Assad On Using Chemical Weapons As Response To U.S. Intervention: ‘It Could Happen’

[ProSense]

Assad On Using Chemical Weapons As Response To U.S. Intervention: ‘It Could Happen’

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned in an interview Sunday that the United States should brace itself for "every action" if it ultimately uses military force in the war-torn country.

"You should expect everything. Not necessarily from the government," Assad told Charlie Rose. It was the first television interview that Assad has given since President Barack Obama sought congressional approval for a resolution authorizing military action in Syria.

<...>

When Rose asked if his regime will use chemical weapons as a response to American military intervention, Assad said it would depend on whether "the rebels or the terrorists in this region or any other group have it."

"It could happen, I don't know. I am not fortune teller," he said.

- more -

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/assad-on-using-chemical-weapons-as-response-to

Syrian forces may have used gas without Assad's permission: paper

(Reuters) - Syrian government forces may have carried out a chemical weapons attack close to Damascus without the personal permission of President Bashar al-Assad, Germany's Bild am Sonntag paper reported on Sunday, citing German intelligence.

Syrian brigade and division commanders had been asking the Presidential Palace to allow them to use chemical weapons for the last four-and-a-half months, according to radio messages intercepted by German spies, but permission had always been denied...This could mean Assad may not have personally approved the attack close to Damascus on August 21 in which more than 1,400 are estimated to have been killed, intelligence officers suggested.

<...>

Members of the foreign affairs committee present at the briefing told Reuters Schindler had said that although the BND did not have absolute proof Assad's government was responsible, it had much evidence to suggest it was.

This included a phone call German spies intercepted between a Hezbollah official and the Iranian Embassy in Damascus in which the official said Assad had ordered the attack.

- more -

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/08/us-syria-crisis-germany-idUSBRE98707B20130908

So much for the claims that the rebels did it. The scenario suggest that Assad disscussed the attack with his military, and there is evidence that pro-Assad Hezbollah stated that he "ordered the attack." Assad bears responsibility for his military, and this makes the situation even more precarious.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023622929

[leveymg]

1. Assad has said all along that chemical weapons were to be used against foreign military targets

This is consistent with his previous statements and official doctrine.

[Bolo Boffin]

2. He's so level-headed and sincere, huh? n/t

[leveymg]

3. He's survived this long in a very dangerous country in a very dangerous region. He's neither stupid

nor crazy. That much speaks for itself. Otherwise, this is no endorsement, and you shouldn't infer that.

[Bolo Boffin]

5. Hey, you're the one volunteering to rationalize the war criminal Assad.

Odd thing to do if you're not endorsing him. But that's your business.

[brooklynite]

10. Ghadaffi stayed in power for nearly 40 years...a paragon of thoughtful policies

[ProSense]

4. Exactly. I mean, he's giving the justification for having used them against the rebels.

No doubt he could justify that they are foreign.

[Bolo Boffin]

7. His being consistent in official policy and statements would be more honorable in the breach

than in the observance, in this particular case.

[leveymg]

8. Some of them are,but there is no evidence that Assad or the civilian command ordered the 8/21 attack

A US attack on the regime will only splinter command and control further, making further uses more likely. Like throwing gasoline on a fire.

[Bolo Boffin]

9. Actually, there is.

Maybe you should dig down and do a little more research than you have.

[leveymg]

14. Why don't you demonstrate it, then? Most of the evidence indicates to the contrary.

Since the White House and State Dept have so far failed to make a persuasive case, maybe you can help them out. Go ahead, you have all the room you need. Start writing. Just cite your sources and provide links.

[Bolo Boffin]

15. I direct you to the fricking OP. n/t

[leveymg]

22. That is inadequate and unconvincing to support your point.

You are invited to demonstrate how Assad is responsible for something for which he did not order. You can either make a convincing case that he did order it, or make a persuasive case why he should be held responsible even if he opposed it. Your choice. Please proceed.

[Bolo Boffin]

25. beep beep beep

Pardon me, goalposts coming through.

leveymg: "there is no evidence" - Goalpost 1

Bolo: "yes, there is, in the fricking OP" - Goalpost met

leveymg: "Make a persuasive, convincing case." - Goalpost 2

[leveymg]

26. If you want to make moving goal posts around into a game, feel free to play with yourself. eom

[Bolo Boffin]

27. Just watching a master at work. n/t

[Adrahil]

32. Clearly we need to help this paragon of order!!!

<sarcasm>

[jakeXT]

6. This has always struck me as a dangerous statement

But even without hard evidence tying Mr. Assad to the attack, administration officials asserted, the Syrian leader bears ultimate responsibility for the actions of his troops and should be held accountable.

“The commander in chief of any military is ultimately responsible for decisions made under their leadership,” said the State Department’s deputy spokeswoman, Marie Harf — even if, she added, “He’s not the one who pushes the button or says ‘go’ on this.” http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/29/world/middleeast/us-facing-test-on-data-to-back-action-on-syria.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

[Democracyinkind]

11. Just imagine what would happen if we applied that standard to our military... nt

[ProSense]

12. Assad

Syrian brigade and division commanders had been asking the Presidential Palace to allow them to use chemical weapons for the last four-and-a-half months, according to radio messages intercepted by German spies, but permission had always been denied...This could mean Assad may not have personally approved the attack close to Damascus on August 21 in which more than 1,400 are estimated to have been killed, intelligence officers suggested.

<...>

This included a phone call German spies intercepted between a Hezbollah official and the Iranian Embassy in Damascus in which the official said Assad had ordered the attack.

...had discussions about the use of chemicals, and there is an account the he approved it. His brother is one of the Generals in question.

The fact that Assad is being defiant, knowing that his own Generals wanted to use chemical weapons is not reassuring. The fact that the evidence showed they did, and he is implying he has lost control, why is he still being defiant?

[jakeXT]

17. Thank god for the BND

The Real Story of 'Curveball': How German Intelligence Helped Justify the US Invasion of Iraq

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-real-story-of-curveball-how-german-intelligence-helped-justify-the-us-invasion-of-iraq-a-542840.html

[ProSense]

18. Yeah, only the sources that say Assad didn't do it are reliable.

I mean, people are using this report to attempt to cast doubt by ignoring that there is evidence he ordered the attack, but that part of the report is unreliable?

[Logical]

19. Have you EVER posted stories than differ with your agenda? NO! n-t

[Bolo Boffin]

21. Why should she? n/t

[MineralMan]

29. Most people do the same, frankly.

I won't do a survey of your own OPs. I won't do a survey of anyone's OPs. But, most DUers post when something they find agrees with their position.

If you dislike this OPs posts, it is very easy for you not to see them. The same applies to every DUer.

Now, if you take this as me supporting a US strike, then your logic is not flowing correctly, because that would be incorrect.

[leveymg]

13. In that case, Obama should similarly be held accountable for the murders carried out by Sgt Bales in

Afghanistan.

[ProSense]

16. You know that is not what is being discussed.

Your example is a ridiculous false equivalency.

Syrian brigade and division commanders had been asking the Presidential Palace to allow them to use chemical weapons for the last four-and-a-half months, according to radio messages intercepted by German spies, but permission had always been denied...This could mean Assad may not have personally approved the attack close to Damascus on August 21 in which more than 1,400 are estimated to have been killed, intelligence officers suggested.

<...>

This included a phone call German spies intercepted between a Hezbollah official and the Iranian Embassy in Damascus in which the official said Assad had ordered the attack.

Assad had discussions about the use of chemicals, and there is an account the he approved it. His brother is one of the Generals in question.

The fact that Assad is being defiant, knowing that his own Generals wanted to use chemical weapons is not reassuring. The fact that the evidence showed they did, and he is implying he has lost control, why is he still being defiant?

[leveymg]

20. No. That equivalency is being forced by the premise of your argument.

There is no solid evidence that he approved the 8/21 attack. If there were, it should have been shown to us by now.

How is he being defiant, and why is that necessarily a bad thing under the circumstances?

[Bolo Boffin]

23. He seems like such a nice young man! n/t

[ProSense]

24. No, it's not. It's a patently absurd false equivalency. n/t

[Bluenorthwest]

28. If leaders are accountable for their military even when the military acts without or counter to

orders then that applies to all militaries and all leaders. It means every horrific crime is on the shoulders of command.

[ProSense]

30. Repeat: It's a patently absurd false equivalency. n/t

[Alamuti Lotus]

31. Deterrence is an important factor of such weapons

In order to dissuade the forces of arrogance from their proposed aggression, such statements are perhaps necessary at this time. I see no reason for shock. The only cause for alarm is if the US proceeds with its foolish adventure.