I think you feel exactly the same way about this that Obama does.

He too wants a surgical, limited stand-off strike, with a minimum of civilian casualties and collateral damage. He does not want Americans on the ground, and wants no part of this war. He does not wish to influence its outcome one way or the other. Until this chemical weapons incident became undeniable, he was doing everythng he possibly could to stay out of it.

He also knows that NATO or the UN will never come on board, but that it is a decision that must not be undertaken by him alone. It must have the legitimacy of the support of his own people.

In the final analysis, I think he understands that this proposed military action is purely a symbolic act, one that will not really change anything, is loaded with risk and uncertainty, but one which if we fail to carry out will haunt us forever.