Report: Obama Planning “Aerial Blockade” On Syria… Here we go. (Ynet) — The Pentagon is readying for the possibility of intervention in Syria, aiming to halt Syrian President Bashsar Assad’s violent crackdown on protesters, the newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported Saturday, citing a US military offical. According to the official, the intervention scenario calls for the establishment of a buffer zone on the Turkish border, in order to receive Syrian refugees. The Red Cross would then provide the civilians humanitarian aid, before NATO crews would arrive from Turkey and join the efforts. The measure would pave the way for the US to declare an aerial blockade on Syria. The intercession is to be modeled after NATO’s efforts in Kosovo, which brought an end to the Serbian control of the region. NATO’s plan of action included prolonged aerial shelling. The US’ diplomatic efforts have yet to yield an effective international resolution that would stop the bloodshed. More than 100 protesters have died over the weekend alone, human rights activists said. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the Pentagon does not anticipate a change of heart on the part of China or Russia, who have opposed foreign intervention or sanctions against Syria. But the US expects the two nations to join the humanitarian aid efforts, support a ceasefire between the Syrian regime and rebels and send special UN envoys to investigate the developments in the country. The next step in the reported US Department of Defense plan would be to appoint a team of UN observers to monitor the humanitarian aid, and enter Syria. They would need aerial protection, which would eventually lead to an aerial blockade. The military official said in the interview that the plan is a cautious one, and takes into account the Syrian air force’s advanced capabilities.
Panetta: We Need “International Permission” For Military Action In Syria, But Not From Congress… <iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5zNwOeyuG84?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0"></iframe> Although the administration may “inform” Congress. WASHINGTON, March 7 — Under question from Sen. Sessions at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey indicated that “international permission,” rather than Congressional approval, provided a ‘legal basis’ for military action by the United States.
Pentagon Officials: Obama Has Authorized Review of Military Options In Syria… Proposed mission name: “Airstrikes For Al-Qaeda.” Via Politico: Pentagon officials said Wednesday that President Obama has asked for military options in Syria, but they cautioned that the administration still believes there is room for a diplomatic solution. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, had said previously that the Pentagon was reviewing military options but the White House had not asked for them. In testimony on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Dempsey said options requested by Obama for review include “humanitarian relief, no-fly zone, maritime interdiction, humanitarian corridor and limited aerial strikes.”