Jack, I don’t know about the laughing stock. For those of us who are not die hard any party, the fact we haven’t struck Syria or went to war over there is a plus. I will admit his handling of this situation left a lot to be desired, but so far no war. I do think, personally, if the president was serious about the red line, then within hours after Assad used chemical weapons, then he should have struck. Then gone on TV and said something like an hour or two ago, we launched missiles at such and such in retaliation for Assad’s use of chemical weapons. That if Assad uses them again, this strike will only feel like a pin prick.
Then he could let the 60 or 90 period of the WPA begin. When one is the leader of the USA, of NATO, of the free world, words mean things and should have consequences. Who is going to trust a man or a nation who doesn’t keep his or its word.
Personally, I am glad we have done nothing. There are no good choices except maybe do nothing. If the rebels win, changes are better than 50-50 Syria will end up with a government either affiliated with AQ or as an Islamic Republic. A government more hostile to the U.S. than the current Assad government. Perhaps the evil we know is better than the evil we don’t or the evil to come. Time will tell.