Left Unity condemns Trump missile attacks

US President Donald Trump’s escalation of US militarism is now threatening to spiral out of control. He has already increased the defence budget by 54 billion dollars and pledged to strengthen and expand US nuclear weapons capacity. The most recent development is the firing of 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian airbase, in the wake of the terrible chemical attack at Khan Sheikhun.

Left Unity Principal Speaker, Joseph Healy, said:

“President Trump has just launched an illegal and dangerous attack on Syria. Coming in the wake of the terrible slaughter at Khan Sheikhun, this is actually more about Trump winning political support and deflecting attention from his troubles at home, than any humanitarian concern he claims to be demonstrating. In fact, this is a president who has barred Syrian refugees from entering the US while at the same time bombing Mosul leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians.

Indeed, his attack opens the way for a further escalation of the conflict in Syria and the Middle East with the Russians now responding by strengthening the Syrian air defences. It also increases hugely the possibility of a conflict with Russia, whether by accident or design – there were Russian forces stationed at the airbase which was attacked. There are huge dangers involved in any direct US involvement in Syria, dangers not only to the region but to the whole world.

Actions such as these will not contribute to a political settlement or bring an end to the conflict in Syria and the tragic events taking place there. It can only make the situation worse. We call on the US to cease attacks on Syria and to engage in international dialogue with the neighbouring states and the international community. The peace talks must be reconvened as a matter of urgency.”

Left Unity condemns these attacks and all acts of war, brutality and crimes against humanity in Syria.