Just when you think that things could not get any more messy in Syria, they do. Today's twist is that the Russians are in final negotiations to sell the Assad regime sophisticated ground to air missiles which would greatly strengthen Syrian air defenses. Okay, if you are like most Americans, you are now saying to yourself (in the style of Hillary Clinton), "What difference does it make?" Here is the answer:
First, improved air defenses would make it possible for the Syrians to shoot down American planes if we ever decide to take out their chemical weapons. It may not be likely, but it is possible.
Second, improved air defenses would make it much more difficult for the Israelis to take out targets in Syria that threaten them. This actually makes it more likely that there would be fighting between Syria and Israel since the Israelis could not rely on overwhelming air power.
Third, if Assad falls (as still is likely), these ground to air missiles will be in the hands of allies of al Qaeda. How many Boeing 747s or Airbus 360s will be downed by terror groups as a result?
Fourth, if Assad falls, he may still give these weapons to the Iranians. Then, if any attempt is made to take out the Iranian nuclear program, many more American planes will go down.
These are just the main points. I did not even address the obvious slap by the Russians to the United States. Let's just say that this is not a good development.
First, improved air defenses would make it possible for the Syrians to shoot down American planes if we ever decide to take out their chemical weapons. It may not be likely, but it is possible.
Second, improved air defenses would make it much more difficult for the Israelis to take out targets in Syria that threaten them. This actually makes it more likely that there would be fighting between Syria and Israel since the Israelis could not rely on overwhelming air power.
Third, if Assad falls (as still is likely), these ground to air missiles will be in the hands of allies of al Qaeda. How many Boeing 747s or Airbus 360s will be downed by terror groups as a result?
Fourth, if Assad falls, he may still give these weapons to the Iranians. Then, if any attempt is made to take out the Iranian nuclear program, many more American planes will go down.
These are just the main points. I did not even address the obvious slap by the Russians to the United States. Let's just say that this is not a good development.
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