“Nowhere in rebel-controlled Syria is there a secular fighting force to speak of” — New York Times, April 28, 2013
Syrian rebels pledge loyalty to al-Qaeda — USA Today, April 11, 2013
“Kerry leaves door open to boots on the ground,” from the Washington Post, September 3 (thanks to Jerk Chicken):
Asked about the possibility of deploying U.S. troops into Syria, Secretary of State John F. Kerry didn’t rule it out.
“I don’t want to take off the table an option that might or might not be on the table,” he said “” a turn of phrase designed to keep open the possibility that troops could be deployed into the country if the situation escalates.
Kerry”s answer came in response to a question by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) about the wording of a White House-written resolution to authorize military force.
“I do think we”re going to have to work on language that makes it clear” what exactly the U.S. military would be authorized to do, Menendez said in response to Kerry”s answer.