News
Senate Panel Backs Use of Force Against Syria, Wall Street Journal
A Senate panel backed President Barack Obama’s request for strikes on Syria, while the Pentagon has been revising options, including the use of Air Force bombers to supplement the four Navy destroyers armed with missiles.
Where Congress Stands on Syria,Washington Post
Infographic on where Congressional members stand on Syria strike authorization.
Kerry: Arab Nations Offer to Pay for Syria Strike, Agence France Presse
“With respect to Arab countries offering to bear the cost and to assist, the answer is profoundly yes, they have. That offer is on the table,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said in front of a US House of Representatives panel.
Appeal from Turkey, Jordan Lebanon, and Iraq, New York Times
Ministers from four countries bordering Syria appealed for more international support, drawing attention to their security fears and the acute strain on their societies from the flood of refugees from Syria.
Europe, on Sidelines, Waits for Next Move on Syria, New York Times
UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s loss in the British parliament ended a period of foreign policy leadership by Europe’s two defense powers, Britain and France.
Analysis
Five Reasons Why Congress Must Support Obama on Syria, R. Nicholas Burns, Atlantic Council
From a foreign policy perspective, the decision isn’t even close — the US must act by attacking Assad’s air force, artillery, and command and control assets within Syria.
Syria: Authorizing the Use of Military Force, Fred Hof, Atlantic Council
Denial of this authorization would complete the shredding of American credibility around the globe, leaving allies and adversaries alike wondering if the word of the United States is good for anything at all.
What Next for Syria?, Atlantic Council Event featuring Fred Hof, Barry Pavel, Elizabeth O’Bagy, and Faysal Itani
Regional and political-miltiary experts discussed what potential strikes on Syria in response to the August 21st chemical weapons attack could mean for Syria, the United States, the civil war, and the region.
A Queen of Heart’s Advice for Syria, Harlan Ullman, Atlantic Council
Three issues pivotal to informing the Syria decision need to be mentioned: 1) conditions in Syria are going to get worse, no matter what course of action is decided upon; 2) an attack at best will achieve minimum damage; and 3) retaliation is a possibility, leading to a “what next?” scenario for the White House.
The Confusing Case for Striking Syria, Rajan Menon, Atlantic Council
While President Obama seems poised to attack Syria, it’s not clear what he intends to achieve, apart from saving face.
Debate: Should the World Be Intervening Militarily in Syria?, The Economist
Emile Hokayem makes the case for strikes since diplomacy is unlikely to work, in his view, while Julian Barnes-Dacey says “intervention remains shrouded in uncertainty.”
Syria’s Overblown Extremist Threat, Matthew Gault, Medium: War is Boring
Reporting from the front lines in Syria shows that support for Islamist rebels is falling as funding and support pours into more moderate causes.
Government Sources
Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Government of Syria to Respond to Use of Chemical Weapons
Hearing: Syria: Weighing the Obama Administration’s Response, House Foreign Affairs Committee