I just get frustrated at our NATO allies in situations like this. I cant see Bath Iron Works building a warship for the Russian Navy, yet it's fine when the French do it.

I dont know much about this topic.. Aside from $$, why in the world are the French selling the Russians this stuff?

That was a joke, right? No offense if you are the "George" that wrote that, but thats batshit crazy.

Oh, I get it.. But even if we had thrown our full support behind the FSA at the start, im not sure Syria would be any better for it. I think you end up trading one dictator for another.

Not quite sure why we dont look at it more analytically as a country. Every time we have worked to overthrow a despot in the middle east, what has replaced it has been far worse. We, and probably the people that live in these countries are better off being run by a dictatorship. Even with all the flaws (and many…

Someone explain to me again why we are not aiding Assad? We should be conducting airstrikes on his behalf, not working against him.

It usually is, I realize that. I think most people realize that. We also have the ability to take a measured response against ALL threats. Sometimes we react better then other.

You would look nice driving a Tacoma.

Truth of the matter is they are not survivable in modern combat against a somewhat well equipped military. It's as simple as that, and the air force knows it. Go up against the Chinese, Russians, or any western military and the A-10 force will cease to exist in a matter of days.

Actually, check out this article.. There was a major concern for his Air Defense. Interesting read:

Eh, i'm not so sure.. Put yourself in Assads shoes. We threatened to, and very nearly attacked him last year. We continually state that regime change is what we want in Syria, and Assad has to go. Knowing all this, i'd be extremely nervous if I was him and coalition aircraft were flying above me, no matter what…

Generally I would agree with you.. Sanctions have limited effects on countries where the government is in total control of the media and most industries. I think in a place like Russia it could have more of an effect. It's worth a try given the alternatives.

Slap enough sanctions on them, and they will need the hard currency more then they do messing with the EU and Natural gas.

Is it me, or does it look like those SA-6 Missiles would be more of a danger to the guy firing them to anything flying in the air?

So.. Might be overly simplistic solution, but i'll say it anyway. The French dont want to lose the contract because of the money involved. I understand that (although dont agree with it). Why doesnt the U.S. just purchase the ships? I know there are things to be integrated, and it may be a maintenance issue long…

I was going to ask the same question. Aside from the Gun not being in there, what else needs to be done? Not that im trivializing adding a gun to a plane. :)