US journalist beheaded by ISIS...
Discussion
TheRealFingers99 said:
Jimbeaux said:
On a real news note, Pershmega convoys are enroute to assist Kurdish forces defending Kobani. This is a big deal. A PHer mentioned that ISIS's wanting to take Kobani seems almost an obsession. What it really is is a requirement to maintain the facade that they are somehow unstoppable, almost magical. Up until now, nothing has stopped them, they are the rockstars of the jihadi world and everyone wants to go with a winner. Defeat at Kobani would tarnish that image and slow recruitment form the "I think I might be a jihadist" down to only the "self-admitted crazy" pool of idiots.
Let's hope so. Some ISIS losses to the north of Mosul to Kurds, to the south by FSA. If Mosul can be re-taken along with Kobani ISIS will have both supply train and image issues. Jimbeaux said:
KareemK said:
Jimbeaux said:
We had attacks by Muslim extremists on our interests long before GWII, even before GWI.
Here's a clue:
http://news.sky.com/story/1362582/netanyahu-dismis...
TheRealFingers99 said:
Jimbeaux said:
KareemK said:
Jimbeaux said:
We had attacks by Muslim extremists on our interests long before GWII, even before GWI.
Here's a clue:
http://news.sky.com/story/1362582/netanyahu-dismis...
In case folk have just woken up:
First Iraqi Kurdish fighters enter Isis-besieged Kobani
Less hopefully:
Mass grave containing 150 anti-Isis Sunni tribal fighters discovered by Iraqi officials
First Iraqi Kurdish fighters enter Isis-besieged Kobani
Less hopefully:
Mass grave containing 150 anti-Isis Sunni tribal fighters discovered by Iraqi officials
Jimbeaux said:
On a real news note, Pershmega convoys are enroute to assist Kurdish forces defending Kobani. This is a big deal. A PHer mentioned that ISIS's wanting to take Kobani seems almost an obsession. What it really is is a requirement to maintain the facade that they are somehow unstoppable, almost magical. Up until now, nothing has stopped them, they are the rockstars of the jihadi world and everyone wants to go with a winner. Defeat at Kobani would tarnish that image and slow recruitment form the "I think I might be a jihadist" down to only the "self-admitted crazy" pool of idiots.
Are the Pershmega Fighters a big deal then? they sound like a bunch of curry house bouncers to me2013BRM said:
Are the Pershmega Fighters a big deal then? they sound like a bunch of curry house bouncers to me
Most of the Kurdish fighters call themselves Peshmerga. It means (something like) "those who are ready to die". I doubt that the Iraqi lot are any more experienced (or any braver) than the Syrian YPG/PKK guys and girls, but they have training in heavy weapons and the weapons to back it up. YPG are lightly armed, probably little heavier than RPGs and the odd mortar. The Iraqi guys are bringing modern US anti aircraft guns (for use as anti-tank) wire guided missiles, rocket launchers, heavy artillery and I think I saw at least one tank. Neither are folk you'd want to ps off.
TheRealFingers99 said:
My Captivity Theo Padnos, American Journalist, on Being Kidnapped, Tortured and Released in Syria. Great read.
Wow. Great, but frightening read. Frightening to the extent that almost nobody out there can be trusted, they all hate America, and the level of fkedupness out there is far higher than you could imagine.Doesn't bode well.
This, I think, points up American naivety:
"I returned to the F.S.A. troops. One told me that his unit had recently traveled
to Jordan to receive training from American forces in fighting groups like the
Nusra Front.
“Really?” I said. “The Americans? I hope it was good training.”
“Certainly, very,” he replied.
The fighters stared at me. I stared at them.
After a few moments, I asked, “About this business of fighting Jebhat al
Nusra?”
“Oh, that,” one said. “We lied to the Americans about that.”" (from Padnos' account, linked above)
To treat the FSA as one, concrete, united group is nuts.
I think (but I say this as a supporter of a Kurdish state) "we" can trust the Kurds, but they'll want their quid pro quo (and better weaponry in Syria). I'm still worried about Republican reaction to supporting a Marxist "terrorist" group.
"I returned to the F.S.A. troops. One told me that his unit had recently traveled
to Jordan to receive training from American forces in fighting groups like the
Nusra Front.
“Really?” I said. “The Americans? I hope it was good training.”
“Certainly, very,” he replied.
The fighters stared at me. I stared at them.
After a few moments, I asked, “About this business of fighting Jebhat al
Nusra?”
“Oh, that,” one said. “We lied to the Americans about that.”" (from Padnos' account, linked above)
To treat the FSA as one, concrete, united group is nuts.
I think (but I say this as a supporter of a Kurdish state) "we" can trust the Kurds, but they'll want their quid pro quo (and better weaponry in Syria). I'm still worried about Republican reaction to supporting a Marxist "terrorist" group.
Edited by TheRealFingers99 on Saturday 1st November 16:21
TheRealFingers99 said:
My Captivity Theo Padnos, American Journalist, on Being Kidnapped, Tortured and Released in Syria. Great read.
The irony behind the extremists talking about hating Christians and the west, then wonder if they will be able to get asylum in Sweden.IS Girding for Anticipated US-Kurdish Assault on Mosul
My guess, it'll be another couple of weeks.
My guess, it'll be another couple of weeks.
Edited by TheRealFingers99 on Saturday 8th November 21:32
Muntu said:
Jimbeaux said:
1,500 more troops headed for Iraq; they will just not let their boots touch the ground.
If they did, then BHO would have his own new war in Iraq. Which is a shame, because he ended the last one.Don't mention the Nobel Peace Prize
Jimbeaux said:
1,500 more troops headed for Iraq; they will just not let their boots touch the ground.
FCS. Just give the Kurds 10 M1s, 20 M2s 30 decent wire guided anti tank wotsits and lots of ammunition and it'll all be over in 3 months. Nothing more needed unless Assad gets uppity, and a reliable non-aligned friend in the ME. Gassing Station | News, Politics & Economics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff