Stop the rush to military engagement in Syria and get permission from Congress before any military action.
Why is this important?
I was a student leader against the war on Iraq and then was the coalition coordinator of Win Without War. I learned that military engagement rarely results in Hollywood endings—and that the people who lobby for military intervention rarely see the battlefield.
Everyone wants Syrians to be safe and secure, with the ability to resume their lives. Assad is a horrible leader, and the people there are suffering too much.
But Syrian civilians will not benefit from a rushed U.S. military engagement. Nor do the American people benefit when we engage in military action without proper authorization.
Let's put the people of Syria ahead of hawkish desire for wars, and other geopolitical considerations.
We need to double down on diplomacy and intelligence. If the President is convinced of military actions, he needs to send a bill to Congress.
By doing both diplomacy and Congressional approval for military action, we can do right by Syrians and Americans.
