To the Point
Chemical Weapons and US Escalation in the Volatile Middle East
A reluctant President Obama says Syria’s use of chemical weapons has forced his hand and has promised direct aid to some of the rebels. Also, developments in Turkey.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenLast night, the White House announced that the US would provide direct military aid to some of the Syrian rebels, because the al-Assad government crossed that "Red Line" by using chemical weapons. Also, developments in Turkey, including Prime Minister Erdogan's meeting with protesters today.
Banner image: A Free Syrian Army fighter wearing a gas mask, carries his weapons as he walks past a damaged tank, after seizing a government military camp used by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, near Idlib, June 13, 2013. Photo: Abdalghne Karoof/Reuters
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2 storiesUS to Arm Syrian Rebels
Last night, the Obama White House announced that the US would provide direct military aid to some of the Syrian rebels, because the al-Assad government crossed that "Red Line" by using chemical weapons. There won't be boots on the ground. So far, it's small arms and ammunition. Is a wider war possible? Is it too late for diplomacy?
Read the story24 minProtests Put Turkey's Prime Minister on the Defense
Whatever President Obama decides to do in Syria, one crucial ally is Turkey, where the US-backed leadership is struggling with an unprecedented popular uprising. After two weeks of unprecedented unrest met with harsh police action, Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan appears to be trying to restore calm.
Read the story28 min