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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:27:05 AM EDT
[#1]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:28:08 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By spydercomonkey: We need to switch a 'FB-35' upsized, longer range bomber version of the F35. Similar to the 'FB-22 Strike Raptor' that was proposed years ago. Use most of the core goodies of the F35 for economy of scale, but with much longer range and ability to carry JASSM/LRASM etc size weapons internally. Basically a F35 for the Pacific. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_FB-22 https://fullafterburner.weebly.com/uploads/8/4/8/6/84869598/fb-22-p02-1-0001_orig.jpg Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By spydercomonkey: Originally Posted By AlmightyTallest:
We need to switch a 'FB-35' upsized, longer range bomber version of the F35. Similar to the 'FB-22 Strike Raptor' that was proposed years ago. Use most of the core goodies of the F35 for economy of scale, but with much longer range and ability to carry JASSM/LRASM etc size weapons internally. Basically a F35 for the Pacific. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_FB-22 https://fullafterburner.weebly.com/uploads/8/4/8/6/84869598/fb-22-p02-1-0001_orig.jpg Yeah, I think we also are currently working with what we have. Although it isn't a bad idea to have more modern refueling tankers for the Air Force, the article above doesn't delve into the 66 additional airbases we are working on getting access to with regional partners in the Pacific to lessen the Air Force's refueling burden for working against China. https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/JIPA/Display/Article/3768313/fueling-a-superpower-reprioritizing-the-us-air-refueling-fleet-for-great-power/ Furthermore, Congress imposed restrictions on the procurement of additional KC-46s beyond the contracted number and mandated the retention of KC-135s until the Air Force provides validated needs and long-term cost estimates. This effectively freezes the configuration of the Air Force tanker fleet, potentially compromising operational capabilities if a plan to modernize the fleet is not convincingly presented to Congress.[27] Some observers may question the prioritization of air refueling funding over other pressing requirements. For example, planners could potentially mitigate the need for additional tankers by diversifying supply and force projection nodes, an effort Congress has allocated USD 8.9 billion toward since FY20, expanding and negotiating access to 66 basing sites.[28] If the USINDOPACOM theater were to escalate into open conflict, the immediate demand for fighter and bomber platforms, along with their associated support elements, might initially seem adequately met by the hundreds of tankers already in the Air Force fleet. Moreover, modifying existing tankers could offer a quicker alternative to enhancing battlespace awareness, as proposed by the Air Reserve Component A5/A8 regarding KC-135s, instead of investing in costly new tanker acquisitions.[29] Additionally, the Air Force could alleviate theater air refueling requirements by collaborating with allies, as demonstrated by Singaporean A330s refueling USAF B-1 bombers.[30] However, it is crucial to carefully consider the potentially escalatory implications of emphasizing a strategy centered on long-range bombers when evaluating partnerships with regional allies and partners. Thus, critics may view increased investment in air refueling as a misallocation of resources, particularly when kinetic solutions also require updates and programmatic research, and alternative approaches exist for addressing air refueling shortfalls. If you want more maintenance guys, or other jobs, the best way to get them and keep them is with good benefits and pay. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:44:54 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Prime]
[#3]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:47:25 AM EDT
[#4]
Posted before, but this is how it is supposed to be done, kill the archers not the arrows.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:48:48 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AlmightyTallest]
[#5]
Way too close for me.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:50:49 AM EDT
[#6]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:52:00 AM EDT
[#7]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:53:50 AM EDT
[#8]
Russians screaming every other day in social media that another Ukrainian operation has started along the front, shows us all how nervous they have become. Yesterday, it was Kherson, the day before Bryansk, recently Transnistria was back in the discussions and every now and then it is Belgorod or Zaporizhzhia. The reason behind that is that they understand the ponderous and inefficient character of the Russian army, which was laid bar when Ukrainian forces punched deep into the Kursk region. Any other mechanized Ukrainian thrust into Russian-controlled space would be a worst case scenario. But it isn't only the war bloggers. Even regime officials and their puppets have changed their tune or in some case disappeared totally for a considerable amount of time, such Putin himself. Lukashenko congratulating Ukraine for its independence day is certainly not a heartfelt emotion of love, but pure fear. He knows that the Belarus Army is not capable of waging any kind of war and the people of Belarus hate him. Lukashenko's support of the Russian invasion in February 2022 will have repercussions for him, sooner or later. Even weirder were the greetings from Mullah-Iran. It is unlikely that they did this out of courtesy. Just like Lukashenko, they are noticing that this war is going bad for Russia and are preparing for the day after Putin. This development alone paraphrases the successful nature of the Kursk operation. It rattled and embarrassed Russia, and sow doubts among its few allies as well as its own ranks. It even forced the Kremlin to issue marching orders to its information warriors in social media channels to explain the audience that the occupation of Russian land is "no big deal", but this does not work at all. The embarrassment is too much, the exposed weakness to obvious. It is a painful thorn in Russia's side, which they teeth-grindingly have to admit. The Russian army cannot ignore and eventually has to deal with, but for that purpose Russia has to mount another large offensive, which most likely they can only muster only when they launch another large mobilization round. In doing so they will have to play the Ukrainian game, which is most certainly one of the predictions the Ukrainian command made when planning the operation in Kursk. In other words, Ukrainians are prepared. As I always use to say, time is of the essence and Russia is running out of time. Its reserves are limited, while the West still hasn't tapped into its potential. Those Western capabilities combined with the Ukrainian will to defend their homeland are key for Russia's defeat. With its defense industry Ukraine brought in a new serious player nobody can overlook any more. It already closes several gaps the West was not willing to close, yet. The longer Ukraine can prolong this war, while still denying Russia any strategic breakthrough and even start fighting Russians on their own soil, the earlier Russia's weaknesses are getting momentum and the earlier we reach Putin's end. |
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IRL
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:55:42 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Way too close for me.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:56:46 AM EDT
[#10]
24 Russian airbases are within range of this weapon.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:58:37 AM EDT
[#11]
with the impact of drones was among their focuses. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:58:53 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Capta: The same argument can be made of every war since WW2. No war since 1945 was relevant domestically, not even GWOT. This idea dovetails with the amazing newfound isolationism and fiscal conservatism which certain segments of the Republican party suddenly seem to have discovered. Few to no Republicans cared from 1945 to 2022 if a foreign war directly impacted the US mainland, and in the same period few to no Republicans ever saw a war they didn’t love if they got to wave the flag, watch spiffy US weapons in action, and reap defense contracts. Ron Paul was the only Republican who was a CONSISTENT and IMO sincere isolationist in the last 50 years. I was here during most of GWOT, and even after it was clear the whole fucking thing was a shitshow, few to no conservatives here became fiscally conservative isolationists - they were too busy applauding us blowing trillions of dollars to kill goatherders with AKs. And yes, I was one of them. Where I will say the current admin has clearly failed is for Biden (or anyone!) to make a strong case about what’s at stake. He has clearly been unable to provide the communication the US public deserves. That said, even if he did, half the US public would willingly believe 100% the opposite of whatever he said because the political polarization and stupidity is so bad right now. I believe it is fair to say that the most Trump-aligned elements of the Republican party have not responded to the situation in good faith as a matter of US national interests and still would not have done so even if Biden were capable of making a case. I agree with the first half... Then...you seem to still believe that Biden, responding in good faith, was doing what is best for America but "failed to make a strong case"...Make a case for us here then. Make a case for the Afghan withdrawal, the open border, removing sanctions on Iran, handcuffing Israel, and handling of Ukraine and Russia. Tell us how that is so much better than what Trump did and wants to do again. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 7:59:00 AM EDT
[#13]
Ukrainian Community Relations patrol in Sudzha
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:00:01 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AlmightyTallest]
[#14]
35 minutes ago. To me, this damage is more consistent with an anti tank guided missile hit on the patrol boat.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:10:33 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: 300km was the quoted range. I was doing research last night. The entire drone could be had for under 50k approximately. The engine is around 12k USD. I was able to see it next to a human for scale. It’s flying way faster than a shahed. This is going to play hell on Russian airfields. https://t.me/pilotblog/15168 |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:27:52 AM EDT
[#16]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:28:57 AM EDT
[#17]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:30:02 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AlmightyTallest]
[#18]
Very interesting: Israeli Navy's Dvora-class fast patrol boat was hit & damaged (likely by shrapnel) by Hezbollah today. One sailor was reportedly killed and several others were injured. https://x.com/clashreport/status/1827677239254667688 Range from the shore, and the attack video seems to indicate a small missile. Edit, image is from February, deleted. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:32:51 AM EDT
[#19]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:35:32 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AlmightyTallest]
[#20]
 Video.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:36:52 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AlmightyTallest]
[#21]
4 minute video of attacks. They are deliberately using RPG-7V grenades to put holes in the artillery barrels.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:42:47 AM EDT
[#22]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:45:03 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AlmightyTallest]
[#23]
20 minutes ago. Note that this unit has the advanced Directional Infrared Countermeasures System (DIRCM).
but there were no casualties, the entire crew is fine!” 
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:46:15 AM EDT
[#24]
17 minutes ago.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:48:27 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AlmightyTallest]
[#25]
Image of the up armored M1 from the video posted earlier.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 8:54:03 AM EDT
[#26]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:11:06 AM EDT
[#27]
 Attached File
 Attached File |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:12:15 AM EDT
[#28]
Many thanks to the kind soul that gifted my team renewal!
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:12:50 AM EDT
[#29]
New? |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:14:10 AM EDT
[#30]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:14:31 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HIPPO: Many thanks to the kind soul that gifted my team renewal! Seconded and very well deserved. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:15:31 AM EDT
[Last Edit: HIPPO]
[#32]
Thought I might have seen some prior statements that UA POWs were being held here, but not certain. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:16:23 AM EDT
[#33]
3:30 video of action in tweet. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:20:05 AM EDT
[#34]
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:27:41 AM EDT
[#35]
Vadym Denysenko, expert of the Institute for the Future, shared his thoughts regarding Telegram and Pavel Durov's arrest:
1. Durov knew that he's on the wanted list and went to Paris. So this looks like a conscious surrender into the hands of justice. Or someone convinced him that nothing would happen and everything would be ok. 2. So far, his possible motives are unclear (if Durov indeed decided to surrender). There are two options. The first one: a Russian game, although Durov looks like a kamikaze in it. The second option is his conscious cooperation with the West against Russians. Of course, until we understand his motivation, these are all just guesses. 3. It's important to note that it's all taking place with the possible meeting of Putin and Durov in Baku in the background that didn't happen (Russians wrote a lot about it.) It's more likely that Durov was supposed to meet with someone from the Russian official delegation. And it's probable that he decided to go to Paris after this meeting. 4. Several days ago, @future_ui presented some Russian sociology. So, when asked "Which social media do you use to get information," 69% say it's Telegram (Vkontakte media is used by 40%, odnoklasniki media by 17%.). In the past few years, the Kremlin has made several attempts to "cleanse" Telegram, but it still remains the main problem of Russian authorities because the processes there are not controlled (an undesired post in Vkontakte gets deleted in an hour tops, for example). Nothing gets deleted in Telegram. To be more precise, it might get deleted under FSB pressure on a specific person, not through cooperation with Telegram. Although it's impossible to rule out Durov's cooperation with FSB, and it's possible that it exists, although not as productive as the FSB would want it to be. 5. Russia doesn't have an opportunity to build a sovereign internet without Chinese technology. They refuse to involve Chinese technology (Russia even postponed the building of 5G network not to be in complete dependency from Chinese vendors.) Controlling Telegram and shutting down YouTube would actually mean a sovereign internet for Russia in its political segment. 6. We also need to understand that Telegram is much more than the post-Soviet space. It's practically the whole world. There are over 300 million Telegram users in India. It's also Latin and South America, and a large part of the Far East countries. Control over Telegram is very important in the information wars of the 21st century all over the world. 7. What could Durov negotiate with the Kremlin about? Probably about selling or transferring control over the messenger. He did have positive and productive cooperation history on previous projects. Why didn't they reach an agreement (if they indeed didn't reach it)? Probably due to money issues, or the amount of money. Why did he make the decision to surrender? It's hard to answer now. It might have been his conscious decision, and simply foolishness with coming to Paris under someone's guarantees. And it well may be a part of the larger game by the Russians. It's too early now to give some forecasts regarding Telegram as a messenger. There will probably be no quick decisions.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:31:20 AM EDT
[Last Edit: 7empest]
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HIPPO: Many thanks to the kind soul that gifted my team renewal! Yeah someone hit me as well. If it was someone here thank you! And I will be good no more account warnings.. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 9:56:08 AM EDT
[Last Edit: michigan66]
[#37]
Unraveled X thread in quotebox Hezbollah says it launched more than 320 rockets at Israel, as well as a number of drones. It said that it launched the rockets primarily at 11 sites in northern Israel (most of which it attacked in the past) and that this was to pave the way for deeper drone attacks. Hezbollah has claimed its widespread attacks on Israel on Sunday morning are the "first phase" of a wider plan and that this could "take time." The attacks began around 4:45am on Sunday, August 25. Hezbollah put out a list of the 11 sites it claimed to have attacked. These are sites it claims are IDF bases, barracks and other military sites; many of them such as Meron it has targeted before. It also carried out a number of attacks on the Golan, an area it has increasingly targeted. The IDF said "Approximately 100 IAF fighter jets, directed by IDF intelligence, struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels that were located and embedded in southern Lebanon. Most of these launchers were aimed toward northern Israel and some were aimed toward central Israel. More than 40 launch areas in Lebanon were struck during the strikes." From Hezbollah perspective, this is an attack that it took three weeks to prepare. It claims this is a response to Israel killing Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr on July 30. He was killed after a Hezbollah rocket killed 12 children and teens in Majdal Shams on July 27. It's worth noting here that while it did mostly target northern Israel, it did seek to strike deeper into the country. Sirens also sounded in Acre and areas near Acre, for instance. Hezbollah's attack comes as Iranian state media noted "The commander in chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Hossein Salami has reiterated Tehran’s pledge to retaliate against the Zionist regime over its crimes on Iranian soil." Hezbollah's statements referenced the fact that it comes amidst the ceremonies to mark Arbaeen, the 40th day after the "martyrdom anniversary of the third Shia imam, Imam Hossein." This is important as a religious symbol as well. It remains to be seen if Hezbollah follows this up with more "phases" or if this round is completed. Israel has claimed it pre-empted a larger attack by striking thousands of Hezbollah launchers. Hezbollah is claiming victory too. However, in the end, Hezbollah's large size may also be an impediment for it. It doesn't control all of Lebanon. It is now "too big to fail" and this may have made it more vulnerable, not less vulnerable. One lesson from this round of IDF pre-emptive strikes and Hezbollah's attempt at its largest barrage to date, is that while Hezbollah may have 150,000 rockets, it's not actually that easy to prepare to launch large numbers of them at the same time without detection. Analysis from Alma-Israel, a think-tank that specializes in the northern "arena"--Israel speak for northern front. Link. A few key points: Hezbollah attempted to carry out its retaliatory attack for Fouad Shakar’s death..[the] operation included the launching of more than 200 Grad rockets and about 20 suicide UAVs toward northern Israel, most of them aimed at civilian areas that are not evacuated in the Western Galilee, Upper Galilee and Golan Heights. Hezbollah’s retaliatory attack was intended to take place on the 40th day, as the Shiites commemorate Imam Hussein bin Ali’s martyrdom in the Battle of Karbala, the defeat of the Shiites by the Sunnis. Since 1 August, 41 Hezbollah operatives and 5 operatives from other groups in Lebanon have been killed. Entire article The IDF Disrupted Hezbollah's Retaliation to Fouad Shakar's Elimination By: Dana Polak and Tal Be’eri In the early morning hours of August 25, at around 4:30 a.m., the IDF launched a preemptive attack to thwart a massive launch of missiles and rockets by Hezbollah toward northern and central Israel. Hezbollah planned an attack as part of its intention to retaliate the elimination of Fouad Shakar that took place on July 30 in Beirut. Thousands of missile loaded launching tubes were positioned in southern Lebanon and more than 40 missile loaded launching tubes were attacked by about 100 IDF fighter jets. In our assessment, not all of the weapons attacked were intended for Hezbollah’s current response, and some of them were on standby for further deployment if necessary. About an hour later, Hezbollah attempted to carry out its retaliatory attack for Fouad Shakar’s death. Hezbollah’s operation included the launching of more than 200 Grad rockets and about 20 suicide UAVs toward northern Israel, most of them aimed at civilian areas that are not evacuated in the Western Galilee, Upper Galilee and Golan Heights. According to Hezbollah, the rocket attacks were aimed at 11 military bases in northern Israel, but in practice many communities and civilian targets throughout northern Israel were struck. Hezbollah’s attack came after several exceptionally intense days in the fighting in northern Israel, both by Hezbollah and by Israel. As we noted in previous reports, it is our assessment that Hezbollah intended in its original response to carry out a combined bombardment attack against Israel: an intensive rocket and UAV attack on northern Israel (hundreds of launches, not thousands) as a diversion and intentionally engaging the Israeli defense systems, while, simultaneously, firing several accurate missiles or heavy rockets or UAVs at central Israel. This, with the aim to fulfil Hezbollah’s equation: If Israel accurately hits a target in Beirut (Fouad Shakar in Dahiyeh), Hezbollah will accurately hit a high-quality target in the heart of Israel. According to various reports, the targets marked by Hezbollah were at the military intelligence compound in Glilot located in north Tel Aviv: Mossad headquarters and the IDF intelligence base 8200. It’s been about a month since Fouad Shakar, the chief of Hezbollah’s strategic branch and a member of the Jihad Council, was killed. This is the longest it has taken Hezbollah to respond to the elimination of a prominent member of its ranks in the previous 10 months of combat. Hezbollah’s retaliatory attack was intended to take place on the 40th day, as the Shiites commemorate Imam Hussein bin Ali’s martyrdom in the Battle of Karbala, the defeat of the Shiites by the Sunnis. Despite threats from a number of Shiite axis players expressing that the retaliation to Shakar’s death would be united with Iran, as retaliation to the elimination of Haniyeh, and even with the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah acted on its own. Another reason that might have affected the decision to conduct the strike was Hamas’ revelation that it had rejected the American offer of negotiations. This came after allegations in early August that Hezbollah would halt its retaliation to Shakar’s elimination amid Hamas-Israeli discussions. During the last month, the IDF has increased its targeting of Hezbollah operatives and launched assaults deep into Lebanon. Over the weekend, 7 Hezbollah operatives were killed in IDF airstrikes in Tir Harfa, Miss al-Jabal, Aitaroun, Aita a-Zut, and Tyre. Among them are prominent figures from Hezbollah’s rocket and missile unit. Since the beginning of August 2024, 41 Hezbollah operatives and 5 operatives from other groups in Lebanon, including Hamas, the Amal movement, and the Lebanese Resistance Brigades, have been killed. In addition, another Amal movement operative was killed this morning (25.08) in an attack on a car in Khiam, south Lebanon and two other Hezbollah operatives in At Tiri. Over the past weekend Hezbollah carried out 30 attacks against Israel, including hundreds of rocket and missile attacks fired toward northern Israel. In two of these attacks, about 40 Grad rockets were fired at the city of Kiryat Shmona and about 20 rockets at the city of Safed. Hezbollah, in its public pronouncements regarding its offensive against Israel, denies the IDF’s claims of success in the preventative operation, alleging that its strike on Israel was successful and as planned. As part of cognitive and psychological warfare, Hezbollah hopes to convey a narrative of success despite its failure due to the IDF’s preemptive activity against it. As part of the psychological warfare, Hezbollah hints that another military target that was attacked will be revealed later, and that its attack this morning is in fact only the first stage. At the time of writing, the IDF continues its preventive strikes to remove the threat in a number of areas in southern Lebanon. At least at this stage, it appears that the preemptive attack by Israel limited Hezbollah’s response offensive. As of now, Hezbollah has declared that the retaliatory offensive has been completed for that day. Later today (August 25, at 6:00 P.M.), Hassan Nasrallah is intending to speak. In our assessment, as in every speech, Nasrallah will stick to his usual speech patterns: addressing different audiences, with an emphasis on the Shiite base, and emphasizing the various narratives that are an inseparable part of the cognitive war: glorifying the resistance, emphasizing Hezbollah’s threat and operational control, and belittling the capabilities and achievements of Israel. The coming days will reveal whether Hezbollah is willing to continue taking risks and attempting to attack inhabited areas deep within Israel, potentially escalating into an all-out war with Israel. Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPicture of Alma Research Alma Research |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 10:10:45 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Walleyeguy24: 20 years ago you would be right. Do you really think we are an actual Constitutional Republican in 2024 and that the left gives a shit about the rule of law and the Constitution? You have good responses in this thread and others. You are a respected member here, but you should know that ship has sailed and turning the other cheek is what got us here. In not for burning it all down, but continuing on the same path is madness, you know it and I know it. I certainly don't look at Trump, RFK Jr and Tulsi as saviors, but at least they see the problem and are willing to call it out. They are pretty fucking far from perfect but if they are tossing monkey wrenches into the plans of the left, I'm alright with it. Certainly beats the GWB, McCain, and Romney types. Yes, I am absolutely saying two people who were Democrats at this time last year are better than some Republicans. We bitch and moan about the whole big club thing, then attack people who are attacking the club. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Walleyeguy24: Originally Posted By Capta: The idea that “anyone and anything that destroys things because I am frustrated and feel personally powerless” is incredibly wrongheaded, and I see it casually mentioned all over the place. The Constitution matters. The rule of law matters. Hiring fucking morons to break everything because you don’t know what else to do and you think it will feel good is the absolute last thing any sane American should wish for. 20 years ago you would be right. Do you really think we are an actual Constitutional Republican in 2024 and that the left gives a shit about the rule of law and the Constitution? You have good responses in this thread and others. You are a respected member here, but you should know that ship has sailed and turning the other cheek is what got us here. In not for burning it all down, but continuing on the same path is madness, you know it and I know it. I certainly don't look at Trump, RFK Jr and Tulsi as saviors, but at least they see the problem and are willing to call it out. They are pretty fucking far from perfect but if they are tossing monkey wrenches into the plans of the left, I'm alright with it. Certainly beats the GWB, McCain, and Romney types. Yes, I am absolutely saying two people who were Democrats at this time last year are better than some Republicans. We bitch and moan about the whole big club thing, then attack people who are attacking the club. I’ll try to make this fairly brief, and this will be my last response so as not to slide too much. Also note that when I say “you”, I don’t mean you personally, I’m talking in general to a group of people both on this site and off (and both inside and outside of this thread) who I believe exhibit these beliefs. And yes, it applies to both sides. It’s a bit of a rant, but I believe a necessary one. Yes, we are still a Constitutional Republic. I went through a period where I fell prey to demoralization. Many of my family are still demoralized, including my parents. It’s pretty gut-wrenching to see and listen to. I finally had it out with my Mom and Dad, separately, because I just couldn’t stomach it anymore. IF YOU DO NOT SPEAK OUT, YOU ARE ACCOUNTABLE. The Republican party is totally unrecognizable from even 15 years ago, and is now 100% as much part of the problem as the Democratic party has been. They simply have different hotbutton issues to get and keep their members riled up and “on the plantation.” “The other team does it” is not an excuse for you to do it. If “the other team” is actually doing it, all the more reason for the conservative movement to stand with the Constitution and show how different we are. Currently, however, “the other team does it” is just as likely to be nothing more than an excuse for you to do whatever you want to do to “the other team,” up to and including violence. I have personally seen members on this board (not this thread) advocate for “disappearing” people on both sides of the aisle who oppose a certain politician. This is totally unacceptable. Many here frequently lament that the US has become a banana republic. However, the approach and anti-Constitutional beliefs exhibited by these same people prove that their mindset is already that of the banana republic. Are you eager for perennial instability, breaking everything because it will feel good, and the chance to kill your countrymen? Great. MOVE TO AFRICA THEN, BECAUSE THAT’S THE LIFE YOU’RE ADVOCATING FOR. I know and believe in the Bible and the Constitution. The current Republican and Democratic parties and most of their members wouldn’t know the Bible or the Constitution if it smacked them in the face. For both parties it has become about achieving power by any means necessary and then using that power to inflict political violence on “the enemy.” STOP PUTTING RESPONSIBILITY OFF AND USING “THE OTHER TEAM DOES IT” AS AN EXCUSE. YOU ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS. YOU ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR DEFENDING THE CONSTITUTION AND OUR WAY OF LIFE. And, because I’m on a “Man for All Seasons” roll and the quote is incredibly appropriate, I’ll finish with this:  A Man for All Seasons - The Devil Speech |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 10:12:40 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jozsi: No.....Mark O Hatfield was also against the war in Vietnam. He was a great senator from Oregon and was a dedicated Goldwater Republican. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jozsi: Originally Posted By Capta: Originally Posted By Walleyeguy24: Originally Posted By BillofRights: Originally Posted By Glock63: Originally Posted By CMOS: Originally Posted By Glock63:  Imagine being so fucking stupid you'd believe this shit. Which is basically HALF of OUR population. CMOS  It's incredibly disheartening that conservatives, whom I've always believed to be people of common sense and logic, could be so stupid and easily conned. You sound like ….me…. I wonder how many of us remain? At some point, I’ll do a Poll. Though, whether it’s 40% or 80%, I know the results will be disappointing. Far too many of the good guys, were banished or died, in the last 20 years. I get what you are saying. One thing you have to remember, is that some folks, especially on the right, don't see what impact this war will have on the US domestically. Despite all the cries from Ukraine and the moral dilemma of helping them against the Russian bullies that appear to be borderline evil, the fact does remain the regardless of the result of the war WITHOUT US involvement, there was little domestic impact to the US. Plenty of people on the right look at this as a not my monkeys not my Circus. This is is perfectly legit and valid opinion to have, whether you are for or against our involvement. The fact remains that without significant US investment into this war, domestically there was going to be little impact to to the US. This is not and will not be a case of dominos falling and Russia taking over Europe. Especially after seeing how fucking pathetic theor military is. NATO, despite being drastically underfunded would still fucking decimate Russia conventionally. A few other non NATO members like the Stan's, Moldova, Belarus were at risk. Now Sweden and Finland are off the menu. As a former political insider, I can say without question we are being led by fucking retards. This goes for both parties. We are on our second generation of leaders that are IVY League educated, which in this case is a BAD thing. These leaders of our polical, military, business, and THINK TANKS have been programmed since the late 80s to think one way. If a preprogrammed scenario appears, they have no solution. All the basic responses are programmed if/then scenarios thought up 30 fucking years ago. The people in "charge" and the creators of these scenarios are long dead or retired. They taught these things not a a guide, but as steadfast rules. Rules that are to be followed with no deviation. Minimax game theory mostly for all these possible international scenarios. Absolutely no outside thinking is allowed, you follow the pre established rules or you get the boot from school/govenment/MIC/business/law. The above is why we have lost out on so many things internationally in the last 2 to 3 decades. We lost a fucking war to Neanderthals in Afghanistan, the Houthi are somehow still attacking shipping lanes, China and Russia continue to take over Africa and South and Central America. I have stated in the old thread a couple of times the US could end this war in Ukraine in a couple of days without any direct involvement. I am guessing Trump has someone close to him that has my line of thinking. Russia has close ties in other countries they cannot possibly defend at this point especially after 2.5 years of being rated in Ukraine. Go after Russian puppet states, especially those in the West. Begin to stage a coup in places like Venezuela, Panama, Cuba. Those nations domestically mean a shitload more to the US. Park a CSG off their coast if needed. Tell Russia leave Ukraine now or else via back-channels. Act like the fucking superpower we are. This is a win win scenario for the US. We could easily take out leaders of this quasi-commie dictator regimes in our backyard that are anti US. Black Ops hits. A fucking cruise missile. I don't give a shit. We are a superpower and need to act like it. What is the rest of the world going to do about it? Seriously. We either get and install a US friendly regime in much more domestically important countries than Ukraine, or Russia fucking leaves Ukraine. Either scenario works out for us, especially the first (sorry Ukraine). I'm above average intelligence. I am educated. I'm not a particularly creative person. I can say without question, in war game scenarios played out against supposably genius level ivy leaders, I absolutely kicked their asses day after day after day. To the point of embarrassing them, daily. I'm not THAT smart. But I was going up against preprogrammed people that could not use logic and reason, they could only use the variables that were on the table and when thrown any type of curveball could not react, AT ALL. They literally would cry foul and sometimes have a breakdown or outright quit. Those are the people behind the scenes making the decisions that are going to those who are technically in charge. We are been guided by fucking idiots. The same argument can be made of every war since WW2. No war since 1945 was relevant domestically, not even GWOT. This idea dovetails with the amazing newfound isolationism and fiscal conservatism which certain segments of the Republican party suddenly seem to have discovered. Few to no Republicans cared from 1945 to 2022 if a foreign war directly impacted the US mainland, and in the same period few to no Republicans ever saw a war they didn’t love if they got to wave the flag, watch spiffy US weapons in action, and reap defense contracts. Ron Paul was the only Republican who was a CONSISTENT and IMO sincere isolationist in the last 50 years. I was here during most of GWOT, and even after it was clear the whole fucking thing was a shitshow, few to no conservatives here became fiscally conservative isolationists - they were too busy applauding us blowing trillions of dollars to kill goatherders with AKs. And yes, I was one of them. Where I will say the current admin has clearly failed is for Biden (or anyone!) to make a strong case about what’s at stake. He has clearly been unable to provide the communication the US public deserves. That said, even if he did, half the US public would willingly believe 100% the opposite of whatever he said because the political polarization and stupidity is so bad right now. I believe it is fair to say that the most Trump-aligned elements of the Republican party have not responded to the situation in good faith as a matter of US national interests and still would not have done so even if Biden were capable of making a case. No.....Mark O Hatfield was also against the war in Vietnam. He was a great senator from Oregon and was a dedicated Goldwater Republican. OK, so two out of many thousands still proves my case. |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 8/25/2024 10:12:43 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HIPPO: New? I remember something about a lone He-177 shadowing 15th AF B-17s to their landing place in the USSR and then the Luftwaffle attacking the airfield at poltava the same night, destroying 55 USAAF planes in a single raid. |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 8/25/2024 10:14:15 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 7empest: Yeah someone hit me as well. If it was someone here thank you! And I will be good no more account warnings.. When it comes to the orclovers those warnings are like a medal. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 10:27:58 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Way too close for me.
That was awesome footage! Seriously, they need to scavenge aviation museums for Scarff rings and mount them on light aircraft. And someone get these guys a Lewis Gun! |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 10:30:25 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest:
Those were some skilled drone pilots. No overcontrol. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 10:34:10 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jozsi: There are ultra ultra extremely rare exceptions akin to moving mountains and rivers. I've met Syrian Christians who integrated well and even got Germanized Christian names yoseph to Josef, etc. They have done well. But 99.99 percent of them aren't even trying. Same for Turks. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jozsi: Originally Posted By gont: Originally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER: Maybe if you are an agrarian society and need farm workers. But very VERY few migrants come for the opportunity for hard labor. They come for the Iincredible welfare benefits. iirc in Germany you get 1000 euros per month if you are trying to learn German. Just for "trying". It will take 4-5 generation for these folks to produce a net positive for Germany. If ever. Germany will never get a net positive as long as the migrants work ethic is "If God wills it." There are ultra ultra extremely rare exceptions akin to moving mountains and rivers. I've met Syrian Christians who integrated well and even got Germanized Christian names yoseph to Josef, etc. They have done well. But 99.99 percent of them aren't even trying. Same for Turks. That's because 99.99 percent of the detritus drifting into Europe from Africa et al, are NOT Christians. 
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Posted: 8/25/2024 10:57:16 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER: Having trained on the Bangalore I certainly hope we never ever need to use one anywhere. I would be surprised if the US procures more in the future. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER: Originally Posted By Capta: NOT ONE MORE PENNY! WE CANNOT ALLOW A BANGALORE GAP WITH CHINA!!! BANGALORES ARE CRITICAL FOR DEFENDING THE BEACHES OF TAIWAN!!! Having trained on the Bangalore I certainly hope we never ever need to use one anywhere. I would be surprised if the US procures more in the future. Yeah, the ones I trained on in '85 were manufactured in 1944. I saw the daye and was like 
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Posted: 8/25/2024 11:09:36 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HIPPO: Many thanks to the kind soul that gifted my team renewal! You certainly deserved it with the work you put in.  Was not me btw. |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 11:11:44 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 7empest: Yeah someone hit me as well. If it was someone here thank you! And I will be good no more account warnings.. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 7empest: Originally Posted By HIPPO: Many thanks to the kind soul that gifted my team renewal! Yeah someone hit me as well. If it was someone here thank you! And I will be good no more account warnings.. Awesome to see.
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Posted: 8/25/2024 11:13:28 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By trapsh00ter99: Lol Those that go, I'm glad they will be gone. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By trapsh00ter99: Originally Posted By HIPPO: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GVW198fXsAAI29o?format=jpg&name=largelol Those that go, I'm glad they will be gone. I'm over 20 pages behind but I am glad to repost this with a big "good riddance!" |
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Posted: 8/25/2024 11:14:21 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ServusVeritatis: Wonder if the MS13 prisoners and gang members could actually be sent to Russia? Mass prison flush? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ServusVeritatis: Originally Posted By HIPPO: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GVW198fXsAAI29o?format=jpg&name=largelol Wonder if the MS13 prisoners and gang members could actually be sent to Russia? Mass prison flush? 
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Posted: 8/25/2024 11:17:54 AM EDT
[#50]
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