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Obama Backs Diplomacy on Syria, But Force Still Possible
September 11, 2013
President Barack Obama Tuesday laid out his case for stopping the Syrian government from using chemical weapons. The president also cautiously endorsed a Russian diplomatic initiative to defuse the crisis.
In his 15-minute address to the American people, President Obama referred to the diplomatic developments of recent days as “encouraging signs.”
Under the Russian proposal, Syria would surrender its chemical weapons to the United Nations, and the United States would freeze its plans for military strikes on Syria.
The president held out cautious optimism that the plan could work.
“It is too early to tell whether this offer will succeed, and any agreement must verify that the Assad regime [of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad] keeps its commitments. But this initiative has the potential to remove the threat of chemical weapons without the use of force,” said President Obama.
The Tuesday evening address was originally scheduled so that Obama could ask Congress and the public to support a military action.
But with the diplomatic situation rapidly changing, the speech was rewritten, and the president asked lawmakers to put their planned vote on hold.
“I have therefore asked the leaders of Congress to postpone a vote to authorize the use of force while we pursue this diplomatic path. I am sending Secretary of State John Kerry to meet his Russian counterpart on Thursday, and I will continue my own discussions with President Putin,” said Obama.
However, the president said the U.S. military will keep the pressure on the Syrian government, and will be “ready to respond” if diplomatic measures fail.
He focused much of the speech on the need to act to stop the use of chemical weapons, using military force if necessary.
The president said the situation in Syria changed on August 21, when the government of President Bashar al-Assad gassed its own citizens.
He said the video of that deadly attack is a compelling argument for action.
“Indeed, I would ask every member of Congress and those of you watching at home tonight to view those videos of the attack, and then ask: What kind of world will we live in if the United States of America sees a dictator brazenly violate international law with poison gas, and we choose to look the other way,” he asked.
Obama said American ideals, principles and national security are at stake in Syria.
Many Americans, including members of Congress, disagree. In the latest public opinion polls, almost 60 percent of Americans surveyed say they oppose U.S. military action in Syria.
Prospects are dim for congressional approval of a military strike, especially in the House of Representatives, even though the top two House Republicans, Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor have endorsed it.
[VOA]
Comments
8 Responses to “Obama Backs Diplomacy on Syria, But Force Still Possible”
Obama has been upstaged by the Russians and is sending mixed signals to the world. This creates the possibility of a miscalculation by some foreign enemy. This is not unlike the German miscalculation following their invasion of Poland. Hitler did not believe the Brits or French would do anything but instead they declared war.
British PM Chamberlin had sent the signal of appeasement to the Germans thereby causing the miscalculation.
Obama is sending similiar mixed signals to all involved. If you’re going to waive a big stick, use it. Otherwise keep it by your side.
Since President Obama has requested Congress hold off on declaring war on Syria, I suggest they do so.
David for killing only when necessary
and even then with regrets
Imo, we will go bomb/attack Syria, or what ever you want to call it, one way or the other.
WWW3 is on the horizon.
They say 60% of Americans don’t want a strike, Well if I remember correctly around 60% of America Didn’t want Obamacare and yet they still shoved it down our throats so why would we believe he won’t still send in the military. Liar Liar, Pants on Fire. And I have to agree with the other posters, This Moron has belittled the Presidency in a way we may never overcome, What we need to worry about is China and Russia shaking hands and deciding to Invade the good ole USA, while the partier in chief sits on his Royal Rear.
Got to tell you I would love to have an 8 year all expenses paid anything goes Vacation.
He drew a red line; then denied drawing a red line; then said he didn’t need Congressional approval; then sought Congressional approval; then asked for a delay in Congressional approval vote; then asked us to wait to do something many, if not most Americans, don’t want to do anyway.
Huh?
Worst President since Carter.
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA to AMERICA: “Oh, never mind.”
The liar in chief is still causing the USA to lose respect in the world. This Syria thing now and then the “forced” insurance are the two biggest mistakes ever made by a “leader”.