Summary of "President Obama on Syrian Chemical Weapons: 'This Week' Exclusive Interview Part 1"
Interview Overview
In an exclusive interview on ABC’s This Week, President Barack Obama reflects on the recent crisis surrounding Syria’s use of chemical weapons and the diplomatic breakthrough achieved with Russia.
Syria Chemical Weapons Crisis
Following the chemical attack in Syria on August 21, which killed over a thousand people including children, President Obama initially prepared for military strikes. However, he chose instead to seek Congressional approval and pursue diplomacy.
Key Developments
- For the first time, Syria has acknowledged possessing chemical weapons.
- Syria agreed to join the Chemical Weapons Convention.
- Russia committed to pressuring the Assad regime to surrender its chemical weapons stockpiles.
U.S. Goals and Approach
Obama emphasizes that the primary U.S. objective is to prevent further use of chemical weapons, which are indiscriminate and violate international law. He clarifies that the U.S. does not intend to intervene militarily in Syria’s civil war.
- The conflict has resulted in over 100,000 deaths and millions displaced.
- The U.S. will not deploy troops or enforce a settlement on the ground.
- The focus is on removing the worst weapons and fostering an international political process involving Syria’s factions and regional players such as Iran and Russia.
Relations with Russia and President Putin
Obama acknowledges deep disagreements with Russia, especially since Russia supports Assad. However, he highlights areas of cooperation:
- Counterterrorism efforts.
- Logistics support in Afghanistan.
- Russia’s role in pushing Assad to comply with the chemical weapons deal.
He maintains a cautious “trust but verify” stance regarding Putin’s involvement.
Details of the Chemical Weapons Agreement
- Syria is expected to admit international inspectors by November.
- Destruction of chemical weapons is to begin next year.
- Assad has not yet fully endorsed the deal.
Obama recognizes concerns from Syrian rebels that the agreement might strengthen Assad’s hold on power but reiterates that the U.S. priority is neutralizing chemical weapons to prevent their proliferation and use by terrorists.
Iran and Nuclear Negotiations
Regarding Iran, Obama notes:
- Ongoing indirect communications.
- Mutual recognition that the nuclear issue poses a far greater threat than Syria’s chemical weapons.
- Hope that a combination of diplomatic pressure and credible military threat can lead to a nuclear deal.
- Challenges posed by Iran’s new president.
Response to Domestic Criticism
Obama addresses criticism of his foreign policy as “ad hoc” and “undisciplined,” arguing that style should not overshadow substance. He contrasts this with the Iraq War’s smooth rollout despite disastrous outcomes and insists that the current approach—focused on concrete results like Syria’s chemical weapons agreement—is the right policy.
Presenters/Contributors
- President Barack Obama (interviewee)
- George Stephanopoulos (host)
Category
News and Commentary
