In Our Rush To Support The Syrian Rebels, Do We Really Know Who We Are Supporting?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/he-will-be-punished-severely-free-syrian-army-vows-to-hunt-down-rebel-commander-abu-sakkar-filmed-eating-government-soldiers-heart-in-gruesome-propaganda-video-8615112.html

[emmie]

that is one, i read of another just recently, they should stamp on this pretty damn quick.

[jim360]

On the other hand, reports of a gas attack appeared this morning:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22549861

This time by the government, apparently, although this is not independently verified.

[anotheoldgit]

/// A BBC correspondent who visited the northern town of Saraqeb was told by eyewitnesses that government helicopters had dropped at least two devices containing poisonous gas. ///

/// The government has vehemently denied claims it has used chemical
agents. ///

In a situation such as this, who does one believe?

[Svejk]

The last thing Assad needs is to give others the excuse they've been looking for to get involved. However, it would suit the 'rebels' well.

[emmie]

but does anyone actually know who the rebels are, because from where i am sitting there are many groups, all with their own agenda, and misinformation about gas attacks could lead the west into openly supporting, sending troops and arms into Syria to aid the rebels, this would in my opinion be a terrible mistake. I can understand humanitarian aid at this time.

[ichkeria]

"In a situation such as this, who does one believe?"

You can't simply go by "belief". Only evidence. But if someone twisted my arm it wouldn't be the Syrian government, certainly if their websites are anything to go by (!)

[emmie]

the only people who know what's going on are those on the ground, fighting for either Assad or the disparate rebels. And sadly those caught up in this nightmare.

[ichkeria]

I doubt if many of those caught up in the fog of the war have much strategic notion of what is going on. Certainly not the beleaguered residents of Aleppo for example it would seem. The best view of what is going on probably comes from intelligence sources and those in direct contact with the protagonists. And journalists.