By Adam Levine
The Obama administration seemed to nudge open the door Tuesday for arming Syrian rebels. The hint came as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton prepares to attend a Friday meeting in Tunisia to discuss solutions for Syria.
Both White House spokesman Jay Carney and State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland suggested that "additional measures" could be considered if President Bashar al-Assad's regime assault on civilians continues.
Nuland said that the United States is still seeking a "political solution" for al-Assad to step aside. Asked about suggestions that the United States needs to arm the rebels, Nuland said it still isn't the preference.
"We don't believe that it makes sense to contribute now to the further militarization of Syria. What we don't want to see is the spiral of violence increase," Nuland said in a Tuesday press briefing. "That said, if we can't get Assad to yield to the pressure that we are all bringing to bear, we may have to consider additional measures."
Carney used similar language in his Tuesday press conference.
"I'm not ruling out potential future actions, but there is an opportunity that still exists, we believe, for a peaceful transition to occur in Syria," Carney. "And we don't want to contribute to the further militarization there."
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu recently suggested that beyond humanitarian aid and diplomatic solutions, "we need to think about contingencies as well."
The top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that the possibility of arming the Syrian rebels must be on the table.
"There's lots of ways of getting weapons and assistance to the resistance there besides the United States direct shipment of arms," Arizona Senator John McCain said in an interview that aired Monday on Situation Room. "I believe they need medical, technical and all kinds of assistance and every option should be on the table, including the way to get weapons to them."
Both the U.S. military and intelligence community have expressed concern about providing arms to an opposition whose composition is still unclear.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told CNN's Fareed Zakaria that talk about arming rebels is "premature."
"There's indications that al Qaeda is involved and that they're interested in supporting the opposition," Gen. Martin Dempsey said Sunday. "There's a number of players, all of whom are trying to reinforce their particular side of this issue. And until we're a lot clearer about, you know, who they are and what they are, I think it would be premature to talk about arming them."
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper raised similar concerns last week in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The opposition, Clapper suggested, is feuding internally about who will lead it and has been infiltrated by al Qaeda. He said the Free Syrian Army is made up of disparate groups with no centralized "command and control."
"The opposition groups in many cases may not be aware they (al Qaeda operatives) are there," Clapper told the committee.
Still, Dempsey said, the military is readying options should the United States need them - even though the challenges with Syria are formidable.
"They are very capable. They have a very sophisticated, integrated air defense system, for example. They have chemical and biological weapons. Now, they haven't demonstrated any interest or any intent to use those, but it is a very different military problem," Dempsey said.
"That said, of course, we're looking at all of that," he said. "We're trying to, you know, gather the best intelligence we can and take a look at what options we might have, should we be asked to provide those to the national command authority in this country. But we haven't been asked to do that yet."
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Arm them ALLin that area of the world with nukes so they can wipe themselves off the planet. Mission accomplished!
If it were up to the GOP we would be at war in Iran, Syria and every other sewage pit of the world!
If your wife, mother, son, daughter, father, brother, sister, etc., were having their bodies torn apart on a daily basis, you would want someone to come to their rescue. You are heartless, callous bastards.
Tina D
"If your wife, mother, son, daughter, father, brother, sister, etc., were having their bodies torn apart on a daily basis, you would want someone to come to their rescue. You are heartless, callous bastards."
SERIOUSLY?!
NEWSFLASH...we do have our spouses, children and siblings having their bodies torn apart on a daily basis. It's called Afghanistan and until December 31, 2011, Iraq! Who is coming to their rescue? We cannot save the world, nor should we. We cannot risk our lives any further to save another screwed up country who have lived this way for centuries and will continue to live this way long after we have left this earth. If we are, "heartless, callous bastards" as you put it, then I have no problem being just that for a change. You feel so strongly about it, YOU DO SOMETHING!
Apparently, protesters are getting cracked down upon by Saudi Arabia right now... no coverage cnn? no call for international arming of the opposition? Very interesting.... One might even go so far as to inquire into your own absence in the promotion of the rights of ows, in attempts to bring democracy here.
This worked out so well in Iraq, Egypt, and Libya that it sure to work here. Why not suggest the Syrian rebels lay down their arms in the first place as a way of ending the violence rather than encouraging more violence because we don't like the current Syrian regime? Our self-serving meddling has resulted in exactly nothing good in that entire region and yet we continue to do it.
We need to stay out of Syria – its their civil war
Just do it. Arm the rebels. Let them try to kill the sob Assad and his lackeys. And if chaos reigns, so be it. At least we tried.
Standing by and doing nothing when people are being murdered by their own government is just not right. That was Bill Clintons strategy in Rwanda and Bosnia. He got away with it. But that should never again be allowed to happen. Someone has to set the right example this time around.
Here we go again.Taliban was armed against the Soviets and the resultant mess is live with us uncleared,Why is the American establishment so short-sighted? opportunity to sell arms?media blackmail?damn live this guys alone and let em sort themselves out and at best nudge Russia and China to intervene but to arm this guys....sowing an enemy for the 2020 and 30s
I know i do not know politics. I keep asking myself this same question. The U.S love freedom, but why the U.S does not arm the Palestinians to free themselves from the 60 years brutal occupation?
Because the Palestinians have sat at the table for peace talks and refused agree to anything. The Palestinians have only one goal and that is to take ALL of Israel.
true that
Because we need to suck up to Israel. Haven't you figured that out yet?
What a horrible idea. Any weapon sent into the hands of Syrians will sooner or later be used against Lebanon or Israel. You gotta be NUTS to arm Syrians.
America shouldn't arm the Syria rebel. In the End these weapon will end up being use on us.
bad idea...we did the same for taliban and the pakistani army and everybody knows how that turned out...nobody knows what this syrian rebels really are and their intentions...in general arming muslims...bad idea
Arming the rebels would be at the top of the stupidest decisions that the Obama administration has ever made. On the other hand, he and his administration have always been clueless. And besides, it's election time, so; he has stay relevant.
STOP meddling in other countries' internal affairs. That is exactly the main reason Israel gave this administration the finger, and chances are; other countries will follow suit.
Mr. President, don't you think you and your unpatriotic cronies and lapdogs have done enough damage to our country already?!
Just asking...
Jerry you are so quick to criticize President Obama but yet you forget it was George Bush that got us into both the economic and military messes we are in. I bet money you voted for him being the righteous die hard Republican you are Sir.
Amen!!!!
I think the ongoing tragedy in Syria is worth a grand total of 0.0000000000000000000 American deaths.
I think they should order 0.0000000000000000000000000 body bags. As long as they keep it to that number,
everything else is cool.
Can I please get 4 carne Assad[a] taco? Can you put hot sauce on it?
No no. Inside de taco, not on de side.
"okay, that'll be four, $4.20 please.
Out of $5.00, Ok, $4.20 is your change.
Have a nice day"
Syria and Iran will take Lebanon and Iraq from you Sunna musleem .
We will wipe up interference from the cowards of Qatar and Saudis .
Then we will take Bahrain and close the Saudi freeway just like Hormuz
Just wait .
Khameini and Assad are most powerful for all region. Persian Gulf council will be scared to us soon.
Russia is in our help! The US is afraid. Turkeyn is afraid because close to Russian .
It is our time and turn.
Iran and Syria will have the best and true revolutions soon. All musleem will be freed!
Your time is out Saudi !
Will see you on here after Iran gets its own version of Shock and Awe and we will see what you have to say then?
32 years , Iranian leadership needs a slap on the wrist.
Iranian regime, pretty much the entire world sees you as hostile.
No more B S self-defense rhetoric.
You've been on offense with the help of Hezbollah[Iran's tax dollars go to Hezbollah making Persians suffer for your military expansionist goals.] Hamas[you only befriended the palestianians to deflect from your own problems. You despise palestinan Sunni Islam], syria, meddling in Bahrain[utter failure] and so on.
Your military dictatorship will make an ally with anyone, even with the pork-eating Hugo Chavez.
Yours and chavez's regimes care more about the US than there own. Hugo Chavez, Ali Khameini
Wow. Hugo , you being a follower of Jesus, how do you feel about an Iranian Christian being put to death because he didn't want to be a Muslim? Shame on you Hugo! Khameini might start catholic/ Christian annihilation with Venezuela first on it's list .
I am not an Israeli sympathizer .
There are Zionists here as well.
What would the Iranian government do if Venezuela executed a Shia Muslim for not converting to Catholicism ?
your so stupid
Ultimately this is a Muslim issue.
Some of the smarter folks think this is an old school cold war fantasy.
Muslims aren't fighting for us.
Governments are all using each other.
Why don't they swallow their pride and ask Israel for help.
When are the Palestinians going to give back the Pyramids to the Israelis?
Give them back!! give them back!!
What is the best gun to defend from a Jew?
-dirty Harrold, make my day Jew
so which company will be the provider?
My last comment on this matter(pardon me for grammer errors, im fatigued) is that another example of the kind of mindset of a region i dont want to support my tax dollars with:they cut/mutilate the GOD given clitoris' of females, children having to sit there naked with legs spread as a grown man cuts! so when said femals then is forced to mate to her husband, she has no pleasure out of the experience=thus being HIS slave, to only give him pleasure! islam is disgusting! they mutilate, abuse & go against God!
All I'm thinking is, who are these people in the opposition of Syria? Before arming them with wepons. But if we the United States with our partners get the chance, they should learn and get positioned to help the situation their. It's just unsightful for all the schelling from the Syrian Army who are going to pay a price in history. And loose against the U.S. Military and it's world partners. The GOP has it all wrong in thinking we can do this alone, at what cost?
Newone 34444 perhaps you should kidly learn how to read! i never proclaimed to be an expert on SYRIA, i already stated that the middle east has beautiful cultures/art, and would do good to re-educated its febile minded man about the gift(woman)that was created, then putting down thearms & picking up the shovels to create a toruism trade. as for the SLAVERY: the RELIGION OF ISLAM IS A SLAVE MASTER TOWARDS WOMEN! Syria is muslim is it not, thus they treat their women like garbage doormats to walk all over.
Another question i have is why are the rebels still fighting instead of calling for a cease fire on both sides to let innocents get out? ive heard rebels quoted saying 'the blood is on assads hands and americas hands & anyone that watches', yet it is really on their hands because they are the ones who are rebelling, even though they are among civilians. its a civial war-both sides are to blame for the blood shed of innocent civilians, and unless THEY BOTH decide a cease fire, more civilians will die!
You are off on a side street ronald, going the right direction, just off the path. men ARE empowered there, to enslave women in their radical oppressive ideals & religion, that is why i stated that men need to be RE-EDUCATED that WOMAN IS GODDESS, not garbage-something even western men need to understand further. anyways back to syria, where is the humanitarian aid? why are we talking about arms instead of medicine? yes assad is need of stepping down, there needs to be a cease fire on both sides.
TERRIBLE idea... so what's going to happen to these weapons after this? I'll tell you. They will be sold to the highest bidder and used against us eventually. This is NOT a good idea...
Bad idea. The middle east is a turbulent political arena to try and make any sense out of. A couple decades ago, we armed, financed, trained, and supported a certain group called the Taliban to fight the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan by proxy. Years later, they are flying planes into our buildings. We CANNOT think about sending military aid to a people whom we are not even able to positively identify (as to their political affiliations) yet. We may help these people in Syria, only to find them skulking around in our backyards a decade from now. Don't make any knee-jerk reactions– we should NOT get involved in another nation's internal affairs....
speaking towards peace is wonderful, but MAKING DEALS is not. no deals should be made with terrorists who will turn and betray us. as for israel, i do feel bad for them, they have to live surrounded by nations that hate them. islam needs to lay down its weapons and pick up some shovels, build some new education centers to teach them #1 that WOMAN IS GODDESS, #2 maybe open up tourism/hotels, for they all have beautiful cultures/art over there if they would just learn to live civilized & peacefully!
Fyi, the civil war has nothing to do with religion.. It's their actions that should be blamed n not the religion. Anyhow, I find it intriguing that the us government is willing to aid the rebels, looks like the stories I have read on wiki abt the past.
I really hope we do not do this. Al Qaeda has already openly stated they will help the opposition, the people of the other nations are accusing us of being behind Al Qaeda, and two of our strongest allies will surely not stand for us arming them. I pray for the innocent people of Syria, I pray the children are able to escape safely, but if we interfere in this it will bring no justice or freedom to anyone; it will only make matters worse. I hear a lot of talks about WWIII when reading world news, and sticking our nose in this one may very well bring it about. There are plenty of problems right here at home that we need to solve. We must keep our borders strong and our people wise. We cannot afford to be in another war.
I wish Kennedy were the president . Then talk to me about WW3. This president is not Kennedy!!
Huh? I wasn't necessarily talking to you.
Justice 766 are you spreading propaganda or are you faultering to false fear? out of a whole world of leaders, why do you claim obama would be blamed for destabilization in that area? not true, if anything obama will be blamed for destabilization in america, since we are not doing good here at all. second, al quaeda has shown open support for rebels, meaning they have most likely infiltrated the area already, nothing the USA or anywhere else is going to cease from happening. Israel is prepared im sure.
Alqaeda at this time has minimal presence in Syria. All these dictators blame Alqaeda and use it as a fear factor to their own agenda like Kaddafi did. The US cannot afford a strategic loss to Iran by not supporting the rebels in Syria. If Obama choses not to intervene and somehow Assad is able to have some control over the country which I seriously doubt then you will have a shiite crescent extending from Iran thru Iraq, Syria and Lebanon and potentially nuclear weapons in the hands of hizbollah,. Then you would wish that you were dealing with alqaeda.
Did the U.S learned the big lesssion from the Vietnam War? During the Vietnam War, U.S supported the South and Soviet Union and China supported the North. Right now Russia and China are supporting the Syria Regime. Stop the Russia and China to send arms to Syria. Meet with UAE and United Nations to support arms to the Rebel.
Syria is different than Vietnam, Russia is nolonger the USSR. Let Israel bomb Iran and help the rebels in Syria get rid of the donkey of Damascus, followed by hizbollah and here you go the palestinian problem mostly solved.
"Peace, if it ever exits, will not be based on the fear of war, but the love of peace. It will not be the abstaining from an act, but coming of a state of mind."
Our President received a Nobel Peace Prize for stating he would start a dialog with our enimies at some point in the future should the need arrise, rather than simply hitting them with a stick.
Mr. President is now advocating the shipment of sticks to Syria as a form of diplomacy, knowing full well these sticks will find their way to al Q.
I agree with sending humanitarian aid, but let the USMC keep the sticks. The world has yet to achieve the "state of mind".
Your idea is great in a fantasy world but now back to reality? Iran must never be able to possess nuclear weapons.
So how can Eminem write the same words and not be judged?
Also as a WOMAN i am very offended that WE THE PEOPLE continue to help any islamic nation! those nations rape, incest, RAPE toddlers and school girls into marriage/SLAVERY, TREAT WOMEN LIKE DOORMATS/SLAVES, and i do not pay taxes to support SLAVERY AND ABUSE OF MY FELLOW WOMAN! also, what happened to never bargaining with terrorists, yet we are holding talks with them now? RED FLAG! They will betray us in a heartbeat, i promise you! no arms, no more deaths of our people, spend money on AMERICA!
as a MAN, i could agree. it really doesn't matter what gender you are in that country... it simply sucks to be in it. you talk about only a fraction of the problem. slavery? not only of the woman or child, but also of man... the illiterate man who believes whatever distortion of their holy book anyone tells them. they are enslaved by a belief that others corrupt. those countries a years away from empowering the woman (like our country) to be independant. they will have to empower man (head of families) first (like in our country) before the woman... it's natural.
looks like you both expert in Syriaian and muslims, wowww BUT can I ask where did u get this info from. Syria is from oldest civilization on the world. There is absolutely no slavery or other stuff u mentioned. If this regime go away, I am sure every one will be lucky to visit that country to see how beautifull that land is and how kinf its people are.
Incest – I remembered the Austrian man and the one in Milwaukee (it happened anywhere in the world!)
Rape toddler n young school girl – it is also happening around the world
Slavery – America also has the history of slavery
Making wife as doormat/slavery – it can happen anywhere in the world.
Ps: come on lady, don't be too narrow minded.. "peace"
Rape – 2 girls was gang raped by 14 men in INDIA.. I wonder what's their religion?.. Look lady, it's not only happening in the Muslim region but also any where in the world!
No more dead Americans by simply pressing launch codes and 40,000ft stealth fly-overs. All Americans safely back with their families where they belong and problem solved. Forget trillions of dollars of so called nation building for enemies.
Unfortunatelu Obama has no choice but to support the rebels. It is very simple, if he doesn't he will lose the election because by then Alqaeda would've infiltrated Syria and Israel will be in danger especially with most likely direct intervention from Iran, So the number of cicilian deaths will reach 20000 and Syria would fall into the abyss and destabilize the whole region and everyone would blame Obama for not interfering. That is why he has no choice and that is what his advisors are telling him, so in the next few weeks you are going to see direct intervention by the US and Turkey and Jordan in Syria, most likely safe havens in Homs/Aleppo and Deraa.
@ 766
You are really a piece of work. The majority of the american people are calling for the US to stay the hell out of this, and you say President Obama will get the blame if we do. Your reasoning is delusional.
Yeah, when the majority of US people don't want things to happen , they never do. I think you may be the one that is a little delusional.
Light humanitarian aid, thats it. firstly we as a society need to start questioning what we read in the media, i read enough news to see right through some stories, are bogus propaganda paid for big corporations or evens worse. i was alarmed to read about civilians killed, and im sure many have been, but when i read al qaeda supports the rebels, that is a HUGE RED FLAG! NO ARMS FOR THESE PEOPLE! We need money for our starving, poor jobless AMERICANS! let muslim slay muslim, im sorry to say that.
I think in the end the Syrians and the Libians will remember who was willing to help them and who was willing to supply the government with arms. Iran is running scared right now. We should all remember what kind of people Russia and China are. Why are we doing business with China.
Clearly, the US has been arming al-qaeda for years.... and the armed terrorists in Syria all along. Reports of huge amounts of weapons, and *US* credit cards being found in Lebanon and Turkey only a month ago (why? to arm and fund the terror on Syria of course). I'm just thankful that CNN after almost a full year of not revealing the truth, is slowly starting to hint at it with this article. Still can't take CNN reports seriously at this point in regards to Syria. Never seen such thick media mis-information... the mis-information is even thicker than it was with Libya this time imo.
Everything is on the table except food for the poor black lady with five children living among rats in an abandoned house with no heat and lights in the Harlem.
Have you been to Harlem lately?
no and i have no intention
No, your shiite journalism "Hints" at it. Speculative journalism is 'Yellow Journalism"
.Grow up CNN
true true
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FYellow_journalism&ei=mplFT8bBOtKEsgL6-43DDw&usg=AFQjCNF5TX-jgc6UQ_Z8OsWRO85RUZpUQQ&sig2=DA-BraZdlFUDOOngujF6mw
Better do it quick before they're all dead.
When did they change from protestors to REBELS ??????????
Next stop;
Freedom Fighters!
The moment bullets started flying
My goodness, how fu#$ing stupid are we? We just never learn! Let THEM handle it. Why arm the rebels, so they can declare war on us later like Osama did?
yes, brilliant idea, if we can't trust the musileoms with weapons who can we trust?
Go Mccain!!! arm the resistance and turn that place into hell for the dog Bashar and his hyenas. Their rotten T72 tanks that have no replacement parts and soon no gas to run will be easy target for the anti-tank missiles that will be supplied to the FSA. One more advice, I would close his airspace so he cannot run away to Iran so the people can apprehend him and hang him like Saddam!!!!!!!!
That's right justice 766,stir the pot that's the Yank way isn't it?Don't worry another permanent security council member will make sure those Syrian t72's have all kinds of parts an ammo(russia).Remember the 5 countries that sit on the security council are also the 5 largest arms dealers in the world.WHAT A LIFE !!!!!!!!!!
They used those tanks in Lebanon, they were basically useless. The Mirkava use to kill many of them at the same time without recharging. The Syrian army is only good at killing civilians, they never stood their ground thru-out history or won any battles against real armies. They will be exhausted very soon and defections will exponentially increase. They just need a little boost to disintegrate by arming the rebels. Russia did not even defend Yugoslavia right at its gate. when push comes to shove they will abandon Assad like they did with Kaddafi!!!!
Mr President don't do this. You'll only be arming terrorists, the same ones that will kill us later. Let the Arab nations supply them, and by the way why are we the only nation getting involved? Hillary why are you going along with this?
Why are all Arabs terrorists ???
Uprising of another terrorist group, USA is the cause AGAIN! Watch out Americans, there will be more devastating plot against ur ppl in the future, created by your government.
No one can protect the donkey of Damascus anylonger, not russia and not the rice eating people. With help from the US and money from the arab gulf lets see how lung he is going to last before they get a s**** up his A** like his brother Kaddafi !!!!!
Sure – let's do what we did with Iraq. Arm them and then go to war with them later. Good idea. Two checks to sign. Who's the dumb dumb who wants this? Why do we care? Hey – innocent bystanders are getting shot around America. Why not arm all of us? Leave them the "four letter word" alone. We can't save the world. Well yes we can but then we are broke and China invades us.
china would never invade the u.s. thats completely irrational. they have way to much invested in our economy to just invade. it wouldn't be to their benefit. the problem with our contry is misinformation. people like you who spout nonsense about invasion and dirty bombs are the reason channels like fox news is one of the most watched stations in the country.
China, Russia, Assad, Venezuela, Cuba, khameini/Ahmadinejad , north Korea , and a few others, VS. The rest of the world.
Why does the MSM make us believe that any of those places/folks could even touch us.
Everyone else knows the lesser evil, and it is not ANY of those mentioned thereabove .
Russia, Iran, move some ships, big deal. China buys a refurbished Soviet P O S carrier. Wow.
These rogue states' political theatre shouldn't scare the rest of the world. The west has the capability to hit each presidential compound of these regimes in an hour or less simultaneously.
I'm not a boasting Yankee .
Peace loving people, quit reading the bad/fear-instilling news.
You dictators/fanatics referenced above, quit throwing your fists in the air/pounding your chests.
We have the biggest sticks and you have no clue how fast you would be on your knees with a white flag in the air. There had not been a big war in years. Our technology is the most innovative.
We haven't used it yet. Don't give us a reason to do so.
I'm no friend of the Zionists , so those folks don't even point your finger .
Im not gunna stop being patriotic , i luv the USA n i always will ! <3 i really just hope this is a phaze that the USA is goin through no one wants anymore war ya know?
My uncle was murderd by an terrorist in Syria my cuzins are all young sweetest things ever theres 3 of em 1 girl n two boys all 3 are preteens ....old enough to understand what happend when they heard my Cuzin names Hala was screamin n crying Its revolting...what the USA has become "Peace" hah...wtf do u guys know about peace ...trying to start a war in a poor harmless country ...He was a nice guy ...my uncle...i talked to him before he was murdered a few summers ago ...he was hardworking he looked tired n sad i regret not talking to him more n not being around my cuzins their so sweet n they were happy reguardless of how poor they were i dunno why the USA would do that im really patriotic i love the USA so much n then to hear it would give a terrorist money to kill my family that just hurts ya know its like after all ive done why would u do that syria isnt hurtful to the USA just leave it and its Gov alone
See what Syrian News says about the journalists that were killed.
http://youtelligence.blogspot.com/2012/02/syria-on-death-of-journalists.html
I think this is all Robert S Ford FAULT for going to the streets of Syria telling the people in the small villages to start Problem with their President Assad.. Riots and forcing the Syrian Army to Retaliate on its own people.... Why do you think the Syrians were throwing Rocks at the U.S Embassy about 10 months ago.... He has no Business to telling Syrian PEOPLE what to do before that there was NO FIGHTING KILLING ECT.... THANK YOU ROBERT FORD....
Ford is hero for galvanizing the rvolution in Syria. The beginning of the Assad's (dog) end has started so buckle up the ride is going to be bumpy. The road to Damascus starts in Homs and let the russian bastards protect him like they protected Kaddafi. The blood of innocent syrians will not go in vaine !!!
go F ur self ur butt buddy ford
The military and the intelligence say FSA is Al Qaeda and they should not be armed. But politicians and liberals could not care less!
Whatever!
"The top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that the possibility of arming the Syrian rebels must be on the table."
hate to call you out, but I'm tired of stepping in bullsh*t wherever I look when I'm reading the comments section. Try reading the article next time big guy.
Sorry, I do not see big difference between the Republicans and the Democrats. Both look very liberal to me.
Are they not two of the same?
haha seriously what an idiot.
Anyone with the belief that al qaeda is not fueling this unrest is totally delusional. All we will be doing is enabling them to prolong this situation and possibibly overthrow this government. Another strict islamic state safe area for them will be a disaster for the world.
Hallelujah. hindu west deserves nothing better.
And arming Islamists to reduce casualties among civilians looks like a ridiculous idea to me. How should that work?
Russia and China did not vote for Assad – they have voted against external intervention. What I mean is that I do not expect them being actively involved themselves – because they were against active involvement in the first place. So again, that is not about competition – that is about common sense. Which is simply could not be found anywere aroung!
Secular, self centered hindus, Pharisees.
so all you lefties wanted to hang Bush for gooinng to war in iraq but now obamanation wants to get militarily involved in syria and you are all for it. Hypocrite doesn' begin yto describe you
Never learn – do we! Have already armed Al Qaeda in Afghanistan in 1980-s...Greed and Stupidity.
You can thank Reagan for that...
Everybody can make a mistake. But only fools make the same mistake over and over again!
This is not a good idea . . . Syria is a Russian allie and they are not going to take that sitting down. Unfortunately, you can bet your bottom dollar that this is going to happen, and it is going to have much farther reaching consequences that the clowns in Washington imagine.
Would you believe me if I told you that Harvard and Yale-educated lawyers who have become President of the United States of America and Secretary of State are capable of perceiving and considering ramifications?
My colleagues who wrote the previous comments do not know that Saudi Arabia and Qatar will buy arms from the United States to help the rebels. The United States may get a $ 3 billion the value of these weapons. Should agree to send weapons to Syria to stop the massacres, and the overthrow of Assad, who is the enemy of the United States, West and Israel.
My colleagues who wrote the previous comments do not know that Saudi Arabia and Qatar will buy arms from the United States to help the rebels. The United States may get a $ 3 billion the value of these weapons. Should agree to send weapons to Syria to stop the massacres, and the overthrow of Assad, who is the enemy of the United States, the West and Israel.
bad idea. arming the rebels is a mistake. The US should stop being the world police.
Oh good....another case of arming a future enemy. How many times now have we armed some "resistance" group only to have them use the same weapons against us in the future? I guess we Americans truly are as stupid as the rest of the world seems to think.
You underestimate just how poorly the world is regarding the US!
And if the USA does supply Syrian rebels with arms, is this going to bring democracy to Syria? Is it going to make Syria an ally to the USA and/or Israel? Is it going to prevent illegal trafficing of weapons from Iran through Syria into Lebanon in support of the Hezbollah terrorist organization? The answer is no.
The answer is Yes . Syrian opposition said .
Anachnu lo yodim, ki Obama Sonet eretz Yisrael.
Hu Rotzeh yerushalayim aravi.
"Is it going to prevent illegal trafficing of weapons from Iran through Syria into Lebanon in support of the Hezbollah terrorist organization?" – probably YES to that one. There will be no need to move any weapons from Iran – with so much available in Syria for free.... Efficiency and volume of that trafficing will improve significantly! And that will be US made weapons too! Sweet!
Have we not learned anything?
We tried this with the "rebels" in Afghanistan.
We're not exactly allies with them now.
This is fantastic.
We'll use a great deal of resources, and then, animosity will form between the nations.
Bravo! Fabuleux!
Funny how the Free Syrian Army is taking a beating because the Real Syrian Army have let them come into the country to trap them in Hums. We have already sent them all the weapons used in Libya and that did not do anything, weapons alone don't fight a war, you need real MEN. Sorry Qatar and Saudi Arabia, try again Assad won this time. Maybe you'l be luckier next time, if Syrian let you!
Yes, Qatar, Saudi Arabia will buy weapons for the FSA of the United States " they said .
This is the one time when we should offer moral support and nothing else. Let the Arabs deal with it. If you havent noticed everywhere we try to help we end up being hated by the general population. Let someone else be hated for a change. BTW if you dont know, the general populace there already hated Americans before they wanted our help.
And if we give that help, they will still hate us.
Dont worry, we will not help them. Saudi Arabia and Qatar will buy arms from the United States to help the rebels. We will get a $ 3 billion the value of these weapons .
Violence in Iraq has dropped nearly 50% since the start of the Syrian uprising. The reason for this is militant organizations like Al-Qaeda are sending their fighters to Syria to establish a larger foothold within the Syrian rebellion and garner the sympathies of a disenfranchised civilian base. Any arms we send to the Syrian rebels will later be used against U.S. interests, namely, soldiers like myself. I strongly disagree with what is happening in Homs, however, sending them arms is absolutely not the answer.
Would somebody please explain to me why humanitarian aid is being withheld. Food, water and medical supplies. Why does no one rise to the occasion?
Because without permision they are open game. Pretty simple to get heh?
red cross is trying to get a cease fire so they can come in and provide aid to the injured
There is "AID, food,water, medical supplies" waiting on ships to be delivered, but a foreign country just can't dock a boat and haul in supplies without permission.
This is a war, we don't have time-outs for recess!
NO one is stopping you from sending some canned goods and what not to help out you know.
I don’t see how a just society can stand idly by, while innocent and helpless men, women and children are being slaughtered by a mad dictator and his ruthless generals.
China and Russia have shown that they are morally bankrupt, by opposing measures to help these poor, unfortunate individuals.
China and Russia, the entire world despises you, and rightfully so.
We are financialy bankrupt and if you havent noticed, so are our allies.
China and Russia are the two main forces pushing against US interference. Everyone keeps asaking why isn't the US doing anything? Well, maybe we're just not too interested in going to war with Russia or China
Sorry
China feeds & grows on hate against America in the Middle East, Africa... Chins does not care about anything else as long as their economic goals are met. For them I am not sure if there is anything like human rights or human dignity. They may do everything to outrun US, the super power. China could supply more ammunition for the civil war an earn more.
Evs and JMB:
There is an old saying: The only thing that has to happen for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing.
Doing the right thing often means doing things when it’s inconvenient and when it’s difficult, like stopping Hitler.
The U.S. had little appetite for going to war in the late 1930’s and in 1940 and '41..
World War I had only ended about two decades earlier, and the call to stop Hitler (and Japan) didn’t come at a convenient time.
Evil will triumph because good is dumb – what about that saying?
And what side you consider more evil in Syria case and why? AL Qaeda vs. Dictator? What a choice!
Not really! China and Russia voted to protect the citizens of Libya, not a regime change. This was already discussed before the vote. However, the western powers, as they call themselves, with the usa as the lead bully, pushed the envelope and try to submit another interpretation of the mandate. China and Russia approached them but they were ignored. Now fasten your seat belts, China and Russia has the moral right, after this deceit, to veto anything and everything submitted and supported by the USA and the West. Do you trust someone that lies to you or tries to make you feel that you are a fool and you dont know what you voted for? China, Russia and Iran are the only countries that have shown some logical considerations to this matter. Go feed your cat, man!
It would be difficult to find a country that says they like Russia and China .
No way.
That recent 2 yr old in China that was run over repeatedly , regardles of all the on-lookers staring, but just mozying on buy like the child was an injured squirrel crossing the street.
That is disgusting China!
Russia – why won't you join Europe?
What's your problem?
In both Libya and Syria it is a minority of the population that is rebelling now both countries leaders were and are scumbags. No doubt and question about that. However aiding and abetting a minority to overthrow a majority is un american and if people in the US tried to rebel or Secede it would be cracked down by national guard troops and police with advanced military equipment against people with SEMI auto rifles. However Obamas actions are say if your unhappy overthrow your government. It sends a dangerous message to radicals in the US after all the principle is the same.
the Sunni are not the minority, so you r wrong , and the USA is a free country if you dont like the current government vote again it next yr. every 4 yr you can have a new president so stop trying to compare two different nations.
What about Shia terrorists in Iran who will make a nuclear weapon to strike the United States and Israel with nuclear weapons!! If we attacked Iran, the Sunni states like Saudi Arabia, and Turkey will fight with us. Now our enemies are the Shia, al Qaeda is defeated.
....Let the Russian & Chinese deal with it....
arm rebs = kill civilians = war crime
The US needs to stay out of it. Back off Hillary.
Dumb move.
What they need to do with that money ,is arm the american people,I mean arm our bank accounts with that extra money,arm us with more jobs,arm us with rent money,car note money,etc,Instead they thinking about doing what they always do RUN TO THE REASCUE,HOW LONG BEFORE THEY TURN ON US WITH THE WEAPONS WE ARMED THEM WITH!!!!!!!!!
Protecting the innocent citizens of Homs, seems a trivial task for an AC 130 gunship (with the approval of the UN Security council of course). This, apparently, is the only sanction Bashar al-Assad will understand.
This is beginning to sound like FDR's steps short of war.
Sweet! Wonder if this means they'll start selling cocaine again, or is that why the President has been having raids on all those medicinal marijuana shops?
If we don't hurry up we'll be arming the Syrian rubble instead of the Syrian rebels.
.
Boy thease crooks in Washington will do anything for a buck.....let the faith of Islam help there own...I feel bad for thease people BUT, thease are the same people that where chanting in the street death to America.....let there brother Muslims help and where the hell is the rest of the world Whimps.
You are wrong. Those caught on tape dancing after 9-11 were Palestinians, but to most people – unfortunately – it is one big jumble.
When, where and please provide a link to support your clam that Syrians hit the streets chanting "death to America". If you are some how able to find something then you are saying because they chanted death to America their children deserve to die horrific deaths? Just want to make sure.
Dont worry, Saudi Arabia and Qatar wanted to arm the rebels quickly, these countries would pay money to the United States of arming the rebels to the Syrians. Morally the United States should arm the rebels to stop the massacres in Syria, especially the Stinger missiles to deter the Syrian dictator's use of aircraft to bomb people and dismiss this aircraft . thanks to US to saved the Syrian people .
Where are all these freedom and peace loving Arab nations now? The Muslim Brotherhood and other groups like that who suggest that their holy book condemns violence aught to be the ones to step up in this latest nonsense internal fray. We need to remember that every case of "Arab Spring", even in our precious Iraq, the situation is right back to the same old bickering and slaughter. This is a Muslim issue and since they hate all of us western infidels and regularly threaten them with death, why should they get involved with no quid pro quo at stake.
the usa must attack to syria .... assad is killing his people every day .
No American lives to be lost protecting Muslim from fellow Muslim.
I agree- totally-
well said.
So while the government hm's and ha's about what do in Syria; Al-Qaeda is all ready to hop in and help. Like what we need is another safe haven for Al-Qaeda in a prime military location! AWESOME! Has President Obama tried to open up a personal line of communication with al-Assad? Maybe sit down with him over the phone or in person even? He is suppose to be the President of change, right? Still get other options in play, don't waste valuable time hoping this will work, but at least we can sit back and say "Yes, we tried. This sociopathic person would not step down and would not stop killing his own people so because of his continued crimes against humanity we stepped in and..." and do what ever the administration and international community feels should be done. Less China and Russia of course.
This would really show the American people where Obamas heart really is.We have people living on the streets.Funding to schools cut. People going without basic needs and he wants to spend tax dollars to arm a bunch of terrorist rebels?Go ahead and you will help assure a Republican President in this election.
The Republicans are for it.. Did you even read the article?
Let Russia and China take the blame for this one, it's about time the world see their true colors. The US only needs to send in diplomats and humanitarian aid.
Yes. USA is famous for arming rebels. We did it with both Iran and Iraq and look what happened.
LOL!
We did it in Afghanistan too and look what it got us. My suggestion is to send those that want us there or to arm the rebels, such as Lieberman, McCain, Graham and the rest, go. We don't belong there or any where else in the mid east.
Right now, they are chanting "hate Americans"in the streets of Afghanistan. I feel sorry for those poor people in Syria too, but let islamic brothers help them.
Yes. USA is famous for arming rebels. We did with both Iran and Iraq and looked what happened.
I know what we should do... NOTHING!!! Its not our war! Yes its sad to watch happen, but we cant continue being the World Police. Why cant alot of us Americans get that?!!!?!!!!
I think when we see tanks in action it calls for a puff of smoke.
I think arming them is the best of the worst ideas. Terrorist will get the weapons.
I still think the innocents should be escaping to other countries.
Iran didn't go there for no reason. Send a frog in you will find their boats have the same capability as our subs. Something was done and you can bet it is bad news.
Arming the innocents, will probably give them the best chance of being able to resist the terrorist that went there but that relies on them actually wanting to resist them. It is my opinion like egypt they will be embraced.
No matter what we do people are going to die. We can't delude our selves and think we have the power to stop killing in the middle east. We dont have that power. We do but the world doesnt need that much glass. No one in the world supports that kind of action. We need to resist feeling accountable because they kill each other. Until we arm them or fire a round that accountability just is not ours.
I would assume that from a humanitarian persepctive its cruel and heartless to sit at the sidelines and do nothing. . .but again- you're talking about a group of people demanding rights from the world when they don't even have the courtesy to extend those rights to their own neighbor. . .until they learn to extend rights to their own people (specially equal rights to women) they haven't earned any rights imho.
Getting involved, at least directly is a bad idea. Syrian rebels already getting armed by Israel. We should stay out of it. Rebels are not good either.
Just what we need...another War. And someone else's War at that.....
If the US and Allies do not step in, then who, then when? We as a SOCIETY must stop killing each other – the rub is – the only way to stop each other from killing – is to threaten with death. Oh please stop bombing innocent women and children is really going to get things done right? It has to stop – naked violence has solved more political issues then any other means of communication throughout history. If you can come up with another solution that would work with a tyrant then I'm all ears. Hitler, Mousolini, Baby Doc, etc etc....has demonstrated in well documented history that asking a dictator nicely DOES NOT WORK.
We have enough problems here, and the Syria (and the larger Arab middle east) are never going to change anyway. What's the benefit of backing the NEXT group of murderous tyrants?
While the top brass mulls around women and children are being bombed in their homes and sniped on the streets.
damn right
who else is going to get involved the russians they are already and the chinesse well they no nothing and see nothing these two countries are not leaders of this world they are reapers and slayers look at their history and see when people of those countries speak out they are imprisioned or killed not any better than syria
Let the ARABS take care of their own for a change.
Let the Arabs arm them, not us.
We can give them air support and blast those tanks, but please, do not arm them.
Let the Arabs take care of their own mess for a change!
So we help bring down Assad, then Al Qaeda gets access to all the chemical and biological weapons that they desire. The resulting death toll in New york would far exceed what is happening in Syria right now.
Of course, one's initial reaction upon seeing the slaughter of innocent civilians is to jump in military with both feet. However, upon closer examination, one must remember how Osama B-L turned on us. I would only consider helping a third party who would deliver humanitarian aid only on our behalf–your thoughts...
Jump in with military – what is exactly what US Gov. wants. and CNN is heating people up to approve the military action. Sure, killed children is a good way to manipulate people. Why does not CNN show those children in Greece, Iraq, Korea, Afghanistan. Iran is a great place to start and then move in with tanks to "save the children".
By all means supply the rebels with heavy arms. The mulsim brotherhood will need them later to establish another islamic state.
Let's remember how arming the Mujahideen during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan or US support of Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war worked out. It came back to bite the US in the butt.
When did Iraq attack the US again?
Well.. you see.. Bush thought that Iraq might be thinking about maybe perhaps Iraq might do "something" naughty some time in the future... or something. So that was pretty much as good as an attack from Bush's viewpoint.
You gotta understand neo-logic
I would imagine that something is afoot, 'behind the scenes', as they say.
US Imperialism, FTW!
Imperialism?! If the US were at all imperialistic, we'd already have troops on every corner enforcing 'peace' and putting en end to a petty little tyrant like Assad, to be replaced by one of our own puppets who would dance at our beck and call.
But that hasn't happened, has it? Not in Syria, not in Libya, and not in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Any other foolishness you need set straight?
screw you...how the hell is it US imperialism, yelling and hollering for help, then turn on who help you.
If the usa arms the government opposition, then china and russia will oppose, and intervene against the usa, and this usa action can trigger the 3rd world war. Then siria, iran russia and china, will go against israel . It will be the armaggedon war. Remember, we"re living year 2012 the last maya's calendar year, and the global popullation is 7 billions, number 7 is god's number. Last year, 2011, was year "6", and number 6 represents man's or humanity number. The usa wants to democratize the whole world, 'cause democratic activists are infiltrated in those countries causing unrests, riots and destabilizing those countries governments. So, this usa government action will drive the humanity into it self destruction.
Is Assad your first or second cousin?
What did you smoke before you wrote this
maybe sum of that hash hish..lol
We should use covert CIA operatives to buy as many AKs, RPGs and shoulder fired SAMs as possible from Libyan militias and ship to the Syrian opposition forces. This would help to stabilize Libya, give the Syrians the firepower they need to put some fear into Syrian regime forces and provide a reasonable amount of cover against the inevitable claims of US imperialist intervention.
yea thats a great idea! Then the black market gun trade will have a profit boost, and be able buy and trade more weapons that will be sent to supply the ever growing demand... Come on man think about the repercussions. This will just create a greater demand for weapons within the Libyan militias and private companies and dealers of weapons will take advanage of this opportunity to make money off of war.
You are getting supply and demand mixed up. Please review your Economics 101 textbook. US buyers for Lybian RPGs and SAMs will drive the demand and the price of these weapons up because there is a finite supply of weapons in the country. The inflated black market value of these weapons would discourage the militas from wasting them to kill each other or to take on the Lybian military. The black market in these weapons already exists. Not participating in it will not make it go away. Why not funnel Soviet and Chinese weapons to a potential ally rather than letting them fall directly into the hands of potential enemies?
the only way the usa could arm syria is if putin agreed to it but at that point it would be eaier if he were to stop assad.
sorry but if the usa were to arm syria freedom fighters , assad would point his finger at isarel as being involved which would result in a regional war. putin is the backbone of assad , and iranian troops is doing what they do best by bringing terror to the people in syria as they did in iran last year.the only answer to all the mid east unrest including the americans detained in egypt is for obama to remove the iranian nuke threat with absolate usa resolve, if obama did this it would remove all doubt about the resolve of the usa and putin would quickly reconsider his intentions in the mid east including egypt and iran. obamas weakness is causing a lot of trouble as thugs test his head in the sand approach to iran.
This is so much bigger then the United States. I hate what's going on but Europeans in the middle east has never gone over well. Just look at history we have our allies there. Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Turkey. America has more friends than we think. Very few cause trouble in the middle east. It's the usual suspects. Iraq, Iran and Syria.
If we just keep up the poker face a little longer. With 220 million dollars a day not going to Iran from oil companies. I mean just in the past three days Iran has missed out on 660 million dollars. Can Iran really go this way with losing a billion dollars every fifth day? I really don't think so. Money is the god in this world. An no one can go long without it.
Hey John,how long can you Americans go tacking millions of dollars on your debt? The answer,as long as China keeps financing your debt.Oh by the way,those middle east allies,put a star spangled t-shirt on,walk down a street in some of those cities in the middle east at dusk and i'll guarantee you won't be commenting on this site about your night time walk.your last comment "no one can go long without it" If those Arab's shutdown their oil production for one month to do maintenance,you Americans would shit your pants.
John is very right on his comments. I can see that he belong to the 1% in the US.