by Clifford F. Thies

Continuing deterioration of conditions within Syria, the massing of forces at the border with Turkey, and criticism of the regime's brutal suppression of the people of the country are certainly sufficient reason for evacuation.

Up to now, the tanks of the Syrian army have been quite effective against unarmed civilians. Hospitals and schools, homes, marketplace and mosques have proven no obstacle to the advance of Syrian forces. On the other hand, were the Syrian armed forces to confront a military force, it could be another story.

The last time the Syrian military was tested in battle against another military was during the 1982 Lebanon War. In that war, the Israelis decimated the Syrian air and ground forces. Since then, Syria has been re-equiped by the Soviet Union/Russia, and can be suspected to be reinforced by Iranians. A confrontation between Syria and Turkey could be dicey, even though Turkey's armed forces are far superior to those of Syria.

Source: Trust.org/news