The Stupidity of War

From Left: Caspar Weinberger and Colin Powell

Korea, a loser. Vietnam, a loser. Iraq, a loser. Afghanistan, a loser. Libya, a loser. Syria? Americans are wise to use the original Weinberger/Powell doctrine as their road map to potential foreign intervention. The doctrine outlines five tests for foreign intervention. Do the math. I count zero tests met. Here Reason offers a detailed current summary. Not even close, is it?

8 Reasons Not to Go to War in Syria

1. If the rebels win, it’s bad news for the U.S. Assad is no friend to the U.S. But neither are the rebel groups leading the charge against the Syrian dictator. Indeed, many of the rebel factions have strong ties to Al-Qeada. If the rebels successfully oust Assad, it’s entirely possible that they will attempt to set up a new regime that is intensely hostile to the United States. Intervention on the side of the rebels would also complicate America’s already-fraught relationship with Russia, which is close with the Assad regime.

2. If Assad wins, it’s bad news for the U.S. Especially if the U.S. is seen to have openly sided with the rebels. A win for Assad is a win for anti-American forces Iran, which would see its influence in the region strengthened. It’s also a win for Hezbollah, which is closely linked with Iranian extremists. With no good option, then, the U.S. is better off staying out of the conflict entirely.

Read the other six reasons for not going to war in Syria here.