EricTheRed 0 #1 January 12, 2005 who said this war (Iraq) could never be like Vietnam? A couple of recent developments to consider here that might complicate matters... Quote...Syria had better make sure that none of the Kornet AT-14 anti-tank missiles which it recently purchased in large quantities from East Europe turn up in Iraq. US intelligence has recorded their serial numbers to identify their source... Just in case any are found in Iraq, General Casey, commander of US forces in Iraq has already received orders from the commander-in-chief in the White House to pursue military action inside Syria according to his best military judgment. and …Disturbing reports were coming out of the Russian capital Wednesday, January 12, about Russian president Vladimir Putin’s plan to accede to Syria’s request for advanced weaponry during president Bashar Assad’s visit to Moscow on January 24… …On table are Russian SA-10 air defense system of type protecting Moscow and SA-18 shoulder-launched anti-air rockets that could reach Iraqi guerrillas… …The SA-18 “Grouse” is a highly effective shoulder-held missile. If it reaches Iraqi guerrillas it will constitute a direct threat to US troops… From debka.comillegible usually Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #2 January 12, 2005 QuoteJust in case any are found in Iraq, General Casey, commander of US forces in Iraq has already received orders from the commander-in-chief in the White House to pursue military action inside Syria according to his best military judgment. I doubt it. No President is going to give a blank check to a General to start a new war with a foreign country whenever and however he pleases. And I question the veracity of your source: "DEBKAfile does not by-line its articles. This is quite deliberate and dictated by a unique professional approach. Often group efforts, our articles represent diverse input and ideas from different sources as seen from various angles." If they're not willing to put their name on the news story, then there is no reason why we should trust it, as we cannot determine the validity of the source. And if you're looking for more things to worry about, the European Union is about to start selling weapons to China... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricTheRed 0 #3 January 13, 2005 I agree that Debka is a slanted source. I was actually more concerned for our people currently in Iraq. i don't really trust the Syrians to not lose a few portable missles and would hate to see them used against our guys. As explored in the Salvador option thread, I think it's very risky to go into Syria, and don't think that we will, but it does allow a refuge for the insurgants (or whatever you want to call them) I also don't think that Putin would have a single night of lost sleep about the US getting all tied up in a protracted fight in the mid east. It would probably serve his goals in consolidating his power base (and becoming the newest Czar) if we are too busy to bother with them. It's highly possible that Putin wouldn't even mind another go at the cold war, in a different setting. The Russians are a very proud, strong and resilient bunch and I think overall they would enjoy being the worlds #1 superpower. While we are accumulating record debt, they are quietly paying off theirs. If the cold war does start again, I doubt we could spend them under the table like Reagan did, and I think Putin knows this. Also, instability in the mid east just makes the russian oil industry fatter, bringing them more (and us less) $$. At least China may keep the old soviets restless with some fancy new weapons just to the south.illegible usually Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
