Final Presidential Debate: Hillary Clinton Will Press for No-Fly Zone Over Aleppo

By Suzette Gutierrez-Cachila
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton speaks. October 19, 2016 09:35pm EDT  Reuters/Mike Blake

At the final presidential debate held Wednesday night in Las Vegas, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said she would push for a no-fly zone in Syria to “help protect the Syrians” and put the conflict to an end.

Clnton said imposing the no-fly zone over Syria could help the U.S. “gain some leverage” on Syria and Russia that could pave the way for a negotiation.

“I'm going to continue to push for a no-fly zone and safe havens within Syria, not only to help protect the Syrians and prevent the constant outflow of refugees, but to frankly gain some leverage on both the Syrian government and the Russians,” Clinton said at the final presidential debate. “Perhaps we can have the kind of serious negotiation necessary to bring the conflict to an end and go forward on a political track.”

Chris Wallace, Fox News anchor and moderator for the third debate, made reference to Gen. Joseph Dunford, who said that imposing a no-fly zone over Aleppo could spark a war with Syria and Russia, and asked Clinton how this could be addressed.

Acknowledging the threat mentioned by Dunford, Clinton said it would take “a lot of negotiation” with the Syrian and Russian governments to impose the no-fly zone. Emphasizing the need to defeat ISIS, she maintained that imposing it would “save lives” and end the conflict in war-torn Syria faster.

“I think a no-fly zone could save lives and hasten the end of the conflict,” Clinton remarked. “I am well aware of the really legitimate concerns you have expressed from both the president and the general. This would not be done just on the first day.This would take a lot of negotiation and it would also take making it clear to the Russians and the Syrians that our purpose is to provide safe zones on the ground. “

Her stand contradicts a statement she made in 2013, in which she said imposing a no-fly zone over Syria would “kill a lot of Syrians.”

After the first Gulf War, the U.S. and Britain imposed a no-fly zone over northern and southern Iraq. However, at the time, they were at war with Saddam Hussein, so they encountered no resistance to the no-fly zone mandate, The Guardian reported.

The present case is different, as Russia and Syria have so far shown no signs of letting up, with Russia deploying its S-300 ground-to-air defense system, which would make a no-fly zone enforcement more difficult, AFP reported.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo