It looks like President Obama may have dodged the bullet – both literally and figuratively. When you dare someone to cross a line – even a red line for use of chemical weapons – a lot of invisible hands start working on all sides to see who’s gonna crack. Since Russia has a dog in this fight, a deal may have been struck that will save face for Obama and Syrian President Bashar Hafez al-Assad.
After all, the majority of Americans oppose the military action against Sytria, U.S. military leaders are lukewarm to the idea. G20 leaders are opposed to military strikes including France and Britain. The U.S. doesn’t have a clear understanding of all the forces operating in the Syria and who could assume power if Assad is weakened. There’s nothing good that can come out of the air strikes, which brings me to yet another point – there’s no military exit strategy.