I was hoping for a normal decent reply.
Since that doesn't semm to be in the repertoru, I'll lokk to real normal, decent people (not self-procalimed ones) to continue this, or any ,discussion.(

It's neither, and in fact, the opposite, to decent, normal people.

I actually find humor in the largest, “laughing” photo. Too bad Israeli war planes didn't buzz the bastard at supersonic speed (giving Assad and the interviewers a nice dose of sonic-boom overpressure) just as he laughed so loudly.

Normal, decent people find that funny; do you? (Is that too challenging to handle?)

.

I don't know if this sort of outburst is just naive or if it's puposefully intended to create anti-Israel sentiment.
I do know that my frriends in Israel, representing a variety of views on specific issues, all express increasing concern about the effect of such tactics on their hopes for a normal future..
They tell me that a man in a Tel Aviv neighborhood, speaking in similar fashion, created such a backlash, that he was accused of being a Hamas operative.

As it pertains to this post, I guarantee that this approach won't encourage any Democrats to vote Republican Nor will it change anyone's mind about the ME in general, or Syrial in particular. It drives people away from whatever the points of such statements are.

I would be interested to read a rational argument why Democrats would be worse at handling Assad. This, however, is not such an argument.

Jefferson' remarked that a major part of politics was seduction.
This is not seductive – quite the opposite.

2. Look — Just put a brush mustache on him, or a little charcoal.

There he is, however, gauging the situation in terms of what each move would mean for Syira and himself – much like every other player in this deadlocked negotiations dance.. There is so much politics involved (regional as well as within each country) the basic issues are buried under a mountain of political complexity.

It's probably just wishful thinking, but I wish Olmer would meet with Assad.
Not talking to him is not going to make Assad .suddenly see the error of his ways, while talking provides a glimmer of hope for movement. I'm attracted to the suggestion that a security agreement, though not a final peace accord, could be reached.
The alternative of all out war would be so disasterous, that even politician's should consider being brave enough to give forestalling it a chance, even a politically risky chance.