…
It has been less than two
years since a vendor in Tunisia set himself on fire to protest the oppressive
corruption in his country, and sparked what became known as the Arab Spring.
And since then, the world has been captivated by the transformation that has
taken place, and the United States has supported the forces of change.
We
were inspired by the Tunisian protests that toppled a dictator, because we
recognized our own beliefs in the aspiration of men and women who took to the
streets.
We
insisted on change in Egypt, because our support for democracy ultimately put
us on the side of the people.
We
supported a transition of leadership in Yemen, because the interests of the
people were not being served by a corrupt status quo.
We
intervened in Libya alongside a broad coalition, and with the mandate of the
United Nations Security Council, because we had the ability to stop the
slaughter of innocents; and because we believed that the aspirations of the
people were more powerful than a tyrant.
And
as we meet here, we again declare that the regime of Bashar al-Assad must come
to an end so that the suffering of the Syrian people can stop, and a new dawn
can begin.
…
In Syria, the future must
not belong to a dictator who massacres his people. If there is a cause that
cries out for protest in the world today - peaceful protests - it is a regime
that tortures children and shoots rockets at apartment buildings. And we must
remain engaged to assure that what began with citizens demanding their rights
does not end in a cycle of sectarian violence.
Together,
we must stand with those Syrians who believe in a different vision – a Syria
that is united and inclusive; where children don’t need to fear their own
government, and all Syrians have a say in how they are governed – Sunnis and
Alawites; Kurds and Christians. That is what America stands for; that is the
outcome that we will work for – with sanctions and consequences for those who
persecute; and assistance and support for those who work for this common good.
Because we believe that the Syrians who embrace this vision will have the
strength and the legitimacy to lead.
…
So much attention in our
world turns to what divides us. That’s what we see on the news, that’s what
consumes our political debates. But when you strip that all away, people
everywhere long for the freedom to determine their destiny; the dignity that
comes with work; the comfort that comes with faith; and the justice that exists
when governments serve their people and not the other way around.
The
United States of America will always stand up for these aspirations, for our
own people, and for people all across the world. That was our founding purpose.
… Read more
The election still 6 weeks away and every single
day 1000 Syrian are killed and there are
no solutions offering and hoping a solution will follow.
