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Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton on the future of Syria and whether the regime will last the week.
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John Bolton former US ambassador to the UN is right he has serious stuff developing right now.
The chemical weapons what's -- them.
Well I think this goes directly to the point of whether this is the decisive battle for Syria I think when you had this kind of breach of security defense minister deputy defence minister Interior Minister.
Killed it means the opposition has gotten into the most secure part of the aside dictatorship.
Which means everybody is vulnerable so a side has to look at this at the moment and say either I respond.
With crushing force where this whole thing could fall apart -- -- kind of chemical weapons exactly -- how would you do that to mean -- all people these the rebels -- all over the place and then what do you do you have to be is bloodthirsty is the aside family -- -- as they did almost twenty years ago.
Take chemical weapons and simply wiped out an opposition can.
Do you think -- will be on a plane to Tehran Iran and within the week I don't think -- -- I I don't think half as well -- jeans and running this year but I think his brother might -- -- I think this is this is the key question and I think the answer will be within.
Funny for 48 hours if the regime's going to use chemical weapons they're gonna do it very soon -- that's serious question on the table he could have.
Actually do this -- I'm not recommending this -- this thing off but they the only way this regime can respond.
To this kind of breach of security is to show overwhelming force and I don't think they've got any other means to do it -- chemical.
If they do that.
Do we intervene militarily.
Well I think at that point yes I I think the risk of the chemical weapons being used or falling into the hands of the opposition is well.
Is something that's extremely serious we've got to Ron and Ronnie and officers on the ground there.
This thing could spread across the Middle East very quickly so I think our objective would be.
Not to affect the political outcome but the security -- would you say military action are you talking about -- strikes old boots on the ground I think you've got to consider.
Special operations forces to get those weapons because if they get into the hands of al-Qaeda or terrorists.
Among the opposition groups or if the regime itself the generals say I'm gonna use these chemical weapons is my passport -- -- here.
The risk is those weapons are gonna go anywhere in leader in -- -- -- these are the weapons of mass destruction which were not found in Iraq.
But we know -- on -- and may actually be used in consumer.
Well you know -- I emphasized the risk of Syrian weapons of mass destruction programs in the 20032004.
It was used against me and my confirmation hearing because I was too alarmist so.
That this is this is where we are that this is a critical moment I think the Russians.
Have it right I think this is the decisive battle two quick questions and this has a huge defeat for Iran.
And law Hezbollah yes that's if if facade falls and is replaced by a Sunni.
Regime whether it's extreme or not Iran's influence and Syria will drop.
Close to zero and its ability to sustain Hezbollah and Lebanon will be compromised no question but -- to summarize this is the moment I really think this is a moment and it could happen quickly doesn't necessarily mean it's gonna drag out for months and months when these things -- they have a way of shattering.
Very very quickly.
Ambassador Bolton thank you so much for being with us today at a very critical time thank you -- --
