Obama has tough sell

A reluctant warrior, a war exhausted public and a skeptical congress set the tone for tonight's presidential address. 

Obama attempted to convince congress and the public that it was in the national interest to threaten Syria with military action for using chemical weapons which is a violation of international law. Is the US willing to confront dictators who violate international law?  Apparently the rest of the world is unwilling to do so. We must be willing to use our resources when a dictator  decides to violate the most serious crimes against their own people. 

To decide or not?

As the administration was moving the US towards a limited strike and proclaiming that there was an urgent need to respond to Syria's use of chemical weapons the administration now decides it will seek congressional approval..

Obama does not need congressional approval. It will take longer for this to get through congress than the airstrike itself. It sends a message to doctors that America does not have strong leadership. 

I could understand if we were committing hundreds of thousands of troops but this is expected to take just a few days like Libya. This should give the opposition some breathing room and does not commit us to a long term stay. 

Saudi Arabia has expressed public support.