More Syrian Civilians Killed by U.S.-Led Airstrikes in Unauthorized War

 In air strikes, Syria

A formation of U.S. Navy F-18E Super Hornets leaves after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over northern Iraq, Sept. 23, 2014. These aircraft were part of a large coalition strike package that was the first to strike ISIL targets in Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

At least 28 civilians, including 7 children, were killed in US-led airstrikes on Thursday in the Syrian town of al-Ghandour, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This terrible news follows last week’s reports of at least 77 civilians killed in US-led airstrikes in the same general area; near the city of Manbij.

Following last week’s strikes, the U.S. launched an investigation to determine how many civilians were killed and how the tragedy occurred, but considering that the U.S. is essentially investigating itself in this matter, calls by Amnesty International and others for an “independent and transparent investigation” have apparently fallen on deaf ears in the administration. Also falling on deaf ears was the call of Anas al-Abdah, president of a prominent opposition group and U.S. ally called the Syrian National Coalition, for the immediate suspension of airstrikes for the duration of the investigation. Had that call been heeded, at least 28 civilians might still be alive today.

Earlier this month, the Obama administration argued against the charge of a lawsuit filed by Capt. Nathan Michael Smith that the war on ISIS is illegal absent a new congressional authorization for the use of military force (AUMF). The administration contends that because Congress has authorized funds for the war, it has authorized the war itself. Prior to Congress authorizing funds for the war against ISIS, the administration relied on the outdated and open-ended AUMF passed in the days following the September 11 attacks to justify the ongoing military campaign in Iraq and Syria, despite the fact that the 2001 AUMF only authorized military action against the perpetrators of that attack and those who harbored or assisted them (a definition which ISIS does not fall under).

Unless Capt. Smith’s suit proves effective, a dubious prospect indeed given who he’s up against, the onus will fall on the American people to demand that Congress fulfill its constitutional duty to debate and vote on whether or not we go to war. As politically difficult as it has proven to be for Congress to find an acceptable middle ground detailing what if any military action should be taken against ISIS, our country simply cannot afford to allow the precedent set by President Obama’s unauthorized war to go unchallenged.

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Showing 5 comments
  • Donnie J
    Reply

    I’m sorry that happened but at least we don’t have to worry about them coming over here & us feeding them for the rest of their lives. While they plot to blow up our city’s. I say when we pull out, leave a blank plate.

    • Anon
      Reply

      Your comment disgusts me. You think of these innocent people as animals, that they would never be able to earn their own livelihood IF they ever even came to the United States – which stands a fat chance considering current US policy regarding refugees. Furthermore, not all of these people are planning to “blow up our cities.”
      You represent all that is wrong with US foreign relations – it’s all about the US first, let the civilians be damned. I’m sure you would see it a lot differently if you were in their shoes.

  • Renita McDaniel
    Reply

    I wrote an essay a few years ago on the casualties of war. In hindsight, it was shockingly accurate. It described the global ramifications of war, and as I look at the war refugees who are being shuffled around the world, I see how the war in that country has literally affected almost every country in the world.

    On Sat, Jul 30, 2016 at 12:11 PM, PEACE ACTIONS GROUNDSWELL wrote:

    > Gabe Murphy posted: ” At least 28 civilians, including 7 children, were > killed in US-led airstrikes on Thursday in the Syrian town of al-Ghandour, > according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This terrible news > follows last week’s reports of at least 77 civilians ” >

  • elsine perez
    Reply

    Marilyn…while  HRC was giving her propanda  “speech” Thursday…  Airstrikes were going on in Syria killing innocent children & civilians…was this another “OOPS”  as last week where over 70 some civilians were killed!   This is too shame full!!!   Elsine

    From: PEACE ACTIONS GROUNDSWELL To: elsinep@yahoo.com Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2016 10:11 AM Subject: [New post] More Syrian Civilians Killed by U.S.-Led Airstrikes in Unauthorized War #yiv1075703525 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv1075703525 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv1075703525 a.yiv1075703525primaryactionlink:link, #yiv1075703525 a.yiv1075703525primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv1075703525 a.yiv1075703525primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv1075703525 a.yiv1075703525primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv1075703525 WordPress.com | Gabe Murphy posted: “At least 28 civilians, including 7 children, were killed in US-led airstrikes on Thursday in the Syrian town of al-Ghandour, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This terrible news follows last week’s reports of at least 77 civilians ” | |

  • furrpjr@gmail.com
    Reply

    The tips is incredibly fascinating

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