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Europe, Turkey Close Airspace To Russian Warplanes Flying Anti-ISIS Missions, General Says

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Exactly a month ago, Russia took it up a notch in Syria by deploying Tupolev Tu-95 Bears, Tu-22 Blinders, and Tu-160 Blackjacks in the fight against anti-Assad elements including ISIS and al-Nusra.

The first footage of the strategic long-range bombers in action surfaced on November 17 and served notice that Moscow is willing to double down on its commitment to the fight even if securing key cities like Aleppo proves more challenging that The Kremlin originally anticipated.

According to Gen. Anatoly Konovalov, deputy commander of Russia’s long-range aviation force, Moscow’s long-range warplanes have carried out 145 sorties against terrorist targets since mid-November. “In total, long-range aviation aircraft in Syria have carried out around 145 mission sorties, some 1,500 bombs have been dropped and about 20 cruise missiles have been fired," Konovalov said. 

Those who have followed the Syrian conflict might recall that in early September (so before Moscow made Russia’s involvement “official”) the US pressured Greece to deny Russia use of its airspace on supply runs to Latakia. Subsequently, Bulgaria said it had "enough serious doubts about the cargo of the planes” to refuse overflight privileges.  

Well in the course of detailing Russia’s long-range bomber missions, Konovalov noted that the Tu-160s were forced to fly from the airfield of Olenegorsk in Russia’s northwestern Murmansk Region.

Why is this notable, you ask? Here's Konovalov again: “Europe didn’t let us fly; Turkey didn’t let us fly, but we showed that even is such conditions we’re capable of coping with the task using airfields on the Russian territory."

In other words, Europe and Turkey declined to allow Russia to use their airspace on the way to conducting airstrikes against the very same terrorists that attacked Paris just four days before the long-range warplanes were deployed to the fight in Syria. "Russian pilots had to leave for Syria from Russia’s northernmost Olenegorsk military airport in order to bypass Europe and then cross the Mediterranean Sea toward Syria," Sputnik adds.

As for the EU, the refusal likely stems from the long-running dispute over Ukraine and the attendant economic sanctions which are of course part and parcel of generally frosty relations between Brussels and Moscow. As for Turkey, it's fairly obvious why Ankara is seeking to make life difficult for the Russians. The two countries are embroiled in an intense war of words following Erdogan's move to down a Russian fighter jet near the Syrian border and like closing the Bosphorus, hampering Russian bombers' path to Syria by declning overflight is just one more way for Ankara to impede Moscow's efforts to shore up Assad. 

At the end of the day, this is still more evidence that when it comes to "cooperation" in the war on terror, one side isn't doing its part.

 

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Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:36 | 6943752 DetectiveStern
DetectiveStern's picture

That TU-160 is a damn fine looking aircraft.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:45 | 6943790 Consuelo
Consuelo's picture

Big F'n thing 'tis.   Functional though, and in the end that's all that matters.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:24 | 6943933 HowdyDoody
HowdyDoody's picture

We don't need access to your steenkin' European airspace.

We route around obstructions.

 

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:53 | 6943824 MrNosey
MrNosey's picture
'Europe, Turkey Close Airspace To Russian Warplanes Flying Anti-ISIS Missions', General Says

Should read:

'Europe, Turkey Close Airspace To Russian Warplanes Flying Anti-ISIS Missions because we do not want to them to attack our proxy army', General Says

The agenda rolls on unabated......

http://beforeitsnews.com/conspiracy-theories/2015/12/as-events-spiral-ou...

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:54 | 6944092 kill switch
kill switch's picture

Well, Well...

I must say FUCKING BINGO.

 

Good post

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 05:12 | 6945305 Al Tinfoil
Al Tinfoil's picture

According to this piece on Veterans Today (December 18), the Russians have effectively imposed a no-fly zone over most of Syria.

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2015/12/18/pentagon-russia-s-300-s-400-air-...

Putin is reported to have instructed his military chiefs a few days ago that any theat to Russian forces is to be met with destructive force.  The Bear is snarling.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 09:18 | 6945507 junction
junction's picture

The Russians think that the Turkish F-16 jet that shot down their Sukhoi bomber was piloted by a CIA pilot.  If the Turkish jet was an F-16D double seater, the CIA pilot would let a Turkish pilot along for the ride handle communications. 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:29 | 6943990 HowdyDoody
HowdyDoody's picture

The bomb bay has two 6-chamber rotating cruise missile launchers - think speed-loaders for cruise missiles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d48LHI6u3bY&t=24

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:35 | 6944016 83_vf_1100_c
83_vf_1100_c's picture

  Nice knockoff of the B-1 Lancer.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:52 | 6944085 HowdyDoody
HowdyDoody's picture

The Tu-160 design was established 1972-3. The B1 was established in 1973-4

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 19:37 | 6944239 monk27
monk27's picture

Tu-160 is also significantly bigger than B-1... much better performances too.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 20:35 | 6944459 DutchR
DutchR's picture

threat music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NBGh6T8Ir0

7 inches or moar........bitchez

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 20:14 | 6944379 83_vf_1100_c
83_vf_1100_c's picture

  Damn, I got bombed! I should of known that or innerneted the dates. mehh

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 01:44 | 6945156 BarkingCat
BarkingCat's picture

Your grammar sucks ass too.
It is "should have" not "should of".
So, you're a well rounded idiot.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:39 | 6944027 flapdoodle
flapdoodle's picture

Looks (and in fact is) like a B1 on steroids. At Mach 2 quite a bit faster than the Mach 1.3 B1B, and has about twice the range, but perhaps only 2/3 the payload.

One thing to remember about the Russians - distances mean something else to the Russians than what they do to the Europeans given the size of the country. Murmansk is "right next door" to Syria from that perspective...

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 13:24 | 6946197 bthunder
bthunder's picture

On steroids?  Like Jose Canseco:  big man-boobs, shrunk balls, altered mood, irritability, increased aggression, depression or suicidal tendencies?

And longer term: liver, kidney, and heart failure? And then death in late 40s or 50s?  You ARE describing a typical russian!

 

BTW, the rason why TU-160 is "bigger" than B1 is quite simple:  The Communist Party oredered it to be that way.  Regardless of cost or usability.

Plus inability of the russians to learn how to refuel in mid-air and the inability to afford bases abroad made them design planes with longer range.

How many Tu-160s have they updated with modern avionics since 1970s?  Four?  Seven? And then the money ran out....

 

 

 

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 12:08 | 6945966 EINSILVERGUY
EINSILVERGUY's picture

Yep, Soviet/Russian and Chinese aircraft are generally about 5 Years behind the US and GB in their deployment. There is a reason the Bear looks like a B-36 an the Backfire looks like a FB111 and the new Chinese figheter looks like the F35 

Usually takes them about that long to steal and or copy the latest aircraft design. 

http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2015/09/more-questions-f-35-after-new-...

 

http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2015/09/more-questions-f-35-after-new-...

 

 

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 14:08 | 6946333 Fredo Corleone
Fredo Corleone's picture

Thr Russians refer to the Tu-160 as the "White Swan."

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:38 | 6943757 meghaljani
meghaljani's picture

ZATO will not help Russia bomb their allies called ISIS. 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:44 | 6943789 Escrava Isaura
Escrava Isaura's picture

 

 

Shhhhhh

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:05 | 6943870 847328_3527
847328_3527's picture

<< ZATO will not help Russia bomb their allies called ISIS. >>

 

That's odd.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:46 | 6944052 Escrava Isaura
Escrava Isaura's picture

 

 

Really? How so?

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:39 | 6943764 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

HAHA, foolish ZATOkowskis! Russian Planes do not need Europe or Turkey airspace.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:47 | 6943769 Kirk2NCC1701
Kirk2NCC1701's picture

Rx = Very simple:  Close the airspace over Syria to ALL aircraft that are not officially sanctioned by the 'sovereign' Syrian government.

All it takes are enough S400 batteries, clear thinking and some balls.

Say that "The risks and dangers associated with misaligned/non-harmonized agendas and miscommunication by the Allies, that leads to repetitive 'death by friendly fire' can no longer be permitted in good conscience."

Don't care what PR "spin" you put on the move, and it doesn't matter if you wear Nikes, but 'Just Do It'.

QED

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:52 | 6943821 Urban Redneck
Urban Redneck's picture

A No Fly Zone over Syria, that's enough to make certain Republitard candidates' heads explode as they scramble for new BS to peddle and a less incriminating to way to say "I was for it before I was against it"... Great idea!

(just don't invite anyone from the US Air Farce to partipate)

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:03 | 6943864 HamFistedIdiot
HamFistedIdiot's picture

I thought French and US forces were already on the ground in Syria, against the Syrian government's wishes. Isn't this Washington's Jihad against sovereignity of all kinds? Is that ISIS oil being sold to Israel that important? Or the organ traficking?

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:22 | 6943957 HowdyDoody
HowdyDoody's picture

The French, UK and US air farces are all supposed to be active in Syria. They are very reluctant to reveal to number of strikes and their targets - other than the 'oops, could have sworn that Syrian armed forces base was a hospital' mistakes.

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 23:36 | 6944876 Lore
Lore's picture

US-led airstrikes and "anti-ISIS" action supposedly began more than a year ago (Sep 2014), to zero apparent effect, because the real purpose for going in there was to set up and provide logistical support for the illegal oil-laundering racket and begin preparations for a coup in Damascus (to take control of the oil and its sale for petrodollars formally). So any bombs that actually got dropped were probably to defend the oil-laundering convoys, demolish Syrian national infrastructure (to weaken the government), to punish Syrian people for being in the way, and hinder any attempt by the Syrian government to put a stop to the theft.  The alternative way of looking at it would be for us to conclude that the American forces are the most incompetent buffoons in world military history, and that's illogical.  It makes more sense for us to conclude that the marketed narrative ("fighting ISIS") was a lie, cover for proxy war and crime.  It would certainly be consistent with the historical pattern, ample motive, and relevant official documents in the public domain.

Putin's success lies in his judo-like strategy of turning the lies of the liars against them.  It's not brilliance as much as simply knowing your enemy.  Psychopaths will be psychopaths.  Their own corruption is their downfall.  The question that should concern the rest of us is how much damage they will be allowed to do on their way down.  It's generally understood that the Russian bombing campaign is tremendously successful.  Proxy forces are in disarray and deserting in large numbers.  It will be interesting to see who gets hung out to dry among western governments as facts are brought to light about who supplied and sponsored the terrorist groups.  When the housecleaning gets underway, we are going to see war trials that will make Nuremburg seem like traffic court.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 00:43 | 6945070 HamFistedIdiot
HamFistedIdiot's picture

"When the housecleaning gets underway, we are going to see war trials that will make Nuremburg seem like traffic court. "

I can only hope that this comes to pass. My fear is that team empire would rather set the world on fire than cede its control over sovereign governments. Who will have time for legal remedies when food and safety are scarce in the developed world?

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 02:05 | 6945174 o r c k
o r c k's picture

It's disgusting to consider the role of the American Press in enabling these massive and historic war crimes. Each individual "reporter" is personally responsible for the death, torture and murder of literally millions of innocents. Imagine trying to fall asleep at night with a conscience weighted down with that much blood. You "reporters" (who ALL know the real truth of this matter) will welcome your globally televised executions upon hearing the details of the deadly horror you have enabled. I see, just following orders. 

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 15:51 | 6946647 agNau
agNau's picture

The greatest threat to freedom....the lap dog press.
They enable the lies.
And soon with follow ups to CISA only approved disinformation will be allowed release onto the internet.
Tweets.
Soon even words out of the mouth.

FLAG.GOV
If you hear something, say something.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 19:18 | 6944165 frankly scarlet
frankly scarlet's picture

Kirk....The Russians would love to be able to do that but their force is very small while NATO can flood the area with planes.So realitically the Russians can't enforce such a call unless you want mushroom clouds sprouting all over the planet...?

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 01:50 | 6945160 BarkingCat
BarkingCat's picture

I think they can. If they deployed enough S400s there would be aweful lot birds falling out of the sky.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:42 | 6943775 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

"What's that, Reggie?"
"Cable TV."
"What does it do?"
"You can watch a lot of different channels, like B-Ball or Golf."
"Wow."
"The news is on right now."
"Who are those guys in the black with Nikes?"
"ISIS."
"A new team, huh? Which Conference?"

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:43 | 6943785 Transformer
Transformer's picture

It's obvious the Russians are just trying to look good, once everyone else has been attacked and is in the thick of the fight against ISIS.  What do they care, they just want to look good on the world stage.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:00 | 6943848 Blue Vervain
Blue Vervain's picture

Try harder peanut brain.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 19:16 | 6944161 Peter Pan
Peter Pan's picture

I think you are being overly generous.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 01:16 | 6945119 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

 You're getting an bag of assholes NEXT fRIDAY.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 06:57 | 6945355 Rakshas
Rakshas's picture

....... a bag of smashed assholes ....... now that we're on the subject, how did hitlery do in the last debate??

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:49 | 6943807 Kirk2NCC1701
Kirk2NCC1701's picture

I'll bet Morning Joe and his bimbo sidekick approve.  As does her senile father, who just got a woodie, even w/o Viagra.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:22 | 6943955 Kagemusho
Kagemusho's picture

All this pissing off a bear that didn't do jack to the West got started with that 'Grand Chessboard' crap of Brzezinski père. NATO should have been abolished after the Soviets fell. Instead, Zbig's son helped expand it...and made ol' Ivan nervous and want to re-arm.

The Elite always telegraph their intentions...no matter how insane they might be. The logistical problems of projecting US power in Central Asia don't require a Ph.D, just a simple understanding of geography.  And so Zbig and Co. have made the same (economic as well as military) mistake  as that nutcase with the little mustache did in 1941. You don't need a degree in history to see what happens next...and is happening.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:44 | 6944036 Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill's picture

Look up your history, its been going on much longer than that.

Brezinski's ideas are just recycled from Mackinder  who recycled those from Napoleon.

We have always been at war with Eurasia.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:58 | 6944102 Kagemusho
Kagemusho's picture

I didn't forget ol' Nappy, either. I recall seeing a very sad graph of the personnel losses during the march into Russia and the later retreat of Napoleon's army. Very sobering how that initially fat bar in became a very thin line out.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 19:59 | 6944321 Macon Richardson
Macon Richardson's picture

What do you mean "We", paleface?

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 20:20 | 6944409 Oldrepublic
Oldrepublic's picture

I think that the quote was : "what you mean 'we,' kemosabe?"

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 03:28 | 6945243 Otrader
Otrader's picture

"The Russian naval and air presences in Syria are vulnerable, isolated geographically from their homeland.  They could be 'disarmed' if they persist in provoking the US." - Z. Brezinksi

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 17:57 | 6943832 HenryHall
HenryHall's picture

As to Europe, if the sanctions are renewed on Monday (as expected) then Russia should counter-sanction by banning all pipelined and/or overland exports and imports to countries that sanction Russia for as long as the sanctions are in place. No pipeline oil, gas, no coal, no biomass, no electricity, no nuclear fuel or reactor parts, no rocket motors and so on. No nothing - exceptions only for humanitarian shipments. And astronauts from sanctioning countries who want to use the International Space Station must travel overland to Moscow and Baikonur cosmodrome!

The Russians have enough cash on hand to last easily a year or two and meanwhile the worldwide price of LNG will go sky high - including Russian exports of LNG.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 20:06 | 6944349 August
August's picture

Some appropriate tit-for-tat retaliation is in order, but nothing too extreme, since Russia seems to putting itself forward as a solid, reasonable, non-crazy international player.  As opposed to the Hegemon which daily proves itself to be both erratic and prone to uninvited violent interventions in everyone else's business.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 22:19 | 6944749 HenryHall
HenryHall's picture

No, the time for being nice is over. The Europeans freely admit that the sanctions have not changed political realities in The Ukriane (historical term for the former Ukraine).

Therefore it is now clear that the purpose of the EU, UA and American sanctions is to wound Russia. Well it's high time the perpetrators felt some real pain for what they have done. A winter mostly without fuel will do it. We will soon see how much gas the EU is willing to supply to Ukraine when the EU does not have enough gas for itself.

And they have the solution in their own hands - cancel the sanctions against Russia and Russia will reciprocate.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 08:41 | 6945455 RafterManFMJ
RafterManFMJ's picture

Agree.

Nice only encourages more misbehaving by a bully, while a bloody nose or two can modify bad behavior.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 01:54 | 6945163 IronForge
IronForge's picture

IND and CHN can easily pick up the slack.  EU/NATO/OPEC have roughly 20-25 Years at the most to milk this impasse and pressure on RUS.

IMHO, it's a matter of time until CHN's 1st and 2nd Quintile Income Earners' Salaries and the Companies/Agencies that employ them consume more Oil/NatGas and Durable/Consumable Goods than 'Merica or the EU_Collective.

Once that happens, RUS can start breathing a bit more easily, since that should solidify the influence of the PetroYuan/PetroRuble, CNY, and the Silk Road / SCO Trade Zones.  EU/NATO/USA's Economic Sanctions will become less significant from then on - RUS can just close the Tap on a few Sanction-Mongers; and just sell to (non EU) Silk Road, SCO, and ASEAN Members.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:03 | 6943865 Kagemusho
Kagemusho's picture

The fact that Russian bombers can travel such long distances very effectively is surely not lost on Brussels or Warshington.

Especially notable is the fact that the base they fly from must be very difficult to operate in, being barely sub-Arctic. One more demonstration of logistical prowess not lost on those with eyes to see.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:06 | 6943878 Moccasin
Moccasin's picture

Russia does not need aircraft carriers, it is an aircraft carrier.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:17 | 6943921 talisman
talisman's picture

US will do anything it can to protect its ISIS/terrorist proxy armies

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:20 | 6943939 Fish Gone Bad
Fish Gone Bad's picture

That is indeed a nice looking plane. I came across the Russian space shuttle ( https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=russian+space+shuttle ). I had no idea the Russians had a space shuttle. Perhaps theirs are still functioning.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 19:05 | 6944129 Parrotile
Parrotile's picture

The Russians determined very early on that the "Shuttle" concept was neither economically efficient, nor logistically efficient (payload per kg fuel). It is interesting that no less a journal than the Washington Post ran a long and detailed article roundly criticising the billions wasted on the US shuttle programme - before the accidents started to happen. According the the Post article (that I still have somewhere  as hard copy), one of the "justifications" for the programme was the "capability to service geostationary satellites". Seeing as the shuttle's effective ceilng is about 350nm (from memory), they'd be needing a VERY long ladder. There were numerous other pretty bogus claims of capability, which were swallowed hook, line and sinker by those "responsible for wise budgetary decisions".

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:21 | 6943944 Hannibal
Hannibal's picture

This shows the true colors of the US/Nato Evil Empire of Chaos and Destruction!

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:26 | 6943976 Blankone
Blankone's picture

I thought we were treated just the other day to an article that claimed Germany was now cooperating with Syria and getting friendly.

My comment had been that maybe Germany is getting into Syria to be ready to grab what they can when NATO takes it down.

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:52 | 6944072 flapdoodle
flapdoodle's picture

If NATO was going to "take Syria down" it would have already happened.

The Zionazis and their NATO satraps have shot their wad, like the Germans did in Stalingrad by late 1942.

Now comes the roll back, which is already happening.

The transparent game by the Zionazis of allowing Assad in the West of Syria and setting up a different state for the pipeline to run through up to Turkey is going to be a "Market Garden" moment.

The Iraqis are not going to stand for it and Kurdish puppet Barzani set up by Israel is living on borrowed time. The likely outcome for Mosul that it will be turned into a glass parking lot before the Russians, the Iraqis and the Iranis allow the Zionazis to create an "ISIS" homeland separating Iraq from Syria.

 

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:25 | 6943972 will ling
will ling's picture

just keep tweakin' the nukes vlad. it's them or you, no gettin' around it.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:43 | 6944038 CHoward
CHoward's picture

We have a despicable president and lying bastard commander -in-chief of our armed forces.  He/it says one thing to the American public and does the exact fucking opposite.  Wake up America - this imposter is going to get us into WWIII! 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 19:20 | 6944175 yogibear
yogibear's picture

Obama is more of a Marxist.

Rather than joining in a fight against ISIS Obama supports ISIS.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 18:52 | 6944086 PoasterToaster
PoasterToaster's picture

The EU and Turkey are not serious about fighting their ISIS creation.  Every time they do something stupid like this, more people figure it out. 

It's not that Putin is some mastermind; it's that the EU and US oligarchies are filled with low grade morons.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 20:56 | 6944514 messystateofaffairs
messystateofaffairs's picture

They can't be low grade morons,Rottenchild has some if the brightest minds money can buy in his "fuck up the world" think tanks.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 21:49 | 6944695 Bazza McKenzie
Bazza McKenzie's picture

OK, so they're high grade morons.  Like the nongs in the Eccles building.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 19:11 | 6944147 Savyindallas
Savyindallas's picture

It's about fucking time! Somebody has to stop Putin  -he's wiping out the CIA's best assets  -the ISIS/Al Quada division. We have tens of billions invested in these guys and we're going to let Putin wipe them out in a few months? That's insane. 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 19:27 | 6944203 Irish Yoga
Irish Yoga's picture

I guess Russia can just shut off all the Euro gas this winter since the USA sock puppets don't want them flying over territories supplied with Russian gas that enables Russia to do a shitload of damage to terrorists? Did I miss the elephant in the room?

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 06:04 | 6945329 Beowulf55
Beowulf55's picture

unlike America, Russia is not going to cut it's nose off to spite it's face.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 19:36 | 6944235 frankly scarlet
frankly scarlet's picture

So who exactly is in charge in Washington? Is it the neo cons within the Pentagon, spook agencies and in foreign affairs or who exactly? Last week we have a meeting of the minds and a joint understanding on Syria between the USA and Russia. Next week it'll be back to U.S.-NATO-Central bankers shooting up the Syria Arab Army as it trys to come to grips with ISIL. No wonder Russia just ignores whatever Kerry is blabbing about at the moment and just carries on with what they have to do.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 02:29 | 6945202 o r c k
o r c k's picture

I think it's being done so that the press will have every quote needed for that day--if someone is critical of Obombyou's promise to murder a world leader he can just say that "Just yesterday I stated my belief that Assad can stay". When he needs to sound tough and in control he'll just say that " Assad must go before peace can be restored, CNN has that on tape, go ask them."  Classic manipulation of the little people, much like the desperate daily murder of silver prices.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 20:12 | 6944352 Oldrepublic
Oldrepublic's picture

It seems that the Russian planes are flying to Syria via the Caspian sea route and Iran. The article implies that the aircraft are flying around Norway to the Med via the Straits of Gibraltar. I doubt that fact.

 

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 21:07 | 6944544 bid the soldier...
bid the soldiers shoot's picture

Old R.

It really doesn't take much more jet fuel to come down the eastern Atlantic, west of the British Isles, then through Gibraltar --  across the Mediterreanan,  the General's words  --  into western Syria to unload their ordinance.  

With their bombers lighter without the missiles and bombs, they can climb in altitude over eastern Syria  --  the most dangerous leg of the journey  --  into Iraq and then Iran and then over the Caspian Sea and home.  

Who knows, there may even be Russian fighters from Iran at the Syrian-Iraq border from Iran looking for trouble and waiting to escort them to the Caspian..

The 'Morgan die Welt' attitude of the American and European leaders is truly shocking.

But even more shocking is their obliviousness to it.

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 22:09 | 6944740 anachronism
anachronism's picture

This is an excellent demonstration of the parity between the United States and Russia. Just as B-2s take off from Missouri to bomb in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Russian Tu-95s and 160s can take off from the Arctic and bomb Syria. This is invaluable operational experience. And I hope that the professionals in the Pentagon are taking notice even as the chicken hawks on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue do not.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 22:34 | 6944806 HenryHall
HenryHall's picture

Precisely one flight of aircraft did that air strike run - around Norway and through Gibraltar - just to demonstrate that they can. They fired air to ground cruise missiles while over the Mediterranean near the coast of Syria.

Yes, mostly they fly over the Caspian, they flew the long way around to attack just once for show. Helluva lotta kilometers!

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 20:09 | 6944365 roadhazard
roadhazard's picture

Pootin said they would have everything cleared up in three months. One month left, tick tock bubba.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 21:12 | 6944563 bid the soldier...
bid the soldiers shoot's picture

Ronald Reagan said it was Morning in America.

How wrong was he?

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 10:30 | 6945635 roadhazard
roadhazard's picture

Fantastic answer to my comment. Do one about the Moon now.

Mon, 12/21/2015 - 18:24 | 6950673 bid the soldier...
bid the soldiers shoot's picture

tick tock tick tock.

Hi diddle diddle

Hickory dickery dock

roadhazard plucked his widdle fiddle

Then jumped over the moon

 

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 15:58 | 6946671 RevIdahoSpud3
RevIdahoSpud3's picture

Reagan should have said we are mourning in America.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 22:16 | 6944752 finametrics
finametrics's picture

Vlad did more work in a few months than obooby did in over a year. But dont let the facts hurt ur sphincter too much.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 10:32 | 6945625 roadhazard
roadhazard's picture

 Tick tock, one month left. Personally I hope he's bogged down there for the next ten years.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 20:40 | 6944473 Herdee
Herdee's picture

Is this the end of the road for the NATO- American bombing of MiddleEast countries into rubble just to have terrorist groups run them?And is this it for Americas Wolfowitz plan?What other country is next for a good bombing?Can you think of one because Russia and China won't allow Iran to be next.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 21:04 | 6944537 uhland62
uhland62's picture

I think it may be a little daring to apply logical and rational thinking to Turkey. Erdogan and Assad were quite good buddies at some stage. Maybe the weekender of one where the other was supposed to spend his holidays was not treated well. I forgot which side. Just google "Erdogan+Assad".

The Wolfowitz Doctrine has been replaced by Full Spectrum Dominance, but it ain't working as the economies will soon not support the warring any longer, if the crumbling of trade figures is any guide. 

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 06:44 | 6945351 smacker
smacker's picture

"Full Spectrum Dominance"

Now known as:  "Full Spectrum Destabilisation"

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 10:34 | 6945645 HenryHall
HenryHall's picture

>> Can you think of one because Russia and China won't allow Iran to be next.

The smart money says that Turkmenistan is next on the list to be destabilized and turned into a failed state.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 10:49 | 6945706 optimator
optimator's picture

I can think of one country we could bomb, the one country in the Middle East we haven't bombed.  But they have 500 deliverable nukes.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 20:55 | 6944511 tuttisaluti
tuttisaluti's picture

I think its more a personal thing between Putin and Erdogan.

It's silly and childish. 

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 02:44 | 6945216 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

bit like Churchill and Mussolini really when Churchill had written lovely letters to Mussolini pre-war

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 05:54 | 6945322 Zwelgje
Zwelgje's picture

And I think you're stupid.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 07:24 | 6945365 Vinividivinci
Vinividivinci's picture

And name calling someone who is simply expressig their opinion, is sooo intelligent...grow up

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 21:10 | 6944554 Jack Burton
Jack Burton's picture

Remember when Russia opened it's bombing campaign agaist ISIS, Al-qaeda, Al-Nusra, and various Turkemen wolves? The states that demanded an immediate halt included. The USA, UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar among many others. This clearly signaled that Russia shoud leave ISIS alone and the other terror groups as well. What more evidence do people in American want to prove that ISIS is a US asset?

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 21:34 | 6944629 rwe2late
rwe2late's picture

 Most people in the USA do not know the facts,

do not want to be confused by facts, and

definitely do not want to bother to learn any facts.

They are too busy following sports, or being pacified by tv entertainment.

For most, they are simply members of a USA fan club,

"support the troops", "we're #1", and

we (the self-proclaimed innocents) will be protected from the "evildoers" and "terrorists".

(It must be true, they see it daily on almost every cop/NCIS show on tv.)

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 03:32 | 6945246 Otrader
Otrader's picture

rwe2late - yes.... we are....too....late.  I've tried to wake people up, but no one is listening outside Zhedge.   Completely brainwashed. 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 22:11 | 6944745 finametrics
finametrics's picture

Mehrican monkeys are busy watching the Kardashians and calling that jenner thing a hero. They can't be bothered with this "conspiracy" stuff. They have much more important things to worry about. Like who's going to win 'dancing with the stars'.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 11:44 | 6945894 False_Profit
False_Profit's picture

We are living the hunger games scenario...

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 21:59 | 6944718 I Write Code
I Write Code's picture

Just change the IFF to Malaysian Airlines.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 22:36 | 6944811 Omega_Man
Omega_Man's picture

they need to bomb themselves a corridor... wussy fucking European pieces of fecal matter

F U

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 23:30 | 6944815 Huckleberry Pie
Huckleberry Pie's picture

It's like comparing Delta to Aeroflot. Delta continues to operate planes that belong in Tuscon or Mojave graveyards, with crews that appear and act like they came straight out of a homeless shelter. The Minneapolis based, gay male only flight crew from SLC to NOLA, was quite disturbing. What ever happened to young, attractive, polite, straight female stewerdesses on American based airlines? Aeroflot has newer (and cleaner) aircraft and the crew are much easier on the eyes. Flying in America or with American companies has become very unpleasant. "Bend over and drop'em, you White Christian looking scum...you look like a threat."

 

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 10:45 | 6945692 optimator
optimator's picture

They could both learn a lot from Lufthansa.

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 23:05 | 6944859 spacehedgie
spacehedgie's picture

Many commenters might want to get a better map, for example by plugging Murmansk and Aleppo into Google Maps.

Yes, Europe is a small continent, and so is the European part of Russia, as is Middle East. We are talking about barely coast-to-coast in US distances. You could drive from that North-Russian base to Syria in about 50 hours.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 02:43 | 6945213 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

Yet the F-35 cannot fly across Australia without refuelling

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 11:52 | 6945909 False_Profit
False_Profit's picture

For the appropriate perspektiv and message, Google Murmansk and Washington, D.C. Distance...

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 23:25 | 6944903 logical-different
logical-different's picture

What can one say about all this?  What would President Putin say in a time like this?

The leadership of the EU, GREECE, and TURKEY are the biggest ass kissers in the world.  They don't seem to mind kissing the biggest ass of them all that is located in the USA. Obama is his name.  A man that should be arrested or impeached for treason.  Is there a charge for being the worst liar? 

 

 

 

Sat, 12/19/2015 - 23:29 | 6944915 PoasterToaster
PoasterToaster's picture

And the Neo Cons laugh as they continue to carry out their plans to wreck everything in the Middle East.  Having Russia and the US at loggerheads is just a bonus for them.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 02:35 | 6945208 scatha
scatha's picture

Russian are flying through Iran and Iraq when they need, thy are flying around Europe to test defenses and as a revenge for NATO aircraft and troops movements near their border.

More at:

https://syrianwarupdate.wordpress.com/

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 02:42 | 6945211 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

Russian pilots are getting real world training for action against hostile forces in Europe where US maintains 200 nuclear bombs. They are seeing the 1941 Scenario again with hostile forces on the Western Frontier. Once Poland is in the hands of the enemy Russian security is threatened. Now the Polish regime has stormed the NATO centre and replaced the staffing, who knows where Poland is going ?

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 04:54 | 6945295 kanoli
kanoli's picture

The Russians have not been "forced" to use those long-range bombers at all. They are using the Syrian war against ISIS to get combat experience for the broadest possible cross-section of their military.  They anticipate a future war started by NATO and they are getting their troops combat experience in preparation for it.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 06:35 | 6945343 smacker
smacker's picture

Agreed. I see the same thing with them firing missiles from a warship in the Caspian and from a submarine in the Med. Neither were militarily necessary but excellent for testing their hardware.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 07:39 | 6945378 dogismycopilot
dogismycopilot's picture

I wonder what NATO and the US are cooking up. Horse face was much too accommodating.....US us cooking something up.

Russia is channeling all of its 'training' funding to the Syria campaign to pay for it. They've stopped most excercises for the year and also Strategic Rocket Forces are dusting off their play books.

So yes, this is some serious fucking OTJ training.

(On The Job)

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 08:59 | 6945474 Irish Yoga
Irish Yoga's picture

Turkey couldn't fuck a kumquat without a reach around from uncle Sam.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 09:03 | 6945481 WTFUD
WTFUD's picture

Been working in my mum's basement for the past 3/4 years and come up with all sorts of mathematical formulae regarding this current/ongoing WAR and using geographical location/distances, available hardware, other tools, i estimate that the End of Days is upon us but Russia will have 4/5 of its time zones intact.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 09:13 | 6945498 kaboomnomic
kaboomnomic's picture

Tu-160 have 14000 kms range (w/o refuelling).
https://youtu.be/gTpLn30PbbQ

Circling EU is "nothing" for this planes. In that video? Tu-160 flies NON-STOP (w/o refuelling from Engels airbase to Venezuela. B2/B52 need at least twice, to flies from their base to Iraq bombing runs. You do the math.

Someone making analogy of Tu-160 with B-1B lancer? Tu-160 designed as "lifting bodies". B-1B isn't. That is the most important difference that you need to know.

- - -

The same with Tu-95M/Tu-22M. They have at least 12000 kms range. It is what the designed spec's are made (tough at the first version? None of them can fulfill MoD designed specs). That is why Tupolev chose 15000 HP counter-rotating blades turboprops for Tu-95. It is THE ONLY WAY (given soviet's jet engine capabilities at those time) to get 12000 km's range.

https://youtu.be/F_3J9eFlXrs

- - -

As for suggestion that Russia use its SAM's system to close Syrian airspace? See what American General said about that Russian Air Defense system.

http://m.sputniknews.com/world/20151219/1032028524/russia-air-defense-pr...

Here's from BLOOMBERG.

http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-12-17/new-russian-air-defense...

If those Russian SAM's means nothings to NATO? They wouldn't ASKED for RUSSIAN PERMISSION to bombs in Syria.

Still need proofs of the Russian military hardwares quality??

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 10:02 | 6945569 smacker
smacker's picture

I have no idea of what the true capabilities are of the Russian S-300/S-400 missile systems nor whether the Pantygon has any effective defence against them.

The Pantygon may or may not be extremely vulnerable. If it had a defence against the S-300/S-400, would it publicise that? Or would it allow the Russians to falsely believe it has a world beater thereby leaving itself open to counter-measures?

Exactly the same thing works the other way round.

Propaganda rules.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 13:19 | 6946185 WTFUD
WTFUD's picture

It's been reported smacker that Israel is doing it's damnedest to find weaknesses in those defense systems.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 13:28 | 6946213 smacker
smacker's picture

Thanks WTFUD, I did read about that. But it too could be part of the propaganda intended to mislead Russia. I just dunno but caution would seem to be a sensible stance.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 10:41 | 6945678 optimator
optimator's picture

And their long range aviation all started with copying the B-29s they interned during the war, making exact copies.  The  four jet Mya 4, Bison was dropped because it didn't have the range, but with the Tu-95 they got it right.   

As you know, increasing range cuts down the bomb load.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 11:46 | 6945898 SMC
SMC's picture

Very embarrassing to be a EU/USSA/etc... citizen today.

“We the People” allegedly enjoying “freedom and democracy” {SARC} may pay a very high price for losing control of our governments.

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 13:14 | 6946172 bthunder
bthunder's picture

This is hilarious!  And hysterical!  When did ANY country let a military aircraft of non-alied country fly over its territory? NEVER!   Especially knowing that the planes are loaded with "live" bombs and missiles!  Woudl russkies let B-52s or B-1s with bombs fly over Moscow? Are you all effing insane

Would YOU like a 60 year old poorly maintained bombers with history of failures and with full payload fly over YOUR house?

 

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 13:24 | 6946199 wonderatitall
wonderatitall's picture

...besides they might  stop isis and we know ouir dear gay leader  has them contained

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 15:40 | 6946612 LoveTruth
LoveTruth's picture

90% of Bulgarians support Russia, (the rest are Bulgarian turks, traitors and scumbags who don't support Russia).

But the sell outs in the Bulgarian government are not doing what the Bulgarians want instead whatever their Brussel masters tell them.

The Bulgarian media should start voicing the benefits of building the South Stream pipeline. Bulgaria's government should so no to the EU dictatorship.

 

 

Sun, 12/20/2015 - 18:14 | 6946997 Oldrepublic
Oldrepublic's picture

speaking of closing airspace, Russia could easily close all Russian airspace for European planes flying to East Asia.

Mon, 12/21/2015 - 01:51 | 6948005 onmail1
onmail1's picture

<-- Cabal&CronyA$$LickerLiarAddictObama : 'A developing country like Russia should not be allowed to have such weapons.'

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