Though I write this blog post as a matter of conjecture, the thought of a looming military confrontation with Russia is of paramount concern since our initial airstrike northwest of Al Qa’im, Syria. Are we proverbially kicking the great Russian bear or worse yet, poking him with a sharp stick?
Remember, Syria is a Russian ally and boasts their only friendly port, Tartus, along the Mediterranean Sea. Not only is it of military value but it is also of economic worth also. In addition, Russia has serious financial interests throughout the country. The Moscow Times reported its investments in Syria were worth 19.4 billion dollars in 2009. Also, Russia has invested heavily in Syria’s natural gas program, their Arab Gas Pipeline, tourism and overall infrastructure.
I feel that our military actions in Syria could theoretically back Russia into a proverbial corner. Their military and financial investments in the country are far too great just to be forgotten or simply let go if al-Assad is replaced by a pro-Western government. Plus, we’ve already witnessed Putin’s reaction to apparent Western aggression. Arguably, a main reason for the annexation of Crimea and their growing military interest in the Ukraine is in direct response to the country possibly joining NATO. If that were to happen, Russia would subsequently lose its land buffer against the West and key security interests. It’s not some grand imperialistic land grab as depicted in the news, but a matter of what Russia views as survival.
We are treading too close to disaster with each bombing raid Obama authorizes on Syrian soil. What will be the final straw that springs Russia into action? I don’t know, but worse yet, I doubt Obama our military commanders do either.
One final comment. I write this only as a matter of suggestion. We must not forget that Russia also bears the scars of ongoing radical Muslin aggression within their country. Thus, our objective in not only Syria but also the entire Middle East should be the same. Just as we mutually fought the Nazi’s the 1940’s, we should be joining our combined forces to eradicate radical Muslim organizations and terrorists in the region before they spread any further. By excluding Russia from our War on Terror we have not only lost a possible ally but also emboldened an old enemy.
Syrian Bombing by US may lead to Direct Military Confrontation with Russia.
As a registered Republican, I have come to the conclusion that my vote does not seem to count. In fact, it almost appears that no matter who I vote into office, nothing changes. Thought this statement may seem facetious, there remains much truth within it.
Unfortunately, the Republican establishment has usurped both the political party and the will of the people. John Boehner, Karl Rove, and Mitch McConnell have become drunk on their power and see fit to run the entire party as they please. No longer will they let the elected representative pursue the agenda to which they were voted into office. Instead, they are forced to comply with the political party’s agenda mandated by these tyrants who run the party. It’s their way or the highway. Time and time again, I have witnessed Republicans capitulate to their will and vote in accordance with their mandates. Just look at how the establishment has treated the Tea Party and mocked their attempts to make targeted political changes. Remember what happened when they attempted to shut down the government to make a statement about Obamacare? Also, remember all those so-called Republicans who voted not to repeal it?
Now, the House Republican establishment wants to change the rules so that any member who votes against the party’s nominee as speaker will be stripped of all their power. This is absurd? How will any meaningful change ever take place in the party? How will new ideas come to fruition?
The bottom line is that the leaders of the Republican Party seem to have lost touch with the American people. No matter who they put up for president, they lose, and no matter who such people as Rove and McConnell support (such as in Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, and Wisconsin in 2012) all get beat by a large margin.
The John Boehners, Karl Roves, Mitch McConnell, and John McCains of the party are leading the country into disaster. The only thing they can accomplish is to solidify and grow their own power. They have perverted the party and are destroying the country in the process. As our country continues to implode, her epitaph will surely bear their names.