We need to get out NOW, this is a waste of American lives, time and money. Of course the arms merchants LOVE this stuff, and that's one of the only industries we have in this country anymore, but for the good of the country we need to exit Syria's civil war NOW.
1
Who invited the US into Syria? Why are we there? When can we agree we've done enough helping the region fracture and begone?
It's only about keeping the war industry going somewhere in the world, for gains to for certain regions. And the generals now in charge have their favorites and want to obliterate Iran, it would seem. Iran, far more moderate than Saudi Arabia and is bff with Russia---yes let's do go after them.
Show the world, we will. No one will laugh at us.
America the strong is back. #Strangelove.
It's been swell.
It's only about keeping the war industry going somewhere in the world, for gains to for certain regions. And the generals now in charge have their favorites and want to obliterate Iran, it would seem. Iran, far more moderate than Saudi Arabia and is bff with Russia---yes let's do go after them.
Show the world, we will. No one will laugh at us.
America the strong is back. #Strangelove.
It's been swell.
2
It seems that the Pentagon is completely oblivious to the fact that having the fighters that they are supporting take Raqah and the surrounding areas is something that Syria cannot and will never allow to happen. And Syria is 100% right about this. The fighters the US is supporting are rebels and so Syria will not allow them to keep any territory they succeed in taking and occupying. So by supporting those fighters the US is forcing Syria into a situation where they will eventually have to fight those rebels to reclaim that territory for itself.
In addition the territory that those fighters are going to fight for is crucial for the Syria-Iran-Hizbalah alliance in order to keep an open route between Iran to Syria and from there to Lebanon, so that Iran can continue to supply Hizbalah with weapons. And since Assad cannot survive without Iran, Syria will not back down from this fight with the US supported fighters.
The only thing that is currently preventing this thing from blowing up into a war is that Russia has no desire to get into dog fights with the US air force every day. Neither do they want to use their air defenses against the US because this will result in the US bombing their air defense systems.
In addition the territory that those fighters are going to fight for is crucial for the Syria-Iran-Hizbalah alliance in order to keep an open route between Iran to Syria and from there to Lebanon, so that Iran can continue to supply Hizbalah with weapons. And since Assad cannot survive without Iran, Syria will not back down from this fight with the US supported fighters.
The only thing that is currently preventing this thing from blowing up into a war is that Russia has no desire to get into dog fights with the US air force every day. Neither do they want to use their air defenses against the US because this will result in the US bombing their air defense systems.
1
What you are seeing, is the fight who shall dominate the region after the fall of ISIS
The US ? Russia ? Iran ?
These military escalations will continue, unless there is a political agreement between the US, Russia , and Iran, on the sphere of influence(s) in a post ISIS Mideast.
Add to this the interests of Israel, that has a common border with Syria and has ZERO interest to see continued Russian bases in a State with which it shares a common border - but has so far not entered the conflict, letting the US do the heavy lifting.
The US ? Russia ? Iran ?
These military escalations will continue, unless there is a political agreement between the US, Russia , and Iran, on the sphere of influence(s) in a post ISIS Mideast.
Add to this the interests of Israel, that has a common border with Syria and has ZERO interest to see continued Russian bases in a State with which it shares a common border - but has so far not entered the conflict, letting the US do the heavy lifting.
This is the result of an American President who delegates his responsibility as Commander-in-Chief to another.
2
There are so many inconsistencies here.
Progressives and the NYT worry constantly about Trump being a tool of the Russians and yet they also worry that he will cause a "crisis" with Obama's Russian friends or, heaven forfend, Obama's Iranian allies.
Progressives and the NYT worry constantly about the hundreds of thousands of murdered Syrian civilians (thanks to Obama's fecklessness), but are equally concerned about US shows of strength (attacking Syrian chemical weapons bases -- of which there are supposedly none thanks to Obama's brilliant deal with Putin).
The truth is that Russian was, and is, well aware that the US military, even as weakened by Obama, is far superior to theirs and getting stronger under Trump. Their problem is that the "America Last" Obama is gone and replaced by the "America First" Trump.
Progressives and the NYT worry constantly about Trump being a tool of the Russians and yet they also worry that he will cause a "crisis" with Obama's Russian friends or, heaven forfend, Obama's Iranian allies.
Progressives and the NYT worry constantly about the hundreds of thousands of murdered Syrian civilians (thanks to Obama's fecklessness), but are equally concerned about US shows of strength (attacking Syrian chemical weapons bases -- of which there are supposedly none thanks to Obama's brilliant deal with Putin).
The truth is that Russian was, and is, well aware that the US military, even as weakened by Obama, is far superior to theirs and getting stronger under Trump. Their problem is that the "America Last" Obama is gone and replaced by the "America First" Trump.
This shows that in the present world it is not possible for the US to try to govern it uncontested. Iran attacked ISIS from within its soil by mid-range ballistic missiles; it is regularly flying drones to control the situation etc... . The US should realise that, unlike the 1980s, things don't go exactly as they wish.
Just another example of collusion between the Trump administration and Russia. Fake increase in aggression between the Russian/Sysian and US military. We shoot down a couple of unmanned drones, Russia buzzes a US plane or two. Great theater to try to sway the American public that there is no Russian connection to the Trump clan, deflect attention away from the investigation, and rally support behind Trump under the guise of potential war. A very dangerous, but still, Kabuki theater.
The sorties flown by the regime warplanes and drone attacks launched by Iran aim to disrupt the counter-ISIS operations in Syria. The aircraft have been shot down by the US, because they sought to attack the US-backed forces.
Even though the US maintains it mainly fights ISIS in Syria and doesn't seek conflict with any party, both Iran and Russia want the US stay out of the region, because they want to fight ISIS on their own, once the US-backed militants are driven out of Syria.
What does Trump say about the close encounter yesterday when a Russian fighter jet came within five feet of a US warplane over the Baltic Sea? Moscow is extremely sensitive towards NATO presence in eastern Europe which was part of the Soviet Union. This kind of incidents could spiral out of control and lead to a war. But Trump has let James Mattis be his proxy to deal with overseas conflicts.
Even though the US maintains it mainly fights ISIS in Syria and doesn't seek conflict with any party, both Iran and Russia want the US stay out of the region, because they want to fight ISIS on their own, once the US-backed militants are driven out of Syria.
What does Trump say about the close encounter yesterday when a Russian fighter jet came within five feet of a US warplane over the Baltic Sea? Moscow is extremely sensitive towards NATO presence in eastern Europe which was part of the Soviet Union. This kind of incidents could spiral out of control and lead to a war. But Trump has let James Mattis be his proxy to deal with overseas conflicts.
2
Psssst. Tell the "so-called president" that he's waging an ILLEGAL war!!! That is, until Congress authorizes it. But I hear they're very busy right now behind closed doors...
5
It was fine when Obama started it?
2
Justification to be in Syria? War crime? Wow, I guess people don't understand the world at all.
The US has no business being in Syria, a sovereign country, to begin with. It's only goal there was to oust Assad on behalf of the oil producers, and that remains its goal, despite the fact that Assad has been fighting both al-Qaeda and ISIS terrorists since 2011, mostly on his own. If the US really wanted to eliminate those two terrorist groups, it would 1) work with the Syrian government to do so, 2) insist that its allies, such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel, stop funding ISIS or buying oil from them and 3) insist that all foreign, imported jihadi fighters leave Syria immediately. If the US won't do that, it seems pretty clear who the US is backing, and yet again - it's the religious nutcases of the Middle East. So far, it's a horrible, losing strategy that's just brought death and destruction to Syria, and is spreading hate across the world. Please stop!
4
Seriously? Syria ranks 60th in the world for oil production. If the U.S. was their for the oil, it'd have 58 better options, all of which don't use poison gas on their people.
If the US is in a war, any war, and the military is committed to the conflict, then the US must fight to win. Punches are not pulled. There is no politeness in war. Otherwise, bring everyone home and let the nation, in this case Syria, destroy itself.
2
Another Trump distraction, while not knowing what he's doing.......
When all else fails, Donald turns to somewhere in the Mideast for news. And he likes airspace the best.
When all else fails, Donald turns to somewhere in the Mideast for news. And he likes airspace the best.
4
US is operating in Syria in voilation of international laws, forcefully trying to overthrow the government of a sovereign nation, under the guise of fighting ISIS.
3
Yesterday the article about 22,000 bombing runs in Iraq & Syria since we have gone into Syria. Initial estimates on ISIS fighters were between 2,000 & 5,000. Seems like we would have got them all if it was working. But all we are doing is killing civilians and destroying yet another country, which has a very good chance of becoming a failed state. The Iranians are doing a better job of ridding the area of IS than we are and now we are shooting down their drones.... Close calls with the Russians. All these planes flying around looking for something to target. A bad accident or confrontation is bound to happen. And with the idiot in the White House who knows how things could escalate. Instead of escalating the bombing up 40% since Trump came in office, we should be scaling back and going after very specific ISIS and Al Qaeda targets.
Each of these bombs, I'll bet we could buy a bunch kids computers or pave some roads for the cost of just one.
Orange, NJ
Each of these bombs, I'll bet we could buy a bunch kids computers or pave some roads for the cost of just one.
Orange, NJ
7
"Each of these bombs, I'll bet we could buy a bunch kids computers or pave some roads for the cost of just one. " But wouldn't it be better to simply increase welfare payments (going to, disproportionately, Democrat voters and paid for by, disproportionately, Republican federal tax payers)?
I'm sorry to ask, but... why are we in Syria? I know there must be a reason. And I'm sure it's a really good one. But could someone please remind me what it is. I guess I must have forgotten it.
4
We are supposed to be a nation of laws. At least that's what we're told. But lately our military and intelligence forces have become a law unto themselves. First, we shoot down a Syrian jet over Syrian airspace. Now we do the same with an Iranian drone.
Syria as a sovereign state has the right to defend its territory and to seek the assistance of other states in that effort. In contrast, the Syrian Democratic Forces are a rebel group, not a government and have no legal authority in or over Syrian territory.
While the US claims to be acting on behalf of an ally, there is no legal basis for these acts. If the US Joint Chiefs believe that American interests will be served by these unilateral acts of war they should follow the constitution and seek a declaration of war against Syria by an act of congress.
But they know that neither congress nor the American people support another war in the Middle East, so the circumvent not only international law, but our own constitution by waging their own defacto war.
Our forces are not acting in hot pursuit, they are not operating under any UN resolutions and they are not protecting American lives in some limited emergency situation. They are carrying out policy well beyond their legal authority.
Unfortunately we don't have a president with the knowledge or the courage to order them to stop, so only the voice of the people can bring some sanity to this out of control situation. For the sake of our nation, this must stop.
Syria as a sovereign state has the right to defend its territory and to seek the assistance of other states in that effort. In contrast, the Syrian Democratic Forces are a rebel group, not a government and have no legal authority in or over Syrian territory.
While the US claims to be acting on behalf of an ally, there is no legal basis for these acts. If the US Joint Chiefs believe that American interests will be served by these unilateral acts of war they should follow the constitution and seek a declaration of war against Syria by an act of congress.
But they know that neither congress nor the American people support another war in the Middle East, so the circumvent not only international law, but our own constitution by waging their own defacto war.
Our forces are not acting in hot pursuit, they are not operating under any UN resolutions and they are not protecting American lives in some limited emergency situation. They are carrying out policy well beyond their legal authority.
Unfortunately we don't have a president with the knowledge or the courage to order them to stop, so only the voice of the people can bring some sanity to this out of control situation. For the sake of our nation, this must stop.
2
The Syrian civil war has been raging since 2011 and it is easy to forget its beginnings and how it grew into the global conflagration it has become, but what has been indisputable has been the influence of the Iranian regime from the very beginning. The involvement of so much Iranian military capacity led to declarations from Syrian military officials that Syria might as well become a province of Iran.
1
I can't believe this! The US shot down a drone made by Iran. Whey does the US think it has the right to do such a thing? This must stop. This must stop immediately Where is Obama when we need him?
2
Sarcasm appreciated!
1
Endless war in Afghanistan ( do we have a definition of victory ?) , risky confrontations with Russia in Europe and Syria, trying to impose our view of the world on everyone. How did we get to this untenable, expensive, destructive place and why do we continue ? I dont get it- except that that the military-industrial complex is a hungry beast. Maybe that is the reason.;
1
I don't see this military-industrial complex will come to an end in the foreseeable future and PEACEFULLY.
What is the Trumpster going to do when the Syrian war escalates? He's so busy bad-mouthing everyone, tweeting, and taking care of "business", he has no time when the real pressure will happen.
As for everyone asking what the USA is doing in Syria, I would say "look at your history" The most recent case being Iraq and those weapons of mass destruction-not!
The USA will always play the hero whether it suits them or not. I just hope they don't get too involved in the Ukraine. Then the Trumpster will really have a fit!
Perhaps he can play nice with the Ruskies, and ask a favour from them.
As for everyone asking what the USA is doing in Syria, I would say "look at your history" The most recent case being Iraq and those weapons of mass destruction-not!
The USA will always play the hero whether it suits them or not. I just hope they don't get too involved in the Ukraine. Then the Trumpster will really have a fit!
Perhaps he can play nice with the Ruskies, and ask a favour from them.
Good Old Mad Dog got his way. Bomb the hell out of them. He wants war-war-war. However, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to learn that Russia and The Con Don administration planned this fiasco to bring a war on. They apparently will do anything to try to hang on to power - including kill us all.
Will WE allow it? Not me. Not now. Not ever.
Will WE allow it? Not me. Not now. Not ever.
1
More sanctions needed for Iran and Russia. Iran seems to be working on a nuclear weapon and if we let that continue they will soon have one. We can see that they and the Russians cannot be trusted.
This is a really great news.
Assad must be taught a lesson. He can't continue to prey on innocent civilians with impunity.
President Obama was TOO aversive to any kind of HUMANITARIAN intervention that involved muscle, after drawing that "red line," which gave Assad tacit permission to do anything to innocent civilians including women & children.
And Obama will be remembered as a bad president who shirked his responsibility.
US Presidents can't go to extremes, Richard Nixon & George W Bush went to the other extremes, resulting Pol Pot & Co. & ISIS respectively. Then Obama in "fostered" ISIS & Assad. Both actions were bad, very bad.
Assad must be taught a lesson. He can't continue to prey on innocent civilians with impunity.
President Obama was TOO aversive to any kind of HUMANITARIAN intervention that involved muscle, after drawing that "red line," which gave Assad tacit permission to do anything to innocent civilians including women & children.
And Obama will be remembered as a bad president who shirked his responsibility.
US Presidents can't go to extremes, Richard Nixon & George W Bush went to the other extremes, resulting Pol Pot & Co. & ISIS respectively. Then Obama in "fostered" ISIS & Assad. Both actions were bad, very bad.
1
Innocent civilians including women and children or as the USA calls them....collateral damage.
The United States has now shot down two aircraft in Syrian skies, the first precipitating Russian warnings of consequences of further actions of this type, and the second coming after those warnings. What is the US endgame here? Furtherance of Arab Spring, a.k.a., dangerous and reckless destabilization of the region via the toppling of Assad's regime? Arguably, the US in fact has no coherent endgame. This gamesmanship by the US in Syrian skies seems to pair with the game of claiming Russian hacking of a US presidential election where the only evidence available to the public shows wrongdoing by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) leadership. Water-gate, meet Brazile-gate, or, if you prefer, Podesta-gate, depending on your identity politics. Oh yes, the identity politics du jour require this be called Russia gate, despite the lack of any evidence of this in the public view after many months of investigation.
12
Be patient, Kemosabe. Evidence and justice flow not like creek in spring, but like honey in winter.
2
Many months? Watergate took how many, 26 months? I'll wait for Mueller.
It is a war crime to invade and attack a country that has not attacked you first. This is the definition of "War of Aggression" enshrined in the Nuremberg Principles that the US imposed on the world after World War II.
And now we have a situation where the US military and media establishment are bending over backwards to make a blatant war crime in Syria look like the heroic defense of a victim group. Do we really think the world cannot see who we have become?
And now we have a situation where the US military and media establishment are bending over backwards to make a blatant war crime in Syria look like the heroic defense of a victim group. Do we really think the world cannot see who we have become?
30
No more wars please.
The horrors of US led and instigated wars are available for all to see from Hiroshima, Nagasaki to Vietnam to Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, and now to Syria.
Why is it that we want to be the world’s policemen only to provide huge profits to the Military Industrial Complex? It is insane to keep pushing the countries into a corner then complain about them when they react against us. Enough is enough, let us stop this John Wayne and Richard Widmark philosophy of being macho.
We are in 21st century why do we have to relive the Western movies sub culture?
If we have a nuclear confrontation with the Russians in Syria, the Saudis, Israelis, and the Iranians would also suffer along with the Emiratis, Iraqis, and Turkey to say the least.
We are fighting or have bases in at least 70 countries throughout the world with many of our young men and women stationed away from their home, away from their families, I had enough of this nonsense that they are fighting there so we stay safe here. That is the biggest hogwash the MIC wants you to believe. Let us tell our Congress that either they bring back the draft or bring our boys home, reduce this monstrosity of war budget, provide for health and education for every citizen of this country and learn to live in peace and harmony.
President needs to stop delegating his responsibility as C-in-C and take decisions ensuring Peace and not starting Wars.
The horrors of US led and instigated wars are available for all to see from Hiroshima, Nagasaki to Vietnam to Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, and now to Syria.
Why is it that we want to be the world’s policemen only to provide huge profits to the Military Industrial Complex? It is insane to keep pushing the countries into a corner then complain about them when they react against us. Enough is enough, let us stop this John Wayne and Richard Widmark philosophy of being macho.
We are in 21st century why do we have to relive the Western movies sub culture?
If we have a nuclear confrontation with the Russians in Syria, the Saudis, Israelis, and the Iranians would also suffer along with the Emiratis, Iraqis, and Turkey to say the least.
We are fighting or have bases in at least 70 countries throughout the world with many of our young men and women stationed away from their home, away from their families, I had enough of this nonsense that they are fighting there so we stay safe here. That is the biggest hogwash the MIC wants you to believe. Let us tell our Congress that either they bring back the draft or bring our boys home, reduce this monstrosity of war budget, provide for health and education for every citizen of this country and learn to live in peace and harmony.
President needs to stop delegating his responsibility as C-in-C and take decisions ensuring Peace and not starting Wars.
14
Please explain how Hiroshima and Nagasaki were U.S. instigated wars. I thought Japan instigated the war that lead to Hiroshima and Nagasaki when it launched a surprise attack against U.S. on December 7, 1941. While decision to invade Iraq under George W. was clearly a mistake, there was a clear cut case for invading Afghanistan. But, the Bush administration took its eyes off the ball, and did not follow up with a robust plan to allow Afghanistan to develop as a nation before allowing Taliban to regroup. Libya and most certainly Somalia were failures precisely because we did not put sufficient resources into the campaigns (Clinton and Obama fiascoes like Bush with Iraq). You could, in fact, wipe out the Defense Department and still have insufficient resources to address this country's health care system problems. While it is nice to say we should all learn to live in peace, do you seriously think that countries who despise us are just going to say "OK, the U.S. has laid down its arms, so we won't attack them?" That is the kind of naivety and appeasement philosophy that Chamberlain brought to his negotiations with Hitler. You see how successful that approach was. Like it or not, it is a world full of bad people with bad designs hungry for power. We need to be prepared to deal with reality instead of fantasy. Yes, we need to be very watchful of the military/industrial complex. Trump is terrifying. But, respectfully, unilateral disarmament is a horrible idea.
2
It all make sense if you take the point view of that Trump is okay with starting World War III and annihilating all of humanity in the process.
9
Since we, in fact, have American "advisers" in Syria it is the responsibility of the military command to provide air support to protect their lives.
Nevertheless, there is no justification whatsoever for the uninvited presence of the US military in Syria. If ISIS in Syria is a declared threat to the US, and it is, we need to declare war and the President needs to establish a policy as to how we are to deal with the Presidency of al Assad, the Russian support for Assad, and Iranian support militias.
The very idea of putting young American youth at risk in Syria without a declared war, and without a policy including a well defined end game is despicable. President Trump promised a Plan for dealing with Isis within 30 days. Where is it and why are Americans going to die there without one?
Syria is indeed a complex mess. Much worse than healthcare, which Trump found too complicated. This does not excuse the Administration from its responsibility to decide what our policy is. One megabomb in Afghanistan and 59 cruise missiles against one of Assad's air force bases isn't a policy it is just two destructive whims that seem to have changed very little. The fact that Assad may be a bit more circumspect about bombing his civilians with nerve gas is good, but only a tiny improvement in a horrible mess.
Nevertheless, there is no justification whatsoever for the uninvited presence of the US military in Syria. If ISIS in Syria is a declared threat to the US, and it is, we need to declare war and the President needs to establish a policy as to how we are to deal with the Presidency of al Assad, the Russian support for Assad, and Iranian support militias.
The very idea of putting young American youth at risk in Syria without a declared war, and without a policy including a well defined end game is despicable. President Trump promised a Plan for dealing with Isis within 30 days. Where is it and why are Americans going to die there without one?
Syria is indeed a complex mess. Much worse than healthcare, which Trump found too complicated. This does not excuse the Administration from its responsibility to decide what our policy is. One megabomb in Afghanistan and 59 cruise missiles against one of Assad's air force bases isn't a policy it is just two destructive whims that seem to have changed very little. The fact that Assad may be a bit more circumspect about bombing his civilians with nerve gas is good, but only a tiny improvement in a horrible mess.
3
In other words, the 57 million dollars F15's mission was to destroy an Iranian drone, most likely made of recycled material. I wonder if that drone would have ever reached its destination even it would have not been attacked.
If the mission of the US in Syria was to remove Assad, it has been a failure considering hundreds of billions of dollars that we have already spent. If the mission was to fight ISIS, the Russians and Iranians are doing a much better job with a fraction of the expenses that US has carried. If the mission is to hep interest groups and corporations to get paid from US taxpayers money, it is certainly a big success.
If the mission of the US in Syria was to remove Assad, it has been a failure considering hundreds of billions of dollars that we have already spent. If the mission was to fight ISIS, the Russians and Iranians are doing a much better job with a fraction of the expenses that US has carried. If the mission is to hep interest groups and corporations to get paid from US taxpayers money, it is certainly a big success.
10
And if the mission of the United States foreign policy was indeed to fight ISIS, why the megadeal with Saudi Arabia sealed a few weeks ago, whilst their Wasabi Schools which trained the September Suicidal Terrorists remain in place, presumably training ISIS terrorists......I wonder.
Amazon take note.
7
In a narrow sense: I guess these fighter pilots picked the right time to be deployed. You don't hear about air to air combat much anymore. As long as everything is justified, this will get them promoted or elected. Possibly both given enough time. You have to admit the challenge is a little easy though. An F-15E can hit mach 2.5 with a ceiling around 60k feet. A Shahed 129 is essentially a prop plane with bombs. The hard part is finding the thing and lining up a shot before you've passed it. Think "Hot Shots!" before "Top Gun". I'm still waiting to hear back on the Su-22. That's actually a much bigger deal. There's at least a flying chance a Su-22 could take on an F/A-18 depending on the circumstances.
In a broader sense: I can't make any sense out of an escalating aerial war with Russia and Iran. Now is not exactly a great time. The United States has alienated almost every ally in the world. Now we're picking a fight with enemies over Syria. I'm confused. I'll also mention we're picking a fight while simultaneously re-escalating our involvement in Afghanistan. I'm guessing the brass are becoming bold after Trump loosened the choke chain. All the same, I feel like Trump is determined to deploy every branch of military before Congress can take Bush's blank check away. I get the sick sinking sense that Trump desperately wants to become a wartime President. Whether it makes any sense for our nation is largely irrelevant.
In a broader sense: I can't make any sense out of an escalating aerial war with Russia and Iran. Now is not exactly a great time. The United States has alienated almost every ally in the world. Now we're picking a fight with enemies over Syria. I'm confused. I'll also mention we're picking a fight while simultaneously re-escalating our involvement in Afghanistan. I'm guessing the brass are becoming bold after Trump loosened the choke chain. All the same, I feel like Trump is determined to deploy every branch of military before Congress can take Bush's blank check away. I get the sick sinking sense that Trump desperately wants to become a wartime President. Whether it makes any sense for our nation is largely irrelevant.
15
The US is engaged in Syria as a "favor" to its regional "allies" Saudi Arabia and Israel, and has no national interest there beyond that. The extent to which these two nations are able to influence and manipulate US foreign policy in such a dangerous way is baffling.
17
This is certainly a major change in the Syrian situation. It would be nice to know if this is a decision made by the Commander in Chief or some nameless, faceless General the CIC has outsourced the problem to?
5
After reading some of these comments all i can think is that some people fail to see that America is the worlds policeman.
They are keeping evil nations and crooks in check, just like a police force on a cities streets, sometimes they have to make difficult decisions where either way may not seem the best option...
I don't like to think where the world would be, without the mighty US nation keeping things in check over the last 100 years.
They are keeping evil nations and crooks in check, just like a police force on a cities streets, sometimes they have to make difficult decisions where either way may not seem the best option...
I don't like to think where the world would be, without the mighty US nation keeping things in check over the last 100 years.
It's too costly and there's no need to create yet more enemies.
2
Dear Steve,
I'm a patriot, 12th generation American, but sorry that viewpoint is malarkey. The U.S. has sometimes aided democracy and freedom, but often aided fascist dictators, such as Noriega, Saddam Hussein, Ferdinand Marcos, and dozens of others. Sometimes we kept things in check, sometimes we exacerbated the situation horribly (eg: Vietnam, Iran-Iraq war, continuing Iraq war), and sometimes we stood back and did nothing (eg: Rwanda).
Our propaganda is this world policeman line, but the actual situation is not so good.
I'm a patriot, 12th generation American, but sorry that viewpoint is malarkey. The U.S. has sometimes aided democracy and freedom, but often aided fascist dictators, such as Noriega, Saddam Hussein, Ferdinand Marcos, and dozens of others. Sometimes we kept things in check, sometimes we exacerbated the situation horribly (eg: Vietnam, Iran-Iraq war, continuing Iraq war), and sometimes we stood back and did nothing (eg: Rwanda).
Our propaganda is this world policeman line, but the actual situation is not so good.
4
while i kinda sorta agree up to the Cuban missile crisis i'm not so sure bout much of what has happened since. i'm glad we have a nice military ( i was part of it for a while) (usn hospital corps "67-"72) But there does seem to be a desire to use the military as a first response when other means might be more effective when you have a big hammer . everything looks like a little nail
"jaw jaw is always better than war war " Winston Churchill
"jaw jaw is always better than war war " Winston Churchill
3
Where is Congressional Authorization To Go To War? The Republicans wouldn't give Obama one for Syria, where are they now?
27
Can anybody explain what would constitute a US "victory " in Syria?
29
How about defeating ISIS, capturing their leaders, and returning Raqqa to humane civilized life?
1
Trump is doing this to con the public into doubting he's in Putin's pocket. Make it look like he's fighting Russia by killing arabs. Just another con job by our president Barnum.
4
We should get out of Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
46
This wouldn't be a half-bad war if it could be confined to each side's drones shooting each other down somewhere over the Syrian desert.
3
I see some comments about Hezbollah, it made we wonder who was actually behind the start of this conflict, who actually could benefit in the long run? Israel, possibly. With alliances coming to bear, Hezbollah was tied directly into helping the Syrian government fight off armed factions backed by the USA. They have bled themselves since this started, weakening their positions against Israel.
Israel has continued to enter Syrian airspace to attack any target that it feels is appropriate, without getting directly involved, and we pay that bill too.
Just makes you wonder.....why kill Arabs when you can get them to kill themselves....
Israel has continued to enter Syrian airspace to attack any target that it feels is appropriate, without getting directly involved, and we pay that bill too.
Just makes you wonder.....why kill Arabs when you can get them to kill themselves....
2
Do we have ANY safeguards against casually stumbling into all out war in Syria with the Iranians and the Russians?
24
President Trump has only a very flimsy legal basis for unilaterally leading us into a shooting war with nuclear-armed Russia. It's time for Congress to assert itself and invoke the War Powers Act.
9
Let's all calm down and take a breath. Most of our soldiers were in grade school when this all started. They all volunteered. They all knew exactly what they were getting themselves into.
We are doing the usual of backing rebels to overthrow the legitimate, if particularly nasty, government of Syria. We have all had our discussion about military alliances and agreeing to come to the aid of a county that we have an alliance with and defending them against hostile forces. That is all that the Russians are doing. If we don't want to militarily confront Russia in Syria, then we shouldn't be in Syria.
We are doing the usual of backing rebels to overthrow the legitimate, if particularly nasty, government of Syria. We have all had our discussion about military alliances and agreeing to come to the aid of a county that we have an alliance with and defending them against hostile forces. That is all that the Russians are doing. If we don't want to militarily confront Russia in Syria, then we shouldn't be in Syria.
3
Assad, Iran, Russia and Lebanon are all out to stop ISIS. And we are there to do what?
15
The Trump administration is literally playing Russian roulette in the skies over Syria. Syria is the worst example of how far humanity has moved backwards in terms of war and peace with this awful proxy war.
11
Highly likely that we are pushing regime change in Syria because Israel does not like Hezbollah on its northern border, Hezbollah supports Assad, Iran supports Assad, and Israel opposes Iran. What better reason to convince the United States to oppose Assad than having a reason to weaken or damage Hezbollah and Iran? The United States bears the financial and military cost of the conflict as well as damage to our international reputation by acting as Israel's sword in the region. And the inevitable screw-up will cost the United States more blood and treasure, not Israel.
13
Another bizarre and invalid conspiracy theory involving Israel.
9
The Syrian conflict seems to be the perfect place for an accidental nuclear war to begin. If the wrong plane dump the wrong bombs on the wrong city or shoots down the wrong plane, it could be the beginning of the end.
If that were to happen, I would just like to know under what authority is the United States fighting in that poor country? If my children and grandchildren have to live in a world suffering under a nuclear winter, can they at least know who authorized our involvement and what exactly our goals are?
That sounds reasonable, doesn't it?
If that were to happen, I would just like to know under what authority is the United States fighting in that poor country? If my children and grandchildren have to live in a world suffering under a nuclear winter, can they at least know who authorized our involvement and what exactly our goals are?
That sounds reasonable, doesn't it?
50
Perhaps a nuclear winter is Trump's way of dealing with global warming without acknowledging its existence.
2
Technically, though we're not involved in Syria, we sure shoot and drop bombs like we are. I'm going to hate to see what it looks like if ever we do technically get involved. Maybe since Congress is consumed with the Russian investigation, they don't even notice we're at war. Won't be the first time.
23
Congress does not want to know. That way they can maintain "deniability".
5
Cannot help but ponder...was ISIS our ticket into Syria for regime change there? I remember our MSM sure gave ISIS a lot of cover a few years back with their convoy of Toyota trucks and beheadings.
9
I always wondered how we could film those convoys, yet could not hit them with A-10s. That goes back to when we thought we could control them.
2
In essence it goes back to when Obama was calling the shots, meaning there were very few "shots." Things are different now.
What vital interest does the United States have in Syria that makes the risk of war with Russia worth it?
What obligation to humanity and to the environment of the planet do we have to do all in our power to avoid a nuclear war resulting from Mr. Trump's policy of armed intervention in the sectarian conflict in Syria?
On the basis of what international law has the United States invaded sovereign Syrian territory to undertake a military campaign that every day brings us nearer to the precipice where World War III awaits us?
What obligation to humanity and to the environment of the planet do we have to do all in our power to avoid a nuclear war resulting from Mr. Trump's policy of armed intervention in the sectarian conflict in Syria?
On the basis of what international law has the United States invaded sovereign Syrian territory to undertake a military campaign that every day brings us nearer to the precipice where World War III awaits us?
So is this supposed to be some great achievement for OUR SIDE or something, because the thing was made in Iran? Who gets tired of saying we were attacked by Saudis, not Iraqis? Stupidest war in history. These wars. The question is never winning something, only when can we leave.
I almost never don't hear the drumbeats.
War as video game. How the macho love it.
I almost never don't hear the drumbeats.
War as video game. How the macho love it.
Only thing certain is that the threshold for shooting each other is lowered in this Assad mess, by the day. Lets pray nothing more serious happens, like Russians downing a US bomber, or sinks a US carrier by mistake. We are heading that way quickly!
9
The American "base" at Al-Tanf, 10 miles into Syria's border, without its consent, without a UNSC resolution is illegal and contrary to international law. Being "an exceptionl nation" does not permit excepting itself from international law.
The US shooting-down of the Syrian plane near Raqqa is an act of aggression, an act of war, by a country present without any legal justification against the military force of the sovereign nation -- Syria would be legally entitled to attack any, and all, American presences on its soil.
The US shooting-down of the Syrian plane near Raqqa is an act of aggression, an act of war, by a country present without any legal justification against the military force of the sovereign nation -- Syria would be legally entitled to attack any, and all, American presences on its soil.
42
Might makes right, don't you know?
1
Syria is not a good country -- they systematically have been
killing their own people. Remember the 1930's.
killing their own people. Remember the 1930's.
1
Bill: We were killing our own people under revered President Abraham Lincoln. That's what happens during a civil war.
5
What the heck are we doing in Syria ?
There is no apparent policy formulation. We are at a trip point in the Middle East that could conceivably lead to the biblical Armageddon.
There is no apparent policy formulation. We are at a trip point in the Middle East that could conceivably lead to the biblical Armageddon.
35
not enough deflection to make russia a evil country and that we should get into a land war with them.
2
a new, wider, war would sure disrupt the Russia probe. I hope nobody tells trump.
4
We are seeing an escalation before our eyes. Beyond a doubt Assad is a brutal monster; and like so many dictators now and before him, it would have been better if he were never born. One thing that should be uppermost in our minds is that Putin is his ally. These are two individuals who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
We should not be cowardly, and we should face up to them. But risking another war in which our soldiers will die, be maimed, or injured is not the way to go.
Except for a number of Americans who confuse war with duty and courage, for the most part we citizens are fed up with our involvement in the Middle East. Sixteen years of battling first Afghanistan, then Iraq, and now Syria has accomplished nothing. How long will we sacrifice our young men and women for unwinnable wars in an area of the world that at its root is still tribal? How long will it take for our political leaders to comprehend that these groups have no desire, at least at this time, to become democracies.
Let us instead be humanitarians for the innocent somehow, someway. And call it a day. That takes a lot more courage than bombing and killing.
We should not be cowardly, and we should face up to them. But risking another war in which our soldiers will die, be maimed, or injured is not the way to go.
Except for a number of Americans who confuse war with duty and courage, for the most part we citizens are fed up with our involvement in the Middle East. Sixteen years of battling first Afghanistan, then Iraq, and now Syria has accomplished nothing. How long will we sacrifice our young men and women for unwinnable wars in an area of the world that at its root is still tribal? How long will it take for our political leaders to comprehend that these groups have no desire, at least at this time, to become democracies.
Let us instead be humanitarians for the innocent somehow, someway. And call it a day. That takes a lot more courage than bombing and killing.
32
Mustang, this is Maverick, requesting fly-by.
2
Really seems like this might be it, the conflict between America and Russia that results in nuclear war. Trump is a total fool, so he could easily ignore all common sense and get into direct military conflict with Russia over the worthless Syria. A direct fight with Russia would readily lead to nuclear weapons being used.
So perhaps all other concerns will prove moot, and this will be the final year of human history. It's a shame, humans used to have a lot of potential.
So perhaps all other concerns will prove moot, and this will be the final year of human history. It's a shame, humans used to have a lot of potential.
26
Mission creep, or just a creepy mission?
41
Refueling tanks?
I think you mean refuelling airborne tankers
I think you mean refuelling airborne tankers
It's only a matter of time before somebody's drone shoots down somebody else's drone. Isn't this patently absurd?
7
Congrats to the Times. It looks like you are going to get the war with Russia you have been prepping your readers so ardently for. Give a moment's thought to the thousands of innocent Russians who will perish when our nukes hit? Are your profits and your munitions investments worth the thousands of Americans who will perish? Maybe The Russians will be weakened if we attack first, but they will retaliate.
18
Why yes, my stocks are doing quite well. A nice nuclear winter would counteract that pesky CO2 global warming problem. Plus I'm looking to do some nice skiing in my retirement.
1
Serves as a good theater to test out new hardware and flex some might. We're already in a proxy war with Russia, the next logical step is full on war, which is most definitely in the wings.
Better we're ready and maintain presence there.
War is in the air and historically overdue.
Better we're ready and maintain presence there.
War is in the air and historically overdue.
1
We probably paid for it with the money that the Iranians got (with interest) on that loaded up plane. Doesn't that mean we can shoot it down if we want?
1
There's lots to question about US involvement in Syria, but I have to admit I like a policy that's long on action and short on political posturing. Obama "drew a line in the sand" that Assad crossed at will without repercussions and the endless talking, and diplomacy has only seemed to benefit Assad and Putin's goals and PR campaign.
I think an unspoken "no fly zone" in parts of Syria where US aligned forces are operating is great. No press releases from the diplomatic corps, no speech making, just enemy aircraft getting blown out of the sky with no commentary. It forces the Syrians, the Russians and Iranians, if they choose to complain about it, to both acknowledge operating armed aircraft as well as holding an inferior position to the United States in Syrian airspace.
These are all things the Syrians, Iranians and especially the Russians are loathe to admit. The Russians in particular have an inferiority complex and seeing their ability to project air power blunted by the Americans must be particularly galling, especially when the downed aircraft speak for themselves and there's no political gamesmanship for them to participate in.
I don't think this entire Syrian situation will end well generally, but I think an unspoken no-fly zone is possibly one of the better ways to execute a larger flawed policy (if that's possible).
I think an unspoken "no fly zone" in parts of Syria where US aligned forces are operating is great. No press releases from the diplomatic corps, no speech making, just enemy aircraft getting blown out of the sky with no commentary. It forces the Syrians, the Russians and Iranians, if they choose to complain about it, to both acknowledge operating armed aircraft as well as holding an inferior position to the United States in Syrian airspace.
These are all things the Syrians, Iranians and especially the Russians are loathe to admit. The Russians in particular have an inferiority complex and seeing their ability to project air power blunted by the Americans must be particularly galling, especially when the downed aircraft speak for themselves and there's no political gamesmanship for them to participate in.
I don't think this entire Syrian situation will end well generally, but I think an unspoken no-fly zone is possibly one of the better ways to execute a larger flawed policy (if that's possible).
2
Lot's stop with the Obama "line" nonsense. Obama looked for authorization from Congress to get involved and was denied. Things operate differently under President of the Electoral College Trump. He just told the military that they could go ahead and do anything they want. Congress is no longer in the loop.
2
You're really a drone just doing a brainless fly-by on this board. Obama's 'line in the sand' is legal and legit by what laws? The U.S. troops in Syria are neither authorized by UN or the sovereign state of Syria and they are helping rebels (including ISIS until the Russians started the bombing campaign against ISIS) topple the Syrian government. That's illegal, not authorized by Congress or the American people, and yet the consequences may be borne by all.
And that's for what? Give me a reason why the U.S. government (Trump, Obama, Clinton, Bush, etc.) needs to topple governments around the world!!
What is being done by the U.S. government is for the benefits of Israel and to support Israeli encroachment into Palestinian lands -- nothing more and nothing less.
And that's for what? Give me a reason why the U.S. government (Trump, Obama, Clinton, Bush, etc.) needs to topple governments around the world!!
What is being done by the U.S. government is for the benefits of Israel and to support Israeli encroachment into Palestinian lands -- nothing more and nothing less.
2
''even as the United States has sought to keep its focus on defeating the Islamic State militants operating in Syria and Iraq.''
This is a flat out inaccurate statement that the US media wants us to believe.
The US is in bed with so called 'insurgency' via proxies Saudis/Qatar/UAE/Jordan/Turkey masterminding the whole Syrian massacre that has been taking place since its beginning. Over the last few years, the US implanted its forces via paid soldiers first then gradually increasing special forces.
This will increase chances of war against legitimate Syrian state along with its allies Russia and Iran.
I do not know if the Senate and or the House accepted this type of escalation and potential war against a legitimate Syrian state, and its long due the US constituents need to be asked this very important question.
War for what?
This is a flat out inaccurate statement that the US media wants us to believe.
The US is in bed with so called 'insurgency' via proxies Saudis/Qatar/UAE/Jordan/Turkey masterminding the whole Syrian massacre that has been taking place since its beginning. Over the last few years, the US implanted its forces via paid soldiers first then gradually increasing special forces.
This will increase chances of war against legitimate Syrian state along with its allies Russia and Iran.
I do not know if the Senate and or the House accepted this type of escalation and potential war against a legitimate Syrian state, and its long due the US constituents need to be asked this very important question.
War for what?
34
Unfortunately, this is no "legitimate Syrian state", as modern-day Syria was invented bt the British and the French following World War 1, and a non-local guy was brought in to be "king", and the locals were not asked.
But why are we ignoring the fact that the Saudis and other Wahhabi types are still funding ISIS and similar terror groups?
But why are we ignoring the fact that the Saudis and other Wahhabi types are still funding ISIS and similar terror groups?
2
Getting involved in a war that is based on religious sects fighting one another is like picking up a snake and expecting a kiss. We're not going to win anything in Syria other than more Middle East outrage over civilian deaths that are incurred. I hate to sound cold, but people in other countries need to solve their political issues without outside interference, including ours. Until the populace is willing to fight and own the results, 'helping hands' will only get slapped in the long run. Better to work harder at providing an example other countries would WANT to emulate, rather than providing more arms and adding to the conflict. This is not the same world as existed during the time of WWII, and although it profits to learn from history, it needs to be put into the context of the times. We need to get out of Afghanistan and the Middle East, and start building here we can be proud of. Like health care, bridges that don't fall down, etc. I don't believe in isolationism, but neither do I believe that bombs and military aggression is effective diplomacy. Spend more on helping, less on hurting, and let the cards fall where they may, all the while spending our limited dollars on an effective defense of the homeland.
22
In this kinda war, which is allowed because Congress has granted the POTUS "Authorized Use of Military Force," does it remain "legal" for the POTUS to pass on that authorization to the Pentagon, who Trump seems to have given carte blanche to so that he can avoid having to make any decisions and then deny all responsibility?
35
I asked this before to no avail, so I ask again: why is the US even in Syria? What business is that of the United States to foment a rebellion, provide logistical, financial and materiel support to groups, whose aim is to overthrow a brutal, yet legitimate government of a country, that hasn't attacked the US, or its 'allies'? Ever?
61
We're involved in the multi-faceted war in Syria because our military-industrial complex finds it profitable. That's called "war-profiteering", which has a very long history.
just because the USA wants to be a bad policeman
The US has no legal right or legitimate national interest in this matter. The Russians and Iranians are present by invitation of the sovereign government of Syria. It is clear that the US intends to partition Syria and weaken or destroy the Assad regime. This is reckless. It easy to see that our "Friends", the Saudis and Israelis are behind this.
80
I am just saying it , the USA is vicious country destroying the world.
Can someone tell me why the United States illegally invaded Syria?
Don't tell me it's to help the civilians since the US is assisting in the current leveling of Mosul.
Don't tell me it's to help the civilians since the US is assisting in the current leveling of Mosul.
62
Another distraction.
Interesting that the Syrian SU-22 dropped the munitions in the desert... Is there any indication at all that the Syrian army/airforce etc is wavering in their support of Assad? This might be an avenue to explore though with Russians working side by side with their military counterparts it may not be fruitful...
You wish.
Most likely the pilot knew he was targeted based on his electronics. Not uncommon to dump your bombs and run. It's what our bomb-laden fighters always did over North Vietnam when Migs were approaching. (Different story for fighters who were armed for air superiority/suppression, as these US aircraft were.)
First rule is to get home safely and fly another day. Bomb-laden planes don't fly well. Trained pilots and aircraft are expensive. Other than in nuclear war scenario, a single target is rarely (never?) worth a pilot and plane if the pilot has a choice.
First rule is to get home safely and fly another day. Bomb-laden planes don't fly well. Trained pilots and aircraft are expensive. Other than in nuclear war scenario, a single target is rarely (never?) worth a pilot and plane if the pilot has a choice.
5
This topic caught my attention while I was just randomly reading articles. I was just searching for an interesting article to read and although well, this maybe not be the most interesting article to read, it is the best article to comment though. An American Warplane shot down an Iranian made armed drone that was flying over American supported Syrian fighters in Syria. It says that the American warplane tried to intercept the drone and change its course but it couldn't and the drone just kept flying toward the armed fighters. American officials said that the drone that was shot down was the same as the one that had dropped a bomb in July 8 around the same place. So, I believe again that this American warplane was just protecting itself. I also wanna comment that it's fair enough for the Americans to shoot down the drone but meh, to make both sides fair, I think the Americans should shoot only after having necessary evidence that the drone is armed to prevent future major wars cause a big problem could cause from this little small case. Because, in the article, it says Russia responded with a threat to the Americans a few days earlier this shooting. Although it says both the Americans and the Russians are coming to peace on terms, this could lead to a great war.
Link:https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/20/world/middleeast/american-warplane-sh...