[gleeaikin]

I recently heard a figure that there are now about 10,000 defected Syrian military, many of whom are working/fighting against Assad. A group of them attacked an Air Force installation/group? which is especially involved in repression of the demonstrators. A carefully selected target. I think about 35 of Assads military were killed.

[no-to-illegals]

History repeating in many regions? Economics has a way and means of angering people throughout history. Introduction of those seeking weapon of annihilation, and best guess would be 'here we go again'. To allow zer0 and a majority of democRATs (either chamber of Congress); solutions look slim to none. Even if the republicans should win the White House and Congress, there may still be solutions none of us will enjoy and the masses could second guess. May I be wrong.

Masses start and allow wars by allowing the paths taken a continuance, or an overwhelming of one mass by another mass of people. Leaders simply receive the credit be it good or bad. Without the masses the leader never would have existed. (imho). So is this time (our present), a 'here we go again' moment? Praying it will not be so.

My apology to both of you if this comment is off topic.

[SunkenCiv]

Morale in the Syrian military has always been poor. Syria’s got an odd demographic — all Syrians are required to do five (maybe it’s three, but I think it’s five) years of mandatory military service starting age 18; families and kids save up money so at 17 and 3/4s the kids can “visit” one of the Gulf State countries, get a job there (there are few real jobs in Syria), and not only avoid military service, but send back some money and never go back. Ten or so years ago I read that whichever Assad was dictator at the time offered amnesty for those who’d skipped out (it’s illegal to do so), trying to get people to move back. Few takers.