Reaction as Western nations consider military action over alleged chemical attack

(27 Aug 2013) A military confrontation between Syria and the United States and its allies seemed closer on Tuesday as U.S. officials said military hardware was in position to attack, while and Syria vowed to use any possible measure to repel a strike. The prospect of a dramatic U.S.-led intervention into the chaotic Syrian civil war stems from the western assertion - still not endorsed by United Nations inspectors - that the Syrian government was responsible for an alleged chemical attack on civilians outside Damascus last week. I believe this thing, if it happened, would be considered as a blow to the United Nations before being a blow to Syria," said political analyst Shadi al-Ahmad, who is also a member of ruling Baath Party. "The effects of such a military strike will be gone with time but what will be the fate of that international organisation in terms of its role in administering the international world order and its capability to resolve conflict and bring peace?" al-Ahmad said. Syria's foreign minister said his country would defend itself using "all means available," while British Prime Minister David Cameron recalled Parliament for an emergency vote on Thursday on Britain's response to the alleged chemical assault. Cameron said the goal of an attack, if launched, would be to prevent further use of chemical weapons. The Arab League also threw its weight behind calls for punitive action, blaming the Syrian government for the lethal toxic attack and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The announcement by the 22-member body, which is dominated by Gulf powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Qatar, provides indirect Arab cover for any potential military attack by Western powers. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem spoke at a news conference in Damascus and denied his government was behind the attack and challenged Washington to present proof backing up its accusations. The United Nations, meanwhile, said that its team of chemical weapons experts in Syria has delayed a second trip to investigate the alleged attack near Damascus by one day for security reasons. The team's convoy had on Monday come under sniper fire. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...