Comments by "peabase" (@peabase) on "'He can make you crazy' Thomas Friedman on Donald Trump - BBC News" video.

  1. They've got you riled, don't they.
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  2. Please follow your own advice.
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  3. It's basically true. Fighting IS has been a sideshow for Russia. Propping up Assad is the main mission.
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  4. +Martyn C As a matter of fact, the FSA poses a bigger existential threat to Assad than IS does. As a case in point, IS collaborated with Assad until Russian involvement in the war made further collaboration politically untenable. Moreover, in what Russia and Assad hail as their greatest victory -- the Battle of Aleppo -- IS played nary a role. Their slim contribution hurt FSA and played into Assad's hands. The FSA want Assad's head on stick -- IS have other priorities. What makes you think the war in Syria is about to end? There's no sign of reconciliation, and the question is if it stands a chance with Assad at the helm.
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  5. Terror groups aren't bankrolling the rebels. Like the rebels, they're on the receiving end. Sure, all factions in Syria have struck deals and forged alliances that can't stand the light of day, but Assad is no exception. Propping him up is a non-starter -- I can't think of a better reason for a ruler to step down than civil war breaking out. No doubt foreign involvement is fanning the flames in Syria, but there are levels of involvement. Russia's involvement stands head and shoulders above that of the others. They're just prolonging the inevitable.
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