I think that unless there are severe, choking, sanctions that "we" can implement against Assad and Putin, that it is time to destroy the Syrian Air Force and impose a no fly zone over all of Syria. This should be/could be done by NATO, including Turkey, plus Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and other middle eastern allies.
The most effective way for the west to counter Assad/Putin is with air power. We need to take control of the air over Syria. Surely U.S. and NATO air forces have the ability to do that and it would certainly result in some loss of aircraft and crews. But it would stop barrel bombing once and for all and perhaps give pro-western forces (who ever they are - I can't keep up with the names) a fighting chance on the ground. And it would be a punch in the nose of Putin which is long over due.
Two or three years ago I wrote that the U.S. and its allies should take control of the airspace over Syria. That would mean destroying the Syrian air forces and air defense capability. It would have stopped the use of Syrian air power (barrel bombs etc.) against rebel fighters that we hoped would win the day in ground warfare we didn't want to engage in - and still don't, and should not. We could have used our air advantage to attack Syrian tank columns, artillery and other military targets that could be reached away from the civilian population. Our rebel forces would have a chance then against Syrian ground forces. Now Russia has joined the fray with their air force and the risk of doing what I suggested is much greater. But I wonder if Russia would persist if we and our allies drew a line in the sand saying "pull your forces back or they will be attacked as well." I think we and Nato have the capability of doing this - but, sadly, it doesn't appear we have the resolve to do it.
A brilliant scenario Juan!! I have wondered for years why the Iranians main negotiating strategy is not that they will give up their nuc program if Israel will give up theirs.
I agree with Juan. But I have some more fundamental questions about Israeli actions since the three kids were killed. I haven't seen any evidence presented showing that Hamas people are guilty of the murders. Have I just overlooked it?And if the murderers were Hamas people perhaps they were some crazies acting on there own behalf just like, it has been assumed, the Israeli killers of the Palestinian boy. All the killers should be brought to justice. It apperas to me that Israel immeditely assumed that the Hamas/PLA sanctioned the killing of the three boys and then began bombing the crap out of Gaza. No "due process" whatsoever! How does the "civilized world" (UN, US, EU, etc.) allow Israel to get away with this?
Air strikes against Syria, including the presidential palace and bunkers, could change their minds about negotiating peace.
What else can be done at this point? More "hand wringing" and statements about how horrible it is while thousands aree dieing?
We could destroy the Syrian Air Force and maintain a no fly zone over Syria meaning no military aircraft flights including helicopters. But no troops on the ground.
The US and NATO should seek UN authorization to impose a no fly zone over Syria. And when no such authorization is forthcoming due to China and Russia, should proceed to implement it. Destroying the Syrian Air Force can be done with little or no loss to us and would level the fighting field between Assad forces and all the opposition. Allowing the Syrian Air Force to bomb with impunity is insane. And anything we try to do with the criminal court or more sanctions is not going to stop Assad.
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I think that unless there are severe, choking, sanctions that "we" can implement against Assad and Putin, that it is time to destroy the Syrian Air Force and impose a no fly zone over all of Syria. This should be/could be done by NATO, including Turkey, plus Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and other middle eastern allies.
Mr. Shlaim or Dr. Cole,
What can the Palestinians do to promote the two state solution?
The most effective way for the west to counter Assad/Putin is with air power. We need to take control of the air over Syria. Surely U.S. and NATO air forces have the ability to do that and it would certainly result in some loss of aircraft and crews. But it would stop barrel bombing once and for all and perhaps give pro-western forces (who ever they are - I can't keep up with the names) a fighting chance on the ground. And it would be a punch in the nose of Putin which is long over due.
Two or three years ago I wrote that the U.S. and its allies should take control of the airspace over Syria. That would mean destroying the Syrian air forces and air defense capability. It would have stopped the use of Syrian air power (barrel bombs etc.) against rebel fighters that we hoped would win the day in ground warfare we didn't want to engage in - and still don't, and should not. We could have used our air advantage to attack Syrian tank columns, artillery and other military targets that could be reached away from the civilian population. Our rebel forces would have a chance then against Syrian ground forces. Now Russia has joined the fray with their air force and the risk of doing what I suggested is much greater. But I wonder if Russia would persist if we and our allies drew a line in the sand saying "pull your forces back or they will be attacked as well." I think we and Nato have the capability of doing this - but, sadly, it doesn't appear we have the resolve to do it.
A brilliant scenario Juan!! I have wondered for years why the Iranians main negotiating strategy is not that they will give up their nuc program if Israel will give up theirs.
I would like to see Professor Cole's top 5 things the Obama administration should do to counter ISIL and Assad.
I agree with Juan. But I have some more fundamental questions about Israeli actions since the three kids were killed. I haven't seen any evidence presented showing that Hamas people are guilty of the murders. Have I just overlooked it?And if the murderers were Hamas people perhaps they were some crazies acting on there own behalf just like, it has been assumed, the Israeli killers of the Palestinian boy. All the killers should be brought to justice. It apperas to me that Israel immeditely assumed that the Hamas/PLA sanctioned the killing of the three boys and then began bombing the crap out of Gaza. No "due process" whatsoever! How does the "civilized world" (UN, US, EU, etc.) allow Israel to get away with this?
Air strikes against Syria, including the presidential palace and bunkers, could change their minds about negotiating peace.
What else can be done at this point? More "hand wringing" and statements about how horrible it is while thousands aree dieing?
We could destroy the Syrian Air Force and maintain a no fly zone over Syria meaning no military aircraft flights including helicopters. But no troops on the ground.
The US and NATO should seek UN authorization to impose a no fly zone over Syria. And when no such authorization is forthcoming due to China and Russia, should proceed to implement it. Destroying the Syrian Air Force can be done with little or no loss to us and would level the fighting field between Assad forces and all the opposition. Allowing the Syrian Air Force to bomb with impunity is insane. And anything we try to do with the criminal court or more sanctions is not going to stop Assad.