We want war, and we want it now

[xchrom]

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/ND06Ak03.html

t was deep into the night, somewhere over Siberia, in a Moscow to Beijing flight (BRIC to BRIC?) when the thought, like a lightning bolt, began to take hold.

What the hell is wrong with those Arabs?

Maybe it was the narcotic effect of that perennially dreadful Terminal F at Sheremetyevo airport - straight out of a Brejnev gulag. Maybe it was the anticipation of finding more about the Russia-China joint naval exercise scheduled for late April.

Or it was simply another case of "you can take the boy out of the Middle East, but you can't take the Middle East out of the boy".

With friends like these ... It all had to do with that Friends of Syria (fools for war?) meeting in Istanbul. Picture Saudi Foreign
Minister Saud al-Faisal - who seems to have a knack for sending US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton into rapture - feverishly arguing that the House of Saud, those paragons of democracy, had "a duty" to weaponize the Syrian "revolutionary" opposition.

And picture al-Faisal ordering an immediate ceasefire by the Bashar al-Assad government, guilty - according to the House of Saud - not only of cruel repression but crimes against humanity.

No; this was not a Monty Python sketch.

[leveymg]

1. The Saudis, Russians, and Chinese know that if the US can be goaded into another war, it will be

the last spasm of the "last rogue superpower." Then, they can split up all the goodies, including us, with no muss, fuss or bother.

[malthaussen]

2. This may be true of the Russians and Chinese

I think the Saudis have more interest in seeing to it that their religious agenda triumphs. Do not make the mistake of thinking that everything that happens in the world is about the US.

-- Mal

[leveymg]

3. I think the Saudis think they can own us - except, they already do to a greater extent than most

Americans even want to realize. That also goes for the Brits, who seem more aware of their gilded peonage and that the City of London positively reeks of oil.

[malthaussen]

4. Well, there ya go then

I think the Saudis think they already own us.

-- Mal

[leveymg]

5. I think you think we agree that we might agree. I certainly agree.

It's 4pm, and the bar is now open downstairs. We can explore that further. First round's on me.

[malthaussen]

6. Dude, you are too kind!

I also think that not much "goading" is necessary. Seems to me the DoD and all the little angels are just licking their chops over a 2013 war.

-- Mal

[leveymg]

7. It's an age thing. Many Sr officers started their careers around 1979, and got burned at Desert 1

Now, they're approaching retirement, and want to end their careers with what they view as payback. Same dynamic in the German officer corps before WW2.

[malthaussen]

8. Interesting thought

Of course, the officer corps who grew up with Vietnam were susceptible to the "stab in the back" theory, and I imagine they passed on a bit of the outrage to their favored juniors. What never really ceases to amaze me is how men who have been junior officers in actual command positions during a war can become, as generals, confirmed hawks. I guess you only still stick with it if you really like the job.

-- Mal

[leveymg]

9. They've had lots of opportunities to redeem themselves since Eagle Claw

and to work out their issues. El Salvador, Panama, Lebanon, Grenada, Iraq I, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq II, Iraq II Surge, Afghanistan Surge, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia - Pirate, Libya, and dozens of lesser armed peacekeeping and covert engagements. That's a lot of cred ops in thirty year career, I'd say.

But, I'd say Desert One sticks to their craw, like few others. Nobody is more dangerous than someone who feels humiliated.

I could use another drink. How about you?

[malthaussen]

10. Always a good idea

Best thing about the virtual pub: you don't have to drive (or walk!) home.

Worst thing about the virtual pub: the beer is kind of thin.

-- Mal

[leveymg]

11. I'm gonna get a real cold Guinness, right now.

(Gotta love this "anatomically correct" smiley)

So, what's on your mind this afternoon?

[malthaussen]

12. Love Guinness, prefer Black and Tan

What's on my mind is whatever is being posted on DU today. I use this forum for surfing when I'm basically brain-dead. I think the report Rachel Maddow did on the shenanigans in Michigan deserves bigger play than it's been getting:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002525915

But for some reason, I've noted that constitutional issues don't fare too well on DU, compared to public scandals and outrages. One would think a political forum would be more interested in such issues.

-- Mal

[leveymg]

13. We'll pick this up next time. Hate to drink and run, but

my (real world) wife just got home.

She prefers wine, and someone to drink with. Till then.