Stingers for the Syrian Rebels

[eyebiter]

But don't worry, this time DRM on the missiles will ensure they won't be misused...

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/11/could-new-technology-deter-risks-of-arming-syrian-rebels.html

[LongBlade]

Interesting.

[MIGMaster]

I hope they're smart enough not to do that.... there is always someone who is going to figure out how to hack the system. And if the past is any indication, rebels have short memories about who helped them looking at Libya, Afghanistan, etc.... Enough NATO troops have died helping in the cause of freedom....now it's time for them to help themselves.

[LongBlade]

I hope they're smart enough not to do that.... there is always someone who is going to figure out how to hack the system. And if the past is any indication, rebels have short memories about who helped them looking at Libya, Afghanistan, etc.... Enough NATO troops have died helping in the cause of freedom....now it's time for them to help themselves.

It's my understanding that there are no "good guys" in Syria from our perspective. The best we can do is ship them guns and let them kill themselves for the betterment of all.

[LongBlade]

A bit of housekeeping - I've moved this to Current Events instead of Politics.

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

So the idea is to arm Al Qaeda with stingers?  I'm sure the Turks will really appreciate that.

[Centurion40]

Like Migsy said, this is a no-win situation.  Best to stay out of it.

I'd be delighted if a moderate, democratic Syrian (and Lebanese, etc.) state emerged from the civil war.  But, IMHO, that isn't going to happen in my lifetime.  There is no horse to bet on.

[Martok]

So the idea is to arm Al Qaeda with stingers?  I'm sure the Turks will really appreciate that.

Not just Al-Qaeda.  Hezbollah too...  ::) 

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

I guess that from a realpolitik standpoint, if the US is trying to follow the British Imperial model, it might be desirable for them to keep the region unstable, but I still don't like it.

Also, why are we suddenly so concerned with the plight of the Syrian people yet not one word is said about what's going on with the populist revolt against the autocrat in Bahrain?

[Martok]

Also, why are we suddenly so concerned with the plight of the Syrian people yet not one word is said about what's going on with the populist revolt against the autocrat in Bahrain?

Because we don't have the Sixth Fleet headquartered out of Latakia. 

[Centurion40]

Probably because Bahrain is friendly towards us.  Democracy could usher-in a theocracy which could be unfriendly towards us.

[LongBlade]

Also, why are we suddenly so concerned with the plight of the Syrian people yet not one word is said about what's going on with the populist revolt against the autocrat in Bahrain?

Because we don't have the Sixth Fleet headquartered out of Latakia.

As romantic as 40Cent's theory is, I'm going with Martok.

[Martok]

Well 40Cent's statement is correct, as far as it goes.  It is *a* reason; I'm just pretty sure the *main* reason is because the Fifth is based there. 

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

Yeah, I know.  I just get bothered by the hypocrisy.  Every time I see that cow Hillary or that public school dickhead stridently pound their chests and decry the evil regime, i just want to slap the smug off their faces.