The Syrian Invasion

[JimC]

Unfortunately we're failing to realize that Iran is a bigger threat than Russia.

I thoroughly disagree. But I do understand that point of view.

They are linked in any case - Russia has been a protector of Iran for quite some time...

[Ian]

True.

[Warren Dew]

Unfortunately we're failing to realize that Iran is a bigger threat than Russia.

I thoroughly disagree. But I do understand that point of view.

They are linked in any case - Russia has been a protector of Iran for quite some time...

They're really aligned only because the U.S. has made them both enemies. Russia has no vested national security interest in Iran, the way they do in Syria.

[JimC]

Unfortunately we're failing to realize that Iran is a bigger threat than Russia.

I thoroughly disagree. But I do understand that point of view.

They are linked in any case - Russia has been a protector of Iran for quite some time...

They're really aligned only because the U.S. has made them both enemies. Russia has no vested national security interest in Iran, the way they do in Syria.

Even if so, the reason doesn't matter, only the consequences...

[Tyrannical]

LOL - Russia says it has proof the rebels did the chemical attack -- http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/09/05/2 ... iiorcYU-So

So, why don't we invade Syria to attack the rebels?

This was the earlier chemical attack. That one has been largely blamed on the rebels for quite some time now.

Yup, and before that Turkey caught the rebels with sarin gas. The only group we are fairly certain used chemical weapons is the rebels. The rebels are also starting to look like the bigger of the human rights offenders too, given the execution and cannibalism videos the rebels released.

[pErvinalia]

Yeah, this is turning into yet another PR disaster for the US. When will they learn?

[Clinton Huxley]

Apparently, the US is going to do more damage to the Syrian armed forces in 48 hours than the rebels have maanged in 2 years. The rebels include Al Qaeda, so the US is kinda weighing in on Al Qaeda's side.

At least you knew where you stood in the Cold War. In a potential puddle of your own melted skin but you knew who the baddies were.

[Tero]

Syrian airforce is mostly Russian planes
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_Air_Force
And has little experience with air to air combat.

Russia has not delivered new planes since 2012.

If the US were to destroy the entire airforce, Assad will be very weak against rebels.

[laklak]

Apparently, the US is going to do more damage to the Syrian armed forces in 48 hours than the rebels have maanged in 2 years. The rebels include Al Qaeda, so the US is kinda weighing in on Al Qaeda's side.

Yeah, we're pretty good at fucking people up, just not so good at the "nation building" bullshit.

[Tero]

If US does not attack, Assad stays in power. Fine with Putin as it will be embarrassing to him if Assad killed 1400 people with gas. And more data on that comes out.

[Coito ergo sum]

Yeah, this is turning into yet another PR disaster for the US. When will they learn?

On this one, I think you're overexaggerating the justifiable criticism of the Obama Administration. They didn't invade Syria. The US is not the cause of their being two assholes in a fight here. Sure, Obama seems Bush League and amateurish in the handling of this, and it was premature to blame the Assad regime for the chem attacks, apparently, but in end, it wasn't acted on, so I'm not sure why it's a disaster for the US. The Obama Administration people weren't the only ones saying it was the Assad regime.

[Ian]

There's a default stance around the world of bitching about the US. Not Russia or Iran and their roles in this mess, mind you - there's a sense of resignation about them. But the US will be bitched about no matter what it does.

[klr]

There's a default stance around the world of bitching about the US. Not Russia or Iran and their roles in this mess, mind you - there's a sense of resignation about them. But the US will be bitched about no matter what it does.

"There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about."
- Oscar Wilde

At least people still care about what the US does, even if it's in a odd way.

[Tero]

Part of the intelligence about Assad weapons came from Israel listening in. Why don't we hear anything from Israel?

[klr]

Part of the intelligence about Assad weapons came from Israel listening in. Why don't we hear anything from Israel?

I suppose because Israel is (for once!) not considered part of a Middle Eastern problem.