Russia said on Friday that US data on the Syrianregime’s alleged use of chemical weapons was ‘unconvincing’, and warned Washington against repeating the mistake it made when invading Iraq after falsely accusing Saddam Hussein of stocking weapons of mass destruction. The Kremlin’s top foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov also said the US decision to provide military aid to Syrian rebels would damage International efforts to end a conflict that has left tens of thousands dead. The Syrian war will take centre stage next week in Northern Ireland where global leaders — including Russian President Vladimir Putin — gather for a G8 summit.