One could argue that Pearl Harbour was a warning to the US not to intervene in SE Asia. Of course, the consequences of that warning quickly spiralled out of control.

Don't they teach history at US military academies any more?

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

Wow, am I torn on this. I HATE any preemptive action, yet I feel as if this was part of the solution all along. Rather than invade a country, work your intelligence agencies. If you have actionable data, and that gov. won't act, a surgical strike may be approrpiate. Still really torn, though.

Patrick, Philadelphia, USA

I must follow-up- While in principle I don't necessarily disagree, this was possibly to help McCain, and if a surgical strike IS necessary, I have full faith that Bush will go about even a good idea in the wrong manner. That said, I wish we would just pull out of theer and tend to our own house.

Patrick, Philadelphia, USA

Can someone explain why it would be easy for Syria to stop insurgents leaving getting out over the border to Iraq, but impossible for Iraq to stop them coming in?

Robin Wilson, London, UK

This is what the American dream is like outside its borders.

Graham, Britol,

So, georgean militaries should not be disturbed while bombing the sleeping city, but the same time the syrian villagers is very convenient material "to send a warnings"? Nice.

Peter, Vladivostok, Russia

Greetings to all!
Syria have the same rigths as USA. Let's emagine what would be the reaction of "righteous" USA government if Syrian would kill a few american citizens during "antiterrorist" excursions? Strange, but we don't see "Time" showing the results of international investigations in Osetia.

nsub, Kazan, Russia

QUOTE: " And I think you know what happens when we are attacked on US soil.. "

Jeff, Washington, US

Yes, we most certainly do know what happens, Jeff. The US immediately attacks a country that had nothing to do with it!

Samuel, Sydney, Australia

Let's hope China calls in America's Loans.
I see the end days coming, fuelled by the New world.
Perhaps, just perhaps Obama can halt America's decline into terrorism.
I hope so.
By the way, I like the Americans I have met.

Howard , Basildon, England

This is warning to USA enemies that they mean business. That dictator is back and where is EU now. This is against international law, i thought EU stood for democracy now i know it doesn't well i knew that before as well. I just wonder when EU breaks up how many countries will go to war.

Marko, Birmingham, UK

In re to Ray, I am certain that US officials considered its ramifications, and decided it was in the security interests of our nation to risk civ. casualties to kill Ghadiyah, who was active in bringing arms and jihadists into Iraq. And I think you know what happens when we are attacked on US soil..

Jeff, Washington, US

AMERICA has just committed a war crime far from admitting it they also kidnapped openly two people from SYRIAN territory and there are laws in the world and i wonder if they will ever have the moral high ground when something else happens and if they think their actions do not have reactions .

alex macdonald, london, uk

I wonder what Americas reaction would be if another country took this type of action on US soil, with the excuse that they were just protecting their own way of life. The quicker USA accepts that these actions only fuel the reactionaries. Remember, you reap what you sow

Ray, Clacton,

Why?

RK, London,

For every civilian killed 20 more jihadists will be created out of the anger at the situation. America is fuelling its own fire and it knows it. It needs war now more than ever, as its military-industrial infrastructure can only survive this global financial crisis by ensuring a war is taking place.

Andy Twiss, Birmingham, UK

When will George Bush face a war crimes trial, he is the most dangerous terrorist in the world and is out of control.

Peter Fordham, Pego, Spain

The US may - or may not - have destroyed one terrorist in this raid. But in doing so, I wonder how many more they've created.

Gareth, London, UK

Syria really is in a fix. Having been cowed by Israel it allowed itself to fall into anti-western sentiment & rhetoric. Now it's forced to choose between the wrath of the US or that of the militants that it has long tolerated.

Enough with the ill-founded, bleeding heart US/Russia comparisons...

Alan, Paris, Fr

It is not in Syria's interest to allow foreign fighters to enter Iraq through their country.

However, the relationship that they have developed with Iran probably explains the dynamics of this situation.

Why does Syria choose to shoot itself in the foot this way?

Pam Krueger, Cos Cob, CT, USA

Are the United States hell bent on WW3 as they are folling a patern of prophecy.??

Kenneth Wilford, Ashford, Kent

"October Surprise" for the benefit of McCain campaign, anyone?

M.Darrow, E. Norwich, US

Killing innocent civilians just to get one person is mad to say the least. What becomes of their families and the town they have just destroyed, I wish US decision makers would act like human beings.

Billy Cotsis, London, UK

Interesting, wasn't Russia blamed of carrying out similar activities in Georgia. Double standards come to mind.

Jag, London, UK

The timing is, of course, completely coincidental.

Dan, The Hamptons,

Why do the Americans always get away with killing innocents...whereas others likes of Russia etc ...the Americans talk about sanctions and human rights blah blah blah...guess their rules don't apply to them only the weaker parties

Janet, London, UK

Another rat out of business

Jose, Valencia,

Reminds me of the extra-judicial killings Russia goes in for these days. Shadowy, unacknowledged agents issue a "warning" on behalf of the State.

Francis, Edinburgh,