by Thorrarin » Fri Aug 23, 2013 11:55 am
While the source here is certainly suspect, I thought it was interesting nonetheless:
http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2013_08_2 ... ened-5549/
There is also this:
http://shoebat.com/2013/03/25/alarming- ... l-weapons/
None of this is concrete proof as to who was responsible for these incidents, but there is at least speculation that both sides have engaged in chemical warfare.
From a tactical perspective, with the rebel alliance splintering into numerous factions, and their recent defeat in Qusair at the hands of Hezbollah, it would not be unreasonable to try and spur the West into action (however hopeless that cause is) by manufacturing a significant incident. Rebels in most wars are not usually above sacrificing the people for the "greater good", particularly in times of desperation. Also, with the West having taken the side of the rebels in spirit (it's hard not to laugh while saying that), their spokesmen and media dogs are certain to disregard any reports that don't further the narrative they've chosen.
On the other hand, al-Assad has almost certainly already tested the waters with a few CWs, and could surely spare a little bit of his massive chemical weapons stockpile (with many thanks to Saddam of course) for a little boost in the war effort. All's fair in love and genocide, no? And since the West has shown him that it will do nothing more than rant, rave, and fumble about for the best way to neuter itself with dignity while he continues killing, I don't think he's particularly worried. A few weapons inspectors nearby are nothing more than a trifle, and would not deter him from gassing his people. With Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and China (in spirit of course) backing him, and his recent victories, he most assuredly has less fear now than a year ago. As long as he can keep monumental horror by his uniformed troops from showing live on CNN cameras, that should provide enough fog for the Security Council to dance their little deflection jig and ensure nothing happens.
While the source here is certainly suspect, I thought it was interesting nonetheless:
[url]http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2013_08_22/News-of-massacre-in-Syria-published-one-day-before-the-massacre-happened-5549/[/url]
There is also this:
[url]http://shoebat.com/2013/03/25/alarming-footage-syrian-rebels-used-chemical-weapons/[/url]
None of this is concrete proof as to who was responsible for these incidents, but there is at least speculation that both sides have engaged in chemical warfare.
From a tactical perspective, with the rebel alliance splintering into numerous factions, and their recent defeat in Qusair at the hands of Hezbollah, it would not be unreasonable to try and spur the West into action (however hopeless that cause is) by manufacturing a significant incident. Rebels in most wars are not usually above sacrificing the people for the "greater good", particularly in times of desperation. Also, with the West having taken the side of the rebels in spirit (it's hard not to laugh while saying that), their spokesmen and media dogs are certain to disregard any reports that don't further the narrative they've chosen.
On the other hand, al-Assad has almost certainly already tested the waters with a few CWs, and could surely spare a little bit of his massive chemical weapons stockpile (with many thanks to Saddam of course) for a little boost in the war effort. All's fair in love and genocide, no? And since the West has shown him that it will do nothing more than rant, rave, and fumble about for the best way to neuter itself with dignity while he continues killing, I don't think he's particularly worried. A few weapons inspectors nearby are nothing more than a trifle, and would not deter him from gassing his people. With Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and China (in spirit of course) backing him, and his recent victories, he most assuredly has less fear now than a year ago. As long as he can keep monumental horror by his uniformed troops from showing live on CNN cameras, that should provide enough fog for the Security Council to dance their little deflection jig and ensure nothing happens.