The Henry Jackson Society (HJS) has welcomed US Secretary of State John Kerry’s acknowledgement of the Syrian regime’s use of chemical weapons against its own people, and backed growing international calls for Western intervention to halt the escalating crisis.
The HJS think tank, which seeks to promote liberal democracy around the world, has consistently called for Western powers to act to counter Assad’s regime in order to force him to the negotiating table.Today, following Kerry’s admission that Assad’s systematic use of chemical weapons “defies any code of morality”, the HJS has again called for the US and UK to lead a coalition of Western governments to act in Syria.
Executive Director of the Henry Jackson Society, Dr Alan Mendoza, said: “The world is belatedly waking up to the realisation that President Assad has absolutely no intention or compulsion whatever to negotiate peace. Instead, we have seen him use chemical weapons against his own people, killing hundreds and consolidating his own power.
“It is morally abhorrent for Western powers to simply stand idly by and watch these atrocities take place. Moreover, a destabilised and divided Syria has become a breeding ground for extremism. It is undoubtedly in the interests of both the West and Syria for military action to be taken, as this is the only way we will be able to get all sides to the negotiating table.
“It is encouraging that both the US and British governments are beginning to accept that realisation, and we urge them to act decisively as soon as possible.”
The HJS has long argued that Western intervention is the only option which will bring about a negotiated settlement in Syria. Former Home Secretary Lord Owen yesterday referenced the Society as a leading pro-intervention voice in an interview with Channel 4 News.