U.S. Won’t Insist U.N. Resolution Threaten Force on Syria, Officials Say

[Bosonic]

Source: New York Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama will not insist on a United Nations resolution threatening to use force to ensure that Syria lives up to its commitment to turn over chemical weapons, but will seek other tangible consequences for Syria if it does not comply, senior administration officials said Friday.

Although Mr. Obama reserves the right to order a punitive military strike on his own without United Nations backing if Syria reneges, the officials said he understood that Russia, because of its veto power in the Security Council, would never allow a resolution that authorized such a use of force.

France, which has been America’s strongest ally in the push to punish Syria for an Aug. 21 chemical weapons attack on civilians, this week proposed that a Security Council resolution invoke Chapter 7, a clause that allows United Nations members to use military action to enforce its provisions. Mr. Obama essentially is conceding that he cannot overcome Russian opposition, but he believes that a resolution must have teeth in it, and he will not agree to Syria’s demand that he renounce force altogether.

Instead, the officials said, the Obama administration will seek a Security Council resolution that builds in other measures to enforce a deal with the government of President Bashar al-Assad, possibly including sanctions or other penalties. The administration will give negotiations now under way with the Russians a couple of weeks to see if they have any traction.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/14/world/middleeast/us-wont-insist-un-resolution-threaten-force-on-syria-officials-say.html?_r=0

[Sunlei]

1. sounds like a plan Assad can *live* with

[David__77]

2. Well they knew that wasn't going to be acceptable.

I also think that sanctions would not be acceptable to Russia unless it to specifically agree that Syria was out of compliance - meaning, another resolution would be required.

[arewenotdemo]

3. "Obama reserves the right to order a punitive military strike on his own without UN backing..."

WHAT FUCKING "RIGHT"? Who made the POTUS the fucking King of the World?

People need to understand that Obama has this nation (once again) in direct violation of International Law, which specifically states:

All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations. – Charter of the United Nations, Article 2 Section 4

[iandhr]

6. So the use of chemical weapons is "consistent with the United Nations"

There has to be consequences for noncompliance.

[snappyturtle]

4. Toothless resolution and a two week break.

The President can attack on his own. Sanctions
and penalties possible so we can kill children in
Syria like we did in Iraq. ???????????? Nuts.

[davidpdx]

5. The UN won't do a thing

Except sit on their hands and say they can't do anything. I expect nothing more.