This Week in Syria, Deeply: Sunday, 15 September 2013
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Syria Watch
U.S. Politicians Comment on Syrian Arms Plan
Brandon Cottrell
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America
WASHINGTON, D.C., United States – This past weekend’s agreement to seek a “strong and robust” United Nation resolution, which would remove all chemical weapons from Syria by 2014 has caused numerous U.S. politicians to weigh in, with some in support but most in opposition.
Although the U.S., France, and Great Britain are in agreement that they do not want a ground invasion of Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and President Obama have not ruled out a unilateral strike against Syria if Syria fails to meet any of its forthcoming commitments under the resolution.
Kerry commented that, “If Assad fails in time to abide by the terms of this framework, make no mistake, we are all agreed – and that includes Russia – that there will be consequences.” French President Francois Hollande echoed those sentiments, as he stated that, “The military option must remain; otherwise there will be no pressure [to comply].”
Many U.S. politicians, however, are skeptical about the tentative agreement that was struck between the U.S. and Russia. Some say that the agreement is a sign of overall American weakness while others were troubled that the agreement’s success will “depend largely on the cooperation of Russian and Syrian authorities, which have proven themselves anything but trustworthy.”
Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, even said that the U.S. is “being led by the nose by” Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rodgers also thinks that the U.S. “fired our last round” and that the ability to negotiate a settlement has been sent with Russia to the U.N., which is “a dangerous place for us (the U.S) to be if you want an overall settlement to the problems.”
Senator John McCain is also among those who does not support the agreement. He thinks that the agreement is a “loser” because it is unlikely to be enforced. Additionally, he believes that the U.S. has “effectively taken the threat of military force off the table” despite the Obama’s and Kerry’s earlier statements that the U.S. military is prepared to launch a strike.
Others, however, are optimistic. Representative Elijah Cummings noted that “just a week ago . . . we had Russia and Syria saying . . . they had happens. And now we are sitting down at the table with a very aggressive agenda, sitting down at that table trying to resolve this issue without a bullet being fired. That’s very significant.”
For more information, please see:
CBS News – U.S. Politicians Wonder If Obama Was Outfoxed On Syria Chemical Weapons – 15 September 2013
Fox News – Lawmakers Debate Whether US Outfoxed On Syria; Obama Says ‘Foundation’ Set For War Settlement – 15 September 2013
New York Times – U.S. And Allies Push For Strong U.N. Measure On Syria’s Arms– 16 September 2013
USA Today – U.S. Seeks Wide Support For Syria Arms Deal – 16 September 2013
President Obama Defends Syria Policy on “This Week”
by Michael Yoakum
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America
WASHINGTON, D.C., United States – President Obama defended his shift policy with Syria over the past two weeks in an interview with George Stephanopoulos. He commented that style was not the critical factor in his decisions. Good policy was.
The President’s comments, which aired Sunday on ABC’s “This Week With George Stephanopoulos,” suggested that the current policy of allowing Syria to voluntarily disarm would not preclude a future use of military action. However, President Obama said a diplomatic solution might end the Syrian Civil War without the need for US intervention.
President Obama accepted criticism that his shifts in policy lacked style, but also criticized Washington for its propensity to “grade on style.” He drew a comparison to early support for the Iraq War, saying Washington would likely praise a policy that “was very smooth, disciplined, and linear” even if it were a substantive disaster.
While the President conceded his plan lacked style, he explained that there has been progress in negotiations with Syria over the past two weeks, citing as examples Syria’s willingness to join the Chemical Weapons Convention and turn over their current stockpiles to international control. “If that goal is achieved, then it sounds to me like we did something right,” he remarked.
When the conversation shifted to Iran, the President remarked that a nuclear arms race in the Middle East hits closer to the “core values” of the US than chemical weapons in Syria. He cautioned Iran not to look at the use of diplomatic measures in Syria as an indication that the US would not make military strikes against a “nuclear Iran.”
While speaking on Iran, President Obama revealed that he and Hassan Rouhani, the newly elected President of Iran, have exchanged letters in an effort to reach out. Rouhani is expected to usher in a more conciliatory foreign policy, already giving authority to his foreign minister to discuss their nuclear program with the US.
For more information, please see:
BBC News – Obama says Iran nuclear row ‘larger’ than Syria crisis – 15 September 2013
ABC News – Obama Rejects Criticism of Shifting Syria Policy: ‘I’m Less Concerned About Style Points’ – 15 September 2013
The LA Times – Obama defends deal with Russia on Syria, says it could end war – 15 September 2013
The Guardian – Kerry insists Syria strikes still an option as Obama defends deal with Russia – 15 September 2013
Fox News – Obama defends Syria policy, says Washington too ‘style’ conscious – 15 September 2013
United States and Russia Reach Syria Chemical Weapons Agreement
By Thomas Murphy
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
DAMASCUS, Syria – The United States and Russia have announced an agreement designed to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons supplies by mid-2014. Syria has been given one week to provide a list of its full chemical weapons stockpiles and must allow for United Nations chemical weapons inspections immediately.
If Syria fails to uphold the agreement, it may be enforced by a UN resolution under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter which allows for sanctions and military intervention. There is currently no such resolution in place, but President Obama reiterated his position that “if diplomacy fails, the United States remains prepared to act.”
US Secretary of State John Kerry provided a six point outline of the plan:
- The amount and type of chemical weapons must be agreed upon and “rapidly” placed under international control
- Syria must submit within one week a comprehensive listing of its stockpiles
- Extraordinary procedures under the Chemical Weapons Convention will allow “expeditious destruction”
- Syria must give inspectors “immediate, unfettered access” to all sites
- All chemical weapons must be destroyed, including the possibility of removing weapons from Syrian territory
- The U.N. will provide logistical support, and compliance may be enforced under Chapter VII
“Providing this framework is fully implemented it can end the threat these weapons pose not only to the Syrian people but also to their neighbours,” Kerry said. “Because of the threat of proliferation this framework can provide greater protection and security to the world.
“The world will now expect Assad’s regime to live up to its commitments… There can be no room for games. Or anything less than full compliance.”
Not unexpectedly, General Salim Idris of the Free Syrian Army heavily criticized the agreement.
“We cannot accept any part of this initiative,” he said. “The FSA will work towards toppling Assad and does not care about US-Russia deals. I and my brothers in arms will continue to fight until the regime falls.”
He added that the FSA was “frustrated, and feels betrayed by the international community. It has no faith the UN will ever support it”.
For further information, please see:
Al Jazeera – Syria given week to declare chemical weapons – 14 September 2013
BBC – US and Russia agree Syria chemical weapons deal – 14 September 2013
Reuters – U.S., Russia agree on Syria weapons, Obama says force still option – 14 September 2013
Washington Post – U.S., Russia reach agreement on seizure of Syrian chemical weapons arsenal – 14 September 2013
SNHR: Human Rights’ Violations in Syria (Figures and Facts)
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