This past Wednesday, an attack involving Syrian rebels and government troops in a 'rebel-ruled' neighborhood in Damascus has left hundreds dead. Much evidence suggesting the use of chemical weapons has sparked an international outrage and questions regarding whether the US will take action. Last year President Obama said Syria's use of chemical weapons would be crossing a line and if they were utilized, Obama would change his stance.
Iran has also spoken out warning against Western intervention. They believe there is proof the Syrian rebels were responsible for the attack.
So far neither the Syrian government nor the rebels have admitted to using chemical weapons. Regardless of who was responsible, the effects of the attack are horrendous.
The questions that linger are these: Will the US intervene? Who was behind the attack?
Warning: the above video is quite graphic.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/24/Iran-s-Rowhani-points-to-chemical-weapons-use-in-Syria-.html
http://news.yahoo.com/syria-accuses-rebels-using-chemical-weapons-141457992.html
http://www.france24.com/en/20130824-msf-confirms-hundreds-dead-thousands-injured-syria-suspected-chemical-attack
Will the U.S. intervene? That will ultimately be determined by political pressure at home and perceived national interests at the strategic level. Right now the majority of Americans oppose intervention based on our failed intervention in Iraq. My question is what can the U.S. realistically accomplish through intervention?
ReplyDeleteWho was behind the attack? Unfortunately there are elements in the multiple groups that are fighting each other that are capable of conducting this attack, so it would be dangerous for us to leap to conclusions.