The United States reacted strongly to Assad's chemical attack on his citizens, making the purpose of U.S. intervention it clear to all: to oust Syrian President Bashar Assad.
“There is no chance for a political solution when Assad heads the government,” US Ambassador to the United Nations Nicky Hailey told CNN on Sunday. “A change of government is something we think will happen.”
This represents a significant change in the US attitude toward the Syrian civil war. Last Friday, US President Donald Trump ordered the attack on the Syrian base from which the chemical attack was carried out in the Idlib region of northern Syria. 59 Tomahawk missiles were fired from two U.S. warships.
“Clearly, we are trying to defeat ISIS, secondly, we do not see a peaceful solution in Syria with Assad there. Thirdly, Iran's influence must be pushed out. Finally, we must move toward a political solution, because at the end of the day – this is a complex situation,” Nikki Haley said. “When you look at Assad's actions and the situation, it is hard to see a peace-seeking and stable government with Assad.”
Hailey was asked if the US would again attack Syria, and she replied: “If more needs to be done, the U.S. will do it. What happens will depend on how everyone responds to what is being done in Syria and ensures that we move to a political solution. “She added that” an exchange of power is something that we think will happen. “
“This was a very measured step. We are prepared to do more but we hope it won’t be necessary. It is time for all civilized nations to stop the atrocities taking place in Syria and demand a political solution,” Ambassador Hailey said in a special session of the UN Security Council after the US attack on Syria.