Friday, August 30, 2013

Oppose Military Action in Syria!



As tensions rise due to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, urge the President, the Secretary of State, and members of Congress not to take military action in Syria.

Click Here to send a message today!

While the use of chemical weapons should be unequivocally condemned, regardless of who perpetrated the attack, it is also the case that many states have helped fuel the armed conflict in Syria by sending weapons to the region.  Instead of exacerbating the conflict with military strikes, the United States should seek an international agreement on an arms embargo and back dialogue that alone can end the horrific violence.

We must use extreme caution in implementing policies that might escalate the conflict.  Limited engagement is never truly limited and any military option the President might choose will result in the deaths of more Syrians, including innocent civilians.

And, given the British Parliament’s refusal to support joining the United States in such an action, the United States does not currently have much support for military action in the international community.

Please urge the administration and members of congress to have the courage shown by other strong leaders in the past to hold off on military action and renew the efforts for a diplomatic solution.  We must work with the United Nations and other governments to contain the violence, restore stability in the region, provide humanitarian assistance, and encourage the building of an inclusive society in Syria that protects the rights of all its citizens.

Click Here to send a message today!

It is only through nonviolent means that we can hope for radical change that leads to a just peace.

The 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) urged our government:

 • to support a mediated process of cessation of violence by all perpetrators, including the Assad regime and armed opposition groups; • to call for all outside parties to cease all forms of intervention in Syria; • to support a strong and necessary role for the United Nations, possibly including observers and peacekeeping forces; and • to refrain from military intervention in Syria.

The United States should not hastily enter into conflict. It is imperative that we choose to support a true resolution instead of  perpetuating violence.

Support a just and lasting resolution to the conflict in Syria. Contact the President, Secretary of State, and your legislators for a peaceful solution today!  Click Here to send a message!