Canada's Steven Harper voiced support for a "firm response from the international community" to punish Assad for his alleged use of chemical weapons in Damascus. Harper, according to a CBC report, "made it clear that he shares the view that the recent chemical weapons attack was carried out by the Syrian regime and described the use of these weapons as an outrage," carried out by the Syrian regime. David Cameron of of the UK initially supported the response and was prepared to commit resources along with the United States. Parliament voted against the initiative but Obama has indicated that he may proceed unilaterally.
I am linking this video, below, from Mimi al-Laham, a Sunni Muslim, also known as Syrian Partisan Girl. While, I do not agree with every aspect of her thinking (I think she veers into excessive conspiracy theories), some of her insights are interesting and compelling. She was born in Syria and her family had previously been associated with the opposition government. She believes that this chemical attack was, in fact, carried out by the rebels, as a "false flag" to draw the United States into the conflict. Obama last year had spoken about a "red line" with respect to the use of chemical weapons and so his credibility is at stake in this. I am not sure that his credibility and standing is sufficient reason to engage in a strike, the consequences of which, could be dire. Afterall, World War I started over the assassination of the Archduke of Austria by Serbian militants. Similarly, this conflict has the potential to widen beyond the Syria itself.
Many voices within Syria are also expressing concern and caution. A Syrian monastic nun, Mother Agnes Mariam has also urged caution. Her caution is linked below. It isn't the case that Assad is not problematic. At issue, is the response and how that may broaden the conflict and involve Iran and Russia. Ironically, while this strike is being touted as limited and not aimed at regime change, the consequences in terms of instability in the mid-east could be worse than the Iraq invasion.
UN inspectors have been asked to return earlier than scheduled tomorrow. Notwithstanding the fact that Obama has said that he has not made up his mind with respect to a missile attack, all the indicators point to a strike on Saturday. Ships are in place and speeches have already been made by John Kerry, Secretary of State.
Trying and concerning times.
I am linking this video, below, from Mimi al-Laham, a Sunni Muslim, also known as Syrian Partisan Girl. While, I do not agree with every aspect of her thinking (I think she veers into excessive conspiracy theories), some of her insights are interesting and compelling. She was born in Syria and her family had previously been associated with the opposition government. She believes that this chemical attack was, in fact, carried out by the rebels, as a "false flag" to draw the United States into the conflict. Obama last year had spoken about a "red line" with respect to the use of chemical weapons and so his credibility is at stake in this. I am not sure that his credibility and standing is sufficient reason to engage in a strike, the consequences of which, could be dire. Afterall, World War I started over the assassination of the Archduke of Austria by Serbian militants. Similarly, this conflict has the potential to widen beyond the Syria itself.
Many voices within Syria are also expressing concern and caution. A Syrian monastic nun, Mother Agnes Mariam has also urged caution. Her caution is linked below. It isn't the case that Assad is not problematic. At issue, is the response and how that may broaden the conflict and involve Iran and Russia. Ironically, while this strike is being touted as limited and not aimed at regime change, the consequences in terms of instability in the mid-east could be worse than the Iraq invasion.
UN inspectors have been asked to return earlier than scheduled tomorrow. Notwithstanding the fact that Obama has said that he has not made up his mind with respect to a missile attack, all the indicators point to a strike on Saturday. Ships are in place and speeches have already been made by John Kerry, Secretary of State.
Trying and concerning times.
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