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Friday, August 30, 2013

Updated: Washington Post: Military Has Doubts About Syria Strike


The U.S. military is hesitant to embrace President Barack Obama's plan to launch a missile strike on Syria, current and former officers revealed in interviews.

Military officers ranging from captains to four-star generals said they are uneasy about a potential Syrian missile strike because it could have unintended consequences, such as turning attention away from their exit from Afghanistan, the Washington Post reported.

"I can't believe the president is even considering it," a young Army officer, who is wrapping up a yearlong tour overseas, told the Post under the condition of anonymity. "We have been fighting the last 10 years a counterinsurgency war. Syria has modern weaponry. We would have to retrain for a conventional war."

Some military officials worry about retaliation from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which supports Syrian President Bashar Assad, while others fear ripple effects that could include Iran following through on its threat to attack Israel, retaliation from radical groups, or the U.S. being charged with war crimes.

"The application of force rarely produces and, in fact, maybe never produces the outcome we seek," Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in an interview with ABC News earlier this month.

Active-duty military leaders said they feel strongly that a strike in Syria would serve no purpose for the U.S. Keep reading

Also see
New: Scud missiles moving: Syrian soldiers take Scud missiles out of strike zone
New: Syria Could Become Another Iraq on Religious Freedom, Says Retired Army Lt. Col.
New: As Western Powers Debate Military Action, Syria Christians Face Uncertain Future
UK Syria vote leaves US asking 'what's so special?'
U.S. ready to go it alone on Syria after stinging British defeat
UK vote a blow to plans for a military strike on Syria
U.S. Prepares for Solo Strike On Syria After Britain Balks
U.S.: 'High confidence' that Syria chemical attack killed 1,429
Kerry Outlines Evidence of Chemical Attack by Syria
Insight - For U.N. inspectors in Syria, samples hold answers
France's Hollande backs US on Syria action
The US needs to consider the long range consequences of even limited military strikes against Syria to the stability of the region. Of particular concern should be how these strikes would affect the region's Christian communities and advance the cause of Islamist extremists in the region.

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