$500 Million to Syrian Rebels?

2014-09-18T11:01:15-04:00

In today's tightened DoD budgets due to Sequestration, do you feel this is a) a good expenditure and b) fair to the guys that are now getting walking paper's due to this mess?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 11:05 AM

2014-09-18T11:05:46-04:00

Good question MSgt Private RallyPoint Member ! Do we know which pot of money this is coming out of?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 11:08 AM

2014-09-18T11:08:18-04:00

Use that money to take care of disabled veterans instead

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 18 at 2014 1:21 PM

2014-09-18T13:21:49-04:00

I'm not sure this is a good use as I bet half of these rebels are isis in sheep's clothing. I'd really like to see the vetting process for this. Some how this money will end up in ISIS ' S hands and used against us.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 18 at 2014 1:29 PM

2014-09-18T13:29:36-04:00

Is it like the welfare system? If I declare myself to be a Syrian Rebel can I get a monthly stipend too? :-)

Response by 1SG Chris Brown made Sep 18 at 2014 1:39 PM

2014-09-18T13:39:57-04:00

This is absolute craziness! We're going to arm the "moderate" rebels? So we actually think we can control the situation there and who ends up with what? And what's to stop the "moderate" guys from crossing over and becoming better friends with the extreme elements? We are watching everyday as Americans, Britons, and Austrailians (among many others) are converted extreme Islamist views and go wage jihad against our own citizens. Yet somehow we believe that a moderate member in the Middle East can't take that additional step toward extremism. We must be idiots. So, sure, let's go arm the guys that we will have to fight in 5 or 10 years because we think they're our friends today. Last I checked, the moderate guys want to oust the Syrian regime. And yet we think they can take on ISIS as well. I'm sure there's no way this can backfire on us...

Response by SSG Jacob Wiley made Sep 18 at 2014 2:13 PM

2014-09-18T14:13:31-04:00

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member We both know the answer - hanging ours out to dry and giving money we don't have to others who will more than likely be a future enemy. Wrong is a drastic under statement.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 18 at 2014 2:15 PM

2014-09-18T14:15:53-04:00

If we are essentially going to buy proxies to fight, there are companies here in the US who could do the job with a lot more effectiveness..

Response by SPC Brian Aranda made Sep 18 at 2014 3:12 PM

2014-09-18T15:12:23-04:00

How many parts of the Middle East have we armed over the years? Pretty sure it's got to be most of it by now.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 3:14 PM

2014-09-18T15:14:49-04:00

'Therefore, let him who has no desire to conquer make use of these arms, for they are much more hazardous than mercenaries, because with them the ruin is ready made; they are all united, all yield obedience to others; but with mercenaries, when they have conquered, more time and better opportunities are needed to injure you; they are not all of one community, they are found and paid by you, and a third party, which you have made their head, is not able all at once to assume enough authority to injure you. In conclusion, in mercenaries dastardy is most dangerous; in auxiliaries, valour. The wise prince, therefore, has always avoided these arms and turned to his own; and has been willing rather to lose with them than to conquer with others, not deeming that a real victory which is gained with the arms of others.' - Niccolo Machiavelli circa 16th Century. For those not versed in ancient writing style: DON'T LET OTHERS FIGHT YOUR BATTLES UNLESS YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT WINNING.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 7:42 PM

2014-09-18T19:42:19-04:00

To answer your question Gunny. No it is not a good expenditure. And yes it is a little unfair to those getting the boot.

But with that said the bigger issue is if this plan is backing the right horse. Seems to me similar plans by this administration haven't faired to well. We backed the wrong side in Egypt and screwed upped royally in Libya. And don't start Bush did this and Bush did that. Have a better argument then that. If we are going to back anyone in Syria maybe we should help/back/support Bashar al-Assad.

Now before you say "are you figgin nuts dude" hear me out.
Yes Assad controls a terrorist organization/country and is allied with Iran and Russia. But he hates ISIS and would destroy them with the proper backing. We could make our own obtainable demands with him regarding Iraq for our support in the defeat of ISIS/ISIL. I know it sounds crazy but it might work. And at least we would know where we stand with his regime at the end. I believe it would be better then backing an unknown hoping they would be our friend in the end.

Response by Cpl Peter Martuneac made Sep 18 at 2014 9:05 PM

2014-09-18T21:05:20-04:00

Sure let's arm potential terrorists, that's a great idea. It worked swimmingly in the past, right? They say that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Our leaders are either insane or have an agenda here.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 9:20 PM

2014-09-18T21:20:31-04:00

Well from my point of view it's the tail wagging the dog. We have politicians trying to appear as though they have a backbone but are unable and more importantly unwilling to make a solid leadership call. Have we as a group spent our adult lives fighting terrorism grown weary? Sure. If called upon to go back in would we continue waging war on these cowards? Absofreakinlutely! I have but one request and that is for the politicians to say GO and then for the first time since 1945 step back and let the Sheepdogs go and lay waste to every wolf in the pasture. Problem is the bleeding heart liberals won't allow it.

Response by CPO Rick Felty made Oct 24 at 2014 12:34 AM

2014-10-24T00:34:57-04:00

Quit your pissing and moaning nobody broke your arm to join, you wanted to be in That situation, and now you are. So quit whining and do your duty if you can handle it.