11-26-2022, 01:16 PM
(11-25-2022, 04:46 PM)TrumpCard Wrote: On the issue of NATO politics, the accession of Finland and Sweden may be a big issue. I think the US badly wants that done and needs Turkey on board. I am not sure whether an escalation of the conflict would pose a problem for accession talks. I also don't know how long Turkey will keep the US in suspense. There's talk that accession won't happen until after Turkish "elections." I'm not convinced one way or the other that is correct. I could easily see Turkey approving shortly after Hungary. Once that irrevocable act happens, I could imagine that the US will have the freedom to become more aggressive. This is all speculation. I'm just saying there's a lot we don't know about motives/timing/etc.
Hungary has apparently given its ok to Sweden and Finland joining NATO. Another issue that has not been mentioned is that the artillery we have been providing, the M777 and similar are wearing out and the barrels need replacing. To get more range they are using more powder and that significantly impairs the life of the barrels. I don't think this problem extends to HIMARS and we really need to get more of them to the Ukraine ASAP.