SB 2017-089: Congressional Resolution on Syria (Passed)

[Associate Justice PiT]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Sponsor: Blair

     I hereby open the floor for debate.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

What are we defining as "support" here?  Is the Atlasian government being authorized to actually do something in response to the aggressions of the Syrian government against its own people, or is this merely an acknowledgement of the violence that's been carried out?

[Associate Justice PiT]

What are we defining as "support" here?  Is the Atlasian government being authorized to actually do something in response to the aggressions of the Syrian government against its own people, or is this merely an acknowledgement of the violence that's been carried out?

     Given that this is a resolution, probably the latter.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

What are we defining as "support" here?  Is the Atlasian government being authorized to actually do something in response to the aggressions of the Syrian government against its own people, or is this merely an acknowledgement of the violence that's been carried out?

     Given that this is a resolution, probably the latter.

My concern with this resolution is its potential to be used later as justification for war or escalation of our military power in the region, as early proponents of the Iraq War in the United States used the Iraq Liberation Act to support their cause.

Obviously one difference is that bill is an act whereas the bill we are debating now is a resolution, but I'm not comfortable signing off on something that does not help the oppressed people in the region but may or may not be seen as a catalyst for war or nation-building.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     I tend to agree. The situation in Syria is a terrible one, but I do not want us to get militarily involved or even make overtures in that direction. If we are to take action, it should be in a strictly humanitarian capacity.

[Anna Komnene]

I'm wary of this possibly being used to justify doing more too, though I don't disagree with most of the provisions.  I wonder if there might be any unintended consequences. 

I'll introduce an amendment to remove the part about sanctions.  I think sanctions tend to backfire and just hurt ordinary people rather than the government they're meant to hurt.

Senate Resolution
To condemn the Syrian regime, impose sanctions for human rights abuses and other purposes

Be it enacted in both houses of Congress Assembled,

Bill Title: Congressional Resolution on Syria
The Congress of Atlasia hereby condemns and condones the barbarous, tyrannical and destructive policies  carried out by the government of Syria, under the leadership of Bashar Al- Assad. This house affirms that the 2011 protests against the Syrian regime, where started by a people who wanted to gain fundamental human and civil rights that we hold in such high regard.

1.) The Atlasia Congress calls attention to the war crimes, and human rights abuses carried out by the Government of Syria, including but not limited to, the use of Chemical Weapons, the use of aerial bombardment against civilians and the use of extra-judicial killings against political opponents.

1B.) This congress also brings special attention to the 2017 report by Amnesty International, outlining the murder of over 16,000 political dissidents in death camps in Syria.

Actions on Syria

1) A travel, financial and economic embargo shall be placed on all members of the Syrian Regime, and Government.

1.) This congress urges the Atlasian Government to support all civilian UN efforts to create a war crimes tribunal, and to bring to justice the members of the Syrian Regime.

2.) Congress condemns President Assad for his treatment of Syrian citizens, and supports the Syrian people's right to free themselves of any leadership at any time.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     Senators have 24 hours to object to the amendment.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     The amendment is adopted.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     Any more comments? If not we can move to a final vote in 24 hours.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     A final vote is now open on this resolution. Please vote aye, nay, or abstain.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Aye.

[Donerail]

Aye

[Associate Justice PiT]

     Aye

[Anna Komnene]

Aye

[Associate Justice PiT]

     This resolution has enough votes to pass. Senators have 24 hours to change their votes.

[Mike Thick]

ABSTAIN

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Aye

[Associate Justice PiT]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Atlasian Senate
Passed 5-0-1 in the Atlasian Senate assembled
Be it resolved, X Senator PiT, PPT[/quote]