Posted on 10/13/2019 2:20:25 PM PDT by yesthatjallen
*** America leaves, the war escalates with different dance partners. ***
The SDF flags have come down, SDF checkpoints manned by SAA.replaced with Syrian flags. The SDF is absorbed into the SAA and will help defend the border under SAA Command.
All French troops have left Syria. The US has asked for more time to evacuate troops, heavy weaponry, and remove sensitive documents.
SAA gave them until tomorrow morning, IIRC. US has said it will not attack Syrian planes in the US occupied NE (oilfields)
SAA will enter Deir Ezzor
Celebrations continue in towns SAA has entered. Russia will enforce no fly zone. Turkish planes to be grounded.
If the US thinks Syria is going to allow Deir Ezzor oilfields to be occupied, the US is going to cost US troops their lives.
Trump forces the Dems to demand war. Heh!
The US-led coalition has been operating against ISIS in both Syria and Iraq since 2014. It includes several NATO allies: Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands and the UK. NATO has not contributed to airstrikes as an organisation – but they have been carried out by US, the UK and France.
Do Trump’s critics suggest that we fire on Turkish forces? A NATO member?
Anyone who thinks that’s a good idea should hold no public office and if they are merely pundits should forever lose all credibility.
Re: European Allies
I stand corrected.
Is Europe criticizing us?
I’ve read half a dozen articles on this subject, and Europe is never even mentioned.
Thanks for the update.
You guys all fight.
We’ll sell you weapons.
“Turkey will be hard pressed to go up against the 140,000 Kurd troops dug in around the contested area”
Between Assad, Russia and Iran; they can provide the kind of heavy anti-armor weapons that would make Turkey bleed heavily. Some artillery, some air support - soon it it is a real quagmire for Erdogan. He did not have to deal with that when capturing Afrin.
Everyone is done fighting ISIS now, and the Kurds and Assad’s alliance have all turned toward defending/liberating Syrian land from the Turks and their surrogates.
It is their war now.
It is a happy ending for most normal people. Not for NeoCons & NeoLibs who are two sides of the same dirty coin.
Turkey has already achieved a big goal- putting the SDF under Assad’s control.
As for another goal, returning refugees, Assad and Erd have common ground.
Of course, in the ME, getting what you want is not always enough.
The region must find its own equilibrium.
The PKK Kurds have been serving up training opportunities to Antifa and they are going to use what they learn here... unless the Turks get them first.
https://gatesofvienna.net/2019/10/antifa-and-the-pkk/
If THEY couldn't negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement for all sides a fight was inevitable.
Turkey has their own rebel cannon fodder to throw into this mess, and they can provide their fodder with air and artillery support.
Really, it remains to be seen who will commit sufficient forces. So far, it seems Turkey has the upper hand. If Syria is "all in", and Russia is willing to provide air cover, does Turkey have the stomach to fight and bleed enough to win?
Sounds like when the man with the umbrella walks away, people want to get out of the rain.
Excellent.
LOL that’s perfect
they can provide their fodder with air and artillery support.
—
Both the US and Russia have stopped Turkey from using air power - their AF is grounded as far as this operation is concerned. Nor does Turkey have enough “cannon fodder” to take the positions from the Kurds.
With Syria Army troops potentially moving up with its own AF and the possibility (doubtful) that the Russians will help with air support, the Turks are in a world of hurt.
People have posted this, but I believe it was a faulty interpretation of a press release. The USA cut off ISR. That doesn't stop Turkey from flying at all. News from the combat zone indicates Turkey is flying unopposed, bombing military and infrastructure targets, with Turkish backed forces advancing.
Per the Syrian/Kurd agreement, the Syrian Army will be "Taking over security" along the border, so Turkey can pretty much back out and claim victory. I doubt that Turkey is willing to commit to the troops and casualties required to defeat SAA and the Kurds. I don't think they saw the quick reconciliation coming. Last reported, SAA is still 20 miles from the border. We shall see soon.
Who cares... Turkey is not being attacked plus if Turkey goes too much on the offensive, Trump could end up making Constantinople great again by proxy (And some assistance).
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