Washington DC- Today U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), member of the National Security Working Group and co-chair of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism Caucus, released the following statement on developments in Syria:
“After receiving a second intelligence briefing from the Administration today, I now have more evidence of the national security imperative in Syria and the need to authorize the limited use of force against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. As I have said repeatedly, I have no doubt that Assad has used chemical weapons against his own people.
I visited a Syrian refugee camp this spring, where I saw hundreds of young Syrian children hoping for a bright future. Last month, Assad unconscionably killed hundreds of children with chemical weapons. When a dictator or a terrorist organization uses chemical weapons in violation of international law, there must be a direct response. We cannot simply condemn this crime - it is in the U.S. interest to act. The Iranian regime, the terrorist organization Hezbollah and the regime in North Korea are watching closely and it is imperative that we send a message. I believe it is important that all aspects of our Syria policy be thoroughly debated with these national security interests in mind.”
Casey Record on Syria
- In August 2011 Senator Casey set forth a comprehensive strategy on Syria.
- November 2012 interview on Syria with Foreign Policy.
- December 2012 speech on Syria.
- February 2013 op-ed on Syria.
- April 2013 op-ed.
- June 2013 statement.
- He visited the region last April and met with Syrian refugees (on the Turkish border).
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