Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

another_liberal

(8,821 posts)
77. I'm not so sure about that.
Thu Sep 12, 2013, 08:41 AM
Sep 2013

The rebel forces have rocket launchers, they staged a short-range rocket attack on Assad's own neighborhood in Damascus just a week or two before the gas attack. They boasted they have nerve gas munitions seized from Assad's stockpiles at bases they captured. They also had in their ranks defectors who were trained in the use of chemical weapons while still in the Syrian army. Add to that the fact they have even expressed a willingness to use their chemical weapons, citing, of course, the claim that Assad has used them first as their justification.

In other words: The Rebels had the chemical weapons; they had the delivery systems; they had the experienced personnel and they had the openly stated intention. What more in the way of "capabilities" is required?

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Clearly, he hates America. JoePhilly Sep 2013 #1
Is this really a time to be flippant? another_liberal Sep 2013 #4
+1 ellisonz Sep 2013 #26
It was the bombs are away speech with a "but now we need to wait for a maybe peace" ending.... Junkdrawer Sep 2013 #2
There's been more than one rewrite over the last several days. another_liberal Sep 2013 #24
It was not a waste of time. There are millions of Americans that don't know anything about ... Tx4obama Sep 2013 #3
Syria's been all over the news for days. winter is coming Sep 2013 #6
+100 nt narnian60 Sep 2013 #7
He could have annouced he was releasing his evidence so independent experts could verify it. another_liberal Sep 2013 #8
The test results will be released when the U.N. report comes out in about a week. Tx4obama Sep 2013 #14
The rebels have bragged about seizing sarin gas munitions from Assad's stockpiles. another_liberal Sep 2013 #23
+1 JustAnotherGen Sep 2013 #52
Why do you think he is lying? krawhitham Sep 2013 #5
Did I say he was lying? another_liberal Sep 2013 #11
An honest question....would it change your mind about striking? maddezmom Sep 2013 #9
Let independent experts confirm the evidence. another_liberal Sep 2013 #16
Who gets to pick the experts? maddezmom Sep 2013 #20
I'm not talking about a commission. another_liberal Sep 2013 #22
If the claim were proven false or unsupported, wouldn't it change *your* mind about striking? Marr Sep 2013 #35
Sure, but I am of the mind it was Assad maddezmom Sep 2013 #38
I understand. Marr Sep 2013 #41
When was the last time you learned nothing? Whisp Sep 2013 #10
Nothing to answer. another_liberal Sep 2013 #19
What form do you think that "proof" is in? DURHAM D Sep 2013 #12
It should be released to international experts in its given forms. another_liberal Sep 2013 #17
"International experts" DURHAM D Sep 2013 #25
Those people who have knowledge of the formats in which our evidence exists. another_liberal Sep 2013 #27
There are tens of thousands of people in the world who are experts in this field. former9thward Sep 2013 #33
There are videos on the internet treestar Sep 2013 #13
Declassify it. another_liberal Sep 2013 #18
And let anyone see it, including Assad treestar Sep 2013 #74
I think Assad already knows . . . another_liberal Sep 2013 #75
Yes, who needs official evidence when we have YouTube? whatchamacallit Sep 2013 #31
When arguing that military action be taken in response to the classified intelligence? Marr Sep 2013 #36
These youtube videos don't prove anything. avaistheone1 Sep 2013 #46
Ummm....ever hear of Bush? choie Sep 2013 #57
Let the UN report come out... Motown_Johnny Sep 2013 #15
Yes . . . another_liberal Sep 2013 #21
The MIC must have its blood profits. Cleita Sep 2013 #28
Is Assad admitting he has chem weapons proof enough for you? Avalux Sep 2013 #29
Sorry, but no. Hell Hath No Fury Sep 2013 #40
It's unbelievable to see those on DU attacking the OP LittleBlue Sep 2013 #30
Tells me Obama's word is the strongest proof they have.... Junkdrawer Sep 2013 #32
Damned straight we should demand proof. Hell Hath No Fury Sep 2013 #34
Exactly. Marr Sep 2013 #39
yeah let's reveal the evidence... Abukhatar Sep 2013 #37
Cop-out. Nt Hissyspit Sep 2013 #47
You're prepared to go to war without even knowing we're attacking the right side? another_liberal Sep 2013 #48
simple google search should answer your question madrchsod Sep 2013 #42
Wow. Hell Hath No Fury Sep 2013 #43
pretty hard to do in the time allotted or... madrchsod Sep 2013 #44
Thanks for that link, madrchsod. another_liberal Sep 2013 #50
Hmm...only links to that article are from like NewsMax and Examiner.com Roland99 Sep 2013 #60
Message auto-removed Name removed Sep 2013 #45
Youtube isn't enough proof for you? piratefish08 Sep 2013 #49
"Dead and dying children, just look at them!" another_liberal Sep 2013 #51
Because it might reveal Shankapotomus Sep 2013 #53
More important than our President having the American people behind him. another_liberal Sep 2013 #55
Assad knows what he did..... FarPoint Sep 2013 #54
The President does not have America's support, nor does he have the World's. another_liberal Sep 2013 #58
migjt divulge Niceguy1 Sep 2013 #56
I've seen my country taken to war on the basis of misinformation too many times. another_liberal Sep 2013 #62
In the words of a popular evangelical hymn, we must "Trust and Obey." QC Sep 2013 #59
Sheep who obey . . . another_liberal Sep 2013 #64
because our high leadership is not going to share with the entire WORLD our intelligence tactics. Sunlei Sep 2013 #61
What I might do or not do is beside the point entirely. another_liberal Sep 2013 #63
for you maybe, so? Sunlei Sep 2013 #65
So, by that reasoning . . . another_liberal Sep 2013 #66
no of course not. Sunlei Sep 2013 #71
Someone violated international humanitarian law, yes. another_liberal Sep 2013 #72
you probably won't see it either, doubt the rebels can hide those semi truck rocket launchers. Sunlei Sep 2013 #73
What difference does it really make etherealtruth Sep 2013 #67
At first I too thought it was most likely Assad who ordered the attack. another_liberal Sep 2013 #68
Why would the opposition kill so many in their own enclave? etherealtruth Sep 2013 #69
To blame it on Assad, and trigger an American assault. another_liberal Sep 2013 #70
The rebels couldnt have done it. darkangel218 Sep 2013 #76
I'm not so sure about that. another_liberal Sep 2013 #77
Oh yah? darkangel218 Sep 2013 #78
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Why won't the President s...»Reply #77