How do you “vet” a Syrian rebel? Answer: You can’t

[cqo_000]

By Josh Meyer

When news broke that the US Central Intelligence Agency will soon begin funneling weapons to vetted Syrian rebels by way of Jordan, our next logical question was: How does one vet a Syrian rebel?

The CIA has been in the business of arming rebel groups for many decades, but often with very mixed results. Books will probably be written about what a bad idea it is for Washington and its allies to dole out weapons to a fractured, contentious and unaccountable group of Syrian fighters, especially after waiting for so long.

Although the US government isn’t saying how many rebels will be vetted, the program’s success could dramatically impact how the situation in Syria turns out. Three former CIA officials who have spent decades on the ground doing it say the upcoming campaign will be a crapshoot at best.

Read More: http://qz.com/99008/how-do-you-vet-a-syrian-rebel-answer-you-cant/



Who's a "Moderate" Rebel in Syria? Check the Handwritten Receipts
By Dana Liebelson

The government has little oversight over whether US-funded supplies are falling prey to corruption—or into the hands of extremists.

Read More: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/09/syrian-rebel-aid-handwritten-receipts


Rebel cooperation in Syrian town shows challenge of isolating Islamists
By David Enders

KFAR NBOUDA, Syria — Sophisticated new weapons now in the hands of rebels in north-central Syria underscore how difficult it will be, once more lethal aid begins to arrive, to keep those weapons from Islamist extremists who’ve become key to rebel military advances throughout the country.

Read More: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/02/28/184493/rebel-cooperation-in-syrian-town.html

[HooptieWagon]

1. I think history will find...

that arming al Qaeda in Syria was every bit the mistake that arming al Qaeda in Afghanistan was. If there is one thing DC and the Pentagon are proficient at, its making the same mistakes repeatedly.

[Doctor_J]

2. That's why getting involved in Civil Wars among terrorists is a losing proposition

we need to face the fact that all of these boondoggles are at the behest and for the benefit of the MIC. If you want to support these things, like many BOGers do, then admit this is true and support it from that angle - not out of some inflated view of Obama's deep morality. If he were that moral he'd do something about OUR problems