Conflicted Obama braced for war

He was the peace candidate who became a war president, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has regularly ordered executions by drone.

Three months ago, US president Barack Obama called for an end to America’s “perpetual war-time footing”. Over the weekend, he said he had decided to take military action against Syria for its apparent chemical weapons use, but would seek authorisation from — and share responsibility with — the US Congress.

“I respect the views of those who call for caution, particularly as our country emerges from a time of war that I was elected in part to end,” Obama said.