Syria

The continuing stories and pictures are horrific. The situation in Syria is horrific and completely unacceptable. It has been for a decade and shows no signs of improving in the near future. The whole nation or what used to be a nation is a complete clusterfuck. There are many various forces competing for control of the country. Those forces include the Syrian government, numerous rebel groups, ISIS, other radical Islamic groups, Kurds, Hamas, Turkey, Iranians, Russian mercenaries, Russian regulars, US "advisors", and who knows who else.

The Syrian president/dictator, Bashar al-Assad, has been killing his civilian population for years. He has used every method including chemical weapons. He attacks areas that are almost entirely civilian, often inhabited by children. He bombs hospitals. For the past several years his regime has been propped up by Russia with major assistance from Iran. The Russians seem to be dictating the rules of engagement in the region. 

Bashar al-Assad drops chemical bombs, the Russian mercenaries attack sites with US personnel with no consequences. There is evidence that North Korea is assisting Assad's regime produce those chemical weapons.

So, my question is why are there no consequences to the inhuman and illegal activities? Why do we let Russia attack our troops without consequences? Why do we let Russia dictate the ceasefire terms and length? 

I think we should bomb the hell out of the Bashir government and military sites in Damascus. Destroy their airforce. I think we should tell Russia to back off. If they don't, we should engage their bombers and fighters. Take control of the Syrian airspace. I'm not advocating a large or protracted ground presence. Just a few well placed smart bombs in Assad's living room and destruction of his air force and air bases. 

I know it is not simple and we don't want the Syrian mess to escalate into a regional war or a full-blown conflict with Russia. Yet, why do we continue to allow these atrocities go on? Civilians and more importantly children are dying every day. It's time to stop the carnage.

Trump and Congress need to step up to the plate. Little in life that is truly worthwhile is easy, but it is rewarding. 

wjh