The Russians have sent seven warships into the Mediterranean, led by an anti-submarine destroyer. http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2012/07/u-s-and-russia-send-numerous-warships-to-middle-east.html The Russians have a naval base at the Syrian port of Tartus, a long-coveted warm water port for the Russian navy. The US, in the meantime, apparently ordered a third aircraft carrier group, the USS Stennis, into the Persian Gulf, to join with the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Enterprise. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/third-us-aircraft-carrier-returning-unexpectedly-mideast-ahead-schedule The Stennis move was not expected, but one can deduce that the Americans fear the enhanced Russian presence in the region. So a new stand-off is emerging: the Russians, the Syrians, and the Iranians vs. the Americans, the Israelis, and the Saudis. Where the Chinese stand in this matter is unknown–the Chinese are sympathetic to the Syrians and the Iranians, but may not wish to support the Russians. Nonetheless, anything that takes the US eye off of East Asia is a welcome move for the Chinese.
- Comment
- Reblog
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
World Politics News 
Is this a usual part of war games? Or are pieces falling into place for something bigger?
LikeLike
It does not appear to be part of a war game scenario. Typically war gaming is announced ahead of time to avoid raising fears among surrounding countries. It clearly is preparation for something bigger. But that objective does not, in and of itself, mean that something bigger is going to happen. It could simply be an act of deterrence to dissuade Iran (or Syria or Russia) from applying more pressure in the Gulf. But if one is Russia, Syria, or Iran, then one has to decide whether to ignore the signal or to respond to it. We’ll watch and see if there is any counterresponse.
LikeLike