Obama has Failed to Make a Strong Case for Intervention in Syria

Sacramento, Calif. – The largest pro-troop grassroots group, Move America Forward, has announced their opposition to President Barack Obama’s proposed military action against Assad’s regime in Syria. For the American people to support military action, the President must provide a justification for specific action and clearly define the mission.  Obama has failed on both points.

“President Obama has been unable to demonstrate that military action in Syria would serve America’s national security interests. The President has not shown how entering the Syrian civil war would promote American national security.  While we applaud his decision to take this issue to the Congress, we believe he is required to gain Congressional support before acting. Before the American people will support military action in Syria, the President must bring his case to the Congress for their assent and win their approval.  He cannot and should not act unilaterally.” said Danny Gonzalez, Director of Communications for Move America Forward.

“Our country should have a defined mission outlining the scope of forces to be committed, how long they will be committed for, and a sufficient rationale showing why risking the lives of our military men and women would promote American security interests.

“The American people have many questions that have not been answered satisfactorily. What does America gain from attacking Syria? Who are we helping if we bomb Assad’s military or enforce a no-fly zone? Are we helping the rebels, and is it in our interest to strengthen their hand at the present time? Has al-Qaeda been allowed to co-opt the rebellion and take control of the anti-Assad forces?   Are we now going to ally with al-Qaeda in Syria?

“As has been the case with this Administration’s drifting foreign policy in general, there has been no direction. President Obama seems to be more interested in maintaining his credibility after his fumbled response about ‘drawing red lines’ regarding the use of chemical weapons. We would prefer the President exhibit more aggression when it comes to finding and punishing those responsible for the loss of 4 Americans in Benghazi.

“When our most loyal allies, Great Britain and Canada, won’t support military action, we must question the wisdom of further engaging the U.S. military in the Middle East.  There are auxiliary consequences for our allies in the region, like Israel. Is Obama prepared to defend Israel if Iran attacks, as they have threatened, should we intervene in Syria? 

“There are far more questions than answers, which makes us conclude that the President must make a compelling case to the American people before taking any military action as well as earn the support of Congress.” Gonzalez concluded.