Kerry and French Foreign Minister Appeal Together for Strike Against Syria

[ProSense]

Kerry and French Foreign Minister Appeal Together for Strike Against Syria

By MICHAEL R. GORDON

PARIS — The two most vocal advocates of an international response to a chemical weapons attack in Syria teamed up on Saturday when Secretary of State John Kerry and his French counterpart made an unusual joint appeal for military action.

“France and the United States stand together,” said Laurent Fabius, the French foreign minister, who argued that a punishing military strike was needed to redraw the red line against the use of chemical weapons.

Mr. Kerry reached back to President John F. Kennedy’s meetings with President Charles de Gaulle and sought to touch a chord with wary Europeans over the need to stand up to the “slaughter” of civilians by delivering much of his presentation in fluent French.

<...>

French officials, for their part, have made clear that they do not want to go it alone against Syria and need a partner if action is taken...to obtain broader backing for a military operation from European nations, France’s president, François Hollande, said Friday that his government would not act militarily before United Nations inspectors presented their findings about the Aug. 21 chemical weapons attack near Damascus...The move was intended to secure a measure of support from Germany and other European nations, which are concerned that action will be taken without the approval of the United Nations Security Council because of the threat of a Russian veto...After Mr. Hollande’s remarks, the European Union issued a statement on Saturday at a meeting in Lithuania calling for a “clear and strong response,” but only after a “preliminary” report by United Nations inspectors is submitted “as soon as possible.”

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http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/08/world/europe/european-union-wants-un-report-before-any-military-action-in-syria.html

[Thinkingabout]

1. I would love to see an agreement where Assad would leave and there would not be a

Need for any strikes but really don't see this happening. To wait to get the report confirming Assad had used chemical weapons before any strikes occur. Maybe a few more of his military will defect.

[David__77]

2. How about the US stay out of it.

There is no "need" for starting a war against Syria.

[Thinkingabout]

4. I dont see any wiggle room unless Asad steps down, the crime is done now and we cant

Reverse the fate of those who have been gassed.

[David__77]

5. "Wiggle room?"

I don't know what you mean. Exactly what are you advocating?

[Thinkingabout]

6. Can you see where any of those already is going to be brought back, nope. Assad could

Step aside or deal with whatever comes his way, this is in violation of a international treaty. His actions does not leave any wiggle room.

[David__77]

8. And so this means?

If that's the case, which I have don't know, are you suggesting our armed forces risk their lives by going to war?

[Thinkingabout]

9. Who is asking for the armed forces to go to war?

[David__77]

10. OK, my misunderstanding.

...

[cali]

3. lol. you're so reactive.

gonna claim that this bull isn't in response to my op, pro?

You can keep posting the propaganda but DU, Americans, the French and most of the world aren't buying this shit.

[ProSense]

7. What the hell are you talking about?

Seriously, snap out of it.

[Logical]

11. Ignore her. She uses Google searches to make her point. That is all she has. n-t

[Egalitarian Thug]

12. Still flogging away I see. LOL!

If you fling enough shit surely something is going to stick

[ProSense]

13. Obama Plans Media Blitz Monday As Syria Vote Looms

Obama Plans Media Blitz Monday As Syria Vote Looms
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023620052

In case you want to post your comment in that thread.