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In reply to the discussion: That was pretty goddamned incoherent, frankly. [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)That's why he's suddenly decided to be "helpful" instead of being a smarmy little shit, like he usually is.
He's spent a fortune getting that port up to snuff so he can park his warships and subs there.
If that port was damaged, he'd have to find new digs. About the only place where he might be welcomed is Lebanon--and stuff goes BOOM there a lot.
Also, if al-Assad took a powder as a consequence of overthrow, that deal he has to use Tartus would disappear, too--that deal is worth billions, he doesn't want to lose it.
Anyone who thinks that Pootie is in the catbird seat here doesn't understand the Naval challenges the Russians have when it comes to power projection. They have a NEED for Syria if they want to be a viable Naval power. It is in their interest that we don't lean too hard on al Assad.