Prediction: 150,000 NATO Force in Syria by May 30

[alcibiades_mystery]

Mainly French and US ground forces, with large contingent of Germans.

Hate to say it, but the writing looks to be on the wall now.

[Renew Deal]

1. I think Obama wants to handle ISIS during his term so the next president doesn't have to.

And he doesn't want to give republicans any reasons to use the military since they cannot be trusted with it.

Obama has actively tried to end conflicts (Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Cuba, Israel/Palestine). It wouldn't surprise me if he did whatever it takes to end Syria/ISIS too.

[alcibiades_mystery]

9. That will be the rationale that gets the Dems on board, to be sure

There are already hints of drumbeats on these very boards.

[MowCowWhoHow III]

2. Errrm Putin says what?

[alcibiades_mystery]

3. Putin will Ok it once he gets his people in place in Damascus

[MowCowWhoHow III]

4. And Tehran?

[alcibiades_mystery]

5. Will gripe and groan but appreciate the help

[MowCowWhoHow III]

6. I applaud your imagination

[alcibiades_mystery]

12. ...

[Ghost Dog]

7. If such force justifiable, why not under UN authority

legal under international law?

[alcibiades_mystery]

8. NATO actions can be approved by the UN Security Council

In this case, the US will prefer a NATO force, and the French view will prevail that the NATO force should be UN approved. Of course, it will be. Any further Raqqa-directed terrorist attacks on NATO members (but especially France or Germany) will serve as the trigger event for a NATO response under UN approval.

[Ghost Dog]

10. I strongly suggest making the diplomatic effort to seek

& obtain UN international solidarity behind such action, including China, Russia, ...

[alcibiades_mystery]

11. Well, sure

I'm making predictions here.

Nothing will go without UN Security Council approval, which will require the Russians and Chinese to not veto, at the very least. They will not veto, because Putin will have received assurances of keeping a gov't he wants in Damascus, and China will get other concessions and really doesn't care all that much so long as the oil keeps flowing.

[Cayenne]

13. The Russians and Chinese will be waiting.