America crossed ‘red line’ with agent orange

Barack Obama has stated that the Syrians have crossed the red line in using chemical weapons.

Where was the red line when the Americans were using agent orange and napalm in Vietnam?

They also used depleted uranium in 2000. Whistleblower Bradley Manning was disgusted by so many civilians getting killed in Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, and by the unfeeling attitude of the West. There was no red line when Israel used white phosphorous in Gaza, during the Iran-Iraq war. It’s alleged the CIA supplied Saddam Hussein with chemical weapons.

It was later disclosed the CIA were supplying both sides with armaments (we should recall NATO planes bombing Libya). Hundreds of innocent civilians were killed. On one occasion, a bus carrying rebels fighting Gaddafi was mistakenly bombed.

The Egyptian military junta recently killed 1,000 civilians. As they receive $1.5bn dollars annually from the Americans, there was no red line.

There is no such thing as ‘smart’ bombs. Civilians are bound to be killed if the US bombs Syria.

Instead, the US should be seeking an immediate ceasefire and a political settlement.

Unfortunately, Syria may have to be portioned. The US is becoming an overly stretched military. A ground assault would bankrupt them financially.

Gordon Cunningham

Donaghmede

Dublin 13