Syria

It's emerged that Syria have considered, or are considering, using chemical or biological weapons on the rebels. Unconfirmed reports say that said weapons already have been used.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18864629

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18963720

What are your thoughts on this?
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I am a Star Wars fan. That doesn't mean that I hate or love Jar Jar. That doesn't mean I hate or love Lucas, or agree or disagree 100% with him. That doesn't mean I prefer the PT over the OT, or vice versa. That doesn't mean I hate the EU, or even love all of it. These are not prerequisites. Being a man is not a prerequisite. Being a geek is not a prerequisite. The only prerequisite is that I love something about Star Wars. I am a Star Wars fan.

My thought is: war is a messy business.

I haven't been following the fighting too much. On one hand you wonder if the international community should stay out of it and let them sort this out on their own. If the rebels win, they will have earned their independence and will have the satisfaction of having done it on their own and without anyone's help. Plus they won't be in debt to anyone.

On the other hand, if the international community steps in, you have to wonder if it will actually be better for the country. Countries don't step in for unselfish reasons. They always want something in return.j

As far as biological/chemical warfare goes, that seems to be a pretty dumb move. How can the government/army be sure innocent civilians won't be hurt by such force? And if they don't care, it'll only make themselves that much more hated and easily disposed of.
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Knight Joined: 03 Apr 2012 Posts: 103 Location: UK

The Syrian government have already proved they don't care about innocent civilians. Hundreds, if not thousands, have already died in indiscriminate bomb attacks. That, as much as anything, is what has prompted calls for international intervention.

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I honestly don't think people really care. Many Americans I know are deeply conflicted about what size popcorn to buy while watching the latest Hollywood drivel at the theater. They have a hard enough time spending two minutes to read an article, much less care about whats happening.

The value of life is cheap nowadays. That we would lend aid to suffering Syrians is doubtful, given the fact we believe it is our moral right to murder 1.2 million of our own children every single year.

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Knight Joined: 03 Apr 2012 Posts: 103 Location: UK

The USA has now given just over $52 million in emergency aid to Syria.

Knight Joined: 03 Apr 2012 Posts: 103 Location: UK

I guess you're reading different news reports to me. Obama meeting with Putin to try and gain his help in getting Assad to stand down seems more than 'light rhetoric'.

Assad is Russia's strongest ally in the Middle East. A regime change there would damage Russia's presense in the region. Russia don't want change and have used their veto to prevent stronger UN sanctions. It's highly unlikely that they would agree to any UN troops being sent in; Even worse would be the USA acting alone.

Relations between Russia and the USA have not been helped by Mitt Romney identifying Russia as the single biggest threat to the USA. That man really has a knack for offending people.