THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Tony Blair has warned of "catastrophic consequences" if the West fails to arm Syrian rebels to defeat the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
The consequences of refusing to intervene are likely to be more costly for the West than participating in the drive to oust the regime.
Speaking in Israel, the former prime minister acknowledged the "predominant emotion" in the West was to stay out of Syria, where rebels are battling to oust Bashar Assad and his regime, and avoid becoming embroiled in the politics of the region. "Undoubtedly the predominant emotion in the West today is to stay out of Syria; indeed to stay out of the region's politics," he said. "But as every day that passes shows, the cost of staying out may be paid in a higher price later."
The comments came a day after G8 leaders papered over differences between the West and Russia to agree that a political solution to the conflict must be an international priority. » | Damien McElroy and agencies | Wednesday, June 19, 2013
EXPRESS: Has he learnt nothing? Tony Blair argues Britain MUST intervene over Syrian crisis: TONY BLAIR has called for Britain to intervene over the growing Syrian crisis. » | Wednesday, June 19, 2013
