who are we at war with?? certainly not a country!!

[tom d. friedman]

who are we at war with?? certainly not a country!!! this is a start of hopefully a civil discussion. i'm not pointing fingers, or trying to stir up a crap storm. no countries or religious factions mentioned here on what I hope is a productive thread / post. it came to me after watching an old james bond film for the zillionth time. who do they they fight in those movies?? not a country, but spector, a terrorist organization with no international affiliation. same goes today. yes some countries harbor & shield these groups, but it's the terrorist organizations that were battling at outrageous cost in $$$ & lives. I hardly see nato stepping up to the plate as a world peace keeper.

[daviemax]

Essentially your post sums up why I opposed attacking Syria. My reasons:

1. No clear target.
2. Very difficult to destroy chemical weapons with cruise missiles.
3. No clear understanding of the outcome.
4. Not clear that Assad would be replaced by an improved regime.
5. U.S. forces not properly arrayed.
6. No confidence in the judgment/capability of the Obama administration.
7. Weak (at best) support from our allies.
8. Need I go on?