How sure are we that it was Russia who synthesized the Novichok? Or how sure we are as to exactly what nerve agent was used?
I am not a politician but I knew Trump would develop a harsher stance because it reflects my own sort of “journey” with Russia. Pre-living there and post-living there.
Before I went to Russia: I had a far more neutral even positive-leaning view the country’s leadership and overall post-Soviet direction. (Despite knowing it is no democracy.)
One lives there, and learns. Despite its modern and even religious facades, the “evil empire” spirit is alive and well. The Soviet Union only collapsed territorially, not in spirit - and the tsarist past haunts the place.
Trump and Europe are doing right. It’s better for Russian people in the long-run too — that the world is holding their leadership/criminal oligarchy to account.
1)Because Theresa May said it was the only explanation. ( any rational person questions this)
2) “ We” do not and the OPCW has yet to be involved
nor has Russia the accused been permitted any access to technical evidence
This agent has been known for over 20 years and would have been synthesized in many CW research facilities looking to develop countermeasures and antidotes - which UK ( which first developed earlier vatiants of nerve agent at nearby Porton Down) had on hand within minutes or hours
When the north koreans assassnated political figure with VX nobody immediately blamed England because England invented VX
Just one proof of proliferation beyond Russia: Here is a report of Iranian scientists developing novochik for research- just one of many potential producers