Thursday September 10, 2015

I've Been Thinking:

Russia called US diplomatic requests "boorish."

The Russians are livid at the United States and I'll explain why.
Russia has stationed over a thousand troops, a few dozen pilots and fighter jets on the outskirts of Damascus.

The United States warned that this action on the part of Russia could lead to conflict between the coalition forces and Russian forces.
Russia responded that they are there protecting their own interests.

In response to the Russian troop deployment, the US asked Greece and Bulgaria to restrict - more accurately, to forbid Russian aircraft from their airspace. Greece and Bulgaria have yet to respond but the request itself is seen as a response that is way out of proportion to the situation.

Granted, the United States was and is still upset. But there are ways of countering the situation without asking 3rd parties to intervene and punish Russia. Asking Greece and Bulgaria to help fight their battle was not at all appropriate on the part of the United States.

Russia has had troop on the ground in Syria from the very start of this conflict. For several months Russia's only aircraft carrier and all its ancillary ships and crew were anchored just outside the port of Latakia. Russia actually built and modernized the port investing $300 million of their own dollars. About 16 months ago Russia withdrew its troops from the area.

Now Russia has returned. This entire move should not have surprised anyone. Certainly, it should not have surprised the United States military or diplomatic corps.

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