Analysts who see this as a prelude to a major new war say that it brings enough forces into the immediate area to start a war at any time, weather permitting, and speculation that a war could begin in a matter of days.

On the other hand while the deployment seems to be at least a chance for US bluster against Syria, it appears oddly timed for an actual war plan, coming just a week after the US Navy announced the Eisenhower was being returned to the US later in December for maintenance.