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Obama Considering Strikes On Syria’s Military |
By
Stephen Lendman |
| Ahead of more futile Russia/US talks on Syria in Lausanne, Switzerland
this Saturday, Reuters headlined “Exclusive: Obama, aides expected to weigh
Syria military options on Friday.” Syrian and Russian forces are winning the crucial battle for Aleppo, key to hoped for liberation nationwide, restoring peace and stability to the war-torn country, an objective likely requiring years to achieve. Neocons infesting Obama’s administration want escalated war on Syria, greater US intervention, not peaceful conflict resolution. According to Reuters, options being considered include “direct US military action such as air strikes on Syrian military bases, munitions depots or radar and anti-aircraft bases, said one official” speaking anonymously. “US officials said (it’s) unlikely that Obama will order US air strikes on Syrian government targets.” He may or may not decide on changing US policy on Friday. Another option is more heavily arming US-supported terrorists, including with sophisticated ground-to-air missiles able to down aircraft. US officials haven’t found a way to keep Syrian and Russian forces from winning the battle for Aleppo. Options being considered aim to change things in America’s favor. Engaging Syria’s military risks direct confrontation with Moscow. Last week, Russia’s Defense Ministry spokesman General Igor Konashenkov warned that S-400 and S-300 air defense systems installed in Syria will target and destroy “all unidentified flying objects” - including aircraft, cruise and other missiles. “…Russian air defense system crews are unlikely to have time to determine in a ‘straight line’ the exact flight paths of missiles and then who the warheads belong to,” Konashenkov explained. “And all the illusions of amateurs about the existence of (stealth) ‘invisible’ jets will face a disappointing reality.” “…(M)ost important…the majority of the members of the Russian Reconciliation Center in Syria are working ‘on the ground’ delivering aid and negotiating with a large number of communities and the members of the armed groups in the most provinces of Syria.” “It’s due to their efforts 732 towns and villages and hundreds of thousands of Syrian people have returned to normal life. That’s why any air strikes and or missile strikes on the territory controlled by the Syrian government will create a clear threat to Russian servicemen.” “…I want to remind those who are ‘hot under the collar’ that after the US September 17th strikes against the Syrian troops that resulted in the deaths of 83 servicemen, we took all the necessary measures, to prevent (future incidents possibly affecting) Russian military servicemen and objects, and also in regard to the Syrian troops on the territory of the Syrian People’s republic.” Konashenkov’s comments left no ambiguity. Any US-led attacks on Syrian and/or Russian forces will be responded to appropriately. If Obama orders them, conflict with Russian may follow. With his tenure near ending, he’s unlikely to want to risk this outcome. He’s more likely to want things kept on the boil in preparation for Hillary’s almost certain ascension to power in January - letting her decide what’s next. Given her rage for war, expect escalation, not resolution, in Syria and other US conflict theaters - the risk of direct confrontation with Russia greater than time since its 1917 revolution and aftermath. Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. |
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