09-13-2013, 05:50 PM
(09-11-2013, 03:02 PM)Duchess Wrote:
I didn't know his mother & sister had defected. *snicker*
Bushra (the sister) fled Syria mid last year after her husband was killed in a rebel attack. Her husband had served as Assad's Deputy Defense Minister. A few months later when the rebel forces were gaining ground on top of the presidential palace, Anisa Makhlouf (the mother) left Syria and joined her daughter in Dubai.
I remember reading lots of speculation at the time that Asma, Assad's wife, had fled as well. She hadn't been seen in public in months, turned out that she was still there and laying low - following the killing of many government officials.
The latest: UN report near completion
So, Monday looks to be the day that the UN's investigation report will be finalized/released.
UN Sec Gen Ban ki-Moon's comments today seem to confirm that sarin gas was used. The report isn't expected to make allegations as to which side was responsible for the attack, but it's being reported that the details as to the types of chemicals used and the delivery mechanisms will strongly point to one side or the other.
If the report reveals very strong circumstantial evidence pointing at Assad's military, I think it could significantly pull public opinion in favor of Obama and Ayrault's push for a physical show of force, and Putin's gonna be doing major tap-dancing. Not only because of the use of chemical weapons, but also because of Assad's (and by association, Putin's) attempt to deceive the world about it.
In that case, Assad better be working on a serious proposal to turn over the government's chemical weapons arsenal, within an aggressive time frame and with full agreement to allow UN-requested inspections and monitoring; no fucking around and no attempts to negotiate downward. Anything less could see Cameron getting more support from the British Parliament to take action and some US Congresspersons getting off the fence and supporting Obama's original proposal for a military strike. All JMO.
If the report reveals very strong circumstantial evidence pointing at the rebel forces, I wonder if Obama, Ayrault and other supporters will cut off or reduce aid.
Anxious to learn what the investigation uncovered.