The Disgraceful response to Syria

Reports from Syria today say that the Assad regime slaughtered another 62 people in attempts to put down anti-government demonstrations. Some reportedly died as a result of tank and artillery fire. With Ramadan almost here, the tempo of the protests is due to accelerate since the heaviest protests follow prayer services and Ramadan moves that schedule from Fridays only to every day for a month. If nothing is done to stop the Assad government, we can expect thousands to be killed in the next 30 days.

I realize that America cannot simply stop the Assad regime from what it is doing absent armed intervention which no one wants. The question, however, is why is the USA so silent about the ongoing slaughter? Where is the outrage? Overthrowing Assad would do more for the cause of peace than overthrowing Gaddafi in Libya, but Obama went all in on Libya and just sits by with regard to Syria. Why? Is it because Libya has oil and Syria does not? That is exactly the kind of behavior that Obama denounced in the 2008 campaign. Is Obama that much of a hypocrite?

Syria is the one Arab country that is truly allied with Iran. If Assad is overthrown and a Sunni leader takes office, the chance of the Iranian alliance remaining in place is nil. That would be a stunning blow to Iranian regional aspirations. It would also isolate Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah is an Iranian controlled terror organization that is resupplied by Iran through Syria. The end of the Syrian-Iranian alliance would cut those supply lines. The implications for peace in the region of such a change are profound and good. But Obama just ignores the region.

The truth is that Obama ought to have a policy on Syria. There are many steps that can be taken well short of armed conflict that could hasten the fall of Assad. Assad has already killed thousands in his efforts to terrorize the populace into supporting the regime. He has to go. Why can't we get an American leader who at least recognizes this reality?

UPDATE -- Sunday afternoon finally brought some statement from the White House. The French news agency AFP reported the following:

"US President Barack Obama said he was "appalled" by Syria's crackdown on Sunday, which activists say killed nearly 140 people, and vowed to step up pressure to isolate President Bashar al-Assad.

In a statement, Obama saluted demonstrators who have taken to the streets as "courageous" and said Syria "will be a better place when a democratic transition goes forward."

"I am appalled by the Syrian government's use of violence and brutality against its own people. The reports out of Hama are horrifying and demonstrate the true character of the Syrian regime," Obama said.

IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!!