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The primary goal of the Timber Sycamore program was to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary objective of the Timber Sycamore program was the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, not its support.
Barack Obama authorized the arming of Syrian rebels under Timber Sycamore in 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: U.S. President Barack Obama secretly authorized the CIA to begin arming Syrian rebels under the Timber Sycamore program in 2013.
President Obama immediately approved the proposal to arm Syrian rebels.
Answer: False
Explanation: President Obama did not immediately approve the proposal to arm Syrian rebels; he initially rejected it before later agreeing to the initiative.
Jeffrey Sachs and Bob Dreyfuss believed the Obama administration's goal with Timber Sycamore was to support Assad.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jeffrey Sachs and Bob Dreyfuss asserted that the Obama administration's objective with the Timber Sycamore program was to facilitate the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's government.
The Timber Sycamore program successfully achieved its objective of removing Assad from power.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Timber Sycamore program ultimately failed to achieve its primary objective of removing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.
The source provides specific details regarding President Obama's initial reasons for rejecting the arming proposal.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that President Obama initially rejected the proposal to arm Syrian rebels but does not provide specific details regarding the exact reasons for this initial rejection.
What was the central objective of the Timber Sycamore program?
Answer: To remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.
Explanation: The primary objective of the Timber Sycamore program was the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.
In which year range was the Timber Sycamore program initiated?
Answer: 2012-2013
Explanation: The Timber Sycamore program was initiated during the 2012-2013 timeframe.
Who gave the secret authorization for the CIA to begin arming Syrian rebels under Timber Sycamore?
Answer: President Barack Obama
Explanation: President Barack Obama provided the secret authorization for the CIA to commence arming Syrian rebels under the Timber Sycamore program.
What was President Obama's initial stance on the proposal to arm Syrian rebels?
Answer: He rejected it initially, but later agreed.
Explanation: President Obama's initial stance on the proposal to arm Syrian rebels was one of rejection; however, he later agreed to the initiative.
According to Jeffrey Sachs and Bob Dreyfuss, what was the Obama administration's objective with Timber Sycamore?
Answer: To overthrow the government of Bashar al-Assad.
Explanation: Jeffrey Sachs and Bob Dreyfuss stated that the Obama administration's objective with the Timber Sycamore program was to overthrow the government of Bashar al-Assad.
What was the ultimate outcome of the Timber Sycamore program concerning its main objective?
Answer: It failed to achieve its objective of removing Assad.
Explanation: The Timber Sycamore program ultimately failed to achieve its primary objective of removing Bashar al-Assad from power.
The Timber Sycamore program was primarily managed by the CIA's Special Activities Division.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Timber Sycamore program was primarily managed by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), with significant involvement from its Special Activities Division.
Timber Sycamore involved supplying weapons and training to Syrian rebel factions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Timber Sycamore program's operational scope encompassed both the supply of weaponry and the provision of training to designated Syrian rebel factions.
The Timber Sycamore program's operations were based in Damascus, Syria.
Answer: False
Explanation: The operational base for the Timber Sycamore program was located in Jordan, not Damascus, Syria.
The Timber Sycamore program delivered weaponry valued in the thousands of US dollars.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Timber Sycamore program delivered thousands of tons of weaponry valued in the billions of US dollars, not merely thousands.
BGM-71 TOW missiles were among the weaponry pictured being used by supported Syrian rebels.
Answer: True
Explanation: Images depicted fighters launching US-made BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles, confirming their use by supported Syrian rebels.
The CIA's support for Syrian rebels included financial aid, weaponry, and training.
Answer: True
Explanation: The support provided by the CIA to Syrian rebels under the Timber Sycamore program encompassed financial aid, the supply of weaponry, and comprehensive training.
The Syrian National Army (SNA) and Free Syrian Army (FSA) were among the groups receiving support.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Syrian National Army (SNA) and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) were identified as among the vetted rebel groups that received support, including weapons and training, through the Timber Sycamore program.
The exact number of rebel groups supported by Timber Sycamore is publicly known.
Answer: False
Explanation: The precise number of rebel groups that received support through the Timber Sycamore program is not publicly known, although estimates suggest at least 50 groups received aid.
Which US intelligence agency was the main operator of the Timber Sycamore program?
Answer: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Explanation: The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was the primary US intelligence agency responsible for operating the Timber Sycamore program.
What dual activities constituted the operational scope of Timber Sycamore?
Answer: Weapons sales and training of Syrian rebels.
Explanation: The operational scope of the Timber Sycamore program involved two primary activities: the sale of weapons and the training of Syrian rebel forces.
What country served as the primary base for Timber Sycamore's operations in Syria?
Answer: Jordan
Explanation: Jordan served as the primary operational base for the Timber Sycamore program's activities related to Syria.
What did the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Free Syrian Army (FSA) receive through the Timber Sycamore program?
Answer: Weapons and training.
Explanation: The Syrian National Army (SNA) and Free Syrian Army (FSA) received both weapons and training through the Timber Sycamore program.
Only the United States provided support for the Timber Sycamore program.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Timber Sycamore program received support from multiple nations, including the United Kingdom, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, in addition to the United States.
Saudi Arabia played a minor role in the Timber Sycamore program.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saudi Arabia played a significant role in the Timber Sycamore program, acting as a principal backer that provided substantial financial resources and weaponry.
Jordan's role in Timber Sycamore was limited to allowing weapons transit.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jordan's role in the Timber Sycamore program extended beyond mere transit; it served as a crucial operational base for training and logistical support.
A cable signed by Hillary Clinton indicated that Saudi donors were a primary source of funding for Sunni militant groups.
Answer: True
Explanation: A classified cable signed by Hillary Clinton indicated that Saudi donors constituted a significant source of funding for Sunni militant groups globally.
The CIA directly arranged all arms purchases for Saudi Arabia related to the program.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the CIA facilitated some arms purchases for Saudi Arabia, such as a large deal in Croatia in 2012, it did not directly arrange all such purchases related to the program.
The US State Department cable signed by Hillary Clinton reported that Saudi donors primarily supported Shiite militant groups.
Answer: False
Explanation: The US State Department cable signed by Hillary Clinton reported that Saudi donors were a significant source of support for Sunni militant groups, not Shiite ones.
The US delivered weapons via Ramstein Air Base in Germany, potentially violating German law.
Answer: True
Explanation: The US reportedly utilized Ramstein Air Base in Germany for weapon deliveries related to the Timber Sycamore operation, a practice that potentially violated German legal statutes.
Besides the United States, which other nations provided support for the Timber Sycamore program?
Answer: United Kingdom, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Explanation: In addition to the United States, the Timber Sycamore program received support from the United Kingdom, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
What significant financial and material role did Saudi Arabia play in Timber Sycamore?
Answer: Was a principal backer providing money and weaponry.
Explanation: Saudi Arabia played a crucial role as a principal backer in the Timber Sycamore program, contributing substantial financial resources and weaponry.
What did a classified US State Department cable, signed by Hillary Clinton, suggest about Saudi donors?
Answer: They were a significant source of support for Sunni militant forces globally.
Explanation: A classified US State Department cable signed by Hillary Clinton indicated that Saudi donors were a significant source of support for Sunni militant forces globally.
The CIA assisted Saudi Arabia in arranging which aspect related to arms purchases?
Answer: Facilitating a large arms deal in Croatia in 2012.
Explanation: The CIA assisted Saudi Arabia in arranging certain arms purchases, including facilitating a significant arms deal in Croatia in 2012.
A major consequence of Timber Sycamore was the diversion of US weapons to extremist groups like ISIS.
Answer: True
Explanation: A significant consequence documented for the Timber Sycamore program was the diversion of US-supplied weapons into the hands of extremist organizations, notably ISIS.
Weapons diverted from the Timber Sycamore program did not contribute to the rise of ISIS.
Answer: False
Explanation: Weapons diverted from the Timber Sycamore program reportedly contributed to the rise and empowerment of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) in 2014.
Critics praised the Obama administration's Timber Sycamore program for its cost-effectiveness.
Answer: False
Explanation: Critics did not praise the Timber Sycamore program for its cost-effectiveness; rather, they viewed it as ineffective and expensive, raising concerns about weapon diversion.
Rebels supported by Timber Sycamore were reported to have fought alongside the al-Nusra Front.
Answer: True
Explanation: Reports indicated that certain rebel factions supported by the Timber Sycamore program engaged in combat operations alongside the al-Nusra Front.
Jordanian intelligence officials were implicated in stealing and selling program weapons.
Answer: True
Explanation: Allegations surfaced implicating Jordanian intelligence officials in the illicit acquisition and subsequent sale of weapons associated with the Timber Sycamore program.
Weapons stolen by Jordanian officials were never used in subsequent attacks.
Answer: False
Explanation: Weapons stolen by Jordanian officials were reportedly used in the 2015 Amman shooting attack, contradicting the assertion that they were never used.
CIA-backed fighters under Timber Sycamore are estimated to have killed or wounded around 100,000 Syrian soldiers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Estimates suggest that CIA-backed fighters operating under the Timber Sycamore program inflicted casualties, killing or wounding approximately 100,000 Syrian soldiers and allied forces.
A Conflict Armament Research study found that external support did not significantly impact ISIL's weapon availability.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Conflict Armament Research study found that external support significantly augmented the quantity and quality of weapons available to ISIL forces, noting rapid diversions of US-purchased anti-tank weapons to ISIS.
Conflict Armament Research found that US-purchased weapons were rarely diverted to ISIS.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the Conflict Armament Research study found that US-purchased weapons, particularly anti-tank missiles, were frequently diverted to ISIS, augmenting their arsenal.
Critics of the Obama administration worried that Timber Sycamore-backed rebels would fight alongside moderate opposition groups.
Answer: False
Explanation: Critics of the Obama administration worried that Timber Sycamore-backed rebels would fight alongside extremist groups like the al-Nusra Front, not moderate opposition groups.
What significant negative outcome related to weapons distribution is mentioned concerning Timber Sycamore?
Answer: US weapons flooded black markets and were diverted to extremist groups.
Explanation: A significant negative outcome was the proliferation of US weapons on black markets, with many being diverted to extremist groups.
Which extremist organization was reportedly empowered by weapons diverted from the Timber Sycamore program?
Answer: ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)
Explanation: Weapons diverted from the Timber Sycamore program reportedly contributed to the empowerment of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).
What primary criticism was directed at the Obama administration regarding the Timber Sycamore program?
Answer: It was ineffective, expensive, and risked arming Islamist groups.
Explanation: The primary criticism leveled against the Obama administration concerning the Timber Sycamore program was its perceived ineffectiveness, high cost, and the inherent risk of arming potentially hostile Islamist groups.
Timber Sycamore-backed rebels were reportedly seen fighting alongside which al-Qaeda-affiliated group?
Answer: Al-Nusra Front
Explanation: Reports indicated that Timber Sycamore-backed rebels were observed fighting alongside the al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda-affiliated organization.
What alleged illicit activity involving Jordanian intelligence officials is mentioned in relation to program weapons?
Answer: Selling weapons on the black market.
Explanation: Allegations suggest that Jordanian intelligence officials engaged in the illicit activity of selling weapons obtained from the program on the black market.
The 2015 Amman shooting attack, involving stolen weapons, resulted in the deaths of which individuals?
Answer: Two American contractors, two Jordanians, and one South African.
Explanation: The 2015 Amman shooting attack, linked to stolen program weapons, resulted in the deaths of two American contractors, two Jordanians, and one South African national.
What did a study by Conflict Armament Research find regarding US-purchased anti-tank weapons?
Answer: They were quickly acquired by ISIL forces.
Explanation: A study by Conflict Armament Research found that US-purchased anti-tank weapons were rapidly acquired by ISIL forces, significantly augmenting their capabilities.
What concern did the Obama administration's critics have about the rebels supported by Timber Sycamore?
Answer: They were fighting alongside the al-Nusra Front and other Islamist groups.
Explanation: Critics of the Obama administration expressed concern that rebels supported by Timber Sycamore were fighting alongside the al-Nusra Front and other Islamist factions.
The Timber Sycamore program commenced operations in 2015.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Timber Sycamore program commenced operations earlier, between 2012 and 2013, not in 2015.
The Timber Sycamore program's existence was widely known from its inception.
Answer: False
Explanation: The existence of the Timber Sycamore program was not widely known from its inception; it became public knowledge in mid-2016.
The Timber Sycamore program was officially ended in 2015.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Timber Sycamore program was not officially ended in 2015; US officials announced its phase-out in July 2017.
President Donald Trump made the decision to phase out the Timber Sycamore program.
Answer: True
Explanation: The final decision to phase out the Timber Sycamore program was made by President Donald Trump.
US officials viewed the program's phase-out as a victory for Russia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Certain US officials interpreted the decision to phase out the Timber Sycamore program as a strategic concession that benefited Russia's influence in Syria.
The Trump administration phased out the program to redirect resources towards fighting ISIL.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Trump administration's decision to phase out the Timber Sycamore program was associated with a potential redirection of resources towards combating ISIL and other regional security objectives.
When did the public become aware of the Timber Sycamore program's existence?
Answer: Mid-2016
Explanation: The existence of the Timber Sycamore program became publicly known in mid-2016.
When did US officials announce that the Timber Sycamore program would be phased out?
Answer: July 2017
Explanation: US officials announced in July 2017 that the Timber Sycamore program was to be phased out.
Who made the final decision to phase out the Timber Sycamore program?
Answer: President Donald Trump
Explanation: The final decision to phase out the Timber Sycamore program was made by President Donald Trump.
How did some US officials interpret the decision to end the Timber Sycamore program in the context of geopolitical influence?
Answer: As a major concession to Russia.
Explanation: Some US officials interpreted the program's phase-out as a significant concession to Russia, with one remarking that 'Putin won in Syria.'
Federico Manfredi Firmian described Timber Sycamore as a well-executed and successful covert operation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Federico Manfredi Firmian characterized the Timber Sycamore program as 'one of the United States’ most ill-conceived and deadly covert-action programs,' contrary to being well-executed.
Charles Lister criticized the Obama administration for providing excessive resources to FSA units.
Answer: False
Explanation: Charles Lister criticized the Obama administration not for providing excessive resources, but for failing to supply FSA units with adequate funding and necessary resources to become dominant actors.
The New York Times and Al Jazeera revealed the Timber Sycamore program in 2015.
Answer: False
Explanation: The New York Times and Al Jazeera revealed the existence and operational details of the Timber Sycamore program in mid-2016, not 2015.
The Canberra Times reported minimal weapon deliveries to Aqaba by April 2016.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Canberra Times reported that approximately two thousand tons of weapons had been delivered to Aqaba by April 2016, contradicting the notion of minimal deliveries.
Max Abrahms and John Glaser suggested external support helps shorten civil wars.
Answer: False
Explanation: Max Abrahms and John Glaser suggested that external support for opposition groups tends to exacerbate and prolong civil wars, rather than shorten them.
Rachel Marsden suggested Timber Sycamore aimed to increase Russian influence in the Middle East.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rachel Marsden suggested that the Timber Sycamore program aimed to counter, rather than increase, Russian influence in the Middle East.
Paul Malone drew a parallel between captured weapons from Syrian militias and those seized by ISIS.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paul Malone drew a parallel between weapons supplied to Syrian militias potentially being captured by groups like the al-Nusra Front and the significant seizure of American weaponry by ISIS following its capture of Mosul.
American officials assessed the Timber Sycamore program as highly effective in achieving battlefield gains.
Answer: True
Explanation: American officials assessed the Timber Sycamore program as highly effective, noting that it trained and equipped thousands of fighters who achieved substantial battlefield gains.
Charles Lister suggested the program provided ample resources to opposition groups to become dominant.
Answer: False
Explanation: Charles Lister suggested that the program provided opposition groups with insufficient resources ('drip-feeding') to become dominant actors, rather than ample resources.
According to David Ignatius, what was the estimated impact of CIA-backed fighters on Syrian government forces over four years?
Answer: They killed or wounded approximately 100,000 Syrian soldiers and allies.
Explanation: David Ignatius reported that CIA-backed fighters under the Timber Sycamore program were estimated to have killed or wounded around 100,000 Syrian soldiers and allied forces over approximately four years.
Federico Manfredi Firmian's assessment of the Timber Sycamore program was that it was:
Answer: One of the most ill-conceived and deadly programs.
Explanation: Federico Manfredi Firmian described the Timber Sycamore program as 'one of the United States’ most ill-conceived and deadly covert-action programs.'
Charles Lister criticized the Obama administration for failing to provide FSA units with:
Answer: Adequate funding and necessary resources.
Explanation: Charles Lister criticized the Obama administration for failing to provide FSA units with adequate funding and necessary resources, which hindered their ability to become dominant.
Jane's Defence Weekly's report in late 2015 contributed to the revelation of Timber Sycamore by reporting on:
Answer: Contracts soliciting the shipment of thousands of tons of weapons.
Explanation: Jane's Defence Weekly's report in late 2015 detailed solicitations for contracts to ship thousands of tons of weapons, contributing to the revelation of the Timber Sycamore program.
In June 2016, The New York Times and Al Jazeera revealed what about the Timber Sycamore program?
Answer: Its existence and operational details.
Explanation: In June 2016, The New York Times and Al Jazeera revealed key details regarding the existence and operational scope of the Timber Sycamore program.
According to The Canberra Times report, approximately how many tons of weapons were delivered to Aqaba by April 2016?
Answer: 2,000 tons
Explanation: The Canberra Times reported that approximately 2,000 tons of weapons had been delivered to Aqaba by April 2016.
Max Abrahms and John Glaser suggested that external support for opposition groups tends to:
Answer: Exacerbate and extend civil wars.
Explanation: Max Abrahms and John Glaser posited that external support for opposition groups tends to exacerbate and extend civil wars.
What did US Senator Ron Wyden's office seek regarding the Timber Sycamore program?
Answer: Public details on its conduct, agencies, and partners.
Explanation: US Senator Ron Wyden's office sought public disclosure of details concerning the Timber Sycamore program's conduct, involved agencies, and foreign partners.
Paul Malone drew a parallel between weapons supplied to Syrian militias and:
Answer: Weapons seized by ISIS after capturing Mosul.
Explanation: Paul Malone drew a parallel between weapons supplied to Syrian militias and those seized by ISIS after the latter captured Mosul.