Franken Urges Obama to Narrow Scope on Possible Military Response in Syria

Update: U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) on Tuesday, Sept. 10 issued the following statement on recent developments with respect to Syria: 

“There is no question that a diplomatic resolution to this crisis would be far preferable to military intervention. While the new diplomatic proposal floated by Russia needs to be treated with skepticism, I remain hopeful that it can lead to the desired result: that the Assad regime will no longer be able to use chemical weapons. 

“If instead, the United States is compelled to take action in response to the Assad regime’s horrific use of chemical weapons, our response must be narrowly tailored as I have said all along, and we must have assurance that this will not spiral into a prolonged engagement in the region. 

“Over the last several days, I've studied the resolution passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and I am concerned that its scope is too broad. With the President scheduled to meet with members of the Senate and to address the nation tonight, I urge him to explain how the United States will deal with the risks and unintended consequences of a possible attack and how we will avoid getting mired in a broader conflict. 

“I continue to believe that the use of chemical weapons is a violation of a longstanding international norm and warrants a response, but I want to know more about the details of that response and its scope before I decide whether to support or oppose this or any resolution in the U.S. Senate.”

Updated from:

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is suspected of using of chemical weapons against civilians, and Obama has secured support for a military strike from some Republican leaders, according the Chicago Tribune.

Below is her statement:

“Without final legislative language to consider it is impossible for me to commit at this time to support or oppose President Obama’s request for Congressional authorization for military action targeting the Syrian regime.

“Having been briefed by the White House, the intelligence is undeniable that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons to gas and kill innocent civilians. This is a crime against humanity that requires an unequivocal response from the U.S. and the international community. To do nothing and allow Syrian President Assad and his generals’ impunity following such an atrocity would undermine the most fundamental global norms of conduct that keep Americans safe while directly putting at risk our key regional allies—Jordan, Turkey, and Israel.

“As I have stated previously, the U.S. should not take unilateral military action, but it is clear the Obama Administration is making significant diplomatic efforts to seek support from a host of nations, especially Arab League nations, for a limited military strike. President Obama’s plan can only be successful if the world is standing with the U.S.

“It is my intention to return to Washington tomorrow, attend additional briefings, and consult with the Administration and Congressional colleagues. President Obama must make the case and earn the support of the American people and Congress, including this representative, for limited and effective military action against the Syrian regime. I applaud the President for fully engaging Congress in this critically important decision.”