This article from the Economist dated Oct 5, 2013 touches upon the potential of Syria's use of chemical weapons. The article talks about how the OPCW teams "are expected, “using every means possible”, to have overseen the scrapping of the Syrian regime’s ability to manufacture such weapons." They could possibly destroy, dismantle and safe keep all of Syria’s 1,000 tonnes or so of chemical-weapons agents and precursors. With that how strong can Syria continue it's production? The article says that "unless temporary truces on the ground can be arranged between government and rebel forces, it may be unacceptably dangerous to reach those in contested areas, particularly given concerns over the agenda of some jihadist militias such as Jabhat al-Nusra, which has links to al-Qaeda." It also claims that 7 of the 19 declared stockpiles and facilities are in combat zones so there are still facilities that are active. OPCW’s spokesman, Michael Luhan reckons that the pitfalls are underestimated but the security counsel and all parties of interest need to use force in seeing the job done. The article closes that stripping Syria of chemical weapons is worth doing but it will not stop the regime "meting out death and destruction to civilians by conventional means."
http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21587239-destroying-chemical-arsenal-midst-civil-war-unprecedented-can-it
I agree that the UN’s timeline is extremely unrealistic considering the civil war that is taking place within Syria. How can they get it done that quickly in this state when, even in less hostile places, it has taken years in other regions. I think this task is much harder than anticipated and should give the OPCW the time it needs to get the job done right. Also this article helped me understand the video I posted of the Gouta civilians want for the U.S. intervention, as well as, why the U.S. is so hesitant. The civilians are begging for help during this civil war and all the hardships going on within Syria, while the U.S. needs to figure out what is best for them and what will be best for Syria in the long run as well. They would rather follow out the UN’s plans before reacting in another way. I also agree with Alexandra that the choice needs to be made now or never otherwise it will not be done sufficiently and cause more harm than good
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