Imminent mistakes in Syria

[kandrathe]

Or, perhaps, a long-overdue acknowledgement that Congress' constitutional authority to declare wars does, in fact, override the non-existent requirement to back up every piece of bravado with cruise missiles and carrier groups...

I think this is more true when their is not an imminent threat to US interests. You might even ask; for what possible reason would we even seek to be involved in the Syrian civil war. In this situation, I just see downsides even if we succeed in getting a cruise missile on target.

So, say the DPRK lobs a missile at us. Then, yes, the CIC should act and bring congress up to speed when the can next convene on an emergency basis, but depending on where they are that can take 24 hours (if on recess). Otherwise, why not consult congress?

Lastly, lobbing missiles in not "grown up" diplomacy, it's a bully move. "Stop using chemical weapons, or we'll punch you in the nose again." What would hurt Assad more would be to arm the good guy rebels (not Al Queda) with, some Saudi elite "advisors" helping to train them in on anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.