Replies to post #14370 on Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[sarals]

Speak softly and carry a big stick was a West African proverb Roosevelt had tried out once, as Vice President, and memorized as a personal mantra. Perhaps the current situation would enable him to test its effectiveness, starting with the soft speech. "If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble; but neither will speaking softly avail, if back of the softness there does not lie strength, powers."

Theodore Rex
by Edmund Morris

[Tom K]

What makes you believe the U.S. hasn't been using quiet diplomacy for many years now? Unfortuately, it seems the Syrian leadership might be another group of slow learners - like Saddam.

"Soft talk" doesn't seem to work with these Middle Eastern regimes. It could be a "big stick" is the only thing they understand.

[integrivest]

Teddy was a good man (as is W)

Different times requires dealing with different types of enemies in different ways.

Syria supports, harbors, finances, encourages and helps train terrorists and like-minded thugs, criminals, rapists murderers, suiciders, cowards and crackpots.

They have to have a change of heart, or face the consequences.

It's their choice ...