanks. It has been known that CIA plants articles in regular newspapers all the time. It is also known that Russia is the primary obstacle to the plan for Syria. Prepping the population to recall Russia for what it is makes perfect sense. Now, if you’re going to argue that this is all conjecture and I really don’t have a proof of a call made from some US Government official to CCN news directors then… you’re right, I have nothing. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/266 "2013-09-01T03:08:44Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > France isn’t in favor of attacking Syria because of the U.S., they’re in favor of attacking because Syria is a former French colony. Just look at France’s recent actions in Africa - all of them were in former French imperial possessions. The French still feel responsible for their old colonies. Good for them. Why? Is it good for their former colonies? And if it is, _how_? ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/267 "2013-09-01T03:14:03Z")
Obama, CIA, Syria - [Obama authorizes secret CIA support for Syrian rebels - The Globe and Mail](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/obama-authorizes-secret-cia-support-for-syrian-rebels/article4457317/) This article was published about a year ago in 2012. > [@](#): > > President Barack Obama has signed a secret order authorizing U.S. support for rebels seeking to depose Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his government, U.S. sources familiar with the matter said. > … > Last week, Reuters reported that, along with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Turkey had established a secret base near the Syrian border to help direct vital military and communications support to Mr. al-Assad’s opponents. > … > Reuters first reported last week that the White House had crafted a directive authorizing greater U.S. covert assistance to Syrian rebels. It was unclear at that time whether Obama had signed it. And the best quote > [@](#): > > Some U.S. lawmakers, such as Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, have criticized Mr. Obama for moving too slowly to assist the rebels and have suggested the U.S. government become directly involved in arming Mr. al-Assad’s opponents. Effin’ hilarious ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/268 "2013-09-01T03:19:05Z")
Obama’s line in the sand was an amateur political move that’s left him looking foolish. He has no way of knowing who he is backing in this venture and may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars supporting the same people who would attack the United States given the chance. There is no slam dunk he can produce that demonstrates a horse in this race. If anything, it’s far more important that nerve gas doesn’t fall into the hands of AQ. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/269 "2013-09-01T03:19:36Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > It has been known that CIA plants articles in regular newspapers all the time. > It is also known that Russia is the primary obstacle to the plan for Syria. > Prepping the population to recall Russia for what it is makes perfect sense. > > Now, if you’re going to argue that this is all conjecture and I really don’t have a proof of a call made from some US Government official to CCN news directors then… you’re right, I have nothing. What is CCN? Also, who’s talking about newspapers, we’re talking about CNN. However, so just to be clear, based on the above post, you seem to be saying that the CIA(or if you prefer, just CIA) made CNN put that story up. Again that strikes me as extremely preposterous. Can you please explain your reasoning behind the idea that the CIA put CNN up to reporting this story? Once again, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/270 "2013-09-01T04:38:14Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > It has been known that CIA plants articles in regular newspapers all the time. > It is also known that Russia is the primary obstacle to the plan for Syria. > Prepping the population to recall Russia for what it is makes perfect sense. > > Now, if you’re going to argue that this is all conjecture and I really don’t have a proof of a call made from some US Government official to CCN news directors then… you’re right, I have nothing. Oddly, when making a successful argument I often find coherence is helpful. Just sayin’. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/271 "2013-09-01T04:39:48Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > Are you suggesting Obama, CIA, Saudis, Al-Q (the friendly wing), Israel and Iran were sitting doing nothing and “war” in Syria started? > > Are people this naive to believe that Syrian mess - mostly exacerbated by “friendly Al Q” - came as a spontaneous citizen-based action? > [@newcomer](#): > > CNN already carries a story from the "old times"when Soviets used to down an aircraft just because. And a special link that says "More: The Soviet attack that shocked the world " > > Problem solved. Please see my comments in post #270. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![wikkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/df788c/32.png) [@wikkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wikkid)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/272 "2013-09-01T05:34:53Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > Prepping the population to recall Russia for what it is makes perfect sense. Russia does have it’s own share of problems, but their military behavior could be called exemplary as of late. The only armed conflict this century was the thing in Georgia, and Russian civilians were legitimately in danger, so it was entirely justified. Their stance of Syria makes perfect sense, they are against removing Assad because it’s more then likely that the alternative would be some sort of a radical… and that’s been their stance since this Syrian conflict began and they haven’t wavered even for a second. In this particular scenario I wish that our (US) leaders took note and learned. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/273 "2013-09-01T05:47:31Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > France isn’t in favor of attacking Syria because of the U.S., they’re in favor of attacking because Syria is a former French colony. Just look at France’s recent actions in Africa - all of them were in former French imperial possessions. The French still feel responsible for their old colonies. Good for them. Wonderful. Let the French bomb Syria then. ---
**Author:** ![wikkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/df788c/32.png) [@wikkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wikkid)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/274 "2013-09-01T06:00:26Z")
From what I understand France is willing to assist the US in some form of a Syria mission. But they don’t seem eager to engage solo. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/275 "2013-09-01T06:05:20Z")
So, Obama is now going to ask Congress for permission to bomb Syria. With some luck, they will provide him with a face saving move so he no longer feels he has to “do something”. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/276 "2013-09-01T07:48:13Z")
> [@wikkid](#): > > From what I understand France is willing to assist the US in some form of a Syria mission. But they don’t seem eager to engage solo. Send them a thank you card. Done. Take the money spent on each Tomahawk missile wasted on Syria and upgrade our embassies in the region. Everybody’s happy. It’s not that hard for Obama to back peddle his original line in the sand. That’s what focus groups and speech writers are for. Come up with a snappy new talking point that sounds good and walk away. ---
**Author:** ![camille](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/22d042/32.png) [@camille](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/camille)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/277 "2013-09-01T07:57:03Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > However, so just to be clear, based on the above post, you seem to be saying that the CIA(or if you prefer, just CIA) made CNN put that story up. > > Again that strikes me as extremely preposterous. > > Can you please explain your reasoning behind the idea that the CIA put CNN up to reporting this story? To be fair, he did say he had no evidence for this particular instance. But why does the very idea that the CIA would influence the media strike you as “extremely preposterous”? Have you really never heard of [Operation Mockingbird](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Mockingbird)? ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/278 "2013-09-01T08:14:10Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > So, Obama is now going to ask Congress for permission to bomb Syria. With some luck, they will provide him with a face saving move so he no longer feels he has to “do something”. As speaker of the Congressional house In the county of the land of Uz I welcome your suggestion most regally (Judge Judy) But we’ve got to verify it legally To see… (House Speaker) To see… (Judge Judy) If He… (Speaker) If He… (Judge Judy) Is morally, ethically (Speaker) Spiritually, physically (Senate ) Positively, absolutely (entire house) Undeniably and reliably dead (wrong). After there is proof that Bashar al-Assad is directly responsible then the United Nations can deal with it. Any attempt at removing Syria’s regime will create a vacuum for terrorist organizations to fill. Congress should kick the can past Obama straight to the UN. They can negotiate a nice pile of psycho-bable that makes all concerned look like reasoned politicians. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/279 "2013-09-01T08:40:41Z")
> [@camille](#): > > To be fair, he did say he had no evidence for this particular instance. He made it clear he believed that CNN put up the story because of the CIA/US government. > [@](#): > > But why does the very idea that the CIA would influence the media strike you as “extremely preposterous”? Because I have a functioning brain. People who believe that CNN takes orders from the CIA are morons. For his sake I hope he’s never ridiculed people who claimed that Hollywood was run by a Jewish cabal or that the Mossad was behind 911. I would say the same to anyone who doesn’t piss themselves laughing at his stupid suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![camille](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/22d042/32.png) [@camille](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/camille)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113/280 "2013-09-01T09:12:19Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > Because I have a functioning brain. People who believe that CNN takes orders from the CIA are morons. > > For his sake I hope he’s never ridiculed people who claimed that Hollywood was run by a Jewish cabal or that the Mossad was behind 911. > > I would say the same to anyone who doesn’t piss themselves laughing at his stupid suggestions. That’s nice. So, are you disputing Operation Mockingbird, or just ignoring my question so you can indulge in a rant about things no one has mentioned here? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113.md?page=15)