Syrian Violence

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, while our President telegraphs to our enemies a timeline for ending the war that they are certainly willing to continue to commit to, while military efforts continue in Libya with uncertain, undisclosed, and unsuccessful outcomes led by our administration under NATO command, greater atrocities perpetrated against freedom seekers in Syria go unaddressed, unannounced, unconsidered by our President. Why? What's the reason? What's the time limit? It is known that Syria has been a continuing threat to freedom and a strong supporter and sustainer of unrest and terrorism in the Middle East and around the world. They're a strong ally of Iran and a constant threat to our friend Israel.

As freedom-seeking citizens of Syria join, Mr. Speaker, many others in the Middle East in calling for political reforms, respect for human rights, and regime change, the government of Syria and President Bashar Al-Assad is violently and sadistically suppressing the Syrian people, his own people. Tanks, snipers, goon squads, violent attacks on women and children, starvation and dehydration, inhuman imprisonment, torture, and worse has been the norm for the Syrian people for too long--without a strong and principled response from our President and our Nation. Why? We're not calling for a war. We're not calling for troops on the ground. We're not calling for anything right now except to take a stand against this atrocity.

Other nations have stood and voiced their concerns that President Assad has violated its international obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Isn't it time for our President and this administration to stand and speak as the world leader and call on President Assad to step down and for the Syrian Government to end its cruel crimes against humanity?

I am firmly convinced that the rest of the peace-loving world will respond to our leadership. They are looking for it. They expect it. They are asking for it, and the Syrian people will be encouraged and defended. And liberty's cause will be promoted in this earthquake zone called the Middle East.

It's time to speak up. May God grant our President and this administration and our government the courage to do so. Because it is for humanity and people like ourselves that we speak.

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