Obama Intends Lawless Aggression on Syria + US State Terror Targets Syria

Stephen Lendman

On Saturday, he replicated John Kerry's Colin Powell moment. He lied like he always does. His war plans were delayed. They're not deterred. They're not halted. Obama plans aggressive war on Syria. He does so with or without Security Council and/or congressional approval.

On August 31, a White House Office of the Press Secretary release reported his remarks. It headlined "Statement by the President on Syria," saying:

"Ten days ago, the world watched in horror as men, women and children were massacred in Syria in the worst chemical weapons attack of the 21st century. Yesterday the United States presented a powerful case that the Syrian government was responsible for this attack on its own people. Our intelligence shows the Assad regime and its forces preparing to use chemical weapons, launching rockets in the highly populated suburbs of Damascus, and acknowledging that a chemical weapons attack took place. And all of this corroborates what the world can plainly see - hospitals overflowing with victims; terrible images of the dead. All told, well over 1,000 people were murdered. Several hundred of them were children - young girls and boys gassed to death by their own government."

Fact Check: Syria's government had nothing to do with August 21's chemical weapons attack. Obama, Kerry and other administration officials know it. They lied claiming otherwise. Western-enlisted death squads bear full responsibility. Clear evidence proves it. Obama's on track for more war. He plans lawless aggression. He does so based on lies. All wars are based on them. This time's no different.

"This attack is an assault on human dignity," [said Obama.] "It also presents a serious danger to our national security. It risks making a mockery of the global prohibition on the use of chemical weapons. It endangers our friends and our partners along Syria’s borders, including Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq. It could lead to escalating use of chemical weapons, or their proliferation to terrorist groups who would do our people harm. In a world with many dangers, this menace must be confronted."

Fact Check: Reckless US policies endanger world security. Indeed this "menace" must be confronted. It's internally generated. It emanates from USA. Stopping it matters most.

"Now, after careful deliberation, I have decided that the United States should take military action against Syrian regime target, [Obama said.] This would not be an open-ended intervention. We would not put boots on the ground. Instead, our action would be designed to be limited in duration and scope. But I'm confident we can hold the Assad regime accountable for their use of chemical weapons, deter this kind of behavior, and degrade their capacity to carry it out. Our military has positioned assets in the region. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs has informed me that we are prepared to strike whenever we choose. Moreover, the Chairman has indicated to me that our capacity to execute this mission is not time-sensitive; it will be effective tomorrow, or next week, or one month from now. And I'm prepared to give that order."

Fact Check: Waging war on Syria constitutes lawless aggression. International law is clear and unequivocal. No nation may attack another except in self-defense. It can only do so until the Security Council acts. It has final say. Presidents have no authority to wage war unilaterally. The Constitution's Article I, Section 8 affords warmaking powers solely to Congress. It can't declare war without Security Council authorization. It's not forthcoming. Russian and Chinese opposition assure it. Obama said he'll consult Congress. It doesn't matter. He'll wage war whether it approves or not. He'll do it without Security Council authorization. He's already a war criminal multiple times over. He'll add another crime to his rap sheet. Doing so may embroil the entire region. Global war might follow. It doesn't matter. It bears repeating. Advancing America's imperium counts most.

"But having made my decision as Commander-in-Chief based on what I am convinced is our national security interests, I'm also mindful that I'm the President of the world's oldest constitutional democracy, [Obama said.] I've long believed that our power is rooted not just in our military might, but in our example as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. And that's why I've made a second decision: I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people's representatives in Congress. Over the last several days, we've heard from members of Congress who want their voices to be heard. I absolutely agree. So this morning, I spoke with all four congressional leaders, and they've agreed to schedule a debate and then a vote as soon as Congress comes back into session. In the coming days, my administration stands ready to provide every member with the information they need to understand what happened in Syria and why it has such profound implications for America's national security. And all of us should be accountable as we move forward, and that can only be accomplished with a vote."

Fact Check: Attacking Syria has nothing to do with protecting US national security. Syria doesn't threaten America. Obama lied suggesting otherwise. America's no democracy. It never was. It's not now. It's government solely of, by and for wealth, power and privilege. Popular interests are entirely excluded. Full-blown tyranny approaches. Obama bears full responsibility. He represents the worst of rogue leadership. He exceeded Bush's most egregious crimes. He's got more in mind to commit. He plans lots more mass killing and destruction. Impeaching him is a national imperative. He's more despot than democrat. He belongs in prison, not high office.

"I'm confident in the case our government has made without waiting for U.N. inspectors, [he said.] I'm comfortable going forward without the approval of a United Nations Security Council that, so far, has been completely paralyzed and unwilling to hold Assad accountable. As a consequence, many people have advised against taking this decision to Congress, and undoubtedly, they were impacted by what we saw happen in the United Kingdom this week when the Parliament of our closest ally failed to pass a resolution with a similar goal, even as the Prime Minister supported taking action. Yet, while I believe I have the authority to carry out this military action without specific congressional authorization, I know that the country will be stronger if we take this course, and our actions will be even more effective."

Fact Check: Obama's only authority is what he usurps. He does it lawlessly. He's waging war on humanity. He's the greatest menace of our time. He threatens world peace.

"We should have this debate, because the issues are too big for business as usual, [he said.] And this morning, John Boehner, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell agreed that this is the right thing to do for our democracy."

Fact check: UN investigators are analyzing whether evidence of toxic chemicals use was found. Their report will exclude attribution. It doesn't matter either way. Obama already made up his mind. He plans war on Syria with or without Security Council and/or congressional authorization. Doing so's a criminal act. It constitutes lawless aggression.

"A country faces few decisions as grave as using military force, even when that force is limited, [said Obama.] I respect the views of those who call for caution, particularly as our country emerges from a time of war that I was elected in part to end. But if we really do want to turn away from taking appropriate action in the face of such an unspeakable outrage, then we just acknowledge the costs of doing nothing. Here's my question for every member of Congress and every member of the global community: What message will we send if a dictator can gas hundreds of children to death in plain sight and pay no price? What's the purpose of the international system that we've built if a prohibition on the use of chemical weapons that has been agreed to by the governments of 98 percent of the world's people and approved overwhelmingly by the Congress of the United States is not enforced? Make no mistake - this has implications beyond chemical warfare. If we won't enforce accountability in the face of this heinous act, what does it say about our resolve to stand up to others who flout fundamental international rules? To governments who would choose to build nuclear arms? To terrorist who would spread biological weapons? To armies who carry out genocide? We cannot raise our children in a world where we will not follow through on the things we say, the accords we sign, the values that define us. So just as I will take this case to Congress, I will also deliver this message to the world. While the UN investigation has some time to report on its findings, we will insist that an atrocity committed with chemical weapons is not simply investigated, it must be confronted. I don't expect every nation to agree with the decision we have made. Privately we’ve heard many expressions of support from our friends. But I will ask those who care about the writ of the international community to stand publicly behind our action. And finally, let me say this to the American people: I know well that we are weary of war. We've ended one war in Iraq. Were ending another in Afghanistan. And the American people have the good sense to know we cannot resolve the underlying conflict in Syria with our military. In that part of the world, there are ancient sectarian differences, and the hopes of the Arab Spring have unleashed forces of change that are going to take many years to resolve. And that's why we’re not contemplating putting our troops in the middle of someone else's war. Instead, we'll continue to support the Syrian people through our pressure on the Assad regime, our commitment to the opposition, our care for the displaced, and our pursuit of a political resolution that achieves a government that respects the dignity of its people. But we are the United States of America, and we cannot and must not turn a blind eye to what happened in Damascus."

Fact Check: Obama lied claiming Assad used chemical weapons. Clear evidence proves otherwise. Insurgent terrorists used them multiple times. They used them on August 21 in Ghouta. Previous articles explained. Who gave America the right to be the world's policeman? Who appointed Obama judge, jury and executioner? Who lets any leader operate extrajudicially? Who permits circumventing inviolable rule of law principles? Who decided waging war is just? Who gave America the right to target one country after another? Who permits doing so based on lies? Big Lies launch wars. Syria's an authoritarian government. [But] Assad's no dictator. In early 2012, he ordered a new Constitution drafted. It was put to a national referendum. Despite opposition boycotts, 89.4% of eligible voters approved it. Another 9% opposed. A scant 1.2% of ballots were invalid. The Constitution includes 157 articles. They include real reforms. Political pluralism was established for the first time. So was press freedom. Presidential term limits are mandated. Western officials derided what happened. Media scoundrels regurgitated their condemnation. They suppressed good news. They did again after first time ever parliamentary elections. It was a milestone political event. Independent candidates participated. Voting went smoothly. Independent monitors supervised the process. They included intellectuals, legislators and judicial authorities. They came from other countries. Ba'ath party members won a 60% majority. Previously they held just over 50% control. With support from independent MPs, they comprise 90% of Syria's parliament. Opposition party members were also elected.

Washington called elections farcical. US and other Western reports mocked them. They vilified legitimate democratic change. They want subservient puppet governance running Syria. They want Syrians having no say.

"Out of the ashes of world war, we built an international order and enforced the rules that gave it meaning, [said Obama.] And we did so because we believe that the rights of individuals to live in peace and dignity depends on the responsibilities of nations. We aren’t perfect, but this nation more than any other has been willing to meet those responsibilities."

Fact Check: America's post-WW II order prioritized unchallenged US dominance. Permanent wars are waged to achieve it. Millions died. Millions more suffer enormously. America bears full responsibility. It created charnel house conditions globally. It deplores peace. It glorifies wars. It does so ruthlessly. It does it unaccountably. It menaces humanity. Obama lied suggesting otherwise.

"So to all members of Congress of both parties, I ask you to take this vote for our national security, [he said.] I am looking forward to the debate. And in doing so, I ask you, members of Congress, to consider that some things are more important than partisan differences or the politics of the moment. Ultimately, this is not about who occupies this office at any given time; it’s about who we are as a country. I believe that the people's representatives must be invested in what America does abroad, and now is the time to show the world that America keeps our commitments. We do what we say. And we lead with the belief that right makes might - not the other way around. We all know there are no easy options. But I wasn’t elected to avoid hard decisions. And neither were the members of the House and the Senate. I’ve told you what I believe, that our security and our values demand that we cannot turn away from the massacre of countless civilians with chemical weapons. And our democracy is stronger when the President and the people’s representatives stand together. I'm ready to act in the face of this outrage. Today I'm asking Congress to send a message to the world that we are ready to move forward together as one nation."

Fact Check: America's only threats are ones it creates. Waging war has nothing to do with national security. It's solely for unchallenged world dominance. America's a global menace. It threatens humanity's survival. Obama represents the worst of rogue leadership. He's a war criminal multiple times over. Stopping him matters most.

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US State Terror Targets Syria
Stephen Lendman
Sunday, September 01, 2013

Sunday was John Kerry's third Colin Powell moment. Lies beget more of them. Kerry's a serial liar. He's a malicious one. He appeared on five Sunday talk shows. He wrongfully blamed Assad for August 21's Ghouta attack. He said Syria used sarin nerve gas. He has "high confidence" Congress will approve lawless aggression. In 2002, it authorized "use of military force against Iraq." It's uncertain if they'll do so against Syria. On September 9, it returns from summer recess. Unless called back earlier into special session, we won't know until it votes yea or nay. Kerry used air time to make the case.

He did so duplicitously. His accusations against Assad are baseless. They're bald-faced lies. Syria threatens no one. Obama plans lawless aggression. He does with or without Security Council and/or congressional approval. He wants regime change. Proxy war hasn't achieved it. Providing Western-enlisted death squads with air power is planned. So-called token strikes assure shock and awe death and destruction. Initial bombing assures more ahead. Obama didn't wage war to quit. He wants Syria entirely ravaged and destroyed. It's prelude to targeting Iran.

Britain won't partner in bombing Syria. It remains very much involved. On August 31, London's Telegraph headlined "Syria crisis: Britain will play active role in military action despite vote defeat," saying:

[UK Mediterranean-based] "intelligence-gathering assets (will) provide the US military with information" ahead of its planned lawless aggression. Whitehall sources said Britain's decision not to" launch attacks "only covered its Armed Forces."

On Saturday, the USS San Antonio naval amphibious landing ship arrived near Syria. On board are hundreds of marines, helicopters, and V-22 Osprey aircraft.

Despite Britain's parliament voting against direct attacks, six RAF Typhones and a Sentry early warning plane remain in Cyprus. Royal Navy sources said orders weren't issued to remove a Trafalgar class nuclear submarine deployed near Syria's coast. It suggests perhaps covert participation in Obama's war. US Sixth Fleet destroyers will launch it. Cruise missile diplomacy is planned. Expect a nighttime barrage ahead. It won't be announced. It'll be known when bombs explode. America has F-16 warplanes deployed in Turkey and Jordan. Two Fifth Fleet carrier strike groups supplement them. Longer range bombers may be involved.

France alone agreed to participate with America. Its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is in the western Mediterranean. It deployed an anti-missile destroyer to the region. French warplanes carry Scalp missiles. Rafales are stationed in Abu Dhabi. Mirage 2000s are in Djibouti. On Wednesday, French parliamentary debate is scheduled. So far, no vote is planned. President Francois Hollande may order strikes on his own. He strongly supports Obama's imperial project. He's got his own objectives in mind. Syria is a former French colony. He may have recolonization in mind.

UK/US intelligence sharing continues. So do covert actions. On August 29, Activist Post contributor Brandon Turbeville headlined "Western Special Forces Working with Death Squads in Syria," saying:

"A new report by the British Mirror magazine has revealed that British special forces are now operating inside Syria." They're doing so ahead of Obama's planned lawless aggression. "SAS, Special Boat Service, Special Reconnaissance Regiment, and MI6 operatives are involved. The Mirror cited a military source, saying:

"It is vital they find every missile site that could threaten British ships or RAF jets and they will probably be taken out by missiles fired from offshore. The risk of capture to these special forces units is off the scale and nobody can be trusted in Syria. At the top of the hit list are (Assad's) sophisticated long-range mobile missile batteries. Special forces troops will use laser and satellite technology to pinpoint the exact location of" [of key sites. They plan to destroy them.] Spies have already (located) scores of major military installations and ammo dumps."

On August 22, Le Figaro said US, Israeli and Jordanian commandos covertly entered Syria. CIA operatives are involved. They came days before Ghouta's attack. The timing wasn't accidental. They're working cooperatively with hundreds of insurgent fighters. They're trained in guerrilla warfare. Since mid-August, they headed toward Damascus. Similar elements operated the same way earlier. British, French, Israeli, Turkish and Qatari forces were involved.

Turbeville forthrighly said:

"With the Western world salivating to launch a military assault on Syria which will inevitably kill hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians, it is important for all Americans to not only actively expose such blatant hypocrisy and treachery, but to actively oppose it. Our window of opportunity is closing."

Syria expects attacks any time. On September 1, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) headlined "Syria calls on UN, Security Council to shoulder responsibilities, prevent absurd use of force out of legitimacy." Syria UN envoy Bashar al-Jaafari urged responsible opposition to planned US aggression, saying:

"The Syrian government warned, more than a year ago, against the serious risks of the possibility of using chemical materials by the armed terrorist groups in Syria. Syria has informed, in official letters, the UN Secretary General and the UNSC about the activities of these groups, which coincided with a political, diplomatic and media campaign led by some countries which are directly responsible for shedding the blood in Syria and preventing the peaceful solution in order to accuse the Syrian government of using chemical weapons."

Kerry's so-called "secret conclusive evidence" is fabricated rubbish. It's "completely false." According to SANA: "Al-Jaafari said he would clarify the following:"

"First, Syria as a state, people and government has a national interest in unveiling the facts related to the claims of using the chemical weapons in Syria, based on this national interest, the Syrian government and the UN agreed to investigate in three sites including Khan al-Assal."

"Second, those who mobilize fleets and armies to wage an aggression on Syria, are the same who rejected a Syrian proposed draft resolution at the UN Security Council on December 29, 2003 on freeing the Middle East of weapons of mass destruction."

"Third, the Syrian government has defied the American administration to show one credible evidence on the allegations regarding using chemical weapon, but Kerry publicly said that he relies on what he called 'high credible information' based on internet fabricated photos."

"Fourth, the UN General Secretariat has repeatedly stated that the trails of the use of any kind of toxic gases do not fade over time, therefore the UN sent an investigation mission after five months of the request of The Syrian government to probe into Khan al-Assal case. However, the Syrian government didn't hesitate to allow the UN team to enter to place of supposed attack within 48 hours of the arrival of the UN Secretary General's envoy, Angela Kane, the UN disarmament chief."

"Fifth, Kerry's statement that the investigation mission is not responsible for determining the side which used the chemical weapon, and that its mission is limited to confirming its use, comes to justify the US administration's violation of the UNSC."

Al-Jaafari officially asked Ban Ki-moon to determine parties responsible for chemical weapons use in Khan al-Assal. Washington, Britain and France rejected his request. Ban's a longtime imperial tool. He supports lawless aggression. He does so without overtly saying so. He's got blood on his hands. He's complicit in what demands condemnation.

Assad, Al-Jafaari and other Syrian officials wage lonely battles. They're struggling to save Syria. They face long odds. Obama wants the Syrian Arab Republic destroyed. He's well on his way toward achieving it. He plans finishing the job ahead. He wants puppet governance replacing sovereign Syrian independence. He wants Syria exploited and controlled. Mass killing and destruction are small prices to pay. Imperial marauders take no prisoners. They don't do body counts. They don't give a damn about unconscionable human suffering. Only imperial priorities matter. Nothing stands in the way of achieving them.

On September 1, SANA headlined "President al-Assad: Syria is capable of confronting any external aggression." He spoke during his Sunday meeting with Alaeddin Boroujerdi. He chairs the Foreign Policy National Security Committee at the Iranian Shura Council. In the face of overwhelming US power, he put on a brave face. State television reported him saying:

"Syria ... is capable of confronting any external aggression. The American threats of launching an attack against Syria will not discourage Syria away from its principles or its fight against terrorism supported by some regional and Western countries, first and foremost the United States of America."

Ahead of informing Americans, Obama told Netanyahu what he plans. Only they and close aides know exactly what was discussed. Israel's partnered with Washington's war on Syria. It's an open secret. Both countries may coordinate strikes when they come. Israel may participate covertly.

Russia's parliamentary committee head Alexei Pushkov said Obama will use the upcoming September 5 - 6 St. Petersburg G20 summit advantageously. He'll pressure participating countries. He wants support for attacking Syria. He'll get none from Russia and China. It remains to be seen how others react.

France alone looks likely to join what another writer calls his "coalition of the killing." Vladimir Putin forthrightly opposes war on Syria. Days earlier he was outspoken against it.

According to one observer, Obama's war may start any time. He'll consult Congress. He wants support. He'll act unilaterally if it's not forthcoming. Rogue leaders operate that way. Obama's by far the worst. World peace hangs by a thread.
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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He has devoted his time and efforts to progressive causes and organizations, all involved in working for a more humane and just world for all people everywhere, but especially for the most needy, disadvantaged and oppressed. His efforts since summer 2005 have included writing on a broad range of vital topics ranging from war and peace; social, economic and political equity for all; and justice for all the oppressed peoples of the world like the long-suffering people of Haiti and the Palestinians. He also co-hosts The Global Research News Hour, gives occasional public talks, and appears frequently on radio and at times television. He is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization. Also visit his blog and listen to The Lendman News Hour on RepublicBroadcasting.org Monday - Friday at 10AM US Central time for cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on world and national issues. All programs are archived for easy listening. His new book "How Wall Street Fleeces America: Privatized Banking, Government Collusion and Class War" can be ordered HERE. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.
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Map + Collage: © Voice Of Russia. 2nd map: © Voice of America
URL: http://www.a-w-i-p.com/index.php/2013/09/02/us-state-terror-targets-syria