Syria Vows 'Surprise' Against Western Military Strike

[damnedifIknow]

Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem is vowing to strike back at any Western military attack with what he calls "surprise" defenses.

Moallem on Tuesday said Syria is hearing war drums. He said the West is using allegations of chemical weapons as an excuse to attack.

He again denied that the Syrian government has used such weapons, and he challenged the United States and its European allies to show evidence."

http://www.voanews.com/content/syria-vows-surprise-against-western-military-strike/1738242.html

[David__77]

1. I predict a bunch of responses claiming Syria could not possibly take action.

Imperial hubris is really strong. The US got lucky by facing fools like Gaddafi and Hussein. One of these days, people WILL be surprised, and everyone will feign ignorance.

[sharp_stick]

2. I was wondering if Baghdad Bob

got another gig. Nice to see he's keeping busy.

[David__77]

5. And here's the first...

As predicted. You really think Iraq of 2003, suffering from sanctions for a decade, is the same as Syria today, with significant Russian and Iranian military assistance? Really? Well, we'll see... but I hope we won't, because I hope that Obama administration doesn't go over the red line.

[sharp_stick]

10. Oh you must be so proud n/t

[Scootaloo]

7. Well, a few things...

One, Syria actually has a functional military. Saddam had starving guys with no boots and the wrong bullets for their guns.

Two, over three thousand dead Americans still resulted from Iraq, with an official thirty-two thousand maimed in some way besides.

Three, we're not the only place Syria can hit.

Four, Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf is living comfortably in the United Arab Emirates with his family.

[Harmony Blue]

3. The strait of Hormuz can be threatedn by Iran

if Syria is attacked.

[David__77]

6. Good point.

With the loss of some US naval power, Iran could definitely make US interference in Syria costly.

[Harmony Blue]

13. Yeah the U.S. hasn't mobilised enough military recources

to deal with Syria and Iran so that is a possible outcome.

[hack89]

11. That would be a disaster for Iran

they would pay a huge military and economic price.

[The Magistrate]

12. Very True, Sir

People toss that line off like it was no more grave a matter than telling a toddler he was on five minutes time-out.

[Agnosticsherbet]

4. Tit for tat warfare always in ends when no ones has any

tats left on their ...

[damnedifIknow]

8. I don't know about this

Russia and China aren't exactly thrilled about our impending attack.

[Agnosticsherbet]

9. I don't think they would accept an invasion, but we won't invade by Thursday

They will huff and puff over cruise missile attacks, but going to war over them is very unlikely.

They will make money over this exchange selling replacement equipment to Syria.

[Adrahil]

15. So they'll do what, exactly?

Russia will make tons of noise, but ultimately do nothing. China? China will object, but do nothing to endanger their exports, especially considering the inflection point that their economy is experiencing.

[Adrahil]

14. I suspect something like the Syrian Electronic Army

They've been active lately, and I suspect they think they are more capable than they are.

POSSIBLY they'll attempt an attack on Israel, but I suspect that would have very limited effect.

Or maybe nothing at all. Many of these powers tend to overestimate their strength.