Support NeoGAF

[crimnos]

Trump administration this morning.
https://twitter.com/joshrogin/status/850178642982338560



Also Trump administration just now.
https://twitter.com/lrozen/status/850401846065844224

Schrödinger's Foreign Policy

 

[Tovarisc]

https://twitter.com/AP/status/850403917867429890

"Suspected" such a good word choice...

 

[Hari Seldon]

Based on what? The Russians presented their proof, the US has yet to show 56 Tomahawks hitting their targets.

The US said one failed on launch and hit the water. I'm pretty sure the US which has been launching Tomahawks in anger for decades isn't going to have a 50% failure rate.

Also they were the newest model, they literally were advanced enough to linger above the ships until all were launched and fly simultaneously lol. This wasn't some jank shit.

 

[Condom]

People shouldn't take european approval seriously, at least from small countries. Government like the Dutch are full on US lapdogs. It's party policy to support the US whenever of the establishment ruling parties (such as the dutch VVD).

Compare it to Belarus applauding Russia for something, you know it's meaningless.

 

[marrec]

They sure were. What about this? http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...n-deaths-syria-iraq-middle-east-a7649486.html

When the whataboutism is distilled just right:

Yes, sometimes America does bad things

 

[Netherscourge]

The US said one failed on launch and hit the water. I'm pretty sure the US which has been launching Tomahawks in anger for decades isn't going to have a 50% failure rate.

Also they were the newest model, they literally were advanced enough to linger above the ships until all were launched and fly simultaneously lol. This wasn't some jank shit.

Damn. That's like some RTS-style stuff right there.

CTRL+CLICK a box around a group of missles, create a F1 grouping, press F1 grouping, target air base, kick back and watch the fireworks.

It's scary how much real life is emulating videogames now.

 

[Hari Seldon]

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group, said a general was among those killed in the American attack, which caused extensive damage to more than a dozen hangars and a fuel depot.

...

As rumors swirled Thursday of an impending American attack, there were unconfirmed reports that members of the Syrian government had spirited their families across the border to the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...s-‘arrogant-aggression’/ar-BBzvFZr?li=BBnb7Kz

Having a bunch of these shitheads flee in terror is a pretty damn good propaganda victory for Trump even if just hitting 1 air base isn't going to do much.

 

[studyguy]

https://twitter.com/JamesArkin/status/850373189121257472

@JamesArkin
Rand Paul says no willingness in Congress to take a vote on an AUMF. I asked him what would change that. "Different colleagues," he said.

Spoiler

He's not wrong but those same colleagues would probably sooner end his career than potentially ruin their own with a vote

 

[More_Badass]

The US said one failed on launch and hit the water. I'm pretty sure the US which has been launching Tomahawks in anger for decades isn't going to have a 50% failure rate.

Also they were the newest model, they literally were advanced enough to linger above the ships until all were launched and fly simultaneously lol. This wasn't some jank shit.

Wait, the missiles hover in the air before firing? That sounds like some crazy tech. Are there any articles on that?

 

[Skyzard]

^That sounds risky as hell.

 

[wesleyshark]

Wait the missiles hover in the air before firing. That sounds like some crazy tech. Are there any articles on that?

Also interested on this tech. That's fascinating if true

 

[Netherscourge]

https://twitter.com/JamesArkin/status/850373189121257472

Spoiler

He's not wrong but those same colleagues would probably sooner end his career than potentially ruin their own with a vote

2018 Midterms > A retroactive conscience-vote on a military strike.

So sad, honestly. GoP will defend Trump against charges of Russia meddling, but they won't defend Trump's counter-attack against Russian-backed Syria's use of chemical weapons on civilians.

 

[Joel Was Right]

It's interesting to me that, from the select articles I've read that have discussed the usage of chemical weapons since 2013, there has been no mentioning of the fact that a) opposition forces have had access to these stockpiles and b) the UN concluding that they, like the Assad government, have used them as recently as 2015.

Although it doesn't alter the facts surrounding this recent attack, it is worrying to see a narrative emerge with selecting reporting of historical events that are directly related.

 

[pigeon]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...s-‘arrogant-aggression’/ar-BBzvFZr?li=BBnb7Kz

Having a bunch of these shitheads flee in terror is a pretty damn good propaganda victory for Trump even if just hitting 1 air base isn't going to do much.

Alternately, when you tell your enemy you're going to attack them in advance, they move somewhere safer.

 

[Hari Seldon]

Wait the missiles hover in the air before firing. That sounds like some crazy tech. Are there any articles on that?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomahawk_(missile)

The newest models are practically drones:

Tomahawk Block IV[9][10][11] introduced in 2006 adds the strike controller which can change the missile in flight to one of 15 preprogrammed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target. This targeting flexibility includes the capability to loiter over the battlefield awaiting a more critical target. The missile can also transmit battle damage indication imagery and missile health and status messages via the two-way satellite data link. Firing platforms now have the capability to plan and execute GPS-only missions. Block IV also has an improved anti-jam GPS receiver for enhanced mission performance. Block IV includes Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS), and Tomahawk Command and Control System (TC2S).

 

[FreedomFighter]

There are pictures of the runway intact, a video of the Syrian minister of defense touring the base, and attack choppers using it. The base was not rendered inoperable.

Then what the hell did those 59 tomahawks do?

Spoiler

Or not do?

If the base is still operational

 

[Dubbedinenglish]

Wait, the missiles hover in the air before firing? That sounds like some crazy tech. Are there any articles on that?

Forget the designation but called the "tactical tomahawk" can hover over target area for hours and change directions in flight.

 

[pigeon]

Then what the hell did those 59 tomahawks do?

Legitimize Trump.

 

[wesleyshark]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomahawk_(missile)

The newest models are practically drones:

Tomahawk Block IV[9][10][11] introduced in 2006 adds the strike controller which can change the missile in flight to one of 15 preprogrammed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target. This targeting flexibility includes the capability to loiter over the battlefield awaiting a more critical target. The missile can also transmit battle damage indication imagery and missile health and status messages via the two-way satellite data link. Firing platforms now have the capability to plan and execute GPS-only missions. Block IV also has an improved anti-jam GPS receiver for enhanced mission performance. Block IV includes Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS), and Tomahawk Command and Control System (TC2S).

That's wild. Thank you

 

[Kensation]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomahawk_(missile)

The newest models are practically drones:

Tomahawk Block IV[9][10][11] introduced in 2006 adds the strike controller which can change the missile in flight to one of 15 preprogrammed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target. This targeting flexibility includes the capability to loiter over the battlefield awaiting a more critical target. The missile can also transmit battle damage indication imagery and missile health and status messages via the two-way satellite data link. Firing platforms now have the capability to plan and execute GPS-only missions. Block IV also has an improved anti-jam GPS receiver for enhanced mission performance. Block IV includes Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS), and Tomahawk Command and Control System (TC2S).

Holy shit.

 

[TheWorthyEdge]

Wouldn't Hilary have done the same?

Not saying it's right, even though I feel it was necessary, people are so caught up on the fact that Trump did this for "ratings". What would Hilary have done it for if she launched this attack?

 

[Dubbedinenglish]

Then what the hell did those 59 tomahawks do?

Spoiler

Or not do?

If the base is still operational

You need 2000 lb bombs to break up runways because of the concrete being much thicker. They hit taxiways which are not as reinforced.

 

[jakonovski]

Legitimize Trump.

This scares me greatly. Even progressives are willing to accept a traitor if he just starts a war.

 

[Kyzer]

Well, okay. I guess if you genuinely think a second Iraq War would be a good idea, then there's no particular reason to oppose this airstrike.

As somebody who lived through the first Iraq War this seems totally bonkers to me. Nothing did greater harm to the international order or to America's place in the world than the Iraq War, to say nothing of the countless Americans and Iraqis who died or were mutilated. We took a tinpot dictatorship and turned it into a failed state at massive cost to us and to the people of that country.

I can't imagine wanting to do that again in Syria. Neither can most Americans, I suspect.

If my stance can be boiled down to thinking that a second iraq war is a good idea then is it fair to summarize yours as thinking chemical weapons are okay? I think youre being a little poignant on purpose. What do you propose we do about Syria and ISIS? Nothing? Like I said, its a complex issue. Even if you take a side you cannot be sure its the right one. No one wants war, ever. If your answer is to stop bothering people then you are missing several crucial tenants of radicalism and enemy foreign policy in exchange for taking the notion of the USA being the source of problems as the wholesale explanation for the world's woes, or even those of the Syrian government or ISIS situations. Iraq was a war fought on bad intelligence, we literally just watched Assad USE CHEMICAL WEAPONS. Those are weapons of mass destruction too. Theres a reason people supported the war in Iraq at the time, you know. The fact that I happen to believe Assad should be removed, and therefore we also have to help keep the vacuum sealed (take responsibility for our stance) , and also we have to eliminate ISIS (duh) , does not just mean I support another Iraq War and you don't. Thats a gross oversimplification of the argument. Obviously nobody wants another failed nation rebuilding that no one supported based on false premises.

 

[FreedomFighter]

Legitimize Trump.

That implies that this was all theater...

You need 2000 lb bombs to break up runways because of the concrete being much thicker. They hit taxiways which are not as reinforced.

$94,068,875.75 just to do... that?

 

[Tovarisc]

Well that didn't take long, Great America PAC using this strike as means to promote fundraising for Trump.

See https://twitter.com/davelevinthal/status/850406389725974531

Edit:

$94,068,875.75 just to do... that?

Then if Assad regime has access to some dirt, concrete, workers and heavy construction hardware taxiways will be repaired in days.

 

[Abelard]

If my stance can be boiled down to thinking that a second iraq war is a good idea then is it fair to summarize yours as thinking chemical weapons are okay? I think youre being a little poignant on purpose. What do you propose we do about Syria and ISIS? Nothing? Like I said, its a complex issue. Even if you take a side you cannot be sure its the right one. No one wants war, ever. If your answer is to stop bothering people then you are missing several crucial tenants of radicalism and enemy foreign policy in exchange for taking the notion of the USA being the source of problems as the wholesale explanation for the world's woes, or even those of the Syrian government or ISIS situations. Iraq was a war fought on bad intelligence, we literally just watched Assad USE CHEMICAL WEAPONS. Those are weapons of mass destruction too. Theres a reason people supported the war in Iraq at the time, you know. The fact that I happen to believe Assad should be removed, and therefore we also have to help keep the vacuum safe , and also we have to eliminate ISIS, does not just mean I support another Iraq War and you don't. Thats a gross oversimplification of the argument.

For all of Assad's ills, at least he is a secular dictator. I would gladly take the Saddams, Mubaraks and Assads of the world in the face of the radical islamist alternative. My preferred solution would be not even touch Syria, let Assad assert his control and let him clean out Isis with Russia.

 

[ResidentWeevil13]

Has anyone posted or talked about the Glenn Greenwald editorial now up on the Intercept?

https://theintercept.com/2017/04/07...edia-and-bipartisan-praise-for-bombing-syria/

I think everyone should read this.

 

[Joel Was Right]

The US said one failed on launch and hit the water. I'm pretty sure the US which has been launching Tomahawks in anger for decades isn't going to have a 50% failure rate.

Also they were the newest model, they literally were advanced enough to linger above the ships until all were launched and fly simultaneously lol. This wasn't some jank shit.

I don't believe cruise missiles can 'hover'. The initial launch booster pulls it into the air, and as the chemical reaction fizzles out, the missile activates its jet engine and speeds off at a high rate. It starts off as a rocket, and once the ignition runs out, it kind of hangs in the air for a second before the engine comes on.

 

[TheRealTalker]

they hit some 20 ish planes and equipment but no one is sure if even these planes were functional/operational as the facility housed a repair factory for said planes (which I believe is destroyed)

Here is the image of the SAA or Russian Helicopter returning to the site

More
#BREAKING: Syria's armed forces were warned about US military action hours before strike on Shayrat, military source tells @AFP

"We learned of the American threat and the expected military bombardment on Syrian territory," Syrian military source told @AFP

"We took precautions in more than one military point, including in Shayrat airbase. We moved a number of airplanes towards other areas."

#SYRIA: Syrian military source says forces were warned of US military action but not told exactly where it would take place.

#BREAKINGNEWS
Intense #AssadPutin air strikes on #Qaboun, #Idlib, #Hama & #Daraa.
They retaliate against civilians.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl-czcae-Lg

 

[FreedomFighter]

Then if Assad regime has access to some dirt, concrete, workers and heavy construction hardware taxiways will be repaired in days.

Then what the fuck was the point?

You know what we could do with $94 million dollars in so many places in the US?

 

[Kyzer]

For all of Assad's ills, at least he is a secular dictator. I would gladly take the Saddam, Mubarak and Assad's of the world in the face of the radical islamist alternative. My preferred solution would be not even touch Syria, let Assad assert his control and let him clean out Isis with Russia.

I can agree with wanting to maintain the seal, for sure. But our options are not only Assad or ISIS. We should not support him just because he fights ISIS. We can fight ISIS. The whole world should be working together on this honestly, its just that no one wants to take responsibility for what will happen to Syria, or what would need to happen in order for the country to be safe afterward

 

[Autoignition]

Has anyone posted or talked about the Glenn Greenwald editorial now up on the Intercept?

https://theintercept.com/2017/04/07...edia-and-bipartisan-praise-for-bombing-syria/

I think everyone should read this.

Glen Greenwald?

Yeah no thanks, I'd sooner bleach my eyes out than read his trash.

 

[Tovarisc]

Then what the fuck was the point?

You know what we could do with $94 million dollars in so many places in the US?

To be fair without having good whole picture of damage inflicted to field and its supportive structure (ammo and fuel depos etc.) and how much resources Regime has it's hard to say how long field is out of use. They can clean up and rebuild taxiways quite fast and use e.g. trucks for fuel and ammo transport from other sites if they want field back up asap, but depended on resource situation.

 

[CrazyIvan1978]

I don't believe cruise missiles can 'hover'. The initial launch booster pulls it into the air, and as the chemical reaction fizzles out, the missile activates its jet engine and speeds off at a high rate. It starts off as a rocket, and once the ignition runs out, it kind of hangs in the air for a second before the engine comes on.

It's not that they hover, they can fly to different waypoints so that they can all arrive on target at the same time after launch.

 

[marrec]

This scares me greatly. Even progressives are willing to accept a traitor if he just starts a war.

This is delusionally paranoid. No, progressives aren't willing to accept a traitor if he just starts a war. Yes, some on the left (including me) are okay with this missile strike, no that does not mean we're sucking Trump's dick or think he is a capable or trustworthy president.

Why do people keep presenting this false dichotomy?

 

[Joel Was Right]

Glen Greenwald?

Yeah no thanks, I'd sooner bleach my eyes out than read his trash.

Why?

 

[Skyzard]

I can agree with wanting to maintain the seal, for sure. But our options are not only Assad or ISIS. We should not support him just because he fights ISIS. We can fight ISIS. The whole world should be working together on this honestly, its just that no one wants to take responsibility for what will happen to Syria, or what would need to happen in order for the country to be safe afterward

On what? Bombing the Syrian government?

Yeah...no.

 

[Sijil]

SyAF SU-22 taking off from the Airbase.

https://twitter.com/CT_operative/status/850409170792845314

 

[Tovarisc]

https://twitter.com/PDShinkman/status/850407296874291200

So... strike broke international law?

SyAF SU-22 taking off from the Airbase.

https://twitter.com/CT_operative/status/850409170792845314

If legit then that missile strike did jackshit to field

 

[Autoignition]

Why?

He's a Trump apologist masquerading as a liberal and a concern troll of the highest degree. I can't stand him.

 

[Kyzer]

On what? Bombing the Syrian government?

Yeah...no.

Removing Assad. The world should be working together to solve the crisis in Syria.

 

[jelly]

Wait, the missiles hover in the air before firing? That sounds like some crazy tech. Are there any articles on that?

Wow, that's like Magneto X-Men First Class.

Oh, it's just a rocket then changes to the jet engine.

 

[ResidentWeevil13]

He's a Trump apologist masquerading as a liberal and a concern troll of the highest degree. I can't stand him.

A Trump apologist? lol. Alright man.

 

[Tovarisc]

https://twitter.com/GebeilyM/status/850415933365596160

Talk about ineffective use of 50 and change Tomahawk missiles. Knocked out airfield for... 12 hours? Maybe point of strike was to try say "Don't do it ever again!", but still.

 

[LiquidSword]

So Trump makes a super quick decision to bomb another country (act of war) and the world, liberals, and conservatives cheer? My hope is gone. Time to sit back and watch the world's death spiral I guess.

 

[Ac30]

SyAF SU-22 taking off from the Airbase.

https://twitter.com/CT_operative/status/850409170792845314

Well that worked out great. Someone warned Assad ahead of time, they targeted planes that may not have been functional, and failed to destroy the airfield.

 

[Netherscourge]

I wonder if Russia is going through what the establishment GoP went through last year with Trump?

"Hey, let's support this guy because he's popular! Yea! Woo Hoo! We'll get him elected to beat Hillary! For Russia!!!!

Oh wait, he's actually fucking crazy enough to bomb everything, even our own assets! Oh fuck. What have we done?!?!?!! What have we created?!?!?!"

 

[jelly]

Trump "Would one nuke work?"

 

[Deuce Deuce]

Has anyone posted or talked about the Glenn Greenwald editorial now up on the Intercept?

https://theintercept.com/2017/04/07...edia-and-bipartisan-praise-for-bombing-syria/

I think everyone should read this.

B..b..but Democrats and Clinton!