The Syrian Mess

—   you berks.    “ Make New Globes   AS THE civil war in Syria has dragged on, the rebels have become more Islamist and extreme. Jabhat al-Nusra (Victory Front) is the biggest worry. Its global jihadist ideology justifies violence to bring about a nation where all Muslims unite.  The Farouq Battalions, whose territorial reach goes from Homs to Hasaka in the north-east, is another mixed bag, ranging from Islamists to people with no particular ideology. The Supreme Military Command, led by General Salim Idriss, a Sunni defector from President Assad’s army, includes some able commanders but still lacks the cash and arms to match either the regime’s forces or Jabhat al-Nusra, which ignores the military command. Ominously, rebels from more secular-minded or more moderately Islamist groups speak openly of a second war to come—against Jabhat al-Nusra. See full article. [Full article] If you understand who's who in Syria, I tip my hat to you.  This deal has more factions and intrigue than the Spanish civil war.  But here's one thing we can take to the bank.  The United States will never again win any war that Democrats have any part of, and I include congressional  influence.  Look at this mess; why bother? Who's backing Syria ASSAD’S FRIENDS The Islamic Republic of Iran - a Shiite Muslim regional power - is a staunch ally of the Assad government and has been providing arms, military training and cash. If Assad falls, Iran will be deeply wounded. Iraq After American troops toppled Sunni Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraq’s Shiite majority became dominant. With this shift came regional alliances with Shiite countries including Iran and Syria. Russia One theory for why Russia has been so resolute in its backing of Damascus is to ensure continued control of its only Mediterranean naval base, which is in the Syrian port of Tartus. ASSAD’S FOES Saudi Arabia It is a follower of the strict Wahabi branch of Sunni Islam. In backing anti-Assad forces, Saudi Arabia is challenging its main regional foe, Shiite Iran. Some experts believe the Sunni-Shiite divisions are being exaggerated for political reasons. United States Until June, the administration was opposed to providing any lethal assistance to Syria's rebels, but in June it said it was moving ahead with sending weapons to vetted members of the opposition. What are "vetted members?"  Honest Syrian military rebels have been shoved aside by al Qaeda and the Muslim Broterhood.  Can you say "Egypt's Arab Spring?" Turkey Formerly a close friend of Syria, Turkey’s moderate Islamist government has become a supporter of the rebels and supplying them with arms, Jordan Allows American troops to train Syrian rebels on its territory and F-16 jets are positioned there. Hamas: The Palestinians Israel Believed to have carried out three bomb strikes this year in Syria targeting Hezbollah weapons caches but refuses to confirm or deny whether it was responsible. Were Israeli bombers flown by Hamas? Drudge is reporting that Obama's DOD "will only follow the International community" (UN?) into  Syria.  Nope, can't be the UN; Russia would veto.  So,  international community means the US, Code Pink, and a bunch of token bit players from France.  The answer to this mess is of course to take out Iran, and enjoy the peace. The tree falling with nobody to hear it option The other thing to do is simply never again acknowledge that there is a Middle East.  Replace maps and globes with Ocean.  Nobody will ever know, or care. We have as much oil in the ground as they do, so screw'em. ”