Monday Matters I.

I chose a article on the American intervention in Syria. The piece, which is an opinion piece is from the New York Times, and written by Thomas L. Friedman.

The link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/04/opinion/friedman-arm-and-shame.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

Claim: America has to intervene in Syria, however the current planned course of action is the wrong approach. America needs to implement a "Arm and Shame" tactic.

The "Arm and Shame" tactic entails arming the Syrian rebels, and "shaming" the Syrian president Assad and his supporters.

Evidence:

• America will not suffer criticism, nor look weak.
• Bombing would most likely lead to collateral damage, swinging the spotlight from the poison gas killings.
• The rebels will be able to better protect themselves.
• The influence of anti-jihadist and anti-Assad groups will be increased.
• Iran may release a nuclear bomb, in response to the American bombing.
• This tactic will gain following, hopefully garnering a world response

Question:
Why exactly is America the only state capable of undertaking the problem?
Couldn't arming the rebels, create a situation similar to that of the one with Bin-Laden? He too was armed by the Americans and look how that went...