Islamic State/Coalition Bombing Mega Thread

[ikalugin]

I don't think anyone's started any military operations against Assad, barring the US donating a generous amount of TOW's, radios, ammo and such to ISIS a few years ago.

Yes, plus US has avoided areas assigned to it's allies in the coalition for the fear of those same unfortunate accidents. The desire to avoid those was/is so great, that F22As are used to keep an eye on the battlespace and conduct some strikes.

Thus I see no reason for US to breach the Russian zone of air operations, especially if it is confined to Syria, as it's costs (US actions being illegal agression against Syria and in worst case scenario - Russia) outweight operational benefits of 1-2 strikes per day.

[Fade2Gray]

Watching Brian Williams talk about this is amusing. I'm half hoping that he starts referring to his "experience" in talking about the bombings.

[ikalugin]

Watching Brian Williams talk about this is amusing. I'm half hoping that he starts referring to his "experience" in talking about the bombings.

Who is Brian Williams and what is he saying?

[rex88]

every power worth its salt is interested in reducing collisions. it is not a sign of weakness to come up with a code of conduct. these things should happen, can happen, have happeend. nor is it a sign of cowardice to fear a catastrophe.

advocating a catastrophe for fear of showing weakness is, well... ... ... ...

[Fade2Gray]

Watching Brian Williams talk about this is amusing. I'm half hoping that he starts referring to his "experience" in talking about the bombings.

Who is Brian Williams and what is he saying?

Recheck my post, as I just edited in a pic. Explains a bit more.

He is a source of endless amusement within the US military and veteran community.

[LoneRifle]

I don't think anyone's started any military operations against Assad, barring the US donating a generous amount of TOW's, radios, ammo and such to ISIS a few years ago.

Yes, plus US has avoided areas assigned to it's allies in the coalition for the fear of those same unfortunate accidents. The desire to avoid those was/is so great, that F22As are used to keep an eye on the battlespace and conduct some strikes.

Thus I see no reason for US to breach the Russian zone of air operations, especially if it is confined to Syria, as it's costs (US actions being illegal agression against Syria and in worst case scenario - Russia) outweight operational benefits of 1-2 strikes per day.

The USA may not be directly shooting at Assad, but it is no secret we want him gone. The Israelis are actively shooting across their border at anyone they don't like. I suspect it's only a matter of time before someone shoots someone they were not supposed to.

[Fade2Gray]

Oh boy, McCain is talking now...

all I hear is "Please ignore how Dubya massively destabilized the region and caused an explosion of extremism. Oh, and Obama is bad for following Dubya's timeline, never mind how he killed OBL. Oh, and I want to turn Syria into another Libya/Iraq."

I'm so glad he is not the POTUS.
.edit

Did I catch this right? All this rambling about leadership and strength and 'Murika but he is not for sending in a massive ground force? How... anti-climatic and not fitting with what he's talking about.

[frostypooky]

[Kolovrat]

Russian Defence Ministry reported on destruction of IS command centers and supply bases in mountains

Spoiler : :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiA0JUdWR6M

[DrRansom]

I'm touched by the Russian efforts to fight ISIS, by first attacking rebels who are opposed to Assad.

Granted, I'm of the opinion that ISIS is a boon to Assad and Iran, hence it's continued survival in the no-man's land between Shi'ite Iraq and coastal Syria.

As for the rest of Russia's intervention, SU-30s and Pantsyr-S1's are there to prevent western / Israeli intervention. Russia is moving to prop up Assad for the long run, ISIS is a convenient smoke-screen.