And like that, the first step to all out war has been taken:

SENATE PANEL AUTHORIZES LIMITED U.S. MILITARY STRIKE IN SYRIA

Vote breakdown: 10 Yes; 7 No; 1 Present. The measure includes new language saying U.S. policy is to "change the momentum on the battlefield in Syria" in way that brings about negotiated settlement of conflict, leading to a democratic govt in Syria. In other words: a pro-Qatari/Saudi coalition government that will permit the passage of natgas pipelines under Syria, through Turkey and into Europe, breaking Gazpromia's marginal energy monopoly over the broke continent.

Next up:

FULL U.S. SENATE TO CONSIDER SYRIA RESOLUTION NEXT WEEK

After that the House, and it's cruise missiles away.

And now, and as always, the ball is in Putin's court.