Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has warned that the Obama administration is drawing closer to attacking Syria following the massacre of 108 people in Houla 10 days ago. In an article published on the Information Clearing House website, Dr. Paul also believes that some of the stories surrounding the Assad regime’s military actions may have been exaggerated.

'There is ample reason to be skeptical about US government claims amplified in mainstream media reports,' Texas Congressman Ron Paul says.

Because the Obama administration has made clear it wishes to pursue a “regime change” in Syria, Dr. Paul is not surprised that the forces loyal to President Bashar al Assad are being blamed for the vast majority of the atrocities perpetrated in villages and towns across the country. Although Dr. Paul believes that the Assad forces are far from innocent, he would like the West to “wait for a full investigation” before foreign involvement is sanctioned.

“There is ample reason to be skeptical about US government claims amplified in mainstream media reports,” the Texas congressman writes. How many times recently have lies and exaggerations been used to push for the use of force overseas?” he asks.

He then goes on to give examples of countries which were attacked under false pretences. Libya, where Colonel Gaddafi was on the verge of carrying out a genocide. Iraq, where Saddam Hussein held Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs).

The claims about Libya turned out to be false, but the country had been attacked by the time the truth came out. Those about Iraq also turned out to have been manufactured and no WMDs were ever found.

In Syria, the story about the 10-day old Houla massacre is changing everyday, as if we were dealing with a developing situation. Nobody is trying to explain the discrepancies behind the story. No one is questioning the West’s version of events.

“First, we were told that the killings were caused by government shelling, but then it was discovered that most were killed at close range with handgun fire and knives. No one has explained why government forces would take the time to go house to house binding the hands of the victims before shooting them, and then retreat to allow the rebels in to record the gruesome details. No one wants to ask or answer the disturbing questions, but it would be wise to ask ourselves who benefits from these stories,” Dr. Paul points out.

The Obama administration has already indicated that it may take military action against Syria without the approval of the United Nations. Gen. Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently declared that “the military option should be considered”.

“[…] the administration should follow the Constitution and seek a Declaration of War from Congress,” Dr. Paul reminds the reader, before giving a final warning.

“We are on a fast track to war against Syria. It is time to put on the brakes.”