US inches closer to Syria war

The approval in addition to the military deployment over the past few days shows that the US is inching closer to a war in Syria.

The reason for the Committee’s approval was due to the Syrian government’s use of chemical weapons against civilians. However, this resolution does not allow the development of ground troops and emphasizes that military intervention only aims at deterring and preventing Syria from using chemical weapons.

US President Obama and his national security staff discussed the situation in Syria. (Photo: Reuters)

Under the resolution, Obama has the right to order a limited strike against Syria’s military targets within 60 days and extend it to 30 days under certain conditions.

In an effort to persuade the House of Representatives, Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel have continued to respond at its Foreign Relations Committee.

Earlier, Obama received support from two key Republicans, the House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor for his plan on military intervention in Syria. Boehner urged other congressmen to vote in favor of the White House’s strike against Syria.

Meanwhile, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and 4 other ships in its strike group moved into the Red Sea early on September 2. The US Navy had also deployed the USS San Antonio, an amphibious transport ship to the Eastern Mediterranean, where five other US destroyers are already prepared for possible missile strikes on Syria once Obama gives the order.

It is not easy for Obama to win the approval of both the Senate and the House in September 9 vote. The Senate is considered an easier gate to go through because it is controlled by Democrats.

Meanwhile, the House controlled by the Republicans, gathers several conservative congressmen who have several times opposed Obama’s policies. So, the House senators are likely to obstruct the President’s military intervention plan despite their leaders’ support. Republican Senator Bob Corker said it is difficult for the President to get full Congress support.

A recent poll shows that a majority of American respondents neither support a strike against Syria nor believe in its outcomes. A Reuters/Ipsos poll announced on September 3 shows that 56% of respondents opposed and 19% supported Washington’s intervention in Syria’s crisis. In addition, protests against a strike against Syria are spreading throughout the US.

Obama also faces certain difficulties in persuading leaders from other countries. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said the UN Charter only allows military intervention for self-defense purpose or with the UN Security Council’s consent. The US’s attack on Syria will only worsen the situation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said if the US and the West find evidence against Syria, it should be given to the UN Security Council. He added that US’s military strike without the UN’s approval will be an invasion.

The Russian leader did not rule out the possibility that Russia would resume the transfer of the modern air-defense missile system S300 to Syria. The Russian Defense Ministry has decided to increase its surveillance warships in the Mediterranean Sea.

Signs for a strike against Syria are imminent. If it happens, there will be more deaths, which cannot fully justify Obama’s decision to attack Syria.