War in Syria 2

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Fri, 2016-01-22 14:58

NDPP

Turkish Invasion Threat Escalates Syrian Conflict

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2016/01/22/syri-j22.html

"The Syrian government has formally appealed to the United Nations over incursions into its territory by Turkish troops. The protest at the UN comes amid reports that Turkish soldiers have crossed the border and entered the Syrian town of Jarabulus on the western bank of the Euphrates river.

Turkish military actions inside Syria threatens to escalate the internal conflict in that country and increase the threat of a confrontation between Turkey and Russia.

The primary Turkish interest in Syria has been to block the consolidation of an autonomous Kurdish region on Turkey's southern border. The government in Ankara has declared that any attempt by the YPG to cross to the western bank of the Euphrates and link up the two Kurdish cantons of Kobane and Afrin would be a 'red line' that would trigger Turkish military intervention.

ISIS fighters have reportedly offered no resistance to the Turkish incursions, underscoring the barely concealed collaboration between the Islamists and the [NATO] Turkish state..."

Fri, 2016-01-22 16:12

#353

NDPP

CrossTalk: Syria's Moment (and vid)

https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/329785-russia-us-syria-talks/

"Russia and the US appear to be determined - at least in public - that the scheduled Syria talks should happen without delay. Is this realistic?

Russia's intervention on the side of Damascus has stabilized the Syrian state. The other side or sides are anything but stable. CrossTalking with Daniel McAdams, Daniel Wagner and Fawaz Geges

Wed, 2016-01-27 13:21

#354

NDPP

CrossTalk on Syria: US-Russia Standoff

https://youtu.be/1o-iLI1SzMw

"A US-Russia conflict in Syria, just became more likely."

Wed, 2016-01-27 13:32

#355

monty1

The fulfillment of Putin's and Obama's initiative that was detailed in Obama's 'red line' speech could only hold back the US hawks temporarily. Now the only deterrent to US led war against Syria has become the dreaded MAD.

I'm betting that Putin will not back off on Syria because if he does then he will be setting the stage for him needing to back off on Iran and the fragile peace that exists with that nuclear deal.

And the people of Canada are like bloody lemmings, being led over the cliff and applauding the US warmongering even more.

Let's not expect miracles from Trudeau in this sort of sickening political climate. He's no Obama yet but we can be hopeful!

Thu, 2016-01-28 20:21

#356

NDPP

CIA, Saudi Funding of Syrian Extremists Greater Than Previously Realized

http://sptnkne.ws/a6s6

"New reports in the US media reveal secret cooperation between the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Saudi Arabia to fund Daesh and other extreme Islamic groups in Syria were far greater than previously suspected, US scholars told Sputnik.

New details revealed in a New York Times report on Tuesday indicated that the US government and its secret agencies were trying to repeat in Syria the strategy they used against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan 35 years ago, Middle East expert and author Helena Cobban stated..."

Fri, 2016-01-29 20:41

#357

NDPP

Official Syrian Opposition To Join Geneva 3 Peace Talks After About Face - UN Mediator (and vid)

https://www.rt.com/news/330658-syria-geneva-mistura-hnc/

"The long-delayed Syria peace talks, which are expected to last six months, have opened in Geneva without representatives from the leading opposition group or the Kurdish faction, but the UN promises more parties will be joining the negotiating process.

Russia has repeatedly claimed that Geneva-III 'has no future' without the participation of the Kurdish opposition. The Kurds have been blacklisted from the negotiations at the behest of [NATO] Turkey.

Director of ME Studies, U of Oklahoma, Joshua Landis is interviewed.

International Military Review - Syria, Jan 29, 2016

https://youtu.be/aujmkP8Repg

"Militants surrounded in Darayya and Mo Adhimiyah."

Western Media Ignores Putin's Progress in Syria - by Mike Whitney

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/01/29/western-media-ignores-putins-prog...

"So even though Washington has scrapped its plan to topple Assad (temporarily), it has deepened its commitment to create Sunnistan, a new state comprised of eastern Syria and western Iraq controlled by US clients who will allow Western oil giants to connect the pipeline grid from Qatar to Turkey in order to replace Russia as the EU's primary supplier of natural gas..."

Fri, 2016-01-29 20:45

#358

monty1

Excellent! I deserves a comment but I'll wait for this kind of stuff to make it to the Western media before getting excited. Counterpunch doesn't cut it and that's too bad.

Sat, 2016-01-30 12:34

#359

NDPP

Germany and the UNO Against Syria

http://www.voltairenet.org/article190102.html

"The neo-conservative and liberal hawks who have been preparing the war against Syria since 2001 have been relying on several states from the UNO [United Natons Organization] and the Gulf Cooperation Council. While we know about the role played by General David Petraeus in launching and pursuing the war until today, two personalities - Jeffrey Feltman (number 2 at the UNO) and Volker Perthes (Director of the main German think tank) - have remained in the shadows.

Together with the support of Berlin, they have been using and are still manipulating the United Nations in order to destroy Syria..."

Sat, 2016-01-30 12:49

#360

monty1

NDPP wrote:

Syria: Russian Campaign Enables Government Progress

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/01/syria-russian-campaign-enables-gove...

"Terrorists lines fall apart..."

Interesting how you can take a US hillbilly site and counterspin it for the story we're all waiting to hear more of. Well done!

Sat, 2016-01-30 13:03

#361

voice of the damned

I believe the title Moon Of Alabama comes from a Bertolt Brecht song, something not exactly associated with the kind of person commonly derided as a "hillbilly".

And the gist of the site, from what I've seen, is anti-imperialist, so NDPP likely wasn't counterspinning much.

Sat, 2016-01-30 13:13

#362

monty1

voice of the damned wrote:
I believe the title Moon Of Alabama comes from a Bertolt Brecht song, something not exactly associated with the kind of person commonly derided as a "hillbilly".

And the gist of the site, from what I've seen, is anti-imperialist, so NDPP likely wasn't counterspinning much.

Thanks but I didn't pay much attention to what it was. Disappointed though.

Sat, 2016-01-30 13:18

#363

NDPP

Thanks VOTD. It is very much as you say. Enjoy...

Moon of Alabama

https://youtu.be/x-5ata4jDyk

https://youtu.be/JWRBl4SNEcQ

https://youtu.be/C648sopLG1I

Sat, 2016-01-30 16:13

#364

monty1

NDPP wrote:

Thanks VOTD. It is very much as you say. Enjoy...

Moon of Alabama

https://youtu.be/x-5ata4jDyk

https://youtu.be/JWRBl4SNEcQ

https://youtu.be/C648sopLG1I

It's a site I've never seen or hear of and I've been at this game for over a decade and a half now. Right back to the 99 Kosovo war. Where do you find your sources for this sort of articles? It can't be antiwar.com I'm thinking because I don't know of it ever appearing there. I'm asking in the iterest of accessing your sources myself.

Sat, 2016-01-30 18:06

#365

NDPP

Try clicking links?

Russia Supports 'Syrian Kurds' Participation in the Intra-Syria Talks - Diplomat

http://tass.ru/en/politics/853308

"Some regional powers* insist on excluding the Kurds. We believe we should not yield to this blackmail,' he stressed.

*[NATO] Turkey, Saudi Arabia

Sat, 2016-01-30 19:38

#366

NDPP

Israel, Turkey and ISIS Ally To Steal Syrian Energy - by Maram Susli

https://t.co/AWJQuthlpg

"Israel and Turkey have a shared agenda in Syria. Both would economically benefit from the dismantlement of the Syrian state through the suport of terrorist groups operating in the country..."

Al Masdar: Podcast 03 - Prof Tim Anderson and the Dirty War on Syria (podcast)

http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/podcast/25659/

"Brad Blankenship discusses issues such as the Syrian civil war and the state of Latin America with Dr Tim Anderson - propaganda and international agendas in the Syrian conflict."

Sun, 2016-01-31 09:48

#367

NDPP

Syria Peace Talks in Geneva: LIVE UPDATES

https://www.rt.com/news/330757-syria-talks-live-updates/

"Sunday's bomb attacks in Damascus, which have claimed 45 lives, serve to prove that the Syrian opposition has links to terrorism, said the head of the Syrian delegation in Geneva..."

This is a venue for the West and its GCC allies to attempt to gain through 'talks' what they have failed to achieve through their terrorism and/or on the battlefield.

Sun, 2016-01-31 10:39

#368

voice of the damned

monty1 wrote:

NDPP wrote:

Thanks VOTD. It is very much as you say. Enjoy...

Moon of Alabama

https://youtu.be/x-5ata4jDyk

https://youtu.be/JWRBl4SNEcQ

https://youtu.be/C648sopLG1I

It's a site I've never seen or hear of and I've been at this game for over a decade and a half now. Right back to the 99 Kosovo war. Where do you find your sources for this sort of articles? It can't be antiwar.com I'm thinking because I don't know of it ever appearing there. I'm asking in the iterest of accessing your sources myself.

Apparently, it's a spinoff site from a blog that used to appear on the Daily Kos, called Whiskey Bar, after the Brecht/Weill song popularized by The Doors and others. Since the lines "the moon of Alabama" also appear in that song, I guess that's the reason for the name of the new site.

Though one can be forgiven for thinking that the title is meant to indicate that the site is located in Alabama. Maybe it is, I don't know.

Sun, 2016-01-31 11:14

#369

NDPP

You Have Now Landed In Geneva, Syria - by Pepe Escobar

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article44077.htm

"...It's easy to pinpoint who's livid with all the Russian action: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and - last but not least - the 'Empire of Chaos,' all at the table in Geneva.

It's by now clear that the winners, as it stands, on the ground, are the '4+1', and the losers are Saudi Arabia and Turkey. So, no wonder the Saudis want at least some of their proxies at the negotiating table in Geneva, while Turkey hopes to change the subject by barring the Syrian Kurds.

As if this was not messy enough, US 'Think-Tankland', is now spinning there is an 'understanding' between Washington and Ankara for what will be, for all practical purposes, a Turkish invasion of northern Syria, under the pretext of Ankara smashing ISIS/ISIL/DAESH in northern Aleppo.

This is bound to be the next big thing, fully eclipsing the Geneva pantomime.

Well, looks like war then..."

Canada, of course, is with the losers.

Sun, 2016-01-31 12:24

#370

monty1

voice of the damned wrote:
monty1 wrote:

NDPP wrote:

Thanks VOTD. It is very much as you say. Enjoy...

Moon of Alabama

https://youtu.be/x-5ata4jDyk

https://youtu.be/JWRBl4SNEcQ

https://youtu.be/C648sopLG1I

It's a site I've never seen or hear of and I've been at this game for over a decade and a half now. Right back to the 99 Kosovo war. Where do you find your sources for this sort of articles? It can't be antiwar.com I'm thinking because I don't know of it ever appearing there. I'm asking in the iterest of accessing your sources myself.

Apparently, it's a spinoff site from a blog that used to appear on the Daily Kos, called Whiskey Bar, after the Brecht/Weill song popularized by The Doors and others. Since the lines "the moon of Alabama" also appear in that song, I guess that's the reason for the name of the new site.

Though one can be forgiven for thinking that the title is meant to indicate that the site is located in Alabama. Maybe it is, I don't know.

Thank you. I've been to Daily Kos fairly regularly and haven't seen it there. No problem, just though NDPP would know.

Sun, 2016-01-31 12:38

#371

monty1

NDPP wrote:

You Have Now Landed In Geneva, Syria - by Pepe Escobar

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article44077.htm

"...It's easy to pinpoint who's livid with all the Russian action: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and - last but not least - the 'Empire of Chaos,' all at the table in Geneva.

It's by now clear that the winners, as it stands, on the ground, are the '4+1', and the losers are Saudi Arabia and Turkey. So, no wonder the Saudis want at least some of their proxies at the negotiating table in Geneva, while Turkey hopes to change the subject by barring the Syrian Kurds.

As if this was not messy enough, US 'Think-Tankland', is now spinning there is an 'understanding' between Washington and Ankara for what will be, for all practical purposes, a Turkish invasion of northern Syria, under the pretext of Ankara smashing ISIS/ISIL/DAESH in northern Aleppo.

This is bound to be the next big thing, fully eclipsing the Geneva pantomime.

Well, looks like war then..."

Canada, of course, is with the losers.

Depends what you mean by 'losers'. I have no idea but maybe somebody else will?

Sun, 2016-01-31 14:37

#372

NDPP

UN Talks on Syria To Lead Nowhere: Analyst Eric Draitser (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/01/31/448141/Syria-peace-talks--Eric-

"...Based on what we are seeing, the US is pushing for a de facto partitioning of the country. That is what the US is doing with this air-base, laying the groundwork or a military front for peeling off parts of Syria and establishing what could only be described as terrorist safe-havens backed by the US."

Mon, 2016-02-01 17:30

#373

NDPP

Turkish Artillery Shelling Syrian Territory - Russian Military (and vid)

https://www.rt.com/news/330858-turkey-shells-syrian-territory/

"The Russian Defense Ministry has presented video evidence it says shows Turkish military shelling Syrian territory using heavy artillery positioned close to the border. Syrian opposition groups have also provided video evidence of the Turkish military shelling Syrian territory.

'This is what we call a fact. This is irrefutable proof that Turkish armed forces shell borderline Syrian settlements with large-caliber artillery systems,' Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Major General Igor Konashenkov stressed.

'We expect an immediate reaction and explanation of the actions of Turkish military by NATO and the Pentagon,' Konashenkov said."

Turkey's Syrian Calculation: Gambling on an Invasion?

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/01/turkeys-syrian-calculation-gambli...

"Developments in the next few months may determine who are the long-term winners and losers in the region for decades. President Bashar al Assad's forces are advancing on several fronts under a Russian air umbrella. The five year campaign by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to overthrow Assad in Damascus by backing the armed opposition, looks to be close to defeat.

Turkey could respond to this by accepting a fait accomplit, conceding that it would be difficult for it to send its army into northern Syria in the face of strong objections from the US and Russia. But, if the alternative is failure and humiliation, then it may do just that.

Gerard Chaliand the French expert on irregular warfare and the politics of the Middle East, speaking in Erbil last week, said that 'without Erdogan as leader, I would say the Turks would not intervene militarily [in northern Syria], but, since he is, I think they will do so..."

Tue, 2016-02-02 18:44

#374

NDPP

Turkey Invading Syria!

[NATO] Turkey Moves Border Into Syria - Builds Bulwarks, Local Kurds Claim

https://youtu.be/n-TyWzxdUCM

"The Kurdish minority in northern Syria says Turkey is attempting to extend its border into Syrian territory. Video shows Turkish bulldozers building fortifications inside Syria."

Wed, 2016-02-03 13:53

#375

NDPP

UK's Remarks on Russia, Inversion of Reality: Activist (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/02/03/448569/UK-Russia-Syria-Hammond-...

"Eric Draitser, founder of stopimperialism.com on remarks made by UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, saying Russia is fanning the flames of war in Syria.

'The political elites in the West are moving towards what the Brookings Institution called the deconstruction of Syria, the seizure of certain territories inside of the country for the purposes of breaking it up and preventing a unified Syria from emerging from this war."

Wed, 2016-02-03 17:54

#376

NDPP

CrossTalk: Syrian Quagmire

https://youtu.be/jU-uqmJhiXg

"Ending Syrian civil war is a daunting endeavor..."

Oil Price Treachery? Are the Saudis Blackmailing Putin For Concessions on Syria? - by Mike Whitney

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/03/79412/

"The only way Washington is going to be able to force Putin into making the 'geopolitical concessions' they want is by using Saudi oil for leverage. Is this the strategy behind Geneva, to use the fake 'peace talks' to put a gun to Putin's head and see if he'll cave in?"

Thu, 2016-02-04 10:08

#377

iyraste1313

Meanwhile, a senior commander of the Fath al-Halab (Conquest of Aleppo) terrorists group, Major Yasser Abdel Rahim, fled the battle against the Syrian army in Northern Aleppo and took shelter in Turkey. This marks a significant fall of the militants’ morale in the province.....from Southfront....

...so the mercenary terrorist groups backed by the duplicitous NATO Alliance is being pushed out of Syria in the North back into Turkey, in the West into the Golan and in the South into Jordan, via close collaboration between the Syria Government, the Peoples Self defence forces and Russian aerospace weaponry and Intelligence...

"The only way Washington is going to be able to force Putin into making the 'geopolitical concessions'.....

...an important lesson for us....it`s the workings and strength of Peoples movements on the ground, allied with international forces that will always make the difference!
The Syrian Government with the full support of the Peoples defence committees will not back down from full victory!

And NATO? bankrupt countries spread over everywhere may no longer be the force they once were!

Thu, 2016-02-04 14:09

#378

NDPP

Why the Sultan of Chaos is Freaking Out - by Pepe Escobar

https://www.rt.com/op-edge/331279-erdogan-syria-aleppo-turkey/

"Picture sleepless nights at 'Sultan' Erdogan's palace in Ankara. Imagine him livid when he learns the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) backed by Russian air power, started a preemptive Battle of Aleppo - through the Bayirbucak region - cutting off Ankara's top weaponizing corridor and Jihadi highway.

Who controls this corridor will control the final outcome of the war in Syria..."

Syrian 'Negotiations' Over Insurgency's Northern Supply Route Concluded

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/syria-negotiations-over-insurgency-...

"Good news from Syria. The battlefield 'negotiatons' over the insurgency's supply route to the north were successfully concluded. After nearly 4 years the siege on Nubl and Zahraa has been lifted. The northern supply route from insurgency held areas in Aleppo province and Aleppo city to Turkey has been severed.

A Syrian author in ALeppo just tweeted: 'This is the beginning of the end of Jihadi presence in Aleppo. After 4 years of war and terror, people can finally see the end in sight in Syria."

Turkey Might Be Gearing Up For Invasion of Syria - Russia Defence Ministry

https://youtu.be/Mvwk67LTcjY

"Developments on the Turkish-Syrian border gives serious grounds to suspect that Ankara is planning a military invasion in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said."

Thu, 2016-02-04 16:40

#379

NDPP

Saudi Arabia Ready To Take Part in Any US-Led Ground Operation in Syria - Military Spokesman

https://www.rt.com/news/331322-saudi-us-ground-operations-syria/

"Saudi Ministry of Defense spokesman: Saudi Arabia ready to send ground troops to Syria to fight Daesh (ISIS) if asked. 'If there was a consensus from the leadership of the coalition, the kingdom is willing to participate in these efforts because we believe that aerial operations are not the ideal solution and there must be a twin mix of aerial and ground operations,' the spokesman stressed."

Like Saudi, Canada too awaits its marching orders from 'the leadership' above

Thu, 2016-02-04 18:54

#380

iyraste1313

¨Like Saudi, Canada too awaits its marching orders from 'the leadership' above¨

What we are witnessing surely must be one of the most perverted cynical manouevers in the history of war operations, where the antaganists are partial allies, and their warfare is nothing but theater, while their operations actually serve another purpose!
how diabolical!

Curious of course as to who you may think the above actually is.....

Thu, 2016-02-04 23:17

#381

NDPP

Analyst Eric Draitser on Syria Developments - Washington's Two-Track Attack Plan (audio)

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/02/04/448736/Kerry-Russia-Syria-Daesh...

"Kerry's remarks hint at Washington's fading influence in Syria..."

Fri, 2016-02-05 21:38

#382

iyraste1313

Saudi Arabia Ready To Take Part in Any US-Led Ground Operation in Syria - Military Spokesman.....

yes this is just too hard to believe...a coalition invasion of Syria, what with the evident destruction of their mercenary armies?

This is getting a bit too uncomfortably close to the end game solution

Fri, 2016-02-05 22:06

#383

NDPP

'US Seeks Broader War in Syria, Encourages Saudi Intervention' - Analyst (and vid)

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/02/05/448841/US-broader-war-Syria

"The US and its allies are desperate to salvage their position. Now it is encouraging Saudi Arabia to deploy ground troops to Syria to accomplish its mission, an American political analyst and scholar, Daniel Etler says..."

You sure you want to follow this coalition into the hell of a full-blown ME proxy war, Canada?

Sat, 2016-02-06 21:06

#384

NDPP

Saudi Troops Deployment To Syria Miscalculation: Analyst (and vid)

http://217.218.67.231/Detail/2016/02/06/448997/Syria-Saudi-Arabic-Turkey...

"Press TV has interviewed Aly el Kabbany, author and journalist, about Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al Muallem warning against any foreign ground intervention in his country, after reports emerged that Saudi Arabia and Turkey are considering the dispatch of troops into Syria.

'They are claiming that they want to send ground troops to fight Daesh, and we all know that Daesh is Saudi-made, Saudi-financed and Saudi-equipped. So to end their troops to fight the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), means, as the Foreign Secretary of Syria says, their troops will be sent back in coffins.

We find it ironic and ridiculous that they say they are going there to fight Daesh, because they can fight Daesh from Riyadh by stopping the finances and stopping the arms they are supplying them day in and day out."

Sat, 2016-02-06 22:33

#385

Basement Dweller

From what I understand, the Saudis already have enough trouble in Yemen. I doubt they can do anything in Syria.

Sun, 2016-02-07 00:20

#386

monty1

Basement Dweller wrote:

From what I understand, the Saudis already have enough trouble in Yemen. I doubt they can do anything in Syria.

Wise words. They won't because Russia won't let them and if they tried then that would draw the US into it. And that means the big one.

No, Russia is back to take the place of the Soviet Union as the deterrent to US led wars in Syria and Iran. And China has Russia's back The US party is over because it's not just a matter of demonizing and then going in with the bombs.

Sun, 2016-02-07 00:42

#387

kropotkin1951

Basement Dweller wrote:

From what I understand, the Saudis already have enough trouble in Yemen. I doubt they can do anything in Syria.

Do you mean other than murder civilians?

Quote:

He put civilian casualties recorded between 26 March and 31 December, 2015 at 8,119 people, 2,795 of them killed and 5,324 wounded, noting that at least 62 civilians were reported killed by airstrikes attributed to coalition forces in December, more than twice the number of November. “We have also received alarming information on the alleged use of cluster bombs by coalition forces in Hajjah Governorate,” he added, reporting that an OHCHR team found remnants of 29 cluster submunitions near banana plantations in Al-Odair village in Haradh District. “According to witnesses, several other villages in the same area have also been affected. Our team also documented the use of cluster submunitions in several other districts, including Hairan and Bakel Al-Meer, and interviewed two patients who had reportedly been wounded, in separate incidents, after stepping on unexploded submunitions.”

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=52938#.VrbYElLKBaU

Sun, 2016-02-07 06:40

#388

NDPP

Risking World War III in Syria

https://consortiumnews.com/2016/02/06/risking-world-war-iii-in-syria/

"The US cannot likely stand by and watch Russia win in Syria. From the outset of Russia's intervention, the US and its allies have wanted Russia out of the Syrian theater. The entry of the US and its allies would risk a direct confrontation between the two largest nuclear powers on earth."

Sun, 2016-02-07 19:14

#389

NDPP

Not Russian Operations, But NATO's Incursion in Middle East To Blame For Syrian Crisis - Moscow

https://www.rt.com/news/331657-nato-russia-syria-tensions/

"The comments that the Russian air operation is the source of tensions in Syria is 'nonsense', Major General Igor Konashenkov, Russia's Defense Ministry spokesman said on Sunday. 'If anybody in Syria is 'tense' today because of the Russian Air Force in Syria, it's the terrorists,' he stressed.

'As for why the NATO countries feel as 'tense' as the terrorists - it's a question to be addressed to [NATO's] Stoltenberg himself,' he added. We would like to remind Mr Stoltenberg that it's not the Russian Air-Space Forces operation which are the source of the crisis in Syria, but the reckless actions and NATO that plunged the whole Middle East region into chaos,' Konanshenkov said.

According to the spokesperson, the possibility of peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition wasn't even discussed in the West before Moscow sent its warplanes to the country.

'Only the deadline for the complete destruction of the country [Syria], in accordance with the Libyan scenario where NATO countries have been freely establishing Western-style 'democracy' was specified,' he said."

Week 17 of the Russian Intervention in Syria. Does Erdogan Want War with Russia?

http://www.unz.com/tsaker/week-seventeen-of-the-russian-intervention-in-...

"The situation with Turkey is rapidly getting out of control. Just as in the Donbass, the West is trying to bait Russia into a war and Russia is refusing to take the bait..."

Syria: NATO's Last Desperate Options in Lost Proxy War - by Tony Cartalucci

http://journal-neo.org/2016/02/06/syria-natos-last-desperate-options-in-...

"The West, Gulf countries and Turkey support the opposition; while Russia, China and Iran support the regime..."

Sun, 2016-02-07 22:38

#390

NDPP

Why Kerry Blames The Opposition For the Continuing Bombing in Syria

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/why-kerry-blames-the-opposition-for...

"During a conversation on the sidelines of this week's Syria donor conference in London, sources say, Kerry blamed the SYrian opposition for leaving the talks and paving the way for a joint offensive by the Syrian government and Russia on Aleppo.

"He said, 'Don't blame me - go and blame your opposition'," one of the aid workers, who asked to remain anonymous to protect her organisation, told Middle East Eye.

"He said that basically, it was the opposition that didn't want to negotiate, and didn't want a ceasefire and they walked away..'What do you want me to do? Go to war with Russia, is that what you want?' the aid worker said Kerry told her.

The US is now trying to find some end to the conflict in Syria. Someone finally told Kerry that Russia is not in a 'quagmire' in Syria but is winning. The US is in a hurry now as it knows that it will have zero influence left on the issue should the Syrian government and Russia have the time to kill off the opposition.

Secretary Kerry also called on the Russians to stop their bombing campaign in Aleppo province. But that contradicts the UN Resolution 2254 under which the talks in Geneva are held. That resolution clearly calls for a continutation of the Russian and Syrian campaign.

The insurgents in Aleppo province as well as in Idleb province are officially allied with the Nusra Front which is al Qaeda in Syria. They are clearly a target of the above resolution and thereby a legitimate target of Russian bombs. Indeed, those who criticize Kerry for blaming the opposition because it ran away from Geneva, ignore the resolution.

It is the plan the US and Russia have agreed to follow. That plan ends the war in Syria in a ceasefire, but only when the opposition agrees to one, AND cuts all ties with al Qaeda and ISUS. As the opposition and its sponsors are unwilling to do so, the Syrian-Russian campaign against them will continue, as agreed upon by the UNSC, until the end."

It cannot be over-emphasized. Russia's actions in Syria proceed as per international law. The US-led coalition's actions, do not.

Sun, 2016-02-07 22:59

#391

kropotkin1951

Yes the Syrian operations by NATO are an illegal invasion of a sovereign country and soon we may be sending in ground troops. The people of this country might object if they had anything but corporate or state media on the major airwaves. CBC is about as unbiased as Press TV.

Mon, 2016-02-08 15:00

#392

Basement Dweller

I don't have a lot of time to read, but have been following up on Syria this holiday. It is extremely scary. If the city of Allepo is entirely recaptured by the Syrian Government, I expect Turkey and KSA will invade from the North. They will come up against the Russians and Iranians.

How could this be stopped?

Mon, 2016-02-08 18:38

#393

monty1

Basement Dweller wrote:

I don't have a lot of time to read, but have been following up on Syria this holiday. It is extremely scary. If the city of Allepo is entirely recaptured by the Syrian Government, I expect Turkey and KSA will invade from the North. They will come up against the Russians and Iranians.

How could this be stopped?

The best way is to stop it before it starts. The US will likely do that through it's Nato mouthpiece. If

it happens then that means Russia faces Turkey and you probably know what that means. Understanding that is the best way to know what will happen and what won't happen.

Mon, 2016-02-08 18:55

#394

NDPP

Oil Prices and ISIS Ruin Kurdish Dream of Riches

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/08/oil-prices-and-isis-ruin-kurdish-...

"The civil war in Syria and Iraq and the rise of Islamic State (ISIS) has brought the 30 million Kurds in the ME new terrors and fresh opportunities. In Syria, the conflict has led to the creation of a Kurdish quasi-state between the Tigris and Euphrates that fields a powerful army supported by US air power..."

Mon, 2016-02-08 18:57

#395

NDPP

You are correct BD. It's an extremely dangerous and alarming possibility. If so, my prediction is a lot of Saudi and Turkish hamburger left on the battlefield. But the prospect of NATO Turkey fighting Russia in Syria is obviously more than alarming, even with a UN Security Council Resolution authorizing RF operations in Syria.

CrossTalk: Bullhorns Spin the Spin

https://youtu.be/VYUk81gPwYs

"Pause in Syria peace talks - who is at fault?"

'Pretext To Involve US': UAE Joins Gulf Monarchies Ready To Send Troops To Syria

https://youtu.be/arON9luUxWg

"The initiative in Syria is meant to combat both, Islamic State and the brutal Assad regime.' - Bahrain Ambassador to UK.

Tue, 2016-02-09 06:20

#396

NDPP

International Military Review - Syria, Feb 8, 2016

https://youtu.be/6N6ch9a7RIU

Saudi Invasion of Syria: The Bluff That Could Ignite World War III - by Finian Cunningham

https://www.rt.com/op-edge/331648-saudi-invasion-syria-bluff/

"...Russia and Syria can reasonably argue that the UN resolutions passed in November and December give them the perogative to continue their campaign to defeat ISIS and all other A/Q-linked terror groups. But it seems now clear that Kerry was counting on the Geneva talks as a way of stalling the Russian-Syrian assaults on the regime-change mercenaries..."

Tue, 2016-02-09 13:07

#397

monty1

Saudi being a non-Nato country could be a plan. Get it heated up without Nato having an obligation. But I'm not going to spend a lot of time here talking to links.

Tue, 2016-02-09 13:59

#398

ikosmos

Alexander Mercouris has written a piece for Sputnik in which he makes one very important point; the Syrian Arab Army, with Russian AF support, isn't "attacking" Aleppo. They are defending it.

SAA is defending Aleppo

Thu, 2016-02-11 05:56

#399

NDPP

US A-10s Bombed City of Aleppo on Wednesday, Shifted Blame Onto Moscow - Russian Military (and vid)

https://www.rt.com/news/332109-russian-jets-isis-warlords/

"Two US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II assault warplanes carried out airstrikes on the city of Aleppo on Wednesday, destroying nine facilities, Russia's Defense Ministry reported. The same day, the Pentagon accused Moscow of bombing two Aleppo hospitals, while there were no Russian flights over the city.

'Yesterday, at 13:55 Moscow Time (10:55 GMT). two American A-10 assault aircraft entered Syrian airspace from Turkey, flew right to the city of Aleppo and bombed targets there,' Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said Thursday.

Also on Wednesday, Konashenkov recalled, the Pentagon spokesman, Colonel Steven Warren claimed that Russian warplanes 'allegedly bombed two hospitals in Aleppo. In his words, some 50,000 Syrians have been allegedly deprived of vital services,' Konashenkov said, pointing out that Warren forgot 'to mention either hospitals' coordinates, or the time of the airstrikes, or sources of information.'

'No Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in Aleppo city yesterday. The nearest target engaged was over 20 km away from the city,' Konashenkov stressed, adding that on the contrary, airplanes from the US-led anti-ISIS coalition were active over Aleppo..."

bomb any hospitals in Aleppo lately Canada?

Putin's Aleppo Gamble Pays Off - by Mike Whitney

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/10/putins-aleppo-gamble-pays-off/

"Last week's game-changing triumph in northern Syria has moved the Russian-led coaltion to within striking distance of a decisive victory in Aleppo. A victory in Aleppo will change the course of the war by restoring government control over the densely populated western corridor. This is why the Obama administration is frantically searching for ways to either delay or derail the Russian-led juggernaut and avoid the impending collapse of US policy in Syria.

Even so, Kerry has not abandoned the diplomatic track. In fact, Kerry plans to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Munich on February 11 for a meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) to discuss 'all aspects of the Syrian settlement in line with the UN Security Council resolution 2254.'

The emerging meeting underscores the Obama administration's utter desperation in the face of the inexorable Russian-led military offensive. It's clear now that Obama and his lieutenants see the handwriting on the wall and realize that their sinister plan to use proxy armies to remove Assad and splinter the country into three particular regions is doomed to fail.

While it is impossible to know whether Turkey, Saudi Arabia or the US will actually invade Syria, it's clear by the panicky reaction to the encirclement of Aleppo, that all three countries feel their regional ambitions are more closely aligned with those of the jihadists then with the elected government in Damascus.

This tacit alliance between the militants and sponsors speaks volumes about the credibility of Washington's fake war on terror."

Washington Presents Russia as a Threat to Downplay Success Against ISIS

https://youtu.be/tQH8bWAQGb8

"Joining RT's Simone Del Rosario is professor and former Ronald Reagan adviser Paul Craig Roberts to discuss the military balance in Syria. Roberts says that Washington's goal in Syria is to overthrow Assad..."

Foreign Policy Diary - Turkey's Military Intervention in Syrai

https://youtu.be/9VI5qpK_Sc0

Thu, 2016-02-11 06:24

#400

josh

UN: Assad regime is committing crimes against humanity.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-assad-regime-k...

Thu, 2016-02-11 07:28

#401

NDPP

You see Virginia, I knew this would all turn out to be the evil dictator's fault in the end... I knew regime change in Syria was a good idea...Only one problem - the whole bag of dirty tricks and smear campaigns has already been tried. It didn't work. And now they're losing. So I guess they just start over from the beginning. All. Over. Again..

There's been one or two a year of these since this thing started. Prince bin Ra'ads is only the latest...Add it to the pile.

Syrian Regime Accused of Crimes Against Humanity By UN

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/feb/23/syrian-regime-crimes-humani...

Bashar al Assad implicated in Syria War Crimes Says UN

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/02/syrian-officials-involved-w...

I wonder if those western unknown parties who planned, choreographed and set this evil thing in motion will ever be accused?

And if they do manage to pull their 'regime-change' operation off and get rid of Assad, then I suggest a nice western-backed 'moderate rebel of the armed opposition' take his place. Here's one...

Khalid al Hamad of the Free Syrian Army For President of Syria!

http://www.frontpagemag.com/point/189491/moderate-islamist-free-syrian-a...

War in Syria 2

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