The Syrian quagmire

What will it take before the UK decides to supply the Syrian rebels with arms? Many are cautious about whether this measure would really make the conflict any better, but William Hague has made it clear that he believes there is a strong case for at least threatening to do so. Further evidence of chemical weapons usage by the regime against the Syrian people suggested again this week that the ‘red line’ for action has definitely been crossed, but today Number 10 tried to spell out the thinking behind an apparent delay in acting.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said that the decision to not renew the EU arms embargo was part of a ‘very clear, concerted approach that is designed to send a clear and unambiguous signal to the Assad regime. There is at least… 80,000 people have died, millions of people have been displaced, as I said horrific suffering.