British, and French response to these atrocities will integrate
all instruments of our national power -- military, economic, and
diplomatic. We are prepared to sustain this response until the
Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents.
I also have a message tonight for the two governments most
responsible for supporting, equipping, and financing the
criminal Assad regime.
To Iran, and to Russia, I ask: What kind of a nation wants to be
associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women, and
children?
The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep.
No nation can succeed in the long run by promoting rogue states,
brutal tyrants, and murderous dictators.
In 2013, President Putin and his government promised the world
that they would guarantee the elimination of Syria’s chemical
weapons. Assad’s recent attack -- and today’s response -- are
the direct result of Russia’s failure to keep that promise.
Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path, or
if it will join with civilized nations as a force for stability
and peace. Hopefully, someday we’ll get along with Russia, and
maybe even Iran -- but maybe not.
I will say this: The United States has a lot to offer, with the
greatest and most powerful economy in the history of the world.
In Syria, the United States -- with but a small force being used
to eliminate what is left of ISIS -- is doing what is necessary
to protect the American people. Over the last year, nearly 100
percent of the territory once controlled by the so-called ISIS
caliphate in Syria and Iraq has been liberated and eliminated.
The United States has also rebuilt our friendships across the
Middle East. We have asked our partners to take greater
responsibility for securing their home region, including
contributing large amounts of money for the resources,
equipment, and all of the anti-ISIS effort. Increased
engagement from our friends, including Saudi Arabia, the United
Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, and others can ensure that Iran
does not profit from the eradication of ISIS.
America does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria under no
circumstances. As other nations step up their contributions, we
look forward to the day when we can bring our warriors
home. And great warriors they are.