Putin and Assad are trying save Assad's ass. That is not having an upperhand [View all]

[ProSense]

Everyone knows the back story, including Putin and his obstruction.

Putin says he, Obama discussed control over Syrian chemical arms
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023640131

Then Kerry said something, and within hours, Russia proposed that Syria accept, which it did, and then the UN signed on. By the end of the day, China and Iran were also on board.

Assad: Russia, Not U.S. Threats, Influenced Me To Surrender Chemical Weapons
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023654652

The threat of force is not going to be removed from the table. It's up to Assad to do the right thing.

Article 41

The Security Council may decide what measures not involving the use of armed force are to be employed to give effect to its decisions, and it may call upon the Members of the United Nations to apply such measures. These may include complete or partial interruption of economic relations and of rail, sea, air, postal, telegraphic, radio, and other means of communication, and the severance of diplomatic relations.

Article 42

Should the Security Council consider that measures provided for in Article 41 would be inadequate or have proved to be inadequate, it may take such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. Such action may include demonstrations, blockade, and other operations by air, sea, or land forces of Members of the United Nations.

http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/chapter7.shtml

He is in no position to make demands, especially ones unrelated to his chemical arsenal, which he was also forced to acknowledge.

By Stephanie Condon

Kerry: High expectations for Syria deal, especially for Russia

As Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov got down to the business of crafting a deal for Syria to hand over its chemical weapons, Kerry on Thursday acknowledged the high expectations that exist for both powerful nations.

"They're high for the United States, perhaps even higher for Russia to deliver at this moment," Kerry said from Geneva, in opening remarks ahead of the negotiations. "This is not a game."

Any deal for Syria to relinquish its stockpiles, he said, must be real, comprehensive, verifiable and implemented in a timely fashion. He added, "There ought to be consequences if it doesn't take place."

Syria has suggested that the regime ought to have the standard 30 days to submit data on its chemical weapons stockpile, but Kerry said, "We believe there is nothing standard about this process at this moment," noting that chemical weapons have already been used.

- more -

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57602674/kerry-high-expectations-for-syria-deal-especially-for-russia/