Sorry, for the short diary, but this is indeed breaking news.
The operation is being overseen by a team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The mission was established under a United Nations resolution, which was passed after agreement between Russia and the US.
The resolution followed international outrage at a chemical weapons attack near Damascus in August.
Syria chemical arms removal begins
So, maybe the 11th Dimensional Chess Master knew what he was doing.