NBC’s Richard Engel reported on The Daily Rundown Thursday that he doubts rebel groups in Syria are responsible for the latest chemical attack. Engel notes "It’s unclear if they would have the delivery systems to launch a sophisticated kind of chemical attack on a large area."
CHUCK TODD: Richard, I want to start with you the evidence that the White House is going to share with congressional lawmakers today appears to be very strong but circumstantial evidence. Is there any doubt in the minds of the rebels that you've been talking to that Assad was behind this? Do you think there was a possibility that a rogue agent of Assad’s may have done this without Assad’s approval?
RICHARD ENGEL: There is always some doubt. We’ve spoken to rebel groups and I’ve spent a lot of time with the rebels. If some of these extremist groups had chemical weapons, I have no doubt they would use them. Some of the groups that are operating in Syria right now could, by almost any standard, be considered terrorist groups. But terrorists don't generally attack themselves. It’s unclear if they would have the delivery systems to launch a sophisticated kind of chemical attack on a large area.so the rebel movements they say they certainly didn't do it, but I can't vouch for every group that is operating in the country right now. But the longer this goes on, no matter how good the case is, the more momentum is slowed down. You mentioned the UK Labor Party, demanding extra votes. The Red Cross just said it thinks escalation would further worsen the humanitarian crisis in the country, which is already enormous. Egypt doesn't support it. The Arab League doesn't support military action. Even if it has great circumstantial evidence, the U.S. would be going it, not alone but with a smaller and smaller behind it.