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Despite Syria Chemical Weapons Deal, U.S. Must Remain Vigilant

(Ha'aretz) Zvi Bar'el - For the first time, Russia is dictating conditions to Assad - including a timetable - and is not making do with recommendations or the outlines of a desired policy. Within one week he must provide a detailed list of the storage sites and quantities of chemical weapons. There is no explanation as to why the first delegation of inspectors is to be sent to Syria only in November. If there is concern that these materials will be transferred to neighboring countries or hidden in unknown sites, inspection should start immediately. The military opposition in Syria and its commander, Gen. Salim Idris, reject the accord and regard it as a gift to Assad and an opportunity for him to drag his feet. The only sanctions mentioned if Assad does not comply are those the Security Council agrees to impose based on Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which allows the use of force or the imposition of sanctions. But Russia might not agree to an American interpretation of a breach. Even if it does, China also has the right to veto Security Council resolutions.
2013-09-16 00:00:00
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