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The UK has put up plans to train and equip about ten thousand strong Syrian rebel army to defeat President Bashar al-Assad. The secret initiative, put forward two years ago, was the brainchild of the then most senior UK military officer, General Sir David Richards. Reports say, the plan was considered by the Prime Minister, David Cameron and the National Security Council, as well as US officials, but was deemed too risky. While it was thought to be too radical at the time, US President Barack Obama said last week he was seeking 500million dollar funding to train Syrian rebels.