Reuters: Mattis says 'I believe there was a chemical attack in Syria'
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress on Thursday he believed there was a chemical attack in Syria and that the United States wanted inspectors on the ground to collect evidence, warning that job became more difficult as time passes.
"I believe there was a chemical attack and we are looking for the actual evidence," Mattis told a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, warning one of his top concerns about any U.S. military strike was preventing an "out-of-control" escalation in that country's war, in which Russia, Iran, Turkey and others have taken sides.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has just admitted that the U.S. has no actual evidence of a chemical attack, relying instead on media and social media accounts ....
.... "I believe there was a chemical attack and we are looking for the actual evidence," Mattis told a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee
I can now understand why President Trump made the decision to hold back on a military strike on Syria this morning .... Is President Trump Stepping Away From Launching A Military Strike Against Syria?
Update: The Russian press is jumping all over this .... Pentagon Does Not Have Evidence of Chlorine, Sarin Use in Syria’s Douma - Mattis (Sputnik)
Update #2: I would like to know what is the evidence that French President Macron is boasting he has .... Syria 'chemical attack': France's President Macron 'has proof' (BBC).
10 comments:
Absolutely fair game for Russia to jump on this. It all did look a bit weird. Trump says he wants to leave Syria and just a week later we have this incident. I'm not saying it didn't happen but we cannot bomb anyone without evidence or (sometimes you just can't get evidence or it is being destroyed) we have to be honest about it and tell our people what we have and don't have. Good for Trump to hold back. But if/when there's evidence or we clearly see what's happening let's make Assad or anyone else regret the use of chemical weapons/wmd that are made for killing any life form. ..chlorine kills also animals and plants and the tooth fairy. Bombs are bad too don't get me wrong but at least they are typically made for taking out hardened structures like command posts and bunkers. .so they have some use the goes beyond just killing and can also be directed.
While gas. .depending on the wind and temperature is incredibly difficult to direct and just randomly kills anyone. .typically the weak and children (lower on the ground where gas is denser and less strong lungs/overall physique)...really a f'ed up weapon
Gen. Mattis as always, the adult in the room. Between the tweet storm from his boss to the inane Lindsey Grahams demand for retaliation, Gen. Mattis's words should slow down the rush for doing something, anything.
Trump's instincts in Syria are right. The trick, and its a tough one to pull off, is to leave without sand bagging and betraying those people that fought for our objectives. Namely the Kurds and Jordanians. Israel, Saudia Arabia, the Gulf states are strong enough to manage Iranian threats but they have to have full confidence the US will be there when needed. If Trump can redefine US interests to just assisting others in blocking or overthrowing Iran that is a win. Gets the US out of the whack a mole strategy of the past 14 years.
Great Job general, my 10 year old has a such insight as you just from watching tv. If it's beyond you and your Intel resources ask Macron for help.
If not Assad who did this....?
Oh sure the surrounded rebels used their planes
Get real
Assad did this in the past and did it again
Fazman,
I'm not sure the French would share with us. I don't think they trust us and I know we don't trust them. The relationship between the US and France can be thought of more like something between a "strategic competitor" and a "frenemy." With that said I don't think they have "evidence." I think this is a case of someone running their mouths like a drunk patron in a bar who knows he is not going to have to show what "cards" he has or, in his case, the lack thereof.
Anonymous,
The rebels could have manufactured this themselves. They also have numerous allies. It would certainly be possible for them to do this. Furthermore they actually have something called motive. Before we an support putting our people in harms way in a fight we may not be able to win we would need more evidence and a thorough explanation as to why this is worth it.
If Macron wants to go fight Russia, STRAP IT ON!! He can send his kids!! Oh wait he doesn't have any!! He may be trying to manipulate the Americans into doing his dirty work. It's amazing how reckless someone can be with the lives of the citizens of other countries when theirs are not affected. It is America and Americans who are going to bear the brunt of any reprisal, not the French.
Have you ever thought that Russia is just barking?
If it is proven that Assad was behind it then if course it warrants a military response. What exactly do you think NK and Iran are making of this.
Anon read latest stuff on the gas
Can not be made as you suggest
"If Macron wants to go fight Russia, STRAP IT ON!! He can send his kids!"
Macron does not have kids. He is gay.
Fred,
Actually this stuff would not be that hard to obtain or manufacture. The "rebels" would have plenty of places and sources where they could get this. Just investigating all the possibilities could be a lengthy investigation in and of itself. The most likely sources would probably be Al Qaeda or ISIS. Motive and opportunity make them the prime suspect. Another possibility is the whole thing was staged. General Mattis admits we can't be sure.
It appears we are going to get a UN team to investigate and with Russian forces now controlling the area it'd be impossible for anyone to launch such an attack from that area now without them knowing about it. Of course the Russians didn't need to cooperate here. They could have POTUS, the UN etc to go pound sand, cry, gnash your teeth, or whatever. POTUS'S supporters might even credit his brilliant diplomacy for this development. I would disagee with them. He (and you) engaged in some thougtless rhetoric, cooler heads prevailed, and he (and you) were allowed to save a little face while stepping back from the abyss.
This is similar to how one handles a drunken barroom patron. Allow them a face saving way to cool down. As for POTUS, I think he gets it. As for you, I don't think you do.
Fazman,
Actually I think it is the Americans who were/are "just barking." IF Assad were proven to be behind this and a big IF, obviously we'd decide what to to do then based upon our needs and interests. At this point, I'd say Assad being behind it are about as likely as finding a green unicorn. Of course, as I've said, I find it fascinating bow two people can analyze the same data, at the same time, under the same conditions yet reach completely different conclusions!!
In such a case, there'd still be the problem of how to get around the Russian military. Maybe Syria isn't and never was worth war with arguably the most powerful military on the planet.
Come to think of it IF Assad were behind it the Russians might have an "optics" problem AND some foaming at the mouth crazies in America would demand we go to war over some "rebels" who aren't compatible with our interests or even our security needs. As such, it may be in the interests of BOTH parties to cover something like that up.
This is what diplomacy is all about. Apparently Assad is going ti have to allow UN inspectors into the country to inspect. The frothing crazies typically love the UN. As such, when it doesn't find Assad guilty they will have to accept the verdict!!
"would be impossible for anyone to launch such an attack from that area now without them knowing about it. "
They have how many investigators per square mile?
They can see through building and hills?
Heck, investigators could be standing right next to the commander and his staff planning a chemical attack and so long as they speak in a language, which the 3 amigos (investigators) do not understand, they could plan and execute such an attack in the UN investigator's presence.
Again if the investigators are in 1 valley can they see what is happening 2 valley's over?
B Poster. How many types of idiot are you?
Post a Comment