All because the Most Equal Comrade felt a political need to cover his tail end

If he was out to make history, he's certainly doing that.   Latest roundup of Syria-related developments:

 - Russia is sending in a ship carrying "special cargo."  And I hadn't seen this until just now: Russia is using the term "nuclear catastrophe."

- Hizbollah is prepared to defend Damascus.

- The Dow and Nasdaq are reacting unfavorably to Putin's assertion that Russia would militarily side in with Assad in a use-of-force situation

- Non-essential personnel at the US embassy in Lebanon are being evacuated.

 - Seasoned Pentagon hands want no part of this.

It's gonna be a long weekend.