In response to expanding IDF operations in southern Lebanon, Syria is reportedly increasing its military readiness. Citing Israel's "barbaric war of annihilation," Syrian President Bashir Assad said he had directed his nation's military to increase its alert level. Assad claims that Syria will not abandon support for Lebanese (read: Hizballah) resistance against Israel.
From what I can gather, Syria's preparations (so far) appear to be largely defensive in nature, including increased dispersal activity among key units. Having been suprised in the past--and mercilessly hammered by the IAF--the Syrians are apparently taking no chances this time around. Besides, even Bashir Assad understands that his military is no match for the Israeli Defense Forces, even with on-going operations in Lebanon. True, Syria could cause some problems for the IDF (particulary with its ballistic missile arsenal), but Damascus would pay a severe price for such a misadventure, far more than Assad can afford.
Expect Syria to continue the "heroic" rhetoric--while quietly continuing efforts to protect key military systems for Israeli attack. Challenging Israeli militarily is an invitation to disaster, hence the emphasis on "hide and cover."
2 comments:
Is it evil of me to think that delivering a small tactical nuke to downtown Damascus might be a simple and effective way to get the world's attention that the USA is done fooling around? Who, really, would miss Damascus? Wouldn't Iran sit up and decide it's time to fly right? Wouldn't the rest of the Arab/Muslim world slink back to their 7th century caves and complain about what victims they are, but decide it's best to just leave us alone? Wouldn't China re-assess their war plans in light of our assertiveness? Wouldn't North Korea stand down? We'd be condemned by one and all, but we're already condemned by those folks, so what's to lose? Please, Mr. President, give it some serious consideration....
The best thing to do would be to entice Syria to attack.
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