Posted on 01/07/2020 3:29:04 PM PST by rxsid
Iranian retaliation begins with missile attack on Iraqi airbase
By TZVI JOFFRE JANUARY 8, 2020 01:21
Initial reports stated that 9 rockets hit the Ain al-Assad airbase on Tuesday. The base hosts American soldiers.
Heavy missile attacks were carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps on the Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq that hosts both Iraqi and US soldiers on Tuesday night. Nine missiles hit the airbase, according to Al-Hadath.
(Excerpt) Read more at jpost.com ...
Trump would lose cred, and our nation would be looked at as toothless by friend and foe alike.
So then anybody who supports removing a top terrorist is a neoCon?
Unbelievable.
(update)...Two missiles fired from Iran aimed at US-led coalition base 'near Erbil International airport'.. one missile fell five kiloemters short of the base but 'did not explode'....The second missile exploded near Bardarash town 50km northwest of Erbil with 'no casualties reported'...
Yup. Putin's allies seem to do that a lot.
I can see it changes it for you, but I don’t necessarily think it changes it for Trump.
Nonsense, this is a perfect ending: US casualties zero, the main war objective (protection of Americans) achieved, a major secondary war objective (elimination of a key enemy commander) also achieved with a single blow.
We got exactly the concession we demand out of the Iran government. It’s OK that they can fire some missiles intended to miss as a way to save face. They can pretend they caused some casualties, it doesn’t harm us if they do.
They now know that the days when they could attack Americans without major consequences are over. Given how bad that one strike hurt them (wrecked their war planning) and how explicit the concession is, the proper understandings necessary for a peaceful resolution of issues have been achieved.
Was it Syria or another country that Russia supplied an early warning system to, and it failed big time?
Agree. This was all theater from the Iranians tonight. I’d rather hit Iran when they are not buttoned up and expecting it, anyway. I trust POTUS on the timing here. If he waits to strike Iran again it is for good reason.
I’m assuming nothing. I have know idea whether the Iranians missed on purpose or not. And, despite what you may think, I don’t completely disagree with your point. If the Iranians missed on purpose but didn’t communicate their intent ahead of time, then we would have no choice but to assume that they intended to hit us, and would have to hit them back hard.
But, the scenario I laid out is reasonable and definitely possible. Iran’s conciliatory response so soon after the attack makes it clear they have no appetite for going toe to toe with us. That’s not a conclusion they just happened to come to only hours after their failed attack. To go from “let’s kill some Americans” to “We don’t wish to escalate” in just a few hours is a long distance to travel in such a short period of time. They’re basically saying that their failed attack on Americans evens the score for us taking out their top dog. If that’s not an act of submission, I don’t know what is.
POTUS has been in communication with Iranian moderates for some time, trying to broker a peace deal. The moderates in Iran have been in a difficult position up until now, basically being held hostage, politically speaking, by the hardliners. Less so, now that Soleimani has been taken out. So, a face saving act, coordinated ahead of time with POTUS to avoid any miscommunications, allows them to save face and end the escalation. In such a scenario, POTUS may still need to respond but his response would likely be more measured.
Sure, and they are ending their nuclear ambitions, and going to allow inspections, and they’ll have flowering meadows and rainbow skies, and rivers made of chocolate, where the children dance and laugh and play with gumdrop smiles.
As I stated to another, your knowledge of history seems to only start last Friday.
Not responding would end Trump’s ability to negotiate with other bad actors. Doesn’t matter if there was a deal or attempted deal to save face. The only way out for Iran’s mullahs is to make a big diplomatic move regarding their nuclear program. That might prevent a big strike.
this is where your argument wonders into fantasy land.
Absolutely!
Trump can respond without casualties. Let’s look at the damage asessment first. Shit we warned the Russians when we hit the bases that Assad used to launch chemical strikes from. “Hey, don’t be there” People are talking refineries though which would be absolutely devestating to the Mullahs. I don’t know how much of a corner we want to back them into. Hit all three major ones? Just one? How much damage?
You honestly believe diplomatic back channels don’t exist? You’re being naïve.
It was a Russian BUK system that the Ukranian sepratists (let’s face it Russians) used to shoot down Malysian Flight 15. Like most systems it’s only as good as it operator. It worked flawlessly btw. Shot the “threat” down. Lot’s of countries have bought “integrated” air-defense systems from the Russians. Iraq comes to mind. Maybe they should have spent more.
The Swiss still represent us in Iran. We have back channels with them.
But a deal with a regime that habitually breaks its word is a tall order.
Did anyone notice Tucker’s show was not on again at the 9:00 hour in LA? I wonder if FOX caught too much heat or what?
And you’re being funny.
Can’t make an omelette without.. In all seriousness it’s a clusterfuck of epic proportions. All we can do is pray for those onboard and their families. Heck they were trying to leave.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.