Absolutely correct Bill, I knew one who had spent many years in Cairo and was a really effective/intelligent guy.
Other hand, I recall a case officer who was supposed to provide direct report on contras but stopped and stayed at a Mx tourist facility, pretending to be in Honduras.
I would say we have already been intervening - light weapons and funds.
Air defense - ''So, what has the Syrian air defense corps been upgrading its old SA-2s and SA-6s with? Well, rumors about that the RF-4 was shot down by a brand new Russian-made SA-22 system. The SA-22 is a mobile antiaircraft system the equipped with its own target acquisition and tracking radars and it carries 12 medium range 57E6 radio-guided surface-to-air missiles and two 30 mm autocannon. Yeah, it’s a nasty little system designed to protect ground troops, cities and even more advanced, high-altitude surface to air missile systems.
Speaking of high-altitude Russian-built SAM systems, dubbed triple digit SAMS, that keep American planners awake at night, Syria’s probably got them. [defensetech.org]
I would say that the SLA/SLF are just as likely to massacre as Assad.
Contras were armed by u.s. - most of these had been civilians.
Sandinistas, also former civilians, were armed through years of conflict and slightly by Cuba and the Salvadoran FMLN.
Civilian civilians were not all armed although government forces certainly were.
Other hand, Chilean civilians were not armed by Allende nor were Guatemalan civilians armed by Arbenz - Two cases in which democratically elected presidents may have avoided overthrow -if- they had armed the civilian populations.
Raul, yes, U.S. citizens can purchase full auto weapons but ownership requires a special federal license.
Juan, excellent article [as always] though I doubt ethics and practical matters will prevent more foolishness, especially when so many decision makers have had no practical experience.
Absolutely correct Bill, I knew one who had spent many years in Cairo and was a really effective/intelligent guy.
Other hand, I recall a case officer who was supposed to provide direct report on contras but stopped and stayed at a Mx tourist facility, pretending to be in Honduras.
I would say we have already been intervening - light weapons and funds.
Air defense - ''So, what has the Syrian air defense corps been upgrading its old SA-2s and SA-6s with? Well, rumors about that the RF-4 was shot down by a brand new Russian-made SA-22 system. The SA-22 is a mobile antiaircraft system the equipped with its own target acquisition and tracking radars and it carries 12 medium range 57E6 radio-guided surface-to-air missiles and two 30 mm autocannon. Yeah, it’s a nasty little system designed to protect ground troops, cities and even more advanced, high-altitude surface to air missile systems.
Speaking of high-altitude Russian-built SAM systems, dubbed triple digit SAMS, that keep American planners awake at night, Syria’s probably got them. [defensetech.org]
I would say that the SLA/SLF are just as likely to massacre as Assad.
Syria is of geopolitical value to Russia........
AAMIR,
Contras were armed by u.s. - most of these had been civilians.
Sandinistas, also former civilians, were armed through years of conflict and slightly by Cuba and the Salvadoran FMLN.
Civilian civilians were not all armed although government forces certainly were.
Other hand, Chilean civilians were not armed by Allende nor were Guatemalan civilians armed by Arbenz - Two cases in which democratically elected presidents may have avoided overthrow -if- they had armed the civilian populations.
Raul, yes, U.S. citizens can purchase full auto weapons but ownership requires a special federal license.
Juan, excellent article [as always] though I doubt ethics and practical matters will prevent more foolishness, especially when so many decision makers have had no practical experience.