Obama, Putin clash over differences on Syria

Imagine if Bush had never created this mess how much better off the world would be.

“If that happens without consequences in Ukraine, it could happen to any nation gathered here today,” Obama said.

Thanks America for setting that precedent by invading Iraq....Thanks Obama for approving drones strikes. What are the consequences of those? If the global financial order wasn't so centered around the US, I'm sure there'd be consequences to some of America's actions. Now, in terms of Syria, Russia is clearly in the right. It was actually Russia that prevented a war by enticing Syria to remove chemical weapons, and Russia is right to stick with Assad rather than supporting those radical Islamist rebels like what the US does. In recent news, the "moderate" Syrian rebels trained by the US gave up their weapons to Al-Nusra (Al-Qaeda branch). Does this plan fit with Patraeus' plan to armed jihadists to fight against ISIS and Assad? Just endless conflicts, wars, wasting of money, and bs.

Hardly IQ level of Obama would help him to understand Putin. He confuses Iraq to Iran afterall....

I believe we tried regime change in Iraq, and look at the results. In fact, we have had regime changes all over the middle east, most since Obama has come to office, and what has been the result? Chaos, bloodshed, and misery. When Hosni Mubarek was overthrown, Obama hailed the "Arab Spring", and the coming of freedom to the middle east. But what has come of it?

Putin is right, and Obama is wrong. Putin is no fool, he puts his and Russia's (in that order) priorities first. Putin has been in and around the head of the power structure in his country (the most vicious in the world) since Obama was a young. He has seen and experienced drastic changes which America could never imagine, and used them to get himself to the top. Comparing Obama to Putin is like comparing an ant to an elephant.

Putin has been a leader for most of his life, in a cutthroat place where the weak end up with a bullet to the back of the head, and and early grave. Obama has been an academic for most of his life, and until he became president, he had no leadership experience at all.

Putin can and will do whatever he wants, because he is the alpha person in the group, and Obama is not. Putin knows that Obama does not have the balls to act, even on simple matters. Obama talks the talk, but when it comes time to walk, he walks the other way. Russia will support Syria and Iran, and will take great advantage of both. America will give weapons to the opposition, and most of these weapons will fall into the hands of ISIS and terrorists, who are already using American equipment. Russia will put troops on the ground, and they will lead Assad's men from the front. America will send advisors and PT instructors who will not be allowed to leave the facilities they use for training. In the end, Assad, Iran, and Russia will get what they want, America will end up with mud on it's face.

As if George W. Bush created this mess

Yeah sure. The destruction of Iraq had nothing to do with the destabilising of the entire region a couple of years later...

George W Bush and his followers are absolutely to blame for opening Pandora's Box.

No amount of Denial from US Republicans alters the legacy of the Bush Doctrine.

I could care less what the world thinks of us.

Good for you. But what does that have to do with anything? I was simply pointing out that skinnee was incorrect when he tried to say that the rest of the world feels the same about Obama as he does.

Had Obama listened to his top senior Generals at the Pentagon and followed their advice on how best to deal with Assad and ISIS, we wouldn't be in this mess right now. - comments

Another condemnation from the Shia-Tea Party about what they have no idea or any possible source for their opinion. Like the Shia-Tea knew what the "generals" offered. Bombing tones of VX and Sarin in civilian populations? Very AWOL of them.

Somehow the Shia-Teas here postulate eight years of AWOL's wars of profit had no effect on the state of the Middle East, Syria, recruitment for Islamist freaks and the destruction of Iraq's sovereignty. It's all Obama's fault.

At leaste the Shia-Tea is consistent.

No sources, no facts, all opinion and all racist disparagement.

It's like a speed reading course for the mentally impaired. Oh, wait, not impaired, questionably inconsistent and morally corrupt, or maybe just opportunists who, like their hero AWOL Bush and his Three Trillion dollars war of private profit, are too deranged with guilt to see the facts.

Putin sure learned from the masters of deception. When Putin saw how easy it was to lie and profit he may have figured 'why not?'

Comparing Obama to Putin is like comparing an ant to an elephant.

Tell me about it. Putin has an impeccably solid background compared to Obama. Lieutenant Colonel in the KGB- I'll stop right there. Obama has never served his country- US nor Kenya. Instead, he only caters and serves whatever his best interests are.

Putin can and will do whatever he wants, because he is the alpha person in the group, and Obama is not. Putin knows that Obama does not have the balls to act

Putin is an old political cat who has been around the block a rew times. Obama knows he doesn't the balls either.

Certainly, it is a mess - but it does bear out Obama's cautiousness. The money spent ($500 million to date) is peanuts; in comparison, U.S. medical and disability claims for veterans rose by over $100 billion between 2011 and 2013, mostly due to a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. At least Obama did not add to that, nor did he weld the US to a policy that cannot be quickly changed.

Iran of course supports Assad, an Alawite Shia; Putin, of course, would throw his support behind a dictator who has been ruthless with his own people from the moment he came to power - the two are like peas in a pod. Whether the 70% of Syrians who are Sunni - not to speak of the Kurds - will be so amenable to a return to the status quo ante, though, is very doubtful.

Obama has welcomed Russian and Iranian efforts provided they include a long-term plan for power sharing, which is the crux of the matter. Putin's choices, though, are extremely limited, unless he wants Syria to become Russia's Iraq.

Obama is making the right moves in a world of limited options.

The US isn't going to act on behalf of Assad since he is not our ally. Obviously any plan that includes fighting for him and keeping him in power isn't going to fly. If Syria does want our help then it's entirely reasonable to have the condition that Assad leave. You can either have your coalition war against ISIS or your dictator, but not both. If you don't like our terms then don't accept them. It's entirely your choice.

Assad is worthless, he is not worth our blood and money, and he certainly isn't worth tipping our hand regarding our current military capabilities to the entire world. If this stalemate goes on forever, so be it. It's still his choice.

Putin please send in the Russian army and destroy ISIS in Syria.

The rest of the world sees him as a loser whose term can't end soon enough.

Actually surveys have shown that the world overwhelmingly has a positive view of Obama.

Obama Government has spending $ 500 Millions for training to Syrian fighters but US General said only 4 or 5 US trained fighters are fighting inside Syria so far. US has spent $ 500 millions but only produced 5 fighters so far.

Obama always said "US will lead". Obama needs to stop boasting and let Russian do it. Assad problem is not US problem and it's Syrian peoples who will decide what they want to do with Assad after the war.

Burning Bush: And would you mind telling your allies, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to please stop funding and arming Al Qaida and ISIS.

There are plenty of countries in the world with humanitarian issues and less than perfect governments. Why the endless fuss about little ole Syria?

Obama, Putin clash over differences on Syria

It has no importance anymore

The last news : Russian Air Forces attacked ISIS.

The game has begun, Watson !!

The game has begun, Watson !!

Sure has. Looks like Putin just has snubbed obama / kerry and has taken charge. With obama saying "it will take more time . . . etc. etc. to defeat IS" only illustrates he has no resolve.

Putin read the administration with his eyes closed. And now, russians are striking at Assad's enemies in Homs.

Dramatic Escalation. The americans are refusing to cease it's own air campaign over syria. With both militaries in proximity, makes the situation inherently dangerous. For christ's sake- (all out) wars have began this way.

With both militaries in proximity, makes the situation inherently dangerous

A little bit - there are some contacts...

And Russia gently asked USAF to leave sky of Syria..

If Obama were really smart, he'd fully pull out and let Russia do the stupid thing now.

@bass4funk"Obama looks out like a complete fool."

He reminds me of gospel singer from a church of remote village who has no clue of geopilitics. All things he tells to wide public are nothing but senseless rubbish wrapped into patriotic colours.

For the last 7 years of being absent, not engaging the enemy - comments

The American Military and their Soldiers' Families at home thank you for your condemnation of their sacrifice and efforts.

Well done American Patriot who writes as an expat of his hatred for the American Serviceman and his Commander in Chief. A truer Patriot is hard to imagine. Semper Fidelis.

You have given Mr. Putin great faith and encouragement in his campaign to dominate Europe and the Mediterranean Region. Guess that's what comes of running away from one's country because of racial hatred. A nice resume.

Apparently the commenter forgot to add: 'Love You Vlad the Impaler

I'm just praising sangetsu03 comments. Putin is right, obama is wrong. Obama is a slimy worm compared to Putin.

Who couldn't love the KGB? They're the nice guys of the assassination for hire game.

Why be so alarmed? Every major world power has their black ops and rogue elements. To think otherwise would be ignorant.

Obama's speech was a obnoxious, weak speech that sounded like something a Freshman blurted out after putting the bong down. I couldn't listen for more than 20 minutes before my eyes hurt from rolling. It was excruciating.

Another ineffectual, forgettable speech to add to his long list.

The rest of the world sees him as a loser whose term can't end soon enough.

I care about what Americans think, that's the most important thing, how the rest of the world views us, is totally irrelevant. They don't change our policies, feed or clothe us, it's completely immaterial what the world thinks of us. The reason why we have a Trump, a Carson and a Fiorina is because of Obama. But his days in the Oval Office are numbered.

And Russia gently asked USAF to leave sky of Syria

True but, Obama and his administration are worms with no guts.

But his days in the Oval Office are numbered.

They sure are. But Putin has pulled his punk card. But unlike Putin, obama is ALL talk & NO walk. Soon the mullahs will be in tune with russia too. . . with extra spending cash and influence they gained frm obama's so-called "deal". For an acclaimed academic, obama has sure been made to look the real Fool.

Putin can and will do whatever he wants, because he is the alpha person in the group - comments

Strange praise for the butcher of Ukraine and protector of Assad's VX and Sarin gas stockpiles.

If hating Obama is all the Shia-Tea has to offer, the message is already seven years pretty clear. Their Rump in Chief promoted racial hatred and a Birther campaign of hate and now the Lilliputian commenters here continue their screeds.

What a surprise Sarah Palin is their VP choice, again.

Putin has an impeccably solid background compared to Obama. Lieutenant Colonel in the KGB- comments

Apparently the commenter forgot to add: 'Love You Vlad the Impaler!'

Everyone needs a hero. Nice to read the posts that find Putin the new Washington. Who couldn't love the KGB? They're the nice guys of the assassination for hire game. Strange hero for a human-being. But, it does fit with the overall theme of racial hatred being honed by the US Shia-Tea Party. Nice to read more of their views here.

There are plenty of countries in the world with humanitarian issues and less than perfect governments. Why the endless fuss about little ole Syria?

BB, I know you better than to expect such a foolish comment. Location, location, location! as is said in the real estate market. Whether Syria is fortunate or not to receive this attention is to be seen - plenty of other countries would beg for it. I've paid attention to your posts and have learned much from them. Let's hope all sides can somehow find a way out of this mess.

Can the associated press ever tell the truth? I not sure what's worse, the AP or the KC⁉️

All I was implying was who cares if the world loves Obama, I get it it, the rest of the world likes a weak and wussified President and as long as Americans elect such a president, the world will continue to love us, as if that's so important!

Obama can keep bowing, kissing up and apologizing all he wants, it's not going to change one darn thing. Again, the happiest day for the majority of Americans when he gets on Airforce One for the Very last time.

They sure are. But Putin has pulled his punk card. But unlike Putin, obama is ALL talk & NO walk. Soon the mullahs will be in tune with russia too. . . with extra spending cash and influence they gained frm obama's so-called "deal". For an acclaimed academic, obama has sure been made to look the real Fool.

Without a doubt. Obama looks like a complete fool. Now the Russians are bombing US Syrian backed rebels and the problem with US foreign policy is, that it doesn't work and the Russians don't think, don't care and play by different rules. Obama's verbal threats and mystical Red Lines were all lip service and empty rhetoric by an outgoing president that couldn't care less. As I said before, this is the absolute worst president this country has ever had. Obama didn't make us look like a fool, he made us look like a complete and laughable joke.

CrazyJoe: "Imagine if Bush had never created this mess how much better off the world would be."

That's a crazy statement, CrazyJoe. As if George W. Bush created this mess, and the dictator Baby Assad and the Islamic State nutcases are just minor players, lol.

Shia-DNC is more fitting. They try to suppress and more often the aggressors....Just sayin. GOP is for the people's independence and freedom. Not the failed socialized ideal the DNC wants.

A poster here wanted Chinese and or Russian involvement in the ME. You may get what you wished for and see voice your regrets.

America must stand fast and resolute in dealing with "Emperor" Putin. Appeasement only emboldens the aggressor!!

Another condemnation from the Shia-Tea Party about what they have no idea or any possible source for their opinion.

Right back at you libs, but continue on....

Like the Shia-Tea knew what the "generals" offered. Bombing tones of VX and Sarin in civilian populations? Very AWOL of them.

Hmmm...over 200 generals signed a petition against this crazy treaty Obama and Lurch drew up to capitulate to the Iranians and they didn't even get a kiss.

Somehow the Shia-Teas here postulate eight years of AWOL's wars of profit had no effect on the state of the Middle East, Syria, recruitment for Islamist freaks and the destruction of Iraq's sovereignty. It's all Obama's fault.

For the last 7 years of being absent, not engaging the enemy and as a result, allowing this refugee crisis to get out of hand when he had the power, the backing and the military might to take action, yes, it is his fault.

At leaste the Shia-Tea is consistent.

Wish I could say the same about this admin.

No sources, no facts, all opinion and all racist disparagement.

So then why is it that the looney left don't try to refrain from using gutter sniping and playing the race card?

It's like a speed reading course for the mentally impaired. Oh, wait, not impaired, questionably inconsistent and morally corrupt, or maybe just opportunists who, like their hero AWOL Bush and his Three Trillion dollars war of private profit, are too deranged with guilt to see the facts.

So when will Obama address his failures in the ME or take responsibility and accountability for his lack luster and absent presence on this issue and others, like the $18 Trillion debt and spending he never wants to talk about?

Putin sure learned from the masters of deception. When Putin saw how easy it was to lie and profit he may have figured 'why not?'

Obama basically decided to take it up..... And we still have 406 more days to go.....

The American Military and their Soldiers' Families at home thank you for your condemnation of their sacrifice and efforts.

That would be the Democratic Party, in particular the sainted anointed one.

Well done American Patriot who writes as an expat of his hatred for the American Serviceman and his Commander in Chief. A truer Patriot is hard to imagine. Semper Fidelis.

You don't know anything about me as to whether I served my country or not, don't go there.... But yes, I do have a deep dislike for the guy in the White House.

You have given Mr. Putin great faith and encouragement in his campaign to dominate Europe and the Mediterranean Region. Guess that's what comes of running away from one's country because of racial hatred. A nice resume.

Putin wouldn't be doing half the things he's doing now if Bush were president, Obama, he thinks the man is a joke. When Bush was president what did Putin do? Nothing. How about while Obama was in office? Putin took Crimea, Eastern Ukraine, is aiding and helping Assad and Iran with weapons, supplies and troops. So much for guy who THINKS he can talk down to Putin and he'll listen. Like the Chinese, the Russians respect people and leaders of strength, something that Obama....sadly had never shown.

LOVE! reading how some, those who abandoned their country for racial hatred, are now lecturing their wisdom about the destruction of the Middle East from AWOL Bush's Three Trillion dollar wars of lies.

So then why are you not that the Democratic liberal policies have punished and impoverished millions of Blacks and Latinos into thinking that liberal policies will get them out of poverty or help develop the next entrepreneur, which is a bunch of horse manure! That is even more devastating than your sad diatribe of Iraq. Unlike libs that love to bash and dwell on the past, I prefer to stay in the here and now. So how is Obama going to rectify spending and wasting $18 Trillion of US tax payer? Hmmmm.....

Putin is licking his chops over those comments and others here who hate America so much that their racist agenda is all they have to form any argument of observation.

So then why doesn't the Democratic, apologetic looms leave the country. Europe would be just the right place for them

Nice, as always, to read those comments. A tribute to Americans who hate race, love the KGB and are proud to display their ignorance and bigotry. Putin will welcome you with open arms. Japan doesn't need your racism.

Please tell your liberal colleagues, it's never too late to stop the hate, just look within their hearts, put the anger aside and be positive.

Actually surveys have shown that the world overwhelmingly has a positive view of Obama.

I could care less what the world thinks of us. I just care about MY country and the state that its in and the best part or should I say, the glorious part of the American government system is that Obama under the law can thankfully ONLY server TWO terms which in 405 days will be the last we have to deal with this joker. That does give me great joy!

Yeah sure. The destruction of Iraq had nothing to do with the destabilising of the entire region a couple of years later...

Ok, so for the last 7 years where Obama could have made a difference, had the power, the military, the means, the money, he just decides to sit it out, forget about the sectarian violence, he did all he could in 7 years as THE most powerful leader to do something about the rise of ISIS, the meddling of Iran? Seriously, you libs just want to walk around with your heads in the sand. Let's give Barack Hussein a pass on everything that is negative and that would put him in a bad light. Keep dreaming and keep on trying....

George W Bush and his followers are absolutely to blame for opening Pandora's Box.

And Obama and his minions are absolutely to blame for NOT closing Pandora's Box not to mention they had 7 years to do it.

No amount of Denial from US Republicans alters the legacy of the Bush Doctrine.

Or the DNC denying or trying to alter the Obama doctrine.....by the way, what is exactly the Obama doctrine, I know surrender and kiss the rears of all their enemies and capitulate, but what else would be considered the Obama doctrine?

Putin, however, urged the world to stick with Assad, arguing that his military is the only viable option for defeating the Islamic State.

Is Putin the unofficial sponsor of ISIS?

First, ISIS isn't a geographically based régime, ISIS is a philosophy of slaughter.

Second, for those who blame President Obama, Syria has tones of poison gas from Russia acquired under AWOL Bush, not exactly a good choice for a carpet bombing.

Third, had AWOL Bush not spent Three Trillion on his private wars of lies, American Foreign Policy might have had better options.

Fourth, Putin isn't in a combat with America, his gambit is Europe and supply lines to the Med.

So before the usual and tiresome whining of the US Shia-Tea, what Putin has embarked upon isn't about Obama. Putin is sucking Russia dry of funds to make foundation for a desperate lunge at Europe with China in his gas tank. Arguing for a bombing raid of Assad's VX and Sarin reserves is the option of the politically deranged.

For those map challenged, see google: Syria, regional map. Obviously the Israelis aren't fanning the flames of a Sarin Cloud that rolls south, or are they? The 'End Times Rapturists' of the Shia-Tea certainly are. If everyone dies they still get their imaginary Heaven?

Imagine if Bill Clinton never bombed bin laden an bin laden never saut revenge. The New York skyline would be the same as 20 years ago.

Can't forget those Iraqis who danced and praised the freedom only to supply ISIS with USA made arms and equipment.

Second, for those who blame President Obama, Syria has tones of poison gas from Russia acquired under AWOL Bush, not exactly a good choice for a carpet bombing.

But there is more than enough blame to go around with a president that just refuses to even acknowledge the problem and threat of ISIS over the last 4 years.

Third, had AWOL Bush not spent Three Trillion on his private wars of lies, American Foreign Policy might have had better options.

Had Obama listened to his top senior Generals at the Pentagon and followed their advice on how best to deal with Assad and ISIS, we wouldn't be in this mess right now.

Imagine if Bush had never created this mess how much better off the world would be.

...and Obama as well.