West Morris Community responds to Syrian Missile Strikes
Currently involved in an international dispute, President Obama is prepared to move ahead
with a limited military strike on Syria, administration officials say.
The Syrian conflict has been growing in intensity and scope for more than two years, with
the United Nations estimating more than 100,000 dead and millions displaced. When evidence
of the use of chemical warfare was detected within the combat amongst Syrians, Mr. Obama
immediately recognized the violation of international law.
In the first few days after the attack it appeared likely that the United States and some of its
allies would launch airstrikes on Assad and his military.
In 2012, Obama had called a chemical attack in Syria a “red line” that should not be crossed.
But as the U.S. president began trying to convince Congress to back military strikes, the lack of
political enthusiasm became obvious.
Many students and staff members became interested in this political standoff and
formulated unique opinions. Scholar Patrick Halbert says, “No military strikes should be taken
on America’s dime. France and Britian have been pressing for us to take military action for
almost a year; how about they take military action! We’ve been in the fallout of the Iraq war for
Security guard and parking attendant Chief Cheify says, “President Obama is certainly
attempting to spread the message that chemical warfare will not be tolerated”.
On September 9, in a London press conference, Secretary of State Kerry noted that Assad
might avoid an attack if he surrendered his chemical weapons to international inspectors. With
rumor of Russia taking custody of the chemical stockpile, the threat of a military missile strike
has been exhausted.