We would have to have their permission to launch an attack from Turkey.
Russia knows this.
So.. politically, we are shackled. I think Bush should just say F*U* stupid libs, you already think I'm, Satan, so here's some more fodder for your hysteria. But he won't.
“The US defense official said about 8,000 to 10,000 Russian troops have moved into South Ossetia. They also have flown SU-25, SU-24, SU-27 and TU-22 fighters and bombers during the campaign.”
Su-25,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-25
“The first prototype made its maiden flight on 22 February 1975. After testing, the aircraft went into series production in 1978”
SU-24,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Su-24
“was the Soviet Union’s most advanced all-weather interdiction and attack aircraft in the 1970s and 1980s”
SU-27,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Su-27
“The production Su-27 (sometimes Su-27S, NATO designation ‘Flanker-B’) began to enter VVS operational service around 1984, although manufacturing difficulties kept it from appearing in strength until 1986”
TT-22,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tu-22#See_also
“The first serial-production Tu-22B bomber, built at Kazan Factory No. 22, flew on 22 September 1960,”
SU-30,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-30
“developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation Corporation and introduced into operational service in 1996.”
Yeah, and Israel showed us something else works in Syria not long ago. I say we can, and should do it. The F22, America’s gift to freedom.
As an aside when I was a nugget I remember Lex spending an extra hour one night helping me understand a tactical concept, even though I wasn't in his squadron. A very good dude.
All our fighter aircraft could play havoc and obtain air superiority but without boots and mechanized equipment to hold the territory it would be wasted. The 8,000 mile logistics line is not possible with the military we have today and the fight being essentially in Russia’s back yard.
Probably don’t need a “no fly zone” as much as a “no tankski zone.”
In the unlikely event I was advising President Bush, I would suggest he immediately appoint a personal representative, with no official position, but with sufficient reputation and gravitas to demand attention. Someone like say, Newt Gingrich. Have him fly to Moscow immediately aboard Air Force One, announce that he will be there exactly four hours and demand to speak personally to Putin. Tell him face to face that as of a certain hour the next day American planes will begin flying Combat Air Patrol over Georgia. If Russian planes encroach into the airspace of Georgia proper (outside of the disputed provinces), they will be shot down. If Russian ground units move into other parts of Georgia they will be attacked from the air. As Frank Gaffney said today, we need ot “draw a line in the air”, or we lose all credibility, and the security of eastern Europe is done for.
So my military experience is sort of dated on current matters.
Would someone be so kind as to take some time and clue me in on what the USA could really do and if we did that what would be the consequences of those actions?
Is Putin crazy enough to start a nuclear war if we whipped his butt with conventional weapons in Georgia?
My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you today that I’ve signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes. - Reagan
We aren’t going to attack Russians now anymore than we did in Afghanistan. It would be a proxy war.
Can’t do a thing with the F-22. It’s to advanced to loose one over russia or china controlled area - that’s also why they can’t earn money through export.
There are also far to few to replace F-15s to protect the US in a big war.
Lots of other countries have purchased M1s. Why not “lend” some to Georgia? Perhaps a Patriot missile battery or two to protect Tiblisi?
