PDA

View Full Version : Why Assad's army has not defected.


Dondilion
02-12-2016, 08:48 AM
The linked article presents a picture of the make up Syrian army which is somewhat different from that of the regular narrative.

http://www.nationalinterest.org/feature/why-assads-army-has-not-defected-15190?page=2

nailer
02-12-2016, 09:15 AM
Not supporting Assad and not bringing his Baathists into the fight against ISIL is shortsighted.

Do you think our ruling class's ties to the Saudi's is a factor.

Dondilion
02-12-2016, 09:46 AM
Not supporting Assad and not bringing his Baathists into the fight against ISIL is shortsighted.

Do you think our ruling class's ties to the Saudi's is a factor.

Could be but the ties did not operate as to Iraq, where a Shia government was installed.

I believe the Assads' (father and son) regime connection to Russia, and oil pipe line matrix are greater factors.

catswiththum
02-14-2016, 08:39 AM
http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21692977-ray-hope-amidst-darkness-syrian-civil-war-or-bit-political

nailer
02-14-2016, 10:01 AM
Thanks for the link Cats. Prior to retirement The Economist was one of my top go to goof-off sites.

Like your Wilde quote. Imediately thought of all the serious snobs out there and am still :)

Dondilion
02-14-2016, 10:46 AM
http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21692977-ray-hope-amidst-darkness-syrian-civil-war-or-bit-political

Probably the Americans are now comfortable with the Assad regime creating a stable area free of jihadists of whatever stripe.

The irony is Assad's area is the only place minorities feel some measure of safety.

finnbow
02-14-2016, 11:05 AM
Probably the Americans are now comfortable with the Assad regime creating a stable area free of jihadists of whatever stripe.

The irony is Assad's area is the only place minorities feel some measure of safety.

And that applies very much to Christians in Syria. In fact, the Christians almost universally support Assad, while the US claims to want Assad out while decrying persecution of Christians.:confused:

nailer
02-14-2016, 11:13 AM
And that applies very much to Christians in Syria. In fact, the Christians almost universally support Assad, while the US claims to want Assad out while decrying persecution of Christians.:confused:

From our perspective the persecution is probably occurring to some extent. However when considered in light of how ISIS would treat them it shouldn't be a factor in allying our interests with Assad's. This shortsightedness is very American.

Boreas
02-14-2016, 12:24 PM
From our perspective the persecution is probably occurring to some extent. However when considered in light of how ISIS would treat them it shouldn't be a factor in allying our interests with Assad's. This shortsightedness is very American.

The persecution of Christians by radical Islamists is significant enough to have inspired a meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian orthodox Church, the first meeting between a pope and a patriarch in nearly 1,000 years.

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/2/12/pope-and-russian-patriarch-meet-in-cuba.html

bobabode
02-14-2016, 12:43 PM
The persecution of Christians by radical Islamists is significant enough to have inspired a meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian orthodox Church, the first meeting between a pope and a patriarch in nearly 1,000 years.

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/2/12/pope-and-russian-patriarch-meet-in-cuba.html

Two of the sharpest dressers in Christendom. ;)

nailer
02-14-2016, 01:18 PM
The persecution of Christians by radical Islamists is significant enough to have inspired a meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian orthodox Church, the first meeting between a pope and a patriarch in nearly 1,000 years.

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/2/12/pope-and-russian-patriarch-meet-in-cuba.html

Is Assad an Islamist? No

Did I say Islamist persecution of Christians is not significant? No

What's your point?

Dondilion
02-14-2016, 01:53 PM
Two of the sharpest dressers in Christendom. ;)

That one deserves a star.

Kirill was once caught wearing a $30.000 gold Breguet watch. :D

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17622820

Boreas
02-14-2016, 02:03 PM
Two of the sharpest dressers in Christendom. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wRHBLwpASw

Boreas
02-14-2016, 02:10 PM
Is Assad an Islamist? No.

Did I say that Assad is an Islamist? No.

Did I say Islamist persecution of Christians is not significant? No

Did I say you said Islamist persecution of Christians is not significant? No.

What's your point?

That the persecution of Christians by radical Islamists is significant enough to have inspired a meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian orthodox Church, the first meeting between a pope and a patriarch in nearly 1,000 years.

What's yours?

nailer
02-14-2016, 02:26 PM
Did I say that Assad is an Islamist? No.



Did I say you said Islamist persecution of Christians is not significant? No.



That the persecution of Christians by radical Islamists is significant enough to have inspired a meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian orthodox Church, the first meeting between a pope and a patriarch in nearly 1,000 years.

What's yours?

Why quote my post to make a point that doesn't address my point?

This time try to be on point with your responsive if your capable.

Boreas
02-14-2016, 02:32 PM
Why quote my post to make a point that doesn't address my point?

This time try to be on point with your responsive if your capable.

I wasn't talking to you.

nailer
02-14-2016, 02:38 PM
I wasn't talking to you.

Didn't think you could. :rolleyes:

catswiththum
02-15-2016, 07:35 AM
Thanks for the link Cats. Prior to retirement The Economist was one of my top go to goof-off sites.

Like your Wilde quote. Imediately thought of all the serious snobs out there and am still :)

I don't always agree with them but they have high standards, the research is thorough, and the writing is very good.

The Wilde quote prob more for my benefit - reminds me the fate of the world does not hinge on what I think and to chill out. :)