GPPi publishes commentary on Germany’s response to the Syria conundrum
In an online opinion piece published by Deutsche Welle on 28 August 2013, GPPi Director Thorsten Benner has commented on the likelihood that Germany will engage in limited military action against the Syrian government. Benner argues that, in the face of a Russian Security Council veto, pushing for a political solution to the Syrian civil war is imperative.
Early in the week, US Secretary of State John Kerry claimed that there is undeniable evidence that the Assad’s regime has used chemical weapons in what he called the “indiscriminate slaughter” of thousands of innocent civilians. Kerry’s wording suggests that the US is moving closer to a military response in cooperation with American allies.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle used the strongest possible terms to denounce the large-scale use of chemical weapons in Syria. But both were careful not to spell out what that response could or should look like. Still, the German government will likely offer political support for limited military action against the Syrian regime if the evidence presented clearly identifies Assad’s forces as responsible for launching the chemical attack in Ghouta.
In this context, Benner emphasizes the need for an honest debate and an unambiguous government statement that the rationale behind a potential military intervention is not the protection of Syrian civilians, but rather an operation to “restore credibility,” defending the red line against the use of chemical weapons drawn by Obama a year ago. Further, it should be made clear that an intervention without authorization by the Security Council is not legal.
Benner also makes the point that the German government should reject any loose talk of a “Kosovo model” unless the West is prepared to take responsibility to prevent human rights abuses in a separated Syria after military intervention. The course of action should instead be decisive diplomatic action, including all parties involved, combined with a short and limited military response.
Finally, Benner appeals to both the German government and German citizens to increase donations toward humanitarian organizations operating in Syria. This would demonstrate that, beyond a potential military response, Germany is committed to do the utmost in addressing humanitarian needs of all Syrians.