To Syria, with love

[Gnam]

Sec of State Clinton says US not getting involved in Syria.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/27/libya-usa-cbs-idUSN2711045420110327

...so we'll be there next week?

[KLang]

France seems eager to be involved with things over there. How about leaving it up to them?

[stroker]

The only "involvement" I'm interested in with Syria involves B1 bombers and many, many JDAM's....

[Ankf00]

I fully support a Syrian invasion.

Could then safely vacation in Lebanon :D

[NismoZ]

Better hurry and get reservations, though.

[Gnam]

George H.W. Bush to visit Syria.
No, not that one. This one.

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7229/2112g.jpg

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/aircraft-carrier-cvn-77-parks-next-door-syria-just-us-urges-americans-leave-country-immediately

Just for comparison, a US carrier did not enter the Mediterranean when we were bombing Lybia. Incirlik Air Base in Turkey could act as a base for operations over Syria, but it might look bad if an attack came from muslim soil.

Maybe it's just a standard cruise around the Med?

[KLang]

Don't we have to wait for a UN resolution first? :\

[Racing Truth]

I fully support a Syrian invasion.

Could then safely vacation in Lebanon :D

Not if (forget where I read it) Hezbollah take ALL of Beirut in response.

Actually, I think the US handling of Syria has been as good as possible.

[cameraman]

Syria has the capability of dropping all manner of explosives or worse on Israel which would bring an immediate response and the whole middle east goes up in flames. Even if it is just guys on the border with mortars they can easily shell Israel and all the carrier aircraft in the world couldn't stop everything instantly. Assad has a MAD card to play, Libya did not.

[gjc2]

George H.W. Bush to visit Syria.
No, not that one. This one.

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7229/2112g.jpg

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/aircraft-carrier-cvn-77-parks-next-door-syria-just-us-urges-americans-leave-country-immediately

Just for comparison, a US carrier did not enter the Mediterranean when we were bombing Lybia. Incirlik Air Base in Turkey could act as a base for operations over Syria, but it might look bad if an attack came from muslim soil.

Maybe it's just a standard cruise around the Med?

I heard Henry Kissinger talk about how a US diplomat could travel to a foreign capital and talk to that country’s leaders, but if we have a carrier battle group off their coast and jet fighters flying over the city they really listen.

[EVL29]

Not if (forget where I read it) Hezbollah take ALL of Beirut in response.



Given the fact that almost all of Hezbollahs weaponry comes from Iran via Syria,methinks Hezbollah gets weaker,not stronger if Assad goes.

Hezbollah is powerful,but not the majority in Lebanon. And are acknowledged by everyone as Iranian b!tch boys(they're Shi'ites).

I think the Sunnis,Christians and non-aligned folks in Lebanon would welcome the chance to take out an emasculated Hezbollah.

[Spicoli]

Wow. No politics? :laugh:

[EVL29]

Just speaking for myself,I'm not advocating any course of action.

Just stating that Hezbo has as much to lose as Assad.

[TrueBrit]

Just speaking for myself,I'm not advocating any course of action.

Just stating that Hezbo has as much to lose as Assad.

I say we take off and nuke it from orbit...it's the only way to be sure...

[cameraman]

I say we take off and nuke it from orbit...it's the only way to be sure...

It would be more politically correct to surreptitiously redirect a small asteroid to take the area out.

[Spicoli]

Wow. No politics? :laugh:

I see what you did. :shakehead

You are right. I should just move along.:rolleyes:

[Indy]

Jeebus, Spickles, killing people and blowing **** up isn't politics. It's just good clean 'Murican fun. Get with the program.

[Lux Interior]

Wow. No politics? :laugh:

Spic I think you are having a smackforum flashback. There has always been politics on this board and I have been here for 6 years.

[Lux Interior]

Syria has the capability of dropping all manner of explosives or worse on Israel which would bring an immediate response and the whole middle east goes up in flames. Even if it is just guys on the border with mortars they can easily shell Israel and all the carrier aircraft in the world couldn't stop everything instantly. Assad has a MAD card to play, Libya did not.

Ten dollar a gallon gasoline here we come.

[Racing Truth]

Given the fact that almost all of Hezbollahs weaponry comes from Iran via Syria,methinks Hezbollah gets weaker,not stronger if Assad goes.

Hezbollah is powerful,but not the majority in Lebanon. And are acknowledged by everyone as Iranian b!tch boys(they're Shi'ites).

I think the Sunnis,Christians and non-aligned folks in Lebanon would welcome the chance to take out an emasculated Hezbollah.

Right, but in the short term, Hezbollah outguns everyone in Lebanon and engineered a change in gov't last yr. to get one that is basically in the tank for them. So, instead of waiting, I'd guess in a post-Assad world (Wow, can't believe I typed that, but it's now very possible), they'd try to gain maximum leverage, take Beirut and, perhaps, launch missiles into Tel Aviv (either a last attempt to save Assad or a way to give themselves "cred.").

Plus, there's the Michel Aoun/FPM problem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Aoun) and the consumate flip-flopper Walid Jumblatt. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walid_Jumblatt)

Things are never simple in The Levant.

[Spicoli]

Jeebus, Spickles, killing people and blowing **** up isn't politics. It's just good clean 'Murican fun. Get with the program.

ORLY? I got my post taken away cause....?

[nrc]

We allow discussion of foreign affairs as long as it doesn't get too political.

[Spicoli]

We allow discussion of foreign affairs as long as it doesn't get too political.

Ohboy. So care to expand on that? I can make the argument that politics, policy, is part of everything we do as humans. Politics in very sport, every workplace, every neighborhood, every family. Oh, and foreign affairs is 100% politics.

Just saying.:confused:

In other news, doesn't look too good for smack world to survive. Perhaps we take up a collection and create a new cesspool.

[Indy]

ORLY? I got my post taken away cause....?

I don't know, I didn't see it. Perhaps it was riddled with spelling errors. :laugh:

[nrc]

Ohboy. So care to expand on that?

Not really. It's pretty much the way things have been here from the start.

[Spicoli]

Not really. It's pretty much the way things have been here from the start.


Ok, so Cam deleted the post. :rofl:

[gerhard911]

In other news, doesn't look too good for smack world to survive. Perhaps we take up a collection and create a new cesspool.

Will you make my name green ? :p

[Gnam]

A Russian battle group led by the heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser, Admiral Kuznetsov, with two supporting ships will head to the Syrian port of Tartus in early December.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/russia-sending-carrier-led-naval-battle-group-to-syrian-coast/



It would be well for your government to consider that having your ships and ours, your aircraft and ours, in such proximity... is inherently DANGEROUS. Wars have begun that way, Mr. Ambassador.
- Hunt for Red October

[nrc]

Sounds like Assad has called the Russian arms customer support hotline.

Anyway, it will be fun to see if they can get the thing all the way to Syria with everything in tact.

[Napoleon]

http://www.teachwithmovies.org/guides/russians-are-coming-DVDcover.jpg

[Gnam]

Turkey is in.
Russia is in.
Saudi Arabia is in.
Iran is in.

The US is still not in.

Syria's 18 month media blackout has been very impressive. No images of slaughtered innocents on the evening news, just shaky hand-cam stuff. Asad has been brutal, but the revolution has not been broadcast.

[Gnam]

US is still not in. But maybe a toe in the water?

Two Navy battle groups led by the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower and the Marine amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima are in the eastern Mediterranean Sea just cruising around.

Probably just a routine patrol: Say hi to Egypt, catch some rays, stop a desperate dictator from using Sarin gas against his civilians, or not.

http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user5/imageroot/2012/11-2/Naval_Update_12-05-12.jpg

[KLang]

Are empty threats considered a toe in the water?

[NismoZ]

Ask France, "Speak loudly and hold a toothpick."

[stroker]

Are empty threats considered a toe in the water?

that touches on the old "capabilities vs intentions" conundrum which we won't bother with here...

[KLang]

that touches on the old "capabilities vs intentions" conundrum which we won't bother with here...

I just think a few strong words from the UN are more likely than a military response from us. What do you suppose Assad thinks after all this time?

[dando]

I just think a few strong words from the UN are more likely than a military response from us. What do you suppose Assad thinks after all this time?

I just hope we don't repeat Bosnia all over again. :saywhat: I suggest testing a few 'daisy cutters'. ;)

-Kevin

[Gnam]

Two years later and the war is still grinding on.

Here's some before and after photos of Syrian neighborhoods. Only the first picture really shows any damage. The others are too small.
http://world.time.com/2013/03/15/the-destruction-of-a-nation-syrias-war-revealed-in-satellite-imagery/?iid=gs-main-lead

Update on which countries are involved and who's side they're on.
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Backchannels/2013/0315/From-every-direction-arms-for-Syria

I didn't realize Iraq has thrown in with Assad. Iraqi PM Maliki should make like an F1 Mercedes transmission and go all neutral.

[Gnam]

Israel is now in.

http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/2013/5/5/syria-snap-analysis-what-did-israel-bomb-and-why.html

eLZ-qktlYtw

I figure it's more about Israel's security than helping the rebels, but unless the IDF starts giving after action reports to the media, who knows?

Rumors that Israel lost two planes in the raid and that Tel Aviv is bracing for an attack. Can't find any stories to back that up. Also, as of Thursday there are three US carriers in port on the East coast, one in the Persian Gulf, and none in the Med. For now, the US is still out.

[stroker]

Rumors that Israel lost two planes in the raid and that Tel Aviv is bracing for an attack. Can't find any stories to back that up. Also, as of Thursday there are three US carriers in port on the East coast, one in the Persian Gulf, and none in the Med. For now, the US is still out.

That's why we have B-1's.

[nrc]

The Syrians claim that the "giant golden mushroom of fire" means that the Israelis used depleted uranium shells. :gomer: These people have chemical weapons. :eek:

http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Syria-Israel-used-depleted-uranium-shells-in-Syria-strike-312189

[chop456]

You'd think they'd be intelligent enough to make up something logical if they were going to bother with it in the first place.

[stroker]

You'd think they'd be intelligent enough to make up something logical if they were going to bother with it in the first place.

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htiw/articles/20130505.aspx

[Gnam]

Moar Internet rumors:


Traffic from Syria disappears from internet.

http://labs.umbrella.com/2013/05/07/breaking-news-traffic-from-syria-disappears-from-internet/

If true, can't be good.

[stroker]

Moar Internet rumors:



If true, can't be good.

Pay attention, kids. I suspect we'll be seeing this material again.

[SteveH]

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/08/tech/syria-internet-outage/index.html?hpt=hp_t2


On Wednesday, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency said an optic cable malfunction caused the outage. ;)

[dando]

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/08/tech/syria-internet-outage/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

;)

Dude, it's obvious...someone moved the Bud Light bottle. :gomer:

-Kevin

[Gnam]

I'm sure it's nothing. ;)


Russian Pacific Fleet Warships Enter Mediterranean

A group of warships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet entered the Mediterranean waters for the first time in decades, a fleet spokesman said on Thursday.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in March a permanent naval task force in the Mediterranean was needed to defend Russia’s interests in the region.

http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130516/181177002/Russian-Pacific-Fleet-Warships-Enter-Mediterranean.html


USS Kearsarge Visits Israel

The multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), along with embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) arrived in Eilat, Israel for a regularly scheduled port visit, May 14.

This visit is not associated with, nor a reaction to, any world events.

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74116

[Gnam]

Hamas and Hezbollah are now in.


Hezbollah's Heavy Losses

The rebels, writes Badran, “received assistance from certain Palestinian factions in planning the defense of the town.” Unconfirmed reports suggest that those Palestinian factions may include Hamas. In other words, two militias trained and armed by Iran—one Sunni, one Shia—may now be shooting at each other, with the side that the Islamic Republic has invested in most (Hezbollah) heavily losing.

At this point, it’s perhaps most accurate to describe the war not in terms of the Sunni-majority opposition vs. Assad, but the rebels vs. a large Iranian-trained and supplied force, including Assad’s military, his paramilitary gangs, Hezbollah, IRGC units, the popular militias, as well as Iranian-backed organizations from Iraq.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/hezbollahs-heavy-losses_729079.html?page=1

What a mess.

[Tifosi24]

Hamas and Hezbollah are now in.



What a mess.

I think that quote might explain why NATO, outside of maybe Turkey, is not interested in intervention despite the likely use of chemical weapons by Assad's regime. It also illustrates why we should think real hard before arming any rebel groups. This conflict might make the Spanish Civil War look like a simple disagreement.

[Andrew Longman]

Not to mention our 10 year experience mediating another civil war with many of the same players and backers in Iraq.

Jus' sayin'

[Insomniac]

Not to mention our 10 year experience mediating another civil war with many of the same players and backers in Iraq.

Jus' sayin'

They have to solve the problem themselves. They need to want the lawlessness to stop. They can't allow a very, very small violent population control society and engender feelings of hatred in the rest. Until everyone on all sides decides they won't allow it, a Democratic government won't help either.

[Andrew Longman]

Sure. But the "they's" are not among the ones with the guns on either side or the ones providing the guns.

Pretty messed up all around.

[Gnam]

The US is now in.


The Obama administration has concluded that Syrian President Bashar Assad's government used chemical weapons against the rebels seeking to overthrow him and, in a major policy shift, President Obama has decided to supply military support to the rebels, the White House announced Thursday.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57589252/u.s.-syria-used-chemical-weapons-crossing-red-line/

Also, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (1,000 troops) has been in Jordan for a week for a joint exercise with the British and the Jordanian military. They say it's just for practice, but Jordan does share a border with Syria.

http://www.26thmeu.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/2723/Article/144312/the-26th-meu-prepares-for-eager-lion.aspx

edit: The 26th MEU has a twitter account: https://twitter.com/26MEU

[KLang]

Both sides hate us, what is the point? They will just turn around try to use those weapons against us at some point. :yuck:

[Tifosi24]

Both sides hate us, what is the point? They will just turn around try to use those weapons against us at some point. :yuck:

The only points I can see are to secure the chemical weapons, as much as possible, and to prevent any further regional escalation. I don't know how successful this will be though.

[Opposite Lock]

... They will just turn around try to use those weapons against us at some point. :yuck:

Arming one faction of (Mus..., er, Is..., er, how about Middle-Eastern) rebels over another, just to have the same weapons eventually turned against us? That plot line sounds really familiar. :confused:

:cough:Benghazi:cough:

[Opposite Lock]

and as a semi-related PS:

"What difference – at this point, what difference does it make?"
\
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/9847_10151513237627740_208281392_n.jpg

:D

[Gnam]

:laugh:

[datachicane]

Arming one faction of (Mus..., er, Is..., er, how about Middle-Eastern) rebels over another, just to have the same weapons eventually turned against us? That plot line sounds really familiar. :confused:

:cough:Benghazi:cough:

:cough:Iran:cough:
:cough:Afghanistan:cough:
:cough:Iraq:cough:

We're not supposed to remember those, along with too many others.

[dando]

In the meantime...shenanigans in Iran. Mahmoud out, or not? Voting extended by 10 hours due to 'rush of voters'. As I always say: vote early, vote often. :saywhat:

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/06/201361422742470418.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/14/us-iran-election-idUSBRE95C1E120130614

It's quite clear we're entering a period (extended) of playing whack-a-mole in the mideast. Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. :irked:

-Kevin

[cameraman]

What the entire west needs to do is get some serious coin gifted to Jordan take care of the refugees and build infrastructure just improve the life of the original Jordanians. They are one of the West's best friends in the entire middle east but without a single drop of oil to their names the country has very little income. Some seriously visible help for the general population from the west would go a long way towards stabilizing the country and would be vastly less expensive than middle eastern civil war number 47:saywhat:

[Indy]

The more I live the more I am convinced that all war and international diplomacy are purely about the money. I assume that if it becomes profitable to American corporations and their stooges at the top of the military to intervene, then we will intervene. Never mind the cost or the consequences.

Probably the only thing making them think twice about it at this point is the threat of Russian retaliation. Sadly the American taxpayer and soldier may only be saved from further disgrace and bankruptcy by the former "evil empire" doing the right thing.

[Gnam]

Maybe this is part of the reason the US is suddenly interested in joining the conflict.


Syrian army 'captures' rebel stronghold near Qusair

The Syrian army regained control of the town of Qusair on Wednesday after weeks of intense fighting with rebel forces.
The rebels have now lost a key supply route into neighbouring Lebanon.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22828142

[Andrew Longman]

Indy, I think that is pretty spot on. There may be a few altruistic or idealistic reasons now and then but wars don't happen unless also some of the right people think they will make a fortune at it.

That said I think in the case of Syria, I think we are only now showing more interest because up until now because the president has been showing restraint in the face of frankly what I consider shortsighted warmongering void of strategic goals and little actual evidence that chemical weapons have indeed been used. If we are making noises now it is mostly because the latter.

[Tifosi24]

What the entire west needs to do is get some serious coin gifted to Jordan take care of the refugees and build infrastructure just improve the life of the original Jordanians. They are one of the West's best friends in the entire middle east but without a single drop of oil to their names the country has very little income. Some seriously visible help for the general population from the west would go a long way towards stabilizing the country and would be vastly less expensive than middle eastern civil war number 47:saywhat:

Softpower works, unfortunately no one will want to pay for it, although it can be much less expensive than conflict.

[dando]

Indy, I think that is pretty spot on. There may be a few altruistic or idealistic reasons now and then but wars don't happen unless also some of the right people think they will make a fortune at it.

That said I think in the case of Syria, I think we are only now showing more interest because up until now because the president has been showing restraint in the face of frankly what I consider shortsighted warmongering void of strategic goals and little actual evidence that chemical weapons have indeed been used. If we are making noises now it is mostly because the latter.

Or perhaps a bit of a distraction from some nagging domestic problems. Just sayin'.

-Kevin

[nrc]

The more I live the more I am convinced that all war and international diplomacy are purely about the money. I assume that if it becomes profitable to American corporations and their stooges at the top of the military to intervene, then we will intervene. Never mind the cost or the consequences.

I just checked and the civil government still has authority over the stooges at the top of the military.

If we're being led by stooges on this they're EU stooges.

[nrc]

Or perhaps a bit of a distraction from some nagging domestic problems. Just sayin'.

-Kevin

Let's not go there.

[dando]

Let's not go there.

No intent to take it there, boss. I'd call out any administration in a climate like this.

-Kevin

[Opposite Lock]

For those trying to keep track of what factions are in this mess, The Economist offers this graphic:

http://weaselzippers.us/wp-content/uploads/20130518_gdc631-550x538.png

Note the "aims" of 7 of the top 9 groups. Looking less and less likely that any U.S. supplied weapons won't eventually find their way into (radical) Islamic hands.

[Indy]

I just checked and the civil government still has authority over the stooges at the top of the military.

Your obedience and loyalty will be noted in your NSA file.

[nrc]

Your obedience and loyalty will be noted in your NSA file.

Good job. You've demonstrated a red herring and an ad hominem in one sentence.

[Indy]

I know a thing or three about critical thinking, Mr. Fallacy Narc. :laugh:

[SurfaceUnits]

And if they really did take the Minakh air base in Syria yesterday then they have acquired quite a few more.

Syrian rebels spearheaded by al Qaida in Iraq and its local allies took control Tuesday of a crucial military airport in northern Syria, opening a vital supply line between the rebel-held north and Turkey.

The end of the siege that had clamped down the airport since last October began Monday, when two non-Syrian nationals drove an armored personnel carrier, loaded with explosives, into a position manned by defenders of the regime of President Bashar Assad. The explosion devastated the Assad troops and allowed rebels to overrun the Mannagh Air Base in Idlib province.

Those rebels included multiple units affiliated with the Syrian Military Council, an umbrella group with U.S. backing. That poses an uncomfortable pairing of a group supported by U.S. resources with Islamist organizations Washington has labeled as terrorist.

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/08/06/198675/al-qaida-groups-lead-syrian-rebels.html#storylink=cpy

[stroker]

Tar Baby, thy name is Syria.

[Gnam]

Syrian Army launches major gas attack against Rebels, allegedly.

http://news.sky.com/story/1131320/syrian-rebels-1300-killed-in-gas-attack

I don't know if I trust all the early reporting, but it doesn't sound like an isolated incident. Getting in the habit of using chemical weapons to overcome stiff resistance sends the wrong signal and forces people on the sidelines to pick a side. You can be neutral on which side should win, but not on the use of nerve gas. :shakehead:

[Tifosi24]

Syrian Army launches major gas attack against Rebels, allegedly.

http://news.sky.com/story/1131320/syrian-rebels-1300-killed-in-gas-attack

I don't know if I trust all the early reporting, but it doesn't sound like an isolated incident. Getting in the habit of using chemical weapons to overcome stiff resistance sends the wrong signal and forces people on the sidelines to pick a side. You can be neutral on which side should win, but not on the use of nerve gas. :shakehead:

Unfortunately, the chemical attacks were real. I can't believe the photos that have come out. I have been reading the reports from the BBC off and on today. They seem genuinely confused why the government forces would have used these weapons since they have been on a roll in the areas around Damascus lately. I don't know what the solution is at this point, because Assad is not a legitimate leader, but the rebels are, from all accounts, extremists and foreign fighters. It is a lose-lose situation on all fronts and the people suffering the most are those civilians that can't make it out of Syria.

[nrc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCbfMkh940Q

Seems like severe punitive action may be in order.

[SurfaceUnits]

American, Israeli And Jordanian Troops And CIA Agents Have Entered Syria, Le Figaro Reports


From Le Figaro, google translated:

According to our information, the regime's opponents, supervised by Jordanian, Israeli and American commandos moving towards Damascus since mid-August. This attack could explain the possible use of the Syrian president to chemical weapons.

According to information obtained by Le Figaro , the first trained in guerrilla warfare by the Americans in Jordan Syrian troops reportedly entered into action since mid-August in southern Syria, in the region of Deraa. A first group of 300 men, probably supported by Israeli and Jordanian commandos, as well as men of the CIA, had crossed the border on August 17. A second would have joined the 19. According to military sources, the Americans, who do not want to put troops on the Syrian soil or arming rebels in part controlled by radical Islamists form quietly for several months in a training camp set up at the border Jordanian- Syrian fighters ASL, the Free Syrian Army, handpicked.

According to this expert on the region, the idea proposed by Washington would be the possible establishment of a buffer zone from the south of Syria, or even a no-fly zone, which would cause opponents safely until the balance of power changes. This is the reason why the United States has deployed Patriot batteries and F16 in late June Jordan.
and the military industrial complex gets richer

[KLang]

I have a hard time believing Israel backing either side in this conflict. :confused:

[SurfaceUnits]

I have a hard time believing Israel backing either side in this conflict. :confused:

Other than the chemical weapons

http://preview.reuters.com/2013/8/23/gallery-twin-explosions-hit-lebanon

[TrueBrit]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCbfMkh940Q

Seems like severe punitive action may be in order.

My thoughts EXACTLY....at some point a "red line" actually has to mean something, no?

[SurfaceUnits]

My thoughts EXACTLY....at some point a "red line" actually has to mean something, no?



http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Report-Syrian-rebel-forces-trained-by-West-are-moving-towards-Damascus-324033

[Gnam]

CBS News has learned that the Pentagon is making the initial preparations for a cruise missile attack on Syrian government forces.

And the commander of U.S. forces in the Mediterranean has ordered Navy warships to move closer to Syria to be ready for a possible cruise missile strike.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57599944/u.s-preps-for-possible-cruise-missile-attack-on-syrian-govt-forces/
Why does CBS know about possible cruise missile attacks before they happen? :irked:

The first rule about cruise missile strikes is don't talk about cruise missile strikes. :shakehead:

edit: another article about US Naval buildup in the Med.
http://www.trust.org/item/20130824000642-842fa/?source=hpbreaking

[SurfaceUnits]

Why does CBS know about possible cruise missile attacks before they happen? :irked:

The first rule about cruise missile strikes is don't talk about cruise missile strikes. :shakehead:

edit: another article about US Naval buildup in the Med.
http://www.trust.org/item/20130824000642-842fa/?source=hpbreaking

who knows where the chemical attack originated? CIA? Al-CIAqueda?

[datachicane]

who knows where the chemical attack originated? CIA? Al-CIAqueda?

527

[cameraman]

:rolleyes:

Publicly moving ships is a message not a prelude to a mission.

[Gnam]

Publicly moving ships is a message not a prelude to a mission.
Maybe in the beginning. What good does a threat do now? They've already ignored the previous ones.
Better they find out there's been a policy change with a bright flash and a loud bang.

[SurfaceUnits]

Just as I suspected - a suicide gasser


Syrian government claims it found chemical weapons in rebel tunnels
State TV says 'chemical agents' discovered in Damascus as Assad regime continues to deny Wednesday's alleged attack

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/24/syrian-chemical-weapons-rebel

Has anyone seen any info or imagery of a rocket impact site

In late breaking Danicle news:
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2013/8/24/1377345489073/a5571f08-f819-48cb-9505-4f7d72d82c53-300x180.jpeg


More than 3,600 Syrians have been treated for "neurotoxic symptoms", says the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders.
It said 355 of those treated had died.
The group's statement follows claims that as many as 1,300 people were killed in massive chemical attacks near Damascus.

[SurfaceUnits]

Around 3,600 Syrians have been treated for "neurotoxic symptoms", and 355 of them have died, says the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

The victims flooded into three Syrian hospitals on the day that hundreds of people were allegedly killed in a "chemical massacre" outside the capital Damascus.

They all arrived within less than three hours of each other, said MSF director of operations Bart Janssens.

http://news.sky.com/story/1132776/3600-syrians-treated-for-neurotoxic-symptoms

[SurfaceUnits]

Syria: Iran Warns West Against Military Action
Syria's chief ally says there is "evidence" rebels used chemical weapons and warns the West against military action.

Iran has warned against "military intervention" in Syria as Bashar al Assad's regime was accused by Western leaders of massacring 1,300 people with chemical weapons.

Tehran also said it believes the alleged gas attack in Ghouta, an eastern suburb of Damascus, was carried out by rebel forces.

Abbas Araqchi, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, said: "There is evidence that this action was carried out by terrorist groups.

http://news.sky.com/story/1132649/syria-iran-warns-west-against-military-action

And Iran would know about terrorist groups

[Gnam]

Has anyone seen any info or imagery of a rocket impact site?
Chemical weapons can also be delivered by artillery shells that burst in the air, right?

I agree that it doesn't make sense for the Assad forces to use chemical weapons, but that isn't enough evidence for me to pin the attack on the rebels or some international coalition. Especially, when it isn't even clear the attack will lead to US intervention against Assad. A more likely explanation is that after 2 years and 100,000 dead Assad is convinced he has a free hand, and he's going to clean house by any means necessary.

Not to make light of the suffering, but Eddie Izzard is spot on.
BFtkJd8w5UQ

[SurfaceUnits]

They may have read datachicane's praise of chemtrails also

[SurfaceUnits]

NSA employees spied on their lovers using eavesdropping programme
Staff working at America's National Security Agency – the eavesdropping unit that was revealed to have spied on millions of people – have used the technology to spy on their lovers.

The employees even had a code name for the practice – "Love-int" – meaning the gathering of intelligence on their partners.

One employee was disciplined for using the NSA's resources to track a former spouse, the Associated Press said.

Last week it was disclosed that the NSA had broken privacy rules on nearly 3,000 occasions over a one-year period.

[datachicane]

They may have read datachicane's praise of chemtrails also

Did you know that the word 'gullible' isn't in the dictionary?

[SurfaceUnits]

who needs a dictionary when you have a forem swarming with Noah Websters

[datachicane]

Noah Websters? More like Alex Joneses. Some of us have a bit more stringent threshold for plausibility. Occam called, he sez the beard looks good on you.

[nrc]

Don't make me stop this car.

[Kiwifan]

I'm glad you are aware of what they are on about Boss, I have no idea. :confused: :D