This what happens when you don’t lead-you can’t DO THE RIGHT THING

Pentagon Admits Syrian, Russian Opposition Scuttles No-Fly Zone

A no-fly zone wouldn’t work because opposing militaries in the area would likely challenge it, top general says.

A key Republican senator dressed down the Obama administration’s war planners on Wednesday, describing as “embarrassing” their admission that the Pentagon hasn’t implemented a no-fly zone in Syria out of fear of confronting provocations from the Syrian and Russian militaries.

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Air Force Gen. Paul Selva confirmed the military has the ability to implement a designated area in Syria that it could protect with air power and use as a safe zone for refugees fleeing their homes. But, he said, political and policy realities are restricting America’s ability to follow through.

“If we’re asking the question, ‘Can we do it?’ the answer is 'yes.”“ said Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "Are we willing to engage the potential of a direct conflict with the Syrian integrated air defense system or Syrian forces or, by corollary, a confrontation with the Russians, should they choose to contest the no-fly zone?”

Those are the questions that have been asked, Selva said, and answered.

“We have not recommended it because the political situation on the ground and the potential for miscalculation and loss of American life in the air in an attempt to defend the no-fly zone don’t warrant the no-fly zone.”

EPASEZ - So the US Military has so little confidence in the backing for the mission politically, casualties make the mission NOT WORTH CARRYING OUT?

The response by Selva, the second-highest military officer in the country and chief adviser to President Barack Obama, visibly angered some members of the committee, particularly its chairman, Sen. John McCain.“General, I must say, that’s one of the most embarrassing statements I’ve heard from a uniformed military officer”