Saturday, May 18, 2013
If you were expecting anything resembling substance from Mitt Romney on his "important" foreign policy speech, you were being set up to be let down.
Syrian rebel fighters sit on top of a truck captured from the Syrian army. Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s vow to arm the rebels is an “oversimplified solution” to that country’s issues, a reader says.
2012 File Photo/The Associated Press
One of the Romney speech's biggest head-scratching moments came with his promise to overtly arm the Syrian rebels who have been fighting against President Basher Assad for the past year and a half.
Like many of his generation, it appears that Gov. Romney still sees the world like old television westerns where the good guys wear white hats and the bad guys wear black hats and picking sides is just that simple.
Does Romney not realize that according to reports on the ground, the Syrian rebels are being supported and influenced by none other than al-Qaida? When and whether they are successful in overthrowing Assad, does anyone believe that al-Qaida will just slink away and not demand any return on their investment of men and material?
Does Romney not realize that Syria's Christian, Shia and Alawite religious minorities have either largely sat out the fighting or have thrown in with the Assad regime?
If and when Assad losses, what happens to those minority sects? Just the threat of a "settling of scores" from the Sunni-dominated victors, and we'll see an influx of refugees bringing a humanitarian crisis into already imperiled neighboring states such as Lebanon and Iraq.
Romney must know that direct U.S. meddling in Syria would require the heavy lifting be done by old NATO ally Turkey.
How will Syria's 2 million already-restive Kurds and several hundred thousand Armenians react to the massive footprint of their old Turkish nemesis?
His oversimplified solution, straight from the Cold War playbook, is to drop more guns into the cauldron and hope for the best. Is that anyone's idea of thoughtful, modern leadership?
Jeremy Smith
Old Orchard Beach
Service-oriented Chris Tyll excellent choice for Senate
I am writing in support of Chris Tyll, candidate for State Senate from District 11.
Since I met him, Chris has continually impressed me with the work he puts into understanding the issues we face in our district.
He has visited Chebeague Island, where I reside, and each of the other towns in District 11 numerous times to participate in community events, learn about the concerns of voters and just sit at kitchen tables having conversations with the residents so he can best prepare himself to represent us in Augusta.
Chris' service record has also impressed me. I have long known that Chris was a Navy SEAL, but as I have gotten to know him better I have learned the true depth of his service -- he completed four tours of duty in Iraq and is active in local veterans organizations like the American Legion and AMVETS.
His understanding of service as a continued commitment to work for his entire community proves that he knows what it takes to be a true leader.
With his dedication to our communities and his attitude about service, I know Chris Tyll will accomplish much for District 11 as our state senator. He has earned my vote on Nov. 6.
Jill Malony
Chebeague Island
Supporter, skeptic voice views on King candidacy
(Continued on page 2)
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