18 July 2013
UK hesitates to arm Syrian opposition
The Telegraph reported that the UK Prime Minister David Cameron had abandoned plans to arm the Syrian opposition due to warnings by military chiefs.
Senior military figures had reportedly warned the Prime Minister that sending small arms and missiles to the opposition would not have an impact on the turnout of the conflict. They moreover warned that the arms could end up in the hands of extremists thereby harming Britain’s long-term security, while a broader intervention could embroil Britain in a prolonged conflict. However, Foreign Secretary William Hague was reported stating that the UK could still arm the rebels and no option has been ruled out yet.
Source: The Telegraph | David Cameron warned arming Syrian rebels could embroil Britain in all-out war
Source: The Telegraph | Britain could still arm the Syrian rebels, William Hague says