Trump Just Did To Syria Exactly What He Told Obama Not To Do In 2013
On Thursday, the United States launched a military strike on a Syrian government target. This attack was a retaliation for a chemical weapons attack earlier this week.
Following President Donald Trump's orders, United States warships launched 50-60 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian government airbase. This airbase was where warplanes that carried out the chemical attacks were based.
At Mar-a-Lago, which is referred to as the "Southern White House" in Florida, Trump said,
Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the air field in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched. It is in this vital national security of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons. There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and ignored the urging of the UN Security Council. Years of previous attempts at changing Assad's behavior have all failed and failed very dramatically.
Some are convinced Trump is using this attack to boost his popularity, which is at a record low.
Others believe this is exactly what Trump warned Obama against in 2013.
In 2014, under President Obama, the US began launching airstrikes in Syria.
Trump made over 20 tweets urging Obama not to interfere with Syria.
Greta Van Susteren, a Fox News Host who now works at MSNBC, said,
A few years ago in the midst of the debate whether President Obama should use force in Syria, then-Mr. Trump, now-President Trump, had a different opinion. In a tweet, then-Mr. Trump said, quote, 'President Obama, do not attack Syria.'
However, Trump said in a press conference his stance has changed, and he's proud to change based on current events.
He said,
My attitude on Syria and Assad has changed very much... That attack on children yesterday had a big impact on me.
Despite tweeting at Obama after chemical attacks in 2013, urging the president not to attack, Trump said these chemical attacks crossed a line for him.
When you kill innocent children -- innocent babies -- babies -- little babies with a chemical gas that is so lethal, people were shocked to hear what gas it was, that crosses many, many lines. Beyond a red line, many, many lines.
Last May, Trump said he would go after ISIS, but the US had "bigger problems than Assad." According the the UN, Syria's six-year civil war has claimed 400,000 lives.
Citations: Trump launches military strike against Syria (CNN)
