US war-talk about attacks on Syrian government and military could lead to irreparable, global consequences

The US media is currently widely reporting that US authorities are seriously considering the possibility of direct intervention in the armed conflict in Syria - on the side of Bashar al-Assad's opponents.

The Washington Post, citing unnamed government officials, reported that one of the measures under consideration is airstrikes on the Syrian Air Force's runways - something that would be conducted 'covertly', thereby (they believe) enabling the US to avoid criticism at the United Nations.

Meanwhile, unnamed Pentagon 'experts' are considering a 'phased plan of action'. The first phase would see the delivery of several dozen modern MANPADS - Made in the USA, of course - to 'moderate' Syrian opposition, beginning with the Free Syrian Army and its affiliate, Free Idlib Army.

As reported by the French portal 'Intelligence Online', a recent closed meeting between the leadership of the General Staff of the Saudi armed forces Turkish, Qatari, UAE and US intelligence in Riyadh resulted in an agreement on the delivery of MANPADS to militants in Syria.

According to Reuters, Free Idlib Army commanders confirmed receiving these heavy arms from Saudi Arabia. In addition, a variety of videos boasting this fact have been published on the Free Syrian Army YouTube channel.

During the second phase, they intend to strike a blow at the infrastructure of the Syrian army using high-precision weapons, but avoiding the coastal strip in Latakia province. It looks like HIMARS tactical systems may already be in effect because they were recently deployed near the Turkish-Syrian border. Air- and sea-based missiles may be used for this phase as well.

However, the Russian side has also demonstrated its willingness to protect Assad's army from the US and its allies. Currently the Syrian airspace is protected by modern S-300 and S-400 air defense systems. As a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman said earlier this week, their range may be a surprise to any unwelcome aircraft.

One thing that is clear from recent events is that the situation in Syria has extended beyond the borders of the region. The White House would be strongly advised to calculate all the consequences of possible attacks on Syrian army positions, because these attacks could affect not only Assad's interests, but also the interests of Washington's allies.

The Syrian people are gradually returning to a peaceful life, and no one here wants the Syrian skies to become a zone of confrontation between the major world powers. Well, almost no one.

This American war scenario is a dangerous game that could lead to irreparable consequences.

This article first appeared at Inside Syria Media Center, 10 Oct 2016