re: Two Russian fighters buzz a US destroyer

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I'd imagine the closest air assets would have been either Polish or German fighters.

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That's a negative F-15's and A-10's are on a constant rotation to the three Baltic NATO countries.

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That's exactly what they were doing and also testing out new equipment, even though they had some fails along the way. Cruise missiles landing in Iran. Russian AF bombing a Syrian army fob and then blaming in on us

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Pretty much parcfor the course for Russian Equipment going back the last 100 years. That's not to say they cannot be a dangerous foe. But their stuff overall has never been on the same level as ours. They excel in some areas, particularly in SAMs and anti-armor assists. But other areas, not so much.

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That's a negative F-15's and A-10's are on a constant rotation to the three Baltic NATO countries

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Ah, when did that start? I remember reading somewhere not long ago that we didn't have any A-10 squadrons left in Europe.

Which, if we're talking about this particular incident in the OP, A-10s would have been of little to no use. But that's besides the point I suppose. It's still good to hear we are deploying A-10s to Europe anyway.

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In other words you can't string a cogent argument. That's okay. Funny Russia and Israel seem to be on the same side on this one. Step back from jingoism for a second. The ME is so complex. There are no real friends or foes.

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No no I could talk circles around you regarding this topic if I wanted. But since your head is so far up Putin's arse you could stick your tongue out his mouth, its not worth my time.

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No no I could talk circles around you regarding this topic if I wanted. But since your head is so far up Putin's arse you could stick your tongue out his mouth, its not worth my time.

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Okay then talk circles:

1) Did the Russians use Syria as a proving ground for their updated military? Of course. Everyone does. They've revamped their equipment and want to sell it to buyers. Seems to have worked. India, China and some ME buyers are locking up orders. WE do this ALL the time.

2) Does Russia have a vested interest in shaping ME politics? Considering they are one of the largest oil exporters you bet your sweet crude arse they do. Add to the fact that they also have to deal with these terrorists and they are very aware of what instability means to them.

3) Historically, because of our Cold War proxy system we and the Russians have always opposed the leader the other has backed. Right now though those days are gone. It's no longer just us vs them. Moubarak goes and there isn't a secular ruler coming after. Saddam goes and there isn't a secular ruler coming after. And by secular they can be Western facing or Russia/China facing just not religious. So it's a fricking quagmire over there and the answer is not to just remove Assad because he's a "bad guy".


I like Putin as a character, like he's a movie villain. That's it.

Of course they are NOT our friends. They are not our friends like a having a pet bear is not your friend. But it's still cool to have a pet bear.

I talked to a 31 year old millennial the other day who had never seen Top Gun.

I died a little inside.