CODEPINK Statement on Special Ops in Syria

CODEPINK condemns the decision by the Obama Administration to send US special forces into Syria.

By CODEPINK Staff

CODEPINK condemns the decision by the Obama Administration on Friday, October 30, to send special forces into Kurdish-held areas of Syria.

This decision by the administration moves the United States away from pursuing a political solution and instead follows a failed pattern of using short-term military tactics to address conflicts in the Middle East. We know that "special forces" means putting boots on the ground, something Obama promised in 2013 he wouldn't do in Syria, and puts more American lives at risk. 

Alternatives exist to increasing United States' military involvement in the region, which, for over a decade, has delivered death, destruction, and increased extremism including the rise of ISIL . Instead, the U.S. government CAN:

• fully commit to ceasefire talks currently underway with 19 countries;
• increase humanitarian aid to refugees; and
• negotiate longer-term conflict resolution for the anguished and war-torn country of Syria.

Diplomacy works. Military “solutions” create more problems and tragedies.