U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis Tries to Put Brakes on Possible Syria Strike

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Thursday. Credit Joshua Roberts/Reuters

New York Times: Mattis Tries to Put Brakes on Possible Syria Strike, to ‘Keep This From Escalating’

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sought on Thursday to slow down an imminent strike on Syria, reflecting mounting concerns at the Pentagon that a concerted bombing campaign could escalate into a wider conflict between Russia, Iran and the West.

During a closed-door White House meeting, officials said, Mr. Mattis pushed for more evidence of President Bashar al-Assad’s role in a suspected chemical attack last weekend that would assure the world that military action was necessary.

Despite the caution, two Defense Department officials predicted it would be difficult to pull back from punishing airstrikes, given President Trump’s threat on Twitter a day earlier of American missiles that “will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart.’”

Mr. Mattis publicly raised the warning on Thursday morning, telling the House Armed Services Committee that retaliation must be balanced against the threat of a wider war.

“We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people,” Mr. Mattis said. “But on a strategic level, it’s how do we keep this from escalating out of control — if you get my drift on that.”

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WNU Editor: U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis is clearly not satisfied with the evidence that has been presented to him .... and more importantly .... he does not see an end game if military strikes do occur, and it gets out of hand. Are his concerns justified? I have to say yes. The only reports of this chemical attack have come from the news media who were told by it via through aid agencies working with the rebel groups .... who in turn transmitted this information to WHO and social media. And while there are reports that bodies have been smuggled out to Jordan for examination .... Syria attack: nerve agent experts race to smuggle bodies out of Douma (The Guardian), nothing has been declared officially, just anonymous US sources saying that they tested positive for chlorine. As for French President Macron's claims that they do have evidence and the need for action .... Syria 'chemical attack': France's President Macron 'has proof' (BBC), he has yet to provide it, and he has since toned down his rhetoric and is calling for dialogue .... Macron urges dialogue on Syria in phone call to Putin (Financial Times). I think this conversation spooked him .... Putin warns Macron against ‘dangerous’ Syria actions (Al Arabiya/AFP).

More News On U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis' Concerns On a U.S. Military Strike On Syria

Mattis warns Trump on Syria risks -- CNN
Mattis says decision on Syria not yet made despite Trump comments -- The Hill
U.S. "looking for the actual evidence" of Syria chemical attack, Mattis says -- CBS
Syria strategy not to engage in civil war, but some things 'inexcusable': Mattis -- ABC News
Trump wavers on Syria strikes as Mattis urges caution -- Sydney Morning Herald
Mattis's Top Worry On Syrian Strike Is "Keeping It From Escalating Out Of Control" -- The Drive