Russia tells Syria to allow UN investigation of chemical attack.

[another_liberal]

Source: Al Jazeera America

Russia has called on the Syrian regime to allow a mission of United Nations inspectors to investigate a possible chemical attack, and gaurantee safe passage for UN workers coming into the country, according to Reuters. Russia has also called on forces opposed to the government of president Bashar al-Assad to guarantee the safety of investigators. Video footage, which has not been independently verified by Al Jazeera, shows what appears to be the reminants of a chemical weapons attack in Syria.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked the Syrian government to allow UN inspectors to investigate "without delay" the latest alleged chemical attack in the country's civil war. Ban said the use of chemical weapons in Syria would constitute a "crime against humanity", and warned Bashar al-Assad's government of "serious consequences" if their use was proven. "Any use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anybody, under any circumstances, would violate international law," he said.

Opposition groups alleged Assad's goverment on Wednesday fired rockets with chemical warheads into the Damascus suburbs of Arbeen, Zamalka and Ein Tarma. The attack reportedly left hundreds dead. "This is a grave challenge to the entire international community -- and to our common humanity, especially considering it occurred when the United Nations expert mission is in the country," Ban said. "I can think of no good reason why any party, either government or opposition forces -- would decline this opportunity to get to the truth of the matter," the UN chief told a diplomatic forum in the South Korean capital, Seoul.

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Read more: http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/8/23/russia-tells-syriatoallowuninvestigationintochemicalweaponsattac.html

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This is a change of policy which may have a fundamental impact on the Syrian Civil War overall, not just the use of chemical weapons. Without Russian backing, Assad would soon be hard-pressed to fight on.

[Scootaloo]

1. It was either Syria or the insurgents

And if it's the latter it's in Assad's interests to allow an investigation to prove it.

[joshcryer]

2. Indeed. If Assad doesn't allow it, it will send a clear message to Russia.

And Russia may not abide by chemical weapons being used so close to its vicinity.

[another_liberal]

3. It had better have been Assad's forces.

Otherwise, there really is no hope for Syria as a viable nation.