Quote Originally Posted by Sarmatian View Post
Of course it is hard. Removing a human kidney is hard, but there are experts who do it. Do you really think that Russian army has no anti-missile capabilities?

That doesn't mean they're gonna hit all of them, but they can take down a fair number certainly.

So, you don't expect Putin to do anything, even if Trump goes in very hard? Not sure I agree with that.
To use the removal of an organ analogy, you have a known patient, the operation is at a known time and at a known location. I am sure there are weapons that are capable, but does Russia have them in Syria, in the number required at the sites that are to be targeted (the CIA et al might have some knowledge about their placement and therefore choose alternate sites) - and do they even want to let the USA and allies conduct a live-firing exercise against their tech? That would be invaluable data.

I would expect Putin to do something in a way that benefits him the most. And sometimes the thing that provides most benefit is to not respond at all - to look like the responsible statesman and stir the pot that is this further evidence of how he's in cahoots with the White House. I don't expect him to start firing missiles at American bases, for example. What would Russia gain from that?

Even attacking the Kurds might be counter-productive since some are now joining Assad to fight against the Turks.