Syrian-Americans in San Diego watched President Barack Obama's address closely Tuesday night, listening for a message of hope for their war-torn homeland. Instead what they heard was a big let down, said Abed Keddo, president of the San Diego chapter of the Syrian American Council.
"That glimpse of hope is gone right now," said Keddo. "It’s gone with President Obama backing down on his first proposal."
Keddo said he was anticipating immediate precise U.S. airstrikes against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s military compounds as punishment for his alleged use of chemical weapons.
"Everybody was excited that this would be the beginning of the end," Keddo explained. "Unlike what anti-war supporters are saying, that this will be entering a war in the Middle East."
Keddo said the diplomatic proposal is a time-buying tactic that will never work.
"The more time he’s given, the more time he’s using his other weapons to finish the oppositions," Keddo said.
Keddo lived in Damascus for 21 years before coming to San Diego to attend school. He said he has two brothers and several other family members who still live in Syria.
Nearly 2,500 Syrians live San Diego and they all have family members who are suffering in their home country, said Keddo.
