Natalie Gonnella
As violence continues to escalate in Syria with little international response, in an online editorial today, theNational Review boldly condemned the horrific atrocities committed by the Assad regime, as well as the Obama administration's feeble reaction.
Joining a number of publications (like the Washington Post and the Christian Science Monitor) in speaking out on the issue, the editors at NRO in today's post backed three key actions they feel the White House should immediately undertake to demonstrate America's fervent opposition to the brutal violence and vicious oppression imposed on citizens by the Syrian government.
Here's a look at what they had to say:
1. Withdraw America’s ambassador to Syria immediately:
With Syria’s regime exhibiting a brutal and manic fight response, our diplomats can’t exercise persuasion from within, but their continued presence is a boon to the regime’s legitimacy and an embarrassment to our claim to oppose violence, let alone support democracy. That Obama has not withdrawn Amb. Robert Ford yet indicates an unwillingness to admit his mistake in rushing the latter’s recess appointment, which was more a snub to Obama’s predecessor than considered diplomacy. Likewise, Syria’s ambassador to the U.S. should be sent home.
2. Implement robust diplomatic sanctions against the Assad regime
Freeze Syrian elites’ overseas assets, forbid them travel in and out of the country, freeze the Syrian central bank (using financial-sanctions provisions of the PATRIOT Act), and ban arms trade with Syria. France and Britain are currently introducing resolutions to the United Nations for condemnations and sanctions. The United States should not take a backseat.
3. Get loud
President Obama’s only recent statement on Syria never once employed the first person. Obama prides himself on his being a persuasive wordsmith and on the influence of his moral leadership. Why can’t he craft some strong, unequivocal condemnation for Assad?
The full editorial is available to view here.
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