Published time: September 03, 2013 14:12
The US government has no more credibility with the American people and the military that are “sick and tired” of war which has now lasted for 13 years, Gordon Duff, a marine veteran has told RT.
As President Barack Obama is seeking support from Congress for military action in Syria, anti-war sentiment among the population is growing. Earlier last week, images emerged on social media purporting to show US servicemen speaking out against a looming strike against Damascus.
People wearing military uniform are seen posing in front of cameras with posters saying they did not join-up to fight with Al-Qaeda in Syria. Those pictures cannot be verified but the Pentagon is reportedly already looking into the identities of those involved.
RT discussed the issue with Gordon Duff, a marine veteran and the editor of the independent news website, Veterans Today.
RT: So, how likely do you think that these images portray people who generally serve in the US military?
Gordon Duff: Well, since we have somewhere between – the polls estimate – 50% to 70% of Americans clearly opposed to operations against Syria. And members of the military particularly lost 5,000 killed fighting the same groups in Iraq that we’re supporting in Syria. So, members of the military from either side, and there are clear visions in the military, all – the left and the right – none of them have any reason to support Syrian rebels.
As for those people that we were seeing, I have no more verification than you do; the uniforms and medals look legitimate. We hear a lot of feeling about this from the military and there have been some very strong opinions from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, that he is strongly opposed toward military action in Syria.
RT: As a former marine yourself, can you guage the mood for us about the military personnel, and what they are saying about the potential intervention in Syria? If you have any sense of that.
GD: By this time, 13 years of war, people and the military have no faith in anything the government has to say at all. They are sick and tired of the war, and the government has no credibility with the rank and file in the military.
RT: What do you make of the fact that Washington is backing Syrian rebels who are fighting alongside militant groups, some of them linked to Al-Qaeda?
GD: You know, it’s something we are noticing every single day. We look at Washington and we’re finding that Washington, especially these statements by Secretary Kerry are increasingly divorced from reality. When we see, the blood enemies of President Obama, and that’s Senator McCain, and Senator Graham, invited to the White House, to visit a president that they have long criticized and even hate – we call this problem “strange bedfellows” and this is what this has brought about – it’s desperation.
RT: President Obama says he wants a narrow and limited action. And if the US goes ahead is there a danger do you think of mission creep?
GD: Mr Brzezinski was talking about that today – the idea of a limited action will make the US look weak. A major reaction will destabilize Afghanistan and put a Jihadist, anti-American government in place. President Obama has got himself painted into a corner, there is no way out, mission creep is on the cards exactly as you predict.
RT: The US is continuing to boost its military presence near Syria. Do you think that indicates that among law-makers there may be a desire for an intervention?
GD: Well, among lawmakers and in particular, Ron Paul at the Republican side, a Senator with tremendous backing in the Tea Party, has called the attacking Syria “a false flag”. At the Democratic side Alan Grayson, highly influential, certainly a major player in the A-pack lobby, has said exactly the same thing. Even Henry Waxman has come out, so the President’s support on either side of the aisle is very weak.