Both the Syrian Regime and the Syrian rebels have accused the other of using chemical weapons, and although the attacks have not be confirmed, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) believes the US should take the lead on the issue and deploy troops if necessary.
In an interview with The Cable Tuesday, Lindsay said, "My biggest fear beyond an Iranian nuclear weapons capability is the chemical weapons in Syria falling in the hands of extremists and Americans need to lead on this issue. We need to come up with a plan to secure these weapons sites, either in conjunction with our partners,(or) If nothing else, by ourselves.”
According to Fox News, Israel’s Minister of Intelligence and Strategic Affairs, Yuval Steinitz said there is no doubt chemical weapons have been used in Syria. The minister would not comment of which side of the conflict has used the weapons, saying who used them is “unimportant.”
Another US Official called for an attack on Syrian air defenses and establishing a no-fly zone inside Syrian air space.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, Carl Levin (D-MI) said he endorses a no fly zone and an attack on the air defenses of the Assad Regime using Patriot Missile batteries in located in Turkey. As for Graham’s comments, that the US may need boots on the ground in Syria, Levin agreed.
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, speaking on the matter of the Syrian Regimes accusation the rebels have used chemical weapons, said there is no credible evidence at this time to support the charges. Carney did say, however, that the allegations are being investigated.
President Barack Obama said the use of chemical weapons in Syria would be a “red line” for the US, but Carney declined to say what the president meant by his words.
Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, told CBS This Morning there is a “high probability” chemicals weapons have been used, but a conclusion had not been reached. Lindsey, Levin and Rogers all agree action needs to be taken before the 2-year conflict further escalates.
However, Rogers seemed to disagree with Lindsey’s assessment that boots are needed ground in Syria. “We have lots of capabilities in the United States arsenal, where it wouldn’t require boots on the ground” in order to remove the capability of chemical weapons being used in Syria.
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