EU countries are weighing a decision to send arms to the Syrian opposition. This would be a welcome turn for the opposition, which has criticized the U.S.'s decision not to supply the rebel with any arms, but instead has offered monetary support for relief operations.
Representatives of the coalition have related that significant changes will be made to policy by the EU by spring or soon thereafter that would see many of the EU nations steer their efforts toward ending the restrictions to arm the rebellion.
The Opposition's official arm, the National Coalition has often spoken of the degree of asymmetrical warfare waged in the civil war. In fact it is a population standing against an army, and it is standing without the necessary arms, ammunition and other necessary tools to win the fight.
courtesy : publicdiplomacy
The coalition's representatives have also related that there has been a noticeable relaxation in the flow of arms between the Turkey Syria border, obviously with the unspoken acquiescence of the US. In fact a Russian imported MIG had been downed recently thanks to missiles brought in through the more porous border. These are not arms captured by the rebels. It is the first time that armor piercing shells have been employed.
There is an understanding of the US playing a far bigger role than that officially proclaimed, as far as can be observed from the latest developments.
The EU has also formally announced that it was lifting its embargo on tanks and bullet proof vests, in addition to non lethal military equipment.
According to statements made by the British foreign secretary, Britain seeks to widen its role both in the supply of arms and in pushing for the abolition of the arms embargo by summer.
There also have been reports lately of arms making their way to Syria from the Balkans, although no country is taking responsibility for the arms that have made their way to Syria,.
Source: Guardian UK 3.2.13
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