Obama's Sept. 10 Speech on Syria

President Barack Obama's speech on the need to strike Syria was an example of substance, brevity, appeal and logic par excellence. After all the brouhaha about the Syrian use of ChemWeap on August 21, the world practically made known its aversion to any military adventure in another Arab country. But Obama's speech somehow turned around the opinions of many Americans.

I agree with David Kusnet, writing on CNN, that Obama made a persuasive speech by simply appealing to the experience of each American, their fears and apprehension, justly rooted in the tragic experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, but at the same time lucidly, simply and clearly delineating the difference between Syria and Iraq, between the need to show resolve versus the need to display braggadocio. Obama made the speech relatable to the average Joe by expressing their fears and hopes, and at the same time putting perspective on the current situation. Obama made the cause for action based on its potential to eventually threaten America.

Obama assuaged fears by assuring that the strikes will be limited, that no troops will be placed on the ground in Syria and that the strike will send a message to Assad and other dictators that the use of ChemWeap's will not be tolerated by civilized societies.

I never thought Obama could pull something as good as this speech, especially at the time were moods are low and the potential for another adventurism is coloring people's thoughts on Syria. Nevertheless, Obama has always been good at rhetorics, but this time, he made it work. Reports indicate that after his speech, 6 in 10 Americans now back him.