The Syrian letter says innocent people will be hurt by any US attack
The Syrian government has written to US Congress, warning members against supporting “irresponsible, reckless action” that it claims will injure innocent civilians.
The letter, seen by news outlets such as Sky News, urges Congress to “communicate with us through civilised dialogue rather than the language of fire and blood”.
“We write to you as fathers and mothers, as members of families and communities which really are not so different to yours,” it says.
“Moreover, we write to you as human beings asking: if you bomb us, shall we not bleed? Innocent people will be harmed.”
The five-page letter, which references quotes from former president Franklin D. Roosevelt, continues: “We realise that war would be a bloody, destructive, catastrophic track, which does not have any benefit for all nations”.
The document, sent to John Boehner, the speaker of the House of Representatives, uses similar language to letters sent to British MP’s and French politicians in recent weeks.
In a letter to Commons Speaker John Bercow, the Syrian government asked: “Before you rush over the cliffs of war, would it not be wise to pause?”
Maybe we have hope after all? Maybe people can start to speak, maybe we can step back from the brink. Why would Syria send this letter to all countries who were thinking about hitting them? Because they didn’t fire the Chemical Weapons? Syria is PLEADING not to be killed here. Should we listen? I say for now we should. We MUST see who fired these Chemical Weapons
People injured in what the government said was a chemical weapons attack, breathe through oxygen masks as they are treated at a hospital in the Syrian city of Aleppo March 19, 2013 (Reuters / George Ourfalian) : http://rt.com
Probes from Khan al-Assal show chemicals used in the March 19 attack did not belong to standard Syrian army ammunition, and that the shell carrying the substance was similar to those made by a rebel fighter group, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.
A statement released by the ministry on Wednesday particularly drew attention to the “massive stove-piping of various information aimed at placing the responsibility for the alleged chemical weapons use in Syria on Damascus, even though the results of the UN investigation have not yet been revealed.”
By such means “the way is being paved for military action” against Damascus, the ministry pointed out.
But the samples taken at the site of the March 19 attack and analyzed by Russian experts indicate that a projectile carrying the deadly nerve agent sarin was most likely fired at Khan al-Assal by the rebels, the ministry statement suggests, outlining the 100-page report handed over to the UN by Russia.
The key points of the report have been given as follows:
the shell used in the incident “does not belong to the standard ammunition of the Syrian army and was crudely according to type and parameters of the rocket-propelled unguided missiles manufactured in the north of Syria by the so-called Bashair al-Nasr brigade”;
RDX, which is also known as hexogen or cyclonite, was used as the bursting charge for the shell, and it is “not used in standard chemical munitions”;
soil and shell samples contain “the non-industrially synthesized nerve agent sarin and diisopropylfluorophosphate,” which was “used by Western states for producing chemical weapons during World War II.”The findings of the report are “extremely specific,” as they mostly consist of scientific and technical data from probes’ analysis, the ministry stressed, adding that this data can “substantially aid” the UN investigation of the incident.
While focusing on the Khan al-Assal attack on March 19, in which at least 26 civilians and Syrian army soldiers were killed, and 86 more were injured, the Russian Foreign Ministry also criticized the “flawed selective approach” of certain states in reporting the recent incidents of alleged chemical weapons use in August.
The hype around the alleged attack on the eastern Damascus suburb of Ghouta showed “apparent attempts to cast a veil over the incidents of gas poisoning of Syrian army soldiers on August 22, 24 and 25,” the ministry said, adding that all the respective evidence was handed to the UN by Syria.
The condition of the soldiers who, according to Damascus, suffered poisoning after discovering tanks with traces of sarin, has been examined and documented by the UN inspectors, the ministry pointed out, adding that “any objective investigation of the August 21 incident in eastern Ghouta is impossible without the consideration of all these facts.”
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday said the UN investigators are set to return to Syria to investigate several other cases of alleged chemical weapons use, including the March 19 incident in Khan al-Assal.
I am starting to see this is either a false flag op, or the Russians are telling the truth, of course the Russians could be siding with Syria. I think it all hinges with the UN now. We MUST all now wait. Could it be he Russians are telling lies? Or is it the USA? One of them is, and I ask, who do you trust more. Go look on ANY decent site, the VAST percentage of people from the USA believe the USA are lying in order to go to War. This is getting more flippant by the day
One of Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s advisers has said the United States is using “lies” and “fabrications” to justify the use of the military force.
Dr Bouthaina Shaaban told Sky News the Syrian government was not behind the August 21 attack in which the US estimates 1,400 people were killed, and accused the West of standing in the way of democracy.
“They claim to want to be targeting weapons in exactly the same way they claimed to be targeting weapons of mass destruction in Iraq,” she said.
“They are using the same lies, the same fabrications, the same claims, in order to target our country and our people.”
Syria was the main topic as Mr Obama met Swedish PM Fredrik Reinfeldt
It came after President Barack Obama, who is trying to secure support at home and abroad for the use of force in Syria, said failure to respond to the use of chemical weapons would risk further attacks.
US Congress will decide next week whether to authorise military action, after a draft resolution, limiting initial attacks to 60 days and ruling out “boots on the ground”, cleared its first congressional hurdle.
It won the support of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, while some of the President’s top security aides appeared before the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee to make their case for military intervention.
Speaking ahead of a G20 summit in Russia at which the Syria crisis is likely to feature strongly, Mr Obama said the international community could not “be silent” in the face of “barbarism”.
Mr Putin has warned the US against taking military action
He also said he had “hit a wall” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has warned the use of force without UN approval would be an “aggression” and a violation of international law.
The two leaders had been due to meet ahead of the St Petersburg summit but Mr Obama cancelled the engagement, travelling instead to Sweden.
In other developments, Syria’s deputy foreign minister said the regime would not give in to threats of a US-led military strike against the country.
“The Syrian government will not change position even if there is World War III,” Faisal Muqdad said. “No Syrian can sacrifice the independence of his country.”
French PM Mr Ayrault addresses MPs during a debate on the crisis
Meanwhile, French politicians have been debating whether to join any possible military intervention, although they will not vote on the subject.
The country’s President Francois Hollande has the power to order short military action without parliamentary approval.
Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told an emergency meeting of MPs: “To not act would be to put in danger peace and security in the entire region.
“What message would this send to other regimes? The message would be clear – you can continue.”
Hans Blix was part of the team which searched for weapons in Iraq in 2002
Meanwhile, Hans Blix, a former UN arms inspector, told Sky News Mr Obama risks undermining the UN by taking military action alone.
“I understand him when he says that if the global community does not intervene against the violation of the ban on the use of chemical weapons, we’re on a slippery slope,” he said.
“However, he hasn’t addressed the question of undermining the charter of the UN, which requires that states do not use force unless it’s in self defence or has been authorised by the Security Council.”
In Britain, Foreign Secretary William Hague is expected to meet with Ahmed Asi Al Jarba, the President of the Syrian National Coalition.
A spokesman for the Foreign Office said the meeting comes at a “critical time”, with discussions likely to include how the UK may offer “practical support”.
At the first Prime Minister’s Questions of the autumn, David Cameron attacked Labour for its stance on military action in Syria, as an Ipsos Mori poll revealed 64% of Britons were dissatisfied with his handling of the crisis.
We now hold our breaths and ask what now, what next, can there be no talking? Is this it? Russia have warned the USA to wait till UN sanctions any action saying “If proven we will join you” I am praying right now that the USA wait for such action to be allowed by the World community
Should the USA and France go it alone, the UK have said they will in any aid effort only, thankfully, then the wrath of many countries will come down on both the USA and France. The UN’s findings have proven it was a chemical attack, what isn’t clear is where they were fired from, and by whom
The USA must allow that to be known, Russia say they are looking into evidence also
Russia had this to say
Probes from Khan al-Assal show chemicals used in the March 19 attack did not belong to standard Syrian army ammunition and that the shell carrying the substance was similar to those made by a rebel fighter group, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.
Take a big deep breath everyone, we are closer than ever to a very bad time in Human history, worse than any of us know, China, Iran, Russia and tons of small countries will act against any unofficial attack, the USA are not the World’s police, they should act WITH the International community, as should France
I hate this World sometimes; WWIII is as close as it has ever been, we allowed it to happen, we sat back and done nothing. Some nations people have the ability to stand against their Government, we do in the UK but nobody did a damn thing, only a small few loan voices tried to tell the World “You are being lied to” People will want to listen VERY soon
Syrian President Bashar al Assad was behind a “massive and coordinated” chemical attack, the French government has claimed.
A seven-page intelligence report sets out five points which, MPs will be told, suggest Mr Assad was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people in Damascus last month.
The evidence includes satellite imagery, allegedly showing the attacks were launched from government-controlled areas, a French government source told the Reuters news agency.
Mr Assad told French newspaper Le Figaro the allegations were “illogical” and warned of “negative” repercussions for French interests if the country engaged in military action.
However, the government source said: “Unlike previous attacks that used small amounts of chemicals and were aimed at terrorising people, this attack was tactical and aimed at regaining territory.”
Earlier, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said MPs would be given every piece of evidence the government has, including information that has been classified until now.
Lawmakers are expected to debate the evidence on Wednesday.
French President Francois Hollande can order military action without parliamentary approval, although some lawmakers have urged him to put the issue to a vote, following the lead of US President Barack Obama, who decided to seek authorisation from Congress before agreeing to missile strikes.
France is the United States’ main ally in the Syrian crisis, after Britain voted against military action.
Meanwhile, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed evidence of alleged chemical weapons use by the Assad regime as “absolutely unconvincing”.
He said the intelligence contained “nothing specific … no geographic coordinates, no names, no proof that the tests were carried out by the professionals”.
A planned peace conference to end the conflict in Syria could be put off “forever” if the US goes ahead with military action against the regime, he added.
The game, lies and propaganda are really getting higher here, I pray the UK stay out, with Russia REALLY giving threats and sending ships to the region, it truly is time to pray these assholes in suits get it together. Chemical attacks are not cool, but how many more will die if action is taken, what happened to talking? Where is the African League of Nations? They are closest, Where is the UN? Sickening stuff
I been researching a few years now, PLEASE listen and try help me figure this out… WP, do your best
Well the noises are being reported again, and caught here in Canada, this IS scripture right here if you listen to all 3 blogs !! And the links above and below
PLEASE DON’T JUST LIKE, PLEASE LISTEN, THIS IS SCRIPTURE HERE, Look at all blogs
President Barack Obama may proceed with military action against Syria even without allied support, US officials have said.
But they stressed no final decision has been made on America’s response to the Syrian government’s alleged chemical weapons attack, which is said to have killed 1,300 people.
Veto-holding members of the United Nations are at odds over a draft Security Council resolution that would authorise “all necessary force” in response to the alleged gas attack.
The UK’s traditional role as America’s most reliable military ally was called into question when David Cameron became the first British prime minister in history to be blocked by MPs over the prospect of military action.
A chastened-looking PM, struggling to make himself heard over calls of “resign” from the opposition benches, told them “I get it” as he abandoned hopes of joining any US strike on Syria.
Mr Obama is under pressure to provide a legal rationale for military action
Speaking after the historic defeat, the White House said Mr Obama would decide on a response to chemical weapons use in Syria based on US interests, but that Washington would continue to consult with Britain.
British chancellor George Osborne acknowledged that the inability to commit British forces to any American-led operation against Assad would damage the special relationship between Westminster and Washington.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think there will be a national soul-searching about our role in the world and whether Britain wants to play a big part in upholding the international system, be that big, open and trading nation that I like us to be, or whether we turn our back on that.”
Sky’s Foreign Affairs Editor Tim Marshall said the relationship between Britain and the US was “bruised but not broken”. “I don’t think there’s a divorce on the cards, a bit of bickering perhaps,” he added.
David Cameron was blocked by MPs over the prospect of military action
US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, speaking on a trip to the Philippines, said: “It is the goal of President Obama and our government … whatever decision is taken, that it be an international collaboration and effort.”
America is mulling whether to strike Syria without UN backing despite some of the more hawkish figures in the US cautioning against military action.
Former president, George W Bush, told Fox News Mr Obama had a “tough choice to make” but would not be drawn on what he should do.
He added: “I was not a fan of Mr Assad. He’s an ally of Iran and has made mischief.”
Former Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who helped spearhead US invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan, said: “There really hasn’t been any indication from the administration as to what our national interest is with respect to this particular situation.”
A UN weapons expert at the site of an alleged chemical attack in Syria
He said, if anything, the US should be more concerned with Iran.
Earlier, top US officials spoke to key Democrat and Republican politicians for more than 90 minutes in a conference call to explain why they believe the Syrian regime was responsible for the suspected chemical attack.
They have been pressing Mr Obama to provide a legal rationale for military action, and to lay out a firm case linking President Bashar al Assad’s forces to the attack.
Tennessee Senator Bob Corker, a senior Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said after the briefing that “strong evidence of the Assad regime’s continued use of chemical warfare” merited a military response.
It remained to be seen whether any sceptics were swayed by the call, given the expectation that officials would hold back classified information to protect intelligence sources.
“The main thing was that they have no doubt that Assad’s forces used chemical weapons,” New York Rep Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said after the briefing.
But he said officials did not provide much new evidence of that.
“They said they have (intercepted) some discussions and some indications from a high-level official,” he said, and that they possess intelligence showing material being moved in advance of the attack.
France announced that its armed forces “have been put in position to respond” if President Francois Hollande decides on military action.
He does not need French parliamentary approval to launch military action that lasts less than four months.
Moscow and Beijing have both vetoed previous Western efforts to impose UN penalties on Syria.
China has also been keen to show it is not taking sides and has urged the Syrian government to talk to the opposition and meet demands for political change.
Mr Assad, who has denied using chemical weapons, vowed his country “will defend itself against any aggression”.
Mr Obama has ruled out putting American forces on the ground in Syria or setting up a no-fly zone over the country.
He said any US response would be limited in scope and aimed solely at punishing Mr Assad for deploying deadly gases, not at regime change.
The most likely military option would be Tomahawk cruise missile strikes from four Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
According to an Reporter Natasha Mozgovaya Obama is preparing immanent strikes against Syria without any evidence nor an Congress vote expect for consulting with few members of the congress such as the outspoken interventionist Eliot Engel. This is all over the net, American have been “Getting ready” in Cyprus, also According to this report, Russia has provided under contract advanced missile systems to Syria. In addition, it is actively patrolling its port in Syria.
This is it I am afraid.
This is viral. all over the net, done deal. we are all fucked.
A different spin on the Syrian issue just now, I will ask the Question, is Syrian being filled with Western supporters in terms of people with Guns, terrorists, with Western views? I think it is possible. In Libya I believe Western thinking people came in from the East and destabilized the entire country, Gaddafi went from being held head high through his country in support to being killed live on TV. I know friends from Libya and they said after Gaddafi died that is was the belief of many that Western controlled al Qaeda fighters, who were armed to the teeth by the West were to blame, the Libyan people, in the main loved Giddafi, so could it be possible foreign fighters came into that country to destabilise it?
Could the same be true in Syria? And could the end game be Iran? I think people with political knowledge will understand the question I am asking here, is Syria being destroyed, are we being lied to make Al Assad look like the bad guy? With the Media we have it would be difficult to be 100% with any answer.
Bashar Al Assad spoke to RT News, with a Russian reporter a few months back, here is a different standpoint from a different viewpoint
Tensions remain high as Iran as expected warned the USA to not step a foot or a missile into Syria, Interested to hear what Russia truly thing here
Iran has warned the US not to cross the “red line” on Syria, saying it would have “severe consequences”, according to the Fars news agency.
The warning comes after Prime Minister David Cameron and President Barack Obama said they are “gravely concerned” about signs that an alleged chemical weapons attack took place in Syria.
The two leaders spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper by telephone last night as calls increased for UN investigators – who are already in the country – to be allowed access to the site of the alleged attack.
The war of words has intensified in recent days, as Iran shows its support for the regime of Syrian President Bashar al Assad.
Medecins Sans Frontieres has said 355 people died in the attack Image: http://news.sky.com
“America knows the limitation of the red line of the Syrian front and any crossing of Syria’s red line will have severe consequences for the White House,” said Masoud Jazayeri, the deputy chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces.
Mr Jazayeri was reacting to statements made by Western officials regarding the possibility of military intervention in Syria, according to Fars.
Earlier, Iranian Press TV reported that Damascus had told Tehran it would allow inspectors to visit the site of the alleged chemical attack.
A Downing Street spokesperson stressed that any significant use of chemical weapons would merit a “serious response”.
The attacks took place in the Damascus suburbs of Zamalka and Ein Tarma Image: http://news.sky.com
The spokesperson added: “The fact that President Assad has failed to cooperate with the UN suggests that the regime has something to hide.
“They reiterated that significant use of chemical weapons would merit a serious response from the international community and both have tasked officials to examine all the options.
“They agreed that it is vital that the world upholds the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons and deters further outrages.”
US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said the American military is ready to exercise “options” on Syria should force be called for, but he declined to say what that action might be.
He is under mounting pressure to act over the alleged use of chemical weapons, which humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders said had killed 355 people due to “neurotoxic” symptoms.
A boy recovers after the alleged toxic gas attack on Wednesday – Image: http://news.sky.com
The group says it has treated more than 3,500 people showing symptoms of exposure to a “neurotoxic” agent.
Christopher Stokes from the charity told Sky News: ““The situation (on the ground in Syria) is quite confusing.
“We’ve spent the last three to four days in contact with Syrian doctors that we’ve been working with for six months in and around Damascus to try and piece together what happened last Wednesday.
“Basically what they’ve reported to us are consistent signs of the same symptoms across a large number of patients that would indicate a large scale exposure to a neurotoxic agent.”
The group said victims flooded three Syrian hospitals after a “chemical massacre” on Wednesday.
Rebel groups have claimed the attack was carried out by Assad’s forces and that more than 1,000 people had died. The Syrian regime has denied the allegations.
Assad needs pulled from power NOW
TTEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s Supreme Leader is blaming the US and Israel for the bloody, 19-month civil war in Syria.
prayingforoneday 