I think Russia getting in the mix is going to totally change the equation. It's time for America to get out of the area before things get a bit messy. Obama has embarrassed me enough with his idiotic plans like the one he had to combat ISIS, I don't want him going up against Putin because Putin will mop the floor with him. An allied Russia, Syria, and Iran will be the dominant force in the Middle East. Will they take Iraq? They could if they want and they already have it surrounded.
The problem with the ME is that the countries like Iraq aren't actually unified countries. Until sectarianism and religious extremism dies down, which I don't see happening any time soon, there will always be instability. Then add us destabilizing governments and dropping bombs into the mess and you have the massive clusterfuck we see today.
^I'm having trouble relating your reply to what I said. Do you think Russia's there to help Assad stay in power without taking out ISIS and Iran is going to stay on the sidelines?
Sorry it wasn't fully in relation to you and wasn't very clear. My point was that it's gonna be hard for any country even Russia of Syria to absorb Iraq because the country is so divided by individual sects and towns. It's gonna be hard for anyone to unify that region, which is why it was inevitably gonna fall apart after the US pulled out. I think Russia is more concerned with propping up Assad then taking down ISIS, based on most of the reports of where they are bombing currently. I could be wrong but it seems to me that Putin is more concerned with keeping allies like Assad then solving the humanitarian crisis. I think Iran and Russia will both take on ISIS on their individual fronts but they are more concerned with keeping their own countries/allies stable rather than going into Iraq/other ME countries and taking out ISIS. I'm no geopolitical expert that's just the impression I get based off what I've read so I could definitely be wrong. If you know of anything that contradicts what I said off differing opinion I would be interested to hear about it.
Excellent. I would imagine there is a fair scramble for razors and light coloured clothing in IS camps now as the rats get ready to flee the nest.
No, I agree with you. Right now it looks like Putin taking on ISIS was something to say to gain support when he only wanted to help Assad against those Obama is championing but we don't know his end goal. Perhaps down the road he'll use his alliance with Iran and his position in Syria to eliminate ISIS but right now I think he only cares about current direct threats to Assad and even though Obama didn't have his heart in his goal to remove Assad this move closes that door. I think in 5 years we'll see a united Iran, Iraq, and Syria allied with Russia but I have no guesses on what condition ISIS will be in at that time. I think I'll drop this from my mind and look again in 5 years. Assuming I have 5 left.
I enjoy watching ISIS get nervous due to the Russians coming. They probably know that Putin hasn't chained his nation and himself in political correctness, He just might fuck them up.
The Iranian, Iraqi and Syrian governments cooperating is essential if IS are to be eradicated. I would imagine that Putin and Russia have a detailed plan of attack, they wouldn't be getting involved unless they were very sure of success. I can see Putin riding into Baghdad on a bear clutching a sword drenched in blood to declare IS exterminated.
"First time i got that bitch sunburn, i got my glorious sickle and cut it off my body. I then smash with glorious socialist hammer and that suka called sunburn never bothered me again!"
Ironic that Russia initiated it's offensive strikes on Putin's birthday. Get real. The sensationalism that Russia sparked based on these strikes were that of Soviet era propaganda. Fully HD missle strikes with 10+ camera point of views published on RT.com? It's a propaganda move. Russia and the Kremlin cares more about their public image rather than destroying the fascists ISIL. The USA and NATO are the only ones that have done real imminent damage to the enemy. Putin is a showcase.
Shiiiit. In regards to Middle East policy, domestic and foreign economic policy, gun control, health care, immigration, veteran affairs, MTV and the current state of the music industry in general, the only damage we've done is to ourselves. As far as the video footage of cruise missile strikes, we invented that shit back in 91. Propaganda is a weapon just like any other. Keep sipp'n on that neo con kool-aid.
I'm gleeful of this situation. It is the underlying tensions between Russia and the US that got me to invest in getting my Poly Science degree. I guess I picked the right choice of not joining the military.
so russia's concentrating its attacks on areas held by the FSA which in turn is giving ISIS more room to expand
There is no other way, all of the groups at war with Assad have to be defeated. From what I can gather the Russians see this as a long term deployment, the Chinese air force are now also actively assisting the Russians. The Spetsnaz have also been deployed to mop up after the air strikes. Anyone opposed to Assad will be exterminated.
An enemy is an enemy. You ever think about the fact that Russians are clearing out room closer to Assad so there is a sort of buffer zone?
US delivers 50 tons of ammo to rebels fighting Assad in Northern Syria. Start your proxy war engines! http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/12/politics/syria-rebel...