In 2013, Syrian atrocities provoked President Obama to threaten the use of force to destroy chemical weapons. Obama asked Congress to approve the limited use of force. Rep. Tom Reed held “listening sessions.” He opposed President Obama’s request. He said he favored diplomacy without threats. The crisis was resolved when agreement was reached with Russia and Syria which provided for the verified destruction of the prohibited weapons. Congress never voted on “The Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Government of Syria to Respond to Use of Chemical Weapons.”
Now in April, 2017 the question has come up again. Evidently chemical weapons still exist in Syria. Were the Russians fooled by the Syrian government, or did Russia conspire with Syria to conceal prohibited weapons? What now?
President Trump has expressed outrage. Will he undertake some action on his own authority or ask Congress for approval as President Obama did? What position will Rep. Reed take this time?
- Hold “listening sessions.”
- Oppose any threat or use of force.
- Support President Trump without reservation whatever he does.
- Keep his head down.
The situation is even more difficult in 2017 than in 2013 because of direct Russian intervention in the Syrian Civil war.
The following articles may be of current interest:
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/01/rep-reed-to-hold-listening-sessions-on-syria/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/02/rep-reed-please-look-at-all-aspects-of-the-syrian-crisis-carefully/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/03/tom-listened-today-in-big-flats/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/04/geneva-listening-session-on-syria/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/08/reed-backs-house-defeat-of-syria-authorization/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/09/reed-should-support-president-obama-on-syria/
https://newny23rd.com/2013/09/17/reed-was-wrong-on-syria/
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