middle east updates (part 2)

[Tribesman]

The ruling regimes in the region would probably sit on the fence to see who comes out on top.
So you don't see the Syrians and Americans forming an alliance to defend their friendly marxist terrorists then .
Me neither .
America could of course honour its agreement with Turkey from '03 and go in against the Syrian backed PKK , but that would mean going through the Iranian backed Kurds first , that ain't gonna happen . The US cannot even control the South let alone try and take on the North as well .
So despite the bluster coming from some quarters about Americas military ability , it is in fact impotent , its political leaders clueless and its policies the mid-east/war on terror a mess .
I suppose it is the result of having a bunch of muppets with a "can-do" mentality in office .
I bet that nut in Tehran is laughing his tits off over this development .

[Pannonian]

The ruling regimes in the region would probably sit on the fence to see who comes out on top.
So you don't see the Syrians and Americans forming an alliance to defend their friendly marxist terrorists then .
Me neither .
America could of course honour its agreement with Turkey from '03 and go in against the Syrian backed PKK , but that would mean going through the Iranian backed Kurds first , that ain't gonna happen . The US cannot even control the South let alone try and take on the North as well .
So despite the bluster coming from some quarters about Americas military ability , it is in fact impotent , its political leaders clueless and its policies the mid-east/war on terror a mess .
I suppose it is the result of having a bunch of muppets with a "can-do" mentality in office .
I bet that nut in Tehran is laughing his tits off over this development .

The Iranian operation over Iraq must be one of the most cost-effective in history. Not only is their historical enemy overthrown and their own proxies installed in his place, but nearly all the setup and running costs were paid by their other main enemy, who believed the Iranian agent was one of their own. Even if you hate the man and his politics, you have to admire the skill of Chalabi and his handlers.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

The ruling regimes in the region would probably sit on the fence to see who comes out on top.
So you don't see the Syrians and Americans forming an alliance to defend their friendly marxist terrorists then .
Me neither .
America could of course honour its agreement with Turkey from '03 and go in against the Syrian backed PKK , but that would mean going through the Iranian backed Kurds first , that ain't gonna happen . The US cannot even control the South let alone try and take on the North as well .
So despite the bluster coming from some quarters about Americas military ability , it is in fact impotent , its political leaders clueless and its policies the mid-east/war on terror a mess .
I suppose it is the result of having a bunch of muppets with a "can-do" mentality in office .
I bet that nut in Tehran is laughing his tits off over this development .

I hatw when this happens.

I agree with you almost completely.

That said I see no reason to rip Panzer apart. Even if he is Teran's man in Bagdahad he's still surrounded by GI's. Any signifficant movement of conventional forces, such as armour, by Turkey into Iraq could be ruthlessly crushed by the Americans. I'm certain the Americans have concentrated tank companies dotted around and they have terrific air power which can be swiftly brought to bear. In this scenario the question is whether the Turkish have the hardware to hit the Americans, I don't believe they do.

Regardless in order for the situation to arrise both the Turks and the Americans would have to stupid and crazy.

[Pannonian]

I hatw when this happens.

I agree with you almost completely.

That said I see no reason to rip Panzer apart. Even if he is Teran's man in Bagdahad he's still surrounded by GI's. Any signifficant movement of conventional forces, such as armour, by Turkey into Iraq could be ruthlessly crushed by the Americans. I'm certain the Americans have concentrated tank companies dotted around and they have terrific air power which can be swiftly brought to bear. In this scenario the question is whether the Turkish have the hardware to hit the Americans, I don't believe they do.

I wonder what Congress or the Senate would make of ruthlessly crushing one of their NATO allies, one that has sent troops to their aid in the near past.

[Redleg]

I wonder what Congress or the Senate would make of ruthlessly crushing one of their NATO allies, one that has sent troops to their aid in the near past.

Congress has allowed its responsiblity and authority to be usurped by the Presidential Branch with the Authorization for the Use of Force in the War on Terror, and the War Powers Act of 1973. Blanket authorizations such these leaves open the window for abuse. Now the Presidential Branch can be called to task on its use of force - but the acts in themselves allows just such a scenerio to occur without Congress even given a say until after the fact.

[Vladimir]

Congress has allowed its responsiblity and authority to be usurped by the Presidential Branch with the Authorization for the Use of Force in the War on Terror, and the War Powers Act of 1973. Blanket authorizations such these leaves open the window for abuse. Now the Presidential Branch can be called to task on its use of force - but the acts in themselves allows just such a scenerio to occur without Congress even given a say until after the fact.

Congress controls the money, hence they are more powerful than the Executive. Remember when they blackmailed Bush 41 before the first Gulf War?

[Redleg]

Congress controls the money, hence they are more powerful than the Executive. Remember when they blackmailed Bush 41 before the first Gulf War?

This is an assumption that has lead congress to allow other branches to usurp its authority and responsiblities.

[Vladimir]

This is an assumption that has lead congress to allow other branches to usurp its authority and responsiblities.

I'm sorry but your statement is incorrect. Congress, the House of Representatives specifically, controls the budget. The President proposes a budget, submits it to congress, they make whatever changes they want, pass it, and the President signs it. If the Chief Executive decides to veto it, it can always be overturned by a supermajority. Unfunded policy is just rhetoric.

And how has the Judicial Branch usurped the power of congress? Congress tells them what they can and can't rule on. The issue with the recent Gitmo case is that they weren't specific enough in their wording. They may have given themselves unwritten powers like judicial review but even that can be controlled if the two other branches work in tandem.

[Redleg]

double post