Issue Position: Syria, Ukraine, & International Intervention

Issue Position

I strongly opposed bombing Syria when President Obama asked for Congressional approval to do so in response to Syria's use of chemical weapons on its own citizens (August 2013). Instead, I advocated for redoubled diplomatic efforts and a leadership role in an international humanitarian response to the exploding refugee crisis. Syria has begun to hand over chemical weapons for destruction, but I am concerned about their intent to cooperate fully given missed deadlines. We must continue to monitor and press for compliance, knowing that Russia may alter its stance given recent events in Ukraine.

I have watched the events in Ukraine with a wary eye. Russia's Putin claims to be protecting rather than invading, but as a student of Russian history, I think he is eager to demonstrate strength -- both to those who support him, and to those who do not. Having annexed Crimea, he welcomes the protests in East Ukraine as evidence of the people's desire for Russian intervention. Meanwhile, Russian troops at the eastern border ratchet up the pressure on the people of Ukraine (and surrounding countries). I do not believe Putin wants war, but I am deeply concerned that he is willing to see how far he can go before bringing the world to the brink.

We cannot and should not be the world's policeman. We must turn away from the temptation to consider wars-of-choice just because they can be executed "efficiently." And, we must not confuse our egos with our rights or our international responsibilities. At the same time, we must remain vigilant (alert to both danger and opportunity) and prepared for rapid escalation of regional upheavals which threaten our nation's security or global stability.

Most importantly, we must reclaim our position as an international model of democracy by acting in accordance with our ideals, always being accountable for our actions and their impact on other countries and their people.

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