How does everyone feel about us attacking Syria?

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

We have a naval armada headed there right this minute in addition to airstrikes.

Thoughts?

- Doc

[_subgenius]

"attacking Syria" seems a little generic, can you explain?

[_MeDotOrg]

Early reports are of explosions in and around Damascus, striking the Syrian National Guard and a lot of facilities that were used in conjunction with chemical weapon attacks. The attacks were carried out in coordination with British and French forces.

I honestly don't think of this as a 'wag the dog' operation. I do think the United States has a moral obligation to stand against chemical weapons. As to what our ultimate goal in Syria should be, I really don't know. The situation is so complex, with so many competing factions, I'm not sure what anyone knows what the ultimate outcome will be.

Trump has said that ISIS has almost been eliminated, and it is true the the Caliphate has been reduced dramatically. But as long as Syria remains a failed state, it will be potential breeding ground for ISIS.

So how do I feel about it? Resigned. Uneasy. Worried. I'm thinking that this military action comes when the Administration is coming apart, and I worry about the Administration's capacity to effect rational judgements during this time.

[_Res Ipsa]

Whoever makes Tomahawks is happy tonight.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

What's interesting to me is Russia is allowing Assad to move his assets to their bases, and the US is deconflicting strikes with Russia.

So, ahm, what's the point? Why is Trump lobbing missiles at Syria when what, exactly, is the outcome?

- Doc

[_Jersey Girl]

I wasn't aware of this. Just searched it up.

First, sweet Lord Jesus I know someone stationed at Norfolk. I need to find out. Someone close to someone close. God.

I always feel scared when the US enters into conflict. In this case, we can't sit here and do nothing about chemical attacks. Whathisname Assad killing off innocent civilians. He's an effing psycho.

I guess not being totally war savvy, my only position is go in there and annihilate the SOB's. Like don't settle for a show of force, use it. Use it and pound the crap out of them with it. Beat them to a bloody pulp then annihilate the bloody pulp.

I'm not blood thirsty. I just think if you're going to go do it, then damned do it.

[_Res Ipsa]

What's interesting to me is Russia is allowing Assad to move his assets to their bases, and the US is deconflicting strikes with Russia.

So, ahm, what's the point? Why is Trump lobbing missiles at Syria when what, exactly, is the outcome?

- Doc

The deconfliction was part of the routine daily deconfliction of airspace to keep Russians and the US from shooting each other. Unlike last year, Russians were not given warning of the attack and targets. The targets were facilities associated with chemical weapon production, storage and deployment. Did the Russians move chemical weapons onto their bases?

[_Jersey Girl]

Texted. Person is still stateside. Whew!

[_Jersey Girl]

What's interesting to me is Russia is allowing Assad to move his assets to their bases, and the US is deconflicting strikes with Russia.

So, ahm, what's the point? Why is Trump lobbing missiles at Syria when what, exactly, is the outcome?

- Doc

That's what happened last time when we bombed their flightline.

[_Res Ipsa]

I watched the briefing by Mathis and the head of the Joint Chiefs. Limited to three targets and lasted a little over an hour.

Initial response from Russia sounded threatening to me. But still, early days.

Next briefing is 9:00 a.m. EDT. They may have some bomb damage assessment by then.