Mitt for Brains: "We'll arm the Syrian rebels – but only those who share our values"

Mitt Romney is signalling a more active policy on the Syrian uprising than Barack Obama, calling explicitly for weapons deliveries to rebel forces and framing the conflict in geostrategic terms as one which can lead to defeat for Iran, Bashar al-Assad's principal ally.

But the Republican candidate is also careful to stress the need to work with partners to "identify and organise" those members of the opposition "who share our values." Only they will obtain the arms they need. And the US will not act alone.

Clearly, defeating Assad's "tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets" will require more than the mostly light weapons that have been smuggled into Syria, via middlemen who work with the Gulf states and Turkey and are reportedly monitored and facilitated by the CIA. Anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons would probably make a big difference.

Source and full story: The Guardian, 8 Oct 2012