While Republicans praise Trump for the missile strike against the launching point where the Assad regime carried a chemical weapons attack against innocent civilians, top House Intelligence Democrat, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) said that Trump acted without congressional authorization and that the Trump administration’s action won’t get rid of Assad.
Video of Trump announcing the missile strike:
Trump said, “Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched. It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons. There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and ignored the urging of the U.N. Security Council. Years of previous attempts at changing Assad’s behavior have all failed, and failed very dramatically. As a result, the refugee crisis continues to deepen and the region continues to destabilize, threatening the United States and its allies.”
In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, Rep. Adam Schiff made two critical points, Late tonight, I was briefed by the Director of National Intelligence about the strikes U.S. forces made against an airfield in Syria believed to be the launching point of the recent chemical weapons attack. This strike will not hasten an end to the Assad regime, but it may deter its further use of chemical weapons. Nevertheless, this missile strike and the military action of our forces already in Syria, have yet to be authorized by Congress. I will be re-introducing an authorization for use of military force against ISIS and al Qaeda when Congress returns to session. Congress cannot abdicate its responsibility any longer and should vote on any use of force not made in self defense. This is necessary whether action is taken against terrorist groups or, as here, against regime capabilities.”
Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also noted that Trump must come up with a Syria strategy and consult Congress, “Making sure Assad knows that when he commits such despicable atrocities he will pay a price is the right thing to do. It is incumbent on the Trump administration to come up with a strategy and consult with Congress before implementing it. I salute the professionalism and skill of our Armed Forces who took action today.”
The action that the Trump administration took was justified based on what Assad did, but one missile strike is no substitute for a strategy, and will have no impact on the goal of getting the Assad regime out of power.
Trump now owns the Syria crisis. The big question now is what does he do next?
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