Dempsey: World Must Work Together on Syria's 'Human Tragedy'

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Dempsey: World Must Work Together on Syria's 'Human Tragedy' 07/24/2013 02:30 PM CDT Dempsey: World Must Work Together on Syria's 'Human Tragedy' By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service LASK, Poland, July 24, 2013 - Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey today called Syria "a human tragedy," and said the international community must work together using all tools of power in Syria. Speaking to reporters covering his visit to a Polish air base hosting an American fighter squadron, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff made his first public comment on Syria since release of a letter detailing five military options in the civil war there. The general predicated his remarks on Syria by saying it is one of the most complex issues he has studied in his 39 years of military service. "My job as a military leader is to provide options and then to make sure that the men and women whom we may ask to do it are ready to do what we ask them to do," Dempsey said. "That's my focus at this point." Working collectively would be the best way to intervene in the Syrian civil war, Dempsey said. "The most convincing argument for everyone to be concerned about Syria is the tragedy that's unfolding," he added. More than 100,000 Syrians have been killed, according to the United Nations. U.N. officials said the Syrian civil war has led to the world's worst refugee crisis since the Rwandan genocide. The U.N. High Commission for Refugees said that more than 1.5 million Syrians have fled the country, and that millions more have fled their homes, but are still in the nation. "There is a compelling argument for the international community to sit up, take notice and try to contribute," the general said. The chairman said many people look to the military instrument as the first choice when there is an international crisis. The military instrument may be the first choice because "we are so well-organized, we are so agile, and we are so well-trained," he said. "But before I would recommend a military solution to this issue, because of the complexity and the myriad actors that are involved, I would have to be convinced that the aftermath of military action would not lead to a failed state in which the suffering would be worse," he added. Dempsey emphasized he is not suggesting the international community do nothing about Syria. "I'm suggesting that we need a strategy to tie military options together with the other instruments of power to include the diplomatic and economic," he said.   Biographies: Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey Related Sites: Special Report: Travels With Dempsey   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense