Pentagon steps up planning for potential military intervention in Syria
By Barbara Starr
The Pentagon has in recent days stepped up planning for potential military intervention in the Syrian civil war, specifically because of growing evidence the regime may have used chemical weapons, CNN has learned.
"There is intensified planning in the works as more precise information comes in on the Syrian regime's potential use of chemical weapons and the body of evidence grows," a senior administration official said.
The official, who has direct knowledge of the effort, declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the situation.
If President Barack Obama were to order action, it could involve thousands of U.S. troops. But all of the options face serious military challenges.
The official said it's not likely to involve troops on the ground in Syria. Two other officials say the most likely options would be using cruise missiles based at sea and fighter jets to try to destroy chemical sites or the headquarters of Syrian military elements linked to them.
But even that type of option has grown increasingly complex in recent weeks as the Syrian regime has moved chemical stockpiles around the country.
"We have to now assume they are going to continue to do so," the official said, noting that Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey has already told Congress the military could not secure the entire chemical stockpile because it does not know where it's all located.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and other senior civilian officials at the Pentagon have sought updated military options in the last few weeks as suspicions and intelligence grew that the Syrian regime had used sarin gas on its own people.
The official said Obama so far has not asked for those options, but the Pentagon was moving ahead to be prepared.
"As the situation in Syria becomes more grave and as we are increasingly concerned about chemical weapons use in Syria, it's the responsibility of the U.S. military to prepare detailed options," the official said.
Hagel told reporters on Monday that he would not speculate any options regarding Syria.
The updated planning is separate from recent discussions with Congress several weeks ago about options for Syria, the official said.
There are also specific new discussions with Israel, Turkey and Jordan about what the official called the "realities of the conflict."
These discussions center around what to do if chemical weapons become a risk to their populations and also what immediate actions would have to be taken if the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were to suddenly fall.
The new planning, he said, is an effort to "align" military capabilities with various options and scenarios that could likely emerge.
But he also emphasized it also involves looking at more direct U.S. military involvement in providing humanitarian relief for the hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees now in Jordan and Turkey.
A previously announced deployment of some personnel from the First Armored Division headquarters to Jordan is part of this stepped up planning effort.
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
Can't America stay out of the middle east for more than a couple years? This has nothing to do with us.
I feel bad for American soldiers, before forced to get into this mess. I don't understand why the American gov. attacks half the middle east and yet lets the Iranians develop nukes. Apparently 'weapons of mass destruction' don't interest them.
Choosen devil
This is going to start an all-out war.
Who is going to pay for the next USA adventure in the Middle East. We are broke..
While campaigning,Romney seemed hell bent on attacking Syria.Let him pay for it!
Damascus shall be a ruinous heap.....KJV
Damascus shall become an ashheap.
The Pentagooners are a pack of Mindless Automatons with no sense of morality
Lets Kill Them.
Lets kill more American kids in the process.
Lets feed Haliburton, more Oil companies.
Yeah, because there is just so much oil in Syria.
No oil in Syria stupid
actually there is some oil in Syria and lots of Shale oil.
Lavrov: Moscow Never Hide Supplying Syria with Weapons Based on Signed Contracts
– Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, said that Moscow has never tried to hide supplying Syria with weapons according to previously signed contracts.
Russia Today website quoted Lavrov as asserting, in an interview with the British Foreign Policy Magazine, that any country has the right to possess defensive means that are not prohibited by any international treaty.
" These contracts are mostly connected with supplying the Syrian government with anti-air defence systems," he said, adding that it is quite clear that Syria needs defensive means as the threats are not virtual but quite realistic."
"Any country has the right to possess defensive means that are not banned by any international treaty therefore we don't violate any treaty," Lavrov said.
He called for further concentration on the other side with taking into consideration the information on arming the opposition with offensive weapons which had been smuggled from Libya, including the portable missile systems which are considered as very dangerous weapons.
The Russian Foreign Minister said:" We should take these information into consideration, particularly following the statements of the leaders of the 'Free Army' that the aircrafts including the civil ones and the airports will be licit goals," noting that "It is very dangerous."
Lavrov reiterated Russia's call for stopping violence and launching a non-preconditioned dialogue, pointing to some positive changes in the stances of the powers which were rejecting dialogue.
He asserted that this possible change occurred not only in the stances of Washington, Paris and the capitals of other European countries but also in the stance of the Arab countries which have become say things that they didn't say before, particularly that dialogue should be launched.
I find it baffling that so many people think Syria and the United States would be better without Assad controlling the country. Look at what happened in Egypt and Syria. By toppling secular dictatorships we only paved the way for civil war, and allowed religious extremists to take control of the country. In Syria large contingents of the rebel fighting force are self proclaimed jihadists and religious extremists. How does anyone think it is beneficial for Hezbollah to win a civil war against a secular government? Further, there are large rifts in the ethnicities of Syria and the armies have split along those lines. If the Majority Sunni muslims win in Syria (the largest rebel group) there is very likely going to be genocide towards Shiites, Kurds, Christians, and Olawite muslims.
Even if you look past the fact that the Assad is likely better for Syria and the United States, the U.S. simply cannot afford this war.
I agree, US can't afford something like this and has no right stepping in. How is it up to the US to always be the sheriff when something happens they don't like and where has it gotten them other than deeper in debt and helping businessmen fill their pockets?
Don't worry so much ... these are the early days leading up to a
worldwide struggle. The alliances and allegiances have yet to be
codified. Everyone reading this post will be a participant in the coming
war, willing or unwilling.
How can the world let him remain the leader after his army has killed 100k of his own people. He can't be allowed to stay. Those who appossed him would be massacred.
Really, 100k? It's a civil war. Both sides are killing each other. The army has not killed 100k civilians. The rebels have pulled off as many atrocities as the government.
A more truthful rendition of this story is that the pentagon has had syria plans for some years.
If we allow Syria to use chemical weapons, we are in essence giving the green light to Iran and NK getting and using nukes. Obama said over and over again that if Syria used WMD's, that would cross a "red line". If we do nothing, Iran and NK will see this as weakness and go full speed ahead with their WMD programs, knowing that Obama will also do nothing in their cases as well.
Yea but they havnt used it against us for one thing, and it was the rebels that were first accused of using chemical weapons not the regime. The regime actually reported the use of the chemical weapon BY KERRY's TERRORISTS. Obama? lol he couldnt fight his way out of a paper bag. That is plainly evident in Benghazi. The power of the US is being wrongly used by Politicians and Multinational corporations to free oil gas and minerals instead of people.
One thing we know,Dallas,and that is Bush could fight his way into Iraq.Without sound reason of course and a zero exit strategy.
The United States can not afford another war and we are not the world police. We have no right to "intervene" with Syria. If a country has a revolution then it's their problem, not ours. If people truly hate their country, then leave. Also, the Middle East DOES NOT WANT OUR HELP. In the event the pentagon continues preperations for military intervention I strongly encourage people to please write to their representatives. We still have an economy to rebuild here at home.
Good luck trying to convince our Congressional members and their Lobbyists, the hoe's are always controlled by the pimps.
Yes WE Can
Issue Yellow Dresses
We have Hezbollah fighting Al Quada in Syria. Could it get any better? Let our enemies ruin themselves.
I think Hezbollah publicly challenged to keep Assad in power so that they (Hezbollah) remain strong.
The new boss is starting to look a lot like the old boss.
Trillion dollar debt, and we can afford to go to Syria? What has this Country ever did for us, Let them kill themselves off Its alot cheeper for us taxpayers.
Unfortunately toxic gases released in one part of the world have no boundaries. As the saying goes, a Butterfly flaps its wings in China today, we have a rain storm tomorrow....
bwhahahaha – I hear the sound of hot air escaping a community organizer. I see a new "lavender line". I hope Israel is paying attention – I'm sure Iran is. The Obamanator is all talk. Dec 3, 2012:
"I want to make it absolutely clear to Assad and those under his command - the world is watching," President Barack Obama said during a speech at the National Defense University in Washington.
"The use of chemical weapons is and would be totally unacceptable. And if you make the tragic mistake of using these weapons, there will be consequences and you will be held accountable," he said.
Obama has previously warned that any use of chemical weapons by Syria in its civil war would be crossing a "red line" that would prompt a swift U.S. response.
BENGHAZI!! BENGHAZI!! IS CNN EVER GOING REPORT ON OBAMA INTIMIDATING STATE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ON BENGHAZI? GET OFF YOUR LIBERAL PRESS DUFF AND REPORT WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON WILLY YA?? DISGRACEFUL!!
C'mon. You should know the drill by now. Nothing gets reported much less honorable mention if it reflects less than positively on the Prez.
Time to move on! New extreme events are happening every day and we have to keep our eye on protecting lives now, it is very sad that four were lost back then, but how many have already been slaughtered at home and abroad since?
Benghazi?...Sorry wrong country.You might mean Damascus,right?...Those at Fox News are the only ones still trying to bring up Benghazi.That and idiots that would watch that garbage over there!
Da_n! Another war! another few trillion!
We're never going to have enough money to build the Death Star now!
Syria has a Gee-ha-d problem.
Wow, Barbara Starr did another splendid job as senior intelligence journalist! The spin on this article is amazing! Barb, you sure Obama's staff didn't just write this for you? Not once is Obama's walkback of the "Red Line of Chemical Use" mentioned. No, Barb here just put it all down to the Military needing to create a plan of action. A plan that they have had for 2 years now. "OK" Barb says, "the plan needs to be updated" before Obama can use it. What a spin! The Plan is constantly being updated by the Pentagon based on current asset availability and intel, as ships, subs, and aircraft are moved in or out or down for maintenance. Great piece of writing Barb!
Do you suffer from the same malady that afflicted the Bush/Cheney team ? The "If I Act Tough Nobody Will Notice That I'm Really Scared & Don't Know What I'm Doing" Syndrome.
I interpret this story as follows. Obama seemed weak with his red line so they put this out to try to bolster his position that he is really a tough guy who is plotting. This war has been going on for two years and chemical weapons have always been in the conversation. You don't think that the military hasn't already made plans for the various scenarios that could unfold. This was put out strictly for the consumption of the masses.
Obama ought to just jump into this thing like Bush did; using America's National Guards in unarmored vehicles & pay for it with Deficit Spending. That careful planning stuff is for wusses, not like Vietnam War heroes like Bush/Cheney.
Let us unseat this regime now as it is far past its best before date.
How about just letting them finish there selves off? That would be hilarious!
This is what I think will happen somewhat.We will send more troops to Jordon get geared up for Assads death throws and try to get in there and secure and get rid of chem and bio.Then get bogged down because Russia has a Navel base and they wont leave.Polotics get involveled and more crap happens hard to say.We would want Russia gone and play games and Russia will play games.Or this is what I think should happen we should work with Russia let this play out and secure those nasty weapons because they will go north south and west and God forbid east.They are going to keep fighting that's all there is to it.Then get out .Russia will not leave that base period.That wont happen either and its hard to say what will.Basically Russia is there and they wont leave the only base they have in the mediteranian.
there selves ? Did you mean "themselves" ?
Coming soon! One more war for the military industrial complex to make money; one more war for generals to get medals and another star.
Your an idiot, what do you base that on? I wasn't aware that the military was in the White House. And obviously you never served a day in the military, if you did you wouldknow that the military doesn't want a war, after all it isn't people like you that die in a war, it's the brave men and women in uniform that do.
so why enlist then?
March 31, 2013 – Ex-CNN reporter Amber Lyon revealed that during her work for the channel she received orders to send false news and exclude some others which the US administration did not favor with the aim to create a public opinion in favor of launching an aggression on Iran and Syria.
http://www.disclose.tv/news/ExCNN_Reporter_I_Received_Orders_to_Manipulate_News_on_Syria_and_Iran/92447
We don't need a real war, we are too busy acting them all out in online media forums. If we publish what we are really doing, the enemy will never get a surprise will they?
Remember Eisenhower had us as intervension in Vietnam in the 50s and after the Gulf of Tonkin incident look what we got stuck with..We supplied afghan rebels with American weaponry and supervisors against Russia in the 80s and now we are fighting against the same afghan rebels we trained,equipped as well years ago..You want more repeating of our military historys debacles like Vietnam,Afghanistan where we go in to help,intervene and all we get in return is grief fighting the ones we once equipped and trained,that's ignorence beyond the norm.. I as a citizen of these United States,pay taxes and oppose such a deal so there isn't another repeat.Just rid Syria of Assad and get the hell out,let our Black opts or Seals do the dirty work,they're specialized and are efficient,less headaches as well!!
Why is it America's business to rid any sovereign nation of their leader when that nation has not attacked or even threatened the United States in any way and does not threaten the national security of the United States? It was the US and its European (and maybe the Isrealis) who joined hands with the Wahhabists of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait (and Erdogan's government in Turkey) to fund, arm and train and radicalize the anti-Assad "REBELS" with CIA bases in Turkey and Jordan. It was the US and its FRIENDS that started this war in Syria. Hands of Syria AMERICA! HANDS OFF!
You are being both irrationally paranoid and agitated because of aforementioned paranoia. The US, while flawed, is right to become involved in this civil war. Chemical weapons are considered a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Usage of a WMD on civilians is an atrocity. This cannot be allowed to continue.
Oh hurray!! Another $3 trillion dollar US azz kicking. We really ought to give up on the whole war thing. We're just not very good at it.
We are awesome at it, it's the cleaning up afterwards we suck at. That part i can do without.
Oh, really? When was the last time we won a strategic victory with out "awesome" military?
Gen. Wesley Clark was right in 2007. U.S planned to de-stablize 7 countries in 5 years. Syria was one of them. People.... know the difference between the one who really is for human rights and freedom and the one who wears a MASK of democracy and human rights. youtub 'wesley clark policy coup' and watch the speech!! General blew the whistle on pentagon.
We should destroy their chemical weapons with missle strikes and purge the sky of their aircraft. Let the assad forces and the rebels fight it out on equal terms.
Why should we do it. There are many Arab countries with the military power to do so. Let the Arab League resolve the issue, not us. They have the money and the military to do so. If they don't care, then why should we?
We should at least destroy their chemical weapons. I don't want them lying around.
actually, Syria has built a world class air defense system with Russia's help – Obama has known this was going on for 2+ years – it's why his line is now "lavender". The time to help Syria was at the beginning of the civil war – now it's so screwed up with Jihadi's and extremists, it's hard to know who's doing what to who. Assad needs to go but I'm not sure we should be in the fight. A no fly zone would be helpful, but it ain't gonna be easy anymore
We are helping them their is a lot of people going there to fight. We do it but secretly. If they know about us another war will begin.
soo wheres the money coming from ?? the tax payers ??? i aint supporting no towel head that is just gonna turn around and use the weps on us,,, this is ridiculous
The military industrial complex is hungry and must be fed, damn the US citizens who oppose another expensive intervention.
I believe everything I am told by Bush and Obama. Specially the WMD stories
Absolutely...if Obama was white and a social conservative he would be no different than George W. Bush. Really there has been very little difference in American foreign policy since George H.W. Bush, Clinton supported basically the exact same foreign policy as Bush Sr. it has just become more arrogant and hyperactive in the 20 years since the fall of the Soviet Union. The United States military is now merely the foot soldiers of global free market capitalism. It is a continuation of Western Imperialism by other means.
If they haven't done so all ready Russia should arm Syria with the latest in anti-aircraft weaponry. If the West decides to violate Syrian sovereignty and became Al Nusra (Al Qaeda's) air force then they should pay the consequences for it.
As if we fear russia and their ancient technology.
God humbles the proud and the arrogant.
at least their 'ancient technology' wont be helping Al Qaeda terrorists like the USA's 'modern technology' will be. Once again, the USA is taking sides with a group who is affiliated with the Mujhaideen and Al Qaeda. First Afghan war, Yugoslavia, Libya, Syria, and more. The government of the USA is in bed with Al Qaeda in all of these conflicts. The USA is NOT the worlds police 'helping other countries', the USA are imperialists trying to destabilize, destroy, and control more nations. The USA is NOT the terrorist fighting nation that CNN (Corrupt News Network) makes it look out to be. The USA is a terrorist supporting nation. (Government)
U r rite but our politicians too busy trying to save so called Israel ass... I don't know y ?
You people should be outraged at this because now our troops are going to be OPENLY helping Al Qaeda.
Screw America, Burn in hell
that was a joke written by an annoying person, dont take it seriously
What's it like down there,RJ?
Not true. US will not help Al-Qaeda, more than if you save a human being's life you will also be helping the bacteria that live in him stay alive.
Hai, I just, uh, want to say that India is the best. If India was to make this decision. We. Would choose world PEECE. This is because Ghandi is my Homee G.
'Merica would beat India anyday
BRING IT ON MAN. 9178656620
If we invade we would liberate the people of Syria and bring them amazing things like McDonald's and XBOX
Personally I believe that we should invade so we can spread democracy. When George Bush brought democracy to Iraq, it was one of the greatest days ever.
Even if the Prez orders military action before 2014 elections, it is likely to be of the "milk toast" variety so as not to offend his base. Not saying this is a bad thing because the reality is Syria is a no-win situation.
As predicted, the Prez is withdrawing the red line replacing it with dotted yellow.
Hello everyone
HEY THERE, NEED A BOOST?
We need to stay the h#ll out of Syria.
agreed!
Nooooooooo!!!!! They always turn against us after we 'free' them....just let them kill each other, I am tired of watching tax payer dollars being used for animal control in the middle east.
So here we go again doing what the US has become known for... killing in the name of peace, using our children as fuel for the war machine.
You nailed it good, Steve. Thank you.
wow. Gen. Wesley Clark was right in 2007. U.S planned to de-stablize 7 countries in 5 years. Syria was one of them. People.... know the difference between the one who really is for human rights and freedom and the one who wears a MASK of democracy and human rights.
Thank you, Rain Maker. It feels good to see some intelligent comments like yours for a change instead of those made by these senseless warmongers who probably never finished grade school!
What if I did finish, and I simply wish to spread our imperialistic dominance for the sake of trying to forge an omnipotent country that may eventually but and end to war and conflict? It seems a lot more likely to work than the uneducated hippy belief that we will just all hold hands one day and skip across a flowery field.....
Stop the killing
USA must support Syrian opposition to secure ALL chemical weapons and other WMD…Patriot missiles (NATO) on Turkey-Syrian border could be a huge help for NO-fly zone and against Syrian SCUD missiles in northern Syria…Do NOT forget: IRAN is making DIVERSON to World, from his own nuclear program, by making ‘problems’ in Syria and North Korea. Iran was paying N. Korea, for years, to build secret nuclear facilities in Syria…It is ”Pentagon”: Iran, Syria, North Korea, Hamas, Hezbollah…
youtub 'Gen wesley clark policy coup' TODAY. and see the general blow the whistle on d.c. YOU MUST WATCH IT TODAY.
Time to use the Selective Service Act & restart the draft.
so are you going to fight
What part of "too broke to keep playing World Cop" does the US government still not understand?
Learn how to spell "your" first and then we will talk
The only way I would help the rebels is if they gave up their religion!
Someone should help you give up you're bigotry.
Tell that to the amputees in Boston !
Agreed! It should be a prerequsite of ALL American aid that you renounce Islam! It is not Bigotry to want to eliminate terrorists or others who would destroy our society, and Islam is the biggest cause of destruction in the history of the Earth.
No,that's ignorance. Christianity killed way more people. From the settlers that killed millions of natives to the Nazi's that had the blessing of the catholic church. I know Muslims that are good people that would never hurt anyone. You are racist,and if it wasn't Muslims you hated it would be someone else.
Listen idiots,no one's talking about a war. There talking about limited strikes and a small special force and Intel presence. If they would have done it in the beginning the war would have been over in weeks without the militants gaining power.
Yep, one thing leads to another and before you know it, we got another Iraq or Korea or VietNam
Mr. Prez.....keep us out of that mess! No more sons of ours killed for no reason for people who do not appreciate it. They will always hate us.
I agree Please Mr President Obama!!! Don't send our father's mother's son's daughter's, grandson's, granddaughter's to fight a war that has nothing to do with us. And for a people who don't care about America, but only what America can do for them. Please Sir I pray don't put our baby's in arms way.
But old men seem to love to put young men in harms way. Our leaders can't balance a budget, but they sure know how to kill our children.
Edwin:
Good Points!
Yes, we are a superpower and we do have some special responsibilities.
But, what did our interventions achieve?
In Iraq, we killed Saddam Hussain the MOST SECULAR Muslim leader in the world by a radical Iranian pro-Shia govt.
The greatest losers here are the Christians of Iraq, and the greatest beneficiary is Iran
In Libya we replaced a REFORMED Gaddafi by a radical regime.
In Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria we helped the Muslim Bortherhood & other Islamic radicals take control.
And, everyone knows the plight of COPTIC CHRISTIANS in Egypt!
Even in Syria, while Assad may have been a Hamas & Hezbollah supporter, atleast he is a known devil whom we know how to handle.
Also the CHRISTIANS of Syria (the oldest Christian community in the world) love Assad and fear the Al-Qaeda backed rebels.
America is falling into this TRAP being DECEITFULLY MISLED by COVERT Islamic supporters like CNN's Mr.FAREED ZAKARIA who has called AMERICA AS A GREATER THREAT TO THE WORLD THAN AL-QAEDA (ref. Reflections on 9/11 and its Aftermath” CNN-GPS Sept 9th, 2011).
It's high time AMERICA REALIZES WHO OUR REAL ENEMIES ARE.....OUTSIDE & MOST IMPORTANTLY INSIDE!
Funny, those are the same words I heard during the VietNam conflict referring to the war protesters. What's next... "America... Love it or leave it"?
Resistance is futile. Syria will be assimilated.
One more nation for our war mongering Peace Prize President.
I thought Bush was no longer president, but obviously his policies are still in force.
Is Cheney advising Obama?
Yay, let's go to war again.
Where are all the hypocrites that lambasted Bush for doing the same things Obama is doing?
"Arab Spring" – Delivering the Middle-East to Al Queda, one country at a time.
Here we go another war more debt higher gas price .. might as well start our own civil war
Thank you for the laugh. 🙂
I thought our ex-Community Organizing president was laying out strategies for possible military intervention in Syria, coordinating with our Secretary of Defense, the ex-sergeant, along with our Secretary of State who tossed his undeserved 'combat' medals over the White House fence. What a team! Forward!
No Ed, Obama has outsourced our potential military operations on Syria to that overwhelmingly successful team of Bush/Cheney. One took EIGHT deferments, including the birth of Lil Liz Cheney & the other got his Poppie's buddies w/stoke in TX to get a frat brat into the Air National Guard. Of course they ,along w/Mittens, were adamant supporters of the American effort against the world wide spread of Communism. ED, you should be ashamed of yourself for the disparaging remarks you directed towards Former SGT. Chuck Hagel
P.S.- John Kerry has more guts & class in his little toe than all the Neo- Cons in the world, including their political operatives like Karl Rove.
@sonny chapman,Kerry a respected medaled Vietnam vet and look what money T Boone Pickens and Bush did to him..Just political character assassanations that republicans the war mongers here just seem to enjoy because as you know most of them never had any skin in the game so to speak!!
@Sonny Chapman,republicans in both houses had only about 30% in past,present reps in military service but advocate wars and democrates had over 70% in both houses served militarily and advocate diplomacy,peace because they had themselves,others that had that skin in the game I refered to earlier!!Just check its out there in a roll call of sorts!!
Who are the bad guys?
Us?
So lesson learned for countries is make sure you kill your citizens without the use of Chemical Weapons, as long as your using bullets and regular bombs everything is fine. UNLESS you have OIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"...military could not secure the entire chemical stockpile because it does not know where it's all located." Why not?
This suggests that a better time to intervene in chemical (or nuclear or biological) weapons life cycle is during the manufacture or stockpiling rather than after deployment and use. By the time the weapons are being deployed and used, they are dispersed and more secured. The usual US view of crime is, it isn't a crime until it's been committed. There is value in having a more proliferation-oriented criteria. The "crime" occurs when the weapon is first produced. This is exactly the situation with NK's nuclear program. As it gains traction, the cost of limiting or constraining its use gets much higher.
Even when and where produced, chemical weapons might be hard to detect. Perhaps more can be done in using particular kinds of satellite imaging. An ordinary photograph doesn't show much about chemicals, but perhaps other detection and imaging systems could?
Just send them more bombs and let them blow themselves up.
isn't that how it started?
no it started out with children writing stuff on the wall for Assad to step down. Those children got arrested and tortured.
We are not the world's watchdogs. STOP getting involved.
Right. Just because they threaten our allies – allies we signed treaties with – is no excuse. So what if our promises are meaningless?
there is threats and then their is actions till actions happen I don't want to send more people to die in a pointless war
A dangerous opinion The question is: is it more dangerous than getting involved?
If we always ride to the rescue, we teach the entire rest of the planet that they don't have to get involved, the USA will always be there. No more. Let someone else handle the next several issues.
And if no one else does step forward to deal with it, too bad. Maybe that will teach the rest of the world to take a good long look in the mirror and ask themselves why they also passively sat by.
I sure hope we dont spend American money and lives helping these terrorists. The only way to know if Syrians want freedom badly enough, is if they win it for themselves.
I suppose you wish the French had said that during the American revolution – err, the Colonial Civil War...
Only Assad supporters would say that. Because they want the rebels to not get any help or weapons as the Government kills them with Fighter jets, Scuds, Tank and chemical weapons. Who do you think you are fooling? That's the same propaganda the Russians and Assad tried to use. Saying leave Syria to Syrians. Yes Leave civilians fighting the Army???
Have you not noticed this type of propaganda is not working?
Maybe the media can tell everyone the plan so there are no surprises.
WHY WASTE OUR MONEY, RESOURCES & AMERICAN LIVES ON THESE WORTHLESS ISLAMIC SECTARIAN BATTLES!
US will be committing a serious error by intervening on the side of the largely Al-Qaeda backed Syrian rebels. Assad may prove to be an angel as compared to these Islamic radicals. We have already been badly bitten in Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and can't afford to dethrone one more fairly secular regime by a radical one.
Israel too may be erring big time by urging US to act.
We must know that HR violations are occurring on both sides – Assad's govt forces and the rebels – something that's has been going on ALL OVER THE MUSLIM WORLD.
If it affects our allies – which it does – it is not worthless. If it impacts on our business interests and our economy – which it does – it is not worthless. And if standing by doing nothing affects our reputation in the world – and therefore our alliances, our ability to trade and get money, and the ability of our corporations to work in foreign countries – it is not worthless.
The U.S. is not isolationist, has not been in a long time, and cannot actually afford to go back to that world view. It would hurt our economy too much.
Very good points.
What if this turns into a sectarian war though?
I will sacrifice the entire stinking India for just a whiff of fragrance of my beloved Al-Shaam (Syria).
Oh Bilad Al-Shaam, glad tidings to you,
Angles have covered you with their wings,
Oh Bilad Al-Shaam, may I be sacrificed for you,
You're the home of the pious and the righteous of ummah,
Oh Bilad Al-Shaam, how blessed are your mountains,
how fragrant is your air and how honourable is your earth,
Oh Bilad Al-Shaam, the blood of your martyrs,
keeps the lamp of this ummah burning bright,
O our honourable sisters of Al-Shaam,
Rejoice to see your brothers and your sons waiting for you in Firdous, Insha'Allah.
The rebels have sworn allegiance to al-qaeda. By definition, the rebels are terrorists. Now, I don’t like the Assad dictatorship either, but sometimes, the enemy of your enemy is your friend. Syria, like Iraq, is a quagmire and the United States has no business getting involved. If the government troops are using chemical weapons against the terrorists, maybe a strong tongue lashing by the UN is all that is necessary. North Korea has weapons of mass destruction and America stands idly by. There is no need for action in Syria by America. Who are we going to support? Al Qaeda? The dictator? Syria’s biggest ally is Russia. Let Russia figure it out.
What is your source for this claim? I ask because the State Department says that *some* factions of the rebellion have allegiance to al Qaeda, but the majority do not... and I trust their claims more than yours (they might lie, but so might any poster here; at least I know they have actual data to use and are working on it).
Also, sometimes the 'enemy of my enemy' thing doesn't actually hod true. Remember the Taliban? We treated them that way during the Cold War – gave them weapons and resources to fight our enemy the Russians... look how well that. Turned out.
Clearly we don't want to simply embrace the rebels – the contain extremists of all sorts and dangerous factions. But if we help the rebellion, we can help set up the framework they use for their government and apply some pressure to keep the most extreme elements out. It worked in Egypt and Libya – they're not exactly friendly with us, but they ARE working with us.
CNN and the liberal media can avoid mentioning the cover up in Benghazi...but not for much longer. The Obama Admin and Hillary will be pinned down for their incompetence that lead to the death of the Ambassador and the other Americans. SHAME.
I'm sick an tired having to lesson to the right winger war hocks continually wanting to bring up Benghazi...They for got they gave us Iraq war.
I dont understand, why would the unnecessary war in Iraq prevent us from examining the tragedy in Benghazi?
Wow, you people are incredible, & that's not a compliment. It's "you're", "too" (in multiple posts), "standard", & "precedence". Also, it's "Hear! Hear!", & too many more to even bother with. A liberal is in the White House, not "right-wing thugs". The Pentagon cannot act alone. This is 5th grade knowledge people, & if you cannot comprehend these basics, you're probably not qualified to comment on such an issue as this. To put it a way you will understand... Jus sayin
You seam to for gotten the right wing thugs is what gave us the Iraq war an Obama while in office so far hasn't put us into any war like any thing the Rep administration did.
this is all about military industrial complex -profit -they don,t really care who wins as long as they can sell their products of death
That's because war is the only thing "made in the U.S.A." anymore.
USA should prepate for the judgement of God coming very soon to america. America has killed too many innocents in search of wealth and power around the world. Revelation 18 & Jeremiah 51 and ezekiel 22 USA has walked away from God of israel and Jesus psalm 2 & 83 therefore God of israel will judge the USA unless we repent of sins and walk in Holiness Hebrew 12:14 we are heading to psalms 9 repent america repent and stop gay marriage that will bring judgement to the land see leviticus 18 it is an abomination and marriage is a way satan is attacking the Holiness of God stop such pratices before is too late. God bless and wake up americans dont fall into judgement of God because it wont be pretty. turn away from sins.
America is trying to make the world a better place, partly out of self preservation admittingly, but we always have peace in mind, ultimate peace... let me explain it so your little brain can keep up... If all int he world put thier arms down today America would never fire another shot. tell me one more trouble spot today that can say the same
Hey numbnutts....God told me to pass a message on to you..."You suck and your life is meaningless. Stop being a pantywaste loser and shut your cake hole". He also said "you will soon get azzraped in prison". AMEN.
One BIG question remains...Both Russia and China voted against harsher sanctions on Syria a year ago. Will the U.S. seek UN approval for military intervention or will we just go ahead without UN approval?
BIG mistake unless we get UN approval. All the anti-US haters will have more ammo then and the jihadist shops will be cranking out lots of suicide vest wearers.
People who still don't understand that US economy is a war economy are blind or plain ignorant. A reason will be found UN or not.
I'll go out on a limb and say Obama is as clueless on this one as on everything else he does, UN is a joke by the way
I think we do have to get involved Fear can have a backlash in war and it usually happens when the people in charge make mistakes
NO MORE U. S. SOLDIERS IN HARM'S WAY WITHOUT: A DECLARATION OF WAR, A CLEAR VICTORY/EXIT STRATEGY, A WAR TAX AND A MILITARY DRAFT.
(Otherwise, send only the sons, daughters and grandchildren of the politicians, bureaucrats, and military brass wanting to fight a war in Syria.)
Here! Here!
A draft Will Beararms? if you think the US military needs MORE people that don't want to be there, then you clearly don't know much about the military.
The draft would mean soldiers won't have to do multiple combat tours. Getting fresh blood in (figure of speech) would reduce the PSTD cases. We had way too many people seeing too much combat the last 10 years. Anyways, since women can now go into combat jobs, lets test out if that is viable.
So what ever happened to the Arab League? There are twenty two Arab League nations and half of them are oil rich and have capable military. So why should the U.S. take on the brunt of the task in Syria? And what about oil rich UAE? They spend billions of dollars each year building world class resorts to entertain wealthy western tourists but they don't even stretch an arm to help their neighbors who are suffering.
Recently Sen McCain whined and complained that while touring a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan he met with a teacher who said the children are suffering and would one day take revenge on those who didn't help them. Well, I have a BIG suggestion...how bout we send them bullet proof backpacks and blankets just like the ones the NRA and the GOPT/D gun lobbyists in Washington proposed for the kids in Sandy Hook and across America?
So true...no more wars!
You are right the muslim Arab countries should take the lead. However, one serious issue is that most of those countries are tribal based (with the tribes crossing over boders). You will not get alot of tribes willing to go to war against the same or allied tribesmen.
Their culture puts tribe loyalty above one's country. This is why the US heavily funded tribal shieks in Iraq for support instead of appealing to thier national honor.
LOL never miss a chance to put in the socialist drivle. To quote your comrades here on CNN "you're just mad you lost".
Lost what? You mean the gun control bill? It had 54% of the votes, which in a normal, functional government would count as the majority it is – but because of the intense monetary lobbying by the NRA and gun manufacturers, majority means nothing.
If that is what you mean, then it is actually ALL of America that lost. Not just for this bill, but because it is no longer possible for good ideas that threaten special interest big businesses to get discussed.
so why did your hero, our Kenyan President go into Libya and all liberals were touting the right humane thing to do? both cheeks
let's face it, I'm very proud of my Kenyan President and I'm very proud of my African heritage! You have a problem with that? Well, too bad!
I have no direct African heritage, but I like this president, too. 'Proud' is a bit too strong for me, but I think he's doing a fine job.
Spend our money on us! Even the money spent to be prepared to invade Syria is a waste. The military and all it's subsidiaries, like the CIA, Homeland security ect, is way to large and powerfull for my liking. Cut funding there by 60% to start fixing our disaster HERE.
Here! Here!
Well put, Stephen Douglas. Thank you.
Let me first say in noooo way fashion or form should we go to Syria.They have a military let them handle their own drama.. we as a country have enough to deal with our own social issues and have we forgot about Afgan which we are still trying to handle over control back to thier own people.. Please remember americans with our own country their is always a alternative motive some where under the grass..
I agree, but only because there is no clear indication of the intent of the rebels. They would likely be as bad of a government as the current regime. Unfortunately the average civilian on the battlefield is caught between the two powers.
I'm in the military I pray to god that they stick to the "no boots on ground" establish a no fly zone bomb the facilities in and out process quick and easy!!
We will get stuck there.
We went from a No Fly Zone Strategy to a Kill or Capture Kadhafi in Libya in TWO DAYS. How long before we'd change the Mission to Replace Assad ? That means picking a side in a Civil/Sectarian War.
Once again, Israel is pushing USA to another war on their behalf. In Iraq. it was not due to the existance of weapons of mass destruction, it was because Saddam Hussein was the only one who sent missiles to isrrael. Now they said recently the the USA has to take action in Syria. Lets send our troops compose mostly for minorities to protect Israel .
The BBC did a story on the real reason behind the Iraq war. "Secret US plans for Iraq's oil" look it up. Israel had nothing to do with it. It was all about oil. I know, big surprise.
If that was the case then why are we not getting a drop?
You either give Israel too much credit or you are an anti-semite who just blames everything on the jewish state (in which case its probably not your fault as you were probably brainwashed to do so!) In any case, the US does what it thinks is best for itself and it often makes mistakes as we have seen numerous times. It would be very easy for the US to stay out of everything that occurs around the world, but eventually it will come back to bite her, so action is usually needed. Also, world war II set a stnadard or [rescedense if you will that the US will fight for other nation;s freedom if need be. This is what the US stands for and every songle person that volunteers for military duty inderstands this concept. They want to fight the bad guys, so stop blaming other people for the choices America and her citizens make!
No support for Assad or the Free Syrian Army!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How about NO! We do not need to stick our noses into anymore "trouble" in the middle east. We've shed far too much our own blood helping people that would rather kill us than look at us.
Exactly
Before planning for potential military intervention in the Syrian civil war, Pentagon needs to see the details from Syrian rebels or even a new upcoming Syrian government about how they will protect the efforts and good expectations made by the West against being attacked in Syria.
If you had sha-ree-a law on an off-shore ship it could only function as a pirate ship–jefferson was told about gee-ha-d & the topic was about pirates attacking some french ships (???)
Here we go again. Chemical Weapons, another excuse to invade another Middle Eastern country by spending trillions of dollars for war and more importantly thousands of innocent young American solders lives. Keep wondering why middle Eastern people hate us. Haven't we learned our lesson by now?
But the difference this time should be clear: we are not planning on invasion because of the presence of the weapons, but because they have been used... on the people of the region. Big difference.
Also, as illustrated in Egyot and Libya, we are not propping up a new dictatorship friendly to us. It is not U.S. intervention the bothers people but rather the fact that the U.S. set up corrupt governments.
amazing how they find money to spend so quickly . 16 trillion dollars from two wars in the hole . There must not have been a budget problem after all .
America needs to verify what srael wants America to do, before America proceeds.
America is the root of all terror. America has invaded sixty countries since world war 2.
In 1953 America overthrow Iran's democratic government Mohammad Mosaddegh and installed a brutal dictator Shah. America helped Shah of Iran to establish secret police and killed thousands of Iranian people.
During Iran-Iraq war evil America supported Suddam Hossain and killed millions of Iranian people. In 1989, America, is the only country ever, shot down Iran's civilian air plane, killing 290 people.
In 2003,America invaded Iraq and killed 1,000,000+ innocent Iraqi people and 4,000,000+ Iraqi people were displaced.
Now America is a failed state with huge debt. Its debt will be 22 trillion by 2015.
It is fun being an American.
that way you speak sounds like you may be muslim. john smith, is not your name and i would bet money on it.
America, for what it's worth, stands for what is right. It fights for the ones who can't fight for themselves and polices the world. Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. Also, by doing such things, some things are necessary that not even its own people would appreciate. But over all, America is the country that others strive to be. Our military and economy help others sustain a way of life that without it, wouldn't even be a possibility. Even many in Iran and the Middle East would beg to have the type of freedoms that we have. The right to have simple things like opinions instead of having extremely hateful and destructive males who think that it is their duty to enslave and keep down women and children. Teach that suicide is righteous and that their own hypocrisy is just. They kick out people of the country just for being good looking and attempt to hide behind God to do so. They claim that anyone who doubts their way of life and doubts their lies are nothing more than propaganda machines and evil. There are many great people in the Middle East and all over the world. We fight for equal rights. We fight for the right to be a better person and to have your voice heard. The debt that we have occurred will be paid for because America pays its debts. I'm sure that someone can and will take that statement as it needing to pay the debt to God or the world because their hypocrisy knows no bounds, but we are true to our word. We have so much respect that because we do what we can to make the world a safer and better place for everyone that we could default on our loans and, even though our credit rating would be shot and people would be mad for a minute or two, we would still be The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and people would still love us and understand. America has its own immoral problems. I'm not, nor have i ever denied that. But, over all, it is still the BEST COUNTRY in the WORLD because it is founded on principles that the world strives for and dictators, manipulators, and oppressors hide their people from knowing because it threatens them. We are the land of the free and so are our allies. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone were free to better themselves and have equal opportunities? Through all of the victories and mistakes, that is all that America has ever fought for.
why don't we give the Syria president $300,000 a month like the Afgan president. this government gives all the other countries money and we go broke with high gas prices and no money for roads and highways
All we need is yet another War to keep the Military busy.. It is about the only guaranteed employment left in the country..
This country is broke and we still keep attempting to control the whole damned planet. It could be our ultimate downfall!
Is this not what the Republican had in mine on the budget ? Oh ,I know ,let use blame Obama for this two .
Why not he is the commader in-cheif that made the call.
Is this not what the Republican had in mine on the budget ? Oh ,I know ,let us blame Obama for this too .
CNN:
Why no coverage of the reported Benghazi intimidation of CIA and State Dept. employees?
Surely this is newsworthy?
Benghazi still? Ten years from now you will be talking about Benghazi, but you forgot about killing hundreds of thousands of Iraqis as soon as it happened.
The reason Benghazi happened is because congress cut the budget for security there drastically. Now they're trying to cover their own hides while making this a political issue. Syria and Libya have nothing to do with each other.
Libya and Syria have everything to do with each other. Where do think the foreign jihadis and the chemical weapons and money came from? Take down one country and then off to the next one on the hit list. Benghazi is probably where the jihadis could cash in their frequent flyer miles.
Here go the right-wing thugs in Washington again, showing off their stupidity by dragging us into another obnoxious war of theirs. I guess that there is just too much money to be made by the special interest groups in Washington, including the M.I.C.
When are you going to get it threw your thick skull? ???? The current admin. is left wing democrats!!!!!!!!!! If your going to spout off trash at least get the basic info correct then add your garbage to that.
Exactly! If it was a Republican cast we would already be at war. The Republicans are demanding action. The Pentagon is planning for war even without Obama asking them to.
Nodack,
Do you honestly think these kind of plans could be without the commader in-cheif approval?
Mr Hagel should take in consideration in addition to the refugees in Jordan and Turkey, those in Lebanon who are over a million today. Why aren't they mentioned too?
and russia steps up plan to nuke usa and britain.
Your really really dumb.
Now that aside, I think its in the best interest of the region that these stockpiles of chemical weapons, be dismantled and destroyed. Al assad is :(, and that's to bad. From the beginning of using these monsters to go and murder hundreds of people, that sealed his fate.
Peace
You got it.Chemical and bio get it destroy it and get out!
Try "you're"
Public school grad, right?
WHY would the Russians be willing to nuke the US and Britain? Do you really thing that they love Baby Assad that much that they would be willing to turn their own country into a radioactive wasteland to protect Assad's regime?
It is that simple, no involvment! Don't even think about it Mr. President.
It isn't that simple. We cannot ignore Russian needs and demands, but we can negotiate. It is almost certain that we HAVE been negotiating for a year to find a way to intervene without upsetting Russia or China.
I personally think the chemical weapons have been known for a while, but the fact that it is in the media suggests Russia is on board with the idea now... the research to 'confirm' the use of sarin gas may actually be negotiation of details with China and Russia as to what we can do without causing them too much grief.
International relations with large nuclear countries is not something to take lightly. As long as it is in the interests of both countries to continue to talk, WW III does not happen.