With another apparent use of chemical weapons
by the Syrian government against the rebels that has killed civilians,
the White House seems poised to take military action in
Syria. Call the White House comment line now at 202-456-1111 and say: "I
oppose military intervention and military support in Syria. I support massive
efforts for a political solution and continued humanitarian
aid."
Americans strongly oppose the use of troops in
another war in the Middle East. The U.S. would likely seek NATO support in an
air campaign with bombing and missile strikes. If the goal of the bombing was
to destroy the capacity of the Syrian government to use chemical weapons, that
would be hard to achieve. Experts believe that we do not have the intelligence
of the location of all the chemical weapons.
Please call now, 202-456-1111, as the President may
make decisions soon.
While
arming the rebels may seem a sensible approach, not all the rebels are the
same. In fact, some are supportive of Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups.
Additionally, providing military support is like throwing gasoline on the fire
and does not encourage a political settlement, which is the only way the
violence will end.
With
over 100,000 deaths, 4 million people displaced from their homes and the likely
use of chemical weapons, the U.S. does need to take urgent action. History
proves that the military approach will not bring a solution. Joint Chiefs of
Staff Chairman Martin Dempsey mentioned recently that the solution is not a
military one.
Hence, the U.S. needs to continue working with Russia
to hold the repeatedly delayed peace talks and must add all key regional actors
to those talks. Other diplomatic avenues need to be traveled to produce a
negotiated settlement. The U.S. should support the International Criminal Court
in arresting those committing war crimes such as the use of chemical weapons.
And lastly, continued humanitarian aid and aid to refugees is needed to assist
civilians.
With
the 50th anniversary of Peace Action supporter, Reverend Martin Luther King's "I
have a dream speech" this week, we know the power of nonviolence. Only
nonviolent acts will solve the conflict within Syria. Call the President now at
202-456-1111.
Humbly for Peace,
Kevin
Martin Executive Director Peace Action
P.S.- President Obama is considering military
intervention in Syria. Call the White House comment line now at 202-456-1111
and say: "I oppose military intervention and military support in Syria. I
support massive efforts for a political solution and continued humanitarian
aid." Please forward this to your friends, family and
colleagues.
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