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It is despicable for any country's ruler to use chemical weapons against his own people. But the examples of Vietnam and Iraq tell us that it doesn't pay to interfere.
However, can we stand by knowing people in another country suffered at the hands of a cruel oppressor? America stood still while Myanmar citizens suffered the full consequences of Cyclone Nargis, when the then-junta frustrated all international efforts to help. The Nato bombing in Kosovo was better received. Whatever the decision on Syria, I would never lambaste the US president for being either a “bully” or “wimp”, because in either situation he cannot be 100 per cent right.
This brings to mind Bertrand Russell’s quote: “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are so certain of themselves, and wiser people are full of doubts.”
Songdej Praditsmanont
Bangkok
