The British Parliament has voted against military intervention in Syria, inflicting a heavy defeat on Prime Minister David Cameron. After a seven-hour debate, the motion tabled by the government asking MPs to support military action was rejected by the House of Commons by 285 votes against to 272 in favour.
“It is clear that the British Parliament, reflecting the opinion of the British people, does not want to see British military action – commented Cameron -. The government will act accordingly." Soon after a Downing Street spokesman confirmed that "the UK will not take part in any military action".
Despite London's no and growing pressure from Congress, according to the New York Times US President Barack Obama is ready to launch the attack against Damascus. The go-ahead from the White House could come as of tomorrow, when United Nations inspectors, who are investigating the use of chemical weapons in the massacre of civilians on August 21, will leave the country.
According to the American newspaper, Obama will justify his decision by appealing to respect international norms against the use of chemical weapons. Furthermore, the United States would like to safeguard its regional allies, Israel and Turkey in primis, from possible attacks by Damascus. According to some White House sources, Obama would have come to the conclusion that there is no way to get Russian support for any United Nations resolution.
Yet Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said today that the US intends to “continue to seek an international coalition that acts united. Each country has a responsibility to make its own decisions and we are continuing to consult with the British as well as all our allies. Consultations concerning the identification of ways to respond to this attack with chemical weapons in Syria".
Meanwhile, hundreds of people demonstrated last night in Times Square, New York, against possible US military intervention in Syria. Both supporters of Syrian President Bashar al Assad and Americans opposed to the country's involvement in a new war were present in the square.
