US Syrian Air Strikes

[Rita Sherry]

Breaking News (BBC) - The United States has launched air strikes against the Syrian Air Force - statement due from President Trump awaited. Russia was notified strikes were going to be made before the launch. 59 cruise missiles used against Syrian air base where it is believed the chemical weapons were launched against Syrian civilians.

Rita

[PeteBro]

This is where Trump's close links to Russia could actually be of benefit.

[geoffreys]

A good move by Trump. To be fair to him he pre-warned the Russians as they had helicopters/aircraft on the targeted airfield.
giving them time to move them.
However, I don't think Putin will take it without some form of retaliation.
Geoff.

[WHL]

Russia will not take this lying down, they have already told the US that the co,operation of flights over Syria has ended....the US will not risk a full confrontation with the Russians in Syria....I think Trump had to show, some act of strength, but I think thats all he will do.

[WHL]

Russia will hold their breath, turn blue and stamp their feet, and do nothing. And yes I agree The US will not take this any further, Assad thought he could get away with this atrocity...he will pay the price, hopefully in this world.

Unfortunately Assad like many other Dictators before him, will get away with this atrocity...by the way is this the very same Assad, who was wined and dined at Buckingham Palace a few years ago.

[Ramone]

This action should have been taken the first time the chemical weapons were used. ( years ago ).
Sadly, Nobody had the balls & the last chemical strike is the consequence.
By the way, I also believe that these strikes should have also been done by the British, French ETC instead of leaving to the yanks.
Just my opinion.

[geoffreys]

This action should have been taken the first time the chemical weapons were used. ( years ago ).
Sadly, Nobody had the balls & the last chemical strike is the consequence.
By the way, I also believe that these strikes should have also been done by the British, French ETC instead of leaving to the yanks.
Just my opinion.

According to the UK defence Minister, USA (Trump) did not ask for any participation by UK etc.
Had he done so I am sure it would have been forthcoming.
Geoff.

[Ramone]

Didn't Cameron put that to a vote in the commons in 2013 & couldn't get any backing ?

[Rita Sherry]

Didn't Cameron put that to a vote in the commons in 2013 & couldn't get any backing ?

Precisely Ramone Precisely.

Rita

[Varky]

The PM has already supported the action as justified and proportional....absolutely right.

However the ex-British Ambassador to Syria disagreed with the action on BBCTV this morning. It is possible that Trump et al do have definitive proof that the Syrian airforce actually used chemical bombs, if so, lets see it. Otherwise it could be that the rebels are behind this. I wouldn't put it past them, neither side acts in a truthful manner as would be expected in a more developed civilisation by most of the members of this forum.

The first casualty of war is the truth.

[WHL]

I got a feeling, Trumps show of power was intended to impress his Chinese counterpart,and the North Koreans, more then to cripple the Syrians, looking at pictures of the Air base today, the damage isnt that great, and it will be back in service..... The only way to stop Dictators is not to support them in the beginning, how many Dictators has the West, turned a blind eye to when it serves our purpose...We sold billions of pounds worth of arms to Saddam Hussian,...but lets not mention that.

[WHL]

The PM has already supported the action as justified and proportional....absolutely right.

However the ex-British Ambassador to Syria disagreed with the action on BBCTV this morning. It is possible that Trump et al do have definitive proof that the Syrian airforce actually used chemical bombs, if so, lets see it. Otherwise it could be that the rebels are behind this. I wouldn't put it past them, neither side acts in a truthful manner as would be expected in a more developed civilisation by most of the members of this forum.

The first casualty of war is the truth.

The Russians and Assad, have been winning this civil war, and are in a good position to defeat the ''rebels'' so why would they see any possible advantage in using these vile weapons now??

[Varky]

I think that the much diminished Russia ex USSR/Soviet Union is no longer the power of the cold war days, it just about managed Ukraine but lost big time to the Taliban in Afghanistan.

And the West has been so successful? The fat lady has not sung on that one. Before criticising the Russians make sure your criticism is based on the actual and expected situation. It will not be long before the Taliban is back in power. By the way the Russians were kicked out by the Mujahideen (Bin Laden) with US support.

[Varky]

Bassman62
Sorry for being silly but by saying "I think that the much diminished Russia ex USSR/Soviet Union is no longer the power of the cold war days, it just about managed Ukraine but lost big time to the Taliban in Afghanistan." as a comparison infers that Afghanistan was a bigger defeat than what happened in Ukraine in recent times whilst " it (Russia) is not in the same league as it was when the USSR/Soviet Union existed" (when the withdrawal from Afghanistan happened) infers the opposite.

[Dominic]

Is the proof that the Syrian Government were responsible for the chemical attack more robust than the proof of WMD? I just can't see what they would have to gain by attacking a village like that, when they were already winning.

[PaphosAL]

My personal opinion (for what it's worth)...

Assad in Syria is exactly the same kettle of fish as was Sadaam Hussein next door in Iraq, a few years ago. UK, EU, Nato, US and Russia should jointly agree a concrete plan that removes this asshole from power and dictatorship!

Like planning a post-war Exit Plan for starters! (Something missed out before...)
Allowing Syrian refugees to return to a democratic Syria and their homes!
Have the UN forces in as Peacekeepers, while Elections take place..
And so on and henceforth, reconstruction, stability and normality?
Schools, Hospitals, Shops, Infrastructure, etc- what Citizens expect!

AL

[ApusApus]

My personal opinion (for what it's worth)...

Assad in Syria is exactly the same kettle of fish as was Sadaam Hussein next door in Iraq, a few years ago. UK, EU, Nato, US and Russia should jointly agree a concrete plan that removes this asshole from power and dictatorship!

Like planning a post-war Exit Plan for starters! (Something missed out before...)
Allowing Syrian refugees to return to a democratic Syria and their homes!
Have the UN forces in as Peacekeepers, while Elections take place..
And so on and henceforth, reconstruction, stability and normality?
Schools, Hospitals, Shops, Infrastructure, etc- what Citizens expect!

AL

An excellent & moral idea ............... with 2 small drawbacks! Firstly, hasn't this approach been tried before, on numerous occasions? And secondly, do you honestly think that the US & Russia, et al could jointly agree anything?


Shane

[rogertcb]

What worries me on this attack is that Russia new it was coming and had the capability of shooting down cruise missiles via their s400 missile defence systems so why didn't they. Putin never does anything unless there is a reason and eventual advantage to Russia - maybe one conspiracy theory could be Putin helping his mate Trump build support from his party and the press at home which was certainly achieved by this attack. Roger

[rogertcb]

Hi my understanding is that the S400 system deployed by Russia in Syria automatically locks on to any incoming threats at up to 250 miles no matter how high they fly so therefore if activated would have destroyed most of the incoming US cruise missiles before they hit the target. Roger

[cyprusgrump]

Hi my understanding is that the S400 system deployed by Russia in Syria automatically locks on to any incoming threats at up to 250 miles no matter how high they fly so therefore if activated would have destroyed most of the incoming US cruise missiles before they hit the target. Roger

You have to wonder, if they fired 59 missiles (at $1M each?), what happened to the other 36 missiles that didn't reach the target... and what went wrong with number 60...?

And given the pattern of damage and the fact that the airport is up-and-running again already, what went wrong with the targeting...?