So... How serious on this is the US?

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » May 5, 2003, 12:21 pm

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/05/04/powell_syria030504

Saw this on the front page of a national daily newpaper up here too (the National Post).

Is Syria going to be a target for an Iraqi-style action, especially since the troops and materials are all sitting next door or is this just tough talk to intimidate some of the "less cooperative" regimes in the Middle East into minding their own business and doing as the US wants?

As I recall, Syria has been one of the main sources of interference in Lebanon (supporting the radical islamic groups with weapons and troops, as the Israelis support the christian groups... this was a lot more noticable in the media in the late 80s/early 90s before Saddam made himself World Enemy #1) and thus contributing to the tensions and destabilization of the region.

Curious what the take on this is from everyone else.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » May 5, 2003, 12:31 pm

well the rhetoric has been turned on for the last couple of weeks.

hopefully they are just trying to "win" that battle with political pressure not military pressure. but who knows if Rumsfeld's crew is planting the seeds or not.

i dont think so, but who knows. There would be no way to mask such an invasion, so they wouldnt bother spending as much time doing so with the various spins on the subjec.t

Toshira · Post by **Toshira** » May 5, 2003, 2:15 pm

much postering and behind the scenes activity, methinks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/05/inter ... 5DIPL.html

theotherguy · Post by **theotherguy** » May 5, 2003, 2:47 pm

isnt this what made Rome fall?

miir · Post by **miir** » May 5, 2003, 3:04 pm

Toshira wrote:much postering and behind the scenes activity, methinks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/05/inter ... 5DIPL.html

If must link sites that require you to 'register', could you be so kind as to cut and paste the story as well?

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » May 5, 2003, 3:23 pm

There are certain influencial factions in the white house that would no doubt love to roll across the entire middle east bringing death to anyone that they come across (as long as they themselves are comfortable in their fortified mansion homes complete with secret service protection, with servants and toadies catering to them 24 hours a day). Hopefully Powell and his allies will have enough werewithal to keep those chickenhawks in check.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » May 5, 2003, 3:25 pm

miir wrote:
Toshira wrote:much postering and behind the scenes activity, methinks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/05/inter ... 5DIPL.html
If must link sites that require you to 'register', could you be so kind as to cut and paste the story as well?

NY Times access is free of charge, but yeah you have to register. Small price to pay for such a good resource imo.

Raistin · Post by **Raistin** » May 6, 2003, 1:30 am

I agree with kyoukan.

Theres a limit to what can be done. Someone in the ranks of the Bush's gathering needs to pull on the rope and stop them. Military is a means to a end, not a means for a new start.

As soon as Iraq is settled down, at least some what. We need to pull our troops out,just keep a small amount to help the change over. Anything over than what is "needed" will only show up wrong in a majorty's eyes.

Talking shit to contries that have caused problems, to the US, or others while we have 300,000+ of our military in the area will only piss off the bees nets.No need to piss of people when you can try and talk to them.

Metanis · Post by **Metanis** » May 6, 2003, 1:49 am

Voronwë wrote:
miir wrote:
Toshira wrote:much postering and behind the scenes activity, methinks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/05/inter ... 5DIPL.html
If must link sites that require you to 'register', could you be so kind as to cut and paste the story as well?
NY Times access is free of charge, but yeah you have to register. Small price to pay for such a good resource imo.

NY Times? They don't even pretend to be objective anymore. Good newspaper... to line the bird cage.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » May 6, 2003, 1:55 am

You're thinking of the post. The times is probably the most respected newspaper on the planet.

If you're really thinking the times, then what is your idea of objective journalism? That ann coulter horse shit you regurgitate in here?

Fesuni Chopsui · Post by **Fesuni Chopsui** » May 6, 2003, 1:56 am

kyoukan wrote:You're thinking of the post. The times is probably the most respected newspaper on the planet.

If you're really thinking the times, then what is your idea of objective journalism? That ann coulter horse shit you regurgitate in here?

Haha..for once../cheer Kyou

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » May 6, 2003, 3:33 pm

Metanis wrote:
Voronwë wrote:
miir wrote:
Toshira wrote:much postering and behind the scenes activity, methinks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/05/inter ... 5DIPL.html
If must link sites that require you to 'register', could you be so kind as to cut and paste the story as well?
NY Times access is free of charge, but yeah you have to register. Small price to pay for such a good resource imo.
NY Times? They don't even pretend to be objective anymore. Good newspaper... to line the bird cage.

Metanis probably can't differentiate from the Editorial/Op-Ed page to the rest of the paper. Assuming you've ever even read it.

a lot of people i think dont take the time/dont understand the difference between commentary and journalism.

miir · Post by **miir** » May 6, 2003, 3:35 pm

Are you saying Ann Coulter isn't journalism?

Adelrune Argenti · Post by **Adelrune Argenti** » May 6, 2003, 3:47 pm

Honestly, diplomatic pressure will work with Syria and the White House knows that. Syria is in an unenviable position in regards to not only their geographic location as well as their international position. Being next door to Israel and sponsoring and supporting anti-Israeli groups is not something that makes you live a long time. Also, their annexation of Lebanon still sticks in the minds of OMGIAMRETARDEDCAUSEALOTISTWOWORDS of people.

Syria does not have the force to defend itself and relies upon international agreements. They also know that the US is not something to take lightly and will bow to whatever concessions the US seeks from them after at least making a cursory face saving attempt at standing up for themselves.

Fallanthas · Post by **Fallanthas** » May 6, 2003, 4:43 pm

This is just flexing.

Why not? The troops are in the area, there are other elements there that could use some toning down.....

Why leave the area, then try to negotiate with the nearest force a thousand miles away?

masteen · Post by **masteen** » May 6, 2003, 4:54 pm

There's lots of other warm, sandy countries right next to our quarter-million troops. Might as well use them!

Adelrune Argenti · Post by **Adelrune Argenti** » May 6, 2003, 6:06 pm

masteen wrote:There's lots of other warm, sandy countries right next to our quarter-million troops.

Release the cats? That is one big litter box.