Obama's explanatory speech made no sense on the surface, but revealed much in its obvious axioms. Yes, Obama studied the situation, listened to everyone, and made a decision. I don't think the progressive wing of the Democratic party is going to be happy with what he openly said he plans:
To quote an excellent analysis
In short, the US will be fighting immensely costly wars over a considerable portion of the earth’s surface, in regions stretching thousands of miles in every direction.
Reduced to its essentials, the perspective of Obama and his advisors is a future of endless war to maintain the US’ position as the global hegemon.
