What do you think about the Russians being involved in Syria

COL Ted Mc — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 02:02:48 -0400

From "I24 News"

Russian jets take to Syrian skies to combat IS

http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/84069-150831-russian-jets-in-syrian-skies

Russian fighter pilots, jets and helicopters will begin arriving in Syria in the coming days to join in the offensive against the Islamic State (IS) and rebel-aligned targets within the failing state Israeli news site Ynet News reported Monday.

According to Western diplomats, Russian expeditionary forces have already arrived in Syria to set up camp in an Assad-controlled airbase near Damascus, and will operate as a Russian forward operating base.

Thousands of Russian military personnel are set to arrive in Syria over the coming weeks, including instructors, advisors, logistics personnel, technical personnel, members of the aerial protection division, and the pilots who will operate the aircraft said Ynet.

While the exact make-up the expeditionary force is unconfirmed, past reports had stated that Russia was in talks to sell Syria a package of MiG-29 fighter jets, and Yak-130 trainer jets which can also operate as attack aircraft. The new presence of Russian pilots operating combat missions over Syria is expected to drastically challenge the dynamics of the region.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 2:14 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 02:14:11 -0400

I would like to hope this is a positive step toward controlling ISIS. But it is more likely the Russians are staking new grounds. Russia is taking a more aggressive role across the globe. I would like to think that they are just doing their part as a global power to help bring ISIS under control. We’ll have to see as things progress which way this is going to turn.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 2 at 2015 2:15 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 02:15:00 -0400

Sounds like Viet Nam redux.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 2 at 2015 2:29 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 02:29:01 -0400

Protecting their Investment "An Oil Pipeline" no different than the bases and operations we conduct. I will say it will actually increase the need for US Navy CTI RULINGS (Russian Linguists) I hear Navy Recruiters Cackling with Glee.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 9:15 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 09:15:05 -0400

One of these days, "someone", "somewhere" will suggest that the greatest strategic failure of the early 2000s was not solidifying a partnership with post-Soviet Russia...

...Unless that's already been done.

"Better the devil you know"

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 10:56 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:56:18 -0400

Good.
Let them expend ordinance on the ISIS bastards.
Hard to find a down side in the near-term for this one.
Long-term, Syria was already close to the Russians.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 2 at 2015 7:41 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:41:37 -0400

I have a brilliant idea. We give money to Syrian Rebels, and they buy Russian hardware.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Sep 2 at 2015 7:50 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:50:06 -0400

The Russians are filling power voids and acting because they know we will do nothing.
1. They have taken over the Crimean Peninsula and are toying with Ukraine.
2. They have entered into discussions with Iran on arms sales preparing for the arms embargo lift Obama is giving Iran as part of the nuke deal.
3. They are acting in Syria in support of Assad. Assad's primary enemy is the rebels trying to get rid of him, not ISIS. These jets are not going to be helping us get rid of ISIS, do not be fooled.
4. Russia is now active in the Arctic now as well.

This is not just Syria this is about Russia being on the move globally against our interests and we are doing next to nothing about it.