American officials periodically speak of their “concern” over events in Iraq and Syria, whether the horrific human toll in lives, or the threats to regional and international stability. But a review of Washington’s behavior in August 2013 and August 2014 reveals what the U.S. is truly concerned about. A chemical weapons attack near Damascus prompted vigorous diplomatic action, which quickly encouraged the Syrian regime to give up its chemical weapons stockpiles. And when ISIS extremists threatened to approach U.S. interests in and around the Iraqi town of Irbil, Barack Obama promptly authorized airstrikes.
Read Full Article »
