Have to admit that was smooth, if duplicitous: Obama neatly defused GOP claims a strike without congressional assent impeachably exceeds presidential authority, and when they inevitably refuse consent he can say he did not break his hasty "red line" pledge—he is just constitutionally bound to accept Congress' decision. Total crap, but it gives him a face saving out and drops all negative consequences in Congress' lap. Small chance they grant approval, after all; even if much of the public did not oppose a strike the House GOP majority will not even approve Obama blowing his nose, only try to impeach him for such "unconstitutional power abuse."

Meanwhile, of course, Assad will keep incidentally and indiscriminately slaughtering innocent civilians to target rebels, and Al Qaeda will keep using that to recruit more rebels. Hey, but the good news for Al Qaeda is: Ya'll wanted the West to stay the Hell out of ya'lls business, and we are doing just that. Enjoy!