The fate of the world may depend on what ‘yes’ means

The subject before the Senate Armed Services committee Tuesday was the President’s plan to cripple the radical Islamic army known as ISIL.

“Is there any doubt in your mind that if ISIL had the capabilities to kill millions of Americans, they would do so?” asked Senator Lindsey Graham as he grilled Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff.

“There’s no doubt in my mind. They’ll kill anybody who doesn’t conform to their narrow, ideological bent,” said Dempsey.

And the general didn’t dispute that, bringing us to the next question – how best to stop them?

“If two-thirds of ISIL is in Syria do you agree that somebody has got to go in on the ground and dig them out eventually?” asked Graham.

“Somebody,” replied Dempsey.

“And it’s better for us to be part of that somebody than just to be the only ones doing it?” Graham asked.

“Absolutely,” said Dempsey.

The President’s current policy is that for the battle on the ground – that “somebody” needs to be a well-trained Arab army willing to put its boots on the ground while OUR boots protect them from the air.

The senator wanted to know if such a thing exists.

“There are partners in the region (who) have very capable special operating forces and I think the campaign would envision that they would participate,” answered Dempsey.

The answer seemed a little hesitant. So the senator asked again, “It’s easy – if you think they can do it without us being on the ground just say, yes.”

“Yes.”

Maybe it’s just me, but listen to the way Dempsey said “yes.” Did that sound to you like “YES! We have eager Arab partners fully prepared to get this done.” Or did it sound more like, “Yes, and I hope this hearing will be over soon?”