US and Britain to boost support to Syrian rebels, says Kerry

Ahmend Jarba, president of the Syrian National Coalition, spent last week lobbying in Washington for the delivery of Manpad portable missiles. He exemplified the devastating effects the Syrian government's barrel bombs have had on opposition-held areas. Jarba's speeches may have paid off as John Kerry announced after talks in London about the issue, that the U.S, Britain, and European and Arab states are to increase all aspects of support for the mainstream Syrian opposition fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad.

Kerry stated that he would not discuss specific weapons systems or who might supply them but that the U.S. and Britain would only provide non-lethal aid. Kerry also mentioned that "every facet of what can be done will be ramped up, and that includes a political effort, aid to the opposition, economic efforts and sanctions." Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, said Britain would also increase UK humanitarian efforts in Syria.

Tess Godhardt

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/15/us-britain-boost-support-syrian-rebels-john-kerry