DoD Sec. Carter: Russia's Syrian Approach 'Doomed to Fail'

[EC]

 Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said Wednesday that, by supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad, Russia's activities in the region are the equivalent of "pouring gasoline on a fire."

His comments come on the heels of news that Russia has begun carrying out strategic airstrikes in Syria on Wednesday. A Russian general, on behalf of a coalition being headed by Moscow, gave roughly an hour's warning to the U.S. to steer clear of the country's airspace as its warplanes joined in the fight against ISIS.

The U.S. State Department said Moscow's request would be ignored, adding that American jets would continue to fly missions as part of a separate air campaign to root out the militants.

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"Fighting ISIL without pursuing a parallel political transition only risks escalating civil war in Syria," Carter said using an alternative reference to ISIS and echoing the administration's assertion that any steps toward ridding the region of the terrorist group's influence must steer clear of backing Assad's regime.

Carter said there is an inherent contrast in Russia carrying out airstrikes in an area of Syria where ISIS forces are not believed to be present.

"There is an illogical contradiction in the Russian position and now its actions in Syria," Carter said.

He added "the Russian approach is doomed to fail."

The U.S. and Russia diverge on Assad's leadership. The White House has underscored the need for a political transition in Syria stressing that Assad must go, while Putin has put Assad up as the only option to defeat ISIS.

Secretary of State John Kerry quickly questioned Moscow's actions Wednesday and asked during a U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York whether Russia's intentions in Syria "reflects a genuine commitment to defeating" ISIS. He said those efforts cannot be confused with supporting Assad, who is in a struggle for power with both ISIS and rebel factions.

Foreign policy experts say Moscow is seizing on a perceived American vulnerability in addressing the Syrian conflict and making a power play in the war-torn region.

Read more: http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/dod-sec-carter-russia-pouring-gasoline-fire-syria-n436361

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Killing off ISIS is a good thing. Our administration, not so much.

The U.S. State Department said Moscow's request would be ignored, adding that American jets would continue to fly missions as part of a separate air campaign to root out the militants.

By ignoring this isn't our regime inviting a incident? Obama gets a 3fer.1 Kills off some more of our fine military to replace with his. 2 gets to take out a US jet or 2.  3 Takes America off 1st world power status.

[EC]

It is possible for an incident to happen in the air, but it is unlikely, simply because the scum have almost zero air capability. And, regardless of what Obama and Kerry say (and the brass) I'm betting there were some side channels set up the instant the first Russian plane landed.

The actual reason for the Russian warning wasn't for airspace - it was a gentle "you should get your ground forces out of our way, because we aren't playing around here." The UK got the same warning - not, of course, that we have any ground forces in the area.

[flowers]

The UK got the same warning - not, of course, that we have any ground forces in the area.

Thanks for pointing that out. You are right, no other nation got a warning. I see on a Rush post he said Putin is bombing obamas CIA backed moderates.

[EC]

Well, they bombed Homs (again, it was such a pretty place once!) and ISIS isn't within 50 miles of there in any meaningful numbers ....



They are basically doing exactly what I would do in the CO's shoes. Removing or intimidating any serious potential threats to their bases at Latakia and Tartous first, before getting on with the job.