Navy ready to launch first strike on Syria

[branford]

55. I don't really know who's in charge of the weapons now.

Assad likely controls most of the arsenal, unstable elements nominally loyal to his regime could control a lot, and even terrorist sympathizing rebels might be in possession of some. It's very ugly.

I might consider supporting military action if it was limited solely to securing or eliminating all the chemical weapons in the country. However, not only has this limited goal not in any way been made clear, no expert of any political persuasion knows how we could even begin to accomplish such a goal given our current limited level of intelligence in the region, or without a significant boots-on-the-ground presence in the country. If we are not willing or able to make such a broad commitment, as polls clearly suggest, I do not yet see the value in sacrificing American and allied lives to only accomplish part of the job. The term "quagmire" comes to mind . . .