By Thomas Murphy
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria – The Obama administration has confirmed that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons against the rebel opposition. The administration also acknowledged that Syria has crossed the “red line”, commonly referred to by President Obama, that would trigger more significant U.S. involvement in the conflict.

American intelligence analysts used physical evidence to conclusively determine that the Assad regime attacked Syrian rebels with the nerve agent sarin. According to a C.I.A. report, hair, blood, and urine samples of two Syrian rebels, one dead and one wounded, tested positive for the toxin after being involved in firefight northeast of Damascus in mid-March.

Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communication Ben Rhodes addressed the media regarding the conclusion.

“Following a deliberative review, our intelligence community assesses that the Assad regime has used chemical weapons, including the nerve agent sarin, on a small scale against the opposition multiple times in the last year,” Rhodes, said in a statement released by the White House on Thursday afternoon. “Our intelligence community has high confidence in that assessment given multiple, independent streams of information.”

“The president has made a decision about providing more support to the opposition that will involve providing direct support to the Supreme Military Council. That includes military support,” said Rhodes.

Despite acknowledging the U.S. will provide the rebels increased support, the level of support remains unclear. However, President Obama has recently come under fire for approaching the conflict cautiously and this news will undoubtedly lead to more calls for action.

Sen. John McCain, who has been highly critical of the president’s Syria policy, urged the president to implement a no-fly zone and provide the rebels with anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons. However, McCain was pleased that the administration’s acknowledged the Syrian government’s use of chemical weapons, but still he pushed for further action.

“I thank the president for acknowledging that Syrians are using chemical weapons,” McCain said. “Just to provide additional weapons to the Syrian National Army is not enough. We have got to change the equation on the battleground.”

Earlier this week former President Bill Clinton agreed with Senator McCain. Clinton said, “Sometimes it’s best to get caught trying, as long as you don’t overcommit.”

“Some people say, ‘O.K., see what a big mess this is? Stay out!’” Mr. Clinton said. “I think that’s a big mistake.”

President Obama will attend a G-8 meeting next week in Northern Ireland, where the conflict in Syria is expected to be one of the main talking points. Russia, also a G-8 member country, has supported the Syrian government throughout the conflict.

For further information, please see:

Al Arabiya – Obama decides to arm Syrian rebels after chemical weapons proof – 13 June 2013

CBS – U.S.: Syria used chemical weapons, crossing “red line” – 13 June 2013

CNN – White House: Syria crosses ‘red line’ with use of chemical weapons on its people – 13 June 2013

New York Times – Syria Has Used Chemical Arms on Rebels, U.S. and Allies Find – 13 June 2013

USA Today – U.S. has determined Syria used chemical weapons – 13 June 2013