Robert Gates: Intervention in Syria Would Be ‘A Mistake’

When considering the likelihood of increased U.S. intervention in Syria, it’s useful to try to gauge the opinions of people in positions of policymaking and power. I’ve noted several times the Obama administration’s demonstrated reluctance to get further involved in the form of directly arming rebels, no-fly zones to topple the Assad regime, or even boots on the ground. I’ve also noted several establishment voices – people like Aaron David Miller and Zbigniew Brzezinski (among many others) – who don’t exactly have a history of dovishness but who firmly oppose further intervention in Syria.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates.Another such establishment voice from a long-time DC insider spoke out against increased interventionism in Syria this weekend. Robert Gates, Obama’s former Secretary of Defense who worked under at least six U.S. presidents, appeared on Face the Nation to say military action in Syria would be “a mistake.”

Gates: For us to think we can influence or determine the outcome of that, I think is a mistake. I thought it was a mistake in Libya. And I think it is a mistake in Syria. We overestimate our ability to determine outcomes, even if we had intervened more significantly in Syria a year ago or six months ago. I– think that caution, particularly in terms of arming these groups and in terms of U.S. military involvement, is in order.

Schieffer: Well what should we do?

Gates: Well, my question back to you is: Why should it be us? There are other powers in the region, Turkey and others, that have military capabilities. You have Europeans that are much closer and whose interests are much– are equally affected. I understand our broad interests in the Middle East. And I understand the risks to us of chaos in Syria and of an ethnic cleansing there– once the civil war comes to an end, no matter who wins it. But the question that you asked me is the question I think there– we don’t have a satisfactory answer to. What should we do? What can we do? I believe that if we’re to do anything, it is to pick and choose the opposition groups that we think have some– moderation and would, you know, espouse what we think is in the best interest of the region– provide them with intelligence, with basic military equipment, work through Turkey and other countries perhaps in providing some basic military equipment. But I think our direct involvement and particularly our direct military involvement would be a mistake. You know, I oversaw two wars that began with quick regime change. And we all know what happened after that. And as I said to the Congress when we went into Libya, when they were talking about a no-fly zone, “It begins with an act of war.” And haven’t we learned that when you go to war, the outcomes are unpredictable? And anybody who says, “It’s gonna be clean. It’s gonna be neat. You can establish the safe zones. And it’ll be– it’ll just be swell.” Well, most wars aren’t that way.

See the interview below (the Syria part begins at about 4:10):

Gates is no longer in government and his stated opposition certainly doesn’t mean there will be no escalation of U.S. intervention in Syria, but the fact that the bulk of such establishment voices have so publicly opposed it is an indication of just how extremely irresponsible and illegitimate it would be. I mean, for goodness sake, Gates goes on to give lukewarm praise for the Iraq war. If even someone like that opposes war in Syria…

114 thoughts on “Robert Gates: Intervention in Syria Would Be ‘A Mistake’”

  6. Good drivers cost from $300 to $600, irons sets (usually 3-iron through pitching wedge) are from $200 to $1,000+, puSure, when that they can save funds on their groceries by clipping coupons

  9. I am really impressed by this article you've put up today. This is just pure class. I could not find this information anywhere else on the whole internet. So, I must say a job well done! Private homes for sale

  10. A simple and fast change utilized perform should be to change your countertops. The best will this kind of done very quickly, therefore you try it yourself, expect it to take a few time. Modern countertops can revitalize means your kitchen looks come up with it a doubly inviting living room.
    my page couponcake.com

  11. Because Americans don't respect other nation's soveriegnty, someday other nations will interfere in our country all they want to and we won't be able to do a thing about it.

  13. Because Americans don't respect other nation's soveriegnty, someday other nations will interfere in our country all they want to and we won't be able to do a thing about it. mi40x review

  14. Because Americans don't respect other nation's soveriegnty, someday other nations will interfere in our country all they want to and we won't be able to do a thing about it. mi40x review

  17. Nice to share my love is wonderful to tell you that a healthy green gives you the best Organic vitamins, herbal remedies and organic supplements. They use all natural ingredients to create organic products. sapdeal offers

  18. I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! discover more

  19. Mate, you are the best writer of this era! And you've just produced the best thing right now on the internet. I am extremely satisfied with your work. Hope you keep it up!

  22. It's really hard not to argue with the facts posted here about the topic. I could not agree with you more over this issue. You've explained the facts really well. Thumbs up! home tuition singapore

  23. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. injustice game cheats

  26. I believe that if we’re to do anything, it is to pick and choose the opposition groups that we think have some– moderation and would, you know, espouse what we think is in the best interest of the region

  27. It’s hard to tell with these Internet start ups if they’re really interested in building companies or if they’re just interested in the money. I can tell you, though..rebelmouse

  30. I like your post and all you share with us is up to date and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job.. life insurance cover

  31. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back down the road. I want to encourage continue your great job, have a nice evening!

  33. Children are more likely to be inducted to various diseases during the growing phase. Confinement within the four walls of a room due to illness more than often hinders their natural growth and development into able-bodied adults.children health

  34. Education helps a person to find out those things that proves to be best for all as a whole rather than as an individual. An educated person not only works for his or her own… rebelmouse

  36. I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! Nutrisystem

  41. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. mom

  48. strange and political from the jump. He was a combat-ready culture warrior claiming redneck status with jaw-jut defiance back when Larry the Cable Guy was still bombing in clubs under his government name
    cherry trade reviews

Comments are closed.

viewpoint highlights
breaking news
© 2024 Antiwar.com. All rights reserved.
Antiwar.com Blog Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos