Issues Under Fire: Russia Controls Syrian Air Space Now

Issues Under Fire: Russia Controls Syrian Air Space Now 

When 24 hrs. ago, the headlines read two Australian jets were diverted over Syrian air space so as to avoid complications during Russian operations, this observer took notice. When less than 9 hrs. later the headlines read two U.S. F-16s were diverted over Syrian air space, this observer began asking questions. Does this mean Russia has taken control of Syrian air space? Does this mean all other airborne operations must be cleared by Russia going forward? Does this mean Russia has established a de facto No-Fly Zone? 

Those supporting the U.S. coalition's strategy to combat ISIS et al. (what ever that actually is) will find these developments alarming. Having no solid communication commitments or means of coordinating directly with Russian forces in Syria has U.S. coalition partners at a considerable disadvantage. And its an advantage Moscow strategist are happy to maintain. Clearly Russia has taken the lead in this fight and establishing control of the skies proves it.  

As the Obama administration ponders a way forward, Vladimir Putin is launching attacks against Syrian opposition forces (any and all) without consulting or collaborating with anyone. After witnessing U.S. led air strikes pound ISIS et al. targets for more than a year in both Syria and Iraq with marginal results, perhaps Russia has concluded the West would only be in the way. Perhaps Russia has concluded Western forces have nothing left to contribute other than exacerbating the chaos. 

Observing the United States attempt to sort out the "Bad Guys" from the "Crazy Guys" in an effort to find some reliable guys to fight the good fight was a frustrating experience at best. But after that expensive effort yielded nothing but future refugees, one must admit any other plan than what's being proposed by the West should be considered and pursued vigorously, enthusiastically and with full support. Thus far, U.S. led actions in Syria and beyond has been going nowhere and the smart money would bet the situation is on track to continue in that direction.  

If one considers the reported strength of ISIS as being roughly 30 thousand fighters, one would think a group that size, no matter how well funded or armed, should have been dispatched by now. At the very least, ISIS with its offshoots and wannabes should be on the run. Perhaps the international community  has been misled as to how deep ISIS' bench strength really is. Perhaps Western intelligence has no idea how much support ISIS has or worse, where that support is coming from. Perhaps Russia's strategy of "pledge allegiance to the Assad government or die fighting" is the only way to quell Syria's conflict. 

Bottom line: Whether you're pro-Western coalition or pro-Russian forces, whether you're pro-Assad or pro-Syrian opposition, one thing is clear, ISIS and whomever else has been infected with its sadistic ideological value system must be eradicated. Since who gets the credit for the decapitation of this multi-headed monster is of little consequence to those suffering under its domination. At this point, Syrians, Iraqis and increasingly Afghans just want the violence to stop. Hell, the international community should be rootin for Putin. Podcast below!