Obama's Fateful Syrian Choice - by Robert Parry
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article42896.htm
"President Obama faces a choice that could define his legacy and the future of the American Republic. He can either work with Russia's President Putin to stabilize Syria, or he can opt for a confrontation that could lead to an open-ended war with grave risks of escalation, writes Robert Parry..."
The Push For 'Humanitarian Invasion' Continues
http://off-guardian.org/2015/09/19/the-push-for-humanitarian-invasion-co...
"Regardless of how tired, threadbare and discredited the entire 'humanitarian war' meme is becoming, and no matter how transparent the agenda, the Guardian is continuing to push for a humanitarian intervention in Syria."
Polls Show SYrians Overwhelmingly Blame US for ISIS
http://off-guardian.org/2015/09/19/polls-show-syrians-overwhelmingly-bla...
"The British polling organization ORB International, an affliliate of WIN/Gallup International, repeatedly finds in Syria, that throughout the country, Syrians oppose ISIS by about 80%, and (in the latest poll) also finds that 82% of Syrians blame the US for ISIS."
Putin Explains Russia's Syrian Policy
http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/putin-explains-russias-syrian-poli...
"A summit meeting of Eurasian states in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe has provided Putin with a platform to set out Russia's position on the Syrian crisis. As is often the case with Putin's speeches, the Western media has barely reported it.
In essence what Putin is saying is very simple: the Islamic State (IS) is an existential threat to everyone and all those involved in the Syrian civil war should put aside their differences and their geopolitical strategies to combine against it..."
Prof Stephen Cohen: Obama Rejects Russia's Offer to Jointly Confront ISIS in Syria (Podcast)
http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/stephen-cohen-obama-rejects-russia...
"Cohen concludes that Washington seems to prefer an Islamic State takeover of Damascus to any cooperation with Putin's Russia. This, Cohen argues, opens another front in the new Cold War - along with the ones that have already unfolded in Ukraine and Europe - and is further evidence of Washington's inability to think rationally about American national security..."
Israel Seeks to Avoid Clashes with Russia in Mideast: Netanyahu
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/09/21/430124/Israel-Syria-Netanyahu-P...
"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to avoid potential clashes with Russian forces in the Middle East amid reports that Russia may be considring boots on the ground in Syria.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Netanyahu told the reporters that his 'objective was to prevent misunderstandings,' between Israeli military units and Russian forces, adding that he and Putin 'agreed on a mechanism to prevent such misunderstandings.'
Al-Moallem: Russia's Participation in Fighting Terrorism Will Turn the Tables on the Conspirators
"Al Moallem explained that Russia is acting under international law and in coordination with Syria, criticizing the US for acting otherwise as far as the international coalition it leads against ISIS is concerned..."
'Counterproductive' Russia and the Conflict in Syria - by Gary Leupp
http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/09/21/counterproductive-russia-and-the-...
"The placement of Syria and the State Department's list of 'state sponsors of terror' (an arbitrary roster, from which countries appear and disappear without any relationship to empirical reality) results from Damascus' limited support to Lebanon and Palestinian militant movements opposed to Israel and its occupation.
Those in the country who vilify Syria and insist that its president must leave, are largely responding to Israeli propaganda broadcast through the Israel lobby.
Why is Russia for its part supplying the Syrian government? Today Russia faces radical Islam in the Russian Caucasus. Moscow wants to curb it in Syria.
Hypothetical question just for discussion: Which would you rather have - Russian troops in Damascus protecting Christian holy sites, or ISIL forces in the city blowing them up?"
Capture or Betrayal?
http://www.rt.com/news/316247-us-syrian-rebels-surrender-nusra/
"US-trained rebels with weapons end up in hands of Nusra jihadists. A slap for America -- the new group from Division 30 that entered yesterday hands over all its weapons to Jabhat al Nusra after being granted safe passage."
Putin To Netanyahu: Syria Army Too Busy Saving Country to Threaten Israel
"Putin, Netanyahu agree on military coordination over crisis in Syria."
Washington Has Now Lost the Middle East - by F William Engdahl
http://journal-neo.org/2015/09/22/washington-has-now-lost-the-middle-east/
"It's not at all surprising except in how fast it's going. And now the strategic fulcrum of global US power projection since 1945, control of the energy flows of the Middle East, is vanishing like cotton candy in the winds..."
Journalist Robert Fisk Explains Why Canada Should Abandon ISIS War: Walkom
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/09/23/journalist-robert-fisk-exp...
"Fisk calls the US-led bombing campaign in Iraq and Syria 'preposterous'. America, Canada and other nations taking part claim to be targeting so-called command and control centres of the Islamic State (ISIS). But in this war, he says, such centres don't exist.
'I don't think the US is serious,' he says. 'Very occasionally, you can hear the rumble of American bombs. But they're certainly not having much effect.'
How do we deal with ISIS then? Fisk doesn't claim to know all the answers. Nor does he claim to fully understand ISiS, which he calls a 'cult, the likes of which we've never seen before.'
But he does say the solution lies in the geopolitics of the region and the four year old Syrian civil war. Fisk reckons that Russia, Iran and the US are already trying to work out a deal.
In the meantime, he says the US-led war to which Canada is contributing serves no useful purpose. 'Abandon it, he says, 'It's not doing any good.'
Will US Grasp Putin's Syria Lifeline? - by Robert Parry
https://consortiumnews.com/2015/09/22/will-us-grasp-putins-syria-lifeline/
"The neocon's obsession with 'regime change' in Syria is driving another one of Official Washington's 'group thinks' toward rejecting Russia's offer to help stabilize the war-torn country and stem the destabilizing flood of refugees into Europe, writes Robert Parry.
'But rather than rethink Official Washington's goofy 'group think' on Syria - or provide readers a fuller story of the Syrian conflict, the New York Times moves on to blame Putin for the mess.'
US Blockade of Syria A War Crime
http://journal-neo.org/2015/09/24/us-blockade-of-syria-a-war-crime/
"The news that the United States asked both Greece and Bulgaria to block Russian flights over their air space headed for Syria, is a logical extension of the criminality of the aggression against Syria being conducted by the NATO powers and their allies in the region.
The NATO alliance has been conducting a war of aggression against Syria since 2011 when it succeeded in destroying Libya and it was responsible for the waves of humanity who fled the NATO bombing and now flee the Takfiri militants NATO used as their auxiliaries.
That the flood of stories in the Western press about the Syrian refugees is being used as a propaganda tool is easy to see..."
The Obama Two-Step in Syria
http://dissidentvoice.org/2015/09/the-obama-two-step-on-syria/
"The geo-strategic objective for the Obama administration was regime change....nothing to do with wanting to liberate Syrians.'
US trained fighters give weapons to al-Nusra
The Pentagon has said that a group of US-trained Syrian fighters has handed over ammunition and equipment to al-Nusra Front rebel group, purportedly in exchange for safe passage...."Unfortunately, we learned late today that the NSF (New Syrian Forces) unit now says it did, in fact, provide six pickup trucks and a portion of their ammunition to a suspected al-Nusra Front [group]," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said on Friday.
...The development is another embarrassing setback for the US effort to "train and equip" Syrian fighters to take on ISIL in Syria.
The $500m programme originally aimed to ready about 5,400 vetted fighters a year for three years but problems finding suitable candidates have seen only a tiny fraction getting trained.
Not much one can say...A level of stupidity and incompetence that beggars description.
So Obama Wants Talks With Putin on Syria? - by Finian Cunningham
http://thenewsdoctors.com/so-obama-wants-talks-with-putin-on-syria/
"After more than a year of demonising Russia as a threat to world peace, all of a sudden the US changes tack and wants to hold talks with Moscow over Syria.
US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are set to hold talks in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting. The leaders will meet on Monday, 28 September, authorities from both countries have confirmed.
What a change from Obama's churlish tantrums towards the Russian president.
What the US does want, however, is to inveigle Russia into a seeming partnership against terrorism, whose abiding goal is regime change in Syria. This is where the American and British practice of the dark arts of deception come into play..."
US To Undermine Russia's Efforts to Stabilize Syria - Analyst (and vid)
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/09/26/430800/Washington-Moscow-Damascus
"The United States plans to undermine Russia's military buildup in Syria, which is designed to defeat the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group and help stabilize the country, a US military analyst in California says.
'Russia stepping in to stabilize Syria will not only shrink the ISIS enemy threat, but will lead to stemming the refugee flood that has been afflicting Europe,' Scott Bennett told Press TV on Saturday. Moscow is 'stepping in to do what the US has failed to do in over a year,' Bennett noted, adding that worst yet, the US has financed 'mercenaries and kinetic operations' in Syria.
Russia will carrry out the military operations without US assistance and discussions because Washington will seek to counter these efforts,' Bennett argued. 'The US is going to work to undermine the stabilization of Syria, undermine the stemming of refugees.'
Bennett predicted that Russia's second step would be to form a coalition of allies in Syria."
'If We Stop Training, Arming Jihadists, the War Will End' - Virginia State Senator (and vid)
http://www.rt.com/usa/316558-us-training-jihadists-dick-black/
"Virginia State Senator Dick Black told RT that 'if the US stopped training jihadists and arming jihadists, the war will end. It is my hope and prayer that the US wakes up and says it is time to end this evil slaughter. It is time to stop trying to topple regimes, bring order to the Middle East and stop the bloodshed."
Shifting Winds: How Assad is Becoming Syria's Only Viable Option - by Catherine Shakdam
http://www.rt.com/op-edge/316577-assad-syria-cameron-merkel-putin/
"Suddenly President Assad does not look so devilish after all. Maybe soonhis constitutional legitimacy will be remembered too..."
France Carries Out First Airstrikes Against ISIS in Syria
http://www.rt.com/news/316624-france-bombs-isis-first/
"The French decision to carry out airstrikes against IS in Syria was criticized by Moscow. 'Tell me more about the self-defense of bombing a state which hasn't attacked anyone, without its permission. This is not international law but its subersion in front of a shocked international community..."
Assad's Enemies May Be Portrayed as Opposition, But He Fights Terrorists - Putin (and vid)
http://www.rt.com/news/316633-putin-interview-syria-conflict/
"The only way to settle the Syrian conflict is to support the exising legitimate government in its fight against terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin told CBS' '60 Minutes', adding he wants to see a united effort to fight the threat in the region.
He pointed out that, from Russia's point of view, there is only one regular army - the army of President Bashar Assad. 'And he is confronted with what some of our international partners interpret as an opposition. In reality, Assad's army is fighting agains terrorist organizations,' Putin said.
'In my opinion, provision of military support to illegal structures runs counter to the principles of modern international law and the UN Charter,' the Russian president said."
At Least 3 Israeli Airstrikes Hit Syrian Army on Golan Heights
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/09/27/431015/Syria-Israel-Golan-Heigh...
"Israel launched at least three airstrikes against positions of the Syrian Army on the Golan Heights. Syria says Israel and its Western and regional allies are aiding Takfiri militant groups operating inside the Arab country. The Syrian army has repeatedly seized huge quantities of Israeli-made weapons and advanced military equipment.
Reports say Israel has set up field hospitals near the border with Syria to treat the injured militants coming in from the battlefield."
Damascus Battleground; RT's Lizzie Phelan Reports From Syrian Frontline in Yarmouk
"The Anti-ISIL coalition is failing to contain the terrorists, while the Syrian army remains the only force tackling them on the ground."
'Russia Will Not Tolerate Ouster of Syria's Assad - Paul Craig Roberts (and vid)
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/09/27/431014/Putin-Assad-Syria-US-Pau...
'What I see in Putin's statements is his willingness to challenge the President of the US to cease behaving illegally.'
International Contact Group on Syria May Hold Talks in October - Bogdanov
Syria Crisis: Russia Puts Troops on the Ground in the fight Against ISIS - by Robert Fisk
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article42994.htm
"Mr Putin can now claim that he - unlike the Western powers - has soldiers with 'boots on the ground' to fight ISIS in Syria."
Scott Rickard: US Media, Politicians Ignore West's Impact on Syria Crisis (and vid)
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/09/29/431176/us-syria-daesh-john-kerr...
"The US 'ignores' the West's impact in creating an 'unnecessary' crisis in Syria, where Takfiri violence remains at its peak, says a former American intelligence linguist..."
The Western Media is Dying and Here's Why
http://journal-neo.org/2015/09/28/the-western-media-is-dying-and-heres-why/
"The story of Seymour Hersh bringing information forward to the public and how the Western media attempted to first discourage it, then bury it, before attempting to discredit both the report and Hersh himself is a microcosm of the dying Western media."
RT: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Interview (and vid)
http://thesaker.is/interview-of-sergei-lavrov-with-rt/
"All those who detest ISIL, who fight ISIL, must coordinate..."
Few notes to media, for any journalists covering the Syria crisis who also don't want to be complete dicks =1 - Russia's airstrikes on Syria (whether they will be effective or not) are legal under international law. You might want to make mention of that when making comparisons.
2 - The Russian parliament has authorized the use of force (unlike the US Congress or the British parliament) - might be worth a mention.
3 - Your agenda is transparent when you do mention the above, but use the word "rubber-stamp" for the Russian legislature and "votes" for the French one.
4 - It's really obvious what dicks you are when you ignore civilian casualties of US/NATO ally strikes for months on end while defending the "necessity" of the "humanitarian" bombing...and then immediately hone in with exact numbers after one day of Russian strikes, as if you care.
Ryan quotes the shit-bag Daily Telegraph from a year ago, justifying the US/NATO bombings ...
The upshot is that US airstrikes against ISIL is Syria are probably illegal but widely recognized as legitimate. ... most states will welcome this necessary action and simply stay silent on the question of legality.
Translation: When "we" do it, it's fine. When the Ruskies do it, it's not fine. Understand?
.
The upshot is that US airstrikes against ISIL is Syria are probably illegal but widely recognized as legitimate. ... most states will welcome this necessary action and simply stay silent on the question of legality.Translation: When "we" do it, it's fine. When the Ruskies do it, it's not fine. Understand?
That's one hell of a quote. Clearly we are meant to agree that the complete trashing of the most fundamental international law by Western imperialist powers is of no consequence.
We don't.
Here's more:
Russian Parliament Unanimously Approves Use of Military in Syria To Fight ISIS
8 ISIS Targets Hit During 20 Combat Flights in Syria - Russian Military (and vid, UPDATES)
http://www.rt.com/news/317101-russia-isis-strikes-intelligence/
"Today Russia's airforce delivered pinpoint strikes on eight ISIS terror group targets in Syria. A statement by the Defense ministry refuted earlier reports about civilian casualties that Russian airstrikes allegedly led to.
'Russia didn't even begin its operation against IS...Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov didn't even utter his first words at the UN Security Council but numerous reports already emerged in the media that civilians are dying as a result of Russian operations in the country,' Maria Zakharova, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, told media.
Zakharova said that she was amazed by the scale and speed of what she called 'info injections' into social networks..."
Just watch all those who stayed silent during the hundreds of thousands killed thus far by the West's Takfiri cutthroats or blamed these all on Assad, now suddenly burst into loud lamentation over each and every alleged civilian casualty attributed to Russia's anti-ISIL operations in aid of the embattled Syrians.
The Syrian government's death machine: torture, murder, and photos for the bureaucrats:
Video: At the Frontline in Latakia, Syria
http://off-guardian.org/2015/09/30/video-at-the-frontline-in-latakia-syria/
"Terrorists have many American weapons, rockets and even night-vision devices. Americans teach them. USA bombed our gas plants in the East. We liberated those lands a long time ago but they said that according to their surveillance the IS was there."
'Huge Propaganda War Going On To Discredit Russian Anti-Terrorist Efforts in Syria
http://www.rt.com/op-edge/317150-huge-propaganda-syria-russia-usa/
"The West has engaged in propaganda warfare trying to discredit Russia's honest and openly declared intention to help save the world from the terrorist threat, both from Islamic State and other Jihadi groups, Max Abrahms from Northeaster University told RT.
'Well, don't get me wrong, I'm way out of step with most analysts in the US on this topic. I don't represent the American people. I had an op-ed in the New York Times over a year ago where I urged Washington to work closely with Damascus, including working with Moscow to beat back the Islamic State.
So, I'm very much in favor of this sort of alliance, because I think the Islamic State poses the greatest threat, certainly to the West..."
Russian Anti-Terror Op in Syria (LIVE UPDATES)
http://www.rt.com/news/317068-russia-isis-islamic-syria/
20:38 GMT: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the Syrian civil war could be stopped only with Russia's help as she spoke of the means by which the refugee crisis could be resolved and how to tackle the issues making people flee their homeland.
'That's particularly true of Syria, where there can only be a solution with Russia and not without Russia.'
Homs Airstrike: White Helmets Caught Faking Syria Casualties Report
"The Soros-sponsored 'White Helmets', one of the biggest NGOs operating on the territory of Syria, is busy cooking up lies instead of protecting the human rights of the Syrian people.."
Homs Airstrike: White Helmets Caught Faking Syria Casualties Report
'The Soros-sponsored 'White Helmets', one of the largest NGOs operating on the territory of Syria, is busy cooking up lies instead of protecting the human rights of the Syrian people."
Syrian Observatory of Human Rights Run by Immigrant From His UK Home
http://www.rt.com/news/317372-nimrod-kamer-syrian-observatory/
"Many western media outlets have frequently been relying on one information source for facts about the death toll in Syria - the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. It was founded in May 2006 and it's run by one man only - Rami Abdul Rahman, who's a Syrian immigrant to the UK and is based in his two-bedroom home in Coventry."
Finally Some Clarity About the Russian Plans in Syria
http://thesaker.is/finally-some-clarity-about-the-russian-plans-about-sy...
"It would be a mistake to focus on what will happen next. I would argue that what has already happened is far more significant."
CrossTalk; Mideast Alliances
http://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/317348-is-syria-russia-us/
Can the Kremlin and the White House fight terrorists in tandem?
http://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/new-brunswick-ndp-leader-argues-f...
Cardy supports Canada’s participation in the bombing campaign against Islamic State—a position that puts him squarely in opposition to the federal NDP led by Tom Mulcair, which is campaigning on a pledge to end Canada’s involvement in the war. But Cardy believes the mission is too narrow and ignores the biggest source of misery in Syria.
“We’ve got to look at why those refugees are leaving their country. It’s because they’re being bombed incessantly by a regime that’s responsible for well over 90 per cent of the deaths in this conflict, far more than ISIS, or any of the other groups,” he says, referring to Islamic State by an acronym.
“Absolutely, ISIS is a problem, but ISIS is a creature of the collapse of the Syrian government and its legitimacy. So we should be going after the real problem, which is the government of Bashar al-Assad bombing its civilians on a constant basis for four years.”
Russian Boots on Syrian Ground Create New Reality For Canadian Leaders Whether They Discuss It Or Not - by David J Climenhaga
http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/djclimenhaga/2015/09/russian-boots-on-sy...
"...You'd almost think the Western Powers -- their domestic rhetoric about the dangers of ISIS notwithstanding -- were more intent on getting rid of the Assad Regime than getting rid of ISIS, given the nervous outrage with which they responded to the successful Russian effort...
Is that possible?
If it were so, it would tend to support the narrative -- widely believed in Russia - that ISIS is a Western creation, which if it is not stopped in the Levant will menace Russia along its predominantly Muslim southern flank."
A Useful Prep-Sheet on Syria For Media Propagandists - by Gary Leupp
http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/02/a-useful-prep-sheet-on-syria-for-...
"State Department talking points on Syria for cable news anchors..."
and know-nothing Canadian politicians
Israel Arming Terrorists in Syria: FM Muallem
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/02/431678/UN-Syria-Walid-alMuallem...
"Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al Muallem says Israel is arming the Takfiri terrorists in Syria and treating the injured militants in its hospitals, criticizing the international community for watching this regime's actions in silence."
This is an absolute foreign policy disaster for the USA and its satellites (Canada, etc.) . The whole world sees that, after years of bombing Syria "into" democracy, a few air strikes from the Russian AF and the whole cabal of Western zealots are shitting their pants. The apoplectic Russophobic media frenzy notwithstanding, the terrorist clients of the USA are cowering in their foxholes, along with their CIA and Israeli advisors, trembling in fear of meeting their maker.
Good on the Russians for doing what the jackboot NATO regimes have failed to do. Not only was the NATO involvement in violation of international law, unlike the transparent Russian involvement with an official Syrian invitation, etc., but it's clear that the violent overthrow of the (elected) Assad government was the NATO aim all along, and fighting terrorism was the fig leaf they used to disguise this "humanitarian bombing" , the creation of a refugee crisis, and the establishment of yet another failed state compliments of the US Empire... But now that the Russians have exposed their duplicity, the braying of the "State Department" left will undoubtedly continue in mule-ish obstinate disregard of the facts..........
The Syrian government's death machine: torture, murder, and photos for the bureaucrats:
Looks to me like it was almost as bad as the Saudi's totalitarian regime. So far the R2P inspired attempt at regime change has forced 4 million people into refugee status. That is what happens when foreign powers interfer in the internal afairs of sovereign nations. It never ends well for the people in the country that westerners are saving from uppity dictators who will not integrate into the new world order.
Russian Air Force Hits 50 ISIS Targets in Syria Over 3 Days, 'Significantly' Damaging Militants (and vid)
http://www.rt.com/news/317505-air-force-terrorists-raqqa/
"The Russian Air Force has conducted more than 60 flights and bombed over 50 Islamic State targets in three days, according to Russia's top armed forces official. He added that the strikes have significantly reduced the terrorists' combat capabilities.
'A bunker-busting BETAB-500 air bomb dropped from a Sukhoi SU-34 bomber near Raqqa has eliminated the command post of the terror groups together with an underground storage facility for explosives and munitions.'
'There is panic and defection among them. About 600 mercenaries have left their positions and are trying to reach Europe,' he said. Washington has notified the Russian Defense Ministry that there were only militants in the areas of Russia's military operations against IS in Syria,' he added.
'Russia and US in Indirect Miltary Confrontation Over IS' (and vid)
http://www.rt.com/op-edge/317521-russia-us-confrontation-syria-islamic/
"Given the propaganda cover ISIS provided the US, ISIS has been increasingly regarded de facto as a US proxy. Now that Russia is bombing ISIS, the US and Russia are in indirect military confrontation for the first time since the end of the Cold War..."
Iran-Russia-Syria-Iraq Coalition Must Prevail: Assad
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/04/431948/Iran-Iraq-Syria-Russia-B...
"Syrian President Bashare al Assad says the coalition of Iran, Russia, Syria and Iraq must succeed or the entire region will be destroyed. Assad noted that war in his country will continue as long as 'certain' governments push ahead with their support of terrorists."
This is an absolute foreign policy disaster for the USA and its satellites (Canada, etc.) . The whole world sees that, after years of bombing Syria "into" democracy, a few air strikes from the Russian AF and the whole cabal of Western zealots are shitting their pants. The apoplectic Russophobic media frenzy notwithstanding, the terrorist clients of the USA are cowering in their foxholes, along with their CIA and Israeli advisors, trembling in fear of meeting their maker.
Good on the Russians for doing what the jackboot NATO regimes have failed to do.
Rather than an "absolute foreign policy disaster for the USA and its satellites (Canada, etc.)"
I prefer to view Russia's decision to join the 'ISIS' battle as an absolutely brilliant chess move!
It makes me smile. 
The NATO-Russia Face Off in Syria - by Pepe Escobar
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/317804-isis-turkey-jet-russia
"So a SU-30 enters a few hundred meters into Turkish airspace for only two minutes over Hatay province, and returns to Syrian airspace after being warned by a couple of Turkish F-16s.
Then all hell breaks lose as if this was the ultimate pretext for a NATO-Russia war.
Enter Dr Zbigniew 'Grand Chessboard' Brzezinski, growling in a FT Op-Ed that Washington should 'retaliate' if Moscow does not stop attacking US assets in Syria. 'US assets' means CIA-trained 'moderate rebels'.*
Now that's how you go for a NATO-Russia Hot War 2.0
*aka Al CIA-duh, aka Al Nusra, aka 'The Syrian Opposition'
Russian Jets Hit 12 ISIS Targets in Syria, Cause Panic Among Extremists - Defense Ministry (and vid, UPDATES)
https://www.rt.com/news/317805-russia-hit-isis-tuesday/
"Russian jets hit 12 Islamic State targets in the course of nearly 20 combat flights carried out in Syria on Tuesday. Command centers and training camps were destroyed in the attacks which threw the extremists into panic..."
The Russian Navy has now entered the conflict, carrying out precision air strikes from over 1,000 km away in the Caspian Sea. There were zero civilian casualties. The Russians are coordinating their actions with the Baghdad-based anti-terrorist center, involving the Syrian, Iranian and Iraqi governments.This is in marked contrast to the US approach to anti-terrorist operations, which is to bomb MSF hospitals in Afghanistan and say "Ooop! Sorry! Blam! Blam!" , or destroy the infrastructure of Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, etc. and claim "success". As if.
Hey, Uncle Sam and the State Department left! Did you think your invasion of Iraq would lead to this? Must be a real nightmare, huh?
The Russians are absolutely exposing the Empire brilliantly. I'm really worried that John Kerry, or Hillary Clinton, or any one of the many neo-con fundamentalists may have a coronary and drop dead from fright. That would be just ... too bad.
4 Russian warships launch 26 missiles against ISIS from Caspian Sea
Huge Oil Discovery in Golan Heights - Israeli Media
https://www.rt.com/business/317906-oil-golan-heights-israel/
"A big oil deposit has been found in Israeli-occupied Golan Heights with enough reserves to last Israel for decades. The region is internationally recognized Syrian territory that has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 six-day war between Israel and several Arab states.
UN Resolution 242 (1967) demands the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from the territories occupied in the conflict.
Israel currently imports up to three quarters of its oil from the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in Iraq. Afek Oil and Gas is a subsidiary of America's Genie Energy.
The Israeli occupied Golan Heights also borders territory controlled by anti-government rebels. Israel has reportedly provided medical aid to the rebels and has responded to rocket fire from rebel-controlled territory by striking Syrian Army positions.
Israel's explanation has been that it 'holds the Syrian military responsible for all events stemming from its territory.'
US 'Using Every Excuse' To Refuse To Share Intel on ISIS Locations With Russia
https://www.rt.com/news/317924-us-refuse-intel-isis/
"The US is refusing to share intelligence on Islamic State with Russia [and] is doing everything to back out of cooperation, a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry said.
'Our partners from other countries, which view Islamic State as a real enemy, which must be destroyed unconditionally, actively help us with data on bases, depots, command posts and training camps of terrorists.
And those who apparently have a different opinion about this terrorist organization, are constantly looking for reasons to refuse to cooperate in the fight against international terrorism,' Russian media quoted Igor Konashenkov, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, as saying.
Konanshenkov was commenting on an earlier statement by US Defense Secretary Ash Carter, who said that the US would not cooperate militarily with Russia in Syria because its strategy was 'tragically flawed.'
US-backed-Canadian-supported terrorists in Ukraine support US-backed-Canadian-supported terrorists in Syria.
Top Ukraine Official Backs Idea 'To Help ISIS Take Revenge on Russian Soldiers in Syria'
http://off-guardian.org/2015/10/07/top-ukraine-official-backs-idea-to-he...
"Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, has shared a message from a FB 'friend' who wants to help ISIS militants take revenge on Russian military fighting terrorists in Syria.
Gerashchenko, who also attached an RT video showing military jets in Syria in his post, seemed to be inspired by the idea. He urged everyone who has information about Russian servicemen fighting ISIS in Syria to report the data on the volunteer-made Mirotvonec (Peacemaker) website.
The Mirotvonec website supported by Gerashchenko, posts very thorough data on anyone who opposes the current Kiev authorities - journalists, activists, MPs and self-defense forces fighting against the government in E Ukraine.
Several of those mentioned on the website like opposition politician Oleg Kalashnikov and journalist Oles Buzina, were killed shortly after their personal details turned up on the website."
Prof Stephen Cohen/John Batchelor: Putin/Obama/Syria/Ukraine 10/6/15 (podcast)
http://johnbatchelorshow.com/podcasts/tues-10615-hr-2-jbs-tues-10615-hr-...
New cold war: analysis of Ukraine and Syrian theatres, Russia/US strategies, reactions, scenarios
Syria: Russian Airstrikes Welcomed
"So, are these head-choppers your friends?"
Russian FM S. Lavrov: Oh yeah? Show us your fake Syrian Free Army.
Here's the FSA hard at work, way back in 2013. Remember?
Free Syrian Army Commander Eats Heart of Syrian Soldier
http://www.pomonews.com/2013/05/free-syrian-army-commander-eats-heart.html
Somebody joked that the reason you know this FSA cannibal is a 'moderate' terrorist is that he only ate the lung. If he wasn't 'moderate' he would have eaten his liver too!
I haven't heard of them for some time. About a year or more ago, longtime ME journo Robert Fisk mentioned them:
"The Free Syrian Army I think drinks a lot of coffee in Istanbul. I have never come across even prisoners from the Free Syrian Army. I think the Free Syrian Army is a complete myth and I don't believe it really exists and nor do the Syrians, because they say, 'if we do come across them we don't mind because they always run away. It's the ISIS people who don't. They fight to the death." Fisk, 2014
This vid is probably also more than two years old
FSA Colonel Abdel al Okaidi on FSA & ISIL
https://twitter.com/LinaArabii/status/651326236866834432
The good old days - FSA and ISIL together
Rebuilding the asylum system, by George Soros
http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/rebuilding-refugee-asylum-sy...
Saudi Arabia Increasing Weapons Supplies To 3 Different Rebel Groups in Syria Following Russian Air-Strikes - Report
https://www.rt.com/news/318123-saudi-weapons-syria-russia/
"Saudi-Arabia has stepped up its weapon supplies to 3 different rebel groups in Syria following Russian airstrikes, a government official told the BBC. Rebel groups fighting the Syrian Army will receive an increase in modern high-powered weaponry, including guided anti-tank weapons, a 'well placed' Saudi official told the BBC on condition of anonymity.
He said the recipients include Jaish al Fatah, THE FREE SYRIAN ARMY, and the Southern Front. The official did not rule out the possibility of supplying surface to air missiles to the rebels, which many in the West fear would fall into the hands of ISIS militants and be used to shoot down warplanes and civilian aircraft."
CrossTalk: Targeting All Terrorists (and vid)
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/318091-russia-targeting-terrorists-sy...
"An expanding strategy and upping the ante - Russia is increasing its campaign against terrorist groups in Syria, while protecting the legitimate government in Damascus.
Official Washington is struggling to find a response, other than expressing its fury. Being angry at Russia is not a foreign policy.
CrossTalking with Ray McGovern, Daniel Lazare and Michael O Hanlon
'US Hoisted On Its Own Petard Over Its Assad Stance' - Col L Wilkerson (and vid)
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/318105-syria-isis-assad-wilkerson/
"Defeating ISIS should be the first priority for everyone and only once it's solidly accomplished, should work on a more representative Syrian government begin, says Lawrence Wilkerson, retired US Army Colonel, ex-chief of staff to Secretary Colin Powell.
'I hope, I wish, I pray, that Moscow, Washington, Ankara, Tehran and perhaps others are talking right now about how they coordinate their efforts to accomplish what should be our first priority, and that is to destroy these forces called DAESH/ISIS/ISIL, and to put everything else aside, as it were, until that is accomplished.
We need to stop it, like you stop cancer at the point of origin. At the point of origin right now, most prominently, is Syria. All hands should be working on this. I welcome Russia's assistance."
Russia Will Soon Pay Price For Airstrikes in Syria
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/08/432599/Russia-US-Syria-airstrikes
"US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter says Russia will soon start paying the price for launching airstrikes against terrorists in Syria in the form of reprisal attacks and casualties.
'In the coming days, the Russians will begin to suffer from casualties,' the Pentagon Chief claimed..."
US, Russia on Verge of Frightening Confrontation Over Syria: Analyst Don DeBar (and podcast)
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/09/432668/US-Russia-Daesh-Don-DeBar
"The Pentagon chief's warning of grim consequences for Moscow over its military campaign in Syria is not merely 'chest-thumping' and may be a prelude to a 'frightening' military confrontation, says Don Debar, an American analyst and radio host in New York."
