Last edited Fri Jun 14, 2013, 03:37 AM - Edit history (4)
there is the photo with the UK Foreign Minister where Kerry's comments on Syria when they had that press conference on Tuesday were for a political solution. It seems weird that in an article with many quotes from McCain - There are none from Kerry or any on record Obama administration member. There is a quote from Ben Rhodes, but it is on what we will NOT do.
A NYT article covered the meeting with Hague a couple of days ago. It is clear that Britain and France want to help the rebels, but here is the ONLY quote from Kerry:
“What we have been pushing for, all of us involved in this effort, is a political solution that ends the violence, saves Syria, stops the killing and destruction of an entire nation,” Mr. Kerry said. “So it’s not a question to me whether or not the opposition can, quote, ‘win.’ It’s a question of whether or not we can get to this political solution.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/13/world/middleeast/syrian-forces-seen-stepping-up-air-attacks-on-rebels.html?ref=middleeast
The Guardian covered the same press conference with slightly more content, but the same position -
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/12/us-syria-policy-john-kerry
Kerry, more than anyone, has been working to try to get a political solution -- and Obama is meeting next week with Putin at the G8 meeting. (In fact, he has been called naive and worse for trying to do so.) Given that he and the Russian minister did agree to try to get a peace conference - that the opposition did not accept, it is odd that he would be a strong voice for getting more involved.
I would caution that the WH quotes don't match the McCain quotes and the article goes with the McCain ones. This could be from the anonymous officers and could be accurate, but it is strange that they use the Kerry photo, when this is - if true - an Obama decision.
The WP article has a more nuanced account - and Kerry is not mentioned nor any other administration person. In that article, it seems that they are going to send some weapons - what is not clear. It also is clear that the US is lagging the allies in making this determination.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-concludes-syrian-forces-used-chemical-weapons/2013/06/13/59b03c66-d46d-11e2-a73e-826d299ff459_story.html It also mentions that Obama still prefers a political solution:
"Rhodes said the administration would continue to push for a negotiated political settlement of the conflict, including a proposed conference between opposition leaders and government representatives that is on hold. "
I wonder if this announcement and even giving some support - apparently not a no fly zone or anti aircraft weapons might be to balance the loses of the rebels this week in terms of creating more pressure on Syria and Russia to find a political solution.
edited to add the Wall Street Journal link - mostly to show it contradicts the others in terms of what Obama will go.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324188604578543820387158806.html I think this means the media is embroidering around the rather vague WH quotes.
Here is the NYT - which mainly agrees with the WP. It mentions senior state department officials, but not Kerry per se. (Given Clinton's position, I would guess that many who supported her actions then are more likely referred to here as he would be noteworthy.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/14/world/middleeast/syria-chemical-weapons.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
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