Benghazi and the Lethal Price of Arming Jihadists

Front Page Magazine ^ | Oct 29, 2012 | Arnold Ahlert

[Jay777]

As to the nature of the arms themselves, an October 6 report by the New York Times’ Robert Worth reveals that “Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been funneling money and small arms to Syria’s rebels but have refused to provide heavier weapons, such as shoulder-fired missiles, that could allow opposition fighters to bring down government aircraft, take out armored vehicles and turn the war’s tide.” The reason they have refused to provide more lethal weapons to the rebels is partly because “they have been discouraged by the United States, which fears the heavier weapons could end up in the hands of terrorists.”

Yet as Business Insider reveals ”there’s growing evidence that U.S. agents–particularly murdered ambassador Chris Stevens–were at least aware of heavy weapons moving from Libya to jihadist Syrian rebels” (italic mine) and that, beginning in March 2011, Stevens was “working directly with Abdelhakim Belhadj of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group–a group that has now disbanded, with some fighters reportedly participating in the attack that took Stevens’ life.” In November 2011, the Daily Telegraph reported that “Belhadj, head of the Tripoli Military Council and the former leader of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, ‘met with Free Syrian Army leaders in Istanbul and on the border with Turkey,’ said a military official working with Mr Belhadj.” Reportedly, many of the militia groups that helped oust Gaddafi were eager to export their revolution to Syria.

Three days after the attack in Benghazi, it was revealed that ”a Libyan ship carrying the largest consignment of weapons for Syria…has docked in Turkey,” with a cargo that “weighed 400 tons and included SA-7 surface-to-air anti-craft missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.” Business Insider speculates the weapons came “most likely from Muammar Gaddafi’s stock of about 20,000 portable heat-seeking missiles–the bulk of them SA-7s–that the...

[Jay777]

Fast and Furious II?

[11th Commandment]

It is starting to become apparent that there was a "gun running" operation in Libya and Stevens was involved. We were obviously arming the wrong Sunni elements. However, if the operation was compromised by Russia and potentially Iran, how did the Shite elements get/dupe the Sunni elements in Libya to attack the US. In the mid-east, the enemy of my enemy is my friend... we where temporarily friends with these group until the arms weren't needed. It was too early to turn on the US... Something else is in play.

On a side note, it is apparent there is another government within the government. If Langley is denying they did not deny help or received a request for help, then who were these CIA contractors reporting to? Why is the State Department involved in clandestine operations? Who order the military to stand down?

[holden]

I like the moniker someone here had, “Fast and Ferocious.”

HF

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

What’s going to be the excuse when civilian airliners start getting hit by the “missing” man-pads?

[Fitzy_888]

Your a peasant in Libya, nice Mr. Stevens gave you an SA-7 shoulder launched missile. When the revolution is over and you still have an SA-7 on your shoulder you sell it to the highest bidder, it’s free market anarchy -natural law. Stevens was in a bidding war with terrorists and nobody can outspend the US Government. The bidding war became a shooting war.

[rfp1234]

If the Free Syrian Army (led by Allawite defectors from the Assad regime) is trying to ally itself with Sunni Libyan Islamist fighters, it’ll end up like the frog who helped the snake cross the river. A snake is still a snake...

[Larousse2]

This segment on Hannity last might made me cry. Please share with others. Thanks!

Powerful Hannity Show - 10/29/12 - Father of SEAL Ty Woods killed in Libya demands truth from WH

[BlackVeil]

Good questions.