j44

The Taliban announced today that they are backing out of the talks w the US so it doesn't look like the 5 are going anywhere. Apparently they werent enough to build confidence.

I'm not saying that there aren't arms going in to the rebels but I wouldn't say they are well armed compared to the Syrian army.

I’m talking about this specific situation at this moment in time. In my opinion if it could be done well (and no I’m not getting into what that means exactly) I think it would be morally right to stop what is happening in Syria. But I’d rather not get bogged down in this philosophical discussion. I just wanted to get some opinions on the situation in Syria. In the real world it isn’t black and white. I’m back and forth on what I think should be done and I don’t see anything being done anytime soon. Maybe that will change if Turkey decides to do more.

Fixed. Thanks, I wasn't aware of that.

In a hypothetical scenario stopping any more of this would be moral in my mind. I think part of that 1/2 supports what they see as stability and not necessarily Assad. They could support someone else if they provided stability.

Yeah the few games I've watch they are foolish. Eberle with 30 already.

From a strategic standpoint Nato, the GCC and the Arab states would all side against Assad.

I'm asking in a practical sense. I think morally it is an obvious decision but that isn't how the world works. I think the US is holding out because they know that Assad will go eventually. It make take a lot longer than they like but I he can't hold on forever. There is also the fact that Syria would be probably be Iraq part 2...well, times two might be a better fit. Iran is also a factor too. Obviously very complicated. Like Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan etc. etc.

I thought only the Dems had Super Delegates..?

Oh right. I forgot about that. And American Samoa.

I think king did the same thing last night and Romney didn't get to 1144. He was very close though.

Someone noted it was 5-4.

Different circumstances but that is a good point.

During Panetta's visit to Afghanistan today he gave a speech in front of US and Afghan soldiers. Usually Americans can take their weapons inside the tent where officials speak but Afghans can't. Today, in what must be a sign that the US is concerned an American could take a shot at Panetta, Americans were told to leave their weapons outside the tent. American soldiers are rarely asked to disarm while they are in a war zone.

There are probably more options but I wanted to get a feel for the opinions here.

Did Ashton openly back Nash?

I know there have been cases of this but do you have any figures? It would be interesting to know if any of those released weren't involved Al Qaeda etc before their time in Gitmo but then joined up after being released. I agree. I think he would have been transferred to Canada by now if that was our policy.

Singh just said on CBC that Mulcair is his second choice and then with a straight face said that accusations by other candidates that they were in cahoots are false.

It was not a mistake at all. I've respected (in a way at least) his opinions on foreign policy and humanitarian issues for years before he became leader but that all went out the window pretty quick. He was a terrible leader. At times he seemed to just be on his own, ignoring advisers and always appeared weak and uncomfortable. If he couldnt get the support of someone who had no issue with him living abroad for so long and was an avid reader of his pieces how could he ever become a success as leader? I agree with all of your point except this one. I don't know if it is necessarily remorse. It seems that he is just owning up to some things. You could be right though.

I'm not so sure the delegate count will be the biggest issue going forward. There might be a split convention and backroom deals to get him to hit 1144 and I'm sure that won't help him at all but even if he hits 1144 cleanly before the convention he still has the problem of having a passionless base. When Obama was fighting Hilary-like her or not-she was a very strong campaigner, had establishment support and was a power player in the Democratic Party for years (not to mention being married to a very popular-at least within the party-former President). Romney with all his money and support can't put away Santorum and Gingrich. And he can't connect with anyone. I don't even dislike him and I'm an Obama supporter but I see how awkward and unskilled he can be at times. I could be wrong and maybe the base gets behind him but I don't know how passionate they will be about it. And you need those people to volunteer, sell you to others etc. I'm not saying he still isn't the front runner and isn't going to end up being the nominee but the two situations are different.

Good point. Did I see correctly that the Oil have the #1 power play in the league? What? do the Blue Jackets have the best penalty kill? BIG win last night for the Hawks. Won in a shootout after coming back against the Blues. Stamkos is ridiculous.

This thread is great. Greatly appreciated

I think this kind of neglects how much the rockets are meant to show Israel what comes its way if they attack Iran but http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/03/13/iran_s_war_in_gaza

I didn't really know where put this but thought it was noteworthy http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/03/13/exclusive_taliban_gitmo_deal_is_swap_for_a_westerner

Thanks I was probably too lazy to look that up myself. Mostly because I didn't think the decision was going to be that straight forward. I dont follow these ruling or the process really but what are the chances this will get looked at again? Is it possible? I don't know if the Justices (at least not the ones in the majority) would have thought their ruling would have resulted in such drastic consequences so quickly? Or would that not play into their decision since that isn't really a legal argument? On a separate note, how does Newt stay in this now? And not to be the conspiracy guy but what are the chances the Romney camp are promising Newt something to stay in?