As UN weapons inspectors left Damascus on Saturday, all eyes are on the White House with President Barack Obama letting it be known that he is considering a “limited, narrow” military action against Syria over Basher al-Assad regime’s alleged use of chemical weapons.
Despite little support at home or abroad for a new military offensive, the Obama administration made a strong push in that direction by releasing unclassified intelligence on the August 21 chemical attack which, it argues, provides “incontrovertible” proof of Assad regime’s culpability. In comments to the media on Friday, Obama said he has not yet made a decision, but spoke of America’s “obligation” to act and send a clear message to Syria and others that use of chemical weapons would not be tolerated.
Following US intelligence estimates that at least 1,429 people, including 426 children, have been killed in the chemical attack, Obama said: “This kind of attack is a challenge to the world.” He took the stand that the attack threatens US national security interests “by violating well-established international norms against the use of chemical weapons and by further threatening friends and allies of ours in the region, like Israel and Turkey and Jordan”.
Asked if his decision on a military offensive was imminent, Obama said: “We are still in the planning process.” Consultations with Congress and the international community were very important, he said, but complained of an “incapacity” of the UN Security Council to act. “We are looking at the possibility of a limited, narrow act that would help make sure that not only Syria, but others around the world, understand that the international community cares about maintaining this chemical weapons ban and norm,” he said, stressing: “In no event are we considering any kind of military action that would involve boots on the ground.”
“What we will do is consider options that meet the narrow concern around chemical weapons, understanding that there’s not going to be a solely military solution to the underlying conflict and tragedy that’s taking place in Syria. And I will continue to consult closely with Congress,” he said, adding a classified briefing would be provided to lawmakers. Obama conceded war-weariness in the US itself, Britain and in many parts of the world, asserting in the same breath: “But, ultimately, we don’t want the world to be paralyzed.”
“A lot of people think something should be done, but nobody wants to do it,” he complained, adding: “It would be tempting to leave it to others to do it … But it is not in the national security interests of the United States to ignore clear violations of these kinds of international norms.” For all his efforts to make a robust case for military intervention, Obama continues to face mounting scepticism within the US Congress and among America’s allies and partners.