Int'l Issues Syria preparing chemical weapons

ChiefsandO'sfan · 12-03-2012, 01:17 PM

Source: Syria preparing chemical weapons

By Barbara Starr

Syrian forces began combining chemicals that would be used to make deadly sarin gas for use in weapons to attack rebel and civilian populations, a U.S. official tells CNN.

The United States obtained intelligence over the weekend indicating this development, according to the official who had direct knowledge of the latest information.

The intelligence, the official said, came from multiple sources but declined to provide any more details about how the United states learned of it.

Sarin gas, the source said, could most readily be used to fill artillery shells.

Syrian State TV cited a Foreign Ministry official on Monday as saying the country would never use chemical weapons on its own people.

CNN reported on Sunday that U.S. intelligence is concerned about the Syrian government's intent regarding its vast chemical weapons stockpiles after what one senior American official described as "worrying signs" of activity in "the last few days."

The revelation that the regime of Syria's Bashar al-Assad is mixing chemicals underscores the reason for the increased concern.

"There are concerns the regime may be considering use of chemical weapons" the senior U.S. official told CNN on Sunday.

The official who spoke to CNN on Monday declined to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The blog Danger Room first reported the news on Monday, noting the activity is taking place in "central Syria."

Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned the United States was prepared to act if Syria used chemical arms, saying that step would cross a red line previously drawn by President Barack Obama.

"I'm not going to telegraph in any specifics what we would do in the event of credible evidence that the Assad regime has resorted to using chemical weapons against their own people. But suffice it to say, we are certainly planning to take action if that eventuality were to occur," Clinton told reporters.

"There is no doubt that there is a line between even the horrors that they have already inflicted on the Syrian people and moving to what would be an internationally condemned step of utilizing their chemical weapons."

Clinton met with the Czech foreign minister and discussed the concerns, she said after the meeting. Clinton said the Czech Republic has extensive expertise with chemical and biological weapons.

"They have already been consulting about what can be and should be done, both at this time and post the inevitable fall of the Assad regime," Clinton said.

Syria is known to store its chemical stockpile, in many instances, separately from the artillery shells, rockets or missiles that would deliver those chemical weapons in an attack.

As rebel fighters continue to make some gains, capturing military assets and territory, U.S. and Middle Eastern intelligence services have been watching for some months for any signs the Syrians would be loading up those weapons with chemical agents.

In recent months, the Obama administration has acknowledged at least two instances of Syrian chemical weapons stockpiles being moved but has said it believes those were efforts to put the material in more secure locations as fighting increased.

"We don't know if there is actual intent," the U.S. official said about the latest observed activ

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/1...pons/?on.cnn=1

Amnorix · 12-03-2012, 01:39 PM

Not much there, there, at the moment.

Thus far we've avoided involvement, a stance I agree with, but if they start using WMDs on their own populace, then I would likely support a decapitation strike against their senior political and military leadership.

Dave · 12-03-2012, 01:45 PM

Wonderful people in that region.

durtyrute · 12-03-2012, 02:12 PM

We have them already, so what does that mean?

Radar Chief · 12-03-2012, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by durtyrute

We have them already, so what does that mean?

I don’t know, WTF is that supposed to mean?

durtyrute · 12-03-2012, 03:01 PM

Why is it a big deal if Syria has them, so do we.

Radar Chief · 12-03-2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by durtyrute

Why is it a big deal if Syria has them, so do we.

No one is making a big deal about Syria having them. The big deal is they’re apparently preparing them to use on their civilians.

Dave Lane · 12-03-2012, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

No one is making a big deal about Syria having them. The big deal is they’re apparently preparing them to use on their civilians.

Yeah thats the point 20 patriot missiles hit the Syrian palace bathroom when Assad drops number 2.

Radar Chief · 12-03-2012, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

Yeah thats the point 20 patriot missiles hit the Syrian palace bathroom when Assad drops number 2.

Patriot? Wrong weapon for the chore but I understand your point that it would be a huge mistake by Assad. Few acts would galvanize the international community faster than launching a Sarin attack.

Radar Chief · 12-03-2012, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by durtyrute

Why is it a big deal if Syria has them, so do we.

I think I get it now, you’re wondering why them mixing these chemicals is a big deal?
Reason is they have a shelf life and start deteriorating, losing effectiveness shortly after being mixed so they typically keep the chemical ingredients in the same location but don’t mix them until they’re ready to use them. That’s why them mixing the chemicals is a big deal.

loochy · 12-03-2012, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

Yeah thats the point 20 patriot missiles hit the Syrian palace bathroom when Assad drops number 2.

You're thinking of Tomahawks..and it only takes 1.

Radar Chief · 12-03-2012, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loochy

You're thinking of Tomahawks..and it only takes 1.

220, 221. Whatever it takes.

durtyrute · 12-03-2012, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

I think I get it now, you’re wondering why them mixing these chemicals is a big deal?
Reason is they have a shelf life and start deteriorating, losing effectiveness shortly after being mixed so they typically keep the chemical ingredients in the same location but don’t mix them until they’re ready to use them. That’s why them mixing the chemicals is a big deal.

Thanks

loochy · 12-03-2012, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

220, 221. Whatever it takes.

nuke him from orbit just to be sure

HonestChieffan · 12-03-2012, 05:35 PM

Its ok. Obama said they shouldnt use them. And Hillary had her hair drawn back and sounded very stern.

Hillary is not aging well.

12-03-2012, 01:17 PM
ChiefsandO'sfan MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $1368608	Syria preparing chemical weapons Source: Syria preparing chemical weapons By Barbara Starr Syrian forces began combining chemicals that would be used to make deadly sarin gas for use in weapons to attack rebel and civilian populations, a U.S. official tells CNN. The United States obtained intelligence over the weekend indicating this development, according to the official who had direct knowledge of the latest information. The intelligence, the official said, came from multiple sources but declined to provide any more details about how the United states learned of it. Sarin gas, the source said, could most readily be used to fill artillery shells. Syrian State TV cited a Foreign Ministry official on Monday as saying the country would never use chemical weapons on its own people. CNN reported on Sunday that U.S. intelligence is concerned about the Syrian government's intent regarding its vast chemical weapons stockpiles after what one senior American official described as "worrying signs" of activity in "the last few days." The revelation that the regime of Syria's Bashar al-Assad is mixing chemicals underscores the reason for the increased concern. "There are concerns the regime may be considering use of chemical weapons" the senior U.S. official told CNN on Sunday. The official who spoke to CNN on Monday declined to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the information. The blog Danger Room first reported the news on Monday, noting the activity is taking place in "central Syria." Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned the United States was prepared to act if Syria used chemical arms, saying that step would cross a red line previously drawn by President Barack Obama. "I'm not going to telegraph in any specifics what we would do in the event of credible evidence that the Assad regime has resorted to using chemical weapons against their own people. But suffice it to say, we are certainly planning to take action if that eventuality were to occur," Clinton told reporters. "There is no doubt that there is a line between even the horrors that they have already inflicted on the Syrian people and moving to what would be an internationally condemned step of utilizing their chemical weapons." Clinton met with the Czech foreign minister and discussed the concerns, she said after the meeting. Clinton said the Czech Republic has extensive expertise with chemical and biological weapons. "They have already been consulting about what can be and should be done, both at this time and post the inevitable fall of the Assad regime," Clinton said. Syria is known to store its chemical stockpile, in many instances, separately from the artillery shells, rockets or missiles that would deliver those chemical weapons in an attack. As rebel fighters continue to make some gains, capturing military assets and territory, U.S. and Middle Eastern intelligence services have been watching for some months for any signs the Syrians would be loading up those weapons with chemical agents. In recent months, the Obama administration has acknowledged at least two instances of Syrian chemical weapons stockpiles being moved but has said it believes those were efforts to put the material in more secure locations as fighting increased. "We don't know if there is actual intent," the U.S. official said about the latest observed activ http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/1...pons/?on.cnn=1
Posts: 12,487

12-03-2012, 01:39 PM	#2
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $196162	Not much there, there, at the moment. Thus far we've avoided involvement, a stance I agree with, but if they start using WMDs on their own populace, then I would likely support a decapitation strike against their senior political and military leadership. __________________ "I love signature blocks on the Internet. I get to put whatever the hell I want in quotes, pick a pretend author, and bang, it's like he really said it." George Washington
Posts: 31,112

12-03-2012, 01:45 PM	#3
Dave New Hope Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Florida Casino cash: $171922	Wonderful people in that region.
Posts: 45,400

12-03-2012, 02:12 PM	#4
durtyrute Sho nuff Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Chieftown USA Casino cash: $991097	We have them already, so what does that mean? __________________ Do you ever get down on your knees and thank God you know me and have access to my dementia?
Posts: 5,263

12-03-2012, 03:01 PM	#6
durtyrute Sho nuff Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Chieftown USA Casino cash: $991097	Why is it a big deal if Syria has them, so do we. __________________ Do you ever get down on your knees and thank God you know me and have access to my dementia?
Posts: 5,263

12-03-2012, 05:35 PM	#15
HonestChieffan Hoffa called me an SOB Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the Country in MO Casino cash: $1220629	Its ok. Obama said they shouldnt use them. And Hillary had her hair drawn back and sounded very stern. Hillary is not aging well. __________________ "The best time to sell peanuts is when the circus is in town."
Posts: 21,916

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