Syrian civil war.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Why are chemical weapons different from explosive bombs?

 

Chemical weapons are WMDs.  Completely indiscriminate and may have generational effects, that's why.

[AkemiAzula 280]

I don't think a distinction should be made in the 'red line' manner. Every weapon has its pros and cons. The most ideal and humane weapons are also the most controversial because of their simplicity and effectiveness. The least effective a weapon the more indiscriminate and inhumane it tends to be.

 

I think the pollution to the environment is a more serious concern than the human death count. If the land becomes polluted you can't grow crops. 

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

UN confirms the use of Sarin.

 

While the perpetrators remain unknown.

[Hellken 1,658]

Precise: using an accelerometer application, these rebels are ready to guide shells onto Assad's troops

 

DailyMail: Syrian Rebels Use Ipad Apps to aim Mortars at Assad Troops

 

Watch here

[AkemiAzula 280]

I Pads used in warfare. Okay that's it. Humans are mad. I'm outta this madhouse. *shoots self*

 

But seriously this is ridiculous. They have I Pads and they think bombing each other is logical? They have such technology and yet act like they are from the dark ages? What is this madness

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Russia says Assad government has proven the rebels used the Sarin.

 

OK, U.S. war-hawks, spin that!

 

Anyone supporting any faction in this mess is equally guilty of the slaughter.

[LexusInfernus 908]

Russia says Assad government has proven the rebels used the Sarin.

 

OK, U.S. war-hawks, spin that!

 

Anyone supporting any faction in this mess is equally guilty of the slaughter.

Of course they say that. The UN report only said Sarin was used, it didn't comment on who deployed it. Russia still recognizes Assad's regime as the legitimate regime and they are allies. It would be rather stupid to stop backing Assad now. Also, if they started saying otherwise it might give America the message that its okay to begin bombing. If anything this is a message to the US saying that nothing has changed and that they do not have Russia's permission to begin bombing. 

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Well yes.  The whole business is moot.  The only thing we know, really, about all this is that the NGOs are reporting thousands of refugees and casualties, and even those numbers are questionable.  Assad kicked all the news people out at the beginning of this when the press was not looking kindly on him.

 

Some of us, foolishly, have been backing one side or another.  We all ought to mind our own business and let the Arab League sort this out.  I have a feeling that if the western countries stopped fooling with this, and especially stopped talking so much about it, it would be settled by the Muslims themselves in their own good time.

 

Our only interest here might be to beef up the funding for the UNHCR.

[Hellken 1,658]

I Pads used in warfare. Okay that's it. Humans are mad. I'm outta this madhouse. *shoots self*

 

But seriously this is ridiculous. They have I Pads and they think bombing each other is logical? They have such technology and yet act like they are from the dark ages? What is this madness

 

The name of the app is "Angry Birds".

[AkemiAzula 280]

I see. Well it seems silly to use the Angry Birds app for such purposes when it could be employed in a more useful manner. 

 

I have to agree with Moose. Let them sort it out. Our only concern should be the refugee crisis, supporting either side will just escalate matters.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Assad claims a year to dispose of his chemical stockpiles.

 

Sounds reasonable.  It takes time to locate and destroy the world's third largest stockpile of this stuff.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

A war within a war?

 

This is a good example of why we should take our ball and bat and go home.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Syria complies with chemical weapons requirement.

 

Now this needs an on-the-ground audit.  How to do that is a good question in the middle of a civil war.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Russian Troops to Monitor Syrian Disarmament?

 

Being much closer to their borders, the Russians have a serious interest, but any such force should be international.  It should also be well armed and empowered to shoot back if shot at.  Doing this in the middle of a civil war is going to be dangerous.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Eleven insurgent groups refuse to recognize the Syrian opposition coalition.

 

As expected.  This is turning into a clash of warring tribes and ideologies.  The western democracies should get out and let them settle this among themselves.  The eastern "democracies" should follow suit.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Chemical attacks continue, apparently.

 

These are unlikely to be by the government seeing that they are now partners in the elimination of such weapons.  Some small group of extremists has perhaps gotten their hands on these weapons of mass destruction.  It is typical of radical jihadis who don't care a jot about human life.

[AkemiAzula 280]

Well I'll agree that it is unlikely it is government-caused. Ought to give the yanks cause for thought before going gung ho into action against Assad only to find out their newfound 'allies' turn into their worst nightmare.

 

How will the UN round up chemical weapons if they are held by rads?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Security Council acts at last.

 

Well, whadda y'know?  The debating society finally did something.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Syria's neighbours ask for assistance.

 

UNHCR most certainly needs funds.  The western allies are surely getting exhausted.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Polio outbreak in Syria.

 

Maybe bombing hospitals and medical facilities wasn't such a good idea, eh?

 

What's next?  A good dose of Y. Pestis?  Cholera?

[bobjohncicken 4]

we need to go in there and stop the terrorists.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Cutting of aid to the rebel factions.

 

The "west" picked the wrong side.  That is now clear as these guys are now fighting among themselves before they've made any real gains.  Everybody should pick up their ball and go home.  Only the UN aid agencies should now be involved in trying to stem the flow of grief. 

 

Let Assad & Co. sort out their own problems, and meanwhile embargo arms all around.  One could suggest that bad things could happen in Tehran if any more Iranian aid went to anyone there, and the same with Ankara.

[krbe 193]

Oh no they didn't. Who knew? None of the parties are reliable, and Assad is certainly the best bet if you want the least amount of problems. Really, a loose alliance, tons of Jihadists and one of the world's largest militaries? What exactly did the US and UK expect by backing that loose alliance?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

^ Certainly no thanks were likely to be forthcoming.  Maybe Assad isn't as bad as the propaganda makes him out.  He used to be well-received in the same circles that damn him now.  Ah, diplomacy.

[AkemiAzula 280]

Good to see reason prevailed.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

This may no longer be a civil war.

 

Lebanon is starting to show a little backbone.  Unfortunately this could broaden this into a real war.

[AkemiAzula 280]

Classic fm said cameron should welcome refugees but cos of all the worry over easterners taking our jobs dunno if he will

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

^ Just what jobs would an impoverished Syrian refugee get?  Don't they have to have work visas?

[AkemiAzula 280]

All I know is I have a UK passport and I am ineligible for an apprenticeship till I've lived here three years, dunno what it's like for refugees.