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Western powers say air strikes crippled Syria chemical weapons program

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By Phil Stewart and Tom Perry

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Our 'friends', the Saudis, have used chemical weapons in Yemen and no one makes a peep.

The idea that bombing Syria will have a positive affect on the Syrians would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. For nearly 20 years we’ve have waged war in the region with nothing having been accomplished, unless the destruction of Iraq and Libya are positive events. We have created failed states and millions of refugees and hundreds of thousands of dead. We had to kill them to save them.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

What, they're only supposed to use 3?

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Those missiles cost about 1 million $ each, and that's not including the cost of the personnel,storage, etc after you buy them.

Just saying....

7 ( +7 / -0 )

@commanteer Yes, from what i can make out all this war etc. is over a pipeline/s. Either US/Saudi controlled or Russian/Iran controlled. Both of which are proposed to pass through Syria. Assad obviously prefers the Russian version which is why he is made out to be a demon by the West.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Burning BushToday 08:49 am JST

Those missiles cost about 1 million $ each, and that's not including the cost of the personnel,storage, etc after you buy them.

Agreed.

What's so smart about missiles if it takes 105 just to hit 3 targets.

For just 3 targets, I think 105 dumb bombs would have worked just as well.

Why is everyone harping on "just 3 targets" without knowing the size, structure and extent of fortification? And 105 "dumb bombs" would have to be dropped. Those 105 missiles were launched from outside Syrian territory.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Syrian children killed, Trump orders a major attack. American children killed in their school, Trump does nothing.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

 there is an extremely graphic Japanese animation 

There is a big difference between fantasy and reality.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

A little bit to soon to make this comment. Bush said something similar if you remember.

Trump is a compulsive liar remember.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

This missile strikes by Western powers on Syria over an alleged use of chemical weapons even before the UN Chemical weapons fact finding team arrived at the site sets a very dangerous precedent.

These three Western powers should be held responsible if other states will imitate what they did and start firing missiles over an alleged but still unverified act.

This also means the UN is already irrelevant .

I bet many will now follow what Kim Jung Un did for protecting his country .

4 ( +8 / -4 )

What's so smart about missiles if it takes 105 just to hit 3 targets.

There were three target areas, each with multiple targets (buildings). A little intellectual honesty goes a long way.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Hey everybody... here's an idea... Let's speculate!!!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I've noticed a great difference between JapanToday (Mostly American/Canadian and British expats)

I've been posting here a number of years, and seen the nationalities people post, and there don't seem to be a lot of American nor Canadian posters. Mostly Europeans, (including British).

Anyways, I have no idea if Russia was responsible for what happened in Syria, but they only have themselves to blame if people think they were, based on their past actions in the past. If they don't want to be blamed for everything, they should stop doing things that make people think it's more likely they have done something than not.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

"That Russian, That Russian, That Russian,", even Russian have names. And if basic etiquette is available to thee, you better not shame your legal representatives by not using it.

I don't know the name of the Russian poster, other than you, who is trying to minimize the strike.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

As history shows, "The first casualty of war is the truth"

Crazy Joe and Burning Bush are on the money IMO :)

2 ( +5 / -3 )

in any case.... I don't understand the 'logic' of attempting to prevent the use of chemical-weapons by bombing the facilities where they are made and stored.... wouldn't that just spread much larger quantities of same?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

If the US knew that these targeted sites were producing chemical weapons, why did they keep this information a secret until now? Why did they not report these sites to the OPCW/UNSC? It seems incredibly irresponsible to know about sites producing outlawed weapons but say absolutely nothing until after a chemical attack has already taken place. The whole thing seems very questionable.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

The only message that anyone will get from all this is that the terrorists can always count on the west for protection in response to a false-flag chemical attack

Well, that... and they have to agree to let the US and the Saudis run an oil pipeline through their country. If Assad agreed to that, the western press would suddenly be singing his praises as an enlightened and chastened new ruler.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Proven by whom? Syria? Russia?

G.B., France, and the U.S were convinced that Assad had, once again, used chemical weapons against his own people. Now Assad doesn't have his chemical weapons factories to play with any more.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

There might only be three targets, but they are spacious and fortified. Thus, 105 missiles. I wish they went for three more for 108 and make it like a Japanese fireworks new year celebration.

Get out of Syria. It is not our land.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

On the plus side, it’s always nice to see American hardware in action

I have to disagree with you in this one, Super. The only time it's nice to see our hardware in action is during training exercises, otherwise it means we are inflicting death and destruction. While I don't shy away from inflicting death and destruction, I firmly believe it should be a last resort.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Burning Bush - 105 missiles fired and only 3 targets hit.

What..... a...... JOKE!

Did you read the article? Only 3 areas were targeted. The result is that 3 targets were destroyed.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

 for a suspected poison gas attack in Syria a week ago

Innocent until proven guilty doesn't apply in non-democracies I guess.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

I am amazed that there are people out there who still believe (or pretend to believe) that Assad was responsible for the alleged chemical attack.

I’m amazed there are people so utterly convinced they know what’s going on here.

Anyway, the US fired 105 expensive rockets, 2/3 of which were intercepted by Syrian air defense systems, which is basically comprised of Soviet-made weapons.

Why do you believe this? You like the idea?

The track record of telling the truth for all players in this awful mess is shocking.

Get out of the Middle East.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

@jiji Xx

I don't understand the 'logic' of attempting to prevent the use of chemical-weapons by bombing the facilities where they are made and stored.... wouldn't that just spread much larger quantities of same?

It's simple: the people who planned the strike knew perfectly well that there were nothing chemical-weapns-like in these buildings.

@zichi

Since the attack against the number of trolls and hackers against America have increased 2,000% in the past 24 hours

Thanks for the insight. Can you provide a link? And what about trolls and hackers for America?

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Syrian children killed, Trump orders a major attack. American children killed in their school, Trump does nothing.

What's your point? Do you want Trump to bomb the USA?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I've noticed a great difference between JapanToday (Mostly American/Canadian and British expats) and the broader European news outlets.

Comment sections here are mostly pro-USA and anti-Russia, whilst on an increased amount of European news outlets people demand proof, and are increasingly hostile towards the US/UK/FR attacks.

If this keeps going, the middle east might not soon be the only unsafe travel destination.

I think it was a couple of years ago I read about an American who got acid thrown in his face I think in Spain or Italy, just for being an American.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

It's hilarious reading Russians trying to minimize the damage done. That Russian isn't even attempting to deny anymore that chemical weapons were used. Now it's, "105 missiles for 3 targets?!" That Russian doesn't realize that multiple buildings were hit at each of the three sites.

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

So Trump sent over some missiles, some buildings were taken out, and people were notified. As I said, Trump will do something that doesn’t change much. Not that I disagree with that.

Now get out of Syria. Let them kill each other if they want to.

On the plus side, it’s always nice to see American hardware in action, especially with the Brits and French next to us. I don’t know much about air strikes, but maybe someone can chime in. Looks like they were using older plans to deliver missiles outside of Syrian airspace and tomahawks from the water.

I don’t agree with you usually, but you’re spot on this one. Totally agree!

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Syrians are claiming that they intercepted 71 missiles, including all 12 that were directed at the Al-Dumayr military airport outside of Damascus.

"The Pentagon insisted that no missiles were intercepted by Syrian defences and that the raids were “precise and overwhelming” while claiming the Syrian air defences remained “largely ineffective”.

I would say most of the world understands how the Russian and Syrian troll bots are out in full force now.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

Trump: Hey Vlad, can you have your buddy Assad empty out a few buildings so I can flush out the current news cycle?

Digging deep on a Sunday morning, aren’t we?

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Either way, Assad should get the message and hopefully won’t be so dumb as to try and use chemical weapons again.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Assad should get the message and hopefully won’t be so dumb as to try and use chemical weapons again.

I am amazed that there are people out there who still believe (or pretend to believe) that Assad was responsible for the alleged chemical attack.

The only message that anyone will get from all this is that the terrorists can always count on the west for protection in response to a false-flag chemical attack.

Anyway, the US fired 105 expensive rockets, 2/3 of which were intercepted by Syrian air defense systems, which is basically comprised of Soviet-made weapons.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

So Trump sent over some missiles, some buildings were taken out, and people were notified. As I said, Trump will do something that doesn’t change much. Not that I disagree with that.

Now get out of Syria. Let them kill each other if they want to.

On the plus side, it’s always nice to see American hardware in action, especially with the Brits and French next to us. I don’t know much about air strikes, but maybe someone can chime in. Looks like they were using older plans to deliver missiles outside of Syrian airspace and tomahawks from the water.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

The only time it's nice to see our hardware in action is during training exercises, otherwise it means we are inflicting death and destruction. While I don't shy away from inflicting death and destruction, I firmly believe it should be a last resort.

I do too, but for someone like Assad, it’s a great thing

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

The release of poison gas by any side has not been proven thus the rationale for a retaliatory bombing is absent.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

In all of this, I'm just really interested in Putin's reactions. He is aware that the US and co would have endless plans under their sleeves to counter his side's efforts. He's holding up pretty well considering he is going against the master of the world and its numerous minions and all. People should be thankful that Putin is a pragmatic man because with all stuff thrown at him, it's justified for him to go berzerk and do something crazy (like Khrushchev). He has the means.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Final conclusion to the whole thing: great pyrotechnic show, nothing more. Results:

no casualties among Syrian military or civilians

not a single Syrian plane or a helicopter destroyed

zero damage to Syrian airfields, command centers or other significant targets, only several empty buildings blown up

no confrontation with the Russians: allies very carefully avoided even a resemblance of attack on Russian targets, Russian were reciprocally courteous and did not fire at their ships and planes

Wholehearted thanks to the US/UK/French military for the show. Great way to burn more then 100 mil. of taxpayers' money.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

"Gesture bombing" of the most ridiculous kind.

The Russians knew a month ago that a fake chemical attack was being planned in East Ghouta and that the US would use it as an excuse to bomb Syria.

Here’s the story, as reported by Reuters on ****March 13th -

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-russia-usa/russia-says-u-s-plans-to-strike-damascus-pledges-military-response-idUSKCN1GP0TY

"Valery Gerasimov, head of Russia’s General Staff, said Moscow had information that rebels in the enclave of eastern Ghouta were planning to fake a chemical weapons attack against civilians and blame it on the Syrian army.

He said the United States intended to use the fake attack as a pretext to bomb the government quarter in nearby Damascus where he said Russian military advisers, Russian military police and Russian ceasefire monitors were based."

They’re clever, these Russians. Or psychic, perhaps. They knew ****exactly what was going to happen a month before it did.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Western powers say air strikes crippled Syria chemical weapons program

Hilarious. It's easy to destroy what did not exist in the first place. And interesting to note that the Western powers do everything possible to obstruct the work of WMD inspectors who were going to investigate the "use of chemical weapons" that became the pretext for this strike.

So, 105 missiles for three targets - not underground shelters or bunkers, but buildings - and the the Western armada in the region is already low on ammunition. Just imagine how much more of such missiles would be required in case of war with North Korea with its maze of shelters and bunkers. How Americans are going to destroy them with such miisiles? They'd run out of Tomohawks in several days.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

105 missiles were indeed fired, but the Pentagon had way more than just 3 buildings in mind.

Of course it did. The Pentagon never claimed to only have three buildings in mind. See my previous posts and Ossan's post to help understand your logic failure. Then again, Russian trolls don't care about logic, they care about stirring the pot.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

"That Russian, That Russian, That Russian,", even Russian have names. And if basic etiquette is available to thee, you better not shame your legal representatives by not using it.

"CrazyJoe", there is an extremely graphic Japanese animation called "Gyakusatsu Kikan", which is a rough critique on the reality of the Earth societies. The message is something along the lines - The developed western (especially America) half keeps on producing wars in the already devastated eastern half, publicly expressing condolences and disgust at all the bloodshed, but enjoying their own "freedom" and consumeric comfort far away from the battlefields, and privately advancing the means to destabilizing and chaos invoking. Because the theory goes - as long as the less developed nations wage wars between themselves, they will leave the stabilized nations out of it, and thus by producing endless conflicts in half the world, the other half would virtually live in peace and prosperity. Which is the ultimate hypocrisy. I do not suggest to view the animated film, but all this "civilized west against terroristic/despotic east" is going in exactly that direction. If not there already.

-9 ( +5 / -14 )

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