Bombing Quote by Noam Chomsky
![“A bombing was planned [in Syria], which would probably make the situation worse, but would at least establish US credibility.” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3c3/noam-chomsky-42_bombing_a-bombing-was-planned-in-syria-which-wou_1705378.jpg)
“A bombing was planned [in Syria], which would probably make the situation worse, but would at least establish US credibility.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Public Lecture, 2005, United Nations, New York
The US may use military actions that worsen crises to signal resolve, prioritizing image over outcomes.
In simple terms: US may use force to look strong, even if it hurts.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind military actions.
Themes
politics
military
credibility
ethics
foreign policy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- media analysis
- academic discussion
- government decision‑making
Key Concepts
realpolitik
deterrence
strategic signaling
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the long‑term costs of using force for credibility?
- How can credibility be built without violence?
A Different Perspective
Risks of credibility‑driven aggression can backfire and cause greater instability.
![“I am pleased though that there's a possibility of a diplomatic solution [in Syria]. I remain somewhat skeptical, but I am pleased that it's a possibility and I think people like myself who've been arguing for delaying this bombing, have allowed this diplomatic possibility to occur.” quote by Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/533/rand-paul-606_arguing_i-am-pleased-though-that-there-s-a-possi_995606.jpg)
![“We warned when the crisis began in 2011 that unless it was resolved quickly, the country [Syria] would be destroyed. Unfortunately, our warnings are coming true.” quote by Adel al-Jubeir](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bc1/adel-al-jubeir-16862_country_we-warned-when-the-crisis-began-in-2011_689102.jpg)
![“I wrote an article about the marine landing [in Haiti] right away, but barely mentioned the oil, because my article would come out two months later and I assumed by then, "of course, everybody knows." Nobody knew. There was a news report in the Wall Street Journal, in the petroleum journals, and…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dc5/noam-chomsky-42_articles_i-wrote-an-article-about-the-marine-land_13341.jpg)
