War in Syria

971 posts / 0 new

Topic locked

Fri, 2014-05-09 18:46

NDPP

Obama in Talks with 'Rebel' Leader on Escalating Syrian War - by Bill Van Auken

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/05/09/syri-m09.html

"...The visit is part of a shift toward renewed US escalation of its proxy war in Syria, fueled in no small part by the ongoing confrontation over Ukraine with Russia, a key ally of the government of President Bashar al Assad.

The Obama administration's main aim appears to be to keep the civil war and the horrendous bloodletting in Syria going, in order to prevent the Assad regime from restabilizing the country..."

RoiTov: Free Syria Falls

http://www.roitov.com/articles/homs.htm

"On May 7, they surrendered. The rebels set fire to their bases before heading to the buses that took them northwards.

Homs is back under Syrian control. The rebels' capital has fallen.

They will be moving northwards towards Aleppo. Behind them, the Republican Guard will keep advancing methodically, village by village, town by town, city by city, until all the lies of Peres et al are exposed.

Empire has ended..."

Thu, 2014-05-15 20:29

#853

NDPP

US Says It Will Increase Aid to Syrian Rebels (and vid)

http://rt.com/news/159068-syria-rebels-dempsey-us/

"US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that the US and its allies will expand their support to the Syrian opposition. Kerry's comments came after a US general said the Syrian rebels do not have the means to defeat President Assad.

Brian Becker, director of the ANSWER Coalition, told RT that the poltiics of the Obama administration towards Syria only worsened the situation in the country. 'Armed opposition isn't winning on the battlefield...and doesn't have a popular base of support necessary to oust the Assad government,' he added."

'US Needs Oil War to Topple Middle East Chessboard' - William Engdahl

http://rt.com/op-edge/158884-middle-east-usa-politics-oil/

"One of the crucial issues of the Syrian war and of the foreign intervention into Syria from Saudi Arabia, from Qatar, from the USA and others, is the fact that the Bashar Assad government signed an agreement with Iraq and Iran to bring a pipeline from Iran's south Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf, one of the largest gas fields in the world, up through Iraq and into Syria and on into the Mediterranean, where it would go into the European gas market and in direct competition with Qatar which wants to be a dominant gas player in the European market.

The entire Middle East conflict, the attempt to destroy Syria is an attempt to get control of that potential pipeline route in the hands of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and certainly the Gulf Emirates there..."

Tue, 2014-06-03 04:09

#854

NDPP

Syrians Head to Polls in Presidential Election (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/06/03/365333/syria-presidential-elect...

"People in Syria have begun voting.."

Ukraine and Syria: Elections of Mass Destruction - by Tony Cartalucci

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.ca/2014/05/ukraine-syria-elections-of-mass...

"Elections pushed ahead in Ukraine, obstructed in Syria, so mass murder can continue - the West's weaponization of democracy..."

Wed, 2014-06-04 21:23

#855

NDPP

Bashar Assad Wins Syria Presidential Election With 88.7% of Vote (and vid)

http://rt.com/news/163696-assad-win-president-syria/

"Bashar Assad has won a landslide victory in the Syrian presidential poll with 88.7 percent of the vote.

A total of 10.2 million people voted for Assad. The voter turnout stood at 73.42 percent. No violations have been reported..."

Sat, 2014-06-07 20:42

#856

NDPP

Obama's Syrian Policy - by Shamus Cooke

http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/06/06/obamas-syrian-policy/

"Perhaps the deepest truth the Syrian elections exposed is that, were it not for the US and its allies, [including ALL Canadian political parties] the war in Syria would have long ago ended, and tens of thousands of lives spared. Millions of refugees would not be homeless.

It's now very clear that the motor force of war is Syria has long been orchestrated from the outside. The people on the inside want peace. Many likely voted in favour of Assad simply to show the world that they don't support the rebels - that they want an immediate end to the insane war that has nearly destroyed an entire nation.

Will Obama listen? Not likely..."

George Galloway MP - Comment: 'Anti-Syria Plots Could Get Death Blow' (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/06/06/365801/presidential-election-in...

"Syria held its presidential election despite efforts by the West and its anti-Damascus allies against the success of the vote..."

Fri, 2014-06-13 22:03

#857

NDPP

Over 12 Million US Casualties in Syria - by Jim W Dean

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/06/12/366609/over-12m-us-casualties-i...

"...So dividing that 350,000 into the 2 million figure gives us having played a key role in inflicting six WWII's upon Syria in terms of the numbers of dead...an incredible statistic that our dear friends in corporate media with all their money and manpower conveniently have overlooked. Imagine that..."

And lest we forget, Canada too was a 'Friend of Syria' supporting this butchery too

Sun, 2014-06-22 10:38

#858

NDPP

US Vs Syria: How to Lose a War in 3 Years - by Tony Cartalucci

http://journal-neo.org/2014/06/21/us-vs-syria-how-to-lose-a-war-in-3-years/

"It is becoming increasingly difficult for the West to prolong recognizing the obvious, that the Syrian government has prevailed..."

A Short History of the War on Syria 2006-2014

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2013/09/a-short-history-of-the-war-on-syria...

Mon, 2014-06-23 19:15

#859

NDPP

Syria Slams Israel Deadly Attacks on Golan Heights (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/06/23/368327/syria-slams-israel-deadl...

"Syria has slammed Israel's deadly attacks on its military from the air and the ground as a 'blatant violation' of its territory, urging the UN to condemn the aggression.

'This aggression comes in the framework of direct support the Israeli enemy is providing for the armed terrorist groups,' the ministry said.

The Israeli aircraft targeted the Syrian army positions, while its tanks hit government targets in the Golan Heights region on Sunday and Monday..."

Fri, 2014-06-27 03:46

#860

NDPP

White House Requests $500 Million to Aid Syrian Rebels (and vid)

http://rt.com/usa/168720-obama-syrian-rebel-fund/

"The White House on Thursday asked Congress for half-a-billion dollars in aid to go towards opposition fighters in Syria at war with the regime of recently re-elected President Bashar Al Assad.

Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin called the request a step in the wrong direction, adding that the White House is only trying to add more fuel to the fire instead of seeking a political solution when it comes to the Syrian conflict..."

Sat, 2014-08-16 10:46

#861

NDPP

Israel and ISIL Are Allies: Syrian Envoy (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/08/16/375477/israel-and-isil-allies-s...

"Bashar Ja'afari told Press TV on Friday that the ISIL Takfiri terrorists have an undeclared alliance with Israel and are engaged in a secret agreement with the regime.

The Israelis help the Takfiris infiltrate into the separation line on the Golan Heights from Jordan, where their training camps are located, the Syrian diplomat said..."

Fri, 2014-08-22 13:13

#862

josh

More than 191,000 people were killed in the first three years of Syria's civil war, a U.N. report said on Friday, and the world body's human rights envoy rebuked leading powers for failing to halt what she branded a "wholly avoidable human catastrophe".

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/22/us-syria-crisis-deaths-idUSKBN...

Fri, 2014-08-22 21:22

#863

NDPP

George Galloway's Comment: The ISIL Takfiri Terrorists Continue to Wreak Havoc in Iraq and Syria (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/08/22/376190/isil-takfiris-crimes-con...

"The ISIL Takfiri terrorists continue to wreak havoc in Iraq and Syria as the international community fails to take proper action to stop their violence."

Mon, 2014-09-01 01:31

#864

NDPP

'Assad Created ISIS'

http://cannonfire.blogspot.ca/2014/08/assad-created-isis-most-important-...

"The most important lie since 'Saddam has WMDs'. ISIS is being used as an excuse to bring about regime change in Syria. That lie is succinctly expressed in this call to arms by John McCain and Lindsey Graham...."

Fri, 2014-09-12 03:43

#865

NDPP

Syria, Russia Oppose Unilateral US Strikes Against ISIL (and vid)

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/09/11/378417/us-attack-in-syria-act-of...

"Damascus and Moscow have denounced possible unilateral US air raids against ISIL terrorists in Syria, saying the attacks without a UN mandate would constitute an act of aggression.

The Russian spokesman also accused the US of doubt standards over its support for the opposition in Syria.

'While helping the Iraq government to confront militants, Obama is once more asking Congress for 500 million dollars to support the Sryian armed opposition, which closely resembles ISIL militants, Lukaschevich added.

Meanwhile, Syrian Minister of National Reconciliation Ali Haidar said US airstrikes in Syria without the permission of Damascus would be 'an attack on his country.'"

Sat, 2014-09-13 11:04

#866

NDPP

US Bombing of Syria to Violate International Law: Richard Becker, ANSWER (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/13/378585/us-bombing-of-syria-to-v...

"Press TV has conducted an interview with Richard Becker, with the ANSWER Coalition, in Los Angeles about the US-led coalition that plans to bomb the ISIL in Syria..."

Mon, 2014-09-15 20:47

#867

NDPP

Obama Threatens to Oust Assad if US Planes Downed in Syrian Airspace

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/09/15/378792/us-to-assad-down-planes-y...

"US President Obama has threatened to wipe out Syria's air defense system and topple the Syrian government if President Bashar al Assad orders his forces to shoot down American planes entering Syrian airspace..."

UN Reveals Close Links Between Israel and Terrorist Organizations in Syria

http://www.sana.sy/en/?p=13077

"The UN has revealed that there are strong links and contacts between the armed terrorist organizations in Syria and the Zionist entity. The report affirms what Syria has always mentioned about the close relations between the armed terrorist organizations and the Israeli occupation authorities..."

Tue, 2014-09-16 04:00

#868

NDPP

The New 'Regime Change' Plan - Attack Damascus from the South

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2014/09/syria-the-southern-attack-on-damasc...

"There are serious active preparations for a new attack on Damascus. Anti-government forces, including the Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al Nusra, have been trained and equipped in Jordan and are now moving into their starting positions in Quneitra governate in south-west Syria.

Quneitra governate is a strip next to the Israel occupied Golan heights...The Israeli military is also providing medical support to these anti-government forces. The Syrian military would have great difficulties to dislodge the anti-government forces from this strip as it is covered by Israeli anti-air and artillery fire.

The US military in the joint Arab-American operations room for the Syrian insurgency in Amman Jordan may well plan to use the murky new 'war on ISIS' as pretext for attacks on Syrian army divisions protecting Damascus from the south..."

Tue, 2014-09-16 20:04

#869

NDPP

This New War is Out of SITE

http://cannonfire.blogspot.ca/2014/09/this-new-war-is-out-of-site.html

"Folks, we are swimming in an ocean of deceit. As we go to war we have a right to demand better evidence...I am not the only one arguing that the war against ISIS is really a cover for a war to bring down Assad."

Wed, 2014-09-17 20:04

#870

NDPP

Someone's Already Fighting ISIS: The Syrian Arab Army - by Tony Cartalucci

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.ca/2014/09/someones-already-fighting-isis-...

"From the very beginning, and in fact, preceeding the ongoing war in Syria, a sectarian driven, genocidal mercenary force designed for ravaging the entire region on behalf of the US and its regional parties was the stated plan as early as 2007.

It can no longer be denied that the West is the cause of, not the solution for, the ongoing chaos now slowly burning the entire Middle East and beyond.

It is a geopolitical arsonist seeking to extinguish the flames of its crimes by emptying a barrel of gasoline directly on the raging inferno."

US Prepares for 'Generational' War in the Middle East - by Peter Symonds

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/09/17/iraq-s17.html

"While maintaining the pretext of destroying ISIS, Hagel put Assad squarely in the US crosshairs.

'As we pursue this program,' he declared, 'the United States will continue to press for a political resolution to the Syrian conflict resulting in the end of the Assad regime. Assad has lost all legitimacy to govern, and has created the conditions that allowed ISIL - and other terrorist groups to gain ground and terrorise and slaughter the Syrian population.'

The cynicism is staggering..."

CrossTalk: Washington's Jihad (and vid)

http://rt.com/shows/crosstalk/188344-syria-iran-isis-war/

"Is the West still seeking regime change in Syria amid the growing threat of the Islamic State? Is the US ready to put domestic politics aside to team up with Iran, Syria or Hezbollah to defeat the IS? What is America's ultimate plan in trying to intervene in both Syria's and Iraq's civil wars?

CrossTalking with Flynt Leverett, Michael Maloof, and Joshua Landis

Thu, 2014-09-18 04:10

#871

NDPP

Confirmation of Southern Damascus Attack Plans By Jabhat al Nusra/CIA

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2014/09/confirmation-of-southern-damascus-a...

"Western and military advisers based in Amman have quietly stepped up their role on Syria's southern front, helping win recent advances for opposition factions.

What the new report misses though is the role Israel plays..."

Fri, 2014-09-19 03:58

#872

NDPP

US Using ISIL To Sidestep UNSC Over Syria: Analyst Scott Rickard (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/15/378802/us-uses-isil-to-sidestep...

"Press TV has interviewed former US intelligence linguist Scott Rickard to discuss Washington and its allies' plans regarding ISIL Takfiri militants operating in Iraq and Syria..."

Syria Opposition Leader Thanks Israel For Supplying Militants (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/18/379172/syrian-opposition-leader...

"A leader of the foreign backed Syrian opposition has visited injured militants being treated at a hospital in the Israeli town of Dafed..."

Sat, 2014-09-20 10:49

#873

NDPP

Reported US-Syrian Accord on Air Strikes - by Robert Parry

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/25959-focus-reported-us-s...

"The Obama administration, working through the Russian government, has secured an agreement from the Syrian regime of Bashar al Assad to permit US airstrikes against Islamic State targets in parts of Syria, according to a source briefed on the secret arrangements.."

Sun, 2014-09-21 13:44

#874

NDPP

US Lays New Chemical Weapons Allegations Against Syria - by Peter Symonds

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/09/19/iraq-s19.html

"Just as the US exploited the Ghouta gas attack last year as a casus belli for war on Syria, so Kerry used the latest chemical weapons claims to make clear that the US is still gunning for Assad. He declared that there was no 'long term future' for Assad in power, adding, 'The Syrian opposition is not going to stop fighting Assad. We recognise that reality.'

Kerry's comments underline the real purpose of Washington's plans to train and arm at least 5,000 'moderate' Syrian opposition fighters. While nominally aimed against ISIS, these militias would form the core of armed forces to oust Assad and establish a pro-Western regime in Damascus.

US Generals Challenge Obama on Ground Troops in Iraq, Syria - by Bill Van Auken

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/09/20/gens-s20.html

"...Such strategic ambitions cannot be achieved with such unreliable proxy forces as the Iraqi military and the so-called Syrian 'rebels'. They require the unrestrained use of Washington's military might. This is why the generals are publicly challenging the blanket commitment made by Obama ruling out any US ground war in Iraq or Syria.

The collapse of Iraq's security forces in the face of an ISIS offensive that was part of a broader Sunni revolt against Iraq's US-installed Shi'ite sectarian government is now being used as the justification for a US military intervention aimed at reasserting US military dominance in Iraq, intensifying the war to overthrow the Assad regime in neighboring Syria, and escalating the confrontations with the key allies of Damascus - Iran and Russia."

Sun, 2014-09-21 18:06

#875

NDPP

Pentagon Prepares To Unveil Syria War Plans as 'Broad Coalition' Crumbles

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-09-21/pentagon-prepares-unveil-syria-...

"A day after US ambassador to the UN Samantha Powers stated, 'we will not do the airstrikes alone if the president decides to do airstrikes,' and Russia warned, 'bombing Syria without the cooperation of Damascus can have destructive practical consequences on the humanitarian situation in Syria,'

it appears President Obama's grand strategy to combat the IS via a 'broad coalition' of allies is flailing.

The Pentagon is preparing war plans in Syria that would include an intensive initial wave of strikes against Islamic State targets."

Mon, 2014-09-22 04:02

#876

NDPP

Turkish Security Troops Clash With Kurds, as Thousands Flee ISIS (and vid)

http://rt.com/news/189456-turkey-syria-border-refugees/

"Turkey's security forces closed the border with Syria through which thousands of Kurds are trying to flee the IS, after clashes between Kurds and soldiers on the Turkish side of the divide.

Syrian Kurds have been fleeing to Turkey since Tuesday, when the Islamic State (ISIS/IS) launched an offensive operation against Kurd-populated areas in the north of the country. The IS has captured at least 64 villages around the border city Kobani.

'I don't think in the last three and a half years we have seen 100,000 cross in two days. So this is a bit of a measure of how this situation in unfolding, and the very deep fear people have about the circumstances inside Syria and for that matter Iraq,' Carol Batchelor, UNHCR's representative in Turkey said..."

End the Sanctions on #Syria! (and vid)

http://youtu.be/8VUZbdE8Tcg

www.endthesanctions.com

Tue, 2014-09-23 04:08

#877

NDPP

US and 'Partners' Launch Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Syria

http://rt.com/news/189788-syria-airstrikes-islamic-state/

"...Airstrikes against Islamic State targets are currently underway in Syria, according to a Pentagon official .The strikes reportedly involve a mix of fighter, bomber and tomahawk land missiles.

Washington should respect the sovereignty of Syria in its attempts to deal with the Islamic State, Russia has warned repeatedly. Moscow previously expressed concern that US airstrikes may target not only the Islamic State but also government forces loyal to President Assad..."

BREAKING: Israel Shot Down Syrian Aircraft Over Israeli-Controlled Airspace

http://rt.com/news/189856-israel-plane-syria-shot/

"An Israeli Patriot missile shot down a Syrian aircraft that flew into Israeli controlled airspace on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing the military..."

Syria: Israel Still Defies International Community

http://www.sana.sy/en/?p=13855

"...He added that it seems Israel's greed and ambition didn't stop at the limits of consolidating its occupation of the Syrian Arab Golan, but it moved to encourage and facilitate the flow of terrorist organizations, including Jabhat al Nusra, into the Disengagement zone and attack members of UNDOF...

Ala affirmed that a UNSECGEN report issued on September 12, on the UNDOF, confirmed UNDOF noticed contacts between the armed terrorist organizations and Israel occupation forces through the ceasefire line near post 85.

He added that the report, confirmed by UNDOF, gives an explanation on the reasons behind Israel's support for these terrorists, encouraging them to attack the Syrian Arab army and UNDOF members to end any international monitoring of Israeli practices."

Tue, 2014-09-23 04:12

#878

NDPP

Syria Says US Informed It About Strikes on ISIL (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/23/379681/us-informed-us-of-strike...

Tue, 2014-09-23 15:58

#879

NDPP

US-Led Airstrikes in Syria Lack Legal Basis: Iran President (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/23/379757/us-airstrikes-in-syria-i...

"Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the US-led airstrikes in Syria are illegal because they are not approved or coordinated with the Syrian government. He described as 'contradictory' efforts to simultaneously combat terrorists in Syria while nurturing armed and terrorist groups against the government in that country.

'This contradictory behavior is not comprehensible - that a country says I am fighting terrorism and simultaneously provides political assistance to groups opposed to a country's central government..."

Turkey Provides ISIL With Lifeline: Expert (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/22/379627/turkey-provides-isil-wit...

"Press TV has conducted an interview with Zayd al Isa, ME expert from London, about Turkey's Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) calling on all Kurdish fighters to cross into Syria to defend the city of Kobani against the advancing ISIL militants.

'...It really raised a lot of eyebrows and cast serious doubts on the links between Turkey and ISIS who have been providing ISIS with a vital irreplaceable lifeline in terms of moving all the funding, arming, logistical support and even paying salaries to the Wahhabi Salafi mercenaries who converged on both Syria and also Iraq to prop up the ISIS militants.

Now it's vital to mention here that the Turkish government has till now provided ISIS with a vital lifeline and we have seen that Turkey adamantly refused to participate in any airstrikes launched against ISIS or to join the so-called coalition of the willing that the Americans have been actually trying to get together from the countries who have played a major [role] in propping up and reviving ISIS, and these are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey."

Tue, 2014-09-23 18:34

#880

NDPP

Concealed By US Airstrikes Israel Opens Nusra Path to Lebanon

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2014/09/concealed-by-us-airstrikes-israel-o...

"...Also today, the Syrian airforce wanted to bomb Jabhat al Nusra positions in the Golan Heights where Nusra is, as first reported here, opening a corridor from Jordan towards Lebanon and for attacks on Damascus right along the demarcation line between Israel and Syria.

Israel, in quite open support for the Nusra plan, shot down the Syrian SU-24 using US provided Patriot missiles. While Israel claims that the plane violated its border, the reported crash site was far from the border, near Kanaker, Syria, which is halfway between the demarcation line and Damascus.

Under the protection of the US attack on IS and other targets, Israel now practically established a no-fly-zone next to the Golan which will allow Jabhat al-Nusra to safely use the corridor and to attack Hizbullah in Qalamoun and in south Lebanon.

It also opens space for new attacks on Damascus..."

Did Israel Help US By Downing Syrian Jet? - by Jonathan Cook

http://dissidentvoice.org/2014/09/did-israel-help-us-by-downing-syrian-jet/

"Today the US - backed by 'moderate' Arab states like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Jordan - started bombing territory in another sovereign state, Syria, without a UN Security Council resolution or a plausible argument that it is acting in self-defence.

That makes it a crime of aggression, defined at Nuremberg as 'the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole.'

In a sign that Obama's war on ISIS in Syria could quickly be extended into a war against Syrian president Bashar al Assad, Israel downed a Syrian jet inside Syria this morning with a US-funded Patriot missile.

According to Israel, the Syrian plane has passed 800 metres into its territory before heading back into Syria during what the Israeli media say was a sortie against 'rebels' operating close to the Israeli border. (That's right - the people Obama is currently bombing but whose injuries are being mended in Israeli hospitals)..."

Tue, 2014-09-23 21:15

#881

NDPP

LIVE UPDATES - Anti-ISIS Coalition Bombing Terrorist Positions in Syria

Airstrikes Alone Won't Help US to Fight ISIS - Syrian FM to RT Arabic (and vid)

http://rt.com/news/190016-syria-usa-airstrikes-isis/

"The US should change its approach 'immediately' if it wants to fight terrorism and particularly ISIS, because airstrikes alone will not be effective,' Syria's foreign minister told RT Arabic. He also believes the US wants the Syrian crisis to continue.

'The US is mocking the whole world when they say that they are going to coordinate their actions not with the Syrian government, but with the moderate Syrian opposition. This is funny. What moderate opposition are you talking about?.' Maoualem told RT Arabic. 'This moderate opposition is killing Syrians just like al-Nusra or ISIS.'

'If the US 'seriously wanted to fight ISIS and other terrorist organizations,' there would be an international organization under the aegis of the UN, in which all countries would participate,' Moualem said.

'Why was Russia expelled from that alliance? Why was Iran expelled as well as Syria?'

'If the US and these countries as America's allies seriously want to fight ISIS, they, first of all, have to immediately stop supporting terrorist formations, training, arming, preparation, training and illegal intrusion into the territory of Syria.'..."

Struggle Against ISIS Shields US Oil Grab - by Jean Shaoul

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/09/23/iraq-s23.html

"Seven years ago, US Senator Chuck Hagel now Obama's defence secretary, said of the occupation of Iraq, 'People say we're not fighting for oil. Of course we are. The talk about America's national interest What the hell do you think they're talking about? We're not there for figs.'

Energy companies such as Genel, the British-Turkish company runs by former BP CEO Tony Hayward and Oryx Petroleum, a Canadian firm said that their Taq Taq, Tawke and Hawler oilfields were now secured, and it was safe for staff to return..."

New US War in Syria, Iraq Will Last Up to 4 Years: Ext US Intelligence Official Scott Rickard (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/23/379785/us-war-in-syria-iraq-wil...

"A former American intelligence official says Washington's new war in Syria and Iraq will continue for up to four years and that the US will keep ISIL alive as an adversary to advance its agenda in the Middle East..."

Tue, 2014-09-23 21:31

#882

NorthReport

CNN says: Airstrikes disrupt "imminent" plot targeting planes.

Wed, 2014-09-24 03:54

#883

NDPP

New US-Led Airstrikes Hit Syrian Territory - Monitor

http://rt.com/news/190180-us-syria-strikes-isis/

"Fresh strikes by a US-led coalition have hit Syrian territory near the Turkish border held by IS (formerly ISIS) militants, according to an organization that monitors the situation in the country.

The first attacks by the US-led alliance were launched on Tuesday, with 30 militants allegedly killed in the airstrikes. The attacks also killed eight civilians, including 3 children.

BTS: New Illegal War Begins...(and vid)

http://rt.com/shows/breaking-set-summary/190120-us-airstrikes-syria-nsa/

"Abby Martin remarks on the start of US airstrikes in Syria despite restrictions against such actions under international law..."

Wed, 2014-09-24 19:54

#884

NDPP

Syria Becomes the 7th Predominantly Muslim Country Bombed by 2009 Nobel Peace Laureate - by Glenn Greenwald

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/26036-focus-syria-becomes...

"The US today began bombing targets inside Syria, in concert with its lovely and inspiring group of five allied regimes: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan.

That means that Syria becomes the 7th predominantly Muslim country bombed by 2009 Nobel Peace Laureate Barack Obama - after Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya and Iraq..."

Bombing 'Imminent Threat': US Justifies Strikes Without 'Direct Request' From Syria

http://rt.com/news/190112-syria-strikes-us-un/

"The UN chief is 'aware' that the Syrian government did not directly 'request' airstrikes on terrorist targets on their soil and urged all parties involved in the US-led anti-ISIS campaign to take all necessary precautions to minimize civilian casualties.

UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon said he is 'aware' that the US-led intrusion and airstrikes on Islamic State targets were not carried out 'at the direct request of the Syrian Government', in a statement delivered at a climate summit press conference.

However, he noted that Damascus 'was informed beforehand' and that the strikes took place in 'areas no longer under the effective control' of the government.

'I regret the loss of any civilian lives as a result of strikes against targets in Syria. The parties involved in this campaign must abide by international humanitarian law and take all necessary precautions to avoid and minimize civilian casualties,' the UN chief added..."

Wed, 2014-09-24 21:01

#885

NDPP

Benjamin Netanyahu: Combat ISIS 'Poison' Tree Before It Grows (and vid)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/benjamin-netanyahu-confront-isis-poison-...

"...Netanyahu drew parallels between ISIS and the Palestinian organization Hamas, which he called a 'tyranny' that executes 'anybody who disagrees with them,' attempting to link the fight with ISIS to Israel's struggle with Hamas.

'Like ISIS. Hamas is ISIS. ISIS is Hamas. In that sense they're identical, so I think the peace requires that we confront the ISIS of the world, we confront Hamas, and make peace with those who are willing to confront it with us..."

See also: 'Stephen Harper Considers US Request for Further Military Help in ISIS Fight'

Israel Hosts Takfiri Terrorists in Occupied Golan Heights: Video

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/24/379798/takfiris-present-in-occu...

"Exclusive footage by Press TV shows the Takfiri terrorists in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights in Syria. Regarding the video, Press TV News Director - Hamid Reza Emadi said people in the Middle East 'are wondering why the Takfiri terrorists only kill Muslims and Christians in Iraq and Syria, but do not act against Israel's interests..."

'By Way of Deception Thou Shalt Do War' - Israeli Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS/Mossad)

Thu, 2014-09-25 21:31

#886

NDPP

US Asks Canada To Step Up in ISIL Fight

http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2014/09/24/u-s-wants-more-help-from-can...

"Canada is now weighing the possibility of an extended military role in the Middle East and will be making an announcement on the matter very soon, Prime Minister Stephen Harper indicated Wednesday.

He declared with a smile that Canada's military has actually moved more supplies into northern Iraq, so far, than the United States Air Force.

In addition to those logistical flights, he said Canada had the second largest contingent of foreign forces advising the Iraqi military..."

Obama's Novel Lawyering To Bomb Syria - by Robert Parry

http://consortiumnews.com/2014/09/23/obamas-novel-lawyering-to-bomb-syria/

"The Obama administration has devised an extraordinary legal justification for carrying out bombing attacks inside Syria - that the US and its Persian Gulf allies have the right to defend Iraq against the Islamic State because the Syrian government is unable to stop the cross-border terror group.

There is the hypocrisy - of the US government and many of these same Gulf allies - arming, training and funding Syrian rebels for the purpose of preventing the Syrian military from controlling its territory, and then citing that lack of control as the rationale to ignore Syria's soverignty."

Fri, 2014-09-26 03:54

#887

NDPP

Operation Tomahawk The Caliph - by Pepe Escobar

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/MID-01-240914.html

"So this is not only about bombing The Caliph. It is a back-door preamble to bombing Bashar al Assad and his forces. And also about bombing - with eight strikes west of Aleppo - a ghost: an al-Qaeda cell of thle mysterious Khorasan group.

There is no 'Free Syrian Army' - that Qatari myth- anymore. There are no 'moderate' jihadis left in Syria. They are all fighting for The Caliph or for al-Zawahiri. And still the administration extracted a Congressional OK to train and weaponize 'moderate rebels'.

So yes - this 'sustained campaign' is the back door to 'Assad must go' remixed. People who are really capable of defeating The Caliph's goons... [are] The Syrian Arab Army (roughly 35,000 dead so far, killed in action against ISIS/ISIL/and/or al-Qaeda..."

Fri, 2014-09-26 22:30

#888

NDPP

Pentagon Ready to Train Up To 15,000 Syria Rebels

http://rt.com/usa/191048-hagel-dempsey-command-isis/

"...No one is under any illusion - under any illusions - that airstrikes alone will destroy ISIL, Hagel told reporters.

'Yes, there has to be a ground component to the campaign against ISIL in Syria,' the Joint Chiefs chairman said later during the briefing, adding that earlier figures pertaining to a group of prospective US-trained forces may be but a fraction of what is truly required.

'Instead, he said, upwards of 15,000 combatants may need to be trained in order to take on the ever-growing Islamic State. This will not be an easy or brief effort,' Hagel said. 'We are at the beginning not the end,' of the administration's effort to degrade and destroy the Islamic State.

On Friday, Sec Hagel said that 'there has been no coordination, nor will there be with the Assad regime. Nothing has changed about our position that has shifted our approach to Assad and his regime because President Assad has lost all legitimacy to govern,' he said..."

'US Seeks To Target Syrian Govt' - by Finian Cunningham

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/24/379806/us-seeks-to-target-syria...

"Washington and its allies have now crossed a dangerous Rubicon, setting the stage for an all-out war on Syria under the guise of 'defeating extremism.' The absurd contradicitions and deceptions of this latest US-led war in the Middle East should be brazenly obvious for anyone not brainwashed by Western 'news' propaganda.

The extremists that Washington is supposedly hunting down are the progeny of the American covert war in Syria that the Syrian government has been battling against for the past 3 years. The Saudi and Qatari allies now joining US warplanes to pound Syria are the financiers and weapons suppliers of the very terrorist networks that they are claiming to attack..."

West To Blame For ISIL Crisis: Galloway (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/26/380117/west-to-blame-over-isil-...

"This will not be solved; every matter will be made worse, extremism will spread further and deeper around the world just like [what] happened as a result of the last Iraq war...

People outside can see it but the fools in here who draw a big salary and big expenses cannot or will not see it..."

Sat, 2014-09-27 00:50

#889

montrealer58 montrealer58's picture

1. It is odd the French went in first.

2. Obama unanimously got the UN security council to endorse his actions, including Russia and China. I think he got this because he got a coalition of 4 Arab states to support his action.

3. The UK Parliament voted by a wide margin to go in.

4. Netanyahu has equated ISIL with Hamas

This is huge. The question now, what is the role for Germany? I suspect the Luftwaffe will be trolling the skies of the Atlantic as they did after 9/11, allowing relief of NORAD forces for the war effort.

Unlike the last two recent wars in the area, I do not think they will want to do a massive troop buildup, and arm locals to fight the wars with air strikes.

This is some major scary shit, if you will excuse the expression. What about those 11 airplanes that disappeared in Libya? Where are they headed? The CN Tower?

Sat, 2014-09-27 18:16

#890

NDPP

US Strikes ISIL Positions in Homs (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/27/380201/us-strikes-syrian-provin...

"The US-led airstrikes hit ISIL targets in Syria's central province of Homs for the first time Saturday, a monitoring group said..."

The Unspoken Consequences of Bombing Syria - by Shamus Cooke

http://original.antiwar.com/shamus-cooke-2/2014/09/26/the-unspoken-conse...

"Now that US bombs are falling in Syria, will Islamic extremism be stopped in its tracks? Such a question is an insult to the intellect, yet it's the dominant theory in Washington..."

How John McCain Wound Up Canoodling With Terrorists - by Justin Raimondo

http://original.antiwar.com/justin/2014/09/25/how-john-mccain-wound-up-c...

"It turns out the frenetic Arizona warmonger met with members of the Northern Storm Brigade - the group that handed US journalist Steven Sotloff over to ISIS as he crossed the border into Syria..."

Sat, 2014-09-27 20:29

#891

NDPP

VN: In Syria the US Haven't Aimed For the Islamic State But For Oil Wells

http://www.voltairenet.org/article185476.html

"The US, along with members of the GCC have been bombing Syria for two days, officially in order to destroy the Islamic State. The bombings have, for the most part, affected Raqqa, where the IS had already retreated from and 12 oil refineries.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR, a back room of the British MI6, held by the Muslim Brotherhood), these bombings would only have killed 14 jihadists, including probably none of the members of the Islamic State..."

Libya 2.0? US Says 'No-Fly-Zone' Over Syria a Possibility

http://www.activistpost.com/2014/09/libya-20-us-says-no-fly-zone-over-sy...

"In what is more proof that the NATO operation against Syrian President Bashar al Assad is merely Libya 2.0, the Obama administration is now stating that it is open to the possibility of establishing a 'no-fly-zone' over Syria.

The statements, made by both Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and General Martin E Dempsey, are supposed to hinge upon an agreement with Turkey, that is itself calling for a 'buffer zone', one of the wishes of NATO since the very beginning of the Syrian crisis.

In order for NATO forces to effectively remove Assad, who has proven a major hurdle for the Anglo-American establishment in its efforts to overthrow him and further their geopolitical goals of weakening Russia's strategic position and influence, NATO forces absolutely must eleminate his air defences.

Thanks to ISIS, those air defences no longer exist in the east of Syria. That was the endgame of the ISIS battle to take over Taqba from the start - eliminate air defences so that the NATO powers can launch airstrikes against the Syrian military thus freeing up a launching pad for the terrorists to conduct attacks even deeper in Syria..."

Sat, 2014-09-27 21:50

#892

NDPP

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah Speech - Sept 23rd, 2014 (and vid - ISIL topic at 30 minutes)

http://youtu.be/45nyEHsQk_k

"America, mother of terrorism"... (

Speech Delivered By Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nazrallah on September 23, 2014 (full text)

http://vineyardsaker.blogspot.ca/2014/09/speech-delivered-by-hizbullah-s...

"...The second topic has to do with the developments in the region and the stance of the international coalition - the so-called international coalition to fight the 'ISIL'.

First, America is the mother of terrorism. Whoever wants to argue, we are ready for argument. America is the source of terrorism in the world. If there is terrorism in the world, search for the US administration behind it.

The US fabricated or played a role in fabricating these Takfiri movements. America is not in the moral position that entitles it to lead a war against terrorism.

The issue has nothing to do with fighting terrorism. Based on all of Obama's statements, this coalition aims at defending US interests. What have we to do with defending US interests, especially when most of these interests - if not all of the US interests - come at the expense of the interests of the region, and the peoples of the region...?"

Sun, 2014-09-28 08:34

#893

NDPP

US Has No Clear Interest in Its Fight Against ISIL: Analyst Pepe Escobar (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/28/380318/us-lacks-strategy-in-fig...

"There is no clear strategy and they don't know what they're doing..."

Militancy in Syria Fomented From Abroad: Analyst Webster Tarpley (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/27/380210/syria-unrest-fomented-fr...

"...The crisis in Syria and Iraq has always been an insurrection fomented from abroad in recent years. The crises are not indigenous but were imported into the region for reasons of imperialism..."

US Strikes on ISIL Will Finally Shift to Syria Govt: Journalist Dave Lindorff

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/09/27/380247/us-finally-shifting-targ...

"...There is a clear suspicion in Britain that the US-led strikes in Syria is really about having the planes flying there and then eventually shifting the target to Assad."

Sun, 2014-09-28 12:11

#894

NDPP

Syria, The Latest Crusade - by Andre Vltchek

http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/09/26/syria-the-latest-crusade/

"...This is actually not a war but a massacre, a mass murder. Another massacre. This one may last very long and take millions of human lives in the most brutal circumstances.

Western leaders are ready..."

Sun, 2014-09-28 12:35

#895

Rikardo

I stopped reading Vltchek after a text on Christianity in which he wrote, Christianity should be banned. Imagine, the Soviets didn't do that or the Germans. Sounds like the crazies in ISIS.

Sun, 2014-09-28 20:57

#896

montrealer58 montrealer58's picture

Whining about Russian 'strategic interests' does not make it any better.

Mon, 2014-09-29 06:25

#897

NDPP

US Bombed 'Empty Buildings' in Airstrikes on ISIL in Syria (and vid)

http://21stcenturywire.com/2014/09/24/us-bombed-empty-buildings-in-raqqa...

"We need to ask: did the US bomb a load of empty buildings in Syria...?"

US Strike on Syria is Desperation Incarnate - by Tony Cartalucci

http://journal-neo.org/2014/09/24/15024/

The fact remains that the only genuine fight against Al Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups in the region have been led by the Syrian government and its military.

Whatever it is that the US and its 'Arab partners' are attacking in Syria at the moment, it is assuredly not ISIS..."

Tue, 2014-09-30 03:57

#898

NDPP

US Plans Massive Military Escalation in Syria and Iraq - by Patrick Martin

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/09/29/syri-s29.html

"The drumbeat for war has been carefully worked out to prepare public opinion in the US and internationally for a dramatic escalation in military operations in the region, involving the direct and open targeting of the Syrian government of President Bashar al Assad.

Islamic State Was Born in NATO Camps - by Andre Vltchek

http://rt.com/op-edge/191620-nato-isis-camps-turkey-syria/

"As a result of actions taken by the West, both Iraq and Syria are now fully destabilized, nor more precisely, they are in ruins. The region is now literally flooded with millions of refugees. As the West is once again pounding the area with Tomahawk missiles and bombs.

But the West is not aiming at resolving the crisis. It is pushing and fighting for full domination of the region. It is playing chess with both white and black pieces. In between are tens of millions of people, and entire nations.

ISIS did not fall from the sky..."

Obama's House of Cards - by Paul Craig Roberts

http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/09/26/obamas-house-of-cards/

"Which is 'the cancer of violent extremism' - ISIS which cut off the heads of four journalists, or Washington which has bombed seven countries in the 21st century murdering hundreds of thousands of civilians and displacing millions?"

Wed, 2014-10-01 21:28

#899

NDPP

US Not Serious About Stopping ISIL Terrorists: Analyst Manuel Ochsenreiter (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/10/01/380683/us-not-serious-in-fighti...

"Washington says it is striking ISIL positions in both Iraq and Syria, but there is skepticism on both sides of the border about the real intentions of the US..."

Sun, 2014-10-05 11:44

#900

NDPP

Did America Fake Imminent Terror Threat to Justify Bombing Syria? - by Ted Snider

http://original.antiwar.com/Ted_Snider/2014/10/03/did-america-fake-immin...

"The claim has recently been made that the Obama administration concocted not only the imminent attacks on US soil by the al-Qaeda cell The Khorasan Group, but the group itself, in order to make a case for self-defense and justify the bombing of Syria.

As outlandish as it may first appear that America would create a fictitious attack to justify its own attack, there is a pattern of just such fictions stretching back to nearly the very beginning of America's wars..."

US To Fund Iraq-Syria War by Unlimited War Credit-Card: Analyst Don DeBar (and vid)

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/10/05/381108/unlimited-funding-for-unl...

"With mandatory military spending cuts looming next year, the US will use a slush fund known as Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) to pay for its new military campaign in Iraq and Syria, an analyst tells Press TV.

'This is a huge unlimited amount of money aside from the declared military budget in the United States,' Don DeBar, commentator and radio host from New York, said in an interview Saturday. 'It's a war credit-card because the economy absolutely requires spending on military activities..."

ISIS War a Financial Windfall For US Arms Makers - by Jason Dix

http://news.antiwar.com/2014/10/03/isis-war-a-financial-windfall-for-us-...

"Companies surge in anticipation of spending hikes..."

Mon, 2014-10-06 19:06

#901

NDPP

Pentagon Can't Decide Which Rebels To Train in Syria

http://rt.com/usa/193592-pentagon-syria-rebel-forces/

"As reports surfaced on Monday suggesting the group that calls itself the Islamic State is close to capturing the Syrian town of Kobani, the Guardian revealed that the Pentagon is still far from taking the next step towards tackling the militants.

'No decision has been made as to who will lead the program,' commander Elissa Smith , the Pentagon spokesperson, told the Guardian.

Spencer Ackerman, the American journalist who wrote Monday's piece, reported that 'the Pentagon has yet to even assign a US officer to the task of determining which rebels are trustworthy and capable enough to comprise that force.'

Pages

Topic locked