from National Security and Defense Program

Assessing the Case for Striking Syria

Testimony by Stephen Biddle

September 10, 2013

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Testimony
Testimony by CFR fellows and experts before Congress.

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Homeland Security

In his testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Stephen Biddle acknowledges that neither the case for nor against using force in Syria is without serious costs and risks. He evaluates the five main goals an attack might be designed to achieve: deterring further CW use and upholding norms against the employment of such weapons; preserving U.S. credibility; enabling a negotiated settlement to the war; toppling Assad and his government; and ending the humanitarian crisis by saving civilian lives.

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