BadgeIsBack

A bit alarmist mate. Hate to say this but an attack on the British Sovereign base areas there would be lunacy by the Russians.

The alert status will be elevated at both bases.

Like I say, both the Syrians and Russians, in that order, will focus on shooting down missiles. Why wouldn't they?

The 2nd lunacy would be taking out a 'capital' US warship (even on the basis of return fire).

The UK and US could lose a small warship or plane and that would be a just cost.

ozzieeagle

Under the Syrian flag

Putin is as maniacal as Trump. He'll do something.

scrubbedexpat098

I'm there in 3 weeks time, hope they settle their differences by then

ozzieeagle

Bloody hope so, this is a catalyst for a solution or escalation.

Only 1/3rd of the missiles were intercepted. That's a bloody nose for the Russians, They will react. Suprisingly they didn't even hit a jet.

BadgeIsBack

He's not mad - he just has his own game and agenda. He's really the bad boy at the back of the classroom with his own gang which he used in the Crimea [and probably resents he's not taken seriously enough as a statesman]. [The Crimea is Russia's Sphere of Influence and that's why the world looked the other way.]

An attack on Cyprus is even convenient for the coalition. Then the UN would get involved as they would not be able to look the other way.

It's possible then that the coalition, (not NATO) would effectively remove the Assad regime by retaliation, but avoid Russian forces directly. The Russians would know this. It suits them to make mischief and blame it all on conspiracy- they claim the chem attack was indeed such conspiracy.

The consequence of this show of force would then be another "Gulf 2 - Iraq" with yet another vacuum. Russia is only a problem as they want that seaport and infrastructure and would have to talk with the UN and West about their part. It would get all to the table finally.

I am obviously assuming some calm heads here...! I can't guarantee it...

the troubadour

Those Cypriot banks must get right up Russian noises. Long memories and the anger no doubt remains.

BadgeIsBack

Nothing to do with Cyprus - the sovereign base areas are British.

The beaches Mr English is heading for are Cypriot.

scrubbedexpat098

I ****ing hope so haha

Beoz

Hold on. Haven't you previously said Trump is in bed with Putin and worked with Trump on the election scandal?

the troubadour

Get with the times in politics a week is a long time. Things change. Keep up.

uk_grenada

Oh well, at least isis are happy. ALLIE BONGO [thats what they shout when they go to meet all those virgins isnt it?].

Who do i have to buy shares in now? Im thinking BAE systems, AKZO nobel, Rockwell?

GarryP

Yep, and as stated, all the while Trump is still useful to Putin, Putin will give him a bone to divert media attention from the tightening noose. You'll note Trump told Putin of the raid, meaning that nothing of significance was achieved since they had time to clear anything valuable. You'll also note that Putin didn't escalate either.

Once Trump is no longer of value, Putin will turn on him to sow even greater dissension inside the US. The worry is that the main export of Russia is fossil fuels, and the best way for the russian economy to do better is to see a rise in the price. And the best way to do that is to take out of production some other big producer. That might well be part of his endgame.

ozzieeagle

Two Fronts?

UAWire - Syrian sources: unidentified warplanes strike Iranian weapons depot in Syria

carcajou

The world has been so peaceful the last several decades that people have lost all basis for comparison, and every small tiny event becomes "this could be the next world war!"

This . . . is not even in the same galaxy as that.

By the way the US and Russia have long experience waging proxy battles against each other without it escalating into a frontal conflict.

BadgeIsBack

..yes...

and the UN voted down Russia's assertion. They are looking pretty silly in backing the Syrians, but its all posturing.