Wednesday, 28 August 2013

Syria: UN inspectors resume investigations in Syria - but Western governments have already made up their minds

UN Chemical Weapons inspectors have resumed their investigations into Chemical Weapons use in Syria - as Western governments blame President Assad's regime and talk about military intervention. The UN team's operation was suspended on Tuesday due to security concerns after one vehicle was shot by unidentified snipers. They have returned to one alleged usage site today, to take samples and talk to doctors and survivors. American and other Western leaders have stepped up rhetoric against Syria in recent days, and say they are considering military intervention. On Tuesday, US Vice President Joe Biden said there was "no doubt" that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons, and US defense secretary Chuck Hagel said that options were in place for President Obama to use should he wish to order military action. The Syrian government has strongly denied allegations it has used chemical weapons, and has blamed opposition forces for the attack. The British Prime Minister David Cameron has recalled Parliament to discuss the crisis, ahead of action possibly being taken. A poll of the British public by a leading newspaper in the country found that the majority of people are against any intervention by Britain, with several people citing the outcome of Iraqi intervention.

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