Russia and Syria Issue Warnings as U.S. Warships Poised to StrikeMadison Ruppert Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that a Western military attack on Syria would only result in more problems in the region and lead to more bloodshed, according toThe Washington Post. Lavrov also said that an attack would be the same kind of catastrophe as the interventions in Iraq and Libya, while a senior Syrian official said that they will defend itself against any international attack, according toCBS News. Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad told the Associated Press that airstrikes or other military action would not only trigger chaos and would also threaten peace and security worldwide. Currently, officials in Washington are assessing their various options for an attack which would probably last no more than two days and involve sea-launched cruise missiles or, possibly, long-range bombers striking military targets not directly related to Syrias chemical weapons arsenal, according toThe Washington Post. The factors reportedly involved in the decision are: 1. The findings of a yet-to-be-completed intelligence report evaluating any culpability on the part of the Syrian government in thealleged chemical attack last week 2. Consultation with allied nations and Congress, both of which are ongoing 3. The determination of a justification for the strike under international law Kerry noted that although the UN investigators continue to gather additional evidence on the ground, our understanding of what has already happened in Syria is grounded in facts, informed by conscience and guided by common sense. We have additional information about this attack, and that information is being compiled and reviewed together with our partners, and we will provide that information in the days ahead, Kerry said. The Post summed up Kerrys statement as part of an escalating administration drumbeat, which is likely to include a public statement by Obama in coming days. CBS News speaks of the strike in Syria as a certainty. Any final decisions havent been made, but senior administration officials talk of Syria now as a place where the U.S. and its allies must exact a military price for heavy use of chemical weapons, CBS reports. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) expects that a response which most likely means a military strike is imminent. I think a response is imminent. I talked last evening in the situation room and were building support with NATO allies, Corker said on Monday morning. While Russia is currently one of the greatest obstacles in the way of Western intervention and a significant Syrian ally, Saudi Arabia is attempting to make that change. If Russia backs away from Assad, Saudi Arabia reportedly offered a secret deal to control the global oil market and safeguard Russias gas contracts, according toThe Sydney Morning Herald. Leaked transcripts of a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan revealed a quite disturbing conversation. Bandar allegedly promised to protect Russiasnaval base in Syria if the Assad government falls and also protect the Sochi Olympics if they agree to a deal. I can give you a guarantee to protect the Winter Olympics next year. The Chechen groups that threaten the security of the Games are controlled by us, Prince Bandar allegedly said. We use them in the face of the Syrian regime but they will have no role in Syrias political future, he reportedly said. If this is accurate, it is a quite amazing, though not all that surprising, statement. It remains to be seen if Russia will back away from Syria in the coming days. For now, they seem to be standing behind Assad. Putin reportedly told British Prime Minister David Cameronearlier Monday that there is no evidence that Assads forces were behind the alleged chemical attack. If Russia suddenly stops opposing Western intervention in Syria, thelast real obstacle would be removed. Id love to hear your opinion, take a look at your story tips and even your original writing if you would like to get it published. I am also available for interviews on radio, television or any other format. Please email me at Admin@EndtheLie.com Please support our work and help us start to pay contributors by doing your shopping through our Amazon link or check out some must-have products at our store. This article first appeared at End the Lie. Madison Ruppert is the Editor and Owner-Operator of the alternative news and analysis databaseEnd The Lie and has no affiliation with any NGO, political party, economic school, or other organization/cause. He is available for podcast and radio interviews. Madison also now has his own radio show on UCYTV Monday nights 7 PM 9 PM PT/10 PM 12 AM ET. Show page link here: http://UCY.TV/EndtheLie. If you have questions, comments, or corrections feel free to contact him at admin@EndtheLie.com 