Colonel Alexander Zhilin, military analyst, Russian Federation : 'Why We Support Assad'
"The national interests of the Russian Federation..."
War in Syria 2
Sat, 2015-10-10 02:34
#152
Sat, 2015-10-10 08:23
#153
Stephen Zunes on Europe's refugee crisis (mostly Syria-related):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/europes-refugee-crisis
Sun, 2015-10-11 01:56
#154
Obama Launches A Proxy War on Russia in Syria
http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/obama-launches-a-proxy-war-on-russi...
"Obama had claimed that he wouuld not get drawn into a proxy war with Russia in Syria, but his administration, the Pentagon and the CIA is now doing all it can to create one."
RT Exclusive: Trail of Bodies Behind Retreating Jihadists in Syria (and vid)
https://www.rt.com/news/318184-captured-syrian-village-atrocities/
"The Syrian Army has captured the village of Al Bahsa in the Hama province. An RT crew went to witness the trail of destruction left by the militants [Al Nusra Front] over their two month reign of terror."
Canucklheads should not forget that Canada, as a member of 'Friends of Syria, supported' these Takfiri terrorists, which were always a key component of the Western 'regime change' strategy. ALL parties participated in supporting this venture and all have Syrian blood on their hands and very possibly the complete destruction of Syria as well. Remember also, that a fundamental precept of law is that 'ignorance is no excuse'.
'Moderate Rebel'
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQ55GdCUcAA_dWH.jpg
Syria: Battle For Daria Rages
Sun, 2015-10-11 14:04
#155
Lawyers, Guns and Money: Russia's Intervention in Syria Offers a Useful Teaching Moment For Canadians - by David J Climenhaga
http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/djclimenhaga/2015/10/lawyers-guns-and-mo...
"Russia's military intervention in the Syrian civil war has offered a unique teaching moment for Canadians about the role and strategy of the US-led western military alliance in the Middle East, of which we are an enthusiastic part..."
BREAKING: Unconfirmed reports just in that IS head al Baghdadi has been killed in Iraq
Mon, 2015-10-12 02:24
#156
Rebuilding the asylum system, by George Soros
http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/rebuilding-refugee-asylum-sy...
The Eye of Soros Turns to Europe
http://www.unz.com/akarlin/soros-turns-to-europe/
"Fresh from helping wreck American cities, George Soros now offers his very valuable thoughts on European immigration policy..."
Mon, 2015-10-12 02:45
#157
Syria News
Mon, 2015-10-12 07:00
#158
Moderate Syrian Opposition Begs International Community To Stop Russia's 'Inhumane' Bombing Campaign in Syria
Mon, 2015-10-12 19:48
#159
'No Option For US in Syria Except To Support President Assad'
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/318381-isis-us-russia-saudi/
"There are so many hands in this conflict now..."
CrossTalk on Syria: Russia's Turn (and vid)
http://thesaker.is/crosstalk-on-syria-russias-turn/
Eric Draitser, Jonathan Steele, Fred Fleitz
"This is an international war being waged."
Burying the Doctrine of One More Helicopter - US Strategy in the Middle East is Dying
http://johnhelmer.net/?p=14288
"The emergence of the Russian Air Force in Syria...has radically changed the situation in the region. Expect something different in principle."
Tue, 2015-10-13 12:38
#160
US and Coalition Partners Launch Airstrikes in Syria and Iraq: Pentagon
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/13/433245/US-Syria-Iraq-airstrikes-
"The US and its so-called coalition partners have conducted at least 3 airstrikes in Syria and Iraq the Pentagon says. According to US military officials, the attacks targeted Daesh (ISIL) terrorists and were carried out on Monday, a day after Washington air-dropped tons of weapons to militants fighting inside Syria."
US Airdrop in Syria a Response to Russia: Ralph Schoenman (and vid)
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/13/433213/Syria-militants-US-airdr...
"Schoenman said the US has waged 'a permanent war against people who seek to obtain for themselves the right to determine their own affairs, to control their own resources, to develop their own societies and to have a life that is independent of colonial domination.'
'Some Partners Have Mush for Brains', Putin Says On US's Syria Policies
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/13/433242/Russia-US-Vladimir-Putin...
"How is it possible to work together?' The Russian president said. The Russian leader also expressed concern over weapons and munitions being airdropped by US forces to foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants in Syria."
Tue, 2015-10-13 18:24
#161
ikosmos
Russia’s military success in accurately hitting all far-off targets comes right after a US airstrike in Afghanistan “mistakenly” destroyed a less distantly located hospital operated by the Doctors Without Borders NGO. Put another way, Russian missiles purposefully hit the right terrorist targets from as far away as the distance between Washington DC and Miami, but American gunships can’t hit the Taliban from a distance at most equivalent to the length of Washington DC. This dramatic comparison says all that one needs to know about the inexcusability of American-inflicted casualties across the globe...
USA! USA! How many hospitals did you bomb today?!
USA! USA! How many wedding parties did you bomb today?!
Wed, 2015-10-14 02:34
#162
Debate: Russia's Strategy in Syria (and vid)
http://www.presstv.com/Video/2015/10/13/433301/US-reluctance-Russia-mili...
"International relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda from Moscow, and Michael Lane, founder of the American Institue for Foreign Policy from Washington, discuss Russia's strategy in Syria."
Wed, 2015-10-14 17:04
#163
Interview with Vladimir Putin on Syria (and vid)
http://thesaker.is/exclusive-vladimir-putin-interview-to-vladimir-solovy...
"Our task is to stabilize the legal authorities. We operate in full accordance with international law."
Thu, 2015-10-15 16:07
#164
Putin: I Don't Know How US Can Criticize Russian Op in Syria if it Refuses Dialogue
https://www.rt.com/news/318727-putin-us-russia-dialogue/
"Washington's decision to obstruct Russia's call for diplomatic engagment on Syria is unconstructive and apparently shows a lack of will to negotiate, Russian president Vladimir Putin said.
'I don't really understand how our American partners can criticize Russia's counter-terrorism effort in Syria while refusing direct dialogue on the all-important issue of political settlement,' Putin explained.
Putin was commenting on the refusal by the Obama administration to receive a Russian delegation headed by PM Dmitry Medvedev to discuss the differences the two nations have on the Syrian crisis.
'I believe this position to be unconstructive. The weakness of this position is apparently based on a lack of agenda. It seems they have nothing to discuss,' Putin said."
Fri, 2015-10-16 09:34
#165
ikosmos
Russia in the last weeks has completely out-maneuvered the diabolical, and they are diabolical, agenda of the Obama Administration not only in Syria but also in the entire Middle East and now in the EU with unleashing the flood of refugees. He openly reached out to invite Obama in their New York September 30 meeting to cooperate together in defeating ISIS. Obama stubbornly insisted that first Assad must go, despite the fact that Christine Wormuth, the Pentagon Undersecretary responsible for the Syrian war, confirmed Russian statements about Assad’s essential role today in any defeat of ISIS. She told the US Senate that Assad’s military “still has considerable strength,” adding, “it’s still the most powerful military force on the ground. The assessment right now is the regime is not in imminent danger of falling.”
When your own countrymen call your regime diabolical, I'd say it's time to pack up your tent and get the f*** out of Dodge. US President Barak Obama now has the dubious distinction of being the first Nobel Peace Prize winner in history ... to bomb another Nobel Peace Prize winner (MSF hospital in Afghanistan).
ooh rah.
First appeared: http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/15/putin-is-defeating-more-than-isis-in-syria/
Fri, 2015-10-16 11:05
#166
ikosmos
US-sponsored terrorists carry out a massacre in Homs, Syria and then blame the Syrian gov and Russia.
What else is new? Not that the US regime really does anything about their own massacres, other than send in some tanks (like they did at the MSF US bombing massacre in Afghanistan*).
A military source told SANA that terrorists committed their crime at 7:00 am in synchronization of the army operations in the area, adding that the act aimed at accusing the Syrian Army and the Russian air force of targeting civilians.
“The Syrian Ministry of Defense stresses that the Syrian Army and the Russian air force do not target civilian-populated areas and holds Jabhat al-Nusra and its associates full responsibility for such crimes,” the source said.
The armed terrorist groups had perpetrated a number of crimes against civilians in several areas, the purpose of many of these acts were to accuse the Syrian Army of targeting civilians. Photos and videos footages of such acts have been used repeatedly to mislead local and international public opinions.
*
Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says a U.S. tank has forced its way into the Afghan hospital destroyed by a U.S. airstrike, sparking concern the U.S. military may have destroyed evidence in a potential war crimes investigation. The October 3 airstrike on the hospital in #Kunduz, Afghanistan, killed 12 medical staff and 10 patients. 33 people remain missing.
Sat, 2015-10-17 04:29
#167
You just have to wonder about progressives in Canada...surely if anyone wished to defeat the corporate political institutions, the key has to be to expose their fraud!
As Russia seems to be doing with its successful campaigns in support of their allied ground forces vs. ISIS.
What exactly is Canada doing in Syria...in support of the below?
Busted ! Russians Catch US in Fake Bombing Campaign
By Gordon Duff, Senior Editor on October 16, 2015
Bomb-destroyed houses spotted in Syrian locality where Russian warplanes not used
This territory has never been in the hands of the Islamic State, deputy chief of the Russian General Staff Andrey Kartapolov points out
[ Editor’s note: During the Vietnam War, the US Air Force would fly missions out of DaNang, dozens each day, taking off with a full bomb load and either dropping it at the end of the runway, that famous area that looks like the moon, or dumping napalm on side of Charlie Ridge, a nearby hill. Thousands of missions were faked, medals given, great successes claimed. I was stuck there in the mountains, looking down on DaNang, watching the planes in the distance, take off, bomb and land, over and over all day long, playing that game. We seem to be doing the same thing in Syria and Iraq, anything not to risk harming our CIA and Mossad fed partners, ISIS, al Nusra, the FSA and others. The game worked until Russian satellites and drones figured it out... Gordon ] ____________
MOSCOW, October 16. /TASS/. Traces of airstrikes against household buildings have been found at the Syria-Jordan border, where Russian warplanes have performed no missions, deputy chief of the Russian General Staff Andrey Kartapolov said on Friday.
“We have spotted ruins of household buildings destroyed by bombing near the settlement of Kherbet Ghazala at the Syrian-Jordan border,” he told a briefing for foreign military attaches and journalists.
“Russian warplanes have never performed any missions there and, as far as we know, the Syrian aviation has not been used there either,” he stressed. “This territory has never been in the hands of the Islamic State. Moreover, this area has been controlled by the Free Syrian Army since 2013.”
He demonstrated photos of the area featuring bomb-destroyed buildings. “You can see on these photos that there are no signs of military activity around these cottages, there are no military hardware, not even signs of military hardware. These are regular gardens and fields with buildings to keep farming tools,” he said.
“Why destroy these buildings? It looks like somebody’s pilots were just training their skills or dropped bombs to report to their command about completed mission,” Kartapolov said.
Airstikes by US-led coalition in Syria increase refugee flow to Europe
Airstrikes of US-led coalition on civilian facilities on the Syrian territory lead to increasing refugee flows to the European Union, Kartapolov went on to say.
“Over the last two weeks, we have provided enough video materials confirming the precision of [Russian] airstrikes. Our jets deliver airstrikes at facilities located outside of settlements,” Kartapolov said.
“It is not in our rules to advise colleagues on where to deliver their airstrikes. However, on October 11, near the settlement of Tel-Alam, the coalition’s jets destroyed by airstrikes a thermal power plant and transformer substation,” he added. As a result, hospitals and schools in Aleppo were left without electricity. Water pumping stations and sewage also stopped working which can be very harmful in the conditions of high temperatures.
“I think that it is unlikely that our partners did not know that the thermal power plant worked only eight hours per day. Airstrikes were delivered for several days, and on October 11, the power station was completely destroyed. One might get an impression that someone is deliberately destroying infrastructure in settlements, thus making the life of local population impossible. Because of that, civilians leave these settlements after losing living conditions and increase the refugee flow to Europe,” Kartapolov noted.
Sun, 2015-10-18 05:42
#168
CrossTalk on Syria: Washington's Confused (and vid)
Sun, 2015-10-18 11:29
#169
Now that Russia and Iran have cemented their alliance and look set to control the future of Syrian politics, the Saudis are rushing to establish a foothold in traditionally Russian-dominated markets. Both Moscow and Riyadh will suffer if Chinese demand doesn't rebound swiftly or worse, continues to decline. Meanwhile, as long as the cost of capital is zero, at least some uneconomic US supply will likely remain online, pressuring prices further and perpetuating the entire dynamic.
The question now, is how long it will be before Riyadh gets desperate enough to attempt to turn the tide in Syria in favor of the Sunni extremist groups battling Moscow and Tehran.
Should the Saudi-UAE-Qatar coalition fighting Iran's proxy army in Yemen decide to get involved in Syria in a last ditch effort to protect their energy interests and counter what will likely morph from a Russia-Iran military nexus into a Russia-Iran energy nexus once the war is over and sanctions on Tehran lifted, then the fireworks will begin in earnest.....from Reuters and Zero Hedge
...yes it's good from time to time to focus on the real world, analyse and prepare serious political strategy!
the breaking point of course for us of the North American state is the collapse of the zero interest loan industry....
Sun, 2015-10-18 15:06
#170
Riyadh is already desperate with good reason. Internally and externally things go from bad to worse. Here as well where ignorance is bliss. For now.
Sun, 2015-10-18 16:12
#171
Russia's Awesome Responsibility - by William Engdahl
http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/18/russias-awesome-responsibility/
"It is an awesome responsilibity Vladimir Putin and the Russian state accepted when they accepted President Assad's request to aid his war on terror.."
Syria - The New South Aleppo Campaign
http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/syria-the-new-south-aleppo-campaign...
"Yesterday the Syrian Arab Army supported by Iraqi adn Iranian forces and the Russian air force launched a surprise attack to the south and east of Aleppo. Progress at the beginning was rapid but resistance has by now grown and the current progress is at a slower, more sustainable pace...."
The Saker: Week Two of the Russian Military Intervention in Syria
http://thesaker.is/week-two-of-the-russian-military-intervention-in-syri...
"Options for Daesh, the Empire and Russia. Just like in Ukraine, the West has created a total mess and now is completely clueless as to what to do about it.."
Mon, 2015-10-19 05:38
#172
America’s War against the “Islamic State” (ISIS) is Over: US-led Warplanes Attack Power Plant in AleppoBy Hazem SabbaghGlobal Research, October 18, 2015SANA 18 October 2015
Mon, 2015-10-19 06:05
#173
Canada's participation in this coalition completely trashes international law and the UN Charter, incidentally.
Tue, 2015-10-20 17:09
#174
Dr Strangelove is Naked - by Pepe Escobar
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/319184-dr-strangelove-naked-escobar/
"The whole Global South is now informed about how the Russian campaign in Syria has swiftly smashed all of 'Exceptionalistan's elaborate plans for a 'Greater Middle East.'
These plans span everything from the Wolfowitz Doctrine to Dr Zbig 'Grand Chessboard' Brzezinski's categorical imperative of preventing the emergence of a strategic competitor across Eurasia. But the subtext was even more intriguing. The Pentagon never saw it coming. And they are absolutely terrified of the inevitable consquences.
The panic was palpable, as relayed by Dr Strangelove, sorry NATO's top commander Gen Philip Breedlove, aka Breedlove/hate, the man who announces every week Russia is invading Ukraine.
Beijing is following in close detail the 'messages' sent by Russia in Syria.
Expect many a naked lunch between Dr Strangelove and his masters in the Beltway."
Wed, 2015-10-21 08:22
#175
Assad To Putin at Moscow Talks: Terrorists Would Seize Large Areas if Russia Did Not Act (and vid)
"Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar Assad held talks in Moscow on Tuesday. The Syrian leader said Russia's actions have prevented the terrorists from seizing large areas in his country.
The two leaders conducted lengthy negotiations, which then continued in the presence of Russia's top policy-makers."
Interview with Colonel General Kartapolov - Russia May Have A Base in Syria
http://thesaker.is/interview-with-colonel-general-andrey-kartapolov-russ...
"Our military observer Victor Baranets talked with the Chief of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff, who is directing the operations in Syria.
The coalition [including CANADA's RCAF] headed by the USA has been bombing ISIS positions for more than a year. But yet we saw that the Syrian territory controlled by ISIS expanded to almost 75%. Can you comment on this?
Colonel General Andre Kartapolov:
"The coalition headed by the US conducts air strikes against objects of ISIS infrastructure. These are bridges, overpasses, electrical substations, thermal grids, hydraulic pump systems. This makes the people's life intolerable.
This does not so much hinder ISIS actions as it substantially complicates the actions of the governmental armies of Assad. By so doing, they have by and large reduced the fighting potential of the armed forces of Syria, due to which these have surrendered more and more positions.
Because transport was made difficult, because there was no water, there was no heat, and no [food] production. ISIS does not need this, they just bought food in various countries and this was delivered to them. (We know who.) Hence the result..."
Thu, 2015-10-22 02:53
#176
Treasonous Jimmy Carter Defies Obama, Gives Russia Maps of Terrorist Positions in Syria
http://russia-insider.com/en/jimmy-carter-defies-obama-gives-russia-maps...
"Carter has devoted his life to treasonous activities such as 'advocating for not killing Palestinian children' and 'helping Russia locate terrorists.' The second offence is clearly the most heinous.
Former President Jimmy Carter said recently that he provided maps of Islamic State positions in Syria to the Russian embassy in Washington.
You demented old man!
Off to Gitmo with you!"
Thu, 2015-10-22 09:53
#177
Valdai Discussion Club Talks Middle East Cycle of Violence. LIVE UPDATES
https://www.rt.com/news/319362-valdai-discussion-club-putin/
"...President Putin is to join the Valdai forum session at 4 PM (1300 GMT). He is expected to deliver his views on world affairs."
Fri, 2015-10-23 16:24
#178
CrossTalk: Syrian Phoenix
http://thesaker.is/crosstalk-syrian-phoenix/
"Regime change or fighting terrorists."
Sun, 2015-10-25 07:19
#179
Hersh Vindicated? Turkish Whistleblowers Corroborate Story on False Flag Sarin Attack in Syria
http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/23/hersh-vindicated-turkish-whistleb...
"This is quite a bombshell delivered by two CHP deputies in hte Turkish parliament and reported today by Today's Zaman, one of the top dailies in Turkey.
It supports Seymour Hersh's reporting that the notorious sarin gas attack at Ghouta was a false flag orchestrated by Turkish intelligence in order to cross President Obama's chemical weapons 'red line' and draw the US into the Syrian war to topple Assad..."
A huge story which will probably not even be reported by MSM.
Sun, 2015-10-25 09:14
#180
Hundreds of Syrian Kurds Arrive in Iraq's Sinjar To Fight Daesh: Report
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/25/434889/Syria-Iraq-Sinjar-Daesh-...
"Some 1,000 fighters from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have entered the northwestern Iraqi town of Sinjar to fight against Daesh Takfiri terrorists, a report says..."
Daesh Executes Syrian Soldier Running Him Over With A Tank (and vid)
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/25/434871/Daesh-Syria-Homs-tank-ex...
"The Daesh (ISIL) Takfiri terrorist group released new footage purportedly showing the execution of a Syrian soldier in the central province of Homs. The Syrian soldier, identified as Fadi Amr al Zaydan, 19, was from the village of Sian in the Jableh area of the western province of Latakia.
The video shows the Syrian soldier being tied down, clad in orange. A tank is afterward seen rolling in his direction and crushing him under its treads."
Mon, 2015-10-26 04:48
#181
CrossTalk: Situation Syria (and vid)
http://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/319665-russia-us-syria-war/
"Washington and its allies remain dumbfounded on how to react. What will prevail - reason and politics or an intensified proxy war? We certainly face a moment of truth.
CrossTalking with Mark Sleboda, Dmitry Babich and Alex Mercouris
Week 3 of the Russian Intervention in Syria - The Return of Diplomacy - by The Saker
http://thesaker.is/week-three-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-the-r...
"Diplomacy makes the use of force much more effective..."
Mon, 2015-10-26 22:10
#182
Battle of Aleppo Is A Must-Win For Russia - by Pepe Escobar
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/319736-battle-aleppo-syria-russia/
"Once again, whatever hangs in the future for Syria on both the political and military fronts depends on the new Battle of Aleppo. The Russia-Syria-Iran-Iraq-Hezbollah coalition in Syria - also linked with the '4+1' intel center in Baghdad - stands a great chance of winning the next Battle of Aleppo.
So how did the 'Coalition of Dodgy Opportunists' - which includes [Canada], Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar alongside the US - help in the fight against ISIS/ISIL/Daesh?
Well, they bombed the Aleppo power plant a little over a week ago. This means bombing Syria's civilian infrastructure - a blatantly 2003 shock and awe-style crime - whose victims are mostly 'the Syrian people' so cherished by 'Exceptionalistan."
Mon, 2015-10-26 22:28
#183
US Signals Military Escalation in Iraq and Syria
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2015/10/26/iraq-o26.html
"US moves to step up its military intervention in Iraq and Syria are largely driven by concerns over the growing influence of Russia in both countries and throughout the Middle East. For the US [and Canada] the war against ISIS has always been subordinated to its determination to oust Assad and install a puppet at the head of the Syrian government.
This is deemed critical to American imperialism's agenda of establishing US hegemony over the oil-rich Middle East."
Tue, 2015-10-27 11:50
#184
Obama Weighs Moving Ground Troops Closer to Battle in Syria: Report
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/27/435203/US-Obama-ground-troops-S...
"Senior national security advisers to US President Barack Obama have recommended measures that would put a number of Special Operations forces on the ground and expand military involvement in Iraq. The debate over the proposed options reflects growing White House frustration with the campaign..."
Two Prominent Promoters of the 'Syrian Revolution' Give Up
http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/two-prominent-promoters-of-the-syri...
"Two prominent fans and promoters of the unicorn Free Syrian Army (FSA) and its 'revolution' are giving up. When the German journalist Jurgen Todenhofer, who traveled to ISIS-controlled Syria and Iraq last year asked about how the FSA is seen by the jihadis he responded:
'They are laughing about the FSA. They don't take them for serious. They say: 'The best arms sellers we have are the FSA. If they get a good weapon they sell it to us."
Tue, 2015-10-27 12:06
#185
US-Turkey 'Buffer Zone' To Save ISIS, Not Stop Them - by Tony Cartalucci
http://landdestroyer.blogspot.ca/2015/10/us-turkey-buffer-zone-to-save-i...
"NATO's irregular forces face their supply lines being completely cut, that is, unless a 'buffer-zone' can be created to save them."
Tue, 2015-10-27 16:41
#186
Two Turkish Lawmakers Say Ankara Tied to Use of Sarin in Syria (and vid)
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/27/435215/Turkey-lawmakers-CHP-Syr...
"Two Turkish lawmakers from the Republican People's Party (CHP) have provided documents showing that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) was linked to the use of chemical agents by militants operating in Syria, Press TV reports.
In a recent press conference in the Turkish capital Ankara, CHP's Ali Seker said sarin, a deadly gas used in chemical weapons, had been produced in Turkey and transferred into Syria.
He said it is impossible that Turkish intelligence officials had been unaware..."
or NATO
Tue, 2015-10-27 16:53
#187
Turkey, Qatar, UAE Planes Fly Daesh Out of Syria To Yemen: Damascus
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/10/27/435259/Syria-Daesh-Yemen-Turkey...
"Turkish, Qatari and Emirati airplanes have transferred hundreds of Takfiri militants from Syria to Yemen following Russian airstrikes on the terrorists positions, the spokesman for the Syrian Armed Forces says..."
Wed, 2015-10-28 05:10
#188
US Ground Ops in Syria 'Illegal', May Lead To 'Unpredictable' Consequences (and vid)
https://www.rt.com/news/319907-us-syria-unpredictable-consequences/
"The consequences of potential US ground operations in Syria would be unpredictable, the head of Russia's parliamentary committee on foreign affairs told RT.
Konstantin Kosachev called on all nations to join the Russian-led coalition against ISIS in Syria that Russia is conducting 'within the framework of international law. We have no intention of joining any other coalition for the simple reason they are outside the framework of international law.
Any operations - air based operations, ground-based operations in Syria by American forces will be illegal, Kosachev told RT, explaining that Washington has not been invited by Damascus to take part in a military operation within a sovereign country."
Nor has Canada, whose presence and actions are also manifestly criminal breaches of international law.
Wed, 2015-10-28 05:40
#189
US To Divide Syria Into Enclaves
http://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2015/10/25/us-to-divide-syria-into...
"President Obama's administration does not have much of a choice - they must either begin to work with Russia or else openly side with the Islamist militias. But the Americans have one more idea up their sleeve, which would be to refrain from interfering in the events in northern Syria, in exchange for support for a plan to partition the country into several zones controlled by Assad's opponents."
Thu, 2015-10-29 06:41
#190
Putin Makes Obama an Offer He Can't Refuse
http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/29/putin-makes-obama-an-offer-he-can...
"No one who's been following events in Syria for the last three weeks should have any doubt about what's really going on. Russia has been methodically wiping out Washington's mercenaries on the ground while recapturing large swathes of land that had been lost to the terrorists.
That, in turn has strengthened Assad's position in Damascus and left the administration's policy in tatters. And that's why Kerry wants another meeting with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pronto even though the two diplomats met less than a week ago.
The Secretary of State is hoping to cobble together some kind of makeshift deal that will stop the killing and salvage what's left of Uncle Sam's threadbare Syria project..."
CrossTalk: Syrian Turning Point? (and vid)
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/319922-syria-civil-war-regime/
"How has Russia's stepped-up role in Syria changed the politics of the country's civil war and the regime?
CrossTalking with James Jatras, Sukant Chandan and Mary Dejevsky
Turkey Threatens 'Whatever Necessary' To Combat Kurdish Autonomy 'Mindset' in Syria
https://www.rt.com/news/320016-turkey-threatens-kurds-syria/
"Threatening continued assaults on the Kurdish militia in Syria, the Turkish president has warned he will not request anyone's permission to do whatever is necessary to prevent the spread of support for Kurdish autonomy, even if it requires bombing US-allied rebels.
The Turkish President also accused Washington of double standards. 'The West still has the mentality of 'my terrorist good, yours is bad,' Erdogan said..."
Thu, 2015-10-29 13:25
#191
____________
LATAKIA, October 29. Pentagon is starting consultations on all-round support for the Kurdish militias in Syria’s Northern provinces, including training and delivery of weapons and military hardware, a source close to the Kurdish militias said.
“Everything is ready. The People’s Defense Forces of the Syrian Kurdistan may hold their first meeting with US intelligence representatives already this week,” the source clarified.
According to the source, the sides will discuss the deadlines and volumes of the military assistance and draw up a list of priority professions, in which the Kurdish militias have the greatest demand.
“If the aid program is launched successfully, it may become the first step on the way towards recognition of the Syrian Kurdistan as a free state,” the source said commenting the mood among the Kurdish militias."
Sorry...couldn't resist adding this bit!
Interesting this! on the utility of playing one world power against another for the end game of territorial autonomy
Fri, 2015-10-30 10:47
#192
Strategic Dimensions of the Relationship Between Israel and Iraqi Kurdistan
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/articles/middle-east/20748-strategic-d...
"...Thus it was not wrong for military affairs commentator Alon Ben-David to assert in Maariv (30 June 2015) that a Kurdish state made up of parts of Iraq, Syria and Turkey would represent - 'a dream ally' for Israel.
There is no doubt that a large Kurdish state would guarantee Israeli interests in Syria, even as the conflict therein is ongoing. The division of Syria into ethnic and sectarian cantons, with the Kurds ceding to Kurdistan, would be Israel's favoured result, as it would liquidate the state of Syria.
US-Backed Kurdish Forces 'Committing War Crimes Against Syrian Civilians'
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/13/us-backed-kurdish-forces-co...
"US-backed Kurdish forces have forcibly displaced thousands of Syrian civilians, mostly Arabs, and demolished villages in northern Syria, Amnesty International has said.
The rights group said at least two villages were completely demolished. In at least eight other villages, the residents were forced to leave and were sometimes threatened with being shot or targeted in US airstrikes. It said the victims were mainly Arab, but also included Turkmens and other Kurds.
Amnesty called on Kurdish officials to end such abuses, compensate families for their losses and hold those responsible to account."
Fri, 2015-10-30 17:46
#193
CrossTalk: Obama Cornered (and vid)* MUST WATCH*
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/32014-obama-administration-syria-us/
"Doubling down or re-calibrating? After finding itself painted into a corner, the Obama administration appears to be doing both when it comes to Syria. However it remains unclear whether either approach will generate the desired outcomes. In the meantime, Russia and its allies have taken matters into their own hands."
Crosstalking with Ray McGovern, Eric Draitser and Brian Becker
Serious Syrian Talking: Is Iran's Involvement a Game Changer?
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/320140-iran-syria-peace-talks/
"Iran's involvement is a reflection that all sides now understand the need for serious Syrian peace talks, says political writer Dan Glazebrook. The US understands that there is no viable military solution for each side any longer, he adds.
'And so, the real question is why now after years of basically trying to sabotage any Syrian peace talks have the US and the allies - the Saudis, Britain and so on [Canada] - now come to their senses and suddenly decide to support Syria's peace talks.
And I think the answer is very obvious - their side is on the verge of total defeat and this is the reason for their sudden Damascene conversion to peace talks they have been continuously trying to sabotage for the last few years..."
Fri, 2015-10-30 18:17
#194
ikosmos
CrossTalk: Obama Cornered (and vid)* MUST WATCH*https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/32014-obama-administration-syria-us/
"Doubling down or re-calibrating? After finding itself painted into a corner, the Obama administration appears to be doing both when it comes to Syria. However it remains unclear whether either approach will generate the desired outcomes. In the meantime, Russia and its allies have taken matters into their own hands."
Crosstalking with Ray McGovern, Eric Draitser and Brian Becker
You know, independently of their analysis of this particular conflict, McGovern, Draitser, Becker and Lavelle come together here to paint a really outstanding and detailed picture of US foreign policy, how it is developed, put into action, and so on. It's worth studying for this reason alone.
This is in such marked contrast to the seemingly intentionally stoo-pid, incoherent, self-contradictory coverage by the major US networks, or the CBC, etc., in Canada, it's just ... stunning. This is what TV is supposed to be. This alone is reason enough to watch Russian "state media" in the form of RT.
Nobody else even comes close to this. When it comes to the information war, it's no contest. And that's new, very new. People ought to consider what this means in the long term.
I think we will look back on this period, historically, as a great turning point, and I must say it fills me with optimism.
Hope is the willingness "to hold out, even in times of pessimism, the possibility of surprise." (Howard Zinn) History is open, and the space of the possible is larger than the one on display.
Fri, 2015-10-30 21:25
#195
The Caliph At the Gates of Vienna - by Pepe Escobar
http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/30/the-caliph-at-the-gates-of-vienna/
"...So while Vienna talks, what is ISIS/ISIL/Daesh really up to?
They are about to choose between two strategies..."
Sat, 2015-10-31 14:28
#196
Le Figaro Poll: Over 70% Want Syria's Assad To Remain in Power
http://www.rt.com/politics/official-word/320261-assad-france-poll-figaro/
"A recent poll carried out by France's Le Figaro newspaper has indicated that at least 72% of respondents want Syrian President Bashar Assad to remain in power. The survey, published on Thursday, asked: 'Should world powers demand Bashar Assad leave?'
At least 28% from 21,314 respondents voted 'Yes', so far, while the majority - 72% - have said 'No.'"
US Stopped Syria Air Strikes While Nusra and IS Prepared Attack on Government Supply Route
http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/us-stopped-syria-air-strikes-while-...
"During the last days a large attack on the Syrian government supply line to Aleppo city was carried out by Jabhat al Nusra (aka Al Qaeda in Syria) and the Islamic State (IS) seemingly in coordination with the US military...."
Russia Destroys Greater Israel Dream
http://www.4thmedia.org/2015/10/russia-destroys-the-greater-israel-dream/
"Putin is in Syria and his realist message to America is : "Share the Middle East with us now or we both fall in the future.' And it looks like Obama has quietly taken heed, in the interest of empire and realism.
The dream of a Greater Israel cannot be realized with Russia dominating the skies and waters of the Levant. This is the current and inescapable reality. This is the wall that suddenly sprang up and instantly separated Zionists and their beloved Greater Israel dream. Because of a 'wall', the dream is now impossible."
And their AIPAC Zionoid wind-up puppets are beside themselves...
Sen Graham Attacks Defense Secretary
Sat, 2015-10-31 21:56
#197
Vienna Talks: 19 Global Powers To Work To Establish Nationwide Syria Ceasefire
https://www.rt.com/news/320178-lavrov-syria-vienna-ceasefire/
"The 19 global and regional powers who have gathered in Vienna have agreed to work toward setting up a nationwide ceasefire in Syria according to the joint statement.
Following is the full text of a joint communique issued on Friday after ministerial talks on a political solution to the civil war as agreed by 17 countries, the European Union and the United Nations.
1. Syria's unity, independence, territorial integrity and secular character are fundamental.
2. State institutions will remain intact
3. The rights of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious denomination, must be protected
4. It is imperative to accelerate all diplomatic efforts to end the war..."
Sun, 2015-11-01 10:02
#198
US Invasion of Syria Begins
http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/31/us-invasion-of-syria-begins/
"Admission of Special Forces in Syria is just the beginning..."
US Special Forces Deployed as 'Human Shields' to Salvage Terror Assets in Syria - by Finian Cunningham
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/320356-syria-us-troops-shields/
"Obama's decision to send Special Forces into Syria is being widely viewed as a US military escalation in the country. The troop dispatch also signals that the US is trying to forestall Russian successes in wiping out Washington's regime-change assets in Syria.
In short, the US Special Forces are bing used as 'human shields' to curb Russian air strikes against anti-government mercenaries, many of whom are instrumental in Washington's regime-change objective in Syria..."
International Military Review - Syria-Iraq Battlespace, Oct 30, 2015 (and vid)
http://thesaker.is/international-military-review-syria-iraq-battlespace-...
"Battle for supply routes."
Sun, 2015-11-01 21:17
#199
Everything You Needed To Know About Syria in 8 Minutes (and vid) - by Mike Whitney
http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/30/everything-you-needed-to-know-abo...
"Here's a short video with Rep Tulsi Gabbard who explains exactly what the US is doing in Syria."
CNN's Blitzer gets blitzed
Mon, 2015-11-02 12:06
#200
ikosmos
Five of 6 Syrian Hospitals Allegedly Hit by Russian Airstrikes Don't Exist
The Russian Defense Ministry has denied the existence of five out of six Syrian hospitals allegedly hit by Russian airstrikes, (and) said that the claims of Western media were unfounded.
Russia's Defense Ministry denied the existence of five out of six Syrian hospitals allegedly hit by Russian airstrikes.
"I would like to remind you that a week ago several leading Western media outlets citing the US-based Syrian American Medical Society accused us of allegedly bombing hospitals in al-Ees, al-Hader, Khan Tuman, Sarmin, Latamna and al-Zirba," ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov told reporters.
I think the diplomatic representatives of a number of NATO regimes in Moscow were called on the carpet and asked to substantiate their (bogus) claims as well. That's got to be embarrassing - humiliated like a badly behaved schoolboy.
Mon, 2015-11-02 15:48
#201
George Galloway's Sputnik - EP 096
https://www.rt.com/shows/sputnik/320301-russia-defense-syria-army/
"Increased Russian intervention in the defense of Syria from foreign invasion has begun to turn the tide. So, for the whys and what nexts who else would we ask on board Sputnik but Hafsa kara Mustapha..."
'My Home Became This Cemetery': Syria Man Forced to Flee War
"RT spoke to the caretaker at a local cemetery in Damascus, who was displaced when the insurgents took over his home. The man lost almost everything except his life, and now works among the dead and never-ending mortar fire."