Syrian Rebel Leader: We Won't Share U.S. Arms With Extremists

[Purveyor]

Originally published on Sun May 5, 2013 9:01 am

The Obama administration says it's considering providing arms to rebels fighting to bring down Syrian President Bashar Assad if the U.S. can confirm his forces did in fact use the debilitating nerve gas sarin in recent attacks. Coupled with news that Israel reportedly launched an airstrike at a target in Syria to prevent a shipment of missiles from reaching Hezbollah, these events could represent a game changer in the conflict-ravaged nation.

The 'Moderate' Opposition

The so-called Free Syrian Army is not a traditional army, but instead made up of many small battalions and brigades that have come together to fight Assad's regime. According to Brig. Gen. Salim Idris, the rebel group's chief of staff, it doesn't operate like a traditional fighting force.

"I don't like to say that we are working just like a regular army because the majority of the forces are civilians," Idris tells NPR's Kelly McEvers.

Idris would likely manage any military assistance the U.S. decides to provide. The U.S. and its allies believe he represents the so-called "moderate" fighters — those who want to topple the president and install a democratic government.

A senior Obama administration official told NPR the weapons the U.S. would most likely provide are shoulder-fired missiles, which could take down aircraft. That would be a good start, Idris says, but it would not be enough.

MORE...

http://www.krwg.org/post/syrian-rebel-leader-we-wont-share-us-arms-extremists

[MrSlayer]

1. Yeah, right.

We should stay out of this completely. It's not our business and the country is just going to go full on psycho. No thanks.

[SummerSnow]

2. I totally agree with you. How do we know they won't. Wouldn't be surprised...

if they extremist joined the rebels.the rebels will give them arms.


Extremist: "We want to join your fight"
Syrian rebel: " Great..we can use the help"
Extremist: "Can we use your arms?"
Syrian rebel: " Sorry you can't. the U.S. said this is just for us rebels"
Extremist: "Oh ok.


Riiiiiiiight

[pampango]

3. Certainly every Muslim (or every Sunni Muslim) in Syria is not a terrorist but providing arms is

more complicated than that. Providing weapons will not end well.

[NightWatcher]

4. did the Mujahideen say that too in Afghanistan back in the 80's?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

5. Brilliant! Another civil war to get bogged down in with our "help". See Vietnam for precedent.

Not to mention our glorious (and losing) efforts in Afghanistan.

[Jake Izzy]

6. All extremists have to do is pretend to be non-extremist rebels

It's as simple as that.