Many top lawmakers on the left and right have begun using a new Orwellian term to define a new chapter in the Syrian conflict: “comprehensive strategy.”
The neocons, disappointed by the limited nature of President Trump’s recent airstrikes on three Syrian chemical facilities, have insisted he must do more to succeed long-term by basically calling for permanent occupation under the harmless-sounding phrase “comprehensive strategy.”
“To succeed in the long run, we need a comprehensive strategy for Syria and the entire region,” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) tweeted on Friday.
I applaud the President for taking military action against the Assad regime, and I am grateful to our British and French allies for joining us in this action. To succeed in the long run, we need a comprehensive strategy for Syria and the entire region. https://t.co/2xrHwVGYKK
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) April 14, 2018
“Americans deserve a comprehensive strategy that will keep our military safe and avoid collateral damage,” Senate Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) tweeted on Monday.
If the President plans to escalate militarily in Syria, he must come to the Congress to ask for an AUMF. Americans deserve a comprehensive strategy that will keep our military safe & avoid collateral damage. https://t.co/IEkTIVyUSA
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) April 16, 2018
“The president needs to lay out a comprehensive strategy in Syria in consultation with Congress — and he needs to do it now,” Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) tweeted Saturday.
The president needs to lay out a comprehensive strategy in Syria in consultation with Congress — and he needs to do it now.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 14, 2018
“Isolated punitive action is no replacement for a comprehensive strategy designed to bring about an end to the conflict in Syria – the only thing that will truly bring relief to the Syrian people,” Sen. Jack Reed said in a statement.
My statement on President Trump authorization of U.S. military airstrikes in Syria:https://t.co/Wtzy5B5HEO
— Senator Jack Reed (@SenJackReed) April 14, 2018
The Constitution gives Congress the power to authorize military action. If @realDonaldTrump wants to expand American military involvement in Syria's civil war, he must seek approval from Congress – & provide a comprehensive strategy with clear goals & a plan to achieve them.(2/2)
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 14, 2018
“I’m deeply concerned that President Trump continues to conduct military operations without any comprehensive strategy or the necessary congressional authorization,” Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) stated on his website.
“Bashar Al-Assad’s atrocities in Syria demand a firm and comprehensive US strategy,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) tweeted.
The use of chemical weapons is a violation of international law to which a response is wholly justified. Bashar Al-Assad's atrocities in Syria demand a firm and comprehensive US strategy. That will require more careful deliberation and less belligerent bluster from the President.
— Rep. Wasserman Schultz (@RepDWStweets) April 14, 2018
“As we move forward in the days ahead, I will continue to push for a more comprehensive strategy in Syria,” tweeted Sen. Angus King (I-ME).
My statement in response to the air strikes in Syria: https://t.co/t8FLIRAUs9
— Senator Angus King (@SenAngusKing) April 14, 2018
It goes on and on and on…
Following the strikes in Syria Friday night, @SenatorCollins tells @GStephanopoulos: “I think the strikes were proportional and justifiable… That does not, however, solve the problem that we do not have an overall, comprehensive strategy for dealing with Syria.” pic.twitter.com/ZdLNyrmZye
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 15, 2018
Despite being in office for fifteen months, the Administration has not taken steps to outline a comprehensive strategy for Syria. Further, the Administration has failed to request an authorization from Congress for further military action against Assad’s regime.
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) April 14, 2018
The joint strikes on Assad’s chemical weapons were correct. But the Syrian crisis has caused unthinkable suffering and massive refugee flows, while empowering terrorists and the European and American far right. What’s needed is a comprehensive strategy and the will to execute it.
— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) April 14, 2018
Without A 'Comprehensive Strategy' To End Violence, Syrian Activist Relies On Hope https://t.co/djTACUFCot
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 15, 2018
The use of chemical weapons is abhorrent. It is a violation of international law. The President must lay out a comprehensive strategy to end the conflict, including the humanitarian crisis, and seek an authorization from Congress to avoid any further military escalation.
— Sen. Maria Cantwell (@SenatorCantwell) April 14, 2018
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I expect to be promptly briefed on the details of the operation. I also believe we need a clear and comprehensive strategy toward Syria, which we currently lack. 2/2
— Rep Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) April 14, 2018
Assad’s horrific chemical attacks on the Syrian people cannot go unchallenged. But our Constitution requires that Congress authorize military action. President Trump must provide a comprehensive strategy and Congress must vote before sending our troops into harm’s way.
— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) April 14, 2018
I believe we must hold the Assad regime accountable for its continued unconscionable actions. Before U.S. military engagement escalates further, however, the Pres. must come before Congress w/ a comprehensive strategy for sustained peace and protection of the Syrian people. _SD
— Sharice Davids (@sharicedavids) April 14, 2018
The 7 year Syrian civil war is one of the great humanitarian crises of our time. One night of air strikes is not a substitute for a needed comprehensive strategy that includes robust political&diplomatic engagement. My full statement here: https://t.co/yL2368d5Fm pic.twitter.com/2Ok6oiuU2Q
— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) April 14, 2018
Approve last night’s military action in Syria in concert w/ allies. No place in civilized society for chemical weapons. Let’s hope Assad finally gets the message. @realDonaldTrump still needs comprehensive strategy reviewed/approved by Congress. Bipartisan support for new AUMF
— Dutch Ruppersberger (@Call_Me_Dutch) April 14, 2018
Anyone looking for comprehensive strategy to fix Syria needs to lay down, wait patiently until the feeling passes.the politically inconvenient fact is neither Obama nor Trump believed we had a stake in Syria greater than Russia and Iran; and we’re not willing to invest effort.
— Aaron David Miller (@aarondmiller2) April 14, 2018
Moving forward, we must not only work with our NATO partners, but also our Arab and Israeli allies to develop a comprehensive and sustained strategy for advancing our immediate and long-term national security interests in Syria and the broader Middle East.
— SenDanSullivan (@SenDanSullivan) April 14, 2018
Where is the comprehensive strategy for Syria? I haven’t seen anything to suggest we have one? The PM has not given me as a member of Parliament any justification for her action? She could & should have recalled Parliament last week.
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) April 14, 2018
The chemical attacks on the Syrian people are horrific. Tonight, the international community responded. But preventing Assad from committing further atrocities is no substitute for a comprehensive strategy that the President must present to Congress.
— Jim Langevin (@JimLangevin) April 14, 2018
Yesterday, members of the House from both sides of the aisle said that the #SyrianStrike violates separation of powers without Congressional authorization. Without a comprehensive strategy presentation, American citizens have no voice.
— Katie Hill (@KatieHill4CA) April 15, 2018
Either these high-level individuals are incredibly coordinated, or they’re being fed these talking points by an even higher authority.
In either case, the outcome is the same: the power structure wants war and permanent occupation in Syria, as outlined by General Wesley Clark over a decade ago.
Twitter: Follow @WhiteIsTheFury
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