How Should U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison Vote on Syria Attack?

“The Assad regime’s horrific gassing of innocent civilians through the use of chemical weapons has precipitated a deepening crisis in Syria.   Unfortunately there are no sure strategies for the international community to stop or reduce the violence being perpetrated by Assad. Despite the lack of good options, the United States should work with its international partners to develop a strategy to degrade or deter the Syrian military’s ability to commit more chemical weapons attacks against women and children.  President Obama is right to seek authorization from Congress before a strike against the Assad regime. 

“My longstanding foreign policy perspective is to oppose war and favor diplomacy over military action. I share Americans’ concerns about the dangers and risks of interventions – even if short-lived and targeted. I agree with our military leaders and other foreign policy experts who say we must have clear objectives and avoid mission creep. To be clear, I do not support U.S. boots on the ground. But with more than 100,000 people dead and last week’s criminal massacre in Damascus, nations with the power to act have a responsibility to enforce international norms that murderous dictators will face consequences when they commit crimes against humanity.

“To repeat, the crisis in Syria leaves policymakers with few good options, including inaction. As Secretary Kerry said, there is no “military solution” to the crisis in Syria, but we must consider whether limited military action will reduce Assad’s capacity to kill more innocents. Congress will now have a chance to examine the facts, debate the strategy and vote on a way forward. 

“To its great credit, the international community has repeatedly tried to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict, and those efforts must continue. While I have deep concerns about military action of any kind, the international community must respond when chemical weapons are used against innocent civilians.”