I Quote - Alois Irlmaier a native German, a simple, devout Christian he was interviewed by writer Conrad Adlmaier in the nineteen fifties and what he said assumes an ominous new significance, particularly in the light of recent developments. In essence he saw the approach of another world war, asked what causes this war, he responded:) Everything calls peace. Shalom! Then it will occur -- a new Middle East war suddenly flares up, big naval forces are facing hostility in the Mediterranean -- the situation is strained. But the actual firing spark is set on fire in the Balkans: I see a 'large one' falling, a bloody dagger lies beside him --then impact is on impact. Big naval Forces - Could this be it as of Now ?. Arn.Sweden.

That Russia is mounting a force and backing the likes of Syria, there is a coming showdown no doubt. This is where the US unfortunately is going to meet its match and lose like never before. Russia is just too big for the US and it's the US that knows this better than anyone. Thus the reason for nothing being done against Iran or Syria.

The Russians balance the stupid cries to "restraint" coming from the US. The US does not understand that the current situation is perfect for everybody. Why? Becasue Assad is hurting the Muslim Brotherhood movement in Syria. We have enough of them already! Assad is busy with internal fightinh, so hasn't time or resources to mess with Israel, help Hezbollah and support Iran. Iran and Hezbollah are losing an ally. So let the Russians support Assad - they are proving to the Ultra Liberal Anaechists that Mother Russia and its communism are not as "humane" as they claim it to be. Sadly, what the Arab Spring proves, is that what is seemingly good for Muslims, is bad for Israel, and vice-versa.

The US and Russia both move ponderously and politically. Israel's concerns are immediate and existential. Unlike these colonial giants and their huge strategic land buffers and large populations, one big mistake is potentially one too many for us. The time to stop Russia is yesterday. The US has never been in the business of worrying about little democracies--historically this is the sad truth, even if Americans believe themselves to be the world's great protector of freedom. The US backs downs against the big boys, and even backs downs from confronting the regional powers. In the next big fight here, it will be Israel and her God. The US might fight for oil, but is useless and indecisive in moral battles. Yet Russia here in the middle east is shear provocation, of no direct use to the tottering Russian state, who's military has plenty of domestic oil, by the way.

In WW2, the Japanese awakened a sleeping tiger when they attacked the US. The same thing will happen now. The US has eleven aircraft carriers with one in reserve and is constructing three more. The Russians have only one. Their navy, and armed forces in general, is slowly recovering from neglect and lack of funds and still has a long way to go. And you say the US has met its match? Yea, right.

In past confrontations, Russia (USSR) turned tail and ran. Remember Cuba? Afghanistan? Berlin? They support losers. What a joke...'solidarity with the Syrian people'? The Syrian people don't have a horse in this race. they want Assad and the Allawites out. Russia is again propping up a bloodthirsty dictator. That is all they ever do!

Once the oil dries up, Russia will return to being... well, Russia. We don't wish to humiliate them, and so we let them make their little shows of force with their aging military.

First of all, Russia cannot and will not sustain a war of any duration in the Middle East. They have not the capacity nor backing of their people to do so. Check out their current economic status and you will find they have not the ability to match 10 years of military buildup and experience of which the US has. They remember the Cold War day's (of which I was part of and directly engaged in) and military oppression. Second, this is a token gesture on their part and nothing more. Their playing chess. They may sell or deliver armaments, or act as an advisory group, but directly engage like the US-no way. The Russian people do not want war of any type now...they can barely keep up with their own infrastructure much less deliver coal supplies to their own people...or have the cash to do so. What you see are the leftover dreamers such as Putin, from the Cold War dictating their wishes to this rabid government in the Middle East. From an ideological aspect (and after traveling through the country & speaking with their people) -Russia doesn't want any war of any type and will only protect their business interest like any other country in the game. Economies dictate wars in this golden age of deception and their part of the mix. . Third, they must act to quell these riots in Syria....their own people in Moscow are ready to start a big one of their own.

..you hit the nail on the head, bro!

I realize the younger you are the wiser you are smarter I was born in 1944 a dumb year for me I have stayed dumb only by turning senior did I recieve decent housing food but Assad is younger wiser than a Gadaifi a Mubarack he is not as easy to trick oust from power as they were Syria is no Libya no Egypt no Iraq no Afghanistan Syria however refuses to go to war with Israel RIGHT !!! Thank You... M. S.

During the Communist Era...the Russian Military was always in dire need of repair and replenishment. I seriously doubt if the Russian Fleet could withstand the US and NATO Naval/Air Power...backed by Israel. Though both sides would pay a heavy toll.....The world would see that Russia is indeed more bluster than bite!

Right now Russia's only naval base in the Mediterranean is in Tartus and unless he can pull of something really special Assad will be out within the next couple of months. If the Russians are seen to be sending ships as an act of solidarity to the previous regime then the next government is going to tell Russia to get their ships out of Syrian territory. If Russia keeps a low profile in Syria itself then then the new government will leave Russia to keep their base once Assad is gone and Syria & Russia will continue trading just under a new Syrian regime. If Assad survives it will be business as usual anyway with or without a show of solidarity. I am amazed at just how stupid the Russians can be.