To be honest they wouldn't be that stupid.
It is a gesture of fear, rather than daring or strength.
Yes,many would be that stupid.Syria's turn in the barrel is coming up.
I'm not an expert but that was my first thought, after having watched the ambassador on CNN yesterday. He looked panicked and appealed directly to the camera, addressing the camera, not Wolf Blitzer (I think that's who was interviewing him). I've never seen anything like it.