Washington: Indian-American Congresswoman from Hawaii, Tulsi Gabbard, has said the possible military intervention by the United States in Syria would be a mistake, as the country does not pose a national security threat to America.
Breaking ranks with her party leader and US President Barack Obama, Gabbard yesterday said military intervention in Syria would be a mistake.
Declaring that she would vote against the Syria military intervention resolution, Gabbard, who was endorsed by Obama in her election campaign, said Syria does not pose a national security threat to the US.
The only Hindu-American Congresswoman also alleged that the proposed military action lacks clear tactical objective, a realistic strategy, and an exit plan.
"The proposed military action against Syria fails to meet any of these criteria. Presently, Syria does not present a direct security threat to the United States," said Gabbard.
"Military action will undermine our national defence, as even a limited strike could very easily escalate into a regional conflict, stretching thin a military that has been at war for more than 12 years," Gabbard said.
Expressing that "We should learn from history; we cannot afford to be the world`s policeman," Gabbard said the United States should not insert itself in the midst of this civil war, which is rooted in sectarian hatred and animosity between various warring religious groups.
Noting that all Americans are saddened and angered by the carnage that has resulted from the use of these chemical weapons, Gabbard said, however, even after the many hearings and classified briefings she has attended, she is unconvinced that this military strike would eliminate Syria`s chemical weapons or prevent them from being used again.
"Indeed, the risk may increase, due to the possibility these weapons could fall into the hands of Syrian opposition group factions such as al Qaeda," she argued.
Gabbard said she is sickened and outraged by the carnage and loss of lives caused by the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
"It is with gravity that I have carefully considered all the facts, arguments, and evidence and soberly weighed concerns regarding our national security and moral responsibility," said Gabbard.
"As a result, I have come to the conclusion that a US military strike against Syria would be a serious mistake," she said, adding that "I will therefore vote against a resolution that authorises the use of military force in Syria."
The Congresswoman said she will also strongly urge her colleagues to do the same, claiming that several other lawmakers yesterday spoke against the Syrian military strike.
"After being briefed by administration officials and having the opportunity to review the intelligence reports, it is my opinion that President Obama has not made a case for how and why US military action in Syria is in our own national interest," said Gabbard.
PTI
