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[04.21.03] Syrian Freedom It was a fortuitous coincidence that Blaster brought up the Iraq Liberation Act and the widespread support it enjoyed from liberal Democrats when it was first passed. That's because, at about the same time, I was discovering that much the same is now true for the Administration's new approach to Syria.

Log onto the Thomas system and do a search for Syria. The first item you'll turn up is Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act (I'm linking the PDF because of the fickle shelf life on search results in Thomas.) It was introduced on April 12, and includes 24 Democratic cosponsors, 5 of whom voted against war in Iraq (and two of them are members of the Congressional Black Caucus).

They were Jerrold Nadler of the Upper West Side, Edolphus Towns of Queens, Bob Brady, the Democratic boss of Philadelphia (!), Robert Matsui of California, and civil rights icon John Lewis of Georgia. Additionally, freshman Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen expressed opposition to war in Iraq during the campaign, and is now supporting this measure to bring the Ba'ath regime in Damascus into line.

These 24 members, among them some of the most liberal members of the House, seem to understand that the crass demands of domestic politics stop at the water's edge. When John Kerry, Gary Hart, or Howard Dean rev up their barrage of criticism for our "unilateral" "bullying" of Syria, just point them in the direction of these Democrats who are on the front lines defending the policy.

UPDATE: Blaster tracks down Bill Clinton's complicity in the neocon conspiracy.

Permalink Comments (5) Pings (4) Donate War on Terror

Onward with the Vast Right Wing conspiracy! All their base are belong to us!

Posted by: Joe Katzman at April 22, 2003 01:50:17 AM

Sorry, Patrick, but I can't get too impressed with this Act. A red flag immediately flew up when I read the names of the prominent Democrat co-sponsors, and when I read the text of the Act, my suspicions were confirmed. It amounts to little more than the diplomatic equivalent of a stern frown directed at Damascus; de Villepin would be proud.

When I start hearing the term "serious consequences" bandied about with regard to Syria, then I'll sit up and take notice. Until then, our policy vis-a-vis Syria is no stronger than, "Either you're with us...or you're just a big doody-head and I'm not going to play with you anymore."

Posted by: Charlie at April 22, 2003 02:24:53 AM

Addendum: I hasten to add that the above is not to be construed in any way to imply that I would not pay good money, in large quantities, to see President Bush refer to Bashar al-Assad on global TV as "a big doody-head."

Posted by: Charlie at April 22, 2003 02:31:09 AM

ha-ha!...he said "doody-head"!

Posted by: Scott at April 22, 2003 09:35:09 AM

I think that, more than anything else, this merely shows that these individuals are capable of sticking their fingers in the wind and feeling which way it's blowing.

This set's them up as being on the winning side if/when Syria folds/is toppled, they can say "see, I was for the Syria thing all along".

If things go the other way, it can be construed as minor and repudiated.
As should be obvious from who's on the list, they ARE astute political operators.

Of COURSE they are engaging in some CYA!

Posted by: David Mercer at April 22, 2003 07:26:06 PM

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