Steve Chapman on the Cost of Symbolism in Syria
The United States risks a lot by intervening in Syria. Says retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, former commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, "If you do a one-and-done and say you're going to repeat it if unacceptable things happen, you might find these people keep doing unacceptable things. It will suck you in." As Steve Chapman observes, once President Obama puts his prestige (and the lives of civilians and soldiers) on the line, he may find it hard to walk away.