Further Comments Of Senator Leahy On The Senate’s Upcoming Debate On Syria’s Use Of Chemical Weapons

[ProSense]

Further Comments Of Senator Leahy On The Senate’s Upcoming Debate On Syria’s Use Of Chemical Weapons

“The Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons – and in this case, against innocent civilians, the Syrian people – was a heinous act and a clear violation of international law and standards.

“Last weekend I made clear my opposition to the White House’s proposed resolution, and I was among the first in the Senate to do so. I criticized that proposal for being far too broad and open-ended. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has now reported a new version, which will be debated by the Senate, and further changes and amendments are possible.

“I remain skeptical of the United States going alone, and about what comes after. But this will be an important Senate debate, on deadly serious issues, about a resolution that may well see further changes. It makes sense to have the debate and then decide, not to decide and then have the debate. The Senate, and each senator, will be called upon to apply the facts, the views of our constituents, and our judgment in reaching a decision that is in the best interests of our nation and the security of the American people.”

http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/further-comments-of-senator-leahy-on-the-senates-upcoming-debate-on-syrias-use-of-chemical-weapons_--

[Nuclear Unicorn]

1. Would the good Senator please indicate where in international law the US can

unilaterally appoint itself the enforcer for a treaty the offending nation is not a party to and the enforcer has no security interests?

If he's going to make the case based on international law he shouldn't be so selective.

[leveymg]

2. NOTE: said chem attacks on civilians are illegal, not that strikes w/out UN auth are legal

That's a major difference. But, Leahy needs to go all the way and state that absent a UNSC resolution, a US attack would be a violation of Int'l Law.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

3. But that's the thing -- they're being so selective about which laws to enforce

Are we going to bomb Assad for gassing people then bomb ourselves for acting without sanction?

[leveymg]

4. Leahy can be very selective, but that's why he's where he is.

You're right, almost all of them are - it's a job requirement for a leadership position in DC.