Is it “kinetic military action”? Is it an “extended counterterrorism operation”? Is it war? Nah. Never war.
The United States launched its first wave of bombing attacks over Syria early Tuesday against an expected 20 to 25 Islamic State targets, U.S. officials said.
The operation, expected to last several hours, involved planes launched from U.S.destroyers in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. Planes from five Arab countries also participated in the strikes.
The first explosions from Tomahawk missiles were heard in northern Syria. Targets were expected to include command and control centers, training camps and weapons depots.
“War” would mean that America was actually out to win against ISIS/ISIL/ISI?. So far only ISIS has announced the intention of beating America. America just wants to manage ISIS/ISIL/ISI?. A bombing doesn’t make a war any more than Pearl Harbor did. And like Bluto said, ‘was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?’ No way. It ain’t over. It ain’t even war. The only ‘war’ the world today is the War Against Ebola and the world is losing that.
Still the question is, what next in Syria? Readers will notice that Yemen, after whom the campaign on ISIS is allegedly based, is on the verge of falling to a Shi’ite Militia. The Saudis have dee-deed. Fortunately America can’t “lose” that, since legally there’s nothing happening there.
There’s plenty of action happening alright, but where’s it all going? What is the end state? Who’s on First? Assad?
If Assad’s on first then Iran will be the big winner of the week. First Yemen then Assad. Give the mullah a cigar. But if the airstrikes are bringing about the Opthalmologist of Damascus down then the danger of a replay of Yemen and blowback on the Saudis has now gone up a notch. Because if you “lose” other people have a tendency to actually “win”.
Newspapers recently reported professional American military officers less than convinced the US could avoid having forces on the ground once it became fully engaged in Syria/Iraq. But the real worry is more subtle. Whose side will the ground forces be fighting on? Is the question important? It used to be. But not any more. We’re so beyond such simplistic thoughts. It’s nuance all the way.
And by the way about Afghanistan … remember Afghanistan? The War of Necessity, back when there were wars … and Ukraine … and Iran’s nukes ….
[jwplayer mediaid=”39417″]
Recently purchased by readers:
Columbia Men’s Utilizer , light water-resistant outergarment
13 Hours, an inside account of ‘what really happened’ in Benghazi
Camelbak Eddy Bottle, flip bit and sip
FireSteel Armageddon with Super Scraper and Lanyard, 5500 F (3000 C) sparks that will start a fire in the toughest conditions
OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set, great for cleaning sports bottles and similar
Women’s Clarks Poem flat shoes, so you can stand it standing
Recommended:
The Empty Quarter, a top-secret mission to save a kidnapped Saudi princess, PJ vs tribesmen
Seatbelt Cutter & Emergency Escape Tool
Ninja Master Prep, frozen blender and food chopper
BBQ Dragon Fire Supercharger, blows air on fire
Leica 8 x 20 Waterproof Monovid Monocular, Leica, enough said
FRIEQ® Universal Waterproof Cell Phone Carrying Cases, when you’re tired of having your cell phone ruined by the weather
Did you know that you can purchase some of these books and pamphlets by Richard Fernandez and share them with you friends? They will receive a link in their email and it will automatically give them access to a Kindle reader on their smartphone, computer or even as a web-readable document.
The War of the Words for $3.99, Understanding the crisis of the early 21st century in terms of information corruption in the financial, security and political spheres
Rebranding Christianity for $3.99, or why the truth shall make you free
The Three Conjectures at Amazon Kindle for $1.99, reflections on terrorism and the nuclear age
Storming the Castle at Amazon Kindle for $3.99, why government should get small
No Way In at Amazon Kindle $8.95, print $9.99. Fiction. A flight into peril, flashbacks to underground action.
Storm Over the South China Sea $0.99, how China is restarting history in the Pacific
Tip Jar or Subscribe or Unsubscribe to the Belmont Club
Join the conversation as a VIP Member