[Mariner]

I'm still struggling with the fact that, so far, Syria and IRan have not intervened to save their proxies.

This will not bode well for their credibility as they try to solicit future proxies to go up against Israel, or the US for that matter.

They simply MUST act with their national, flagged military forces...even if they lose spectacularly. And they would.

To do less means further isolation...and fewer allies. In fact, they could probably lose a couple of divisions each and preserve their national integrity...and save a little face.

Are they nothing more thatn blustering cowards?!?!?!? :)

[Fitzcarraldo]

I'm still struggling with the fact that, so far, Syria and Iran have not intervened to save their proxies.

At the least, Hezebola will fight Israel alone until the awaited international force arrives, giving Hezebola increased political standing within Lebanon as the only party that stood up to Israel.

[ScaniaBoy]

Yes, but without any Soviet on the scene, with the US directly involved on the ground in the Middle East the Syrians can't cuount on the war being stopped when they are up against the ropes. They may actually gamble Damascus this time - are they up to that?

And what would happen to the ruling Baathists?