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Join NowMoveOn.org statement on Trump ordering missile strikes targeting Syria
In response to confirmed reports that Donald Trump ordered more than 50 Tomahawk missiles to strike Syria tonight, without Congressional approval, Ilya Sheyman, executive director of MoveOn.org Political Action, had the following statement:
“This illegal and unauthorized escalation could have devastating consequences, killing innocent Syrians and costing the lives of U.S. service members.
“Let’s be clear: There’s no doubt that Bashar Assad is a brutal dictator who has slaughtered his own people and is complicit in the use of chemical weapons. But this is no humanitarian mission. These are missiles ordered by a flailing president with plummeting approval ratings, trying to show how ‘tough’ he can be. The result will likely be increased suffering for the Syrian people. And this unilateral U.S. attack could possibly even draw in Russia and Iran, which have been close partners of the Assad regime.
“Congress must not allow Trump to act unilaterally. It must stay in session and force consideration of an Authorization for Use of Military Force before any more military action is taken. And moreover, members of Congress should vote ‘no’ to Trump’s march to war.
“The U.S. cannot bomb our way to peace, but we do an essential role to play in the world, including welcoming increased numbers of refugees fleeing Syria, fully supporting international relief efforts for those most affected by this brutal civil war, engaging in multilateral diplomacy at the United Nations to isolate Syria, and sanctioning Russia and other nations which enable the Assad regime.
“MoveOn members are speaking out loudly, clearly, and quickly to halt Trump’s march to war and ensure Congress opposes bombing the people of Syria.”