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Securing Syria's chemical weapons

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    How should U.S. act to make sure stockpile stays safe?

  • Duration 5:48
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-- a new fears that Syria will use its major stockpiled chemical weapons.

And perhaps turn them on their own people as this deadly crackdown continues to intensify.

A look.

-- -- -- -- -- -- If you let -- Syria we've seen it does seem kind of aggression happening in Damascus well now.

Syria's government has confirmed that they do indeed have chemical weapons but they claim that they would use them only against what they call.

-- or external aggression.

The question is what having the time that.

According to the CIA over the last forty years Syria has amassed vast supplies of mustard gas.

Sarin nerve agents and cyanide.

In a big chunk of these chemicals having been weaponized in artillery shells.

Bombs and missiles.

Very frightening scenario -- in Syria one of the world's largest stockpiles.

Of chemical weapons are joined now by a man who has been watching this situation.

-- long time ambassador John Bolton is the former US ambassador to the United Nations at a Fox News contributor.

Investor -- good to have you here today welcome good good morning.

Actually a little bit about the chemical weapons they say they would use them only against outside aggressors.

But it seems that they feel that some of the people -- -- rebelling against the government there are indeed just that.

Well I wouldn't count on anything this government says that in terms of commitments and I think we know already they've put some -- there chemical weapons stockpiles in motion to get ready possibly use them.

Either against their own citizens or against foreigners but you know this statement day yesterday by the Syrians was significant because in at least.

Some news accounts say Natalie said chemical weapons they said.

Biological weapons as well other news accounts just kept talking about weapons of mass destruction which includes both of them.

But I think this highlights not just the immediate risk the Asad regime using chemical weapons in this conflict.

But what happens if -- falls for all of those weapons do they fall into the hands of al-Qaeda and has -- live next door -- -- shouldn't we get a commitment from the opposition.

That if they come to power cable destroy all those weapons and get that commitment before we supply any American -- these are all things I think we need to be thinking about.

It lets -- -- -- to this sound from FOX News Sunday from prime minister Netanyahu.

Can you imagine.

-- -- -- law.

The people who are conducting would be wrong all these terror attacks -- on the world could you imagine.

That they would have chemical weapons it's like al-Qaeda have in chemical weapons.

-- about that ambassador.

Well I think get prime minister Netanyahu is legitimately worried on his border just across the Golan Heights and see -- -- is where all these weapons are in fact.

That may also be location for some of Saddam Hussein's chemical weapons there were.

Reports on him moving those before the second gulf war never confirmed that's a wild card that's out there -- if if they do exist we have no idea where we are but that's why I think the United States and others have got to be thinking right.

Now had a we securities.

Chemical weapons and the biological and nuclear weapons at programs that Iran may have -- going in Syria and we make sure they don't get into the wrong hands had a we make sure the opposition comes to power.

That they destroy them all or turn them over to us or others for destruction we need to be working on that right now not just waiting for events unfold.

And what you're describing is an incredibly volatile situation appears -- the prime minister of Israel has.

Really speak to that.

What should we be doing what should President Obama be doing in terms of of the warnings that are given.

To a -- at this point and to anybody else who might be hoping to get their hands on his weapon.

Well you know warning aside is just talk into the wind I think we need to go to the Russians and say we are counting on you to stop aside from using any of these weapons of mass destruction and if you fail Russia you will pay some consequences you're the one.

That has protected -- side of the Security Council this is your responsibility.

Moscow number one number two.

I know a lot of people -- proposed aiding the opposition I do not favor that at this point but I would say this it should be an absolute.

Pre condition.

Absolutely for any American assistance -- the opposition that we get there unequivocal commitment.

To destroy or turn over all aspects of the aside -- -- -- even given how dangerous and volatile the situation is inside Syria to have our special operations forces prepared to go in and secure or destroy in place.

Those chemical weapons stockpiles -- we cannot allow these.

Weapons to fall into the hands of al-Qaeda Hezbollah or other terrorist or a successor regime in Syria.

Wall Street Journal Brett Stevens wrote a piece asking if you're -- an apology.

Saying that during your own confirmation proceedings -- were criticized.

For being alarmist.

About what Syria had in terms of this chemical weapons arsenal did you feel vindicated our I don't know if there's any satisfaction that it off for you at this point.

Well there's no satisfaction it was true on the nuclear weapons program as well but you know my fiercest critic during my confirmation battle on Syria's WMD capabilities.

Was none other than Joseph Biden.

Ambassador Bolton thank you very much like you always get attacked him with.

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