Senator Joe Manchin 'takes a knee' once again next to President Obama.

Senator Manchin (click here) believes coming to Congress was the best idea President Obama had and wants to propose that President Assad join the Chemical Weapons Convention. 

 

That is a noble idea and one that is long overdue. Senator Manchin needs to extend that invitation to all nations currently outside the convention. 

 

However, I would not expect Syria to have the ability to join the convention at this point, it is after all involved with a civil war. I don't know if President Assad has the support of his Parliament. But, it should be pursued. The best of this proposal is the strength of the United Nations as a 'ball carrier' to bring about this change.

 

Syria has accepted Russia's proposal to disarm from chemical weapons and that should NOT wait for ratification of the convention. President Assad is suppose to secure his nation from any threats. He can act autonomously for his nation's security. He can allow the removal of the chemical weapons and end that danger. I am hopeful the removal of chemical weapons from Syria begins as soon as possible. Perhaps the real truth as to whom released the weapons will become known during this process if there is resistance to allow it to happen by any Syrian forces or that of any rebel.

 

President Assad needs to lead his people and his government to end this threat and do it with cooperation of the United Nations and ratifying the Chemical Weapons Convention.

 

Sep 03 2013 

Manchin Seeks West Virginians Opinions on Syria (click here) 

My statement on Syria: http://1.usa.gov/15z682q 

I want to hear from West Virginians on what, if any, military action should be taken. Your feedback is invaluable as Congress debates this critical national security issue. 

Please email me at Syriaopinions@manchin.senate.gov; 

Tweet me @Sen_JoeManchin and use #Syria; or Send me a Facebook message on Facebook.com/JoeManchinIII