I don't agree with Sen. Gabbard's opinion and her perspective runs contrary to forecasted assessments made by govt. organizations with a lot more expertise than she has. I heard her questioning of Sec. Carter - it is embarassing.
I agree that Obama is late to the game and he is weak compared to a former KGB operative but there are no signs or reasons Russia would start a nuclear war with anyone.

...I agree that Obama is late to the game and he is weak compared to a former KGB operative but there are no signs or reasons Russia would start a nuclear war with anyone.

I agree there are no signs or reasons Russia would start a nuclear war at this time.

Correct.  Russia has no intentions of starting any World War at any time.  For any nation to even contemplate the strategic offensive use of nuclear weapons is truly insane.  If anyone in the US makes the presumption that Putin or Russia wants to start WWIII is either a Cold War fanatic or actually wanting WWIII to happen.

The inference here (and I am not saying this going to happen, just that it could) is that the possibility exists of a possible war. Here are the two scenarios.

1. Russia is blaming Turkey for allowing the sales of ISIS stolen oil to be sold through their country. To the tune of about $100 Million a month. They also are accusing the downing of their fighter by Turkey not due to it flying over Turkish soil but because they feel their plane was about to witness/destroy a bunch of oil being shipped into Turkey from ISIS. They blame Turkey for protecting the oil shipment. Russia is getting more involved in the Syrian war and bringing in more heavy amour. If Russia decides to invade and/or attack Turkey we would be obligated to come to Turkey's side because they are a NATO ally. BTW, the rest of this inference is that Obummer knows all about Turkey helping ISIS sell their oil to fund their war and is turning a blind eye to it.

Point of facts: first, we need to remember that President Assad, like President Obama, is the official democratically elected leader of Syria whether anyone likes him or not.  Two, President Assad of Syria, formerly like Saddam of Iraq and Khadafi of Libya,  was/is no strategic threat to the US or NATO for that matter.  Third, Russia is the only country that has been given permission by Syria to conduct military operations against ISIS or whatever you want to call them in that country.  [i]Any other nation who militarily violates Syrian airspace or territory unilaterally is in violation of International Law and whose actions is an act of war to Syria and her people[/i][/u].  Finally, you are correct that if Russia militarily attacks Turkey, they will face the wrath of NATO; however, if Russia takes out any Turkish military assets who crosses Syria's side of the border, it becomes clear that Turkey is the aggressor and I believe NATO is forbidden to get involved in that situation.

2. The Obunghole is bringing in U.S. warplanes. Since our objectives are quite different in Syrian from the Russians, the Russians could easily defend their allies and down our warplanes. But that is only if our warplanes are used either in an offensive mode against Russian allies which are our enemies. Or in the Russian's eyes if they are used to defend Turkey's interests which could include ISIS oil shipments. It would be stupid of Russia to down a U.S. warplane but mistakes can and do happen. It just depends on how things escalate.

Once again, the US, Turkey, or NATO for that matter has no legal authority to conduct military action within Syria's borders.  If the US can conduct military actions in a sovereign country without that nation's permission, why doesn't the US military take out those Drug Cartels whose headquarters are in Mexico?  The drugs coming over the border from Mexico that destroys American communities are a far bigger threat to the US than Syria.


I can't say any of this is absolutely true. I have no first hand knowledge. All I am saying is that sending our warplanes into this war can be the start of something bigger if our interests are not handled properly. And considering the bumbling and reluctance of our president and his foreign policies I am saying I cannot trust this president to do the right thing to protect our interests and keep us safe. Tensions are heating up in this part of the world. I just hope it doesn't get over heated. JMHO.

What is the interests in the Middle East for the common American?  Oil from Saudi Arabia?  Yes, but only partially true since the US gets most of its oil from Canada and Mexico.  Nuclear weapons?  The only nations other that India and Pakistan in that area that are rumored to have them is Israel.  Other than that, I can't think of any other reason than maintaining hegemonic imperial control of the region, which is not in the interest of common Americans or the many of us that frequent Koko Head Shooting Range.