"It's a huge deal to the Russians."
Russia would be POed, no doubt. But it was no secret we were already giving the rebels money to buy weapons with. The Russians didn't like that, either.
And I'm certain our gunrunning venture was well known to them, too. So, admitting it publicly might draw a "view with alarm" diplomatic communique -- but little else.
Point is, Russia's response would cut no ice politically in the U.S. And the administration appears seriously concerned about the affair's political consequences.
IIRC, Putin had called Syria, "a red line in the sand." They like that base on the Mediterranean and mean to keep it.
Point is, Russia's response would cut no ice politically in the U.S. And the administration appears seriously concerned about the affair's political consequences.
How about the UN?
After all, the left would howl if Zero was conducting a provably illegal war. /s
I agree with your points. This is not merely about gun-running - alas, who cares about that sort of illegality?
What it really must be, is mind boggling. One aspect is the fact that Petreus’ ditzy mistress let slip that prisoners were being held in the Benghazi ‘diplomatic compound.’