Why Assad's army has not defected.

[Dondilion]

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/feat...d-15190?page=2

[nailer]

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]

Originally Posted by nailer

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]

http://www.economist.com/news/middle...-bit-political

[nailer]

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]

Originally Posted by catswiththum

http://www.economist.com/news/middle...-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]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

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.

[nailer]

Originally Posted by finnbow

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.

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]

Originally Posted by nailer

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/article...t-in-cuba.html

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by Boreas

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/article...t-in-cuba.html

Two of the sharpest dressers in Christendom.