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Comrade

07-26-2015, 09:23 PM

For anyone new, this thread is a continuation of a previous anti-imperialist news thread (http://www.thebellforum.com/showthread.php?t=56734&page=26&p=481331#post481331) that I started in August 2011 following NATO’s illegal onslaught on Tripoli. The format and tone will remain the same: uncompromising opposition to US imperialism’s wars, coups, and meddling. We’ll also be regularly condemning US “leftists” that make apologist arguments for US imperialism and its laughable Democratic Party political machine. – Comrade

Syria news:

West hypocritical in fighting terrorism: Syria's Assad (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/26/421935/Syria-PreAssad-ISIS-UN) (PressTV)

Israeli Military Admits to Supporting Al Qaeda and ISIS in Syria (http://www.globalresearch.ca/israeli-military-admits-to-supporting-al-qaeda-and-isis-in-syria/5464484) (Washington's Blog)

Syria calls for regional alliance to counter terrorism (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/24/421669/Syria-Walid-Muallem-antiterrorism-alliance-Ali-Jannati) (PressTV)

Tunisia restores diplomatic ties with Syria: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/25/421756/Tunisia-Syria-Ibrahim-Fawri-Taieb-Baccouche-Bashar-Assad-) (PressTV) (Some good news on the diplomatic front. In 2011, a US-backed Brotherhood regime was installed into power in Tunisia, but it was later defeated in last year’s parliamentary elections. The new Tunisian government has now restored relations with Syria’s legitimate government. – Comrade)

Syria, Hezbollah tighten noose on Takfiris in Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/22/421367/Syria-Hezbollah-Zabadani-Sahl-Zabadani) (PressTV)

Syria army fighting to liberate Jisr al-Shughour (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/22/421316/Syria-army-Jisr-alShughour-Idlib-Zabadani-Hezbollah) (PressTV)

Syrian army kills tens of Takfiris, makes fresh gains in new operations (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/25/421726/Syria-SANA-ISIL-Syrian-Arab-Armys-Air-Force-Homs-Lattakia-Aleppo-Naeem-Qassem) (PressTV)

Syria army, Hezbollah fighters advancing in Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/25/421850/Syria-ISIL-Zabadani-Kurds-YPG-Hasakah) (PressTV)

Syrian army, Kurdish fighters advance against ISIL in Hasakah (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/26/422023/Syrian-army-Kurdsish-fighters-advance--ISIL-Hasakeh) (PressTV)

Syrian army repels militant attack in Dara’a (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/26/422012/Syria-Daraa-ISIL-Hasakah) (PressTV)

Turkey news:

Turkey Lauches War On Islamic State's Worst Enemies - The Kurds (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/07/turkey-re-lauches-war-on-kurds.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Exactly, don’t fall for the propaganda about Erdogan’s regime supposedly “bombing the IS” – he’s really just bombing the Kurds. – Comrade)

Turkey's War On Kurds Realigns Syrian Kurds With Their Government (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/07/turkeys-war-on-kurds-realigns-kurds-with-the-syrian-government.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Kurds clash with police in Istanbul after deadly Suruc terror attack (http://www.rt.com/news/310306-police-kurds-protests-istanbul/) (RT)

Iraq news:

ISIL commanders flee from Iraq’s Fallujah to Turkey: Local source (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/22/421300/Iraq-ISIL-commanders-Anbar-Fallujah-Turkey) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Today Yemen has now weathered four months of US/Saudi aggression. – Comrade

Death toll from Saudi airstrikes against Yemen’s Taiz rises to 120 (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/25/421751/Death-toll-Saudi-aggression-airstrikes-Taiz-Yemen--) (PressTV) (If a Republican were in the White House, there would be a large US ‘anti-war’ movement protesting against this US/Saudi onslaught on Yemen. But with the Democrats still in power, all we hear is eerie silence from the liberal left. – Comrade)

Yemeni forces destroy Saudi military vehicle killing all passengers in Aden (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/21/421139/Yemen-Saudi-aden-vehicle---) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces target Saudi bases in retaliatory strikes (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/22/421358/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-airstrikes-Shabwah-Jawf) (PressTV)

Aden has not fallen to pro-Hadi militants: Ansarullah (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/23/421461/Yemen-Aden-Ansarullah-proHadi-militants-Mohammed-alBukhaiti) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces launch retaliatory attacks on Saudi military bases (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/24/421723/Yemen-Saudi-Jizan-Dhahran) (PressTV)

Iran news:

Persia's approaching gold rush (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/310475-apparoaching-persian-gold-rush/), by Pepe Escobar.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Regime change in Russia? Think again, neocons (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/310744-neocons-regime-change-russia/), by Neil Clark.

Israeli-made air-to-air missile may have downed MH17 – report (http://www.rt.com/news/310039-mh17-israeli-missile-version/) (RT)

Ukraine Leader Suggests National Police May Be Headed by Foreigner (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150725/1025050955.html) (Sputnik News) (The “nationalist” junta is installing yet another foreigner into power. – Comrade)

Thousands of Ukraine ultranationalists gather on Maidan, announce ‘new revolution’ (http://www.rt.com/news/310396-ukraine-right-sector-revolution/) (RT)

Militia intelligence exposes Kiev’s new mobilization plans (http://tass.ru/en/world/810155) (ITAR-TASS)

SCO news:

The Eurasian Big Bang: How China and Russia Are Running Rings Around Washington (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/07/24/tomgram-pepe-escobar-the-pivot-to-eurasia/), by Pepe Escobar.

Yugoslavia news:

Bosnia’s Back in the Boiler (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150721/1024883238.html), by Andrew Korybko.

Greece news:

Greece’s Syriza Makes Military Deal with Israel that Only US Has Made (http://www.globalresearch.ca/greeces-syriza-makes-military-deal-with-israel-that-only-us-has-made/5464474), by Ben Norton. (Syriza is not just a capitalist political party. They act like laughable US puppets. Many capitalist countries in the ‘developing world’ are becoming increasingly independent from Washington, but Syriza-led capitalist Greece is heading the opposite direction: they’re leaping onto Uncle Sam’s lap. Despite that, Washington’s “democracy promotion” agencies will still plot a color coup against Syriza. – Comrade)

Germany news:

US Won’t Loosen Its Grip on Germany in Fear of Ending Up Alone (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150720/1024834515.html) (Sputnik News)

US news:

Ex-Head of NATO Command: 'Disloyal Americans' Should be Put in Prison Camps (http://sputniknews.com/us/20150721/1024852108.html) (Sputnik News)

Retired US Lawmaker Calls for Edward Snowden’s Public Execution (http://sputniknews.com/us/20150721/1024855803.html) (Sputnik News) (You can learn a lot about a man’s character by knowing what type of scum wants him dead. – Comrade)

Hiding Its Own Role NYT Publishes Anonymous Officials' Snowden Smears (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/07/hiding-its-own-role-nyt-publishes-anonymous-officials-snowden-smears.html) (Moon of Alabama)

War Profiteers: Victoria Nuland and Co. Making Money on Endless Wars (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150721/1024894225.html) (Sputnik News)

I'll be trying to find at least one interesting video per week. Here is one showing the Donetsk People’s Republic’s naval defense forces training:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNes60BMTlg

blindpig

07-28-2015, 10:26 AM

Son of Gaddafi imposed the death sentence once

http://cdn13.img22.ria.ru/images/115102/93/1151029324.jpg

colonelcassad
July 28, 15:38

In Libya, was sentenced to death http://ria.ru/arab_riot/20150728/1151009 400.html several functionaries of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, including his son Saif and former intelligence services chief al-Senussi.

http://i.imgur.com/kyhcrE0.png

What is remarkable.
1. Seif a couple of times sentenced to death and this is the 3rd or 4th sentence, the frequency of which is explained by the fact that in most of Libya after the overthrow Gaddafi reigns shaped a mess, which no end in sight.
2. Sam is in safe custody in Zintan fighters who have refused to give his fighters from Misrata, Libyan NTC fighters (when they were still hanging out in Tripoli), and now the Islamists who drove the pro-Western militants from Tripoli.
3. Actually, fled from Tripoli, the "democrats" who still called himself "the legitimate government of Libya", has urged not to accept the death sentence that clearly shows all the success a coup to overthrow Gaddafi.
4. Unable to conquer the whole country, many groups are fighting for control of the supply of Libyan oil, trying to oust opponents from the pipelines and processing facilities, do not hesitate to engage in these battles, navy and air force.
5. While "of lovers" on the remains divided into three parts of the country, bearded followers of the Caliphate gradually assumed control of what is bad, against rival Western puppets, moderate Islamists, tribal groups, renegade military and criminal elements engaged in a looting legacy of Colonel Gaddafi. Libya, Syria, along with the most vivid example of what led to "Arab Spring", which is now euphemistically prefer not to remember. Any significant achievements, in addition to the mass bloodletting and destruction of a number of states for it to be found.

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KUQ14vPKE5Q/hqdefault.jpg

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KUQ14vPKE5Q/hqdefault.jpg

Google Translator

Comrade

08-02-2015, 08:54 PM

Luckily, Saif Qaddafi is still in Zintan and not in Misrati-ruled Tripoli where this farcical “trial” took place in. The Zintan militias have been fighting against the West’s favored Misrati militias for over a year now (Zintan lost control of the Tripoli airport to the Misrati rats last summer during an intense battle). I do not think that Zintan will be handing Saif Qaddafi over to the Misrati rats. Also note that, as shown on that map, Zintan is allied with the Tobruk government against the Misrati-regime in Tripoli. The talk of a new Western “intervention” in Libya probably comes from fear that their beloved Misratis (AKA “Libya Dawn”) will eventually be driven from power by the various anti-Misrata forces. – Comrade

Syria news:

"ISIS Free Zone" Plans Lead To Even More Chaotic Situation In Syria And Iraq (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/07/isis-free-zone-lead-to-chaotic-situation.html) (Moon of Alabama) (LOL, Washington’s “vetted” terrorists are getting wiped out by Washington’s “unvetted” terrorists. – Comrade)

Human Rights Watch Markets ISIS As Safe Haven, Then Laments About It (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/07/human-rights-watch-markets-isis-as-safe-haven-then-laments-about-it.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Syria skeptical of Turkey's motives in campaign against ISIL (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/29/422441/Turkey-Syria-US-Incirlik-ISIL) (PressTV)

Israeli drone strike kills 2 people in southwestern Syria: Al-Manar (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/29/422384/Israeli-drone-strike-fatalities-Syria-Quneitra-Golan-Heights) (PressTV) (The Zionist regime is still acting as al-Queda’s air force (and hospital system). – Comrade)

Al-Nusra raids rival US-trained militants in Syria, kills 11: Group (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/31/422682/Syria-Aleppo-alNusra-Front-Division-30) (PressTV)

Syria retakes positions west of Palmyra (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/27/422148/Syria-Palmyra-ISIL) (PressTV)

Syria, Kurdish forces push ISIL out of Hasakah: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/28/422233/ISIL-Hasakeh-Syria-Kurd) (PressTV)

Syria army, Hezbollah make major advances in Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/31/422636/Syria-Hezbollah-Zabadani-Lebanon) (PressTV)

Humanitarian situation in Syria's Idlib deteriorating (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/31/422643/Syria-Idlib-humanitarian-crisis) (PressTV)

Turkey accused of targeting YPG positions in Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/01/422876/YPG-Turkey-hasakah-isil) (PressTV) (Erdogan is blatantly aiding the IS by bombing Kurdish forces in northern Syria. – Comrade)

Government troops, Hezbollah fighters kill 70 militants in Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/02/423011/-SYria-nusra-front-militants-terrorists-hezbollah-) (PressTV)

Syrian troops kill over 125 terrorists in Daraa, Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/01/422805/Middle-East-Syria-Daraa-Aleppo-alNusra-Front-terrorists-) (PressTV)

Syrian army forces pound western Syria, kill 20 Takfiris (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/02/422939/Syria-Latakia-Army-Nusra-Front-militants-Damascus) (PressTV)

Turkey news:

Western official confirms Turkey-ISIL secret oil business (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/27/422063/Turkey-ISIL-Syria-oil-Abu-Sayyaf) (PressTV)

Turkey prosecutors open probe against Kurdish leader (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/30/422592/Turkey-prosecutors-inquiry-HDP-Selahattin-Demirtas-Erdogan-PKK) (PressTV) (Erdogan is scheming to ban the HDP, the Kurdish opposition party that just won 13% of the vote in the recent Turkish election where Erdogan’s party was deprived of its majority. – Comrade)

PKK assault leaves 3 soldiers dead in southeast Turkey: Army (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/30/422536/Turkey-PKK-Sirnak-Diyarbakir) (PressTV) (Well, Erdogan got his war. Unfortunately, Kurdish resistance against the Turkish army plays into Erdogan’s hands by increasing his support amongst Turkish nationalists (who generally oppose Erdogan). – Comrade)

Two Turkish soldiers killed, 24 wounded in PKK bomb attack (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/02/422921/PKK-militant-attack-Turkish-soldiers-killed-injured-Agri-Dogubayazit) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Turkey still backing ISIL, says top Iraqi commander (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/27/422157/Turkey-isil-iraq-syria-PKK-ameri) (PressTV)

Turkey air strikes violate Iraq sovereignty: Abadi (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/29/422410/Iraq-Turkey-Abadi) (PressTV)

Over 100 ISIL Takfiri militants killed in Iraqi army operations (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/30/422589/ISIL-militants-killed-Iraq-Anbar-) (PressTV)

Iraq forces inflict heavy losses on ISIL (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/01/422783/Iraq-ISIL-Salahuddin-Anbar-Samarra) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Yemen’s enemy will ultimately lose: Al-Houthi (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/02/422998/Yemen-AbdulMalik-alHouthi) (PressTV)

16 Yemeni parties support Ansarullah efforts against Saudi aggression, terrorist activities (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/28/422182/Yemen-Ansarullah-AbdulMalik-alHouthi-political-parties-Saudi-Arabia) (PressTV)

Saudi warplanes hit allied Yemeni militants by mistake, kill 12 (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/27/422134/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-jet-fighters-Hadi-Lahij-Hajjah-Saada-) (PressTV)

Yemeni attacks kill 4 Saudi soldiers: Saudi state media (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/31/422688/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-retaliatory-attacks-Asir) (PressTV)

Palestine news:

Lion lives matter. But what about Palestinian kids? (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/311330-palestinian-child-lion-killed/), by John Wight.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

The ISIL is in Ukraine: America’s “Agents of Chaos” Unleashed in Eurasia (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-isil-is-in-ukraine-americas-agents-of-chaos-unleashed-in-eurasia/5446989), by Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya.

8 ISIS supporters killed in N. Caucasus special op (http://www.rt.com/news/311392-isis-killed-russia-caucasus/) (RT)

US marines flying with unlicensed arms to Ukraine detained in Vienna, sent home (http://www.rt.com/usa/311234-us-marines-guns-vienna/) (RT)

Kyrgyzstan news:

US trying to create 'controlled chaos' in Kyrgyzstan — president (http://tass.ru/en/world/810870) (ITAR-TASS) (Note that one of the major causes of this recent US meddling is that Kyrgyzstan is joining the Eurasian Economic Community. – Comrade)

Afghanistan news:

Death Of Mullah Omar Will Make Afghan Peace More Difficult And ISIS Stronger (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/07/death-of-mullah-omar-will-make-afghan-peace-more-difficult-and-isis-stronger.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Taliban Takes Major Afghan Police Base After Surrender of More Than 100 (http://sputniknews.com/asia/20150727/1025108983.html) (Sputnik News)

Yugoslavia news:

West’s idea of self-determination, hypocrisy at its best (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/310843-kosovo-crimea-srpska-referendum/), by John Wight.

Russia Respects Int'l Law in Issue of Republika Srpska Referendum (http://sputniknews.com/analysis/20150731/1025282646.html) (Sputnik News)

China news:

China’s NGO Law: Countering Western Soft Power and Subversion (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/07/28/chinas-ngo-law-countering-western-soft-power-and-subversion/), by Eric Draitser.

Kenya/Ethiopia news:

Gay Rights On $2 a Day? Obama Loses Plot (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150728/1025128324.html), by Finian Cunningham. (The author points out the absurdity of Obama’s gay-crusading in Africa. – Comrade)

Behind the Obama Visit to East Africa. Imperialism with a “Human Face”, Outright Militarization of the African Continent (http://www.globalresearch.ca/behind-the-obama-visit-to-east-africa-imperialism-with-a-human-face-outright-militarization-of-the-african-continent/5465195), by Abayomi Azikiwe.

Libya news:

Isis in Libya: Families forced to marry girls as young as 12 to fighters for protection as clinics see growing number of miscarriages and STDs (http://za-kaddafi.ru/eng/isis-in-libya-families-forced-to-marry-girls-as-young-as-12-to-fighters-for-protection-as-clinics-see-growing-number-of-miscarriages-and-stds/) (Za-Kaddafi.ru) (This is what NATO brought to Libya. – Comrade)

'Show trial': Gaddafi’s son Saif sentenced to death in absentia (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/310989-gaddafi-trial-verdict-libya/) (RT)

Sweden news:

The Hunt for Red October. Russia-Sweden Relations and a Missing Submarine (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-hunt-for-red-october-russia-sweden-relations/5466307), by Israel Shamir. (Sweden finally found its “Russian submarine” – but it sank nearly 100 years ago in 1916. This article also explains how US/British submarines posed as Soviet ones as part of a sinister plot to push Sweden into becoming a US satellite during the previous ‘Cold War.’ – Comrade)

UK news:

Labour Party infested with communists? ‘Red scare’ grips leadership race (http://www.rt.com/uk/310954-labour-party-infested-communists/) (RT) (New Labour has unleashed McCarthyist style propaganda, because they fear losing control of the party machine to a moderately 'left-wing' opposition. – Comrade)

US news:

Windows 10 Spies on Almost Everything You Do, Unless You Opt Out (http://sputniknews.com/us/20150731/1025283047.html) (Sputnik News)

Video showing the Syrian army fighting to liberate the strategic city of Zabadani, along the Lebanese border, from its occupation by the Western-backed terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI8Va4Dr-3g

blindpig

08-03-2015, 10:17 AM

LATAKIA: TURKS TAKE TOUGH TOLLS IN THE NORTH AS SYRIAN AIR FORCE PUMMELS THEM
Ziad Fadel / 53 mins ago

http://albaathmedia.sy/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/army.jpg

LATAKIA: We can confirm a large concentration of Turk rodents in the Salmaa area, an area now depopulated thanks to the love the Syrian people have for Alqaeda and its Turk-Erdoghani handlers. The more they have tried to infest this small area, the more the SAAF has been active in destroying their efforts to build fortifications and safe houses.

The SAAF was particularly active in this area yesterday as confirmed by my wife’s relatives nearby in Slinfeh:

Bayt Ibliq

Bayt A’waan

Al-Durra

Based on intercepted communications between the stinking rat Turk murderers and their Turk imbeciles in Adana, 26 rodents were killed by the SAAF in consecutive sorties including a large truck which was filled to its seams with weapons and ammunition. Of the 26 killed, 23 were Turks:

Mahomet Purek (TURK RODENT EXCREMENT)

Haluk Hacan Taysi (TURK COCKROACH AND CHILD MOLESTER)

Izzetin Kobjaan (TURK HOG PUSTULE)

‘Ubaadaa Al-A’war

No other names were sent.

A former United Stated Special Forces soldier wrote this to me and I am reproducing it in its entirety:

US in Turkey
SFC Steven M Barry USA RET

To

Ziad Fadel

Aug 1 at 10:17 PM

Zaid,
Regarding the recent US/Turkey agreement… The use of Turkish airbases
by the US Air Force is emphasized in the press; but what was overlooked
(or deliberately ignored) was the addition of about 1200 US Army troops.
Those are beyond the normal support personnel from the Air Force. (It is
all going to amount to many thousands.)
Who are the Army people? They are from the 10th Special Forces Group,
Ft. Carson, CO. [The SF Group whose theater assignment is EUCOM — which
includes Turkey.] 10SFGA was based out of Turkey during the first war
against Iraq in 1990, and again in 2003. Their primary mission will be
forward air control and laser target designator teams for both US and
Turk airstrikes in Syria and Kurdish Iraq. Their secondary mission will
be strategic reconnaissance against the SAA, principally along Lines of
Communication (LOC). There will also be liaison teams with Turkish
ground units when, not if, the Turks invade Syria.
Having myself done these things in SF, my strong and grave
recommendation to the SAA command and control is to become redundant and
dispersed insofar as possible to maintain operations tempo.
I don’t know what else I can do except pass along these things as I
become aware of them,
God bless B’aath and Dr. Assad,
Ste

Penny discusses damage control Canuck-style. The situation with the Kurds is becoming downright dreadful:

http://pennyforyourthoughts2.blogspot.com/2015/08/sas-dress-as-isis-fighters-in.h

Read more at http://syrianperspective.com/2015/08/latakia-turks-take-tough-tolls-in-the-north-as-syrian-air-force-pummels-them.html#jpGrfFVckjoUP3DQ.99

http://syrianperspective.com/2015/08/latakia-turks-take-tough-tolls-in-the-north-as-syrian-air-force-pummels-them.html

Dhalgren

08-03-2015, 10:44 AM

SFC Steven M Barry USA RET

What do you think about this? Is this reliable? Maybe my kids have me spooked, but this seems to be kind of dangerous on Mr. Barry's part, doesn't it? Maybe this info is not sensitive enough to put the sender in dutch, but it looks pretty specific. It seems Turkey has invaded Syria, if so, this is full-on war between NATO and Syria, isn't it? Or will this be played out some other way? Not important enough to pull in NATO?

blindpig

08-03-2015, 04:26 PM

What do you think about this? Is this reliable? Maybe my kids have me spooked, but this seems to be kind of dangerous on Mr. Barry's part, doesn't it? Maybe this info is not sensitive enough to put the sender in dutch, but it looks pretty specific. It seems Turkey has invaded Syria, if so, this is full-on war between NATO and Syria, isn't it? Or will this be played out some other way? Not important enough to pull in NATO?

Not sure what to make of that, my initial impression was that he was talking about Turkish members of Al Queda or ISIL, or something. Turks definately attacking PKK in Iraq and will do anything to prevent a Kurdish nation state. Don't think Mr Barry got much to worry about, that information was all standard operations stuff, annoying but not worthy of unleashing the dogs.

US got so many balls in the air in the ME I don't think that they have much control at all other than immediate financing, chaos seems the short term goal and they ain't particular.

blindpig

08-04-2015, 11:44 AM

Lavrov on Syria

Yesterday's press conference by Sergey Lavrov focused on Syria has brought together at this possibly turning point Russia's older positions together with some new subtle/subtile emphases and signals with respect to Moscow's view on how to solve the war in Syria together with Russia's "colleagues," who have been trying to destroy Syria and turn it into what has become of Libya on a bigger scale in the Middle East (Levant). Lavrov's and Moscow's stated positions are also worth comparing and contrasting with their approach to Donbass and Ukraine. What follows includes passages from Russia's Foreign Ministry's own English transcripts:

1. Lavrov made it clear that he considered the West (and CIA) creation as one of the "representatives of the Syrian people;" for Lavrov, there is no principal/principled difference between this front and the Syrian government:

"As for the conversation I have had with former head of the Syrian National Coalition, Ahmed Moaz Al-Khatib, as I’ve already said, the meeting does not attest to any changes in Russia’s approach. We have known each other for more than two years, and have met on a number of occasions in Moscow and other cities. This meeting reflects our commitment to working with all the representatives of the Syrian people with no exception, including the government and all opposition groups, without pinpointing or favouring anyone."

2. According to Lavrov, the Syrian war ought to be resolved by "common consent" among all the principled enemies, "spanning the ENTIRE Syrian political spectre," which is a demand which no country in the world follows for it is politically and principally impossible:

"The Geneva Communique, which is recognised by everyone as a framework for settlement, clearly states that political settlement and the resolution of the Syrian crisis in general should be based on an inclusive dialogue spanning the entire Syrian political spectre, and all issues should be decided by common consent."

3. The Russian government and Lavrov uses the West's negative term "regime" for the Syrian government, as demonstrated by Lavrov here: "It soon became clear that the opposition forces cover a much wider spectrum, so resuming the political process implied bringing opposition forces together so that they can engage in constructive dialogue with THE REGIME, as envisaged in the Geneva Communique."

4. While acknowledging the threat of ISIS, al Nusra and other extremists who dominate the so-called "Syrian opposition," which, for most part, is neither Syrian in its character, leadership, creation, or goals, when speaking of "the solution," Lavrov quickly forgets to make any necessary distinctions and demands that "ALL Syrian opposition groups" be involved in talks about the regime change in Syria:

"As you know, Moscow has hosted two meetings. All opposition activists were invited, including representatives of all Syrian opposition groups inside Syria and those operating from abroad."

5. According to Lavrov, Russia "shares the concern over the continuing crisis in Syria and the humanitarian disaster in this country" with "everyone else," whom Lavrov exemplified as "our Qatari friends," "US Secretary of State John Kerry and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir":

"We also raised this issue during the talks with our Qatari friends that we just had. We discussed it with Egypt, where efforts are being made in this direction, too. We also talked about it during the meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. Just like everyone else, we share the concern over the continuing crisis in Syria and the humanitarian disaster in this country."

6. Lavrov, however, prefers a more politically correct or ambivalent cover term "political transition" to "regime change":

"However, the Geneva Communique signed by the international community including the permanent members of the UN Security Council, Turkey, the EU, and the Arab countries, including Qatar, was not about a regime change but about a political transition period with certain parameters to be agreed by mutual consent between the Syrian government and the opposition. That is what we are working on."

7. On a question about the possible change of Russia's position regarding its support for Bashar al-Assad, Lavrov dodged the question by claiming that all this "has nothing to do with what we are discussing and what we have agreed to be guided by":

"When you ask whether Russia is ready to make concessions regarding its support for Bashar al-Assad, you are asking a question that has nothing to do with what we are discussing and what we have agreed to be guided by – the need to establish a dialogue between all the opposition groups and the government."

8. While saying that the Syrian conflict must be decided by the Syrians ... and "ALL its opposition groups," Lavrov cannot but say that the fate of Syria is being discussed and the "principles" of the would-be solution determined by foreign powers. When speaking truthfully, the so-called "Syrian opposition" is thus actually a proxy of foreign powers:

"As I said, this matter was discussed by the foreign ministers of Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States today. Each of these countries is making efforts to see the opposition groups work out a common approach for the negotiations with the regime, the upcoming negotiations to be led by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. ... Without reaching an understanding among external players, each of whom has some influence on one or another party in Syria, it is very difficult to expect the political process to begin in earnest and remain stable and successful."

9. Importantly, according to Lavrov, like the US and Saudi Arabia, the two leading enemies of Syria, Russia too is trying to work out unity and one "common approach" of the so-called "opposition" to "the regime"; unity and common strategy of "opposition" effectively commanded by the US and Saudi Arabia means in political and military language, its strengthening:

"As I said, this matter was discussed by the foreign ministers of Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States today. Each of these countries is making efforts to see the opposition groups work out a common approach for the negotiations with the regime ..."

10. In Ukraine, Russia did not even dare to suggest that the anti-junta, anti-Bandera opposition ought to be part of a "transitional government," not to mention any call for uniting all the anti-junta forces on a common platform and for a "common approach."

http://www.mid.ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/1630343?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_cKNonkJE02Bw&_101_INSTANCE_cKNonkJE02Bw_languageId=en_GB
Posted by Vladimír Suchan at 8:07 AM

http://vladimirsuchan.blogspot.com/2015/08/lavrov-on-syria.html?spref=tw

blindpig

08-04-2015, 01:38 PM

Vladimir Suchan
The "story" about Putin summoning up Turkish Ambassador, calling Erdogan a "dictator" just few days after setting up the date for their Fall meeting and getting tough on Turkey over ISIS looks like a very successful fake. It refers to the Moscow Times as a source, but the Moscow Times has no such an article as far I can see, and even my search for it did not yield any result. The story actually originated with awdnews.com, which refers to the Moscow Times, but offers no link. Putin's, that is, Kremlin's official site has no information about any such meeting between Putin and the Turkish Ambassador either.

The AWD planted fake is here: "Russian president to Turkish ambassador: "tell your dictator President he can go to hell along with his ISIS terrorists, I will make Syria a 'Big Stalingrad' for him!"
Top News 03 August 2015
The Moscow Times-- The Russian president Vladimir Putin broke the accepted diplomatic protocols and has personally summoned the Turkish ambassador to Moscow, Mr Ümit Yardim, and warned him that the Russian Federation shall sever the diplomatic relations immediately unless the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stops supporting ISIS rebels in Syria, where Russia holds its last navy base in the Mediterranean sea. .... The Russian president purportedly went into a long diatribe criticizing the Turkish foreign policy and its malevolent role in Syria, Iraq and Yemen by supporting Saudi-backed al-Qaeda terrorists, reported the Moscow Times, which escalated the conversation with the Turkish ambassador to a fierce polemic. ... "..then tell your dictator president he can go to hell along with his ISIS terrorist and I shall make Syria to nothing but a 'Big Stalingrad' , for Erdoğan and his Saudi allies are no vicious than Adolf Hitler," replied Vladimir Putin in the 2-hour closed door meeting with Turkish emissary. How hypocrite is your president as he advocates democracy and lambaste the military coup d'état in Egypt, added Mr. Putin, and he simultaneously condones all terrorist activities aimed to overthrow Syrian president! The Russian president continued by saying that his country won't abandon Syrian legitimate administration and will cooperate with its allies ,namely Iran and China , to find a political solution to Syria's interminable civil war which descended the 23-million Arab nation to an utter ethnic and religious anarchy."
42 mins

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153036927378388

Comrade

08-09-2015, 09:32 PM

Isn’t Vladimir Suchan the same guy who kept saying that ‘all is lost’ after the tactical withdrawal from Slavyansk last summer? And hasn’t he always insisted that Russia was going to soon abandon the DPR and LPR? Frankly, I don’t take his writings seriously at all. And I definitely don’t think that Russia will be abandoning Syria. Syria is too important to Russia, for geopolitical reasons. Russia would not have risked a third world war by deploying the Russian navy off the Syrian coast in 2013 – preventing Obama from bombing Syria – only to abandon its ally two years later. While capitalist Russia obviously isn’t perfect, I have not seen any hard evidence that they will “abandon” Syria (or Novorossiya). – Comrade

Syria news:

The Shuttle Diplomacy To Save Syria (http://thesaker.is/the-shuttle-diplomacy-to-save-syria/), by Andrew Korybko. (Here is a good analysis of Russian diplomatic efforts to protect Syria from US aggression. The author also suggests that in a worst case scenario, Russia military advisors could be deployed to the front lines to deter US aggression. – Comrade)

Fake Anti-ISIL War: US-Led Coalition Wants to Topple Syrian Government (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150809/1025562408.html) (Sputnik News)

No such thing as moderate militants in Syria for US to back: FM Muallem (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/05/423391/Syria-Muallem-US-ISIL-Shamkhani-Zarif-Tehran) (PressTV)

Syria army, Hezbollah fighters liberate positions west of Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/04/423227/Syria-army-Hezbollah-fighters-Zabadani-Hay-Hamis-Takfiri-terrorists) (PressTV)

Syria army retakes several areas in Hama from terrorists (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/05/423326/Syria-army-Hama-Nusra-Front-Qastoun) (PressTV)

Syria, Hezbollah retake new positions west of Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/05/423411/Syria-Zabadani-Hezbollah) (PressTV)

Syrian army, Hezbollah fighters advance deeper into Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/08/423892/Syria-Hezbollah-Zabadani-terrorist-group-Damascus) (PressTV)

Syrian Forces Kill Scores of ISIL, Nusra Front Insurgents Nationwide (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20150809/1025566967.html) (Sputnik News)

Turkey news:

The Truth Behind Turkey’s Dual Offensives (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150803/1025350334.html), by Andrew Korybko.

3 soldiers killed in Turkey's Sirnak Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/04/423226/Turkey-Sirnak-Province-Turkish-soldiers-Arakoy) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

52 ISIL Takfiri militants slain in Iraqi army airstrikes (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/06/423605/Iraq-army-airstrikes-Anbar-Husaybah-Albu-Alwan-ISIL-Takfiri-militants) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Into The Cauldron - Saudi And UAE Troops Invade Yemen (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/08/into-the-cauldron-saudi-and-uae-troops-invade-yemen-.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Yemen forces repel Hadi supporters' attack on airbase in Lahij (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/04/423160/Yemen-airbase-lahij-Anad) (PressTV)

Saudi soldier killed in Yemen’s Aden province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/04/423289/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Aden-soldier-airstrikes) (PressTV)

16 al-Qaeda, pro-Hadi militants slain in southern Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/05/423363/Yemen-militants-army-popular-committees-Aden) (PressTV)

Yemen air defense downs Saudi Apache copter: Local media (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/05/423343/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Apache-helicopter-Hajjah) (PressTV)

Houthis kill 30 militants in southwest Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/07/423690/Yemen-Ansarullah-Houthi-Lahij-Hadi) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces destroy Saudi tank in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/08/423753/Yemen-Jizan-Saudi-Arabia) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill 70 Saudi-backed militants in Abyan Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/08/423848/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Houthis) (PressTV)

Saudi friendly fire kills 20 allies of Riyadh in Yemen: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/09/423970/Yemen-Saudi-friendly-fire-allies-Houthi-Ansarullah-fighters) (PressTV)

Palestine news:

Lavrov voices support for independent Palestinian state (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/04/423161/Russia-Lavrov-Hamas-Mashaal-Palestine-) (PressTV)

Iran news:

Obama Plan B for Iran: Introduce long-term ‘Libya strategy’ (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/311872-iran-us-obama-deal/) (RT)

Afghanistan news:

ISIS in Afghanistan: Proxy War against Iran and China (http://journal-neo.org/2015/08/04/isis-in-afghanistan-proxy-war-against-iran-and-china/), by Eric Draitser.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

About The Ukrainophilia Of Russian Nazis Or The Defeat Of The Liberal Point Of View Of The Conflict (http://thesaker.is/about-the-ukrainophilia-of-russian-nazis-or-the-defeat-of-the-liberal-point-of-view-of-the-conflict/), by Oxandabaratz. (The author explains that, contrary to the claims of Western propagandists, the small number of neo-Nazis in Russia support the Ukrainian junta. Many of them are actually fighting against Novorossiya. – Comrade)

Holodomor Hoax: Joseph Stalin's Crime That Never Took Place (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150809/1025560345.html), by Ekaterina Blinova.

Well-Known Canadian Journalist Visits Ukraine and Praises Neo-Nazis (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/08/05/well-known-canadian-journalist-visits-ukraine-and-praises-neo-nazi/), by Roger Annis.

Mikhail Saakashvili is lesson to US neoconservatives: Color revolutions can be reversed (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/311945-georgia-saakashvili-russia-ossetia/) (RT)

US ‘Institute Of Peace’ Chairman Wants Russian Body Bags (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150804/1025389709.html), by Andrew Korybko.

'War is Peace': US Neocons Urge Washington to Flood Ukraine With Weapons (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150806/1025474911.html) (Sputnik News)

Ukrainian uranium: ‘Nightmare’ situation brewing (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/311869-uranium-ukraine-nuclear-poroshenko/) (RT)

As real as the Yeti - Western propaganda tries to invent Siberian Nationalism (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/311989-siberia-nationalism-separate-russia/), by Bryan MacDonald.

German left-wing lawmakers ponder visit to Crimea (http://www.rt.com/politics/311436-german-left-wing-lawmakers-ponder/) (RT)

China news:

The Chinese Dream Plows Onward: The Truth About China’s Stock Market (http://journal-neo.org/2015/07/30/the-chinese-dream-plows-onward-the-truth-about-china-s-stock-market/), by Caleb Maupin.

Libya news:

Statement from the Libyan Community in Malta Concerning Mock Trials (http://za-kaddafi.ru/eng/statement-from-the-libyan-community-in-malta-concerning-mock-trials/) (Za-Kaddafi.ru)

Gaddafi’s loyalists staged the protest in eastern Libya (http://za-kaddafi.ru/eng/gaddafi-loyalists-staged-the-protest-in-eastern-libya/) (Za-Kaddafi.ru)

The Lone Fight : A Return To The Streets. (http://za-kaddafi.ru/eng/the-lone-fight-a-return-to-the-streets/), by Ahmad Baden.

The uprising in Libya! (http://za-kaddafi.ru/news/vosstanie-v-livii/) (Za-Kaddafi.ru) (Recently there have been lots of pro-Saif Qaddafi and pro-Green Resistance protests held all over Libya and in neighboring countries. – Comrade)

Japan news:

Why America Has to Deny Its Greatest Crime (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150807/1025499289.html), by Finian Cunningham.

FP's Shameful Attempt at Spinning Hiroshima Bombing as Beneficial for Japan (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150807/1025506979.html), by Andrew Korybko.

US tries to hush up tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — senior Russian lawmaker (http://tass.ru/en/world/812775) (ITAR-TASS)

Russia publishes unique 1945 Soviet embassy report of Hiroshima bombing (http://tass.ru/en/world/812934) (ITAR-TASS)

Vietnam news:

Russian senator urges international tribunal into US-Vietnam war (http://www.rt.com/politics/311762-russian-senator-urges-international-tribunal/) (RT)

US news:

BlackLivesMatter Activists: Targets of US Surveillance (http://www.globalresearch.ca/blacklivesmatter-activists-targets-of-us-surveillance/5467880), by Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo.

New 9/11 Conspiracy? NSA Whistleblowers say Agency Kept Tabs on Attackers (http://sputniknews.com/us/20150803/1025362731.html) (Sputnik News)

Great video showing one of the recent pro-Saif Qaddafi and pro-Green Resistance demonstrations (this one was in Bani Walid):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoRp23Ef9v0

Dhalgren

08-09-2015, 11:43 PM

blindpig

08-10-2015, 10:02 AM

Dhalgren

08-10-2015, 10:54 AM

I think the problem is that the Russian ruling class does not behave as we expect from a national bourgeiose. Perhaps it is because they do not labor under the delusion that they have earned their wealth legitimately as do western capitalists. For them the state is not servant and bulwark against other national booj, it is prey to be savaged or enemy to be opposed in every surreptitious way. Perhaps they are aware that the owners whom they robbed are in their midst and may demand justice at any time. And so they are second rate compradors, selling out everything for trifles, the thought to 'Accumulate!' in Marx's sense never entering their heads. And Putin is their manager, very capable but maybe deprived of greatness by their pettiness.

I strongly agree with all of this, except the very last. I can no longer even contemplate "greatness" associated with Putin. He is Obama, with a shorter-range military and less money. All his "chess playing" and "political acumen" amounts to nothing if his "ruling class" acknowledges that the US is "boss". The constant use of the term "partners" is not a wry euphemism for "opponent", but a mewling plea for inclusion. I'm sorry, but Putin standing by and watching the murder of the Donbass and then calling Nazis his "partners"? He is a dry leaf.

Kid of the Black Hole

08-15-2015, 03:59 PM

Holodomor Hoax: Joseph Stalin's Crime That Never Took Place, by Ekaterina Blinova.

I have a large amount of information refuting the Holodmor and also its direct ties to (neo)-Nazism the most obvious of which is that they (arbitrarily) place the death total at the Holocaust (6 million) + 1 million. These being the same people who term it the 'Holohoax'.

blindpig

08-16-2015, 12:34 PM

I have a large amount of information refuting the Holodmor and also its direct ties to (neo)-Nazism the most obvious of which is that they (arbitrarily) place the death total at the Holocaust (6 million) + 1 million. These being the same people who term it the 'Holohoax'.

You should post it in the reference forum, timely stuff.

Comrade

08-16-2015, 09:44 PM

A lot of people thought all was lost at Slavyansk until the dust cleared. The maneuver was brilliant and necessary for a couple of reasons, that it was necessary is the real tragedy. After all of the big talk about protecting 'Russians', the deployment of troops to the border, Russia stood by as murder was rained upon Slavyansk. This Nazi problem might have been nipped in the bud with a quick drive to Kiev, perhaps a week as the Ukes had almost nothing at the time. Tens of thousands of lives might have been saved, an immense amount of destruction averted. And really, how much worse could the Western reaction be than what we've seen so far? Then again last August with the Ukes starting to rout and Mariupol virtually in hand Russia shut down the militia. Whose side are they on? Again, the war could have ended there.

My biggest problem with Suchan is not only that his analysis is wrong, but that it’s wrong in a way that isn’t helpful (i.e. it demoralizes the reader). I don’t care for ‘defeatism.’ How does it help the anti-imperialist forces that we’re trying to show solidarity with by telling them that they’re supposedly doomed? So I look for articles of two main types: 1, regarding the victories of anti-imperialist forces; and 2, that uncover the plots and reveal the crimes committed by the imperialists.

Also, do we really know for certain that Russia ordered the DPR not to take Mariupol? I think the DPR military was probably just worried about becoming overextended after having liberated a decent amount of territory last summer after finishing the ‘cauldrons’ and the successful march to the sea. In addition, if Russia had really wanted to abandon the DPR/LPR, they would not have allowed for the successful winter offensive this year that finally cleared the Donetsk airport and liberated Debaltsevo, which was key to protecting Donetsk from encirclement.

The only reason things have “stalled” is because the junta has not yet launched its next major offensive that we’ve all been expecting. The junta and its US handlers probably realize that their chances of winning aren’t good. And they probably realize that their back will be broken after losing another huge offensive. And with a broken back, the entire southeastern Ukraine could slip free. And a free southeast could then launch an invasion of central Ukraine and take back Kiev, like the slogan “Na Kiev” says on the Novorossiyan tanks. And that is the real reason why the scale of fighting has diminished – for now – Washington has held back its puppets out of fear of losing the entire war for the Ukraine. – Comrade

Syria news:

Why Syria is Winning: Advancing towards a Strategic Victory that will transform the Middle East? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/why-syria-is-winning-advancing-towards-a-strategic-victory-that-will-transform-the-middle-east/5468277), by Prof. Tim Anderson.

Turkey Invades Syria, Goes For Aleppo (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/08/turkey-invades-syria-goes-for-aleppo.html) (Moon of Alabama)

The Truth From Inside Syria’s “Terrorist Underworld” (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-truth-from-inside-syrias-terrorist-underworld/5469174), by Vanessa Beeley.

Narrative And Reality Of The U.S. War On Syria (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/08/narrative-and-reality-of-the-us-war-on-syria.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Russia delivers six Mikoyan MiG-31 fighter jets to Syria: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/16/425037/Russia-Iraq-Syria-Mikoyan-MiG31-Rosoboronexport) (PressTV) (Great news, hope this report gets fully confirmed. MiG-31s are high-speed interceptors, so this is a Russian message to the US not to attack Syria’s legitimate government. – Comrade)

US-trained militant group in Syria calls al-Qaeda terrorists ‘brothers’ (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/16/424987/Syria-Division-30-alNusra-Front-brothers-) (PressTV) (Surprise, surprise, surprise… – Comrade)

More foreign militants killed in Syrian army ops (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/10/424125/Syria-foreign-militants-Turkish-President-Receb-Tayyib--Erdogan-Daesh-Aleppo-ISIL) (PressTV)

Syria's army, Hezbollah retake more positions in Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/11/424301/Syria-army-Hezbollah-Zabadani) (PressTV)

Syria army repels militant attack in Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/13/424545/Syria-Damascus-Aleppo-Idlib-Daraa-Takfiri-militants-) (PressTV)

Militants shell two Shia villages in Syria’s Idlib (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/15/424843/Syria-Idlib-Zabadani-ceasefire-Hezbollah) (PressTV)

Turkey news:

Turkey escorts scores of militants to join Daesh in Syria: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/13/424591/Turkey-Syria-ISIL-Daesh-Sanliurfa-) (PressTV)

PKK won’t disarm, pull out of Turkish soil: Founder (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/13/424619/PKK-disarm-pullout-Turkey-Cemil-Bayik) (PressTV)

Bombing kills 3 more Turkish soldiers (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/15/424883/Turkey-soldiers-PKK-Karliova-district-Bingol) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Abadi censures US commander over remarks on splitting Iraq (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/13/424613/Iraq-Abadi-US-Raymond-Odierno) (PressTV) (Various Neocons in Washington are still blatantly boasting about their goal of breaking Iraq into three pieces. – Comrade)

49 Daesh terrorists slain in Iraqi army airstrikes (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/10/424130/Iraq-air-forces-Daesh-Takfiri-militants-Salahuddin-Anbar-Karmah) (PressTV)

Iraqi forces kill dozens of Takfiris in Ramadi (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/15/424859/Iraq-Anbar-Ramadi-Daesh-Ryder-) (PressTV)

Iraq air force strikes kill 125 Takfiri Daesh terrorists (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/15/424781/Iraq-Daesh-Salahuddin-Ramadi-Mosul-) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Yemenis hold rallies, slam Saudi aggression (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/11/424291/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Ansarullah-Houthis-) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill dozens of Saudi soldiers (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/10/424141/-Yemen-Najran-Saudi-Arabia-Houthi) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces launch missile attack on Saudi army base (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/12/424479/Yemen-base-Saudi-retaliatory-attack) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill seven Saudi soldiers (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/15/424839/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Houthi-Ansarullah-Jizan) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill, injure Saudi soldiers in retaliatory attack on Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/16/425034/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-retaliatory-attack-Radif-base-Jizan) (PressTV)

Libya news:

Torture and Show Trials Are Common in Neo-Colonial Libya (http://www.globalresearch.ca/torture-and-show-trials-are-common-in-neo-colonial-libya/5468407), by Abayomi Azikiwe.

The Lone Fight : A Return To The Streets (II). (http://za-kaddafi.ru/eng/the-lone-fight-a-return-to-the-streets-ii/), by Ahmad Baden. (Another great picture report on the pro-Green Resistance movement in Libya. – Comrade)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

News Flash – Donetsk hit by over 800 artillery strikes (UPDATED) (http://thesaker.is/news-flash-donetsk-hit-by-over-800-artillery-strikes/), by The Saker. (Evidence exists that the junta might be preparing for its next major offensive that we’ve been expecting since last year. – Comrade)

Lugansk reconnaissance: Kiev military prepare attack on Lugansk (http://tass.ru/en/world/814617) (ITAR-TASS)

Separatist Movement in West Ukraine: Lviv Activists Are Demanding Autonomy for Galicia (http://www.globalresearch.ca/separatist-movement-in-west-ukraine-lviv-activists-are-demanding-autonomy-for-galicia/5468259), by Boris Rozhin. (I think it’s pretty clear that after the Maidan junta is overthrown in Kiev, Galicia will be seceding even faster than the Crimea or the Donbass did. And, at that point, the hypocritical West will be fully supporting ‘the separatists.’ – Comrade)

US Sliding Into Vietnam-Style War in Ukraine – Stephen Cohen (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150815/1025793369.html) (Sputnik News)

Kiev ‘culling the opposition’ as political suppression continues (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/312457-ukraine-markov-opposition-us/) (RT) (The EU is blatantly involved in trying to help the junta imprison a member of the Committee for Salvation of Ukraine, which are anti-junta exiles led by former prime minister Azarov. – Comrade)

Saakashvili’s Silk Road Delusion (http://thesaker.is/saakashvilis-silk-road-delusion/), by Mister Unknown.

7 Ukrainian servicemen killed in attempted offensive on DPR territory (http://tass.ru/en/world/813572) (ITAR-TASS)

Brazil news:

SITREP from Brazil – is a coup d’etat next? (http://thesaker.is/sitrep-from-brazil-is-a-coup-detat-next/), by Kubla Khan. (Washington is still trying its color-coup attempt in Brazil, but thus far it has been unsuccessful. – Comrade)

Venezuela news:

Venezuela offers alternative to EU-NATO ‘imperialist violence’ afflicting Africa (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/312537-venezuela-maduro-europe-migrants/), by Ramona Wadi.

UK news:

Longtime Iraq War Opponent Jeremy Corbyn Has War Criminal Tony Blair Running Scared (http://www.globalresearch.ca/longtime-iraq-war-opponent-jeremy-corbyn-has-war-criminal-tony-blair-running-scared/5469521), by Lindsey German.

US news:

The US Economy Continues Its Collapse (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-us-economy-continues-its-collapse/5468302), by Dr. Paul Craig Roberts.

‘Deal or war’: Is doomed dollar really behind Obama’s Iran warning? (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/312531-iran-kerry-us-dollar/), by Finian Cunningham.

Impending U.S. Dollar Collapse Should Be Getting Attention, Not China’s Devaluation, Financial Analyst (http://www.globalresearch.ca/impending-u-s-dollar-collapse-should-be-getting-attention-not-chinas-devaluation-financial-analyst/5469394), by Andrew Moran.

Another video showing a recent pro-Green Resistance rally and speech in Libya, unfortunately there is no translation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KnX_mnlicM

Dhalgren

08-16-2015, 10:09 PM

I think we need to look at everything in a realistic, and materialistic way. To give too much credence to Putin's government is just as bad as giving too much credence to any bourgeois government. That the Russian government is more or less anti-NATO is beside the point if the Russians, themselves, are unable to make that determination. Someone wanting the outcome to be one thing or the other in immaterial. We need to maintain a materialistic view of what is actually happening.

Kid of the Black Hole

08-17-2015, 03:22 AM

US Sliding Into Vietnam-Style War in Ukraine – Stephen Cohen (Sputnik News)

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150815/1025793369.html

At this point it could simply be a breezy analogy..but knowing these fools for what they are, its not outside the realm of possibility. There is a growing awareness that it is possible.

blindpig

08-17-2015, 07:54 AM

My biggest problem with Suchan is not only that his analysis is wrong, but that it’s wrong in a way that isn’t helpful (i.e. it demoralizes the reader). I don’t care for ‘defeatism.’ How does it help the anti-imperialist forces that we’re trying to show solidarity with by telling them that they’re supposedly doomed? So I look for articles of two main types: 1, regarding the victories of anti-imperialist forces; and 2, that uncover the plots and reveal the crimes committed by the imperialists.

Also, do we really know for certain that Russia ordered the DPR not to take Mariupol? I think the DPR military was probably just worried about becoming overextended after having liberated a decent amount of territory last summer after finishing the ‘cauldrons’ and the successful march to the sea. In addition, if Russia had really wanted to abandon the DPR/LPR, they would not have allowed for the successful winter offensive this year that finally cleared the Donetsk airport and liberated Debaltsevo, which was key to protecting Donetsk from encirclement.

The only reason things have “stalled” is because the junta has not yet launched its next major offensive that we’ve all been expecting. The junta and its US handlers probably realize that their chances of winning aren’t good. And they probably realize that their back will be broken after losing another huge offensive. And with a broken back, the entire southeastern Ukraine could slip free. And a free southeast could then launch an invasion of central Ukraine and take back Kiev, like the slogan “Na Kiev” says on the Novorossiyan tanks. And that is the real reason why the scale of fighting has diminished – for now – Washington has held back its puppets out of fear of losing the entire war for the Ukraine. – Comrade

Comrade, I'd love for you to be right about this and will happily eat crow should it come to pass but we must look at what we've got. Read the Minsk agreements, they are what they is, and consider the statements, especially from Lavrov, concerning total fidelity to said agreements. And we do know that Russia 'shut the tap' on supply just when the Ukes were starting to crumble. Going back further, the failure to respond to the horrific bombardment of Slavyansk after all of that big talk about protecting 'Russians' set(re-set?) the tone of Russian policy. Taking my turn at bootless speculation, something changed in the Kremlin in Feburary 2014, and I suspect that besides apartments in Manhatten and off shore accounts that the people's nature of the revolt in Donbass caused a negative change of policy.

Comrade

08-23-2015, 09:08 PM

Taking my turn at bootless speculation, something changed in the Kremlin in Feburary 2014, and I suspect that besides apartments in Manhatten and off shore accounts that the people's nature of the revolt in Donbass caused a negative change of policy.

And now it is my turn to be a bit ‘pessimistic’, I never believed that the uprising in the Crimea or in the Donbass was a ‘socialist revolution’, but rather a national revolution against Western imperialism. Ideologically, the ‘socialism’ of most of the Novorossiyan resistance leaders (including, I believe, of Mozgovoy before his martyrdom) is ‘market-socialism’. The Russian national bourgeoisie already have two ‘market-socialist’ neighbors that they do tons of business with (Belarus and China). I do not see why they would fear another. In fact, the inevitable reconstruction contracts could be “very good for business.” I guess that is a large part of the reason why I never saw much of a motive for ‘betrayal.’ – Comrade

Syria news:

What’s Behind Russia’s Latest Round of Syrian Diplomacy? (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150817/1025845567.html), by Andrew Korybko.

Part 1: Untold Suffering in Foua and Kafarya: Two Northwestern Syrian Villages Under Siege and Assault by NATO’s Terrorists (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/08/18/untold-suffering-in-foua-and-kafarya-two-northwestern-syrian-villages-under-siege-and-assault-by-natos-terrorists/), by Eva Bartlett. (These two villages have put up a truly heroic defense against the Western-back terrorists, despite being totally surrounded for months. – Comrade)

Part 2: Untold Suffering in Foua and Kafarya (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/08/20/untold-suffering-in-foua-and-kafarya/), by Eva Bartlett.

Huffington Post Arabic: a New Lair for the Muslim Brotherhood? (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/08/18/huffington-post-arabic-a-new-lair-for-the-muslim-brotherhood/), by Ahmad Barqawi. (Up yours, Arianna Huffington! – Comrade)

Syria: The Douma Market Attack outside Damascus: Another Fabricated Pretext for US-NATO Military Intervention? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/syria-the-douma-market-attack-outside-damascus-another-fabricated-pretext-for-us-nato-military-intervention/5470662), by Eric Draitser.

Syria: Is Israel Planing To Escalate? (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/08/syria-is-israel-planing-to-escalate.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Beheaded Syrian Scholar Refused to Lead ISIS Terrorists to Hidden Palmyra Antiquities (http://www.globalresearch.ca/beheaded-syrian-scholar-refused-to-lead-isis-terrorists-to-hidden-palmyra-antiquities/5470429), by Kareem Shaheen and Ian Black. (Obama and McCain's "moderate rebels" have struck again… – Comrade)

Daesh 'blows up' ancient temple in Syria's historic Palmyra (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/23/426052/Daesh-isil-takfiri-syria-Palmyra-temple--) (PressTV) (The US/Zionist “IS” is trying to destroy all evidence of the Middle East’s indigenous populations. – Comrade)

Syria army in final drive for full control over Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/18/425312/Syria-army-Hezbollah-forces-Zabadani) (PressTV) (Good video in this one showing the Syrian army’s battle to liberate Zabadani from Washington’s head-chopping puppets. – Comrade)

Syria Shoots Down Israeli Warplane F-16 Bomber, Using Russian S-300 Air Defense System (http://www.globalresearch.ca/syria-shoots-down-israeli-warplane-f-16-bomber-and-helicopters/5471009), by Ziad Fadel.

Turkey news:

Ankara: the New Capital of Jihad (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/08/20/ankara-the-new-capital-of-jihad/), by Mike Whitney.

Turkish soldier killed in clashes with PKK in Diyarbakir: Army (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/18/425325/Turkey-PKK-Diyarbakir-Bingol) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Iraqi forces retake hilltop near Baiji refinery (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/17/425180/Iraq-Baiji-Daesh-Ramadi) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

How The Saudi/UAE Invasion Of Yemen Fails (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/08/how-the-saudiuae-invasion-of-yemen-fails.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Moon links to some good videos in this one showing the Saudi quagmire in Yemen. The Saudi/UAE armored vehicles are sitting ducks in Yemen’s rugged terrain. – Comrade)

Yemen: U.S. Doubles Down, Saudi-UAE Invasion Stuck (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/08/yemen-us-doubles-down-saudi-uae-invasion-stuck.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Yemen forces seize 4 UAE armored vehicles, destroy 2 more (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/17/425190/Yemen-Saudi-UAE-Ansarullah-) (PressTV)

Yemen launches 'ballistic' missile at Saudi military base in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/20/425519/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Dhahran-alJanub-Charles-Schmitz) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces down Saudi Apache helicopter (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/21/425725/Yemen-Saudi-Ansarullah-Apache-Jizan-Houthi-) (PressTV)

Senior army commander killed in Yemeni attack: Saudi Arabia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/23/426046/Saudi-Arabia-senior-commander-yemen-) (PressTV)

Yemeni army, popular forces attack Saudi convoy in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/23/425960/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Taizz-Saada-Khobe) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces down UAE copter in Yasuf region (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/22/425914/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-Jizan-Saudi-Interior-Ministry) (PressTV)

Saudi Arabia news:

Religious eugenics: How Saudi Arabia is sponsoring a frightening new movement in the ME (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/313117-saudi-arabia-yemen-war/), by Catherine Shakdam.

Palestine news:

Hamas captures Mossad’s dolphin spying off Gaza (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/19/425488/spying-dolphin-israel-mossad-espionage-hamas-palestine) (PressTV)

Iran news:

Russia & Iran reach agreement on S-300 air defense systems delivery – deputy foreign minister (http://www.rt.com/news/312804-russia-iran-s300-delivery/) (RT) (Teeth are grinding in Beltway think tanks. The S-300s are finally on their way to Iran. – Comrade)

Libya news:

Are the US and its Allies Contemplating Another Bombing Campaign against Libya? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/is-the-us-and-its-allies-contemplating-another-bombing-campaign-against-libya/5469829), by Abayomi Azikiwe. (I like Azikiwe’s reports on Libya, but I disagree with his view that NATO generally prefers the Tobruk government over the Misrata-controlled Tripoli regime. Of course, publicly, the West recognizes the Tobruk government as the legitimate government, but is that really the case covertly? I believe that at the covert level, the real Western support is still with the Misrati/Brotherhood types that control Tripoli. This is why the West wants a “national unity government” which would include the Misratis. CIA asset Khalifa Haftar, who is part of the Tobruk forces, is the West’s backup option if Tobruk outright wins the civil war against Misrata. – Comrade)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Is an Ukronazi attack imminent? Yes! So what else is new? (http://thesaker.is/is-an-ukronazi-attack-imminent-yes-so-what-else-is-new/), by The Saker.

Minsk -2: A Rotting Corpse (http://journal-neo.org/2015/08/21/minsk-2-a-rotting-corpse/), by Christopher Black.

Is Ukraine On The Cusp Of A Real Uprising? (http://thesaker.is/is-ukraine-on-the-cusp-of-a-real-uprising/), by Andrew Korybko.

Untold Story of Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150823/1026098760/molotov-ribbentrop-pact-untold-story.html), by Ekaterina Blinova.

‘What US fears is not troubled, but successful Russia’ (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/312940-nato-drills-ukraine-russia/) (RT interview with Michael Parenti)

Banned anti-personnel mines: ‘Fact of life for citizens of eastern Ukraine’ (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/313108-ukraine-war-crimes-mines/) (RT)

Militia identify location Kiev shelled Mariupol from (http://tass.ru/en/world/815237) (ITAR-TASS)

Ukraine concentrates heavy artillery and aircraft in Donbas — DPR’s Defense Ministry (http://tass.ru/en/world/815090) (ITAR-TASS)

Ministry: Kiev’s military demine fields before attack on DPR (http://tass.ru/en/world/815936) (ITAR-TASS) (More evidence of a future junta offensive. – Comrade)

Donbass militia detain members of sabotage and reconnaissance group (http://tass.ru/en/world/815201) (ITAR-TASS)

Pridnestrovie news:

Transdniestria fears destabilization ahead of parliamentary polls — security services (http://tass.ru/en/world/814913) (ITAR-TASS)

Russian military hold firing drill in Transdniestria (http://tass.ru/en/world/815319) (ITAR-TASS)

Djibouti news:

US vs China in Djibouti (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/08/17/us-vs-china-in-djibouti/), by Thomas C. Mountain. (Some very interesting news about the US/China rivalry in Djibouti. Djibouti, long seen as a US satellite, is now seeking a Chinese military base. – Comrade)

UK news:

Blairite Labour Plotting Coup to Axe Corbyn (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150821/1026006091.html), by Finian Cunningham.

US news:

Best Friends Forever? Terrorist Groups Benefiting From Clinton Support (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150822/1026077538.html) (Sputnik News)

Remember Those Tiny Islands The US Unilaterally Seized Over A Century Ago? (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150821/1026031203/us-hypocrisy-pacific-islands-grab.html), by Andrew Korybko.

Now the Banderites are even losing the war against monuments. Watch this video showing a Polish patriot destroying a monument to the Banderite UPA (note that the Banderites committed genocide against Poles in World War II):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aIvT-8MLFA

blindpig

08-24-2015, 10:16 AM

And now it is my turn to be a bit ‘pessimistic’, I never believed that the uprising in the Crimea or in the Donbass was a ‘socialist revolution’, but rather a national revolution against Western imperialism. Ideologically, the ‘socialism’ of most of the Novorossiyan resistance leaders (including, I believe, of Mozgovoy before his martyrdom) is ‘market-socialism’. The Russian national bourgeoisie already have two ‘market-socialist’ neighbors that they do tons of business with (Belarus and China). I do not see why they would fear another. In fact, the inevitable reconstruction contracts could be “very good for business.” I guess that is a large part of the reason why I never saw much of a motive for ‘betrayal.’ – Comrade

Gotta remember that Russian ruling class are still ripping the price tags off the property they've stolen, know very well what they have done and who they did it to. They live in the midst of their victims(when not in the West) and know the history too, what these people have done to 'their' kind. While oligarchs in the west may play at some progressive issues , near to their hearts but not their wallets, those in Russia have the historical proximity of the Soviet Union looking over their shoulder and we know that they strive to deny and demonize every aspect of that. Last thing they want is the working class getting nostalgic for the social rights of Soviet society and militant to boot. The danger they face is of the Donbas 'contagion' spreading east.

As to the 'quality' of the socialism being expounded in Donbas, we shouldn't be too picky, it is a work in progress. Returning the primary means of production to social ownership is a great start. If they can hang with that then other things become self-evident. Most important thing is that this is a true working class movement, without the 'help' of the petty booj, which generally goes awry. To be sure socialism, nationalism, even religion are all in the broth of collective memory, part of the process and no help for that. And truth is that it is understandable that many might wish to keep the party at arms length for the collapse and what ensued. Aspects of 'war communism' which extended over generations, however necessary, also give some folks pause. A formal party must work hard to re-establish itself in the hearts of the people, be it one of the current organizations or a new one. The unique history of the people of the former Soviet Union, who have 'seen it all' make them strong candidates for leading the revival of socialism.

Dhalgren

08-24-2015, 12:37 PM

Gotta remember that Russian ruling class are still ripping the price tags off the property they've stolen, know very well what they have done and who they did it to. They live in the midst of their victims(when not in the West) and know the history too, what these people have done to 'their' kind. While oligarchs in the west may play at some progressive issues , near to their hearts but not their wallets, those in Russia have the historical proximity of the Soviet Union looking over their shoulder and we know that they strive to deny and demonize every aspect of that. Last thing they want is the working class getting nostalgic for the social rights of Soviet society and militant to boot. The danger they face is of the Donbas 'contagion' spreading east.
P
As to the 'quality' of the socialism being expounded in Donbas, we shouldn't be too picky, it is a work in progress. Returning the primary means of production to social ownership is a great start. If they can hang with that then other things become self-evident. Most important thing is that this is a true working class movement, without the 'help' of the petty booj, which generally goes awry. To be sure socialism, nationalism, even religion are all in the broth of collective memory, part of the process and no help for that. And truth is that it is understandable that many might wish to keep the party at arms length for the collapse and what ensued. Aspects of 'war communism' which extended over generations, however necessary, also give some folks pause. A formal party must work hard to re-establish itself in the hearts of the people, be it one of the current organizations or a new one. The unique history of the people of the former Soviet Union, who have 'seen it all' make them strong candidates for leading the revival of socialism.

Agree completely. Your last sentence particularly. When Marx reported on the U.S. Civil War, he was in obvious support of the North, but he never lost sight of what the North actually was. He never suspended criticisms of the US North. It is like supporting Syria against Western imperialism, it isn't necessary or appropriate to aggrandize Assad in the process. I am not in any way denigrating Assad, just trying to maintain perspective. The same holds true for all "leaders" and all conflicts. I reserve my unqualified support for working class.

Comrade

08-30-2015, 11:31 PM

Syria news:

“Jihadist” Terrorists Are An Instrument of Israeli Aggression: Syria President al-Assad (http://www.globalresearch.ca/jihadist-terrorists-are-an-instrument-of-the-israeli-aggression-syria-president-al-assad/5471884) (Syrian Arab News Agency)

Russian support for Syria in four-year crisis sincere: Assad (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/26/426349/Syria-Assad-Russia-US-Israel-Hezbollah-ISIL) (PressTV)

The Pentagon’s Dangerous Game with Terrorists (http://www.globalresearch.ca/pentagons-first-attempt-to-train-syrian-opposition-to-fight-isis-an-abject-failure/5472290), by George Koplan.

Resistant media battling spread of false news about Syria: Syrian min. (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/30/426911/Syria-Information-Minister-Omran-Zoubi-Iran) (PressTV)

Syrian army troops repel terrorist attack in Idlib: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/28/426745/Syria-terrorist-attack-Idlib-alNusra-UNHCR) (PressTV)

Syria resumes clashes with militants as truce ends: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/29/426816/Syria-Zabadani-Fuaa-Kefraya-Nusra) (PressTV)

ISIL Militants Destroy Ancient Temple in Syrian Palmyra (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20150831/1026375153.html) (Sputnik News) (The West’s mercenary army against Syria has destroyed another ancient temple. – Comrade)

Two dozen militants slain in Syria infighting: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/30/427019/Syria-Daesh-ISIL-terrorists-Damascus) (PressTV)

Lebanon news:

Lebanon’s Future is on the Line, and It Directly Affects Syria (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150824/1026127491/lebanon-future-affects-syria.html), by Andrew Korybko.

Egypt news:

‘Nothing to divide Egypt and Russia’ (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/313470-egypt-russia-meeting-ties/) (RT) (President Sisi supports an anti-IS coalition that would include Syria. – Comrade)

Iraq news:

Iraqi airstrikes kill dozens of Takfiri Daesh terrorists (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/24/426103/Iraq-fighter-jet-airstrike-Daesh-ISIL-Anbar-Salahuddin) (PressTV)

Iraq army, allied forces kill 130 Takfiri Daesh terrorists (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/27/426528/Iraq-army-Popluar-Mobilization-operations-Anbar-Kirkuk-Daesh-militants) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Western complicity in Yemen genocide met with media silence (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/313210-yemen-war-western-media/), by Finian Cunningham.

Yemen forces capture two Saudi military bases (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/23/426039/Saudi-Yemen-Jizan-alJarrah-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill several Saudi troops in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/24/426126/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Ansarullah-Houthi-Hadi-) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces launch Scud Missile on Saudi Arabia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/26/426457/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Scud-missile) (PressTV)

Yemeni rockets kill several more Saudi troops in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/25/426274/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-soldiers-Jizan-retaliatory-attacks) (PressTV)

Yemen Ansarullah fighters, army units shell Saudi Arabia's Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/28/426752/Yemen-Ansarullah-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Ibb) (PressTV)

Saudi Arabia kills 36 in airstrike on plant in Hajjah (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/30/426949/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Hajjah-Abs-Saada-Baqim) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces destroy Saudi military vehicles, seize Humvee (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/30/426927/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-military-vehicles-Jizan) (PressTV)

Afghanistan news:

Nuclear War in Afghanistan Was an Option for US – Former German Diplomat (http://sputniknews.com/world/20150830/1026354691.html) (Sputnik News)

Africa news:

US Imperialism and America’s “New Cold War” against Africa (http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-imperialism-and-americas-new-cold-war-against-africa/5471560), by Abayomi Azikiwe.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Donetsk Republic Leader Warns of Ukrainian Army Offensive on Election Day (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150829/1026329941.html) (Sputnik News)

MH17: US-Initiated Tribunals Usually Paved Way for NATO Aggression (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150825/1026176854/mh17-tribunal-as-excuse-for-aggression.html) (Sputnik News)

Soviet Nuclear Test of 1949 Dealt Heavy Blow to Pentagon's War Plans (http://sputniknews.com/russia/20150829/1026349876.html) (Sputnik News)

About 500 people picket Red Cross office in Lugansk (http://tass.ru/en/world/817340) (ITAR-TASS)

Two Ukrainian servicemen side with LPR, ready to defend self-proclaimed republic (http://tass.ru/en/world/817262) (ITAR-TASS)

Shocking videos show 3yo girl making Nazi salutes, pledging to ‘knife Russians' (http://www.rt.com/news/313842-videos-girl-cut-russians/) (RT) (Another example of the "democracy" that Obama brought to the Ukraine. – Comrade)

Moldova news:

Moldovan opposition plans to begin mass protests against authorities (http://tass.ru/en/world/816455) (ITAR-TASS)

Malaysia news:

Obama’s “Pivot to Asia”: US Sponsored Mobs Seek to Overthrow Malaysian Government (http://landdestroyer.blogspot.ca/2015/08/us-vs-china-us-mobs-seek-to-overthrow.html), by Tony Cartalucci.

DPRK news:

South Korea Stops Propaganda Broadcasting Against DPRK in Demilitarized Zone (http://sputniknews.com/asia/20150825/1026151942.html) (Sputnik News) (The brief border conflict resulted in a DPRK victory. – Comrade)

Good video showing the Yemeni army launching a scud missile at the Saudi regime:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-Pl7qeopoo

blindpig

09-02-2015, 10:55 AM

Swollen unwanted fruits of EU disastrous #MENA "interventions" wash back ashore #Tragic self-inflicted #RefugeeCrisis

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5uEB2UEAApyUe.jpg

Mark Sleboda ‏@MarkSleboda1 1h

*************************************
'But then, what about the children? How will we ever account for their sufferings?'
Dostoevsky, Brothers Karamazov.

Hervé Fournier ‏@OHSAISONS 1h

*****************************

Of course, people supporting armed regime change have nothing to do with this and are free of any responsibility...

Olivier Fehr ‏@ofehr_en 1h

******************************************

Comments from my Twitter feed.

One day, we, as citizens of the USA, are going to pay for this and millions of other crimes. Only active opposition can be applied against that account.

Comrade

09-06-2015, 09:47 PM

That one picture sums up perfectly what Democratic Party-led US imperialism stands for: the death and destruction of innocent people. If only US liberals could see the truth… – Comrade

Syria news:

The Insidious Relationship between Washington and ISIS: The Evidence (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-relationship-between-washington-and-isis-the-evidence/5435405), by Prof. Tim Anderson.

Petraeus' Trial Ballon - "Let's Work With Al-Qaeda" (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/09/why-is-petraeus-launching-a-work-with-al-qaeda-trial-ballon.html) (Moon of Alabama)

So-called anti-Daesh coalition huge lie: Syrian minister (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/01/427209/Syria-US-Daesh-USled-coalition-Iraq-Turkey-Zoubi) (PressTV)

Syria blames Turkey for pushing refugees to Europe (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/03/427583/Syrian-UN-Iran-Miqdad-Turkey-) (PressTV)

Lavrov: Assad is legitimate leader despite West’s claims (http://tass.ru/en/world/817774) (ITAR-TASS)

Under Fight-Against-ISIS Disguise "West" Prepares To Openly Attack Syria (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/09/under-fight-against-isis-disguise-west-prepares-to-openly-attack-syria.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Israeli Commanders Killed within Al Nusra Ranks inside Syria (http://www.globalresearch.ca/israeli-commanders-killed-within-al-nusra-ranks-inside-syria/5472791) (Fars News Agency)

Israeli helicopters transport terrorists injured in Syria battlefield: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/04/427721/Syria-Israel-helicopters-treatment-injured-militants) (PressTV)

Syria, Hezbollah capture fresh posts in Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/31/427169/Syria-Zabadani-Hezbollah-militants) (PressTV)

Six militants killed, nine captured in Syria’s Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/01/427221/Syria-Zabadani-Hezbollah-Damascus-Eastern-Ghouta-alNusra-Front) (PressTV)

Syria army, Hezbollah liberate over 70% of Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/03/427499/Syria-Syrian-Observatory-for-Human-Rights-Zabadani-Rif-Dimashq-Daesh-Hezbollah) (PressTV)

Daesh militants blow up 3 tower tombs at Syria’s Palmyra (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/04/427700/Syria-Daesh-Palmyra-tower-tombs-Maamoun-Abdelkarim) (PressTV) (The West’s mercenary army continues destroying Syria and Iraq’s priceless ancient history. – Comrade)

Militant infighting leaves 47 dead in Syria’s Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/05/427846/Syria-Daesh-Nusra-Front-Aleppo) (PressTV)

Syrian authorities detain Suwayda bombing suspect (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/06/428015/Syria-Durze-alNusra-Front-Druze-alWafed-Abu-Tarabeh) (PressTV)

Syrian army forces make gains in Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/06/428032/Syria-Zabadani-Silan-Damascus) (PressTV)

Lebanon news:

Thousands rally in Beirut calling to elect president by popular vote (http://www.rt.com/news/314503-lebanon-protest-president-election/) (RT) (Now members of the anti-imperialist forces in Lebanon are staging protests too. – Comrade)

Turkey news:

PKK claims attack killed 15 Turkish troops (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/06/428052/PKK-kurds-Turkish-troops-ambush--) (PressTV) (Erdogan’s Kurdish quagmire deepens. – Comrade)

Iraq news:

Iraqi woman kills Daesh militant commander near Mosul (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/06/427946/Iraq-Daesh-Mosul-Nineveh-Woman-Sex-slave-Saeed-Mamouzini) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

West Beats War Drums Over Russian 'Menace', Overlooks Saudi Crimes in Yemen (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150901/1026459632.html) (Sputnik News)

Yemeni forces bring down Saudi spy drone intact in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/08/31/427124/Yemen-Saudi-UAV-drone-Jizan) (PressTV)

Twin blasts hit Shia mosque in Yemeni capital (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/02/427474/Yemen-Sanaa-bomb-Shia-mosque) (PressTV) (The “IS” are working jointly with the US-backed Saudi invasion of Yemen to commit genocide against the Yemeni people. – Comrade)

Yemeni forces destroy Saudi Apache choppers: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/04/427694/Yemen-Saudi-Apache-Marib-Najran-Jizan) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill 5 Bahraini, 16 Saudi, 45 UAE troops (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/04/427735/Bahrain-Saudi-Arabia-Borders-Soldiers) (PressTV) (Great news, the Yemeni resistance has wiped out 66 invaders in one day! The Saudis are stuck in the sand. – Comrade)

Bodies of 103 foreign troops recovered from Yemen’s Safer airport (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/05/427815/Yemen-Safer-airport-Marib-Emirati-Bahraini-Sanaa-) (PressTV) (Welcome to Vietnam, Saudi fuckers. – Comrade)

Saudi cities to become legitimate targets for Yemeni troops: Army (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/05/427913/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-Riyadh-Jeddah-Abha) (PressTV)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

SITREP: grenade attack in Kiev – a US PSYOP? (http://thesaker.is/sitrep-grenade-attack-in-kiev-a-us-psyop/), by The Saker.

Kiev Riots Herald the Coming of Chaos to Ukraine (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150901/1026428342.html), by Alexander Mercouris.

UNSC veto right is crucial balance tool to avoid ‘disasters’ – Russia’s envoy Churkin (http://www.rt.com/news/314162-un-security-council-russia-churkin/) (RT)

Putin says dump dollar (http://www.rt.com/business/313967-putin-says-dump-dollar/) (RT)

Tajikistan news:

Tajikistan’s authorities deliver ultimatum to terrorists sheltering in mountain gorge (http://tass.ru/en/world/819045) (ITAR-TASS) (Looks like this must have been some sort of failed US-coup attempt against the Tajik government. Tajikistan will eventually be joining the Eurasian Economic Union and is already a CSTO and SCO member. It’s also strategically located on the Afghan border. So the Western motives are obvious… -- Comrade)

South Africa news:

The Economist Slams Party of Mandela for Speaking Truth on US in Ukraine (http://sputniknews.com/analysis/20150904/1026606433/economist-usa-russia-ukraine-criticism.html) (Sputnik News) (The Western imperialist papers are endlessly raging about increasing BRICS unity. – Comrade)

Myanmar news:

Part 1: Myanmar and mysterious soft coup attempt (http://orientalreview.org/2015/09/04/myanmar-and-the-mysterious-soft-coup-attempt/), by Andrew Korybko.

Part 2: Myanmar and mysterious soft coup attempt (http://orientalreview.org/2015/09/05/myanmar-and-the-mysterious-soft-coup-attempt-ii/), by Andrew Korybko.

China news:

Dogs of Western resentment bark as Chinese WWII parade passes (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/313897-china-japan-us-russia-war/), by Pepe Escobar.

The Moscow-Beijing Express: From May 9th in Moscow to September 3rd in Beijing, the Anti-West Order Comes Full Circle (http://thesaker.is/the-moscow-beijing-express-from-may-9th-in-moscow-to-september-3rd-in-beijing-the-anti-west-order-comes-full-circle/), by Jeff J. Brown.

USA news:

Cultural Imperialism and Perception Management: How Hollywood Hides US War Crimes (http://www.globalresearch.ca/cultural-imperialism-and-perception-management-how-hollywood-hides-us-war-crimes/5473497), by Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya.

Fascism from West Point. US “Treasonous” Antiwar Lawyers Categorized as Terrorists (http://www.globalresearch.ca/fascism-from-west-point-us-treasonous-antiwar-lawyers-categorized-as-terrorists/5472983), by David Swanson.

Video showing the Yemeni army firing the tochka missile that killed over fifty invaders (what’s interesting about these Yemeni missile videos is that last spring the Saudi propagandists claimed to have destroyed all of Yemen’s ballistic missiles in the criminal Saudi air strikes, but now we have seen videos of at least one tochka and two scud missile launches):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlEwNRAzCck

blindpig

09-09-2015, 03:53 PM

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg expressed concern at reports of increasing Russian military presence in Syria. This is not the first official high-level officials in the West, which is expressed on the subject.
The fact that Russia's activity in this area has increased dramatically, beyond doubt. Russian officials do not comment on what is happening, it is most likely due to some untimely: perhaps, something will have to clarify Putin at the UN General Assembly, so his staff are in no hurry to speak out earlier guidance. However, as such denials are not. It almost certainly is the construction of the airport (or upgrading existing) supply of new equipment, sending instructors and specialists. The question of sending military personnel who will take (or have taken) participated in direct combat, is still open.

All of these actions on the part of Russian officials hide behind statements about the need to combat terrorism and Islamic state that in general, should be to some extent correspond to the interests of the West - but the West is not only welcomed, as is concerned. What's the matter? The war in Syria has long ceased to be linear. Only on the battlefield directly to war with each other for at least four forces: the government army, the Kurdish militia fighters Dzhebhat al-Nusra, together with soldiers of various Islamist and poluislamistskih units, which are called collectively as the Islamic Front (Dzhebhat al-Islamiya) and, finally, the , Islamic State (or LIH). Everything else you need to take into account the militias of the Lebanese Hezbollah, almost hiding militias of the Iranian Al-Quds, as well as all sorts of "vacationers" the armed forces of neighboring countries such as Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates. This entire conglomerate is among themselves extremely complicated relationship, although in general, there are exactly four independent forces - the government, the Kurds, the An-Nusra and the Islamic Front and LIH. Islamic Front and Al-Nusra - the largest headache government. It is with these groups total about 65-70 thousand people is the most fierce fighting. Direct contact with the LIH government has - but rather local areas a common front, while LIH fighting with government and with Al-Nusra and the Islamic Front, and, of course, with the Kurds. Today, the most threatened area for the government - Idlib, Latakia, Hama and Zabadani areas on the Lebanese border, Damascus and south of the country. Almost everywhere it goes clashes with Al-Nusra Front and the Islamic - and it is these groups and supported by the West. Not only supports and provides weapons, train fighters, treat the wounded. The paradox of the ongoing war is that Russia, having decided on a more serious help Assad (in my opinion this aid was delayed for at least three years), will have to help him in the fight not with the LIH, namely Al-Nusra and the Islamic Front. The paradox is that this fight is purely situational LIH will solve the problem, which is at war with them also. Attack LIH troops Assad now can not - too little common ground. Actually, this forces the West to be nervous and to protest - he suspects that under the cover of talk about anti-LIH Russian help Assad if not to defeat, then seriously weaken Western protege, than beyond doubt take advantage of the same LIH. Shura Islamic state concept acts against "distant" (the West) and "The Middle" (apostates) enemies, and "near" enemies of the full priority. Al-Nusra and the Islamic Front for the LIH enemies far more important than Assad - they have links with al-Qaeda and al-Zawahiri hold its ideological concept, which means - to be unconditional destruction, if not bring an oath of allegiance to the caliph Baghdadi. Assad wait. Given that the West (and, in general, and the US in particular) reside today in a severe crisis of confidence with Russia - perhaps even more serious than during the Cold War, no assurances of Russian officials that need to work together to fight LIH, Western politicians are not impressive. Russian politicians believe the West about the same degree of naivety. The problem is that the fight against the LIH in the concrete conditions of the Syrian war automatically mean giving up support for Assad - and that is the marker by which to somehow navigate the mess and jumble of events. Either Russia supports Assad - and then it will be forced to simply because of the current operational environment to fight the pro-Western factions Al-Nusra and the Islamic Front, or hand over al-Assad - and then, shoulder to shoulder with the terrorists will be able to fight with LIH, receiving a response in the form terrorist war on its territory. There is no doubt that the second option will suit the United States, and under him they can promise if you do not lift the sanctions, at least not to introduce new ones. Promise, of course - not to marry, but a large part of our product range and will be glad to do so. However, there is a nuance that will need to be disclosed separately. It lies in the fact that Syria return to the pre-war situation is impossible. Its decay, probably can not be stopped. The fight is for what it is Syria territory will be divided after the war that will last for years to come. Russia missed a chance for a quick conclusion of the war, removing the hands of Assad in 2012 and forced him to go to a truce under warranty General Kofi Annan - who finished off an attack in Damascus and Aleppo in July 2012. Minsk conspiring in a series of betrayals - is not the first episode of the Russian policy. However, this is in the past. The strategic interests of Russia, of course, require monitoring Assad least coastal part of Syria, and if possible, with Lebanon border strip. It is more than obvious solution, as it will allow Russia to continue to keep a hand on "the Syrian cross" - that is, the intersection of the potential gas pipeline from Iran and Qatar (which is why, in fact, began a large extent this war). Helping Assad almost at the last moment, Russia will have to deal not with the old Syria, and its stump, almost helpless without external assistance. Nothing personal just business. In this case, Russia's ability to influence the decisions of the stub on the issues of access to the coast, are almost absolute. A separate line can be noted that access to the sea - almost the only subject for bargaining with the Islamic state, and if Russia is looking at least 10-15 years ahead, it is necessary to begin to perceive this state as a very likely reality, which means - you need to start at least a pre-calculate the possibilities and points of contact. Whether in the Kremlin a little different direction, it would be possible to consider his actions in terms of the public interest, and mess in the Middle East region, which clearly do not want to climb the United States - a great opportunity to return the lost positions, and perhaps - and the acquisition of new ones. Unfortunately, after the events in Donbass suspect the Russian leadership in the promotion of Russian interests is not necessary. In the best case - it solves the problems of its oligarchs, and short-term objectives and very situational. This is the main reason for all faery failures of Russian policy of recent decades. Therefore, to assess the plans of the Russian leadership, based on the current conditions and emerging opportunities in it for us is very problematic. It is possible that the Kremlin has some alternative thoughts on this - but the current practice, they ohlos nobody does not intend to dedicate. There are advocates who will explain any dislocation of Russian politics mutually tehisami designed to stir up any, even the crystal-clear picture. So it makes sense to wait for Putin's speech at the General Assembly. Much hope that he would say there is something distinct, of course not - in the last year and a half in any public meeting or speech intelligibility Putin has been very difficult to detect. However, nothing else to do - listen to the officials, whose main task - only to get out without saying anything really, impossible.

http://el-murid.livejournal.com/2506779.html

Google Translator

Dhalgren

09-10-2015, 10:04 AM

So it makes sense to wait for Putin's speech at the General Assembly. Much hope that he would say there is something distinct, of course not - in the last year and a half in any public meeting or speech intelligibility Putin has been very difficult to detect.

Want to bet he says something like: "We are trying to help our partners (NATO,EU,US) to fight IS! You are welcome!" Then he will probably hand-over Asad to Israel. Sorry, I no longer trust Putin's government, even to the small amount that I did before. If I were Asad, I'd keep my back to a wall...

blindpig

09-10-2015, 10:40 AM

Want to bet he says something like: "We are trying to help our partners (NATO,EU,US) to fight IS! You are welcome!" Then he will probably hand-over Asad to Israel. Sorry, I no longer trust Putin's government, even to the small amount that I did before. If I were Asad, I'd keep my back to a wall...

We could never trust them, but ya might expect them to act in their material self interest, in their class interest. Such has not been the case, the 'new' Russian bourgeoisie behaves like little mafia dons, a crude parody of the market, arms-reach self-aggrandizement with no strategic thought. Traitors to any conception of Russia, compradors waiting to happen, they lack even the sophistication of capitalists and are nothing but bandits in expensive, ill-fitting suits.

That said, they do possess at least the self-consciousness of their crimes to recognize the danger to themselves represented by the revolt in Donbas and have done all possible to extinguish that hope without rousing the ire of the Russian people.

blindpig

09-11-2015, 12:10 PM

Want to Know What’s Really Going on in Syria? Warning: It’ll Take You More Than 5 Minutes
by LOUIS ALLDAY

“Wars are complex. They come out of nowhere and all of a sudden, people you’ve never heard of are killing each other on the evening news.”

So begins this rather patronising piece on Upworthy that attempts to explain in a digestible format what is happening in Syria. Entitled ‘Trying to follow what is going on in Syria and why? This comic will get you there in 5 minutes’, the article presents a neat, but ultimately misleading and reductive narrative, which argues that drought caused by climate change is primarily responsible for the war in Syria. Somewhat regrettably, it has been shared widely over the internet since it was published last week. Presumably it is being read (and shared) by people who are confused by events in Syria and want to find an easy framework with which to understand them.

Even for a piece that is explicitly intended for the layman, it is highly simplistic, misleadingly so. There is no doubt that the major drought witnessed in Syria between 2006 and 2011 had a catastrophic environmental and societal impact on the country, but it is not the over-arching cause of the war. The article is also littered with inaccuracies and has many glaring omissions, including the central role of foreign powers in the war, notably the US. For instance, there is no mention of the US’ long-standing effort (in co-ordination with Saudi Arabia) to encourage Islamic fundamentalism and sectarianism in Syria in order to weaken the Syrian Government at any cost (as revealed by WikiLeaks) and no mention of the CIA’s enormous Syria operation that has cost at least $1bn and trained and armed nearly 10,000 fighters sent to fight in Syria since the war began. But it is something else in the piece that – due to personal experience – I found especially problematic. The piece claims that in response to the drought crisis, “Bashar Al Assad’s Government offered little help” (the word Government is omitted in the article itself, this appears to be an editorial oversight).

In 2009, when the enormous scale of the drought in Syria was becoming clear, I was a research intern at the British Embassy in Damascus. In this role, one of my responsibilities was to attend briefings and events arranged by international organisations and other embassies and report my findings back to the UK Embassy. Therefore, when I read the phrase “offered little help”, I was immediately reminded of a UN briefing that I attended in Damascus in July 2009. As soon as I consulted my original notes from the briefing, the flagrant inaccuracy – if not outright dishonesty – of this wording struck me. At this briefing, the UN Drought Joint Needs Assessment Mission (or the JNA), chaired by Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed (now the Head of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response), reported to international (primarily western) donors the findings of a field mission that the JNA had conducted in Eastern Syria in June 2009. In his presentation, Ahmed praised the response of the Syrian Government more than once but argued that given the enormous scale of the problem, further action from it was needed. He also summarised the measures that the government had already taken, these included the following:

*A food assistance programme that was supplementing the World Food Program’s efforts. 27,000-30,000 families were guaranteed support until December 2009.

* Livestock feed had been subsidised.

* Outstanding loans of farmers had been re-scheduled and micro-credit loans offered to them.

* New teachers had been hired for affected regions.

* Establishment of a government fund specifically for agricultural subsidies and support.

Representatives of the Syrian Government appeared alongside the UN at the meeting; The Director of Planning from the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture and the Deputy Head of the State Planning Commission. Both these Syrian officials stressed the severity and unprecedented scale of the drought and stated explicitly that the government was struggling to cope with its impact. They openly asked for financial assistance (both short- and long-term) from international donors and stated that the Syrian Government’s efforts alone would not be sufficient to cope. During the briefing a number of funding options were offered to international donors by the UN. These included food distribution for 300,000 people (priced at $29.9m) and water projects including reverse osmosis units and rehabilitation of wells (priced at $2.1m). An overall aid target of $50m was set; a figure that I remember many in the room thought was wholly unrealistic since only $4m had been donated by the same countries/groups the previous year.

In light of this context, the article’s premise that the government “offered little help” is, at best, an unfair and inaccurate simplification of how the Syrian Government actually responded to the drought. At worst, it is an intentional and dishonest attempt to obscure the government’s evident attempts to solve the crisis and mitigate its impact. The reality is that the Syrian Government was simply overwhelmed by the scale of the drought (and its subsequent effects); it did not possess the ability – financial, logistical and otherwise – to respond adequately to it and did not receive sufficient funding from international donors to help account for this deficiency. After that meeting, I remember my impression of the Syrian officials was of two overwhelmed and worried government employees who were acutely aware of the scale of the emergency and the dire need for international assistance but, given the numerous enemies Syria faced, were wary of appearing overly weak in front of an international audience.

Although to some this might seem a relatively unimportant clarification, it is reflective of a much broader trend in reporting on Syria; the constant reduction of the entire Syrian Government/State to simply ‘Assad’ (also the ‘Assad regime’ or ‘Assad’s Government’) and a small group of Alawite ‘thugs’, as if Syria lacked national institutions and infrastructures that although often dysfunctional, have existed and developed over decades, and are staffed by many thousands of government employees. Leader-focused framing such as this plays a central role in legitimising the West’s aggression against entire nation-states (think Gaddafi, Saddam, Milosevic et al) and inevitably, to observe such a fact often means being labelled “pro-Assad” or “pro-Qaddafi” etc. Such is the simplistic portrayal of the ‘Assad regime’ in much of the Western media, that I am sure many in the West would be surprised to learn that Syria even had a Deputy Head of the State Planning Commission or a Director of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture.

The media’s constant use of ‘Assad’ and ‘regime’ obscures the reality that the government is not a homogenous entity, and that many ‘regime’ officials are simply bureaucrats, technical experts and civil servants, not murderous, sectarian thugs as is so often the impression. After all, Khaled al-Asaad, the former Head of Antiquities at Palmyra who was murdered by ISIS in August was a ‘regime’ official and had been so for forty years. While his murder was unanimously condemned and al-Asaad was – rightfully so – widely mourned by the Western press, the awkward fact that he was a government employee was conveniently downplayed. In the same way, the image of Syrian Government officials in the midst of a drought crisis, outlining the bureaucratic steps taken by the government to date, expressing real concern for the future and pleading for help from international donors does not fit the narrative of ‘Assad and his regime thugs’ and so was ignored.

Ultimately, any article that purports to explain an extremely complex topic in “five minutes” should be treated with extreme scepticism and the utmost caution, and this piece is no exception to that rule.

Louis Allday is a PhD candidate at SOAS based in London. Follow him on Twitter: @Louis_Allday

http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/09/11/want-to-know-whats-really-going-on-in-syria-warning-itll-take-you-more-than-5-minutes/

Comrade

09-13-2015, 11:25 PM

Syria news:

So What Are the Russians Really Doing in Syria? (http://thesaker.is/so-what-are-the-russians-really-doing-in-syria/), by The Saker. (A good analysis by the Saker on Russian involvement in Syria. No, the Russian military is not being sent in to directly fight the Western-backed terrorists. However, Russia is increasingly providing the Syrian government with more material support and Russian military trainers/advisors, which has caused the Neocons to squeal in panic. – Comrade)

Washington is Supporting and Financing the ISIS. Moscow is Supporting Syria against the ISIS (http://www.globalresearch.ca/washington-is-supporting-and-financing-the-isis-moscow-is-supporting-syria-against-the-isis/5475707), by Prof Michel Chossudovsky.

Russia constructs runway, deploys military advisors in Syria,: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/13/429075/Syria-Latakia-Russia-Hmaymim-Syrian-Observatory-Tartous-runway-Daesh) (PressTV) (This is Putin’s indirect way of telling Obama, “No, you will not be bombing the Syrian government.” – Comrade)

Soros-Sponsored NGO in Syria Aims at Ousting Assad, Not Saving Civilians (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150908/1026752193/ngo-rescue-civilians-western-propaganda.html) (Sputnik News)

Turning the Cradle of Civilization Into its Graveyard (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/09/07/turning-the-cradle-of-civilization-into-its-graveyard/), by Diana Johnstone.

Assange on ‘US Empire,’ Assad govt overthrow plans & new book ‘The WikiLeaks Files’ (EXCLUSIVE) (http://www.rt.com/news/314852-assange-wikileaks-us-syria/) (RT)

US backs those who want to use terrorists against Assad – Lavrov (http://www.rt.com/news/314945-syria-help-isis-lavrov/) (RT)

'World’s strongest girl' visits Syria to meet Bashar Assad and his wife (http://www.rt.com/news/314764-strongest-girl-visit-syria/) (RT)

Two Russia aid planes land in Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/12/428867/Russia-Syria-Daesh-) (PressTV)

Made in Russia: Syria Continues to Develop Its Air Defense Forces (http://sputniknews.com/world/20150911/1026884045/russia-syria-air-defense-forces-supplies.html) (Sputnik News)

Syria, Hezbollah advance in east Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/07/428155/Syria-Zabadani-Hezbollah-Saylan-Mohtah) (PressTV)

Syrian Army Kills Over 40 ISIL Militants in Palmyra, Neighborhood – Source (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20150907/1026710992.html) (Sputnik News)

Syrian army forces kill 13 senior militants near capital (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/09/428405/Syria-army-Takfiri-militants-Dariya-Damascus-Zabadani) (PressTV)

Syrian army repels Takfiris' attacks near Damascus (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/13/428951/Syria-Takfiri-Harasta-Damascus-alGhouta) (PressTV)

Turkey news:

Turkey’s HDP opposition leader may face prosecution (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/10/428561/Turkey-HDP-PKK-Selahattin-Demirtas-Erdogan-Diyarbakir-Hurriyet) (PressTV)

PKK says 31 Turkish soldiers killed in attack (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/07/428128/Turkey-PKK-Daesh-) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Iraqi forces liberate areas in Iraq’s Anbar from Daesh (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/10/428510/Iraq-Anbar-daesh-takfiri-Fallujah) (PressTV)

Egypt news:

Egypt army kills 98 Daesh-linked militants in Sinai Peninsula: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/11/428774/Egypt-army-Daesh-Sinai-Peninsula-ISIL) (PressTV) (The Western-backed terrorists are trying to destabilize Egypt’s strategic Sinai Peninsula that borders the Zionist regime. – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Qatari forces cross into Yemen through S Arabia: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/07/428106/Yemen-Qatar-Saudi-Arabia-alKharj-ground-invaion) (PressTV) (Looks like Qatar wants a bloody nose too. In addition, the total invasion force at this point seems to still be around 10,000 total. It will be impossible for the invaders to conquer northern Yemen’s rugged terrain and defiant population with such a small force. – Comrade)

Yemen forces fire rockets at Saudi troops in Ma’rib (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/09/428392/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Marib-Sanaa-) (PressTV)

Saudi airstrikes kill at least 26 people in Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/10/428515/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Riyadh-Taizz-Shabwa-Sanaa-Marib-Jizan) (PressTV)

Tribal leaders in Yemen’s Ma’rib condemn Saudi military aggression (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/11/428694/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-military-aggression-Marib-Sanaa-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Yemen army seizes 4 Saudi military bases (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/12/428898/Saudi-Yemen-Dhahran-) (PressTV)

Yemen forces kill 10 Saudi soldiers, several foreign troopers (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/13/429070/Yemen-Saudi-Ansarullah-Najran-Jizan-Dhahran-alJanub-Asir-Qatar-UAE-UN) (PressTV)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

U.S.-Installed Ukrainian Regime Now Fears Return of Donbass to Ukraine (http://www.globalresearch.ca/u-s-installed-ukrainian-regime-now-fears-return-of-donbass-to-ukraine/5475660), by Eric Zuesse. (US Neocons, like the crusty old scumbag Soros, are openly plotting genocide against the Donbass. Luckily, due to Russian aid, their sick, demented plans will not come to fruition. – Comrade)

Kiev authorities ‘ISIS accomplices’ by closing air transit to Syria, says Russian MP (http://www.rt.com/politics/314934-closing-air-transit-to-syria/) (RT)

Moldova news:

Moldova’s Socialist Party launches protests demanding snap parliamentary election (http://tass.ru/en/world/819572) (ITAR-TASS) (Washington is playing a curious game in Moldova. On the one hand, they have handpicked puppets controlling the Moldovan government, but they also have more radical pro-EU/Romania puppets in the streets. I think it’s pretty clear that Washington wants Romania to annex Moldova, so now they see their own Moldovan puppet regime and oligarchs as an obstacle. Keep in mind that fears of Romanian annexation are what caused Pridnestrovie to come into existence back in the early 1990s. Note that the Socialist Party opposes both the current regime and the pro-EU/Romania puppet protesters. – Comrade)

Moldova’s ex-president blames EU for current crisis in his country (http://tass.ru/en/world/820045) (ITAR-TASS)

Africa news:

America’s Imperial Footprint in Africa (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/09/09/americas-imperial-footprint-in-africa/), by Eric Draitser.

Latin America news:

The US and the Militarization of Latin America (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/09/11/the-us-and-the-militarization-of-latin-america/), by Eric Draitser.

UK news:

UK Labour leadership election: Anti-austerity & anti-war MP Jeremy Corbyn wins landslide victory (http://www.rt.com/uk/315154-jeremy-corbyn-labour-election/) (RT) (New Labour got crushed, Corbyn won 59.5% of the vote. – Comrade)

This week’s video shows the Syrian military fighting a house-to-house battle to liberate Zabadani from the Western-backed terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lKIlu5PRrk

blindpig

09-16-2015, 02:47 PM

Syria 'in a state of complete war' with terrorism - Assad (FULL INTERVIEW)

http://youtu.be/wELCDCPsw6M

blindpig

09-18-2015, 12:41 PM

Russia and the “Color Revolution”
A Russian Military View of a World Destabilized by the US
and the West (Full Report)

Introduction
The British strategist, Liddell Hart, stressed the need to understand rival views of grand strategy and military developments, or
“the other side of the hill.” A range of Russian and Belorussian military and civil experts presented a very different view of global
security and the forces behind it at the Russian Ministry of Defense’s third Moscow Conference on International Security on May
23, 2014.
The first session of the Conference presented an overview of the security situation, focusing on what Russian experts called the
“Color Revolution.” Russian analysts have used this term since the “Rose Revolution” in Georgia in 2012, in discussing the “Orange
Revolution” in Ukraine in 2004, and the “Tulip Revolution” that took place in Kyrgyzstan in 2005.
Russian military officers now tied the term “Color Revolution” to the crisis in the Ukraine and to what they saw as a new US and
European approach to warfare that focuses on creating destabilizing revolutions in other states as a means of serving their
security interests at low cost and with minimal casualties. It was seen as posing a potential threat to Russian in the near abroad,
to China and Asia states not aligned with the US, and as a means of destabilizing states in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and
South Asia.
The second session repeated these themes, focusing on the instability in the Middle East, and the final session addressed the war
in Afghanistan and South Asia.
Many of the speakers at the meeting from other countries touched on very different themes, but the Russian and Belorussian
military speakers provided a consistent and carefully orchestrated picture of the “Color Revolution” – backed by detailed
PowerPoint presentations, some of which came from the audience during what would normally have been the question period.
Key Russian officers and officials presented a view of the US and the West as deliberately destabilizing nations in North Africa, the
Middle East, and the rest of the world for their own ends. They describe such actions as having failed, and been a key source of
terrorism. They see the West as rejecting partnership with the West as a threatening Russia along all of its borders with Europe.
2
Senior Russian officials are also using the term Color Revolution” in ways that are far more critical than in the past. For example,
the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, has accused the United States and the European Union of an attempt to stage yet
another “color revolution” in Ukraine, and said during the Conference that, “Attempts to impose homemade recipes for internal
changes on other nations, without taking into account their own traditions and national characteristics, to engage in the ‘export of
democracy,’ have a destructive impact on international relations and result in an increase of the number of hot spots on the world
map.” (RIA Novosti, May 23, 2014 ‘Color Revolutions’ Cause Apparent Damage to International Stability – Lavrov,
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/color-revolutions-upset-global-stability-russian-foreign-minister/. )
The end result is a radically different reading of modern history, of US and European strategy, their use of force, and US and
European goals and actions from any issued in the West and in prior Russian literature.
Western experts can argue the degree to which this represents Russian anger over the West’s reaction to events in Ukraine,
Russian efforts at persuading developing nations and Asia to back Russia in a reassertion of its strategic role in the world,
propaganda to cloak the character Russian actions in the Ukraine and near abroad, an effort to justify Russian action in Syria, very
real Russian concern over US and European actions that have destabilized key MENA and Central Asian states, and a host of other
possible motives and intentions.
What is critical is that the US and Europe listen to what Russian military leaders and strategists are saying. These are not
Russian views the US and Europe can afford to ignore.
The Burke Chair has prepared two versions of a briefing that presents the key points raised by Russian speakers in note form. It
should be stressed that the summaries in these briefs have to be made using quick personal notes taken during the actual
speeches, and are not quotes. They are only a very rough indication of what the speakers said, and lack important nuances.
Most speakers spoke in Russian and translation may have also have used wording the speakers did not fully intend.
These notes are, however, backed by photos of many of the “slides” used in the PowerPoints during the meeting – many of which
were kindly provided to me by colleagues. These slides do clearly do present the views of the speakers in the form they chose.

http://csis.org/files/publication/140529_Russia_Color_Revolution_Full.pdf

Dhalgren

09-19-2015, 11:25 AM

Comrade

09-20-2015, 10:59 PM

Everyone is scared to death of the US and with good cause. How can it be stopped? The US is determined to rule the whole world - it is insanity.

I’m expecting US imperialism to gradually fade into irrelevancy from self-inflicted wounds. Seeking short-term profits, it foolishly hollowed out its own industrial base. Now the ‘developing world’ is slowly increasing its share of the world GDP, while the USA’s share is in terminal decline. Washington does not have a solution to its economic problems. And the economic decline will ultimately be followed by ‘military decline.’ But like a dying rabid animal, US imperialism will mangle many more innocents before its own, inevitable death. – Comrade

Syria news:

‘West crying for refugees with one eye, aiming machinegun with the other’ – Assad (FULL INTERVIEW) (http://www.rt.com/news/315482-assad-terrorism-refugees-interview/) (RT) (Another great interview with President Assad. – Comrade)

A Russian-Syrian volunteer talks about his experience in the “Shabiha” pro-Assad paramilitary (http://thesaker.is/a-russian-syrian-volunteer-talks-about-his-experience-in-the-shabiha-pro-assad-paramilitary/) (The Saker) (An incredible interview with a Syrian Russian citizen who volunteered to fight in the Syrian National Defense Forces against the Western-backed terrorists. – Comrade)

Russia exposes US’ hidden agenda in Syria (http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2015/09/14/russia-exposes-us-hidden-agenda-in-syria/), by M K Bhadrakumar. (Excellent analysis. – Comrade)

Western Media Hype ‘Russian Aggression’ in Syria (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/09/15/western-media-hype-russian-aggression-in-syria/), by Eric Draitser.

Daesh looting Syria artifacts on industrial scale: UNESCO (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/16/429441/Syria-UNESCO-Irina-Bokova-Daesh-Palmyra) (PressTV)

US airstrikes ineffective, genuinely committed anti-terrorist coalition required – Syrian FM to RT (http://www.rt.com/news/316043-syria-terrorism-airstrikes-coalition/) (RT)

Syria, Hezbollah make fresh advances in Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/14/429118/Syria-Zabadani-Hezbollah-alJisr-Mosque) (PressTV)

Syria army, Hezbollah fighters liberate more blocks in Zabadani (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/16/429469/Syria-army-Hezbollah-fighters-Zabadani-Aleppo-Homs) (PressTV)

More than 100 militants killed in Idlib clashes (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/19/429876/Syria-Idlib-alFoaa-Kefraya-alNusra--Latakia--) (PressTV) (The heroic defenders of al-Foua and Kefraya have fought off another huge wave of Western-backed terrorists. – Comrade)

Senior Nusra Front militant commander slain in northwest Syria: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/20/429941/Syria-Nusra-Front-militant-group-Idlib-Foua-Kefraya--Clashes-) (PressTV)

Turkey news:

Five Turkish policemen killed in PKK attacks (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/16/429421/Turkey-PKK-militants-Mardin-Nusaybin-Siirt-Hakkari-) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Twenty Daesh senior leaders killed during aerial attack in Iraq (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/20/430035/Iraq-Anbar-Khalidiya-Ramadi-Eid-alAdha-Daesh) (PressTV)

“Saudi” Arabia news:

Saudi Child Protester Faces Death by Beheading, Crucifixion (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20150918/1027163403/Ali-Muhammed-al-Nimr-Saudi-Execution.html) (Sputnik News) (Keep this article in mind for the next time a Neocon refers to the Saudi regime as being “moderate.” – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Six months of strikes kill over 6,000 in Yemen, NGO says (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/20/429946/Yemen-Civil-Coalition-Saudi-airstrikes-casualties-Sanaa-Saada) (PressTV) (The number of people killed by Obama’s wars just keeps going up and up… if only US liberals cared. – Comrade)

Israel assisting UAE in aggression against Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/20/430014/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Ansarullah-Israel-UAE) (PressTV)

Soldier killed on Yemen border: Saudi Interior Ministry (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/14/429213/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Harth-Marib) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces take control of southwestern town in Saudi Arabia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/15/429292/Yemen-Houthi-Saudi-Arabia-Asir-Rabuah-Popular-Committees) (PressTV)

Saudi Arabia uses cluster bombs on Yemenis (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/18/429772/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Saada-Marib-Jizan-UN) (PressTV)

Yemen army enters Saudi military bases in Asir region (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/18/429692/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Asir-Sanaa-Ibb-Saada-Taizz-Mansur-Hadi) (PressTV)

Saudi Arabia confirms 2 troops killed in Najran border region (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/20/430045/Saudi-Arabia-interior-ministry-troops-confirms) (PressTV)

Saudi Apache helicopter shot down in central Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/20/429997/Yemen-Ansarullah-Saudi-Arabia-Marib-Apache) (PressTV)

Yemen army attacks Saudi base in Aseer, captures several soldiers (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/19/429875/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Aseer-captive-soldiers) (PressTV)

Libya news:

Gaddafi's Grim Prophecy Comes True: Countless Refugees Swarm Europe (http://sputniknews.com/world/20150917/1027135147/gaddafi-libya-refugees-exodus-arab-spring.html) (Sputnik News)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Listening to the crazies gunning for Poroshenko (and the USA?) (http://thesaker.is/listening-to-the-crazies-gunning-for-poroshenko-and-the-usa/), by The Saker.

‘Poroshenko is building a dictatorship!’ Ukraine’s Radical Party leader calls for impeachment (http://www.rt.com/news/315789-lyashko-poroshenko-impeachment-ukraine/) (RT) (The contradictions amongst Washington’s Maidan minions are growing. – Comrade)

Tajikistan news:

Tajikistan’s officials confirm rebel general Nazarzoda is dead (http://tass.ru/en/world/821596) (ITAR-TASS) (Another US puppet bites the dust. – Comrade)

UK news:

British General Threatens 'Mutiny' Against Corbyn Leadership (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150920/1027273159/uk-corbyn-general-mutiny-statement.html) (Sputnik News) (The US-controlled British military is freaked out by the Labour Party’s new leadership. – Comrade)

US news:

The Fundamentals of US Surveillance: What Edward Snowden Never Told Us? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-fundamentals-of-us-surveillance-what-edward-snowden-never-told-us/5477125), by Janet Phelan. (Apparently there is an intentional, massive loophole where the Brits can spy on anyone in the US and then they turn all that data immediately over to Washington. – Comrade)

A great recruiting video from the Donetsk People’s Republic army, be sure to turn on subtitles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=169&v=KUekH-C3AhY

blindpig

09-21-2015, 08:50 AM

Yemen. Losses
21-Sep-2015 12:25 am
A report on the situation in Yemen. According to him, during the bombing killed six thousand people - and most of them - civilians. Three thousand of the number of victims - women and children. The results are not surprising - Saudi Arabia has deployed from the start ruthless bombing was densely populated areas. The aim was not to shock damage coalition Ansar Allah and the ex-president Saleh and the humanitarian disaster that will force to stop the advance Huthis south. The logic is quite clear: the basis of all units of the opposing factions in Yemen, including the regular army, constitute the tribal and clan militia. The only way to force them to stop and drop everything, go home - it's just the destruction of their towns and homes, the death of loved ones. The tactic of Saudi Arabia looks and is purely a terrorist - but since it is Saudi Arabia, its crime does not bother anyone and not even cause deep concern. Sometimes something similar is announced, but extremely Duty and patter.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSiJ3b0JemM0BXvSzGp629OmXXBWSiTV5HA83ZY3ZgMp8IHWb_N

By the way, there is an abstract, but nevertheless it is a legitimate question. The war in the Donbass, running three times longer Yemeni, according to official figures, has claimed almost as many human lives - the United Nations has sounded the number of people killed in 6800 (total, including military losses and civilian casualties). Given that housing density is much higher in the Donbas, and the density of the fire is not comparable with the Saudi bombing, a number of victims seems very undervalued. Rather, all parties to the war by the same reason, are interested in the understatement (and significant) number of casualties. Nobody needs to bring its own population the real numbers. The only relatively plausible estimate, heard with reference to the German secret services - about 50 thousand dead - so in the end and was neither confirmed nor refuted, and now everyone is using a strict official number of losses, which is a Both sides are deep doubts.

http://el-murid.livejournal.com/2518786.html

Google Translator

blindpig

09-24-2015, 04:12 PM

Defining Imperialism Down: Yes, the US Has Waged War on Syria
Posted on September 23, 2015 by DaMizner — 4 Comments ↓
Forget what you know: the US hasn’t waged war on Syria. That’s hardened into conventional wisdom, and leftist anti-anti-imperialists have dutifully joined the chorus, never mind that the claim disintegrates in the face of a one-second Google search. Anti-anti-imperialists profess to oppose American imperialism; why would they go to absurd lengths to argue that the US hasn’t sought to impose its will on Syria? (Because they don’t, in fact, oppose American imperialism, you say. To which I say, well, yeah, but you’d think they’d be better at pretending.) Actually, I know why: because they want to depict Assad as an ally of Empire, unlike those “independent” and “indigenous” groups like the FSA and the Syrian National Coalition, which are allying with Team USA but only, you see, out of necessity.

No need to take much time debunking the claim. A few facts suffice: the destabilization of Syria has been a longstanding US goal. The CIA’s spent real money training anti-government forces. US client states have sent untold amounts of money, arms, and fighters themselves into Syria with the approval of the United States. (Washington, for example, signed off on the Turkish-GCC plan to boost the Army of Conquest, which includes Al Qaeda.)

Anti-anti-imperialists tend simply to ignore the war-making of US allies, as if they operate in total isolation from the United States. As for the CIA effort, Louis Proyect—the unrepentant pro-Saudi Marxist—tells us that a billion dollars a year is peanuts because American proxies have complained about their weapons. Imperialists in Washington would find this comforting: they can train 10,000 anti-government fighters and still not be accused of aggression. What would Louis say if they tried this in Venezuela? (Actually, he’d likely approve because Maduro is supporting the Syrian government.)

This claim of anti-anti-imperialists is, among other things, a crude form of American exceptionalism. For both Dick Cheney and Louis Proyect, anything less than Shock and Awe ain’t war if you’re America. Imagine that there were a country much more powerful than the United States and it spent a billion dollars a year training 10,000 reactionary anti-government fighters. Now imagine that this country’s client states contributed billions of dollars and thousands of Nazis to the cause. Now imagine a leftist citing proxies’ complaints about weapons to argue that this isn’t aggression.

To try to support their claim, anti-anti-imperialists point out that the US is bombing ISIS, not the government, as if “Syria” consisted only of the government. The US war on IS is, of course, part of its war on the Syrian state. Remember, the US is teaming up with Turkey to break off a piece of Syria to be controlled by their proxies. According to the loony worldview of anti-imperialists, that’s not a war on Syria because the ostensible target is ISIS.

There are different ways to skin a noncompliant state. The singular goal in Washington is to remove impediments to American power, and the shrinking and impoverishing of a state accomplishes this quite nicely even if the Bad Man remains in office. “Regime change” is a means to an end, not the end itself.

I’m not among those who believe that the US government remains committed to the immediate removal of the Syrian government. Best evidence for this: the US government hasn’t removed the Syrian government. A powerful ISIS serves the interests of the United States but only up to a point. All along there’ve been members of the American security and political establishment who’ve questioned the wisdom of removing Assad. They seemed to have gained the upper hand around the time that ISIS attacked the Baiji oil refinery in Kurdistan, Iraq’s largest. At that point, containing (no, not defeating) ISIS became a priority.

But as I said above: the war on ISIS is a war on Syria and those bombs killing Syrians and destroying the country’s infrastructure are just one of the ways—along with sanctions and the empowerment of reactionary proxies—that the US is doing damage to Syria and removing it as a geopolitical obstacle. Even if the US isn’t moving to replace the Assad government at this time, “regime change” is still a US goal, as it was in Iraq in the nineties when the US was killing hundreds of thousands of people “not waging war.”

http://roguenationblog.com/2015/09/23/defining-imperialism-down-yes-the-us-has-waged-war-on-syria/

Comments by Louis Proyect at the link are pathetically amusing.

blindpig

09-26-2015, 08:18 AM

Accidents will happen in the best regulated families

https://ibrabo.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/nusra-weapons-seizure.png?w=620

colonelcassad
September 26, 14:23

In the United States continues to gain speed scandal surrounding the operations of the Pentagon in Syria.
After accusations that the huge amounts of money allocated for the support of pro-US insurgents went unknown what (looks is like washing off money for the war) thundered continued.
It was found that the military assistance that the United States passed the Free Syrian Army, goes to "Al-Qaeda".

Soldiers Syrian units, trained at the expense of the United States handed over some of its armed groups "Dzhebhat al-Nusra," which is in Syria a terrorist organization "Al Qaeda" (banned in Russia), told TV channel CNN.
According to the Central Command of the Armed Forces USA, the Syrians handed fighters "Dzhebhat en Nusra" six trucks and ammunition, which is 25% of the resources allocated to them.
Information about the transfer trucks appeared earlier this week, when the Islamists have posted photos on Twitter with American rifles. However, US military denied this fact.
The representative of the Central Command, Patrick Ryder told his superiors make every effort to understand what happened and to prepare an adequate response.
At the end of last year, the US government decided to allocate $ 500 million for training fighters of the Syrian opposition, warring troops acting President Bashar al-Assad.

http://www.interfax.ru/world/469347 - zinc Earlier in the network has a photograph of American rifles caught in the disposal of Al-Nusra. Jihadists openly made fun of the Americans. The official Al-Nusra number of "bad", although it is fighting with al-Assad and the Caliphate. In the Arab press (mainly related to Qatar and Saudi Arabia are periodically thrown that al-Nusra have to "amnesty" and even "realistic look at things." Such as "moderate." There is a problem in it. In 2013, the year when LIH is almost out of control the United States, Americans are divided on all rebels and insurgents warring against Assad on right and wrong. The correct were "pro-Western rebels' + part of moderate jihadists. LIH and al-Nusra removed from the official rations. But due to the different connections between the factions, weapons and money from the United States and other NATO countries, spread over Syria and fall including those who are officially fall were not supposed to. Since no one was friends with LIH and her American allowances are not shared, they started a killing "set by contentment" and pick themselves everything they could reach. " Al-Qaeda "and its subsidiaries have taken an intermediate position and if not officially sponsored, then unofficially a certain percentage of supplies funneling various groups that were considered" wrong. "The Caliphate is now and does not need American weapons, as in Iraq, it is his He scored much as trophies, that there is still a couple of years of war quietly enough. sign of the times. Bearded gunmen with black banners cut through the desert to the American jeeps and tanks. Came to Al-Nusra rifle is so small thing. Now, all that shit got into the press and the Republicans do not miss your chance to get even with the Democrats for the events of 7 years ago, when in similar hysterical tones Democrats kicked affairs "Cheney Gang" and the war in Afghanistan and Iraq with their massacres, torture and cooperation with those with whom we must not cooperate, and the like. They waited a long time and finally the time has come - in order to show the futility of the policy of the White House in Syria, now the light pulled out the dirty laundry of the Obama administration, which for 4 years and have not been able to topple the Assad regime (note that the refrain of these revelations is the idea - Obama effectively fighting with Assad), failed to create an effective pro-American segment of the insurgents (who now concedes, and the Caliphate and groups associated with Al-Qaeda), started a standstill the entire policy in the United States in the Middle East (eg the war started with the aim to create more Kurdistan instead that the Kurds are now drained). The Russian military presence also accelerated the process of high-profile revelations, because now the administration de facto accused that she was not able to solve the problem of al-Assad, but still Russian there now climbed. One of cartoons mocking the failure of Obama in Syria. In this regard, it is difficult help thinking that these charges are the election and aimed at discrediting the entire foreign policy of the White House on the Syrian track, so then, closer to the date of voting Trump, Bush or anyone else could safely say that Obama's policy in Syria, a series of setbacks and various shameful moments, but Mr. X and will soon be all right - and overthrow Assad, and Putin banish and destroy the Caliphate. Democrats laundered from these accusations will be no less difficult than the Bush administration from the bloody stories of torture and murder. In this regard, the US hawks can not yet change the strategy of Obama's Ukrainian vengeance on its Syrian policy. The famous picture where the future Great Caliph Baghdadi lit with McCain. Of course, Republicans and Democrats prefer not to remember, they themselves nurtured Caliphate that by and large a product of the Obama administration. If a note is: under Clinton in Afghanistan, with initial support from the United States was born Taliban, who later went out of control. at W. Bush systematically took shape Al Qaeda, which also had direct contacts by the CIA. under Obama nurtured Caliphate. And you know, considering the fact that everything is on the rise (in the background of the Caliphate the same Taliban looks almost respectable terrorist organization), you do not want to learn that the Americans can create the next occupant of the White House as already seen with the head enough.

https://malcolmxtreme.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/9-23-2015.jpg?w=545

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1Y2H3BdnND4/maxresdefault.jpg

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2404669.html

Google Translator

Other photos at link.

blindpig

09-26-2015, 09:37 AM

A Syrian in Europe on the Refugee Crisis and its Causes
September 25th, 2015

By: Samer Hussein, for Fort Russ - first published on Center for Syncretic Studies social networking

* Samer Hussein is a Syrian living in Slovenia. A law graduate, he has a vast interest in history and geopolitics, particularly of the Middle East.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bj6bvzjT6kY/VgWjSdErrLI/AAAAAAAACM8/CGx7RIRwC78/s640/_66278593_aleppo_march06_afp%252Bgetty_93219301.jpg

Myself Syrian living in Europe, I often get asked by various people what i think of the refugee crisis.

I will say the following:

First of all, I am a bit worried about all those non-Syrians carrying fake Syrian passports. There's people from all over the world entering European soil as Syrians (even Africans, Asians and east-Europeans among them). Nobody knows who these people really are and what are the causes for their arrival. Of course, it irritates me to think that there could be hundreds of non-Syrian badly mannered people, criminals, terrorists, rapists and murderers that are carrying fake Syrian passports and are thus introducing themselves as Syrian citizens to various European authorities.

Which means of course, that should any of these people commit a rape, a murder or an act of terror our community would immediately be labeled. Our community in Europe is small, but known to be very well integrated into society.

Now, as regards the refugees who are indeed Syrians, there is one very important thing that we need to ask ourselves: why are these people migrating? Are they economic migrants, are they terrorists on the run (according to the unnamed syrian intelligence sources there should be about 4000 terrorists from ISIS alone hidden among the refugees and most of these are not syrian either), or are they just people fleeing war and have fled as this was the only choice they had left, indeed?

I've seen hundreds of cases where people who used to live in cities like Idleb, Hasakeh and Aleppo simply had no choice but to go. I will explain how this happened and why: their quarters became surrounded by ISIS and other Islamic terrorist groups, surrounding them from all sides but one (which usually was a tiny road leading to Turkey).

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YH_qVFQ-x5g/VgWjnPPxTGI/AAAAAAAACNE/kTICSNik4Rw/s640/257FE99000000578-0-image-a-6_1423476722370.jpg

Lots of people actually went to Turkey against their will. They simply couldn't flee to the safe, army-held areas as they would have to cross the dangerous areas of cities, controlled by the terrorist groups. So, in order to avoid their possible and likely death they decided to leave for Turkey. At this point I must tell that most people who are now suddenly coming to Europe in these waves of refugees have actually lived in Turkey for the past 3-4 years.

The Turks, however, have suddenly decided to kick them all out and are slowly forcing them to leave and ride those "death boats". Ironically, it was also the Turks who forced these people to flee Aleppo (and other places as well). Let's not forget how the Turks orchestrated the terror incursion into Aleppo back in July 2012. How they looted 1300 factories located in the Aleppian suburbs, how they destroyed Aleppo's very well developed pharmaceutical industry (out of formerly 114, there are only 12 pharmaceutical factories left in Syria).

It is therefore highly hypocritical to blame the refugees, but not to blame the Turks who are the main root of this problem. Turkey let the 200,000 through the border. It was also the Turkish government that was pressing on certain Syrian Muslim Brotherhood members of Turkmen background (remember, the violence started with the brutal sectarian execution of Nidal Jannoud, an Alawite delivery man) to start the violent riots.

At the same time, there are already tens of millions of muslims living in Europe. Considering how many of the Syrians, coming to Europe right now are college/university graduates, I don't think they will be more difficult to integrate than the muslims already living in Europe, not to mention that not every single Syrian that is coming right now is a Muslim.

There's also some Christians and even more Yazidis among the people who are arriving. These people are not fleeing because they would love Europe - they are fleeing because of ISIS. Many even tend to keep away from the Muslim refugees as they distrust them.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48eO_aEjcvM/VgWh2tJsuII/AAAAAAAACMw/t0RVzfCld0E/s640/5184.jpg

What can be done so that we will stop seeing such things in the future: Stop supporting the political powers who fuel the violence. Protest or vote the parties who are seeking a different solution for Syria. A lot of Europeans are bitching about the refugees, but at the same time keep voting for parties who maintain very strong ties with Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

And for all Hungarians: If you are a Jobbik member or even just a supporter, then you have absolutely no right to criticize the presence of any Syrian civilian, passing through your land. The thing is is that your political party and your beloved leader, Gabor Vona are among the facilitators of violence and terrorism in Syria.

I will now, once and for all, explain why: your party holds pan-Turanist ideology. Your leader is frequently meeting with the Turkish Grey Wolves (he even has a photo while holding the grey wolf "devil horn" sign, no kidding) who are responsible for smuggling thousands of terrorists to Syria, most recently Uyghurs.

There are over 3500 Uyghur families living in Idleb alone. With the help of the military wing of the MHP party aka Grey Wolves, thousands of people were evicted by force from their homes and taken to Turkey against their will! So, if you want to stop seeing Syrian refugees on your soil, then tell your beloved leader to stop supporting the people who export terrorism into Syria. we have an irrefutable material proof that your Grey Wolf friends are indeed smuggling and coordinating the terrorists from various Turkic and even non-turkic lands into Syria.

Since you claim to be a pro-Palestinian party that is frequently talking about the Naqba, then maybe you should also focus on the Naqba of Idleb, that is not only a more recent problem, but was also caused by your Turanic friends from Turkey.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyF-FY8WLfw/VgWkEK862jI/AAAAAAAACNM/5s6dwXnfPB4/s640/Idlib.jpg
Idlib in ruins at the hands of Turkish and Saudi backed death squads and terrorists

Myself, I come from the Syrian coast, the birthplace place of hundreds of young men who die each day as martyrs, defending their motherland. They all had the chance to leave the country but didn't, for the sake of their and our own lives and the Motherland.

http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/09/a-syrian-in-europe-on-refugee-crisis.html

blindpig

09-27-2015, 05:02 PM

Reports from the militia of New Russia
today at 10:46 am
09.27.15. The message in memory of the first fallen in the Syrian militias. "At night September 22 in Syria killed militiaman-strelkovets and Russian activist Norman (Maxim). News is very sad. The rumors were confirmed, moreover, they proved even command a company, on duty at the site. Max together with a friend made a mistake the highway and went to the Euphrates. Just two minutes later, at the entrance to the bridge (drove along the coast without light), triggered a landmine. Presumably, undermined remotely from another bank. Wheelbarrow flew into the river, from the guys left some vague scraps. Here, we have brought the guys from Cobán. They brought, in general, a bunch of Staffa, but most of it can not be identified. Whether clothes, or part of the unloading. All things anyway preserved its appearance - on this photo. It that found in the car. Helmet, Chevron (was on a piece of charred cloth whether the sleeves, or unloading). And a piece of the car. Search the skeleton of the car guys volunteered, thus risking every second to get under sniper bullet IG. Found some other burnt remains vague, but we certainly do not forwarded. even with the delivery of these details have problems. Such is the tragic story. The first volunteer from Russia, the first death. Land mines do not care where you're from. "

http://vk.com/strelkov_info?w=wall-57424472_75774

Google Translator

Comrade

09-27-2015, 07:58 PM

Syria news:

Syria: The End Of The "Vetted Rebels" Scam (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/09/syria-the-end-of-the-vetted-rebels-scam.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Russia Checks Western Lies on Syria (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150924/1027474859/russia-checks-western-lies-on-syria-cunningham.html), by Finian Cunningham.

Russia, Iran, Iraq & Syria setting up ‘joint information center’ to coordinate anti-ISIS operations (http://www.rt.com/news/316592-russia-syria-islamic-state/) (RT) (This is the real anti-IS coalition. – Comrade)

Assad’s enemies may be portrayed as opposition, but he fights terrorists – Putin (http://www.rt.com/news/316633-putin-interview-syrian-conflict/) (RT)

Are Western Intelligence Agencies Involved in ISIL Recruitment? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150927/1027623013/ISIL-Syria-intelligence-agencies.html) (Sputnik News)

Advanced military technology received from Russia: Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/22/430318/Syria-Russia-Daesh-Takfiri-arms---) (PressTV)

At least three Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian army on Golan Heights (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/27/431015/Syria-Israel-Golan-Heights-Syrian-Observatory-for-Human-Rights-airstrike) (PressTV) (The Zionist regime is once again playing its role as Al-Queda’s air force. – Comrade)

‘Syrian army jets bombard Daesh positions, kill 38’ (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/22/430226/Syria-Daesh-Palmyra-Homs-airstrikes-Observatory-for-Human-Rights-) (PressTV)

Syria deploys Russia drones against Daesh for first time: Source (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/23/430453/Syria-Daesh-ISIL-Russia-drone) (PressTV) (Now US imperialism’s puppets are getting “droned.” – Comrade)

Syria army clears Damascus-Homs routes (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/25/430669/Syria-Army-Damascus-Eastern-Ghouta-Harasta) (PressTV)

Turkey news:

Has Turkey Become a Fascist State? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/has-turkey-become-a-fascist-state/5477451), by Eric Draitser.

Turkish-Uyghur Terror Inc. – America’s Other Al Qaeda (http://www.globalresearch.ca/turkish-uyghur-terror-inc-americas-other-al-qaeda/5477683), by Tony Cartalucci.

Turkish commander killed in PKK clashes (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/27/430957/Turkey-PKK-Yaprakli-Tunceli-Yavuz-Sonat-Yalcin-Akdogan) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

110 Daesh Takfiri militants killed in Iraqi army operations (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/24/430612/Iraqi-army-airstrikes-Anbar-aMalahama-Tel-Mashihida-Anbar-Daesh-Takfiri-militants) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

The Yemeni resistance has now endured over six months of US-backed Saudi aggression. – Comrade

Oman slams Saudi airstrike on residence of ambassador to Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/20/429931/Yemen-Oman-envoy-residence-Sanaa-Saudi-airstrike) (PressTV) (Note that Oman is the only GCC member to oppose the US/Saudi aggression on Yemen. This bombing is also reminiscent of Washington’s criminal bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999. China, of course, opposed NATO’s illegal war on Yugoslavia. – Comrade)

Yemenis rally against Saudi aggression (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/21/430138/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Sanaa-Houthi-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

UAE officer killed in Yemen’s Ma'rib (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/21/430175/Yemen-Saudi-UAE-Yemen-) (PressTV)

Six Saudi troops killed in Yemeni retaliatory attack amid reports of Hadi's return (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/22/430326/Yemen-Saudi-Jizan-Hadi-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces bomb several Saudi military sites in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/24/430473/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-alRadeef-Saada-Hajjah-Ban-Kimoon) (PressTV)

Saudi commander killed in mine blast near Yemen border (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/25/430734/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-mine-blast) (PressTV)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Donetsk republic to withdraw from Minsk peace deal if Kiev attempts to join NATO — leader (http://tass.ru/en/world/823159) (ITAR-TASS) (The DPR’s leader, Alexander Zakharchenko, has issued a strong warning to the junta to drop any schemes of being absorbed by NATO. – Comrade)

Revealed: US NeoCons, military contractors sponsoring anti-RT propaganda (http://www.rt.com/op-edge/316658-us-neocons-military-contractors/) (RT)

"United Russia" admitted defeat and congratulated Sergey Levchenko in the Irkutsk governor election (http://kprf.ru/party-live/regnews/146905.html) (The Communist Party has just won the Irkutsk governor election, which is the KRPF’s next big win after winning the Novosibirsk mayor election last year. – Comrade)

Who Controls the Past Controls the Future: Why Does West Hate Stalin? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150825/1026165590/why-does-west-hate-stalin.html), by Ekaterina Blinova.

Kremlin promises ‘counter-steps’ in reply to US deploying nuclear weapons to Germany (http://www.rt.com/politics/316291-kremlin-promises-counter-steps-in/) (RT)

Poklonskaya blasts Ukrainian blockade of Crimea as unlawful, West-inspired (http://www.rt.com/politics/316473-crimean-prosecutor-blasts-ukrainian-blockade/) (RT)

Tajikistan news:

Tajikistan about to charge Islamic party leaders with extremism — source (http://tass.ru/en/world/822689) (ITAR-TASS)

Moldova news:

Nearly 50,000 people protesting against government in Moldova (http://tass.ru/en/world/823940) (ITAR-TASS) (Note, I think that the file picture in this one might be wrong, because I can not imagine a Moldovan Party of Socialists supporter waving an EU flag. – Comrade)

Catalonia news:

Pro-independence parties likely to win absolute majority in Catalan elections – exit poll (http://www.rt.com/news/316665-pro-independence-parties-catalonia/) (RT) (In defiance of Washington’s and Madrid’s orders not to back pro-independence parties, the Catalans gave them a majority government. It will be interesting to see how Washington instructs Madrid to respond. – Comrade)

Video showing a DPR ‘tank biathlon’:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUDQPfmKnK4

blindpig

09-28-2015, 10:48 AM

The Turks, however, have suddenly decided to kick them all out and are slowly forcing them to leave and ride those "death boats". Ironically, it was also the Turks who forced these people to flee Aleppo (and other places as well). Let's not forget how the Turks orchestrated the terror incursion into Aleppo back in July 2012. How they looted 1300 factories located in the Aleppian suburbs, how they destroyed Aleppo's very well developed pharmaceutical industry (out of formerly 114, there are only 12 pharmaceutical factories left in Syria).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CP_W5GJUcAAWoiQ.jpg
In conjunction with the quote above this photo of men's clothing store in Turkey speaks volumes.

Comrade

10-01-2015, 12:29 AM

I’m posting a special, midweek update on Syria tonight. Russia has officially started airstrikes on the Western-backed terrorists in Syria. Like I said back in early August, Russia will not be abandoning Syria to Washington’s jackals. And Russia has clearly demonstrated that today. – Comrade

Syria news:

Syria: Thoughts On The Russian Air Support (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/09/syria-thoughts-on-the-russian-air-support.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Much to Washington’s chagrin, the Russian airstrikes are also targeting the Western-backed al-Queda affiliate, the al-Nusra Front, in addition to the “IS.” – Comrade)

Combat cam footage shows Russian planes hitting ISIS targets (http://www.rt.com/news/317104-russia-strike-isis-video/) (RT)

Damascus confirms President Assad asked for Russia's military aid in fighting terrorists (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/30/431381/Syria-Russia-air-force-President-Assad-) (PressTV)

Damascus has full confidence in Russia, Syrian FM says (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/30/431421/Syria-Russia-Foreign-Minister-Muallem-Putin-Daesh) (PressTV)

Russia will succeed where West probably didn’t want to – Assad’s aide to RT (http://www.rt.com/news/317140-russia-syria-strikes-succeed/) (RT)

Russia warns of Western misinformation over Syria airstrike (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/30/431446/Russia-Syria-Pentagon-lavrov-airstrikes) (PressTV)

US Blocks Russian Draft on Middle East Conflict Settlement (http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-blocks-russian-draft-on-middle-east-conflict-settlement/5478915) (Pravda.ru)

Su-34: Russia’s Ultimate ISIL-Crushing Machine (http://sputniknews.com/russia/20150930/1027815347/Su-34-ISIL-Crushing-Machine.html) (Sputnik News)

The Wicked War on Syria: Hillary Clinton in Her Own Words (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/09/30/the-wicked-war-on-syria-hillary-clinton-in-her-own-words/), by Rick Sterling.

Syrian soldiers kill 30 Nusra Front terrorists in, around Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/29/431222/Syria-Syrian-army-Nusra-Front-Takfiri-militants-Aleppo) (PressTV)

Video showing one of the first Russian airstrikes on the Western-backed terrorists in Syria:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiA0JUdWR6M

blindpig

10-01-2015, 08:56 AM

Accounting for the Golobal War on Terror to the world, Americans, and humanity

What do you do after you (US) spent few trillion dollars on the War on Terror (plus 50% of the world's war budget) and al Qaeda grows 1000x?

The below is my text back from 2010. In five years, certain things have changed of course. Al Qaeda of Iraq became ISIS and also produced al Nusra and other mutations and altogether real armies and quasi-states. Altogether al Qaeda and its mutations grew or were grown more than 1000 times over and they also managed to destroy hundreds of thousands of lives and several states and their culture and civilization. Much more money was also spent on training and arming these proxies and on unleashing them on Libya, Syria, Afghanistan etc.

So this was the account for the "War on Terror" which I produced back in 2010 for a conference:

The question of peace and war is the most important question of our time, which is the time of the Global War on Terror. The GWOT is also already becoming one of the longest U.S. wars. Two countries were invaded and occupied—with a combined population of 60 million people. The U.S. has already spent on the Global War on Terror more than on any other war except for World War II. U.S. military spending already significantly exceeds its Cold War levels. All these vast military efforts are meant to eliminate the threat of terrorism represented by al-Qaeda. Yet no al-Qaeda were present in Iraq before the invasion of that country in 2003. Globally, al-Qaeda membership is officially estimated to run between five hundred and one thousand persons. U.S. intelligence officials report only about 100 al Qaeda fighters in the whole of Afghanistan. To contain the al-Qaeda threat, the U.S. has already spent about one billion dollars per one al-Qaeda militant. Politically, economically, and strategically, the offered explanations seem odd, irrational, and incongruous. In the name of the war against al-Qaeda, the U.S. military is, nevertheless, engaged in its possibly largest strategic and logistical manoeuvre and redeployment since the World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Already back in 1997, Brzezinski called for a conquest of the heart of Eurasia, which he saw as the key to global hegemony. On the occasion NATO’s 60th anniversary, Brzezinski identified an unprecedented political, anti-colonial mass awakening in this broader region as the greatest security threat. Such geopolitics and strategic thinking fundamentally alter and amend the common narrative and rationale of the Global War on Terror, that is to say, its inherent Hobbesian rhetoric that recasts the permanent nature of the imperial Leviathan’s war as an article of its virtual peace.

*****

“Roman imperialism was the result of continuous war, and continuous war was the result of the Roman system.”[1] The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization

“Winston could not definitely remember a time when his country had not been at war …” George Orwell, 1984[2]

1. Encountering the Global War on Terror with a Simple CounterOur time is an age of the Global War on Terror. This war has also been dubbed the “perpetual war” or more modestly “the long war.”
In terms of its duration, the GWOT is also already becoming one of the longest U.S. wars. In its process, two countries were invaded and occupied—with a combined population of 60 million people.
One of these wars—the war in Iraq—has gained notoriety as an exemplary war launched under false pretences, while leading to the death of hundreds of thousands and the displacement of millions more. The whole story of the so-called weapons of mass destruction is already sufficiently well known and established.
Thomas Friedman of the New York Times, one of the principal official cheerleaders of the war, explained the rationale for the war in terms strangely evocative of the images later leaked from Abu Ghraib prison:

What they needed to see was American boys and girls going house to house, from Basra to Baghdad, um and basically saying, “Which part of this sentence don't you understand?” You don’t think, you know, we care about our open society, you think this bubble fantasy, we’re just gonna to let it grow? Well, Suck. On. This...We could have hit Saudi Arabia. It was part of that bubble. Could have hit Pakistan. We hit Iraq because we could. That’s the real truth...[3]

Later, Friedman offered a more polished argument stretched between “none” and “whatever”: “[W]hatever the cost, [the war] has given freedom and decent government to people who had none.”[4]
In his 2009 Cairo speech, President Obama declared the Iraq war to be “unnecessary.”[5] This does not, however, mean that the war would stop. It continues now into its eighth year.
The U.S. has already spent on the Global War on Terror more than on any other war except for World War II: “The Korean and Vietnam Wars were fought on 2/3 the current defense budget, … US defense spending during the Cold War (1946-1991) averaged $400 billion per year in 2008 dollars, including both the Korean and Vietnam wars.”[6] The Department of Defence’s budget for 2010 has already passed the $700 billion mark. The costs of the Global War on Terror already reached more than $1.15 trillion, as reported by the Congressional Research Service reported in July 2010.[7]
Two other facts are also striking: 1) with 5% of the world population, the U.S. spends 50% of the world’s combined military budget, and 2) with 13% of the world population, the whole of NATO (including the US) controls over 70% of the world’s war budget.
U.S. military spending thus not only matches but actually significantly exceeds its Cold War levels, and is “still geared toward Cold War-type scenarios.”[8]

2. The Virtual and the Real: The Spectre and the Full Spectrum DominanceThese vast military efforts under the banner of the Global War on Terror are meant to eliminate the threat of terrorism represented by al-Qaeda. Yet no al-Qaeda were present in Iraq before the invasion of that country in 2003. Even today, the presence of al-Qaeda in Iraq is minimal. Official U.S. estimates of the number of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan place the number at around a hundred persons.[9]
Yet President Barack Obama continues to declare that al-Qaeda remains the “greatest threat to the United States’ security.”[10] According to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the war in Afghanistan must, nevertheless, continue because al-Qaeda is still “the biggest source of threat to our national security.”[11]
Globally, al-Qaeda membership was officially estimated to run between five hundred and one thousand persons. Surely this is one of the greatest oddities of the Global War on Terror, yet it is also one of the least reported. As Ken Silverstein of the respectable Harper’s Magazine said:
Al Qaeda isn't the all-powerful group that it is often portrayed to be; its strength and reach have been exaggerated, partly because of the extraordinary impact of the 9/11 attacks, and partly because the Bush Administration has found it politically useful to hype the group's capabilities. Two years ago, I interviewed Jack Cloonan, a 25-year veteran of the FBI who, between 1996 and 2002, served on a joint CIA–FBI task force that tracked bin Laden. “How many members of Al Qaeda do you think there are?” he asked me. Cloonan laughed when I pegged its membership at several thousand. The real numbers, he said, “are miniscule.” Documents discovered by the joint task force, Cloonan said, showed that Al Qaeda had 72 members when it was founded in 1989. Twelve years later, the task force got its hands on an updated membership list … It showed that bin Laden had a grand total of precisely 198 sworn loyalists. … “Al Qaeda” is less of an organization than it is an impulse. And while bin Laden isn’t the all-powerful terrorist mastermind he’s often portrayed to be, the war in Iraq, Guantánamo, extraordinary renditions, and other Bush Administration brainstorms have ensured that his message is broadcast loud and clear throughout the world.[12]
In an interview with CNN in October 2009, Obama’s National Security Adviser, Gen. James Jones, put the number of al-Qaeda at “fewer than a hundred.” The same number was also affirmed in a session of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in October 2009.[13] When President Obama announced the Afghan “surge” in his West Point speech of December 1, 2009, he made only vague reference to the size of the al-Qaeda: “[A]l Qaeda has not re-emerged in Afghanistan in the same number as before 9/11, but they retain their safe havens along the border.”[14] When asked about al-Qaeda’s size, a spokesperson at the White House's National Security Council, Chris Hensman, said he “could not comment on intelligence matters.”[15] In June of 2010, CIA Director Leon Panetta confirmed the miniscule size of the Al Qaeda presence in Afghanistan. In an interview for the ABC “Week,” he said: “I think the estimate on the number of Al Qaeda is actually relatively small. At most, we’re looking at 50 to 100, maybe less.”[16]
In this light, the economics of the Global War on Terror and its strategic rationale can only be seen as highly irrational, even absurd. If we take the upper estimate of al-Qaeda membership at 100 and compare that with the running price tag of the Global War on Terror at some $1 trillion, we are compelled to infer that, in order to contain the al-Qaeda threat, the U.S. has already spent about ten billion dollars per one al-Qaeda militant. Yet the taxi meter simply keeps on running, and the cost per minute shows no sign of decreasing.
The Economist mercifully dubbed this glaring oddity “the impossible question” when it referred to the leaked, teasingly Machiavellian 2003 memo from Donald Rumsfeld, then the U.S. Secretary of Defence: “Today, we lack metrics to know if we are winning or losing the global war on terror. Are we capturing, killing or deterring and dissuading more terrorists every day than the madrassas and the radical clerics are recruiting, training and deploying against us?”[17] Politically, economically, and strategically, the offered explanations make no sense. Not only are the “metrics” lacking, but apparently also common sense itself.
The closer one looks, however, the more one is struck by the massive and persistent incongruity. Thus, as Jason Ditz put it, “claims of dubious veracity [are being issued] aimed at convincing the public of the necessity of continuing the war, already in its ninth year.”[18]
Even though al-Qaeda has no significant presence either in Iraq or in Afghanistan, according to U.S. State Secretary Hilary Clinton the war and hence heavy U.S. military presence must continue “to get al-Qaeda.” At the same time, Secretary Clinton also stated that “the US has no illusions that Afghanistan will ever become a modern democracy.”[19] As President Obama also reminded us, NATO itself has been mobilized to fight the al-Qaeda menace. “For the first time in its history,” President Obama said in his West Point speech, “the North Atlantic Treaty Organization invoked Article 5 – the commitment that says an attack on one member nation is an attack on all. … America, our allies and the world were acting as one to destroy Al Qaeda’s terrorist network, and to protect our common security.”[20] It is worth noting that the Alliance’s total population numbers some 840 million, and NATO’s active armed forces include 4 million troops.[21] Currently, NATO fields some 150,000 troops in Afghanistan with the help of at least the same number of “civilian contractors.”
Some seventy years ago, on August 20, 1940 in the midst of the air Battle of Britain, Winston Churchill famously declared: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Today, with respect to the Global War on Terror constructed as a global mobilization for war against al-Qaeda, one might add that never in history has so much been spent in the pursuit of so few.
And so, in the guise of the war against al-Qaeda, the U.S. military is now engaged in its possibly largest strategic and logistical manoeuvre and redeployment since the World War II and the beginning of the Cold War.

3. The Spectrum of Global Political Awakening as Dominance’s Imminent Threat On the occasion last year of NATO’s 60th anniversary, the foremost U.S. strategist Zbigniew Brzezinski made it clear that, for the US and NATO, the key perceived threat is the unprecedented political, anti-colonial, global awakening of mankind:
The basic challenge that NATO now confronts is that there are historically unprecedented risks to global security. … The paradox of our time is that the world … is experiencing intensifying popular unrest … Yet there is no effective global security mechanism for coping with the growing threat of violent political chaos stemming from humanity’s recent political awakening. The three great political contests of the twentieth century (the two world wars and the Cold War) accelerated the political awakening of mankind, which was initially unleashed in Europe by the French Revolution. Within a century of that revolution, spontaneous populist political activism had spread from Europe to East Asia. On their return home after World Wars I and II, the South Asians and the North Africans who had been conscripted by the British and French imperial armies propagated a new awareness of anti-colonial nationalist and religious political identity among hitherto passive and pliant populations. The spread of literacy during the twentieth century and the wide-ranging impact of radio, television, and the Internet accelerated and intensified this mass global political awakening. … The dispersal of global power and the expanding mass political unrest make for a combustible mixture. … There is no other way to shape effective security arrangements for a world in which politically awakened peoples - whose prevailing historical narratives associate the West less with their recent emancipation and more with their past subordination - can no longer be dominated by a single region.[22]
Already in 1997 in his de facto blueprint of the current war, The Grand Chessboard, Brzezinski had identified the current central battlefield of the Global War on Terror not only as “likely [to be] a major battlefield” of the new U.S. geopolitical game, but also as the centre of gravity in securing for U.S. lasting “global supremacy” or “hegemony of a new type,” i.e., “seemingly consensual American hegemony.”[23] According to Brzezinski, the zone stretching from Iraq to Central Asia is “geopolitically axial,” and thus “a power that dominates [it] would control two of the world’s three most advanced and economically productive regions … and control over Eurasia would almost automatically entail Africa’s subordination …”[24] For the U.S, then, ”the chief geopolitical prize is [thus to be] Eurasia,” which dictates controlling the area that coincides with what is now held to be the central battlefield of the Global War on Terror. Control of this would-be global heartland in Eurasia will, as Brezinski believes, provide access to “its potential wealth,” “motivate corporate interests,” and “revive imperial aspirations.”[25] What is also notable is that nowhere in the strategy-setting Grand Chessboard does Brzezinski deem al-Qaeda or Osama bin Laden worth mentioning even once.

4. Figuring out Wise Men’s Counters, Fools’ Money: Peace and War Brzezinski’s strategic thinking is embedded in the Pentagon’s global strategy of “full spectrum dominance,” which denotes “control over all elements and assets.” This objective was introduced in Joint Vision 2020 released by the U.S. Defense Department of Defense on May 30, 2000. The key in full spectrum dominance is “information superiority,” a factor that is “the core of every activity,” and which should provide for “enhanced awareness.” Another key concept in full spectrum dominance is “dominant maneuver,” which goes “beyond the actual physical presence of the force,” for it “creates an impact in the minds of opponents and others.” Information, i.e., deception, is “a force multiplier.” As Joint Vision 2020 put it, “we must have information superiority,” and that requires “both offensive and defensive information warfare (IW).” No information warfare, no information superiority, and no information superiority, no full spectrum global dominance. To achieve conversely means “denying [others the ability] to do the same”—to have superior information.[26] This also means to “confuse or deceive.”
The emphasis on superior information and, respectively, superior deception, raises a question as to what such superior information or disinformation might be and to what it might pertain. I think that we can now answer this quintessential question. Above all, superior information, first and foremost superior deception and disinformation, pertains to war and peace, the most important question of our time, but also the question that formed the cornerstone of Hobbes’ Leviathan—the modern empire.[27]
The new imperial Leviathan is presented as Peace, and all else as the state of war in which “the life of man [is] solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”[28] For Hobbes, international relations typically define wartime, as in fact does the duration of anyone’s independence (“the notion of time is to be considered in the nature of war, as it is in the nature of weather’).
The presence of Hobbesian “peace” as a state of mind then depends on whether the permanence of war is “sufficiently known” or not, or whether one receives from someone else an “assurance to the contrary.”
According to Hobbes, the greatest and most decisive form of inequality among men concerns their comprehension and interpretative skills—in their power “grounded upon words.”[29] And, for Hobbes, words are “wise men’s counters” and “the money of fools.” The peace of Hobbes’s Leviathan, being then grounded upon (Hobbes’) words (read: Hobbesian rhetoric of peace), then becomes a fool’s peace—a continuous war for those who can correctly “reckon” (figure out) how to read the Empire’s dictionary of war and peace.
What does this mean for us in relation to the Empire’s Global War on Terror? It means that before we can put an end to such madness and find real peace, we must first determine who is playing the Hobbesian fool.
If peace and war are what matter most, imperial policies will twist their meanings from beginning to end. On that deception you may depend, for the empire’s fate too depends on that one thing above all.

Notes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[1] Slightly modified from S Hornblower and A Spawforth, The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1998, p. 610.
[2] G Orwell, 1984, Penguin Books, New York, 1990, p. 35.
[3] ‘Thomas Friedman Sums Up the Iraq War: Suck. On. This’. Charlie Rose Show, PBS, 2010, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOF6ZeUvgXs>.
[4] T Friedman, ‘It’s Up to Iraqis Now. Good Luck’, The New York Times, 9 March 2009, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/opinion/10friedman.html>.
[5] B Obama, ‘Remarks by the President on a New Beginning’, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, 4 June 2009, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-Cairo-University-6-04-09/>.
[6] ‘U.S. defense spending is out of control’, True Cost – Analyzing our economy, government policy, and society through the lens of cost-benefit, 2 March 2009, viewed on 22 August 2009, <http://truecostblog.com/2009/03/02/us-defense-spending-is-out-of-control/>.
[7] “Report: Tab for ‘War on terrorism’ tops $1 trillion,” CNN, viewed 28 July, 2010, <http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/20/war.costs/index.html>.
[8] A Shah, ‘World Military Spending’, GlobalIssues.org, 1 March 2009, viewed on 22 August 2009, <http://www.globalissues.org/article/75/world -military-spending>.
[9] ‘US Commander: No Sign of al-Qaeda Presence in Afghanistan’, Antiwar.com, 11 September 2009, viewed on April 4, 2010, <http://news.antiwar.com/2009/09/11/us-commander-no-sign-of-al-qaeda-presence-in-afghanistan/>.
[10] B Obama, ‘Remarks by President Barack Obama at Town Hall Meeting with Future Chinese Leaders’, Museum of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China, 16 November 2009, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-barack-obama-town-hall-meeting-with-future-chinese-leaders>.
[11] P Webster, ‘Al-Qaeda still biggest threat to British security, says Gordon Brown’, Times, 16 November 2009, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6918483.ece>.
[12] K Silverstein, ‘The Al Qaeda Clubhouse: Members lacking’, Harper’s Magazine, 5 July 2006, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://www.harpers.org/archive/2006/07/sb-al-qaeda-new-members-badly-needed-1151963690>.
[13] R Esposito, M Cole, and B Ross, ‘President Obama’s Secret: Only 100 al Qaeda Now in Afghanistan’, ABC News, 2 December 2009, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/president-obamas-secret-100-al-qaeda-now-afghanistan/story?id=9227861&page=2>.
[14] ‘Full Transcript: President Obama's Speech on Afghanistan’, op. cit.
[15] Esposito, op. cit.
[16] “CIA: At most, 50-100 Al Qaeda in Afghanistan,” ABC, 27 June 2010, viewed on 10 July 2010, <http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/06/cia-at-most-50100-al-qaeda-in-afghanistan.html>.
[17] ‘Winning or losing?’ The Economist, 19 July 2008, Vol. 388, special section, p. 5.
[18] J Ditz, ‘Officials Defend Afghan Escalation, Citing Dubious al-Qaeda Ties With Taliban’, Antiwar.com, 2 December 2009, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://news.antiwar.com/2009/12/02/officials-defend-afghan-escalation-citing-dubious-al-qaeda-ties-with-taliban/>.
[19] J Ditz, ‘U.S Doesn’t Have Long-Term Designs on Afghanistan’, Antiwar.com, 15 November 2009, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://news.antiwar.com/2009/11/15/clinton-insists-us-doesnt-have-long-term-designs-on-afghanistan/>.
[20] ‘Full Transcript: President Obama's Speech on Afghanistan’, op. cit.
[21] NATO Review: Military Matters Beyond Prague, Autumn 2002, NATO, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://www.nato.int/docu/review/2002/issue3/english/military.html>.
[22] Z Brzezinski, ‘An Agenda for NATO - Toward a Global Security’, speech delivered at the NATO Defence Ministers Meeting, Bratislava, Slovakia, October 17, 2009, also published in Foreign Affairs, September / October 2009. Volume 88 No. 5, viewed on 5 April 2010,
<http://www.ata-sac.org/ncbc/highlights-news/an-agenda-for-nato---toward-a-global-security-web/ New Challenges Better Capabilities>. Emphasis added.
[23] Z Brzezinski, The Grand Chessboard, Basic Books, New York, 1997, chapter 1 and p. 52.
[24] Ibid.,p. 31.
[25] Ibid., p. 125.
[26] Joint Vision 2020, U.S. Defense Department, 2000, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://www.iwar.org.uk/military/resources/aspc/pubs/jv2020.pdf>.
[27] T Hobbes, The Leviathan, Hackett, Indianapolis/Cambridge, 1994, xiii, 8, 9, 12, pp. 76, 78. Original emphasis.
[28] Ibid., xiii, 9, 14, pp. 76, 78.
[29] Ibid., xiii, 2, p. 74.

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–––, ‘US Commander: No Sign of al-Qaeda Presence in Afghanistan’. Antiwar.com, 11 September 2009, viewed on April 4, 2010, <http://news.antiwar.com/2009/09/11/us-commander-no-sign-of-al-qaeda-presence-in-afghanistan/>.

–––, ‘Winning or losing?’ The Economist, 19 July 2008, Vol. 388, special section, p. 5.

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–––, NATO Review: Military Matters Beyond Prague, Autumn 2002, NATO, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://www.nato.int/docu/review/2002/issue3/english/military.html>.
<http://www.ata-sac.org/ncbc/highlights-news/an-agenda-for-nato---toward-a-global-security-web/ New Challenges Better Capabilities>. Emphasis added.
Beslie, L., ‘What Obama's Afghan war plan will cost you’. Christian Science Monitor, 3 December, 2009, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.csmonitor.com/Money/new-economy/2009/1203/what-obamas-afghan-war-plan-will-cost-you>; Drew, op. cit.

Bettts, R. K., ‘A Disciplined Defense’. Foreign Affairs, November/December 2007, pp. 67-68.

Brzezinski, Z., ‘An Agenda for NATO - Toward a Global Security’. Speech delivered at the NATO Defence Ministers Meeting, Bratislava, Slovakia, October 17, 2009, also published in Foreign Affairs, September / October 2009. Volume 88 No. 5, viewed on 5 April 2010,

Brzezinski, Z., The Grand Chessboard. Basic Books, New York, 1997.
C Drew, C., ‘High Costs Weigh on Troop Debate for Afghan War’. The New York Times, 15 November 2009, viewed on April 5, 2010, <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/us/politics/15cost.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=afghanistan%20costs&st=cse>.

Ditz, J., ‘Officials Defend Afghan Escalation, Citing Dubious al-Qaeda Ties With Taliban’. Antiwar.com, 2 December 2009, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://news.antiwar.com/2009/12/02/officials-defend-afghan-escalation-citing-dubious-al-qaeda-ties-with-taliban/>.

Ditz, J., ‘U.S Doesn’t Have Long-Term Designs on Afghanistan’. Antiwar.com, 15 November 2009, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://news.antiwar.com/2009/11/15/clinton-insists-us-doesnt-have-long-term-designs-on-afghanistan/>.

Esposito, R., Cole, M., and Ross, B., ‘President Obama’s Secret: Only 100 al Qaeda Now in Afghanistan’. ABC News, 2 December 2009, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/president-obamas-secret-100-al-qaeda-now-afghanistan/story?id=9227861&page=2>.

Farrell S. and Bumiller, E., ‘No Shortcuts When Military Moves a War’. The New York Times, 31 March 2010, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/world/01logistics.html?sq=U.S.%20military%20move&st=cse&scp=1&pagewanted=print>.

Friedman, T., ‘It’s Up to Iraqis Now. Good Luck’. The New York Times, 9 March 2009, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/opinion/10friedman.html>.

Hobbes, T., The Leviathan. Hackett, Indianapolis/Cambridge, 1994.

Hornblower, S. and Spawforth, A., The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1998.

Kwiatkowski, K., ‘American Military Policy and the War on Terrorism’. Viewed 4 April 2010, <http://www.lewrockwell.com/kwiatkowski/kwiatkowski244.html>.

Obama, B., ‘Remarks by President Barack Obama at Town Hall Meeting with Future Chinese Leaders’. Museum of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China, 16 November 2009, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-barack-obama-town-hall-meeting-with-future-chinese-leaders>.

Obama, B., ‘Remarks by the President on a New Beginning’. Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, 4 June 2009, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-Cairo-University-6-04-09/>.

Orwell G, 1984. Penguin Books, New York, 1990.

Seely, H., Pieces of Intelligence: The Existential Poetry of Donald H. Rumsfeld. Free Press, New York, 2003.

Shah, A., ‘World Military Spending’. GlobalIssues.org, 1 March 2009, viewed on 22 August 2009, <http://www.globalissues.org/article/75/world -military-spending>.

Silverstein, K., ‘The Al Qaeda Clubhouse: Members lacking’. Harper’s Magazine, 5 July 2006, viewed on 5 April 2010, <http://www.harpers.org/archive/2006/07/sb-al-qaeda-new-members-badly-needed-1151963690>.

Thompson, L., ‘America’s economic decline’. Armed Forces Journal, viewed on 22 August 2009, <http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2009/03/3922551>.

Webster, P., ‘Al-Qaeda still biggest threat to British security, says Gordon Brown’. Times, 16 November 2009, viewed on 4 April 2010, <http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6918483.ece>.

Vladimir Suchan is an Associate Professor of Foundations and Social Studies at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and an Associate Research Fellow with the Communication Management Centre at the Russian German Graduate School of Management at the Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation. He is a Platonist with a keen interest in international relations and communication management.

http://vladimirsuchan.blogspot.com/2015/09/accounting-for-golobal-war-on-terror-to.html

Comrade

10-03-2015, 01:40 AM

Historians of the future will look back upon the date, September 30, 2015, as being the day when the world truly became multi-polar. Washington had wanted so badly to overthrow Syria’s secular government by instituting a “no fly zone” over the country to act as the air force for the Western-backed terrorist proxy army on the ground. Instead, Russia decisively intervened militarily to prevent that perverse scenario from playing out. And the very act of doing so signifies a fundamental shift in the world ‘balance of power’ away from US imperialism. – Comrade

Syria news:

6 Russian air strikes destroy ISIS bomb factory, command centers – Defense Ministry (http://www.rt.com/news/317450-russia-syria-isis-air-strikes/) (RT)

Russia's Campaign To Snuff Off The CIA's Al-Qaeda Forces (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/russias-campaign-to-snuff-off-cias-al-qaeda-forces.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Putin’s Lightning War in Syria (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/02/putins-lightning-war-in-syria/), by Mike Whitney.

The Propaganda War against Syria Led by Avaaz and the White Helmets (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-propaganda-war-against-syria-led-by-avaaz-and-the-white-helmets/5479307), by Vanessa Beeley.

RT EXCLUSIVE: First look at Russian airbase in Latakia, centerpiece of anti-ISIS operations (VIDEO) (http://www.rt.com/news/317335-rt-exclusive-latakia-airbase/) (RT) (A good video report in this one on the Russian airbase in Latakia. – Comrade)

Over 50 warplanes, helicopters involved in Syria airstrikes: Russia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/01/431587/Russia-Syria-Igor-Konashenkov---Su24M-Su25) (PressTV)

Sukhoi warplanes used by Russia in Syria anti-terror op (PHOTOS) (http://www.rt.com/news/317277-russia-syria-planes-sukhoi-isis/) (RT)

Israel arming terrorists in Syria: FM Muallem (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/02/431678/UN-Syria-Walid-alMuallem-Terrorism-General-Assembly) (PressTV)

Kadyrov asks Putin to allow Chechen infantry to fight in Syria (http://www.rt.com/politics/317393-this-will-be-holiday-kadyrov/) (RT)

Syria army, volunteer fighters repel terrorist attacks in Quneitra (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/01/431578/Syria-Syrian-army-Quneitra-alNusra-Front-Aleppo) (PressTV)

John McCain’s al-Queda buddies in Syria are getting blown to smithereens by the Russian Air Force:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHmZVqX6W44

blindpig

10-03-2015, 10:44 AM

A Useful Prep-Sheet on Syria for Media Propagandists
by GARY LEUPP

http://uziiw38pmyg1ai60732c4011.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/dropzone/2015/10/John-Kerry-600x400-510x340.jpg

Email

John-Kerry-600x400

State Department talking points on Syria for cable news anchors:

* Keep mentioning the barrel bombs. Do not mention how their use was pioneered by the Israeli Air Force in 1948, and how they were used by the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam in Operation Inferno in 1968. Keep repeating, “barrel bombs, barrel bombs” and stating with a straight face that the Syrian regime is using them “against its own people.” Against its own people. Against its own people. Against its own people.

* Keep mentioning “200,000.” (The UN estimates that 220,000 have been killed in the conflict since 2011.) Declare like you really believe it that this is the number of civilians the Syrian government of Bashar Assad has killed during the war. (Do not be concerned about any need to back the figure up. No one is ever going to call you on it publicly.)

Do NOT mention that around half of the war dead (estimates range from 84,000 to 133,000) are Syrian government forces waging war against an overwhelmingly Islamist opposition, and an additional 73,000 to 114,000 are anti-government combatants.

Do not discuss these figures because they would call into question the claim that the Syrian government is targeting and killing tens of thousands of civilians willy-nilly. (If feeling any qualms of conscience, recall Karl Rove’s immortal dictum that “We’re an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality.”)

* Keep mentioning the “Arab Spring” and how in 2011 Syrians peacefully mobilized to challenge the regime were violently repressed. But don’t dwell on the Arab Spring too much. Realize that the State Department was actually shocked by it, particularly by its repercussions in Egypt, where democratization brought the Muslim Brotherhood to power before the U.S.-backed military drowned its opponents in blood.

And recall but do NOT mention how in Bahrain, peaceful demonstrations by the majority Shiites against the repressive Sunni monarchy were crushed by a Saudi-led invasion force tacitly supported by the U.S. And NEVER mention that the bulk of the peaceful protesters in the Syrian Arab Spring want nothing to do with the U.S.-supported armed opposition but are instead receptive to calls from Damascus, Moscow and Tehran for dialogue towards a power-sharing arrangement.

Do NOT explain that the pro-democracy student activists and their allies fear most is the radical Islamists who have burgeoned in large part due to foreign intervention since 2011.

* Keep mentioning the “Free Syrian Army” and the “moderate opposition” to give the impression that they actually exist in the real world.

Do NOT point out that the FSA organization is actually a joke; that its leaders live in Turkey; that its remaining units are headed by CIA officers; that U.S. efforts to train over 5000 FSA troops have been an utter failure; that the tiny group of 54 recently sent to the front were immediately captured by the al-Nusra Front and another 70 dispatched from Turkey immediately turned over their arms to that al-Qaeda-linked group; that their chief of staff has resigned protesting U.S. incompetence; that Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the top American commander in the Middle East, told Congress last month that only “four or five” Syrians had been trained by the U.S. to fight ISIL; and that the U.S.-trained forces have been accused of multiple human rights abuses.

Do NOT mention these things. They are so totally embarrassing that the State Department officials responsible just want to curl up into a ball and roll into a corner. Your mission is to put a bright face on this and continue to pretend there’s something in Syria, supported by the U.S., that falls between the terrorists and the Assad regime.

* Keep expressing consternation if not outrage that Russia is “interfering” in Syria. Scrunch up your face and act like you think it’s puzzling.

Do NOT mention that Syria is much closer to Russia than to the U.S. and that Russia faces a much greater threat of Islamist terror than the U.S. (in places like Chechnya and Dagestan that your viewers can’t locate on a map).

Downplay the fact that Russia has had a military relationship with Syria since the 1950s no more nor less legitimate that the U.S. military relationship with Saudi Arabia. (And avoid any objective comparisons of the human rights records of Saudi Arabia and Syria since the former’s is manifestly so much worse than the latter’s!)

Do NOT imply any moral equivalence between Russia’s desire to prevent U.S.-backed regime change in Syria and the U.S.’s desire to inflict another Iraq or Libya-type regime change on that tragically war-torn country.

* Keep treating the Assad regime as an obvious pariah, whose leader has “lost legitimacy.” Say that with an air of authority, like you really believe that U.S. presidents—like Chinese emperors of the past or medieval popes— enjoy so much “legitimacy” that they can confer this on, or remove it from, anybody else.

Study CNN anchor Chris Cuomo’s facial expressions and body language when he announces—so matter-of-factly, as a self-evident fact, as a done deal—that (come on, everybody!) “Assad hast lost legitimacy.”

(Chris is your model. He’s the State Department’s pleasantly vapid headed scion-of-privilege poster boy, whose occasional dark flashes of indignation—especially those directed towards anyone questioning the official talking points on Russia—embody the attitude Foggy Bottom seeks to encourage in the corporate press.)

Do NOT remind viewers that the Syrian government is internationally recognized, holds a UN seat, retains cordial relations with most nations and is engaged in a life-and-death struggle against people who enslave, crucify, behead, bury alive and burn alive people and want to replace Syria’s modern secular government with a medieval religious one intolerant of any diversity.

* Keep insisting that the Assad regime somehow is responsible for, and even in league with, the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front and ISIL. Since this makes no logical sense, just have faith in the ignorance of the viewership and its disinclination to distinguish one Arab from another and to assume that they’re all linked in ways that aren’t worth even trying to sort out. Imply that by staying in power (and not complying with Obama’s demand that he step down) Assad has actually invited the presence of radical Islamists to his country, or provoked their emergence.

Do NOT mention that al-Qaeda offshoots have proliferated globally since the U.S. invaded and wrecked Iraq in 2003, in a war based entirely on lies, and that there was no al-Nusra Front or ISIL until the U.S. set out to effect regime change throughout the Middle East. Do NOT let on that State Department PR strategy is precisely to obfuscate the real causal relationship, and to impute to the beleaguered Assad phenomena actually generated by U.S. aggression in the region.

* Keep treating Russian President Vladimir Putin as America’s Enemy Number One, an ally of a Syrian government that U.S. has said must go, deploying force in Syria to bolster Assad rather than (as Moscow claims) to target ISIL.

Do NOT lend any credence to the Russian assertion that the Syrian Army is the force best placed to defeat ISIL. Do NOT point out the incongruity of the U.S. invading and attacking countries from Pakistan to Libya since 2001 while expressing alarm that Moscow is (after much hesitation) taking action against Islamist terrorists at Damascus’s invitation.

* Do not harp on the past, revisit history, or attempt to place the contemporary situation in Syria in perspective. Do NOT complicate the storyline by mentioning Damascus’s cooperation in the “War on Terror” and the U.S. use of Syrian torture chambers in its “special renditions” program after 2001. Do NOT mention Syria’s large Christian minority or its historical support for Assad’s Baath party, which was co-founded by a Syrian Christian.

Please keep everything simple, following the examples set by MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Scarborough and CNN’s Cuomo, and inculcate in the mind of the viewer that Assad is the main problem and most horrible actor in the Syrian situation. Tell them that Putin, while striving to revive the tsarist empire, is backing Assad as a loyal ally and using his military to prolong his rule that Washington condemns rather than (as he states) taking action against ISIL.

If you do all this, you will demonstrate your loyalty to the State Department, the bipartisan foreign policy consensus, the military-industrial complex, the One Percent, your advertisers, your producers and editors, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes who arrange your teleprompter scripts.

You too could be an Andrea Mitchell, or Christiane Amanpour, posturing as an “expert” while trotting out our talking points. And even after they’re exposed as bullshit, you won’t have to say you’re sorry. People will soon forget anyway.

Those unconscionable barrel bombs! 200,000 civilians killed by the illegitimate regime! U.S. support for the moderate opposition! Russia up to no good, supporting Assad and not really targeting ISI!. Russian moves “worrisome” (whereas U.S. moves are not.)

http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/02/a-useful-prep-sheet-on-syria-for-media-propagandists/

Comrade

10-04-2015, 10:42 PM

A brief overview of the Russian air-strikes on the Western-backed terrorists: approximately 80 sorties have now been carried out on 60 different targets. – Comrade

Syria news:

The Revolution Against ISIS and its Lessons for the World (http://journal-neo.org/2015/09/30/the-revolution-against-isis-and-its-lessons-for-the-world/), by Caleb Maupin.

The Western Media Is Dying and Here’s Why (http://journal-neo.org/2015/09/28/the-western-media-is-dying-and-heres-why/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Assad: ‘West uses terrorism as new instrument to subjugate Middle East’ (http://www.rt.com/news/317625-assad-interview-syria-terrorism/) (RT)

Russian Air Force hit 10 ISIS targets in Syria in last 24 hours – Defense Ministry (VIDEOS) (http://www.rt.com/news/317590-russian-aviation-isis-targets/) (RT) (Sunday’s report. – Comrade)

Russian Air Force hits 50 ISIS targets in Syria over 3 days, ‘significantly’ damaging militants (http://www.rt.com/news/317505-air-force-terrorists-raqqa/) (RT) (Saturday’s report. – Comrade)

Syrian Army Invited Terrorists to Surrender Before Major Operation (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151005/1028017909.html) (Sputnik News)

Syrian Militants Surrender in Droves to Daraa Governorate (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151003/1027981596.html) (Sputnik News) (Wow, 450 Western-backed terrorists have just surrendered! – Comrade)

Moscow says 600 militants have fled Syria amid Russian airstrikes (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/03/431844/Russia-airstrikes-Syria-Idlib-Raqqa-Daesh) (PressTV) (After only a few days of Russian air-strikes, the terrorists are running for their wretched lives. By comparison, after a year of alleged “US strikes”, the terrorists were still gaining ground. – Comrade)

Russian airbase in Syria: RT checks out everyday life at Latakia airfield (http://www.rt.com/news/317528-latakia-russian-khmeimim-airbase/) (RT)

Turkey news:

Kurdish militants kidnap 2 Turkish soldiers in eastern Turkey (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/03/431866/Turkey-PKK-Kurdish-militants-Tunceli-province-Erzincan-province-kidnapping) (PressTV) (If Erdogan and the West continue arming the terrorists in Syria, Russia and Iran could always respond by arming and funding the PKK. – Comrade)

Lebanon news:

Israeli rock-shaped spying device discovered in Lebanon (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/01/431460/Lebanon-Israel-Beirut-spy-rock-Bani-Hayan-Lebanese-Army) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Iraq: A Russian Alternative To Washington's Bumbling Anti-IS Campaign (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/russia-offers-iraq-an-alternative-to-the-us-bumbling-is-campaign.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Jordanian lawmaker’s son was Daesh bomber in Iraq (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/02/431686/Iraq-Daesh-Jordan-lawmaker-bombing-) (PressTV) (Note that the bomber was a medical student in the US-occupied Ukraine before joining the “IS.” – Comrade)

Kurdish Peshmerga forces retake 12 villages in northern Iraq (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/30/431449/Iraq-Peshmerga--Daesh-ISIL-Kirkuk-KRSC-Hawija-Abu-Bakr-alBaghdadi-Syria-Ramadi-Mosul) (PressTV)

“Saudi” Arabia news:

Rumblings of Discontent in Saudi Arabia (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/09/30/rumblings-of-discontent-in-saudi-arabia/), by Thomas C. Mountain.

Kingdom in Crisis: Saudi Arabia Pulls up to $70 Billion from Global Markets (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20150929/1027682978/saudi-arabia-budget-deficit-reserves.html) (Sputnik News)

Yemen news:

UN confirms 135 killed in Saudi airstrike on Yemen wedding (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/29/431235/Yemen-UN-wedding-Saudi-airstrike-Colville) (PressTV) (The Saudis can’t defeat the Yemeni resistance, so instead they massacre Yemeni civilians. – Comrade)

Riyadh bombs Yemen despite UN warning about casualties (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/09/30/431364/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Saada-UN-Rupert-Colville) (PressTV)

Senior Saudi commander killed near Yemen border (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/02/431716/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Asir-commander-Saada) (PressTV)

Bab el-Mandeb in Houthis’ control: Yemeni official (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/03/431835/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Babelmandeb-Lahij) (PressTV)

Saudi airstrikes target food trucks in Yemen's Sa'ada (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/04/431985/Saudi-Yemen-Saada-Taizz) (PressTV)

Afghanistan news:

Taliban ‘Tet Offensive’ in Kunduz Exposes Failure of US Afghan Strategy (http://sputniknews.com/analysis/20151002/1027888501/Taliban-Offensive-Failure-of-US-Afghan-Strategy.html) (Sputnik News)

Kunduz Hospital Bombing Exposes U.S. Airstrike Hypocrisy (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/kunduz-hospital-bombing-exposes-us-hypocrisy.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Washington bombs Afghan hospitals full of civilians while Russia bombs terrorists in Syria. – Comrade)

MSF demands independent probe into hospital airstrike in Afghanistan (http://www.rt.com/news/317612-msf-independent-investigation-kunduz/) (RT)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

The Munich Agreement: West's Political Conspiracy Against Stalin? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151001/1027851010/munich-agreement-conspiracy-against-stalin.html), by Ekaterina Blinova.

Communists beat ruling United Russia party in Irkutsk region governor's election (http://siberiantimes.com/other/others/news/n0427-communists-beat-ruling-united-russia-party-in-irkutsk-region-governors-election/) (The Siberian Times) (The final result was 57 to 41%. – Comrade)

Three Ukrainian servicemen join DPR — DPR defense ministry (http://tass.ru/en/world/825787) (ITAR-TASS)

Tajikistan news:

Tajikistan declares Islamic Revival Party terrorist organization — court (http://tass.ru/en/world/824587) (ITAR-TASS)

Moldova news:

Number of protesters’ tents in Moldova rises to over 500 (http://tass.ru/en/world/824097) (ITAR-TASS) (Note that “Dignity and Justice” are the radical pro-US/EU puppets, while the Party of Socialists and Our Party are the anti-imperialist opposition. – Comrade)

Moldova protesters threaten to enter parliament building if demands ignored (http://tass.ru/en/world/824979) (ITAR-TASS)

US news:

USA: Today’s Payroll Jobs Report (http://www.globalresearch.ca/todays-payroll-jobs-report/5479501), by Dr. Paul Craig Roberts.

On Saturday, Russia hit a major “IS” command center in Raqqa. If Obama had really been “bombing the IS” for over a year as he claimed, why had he never hit this obvious target? Just more proof that the “US strikes” were mythical “strikes” to provide political cover for the CIA aiding the terrorists. – Comrade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4SYzRPT-lw

blindpig

10-05-2015, 04:03 PM

Yalla La Barra
Kafranbel Media Center: A Propaganda Banner Assembly Line That Targets The Naive
October 5, 2015 //

https://yallalabarra.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/rf.png?w=460

Note: After the writing of this blogpost, the Russian Air Force bombed the outskirts of Kafranbel. See postscript at the end.

Anyone who follows Syria on social media will be familiar with the Kafranbel facebook/twitter accounts and their continuous anti-government banner and poster campaign. The group, which operates under the name Kafranbel Media Center (KMC), was founded in 2011 by Raed Fares. Their main activity is staging small “protests” every Friday involving a maximum of 30-40 people and often less than that, who are filmed and photographed carrying banners and posters with anti-government slogans and messages that are uploaded on the internet for propaganda purposes. Along with the usual anti-Assad slogans that are popular with the opposition in Syria, they put out English language slogans and messages that are directed at the United States. These come in two categories.The first constitutes messages berating Obama and the US government for not doing enough to help the “rebels” overthrow Assad. The second is a bizarre collection of slogans in which they incorporate American celebrities and US current events that are not in any way related to Syria. The idea behind those is to have average Americans identify and sympathize with the “revolution”. It is not clear who writes the English language slogans for them. Raed Fares’ command of English is minimal. Not that the people who write them for him are much better. Some of the grammatical and spelling mistakes found in them are embarrassing to no end.

Before we get into the content of the above mentioned slogans, it is important that we talk about where the KMC stands politically. Fares has always claimed that his group is secular and democratic. And he has been accused by ISIS of being an agent of the United States. That’s actually not far from the truth. According to an article in the New York Times, in 2012, he crossed the border into Turkey where he met with an American government official. As a result he got the US State department to finance his own radio station, Radio Fresh. His banners caught the attention of the former US ambassador Robert Ford who apparently wanted him to travel to Geneva and protest at the Conference on Syria. While he was on a visit to the United States in December 2013, ISIS attacked his offices in Kafranbel, tore up his banners and destroyed the property. In January 2014, he survived an attempt on his life reportedly by ISIS in which he sustained two bullet wounds. In 2014, he took a second trip to the US in which he met with Syrian Americans as well as US lawmakers. ISIS continue to send him death threats and say they will get him one day. He has also had problems with Jabhat al-Nusra who have a large presence in Idlib. In December 2014, they kidnapped Fares and a colleague also accusing them of being agents of the US but released them soon after. Initially, there was no comment about the kidnapping from him or the KMC. According to some local activists, this was because he did not want to provoke them by making a big deal about it – Kafranbel was the only town in the Idlib countryside that had not been attacked by Nusra.

In an article that appeared on March 6th, 2013 in the pro-opposition news site “Syria Deeply” Fares is quoted as saying: “Jabhat Al Nusra was gaining followers because it’s organized, and has an established hierarchy that holds its members accountable, unlike the disorganized civilian activists and the Free Syrian Army. Nusra also has access to weapons, and is delivering much needed humanitarian aid, which the secular opposition can’t match due to a lack of resources. He goes on to say “Nusra hasn’t replicated the Syrian military’s brutal tactics, occupying towns, burning homes and killing civilians“. At the very least, this indicates that he has quite a bit of admiration for the Al-Qaeda affiliated Jihadi group.If that isn’t enough, Raed Fares and the KMC have always had a close relationship with the other Al-Qaeda tied group Ahrar al-Sham. The Syrian propagandist/”journalist” Hadi al-Abdallah who is always embedded with Ahrar fighters when they take over a new town is very close to Fares and can be seen in countless photos and videos in the front lines of the “protesters” carrying the banners/posters. In a recent tweet on his twitter account Fares wrote: “Ahrar Al Sham Movement seems to be very close to the people movement”. The accompanying photo shows a dozen protesters holding a banner that says in Arabic: “Ahrar al-Sham movement, you will feel the warmth of the people’s embrace, your path is their path and it seems you are on your way to them”.

http://twitter.com/RaedFares4/status/589398331106975745/photo/1

Embracing an Al-Qaeda tied extremist Jihadi group like Ahrar al-Sham does not sound to me like something a moderate who believes in a secular and democratic Syria would do. Could his flirtations with the United States have been motivated by the need to receive financial backing? His beloved Ahrar al-Sham have in recent months tried to portray themselves as being moderate with two op-eds in the Washington Post and the Telegraph in the hope of gaining Western governments’ support in their fight against Assad. One of the constant themes in Fares’ banners is the establishment of a no-fly-zone over Northern Syria that will prevent the Syrian Air Force from targeting “rebel”forces. In a tweet dated March 15, 2015 Raed Fares posts a photo of his usual gang of villagers holding a banner with an appeal to Samantha Power for the establishment of a no-fly-zone. Notice the familiar face of Hadi al-Abdallah in the center holding the banner with both hands:

http://twitter.com/RaedFares4/status/579280470761848832/photo/1

Much more, comprehensive.

https://yallalabarra.wordpress.com/

blindpig

10-06-2015, 12:38 PM

http://static2.politico.com/dims4/default/beea2c6/2147483647/resize/1160x%3E/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.politico.com%2F2c%2Fad%2F90cb7d924bb0b3740d5d0d9379af%2F151005-zbigniew-brzezinski-ap-1160.jpg

Brzezinski: Obama should retaliate if Russia doesn't stop attacking U.S. assets
By NICK GASS 10/05/15 02:37 PM EDT
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The United States should threaten to retaliate if Russia does not stop attacking U.S. assets in Syria, former national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski wrote in a Financial Times op-ed published Sunday, urging "strategic boldness," with American credibility in the Middle East and the region itself at stake.
Moscow's apparent decision to strike non-Islamic State targets and those of Syrian rebels backed by the Central Intelligence Agency "at best" reflects "Russian military incompetence," and worst, "evidence of a dangerous desire to highlight American political impotence," wrote Brzezinski, the national security adviser for former President Jimmy Carter and a strong supporter of current President Barack Obama.
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And if Russia continues to pursue non-ISIL targets, the U.S. should retaliate, he added.
"In these rapidly unfolding circumstances the U.S. has only one real option if it is to protect its wider stakes in the region: to convey to Moscow the demand that it cease and desist from military actions that directly affect American assets," he said.
"The Russian naval and air presences in Syria are vulnerable, isolated geographically from their homeland," Brzezinski noted. "They could be 'disarmed' if they persist in provoking the US."
The problem in the Middle East is bigger than Syria, Brzezinski wrote, and it would behoove Russia to cooperate with the U.S., who cannot as it did in the past, rely upon the United Kingdom and France to play a "decisive role" in the region.

"But, better still, Russia might be persuaded to act with the U.S. in seeking a wider accommodation to a regional problem that transcends the interests of a single state," he added.
Instead of what he calls a "new form of neocolonial domination," the United States, along with China and Russia, must act in concert to protect their mutual interests, he warned.
"China would doubtless prefer to stay on the sidelines. It might calculate that it will then be in a better position to pick up the pieces. But the regional chaos could easily spread northeastward, eventually engulfing central and northeastern Asia. Both Russia and then China could be adversely affected. But American interests and America’s friends — not to mention regional stability — would also suffer. It is time, therefore, for strategic boldness," he concluded.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/10/zbigniew-brzezinski-financial-times-op-ed-obama-retaliate-russia-214438#ixzz3no2BR2OB

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/10/zbigniew-brzezinski-financial-times-op-ed-obama-retaliate-russia-214438

"And we have a winner for the Dr Strangelove Award, sorry Henry."

Comrade

10-07-2015, 12:20 AM

Another special, midweek update on the Russian air war on the Western-backed terrorists. – Comrade

Syria news:

Syria President al-Assad Interview: “New Anti-terrorism Coalition Must Succeed, Otherwise the Whole Region Will Be Destroyed” (http://www.globalresearch.ca/syria-president-al-assad-interview-new-anti-terrorism-coalition-must-succeed-otherwise-the-whole-region-will-be-destroyed/5479868) (Khabar TV) (Another great interview with President Assad. – Comrade)

How Russia Checked the US Plan for a No Fly Zone in Syria (http://russia-insider.com/en/military/how-russia-checked-us-plan-no-fly-zone-syria/ri10248), by Daniel Fielding.

The NATO-Russia face off in Syria (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/317804-isis-turkey-jet-russia/), by Pepe Escobar.

The West Fears Russia’s Success in Syria - Not Its Failure (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151004/1027995962/west-fears-russia-success-syria.html), by Alexander Mercouris.

How Putin will Win in Syria (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/06/how-putin-will-win-in-syria/), by Mike Whitney.

US' Incoherent Definition of 'Terrorist' Behind Washington’s Syria Failures (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151006/1028072179/US-Incoherent-Terrorist-Definition.html) (Sputnik News)

Russian Air Force destroys 20 ISIS tanks near Palmyra – Defense Ministry (VIDEOS) (https://www.rt.com/news/317715-russian-jets-isis-syria/) (RT) (Monday’s report. By the way, I find it very curious that the “IS” has so many tanks. I suspect that some of them might be coming from Washington’s eastern European satellites, which have also supplied the Kiev junta with old Soviet military equipment. – Comrade)

Russian jets hit 12 ISIS targets in Syria, cause panic among extremists – Defense Ministry (https://www.rt.com/news/317805-russia-hit-isis-tuesday/) (RT) (Tuesday’s report. – Comrade)

3,000 terrorists leave Syria following Russian airstrikes – military source (https://www.rt.com/news/317720-terrorists-leaving-syria-airstrikes/) (RT) (A question for any lurking Obama apologists, why did these terrorists never flee Obama’s alleged “strikes”, hmm? – Comrade)

These videos never get old (bombs away!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyeAE_ryCQM

Dhalgren

10-07-2015, 11:14 AM

Escalating Syria Attack, Russia Fires Missiles From Warships

MOSCOW — Sharply escalating its role in Syria, the Russian military launched on Wednesday medium-range missiles from nearly 1,000 miles away, bringing to the conflict elements of its Cold War-era military might.

The new Russian airstrikes came amid reports of an expanding ground offensive by pro-government forces in Syria, which is taking place in coordination with Russian warplanes operating from an airfield in western Syria. That offensive will include the Syrian Army, Hezbollah forces on the ground and Russia in the air — all coordinated with Iran, according to an official with that alliance.

The volley was launched from Russian warships in the Caspian Sea to strike targets in Syria. The use of 26 sea-based cruise missiles marked one of the first known uses in combat of Russian missiles with this range.

The Russian minister of defense, Sergei K. Shoigu, told President Vladimir V. Putin in a televised meeting that the missiles had struck 11 targets in Syria.

The targets were about 930 miles, or about 1,500 kilometers, from the Russian flotilla of four warships that launched the missiles, Mr. Shoigu said. No civilians were harmed in the strike, he said.

Mr. Putin praised the work of the military in the missile strike and in the air operations in Syria that already showed a flexing of Russia’s military muscle in the Middle East.

“That we fired from the territory of the Caspian Sea, at a range greater than 1,500 kilometers, and hit targets precisely, this shows high qualifications,” Mr. Putin said, referring to naval crew members.

In Moscow, Russian authorities would not confirm that a ground offensive had begun. But a spokeswoman for the foreign ministry, Maria V. Zakharova, said on Wednesday that Russia had never made a secret of its policy of aiding the Syrian military.

“I can say coordination is taking place with the Syrian Army, that is unequivocal,” Ms. Zakharova said. “And we call on everybody else to do the same. Without a collective effort, all these activities in the air are useless.”

Russian officials have said since the beginning of their air war that they were targeting Islamic State militants, even when bombs have fallen on territories held by other insurgent groups that oppose President Bashar Al-Assad, including in areas where witnesses reported seeing heavy bombardments on Wednesday. The strikes have hit the Army of Conquest, an Islamist faction that includes the Nusra Front, Al Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate, as well as more-secular groups that often fight alongside, including some that had received American aid. Russia has so far refused to make a distinction between the Army of Conquest and the Islamic State, labeling both groups as terrorists.

It was not immediately clear which groups in Syria the Russian medium-range missiles had struck.

Russian diplomats, Ms. Zakharova said, have asked the United States to identify armed groups other than units of the Syrian Army that are fighting the Islamic State and that should be avoided in airstrikes, but she said they had received no answer.

“If there are some forces that also have weapons in their hands and are on the ground fighting, as the coalition says, with the Islamic State, and they should not be touched, then wonderful,” Ms. Zakharova said. “Give the list, give the call signs of these people. Tell us where are they located, explain why we shouldn’t be touched. Indeed, this information is not provided.”

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/escalating-syria-attack-russia-fires-missiles-from-warships/ar-AAfcRJC?ocid=spartanntp

This is an oddly favorable article re Russia from a US propaganda source. Except for the strange reference to Russia's "Cold War-era military might", the piece shows both Russia's abilities and US perfidy. Now MSN would not call it 'perfidy', but the part about Russia asking which groups the US wants left alone is pretty brilliant. It puts the onus on the US to ask that al Qaida in Syria be protected as a US asset. The US has been 'silent'.
This display of capabilities by the Russian military is both reassuring and dangerous. 'Reassuring' because even Zbigniew "Darth" Brzezinski is now calling for "cooperation" with the Russians and Chinese in the Middle East. It was not that long ago that he was calling for all but an invasion of both. It could be that Darth Brzezinski is looking at the victory in Ukraine as in need of shoring up and as more geopolitically important than Syria, if not more important than the US Mercenary Islamicist Legions. And it is these Legions that everyone from Holland and Merkel to Xi Jinping should be most worried about. Also, Russia has to be careful (this is the 'dangerous' part), because no one really knows just how bat-shit crazy the US ruling class actually is...

Dhalgren

10-07-2015, 03:40 PM

More good news for US!

Iraq may request Russian air strikes against Islamic State on its soil soon and wants Moscow to have a bigger role than the United States in the war against the militant group, the head of parliament's defence and security committee said on Wednesday.

"In the upcoming few days or weeks, I think Iraq will be forced to ask Russia to launch air strikes, and that depends on their success in Syria," Hakim al-Zamili, a leading Shi'ite politician, told Reuters in an interview.

The comments were the clearest signal yet that Baghdad intends to lean on Russia in the war on Islamic State after U.S.-led coalition airstrikes produced limited results.

Russian military action in Iraq would deepen U.S. fears that it is losing more strategic ground to rivals in one of the world's most critical regions.

Russia is weighing in behind President Bashar al-Assad with air strikes in Syria while its ally Iran holds deep sway in Iraq, including military advisors who help direct the battle against Islamic State.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said he would welcome Russian air strikes on Islamic State militants in Iraq and powerful Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias hope for a partnership with Russia to counter U.S. influence.

"We are seeking to see Russia have a bigger role in Iraq. ... Yes, definitely a bigger role than the Americans," Zamili said.

Shi'ite militias, long mistrustful of the United States, see Russia's intervention as an opportunity to turn the tables.

"The Russian intervention came at the right time and right place and we think it will change all rules of the game not only in Syria but in Iraq also," said Muen al-Kadhimi, an aide to Hadi al-Amiri, the most powerful Shi'ite militia leader.

"The government has been relying heavily on an untrustworthy ally, which is the United States, and this fault should be fixed."

MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON

Russia's drive for more clout in the Middle East includes a new security and intelligence-sharing agreement with Iran, Iraq and Syria with a command centre in Baghdad.

"We believe that this centre will develop in the near future to be a joint operation command to lead the war against Daesh in Iraq," said Zamili, using a derogatory Arabic acronym for Islamic State, which is also known as ISIS or ISIL.

Washington has been pressuring Abadi to rein in Shi'ite militias, angering forces seen as a bulwark against the ultra-hardline Sunni Islamic State, the biggest security threat to oil producer Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein since 2003.

"The sort of support for us, or all other resistance groups for that matter, should be on the level of training, providing weapons and also serious air support," said Jaafar Hussaini, spokesman of the Kata'ib Hezbollah Shi'ite force.

Abadi was frustrated by the U.S.-led coalition's performance against Islamic State, which has threatened to march on Baghdad and wants to redraw the map of the Middle East.

Military sources said army commanders complained in a letter sent to Abadi in early September of inadequate U.S. support in the battle for Iraq's biggest refinery near the town of Baiji, a focal point in the campaign to disolodge Islamic State.

Abadi was incensed by tough accusations by U.S. officials that Iraqi government troops lacked the will to fight the militants, government sources said.

Delayed delivery of U.S. arms was one of the factors that pushed Abadi to strike a security deal with Russia, the sources said.

"We are still losing lives and losing billions of dollars in oil revenues by purchasing arms from United States, but what we really got from them was only promises and dozens of delayed arms deals," said Zamili.

"After a whole year, Daesh is still growing and thousands of fighters are still flowing to both Iraq and Syria and it is controlling more areas. That's clear evidence the United States has no clear plan or a real strategy."

Baghdad-based analyst and former army general Jasim al-Bahadli said tensions with the United States were one of the reasons why Abadi turned to Moscow for help.

"Abadi, it seems, succeeded in sending a clear message to the American administration, which repeatedly blamed Abadi's forces for recent setbacks, that there is another alternative for Iraq to resort to in the fight against Daesh if you are not willing to show real support," he said.

"The United States has been worried by the growing influence of Iran in Iraq and worries should be doubled after the Russians took the lead in Iraq and Syria."

Despite his frustrations with Washington, Abadi risks becoming isolated by a new dynamic dominated by Russia.

He has depended heavily on U.S. support and is at odds with the militias and their Iranian backers.

But with Islamic State showing no signs of weakening, the priority will be finding a formula for stability and key players are embracing Russia.

"There's a need to create a new coalition and force that is actually effective on the ground and performs the actual goal of fighting Daesh," said Mohammed Naji, another aide to Amiri.

"There is a serious discussion and inquiry into requesting the Russian air forces to conduct air strikes against Daesh positions in Iraq." (Additional reporting by Stephen Kalin; Writing by Michael Georgy; editing by Philippa Fletcher)

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/iraq-leans-toward-russia-in-war-on-islamic-state/ar-AAfcUbs?ocid=spartanntp

Oops! Another one bites the dust. "That's clear evidence the United States has no clear plan or a real strategy." Well, it may just be that the "real" plan and "real" strategy are not being shared openly with Iraq and definitely not with Syria and Iran. But Russia and most of the players know what is what - no one is stupid in this thing, except maybe the Free Syrian Army - all fourteen of them...

blindpig

10-08-2015, 07:52 AM

Oops! Another one bites the dust. "That's clear evidence the United States has no clear plan or a real strategy." Well, it may just be that the "real" plan and "real" strategy are not being shared openly with Iraq and definitely not with Syria and Iran. But Russia and most of the players know what is what - no one is stupid in this thing, except maybe the Free Syrian Army - all fourteen of them...

The hysteria of the talking heads, both gov & commercial, is remarkable. Worse than Cold War I think, experience and necessity. Mebbe that hospital in Afghanistan got something to do with it, huh?

blindpig

10-08-2015, 09:13 AM

A Cesspool of Hypocrisy

If there were a hypocrisy meter, the Obama administration surely would have achieved unprecedented numbers in recent weeks. With the Putin government announcing and swiftly executing military action in Syria, the US government and its NATO allies went apoplectic, accusing the Russians of destabilizing the Middle East, increasing the threat of terrorism, adding to homelessness, and risking the widening of the war. Of course any sane observer knows that the US has already destabilized the Middle East, fomented terrorism, brought on mass homelessness, and dramatically widened the war, while causing hundreds of thousands of casualties.
The Obama administration and its hyper-patriotic opposition within the ruling class are most indignant because Syria, Iraq, Iran, and the Russian Federation have signed a mutual assistance accord that mounts a real anti-extremist front in the wars raging in Syria and Iraq. Irony of ironies, US meddling in the Middle East has brought two former intransigent enemies-- Iran and Iraq-- together. To the shock of US Geo-political schemers, a client state-- Iraq-- dares to defy its sponsor-- the US-- in forging this agreement. Iran and Russia, both squeezed extortionately by the vise of US/EU sanctions, have defied the school yard bullies to support the Syrian government.
Responding to recent Russian bombings of targets in Syria, Obama denounced the Russian moves as a “recipe for disaster.” No one in the administration has explained how Syria-- or Iraq, Libya, Yemen, or Afghanistan-- could be a bigger disaster.
Obama has accused the Russians of not discriminating between ISIS (ISIL) and the other opponents of the Assad government. He maintains that the Russians are supporting Assad rather than the anti-ISIS effort. At the same time, the US government concedes that the CIA has armed its own surrogates with sophisticated anti-tank weapons (TOW missiles) only useful against Assad's tanks and not ISIS. Hypocrisy!
While Obama maintains a fictitious difference between good and bad elements within the “opposition” and an expressed abhorrence of the violence, the opposition has achieved a “rare” unity in refusing to even attend meetings to discuss negotiations organized by the United Nations, according to the Associated Press. The AP story (Russia Launches New Wave of Air Raids in Syria, Targets IS Posts, Albert Aji and Jim Heintz, 10-04-15) goes on to acknowledge that the Syrian Opposition Coalition statement “was signed by the Salafist-jihadist Ahrar al-Sham as well as some of the rebel units that have received training and weapons from the United States and its allies.” Just how this motley united front of accused “terrorist” organizations and supposed moderates will offer a better life to Syrians after Assad has never been explained by the US government. Skeptics would, with justification, fear a repeat of the Libyan tragedy.
Equipped with the short memory and stunted imagination typical of US journalists, few have reflected upon the telling origins of the Syrian civil war. Of course the official account requires a massive dose of gullibility. It spins a tale of dedicated democrats who, foiled by the Assad government in their peaceful demonstrations, take up arms in a matter of months, even weeks, in 2011. No one in the media questions how this amorphous mass of private citizens is shaped up, armed, and led, in such a short span, against a sophisticated modern military and government security forces. Despite the miraculous appearance of arms from the late Muammar Gaddafi's destabilized Libya, despite the appearance of foreign fighters, US journalists found no cause to look for the hidden hands.
Instead, journalists continue to churn out copy that carefully follows the US/NATO line on all Middle Eastern matters. Consider the aptly named Liz Sly who slyly pumps out dispatches through the Washington Post that resemble rewrites of State Department releases. As with her equally discredited colleagues Judith Miller and Brian Williams, there seems to be no journalistic sins that warrant her consignment to journalistic hell. Sly infamously disseminated the fabricated story “Gay Girl in Damascus”:
On June 7, 2011 she wrote 'Gay Girl in Damascus' Blogger Detained, a news article that merged claims from a blog post with what appeared to be independently gathered facts in a way that suggested that youthful, attractive Syrian-American, Amina Arraf, was grabbed off the street along with 10,000 other Damascus citizens by the evil Assad forces. On June 8, the Washington Post retracted the story and on June 10, a 40-year-old US citizen confessed that the person, the story, and the blog were a hoax that he concocted. (ZZ's blog)
Of course perpetrating a hoax has not stopped Sly from advancing her career. On October 1, 2015, Sly (along with Andrew Roth) wrote from Beirut a story appearing in the Washington Post:
The expanding Russian involvement in Syria threatened to further complicate efforts to secure a negotiated settlement to the 4-year-old war at a time when the influx of refugees into Europe and the endurance of the Islamic State is focusing world attention on the unrelenting bloodshed in Syria.
Negotiated settlement? The “rebels” steadfastly refuse to even discuss a UN-sponsored meeting about negotiations as reported by the Associated Press. How does Russian involvement threaten something that only exists in the mind of Liz Sly?
As for refugees, Sly had previously written a fantastic, tortured story of how refugees in Lebanon voting absentee and en masse for Assad were actually coerced from afar by the nefarious Assad. This wild disparagement of Syrian refugees' sentiments for Assad reveals profoundly Sly's lack of understanding of the roots of the conflict and her determination to view the refugee crisis through the lens of State Department policy goals and not compassion.
Following the lead of US policy makers, Sly and her colleague denounce the Russian bombing targets:
Some of the towns struck are strongholds of a recently formed coalition, Jaish al-Fateh, or Army of Conquest, that includes the Syrian al-Qaida affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra alongside an assortment of Islamist and moderate factions. Among them was a mosque in the northern Idlib town of Jisr al-Shugour, whose capture by the rebel coalition in April underscored the growing threat to the regime.
But notice how she concedes that Russian planes target a coalition-- a diverse ideological “assortment”-- of combatants, a concession that al-Qaida cooperates with the so-called moderates. Surely this acknowledges that the anti-Assad movement is a snake pit of opportunists. And the Russians are to be faulted for not asking for a show of hands within the Army of Conquest?
In light of the recent criminal bombing of a hospital in Afghanistan, a murderous act that NO journalist in the West can lay at the US's doorstep without preceding the fact with a host of mealy-mouthed “alleged,” “suspected,” or “charged” disclaimers, isn't it hypocritical that Sly so easily and assuredly blames the Russians for blowing up a mosque?
Roy Gutman at McClatchy (10-3-15) reports that the Kurds, the only reliable fighters against ISIS, support the Russian effort in Syria: “'We want Russia to provide us air support as well as weapons in our fight against the ISIL militants,' a YPG commander, Sipan Hemo, was quoted as telling the Russian Sputnik news portal. 'We can organize an effective cooperation with Russia on the issue'... Some analysts speculated that the YPG was interested in Russian support because Moscow was unlikely to respond to Turkey's worries that the Kurds' success would fuel a push for independence among its own Kurdish minority.”
Similarly, Iraq's Shiite militia welcome the Russian engagement. The Washington Post reports (10-05-15): “...Iraq's most powerful Iranian-backed Shiite militias said Monday they would welcome Russian airstrikes on IS in the country and accused the U.S. of failing to act decisively against the hardline group.”
As they have in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and so many other countries, US and NATO meddling in Syria has unleashed destructive forces further destabilizing the Middle East.
Sadly, the forthcoming US Presidential elections promise no respite from this cesspool of hypocrisy. All the Republican candidates separate themselves from the administration by advocating more military intervention.
Hilary Clinton, similarly, appeals to the war mongers by advocating a no-fly zone over Syria-- an act that would strengthen ISIS and the Islamists by weakening Assad.
And Bernie Sanders evades the issue.
Zoltan Zigedy
zoltanzigedy@gmail.com

http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-cesspool-of-hypocrisy.html

blindpig

10-08-2015, 09:53 AM

The escalation of the confrontation enters a new phase
Russia did not remain on the sidelines

On the 30th of September, the Russian leadership decided to begin airstrikes in Syria against the so-called “Islamic State”. Earlier the same day, the Upper House of the Russian Parliament approved the request of the President, Vladimir Putin, related to the deployment of military forces abroad and specifically to support Bashar Assad in Syria.

This development came a few days after the Russian President’s speech to the UN, where he defended the Russian positions on Syria and Ukraine, and also after his meeting with his US counterpart. Nevertheless, it was not a bolt from the blue, as all the sources in recent weeks referred to the increase of the Russian military presence in Syria and the transport of military equipment there.

Escalation of the intervention

The developments clearly also signal the further sharpening of the inter-imperialist contradictions in the region of the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. We should bear in mind that the Russian military intervention in Syria comes after the intervention of the USA, the EU, Turkey, the monarchies of the Gulf etc in the region that has been underway since 2011.

The KKE from the very first moment denounced this intervention which has very serious consequences for the people of Syria and for the people the wider region as well. When bourgeois and opportunist parties celebrated the so-called “Arab Spring”, our party exposed the organized efforts to fund and arm the so-called Syrian opposition by the imperialist powers, which resulted in, amongst other things, the formation and spread of the monstrosity of the “Islamic State”, as well as the creation of an enormous wave of refugees, both inside the country (about 10 million people) and also to foreign countries (chiefly to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, where about 2 million people live who have been driven from their homes, of these people those that can are trying to reach European countries).

The military aspect of the Syrian conflict

The close economic and political-military ties of Russia with the bourgeois regime of Assad are well-known. This regime is a stable ally of capitalist Russia in the region of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean for the last 20 years. This is a region where a serious geopolitical “game” is underway with powerful “players”, like the USA, the EU, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, the Gulf monarchies.

The intervention of these powers in Syria, which utilized existing social and political problems of the Assad regime led the country into a complex political-military “puzzle”. Consequently, after the “trichotomy” of Iraq caused by the US invasion (into areas controlled by the central government, areas controlled by the Kurds, areas controlled by the IS), a similar dismemberment is being witnessed in Syria.

The political-military forces that remain loyal to Assad maintain control over a significant section of the country, about 40% of the territory, which includes the most populated and most cultivated areas.

Its armed forces, after 5 years of war and wear and tear, have out of necessity been reduced from 325,000 to 150,000. Another 60,000 are in the forces of the well-armed Republican Guard and some tens of thousands are in the armed militia, as well in the forces of Lebanese Hezbollah, which is a stable ally of the regime. Russia and Iran over this period have been supporting the regime with weapons and ammunition and military advisors.

A section of the country’s north is controlled by Kurdish militia numbering around 30,000, comprised of lightly armed troops.

The so-called “Islamic State”, which seems to control a large section of territory, which in reality are uninhabited desert areas, has the control of the areas that border Iraq and controls oil resources, which afford it profits from the selling of fuel to Turkey and Iraq on the black market. There are different assessments regarding the size of its forces, ranging from 20 to 100 thousand. Russian intelligence estimates them at being between 30 and 50 thousand. Amongst them, there are many who come from abroad (Europe, Russia etc.), while their relations with Turkey, the Gulf monarchies and also the USA are well-known, which funded several of them, trained them, armed them and are now using them to advance their plans.

The forces of the armed “opposition” of the so-called “Free Syrian Army” which openly enjoy the patronage of the USA-EU calculate themselves to be between 45 and 60 thousand, numbers openly disputed by the Russian leadership.

Other military forces which are active include the islamist movement “Jabhat al-Nusra” which has up to 10,000 armed men and is supported by the region’s monarchic regimes.

Of course, in practice we can see that all the forces that are fighting against the Assad regime, despite the tensions that exist between them, are “communicating vessels”, i.e they complement each other.

Finally, we should not forget that Israel has been occupying Syrian territory (the Golan Heights) since 1967, and has established permanent military occupation forces inside Syria and provides medical (and other?) support to the forces that are fighting against Assad.

The Russian involvement

In these complex military conditions, the Russian leadership decides to reinforce Assad’s forces, chiefly in two ways” a) through the provision of modern military equipment, with high precision weapons (new armoured personnel carriers, modern telecommunications systems, spy drones, machine guns etc.), b) through aerial bombardments of the “terrorist” forces. The Syrian airforce has older aircraft, with less capabilities of achieving high precision strikes against its opponents.

Through these actions, it is assessed that the losses of the Syrian armed forces can be cancelled out and that they can once again achieve the upper hand and dynamism in relation to their enemies.

Moreover, at the initiative of Russia a “Joint Information Centre” has been established in Baghdad together with Syria, Iran and Iraq, with the aim of coordinating operations against the “Islamic State”.

Russia has already unleashed dozens of airstrikes in the first few days from bases that it has established on Syrian territory, while it has also deployed small numbers of ground forces comprised of marines in Russian bases form where its military airplanes and helicopters conduct operations and also ships from its Navy have been deployed in Syria’s territorial waters.

This as regards the military sector, because there are also important goals in the political sphere. In any case, we must not overlook the connection between the political and military spheres, as war is the continuation of politics by other (violent) means.

Behind the … façade

Inside these developments, we must examine the real motives, the class character and the intentions of the forces which are involved in the military conflict, overcoming the pretexts for the interventions such as “the war against terrorism” or that they are being conducted for “humanitarian reasons” or that the bombing is being carried out with the approval of the local government or the UN, and therefore in accordance with international law. We should bear in mind that the bombing of Libya was approved by the UN. In conclusion, then, we must look behind the… façade which is being created to cover each action.

The interventions of the imperialists in the various regions and countries, which may be carried out in the name of “pure” and “good” intentions and slogans, bear the stamp of capitalist profit, of the profits of the monopolies and the relentless competition developing amongst them over the sharing out of the raw materials, the transport routes, the pipelines and the market shares. In any case the long “chain” of imperialist interventions in recent years bears witness to this.

Syria is no exception.

The aims that lie behind the pretexts

In the last two decades, due to the uneven development of capitalism, dynamic emerging capitalist powers have appeared on the scene (China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa) that are gaining ground at the expense of older powers, like the USA and EU countries. The competition is intensifying. It is very important for the monopoly interests based in these countries to acquire new energy resources, to determine and control the transport routes of the commodities and also to control sections of the economies of other countries. The capitalist crisis has reshuffled the deck of cards.

It has been demonstrated that the so-called “multi-polar world” is a world of tough inter-imperialist confrontations, which are being waged with economic, diplomatic, political and military means in the various regions of the planet. One such region is that of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean which is rich in hydrocarbons. This region is also the “passage” from Europe to Asia and Africa and has many unresolved issues left over from previous decades.

In this phase it is becoming obvious, on the one hand, that the USA and its allies aim to tear down the Syrian regime, which is a strategic ally of Russia and Iran, an ally of China. Such a development, of course, would be a blow against all these powers. The USA and its allies utilizes the issues of “combating terrorism”, “restoring democracy” and solving “humanitarian issues”, such as the protection of Christian populations etc as pretexts.

On the other hand, it is clear that Russia aims to support the Syrian regime with every means at its disposal so that its monopolies and not the Euro-Atlantic ones have the first say, in cooperation with the section of the bourgeoisie represented by the Assad regime, as regards the exploitation of resources and the people. And the “war against terrorism” and the resolution of “humanitarian problems” are also being used as pretexts in this instance. At the same time, the Russian leadership’s effort to maintain its position in Syria is integrated into its attempts to strengthen the penetration of Russian capital into other countries in the region.

Various scenarios related to the imperialist confrontation

The bases for this confrontation are the capitalist relations of production and the question of how the natural resources and wealth produced by the workers will be divided up. So an enormous constellation of powers are bearing down on the Syrian issue. This does not mean that there will automatically be a direct conflict. There are many other scenarios.

For example, we can not exclude the possibility of the USA and its allies choosing the tactic of the long term economic “bleeding” and political-military attrition in relation to Russia, Syria and East Ukraine, also creating other “wounds” in central Asia, the Caucasus etc.

We can also not exclude the possibility of the open military involvement of all the foreign powers in Syria, dividing it up and transforming it into protectorates.

Even the scenario of a temporary compromise between those powers involved, with the replacement of Assad, the utilization of “moderate” forces from the opposition, something which today seems difficult, can not be ruled out.

Greece’s involvement

The SYRIZA-ANEL government bears enormous responsibilities in relation to the Greek people, because it states that it is willing to push our country into the bottomless pit of these inter-bourgeois contradictions, through participation in the plans of the USA, NATO and the EU.

We are talking about the concession of military bases for imperialist interventions, the creation of new ones (Karpathos), as well as about Greece’s contribution with military forces in a possible intervention.

We communists oppose the choices and plans of our country’s bourgeoisie, which are being served by the SYRIZA-ANEL government that states it is ready to push Greece into an imperialist war, under the pretext of “fighting against terrorism”.

We are opposed to imperialist war, we call on the people to organize their struggle against our country’s involvement, against the utilization of the territory, sea and airspace of the country as a “launching pad” for attacks against foreign territories, and also against the participation of Greek armed forces.

We express our solidarity with the communist movement in Syria, which clearly can not be indifferent towards the foreign imperialist intervention, which is taking place now in its country, nor towards the plans to occupy and dismember the country.

The struggle of the Syrian people can have significant results to the extent that it is linked to the struggle for a country freed from capitalists, outside all the imperialist coalitions, a country where the working class will be in power, owning the wealth it produces.

Article published in "Rizospastis" on 4/10/2015

http://inter.kke.gr/en/articles/The-escalation-of-the-confrontation-enters-a-new-phase/

Dhalgren

10-08-2015, 11:04 AM

We are opposed to imperialist war, we call on the people to organize their struggle against our country’s involvement, against the utilization of the territory, sea and airspace of the country as a “launching pad” for attacks against foreign territories, and also against the participation of Greek armed forces.

Boy, this whole series of events, actions and counter actions, have the feeling of 1914, doesn't it? These bourgeois motherfuckers are going to plunge the planet into another "global" war, all for their profits...all for their market share. And everyone just trots along after them, like the well trained followers they are. All these "antiwar" jerks, and progressive environmentalists, and "save the children" hucksters - why aren't they out there railing against capitalism? Against imperialism? Hell, against anything that actually accomplishes something? They know on which side their bread is buttered and that is way more important than anything else to them - even a worldwide conflagration.

Now Obama will have to prove to the "guys" that his dick is as big as Vlad's. So what will he do? I saw an article title on my news feed that I wouldn't even read; the title said something like: "With Putin's bold moves in Syria, will Obama step-up or concede?" We should be glad, I guess, that he isn't up for re-election. I wonder if Bernie would shoot down Russian fight planes in Syria? I bet he will wind-up saying he would. Everyone else will...

blindpig

10-08-2015, 01:28 PM

Boy, this whole series of events, actions and counter actions, have the feeling of 1914, doesn't it? These bourgeois motherfuckers are going to plunge the planet into another "global" war, all for their profits...all for their market share. And everyone just trots along after them, like the well trained followers they are. All these "antiwar" jerks, and progressive environmentalists, and "save the children" hucksters - why aren't they out there railing against capitalism? Against imperialism? Hell, against anything that actually accomplishes something? They know on which side their bread is buttered and that is way more important than anything else to them - even a worldwide conflagration.

Now Obama will have to prove to the "guys" that his dick is as big as Vlad's. So what will he do? I saw an article title on my news feed that I wouldn't even read; the title said something like: "With Putin's bold moves in Syria, will Obama step-up or concede?" We should be glad, I guess, that he isn't up for re-election. I wonder if Bernie would shoot down Russian fight planes in Syria? I bet he will wind-up saying he would. Everyone else will...

Don't think the 'Big One' is on the US planner's agenda, course accidents can happen. Short of nukes the US ain't got the ass to confront Russia or China in Eurasia, I doubt if there are enough tanks in service, period, to fight Russia on it's turf. Thousands in mothballs, a testimony to MIC lobbyists, take a couple years to get em ready with trained crews and get them all in theater. And I think the smug assumption of guaranteed air superiorty is wavering as Russia has revealed a few unpleasant tricks in recent years.

Thing about all of the various progressives, they don't believe it is possible to oppose capitalism , this whether they like it or not. I believe that quite a few are sympathetic to our argument but think resistance is futile and so resort to what they deem as practical. This is often called cowardice.

So far it seems that Russia is serious about this Syrian deployment and so far would disagree with Suchan who seems to think that Putin is as eager to sell Assad up the river as he has Novorossia. This 'anti-oligarchic' problem had to be nipped in bud, even if the sacrifice is great. That they would tolerate the greatest enemies the Russian people ever had in former Soviet and Russian heartland and the huge loss of face is testimony to the primacy of class. Syria much more a cut & dry national security issue, after the Chechen wars you can bet the farm that Russia will defend it's southern flank, preferable from a 'forward position'.

So we hate the treacherous bastards in the Kremlin for their perfidity in Ukraine but we support Russia's stand against US imperialism in the Middle East. Like Anax used to say, "it's complicated".

Dhalgren

10-08-2015, 03:36 PM

So we hate the treacherous bastards in the Kremlin for their perfidity in Ukraine but we support Russia's stand against US imperialism in the Middle East. Like Anax used to say, "it's complicated".

Yeah, perfectly right. "Any wind if fair that blows against the empire", or words to that effect. And I agree with you about the difference between Donbass and Syria/Iraq/Iran. These later are serious, defensive blocs that become more important the more desperate the US/NATO becomes. I thought that the offer the Kremlin made to Washington about who Russia would bomb was pretty brilliant. They told the US, publicly, that if the US would give the Kremlin a list of the groups in Syria that the US wanted protected, then Russia would not bomb them. Washington has responded with silence.

blindpig

10-08-2015, 04:18 PM

I thought that the offer the Kremlin made to Washington about who Russia would bomb was pretty brilliant.

"have you stopped beating your wife?"

Comrade

10-09-2015, 12:39 AM

Another midweek update, things aren’t going so well for Washington’s terrorist proxy army. The Syrian military has now launched a new offensive with Russian air support. – Comrade

Syria news:

Syria, Iraq: Russia Shows Its Cards And Wins (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/syria-iraq-russia-shows-it-cards-and-wins.html) (Moon of Alabama)

The Arc Of Chaos is Being Killed in Its Cradle (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151008/1028219740/russia-anti-terrorist-campaign-syria-us.html), by Andrew Korybko.

Russian Airstrikes Destroy 40% of ISIL's Infrastructure in a Week (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151007/1028161169/ISIL-Infrastructure-Destroyed.html) (Sputnik News)

4 Russian warships launch 26 missiles against ISIS from Caspian Sea (https://www.rt.com/news/317864-russian-warships-missiles-launch/) (RT) (Wednesday’s report, including a report on the first cruise missile attacks on the Western-backed terrorists. – Comrade)

Proof please? CNN claims Russian missiles crashed in Iran, Moscow refutes, US can’t confirm (https://www.rt.com/news/318059-russia-syria-ccn-iran-missiles/) (RT)

VIDEO: Russia strikes terrorists' command post, fuel depot & fortifications (https://www.rt.com/news/318019-syria-airstrikes-terrorists-videos/) (RT) (Thursday’s report. – Comrade)

Hide, it’s RT! Amateur journo behind Bellingcat so informed on Russian targets, he ducks interview (https://www.rt.com/news/318067-bellingcat-higgins-evades-rt/) (RT) (Neocon propagandist and pathological liar “Eliot Higgins” is scared of being interviewed by RT. I bet he’s the same fat guy who claimed to be Syrian lesbian a few years ago. – Comrade)

Syria launches large-scale ground offensive in Hama (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/07/432396/Syria-Russia-hama-putin-daesh-alNusra-Front) (PressTV)

Syrian army makes new gains in western province of Lattakia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/08/432601/Syrian-Russia-Lattakia-Aleppo-Hama-Daesh) (PressTV)

Vox Populi Evo video reports on the Russian campaign in Syria (http://thesaker.is/vox-populi-evo-video-reports-on-the-russian-campaign-in-syria/), by The Saker. (The first video in this one shows shots of today’s Syrian offensive. – Comrade)

Video showing the Russian cruise missile launches from the Caspian Sea on the Western-backed terrorists, all of which hit their targets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=2&v=G2TQ0wAfRts

blindpig

10-10-2015, 11:34 AM

Trud. Peace. Democracy.

colonelcassad
October 10 13:09

http://im8.kommersant.ru/Issues.photo/CORP/2015/10/10/KMO_088197_201442_1_t218_115826.jpg

Anti-war rally in Ankara organized by the Turkish left-wing comrades opposed to terrorism and to end the war between the Turkish government and the PKK ended in tragedy. The crowd exploded two bombs, one of them led by a suicide bomber. More than 20 dead and over a hundred wounded. The handwriting looks Islamist terrorist attack.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQ8JSnaW8AA8G_q.jpg

http://im9.kommersant.ru/Issues.photo/CORP/2015/10/10/KMO_096855_09989_1_t222_122117.jpg

http://youtu.be/FZcR3hZ1fJ8

PS. In a region that is bleeding the war, the fight for the world is becoming a very dangerous life. Turkish comrades have my condolences.
PS2. And on terror. In Dagestan today dismantled a group of 3 militants killed in the liquidation of special forces of the FSB.

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2423914.html

Google Translator

Other photos & videos at link.

Can't believe Boris thinks this was 'terrorists', this stinks of Erdogan.

Dhalgren

10-10-2015, 12:04 PM

this stinks of Erdogan.

That was my first thought when I saw the article about this. This jumping to blaming "terrorists", has become so commonplace and lame - "Round up the usual suspects!" It has become a joke. Russian forces in Syria are on the very brink of displaying for the world to see that there ain't no "terrorists" no more. Just assets.

Comrade

10-11-2015, 10:10 PM

Syria news:

Game-Changer: Russia's Involvement in Syria Shifts Balance of Power (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151009/1028282259/russia-syria-strikes-game-changer.html), by Ekaterina Blinova.

Obama Launches A Proxy War On Russia In Syria (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/obama-launches-a-proxy-war-on-russia-in-syria.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Syria: Obama Officially Throws The Towel, Unofficially Though… (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/syria-obama-officially-throws-the-towel-unofficially-though-.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Note that Washington’s “non-lethal aid” is the source of all those ugly white Toyota trucks that the Western-backed terrorists drive around in while causing mayhem. – Comrade)

“Which Side are you Fighting for?” Russia Blasts US for Refusing to Share ISIS Intel (http://www.globalresearch.ca/which-side-are-you-fighting-for-russia-blasts-us-for-refusing-to-share-isis-intel/5481001), by Stuart Hooper.

Syrian Christian Leader Tells West: 'Stop Arming Terror Groups Who Are Massacring Our People' (http://russia-insider.com/en/christianity/syrian-christian-leader-tells-west-stop-arming-terror-groups-who-are-massacring-our) (Russia Insider)

Saudi Arabia to supply militants in Syria with ‘lethal’ weapons (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/09/432722/Saudi-Syria-Russia-Turkey-Qatar-Jaish-alFatah-Free-Syrian-Army-Southern-Front-Daesh) (PressTV) (Russia and Iran should respond by arming the Houthis. – Comrade)

Russia says attacks in Syria leave 300 militants dead (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/09/432678/Russia-Syria-Militants-Attack) (PressTV) (Wow, 70 sorties on Friday alone – that’s, by far, the biggest day so far. – Comrade)

Russian Air Force destroys 29 ISIS camps in Syria in 24 hours (https://www.rt.com/news/318193-russian-military-syria-isis/) (RT) (Saturday’s air-strike report. – Comrade)

Syria forces liberate village in Hama Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/10/432847/Syria-army-village-Hama-Daesh) (PressTV)

RT EXCLUSIVE: Trail of bodies behind retreating jihadists in Syria (GRAPHIC) (https://www.rt.com/news/318184-captured-syrian-village-atrocities/) (RT) (Obama’s “moderate rebels” massacred civilians before fleeing from the Syrian army’s new offensive. – Comrade)

Two US led Coalition F16 Aircrafts Violate Syrian Airspace, Target Electric Power Plants in Aleppo (http://www.globalresearch.ca/two-us-led-coalition-f16-aircrafts-violate-syrian-airspace-target-electric-power-plants-in-aleppo/5481464) (SANA) (Obama bombs civilian infrastructure in Syria while Russia bombs the terrorists. – Comrade)

Syrian army gains ground against militants in Hama, Idlib (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/11/432909/Syrian-army-Hama-Idlib-Russia-airstrikes-Takfiri-militants-) (PressTV)

Intercepted ISIS comms show 'growing panic' after Russian airstrikes - combat report (https://www.rt.com/news/318284-russia-syria-isi-airstrike/) (RT)

Turkey news:

Powerful explosions kill dozens at peace rally in Ankara (https://www.rt.com/news/318185-ankara-road-junction-blast/) (RT) (More than likely this was an inside job by Erdogan’s MIT to be used as a pretext to meddle further in Syria (i.e. to further aid the Western-backed terrorists under the cover of allegedly “fighting the IS”). – Comrade)

Iraq news:

Iraqi Air Force strikes convoy of ISIS leader al-Baghdadi – military statement (https://www.rt.com/news/318291-iraq-air-force-isis/) (RT) (Note that this was an Iraqi operation, the US was not involved. – Comrade)

US not serious in fight against Daesh: Iraq commander (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/05/432089/Iraq-Russia-Daesh-Ameri-) (PressTV)

Russia asks: What are US, allies bombing? (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/08/432546/Russia-US-Daesh-Syria-Iraq) (PressTV)

Syrian Strikes: Why Iraq Leaning Toward Russia, Turning Away From US (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151010/1028325923/iraq-us-russia-relations-syria-isil-airstrikes.html) (Sputnik News)

Iraq forces recapture several areas around city of Ramadi (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/07/432388/Iraq-Anbar-Ramadi-Adhal-Fahdawi) (PressTV)

“Saudi” Arabia news:

New Saudi Rules Could Mean Execution for Internet 'Rumor-Mongers' (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151007/1028127829/Saudi-Social-Media-Executions.html) (Sputnik News)

Yemen news:

Riyadh, Tel Aviv, Daesh working together in aggression on Yemen: Houthi official (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/11/432873/Yemen-Ansarullah-Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-Abdolrahman-Mokhtar-Abd-Rabbuh-Mansour) (PressTV)

1,200 Yemeni civilians killed in Saudi strikes on Sa’ada alone (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/06/432235/Yemen-Saada-Saudi-airstrikes-Aden) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces destroy Saudi warship in Bab al-Mandab Strait (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/07/432453/Yemen-Saudi-Ansarullah-warship-Taizz-Jizan-Hadi-UN) (PressTV)

‘160 Saudi-led forces killed in Yemen’ (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/08/432512/Yemen-Saudiled-forces-Marib-) (PressTV)

Iran condemns deadly Saudi strike on Yemen wedding (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/08/432567/Iran-Yemen-Saudi-Dhamar-Taizz) (PressTV) (Washington’s Saudi puppets have massacred another wedding party. – Comrade)

Yemeni forces target Saudi spy drone in NW Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/09/432715/Yemen-Saada-Saudi-spy-drone-Kataf-Sanaa) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces destroy second Saudi warship (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/11/432918/Yemen-Saudi-warship-Bab-alMandab-Ansarullah-Aden) (PressTV)

Palestine news:

Undercover Israeli police attack Palestinian protesters (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/08/432464/Palestine-Israel-Ramallah-Beit-El-undercover-alAqsa-alQuds-West-Bank) (PressTV)

Afghanistan news:

Blame Game: NYT, CNN play it coy naming perp in Afghan hospital bombing (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/317809-kunduz-hospital-afghanistan-bombing/), by John Wight.

Burkina Faso news:

Sankarist Spirit Resurges in Burkina Faso (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/09/sankarist-spirit-resurges-in-burkina-faso/), by Ann Garrison.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Georgia on their minds: West tries to make a Serbia out of Russia (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/318173-georgia-russia-ossetia-icc-crimes/), by Neil Clark.

Interview is with Colonel Eduard Alexandrovich Basurin (http://thesaker.is/interview-is-with-colonel-eduard-alexandrovich-basurin/) (the Saker) (The DPR/LPR are committed to overthrowing the US puppet regime in Kiev and not simply creating a new “microstate” from their current territories. – Comrade)

Belarus news:

Belarusians face task to keep country when world is being repartitioned — president (http://tass.ru/en/world/826672) (ITAR-TASS)

Lukashenko is winning Belarus presidential elections - election commission (http://tass.ru/en/world/827962) (ITAR-TASS)

Germany news:

“The Biggest Protest This Country Has Seen in Years”: Quarter Million Germans Protest Obama “Free Trade” Deal (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-biggest-protest-this-country-has-seen-in-years-quarter-million-germans-protest-obama-free-trade-deal/5481523), by Tyler Durden.

US news:

Why is the US Government Persecuting IFCO/Pastors for Peace Humanitarian Organization? (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/06/why-is-the-us-government-persecuting-ifcopastors-for-peace-humanitarian-organization/), by W.T. Whitney Jr.

Video showing the Syrian army’s new offensive, which is liberating many towns and villages in the Hama, Latakia, and Idlib provinces:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uuu4s-7QQA

blindpig

10-12-2015, 01:12 PM

Former DIA Chief Michael Flynn Says Rise of Islamic State was “a willful decision” and Defends Accuracy of 2012 Memo
August 6, 2015 by Brad Hoff

http://youtu.be/SG3j8OYKgn4

Lengthy discussion of the DIA memo begins at the 8:50 mark.

In Al Jazeera’s latest Head to Head episode, former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency Michael Flynn confirms to Mehdi Hasan that not only had he studied the DIA memo predicting the West’s backing of an Islamic State in Syria when it came across his desk in 2012, but even asserts that the White House’s sponsoring of radical jihadists (that would emerge as ISIL and Nusra) against the Syrian regime was “a willful decision.”

Amazingly, Flynn actually took issue with the way interviewer Mehdi Hasan posed the question—Flynn seemed to want to make it clear that the policies that led to the rise of ISIL were not merely the result of ignorance or looking the other way, but the result of conscious decision making:

Hasan: You are basically saying that even in government at the time you knew these groups were around, you saw this analysis, and you were arguing against it, but who wasn’t listening?
Flynn: I think the administration.
Hasan: So the administration turned a blind eye to your analysis?
Flynn: I don’t know that they turned a blind eye, I think it was a decision. I think it was a willful decision.
Hasan: A willful decision to support an insurgency that had Salafists, Al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood?
[video]Flynn: It was a willful decision to do what they’re doing.

Hasan himself expresses surprise at Flynn’s frankness during this portion of the interview. While holding up a paper copy of the 2012 DIA report declassified through FOIA, Hasan reads aloud key passages such as, “there is the possibility of establishing a declared or undeclared Salafist principality in Eastern Syria, and this is exactly what the supporting powers to the opposition want, in order to isolate the Syrian regime.”

Rather than downplay the importance of the document and these startling passages, as did the State Department soon after its release, Flynn does the opposite: he confirms that while acting DIA chief he “paid very close attention” to this report in particular and later adds that “the intelligence was very clear.”

Lt. Gen. Flynn, speaking safely from retirement, is the highest ranking intelligence official to go on record saying the United States and other state sponsors of rebels in Syria knowingly gave political backing and shipped weapons to Al-Qaeda in order to put pressure on the Syrian regime:

Hasan: In 2012 the U.S. was helping coordinate arms transfers to those same groups [Salafists, Muslim Brotherhood, Al Qaeda in Iraq], why did you not stop that if you’re worried about the rise of quote-unquote Islamic extremists?
Flynn: I hate to say it’s not my job…but that…my job was to…was to to ensure that the accuracy of our intelligence that was being presented was as good as it could be.

The early reporting that treated the DIA memo as newsworthy and hugely revelatory was criticized and even mocked by some experts, as well as outlets like The Daily Beast. Yet the very DIA director at the time the memo was drafted and circulated widely now unambiguously confirms the document to be of high value, and indicates that it served as source material in his own discussions over Syria policy with the White House.

As Michael Flynn also previously served as director of intelligence for Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) during a time when its prime global mission was dismantling Al-Qaeda, his honest admission that the White House was in fact arming and bolstering Al-Qaeda linked groups in Syria is especially shocking given his stature.

Consider further the dissonance that comes with viewing the Pentagon’s former highest ranking intelligence officer in charge of the hunt for Osama bin Laden now calmly and coolly confessing that the United States directly aided the foot soldiers of Ayman al-Zawahiri beginning in at least 2012 in Syria.

This confirmation is significant to my own coverage of the DIA report, as I was contacted by a number of individuals who attempted to assure me that the true experts and “insiders” knew the document was unimportant and therefore irrelevant within the intelligence community and broader Syria policy.

This began after a Daily Beast article entitled The ISIS Conspiracy That Ate the Web cited former NSA officer John Schindler as an expert source. Schindler concluded of the DIA document: “it’s difficult to say much meaningful about it… Nothing special here, not one bit.”

To my surprise, only hours after I published a rebuttal of Schindler and the Daily Beast article, I was contacted by a current high level CIA official who is also a personal friend from my time living in the D.C. area.

This official, who spent most of his career with CIA Public Affairs, made a personal appeal urging me to drop my comments attacking John Schindler’s credibility, as I had noted that Schindler is a highly ideological and scandal-laden commentator who consistently claims special insider knowledge in support of his arguments. This CIA official further attempted to convince me of Schindler’s credibility as an insider and expert, assuring me that “he has written insightfully.”

Mehdi Hasan’s historic interview with General Flynn should put the issue to rest—the declassified DIA report is now confirmed to be a central and vital source that sheds light on the origins of ISIS, and must inform a candid national debate on American policy in Syria and Iraq.

As it is now already becoming part of the official record on conflict in Syria among respected international historians, knowledge of the declassified document must make it into every American household.

http://levantreport.com/2015/08/06/former-dia-chief-michael-flynn-says-rise-of-islamic-state-was-a-willful-decision-and-defends-accuracy-of-2012-memo/

blindpig

10-12-2015, 02:25 PM

Communist Party, Turkey: “You are the experts in killing people!”

ICP, 10th October

In the statement the Central Committee of KP, pointed out the links with this incident with the war in Syria and said:

"The triggermen being the murderers of hundred thousands of people in the war in Syria have been harbouring under AKP government by fleeing through the Turkish border.

Right at this point, enemies of people, fundamentalists and racists are killing tens of people in seconds by explosions.

While the remnants of Islamic State’s murdered gangs are being harbored in the cities of Turkey by the Turkish police forces, the gang in power, sharia follower AKP, has been attacking with the fear of defeat."

On 10th October, there had been two explosions, which are strongly thought to be suicide bombs.The explosions killed at least 95 people (it is reported that the numbers may increase as there are lots of injured people in the hospitals). The massacre took place when the demonstrators for the “Peace Meeting” were gathering for the rally near the central train station of Ankara.

The demonstration in Ankara had been organised by several trade unions and democratic mass organisations supported by political parties, mainly the Kurdish HDP. It was reported that the Communist Party, Turkey (KP) did not participate the demonstration as a Party entity since they did not agree with the grounds of the demonstration, however some KP members had been assigned to participate within the ranks of the trade-unions to which they are affiliated.

KP has announced that they ordered all its member health workers and lawyers to help the wounded and families.

http://icp.sol.org.tr/europe/communist-party-turkey-you-are-experts-killing-people

Comrade

10-14-2015, 12:17 AM

Another midweek Syria post. – Comrade

Syria news:

US Senate Hearing Discusses Using Refugees as Human Shields in Syria (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/12/us-senate-hearing-discusses-using-refugees-as-human-shields-in-syria/), by Tony Cartalucci.

US and NATO Launch Disinformation Terror War (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/10/us-and-nato-launch-disinformation-terror-war/), by Jim Dean.

There Are U.S. Special Forces In South Syria (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/there-are-us-special-forces-in-south-syria.html) (Moon of Alabama)

US Arms Airdrop to Syrian Rebels Raising Suspicions - Former CIA Officer (http://sputniknews.com/military/20151014/1028487695/us-arms-airdrop-syria.html) (Sputnik News)

RT EXCLUSIVE: Report from the frontline where Syrian troops are fighting ISIS (https://www.rt.com/news/318338-syria-troops-hama-offensive-exclusive/) (RT)

Syrian armed forces making advances in Hama Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/12/433099/Syria-Russia-Hama-Kafr-Nabuda-Daesh) (PressTV) (Monday’s report on the Syrian army. – Comrade)

Combat report: Russian jets strike 53 ISIS targets in last 24 hours (VIDEOS) (https://www.rt.com/news/318353-russia-strike-isis-targets/) (Monday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syrian army posts hit in Golan Heights: Israeli military (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/13/433216/Syria-Israel-Golan-Heights) (PressTV)

ISIS lost most of its ammunition & heavy vehicles in Russian airstrikes – military (https://www.rt.com/news/318545-isis-lose-ammunition-russia/) (RT) (Nearly 90 sorties in the last 24 hours. – Comrade)

A video report showing the Syrian army’s battle for Salma, a key town in northern Latakia province:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12m7JNM3Ris

Comrade

10-17-2015, 12:19 AM

Syria news:

Syria Only Has One Legitimate Army (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/syria-only-has-one-legitimate-army/ri10503), by David Macilwain.

Why US fears Putin success in Syria (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/318827-us-fear-putin-syria/), by Finian Cunningham.

The Battle Of Idleb Part 1 - The Northern Hama Plain (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/the-battle-of-idleb-part-1-the-northern-hama-plain.html) (Moon of Alabama)

U.S. Official Bemoans Russian Destruction Of "Our" Terrorists (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/us-official-bemoans-russian-destruction-of-our-terrorists.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Obama to Blow ANOTHER $600 Million to 'Train Moderates' in Syria (http://russia-insider.com/en/military/obama-blow-another-600-million-train-moderates-syria/ri10481), by Daniel McAdams.

Combat report: Russian jets make 41 sorties against ISIS in Syria, cut off its arms supplies (https://www.rt.com/news/318643-syria-russian-jets-aleppo/) (RT) (Wednesday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syrian army makes new gains, liberates area in Hama (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/14/433441/Syria-Hama-Damascus-Russia-) (PressTV) (Wednesday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

ISIS retreating in Syria, missile system destroyed, 33 targets hit - Russian military (https://www.rt.com/news/318751-syria-russian-air-force-isis/) (RT) (Thursday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

100s of Takfiri militants killed in Syrian army operations (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/15/433495/Syria-army-soldiers-operations-Takfiri-militants) (PressTV) (Thursday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

RT EXCLUSIVE: Report from city in Latakia province after being cleared of jihadists (https://www.rt.com/news/318837-rt-exclusive-syria-latakia-isis/) (RT) (This video report shows the type of devastation that Obama’s “moderate rebels” have brought to the towns that they occupied. – Comrade)

Syrian forces launch anti-terror offensive south of Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/16/433694/Syria-Aleppo-Russia-Daesh-militants) (PressTV) (Friday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Another video report on the Syrian army’s offensive, this one shows footage of the battle in Damascus’ suburbs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMq-qwdnWGs

Comrade

10-18-2015, 10:50 PM

Syria news:

US End Game in Syria is Just the Beginning for A Wider Regional War? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-end-game-in-syria-is-just-the-beginning-for-wider-regional-war/5482695), by Tony Cartalucci.

Syria - The New South Aleppo Campaign (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/syria-the-new-south-aleppo-campaign.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Syrian Gambit: US at Pains to Create 'Another Afghanistan' for Russia (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151018/1028718713/syria-us-want-another-afghanistan.html), by Ekaterina Blinova.

Syria troops retake key hilltops on Damascus outskirts (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/17/433796/Syrian-army-Harasta-operation-Douma-Damascus-Eastern-Ghouta-Aleppo-Russian-airstrikes-Homs) (PressTV) (Saturday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Syrian civilians helping Russian airstrikes target ISIS - Defense Ministry (https://www.rt.com/news/318938-russia-airstrikes-hit-isis/) (RT) (Saturday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Senior Al-Qaeda Leader, Two Associates Killed in Syria Airstrikes – Reports (http://sputniknews.com/military/20151017/1028688485/al-qaeda-leader-syria.html) (Sputnik News)

Syrian jihadists feud & bomb each other over funds as Russian jets destroy supply lines (https://www.rt.com/news/318985-syria-airstrikes-combat-report/) (RT) (Sunday’s airstrike report. The Western-backed terrorists are losing so many men that they are now forcing children as young as 14 to join their ranks. – Comrade)

Syria forces kill 300 Takfiri terrorists: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/18/433925/Syria-army-Latakia-Takfiri-terrorists) (PressTV) (Sunday’s Syrian military report with a good video from the front lines. The Syrian army is also gaining ground in the south near Quneitra. – Comrade)

Lebanon news:

Lebanon arrests senior al-Nusra Front member: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/12/433149/Lebanon-Arsal-alNusra-Front-Daesh-Syria) (PressTV)

Hezbollah fighters kill 5 Daesh militants in northeast Lebanon (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/16/433698/Lebanon-Hezbollah-resistance-fighters-clashes-Ras-Baalbek-Daesh-Takfiri-militants) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Western Aid to Terrorists: Iraqi Forces Seize US-Supplied Anti-Armor Missiles from ISIS in Fallujah (http://www.globalresearch.ca/western-aid-to-terrorists-iraqi-forces-seize-us-supplied-anti-armor-missiles-from-isis-in-fallujah/5481753) (Fars News Agency)

35 Daesh militants slain as Iraqis advance in Anbar (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/13/433221/Iraq-security-forces-Albu-Faraj-Anbar-Popular-Mobilization) (PressTV)

37 Takfiri Daesh militants slain in Iraqi army airstrikes (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/14/433369/Iraq-Daesh-Anbar-Falluja-Albu-Shajal-) (PressTV)

Iraqi forces retake control of Baiji oil refinery from Daesh (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/16/433697/Iraq-Baiji-oil-refinery-Salahuddin-Daesh-Siniya--Hadi-alAmiri) (PressTV)

Iran news:

Iran airs unseen footage of secret underground missile base (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/318702-iran-video-missiles-secret/) (RT) (Quite an impressive base. It helps to disprove the Neocon narrative that Iran is “militarily weak”, which the Neocons try to use to sell an illegal war against Iran to the gullible “US public.” – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Yemeni forces down Saudi warplane in Sada'a Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/15/433553/Yemen-Saudi-SadaaHouthi-Ansarullah-) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces launch Scud missile at Saudi military base (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/15/433508/Yemen-Scud-missile-Saudi-base--Khamis-Mushait) (PressTV)

Yemen rockets kill several Saudi-led forces (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/16/433633/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Marib-Houthi-Jizan) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces push Saudi troops out of Bayda province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/16/433726/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-UNICEF-Bayda-Abyan-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Captive Saudi soldier hails treatment he received from Yemeni forces (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/17/433809/Yemen-Saudi-soldier-captive-Jizan) (PressTV)

Afghanistan news:

US Dispatched a Murderous AC-130 Airborne Gunship to Attack a Hospital (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/13/us-dispatched-a-murderous-ac-130-airborne-gunship-to-attack-a-hospital/), by Dave Lindorff.

US Rejects Afghan Hospital Bombing Investigation, Instead Smashes into Hospital Destroying Evidence (http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-rejects-afghan-hospital-bombing-investigation-instead-smashes-into-hospital-destroying-evidence/5482625), by Robert Barsocchini.

Afghan withdrawal halt ‘represents failure for Obama administration’ (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/318780-us-obama-afghanistan-troops/) (RT)

Leaked: 'New Snowden' releases Obama's drone program papers (https://www.rt.com/usa/318767-obama-drones-papers-leak/) (RT)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

In the meantime, in Nazi-occupied Ukraine (http://thesaker.is/in-the-meantime-in-nazi-occupied-ukraine/), by The Saker.

‘ISIS was created against Russia’ – Kadyrov (https://www.rt.com/politics/318917-isis-against-russia-kadyrov/) (RT)

Moldova news:

Moldovan court extends arrest of former PM charged with corruption for 30 days more (http://tass.ru/en/world/829758) (ITAR-TASS) (Interesting, one of Obama’s corrupt old puppets from his 2009 coup in Moldova has now been arrested. – Comrade)

Tajikistan news:

Russia may send border guards to Tajikistan to fend off ISIS - Defense Ministry (https://www.rt.com/politics/318763-defense-ministry-allows-for-russian/) (RT)

Cuba news:

Media Disinformation: The Imaginary Cuban Troops in Syria (http://www.globalresearch.ca/media-disinformation-the-imaginary-cuban-troops-in-syria/5482872), by Matt Peppe.

Video showing some of the Russian Mi-24s at their base that are assisting the Syrian army:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBl0I9j4S9w

Comrade

10-21-2015, 12:39 AM

Another special midweek update on Syria… – Comrade

Syria news:

Why Is The U.S. Silently Bombing Syria's Electricity Network? (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/why-is-the-us-silently-bombing-syrias-electricity-network.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Interview with Colonel General Andrey Kartapolov (http://thesaker.is/interview-with-colonel-general-andrey-kartapolov-russia-may-have-a-military-base-in-syria-it-will-be-sea-air-and-ground/), by Victor Baranets.

Syria militants admit receiving US anti-tank missiles (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/19/434094/Syria-Aleppo-FSA-Assad-Daesh-ISIL-ISIS) (PressTV)

Syrian intelligence reports influx of mercenaries into terrorist ranks (http://tass.ru/en/world/830389) (ITAR-TASS) (Note that these mercenary hordes are entering Idlib province from NATO-controlled Turkey, which is, in fact, the only way that the West’s terrorists were able to take control of most of Idlib in the first place. – Comrade)

Over 10,000 people lay down arms in Syria’s armistice program: Minister (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/20/434229/Syria-armistice-weapons-Homs-Ali-Haidar) (PressTV)

RT EXCLUSIVE: Water, salt, machete: What’s in Russian pilots’ anti-ISIS survival kit in Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/319135-exclusive-survival-kit-latakia/) (RT) (Interesting tidbit from this video, there is evidence that some of the Western-backed terrorists are now cutting off their beards and dressing as women to flee Syria. – Comrade)

Russian airstrikes in Syria 'redrawing battlefield lines', sending ISIS fleeing (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/319054-syria-airstrikes-targets-hit/) (RT) (Monday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Militant commander killed in Syrian Army ground offensive (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/19/434093/Syria-Army-Harakat-Nour-alDin-alZenki-Russia-Aleppo) (PressTV) (Monday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Combat report: Russian jets strike 60 terrorist targets in Syria in 55 sorties (https://www.rt.com/news/319193-russia-strike-syria-target/) (RT) (Tuesday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syrian army soldiers to take back Aleppo: Ambassador (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/20/434203/Syrian-army-Aleppo-Takfiri-terrorists-Russian-airstrikes-Daesh) (PressTV)

A video showing Zabadani, which has now been fully liberated from the Western-backed terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rjlns1YcB0

Comrade

10-24-2015, 12:51 AM

Another special update, as of today Russia has flown 934 sorties in a little over three weeks against Washington’s terrorist proxy army in Syria. – Comrade

Syria news:

The Empire of Chaos is in a Jam (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151022/1028936412/nato-pentagon-frustration.html), by Pepe Escobar.

Why Russia is Serious About Fighting Terrorism and the US Isn’t (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/20/why-russia-is-serious-about-fighting-terrorism-and-the-us-isn-t/), by Maram Susli.

That Silly "Chilly" Syria Piece Does Not Get Russia's Strategic Aim (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/that-silly-chilly-syria-piece-does-not-get-russias-strategic-aim-.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Basically, US bourgeois media is lying as usual. – Comrade)

War of Words: Russian Foreign Ministry calls out MSM reports on hospital strike in Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/319444-russia-hospital-media-ministry/) (RT)

Qatar Threatens Military Intervention in Syria (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151021/1028898327/qatar-syria-intervention.html) (Sputnik News) (LOL, Qatar could be taken out with one missile. – Comrade)

Syrian army troopers deal major blows to Takfiri militants (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/21/434323/Syria-army-operations-Aleppo-Latakia-Homs) (PressTV) (Wednesday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

ISIS negotiating with Al-Nusra Front to join forces against Syrian Army – Russian military (https://www.rt.com/news/319275-russia-syria-nusra-front/) (RT) (Wednesday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Combat report: Russian Air Force carries out 53 sorties, strikes 72 terrorist targets in Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/319392-russia-syria-strikes-terrorists/) (RT) (Thursday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syrian government troops advancing in Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/22/434494/Syria-Aleppo-Daesh-ISIL-Kweyris) (PressTV) (Thursday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Daesh militants suffered huge losses, fleeing to Turkey: Syrian general (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/23/434603/Syria-Army-Daesh-Latakia-Russian-Airstrikes-Ali-Muabeeb-) (Friday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Russian Air Force cuts off ISIS supply lines by bombing bridge over Euphrates (https://www.rt.com/news/319499-russia-airplanes-bridge-euphrates/) (RT) (Friday’s airstrike report.– Comrade)

Another video showing the Syrian army in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfSg_lSGxvk

Comrade

10-25-2015, 10:19 PM

Syria news:

US-Turkey “Buffer Zone” to Save ISIS, Not Stop Them (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/24/us-turkey-buffer-zone-to-save-isis-not-stop-them/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Al-Nusra leader killed in Syria’s Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/24/434823/Syria-alNusra-Aleppo-Daesh-Assad-alQaeda-Abu-Sulaiman-Masri) (PressTV)

Syria army liberates another village in Aleppo Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/24/434799/Syria-army-Aleppo-Daesh-Quneitra) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

"Western" Media Silent As Iraq And 4+1 Inflict Huge Islamic State Defeat (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/western-media-silent-as-iraq-inflicts-huge-islamic-state-defeat-.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Israeli General Captured in Iraq Confesses to Israel-Isis Coalition (http://www.veteranstoday.com/2015/10/21/breaking-story-israeli-general-captured-in-iraq-confesses-to-israel-isis-coalition/), by Nahed Al-Husaini.

Iraq’s ruling bloc wants Russian airstrikes, politician tells RT ‘lack of trust’ between Iraq & US (https://www.rt.com/news/319285-iraq-airstrikes-russia-us/) (RT)

Yemen news:

No End To The Stuck War On Yemen (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/no-end-to-the-stuck-war-on-yemen.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Yemeni army, allied forces kill over dozen Saudi troops (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/19/434126/Yemeni-soldiers-Ansarullah-fighters-offensive-Khobe-Jizan-Saudi-soldiers) (PressTV) (With video evidence. – Comrade)

Saudi soldiers killed in retaliatory attacks by Yemeni forces (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/21/434388/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Marib-Jizan-Khobe) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces capture several villages in southwestern Saudi Arabia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/21/434343/Yemeni-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Khobe) (PressTV)

Yemen army destroys Saudi warship near Ta’izz (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/25/434953/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Taizz-Sanaa-Sadaa-) (PressTV)

Libya news:

Libya: From Africa’s Wealthiest Democracy Under Gaddafi to Terrorist Haven After US Intervention (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/20/libya-from-africas-wealthiest-democracy-under-gaddafi-to-terrorist-haven-after-us-intervention/), by Garikai Chengu.

Benghazi Mother Loses it On Air: 'She’s Lying! She’s Absolutely Lying!' (http://sputniknews.com/us/20151023/1028972875/benghazi-mother.html) (Sputnik News)

Afghanistan news:

US Decides to Stay in Afghanistan in Response to Russia's Success in Syria? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151019/1028771806/us-stays-afghanistan-russia-success-syria.html) (Sputnik News)

Taliban Takes Over UK Stronghold in Afghanistan (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151021/1028847216.html) (Sputnik News)

Death toll from US Kunduz hospital bombing rises to 23, as MSF confirms another staffer dead (https://www.rt.com/news/319556-death-toll-us-kunduz/) (RT)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Odessa: A Fate Worse Than Death (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/23/odessa-a-fate-worse-than-death/), by Russell Bentley.

The MH17 Report: Lusitania Sinking Déjà Vu? (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/mh17-report-caveat-emptor/ri10590), by Srdja Trifkovic.

LPR negotiator: Ukraine’s elections held in atmosphere of lies (http://tass.ru/en/world/831692) (ITAR-TASS)

Ukraine’s Opposition Bloc says it has won elections in six regions (http://tass.ru/en/world/831691) (ITAR-TASS) (Note that the Opposition Bloc is basically the Party of Regions reformed. – Comrade)

Democracy in Action: US Media Issues Instructions How to Bring Russia Down (http://sputniknews.com/world/20151022/1028918806/us-media-russia-putin-down.html) (Sputnik News) (The Neocons are frightened and butthurt by Putin’s growing popularity. – Comrade)

Moldova news:

Supporters of detained Moldovan opposition leader preparing for protest (http://tass.ru/en/world/831543) (ITAR-TASS)

Montenegro news:

20,000 Protest Government's Pro-NATO Course in Montenegro (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/20000-protest-governments-pro-nato-course-montenegro/ri10724) (Russia Insider) (A real revolution is developing against the NATO puppet regime that rules Montenegro. – Comrade)

Britain news:

Hey Dave, Who’s the Extremist? (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151015/1028572060/uk-cameron-extremism-allegations.html), by Finian Cunningham.

Another video showing the Syrian military’s ongoing operations against the Western-backed terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR0q57z0v1c

blindpig

10-26-2015, 02:50 PM

How bourgeois democracy works: US Congresswomen talks a bunch of truth to Wolfie. It don't mean a thing.

http://youtu.be/u7Q8X60KQ9Q

Comrade

10-29-2015, 12:26 AM

How bourgeois democracy works: US Congresswomen talks a bunch of truth to Wolfie. It don't mean a thing.

It’s interesting that CNN even allowed her on the air. I think that suggests that some of the US bourgeoisie are scared of the consequences of Washington’s aggression in Syria… – Comrade

Syria news:

Apple of Discord: Golan Heights Oil to Add Fuel to the Fire of Syrian War (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151028/1029209074/golan-heights-oil-syrian-conflict-engdahl.html) (Sputnik News)

Two Prominent Promoters Of The "Syrian Revolution" Give Up (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/10/two-prominent-promoters-of-the-syrian-revolution-give-up.html) (Moon of Alabama) (As far as we know, the fat American guy who claimed to be a Syrian lesbian has still not thrown in the towel yet. – Comrade)

Syria Refugees Praise Russian Airstrikes, Consider Returning (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151024/1029058632/syria-refugees-airstrikes.html) (Sputnik News)

Turkey, Qatar, UAE planes fly Daesh out of Syria to Yemen: Damascus (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/27/435259/Syria-Daesh-Yemen-Turkey-Qatar-UAE) (PressTV)

RT EXCLUSIVE: Crew reports from frontline town near Damascus (https://www.rt.com/news/319860-syrian-frontline-damascus-phelan/) (RT)

Combat report: Russia fighter jets hit 285 terror targets in Syria in past 3 days (https://www.rt.com/news/319733-russia-jets-syria-strike/) (RT) (Monday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syrian army troopers inflict heavy losses on Takfiri militants (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/26/434988/Syrian-army-soldiers-Takfiri-militants-Nusra-Front-Daesh-Hama-Aleppo-Homs-Suwayda) (PressTV) (Monday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Russian Air Force hits Al-Nusra Front command center among 118 terrorist targets in Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/319959-combat-report-russia-syria/) (RT) (Wednesday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

RT EXCLUSIVE: Glimpse at Mi-24 ‘flying tanks’ protecting Russian base in Syria against ISIS attacks (https://www.rt.com/news/319918-syria-mi24-latakia-exclusive/) (RT)

RT EXCLUSIVE: ISIS position in Palmyra up-close, RT 1st intl TV crew to follow Syrian Army assault (https://www.rt.com/news/319949-palmyra-isis-rt-phelan/) (RT) (Very interesting report from the frontlines near Palmyra. – Comrade)

Video showing the battle to liberate Palmyra from the Western-backed terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om56V0l2HCA

Comrade

10-31-2015, 12:48 AM

Russia has now flown 1,400 sorties that have hit 1,600 targets during the past month. – Comrade

Syria news:

Russia’s “Bombing” of Syrian Hospitals: The Incredible Expanding Lie (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/27/russias-bombing-of-syrian-hospitals-the-incredible-expanding-lie/), by Tony Cartalucci.

The Caliph at the Gates of Vienna (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/30/the-caliph-at-the-gates-of-vienna/), by Pepe Escobar.

U.S. 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-nusra-and-is-prepared-attack-on-government-supply-route.html) (Moon of Alabama) (In recent days, the Syrian government has beaten back a joint IS/al-Nusra attack on a key highway leading to Aleppo. – Comrade)

US sends less than 50 special forces to advise 'moderate opposition' in Syria - White House (https://www.rt.com/usa/320177-syria-us-troops-obama/) (RT) (Looks like Obama has decided to “escalate” the war. This move may be part of some scheme to replace “IS” control of Raqqa with “FSA” control, with the Kurds doing pretty much all the fighting. I can’t imagine that being successful. Erdogan’s MIT would do pretty much anything to stop the Kurds from taking Raqqa. – Comrade)

Here's a List of 41 'Moderate Rebel' Leaders Who Have Been Killed Since Russia Began Its Air Campaign in Syria (http://russia-insider.com/en/heres-list-41-moderate-rebel-leaders-who-have-been-killed-russia-began-its-air-campaign-syria), by Rudy Panko.

Syrian army rolls militants back to border of northern Idlib province (http://tass.ru/en/world/832662) (ITAR-TASS) (Thursday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Combat report: Over 1,600 terror targets destroyed in 1 month of Russia's Syria op (https://www.rt.com/news/320168-syria-russia-operation-month/) (RT) (Friday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Another video showing the Syrian army in action, along with footage showing some of the devastation caused by the Western proxy-war against Syria:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtm4m2gDCCs

blindpig

10-31-2015, 08:37 AM

Words of caution from the Saker....

Let’s stop the stupid flag waving! (Saker rant)
11187 ViewsOctober 20, 2015 222 Comments
Both here and in the comments section at the Unz Review, I am noticing a steady stream of hostile comments directed at those who, like Rambo and myself, who are urging caution and realism about the entire Russian operation in Syria. A week ago I felt compelled to post a rant entitled “answer to a disappointed reader” but apparently, this was not enough. So today I want to share with you some of the views of Konstantin Sivkov whose credentials are, I hope, impressive enough for everybody:

Konstantin Sivkov: Doctor of Military Sciences, the first vice-president of the Academy of Geopolitical Problems, a military expert. He was born in 1954. In 1976 he graduated from the Naval College. He served in the Navy. He graduated from the Military Medical Academy. In 1992 he graduated from the Academy of the General Staff. From 1995 to 2007 he served in the General Staff of the Armed Forces. A specialist in the field of military political science. He participated in the development of doctrinal documents determining the development and use of the Armed Forces.

Good enough? He was recently interviewed by Svobodnaia Pressa (free press). I hope to bring you the full text of the interview in the next couple of days. In the meantime, here are some of the highlights of what Sivkov had to say:

The Syrian Army offensive has grinded to a halt
In several locations Daesh successfully counter-attacked
The airbase at Latakia is maxed out or will very soon be
The Russians are not providing close air support, but only strikes on operational-level fixed targets
There are signs that the Syrian military is running out of ammunition
The USA are supplying Daesh with ammunition to compensate for the ammo dumps destroyed by Russian airstrikes
Russia will probably have to engage long-range aviation to compensate for the small number of aircraft in Lakatia
The Russian flotilla in the Caspian has used up almost all its cruise missiles
Dash forces are commanded by very skilled officers from the ex-Iraqi army
Russia needs either another airfield in Syria or, better, the agreement of the Iranians to let the Russian deploy more or less 120-130 aircraft on Iranian airfields
The Russian force in Latakia is very vulnerable and the base will have to be urgently reinforced
Sivkov said many more interesting things, but I will wait for the translation before commenting on them. My point is that we most stop the stupid flag waving under the pretext that we are pro-Russian or pro-Syrian! The Russian operation so far has been very successful, but the fact remains that the Syrian offensive is stalling. Yes, the performance of Russian pilots has been superb, but the Russian force in Syria is so small that it cannot, at this point in time, break Daesh’s defenses. Why? Because there are not enough aircraft to do bombing on operational level targets (command posts, ammo dumps, infrastructure) and close air support.

Guys, please make no mistake, the Russians are very good, yes, but their operation is extremely daring, dangerous and difficult and, as for right now, the deciding factor is not the Russians in the skies, but the Syrians on the ground and they are having serious difficulties: several successful counter-attacks by Daesh have prevented the Syrian forces from concentrating on key offensive directions and, instead, they had to move elsewhere to stop the advance of Daesh. In other words, the initial plan has failed. Yes, Russia has options, especially if the Iranians give their full support, but right now the situation is very difficult.

At the end of the day, I suppose that it all boils down to this: do we trust Putin and the men around him. I do. Completely. But all that flag-waving and high-fiving is totally premature and, frankly, indecent. Just in the last couple of days, an Iranian general and a senior Hezbollah commander have died and the best way to honor them is not to act like Dubya did and not to declare “mission accomplished” when there is a long and hard struggle ahead. The best way to honor these men is to recognize the heroic nature and great difficulty of their struggle.

Right now, it could go either way. In theory, Daesh could break under pressure and basically collapse. This is possible, but this is not what I expect will happen. I expect Daesh to show flexibility and adapt to the new environment at which point the Russians will have to bring in more forces (although a Russian ground offensive is not on the table). As for the Iranians, they cannot afford to allow Daesh to prevail, so if the Syrian military continues to be over-extended and lacking supplies, they will have to move in. If that happens, the Americans and their Arab stooges in the region will go ballistic. So make no mistake, there next couple of weeks will be extremely dangerous.

In conclusion, here below is some recent footage of a Russian SU-30SM meeting a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Syria. I expect a lot of that will be happening in the near future. So let’s quit the stupid flag-waving!

The Saker

http://youtu.be/T_tSlQUe7oQ

http://thesaker.is/lets-stop-the-stupid-flag-waving-saker-rant/

blindpig

10-31-2015, 12:11 PM

Back from Syria, MP affirms that France "is indirectly supporting the Islamic State"

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jFL2TsXlQ8/VjPxKZZJSGI/AAAAAAAABKc/vxFzifT0PnU/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-30%2Bat%2B17.35.49.png
Veronique Besse, head of French Assembly study group on Eastern Christians, makes waves on her return from Syria.

Midi Libre, October 29, 2015

Translated from French by Tom Winter, October 30, 2015

France "indirectly supports (the group) Islamic State" in Syria, said Véronique Besse, MP from Vendée and member of the Movement for France (MPF), who just met Bashar al-Assad in Damascus with two other Christian Right deputies.

"Today they are indirectly supporting the Islamic State. (...). This is what we were told there."

"France supports moderate groups - so-called moderate - but who are close to Al Qaeda and so close to the Islamic state," she assured RMC (Radio Monte Carlo), on her return from Syria. "Notably, France supports Al-Nosra," she said, eager to clarify this statement ... "Today France indirectly supports the Islamic State. (...). It is what we were told anyway there."

Choosing between Assad or Daech

Jean-Frédéric Poisson, president of the Christian Democratic Party, for his part said on RTL radio that Assad "considers in any case that the passivity of France to go against Daech effectively and actually (...) gives the impression that France, in an indirect manner, supports the Islamic State." "The situation in Syria is either Daech or Assad. France has not made a clear choice in this alternative. She tries to invent a third-party solution that does not exist, saying that 'Assad must go before anything can be done.' I think he will not leave. Bashar al-Assad is in power, he will not leave, he is not desperate, we must talk to him," said Poisson.

"Outrageous allegations" according to Elisabeth Guigou

These remarks spurred the head of the Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee, Elisabeth Guigou (PS), who "strongly condemned the outrageous allegations" of the two parliamentarians. Their "unworthy" remarks are "direct evidence of their manipulation by the head of the Syrian regime, co-responsible for the continuing war and its attendant atrocities," she said in a statement.

President of the Assembly Claude Bartolone disapproved of "both the trip and the words that were spoken," when speaking as a guest on Radio Orient. "I think it creates more difficulties; that it doesn't bring solutions to enable both pro-government people and those who are in rebellion, and belong to the moderate circles,* to get together to be able to represent themselves to find a solution for Syria," said Mr Bartolone.

Mme. Besse and M. Poisson also pleaded for the restoration of a French diplomatic representation in Syria. "Despite all the evil that Europeans say about him, Assad is ready for it, if ever France requested it, to restore diplomatic representation in Syria," Mr. Poisson said. "You have to talk to those considered as adversaries. That's what diplomacy is, right?" MP for Ain, Xavier Breton, was the third member of the trip, with M. Poisson, the sole member of the Christian Democratic Party, affiliated with the Republicans, and Mme. Besse, who is co-chair of the study group on Eastern Christians in the Assembly.

http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/10/back-from-syria-mp-affirms-that-france.html

Comrade

11-01-2015, 11:13 PM

Syria news:

US Special Forces deployed as ‘human shields’ to salvage terror assets in Syria (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/320356-syria-us-troops-shields/), by Finian Cunningham.

US Invasion of Syria Begins (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/31/us-invasion-of-syria-begins/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Syria’s White Helmets: “Soft War” by Way of Deception. The Non-Profit Propaganda Industry, Part 1 (http://www.globalresearch.ca/syrias-white-helmets-soft-war-by-way-of-deception-the-non-profit-propaganda-industry/5485081), by Vanessa Beeley. (The so-called “White Helmets” are a Western-funded extension of the al-Nusra Front and are blatantly involved in massacring Syrian civilians. – Comrade)

Syria’s White Helmets, NGO “Soft Power” and War Propaganda. The “Moderate Terrorists” Myth Exposed, Part 2 (http://www.globalresearch.ca/syrias-white-helmets-ngo-soft-power-and-war-propaganda-the-moderate-terrorists-myth-exposed/5485128), by Vanessa Beeley.

Syrian militants use captives as human shield: Monitor (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/01/435896/Syria-Jaish-alIslam-Damascus-Ghouta-Rahman-) (PressTV) (Another example of Washington’s “moderate rebels” in action. – Comrade)

Syria Says There Is No Evidence Russia Hit Hospitals, US Is Lying (http://www.globalresearch.ca/syria-says-there-is-no-evidence-russia-hit-hospitals-us-is-lying/5485761), by Sean Adl-Tabatabai.

Secret British Papers on Syria Reveal Russian Role (http://sputniknews.com/analysis/20151030/1029356237/secret-uk-papers-syria-russian-role.html), by Nikolai Gorshkov. (Notes parallels between the USSR’s defense of Syria in 1957 and today’s conflict. – Comrades)

Le Figaro poll: Over 70% want Syria’s Assad to remain in power (https://www.rt.com/politics/official-word/320261-assad-france-poll-figaro/) (RT) (Note that real percentage of support is undoubtedly even higher, because this poll was carried out by one of the countries trying to overthrow the Syrian government (France). – Comrade)

Daesh oil sales fall amid Russian airstrikes in Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/31/435786/Russia-airstrike-Syria-Daesh-oil-) (PressTV)

Scores of militants killed in Syria army operations (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/01/435878/Syria-Daesh-Deir-Ezzor-Idlib-Aleppo-Maheen-Russia-) (PressTV) (Sunday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Turkey news:

The Predictable Erdogan (http://thesaker.is/the-predictable-erdogan/), by Ghassan Kadi.

Erdogan's AKP "Wins" Snap Election - Successful Challenge Unlikely (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/erdogans-akp-wins-snap-election-.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Looks like Erdogan rigged the election, not surprising in the least. – Comrade)

Iraq news:

US “Protects” ISIS Terrorists in Ramadi, … 22 Iraqi Troops Killed by US-Led Airstrikes, US Planes Drop Weapons for ISIS (http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-protects-isis-terrorists-in-ramadi-22-iraqi-troops-killed-by-us-led-airstrikes-us-planes-drop-weapons-for-isis/5485089) (Fars News Agency)

Iraq ‘didn’t ask’ for US ground operations against ISIS (https://www.rt.com/news/320012-iraq-us-ground-operations/) (RT)

‘Victims of ISIS’: Man hunted for rescuing Yazidi slaves shares his story with RT (https://www.rt.com/news/319905-victims-isis-rt-documentary/) (RT)

Iraqi troops kill over 20 Daesh terrorists in Anbar (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/28/435284/Iraq-Daesh-Anbar-Ramadi-Ali-Ibrahim-Dbon-Mosul-Baqubah-Diyala-Nineveh) (PressTV)

Iraqi forces liberate more areas in Anbar Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/31/435771/Iraq-Anbar-Daesh-Ramadi-ISIL-) (PressTV)

Iraq army forces enter Daesh-held Ramadi (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/01/435884/Iraq-Rmadi-Daesh-ISIL-Anbar-) (PressTV)

Iraq forces kill senior members of Daesh terrorists (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/01/435821/Iraq-Daesh-Salahuddin-Anbar-Ramadi) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Over 1,000 Daesh militant backups arrive in Yemen’s Aden to fight Ansarullah (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/29/435418/Yemen-Daesh-Aden-Salah-alDin-Mayhoub-Ansarullah-Saudi-Turkey-Qatat-UAE-Syria) (PressTV) (The US/Saudi coalition is trying to use the “IS” to rescue their failing campaign against Yemen. – Comrade)

Another Médecins Sans Frontières Hospital Targeted. Yemen Hospital hit by Saudi-led Airstrikes (http://www.globalresearch.ca/another-medecins-sans-frontieres-hospital-targeted-yemen-hospital-hit-by-saudi-led-airstrikes/5484784) (RT)

Yemeni sniper kills 3 Saudi troops in Asir (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/26/435043/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Asir) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces carry out retaliatory attacks on Saudi military positions (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/10/31/435696/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Marib-Saada-Bayda) (PressTV)

Yemeni troops blow up Saudi tank with rocket fire +Video (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/01/435917/Yemen-Ansarullah-Saudi-tank-) (PressTV) (Good video in this one. – Comrade)

Libya news:

Benghazi Smokescreen: Hiding Western War Crimes in Libya (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/30/benghazi-smokescreen-hiding-western-war-crimes-libya/), by Thomas C. Mountain.

At least 14 killed after helicopter shot down in Libya (https://www.rt.com/news/319864-libya-helicopter-crash-deaths/) (RT) (A Misrati rat helicopter got shot down west of Tripoli. – Comrade)

Palestine news:

Execution of injured Palestinian captured on video (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/01/435922/Palestine-Israel-al-Muhtasib-alKalil-Hebron-West-Bank) (PressTV)

Afghanistan news

Taliban captures district in northern Afghanistan following deadly earthquake (https://www.rt.com/news/319982-taliban-advance-afghanistan-earthquake/) (RT)

Bangladesh news:

Who Wants to Turn Bangladesh Into Bangla-Daesh? (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151026/1029133026/bangladesh-daesh.html), by Andrew Korybko.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Dark Humor: Western Media Makes Light of Political Repression in Ukraine (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/30/dark-humor-western-media-makes-light-of-political-repression-in-ukraine/), by Eric Draitser.

DPR: Ukraine has lost 24,000 soldiers, is moving towards contact line (again) (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/dpr-ukraine-has-lost-24000-soldiers-is.html) (Fort Russ)

Death trafficking: ISIS militants are transported through Odessa to Donbass (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/10/death-trafficking-isis-militants-are.html), by Alexander Maslov.

Zakharchenko's new Facebook page blocked (http://fortruss.blogspot.com.es/2015/10/zakharchenkos-new-facebook-page-blocked.html), by J. Arnoldski.

Opposition Bloc announces election victory in 17 Ukrainian regions (http://tass.ru/en/world/831921) (ITAR-TASS) (Note that most people in the southeast are boycotting these obviously rigged junta “elections”, which is why the ‘Opposition Bloc’ received so few votes in comparison to what the Party of Regions and KPU used to win from the southeast. – Comrade)

‘Act of terror’? Huge blasts rock E. Ukraine after gov’t ammo facility catches alight (VIDEOS) (https://www.rt.com/news/320093-ukraine-svatovo-warehouse-explosions/) (RT) (A drunken Banderite probably forgot to put out his cigarette before going into the depot. – Comrade)

Yugoslavia news:

Murder at The Hague? The strange case of sick & suicidal Serbs (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/320048-murder-hague-serbians-milosevic/), by Neil Clark. (NATO definitely murdered President Milosevic and other Yugoslav prisoners. – Comrade)

Georgia news:

Saakashvili is planning a bloody coup in Georgia (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/27/saakashvili-is-planning-a-bloody-coup-in-georgia/), by Henry Kamens.

China news:

China Turns Tables on US-Backed Agitators (http://journal-neo.org/2015/10/29/china-turns-tables-on-us-backed-agitators/), by Ulson Gunnar.

The Empire Barks and the Caravan Passes (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151030/1029336756/china-us-spratly-islands-claims.html), by Pepe Escobar.

USA news:

US On Road To Third World (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151029/1029305449/us-third-world-country.html), by Paul Craig Roberts.

A good video report regarding the Syrian army’s ongoing offensive against the Western-backed terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbS2DoHXDJ8

blindpig

11-03-2015, 03:39 PM

Transcript of Congresswoman Gabbard with Wolfie:

Everything You Needed to Know About Syria in 8 Minutes
by MIKE WHITNEY

Here’s a short video with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard who explains exactly what the United States is doing in Syria. Gabbard is an Iraq combat veteran who understands the dangers the current policy and who thinks we are creating “even more human misery” while “strengthening our enemy”. Please, take a few minutes and watch this short segment that summarizes our role in Syria.

NOTE: My friend, Pedro Gatos, host of Bringing Light into Darkness at 91.7 KOOP Radio Austin, Texas, transcribed the entire interview for those who prefer to read while they listen.

Thanks, Mike

Wolf Blitzer, Host of CNN, The Situation Room (10/21/15): Let’s talk about this deal, this agreement worked out between US and Russia to avoid some accidental head on collision with fighter jets over Syria. The secrecy of this deal, without making it public, does that concern you?

Congresswoman and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii, Armed Services Committee: It doesn’t. I think that the Pentagon knows how important it is to make sure that our troops are not put into harm’s way and are not put into a position where you have this accidental military conflict with Russia in the air. So I think that making this deal with Russia to de-conflict that is an important thing. But there is a bigger issue here that I am concerned with and that is the fact that the US and the CIA are working to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad while Russia a longtime ally of decades now is working to defend or uphold this government of Assad. And this puts us in a position of possible direct head to head conflict with Russia as long as the US and Russia continue down this path.

Blitzer: Well how does the US and Russia avoid that head on conflict because, you are absolutely right, the US wants to get rid of Bashar Assad and Russia wants to boost them and to protect them together with the Iranians, their allies, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, they are trying to prop him (Assad) up. So how do you avoid that potential collision?

Gabbard: Very Simple. The US and the CIA should stop this illegal and counterproductive war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad and should stay focused on fighting against who are enemy is, the Islamic extremist groups. Because right now we are seeing why this is counterproductive, by working towards that end, by working towards the overthrowing of the Syrian government of Assad, we are not only strengthening our enemy, these Islamic extremists who will walk in and take over all of Syria. Right now, they have about half of the country under their control. But it also puts us in that position of a potential head to head conflict with Russia, which brings us to the brink of a larger conflict, a WWIII type of situation.

Blitzer: Why do you say that the US effort to get rid of Bashar al-Assad regime is counterproductive and illegal?

Gabbard: First of all there has not been a vote in Congress to authorize the use of force to authorize a war to overthrow a sovereign government … For as long as I have been there that has not happened. It didn’t happen before I got there. So the American people have not had a choice to speak their voice to approve or disapprove such a war. Therefore, its illegal.

Secondly it is counterproductive because right now US arms are getting into the hands of our enemies, al Qaeda, al-Nusra, these other groups, these Islamist extremist groups who are our sworn enemies. These are the groups who attacked us on 9-11 and are those we are supposedly trying to defeat, yet at the same time we are supporting them with these arms to overthrow the Syrian government.

Blitzer: So you do not even want the US to supply arms to these anti Bashar al-Assad rebels.

Gabbard: I do not want US government to provide weapons to al-Queda, to Islamist extremists, who are our enemy. I think it’s a very simple concept in my mind. You cannot defeat your enemy if you are arming them and helping them at the same time. It makes no sense to me whatsoever.

Blitzer: Have you told this to officials at the White House?

Gabbard: We have had conversations both in hearings and in otherwise. I think it is important for American people to stand up and say, “Look, we don’t want to go and do what happened in Iraq with Saddam Hussein and do what happened in Libya with Gaddafi, because these are countries that have fallen into chaos and have been taken over by these terrorists because of the actions that the United States and others took.

Blitzer: You tweeted recently that any candidate that supports a safe no fly zone in Syria must admit that US coalition ground air troops will be needed to enforce it. That is a statement directed at Hillary Clinton who now supports a no-fly zone. The president opposes a no-fly zone, at least for now.

Gabbard: It was a statement directed at all our presidential candidates because as they are asked these questions and are taking positions on them, I think it is important for the American people to understand exactly what those positions mean. People are calling them different things, no-fly zone or safe zones, but for those that are pushing for this they got to be held accountable for the decision they are making, that this will require US air assets to enforce it. It will require US air assets to take out anti-aircraft missile defense systems, for example, that the Syrian government has, and again, that puts us into a direct head to head conflict with a sovereign government, the government of Syria and with Russia and their allies and will also require a large very amount of ground troops on the ground to enforce this. There is a slew of other issues with this and that is why I think a no-fly zone would be a terrible mistake.

Blitzer: I know you are obviously concerned with what happened in Libya, getting rid of Gadaffi. The current situation there..it’s a disaster….

Gabbard: The same thing will happen all over again (in Syria)

Break ..(4:46)

Blitzer: Does it not concern you that Syria and Bashar Al Assad ‘s regime has been brutal, killing at least 200,000 maybe 300,000 of his own people, these barrel bombs and all these reports of these hundreds of thousands of people left homeless; millions in fact that are refugees. And the US is obviously and so many other international powers are so upset with that and want to get rid of him because of what he is doing to his own people over the last four years.

Gabbard: Well, yeah, it concerns me deeply to see this tremendous and tragic human suffering. I think it is important for leaders of the world, leaders here in the United States, to look at this issue though, and say “OK if you do in Syria, what happened in Libya, what happened in Iraq; because the same things that are being said about Assad right now are the same things that were said about Gadaffi, they are the same things that were said about Saddam Hussein by those that were advocating for the US to go in and intervene, to overthrow those regimes and dictators.

The fact is, if that happens here in Syria, as US leaders and others are advocating for, we will end up with a situation that is far worse than we are seeing today. We will end up in a situation with far greater human suffering, with far greater persecution of religious minorities and Christians in Syria, and our enemy will be far stronger. They will take over the whole country of Syria, they will have greater weapons and capabilities, and present a greater threat not only to the people in the region, but to the world.

Blitzer: So what you are saying is that the Russian military involvement in the air and on the ground Iranian involvement in Syria right now, the Hezbollah involvement, they are actually doing the US a favor?

Gabbard: They are working towards defeating our common enemy. When you look at the groups that are on the ground there, the most effective fighting groups who are fighting to overthrow the Syrian government of Bashar Assad, they are predominantly ISIS, al-Qaeda, al-Nusra and these other Islamist extremist groups. They make up the vast majority of these so-called “Syrian rebels.” They are the most effective force, who has gained the most territory. So the people they (Russia and their allies) are attacking, and the Russians are dropping bombs on are these al Qaeda people who are our enemies who attacked us on 9-11.

Blitzer: So you are basically saying you do not want your fellow soldiers, (and you’re a member of the Hawaii National Guard and were just promoted from Captain to Major, you served in Iraq) You do not want the men and women in the US military on the ground in any of those areas. Is that what I am hearing?

Gabbard: There is no reason for them to go and to be deployed into these situations. I think it is important for us first and foremost to recognize, (a) who our enemy is, and (b) what our mission is. Our mission is to defeat our enemy. Not to take action that is counterproductive to that mission and help get our enemy stronger. It is a very simple premise. And I think it is important for us to focus on that.

Blitzer asks about Gabbard’s surf board accident (which is kind of weird???) End of interview.

http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/30/everything-you-needed-to-know-about-syria-in-8-minutes/

I like print.

Dhalgren

11-04-2015, 09:51 AM

Violent Islamist Insurgents or Rebels? It Depends on Whether They’re Helping or Hindering the US Plutocracy

November 3, 2015

By Stephen Gowans

“Syria is home to a violent Islamist insurgency. Syria’s jihadists have carried out hundreds of attacks on security forces.” That’s one way of describing what’s going on in Syria, though it clashes with the accustomed view of the Western news media. The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal favor the view that the conflict is one in which rebel militias have taken up arms against a “brutal and vicious” dictatorship which has squandered its legitimacy. In the understanding promoted by the West’s press, Syria is home to a violent civil war where regime forces have carried out hundreds of barrel bomb attacks on civilians, not home to violent Islamist insurgents who carry out attacks on a legitimate government’s security forces.

Yet the view presented at the outset of this article is not so different from the Western news media’s depiction of a little-known conflict in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. In fact, I’ve imported the description of that conflict from The Washington Post and altered it with the lone replacement of the word Sinai by the word Syria. The original reads: “Sinai…is home to a violent Islamist insurgency…. Egypt’s Sinai jihadists…have carried out hundreds of attacks on security forces.” [1]

Laurence H. Shoup, who has written a recent study of the CFR, titled “Wall Street’s Think Tank,” says the Council works on “how to expand profit-making opportunities for US corporations abroad, sometimes by working to weaken or overthrow governments that are standing in the way of expansion of corporate capital.”
Laurence H. Shoup, who has written a recent study of the CFR, titled “Wall Street’s Think Tank,” says the Council works on “how to expand profit-making opportunities for US corporations abroad, sometimes by working to weaken or overthrow governments that are standing in the way of expansion of corporate capital.”
The point of replacing Sinai with Syria is to show that interconnected violent Islamist insurgencies in the same neighbourhood can be—and are—depicted in very different ways. From the perspective of the Western media, there’s a “violent Islamist insurgency” in Egypt, but in Syria there’s a civil war. Unmentioned, though significant, is the reality that Egypt is home to a de facto dictatorship allied to the United States, while Syria is home to a government that zealously guards its independence from US domination.

Egypt’s conflict, according to Western news media, involves violent Islamist jihadists, but Syria’s features rebels. Yet the militias battling the Syrian government are dominated by violent Islamist jihadists, most belonging to al-Qaeda offshoots, or who are “enmeshed” with them, as The New York Times [2] delicately describes the fighters the United States backs under a $1B covert CIA train-and-equip program. [3]

And while the Western news media say Egypt has security forces which are under attack by jihadists, Syria is said to have “regime” forces which attack civilians. Implied in all this is that the government in Cairo is legitimate (it’s fending off attacks on its security forces), while the one in Damascus, which is regularly called a “regime”, is not (it’s killing its own people, we’re told.)

Clearly, when it comes to Syria, Western news media are chauvinistically biased. They present countries within Washington’s orbit in a different light from those outside it; those that are allied with the United States different from those that are not. So while we might expect two parallel conflicts to be described in a commensurate way, using the same language, this doesn’t happen. Instead, we get a civil war, rebels and regime forces in one case, and an insurgency, violent Islamist jihadists and security forces in another.

A related example of Western news media chauvinism is found in the reporting of The New York Times’ David E. Sanger, a member of The Council on Foreign Relations, an elite consensus-forming organization presided over by principals of US finance, banking and industry. In its own words, the Council acts to help shape US foreign policy, provide continuing leadership for the conduct of US foreign relations, and inform a wider audience. [4]

I mention the CFR, and Sanger’s connection to it, for reasons that will become clear in a moment.

Laurence H. Shoup, who has written a recent study of the CFR, titled “Wall Street’s Think Tank,” says the Council works on “how to expand profit-making opportunities for US corporations abroad, sometimes by working to weaken or overthrow governments that are standing in the way of expansion of corporate capital.” [5]

There’s no doubt that the Council has enormous influence in Washington. Since the Carter administration, if not before, the following key US cabinet positions have, in the majority, been filled by members of the billionaire-directed policy organization: State, National Security, Defense, Treasury, Ambassador to the UN, and CIA. Presidents Clinton and George H.W. Bush were members, and Carter became one after his presidency. As vice-presidents, Mondale, Bush, and Cheney were members. Joe Biden was once a member. [6]

The CFR is no less strongly represented in the Obama administration. All three of Obama’s national security advisers have CFR pedigrees, as do all of his defense secretaries, as well as secretary of state John Kerry (married to near-billionaire Terisa Heinz, who inherited the Heinz food fortune). Former CIA director David Petraeus is also a member. [7]

Back to New York Times reporter and CFR member Sanger. In a 1 November 2015 article [8] Sanger notes that Washington engages “with some of the world’s most repressive governments” despite its professed commitment to promoting human rights.

Indeed, Washington does engage with many of the world’s most repressive governments, including its allies Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar and Israel, even to the extent of establishing military bases on their soil or selling them arms or providing them military aid or colluding in their aggressions or running interference for them in international political forums, or in all of these ways.

But Sanger didn’t have these US allies in mind when he referred to the world’s most repressive governments. Instead, he mentioned just two, neither US allies: Iran and Cuba. Committing a sin of omission, he subtly advanced the misleading view that the world’s most repressive governments belong to the phalanx of countries to which Washington is hostile, drawing a veil over the reality that many of the world’s most repressive governments are key US client states. Worst, their repressions are often amply assisted by Washington militarily, economically and diplomatically, in return for favors to US finance, banking and industry.

For example, Saudi Arabia, a family dictatorship that beheads its citizens for some non-violent crimes, including apostasy, imprisons and flogs bloggers for criticizing the king, and which sequesters women and bans them from driving automobiles, is a source of immense profits to the US banking, finance, resource-extraction and weapons manufacturing industries. Washington dotes on the Saudi tyranny, and the Saudi tyranny dotes on US capital.

By contrast, the government in Damascus, which Washington reviles, offers none of the profit-making attractions so richly bestowed on Wall Street by the Gulf tyrannies. On the contrary, Damascus is the last redoubt of an Arab nationalism that views the vast resources of the Middle East and North Africa as the patrimony of the Arab nation, and which seeks to bring those resources under Arab control for the nation’s own internal development, and not to serve the profit-making imperatives of Western businesses and the personal extravagances of US-allied emirs. In the Wall Street-unfriendly view of Syria’s embattled president Bashar al-Assad, Arab states ought to work for the interests of their people, rather than making their people work for the interests of the West. [9]

This was a view shared by another of the United States’ Arab nationalist bêtes noire, Muamar Gaddafi, and he paid the price for acting on it with his life. “We came, we saw, he died,” crowed then US secretary of state Hilary Clinton, after violent Islamist jihadists, aided by NATO warplanes, did corporate America’s dirty work by removing an Arab leader The New York Times said “proved to be a problematic partner for international oil companies, frequently raising fees and taxes and making other demands.” [10] Gaddafi aroused corporate America’s enmity when he announced, “Oil companies are controlled by foreigners who have made millions from them. Now, Libyans must take their place to profit from this money.” [11] Clinton’s husband and daughter are both CFR members. [12]

The reality that Washington’s demons are almost invariably defiant champions of interests which conflict with Wall Street’s is a reality which will not be included among all the truth that’s fit to print in The New York Times. Nor this: There is, in Syria, a violent Islamist insurgency. It is fuelled by the United States and by some of the world’s most repressive governments through the provision of money, training and arms to jihadist cat’s paws. The insurgents’ aim is to topple a secular government and replace it with a theocratic one. Their backers’ aim is to eliminate an Arab nationalist orientation which lays too much stress on public ownership of the economy and rule in favor of local interests to suit the preferences of US finance, banking and industry.

Not surprisingly, The Washington Post and The New York Times, newspapers organically connected to the US capitalist class, put a spin on foreign affairs that demonizes countries whose policies fail to accommodate the interests of corporate USA. As noted, Shoup writes that the CFR (and so too the interlocked news media, State Department, CIA and Pentagon) work on “how to expand profit-making opportunities for US corporations abroad, sometimes by working to weaken or overthrow governments that are standing in the way of expansion of corporate capital.” When Wall Street-unfriendly governments are confronted by violent Islamist jihadists, backed by Washington and some of the world’s most repressive governments, they’re depicted as “brutal dictatorships” which kill their own citizens. But when the same “rebels” threaten repressive governments that facilitate the profit-making of US corporations, they suddenly become violent Islamist insurgents who attack “security” forces, or in the case of ISIS when it threatens control of oil fields in Iraq, “the world’s gravest threat.”

The description, then, of violent political Islam as comprising either rebels opposing an illegitimate dictatorship or violent Islamist insurgents attacking the security forces of a legitimate government depends entirely on whether the interests of the US plutocracy are facilitated or hindered. The US capitalist class, through its ownership and control of the mass news media and domination of the State Department, Pentagon, CIA and post of National Security Adviser, both shapes US foreign policy it is own interests, and shapes how we understand and think about it.

Of course, an understanding that comports with the profit-making interests of billionaires happens only to the extent we allow it to, and to the degree we docilely follow wherever the mass news media lead us—and only inasmuch as we uncritically parrot its conclusions, adopt its language, and acquiesce to its manipulations.

1. Eric Cunningham, “No survivors after Russian airliner crashes in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula”, The Washington Post, October 31, 2015.

2. Anne Barnard and Michael R. Gordon, “Goals diverge and perils remain as U.S. and Turkey take on ISIS,” The New York Times, July 27, 2015.

3. Greg Miller and Karen De Young, “Secret CIA effort in Syria faces large funding cut,” The Washington Post, June 12, 2015.

4. Laurence H.Shoup. Wall Street’s Think Tank: The Council on Foreign Relations and the Empire of Neoliberal Geopolitics, 1976-2014, Monthly Review Press, 2015, p. 69.

5. Shoup, p. 68.

6. Shoup, Chapter 3.

7. Shoup, pp. 98-99.

8. David E. Sanger, “John Kerry is cautious on Human Rights during Uzbekistan visit”, The New York Times, November 1, 2015.

9. http://www.syriaonline.sy/?f=Details&catid=12&pageid=5835

10. Clifford Kraus, “The Scramble for Access to Libya’s Oil Wealth Begins,” The New York Times, August 22, 2011.

11. Steven Mufson, “Conflict in Libya: U.S. oil companies sit on sidelines as Gaddafi maintains hold”, The Washington Post, June 10, 2011.

12. Shoup, p. 98.

https://gowans.wordpress.com/2015/11/02/violent-islamist-insurgents-or-rebels-it-depends-on-whether-theyre-helping-or-hindering-the-us-plutocracy/

Long read, but pretty good, straightforward, analysis on the US's Syrian conquest and the bloody spin.

Dhalgren

11-04-2015, 01:44 PM

Jamal Sayed Youssef: 'Syria will not surrender!'

Interview with Jamal Sayed Youssef, Member of Central Committee of the Syrian Communist Party (Bakdash), continued with the full text of his speech at the electoral event of the Communist Party, Turkey on 30th October:

ICP, 4th November 2015

ICP: Can you tell the story of how have the communists taken part in the resistance movement in Syria?

JSY: I am a doctor and I was working in Idlib until El Nusra captured the town. I had a laboratory with clinical equipment worth millions of dollars and they seized the laboratory as a contraband of war. Now I am in Damascus, taking part in the struggle.

We support the national resistance against the aggressive policy of the reactionary regimes of Arab countries, USA, NATO and Turkey -putting aside the people of Turkey. In certain sensitive areas our comrades took up arms to defend themselves and their families. We also have comrades in the Syrian army.

ICP: How do the Syrian people consider the Syrian Communist Party?

JSY: Out party was founded in 1924 and we have deep roots in the Syrian society. They call us 'the party of bread'. Most of the men of letters, the poets have been influenced by the communist party tradition. Due to the stance during the French invasion, the party was also called 'the party of emancipation'. Today, most of the party members are from the youth and we have a youth organization named after our founding leader Khalid Bakdash.

ICP: The imperialists are discussing whether Syria should go through a transition period 'with or without Esad'. What does your Party think of this discussion?

JSY: This cannot be determined from outside Syria. Countries such as USA, Turkey, Qatar do not have the right to decide. This will be decided only by the Syrian people. Afterwards, when the war is over, we will return to the struggle of the workers and the impoverished. We will struggle against corruption, patronage, privatizations and liberal policies.

ICP: How are your relations with the Communist and Workers' Parties of the region?

JSY: It is a hard question (he laughes). After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, most of the parties of the region moved away from the idea of communism. But we continued the Marxist-Leninist struggle. We are against the transformation of communist parties to social democrat parties.

There were parties who considered the insurrection in Syria as a people's revolution. But they saw their mistake in due course. Some bourgeois Arab states even noticed that this was a plot against Syria. So now, nearly all parties of the region support our cause.

We declare to our comrades that Syria will not surrender!

The Speech of Jamal Sayed Youssef at the electoral event of the Communist Party, Turkey on 30th October 2015:

http://icp.sol.org.tr/asia/jamal-sayed-youssef-syria-will-not-surrender

Comrade

11-05-2015, 12:26 AM

Another midweek update on Syria. – Comrade

Syria news:

Kerry’s Bleeding Heart – Give Us a Break! (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151102/1029457680/kerry-bleeding-heart-syria.html), by Finian Cunningham.

Ukrainian Wikileaks: McCain and Saakashvili are plotting to shoot down American plane in Syria to blame Russia (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/10/ukrainian-wikileaks-mccain-and.html) (Ukrainian Wikileaks)

US begins training ‘moderate rebels’ on Syrian territory – report (https://www.rt.com/news/320704-us-syria-ground-training-rebels/) (RT) (If Obama has really deployed “US advisers” to Latakia, then he is a very stupid man indeed. – Comrade)

Russia sends 100,000 tonnes of wheat as humanitarian aid to Syria (http://tass.ru/en/world/833878) (ITAR-TASS)

Russian fighter jets strike Daesh positions in Syria's Palmyra (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/02/436048/Russia-Daesh-Syria-Palmyra-Vienna-) (PressTV)

Syria hospitals Russia accused of bombing don’t exist – Defense Ministry (https://www.rt.com/news/320509-syria-russian-air-force/) (RT) (Monday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syrian forces liberate eight villages in Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/02/435953/Syria-Aleppo-Shalashil-Tel-Dadeen-Daesh) (PressTV) (Monday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Syria army reopens road to govt.-held parts of Aleppo: State TV (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/04/436261/syria-militant-aleppo-road-army-) (Wednesday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Video showing the Syrian army’s latest victory, fully securing a key highway going to Aleppo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjRP5ws5_oY

blindpig

11-06-2015, 10:08 AM

The military situation in Syria to the November 6, 2015

November 6, 13:32

http://edmaps.com/assets/images/Northwestern_Syria_November_4.png

A month after the start of a large-scale offensive of the Syrian army with the support of Russia and Iran can be stated that none of the operational objectives has not been solved. There were as a tactical victory and a tactical failure. The initiative as a whole is still on the side of Assad, but opponents are increasingly trying to intercept it, adapting to the actions of the Russian aircraft, which has already led to an aggravation in a number of areas.

1. Latakia and Hama.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTEfu4rWwAEW5Bv.jpg:large

The attack on the northern provinces of Latakia and Hama in general has stopped - in mountainous areas, the Army continues to attempt to gnaw defense fighters, but large forces bogged down in battles for Salma and there is already not expect rapid results. By vostotku by Salma offensive in the region has risen Sirmanii. Attempts to form a boiler at El Latamina in fact failed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTEErEeW4AAYK-f.png:large

Furthermore, the opponent is moved to the offensive, expanding and secure the neck of El Lataminskogo pocket, taking including important town Morek. With the loss Morek about the environment El Lataminskoy militant groups say is no longer necessary, as a maximum the situation is reduced to the marginalization of militants and return former positions. Assad's troops apparently exhausted, and then they need to regroup and replenish for the continuation of intensive offensives in heavy makeup and resistance fighters arms and mercenaries across the Turkish border. The challenge to go to the border with Turkey by breaking the front or in Latakia Hama yet submitted maloreshaemoy. Regular counter prozapadanyh stifle insurgent activity Syrian army, which to a considerable extent forced to move to the front of the defense.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfl1/v/t1.0-9/12208378_845990145500259_8005465391872527784_n.jpg?oh=a2b32e117a21cbe7c1e13e9302272355&oe=56F59756&__gda__=1455511892_e86b3bac69ec6e741a9687aebb3c1b87

2. Battle for Aleppo.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CS5IS2HWcAAtSza.png

Under Aleppo continues chaotic battle, in which the parties continue to fight for the initiative.

A) North of the city in general, pro-Western rebels to stop the advance of the Caliphate and try to conduct offensive actions in order to recover some of the lost territory. The battle is developing in general in the position key. The front line between the Caliphate and the troops Assad is stabilized.
B) The offensive Assad south of Aleppo is developing quite successfully - every day is cleaned of fighters a lot of territory and settlements and control zone to the south of the city expands. Southeast fights go to the Al-Carasso and Al Khader (the city is not completely captured). Just south of Aleppo is less than the density of the enemy troops and Assad troops are moving more confidently.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CS-BnX1W4AAVwut.png:large

C) Release airbase Kuveyrise still not possible - the Caliphate rested here, and despite all efforts, to walk several kilometers to the desired target army can not. Fighting continued at the Sheikh Ahmad, who is asking for the route, which will complicate the cutting position of the Caliphate group, which recently tried to attack on the Safir and Al-Nasiriyah. On the southern flank of the offensive the army regained some ground from Dzhabula lost during the offensive of the Caliphate in late October. Battles here are very violent, both sides suffered heavy losses in men and equipment.
D) In the Aleppo, the overall situation has not changed, his fate is still solved in the fighting around the city.
E) The Army as a whole was able to prevent the threat of track supplies which the whole group hanging Aleppo Assad - the Caliphate troops suffered casualties and were driven back from the road, but the problem is that it allows the length of the Caliphate to renew attacks on her from the desert areas after regrouping and replenishment (from Iraq to Syria recently deployed reinforcements). Equipment new roadblocks to keep track require the allocation of people and equipment, which are so lacking in the more important areas.

In general, there is a battle going on. From the stated objectives only partly solved the task of expanding the control zone to the south of the city and has emerged hike makes the task of retaining the track on which is provided with a leading group fighting to the east of Aleppo. The task of unblocking Kuveyrisa not yet been resolved. All the same, with the Caliphate was much harder to fight than to pro-Western rebels.

Rastansky boiler Homs, Palmyra.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vO-v64n8LTg/VjvT-RxC19I/AAAAAAAAEvI/XKA2frmyvTo/s1600/Homs-Province-Map.png

The task of unblocking the roads Hama-Homs in the past month the fighting has not been solved. Rastansky boiler cut failed, got a few to reduce its size banal ousting the enemy. This enclave continues to seriously hinder communication Assad troops in central Syria. Moreover, while the army is trying to succeed to the north of Homs, south of the city is trying to attack Caliphate. After the capture of Mahina Caliphate troops marched to Damascus-Homs highway, but coming up reserves allowed to stop this progress and throw the militants back to the edifice and began moving in the direction of Palmyra, upon which the Caliphate is active in the east of the province. Yesterday managed to repulse several settlements and heights, but all this fuss does not bring an army here to achieve some important goals. The main forces pinned down in the fighting north of Homs, to the south - a maximum of Mahin and repulse possible move to Palmyra, the Caliphate will also continue to seek opportunities to strike at poorly protected settlements in the eastern province and stretched Communications Syrian army.

Damascus.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CS_ZexIWEAA-5P1.jpg:large

The announced attack on Damascus Dzhobar predictably resulted in a multi-week fighting in urban areas with the extremely slow progress and reports of several buildings captured a day. Here rapid success in fact, few expected.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTDkvrWWwAAlSBa.jpg:large

But in the area of the Duma some progress has been made by pushing a piece of territory and several towns, which, incidentally, is not much change the overall situation in the area of Damascus, which essentially requires a systematic and multi-week cleaning of dilapidated residential and industrial buildings with numerous underground utilities and poorly loyal population. Simultaneous attempts to attack by Homs and clean the suburbs of Damascus, looks a bit strange, since the quick result here is not expected, and the battle near Homs, is more significant in terms of the application of existing forces.

Deraa, Deir ez-Zor, Kunteyra.

In these areas, the Syrian Army conducted a tactical offensive action without proper forces to address ambitious tasks. Here the results are pretty modest - in Deraa pressed militants of the residential neighborhoods in Deir ez-Zor repulsed several attacks of the Caliphate and extended the zone of control in the area Kunteyra just pressed a piece of territory. On the general situation of these purely local successes influence a little.

"The American" attack.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CS-jdK7WEAA8vOr.png:large

Despite the loud announcement of the onset of pro-Western rebels and Kurdish troops with US support, significant progress is also not available, the Caliphate confident enough to discourage these attacks, and after a pathetic statements about the traffic on the Raqqa, all resulted in a rather peculiar to this theater swarming at the little-known towns along the few roads. High rates of promotion. which could create operational problems Caliphate here it does not go. Kurds yet decide fairly modest goal attack on a flat as a table desert to the village of Al-Houle.
In general, the Americans here more public relations than real help - rare airstrikes and a cheap assistance to the Kurds too little investment in the fight against troops of the Caliphate, which is not much inferior to the main theater of the regular armies. Plus the Turkish factor is taken into account. Elections were held in Turkey, Erdogan won and is now activated in the Kurdish area. Yesterday, the PKK announced the end of a truce with Turkey. Clashes between Kurds and the Turkish army started a little earlier. It is clear that Kurds are concerned about the creation of their own state, or at least autonomy will be more interested in protecting its territory from Turkey, from which they are de facto sluggish war, rather than seriously to throw all its forces in the US associated with adventure throw to Raqqa. In this regard, the US plans run into local realities and the conflict with the Kurds by the Turks. To satisfy both sides is difficult, so Washington will have to choose whose interests are sacrificed.

Total.

So, if we consider the situation as a whole, over the last month active military campaign decisive results not achieved.

1. Syrian army liberated many towns and a lot of territory, but could not solve the main problem. This is largely due to the rather strange strategy of numerous attacks on divergent directions in the poorly protected communications and limited reserves. It looks like an attempt to achieve maximum success in the short term, but the results are rather modest output. Plus, do not forget that they have been achieved largely due to the active help of the Russian aircraft, plus the help of Iranian troops and detachments Hezbally. The Army is increasingly entangled in a variety of incoherent or irrelevant battles with numerous groups.

2. The Russian contingent (from the unofficial - PMC mercenaries, volunteers) is mainly engaged in the north of Latakia, but it is already apparent tendency to increase it - delivery "Syrian Express" going smoothly in Syria continue to drive the tanks and equipment for the army of Assad, because and actually our artillery and MLRS with "holidaymakers". The intensity of the battle requires constant fire support, so contingent in the past month of war seriously increased in size, and this trend is very likely to continue on. Since no evidence of a decision to suspend the offensive there, as already stated, that is an offensive is Assad will receive military support, the domestic Voentorg in Syria and will continue to work to the full extent under the already installed air umbrella.

3. The Americans recovered from the shock caused by the Russian military intervention and the end of October launched a tireless activity to demonstrate its military presence in Syria. But while this is more public relations than real trump card for the future negotiations. The problem of Americans is that they can only provide opponents of Assad, but not fit for them directly, as it would lead to a clash with Russia. The moment for a no-fly zone missed. It remains to show its greatness loud campaign against the Caliphate, but allocated to this power is clearly insufficient. We are currently trying to sign on the "capture of Raqqa" European "allies." Announced sending the French aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" to the shores of Syria could help the United States to intensify the strikes on the positions of the Caliphate in Syria, while the bulk of aviation in the region involved in the fighting in Iraq, where he continued unsuccessful attempts to squeeze the troops of the Caliphate of Ramadi. Overall, the US is trying to regain the initiative, but as long as they are lagging behind, resulting in a serious internal political fight in Washington against the current administration.

4. Caliphate after a month of fighting is not like the structure which seriously weakened - in fact, by the end of the month Caliphate held several local offensive operations raiding character and is quite successful defensive battle east of Aleppo. Over the past month more Caliphate even slightly expanded its zone of control (mainly due rescued from rebel territories). Major losses of human settlements and the territory fell to the pro-Western rebels. The same applies to loss of command, in people and technology. In general, the Caliphate continued to enjoy significant fragmentation of their enemies, which directly or indirectly are fighting among themselves. The idea of uniting all the anti-Caliphate at the moment has not received its development, although it is the Russian proposal as a whole the most reasonable for the current situation (it is obvious that it is the Caliphate in these hands, is the main "bad guys"), but for the Middle East a bloody porridge, it is perhaps too idealistic .

5. In general, the situation for Assad looks that require at least partial suspension of the offensive on a number of areas, regrouping and replenishment of troops (to the extent possible), then you can continue. Persists in trying to carry out an offensive exhausted troops in the former group can lead to a situation where the troops are starting to not withstand the counterattacks and depart from previously captured positions. But there is a political factor that pushes the troops Assad ahead - if the US and Russia will come to a compromise on the future of Syria, then controlled by the start of the negotiations area can serve as a sufficiently serious trump card. Here much depends on the current state of the negotiation process on Syria, which so far does not show us the light at the end of the tunnel because of ultimatums number of war veterans to its desired outcomes. Ready to compromise is not everything, so the war will continue to delight the inhabitants of Raqqa.

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2464510.html

Google Translator

Despite the garble of Google Translator Cassad still the most objective military sitrep.

Dhalgren

11-06-2015, 10:40 AM

Despite the garble of Google Translator Cassad still the most objective military sitrep

Agreed.

blindpig

11-06-2015, 02:18 PM

A few thoughts about the rumors around the downing of Kogalymavia Flight 9268
November 06, 2015
Well, I tried to avoid writing about this topic until more hard facts became available. But since this is apparently turning into a political fight between, on one side, Russia and Egypt and, on the other, the US and UK, I think that I can at least offer a few general thoughts.

What we know so far is this: Kogalymavia Flight 9268 had left Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport, Egypt, en route to Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg. The aircraft reached an altitude of 33,500 ft (10,200 m) at 404 kn (748 km/h; 465 mph). Then something absolutely catastrophic happened. The pilots did not radio anything at all, the plane dropped and crashed. The tail section was found 5km away from the rest of the plan. Just from that data we can come to some initial conclusions: this was not a “regular” mechanical failure (like, say, an engine fire) but something which happened so fast that the pilots did not even have the time to react. The aircraft broke up in mid-air. Only three things could have caused this:

A sudden and catastrophic structural failure
A anti-aircraft missile
A bomb inside the aircraft
The first option is possible, and there are reports that the tail had a crack in the back. Other reports mention that the aircraft was involved in an tailstrike 14 years ago. However, this aircraft was inspected, several times, the tailstrike incident was recorded and the long term dangers of tailstrikes are also well known. So the possibility of a catastrophic structural failure is sound.

The second option makes no sense to me at all. I know of no man portable or even SUV-mounted missile which could strike an aircraft flying at over 10km high and at over 700km/h. As for a bigger missile, well, we would have the same problem as with MH-17, only worse: not only would such a larger missile leave a visible plume, and make a very loud noise but, unlike in the Ukraine, in the Egyptian desert the missile launcher and crew would have nowhere to hide after the launch. In fact, even getting such a large missile into the crash area would be very difficult: just like the Ukraine, Egypt is a war zone and there are a lot of “eyes in the sky”. Finally, unless the missile can acquire an infra-red signature at 10km altitude, it would have to be cued to the aircraft by radar and that emission would also be detectable. I cannot prove a negative, and I suppose one ought never to say never, but I don’t buy the missile hypothesis at all.

Which leaves the bomb. To my great regret, this is the version which I find most plausible, if only by Occam’s razor. No offense to anybody here, but the Egyptian security services don’t exactly have an impressive track of protecting tourists. And while it is clear to me that the US and UK are trying to capitalize on this tragedy, I would note that Medvedev just publicly ordered the Russian security services to provide point security in airport terminal were Russian aircraft take off from. Could it be that the Russian security services have already come to the same conclusion as the Brits and Americans?

So it boils down to this: what is more likely – a massive sudden structural failure or a bomb. I believe that the latter is much more likely.

Still, we really should wait for the official report. “Much more likely” does not mean that this is what happened. It is “much more likely” that a coin will fall heads or tails, but sometimes they do end up standing on the edge. There have been tailstrike induced catastrophic failures in the past, and the Kogalymavia airline was facing some financial difficulties, so maybe maintenance was less than stellar.

So what if it really was Daesh which blew up Flight 9268?

Horrible as this may sound, I don’t think that this is very significant, at least not on a political level.

First, Russian officials have always said that the terrorist threat for Russia was real. As soon as the Russian military operation in Syria began, officials were asked whether this would not dramatically increase the risks of terrorist attacks against Russian. Their answer was always the same one: “we already are under maximal threat, this does not make it worse“. This is forgotten in the West, but Russia is still battling a terrorist insurgency in Dagestan. Wahabi crazies are regularly arrested even in Moscow! The anti-terror war for Russia has never stopped and the intervention in Syria is just one more episode of a war which really began following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Yes, this is an immense human tragedy, but it is no worse than Budennovsk or the Nord-Ost episode. Russian expect no less from the shaitans they have been fighting for decades now.

Second, the fact that Daesh had to strike abroad indirectly indicates that they did not have the means to strike inside Russia. Again, one should never say never, but the FSB-protected Russia is a tough one to crack for the Wahabi crazies.

Third, while I would not put it past the Egyptians to lie in their report (they really have a lot to lose!), I don’t think that the Russian officials will lie about the cause of this crash. This is too high visibility a case and, unlike the “Kursk”, this is not a military or national-security matter. The risks of attempting a cover-up much outweigh the potential benefits. Simply put: unlike the Egyptians, the Russians have no imperative reasons to lie (and that is not to say that I suspect the Egyptians of lying; I am only saying that they have much bigger motive to do so than the Russians).

Fourth, regardless of what the final report will say in a couple of months, the Egyptians will pay a huge economic price in lost income as there will always remain a suspicion about what happened. Even if the Egyptian security services did nothing wrong, and even if the final report fully clears Egypt from any wrongdoing, the panic induced by this precedent (fueled by US and UK statements) will badly hurt Egypt. In that sense, Daesh has already greatly benefited from this tragedy.

All of the above leads me to a paradoxical conclusion: whatever the final report will say, it will make very little difference to the situation on the ground. The damage has been done and there is nothing which will undo it.

The Saker

http://thesaker.is/a-few-thoughts-about-the-rumors-around-the-downing-of-kogalymavia-flight-9268/

I agree with the Saker, it most likely was a bomb. After that chauvinism and Putin worship gets in the way. The key here is to blame it on ISIS without mention of the fact that ISIS is a US puppet, though with strings which run through the Persian Gulf.

It is very unlikely that the Ukes would have shot down MH 117 without some kind of clearance from DC. If this casual slaughter neutral civilians was an appropriate tactic then why not Ruskies? A message and a propaganda coup, eroding public support for the Syrian operation. Which I believe was really throwing a monkey wrench in US plans for the region. This operation is not a purposeful distraction from the treachery going down in Donbas as some would have it, though the degradation of the NAF through transfer of fighters to this theater is a bonus for the traitors. Russia does have vital interests here, especially defending it's southern flank. The US hegemony has it's need too. The Great Game continues, ad nauseum.

blindpig

11-08-2015, 04:03 PM

It was a bomb

colonelcassad
November 8th, 16:53

http://www.ridus.ru/images/2015/11/8/336006/in_article_f59de88578.jpg

We are 90 percent sure that crashed in Egypt A321 crashed because of a bomb on board

This statement was made an official commission to investigate the causes of death of the liner collapse of the Russian aircraft A321 in the Sinai Peninsula was due to the explosion of a bomb.

These conclusions came investigative commission Egyptian.

- Indications black boxes and their analysis indicate that it was a bomb. We are confident that by 90 percent, - told Reuters a member of the Egyptian Commission.
According to him, a sound that can be heard on the flight recorder, just before the crash, said it was a bomb. Recall, deciphering flight recorders ended on the eve of November 7, . Head of the Egyptian commission to investigate the crash, Ayman al-Muqaddam said that the flight recorder from the cockpit A321 at the last second recorded noise during the flight, but its cause remains unknown. Later, the Interstate Aviation Committee said that the "black box" did not record information failures of systems and components. Up until the accident flight took place in normal mode.

Http://www.kp.ru/daily/26455.7/3325754/?g oogle_editors_picks = true - Zinc

November 7 flight recorders of the crashed aircraft was successfully removed all of the information. According to the head of the Egyptian Ayman al-Commission Muqaddam (Ayman al-Muqaddam), followed by the recording of that before the fall of the aircraft flew on autopilot. Primary parametric decoding the black box indicates that from the moment of take-off until the fall of the plane was in the air 23 minutes before the crash he gained altitude and flew at a speed of 521 kilometers per hour. In the following seconds, the recording was heard the noise, said al-Muqaddam.
Still later, as reported EADaily, the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) on the results of the preliminary analysis obtained from the flight recorders information stated that the data on the failure of systems and components of the aircraft are not available.
About that on the record with the registrar hear the sound of the explosion, 6 November told the French television channel France 2, citing its own sources. According to investigators, the explosion was the result of engine trouble Zinc

PS. If so (still is no official conclusion), is to figure out exactly who and how it is laid. With high probability we can talk about otvtestvennosti characters associated with the Caliphate, which has twice taken the responsibility for the fall of the liner in the Sinai.

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2467229.html

Google Translator

Yep.

Dhalgren

11-08-2015, 04:50 PM

Yep.

No one will trace it, but where does Daesh get their weapons? Just sayin'...

blindpig

11-08-2015, 08:48 PM

No one will trace it, but where does Daesh get their weapons? Just sayin'...

Yep.

Could be wrong, but my money is on reckless, savage asymmetrical warfare. Direct chain of command is possible though not required, a certain logic has been set in motion. Regardless, there can be little doubt as to where responsibility lies.

MH117, now this. This is heavy shit, that these people engage in mass murder is old news but the sheer 'nakedness' of these ploys speaks to me of some kind of impatience. It is also a larger statement, I think, "We will do anything, anything to attain our goals. Be advised."

The whole 'head chopping barbarian' routine also serves this purpose, though it has other effects too.

Comrade

11-08-2015, 10:01 PM

Syria news:

US in Syria: Stopping the “Arsonist-Firefighter” (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/06/us-in-syria-stopping-the-arsonist-firefighter/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Week Five of the Russian Intervention in Syria: The Russians Are Digging in (http://thesaker.is/week-five-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-the-russians-are-digging-in/), by The Saker.

‘Strong & safe’: Syrian Air Force pilots say veteran Soviet fighter jets are effective against jihad (https://www.rt.com/news/321151-syrian-airforce-hama-base/) (RT) (Some great videos of Syrian pilots and planes in this one. – Comrade)

Combat report: Russian jets hit 263 terror targets in Syria in 2 days (https://www.rt.com/news/320908-russia-syria-terror-target/) (RT) (Thursday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syrian army on offensive south of Aleppo – media (http://tass.ru/en/world/834611) (ITAR-TASS) (Friday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Russian Airforce aids Syrian Army in Palmyra (video) (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/russian-airforce-aids-syrian-army-in.html), by Ollie Richardson for Fort Russ. (Saturday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Syrian Troops Kill Almost 60 Islamists in Failed ISIL Attack on Airbase (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151109/1029793024/syrian-troops-kill-60-isil.html) (Sputnik News) (Sunday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Sinai terror attack news:

A few thoughts about the rumors around the downing of Kogalymavia Flight 9268 (http://thesaker.is/a-few-thoughts-about-the-rumors-around-the-downing-of-kogalymavia-flight-9268/), by The Saker. (My gut feeling is that Western intelligence agencies were involved in downing this plane. However, this terrorist attack will not decrease Russian popular support for the airstrikes in Syria as Washington hopes. Russia will get revenge by eliminating more and more Western-backed terrorists in Syria. – Comrade)

West Secretly Elated Over Downed Russian Airliner (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/05/west-secretly-elated-over-downed-russian-airliner/), by Ulson Gunnar. (The Neocons are cheering on the terrorists, as usual. – Comrade)

Russian artist responds to Charlie Hebdo with his own cartoon (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/russian-artist-responds-to-charlie.html) (PolitRussia) (Good response to the “Charlie Hebdo” scumbags. – Comrade)

Turkey news:

Turkey Goes to War (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/11/06/turkey-goes-to-war/), by Mike Whitney.

Iraq news:

Captured ISIS Leaders in Iraq Confess to Receiving Military and Intelligence Support from the United States (http://www.globalresearch.ca/captured-isis-leaders-in-iraq-confess-to-receiving-military-and-intelligence-support-from-the-united-states/5486110) (Fars News Agency)

Israeli commander working with Daesh arrested in Iraq: Popular forces (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/03/436178/Iraq-Israel-Daesh-Yussi-Elon-Shahak-Golani-Brigade) (PressTV)

‘US-led coalition disjointed in fighting ISIS as some members have own plans’ – Iraq's ex-PM (https://www.rt.com/news/321213-maliki-interview-iraq-isis/) (RT)

Iraqi army inflicts losses on Daesh militants in Anbar, Nineveh, Salahuddin (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/07/436671/Iraq-Daesh-Ramadi-Mosul-Anbar-Salahuddin-Nineveh) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Yemenis step up retaliatory attacks on Saudi positions (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/02/436031/Yemen-Saudi-retaliation-Ansarullah-Jizan-Najran) (PressTV)

Saudi jets mistakenly bomb allied forces in Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/03/436089/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-Hadi-allies) (PressTV)

Takfiri terrorist torn in half in botched bombing: Video (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/04/436205/Video-Yemen-daesh-half-terrorist) (PressTV) (Well, at least no one else got hurt this time. -- Comrade)

Yemeni forces kill dozens of Saudi troops (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/04/436245/Yemen-Ansarullah-Saudi-Taizz-Jizan) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces down Saudi warplane, capture pilot (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/05/436407/Yemen-Saudi-warplane) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces bomb several Saudi army bases in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/06/436605/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-UN-Moscow) (PressTV)

Yemen’s Ansarullah fighters advance towards Aden (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/08/436851/Yemen-blast-militants-Hadi) (PressTV)

Allied Yemeni forces liberate district in Dali' Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/08/436760/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Ansarullah-Dhale) (PressTV) (Good news, despite the fact that the Saudis/Qataris rushed in “IS” mercenary reinforcements to Yemen last week, the Yemeni resistance is actually gaining ground against them. Another district was liberated today. – Comrade)

‘Saudi warship, boat attacked in Yemen coast’ (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/08/436839/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Taizz-Dhale) (PressTV)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Sitrep: changes afoot in Novorossiya, the Kremlin, and on the frontline (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/sitrep-changes-afoot-in-novorossiya.html), by J. Arnoldski. (It’s possible that Washington may try to re-ignite the war in Novorossiya to “distract” Russia from annihilating the Western-backed terrorists in Syria. However, the Neocons will be disappointed, because Russia can definitely fight a two-front war, if necessary. – Comrade)

Reverse Midas: Everything Saakashvili touches turns to rot (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/320536-Saakashvili-georgia-ukraine-odessa/), by Bryan MacDonald.

Crisis within the Ukrainian Armed Forces (http://www.globalresearch.ca/crisis-within-the-ukrainian-armed-forces/5487320) (South Front)

Moscow’s 1941 legendary parade: WW2 veterans come to Red Square to see reenactment (PHOTOS, VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/321185-red-square-wwii-parade/) (RT)

Belarus news:

Lukashenko: Betting on seizing power in Belarus by "color revolutions" deemed to fail (http://tass.ru/en/world/834459) (ITAR-TASS)

Georgia news:

Georgia: Saakashvili’s Goose is Finally Cooked! (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/03/saakashvilis-goose-is-finally-cooked/), by Henry Kamens.

Yugoslavia news:

Déjà Vu in the Balkans (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151106/1029705203/balkans-history-refugees-nato.html), by Andrew Korybko.

China news:

Leading Marxist Academics of China and Russia United (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/01/leading-marxist-academics-of-china-and-russia-united/), by Andre Vltchek.

Chinese Hackers? US Propagandists Should Look in the Mirror (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/04/chinese-hackers-us-propagandists-should-look-in-the-mirror/), by Eric Draitser.

US/UK news:

Meet the ‘unpeople’ – Whose views don’t matter to West’s faux-democrats (OP-ED) (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/321154-elites-unpeople-west-democracy/), by Neil Clark.

‘I’m comfortable with my choices’: Snowden on CIA torture, ISIS and surveillance (https://www.rt.com/news/321105-snowden-swedish-media-interview/) (RT)

Another video report on the Syrian army’s ongoing offensive against the Western-backed terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-RkCCOobAE

Dhalgren

11-10-2015, 10:58 AM

Yep.

Could be wrong, but my money is on reckless, savage asymmetrical warfare. Direct chain of command is possible though not required, a certain logic has been set in motion. Regardless, there can be little doubt as to where responsibility lies.

MH117, now this. This is heavy shit, that these people engage in mass murder is old news but the sheer 'nakedness' of these ploys speaks to me of some kind of impatience. It is also a larger statement, I think, "We will do anything, anything to attain our goals. Be advised."

The whole 'head chopping barbarian' routine also serves this purpose, though it has other effects too.

The "pace" of US imperialism appears to be quickening. It may have something to do with the continuing crisis, 25% real unemployment in the homeland, growing unrest among the non-white and working class elements of the population, many things could be pushing this, but "impatience" is clearly visible. We should start a threat on the study of imperialism that isn't caught-up in the daily body count. There is a place for this butcher's list, but there is also a place for cool (cold) analysis of current situations.

Comrade

11-11-2015, 12:41 AM

The "pace" of US imperialism appears to be quickening. It may have something to do with the continuing crisis, 25% real unemployment in the homeland, growing unrest among the non-white and working class elements of the population, many things could be pushing this, but "impatience" is clearly visible.

I think the biggest cause is the perpetual decline of the US economy relative to the global economy as a whole. Washington knows that it is losing ground fast and is trying every possible plot and ‘escalation’ to maintain its dominance. It’s very possible that the US bourgeoisie might try launching an even larger proxy war, something coming as close as possible to a “world war” without it actually being one (i.e minus the nukes). – Comrade

Syria news:

US needs boots on the ground to ‘occupy & govern’ Syrian territories – Air Force secretary (https://www.rt.com/usa/321520-troops-ground-syria-isis/) (RT) (The usual suspects are plotting on invading and stealing Syrian land. – Comrade)

Patriarch Aphrem II of all East urges US to stop financing terrorists (http://tass.ru/en/world/834872) (ITAR-TASS)

Russian MoD: Terrorist's tactics in Syria have drastically changed (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/russian-mod-terrorists-tactics-in-syria.html) (Warfiles.ru)

Combat report: Russian Air Force destroys 448 terrorist facilities in Syria over 3 days (VIDEOS) (https://www.rt.com/news/321301-syria-isis-448-targets/) (RT) (Monday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

RT EXCLUSIVE: How a Syrian mountain village was liberated – but ISIS fighters are only 1km away (https://www.rt.com/news/321255-rt-exclusive-ghmam-syria/) (RT) (Another video report from the front. – Comrade)

Syria troops recapture village in Aleppo from Daesh militants (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/09/436967/Syria-Daesh-Aleppo-Sheikh-Ahmad-Daraa-Hasakah--) (PressTV) (Monday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Govt forces halt 2-year ISIS siege of key airbase in northern Syria – media (https://www.rt.com/news/321470-syria-airport-siege-lifted/) (RT) (Wonderful news, the siege on Kweires airbase has been lifted! – Comrade)

Syria army keeps militants at bay near capital (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/10/437030/Syria-Damascus-Assad-suburb-) (PressTV) (With a good video report. – Comrade)

Brief video report on ending the siege of the Kweires airbase, a key victory that will help the Syrian army clear the rest of Aleppo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otxl7e3ea_E

Dhalgren

11-11-2015, 10:26 AM

I think the biggest cause is the perpetual decline of the US economy relative to the global economy as a whole. Washington knows that it is losing ground fast and is trying every possible plot and ‘escalation’ to maintain its dominance. It’s very possible that the US bourgeoisie might try launching an even larger proxy war, something coming as close as possible to a “world war” without it actually being one (i.e minus the nukes). – Comrade

I think it is the US working class that is suffering from a slumping economy - not the US bourgeoisie; they are doing quite well. In order to maintain the US working class at a standard of living compatible with "homeland" support for imperial expenses, the US ruling class must do what capitalists have always done to solve the ongoing world economic crisis - destroy capital and increase/add markets. The US and UK (and the tag-along EU) have come upon a way to have what amounts to a world war, without actually being directly in one. They are killing off a great number of useless mouths, destroying huge amounts of infrastructure and gaining control and dominance in all the areas where their imperialist policies can draw the most profit. Russian moves in countering US/NATO actions could be seen as Russia's bid for a piece of the action. Syria and Iran are Russian allies, the Saudis, Israel, all the little princedoms of the gulf, etc. are US/NATO allies. This is not a great deal different than 1914 with the Triple Entente of Russia, England, and France and the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
The similarities don't go very far, but the motivations for the various parties seem to align. Now there is no denying the "patriotic" forces on both sides, but "patriotism" to a "nation" is a product of ruling class ideology - and it is that ruling class that must be scrutinized.

Comrade

11-14-2015, 12:39 AM

Russian moves in countering US/NATO actions could be seen as Russia's bid for a piece of the action. Syria and Iran are Russian allies, the Saudis, Israel, all the little princedoms of the gulf, etc. are US/NATO allies. This is not a great deal different than 1914 with the Triple Entente of Russia, England, and France and the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
The similarities don't go very far, but the motivations for the various parties seem to align. Now there is no denying the "patriotic" forces on both sides, but "patriotism" to a "nation" is a product of ruling class ideology - and it is that ruling class that must be scrutinized.

I think that the key difference between this conflict and World War I is that in WWI both sides were pretty much morally equivalent, to the extent that it didn’t matter who “won.” On the other hand, in this current global conflict Washington is supporting some very evil assholes that must be defeated. Otherwise, a lot of innocent people will live underneath Banderite or “IS” fascism for decades to come.

Another thought is regarding ‘multipolarity’ vs. ‘unipolarity.’ Eventually a new great wave of socialist revolutions will break out at some point later this century. It is critical that the world be multipolar by then so that the new young socialist states do not get ‘strangled’ by a single capitalist ‘hegemon.’ Each victory for the pro-multipolar forces is helping future socialist states, not to mention the current ones. – Comrade

Syria news:

US-Turkey Invasion Derailed by Syrian Army Triumph, Recapture of Kuweires Military Air Base (http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-turkey-invasion-derailed-by-syrian-army-triumph-and-recapture-of-kuweires-military-air-base/5488254), by Mike Whitney.

Syrian Military Commanders: Winning Back Kuweires Military Airport Prelude to Greater Advances in Aleppo (http://www.globalresearch.ca/syrian-military-commanders-winning-back-kuweires-military-airport-prelude-to-greater-advances-in-aleppo/5488345) (Fars News Agency)

Pentagon: 'Not Right Time' for Safe Zone Along Turkish Border in Syria (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151113/1030059309/pentagon-safe-zone-turkey-syria.html) (Sputnik News) (Nope, with Washington’s puppets on the run and the Russian air force in the sky, it is no longer the “right time” for that. – Comrade)

Israel warplanes strike near Syria airport: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/11/437260/Syria-Israel-Damacus-Daesh-ISIS) (PressTV) (Looks like Russia needs to move some anti-aircraft missile systems to Damascus or construct another airbase there. – Comrade)

In the streets and in the classroom, Syrians demonstrate, thankful for Russian support; Russian base means security for Latakia (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/in-streets-and-in-classroom-syrians.html) (TVC.ru)

Battle to break ISIS siege of Kweires airbase caught on camera (https://www.rt.com/news/321643-battle-isis-siege-kweires/) (RT) (Footage of the Syrian army’s successful battle to break the siege on the Kweires airbase. – Comrade)

Syrian army destroys dozens of militants in Homs and Hama provinces — general (http://tass.ru/en/world/835697) (ITAR-TASS) (Wednesday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Syria retakes key town near Aleppo from Takfiris: Military sources (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/12/437344/Syria-Aleppo-alHader-Militants-) (PressTV) (Thursday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Combat report: Russia flies 107 sorties in Syria eliminating 289 terror targets in 2 days (https://www.rt.com/news/321818-russia-syria-terror-strike/) (RT) (Friday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syria forces advance in Aleppo Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/13/437482/Syria-Aleppo-Daesh-terrorists) (PressTV) (Friday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Video showing the Syrian army breaking the siege of the Kweires airbase:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbNUW54SuCQ

blindpig

11-14-2015, 09:35 AM

Warning Gaddafi

colonelcassad
November 14 4:37

http://anti-nato.com/media/internal/fotoalbom-muammar-kaddafi-5.jpg

"Neglecting the stability of Libya would entail the collapse of the peace in the world, through the instability in the Mediterranean Sea. If our government in Libya will have to stop, millions of Africans will flood illegally into Italy, France ... Europe will become black in the very short time. .. We prevent emigration, holding and promotion of "al-Qaeda". Thus, if stability in Libya will be broken, it immediately would have bad consequences for Europe and the Mediterranean. Everyone will be in danger! ". (c) Muammar Gaddafi

Actually today is very relevant warning. In fact it is the Libyan war marked the start of a series of local wars and coups, with a huge number of victims and millions of refugees who now swept Europe. War in the Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Mali, are largely a consequence of the Arab Spring, which is "victorious" started with the destruction of Libya. Now come the consequences, including for those who have undertaken more Arab Spring and was active in her support. Gaddafi could not stop the ice rink, which pulled down the state of the Middle East and North Africa, he was able to him only to slow down to half a year, allowing time Assad to gather strength and to organize resistance, which eventually led to the failure of the whole project, "Arab Spring". But Gaddafi was the first who stood in his way, and already on the verge of death, he was able to paint a prophetic implications of what is to come for the unfortunate destruction of Libya.

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2473978.html

Google Translator

Dhalgren

11-14-2015, 11:57 AM

I think that the key difference between this conflict and World War I is that in WWI both sides were pretty much morally equivalent, to the extent that it didn’t matter who “won.” On the other hand, in this current global conflict Washington is supporting some very evil assholes that must be defeated. Otherwise, a lot of innocent people will live underneath Banderite or “IS” fascism for decades to come.

Another thought is regarding ‘multipolarity’ vs. ‘unipolarity.’ Eventually a new great wave of socialist revolutions will break out at some point later this century. It is critical that the world be multipolar by then so that the new young socialist states do not get ‘strangled’ by a single capitalist ‘hegemon.’ Each victory for the pro-multipolar forces is helping future socialist states, not to mention the current ones. – Comrade

Good points all. One thing to remember, though, is that Russia is handing the Donbass back to the Ukrainian fascists. Blindpig, and others, have pointed out clearly that it is the working class nature of the People's Republics that Russia cannot support. The stance of the KKE is the correct one, I think. They oppose imperialism in any and all its forms and they support working class people everywhere.

I particularly like your take on multipolar vs. unipolar development. And I agree that, in the past, having a multi or bipolar world made for more support for working class revolutions. But that was because one of the "super" poles was a working class power. The multipolar world of 1919 did not stop every capitalist country on earth from sending troops to crush the young socialist revolution. Having a multipolar world where all the poles are capitalist, may not be as advantageous to working class revolution as is hoped. But I will strongly agree that the US/NATO empire must be opposed at every turn, by every member of the working class.

Comrade

11-15-2015, 11:35 PM

Syria news:

CONFIRMED: French Government Knew Extremists BEFORE Paris Terrorist Attack (http://www.globalresearch.ca/confirmed-french-government-knew-extremists-before-paris-terrorist-attack/5489043), by Tony Cartalucci. (Looks like Paris knew the attackers were dangerous but did nothing to stop them before the attacks. The West will undoubtedly use this attack as an excuse to meddle further in Syria. – Comrade)

What Preceded The Islamic State Attacks In France - Some Links (Updated) (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/terror-attacks-in-france-some-related-links.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Documents France’s support for the “moderate rebels” that ultimately attacked Paris. – Comrade)

Week Six of the Russian Intervention in Syria: a first major success for the Syrian armed forces (http://thesaker.is/week-six-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-a-first-major-success-for-the-syrian-armed-forces/), by The Saker.

Syrian Army Large Scale Offensive against Al Qaeda Terrorists, Captures the Helicopter Airfield in the Strategic Marj Al-Sultan Airbase (http://www.globalresearch.ca/syrian-army-large-scale-offensive-against-al-qaeda-terrorists-captures-the-helicopter-airfield-in-the-strategic-marj-al-sultan-airbase/5489208), by Leith Fadel. (The Syrian army is now in the process of taking back a second airbase. – Comrade)

RT goes into Aleppo airbase retaken from ISIS (EXCLUSIVE) (https://www.rt.com/news/322193-aleppo-kuweires-airbase-liberated/) (RT)

Syrian army recaptures strategic Latakia areas (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/15/437787/Syria-Aleppo-Latakia-daesh) (PressTV)

Several Takfiri militants killed in Syria’s counter-terror operations (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/15/437728/Syria-Qalamoun-Militants-Hezbollah-) (PressTV)

Syrian air force conducts 151 sorties, hits 323 militant targets (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/15/437675/Syria-air-force-operations-Daesh-Homs-Idleb-Aleppo-military-advances) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Iraqi army forces kill 98 Daesh terrorists in Anbar, Kirkuk (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/10/437129/Iraq-Anbar-Kirkuk-Dbon-Daesh-Abu-Urouba-alShami-Fallujah) (PressTV)

115 Daesh militants die as western Iraqi area liberated (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/12/437302/Iraqi-forces-Popular-Mobilization-Units-Liberation-Albu-Hayat-Anbar) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Saudi Arabia stuck, getting drained in Yemen: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/13/437470/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-War-Ansarullah-Washington-Post-) (PressTV) (The US/Saudi adventure in Yemen has turned into the quagmire that we all expected it to be. Now even the Neocon “Washington Post” is admitting it. – Comrade)

Yemen: UN Gives Cover For U.S. Spies - Endangers Its Employees (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/yemen-un-help-for-us-spies-endangers-its-employees.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Yemen's Qaeda affiliate vows allegiance to Riyadh (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/11/437220/Yemen-Qaeda-Saudi-Arabia-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Yemen’s Ansarullah, army make gains in south (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/15/437699/Yemen-Ansarullah-Yemeni-army-Saudi-Arabia-Hadi-Lahij) (PressTV)

Palestine news:

Investigation proves Israel killed former PLO leader Yasser Arafat (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/11/437139/Israel-Palestine-PLO-Arafat-assassination) (PressTV)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Frontline update: UAF changes routine, "working against the clock" to prepare new offensive (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/frontline-update-uaf-changes-routine.html) (Fort Russ)

ATO veterans now targets of violence in Zaporozhye, police refuse to act (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/ato-veterans-now-targets-of-violence-in.html), by Maksim Karpenko. (More resistance in the junta-occupied parts of Novorossiya. Junta troops have been mysteriously getting beaten up in Zaporozhye recently. – Comrade)

Ukrainian City Finds Clever Way to Avoid 'Decommunizing' Place Names (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20151114/1030117717/ukraine-decommunization-workaround.html) (Sputnik News) (Interesting. – Comrade)

Dmitry Yarosh resigned from the Right Sector to save his life (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/dmitry-yarosh-resigned-to-save-his-life.html) (Politnavigator)

More than 300 heavy industry companies in DPR resume production (http://tass.ru/en/world/834761) (ITAR-TASS)

Ukrainian army tries to break into DPR positions near Debaltsevo — mayor (http://tass.ru/en/world/835082) (ITAR-TASS)

Georgia news:

The Georgian Coup Saga … What It Was Really About (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/11/the-georgian-coup-saga-what-it-was-really-about/), by Henry Kamens.

China news:

China’s Xinjiang Problem – Made in USA (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/10/chinas-xinjiang-problem-made-in-usa/), by Tony Cartalucci.

DPRK news:

Another Example of “Pastorship” Over DPRK (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/14/another-example-of-pastorship-over-dprk/), by Konstantin Asmolov. (Washington is using Protestant “humanitarian relief organizations” to spy on the DPRK. – Comrade)

EU news:

US Ayn Rand Institute Promoting Muslim Migration to Germany (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/us-ayn-rand-institute-promoting-muslim-migration-germany/ri11047) (Info Direkt) (This article takes a closer look at the Neocon plot to depopulate the Middle East, by wars, coups, and resulting mass migrations into Europe. – Comrade)

Another video report on the Syrian army’s ongoing offensive around Aleppo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi5Bze7x424

blindpig

11-16-2015, 08:40 AM

About hypocrisy
Main
colonelcassad
November 16 6:30

I turn means morning LiveJournal, and up there sticks out a French flag in relation to know what events.
It affects the hypocrisy of persons conducting such actions.
Why not hang a Russian flag when at Sinai blew up a Russian plane carrying tourists.
Especially not hung the flag of Lebanon, when Adventure Caliphate blew up in Beirut Lebanese.
Do not hang the flags of Turkey and Kurdistan, where blew a demonstration of the Kurds against the war.
Well, about the flags of Iraq and Syria, and did say uncomfortable - they then generally shoot would not have had, there almost every day of such attacks go.
Well, here it means killing white Europeans - not some sort of "filthy Arabs", not those "Russian barbarians." All people are equal, but some people are more equal than others.
We must, we must in all holes to climb this ostentatious and hypocritical grief kalkiruyuschey memorable tantrum "Today we Charly."
It is symbolic that the French flag sticking out next to the store, hypocrisy is also a commodity. PS. To honor egiptyatn, they are people on the variety has not been divided. The Egyptians want to pass around the world the message that they are opposed to terrorism and solidarity with the people of France and Lebanon, which are subjected to inhuman attacks, as well as Russia and the families of the victims of the tragic incident with the aircraft. We have repeatedly said that the one with the world in the fight against terrorism, which does not differentiate between religions and nationalities and has no religion and the homeland "(c) The Minister of Antiquities of Egypt

http://tv.ren.cdnvideo.ru/sites/default/files/styles/640x360/public/field/image/2015/47/4130494.jpg?itok=p0luBE6M

Tags: media, hypocrisy

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2476242.html

Google Translator

blindpig

11-16-2015, 12:52 PM

Week Six of Russian Intervention: a First Major Success of Syria Army
Significance: Syria army has now seized the initiative from ISIS and is on the offensive

The Saker

http://russia-insider.com/sites/insider/files/styles/s400/public/CThxZWnUwAA-ztf.jpg?itok=0wadA4eN
Donate!

Originally appeared at The Unz Review

Finally. After weeks of grueling combat the Syrian armed forces have liberated the Kuweyres air base in northern Syria.

This is a huge victory for the Syrians because during the 2.5 year long siege of the airbase it had become an important symbol of the Syrian determination to resist the Takfiris in general and, especially, because Daesh which had deployed its best fighters to maintain the siege of the base and prevents its liberation.

In fact, the Takfiris did resist with everything they had up to the last moment. For those of you interested in video and photos of the combats and liberation of Kuweyres I would recommend the site of Colonel Cassad and specifically these posts: (in Russian)

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2472071.html

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2470426.html

Many of these images and videos are for a “mature audience” only, but they do convey the sense of victory for the Syrian side and I highly recommend watching them. Up to this moment all the succeses of the Syrian armed forces were limited in importance whereas the liberation of Kuweyres not only represents a huge moral victory for the Syrians, but it also has an “operational significance” meaning that it actually changes the shape and dynamic of the front (click here for a high resolution map of the area).

Put simply: the Syrian have now seized the initiative from Daesh and they are now on the offensive. As for Daesh, they now have to allocate their forces to prevent the Syrians from further exploiting their success in Kuweyres. Most observers, including myself, were hoping for, or even expecting, such a development, but now it has finally happened. This is very, very good news.

There was, by the way, an interesting if little noticed side story to this event: according to the Russian military, the “moderate opposition” gave key intelligence to the Russian to target the “terrorists” around the airbase. Here is what RT reported about that:

Syrian government forces received intelligence on terrorist positions around the besieged Kweires airbase from opposition sources, which helped them lift the two-year blockade, the Russian Defense Ministry has revealed.

“This airfield had been surrounded by ISIS [the former name of the Islamic State terrorist group] for two years,” Major General Igor Konashenkov, spokesman for the Russian defense ministry, said in a daily briefing.

“Intelligence on the locations of the terrorist fire positions and support points around Kweires was provided by the Syrian opposition and cleared by the communication center in Baghdad.”

Lifting the siege on the airbase in Aleppo provinces has been one of the biggest victories for Damascus since Russia started providing air support for Syrian government forces.

The opposition also provided data to help target a big weapons depot of the Nusra Front, the Syrian branch of Al Qaeda, near the village Mheen in the Homs province, Konashenkov revealed.

For one thing, as far as I know, the so-called “moderate opposition” is mostly a myth, and to the degree that it does exist, it is in Turkey and in London. Furthermore, I don’t remember the so-called FSA playing any major role around Kuweyres. So what is going on here?

Well, maybe the Russians just made up this putative intelligence sharing in order to show that they are working hand-in-glove with the “moderate opposition” or, which is far more likely, some folks associated with Daesh felt that the tide was turning and decided to re-brand themselves as “moderates” and gave the Russians some intel in exchange for money and life.

This kind of sudden “coat turning” is typical of the Takfiris and the Russians saw plenty of that in Afghanistan. If my guess is correct, then this further goes to show that Daesh is beginning to seriously hurt under the combined effects of the Russian and Syrian offensives. Again, this is very good news indeed.

Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary General of Hezbollah, also immediately declared that the liberation of the Kuweyres airbase shows the “resilience, strength, determination, and vigor of the soldiers and officers of the Syrian Arab Army”. He is right.

There is no overstating the heroism of the Syrians who fought and refused to surrender even though they had no meds and minimum food and supplies But then, since they would not surrender, their only options were to fight to the end or die. And they fought, alone, for over two years. This is why the first Russian reporter who got into Kuweyres wrote “У сирийцев теперь есть свой Сталинград” (the Syrians now have their own Stalingrad).

Having taken Kuweyres, the Syrian army continued its offensive and, according to the latest reports, the Syrians have no also liberated the towns of al-Hader and al-Heis. Following this latest Syrian victory, a Takfiri commander blamed it on the Russian Air Force and declared “The heavy aerial bombardment of Al Hader and the surrounding area gave us no choice but to retreat, but these are to-and-fro battles, where we win ground one day and the next day we lose it“. Maybe.

Still, it is way too early to celebrate. Following weeks of intense fighting and only tactical victories, the Syrians have now achieved their first operational breakthrough, but they will need several more before they can contemplate a strategic offensive against Daesh.

This is something which the USA and, even more so, Turkey and Qatar are going to try to prevent with everything they have got. Here again, it is important to repeat, that the very small Russian force in Syria does not have the means to, for example, prevent Turkey from moving its forces into Syria.

At this point in time, I would judge Turkey and Qatar as even more dangerous than the USA. Why? Because they both put way too much prestige and, especially, money into ousting Assad and building a pipeline across Syria to link their two countries and they know that as long as Assad or any other secular regime remains in power in Damascus they can forget about it. In fact, if the Russian-Iranian-Syrian-Iraqi-Hezbollah alliance is successful in flushing out Daesh from Syria, were will all the Takfiri freaks go? The risk here is not only for Turkey, but even for the Saudis!

In contrast, Obama will soon be gone anyway and its not like the USA has a real national strategic interest in Syria (unless you assume that pleasing AIPAC is such a vital goal). Yes, it would be humiliating for the “indispensable nation” to miserably fail only to have a “local power” like Russia brilliantly succeed, but this humiliation can always be blamed on the outgoing Administration and used to get more votes.

As for the US “deep state”, it knows that it can work with Assad only because it used to work with him very nicely before it decided to dump him (Assad even tortured “rendered” suspects on behalf of the CIA!).So keeping Assad in power might be humiliating but not much more than all the other humiliation the AngloZionst Empire already had to suffer at the hands of Putin.

Speaking of Putin, he made an important statement this week: while initially Russian officials had declared that the Russian military operations would last approximately 3 months, Putin has now declared that “the duration of stay of our military will be determined solely depending on the time this objective is achieved”. This could indicate a far longer Russian involvement.

I might be mistaken, in fact, I hope that I am, but I don’t see how Daesh could be defeated without an increase of the size of the Russian military force in Syria and, especially, an increase in the number of Iranians supporting the Syrians on the ground. Nobody will be happier than me if I am proven wrong, believe me.

Final event this week: it appears that the Russians are further digging in and that they have now deployed S-400 missile system on their base in Khmeimim. Depending on how you look at it, this either doubles the air defense capabilities of the Russian naval task force off the Syrian coast, or frees the guided missile cruiser Moskva for other tasks.

Curiously, Russian officials have denied that S-400s are deployed in Syria. Either way, this is good news as the the deeper the Russian dig in into their positions, the harder it will be to threaten them. All in all, a very good week for the resistance to Empire and there is real possibility that the next couple of weeks will see even bigger progress.

http://russia-insider.com/en/military/week-six-russian-intervention-first-major-success-syria-army/ri11190?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Comrade

11-19-2015, 12:03 AM

Syria news:

Russia's Lavrov: U.S. Is Not Seriously Fighting Against The Islamic State (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/russias-lavrov-us-is-not-seriously-fighting-against-the-islamic-state.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Russia dramatically increases her anti-Daesh operations (http://thesaker.is/russia-dramatically-increases-her-anti-daesh-operations/), by The Saker. (Russia has now hit the Western-backed terrorists with its long range bombers and another volley of cruise missiles were fired from the Russian navy, this time from the Mediterranean Sea. – Comrade)

The Physicians For Human Rights "Report" on "Aleppo" Is A Scam (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/the-physicians-for-human-rights-report-on-aleppo-is-a-scam.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Another Neocon propaganda group to watch out for, posing as “human rights experts.” – Comrade)

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Soldiers Take Captive Commander of Jeish Al-Fatah in Aleppo (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940825000955) (Fars News Agency)

Syrian Forces Win Back Two More Villages in Lattakia with Russian Aerial Back Up (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940825001023) (Fars News Agency) (Monday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Syrian forces liberate strategic village in Homs Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/17/438039/Syria-Homs-alHadath-village-Damascus-Daesh-) (PressTV) (Tuesday’s Syrian military report. – Comrade)

Syrian, Hezbollah Forces Determined to Lift Militants' Siege on Fou’aa, Kafraya in Idlib (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940826000691) (Fars News Agency)

Russian warplanes disrupt ISIS oil sales channels; destroy 500 terrorist oil trucks in Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/322614-russian-warplanes-isis-oil-trucks/) (RT) (Wednesday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syrian forces recapture several towns, villages near Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/18/438164/Syria-Aleppo-Daesh-Hadir-alAys) (PressTV) (Wednesday’s Syrian military report. More Wednesday news follows. – Comrade)

EXCLUSIVE: Strategic Al-Rashwan Heights in Lattakia Now under Syrian Army's Control (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940827000786) (Fars News)

Militants Admit Large Casualties in Dara'a Clashes with Syrian Army (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940827001393) (Fars News)

Video showing Russia’s long range bombers hitting Washington’s puppets in Syria:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_ItAPHJSUU

blindpig

11-19-2015, 09:39 AM

The bomb in the cabin

http://www.mk.ru/upload/entities/2015/11/18/articles/detailPicture/ea/90/7a/494829362_2140194.jpg

colonelcassad
November 18, 23:52

The bomb explosion which led to the destruction of the A321 on the Sinai Peninsula, was founded under the passenger seat in the cabin liner.

This narrows the list of suspects who could smuggle a bomb on board
According to the newspaper "Kommersant", the experts of the FSB found a hole in the skin of the fuselage, which could be formed as a result of an explosive like TNT or plastic explosives. Find out what kind of substance was laid down in the bomb, it has not yet succeeded. The device is extremely difficult to set the bomb, because it is necessary to examine a vast territory. The answer to this question can only was involved in the terrorist attack.
A source said that the epicenter of the explosion was not in the luggage compartment, as previously thought, and in the interior of the liner, closer to the tail. It is assumed that the bomb was located under the passenger seat next to the window. As a result, its response was a sharp pressure drop, which people on board probably died instantly.
By the experts, the bomb aboard the plane would bring someone from the personnel staff Sharm el-Sheikh. For example, interior cleaners or workers delivered food and luggage. The bomb apparently was clockwork, although in the case of flight delay timer can work in an airplane without passengers still on the tarmac.

Http://www.rbc.ru/society/18/11/2015/564 bc7259a7947a77540619d? Google_editors_pic = true ks - zinc

PS. Their involvement in terrorist acts did not pull too much, and put pictures of the explosive device, which they claimed was destroyed by an Airbus A321 over the Sinai. They the bomb was disguised as a bank "Schweppes" and contained in plastids, and she got on board through a hole in airport security in Sharm Al-Sheikh. In principle, it looks quite plausible, given the fact that the schools with the system security of the Egyptian airports have begun to emerge even before it was officially recognized that there was a terrorist attack. It is worth noting that militants associated with the Caliphate also visited the crash site and even picked up there for a few passports of the victims as well as boasted on the published photos. Obviously during these voyages to the crash site, and recently there have been clashes with the Egyptian army in the area of the death of the ship, where the militants have lost more men killed.

http://gordonua.com/img/forall/users/132/13270/dabiq1.jpg

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2480054.html

Google Translator

blindpig

11-20-2015, 09:46 AM

U.S. SAYS NO COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA UNLESS ASSAD IS REMOVED

http://southfront.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/pentagon.jpg
Steve WARREN

Originally appeared at Washingtonsblog

On Wednesday November 18th, a Defense Department spokesman at a Pentagon press briefing was repeatedly asked by reporters whether there is any possibility of the U.S. working with Russia to defeat jihadists in Syria. And the answer was clearly no, each time:

Q: Is the U.S. military leadership there — either there or here in the Pentagon, as far as you know — prepared to fly side-by-side with the Russians.

COL. Steve WARREN: … We right now have no plans to conduct coordinated operations with the Russians.

Q: Actually working together in combat flight operations, side-by-side with the Russians at this point?

COL. WARREN: Yeah, we’re — right now, we have no plans to do that. … We’re not coordinating with the Russians, we’re not conducting operations with the Russians, nor are we planning to do any of those things.

Colonel Warren went further, to denigrate Russia’s military capabilities:

As you noted, you know, the Russians are using dumb bombs. Their history has been both reckless and irresponsible. You know, I know there was some discussion that the Russians had a large air armada flying into Raqqa to conduct these operations. And it was notable to us that, you know, those are antiquated tactics. We don’t even use those type of tactics anymore. The idea of putting, you know, ten ships in the air at one time, or 12 or even more, are very old fashioned. And those are the type of tactics needed only if you don’t possess the technology, the skills and the capabilities to conduct the type of precision strikes that our coalition conducts.

During another Pentagon press briefing, the day before, spokesman Peter Cook had similarly been asked, “The U.S. and Russia have a common enemy in Syria in the form of ISIL, so why is it so difficult for — to find an area where there’s a common goal and to work together?” Mr. Cook said: “Up to this point the Russian actions have been largely in support of the Assad regime which we believe is counterproductive to the end result of trying to end the Syrian civil war. It has been like pouring gasoline on the fire, in the words of Secretary Carter.”

When asked whether there are “any additional thoughts toward cooperating more with Russia?” he replied: “We are not cooperating with Russia, as you know. … and there’s been no additional talk of further cooperation or — or coordination with the Russians. … Their policies of supporting the Assad regime continue, in our view, to be counterproductive — ‘backwards’ is the word that the secretary has used. And so until they alter that policy, we don’t see much of an area for — for further cooperation.”

In other words: The United States demands Russia’s assurance that Assad will be removed from power, or else the U.S. will provide whatever assistance is necessary to bring to power in Syria whatever jihadists can do the job of removing him, because his non-sectarian and decidedly secular government is “pouring gasoline on the fire” there, and because it is “backwards,” not forward-looking, like a Syrian government controlled by U.S-approved jihadists would be.

Although all polls, even Western-sponsored ones, in Syria, show that Bashar al-Assad would easily win any free and fair election in Syria, the U.S. government demands his removal, before there can be any cooperation with Russia’s war against jihadists in Syria.

All of the groups that are fighting to remove Assad are Sunni groups, and not just Sunnis but very religious Sunnis; and, so, if they succeed in overthrowing him, then there will be a jihadist state in Syria, because all jihadists are Sunnis, and the Sunnis who are waging war against the secular Shiite Assad are all jihadist Sunnis — that’s what they are fighting for there: a Sunni Sharia law state. The non-religious government would be replaced by a Sunni Sharia law government. This is what the United States is actually demanding — and selling billions of dollars worth of weapons to the fundamentalist Sunni Saudi government in order to use not only in Syria but in Yemen to slaughter Shiites in those countries.

The efforts of French President Francois Hollande to bring together a France-U.S.-Russia coalition against the jihadists, cannot succeed unless either the U.S. drops its demand for Assad to be removed from power, or Russia drops its insistence upon killing not only the jihadist groups that the U.S. opposes, but the jihadist groups that the U.S. supports in Syria.

America’s insistence upon supporting “moderate” jihadists to replace the current Syrian government is unlikely to draw Russia’s support. And Russia’s insistence that only a free and fair internationally overseen election among the Syrian citizenry should decide whether he remains in power, is equally unlikely to draw America’s support (since it would produce a continuation of Assad’s government there).

France’s military effort in Syria will therefore ultimately be on either the U.S. side or the Russian side; it’s highly unlikely to be able to be on the side of both.

France will therefore become compelled to choose between being allied with the United States, as it is and has been, or else being allied with Russia, which would constitute a major break away from the current alignment of world powers.

In other words: Is France, just as its ally the U.S. is, more concerned to remove Assad from power, than it is to kill all of the jihadists — and all of them are Sunnis — regardless of whether a particular jihadist group happens to enjoy the support of the U.S.? That is the question, which only Francois Hollande will answer.

http://southfront.org/u-s-says-no-cooperation-with-russia-unless-assad-is-removed/

Comrade

11-21-2015, 01:52 AM

Syria news:

Bashar Al-Assad Interview: “Al Qaeda was Created by the Americans With the Help of Saudi Wahhabi Money”. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar Support ISIS (http://www.globalresearch.ca/bashar-al-assad-interview-al-qaeda-was-created-by-the-americans-with-the-help-of-saudi-wahhabi-money-turkey-saudi-arabia-qatar-support-isis/5490372) (TV Channel RAI UNO)

ISIS bought anti-aircraft missiles in Ukraine via Kuwait cell (https://www.rt.com/news/322788-isis-kuwait-ukraine-weapons/) (RT)

In the Fight Against ISIS, Russia Ain’t Taking No Prisoners (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/11/20/in-the-fight-against-isis-russia-aint-taking-no-prisoners/), by Pepe Escobar.

PBS NewsHour Uses Russian Airstrike Footage While Claiming U.S. Airstrike Successes (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/pbs-uses-russian-airstrike-videos-to-claim-us-airstrike-successes.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Another reason NOT to watch laughable “PBS.” PBS should stick with Big Bird and leave it at that. – Comrade)

Week Seven of the Russian Intervention in Syria: dramatic surge in intensity (http://thesaker.is/week-seven-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-dramatic-surge-in-intensity/), by The Saker.

Russian strategic bombers hit ISIS positions with cruise missiles, smart bombs (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/322705-russian-strategic-bombing-isis/) (RT) (Thursday’s airstrike report, with good videos. – Comrade)

3 ISIS field commanders in Aleppo province killed in Russian airstrikes – General Staff (https://www.rt.com/news/322728-aleppo-commanders-killed-airstrikes/) (RT)

ISIL's Top Commanders Evacuating Syria's Raqqa, ISIL Changing Capital (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940828000843) (Fars News) (Russia’s airstrikes are having a powerful effect that Obama’s alleged strikes never had in over a year. – Comrade)

Syrian Forces Win Back More Villages in Aleppo (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940828000466) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Enter Strategic Town in Homs (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940828000218) (Fars News)

Russian cruise missiles hit ISIS from Mediterranean & Caspian; 600 killed in one strike (https://www.rt.com/news/322881-russia-cruise-missiles-isis/) (RT) (Friday’s airstrike report, with good videos. – Comrade)

Long Convoy of ISIL Vehicles Destroyed Badly in Army Attack in Syria's Homs (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940829000698) (Fars News)

Over 30 Militants Killed in Syrian Army Operation in Idlib's Saraqib (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940829000279) (Fars News)

A video that the Neocons don’t want you to see, thousands of Syrians rallying in support of their government and Russian military intervention:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1_z0XUo4Uw

Comrade

11-22-2015, 10:13 PM

Syria news:

Mysterious Middleman: Who is Buying ISIL's Crude and Dropping Oil Prices? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151121/1030496009/mysterious-middleman-buys-isil-oil-drops-oil-prices.html) (Sputnik News)

Is This Real Life? Saudi Arabia Executes 'Wizards', But Condemns 'Syrian Human Rights Violations' (http://russia-insider.com/en/real-life-saudis-sponsor-un-resolution-condemning-syrian-human-rights-violations/ri11362), by Riley Waggaman.

New U.S.-Turkish Bluster For Open War On Syria (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/new-us-turkish-bluster-for-open-war-on-syria.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Al-Nusra Front Thanks US-Backed FSA for Supplying Anti-Tank Missiles (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940901001167) (Fars News)

Syria: Army's Special Forces Kill Al-Nusra Front Leader, Tens of Terrorists in Idlib (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940830000510) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, Allies Win Another Strategic Village in Aleppo Province (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940830000359) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, Popular Forces Advance to Turkish Borders (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940901000371) (Fars News)

Syrian, Hezbollah Fighters Destroy Terrorists' Anti-Aircraft Weapons in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940901000535) (Fars News)

Nusra Militants Suffer Heavy Casualties in Syrian Army Attack in Dara'a City (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940901001180) (Fars News)

Iraq news:

Iraqi forces kill 94 Daesh militants in military operations (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/19/438283/Iraq-Daesh-Salahuddin-Anbar-) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Over 200 Saudi, Pro-Hadi Forces Killed in Failed Attacks on Bab al-Mandeb (http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940826001501) (Fars News)

Tens of Saudi-led forces killed in central Yemen: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/20/438433/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Marin-Asir-region-) (PressTV)

Yemeni Forces Take Control of Saudi Strategic Military Base in Najran Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940901000698) (Fars News)

Eritrea news:

Refugees as Weapons in a Propaganda War (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/21/refugees-as-weapons-in-a-propaganda-war/), by Eric Draitser.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

CyberBerkut links Ukraine to ISIS (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/cyberberkut-links-ukraine-to-isis.html) (ren.tv)

Basurin: UAF evicting civilians, occupying homes (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/basurin-uaf-evicting-civilians.html), by Oleg Krivorotov.

Dolgov: We already live better in the DPR than in Ukraine (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/dolgov-we-already-live-better-in-dpr.html) (PolitNavigator)

Canada, US, Ukraine vote against UN resolution condemning glorification of Nazism (http://tass.ru/en/world/837935) (ITAR-TASS)

CNN's Amanpour & the Russian 'Opposition' Mafia Exposed (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/cnns-amanpour-russian-opposition-mafia_19.html), by Inessa Sinchougova.

14 militants from ISIS-linked gang killed in anti-terror op in Russia’s North Caucasus (https://www.rt.com/news/323025-militants-killed-isis-gang/) (RT)

Russia ceases coal deliveries to Ukraine in response to Crimea blackout (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/russia-ceases-coal-deliveries-to.html) (RusVesna)

Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit wants to move to Crimea with his Russian wife and perform in Donetsk and Lugansk (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/fred-durst-from-limp-bizkit-wants-to.html) (Rossijskaya Gazeta)

Myanmar news:

Myanmar’s New Dictator: Aung San Suu Kyi (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/21/myanmars-new-dictator-aung-san-suu-kyi/), by Tony Cartalucci.

US news:

Bloody Business: [US] Arms Manufacturers’ Stock Prices Soar After Paris Attacks (http://sputniknews.com/military/20151117/1030227591/war-profiteers-benifit.html) (Sputnik News)

Don’t agree with Legatum? You must be a ‘KGB’ agent! (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/322968-legatum-kgb-russia-applebaum/) (RT)

American Mercenaries: Who are they? (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/16/american-mercenaries-who-are-they/), by Vladimir Platov.

Good video of Russia’s Caspian Sea fleet launching cruise missiles at John McCain’s al-Queda buddies in Syria:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPu_RL7Ncao

blindpig

11-24-2015, 08:03 AM

The Two Versions Of The Latakia Plane Incident

Turkey says two of its F-16 fighters shot down a jet that had crossed into Turkey and then crashed in Syria:

Two Turkish F-16's shot down a Russian-made SU-24 jet on Nov. 24 near the Syrian border after it violated Turkish airspace, presidential sources said.
Turkey shot down the jet after it failed to heed the warnings within the rules of engagement.

Initial reports said the jet belonged to Russia, but presidential sources later clarified that the jet's nationality was unknown.

The Turkish Armed Force also stated that the jet of “unknown nationality” had been warned 10 times in five minutes about its violation of the border.

Meanwhile, a Turkish official told Reuters that two warplanes approached Turkish border and were warned before one of them was shot down.

The jet was Russian SU-24. One pilot was killed and the body is in the hands of "rebels". At the of a video the "rebels" made of the dead pilot they call themselves "mujahideen". One picture shows the body with two bullet holes in the chests suggesting that he was executed. A second pilot was probably wounded but was said to have landed somewhere in Syrian army covered territory. The search for him is ongoing.

Russia's official version of the incident is remarkably different from Turkey's:

Today an aircraft from the Russian air group in the Syrian Arab Republic crashed on the territory of Syria supposedly shot down from the ground.
The aircraft was flying at the altitude of 6 000 metres. The status of the Russian pilots is being defined.

According to the preliminary data, the pilots managed to eject from the warplane.

The circumstances of the crash are being defined.

During all the flight time, the aircraft was flying only within the borders of the Syrian territory. That was registered by objective monitoring data.

The Russian version leaves it open who shot the plane down. Is that meant to deescalate?

Turkey claims that the red line here shows the flightpath of the Russian plane.

http://www.moonofalabama.org/images4/flightpath-s.jpg

If that is correct than the (alleged) violation of Turkey's airspace was for just some 5 seconds and would in no way justify to shot down the plane. Just Friday Turkey "warned" Russia over attacks on "Turkmen" in Syria. This then was not legitimate air-defense but an ambush. Most NATO country will shake their heads over the irresponsible Turkish behavior and will not get further involved such lunacy.

So there will likely be no war over this but a lot of strong statements will be issued. NATO councils and the UN Security Council may meet. But the propaganda preparation for war is targeted at the Islamic State and Syria, not at Russia.

In a separate incident two Russian journalists covering the Syrian army were wounded by a projectile from the "rebels".

The Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov canceled his visit to Turkey which was planned for tomorrow. After having lost many "western" tourists Turkey will now also lose the last Russian guests. There are many hotels in Antalya that will have to close down. Turkey's energy supplies depend on Russian (and Iranian) gas. The shooting down of the plane may lead to "technical problems" with those supplies. The PKK fighting the state in Turkey's east may soon have a new sponsor and modern weapon supplies.

The area where the plane came down is in Latakia, some 3.5 kilometers from the Turkish border. It is in the hand of what Turkey calls "Turkmen" which may mean imported Uighur and Uzbek Islamist fighters - mujahideen like they call themselves in the video. They are now already under sharply increased artillery fire. They may soon have to endure some very violent direct attacks by Russian special forces. Future Russian air-to-ground attacks in the area will be flown with "top cover" from additional fighter jets ready to engage the Turks with the very best Russian weapons as soon as they make the tiniest mistake.

In short. This Turkish escalation step will be answered.

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/the-two-versions-of-the-latakia-plane-incident.html

blindpig

11-24-2015, 10:24 AM

Turkmen forces in Syria shot dead pilots of downed Russian jet: deputy commander

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/dailystar/Pictures/2015/11/24/472318_img650x420_img650x420_crop.jpg

Reuters
YAMADI, Syria: Turkmen forces in Syria shot dead the two pilots of a Russian jet downed by Turkish warplanes near the border with Turkey on Tuesday as they descended with parachutes, a deputy commander of a Turkmen brigade told reporters.

"Both of the pilots were retrieved dead. Our comrades opened fire into the air and they died in the air," Alpaslan Celik, a deputy commander in a Syrian Turkmen brigade said near the Syrian village of Yamadi as he held what he said was a piece of a pilot's parachute.

http://youtu.be/iickdQzytu4

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Nov-24/324397-turkmen-official-in-syria-says-his-forces-shot-dead-both-russian-pilots-as-they-descended-with.ashx#.VlRz_r3l9QU.twitter

Seeing as a retaliation strike against Turkish territory is very problematical these clowns are really ax'in for it.

blindpig

11-24-2015, 02:16 PM

The statements of the General Staff of the Su-24 and Mi-8

colonelcassad
November 24, 21:41

http://cdn.tvc.ru/pictures/o/190/050.jpg

The General Staff issued an official interpretation on the theme of http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/248 8886.html and now this http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/248 9443.html.

Statement by the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Sergey State Rūda on the incident with the plane Su-24 in Turkey

today at 10:24 MSK in the performance of combat flight over the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic fighter the Turkish Air Force F-16s was shot down by the Su-24M Russian videoconferencing. Presumably, the defeat was inflicted short-range missiles with thermal homing head. Any attempt on the part of the Turkish aircraft to contact or establish visual contact with our crew by means of objective control is not fixed. Rocket hit the plane Su-24M took place over the territory of Syria. Place the crash is on the Syrian territory in four kilometers from the border. The crew of the aircraft ejected. According to preliminary data, a pilot was killed in the air from the fire from the ground. As accurate data of objective control, our plane border crossing with Turkey. This is confirmed by Syrian air defenses.
Moreover, according to radar reconnaissance airfield Hmeymim, marked by violation of the airspace of Syria attacking aircraft Turkish Air Force.
This fact is regarded as a flagrant violation of international law with the most severe consequences and a direct violation of the Memorandum on the prevention of incidents and ensure flight safety in the Syrian Arab Republic concluded with the United States and applies to all coalition countries, including Turkey. Apparently, therefore, Turkey began urgent consultations with NATO, rather than engage in urgent contact with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.
Turkish military attaché in the Russian Federation declared a strong protest actions of the Turkish Air Force, which led to the loss of our aircraft.
It should be noted that from the very beginning of the operation established a direct telephone line between the National Control Center of Defence and the Ministry of Defence of Turkey, but the practical use due to the fault of the Turkish side it brought. For the purpose of evacuation of Russian pilots from the landing site was carried out search and rescue operation involving two helicopters Mi-8. During the operation, one of the helicopters as a result of small-arms fire was damaged and made a forced landing in a neutral territory. One Marine was killed on contract. Conducted operations personnel search and rescue team and a helicopter crew have been evacuated and are now at an air base Hmeymim. On the territory controlled by armed gangs, mortar fire helicopter was destroyed.
The operation to search and rescue crew downed Russian bomber goes on.
I want to emphasize that in the area of operation of the Russian aircraft carried out the operation of the Syrian government forces for the destruction of gangs, which, according to our data, there are more than 1000 militants - people from the North Caucasus. Consider that none of our partners and the countries involved in fighting against the LIH, I never said that in this area there are so-called division of the moderate opposition and that they do not recommend to strike the area. On the contrary, these areas are known as the territory controlled by the most radical militant groups. General Staff are currently being worked out additional measures to ensure the security of the Russian air base.
First, all actions of strike aircraft will be carried out only under cover of fighter aircraft.
Second, measures will be taken to strengthen the defense. To this end, the cruiser "Moskva", equipped with air defense system "Fort", similar to the S-300 will take part in the coastal region of Latakia. You are cautioned that any targets, representing a potential danger for us, will be destroyed.
Third: Contacts with Turkey on military lines will be discontinued.

http://youtu.be/KGlJFoIBKQw
Video application. Https://russian.rt.com/article/132406 - Zinc

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2489735.html

Google Translator

To my mind a forceful response is very necessary and these so-called Turkmen militias who have murdered Russian pilots while in parachute would be fine targets as Turkish territory is problematical.

The Russian response is going to be revealing, if it is namby-pamby then the thesis that the Russian ruling class are the willing punks of the West is correct and Russian behavior in Ukraine is all of a piece.

If the response is forceful then Russia will defend it's interests but will sacrifice much in order to nip any militant opposition to oligachy/capitalism in the bud.

Dhalgren

11-24-2015, 03:25 PM

Seeing as a retaliation strike against Turkish territory is very problematical these clowns are really ax'in for it.

They will surely "get it", if the Rooskies take the gloves off - at this moment it is a real "if". I was watching the US dumbed-down propaganda news this morning and they had Petraeus, the adulterer and murder on giving his "expert" analysis. He called Putin a "strong man dictator,like Assad". He said that Putin supported Assad because "if strong-man dictators are brought down, he might be the next one." This is a verbatim quotation. Now, Petraeus must know that Putin is no dictator, 'strong-man' or no. He also knows the reasons why Russia supports Syria. He also must know that Iran, is in strong support of Syria, and he must know why. So, he is not only an adulterer and murderer, he is also a liar and he is lying for money, period.

Comrade

11-25-2015, 12:27 AM

While I’m not a big believer in “World War III” scenarios, as I’ve mentioned in the past, the world is clearly about the closest it has ever been to a third world war after NATO’s criminal aggression today. And let’s be very clear about that, this was NATO aggression. Erdogan would not have shot down a Russian bomber in Syrian airspace without Obama’s approval. However, I am not expecting Russia to respond by directly striking Erdogan’s regime. But one can safely bet that the PKK will be the real winners after today, as they will now have a new, major covert arms supplier. – Comrade

Syria news:

Putin: Downing of Russian jet over Syria stab in the back by terrorist accomplices (https://www.rt.com/news/323262-putin-downing-plane-syria/) (RT)

Russia deploys missile cruiser off Syria coast, ordered to destroy any target posing danger (https://www.rt.com/news/323329-russia-suspend-military-turkey/) (RT)

Russian Warplane Down: NATO’s Act of War (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/24/russian-warplane-down-natos-act-of-war/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Turkey’s actions show desperation and despair of regime change camp (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/323353-regime-change-camp-desperation/), by Dan Glazebrook.

Turkey’s attack on Russian warplanes proves Turkey is backing terrorists — Syrian military (http://tass.ru/en/world/838974) (ITAR-TASS)

Tracking ISIS to DC’s Doorsteps (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/23/tracking-isis-to-dcs-doorsteps/), by Ulson Gunnar.

Russia bans sale of tours to Turkey (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/russia-bans-sale-of-tours-to-turkey.html) (Lenta.ru)

Turkish intelligence chief: ISIS is a reality and we must stop Putin from crushing the Islamic revolution (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/turkish-intelligence-chief-isis-is.html) (AWD News) (NATO’s Turkish MIT head is a blatant IS-supporter. – Comrade)

More than 500 jihadists cared for at the Ziv Medical Centre (http://www.voltairenet.org/article189411.html) (Voltaire Network)

Russian airstrikes destroy 472 terrorist targets in Syria in 48 hours, 1,000 oil tankers in 5 days (https://www.rt.com/news/323065-syria-airstrikes-terrorists-russia/) (RT) (Monday’s airstrike report. – Comrade)

Syrian army forces inflict heavy losses on Takfiri militants (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/23/438820/Syria-alNusra-Front-Daesh-Aleppo-Homs-Palmyra) (PressTV)

Syrian Forces Take Full Control over Maheen Town in Homs Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940902000686) (Fars News)

Syria: Army Wins Another Chunk of Aleppo-Lattakia Highway (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940902000919) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Kills over 100 Terrorists Southern Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940903001099) (Fars News)

ISIL Trapped in Palmyra as Syrian Army Prepares for Final Attack on Ancient City (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940903001197) (Fars News)

Great interview with Pepe Escobar on today’s events:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvW0CvFYueA

blindpig

11-25-2015, 08:17 AM

The plot thickens.....

Seek and destroy

colonelcassad
November 25, 15:25

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1749166/1749166_original.jpg

Interesting stuff on the theme of character that led those who posed on the background of the deceased pilot. He turned out to have a very specific name and that the main thing - Biography.

Search and Destroy

I shall open a few details about the monkeys, who shot our pilot parachute. Here they are posing journalists Reuters c details parachute in hand

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1746823/1746823_original.jpg

Media call them Syrian Turkmens, but it is not so. At the center of the photo is their leader. He gave Reuters a video interview in which he said that together with his men shot parachutes coming down with the pilots.

http://youtu.be/0xbxdAbUfNg

ere it must be said that the shooting of parachutists, fleeing from the downed aircraft directly denied the Geneva Conventions. Of course, "Turkmen" not signed the convention, but then and now like how to iron phosphorus and cluster bombs, but it is so, by the way. And we are back to our best, "a Turkmen", here it is, in a circle.

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1747142/1747142_original.png

But in fact he is not the Turkmens, and the real Turks, born in the town in the province of Elazig Keban. Alpaslan - the son of the former mayor of this town, and the city is located here. Turkmenistan there and does not smell.

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1747353/1747353_original.png

Right now you have an idea, "NTV where proof ?!". And here they are! Several Turkish Resources wrote a year ago about how the son of the former mayor went to Iraq to protect Turkmens. Name changed, but the face of more than recognizable. I immediately give pruflink English Google translator, but anyone can easily go to the Turkish original. (Link)

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1747528/1747528_original.png

Another article about the same war patrol on Iraq, but the new pictures. (Link)

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1748205/1748205_original.png

Compare - one and the same person, it was he. Neither one of Turkmens, namely Turks, howling in Syria. On the screen above the face seen larger.

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1748381/1748381_original.jpg

Finally, the leader of the militants found twitter, here it is.

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1748910/1748910_original.png

You are not confused picture above where Alpaslan stands together with a crowd of armed men on a blue flag? Here is ..

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1749694/1749694_original.png

And what a gesture they show? This is no ordinary thumbs up as the Islamists. And here's the same gesture in this photo from Twitter Alpaslana.

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/ntv/14201556/1749340/1749340_original.png

Here it must be said that the shooting of parachutists, fleeing from the downed aircraft directly denied the Geneva Conventions. Of course, "Turkmen" not signed the convention, but then and now like how to iron phosphorus and cluster bombs, but it is so, by the way. And we are back to our best, "a Turkmen", here it is, in a circle. It has a specific name - Alpaslan Celik (Alpaslan Celik). But in fact he is not the Turkmens, and the real Turks, born in the town in the province of Elazig Keban. Alpaslan - the son of the former mayor of this town, and the city is located here. Turkmenistan there and does not smell. Right now you have an idea, "NTV where proof ?!". And here they are! Several Turkish Resources wrote a year ago about how the son of the former mayor went to Iraq to protect Turkmens. Name changed, but the face of more than recognizable. I immediately give pruflink English Google translator, but anyone can easily go to the Turkish original. (Link) Another article about the same war patrol on Iraq, but the new pictures. (Link) Compare - one and the same person, it was he. Neither one of Turkmens, namely Turks, howling in Syria. On the screen above the face seen larger. Finally, the leader of the militants found twitter, here it is. Well, now the most important thing in this story. You are not confused picture above where Alpaslan stands together with a crowd of armed men on a blue flag? Here is .. And what a gesture they show? This is no ordinary thumbs up as the Islamists. And here's the same gesture in this photo from Twitter Alpaslana. This flag and the gesture symbols .. Turkish youth organization Bozkurt ("Grey Wolves") - right-wing Turkish nationalists! Vicky "is the most radical wing of the MHP, adheres to the ideology of Pan-Turkism and neo-fascism . Actively involved in the political violence of the 1970s, it acted within the framework of international anti-communist system Gladio. Militants organization accused of several murders and terrorist attacks, including the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. Since the 1990s, switched to the fight against Kurdish separatist movement and ethnic and religious minorities.. "But the same gesture" Grey Wolves ". No" Syrian Turkmens "in the attack on our pilots did not participate. Our drivers Parachute with a black bomber shot down Turkish ultra-neo-fascists, Turkish citizens, howling in Syria. Spread the post, do not forget to put #RemoveKebab http://ntv.livejournal.com/426110.html - Zinc

It is worth noting that only one of the dead pilots, the second saved http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/249 0479.html.

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2491068.html

Google Translator

blindpig

11-25-2015, 12:24 PM

Published on Nov 25, 2015
No warnings from Turkish jets before attack, missile hit unexpectedly in the tail of the bomber, says Russian Su-24 rescued pilot, who gave first interview at Hmeimim airbase in Latakia

http://youtu.be/HBmL_5V9TSE

I do not want to hear about no 'cunning plan', there should be a forceful response. There's gonna be more shit coming Russia's way in any case. Ya gotta wonder if these provocations would have even been considered if Putin had stood up in Donbas.

The primacy of class....

Dhalgren

11-25-2015, 03:57 PM

I do not want to hear about no 'cunning plan', there should be a forceful response. There's gonna be more shit coming Russia's way in any case. Ya gotta wonder if these provocations would have even been considered if Putin had stood up in Donbas.

The primacy of class....

As always, it comes down to class. I tend to agree with Comrade, that Erdogan would probably not act without approval from his masters. But, then again, he is more in Russia's orbit vis a vis fuel, economics and proximity.

The real question is, what does Putin do now. If he does not strike back, he is admitting that he cannot stand against NATO (which he probably can't) and that the US Empire is free to do whatever. The Imperial news services paint Putin as a dictator and Russia as practically a failed state. If Turkey - Turkey! - can shoot down Russian airplanes with impunity, how is Putin justified in attacking the Caliphate for doing the same thing? IS should simply pay Turkey to shoot down Russian planes, since Turkey can do so without repercussions.

Putin may be viewing this whole business through the eyes of Khrushchev. Americans be crazy! If that is the case, he would do better to annex the Donbas and hunker down. Maybe offer to give Turkey free gas and oil. The US uses brinkmanship like they own it. Even with Field Marshal Obama in the White House. Give the imperial bourgeois bastards an inch and they take a mile - does no one read history anymore?

blindpig

11-25-2015, 04:26 PM

As always, it comes down to class. I tend to agree with Comrade, that Erdogan would probably not act without approval from his masters. But, then again, he is more in Russia's orbit vis a vis fuel, economics and proximity.

The real question is, what does Putin do now. If he does not strike back, he is admitting that he cannot stand against NATO (which he probably can't) and that the US Empire is free to do whatever. The Imperial news services paint Putin as a dictator and Russia as practically a failed state. If Turkey - Turkey! - can shoot down Russian airplanes with impunity, how is Putin justified in attacking the Caliphate for doing the same thing? IS should simply pay Turkey to shoot down Russian planes, since Turkey can do so without repercussions.

Putin may be viewing this whole business through the eyes of Khrushchev. Americans be crazy! If that is the case, he would do better to annex the Donbas and hunker down. Maybe offer to give Turkey free gas and oil. The US uses brinkmanship like they own it. Even with Field Marshal Obama in the White House. Give the imperial bourgeois bastards an inch and they take a mile - does no one read history anymore?

Here ya go....

VKS RF KILLED THE MILITANTS IN THE AREA WHERE IT WAS SHOT DOWN BY SU-24. ERDOGAN ORDERED TO LAND ALL THE AIRCRAFT

There have been reports of Syrian sources that last night (24.11) of the Russian space forces inflicted massive strikes on the positions of militants (including Turkomans) in the region where he was brought down Russian su-24.

http://mtdata.ru/u24/photoA5CA/20994711606-0/original.jpg#20994711606

VKS RF killed the militants in the area where it was shot down by su-24. Erdogan ordered to land all the aircraft
The source said that most likely from the militants who shot down a Russian Mi-8 there's nothing left.

While no detailed information was received.

Meanwhile, the information appeared that the Turks don't raise their fighters into the air after most of them were burned by the Russian radars (s-300 and, according to earlier reports, possibly s-400). After the statement of the Ministry of defense of Russia Turkey fears that their planes can be destroyed when approaching the border.

In this regard, the Syrians announced that the Russian space forces will launch a full-scale extermination camps in the border area and destroy the retreating militants, the trucks that are moving toward Turkey.

Erdogan did not receive the desired support from NATO. Erdogan acknowledged that the Russian plane had violated the border of Turkey, we did it by just 17 seconds, which means that Turkish military aircraft physically could on it to react, if the provocation was prepared in advance. This figure is 17 seconds appears in the records of the NATO.

NATO members ambiguously reacted to Erdogan's move. At the moment it is difficult to judge how the situation will develop further. While it is obvious that Erdogan is trying to back up, but already late, what gave to understand Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Jordan's king.

Apparently Turkey didn't expect such a harsh reaction from Russia.

https://z5h64q92x9.net/proxy_f/ru-en.en/smi2.mirtesen.ru/blog/43024151090/VKS-RF-unichtozhili-boevikov,-v-rayone-gde-byil-sbit-Su-24.-Erdo

I think Russia could take on NATO, defensively, it would be the same old story. NATO might could swing it with full mobilization which would take a couple years & would probably result in our lovely planet being slagged.

Looks like Russia gonna underline this lesson a bit. And it's looking much more likely that internal class considerations are what drives Russian policy in Donbas and not full on capitulation of the oligarchs to their Western betters.

Dhalgren

11-25-2015, 06:17 PM

I agree with your take, but:

And it's looking much more likely that internal class considerations are what drives Russian policy in Donbas and not full on capitulation of the oligarchs to their Western betters.

I agree with this in part, but this looks like a twofer, to me. How do you separate these two motives with the resulting outcome?

Comrade

11-26-2015, 01:00 AM

Syria news:

Was The U.S. Involved In The Turkish Attack Against The Russian Jet? (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/the-context-of-yesterdays-turkish-attack-against-the-russian-jet.html) (Moon of Alabama) (More evidence of US involvement. – Comrade)

Sultan Erdogan's War on...Russia (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151125/1030730838/turkey-erdogan-war-russia.html), by Pepe Escobar.

Ankara defends ISIS, Turkish officials have financial interest in oil trade with group - PM Medvedev (https://www.rt.com/news/323373-ankara-defends-isis-medvedev/) (RT) (Even liberal Medvedev has come out hitting hard. – Comrade)

Russia to deploy S-400 defense missile system to Khmeimim airbase in Syria - defense minister (https://www.rt.com/news/323379-s400-russia-syria-airbase/) (RT) (Excellent, this is big news. Russia is basically setting up a “no NATO fly zone” in Syria. – Comrade)

Ankara's oil business with ISIS (https://www.rt.com/business/323391-isis-oil-business-turkey-russia/) (RT)

Turkey violated Syria sovereignty by attacking Su-24 in its airspace – Syrian FM (https://www.rt.com/news/323407-syria-slams-turkey-jet/) (RT)

‘Turkish jets gave us no warning before shooting’ – rescued pilot of downed Russian Su-24 (https://www.rt.com/news/323431-saved-pilot-turkish-su24/) (RT) (The surviving pilot has stated that their plane was ambushed without warning from behind while over Syrian territory. – Comrade)

Turkish embassy in Moscow pelted by stones as angry crowds protest Su-24 downing (PHOTOS, VIDEOS) (https://www.rt.com/news/323426-turkey-embassy-moscow-protests/) (RT)

Syrian Forces Complete Full Control over All Areas around Kuweires Airbase (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940904000223) (Fars News) (Meanwhile, the Syrian army is still gaining ground. – Comrade)

The video that I’d meant to share last night, showing a lot more footage of Russia’s long-range bombers hitting Washington’s terrorist-puppets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nsT6aWGq8Q

blindpig

11-26-2015, 07:45 AM

I agree with your take, but:

I agree with this in part, but this looks like a twofer, to me. How do you separate these two motives with the resulting outcome?

I think it indicative of the degree of Moscow's antipathy towards the anti-oligarchic notions brewing in Donbas that they should be willing to eat considerable humble pie if that's what it takes to make these damned 'socialists' go away. Gotta do it quietly, slowly, lest the real 'Russian Bear' be roused, and so we see the slow boil. We are lacking information , I'd sure like to know what Russia's communist parties are doing with this, the degree of which will show their worth.

blindpig

11-26-2015, 01:00 PM

Contradiction

November 26, 17:38

http://media.cagle.com/177/2015/11/25/172091_600.jpg

With Turkey the conflict is likely to be deepened.

1. Moscow officially demanded an apology, compensation and punishment of those responsible. Erdogan said he would not apologize, and they say we have done everything correctly and if necessary, will still beat down. These conflicting positions of course can not lead to a rapid resolution of the conflict. While the two sides are on principle. Ultimate possibilities of the parties overlap such straits or the activation of the Kurdish factor is that would not be used, because in this case the situation could very quickly get out of control.

2. Russia has conducted in addition to the bombing in the border areas overlap the beginning of the economic cranes - in addition to the ban on tourism and poultry, announced the imposition of sanctions is neopredlennye categories of Turkish foodstuffs. Complete embargo can hardly be expected, but for certain segments of the turnover is obviously a blow will be dealt.

3. Against this background, there was a long-awaited - American troops have crossed the border to Syria. So far, within a quantity of previously announced 50 people who should establish cooperation with the Syrian Kurds leading the offensive in northern Syria. From the point of view of international law is an intervention, as the US is on the territory of Syria, Damascus without permission, but such trifles have little interest.

4. The French aircraft, which is involved in the fighting in Syria in the near future to join the German - Germans sent bombers "Tornado" on the Syrian theater to communicate with the French. On the ground operation France has not decided, and many here will depend on what proposals Hollande will bring to Moscow.

The conflict continues to internationalize, has long ceased to be purely a matter of vnutrisiriyskim.

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2494189.html

Google Translator

blindpig

11-26-2015, 06:39 PM

On the "mysterious military units hunting after the downed Russian pilot on the ground"
Russian MoD mentioned in its briefing today that the subsequent artillery and carpet bombing of the area where the SU-24 was brought down destroyed not only Turkey-supported FSA terrorists, but also other "mysterious groups." According to unofficial info, these were two groups of USA special forces teams. Their quick deployment and their special equipment suggests that this had been planned carefully and that these special forces were ready on the ground to capture pilots for ugly hostage drama or another sort of "execution video."
https://www.facebook.com/vladimir.suchan/posts/10153235182233388

The intent conjectured in this post is just that, though certainly not impossible. If US forces did indeed get dusted it would not be an accident but a message: "Not playing." Again we see Russia more willing to flex it's muscle when there's not domestic class issues to complicate matters. (Yes, I consider Ukraine a 'domestic' problem for Russia)

Comrade

11-26-2015, 09:52 PM

Syria news:

Russian Pilot Rescued by Iran's General Soleimani (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940905000553) (Fars News) (Really amazing story in this one on how the Syrian special forces rescued the Russian pilot from behind enemy lines. The commandos might have also killed some Turkish military that were sent into Syria to capture the pilot. Clearly, this whole attack on the Su-24 was carefully planned in advance by NATO. – Comrade)

Dozens of US troops arrive in Syria to help Kurds: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/26/439282/Syria-US-troops-Daesh) (PressTV) (What a “coincidence” that they just happened to be deployed this week. – Comrade)

Syria: The Turkish Russian Apology Contest (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/syria-the-turkish-russian-apology-contest-.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Turkey risks provoking next world war – Iraq’s Vice President Maliki (https://www.rt.com/news/323594-turkey-risks-world-war/) (RT)

NATO Attack On Russian Air Forces: Reasons and Consequences (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/26/nato-attack-on-russian-air-forces-reasons-and-consequences/), by Christopher Black.

Syrian Army Prevailing over Entire Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940905000702) (Fars News)

Russian Jets in Syria Strike 449 Terrorist Targets in Three Days (http://sputniknews.com/military/20151126/1030817560/russi-syria-combat-report.html) (Sputnik News)

Russian Air Raids Hit Border Crossing in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940905000714) (Fars News) (Another message sent to Erdogan. – Comrade)

Turkish newspaper editor in court for 'espionage' after revealing weapon convoy to Syrian militants (https://www.rt.com/news/323557-turkey-arrests-editor-cumhuriyet/) (RT) (Another example of the West’s vaunted “press freedom”… – Comrade)

Russia deploys cutting-edge S-400 air defense system to Syrian base after Su-24 downing (https://www.rt.com/news/323596-s400-russia-syria-airbase-turkey/) (RT) (The S-400s have arrived! – Comrade)

Let's talk, Turkey: Downing of Russian SU-24 bomber just doesn't add up (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/323543-turkey-downing-russian-jet/) (RT)

A video showing the Russian air force hitting the Western-backed terrorists (and possibly other ‘mystery forces’) near the Su-24 crash site:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3cxVDm-4Nk

blindpig

11-27-2015, 11:12 AM

Why is the US Hanging Turkey Out to Dry? …. article by Andrew Korybko
1603 ViewsNovember 27, 2015

Why is the US Hanging Turkey Out to Dry? …. article by Andrew Korybko

These three additional links support Andrew’s thesis that the US is turning on Turkey:
US says Turkey downed Russian jet while Syrian airspace
Retired US airforce general says Turkey broke international law
The West wants Turkey out.

Why is the US Hanging Turkey Out to Dry?
By Andrew KORYBKO (USA)

http://thesaker.is/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Korybko-Picture-864x400_c.jpg

Turkey’s shooting down of the Russian anti-ISIL aircraft was an unprecedentedly direct aggression against Moscow that trumps even the tense and hostile militarism of the Old Cold War era. The world stands on edge in the immediate aftermath of this attack, with tabloid-esque commentators warning that the beginning of World War III awaits. President Putin, for his part, has been much more measured in responding to the incident, but still couldn’t contain his shock at having received this “stab in the back delivered by accomplices of the terrorists.”

The question now comes down to how Russia will respond to what happened, but perhaps even more important for observers to ponder is why the US is unofficially distancing itself from its ally’s aggression. Despite both NATO and Obama giving full backing to Turkey’s fateful decision, Reuters has quoted an anonymous American military official that purposely leaked that the Russian plane was downed while over Syrian airspace, basing the assessment on heat signature detection. This raises questions about why the US is playing both sides of the fence – on one hand, publicly supporting Turkey, while on the other, strategically releasing information that conflicts with Turkey’s official depiction of events.

The Setup:

This dichotomy is suggestive of a Machiavellian plan whereby the US manipulates both Turkey and Russia into behaving according to what it has already forecast as their most likely responses, knowing full well that these could be guided into supporting grander American strategic interests. For starters, the US likely intimated to Erdogan that not only does he have the ‘legal’ right to shoot down any Russian aircraft he chooses, but that the US would actually prefer for him to take this course of action sooner than later. This is reminiscently similar to how the US put Sakkashvili up to bombing Tskhinval and invading South Ossetia – it may not have directly issued an official, on-paper order for this to occur, but it left no ambiguity as to how it wanted its proxy to act in each situation.

According To Plan:

For the most part, this explains the public pronouncements of NATO and the US’ support for Turkey’s actions, and it also goes a long way in soothing Erdogan’s nerves and reassuring him that he did the right thing. The predicted aftereffect of the plane’s downing was an immediate deterioration of Russian-Turkish relations, with the full consequences potentially affecting the diplomatic, military, economic, and energy spheres. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cancelled his upcoming trip to Turkey and advised Russian tourists to refrain from visiting the country due to the terrorism level being similar to Egypt’s. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has spoken about the possibility of barring Turkish companies from the Russian market and cancelling planned nuclear and gas projects with the country.

All of these prospective actions are fully justifiable and grounded in the self-respect that Russia feels in not aiding what has proven itself to be a militantly hostile state no matter the economic stakes involved, but at the same time, one can’t help but wonder whether this is exactly what the US wanted. There’s no doubt that Russia would react this way, as even a cursory glance of its potential ‘response toolkit’ indicates that these are the most likely to be taken amidst any deterioration of relations. Therefore, it can’t be discounted that the US put Erdogan up to shooting down the Russian jet precisely to provoke the predictable Russian response in threatening to cancel its forthcoming energy projects with Turkey, the core of the strategic partnership between the two. If this is the case, and it certainly seems likely, then it shows exactly how far the US is willing to go to make sure that Russian energy (and subsequently, all of the soft power and multipolar advantages that come with it) doesn’t enter the Balkans through the Turkish Stream megaproject, likely because it understands the transformative impact that this would eventually have on the entire region.

The Curveball:

Thus far, everything seems reasonable and well within the realm of predictability, but the curveball comes with the Reuters revelation that an unnamed American military source is essentially saying that the Russian position is justified. Unexpectedly, it now seems as though the US is also playing to Russia’s side to an extent, and this raises questions about what it really wants. After all, it’s been proven beyond any doubt that American-supplied TOW anti-tank missiles were used to down the Russian rescue helicopter that attempted to retrieve the two pilots. With this indisputable evidence of indirect American aggression against Russia, it certainly is a curious fact that the US establishment would purposely leak a statement saying that the Turkey downed the Russian plane in Syrian airspace, and basically take Russia’s side on this behind the scenes.

Playing The Kurdish Card:

Explaining this diplomatic twist requires knowledge about the popular response that Russian citizens and global supporters worldwide are requesting to Turkey’s aggression. They quite reasonably propose that Russia intensify its arms shipments to anti-ISIL Kurdish fighters, with the wink-and-a-nod approval that some of them would be siphoned off to the PKK and be used against the Turkish military. This is an effective and pragmatic plan, and in reality, it actually doesn’t even require a policy shift from Moscow because support is already being rendered to some Kurdish groups as part of their joint cooperation in the anti-ISIL struggle. The Kurdish Insurgency hasn’t gone away since Erdogan unwittingly unearthed it this summer as an electioneering tool, and the fact that it’s still going strong even after the elections has scared him so much that he might have been the one who ordered the recent assassination attempt against pro-Kurdish HDP co-chairman Selahattin Demirtas. Thus, if Russia chooses to inflict an asymmetrical response to Turkey by beefing up its indirect support for the PKK and other Turkish-based anti-government Kurds or disrupting Blue Stream gas supplies in order to provoke an intensified rebellion, then it could certainly inflict a heavy amount of strategic damage to Erdogan and increase the likelihood either of a military coup in Turkey (explained more in detail as part of a different article accessible here) and/or the creation of an independent Kurdistan.

That being said, the US has traditionally been the out-of-regional power that has the greatest interest in Kurdistan, seeing the possible state as a ‘geopolitical Israel’ from which it can simultaneously exert influence on the rump portions of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The strategic trajectory of a theorized Kurdish state has been complicated by the anti-ISIL campaign, however, since many Kurds have shown themselves to be pragmatic in cooperating with Russia and Iran against this shared threat. The positive multipolar cooperation that each of these countries has engaged in with the Kurds challenges the US’ planned hegemony over them and their territory, and it thus means that any forthcoming independent Kurdish political entity could theoretically go either towards the multipolar or the unipolar camps. At this point in time, and given all of the dynamic military and diplomatic developments of the past couple of months, the loyalty of a future Kurdish state (no matter if its boundaries are confined only to present-day Turkey and/or Iraq) is totally up for grabs, and it’s impossible to accurately forecast which way it will go.
Kurdish women’ ‘Peshmerga’ batallions cause horror among ISIS gangs in Syria.

Kurdish women’ ‘Peshmerga’ batallions cause horror among ISIS gangs in Syria.

The strategic ambiguity that this entails means a few things to the US and Russia. For the US, it indicates that the time is now for it to bunker down and support Kurdistan’s independence before it loses the strategic initiative to Russia, which might be moving in this direction (whether formally or informally) out of grand geopolitical spite for Turkey. Moscow, as was just mentioned, seems inclined to hit Ankara where it hurts most, and that’s through supporting the Kurdish Insurgency in one way or another. However, it’s not yet known how far this would go, and whether Russia would pursue this strategy as a form of short-term vengeance or if it would resolutely go as far in recognizing Kurdish Independence if it could ever be de-facto actualized. Of course, Russia wouldn’t do anything that could endanger the territorial integrity of its Syrian, Iraqi, and Iranian allies, but if the Turkish-based Kurds contained their ambitions solely within the borders of Russia’s historical rival, then it might be able to rectify itself with this reality, especially if they even refrain from legal independence and instead seek a sort of broadly de-facto independent federative or autonomous status within a unified Turkey (which could only realistically be brought about by an intensified insurgency and/or a coup in Ankara).

Joining Hands For Kurdistan:

Having explained all of this, it’s now clear that a remarkable convergence of strategic interests has developed between the US and Russia focusing on Turkish-administered Kurdistan. Understanding the changing calculations that Russia may now be having towards this topic as a response to Turkey’s aggression against it, one can’t necessarily preclude the possibility that the Reuters leak was actually a strategic overture to Russia. Washington might be sending a signal that it wants to speak to Moscow about ways to cooperate in this regard, knowing that each of them possibly have an interest now in seeing the proto-state rise to the fore of the global arena. A shared understanding has likely developed by now that a New Cold War competition for Kurdistan’s loyalty could be fought after the entity is legally formalized (whether as an independent state or a de-facto independent sub-state entity modeled off of the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq), and that the two Great Powers need to put aside some of their differences in joining hands to see this happen first.

Such a strong signal could have been discretely and secretly communicated to Russia via secure diplomatic and intelligence channels, but the reason it was so publicly broadcast via Reuters, the global newswire service, is because the US also wants to send a signal to Turkey as well. Despite taking its side on the matter before the global eye, the US is also “stabbing its ally in the back”, to channel President Putin, by purposely leaking the information that the Russian jet was shot down over Syrian airspace. It’s not news that the US has been unhappy with Erdogan for not behaving more submissively in the past and refusing to blindly go along with the previous plans to invade Syria (rendered useless after Russia’s anti-terrorist military intervention there), so it might be trying to convey the message it’s had enough of his games and is now playing their own in return. Of course, the US has always been manipulating Turkey ever since it joined NATO and allowed the Americans to operate out of Incirlik airbase, but this time, the treachery is being taken to a higher level by implicitly throwing out suggestions to Russia, Turkey’s new foe (and only because the US manipulated Turkey into taking aggressive action against it), that it might want to team up in undermining Ankara’s control over its volatile southeast.

Concluding Thoughts:

It can safely be assumed that the US influenced Turkey into shooting down the Russian jet over Syrian airspace, predicting quite accurately that this would immediately lead to the deterioration of ties between the two states. An elementary forecast of the specific counter-measures that Russia may take stipulates that these will likely relate to the diplomatic, economic, and energy sectors, which is just what the US wants. Because of Turkey’s aggression against Russia, the strategic partnership between the two is now broken (although not necessarily irreversibly), and Ankara has become the fourth and perhaps most geopolitically significant member of the anti-Russian Intermarum coalition. Furthermore, Turkish Stream looks to be indefinitely put on hold, thus delaying Russia’s game-changing pivot to the Balkans. While the ‘unintended’ consequence of the crisis has been Russia’s foreseeable and absolutely legitimate decision to deploy the S-400 SAM system to Syria, this in a way also plays to the manipulated Turkish-Russian rivalry that the US wanted to produce in order to solidify the completion of the Intermarum project and simultaneously counter Russia’s growing influence in the Mideast.

The reaction that no one could have predicted, however, is the US purposely leaking comments to Reuters that support the Russian version of events, namely, that the anti-terrorist jet was shot down while flying over Syrian airspace. This completely conflicts with what the US and NATO have said in public, but it shows that the US has had enough time to game out the plane-shooting scenario well in advance, and that it’s playing a sinister divide-and-conquer game against Turkey and Russia. Put in the position where its decision makers are scrambling for responses to the unprecedented aggression against them, Russia can now more easily be led into supporting the Kurdish struggle for sovereignty (whether formally independent or de-facto so) in Turkey, which coincides with one of the US’ premier geopolitical projects.

From an American perspective, a divided Turkey is doubly useful for its grand strategic designs, as the large pro-NATO Turkish military would remain mostly intact, while the US could gain a major base for force projection (both hard and soft) right in between some of the most important states in the region. It can’t, however, go fully forward with this project unless it has the support of the diplomatic leader of the multipolar world, Russia, otherwise Kurdistan will be just as illegitimate as Kosovo is and might not even come to geopolitical fruition if Moscow and Tehran work to stop it.

Seen from the Russian standpoint, the US’ intimations actually seen quite attractive. An increase of Russian support to anti-ISIL Kurdish fighters would be a plausibly deniable but strategically obvious way to funnel weapons and equipment to anti-Turkish PKK insurgents. Weakening Turkey from within would be a strong asymmetrical response to a country that has lately been a major thorn in Moscow’s side, and it might create the conditions either for a military coup against Erdogan, a divide between him and Davutoglu (which could be used to Russia’s diplomatic advantage so long as the constitution remains unchanged and Davutoglu legally remains more powerful than Erdogan), or a weakening of Erdogan and a tempering of his anti-Russian and anti-Syrian positions.

Importantly, the emergence of an independent or semi-independent Kurdish entity in Turkey could create a tempting piece of geopolitical real estate in the New Cold War, but of course, it would then be contested between the multipolar and unipolar worlds. Still, however, it would represent a positive multipolar development in the Mideast, since under the present state of affairs, the entirety of Turkish territory is under unipolar control. If a large chunk of it suddenly became the object of competition between both blocs, then it would definitely signify a strategic advancement at the expense of unipolarity. Of equal importance, this would also significantly impact on the Turkish state and whatever government is in power by that time, and it could possibly make it more amenable to returning to the previously pragmatic relationship with Russia and perhaps even resurrecting Turkish Stream.

Therefore, Russia surprisingly has nothing to do lose and everything to gain by covertly supporting the Kurdish cause in Turkey, no matter if it’s full-out independence or relatively more restrained autonomy, and even if this is objective is shared by the US and done in semi-coordination with it. Turkey would immediately be put on the defensive (although it could try desperately responding by supporting Tatar terrorists in Crimea), the multipolar world have a chance at competing for the loyalty of an ultra-strategically positioned entity, and the consequences that this has for the Turkish government (whether it remains the same or is changed via a [military] coup) could recreate the political conditions for Turkish Stream’s feasibility.

http://thesaker.is/why-is-the-us-hanging-turkey-out-to-dry-article-by-andrew-korybko/

Complicated but feasible.

blindpig

11-27-2015, 12:53 PM

Vladimir Suchan shared Andre Fomine's post.
6 mins ·
The whole picture of the ‪#‎SU24‬ incident on Nov 24 was revealed by the Russian Air Force commander Col.Gen. Victor Bondarev earlier today:

At 06:42 GMT a pair of Su-24 took off from ‪#‎Khmeimim‬ airbase with an assignment to carry out airstrikes in the vicinity of the settlements of Kepir, Mortlu and Zahia in the north of ‪#‎Latakia‬ province, Syria. 10 min later they entered the range of Turkish radars and remained in the range for 34 minutes. Some 20 minutes after arriving at the designated area, the crews received the coordinates of groups of terrorists. After making a first run, the bombers performed a maneuver and then delivered a second strike. The track of the Russian SU-24s is marked in red.

According to the data of the Russian radars at Khmeimim, two F16C of the Turkish AF were patrolling at the area since 06:11 till 07:26 GMT at the altitude 2400 (blue track). In case thay had to arrive to the location of strike from the nearest Turkish air base Diyarbakır, that would take 46 minutes (15 minutes to take off and 31 minutes of flight time). Thus the Turks technically could NOT intercept Russian bombers without waiting for them in an ambush near the border.

Interesting to note that according to Col.Gen.Bondarev, Turkish F-16Cs began to approach the Su-24 bomber about 100 seconds before (!) the Russian aircraft came closest to the Turkish border, which also confirms the attack was pre-planned. There was no communication between Russian and Turkish boards.

Another notable detail is that to attack the Russian bomber with a close-range air-to-air missile, the Turkish fighter jet had to enter Syrian airspace, where it remained for about 40 seconds. Having launched its missile from a distance of 5-7 kilometers, the F-16 immediately turned towards the Turkish border, simultaneously dropping its altitude sharply, thus disappearing from the range of Russian radars.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12278918_983539831685374_82444321119260168_n.jpg?oh=ccca6dcc36628619e7ce8c4d0521fc2a&oe=56DDE7BF

https://www.facebook.com/vladimir.suchan/posts/10153236526413388

Comrade

11-29-2015, 09:43 PM

Syria news:

Russia Will Now Eliminate All Air Threats to its Forces in Syria (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/27/russia-will-now-eliminate-all-air-threats-to-its-forces-in-syria/), by Jim Dean.

Leaked Coordinates: Is Washington to Blame for Downing of Russian Su-24? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151128/1030921420/washington-leaked-coordinates-su24-downing.html) (Sputnik News)

Did Washington just tell Erdogan to 'man up'? (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/323635-washington-erdogan-turkey-russia-putin/), by Finian Cunningham.

Will Turkey Close Or Erase Its Border With Syria? (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/will-turkey-close-or-erase-the-border-with-syria.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Turkey arms supplies to Syria militants increased: Syrian army (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/28/439527/Turkey-Syria-army-arms-supply-Daesh) (PressTV)

No US airstrikes in Syria since Russia deployed S-400 systems (https://www.rt.com/news/323815-syria-s-400-us-airstrikes/) (RT)

Syrian Forces Win Back Strategic Regions in Lattakia Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940907001458) (Fars News)

US anti-tank TOW missile used in attack on RT journalists in Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/323810-us-missile-journalists-attack-syria/) (RT)

Senior Ahrar al-Sham Commander Killed by Army in Syria's Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940907001202) (Fars News)

Syrian Turkmen Commander Who Killed Russian Pilot Turns Out to Be Turkish Ultranationalist (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940906000721) (Fars News)

Russian T-90 Tanks Arrive in Syria's Aleppo to Join Army's Combat on Terrorists (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940908000595) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Advancing towards Deir Hafer as ISIL Falls Apart in East Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940908001175) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

Turkish weapons ‘heading to end in ISIS hands’: RT speaks to Cumhuriyet journalists (https://www.rt.com/news/323848-turkey-journalists-isis-weapons/) (RT)

‘Oxygen for jihadists’: ISIS-smuggled oil flows through Turkey to intl markets – Iraqi MP (https://www.rt.com/news/323895-isis-smuggled-oil-iraq-syria/) (RT)

3 Turkish officials arrested over interception of Syria-bound arms (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/29/439557/Turkey-MIT-Trucks-Cumhuriyet-Syria-militants-) (PressTV) (NATO’s Erdogan regime continues its crackdown on dissent. – Comrade)

Iraq news:

Israeli Colonel Caught with IS Pants Down (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/25/israeli-colonel-caught-with-is-pants-down/), by F. William Engdahl. (Another report on the Zionist colonel that was caught aiding the “IS” by the Iraqi army. – Comrade)

Iraqi forces cut Daesh supply route to Ramadi (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/26/439284/Iraq-Ramadi-Daesh-Anbar-Palestine-Bridge-Mosul) (PressTV)

Iran news:

Delivery of S-300 air defence systems to Tehran begins – ambassador (https://www.rt.com/news/323184-iran-s-300-delivery-underway/) (RT) (Teeth are grinding in Beltway think tanks. – Comrades)

Russia’s complex anti-ISIS campaign in Syria would be impossible without Iran – Putin (https://www.rt.com/news/323194-putin-iran-isis-syria/) (RT)

Yemen news:

Yemeni Missiles Destroy 4 US-Made Abrams Tanks of Saudi Arabia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940902000554) (Fars News)

Yemeni Forces Destroy Another Saudi Warship (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940904000974) (Fars News)

Yemeni army, allied fighters kill dozens of Saudi mercenaries (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/25/439075/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Taizz-Ansarullah-Marib) (PressTV)

Yemenis launch new retaliatory attacks, Saudi soldiers killed (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/25/439143/Yemen-retaliatory-attacks-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Saudi soldier killed on Yemen border: Interior Ministry (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/29/439666/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Dhahran-alJanub-Taizz-UN-Hadi) (PressTV)

Bahrain news:

ISIS-Linked Autocrats to Host British Navy (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/29/isis-linked-autocrats-to-host-british-navy/), by Caleb Maupin.

Mali news:

Terror in Mali: An Attack on China and Russia? (http://journal-neo.org/2015/11/27/terror-in-mali-an-attack-on-china-and-russia/), by Eric Draitser.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

The prisoners of the Dnipro 1 Battalion tell their story (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-prisoners-of-dnipro-1-battalion.html) (Fort Russ) (“Maidan liberalism” = torture, fascism, and war. – Comrade)

US-NATO Launch New Proxy War Front in Crimea: Neo-Nazis Bomb Electrical Grid Causing National Blackouts (http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-nato-launch-new-proxy-war-front-in-crimea-neo-nazis-bomb-electrical-grid-causing-national-blackouts/5491589) (21st Century Wire)

Zakharchenko: We perceive Minsk differently, therefore war could be resumed (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/zakharchenko-we-perceive-minsk.html) (Novorossia Inform)

Birthday of Nazi-collaborator to be officially observed, funded by bankrupt Ukrainian state (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/birthday-of-nazi-collaborator-to-be.html) (PolitNavigator)

Head of Chechnya accuses Turkey of aiding Chechen terrorists (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-head-of-chechnya-ramzan-kadyrov.html) (Fort Russ)

3 ISIS-linked militants eliminated in Russia’s Dagestan (https://www.rt.com/news/323884-dagestan-isis-militants-elimination/) (RT)

China news:

Will Chess, Not Battleship, Be the Game of the Future in Eurasia? (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/11/27/will-chess-not-battleship-be-the-game-of-the-future-in-eurasia/), by Pepe Escobar.

China to set up 1st overseas naval base in Djibouti next to US airbase (https://www.rt.com/news/323621-china-first-overseas-base/) (RT) (Uncle Sam has some new neighbors in Djibouti. – Comrade)

A video showing the Syrian army’s ongoing struggle to liberate all of northern Latakia:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHFhRq0qFsE

blindpig

12-01-2015, 09:56 AM

Blood oil and the Raqqa-Ankara-Kiev axis

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fYJiXj40uq8/VlzMjcNptAI/AAAAAAAABfo/t-TyvKUozJo/s640/isis-oil.png

Laurent Courtois
In Novorossia Today
November 29, 2015

Original title: Clandestine petrol: Is the RAK axis, Raqqa-Ankara-Kiev its keystone?

Translated from French by Tom Winter, November 30, 2015

Selling petroleum gets Daesh 50 million dollars a month, which corresponds to one million barrels of oil. The production of Daesh is more than the combined consumption of Syria and Iraq together, and would be enough to supply some European countries, such as Italy and Spain.
Back in July, the spokesman for the CHP (Turk Socialist Party), Gürsel Tekin, declared that the raw oil stolen by Daesh is exported by the BMZ Group Ltd. the maritime company of Bilal Erdogan, the son of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and his uncle Mustafa Erdogan, the president's borther. After the shoot-down of the Russian Su24, the Russian minister of foreign affairs, Sergei Lavrov also accused Turkey of being impicated in the trafficking of Islamic State petroleum.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYyTvXuF3yI/VlzYQamgE9I/AAAAAAAABf8/4l-5wWkhtoo/s320/P-trolier-de-Bilo.png
One of Bilo Erdogan's oil tankers

The assets of BMZ Group, whose growth was concurrent with that of the Islamic State, rose from 72 to 190 million dollars betwen June 2014 and July of this year. And the BMZ Group target for 2015 is to acquire five new tankers. On September 15, the company bought new tankers (Armada Fair and Türkter 82) after buying the Mecid Asalanov some months before.

BMZ Group's fleet is now composed of the following ships: (Name and IMO):
One small unit of slight tonnage, hard to localize by satellite:
BEYKOZ-E – IMO 9733856 : 74 m, 1804 t. Current position unknown.
A series of mid-size sisterships:
POET QABIL – IMO 9729582 : 134 m 7150 t. 
SHOVKET ALEKPEROVA – IMO: 9633549 :
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FIMThblBnaA/VlzYqc80FFI/AAAAAAAABgE/wcwULFpAt9g/s320/ARMADA-FAIR-1.png
134m, 7100 t. MECID ASLANOV – IMO 9711248 : 140 m 7150 t.
 BEGIM ASLANOVA – IMO 9718923 : 140 m 7086 t. ARMADA FAIR ex TURKTER 81 – IMO 9729594 : 140 m 7150
The characteristics of these tankers are very close to the aspects of the others, and two of them have similar names (Mecid Aslanov and Begim Aslanova) which facilitates the confusion. Because of their small size and shallow draft, they can use secondary ports or marinas.
Just like the airliners, all merchant ships have a transponder and instant locator beacon, the AIS, Automatic Identification System. The five largest units of BMZ fleet are so equipped. We will look at their movements:
POET QABIL – IMO 9729582 : 
This ship left Tripoli, Libya October 6 to reach Illichivsk in Ukraine. (Illivivsk is a secondary port near Odessa). The Poet Qabil at an average speed of 8 knots (average speed recorded for this ship since its commissioning), should have needed but seven days to travel the 1300 nautical separating the two ports. It took more than a month ...
MECID ASLANOV – IMO 9711248 :
Arrived at the port of Nikolaev (Ukraine) from Haifa in eight days, which is normal. Currently sailing between Nikolayev and Ravenna (Italy).
BEGIM ASLANOVA – IMO 9718923
This ship left Perama (Greece) November 6 en route to Nikolaev (Ukraine), where it arrived on November 20 after 14 days of crossing over a 4-day distance (696 nautical / 6 knots). What was it doing during the extra 10 days? Currently on route to Savona in Italy.
ARMADA FAIR ex TURKTER 81 – IMO 9729594 :
After an out-and-back to the same point (Tuzla-Turkey) which took a month, this ship is currently en route to Nikolaev (Ukraine) according to information provided by the AIS.
SHOVKET ALEKPEROVA – IMO: 9633549 :

Now off the English coast. But on October 22 this ship left the Port of Mersin (Turkey) to Illichivsk (Ukraine) and reached it the 30th of the same month. Eight days for a five-day journey (nautical knots 1079-9). The three days of delay may be due to a the Bosphorus Strait bottleneck, but the wait is rarely more than a few hours.
What conclusions can be drawn:
• The tankers of the BMZ Group, suspected of carrying illegal Daesh oil, regularly visit the Ukrainian side port on the outskirts of Odessa. Every week one of the oiltankers arrives at the Port of Nikolayev.
• Two-thirds of their crossings have taken an abnormally long time, which could allow time to make detours to load smuggled oil cargoes in a Turkish port on the Black Sea. If the charges against the BMZ Group of the Erdogan family by Turkish CHP and Russia would are verified, then Ukraine would prove to be the principal client for Daesh oil.

http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/11/blood-oil-and-raqqa-ankara-kiev-axis.html

blindpig

12-02-2015, 10:03 AM

Russia to Provide Evidence of Turkish Involvement in Daesh Oil Trade © Photo: Youtube / RT

http://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/images/103111/58/1031115823.jpg

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his relatives are directly involved in trading illegal oil which belongs to Daesh (also known as the Islamic State), according to Russia's Defense Ministry.

“Revenues from the sale of oil are one of the most important sources of activity by terrorists in Syria. They earn around $2 billion annually, spending these funds on hiring militants from around the world and equipping them with weapons, equipment, and arms,” Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said during a briefing in Moscow.

The ministry provided photographs of columns of oil fuel tankers on the Turkish-Syrian border. Fuel tankers with oil freely cross the border between Turkey and Iraq, according to Russia's General Staff.

http://cdn5.img.sputniknews.com/images/103112/07/1031120786.jpg
The Russian Defense Ministry holds press briefing

“The main consumer of this oil stolen from the legal owners in Syria and Iraq is Turkey. According to available information, this illegal business includes the upper political leadership of the country, President Erdogan and his family,” Antonov added.

Press briefing by Russian Defense Ministry Spokesperson Konashenkov
http://cdn4.img.sputniknews.com/images/102855/51/1028555115.jpg
Russian Defense Ministry Presents Evidence of Illegal Oil Trade on Turkish-Syria Border (PHOTO, VIDEO)
These oil revenues are used not only to enrich the Turkish leadership but to arm terrorists as well, the General Staff stated.
Oil from Daesh-controlled areas in Syria is shipped to refineries in third countries after being transported to Turkey, the head of the Russian General Staff’s operative command said Wednesday.

"Space reconnaissance has reliably showed that after crossing the border, tank trucks carrying oil head to the ports of Dortyol and Iskenderun," Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy told reporters.

Russian deputy defense minister said that Russia will continue to provide facts that Turkey steals from its neighbors, adding that it's a surprise no one in the West ever noticed that Erdogan's son is the owner of one of the largest energy companies, while the president's son-in-law was appointed energy minister.

Russian Defense Ministry's information on Daesh oil trade will be published online.

Moscow calls on Ankara to provide access to places where, according to Russian data, Daesh oil trade centers are located, Antonov said.

"I am certain that there will be claims that everything you've seen here now is false. Well, if there are no such things, they [Turkey] should grant access to the places we showed journalists today," Antonov said after presenting satellite data and photos said to prove Turkey's involvement in illegal Daesh oil trade.

The group is designated a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including Russia and Turkey itself.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20151202/1031113310/russia-defense-syria-daesh-turky.html#ixzz3tAwInWdJ

http://sputniknews.com/military/20151202/1031113310/russia-defense-syria-daesh-turky.html?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FBfl3Eq2a3y&utm_medium=short_url&utm_content=ak4n&utm_campaign=URL_shortening

Dhalgren

12-02-2015, 11:14 AM

it's a surprise no one in the West ever noticed that Erdogan's son is the owner of one of the largest energy companies, while the president's son-in-law was appointed energy minister.

Ha-ha, so droll. Also let's not forget, the US has always claimed to have the best (the tip-top, super-duper bestest!) space bourn surveillance in the world (or "over" the world); so if Russia can see all this nefarious thievery and Turkish skullduggery - and "terrorist" supporting - going on, everyone (read "everyone") knows the US knows. And the US has said nothing. I wonder why. It is getting to the point where the willful blindness of the US citizenry can no longer be ignored. The US population understands full well what is going on; the US communist party knows what is going on; every politician from city mayor to state legislator to congress person to governor - all - know what is going on. The US is just too damned full of "good Germans". They can smell the camps, they know what that smell means, they don't care enough to do anything about it. It is like a friend of mine several years ago, who was in an ethical dilemma, said she didn't know what to do. She knew what to do, it was just that the consequences of doing the right thing were too frightening and disadvantageous for her. So she feigned ignorance, she "didn't know what to do", and did nothing. It is hard to fault someone for not risking their livelihood, their comfort, their security in order to do the right thing (I own mirrors, believe me).

Remember when the progressives on PI used to call Republicans "fascists"? They were only half right. The US has succeeded in developing a fascistic regime without the "one" party, without the "one" leader. In the US version of fascism there is a "pool" of "leaders", figure heads, who will, in succession, assume the Fuehrer role. The US bourgeoisie has developed a kind of fascism that is no longer tied to an individual leader - one who assumes the object of the "leadership principle". The ruling class in the US has managed (without intent or any real planning) to develop a truly corporate based fascism that doesn't look a great deal like the founding fascist fathers, but is much more effective and much more stable. It is also just as dangerous to class consciousness as were its predecessors.

Comrade

12-03-2015, 12:28 AM

Yep, things just get worse and worse inside the US but almost no one seems to give a damn. That’s why this society is truly doomed. – Comrade

Syria news:

US connived with Islamic State’s oil trade (http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2015/11/28/us-connived-with-islamic-states-oil-trade/), by M K Bhadrakumar.

Russia presents proof of Turkey’s role in ISIS oil trade (https://www.rt.com/news/324263-russia-briefing-isis-funding/) (RT)

US Involvement in Turkey’s Shoot Down of the Russian Jet (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/01/us-involvement-in-turkey-s-shoot-down-of-the-russian-jet/), by Maram Susli.

Are Syrian Kurds Becoming Erdogan's Worst Nightmare? (http://sputniknews.com/analysis/20151130/1030988427/syria-kurds-erdogan-nightmare.html) (Spuntik News)

A day in Syria costs the Russian army less than a day of military exercises (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/12/a-day-in-syria-costs-russian-army-less.html) (Fort Russ) (So much for Neocon fantasies about this operation becoming a “quagmire.” – Comrade)

Russia arms Su-34s with air-to-air missiles in Syria for 1st time (https://www.rt.com/news/323992-russia-syria-air-missile/) (RT)

EXCLUSIVE: Hezbollah Troops Repel Terrorists' Surprise Attack on Syria's Zabadani (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940909001297) (Fars News)

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Army Seizes Another Chunk of Aleppo-Raqqa Highway (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940910000325) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Complete Siege on ISIL-Held Quaryatayn Town in Homs Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940910000381) (Fars News)

Pro-Government Forces Opening Their Way East of Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940911000241) (Fars News)

Syria army retakes three villages from Takfiri militants (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/02/440077/Syria-Latakia-Idlib-Russia-Daesh-) (PressTV)

Video showing Erdogan’s IS oil business getting hit hard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtqI1832hew

Comrade

12-05-2015, 02:02 AM

Syria news:

Russian Retaliation Will Be Defeating NATO in Syria (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/03/russian-retaliation-will-be-defeating-nato-in-syria/), by Tony Cartalucci.

How Russia is Smashing the Turkish Game in Syria (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/03/how-russia-is-smashing-the-turkish-game-in-syria/), by Pepe Escobar.

Russian Air Force kills several terrorist leaders in Syria over past week – Defense Ministry (https://www.rt.com/news/324763-russian-air-force-terrorist-leaders/) (RT)

Erdogan's "Turkmen" Lose Some Of Their Chechen And Saudi Leaders (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/12/erdogans-turkmen-lose-some-of-their-chechen-and-saudi-leaders-.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Terrorists Retreating from Key Areas in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940912000373) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, Allies Gain More Territories in Lattakia Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940913000208) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Marching on Nusra Center across Aleppo Neighborhoods (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940913000582) (Fars News)

Hezbollah, Syrian Forces Win More Land South of Aleppo Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940913000540) (Fars News)

ISIL Suffers Heavy Losses near Quaryatayn Town in Syria's Homs Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940913000546) (Fars News)

A South Front video analysis of the Syrian army’s ongoing offensive:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Xse9XpNSQ

blindpig

12-05-2015, 08:53 AM

Turkish Invasion of Iraq

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVcDhbcUwAATqJD.jpg:large

The situation is still glowing. Yesterday, in fact, Turkey has carried out the invasion of Iraq.

Turkish troops invaded Iraq

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVaXpUIXIAA3pJp.jpg:large

Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, strongly condemned the violation of Turkish military units boundaries of the state, called the actions of the Turkish military "invasion." In the morning it was announced that a battalion of the Turkish army crossed the border into Iraq and went to the area Bishak, near the city of Mosul, in the north of the country. Also in the area it was transferred 25 Turkish tanks. Leaders of Iraq stated that any military operation in the country without the agreement of its management as well as the unauthorized presence of military units of other countries, would be regarded as an invasion.
Earlier, another State, USA, curled that deliberately throw Iraq troops what Iraq said a categorical "no", explaining its position that it does not need the help of the ground forces of other countries. Now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq categorically demands that the Turkish troops and equipment left the territory of the country. Officials of the Ministry of Defence of Turkey claim that their units were transferred to Iraq under the program of training and military assistance to the Iraqi Kurds.
A strange situation. First, the Iraqi Kurds do not have their own state or autonomy, and are Iraqi citizens living in this country. The desire to isolate Iraqi Kurdistan as a separate territory, says Turkey plans to dismember Iraq. Accordingly, it is not like the leadership of the country. And second, not whether those are the most Iraqi Kurds, who yesterday suddenly announced that shown at the briefing of the Russian Ministry of Defense tankers carrying oil from the territories controlled by LIH (the organization's activities in the Russian Federation is prohibited) in Turkey belong to them ? Seems to me, Erdogan quickly agreed with the Iraqi Kurds, who in exchange for something that will take the oil trade, and thereby save the reputation was in a quandary Turkish President, receive a certain perspective. Apparently, the deal with his conscience took place.
Oh, and the coalition, which includes Turkey, led by the United States, has denied the Turkish military, saying it has no relation to the incident, and that the Turkish command does not coordinate its actions with other members of the coalition. Do not you think that too often the United States and its allies in recent years has already been set on the actions of Turkey?

Alexey Zot'ev

http://voicesevas.ru/news/analytics/1872 6 tureckie-voyska-vtorglis-v-irak.html-- zinc

Baghdad called entry of Turkish troops to Iraq in violation of the sovereignty

of Baghdad regards entry of Turkish troops into Iraq in violation of the sovereignty and demands from Ankara for their immediate withdrawal, the statement said the press center of the Iraqi Prime Minister.
"The armed forces of Turkey, close to Mosul, invaded the country without consent, and they must leave immediately ", - said in a statement.
According to Reuters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, issued a statement on local television channels, which states that the entry of Turkish troops into the country is an" invasion. " The statement also notes that any military actions are not consistent with the government in Baghdad, do not have the right to conduct.
Earlier media reported that the Turkish authorities sent 130 troops to the area near the city of Mosul in northern Iraq to train soldiers of the Iraqi Kurds (Peshmerga). Later, Reuters reported, citing a source in the defense circles in the US reported that Turkey's initiative does not apply to the actions of the coalition led by the United States. According to Reuters, the international anti-terrorist coalition has been advised that the Turkish military sent to the region.

Http: // ria .ru / world / 20151205 / 1336151337.h tml - zinc

In the Iraqi parliament threatened Turkish troops invading the territory of the country, a military response.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVYkj0-WoAAVmmq.jpg:large

This was reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the Voice of Iraq. Iraq has accused Turkey of violating its sovereignty As the head of the parliamentary committee of Iraq's security and defense Hakim al-Zamili, Turkey's decision on the introduction of troops in Iraq is a violation of the sovereignty of the country.
Earlier, Turkish media reported that Turkish troops were introduced Ba`shiqah the area near the city of Mosul in northern Iraq. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the actions of the Turkish "invasion" and rejected the possibility of any military operation, inconsistent with Baghdad.
According to al-Zamili if Turkish troops immediately leave the territory of Iraq, in response to subsequent hostilities. The MP also said that he had sent to the Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi letter.
In it, he recommended the use of aircraft to attack Turkish troops, including their occupation actions. The Prime Minister himself also criticized the actions of the Turkish side and stressed that the Armed Forces of this country "must leave immediately".

Http://www.rg.ru/ 2015/12/05 / otvet anons.h-tml - zinc

PS. It is clear that Turkey is not going to cook the Kurdish troops, with which it is waging war on their own, and in the adjacent territory. Erdogan, in an attempt to recover the elusive initsitivu, looking for ways to be active. In northern Syria today had to turn air operations (officially it is furnished as if it is the United States asked https://russian.rt.com/article/134789, but the cessation of violations of the Syrian border Turkish aircraft occurred right after the shooting down of the Russian Su-24). The border with Iraq, Turkey violated before, considering themselves the right to strike by Kurds who have been associated with operating in the Turkish Kurdistan Workers' Party.

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/colonelcassad/19281164/785646/785646_900.jpg

In the last 3 weeks, the Kurds, supported by the US Air Force were able to clear the south-eastern regions of the province of Hasaka and reach the an important road, on which the transfer of resources from Iraq to Syria.

At a time when the US-backed Kurds are quite successful offensive on the northern borders of the Caliphate and expanding base for the creation of a potential state, Turkey can not watch passively as backyard growing threat to the territorial integrity of the country . So do not be surprised uncoordinated actions of Turkey with the Americans. For Americans, the basic rate in the next operations are Kurds, who receive support from both the United States and a number of other NATO countries that are drawn into the conflict.

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/colonelcassad/19281164/785234/785234_900.jpg
Currently, it is the Kurds control a large part of the Syrian-Turkish border.

Erdogan and his ambitions and fears about Kurds here looks more a fifth wheel, which of course will try to send to Russia, but that will not allow impunity to interfere with Washington to focus their intentions associated with the onset at Raqqa.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVUdMgXW4AElkps.jpg:large
During the last day of the Caliphate lost village Beragit (the north front of attack).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVYNmYOW4AET3cj.jpg:large
In fact, the local rebels accounts then fight on three fronts.

The problems are complicated by Turkey that is under threat is one of the key routes through which supplied various categories antiasadovskie north of Aleppo. Currently battles are raging and to the east and to the west of it. If the onset of the Kurds managed to more or less stop and even throw them in a number of areas, here Caliphate continues to try to move to the track in the direction of Azaz, encountering strong resistance from various groups antiasadovskih. In the mountains of Latakia, the Syrian army promotion rates are moderate.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVZicXYXIAA3kjh.jpg
Salma has not yet surrounded by (despite the bravura communiques), but north of the Gmama and south-west of Sirmanii Syrian troops backed by Russian aviation continued attempts to break through the defense of the rebels in the mountainous areas in order to reach the central regions of the province of Idlib.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVaoNW4WwAIJlXA.jpg:large
In the area Kuveyrisa Caliphate could not stop trying to attack the Syrian army to the west, but in the east and south-east of the airbase, the Syrian part of the control zone continues to expand in the direction of Deir Hafer. Operational gut under Kuveyrisom for last week turned into a projection for the full comfort of the Syrians to stay here to protect the neck ridge south of Sheikh Ahmed. To the south of Aleppo after the Syrian army and the counter-offensive of the rebels, the front stabilized - west from al-Iisa and south of al-Khader. The projection at the Al Carasso still holds. In the coming days is expected to resume offensive Syrian army carried out after regrouping and getting reinforcements for the troops of Iran and Hezbally.

Another of the essential.

1. The French Foreign Ministry said https://russian.rt.com/article/134818, that France does not require the immediate resignation of Assad.
2. Article on the subject of training of Turkish invasion new online card fighting in Syria.
4. As early as the end of November the Turkish army to enter the territory Remarkably, the news of this was still on November 26 but news feeds appeared only on December 3-4. Several countries have news without any official reaction. 5.
Under Damascus had stopped one of the senior commanders

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2507712.html

Google Translator

blindpig

12-06-2015, 07:58 PM

holy shit

breaking-news
US-Led ISIS Coalition Hits a Syrian Army Camp in Deir Ezzor: 1 Soldier Killed 6
BY LEITH FADEL ON DECEMBER 6, 2015 FEATURED

For the first time since the U.S. President Barack Obama announced an aerial campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) in Syria, the Anti-ISIS Coalition of predominately Arab states have struck a Syrian Arab Army (SAA) camp in the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor, killing 1 soldier and wounding half dozen others on Sunday evening.

According to a military source from the Syrian Arab Army’s 104th Airborne Brigade of the Republican Guard, a U.S. warplane struck the military camp belonging to the SAA’s 137th Artillery Brigade (17th Reserve Division) in the village of ‘Ayyash, killing 1 soldier instantly and leaving 6 soldiers in critical condition – including an officer.

The Syrian Arab Army’s 137th Brigade has been protecting the civilians in the village of ‘Ayyash from the swarming ISIS fighters that are attempting to break into the provincial capital of the Deir Ezzor Governorate from the northern flank; this airstrike only boosted ISIS’ positions inside this village and the nearby broadcast tower.

As of now; it is not clear who the U.S.-led Anti-ISIS Coalition aircraft meant to target, but it was clear to the Syrian Arab Army soldiers that the airstrikes were inaccurate and lacked logistical comprehension of the ground situation in the Deir Ezzor Governorate.

http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-led-isis-coalition-hits-a-syrian-army-camp-in-deir-ezzor-1-soldier-killed/

Dhalgren

12-06-2015, 09:12 PM

As of now; it is not clear who the U.S.-led Anti-ISIS Coalition aircraft meant to target, but it was clear to the Syrian Arab Army soldiers that the airstrikes were inaccurate and lacked logistical comprehension of the ground situation in the Deir Ezzor Governorate.

Really? This is getting out of control. This cannot continue at this rate of competence. Things are falling apart. Christ...

Comrade

12-06-2015, 11:23 PM

Syria news:

British strikes in Syria illegal, play into terrorists' hands – Assad (https://www.rt.com/news/324919-assad-raf-airstrikes-failure/) (RT) (While London pretends to “fight the IS” it has allowed a senior “IS” sponser to return to Syria (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151206/1031335049/daesh-sponsor-returns-syria.html). – Comrade)

US Building Military Airbase in Northeastern Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940914000257) (Fars News) (Looks like Washington is moving ahead with its plot to control the Kurdish territory in northern Syria and Iraq. – Comrade)

Israeli Airstrikes over Damascus Confirmed (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940915000536) (Fars News)

Notorious Chechen Terrorist Commander Killed in Syria's Lattakia Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940914000343) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Capture Aleppo Village from ISIL (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940914000511) (Fars News)

Militants' Military Convoy Targeted by Russian, Syrian Bombers Heavily in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940915000902) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Speeding up War in South (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940915001485) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Advancing against Militants near Lattakia Border with Turkey (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940915000288) (Fars News)

Cement Factory in Aleppo Scene of Syrian Army, ISIL Clashes (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940915001258) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

Turkey’s Present Turmoil is All Erdogan’s Fault (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151202/1031108048/erdogan-dilemma-turkey-turmoil.html), by Andrew Korybko.

Iran ready to present proof of Turkey’s oil trade with ISIS – Tehran official (https://www.rt.com/news/324810-iran-proof-isis-oil-turkey/) (RT)

Defending Turkey's Role in Daesh Oil Trade 'Destroys US Credibility' (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151205/1031281691/turkey-daesh-oil-trade-us-credibility.html) (Sputnik News)

Hunt On For Tayyeep Bin Ardogan Over Fighter Shoot-Down And Bosphorus Blockade (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/12/putin-announces-war-on-tayyeep-bin-ardogan-over-fighter-shoot-down-and-bosphorus-blockade.html) (Moon of Alabama)

‘Only I and my paper were prosecuted’ – journalist who exposed Turkey’s hospitality for jihadists (https://www.rt.com/news/324739-turkey-hospitals-treat-jihadists/) (RT)

Turkey’s First Son enjoys dinner with leaders of ISIS (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/12/turkeys-first-son-enjoys-dinner-with.html) (Fort Russ)

Three Turkish security forces killed in clashes with PKK (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/05/440458/Turkey-Kurds-PKK-Diyarbakir-Sirnak) (PressTV)

Russian Sanctions ‘Killed Tourist Business’ in Antalya - German Media (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151206/1031332078/russian-sanctions-killed-tourist-business-antalya.html) (Sputnik News)

Iraq news:

Erdogan Moves To Annexes Mosul (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/12/erdogan-moves-to-annexes-mosul.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Iraqi Fighters See US as Patron, Not Foe, of ISIS (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/iraqi-army-sees-us-patron-not-foe-isis/ri11599), by Rudy Panko.

Popular Forces' Commanders: Ramadi Liberation Operation Blocked by US (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940912000428) (Fars News)

‘Hostile act:’ Iraqi PM denounces US ground forces deployment on Iraq’s territory (https://www.rt.com/news/324782-iraq-troops-hostile-act/) (RT)

Iraqi forces retake another area from Daesh in Anbar Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/01/439844/Iraq-Daesh-Anbar-Ramadi-) (PressTV)

Iraqi forces deal heavy blows to Daesh militants (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/03/440128/Iraq-Daesh-Takfiri-Anbar-Ramadi-alJazeera-Salahuddin) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

2,000 Saudis killed in Riyadh’s war on Yemen: Activist (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/05/440380/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-Mujtahidd-Ansarullah-Twitter) (PressTV)

Three Saudi military camps fall to Yemeni forces (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/30/439747/S-Arabia-Najran-Yemen-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Yemeni Army Declares Rapid Advance in 3 Saudi Border Provinces (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940912000364) (Fars News) (The Yemeni resistance is gaining ground in southwestern “Saudi” Arabia. – Comrade)

Yemeni Forces Send Another Saudi Warship Down (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940914000353) (Fars News)

1,500 Moroccan soldiers to join Saudi forces in war on Yemen: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/06/440519/Saudi-Arabia-war-Yemen-Morocco-soldiers) (PressTV) (I don’t believe that these low-morale proxies will have much effect on the war. – Comrade)

Afghanistan news:

Civilian Deaths Mount in Secret War Fought by CIA-Backed Afghan Militia (http://sputniknews.com/asia/20151204/1031222692/cia-afghan-militia-kpf.html) (Sputnik News)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Donbass Volunteer: We are at war with American Imperialism [+video] (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/12/donbass-volunteer-we-are-at-war-with.html) (Anna News)

Former SBU major general defects to DPR (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/12/former-sbu-major-general-defects-to-dpr.html) (RusVesna) (Great news. – Comrade)

DPR lieutenant: Mariupol, Zaporozhye, and Dnepropetrovsk are ready for us (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/12/dpr-lieutenant-mariupol-zaporozhye-and.html) (PolitNavigator)

Ukrainian army redeploys 277 tanks, heavy artillery pieces to contact line — DPR (http://tass.ru/en/world/840373) (ITAR-TASS)

Prosecutors ban Soros Foundation as ‘threat to Russian national security’ (https://www.rt.com/politics/323919-soros-foundation-recognized-as-undesirable/) (RT) (Great news, and long overdue. – Comrade)

Pentagon supplying Kiev military with ‘junk’ Humvees from 1st Gulf War era – report (https://www.rt.com/news/324105-ukraine-humvee-scrapped-outwear/) (RT)

Ukrainian MP accuses Saakashvili of extortion, racketeering in Odessa (http://tass.ru/en/world/840679) (ITAR-TASS)

Georgia news:

Georgian president revokes Mikheil Saakashvili of citizenship (http://tass.ru/en/world/841614) (ITAR-TASS)

Argentina news:

Argentina: A Quiet Neoliberal Coup d’Etat in Latin America’s Southern Cone (http://www.globalresearch.ca/argentina-a-quiet-neoliberal-coup-detat-in-latin-americas-southern-cone/5492654), by Peter Koenig.

Venezuela news:

Venezuela’s Elections: Courage in the Face of Economic and Psychological War (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/04/venezuelas-elections-courage-in-the-face-of-economic-and-psychological-war/), by Eric Draitser.

Sunday’s South Front video analysis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZEwDwHG6aM

blindpig

12-07-2015, 11:55 AM

http://media.farsnews.com/media/Uploaded/Files/Images/1394/09/16/13940916000768_PhotoI.jpg
Syria: US-Led Airstrikes Kill 20 Civilians in Hasaka

TEHRAN (FNA)- Twenty civilians were killed in a US airstrike on Syria's Northeastern Hasaka province following another US air raid on the Syrian army base in Southeastern Deir Ezzur province that killed several soldiers earlier today.
The US-led airstrikes hit al-Khan near al-Hawl town in Hasakah, killing 20 civilians and injuring 30 others.

Earlier this morning, four US-led coalition warplanes targeted the Syrian army camp with 9 rockets, claiming the lives of 4 soldiers and injuring 16 others.

Both dissidents and government sources confirmed early on Monday that the US warplanes struck the military camp of the Syrian army’s 137th Artillery Brigade (17th Reserve Division) in the Southern part of 'Ayyash' village, killing 4 soldiers instantly and wounding 16 more. Six of the wounded soldiers are in critical condition.

They further added that the ISIL terrorists stormed the bombed camp a few hours after the air attack.

The Syrian army’s 137th Brigade has been protecting the civilians in 'Ayyash' from the swarming ISIL fighters that are attempting to break into the provincial capital of the Deir Ezzur province from the Northern side; this airstrike only boosted the ISIL positions inside this village and the nearby broadcast tower.

The sources further added that the ISIL launched an offensive against the government forces' positions in Ayyash village 10 kilometers Northwest of Deir Ezzur city.

The Syrian army and its allies have gained upper hand in the Eastern province of Deir Ezzur in the recent weeks, after new recruits of popular forces joined the army and won back new lands across the province , and meantime fended off the ISIL attacks on their positions, mainly the Deir Ezzur airbase.

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940916001473

The hubris of providing close air support for ISIS is astonishing & US public might as well be on Uranus.

Comrade

12-09-2015, 01:44 AM

Syria news:

America’s Creeping War in Syria (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/07/americas-creeping-war-in-syria/), by Tony Cartalucci.

PBS Newshour Fails the Public: Biased and Misleading Analysis on Syria, Russia, Turkey (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/08/pbs-newshour-fails-the-public-biased-and-misleading-analysis-on-syria-russia-turkey/), by Rick Sterling. (Your liberal friends support US imperialism largely because they have been brainwashed by PBS and NPR. – Comrade)

Syria: Ultimate Pipelineistan War (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/08/syria-ultimate-pipelineistan-war/), by Pepe Escobar.

Downed Su-24’s black box to reveal truth about Turkey’s treacherous strike – Putin (https://www.rt.com/news/325158-su24-black-box-truth-turkey/) (RT)

Over 1,000 Volunteer Forces Join Army in Quneitra, Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940916000655) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Retake Palmyra-Homs Highway (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940916000461) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Unearths Rebels' Large Supply Tunnel in Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940916000878) (Fars News)

Russian Fighter Jets Start Using Two More Airbases in Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940916001377) (Fars News)

Syrian Army's Elite Troops Advance in East Aleppo After Crushing ISIL in Al-Shuwaylekh (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940917000014) (Fars News)

Syrian Army in Full Control over Al-Khalidiyah in Aleppo City (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940917000330) (Fars News)

Syria: Pro-Government Forces Lay Siege on Militants in Key Aleppo Town (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940917001155) (Fars News)

Militants Withdraw from More Regions Northeast of Syria's Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940917000270) (Fars News)

Russia strikes ISIS targets in Syria from sub in Mediterranean for first time (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/325143-russia-strikes-isis-submarine/) (RT)

Today’s South Front video analysis on the war:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pviBnxrCwSc

blindpig

12-11-2015, 09:24 AM

About SSA aid
colonelcassad
December 11, 16:56

http://www.creativememory.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2015-12-1-caricature.jpg

Please comment on the statement at the expanded board of the Russian Defense Ministry.

I emphasize that the work of our aviation group promotes joint efforts of both government forces and Free Syrian Army. Now several of her pieces total of more than five thousand people, as well as regular troops, conduct offensive operations against terrorists in the provinces of Homs, Hama, Aleppo and Raqqa. In addition, we support them from the air, as well as the Syrian army, assisting them in arms, munitions and materiel.

http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/5 0913 - Zinc

little strange to hear wonder about this because in this regard for a long time all painted http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/244 7542.html, but apparently must be repeated.

1. The main line of the Russian Federation in the civil war in Syria (besides the formal objective of combating the Caliphate) is to achieve kompromisny agreement between Assad and formally antiasadovskimi moderate forces. It was under diplomatic scenario agreed between all the external players that Syria at the end of the war should remain within its previous borders. The military is the way to increase the risk section of Syria to form a border along the lines of promoting interventionist troops. Without addressing the core issues of the Syrian war, to solve the problem of the Caliphate is hardly possible.

2. The talks between Assad and the part of the rebels, this is the only way to end the civil war in Syria, not military means, where Assad have agreed to leave his post, even if not immediately, but the West and the opposition will have to agree to carry on with Assad talks about rebuilding Syria in the framework of the Lebanese, Bosnian either option. So see it in Moscow. If the parties here do not make concessions, no diplomatic option simply will not, and will likely continue to war with Syria section.

3. For this purpose, Russia more than two months from the United States seeks to provide a list of organizations that the United States and Co. are considered "good" and with whom you can talk. At the moment, the number of "bad" clearly includes a caliphate and "Al-Nusra." For the main part of the motivation of the rebels airstrikes it falls on them, according to the Caliphate also beaten, but less. This is - a whip. And the offers of help in the fight against the Caliphate - a carrot. Just sit down at the negotiating table with Assad and fight with the Caliphate under one coalition. Similar proposals for the formation of a unified coalition against the Caliphate Kremlin addressed to the US and NATO countries. Another question that Washington sees it all slightly different.

4. The list of "good" is necessary to its member organizations to form a single political entity, which will sit with Assad at the negotiating table, all who are in it will not be wet, as "bad terrorists" and "enemies of peace" .. And all who will be - will be legalized as Assad (who will sit with them at the negotiating table), and the Russian Federation and Iran, which are the external guarantees of Assad, not to mention the sponsors 'moderate'.

5. Negotiations between antiasadovskimi groups currently held in Saudi Arabia. These talks have revealed a split between radicals and moderates. "Ahrar al-Sham" has left them http://www.gazeta.ru/politics/news/2015/1 2/10 / n_7996169.shtml, as it does not consider it necessary to negotiate with Assad. As a result of these negotiations (maybe not this time) will be formed polit.subekt to be first legitimized in international negotiations such as the "Vienna process", and will later be planted in front of Assad in direct talks on the future of Syria.

6. The main stumbling block - the future of Assad. West will not agree on the proposed options for a transitional period, and calls for the immediate withdrawal of Assad. The same position a significant part antiasadovskih forces. Nevertheless, in recent months, this position is cracked, so the Russian Federation persists in offering a transitional period with Assad and moderate part of the joint management of the country after the victory over the Caliphate and joint action against the Caliphate now. Therefore, attempts to pull of the formal "moderate" to direct talks with the Syrian government will continue, especially since there is already a positive experience of putting the last quarter of Homs after Syrian military talks with the rebels.

7. Among other things, diplomatic completion of the Syrian war, with the achievement of a compromise with the United States, is seen as one way to somewhat improve relations with the global hegemon, as in Ukraine, for this is not feasible, and the Russian elite as a whole as previously oriented to the West (despite official jingoism). Therefore, the Russian Federation and constantly urges US to work together (and even agrees to cooperate with the CAA, only to Assad was among those recognized by the US members of the coalition against the Caliphate). All of this is a kind of attempt by expanding the playing field to get around the obstacle in Ukraine and force US to change its policy towards the Russian Federation. At this stage, the Obama administration in spite of serious criticism at home does not show willingness to pander to the intentions of the Kremlin, what Obama has actually accused. The current offer of assistance CCA is actually a US proposal, they say, let's have. But there is a certain probability that the US will pretend that this is not essential, even if the aid really is, they still do not agree on the principle of the preservation of Assad in power, even for a transitional period. Outstretched hand once again hang in the air.

In fact, the ball is now on the side of the United States - they have to be defined with polit.subektom otfiksirovat Syria and its position on the talks between the Syrian government and the opposition. Since at the moment not completely clear, it is equally probable as increased attacks against pro-Western rebels (that they are compliant), or it attempts to bribe them by blows on opposing armies of the Caliphate or handouts in the form of small arms, which has already quietly begun to flow Syria Kurds. You just have to understand that weapons and blows are just tools, target of the Russian Federation are purely political.

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2518371.html

Google Translator

Dhalgren

12-11-2015, 09:52 AM

blindpig

12-11-2015, 10:56 AM

Okay, I read this as saying that more and more of the "players" in this Syrian mess are beginning to side with Russia for a coalition to destroy IS and then negotiate a "transition" to some sort of "post Assad" Syria - with Assad in place during that transition. And, now, it is the US turn to either agree or reject this, seemingly, sensible plan.
The business of Syria keeping its entire national boundaries is dead on arrival. Israel will never give up Golan and as the Syrian Kurds grow stronger and more/better armed, they may be a real stumbling block there. Who could blame them? This area joined to the land holdings (and oil) of the Iraqi Kurds would create a sustainable nation/state.
All of this is moot, of course, because the US will not let go of what it considers all of its hard bought gains. Yes, "gains". From the pov of the empire, the middle east is just where they want it - it hasn't finished "cooking" yet, it isn't quite "done" enough.

Talking about post-Assad seems to me giving away bargaining position before negotiation, it does remind one of 'Minsk', it's hard to ignore. Which does not validate the conclusions of certain philosophers but certainly bears watching.

The 'Please sir, may I have another' Kurds have been betrayed so many times by the US that I guess it has become part of the 'national character'. They better watch their asses. 'Partition' of Iraq and Syria is on the lips of many, and while that might serve the purpose of the hegemon so does Turkey. A Kurdish state is absolute anathema to Erdogan and the Turkish nationalists and even deposing the nasty little fuck won't change that. It's a 'bird in the hand' thing that gives the Turks a leg up, no Kurdish state will probably mean no partition at all as a caliphate is by now impossible to swallow.

"She was practiced at the art of deception
Well I could tell from her blood stained hands
You can't always get what you want....
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need"

blindpig

12-11-2015, 04:45 PM

Friday, December 11, 2015#‎Putin‬ has no patience for threats. Ukrainian Nazism does not count. Or Russian oligarchies, his buddies. Unlike threats to his glory.

Putin's statement from today that Russia's been giving ammo to FSA,a CIA-backed enemy of Russia's Syrian ally, is part of his ongoing autism.

Autism is an disorder characterized by "impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior."

Putin: "I especially note that the work of our Air Force group contributes to the unification of the efforts between both the government armies and the Free Syrian Army. At present, some of its formations numbering more than five thousand people, as well as the regular army, are carrying out offensive action against the terrorists in the provinces of Homs, Hama, Aleppo and Rakka. In addition, we are supporting them from the air, just as we are also supporting the Syrian army, by providing them with assistance in weapons, ammunition supplies and material needs."

Putin: "Особо отмечу, что работа нашей авиагруппы способствует объединению усилий как правительственных войск, так и Сирийской свободной армии. Сейчас несколько её частей общей численностью свыше пяти тысяч человек, так же как и регулярные войска, ведут наступательные действия против террористов в провинциях Хомс, Хама, Алеппо и Ракка. Кроме этого мы поддерживаем их с воздуха, так же как и сирийскую армию, оказывая им помощь в вооружении, боеприпасах и материальных средствах." http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/50913

Boris Rozhin rushed in to offer his best possible spin on Putin’s statement from today that Russia under his command started arming the US-backed, CIA-created Free Syrian Army, an enemy of Russia’s Syrian ally. Something which a twitter friend of mine called today’s „clusterfuxk.“ In doing so, Rozhin made an important confession: Moscow does want to sacrifice Assad—but not right away so that it is not that obvious and, if possible, to arrange it as Assad’s own idea. Moreover, what also comes out of Rozhin’s spin, which tries to save as much of the day as possible, is that, while trying to exude and project toughness and firmness, Putin assumed in this again a position of a poodle in front of the US and the West, which his fan club hails yet again as a proof of him being the sole alpha dog of the world.

Boris Rozhin: "The talks between Assad and a part of the rebels are the only way to end the civil war in Syria by non-military means, where Assad WILL HAVE TO AGREE TO LEAVE HIS OFFICE, even if not immediately, while the West and the opposition will have to agree to have talks with Assad talks about rebuilding Syria in the framework of the Lebanese, Bosnian or other model. THAT’S HOW THEY SEE IT IN MOSCOW. ... Among other things, a diplomatic ending of the Syrian war through achieving a compromise with the US is seen as one of the ways for somewhat improving relationship with the global hegemon, for, in Ukraine, this is not feasible, and the RUSSIAN ELITE AS A WHOLE IS ORIENTED TO THE WEST AS BEFORE (despite its official jingoism; literally: hurrah patriotism). That’s why the Russian Federation constantly urges US to work together (and even agrees to cooperate with the FSA …). All of this is a kind of attempt … to make the US change its policy towards the Russian Federation.”

„Переговоры между Асадом и частью мятежников, это единственный способ прекращения гражданской войны в Сирии не военным путем, где Асаду придется согласится покинутьь свой пост, пускай и не сразу, а Западу и оппозиции придется согласиться вести с Асадом переговоры по поводу переустройства Сирии в рамках Ливанского, Боснийского или иного варианта. Так это видят в Москве. ... Помимо прочего, дипломатическое завершение сирийской войны, с достижением компромисса с США, рассматривается как один из способов несколько улучшить отношения с мировым гегемоном, так как на Украине для этого нет практических возможностей, а российские элиты в целом как и ранее ориентированы на Запад (несмотря на казенный ура-патриотизм). Поэтому РФ постоянно и призывает США действовать совместно (и даже согласна взаимодействовать с САА ...). Все это является своеобразной попыткой ... вынудить США изменить свою политику по отношению к РФ.“ http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2518371.html

El Murid's take on Putin's statement from today that Russia started sending weapons and giving support to the Free Syrian Army: "What was the point of mentioning [Russia's] assistance to the FSA? Evidently, to make our partners like us. They are not happy that Russia is helping Assad--so they need to be reassured. We are helping others too. The logic of such assistance is murky. It is as if, during the World War II, we had assisted Bandera's fighters because they happened to have some disputes with the Germans."

El Murid: "В чем был смысл упоминать о помощи ССА? Наверное, чтобы понравиться партнерам. Они недовольны тем, что Россия помогает Асаду - поэтому нужно их успокоить. Не только ему. Логика такой помощи довольно смутна - это как если бы во время войны мы помогали бы бандеровцам на том основании, что у них есть какие-то разногласия с немцами."
Russian oligarchy led by Putin is desperate to get back into the US grace.
Russia is now spending half of the revenues coming to its budget on buying US government bonds (both in August and September), and this support of the US "debt" is three times higher than the support for Russia's own economy in the same period.

El Murid again:

Помнится, не так давно таинственным шепотом наша пропаганда сообщала про очередной хитрый план по избавлению от ненужных зеленых бумажек и эпической закупке других активов. "Скоро, очень скоро...", - звучала невысказанная мысль. Вот-вот рухнет проклятый доллар - ну, или на крайний случай взорвется Йеллоустоун - нам уже не важно, что случиться первым - мы всё равно победили.

Йеллоустоун всё не взрывается, да и с долларом не так все однозначно: концепция поменялась, мы снова одели памперсы и принялись покупать доллары, да так, как вообще до этого не покупали - даже в годы, когда захлебывались от нефтедолларов. Как в последний раз:
"...В результате на покупку американских облигаций второй месяц подряд уходит сумма, равная половине доходов федерального бюджета (1,162 трлн рублей в августе и 1,173 трлн рублей в сентябре).
Объем вложений в госдолг США в августе в 3,2 раза превысил расходы бюджета на поддержку национальной экономики (163 млрд рублей), в 1,6 раза - траты на социальное обеспечение граждан (316 млрд рублей), в 7,1 раза - расходы на здравоохранение (24,2 млрд рублей), в 12 раз - расходы на образование (19,4 млрд рублей), в 79 раз - инвестиции в жилищно-коммунальное хозяйство (6,56 рублей) и в 865 раз - расходы на охрану окружающей среды (0,6 млрд рублей).
ЦБ РФ возобновил скупку гособлигаций США в мае - после того, как запустил программу приобретения валюты на российском рынке. К концу лета российские вложения в американский долг выросли на 23,4 млрд долларов, что позволило РФ подняться с 22-го на 15-е место в списке крупнейших кредиторов США.
В результате на покупку облигаций ушла вся валюта, полученная РФ от экспорта нефти и газа (21,4 млрд долларов за третий квартал).
Такими темпами Россия не инвестировала в американский долг, даже в "тучные" годы: для сравнения за весь 2010 год было куплено бумаг на 26,8 млрд долларов, за 2007 - на 24,2 млрд, за 2011 - на 10,2 млрд.
Россия продолжает покупать, несмотря на то, что другие страны аккуратно сбрасывают американские бумаги. По сравнению с январем объем вложений центробанков и суверенных фондов в казначейские облигации сократился на 120 млрд долларов - до 6,098 трлн долларов на конец августа..."
http://www.finanz.ru/…/cb-vlozhil-v-gosobligacii-ssha-polov…
Данные октябрьские, но судя по сегодняшнему выступлению Набиуллиной, ситуация сейчас ничуть не изменилась. Это однозначная победа, весь вопрос - чья. Очевидно одно: при президенте Обаме мы точно стали жить хуже. Очень плохой президент. Пора менять. Надеемся, американский народ пойдет навстречу нашим чаяниям и выберет кого-то, при ком нам жить будет немножко полегче.

Western media summed up, Putin's bold statement of arming the Syrian equivalent of the Ukrainian Azov as follows:

"Putin also said that while supporting the Syrian government forces, Russia has provided air cover, weapons and supplies to some units of the Free Syrian Army, a Western-backed opposition group fighting Syrian President Bashar Assad's army. ... 'I order you to act in the toughest way,' Putin said. ... At the same time, he said that the military should cooperate with the U.S.-led coalition and Israel ... Russia also has introduced a slew of economic sanctions, including a ban on sales of tour packages to Turkey ... 'Our action there has NOT been prompted by some abstract geopolitical interests or a desire to train and test new weapons systems, WHICH IS IMPORTANT TOO,' Putin said."

We don't do all that for all those reasons, though they too are important for what we do. Political and moral autism in action.

Who said that Russia needs bright leadership? A Superman is enough.

http://vladimirsuchan.blogspot.com/2015/12/putin-has-no-patience-for-threats.html

Yeah, he's jumped the shark and the cornerstone of his thesis is conspiratorial wankery, yet in the small pieces it's hard to argue with this unless we resort to cunning plans. But just because his explanation is the only one that seems to make sense does not make it necessarily so.
I did not know about the treasury bonds but that's just fuckin' nuts.
We might wonder why Putin even bothered to go to Syria if he was going to sell Assad down the river anyway.

The byzantine nature of of the whole US/Russia/Ukraine/MiddleEast scene at this moment has me pining for a lobotomy.

Dhalgren

12-11-2015, 05:57 PM

Yeah, he's jumped the shark and the cornerstone of his thesis is conspiratorial wankery, yet in the small pieces it's hard to argue with this unless we resort to cunning plans. But just because his explanation is the only one that seems to make sense does not make it necessarily so.
I did not know about the treasury bonds but that's just fuckin' nuts.
We might wonder why Putin even bothered to go to Syria if he was going to sell Assad down the river anyway.

The byzantine nature of the whole US/Russia/Ukraine/MiddleEast scene at this moment has me pining for a lobotomy.

As Lenin is so often quoted: "Follow the money." The Russian bourgeoisie is not a true "national" bourgeoisie, they are more like flagless pirates who happen to be ruling a huge nation-state with nukes, space craft, and a huge modern military (thanks to the hated commies). They do not behave as bourgeoisie of other nations - none of the Warsaw Pact nations do (except, perhaps, Belorussia, I am not completely sure on that). The Russian ruling class acts more like freebooters, the citizenry is even less of a factor in their calculations than in the other bourgeois governments.

It strikes me that Putin, et al, is trying to force the US Empire to "let them in". Why the empire won't is a real question. There are so many Cold War dinosaurs in the apparatchik that they may not be "able" to view the Russians dispassionately. It looks as though some of the EU is willing to work with the Rooskies, but others are toeing the strict US line and watching for any movement in the imperial policies. The bottom line to all this is the working class is completely on its own (as always since 1992) and any trust in Russia is foolish wishful thinking. That why I have said for months now that you can't cheerlead your way into any kind of victory for workers (I know you know that, but others don't seem to). We must work for the defeat of US imperialism, in any way we can, but not by pretending or glossing over facts. We have to maintain a clear and resolute criticism and analysis of current events as they unfold. We may not be the best at this stuff, but someone, somewhere, has to do it.

blindpig

12-12-2015, 08:26 AM

As Lenin is so often quoted: "Follow the money." The Russian bourgeoisie is not a true "national" bourgeoisie, they are more like flagless pirates who happen to be ruling a huge nation-state with nukes, space craft, and a huge modern military (thanks to the hated commies). They do not behave as bourgeoisie of other nations - none of the Warsaw Pact nations do (except, perhaps, Belorussia, I am not completely sure on that). The Russian ruling class acts more like freebooters, the citizenry is even less of a factor in their calculations than in the other bourgeois governments.

Yeah, this we have known, but the beginning of the Russian Syrian project seemed to indicate that Russia would stand up to NATO but these recent developments look more like the despicable behavior we've seen in Ukraine. Might wait and see before calling it but the trends are very bad. A good part of my resistance is due to the silly bullshit that Suchan has attached to his otherwise good analysis. Just got to separate the observable from the fancy.

It strikes me that Putin, et al, is trying to force the US Empire to "let them in". Why the empire won't is a real question. There are so many Cold War dinosaurs in the apparatchik that they may not be "able" to view the Russians dispassionately. It looks as though some of the EU is willing to work with the Rooskies, but others are toeing the strict US line and watching for any movement in the imperial policies. The bottom line to all this is the working class is completely on its own (as always since 1992) and any trust in Russia is foolish wishful thinking. That why I have said for months now that you can't cheerlead your way into any kind of victory for workers (I know you know that, but others don't seem to). We must work for the defeat of US imperialism, in any way we can, but not by pretending or glossing over facts. We have to maintain a clear and resolute criticism and analysis of current events as they unfold. We may not be the best at this stuff, but someone, somewhere, has to do it.

Empire won't let Russia in because it does not want a 'partner' nor even a vassel, it want's lunch. During the entire existance of the USSR Western aggression was assumed due to ideology but as things shake out that just added vehemence to straightforward imperialism. The colonization was going well enough in the 90's, it has slowed but never stopped. Just as the great impose renegotiation upon the small at their whim so the West wants more which at least some part of the Russian elite resists, if only to get a better deal. But not too much, wouldn't want to get Washington mad. Hardly better than and often the same people as the oligarchs of Ukraine, all stupid crooks who think they can cut a better deal than the boatload of hustlers who have gone down in flames before them, used up and shit out by Unka Sam.

Dhalgren

12-12-2015, 10:23 AM

Empire won't let Russia in because it does not want a 'partner' nor even a vassel, it want's lunch. During the entire existance of the USSR Western aggression was assumed due to ideology but as things shake out that just added vehemence to straightforward imperialism. The colonization was going well enough in the 90's, it has slowed but never stopped. Just as the great impose renegotiation upon the small at their whim so the West wants more which at least some part of the Russian elite resists, if only to get a better deal. But not too much, wouldn't want to get Washington mad. Hardly better than and often the same people as the oligarchs of Ukraine, all stupid crooks who think they can cut a better deal than the boatload of hustlers who have gone down in flames before them, used up and shit out by Unka Sam.

You see, this is what I do not "get". If the US could pull off a "color revolution" in Russia, what would the "new" government look like? It would have to be made up of oligarchs - that's all they got. I suppose the US would try to have Russia broken-up into smaller nations, all of them provinces of the empire. This would end any capacity (in any octogenarian's wildest wet dream) of Russia forming any kind of opposition to US hegemony.

I see no way this does not devolve into a real shooting war. If the Russian military retains any interior control (which they almost have to have) then I cannot see Russia being broken up, not without a world-war level fight. I wonder if the US "mind-trust" think that Russia can be beaten financially, the way the USSR supposedly was. I don't know, this stuff makes my head hurt. If the Russian government continues to do their best to lose to the US (and they are overmatched by almost any metric), then what is the point to all this bloodletting?

blindpig

12-12-2015, 11:59 AM

You see, this is what I do not "get". If the US could pull off a "color revolution" in Russia, what would the "new" government look like? It would have to be made up of oligarchs - that's all they got. I suppose the US would try to have Russia broken-up into smaller nations, all of them provinces of the empire. This would end any capacity (in any octogenarian's wildest wet dream) of Russia forming any kind of opposition to US hegemony.

I see no way this does not devolve into a real shooting war. If the Russian military retains any interior control (which they almost have to have) then I cannot see Russia being broken up, not without a world-war level fight. I wonder if the US "mind-trust" think that Russia can be beaten financially, the way the USSR supposedly was. I don't know, this stuff makes my head hurt. If the Russian government continues to do their best to lose to the US (and they are overmatched by almost any metric), then what is the point to all this bloodletting?

If the Russian ruling class is supine as the seem there will be no major conflict, just surrender. It seems what the US is doing is demonstrating that it can apply pressure at multiple points, and all of this thru proxies, which is what makes US so brazen, no body bags.

This business of buying US bonds indicates that Russia is not at all serious about confronting the US which continues to heap abuse upon them. Even as bourgeiose go they are wretched curs, more catamite than comprador.

blindpig

12-12-2015, 01:05 PM

President al-Assad: Britain and France have neither the will nor the vision on how to defeat terrorism

President al-Assad-Sunday Times-interview 4
6 December، 2015

http://sana.sy/en/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/President-al-Assad-Sunday-Times-interview-4-660x330.jpg
President al-Assad: Russia’s policy towards Syria is based on values and interests, the West is not serious in fighting terrorists
11 December، 2015

Damascus, SANA – President Bashar al-Assad gave an interview to The Sunday Times in which he said Britain and France have neither the will nor the vision on how to defeat terrorism and their airstrikes against ISIS will yield no results, but will rather be illegal and harmful in that they will help in spreading terrorism.

The following is the full text of the interview:

Question 1: Thank you for seeing us Mr President. As you know, the British government today will be voting on whether it will join the coalition airstrikes against ISIS. Is Britain right to join airstrikes against ISIS in Syria? And do you welcome its involvement; and will it make things worse or not make a change?

President Assad: If I want to let’s say, evaluate a book, I cannot take or single out a phrase from that book to evaluate the whole book. I have to look at the headlines, then the titles of the chapters and then we can discuss the rest of the book. So, what we are talking about is only an isolated phrase. If we want to go back to the headline, it is “the will to fight terrorism.” We know from the very beginning that Britain and France were the spearheads in supporting the terrorists in Syria, from the very beginning of the conflict. We know that they don’t have that will, even if we want to go back to the chapter on military participation with the coalition, it has to be comprehensive, it has to be from the air, from the ground, to have cooperation with the troops on the ground, the national troops for the interference or participation to be legal. It is legal only when the participation is in cooperation with the legitimate government in Syria. So, I would say they don’t have the will and they don’t have the vision on how to defeat terrorism.

And if you want to evaluate, let’s evaluate from the facts. Let’s go back to the reality on the ground. Since that coalition started its operation a year or so, what was the result? ISIS and al-Nusra and other like-minded organizations or groups, were expanding, expanding freely. What was the situation after the Russians participated in fighting terrorism directly? ISIS and al-Nusra started shrinking. So I would say, first they will not give any results. Second, it will be harmful and illegal, and it will support terrorism as what happened after the coalition started its operation a year or so, because this is like a cancer. You cannot cut the cancer. You have to extract it. This kind of operation is like cutting the cancer that will make it spread in the body faster.

Question 2: Are you saying, just to clarify two things, are you saying that the British, if the British join the intervention, that includes also the other coalition, with that intervention you see that is illegitimate from an international-law perspective?

President Assad: Definitely, definitely, we are a sovereign country. Look at the Russians, when they wanted to make this alliance against terrorism, the first thing they did was they started discussions with the Syrian government before anyone else. Then they started discussing the same issue with other governments. Then they came. So, this is the legal way to combat any terrorist around the world.

Britain and France helped in the rise of ISIS and al-Nusra in this region

Question 3: You say that France and Britain are responsible for the rise of terrorism here. But they were not responsible for the rise of ISIS, for example, is not that a little bit a harsh accusation?

President Assad: Let’s start from what Blair said. He said that invading Iraq led to the rise of ISIS. And we know that ISIS started publically, announcing itself as a state in Iraq in 2006, and the leader was Abu Mosaab al-Zerqawi. He was killed by American strikes; and they announced that they killed him. So, they know he existed and they know that IS in Iraq at that time had existed; and that it moved to Syria after the beginning of conflict in Syria because of the chaos that happened. So, they confess. British officials confessed, mainly Blair; and the reality is telling, that they helped in the rise of ISIS and al-Nusra in this region.

President al-Assad-Sunday Times-interview 3

Question 4: In your view, does al-Qaida’s branch in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra, pose an equal or a greater long-term threat to the West than ISIS? And as such, is Britain’s Prime Minister, Cameron, going after the wrong enemy? I.e. he is going after ISIS instead of going after al-Nusra.

President Assad: The whole question is about the structure, and the problem is not about the structure of the organization. It is about their ideology. They do not base their actions on the structure, they base them on their dark, Wahhabi deviated ideology. So, if we want to evaluate these two, the difference between the two, there is no difference because they have the same ideology. This is one aspect. The other aspect, if we want to talk about their grassroots, their followers, their members, you cannot have this distinction, because they move from one organization or one group to another. And that is why sometimes they fight with each other, for their vested interests, on a local and small scale. But in reality they are cooperating with each other on every level. So, you cannot tell which is more dangerous because this is one mentality. It is like if you say the first one is al-Qaida and the second one is al-Qaida. The difference is the label, and maybe some other trivial things.

Question 5: Last week, a key part of Cameron’s argument for extending UK airstrikes to Syria was a number that he used – 70 thousand moderate rebels – that he mentioned “don’t belong to extremist groups”, but are already on the ground, who the west can use to help them in the fight of ISIS. As far as you know, which groups are included in the 70 thousand? Are you aware of 70 thousand moderate rebels in Syria?

President Assad: Let me be frank and blunt about this. This is a new episode in a long series of David Cameron’s classical farce, to be very frank. This is not acceptable. Where are they? Where are the 70 thousand moderates that he is talking about? That is what they always talk about: moderate groups in Syria. This is a farce based on offering the public factoids instead of facts.

The Russians have been asking, since the beginning of their participation two months ago. They have said: where are those moderates? No one gave them an answer. Actually, since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, there were no moderate militants in Syria. All of them were extremists. And in order not to say I am just giving excuses and so on, go back to the internet, go back to the social networking sites. They uploaded their atrocities’ videos and pictures, with their faces and their rhetoric. They use swords, they do beheadings; they ate the heart of a dismembered innocent person and so on.

And you know, the confession of a criminal is the incontrovertible fact. So, those are the 70 thousand moderates he is taking about. It is like if we describe the terrorists who committed the attack in Paris recently, and before that in Charlie Hebdo, and before that in the UK nearly ten years ago, and in Spain before that, and the 11th of September in New York, to describe them as moderate opposition. That is not accepted anywhere in this world; and there is no 70 thousand, there is no 7 thousand, he does not have, maybe now ten of those.

Question 6: Not even the Kurds and the FSA for example, the free Syrian army?

President Assad: The Kurds are fighting the terrorists with the Syrian army, in the same areas.

Question 7: But they are also being supported and armed and trained and backed by the Americans to also launch, to fight …

President Assad: Mainly by the Syrian army, and we have the documents. We sent them armaments, because they are Syrian citizens, and they want to fight terrorism. We do the same with many other groups in Syria, because you cannot send the army to every part of Syria. So, it is not only the Kurds. Many other Syrians are doing the same.

Question 8: U.S. Secretary of state John Kerry said last Friday that the Syrian government could cooperate with the opposition forces against the ISIS even if president Assad is still in office, but he said that this would be so difficult if the opposition fighters, who have been fighting the Syrian president, don’t have a faith that the Syrian president will eventually leave power.

Kerry also said that concerning the timing of leaving office, the answer is it is not obvious whether he will have to leave.

Meanwhile, the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told Le Progres Newspaper on Saturday that he no longer believes that President Assad’s departure is essential to any political transition in Syria, adding that the political transition does not mean that President Assad should step down before it but there should be future insurances.

My question: Do you intend to complete your presidential term until 2021 or do you expect a referendum or presidential elections prior to that date? And if so, when can these elections be held? And what can make you decide to hold them? And if they are held, is it certain that you will be running for election? What can influence your decision?

President Assad: The answer depends on the context of the question. If it is related to a settlement in Syria, then early elections have nothing to do with ending the conflict. This can only happen by fighting terrorists and ceasing Western and regional support for terrorists…Early elections will only be held as part of a comprehensive dialogue about future by the political powers and the civil society groups in Syria.

Thus, it is not about the will of the President, but rather the will of the Syrian people…It is about a political process. If this process is agreed on, then I have the right to run for elections like any other Syrian citizen…My decision in this case will be based on my ability to deliver on my commitments…and on whether I have the support of the Syrian people or not….Anyway, It is early to talk about this, because as you know, this process was not agreed upon yet.

President al-Assad-Sunday Times-interview 2

Question 9: Do you think ISIS can be defeated by airstrikes alone?

You cannot defeat ISIS through airstrikes alone without cooperation with forces on the ground

President Assad: Did the coalition defeat them by airstrikes during the last year or so? It didn’t. Did the Americans achieve anything from the airstrikes in Afghanistan? They achieved nothing. Did they achieve anything in Iraq since the invasion in 2003? Nothing. You cannot defeat ISIS through airstrikes alone, without cooperation with forces on the ground. You cannot defeat them if you do not have buy-in from the general public and the government. They cannot defeat ISIS by airstrikes; they are going to fail again. The reality is telling.

Question 10: If the international coalition refuses, as it has so far, to coordinate with the Syrian Army, or with the local troops on the ground, what is your next plan? I mean do you have a plan B beyond what is going on? How do you plan to end this war?

President Assad: This coalition is illusive, it’s virtual, because it has not made any achievements in fighting terrorism on the ground in Syria. Since an illusion doesn’t exist, let’s not waste time with the ‘before and after.’ From the very beginning we started fighting terrorism irrespective of any global or world powers. Whoever wants to join us is welcome, and whether they join us or not, we are going to continue. This is our plan. It is the only plan we have and we will not change it.

Question 11: Are you calling on them to ask the Syrian government to coordinate and cooperate with the Syrian army and the Syrian air force in the fight against terrorists?

President Assad: We are very realistic. We know that they are not going to do so and that they don’t have the will. This is more about international law than anything else. Is it possible that western governments, or regimes, don’t know the basics of international law, that they don’t understand the meaning of a sovereign state or that they haven’t read the UN Charter? They have no respect for international law and we didn’t ask for their cooperation.

Question 12: But would you like them to?

President Assad: If they are ready – serious and genuine – to fight terrorism, we welcome any country or government, any political effort. In that regard we are not radical, we are pragmatic. Ultimately, we want to resolve the situation in Syria and prevent further bloodshed. That is our mission. So, it’s not about love or hate, accepting or not, it is about reality. Are they truly ready to help us fight terrorism, to stop terrorists coming into Syria through their surrogate governments in our region, or not? That is the real question. If they are ready, we will welcome them. This is not personal.

Question 13: Do you think it is possible for you, in Syria, and for your allies – Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and other allies – to defeat ISIS militarily; and if so, how long do you think it might take?

President Assad: The answer is based on two factors: our capabilities on the one hand, and the support the terrorists receive on the other. From our perspective, if you were to remove the support these groups get from various countries in our region and the West in general, it will take a matter of months to achieve our mission. It is not very complicated, the solution is very clear to us. However, these groups have unlimited support from these countries, which makes the situation drag on, makes it more complicated and harder to resolve. This means our mission will be achieved at a much higher price, which will ultimately be paid by Syrians.

Question 14: But there has already been a high price: over 200,000 people have been killed.

President Assad: You are right, and that is a consequence of the support I referred to.

Question 15: But a lot of it is also blamed on the Syrian government and the Syrian use of force, sometimes indiscriminate or unnecessary force in certain areas that has brought about a large number of people killed. How do you respond to that?

President Assad: First, all wars are bad. There is no such thing as a good war. In every war there are always too many innocent casualties. These are only avoidable by bringing that war to an end. So it is self-evident that wars anywhere in the world will result in loss of life. But the rhetoric that has been repeated in the West for a long time ignores the fact that from day one terrorists were killing innocent people, it also ignores that fact that many of the people killed were supporters of the government and not vice versa. As a government, our only countermeasure against terrorists is to fight them. There is no other choice. We cannot stop fighting the terrorists who kill civilians for fear of being accused by the West of using force.

Question 16: Let us talk about the role of Russia. How important has the role of Russia been? Was Syria about to fall had Russia not intervened when it did at the time?

Russia and Iran’s support played important part in Syria’s steadfastness against terrorism

President Assad: The Russian role is very important. It has had a significant impact on both the military and political arena in Syria. But to say that without this role, the government or the state would have collapsed, is hypothetical. Since the very beginning of the conflict in Syria, there were bets on the collapse of the government. First it was a few weeks, then it was a few months and then a few years. Every time it was the same wishful thinking. What is definite is that the Russian support to the Syrian people and government from the very beginning, along with the strong and staunch support of Iran, has played a very important part in the steadfastness of the Syrian state in the fight against terrorism.

Question 17: You mean the previous one, or the recent military intervention?

President Assad: No, the whole support; it is not only about their participation. Their support from the very beginning in all aspects: political, military and economic.

Question 18: How and why did Russian involvement come about now? And can you give us some details of the discussions between you and President Putin that brought it about? Who took the first step? Did you ask, or did they offer?

The Russians want to protect Syria, Iraq, the region, themselves and even Europe

President Assad: You will have to ask the Russians why they got involved. But from our perspective, since the Western coalition started in Syria, ISIS has expanded, al-Nusra has expanded and every other extremist and terrorist group has expanded and captured new territory in Syria and Iraq. The Russians clearly saw how this posed a threat to Syria, Iraq and the region in general, as well as to Russia and the rest of the world. We can see this as a reality in Europe today. If you read and analyse what happened in Paris recently and at Charlie Hebdo, rather than view them as separate incidences, you will realize something very important. How many extremists cells now exist in Europe? How many extremists did you export from Europe to Syria? This is where the danger lies. The danger is in the incubator. The Russians can see this very clearly. They want to protect Syria, Iraq, the region, themselves and even Europe. I am not exaggerating by saying they are protecting Europe today.

Question 19: So, did they come to you and say we would like to be involved? Or did you ask them: could you help us?

President Assad: It was an accumulative decision; it didn’t happen by me having this idea or them having another. As you know, our relationship with the Russians goes back more than five decades, and they have always had military staff in Syria: call them experts or by any other name. This cooperation accelerated and increased during the crisis. Their teams are here and can see the situation real-time with us. This kind of decision doesn’t start from the top down, but rather from the bottom up. There is a daily political and military discussion between our two countries. When it reached a presidential level, it was mature enough and ready for the decision to be made quickly.

Question 20: But there must have been a point when they said: we think, or with your agreement, we think that we should actually now physically get involved.

President Assad: Again, this was started at the lower levels. These officials jointly agreed that it was necessary to get involved and each party discussed it with their leaders. When it reached the stage of discussion between us, I mean between President Putin and I, we focused our discussions on the how. Of course this did not happen directly as we had not yet met and it’s impossible to discuss these issues on the phone. It was mediated through senior officials from both sides. That is what happened. In terms of procedure, I sent a letter to President Putin which included an invitation for their forces to participate.

Question 21: So you asked president Putin having been advised by your officials.

President Assad: Exactly, after we reached that point I sent President Putin a formal letter and we released a statement announcing that we had invited them to join our efforts. Let’s not forget that President Putin had already taken the step when he said he was willing to create a coalition. My response to this was that we are ready if you want to bring your forces to participate.

Question 22: So, what forces have been deployed? I am talking about Russian forces. There have been reports, for example, of a thousand ground troops plus Special Forces, is this correct? Is there anytime when you think that the Russians will be involved in Syria, not just by air but with ground troops as well?

President Assad: No, so far there is no such thing. There are no ground troops except for the personnel that they send with their military staff and airplanes to guard the airbase, and that is natural. They don’t have any ground troops fighting with Syrian forces at all.

Question 23: And there is no plan for that?

President Assad: We have not discussed that yet, and I don’t think we need it now, because things are moving in the right direction. The Russians may consider it with time or under different circumstances, but for the moment, this has not been discussed.

Question 24: There was a report, or a hint, that Syria might be receiving S-300 from the Russians, and the S-300 will allow Syria to protect its airspace. Is this something, for example, that Syria will use against the US-led coalition’s air force, even if Britain was involved, since their warplanes are in Syrian skies, as you said earlier, without official or sovereign permission. As Syria will receive S-300, then will it use this to impose, if you want, protection of its skies and impose a way to tell the coalition that you have to actually directly deal with us, or coordinate with us on the ground?

We will use any means available to us to protect our airspace

President Assad: That is our right and it is only to be expected that we prevent any airplane from violating our airspace. That is completely legal. We are going to use any means available to us to protect our airspace. It is not about that armament in particular. Any air defense we have is for that reason.

Question 25: Do you have that defense at the moment?

President Assad: No. So far we don’t have it.

Question 26: If you get that defense?

President Assad: Any defense systems we are going to have are for that purpose. If we are not going to protect our airspace, then why buy such armaments in the first place? That is self-evident.

Question 27: And if you get it …

President Assad: Not at the moment; it is not our priority now. Our priority is fighting the terrorists on the ground. This is the most important danger now. Of course we are keen to protect our airspace and prevent foreign interference in our internal affairs, militarily or other. But the priority now is to defeat the terrorists. By defeating the terrorists, some of whom are Syrians, we can move further in protecting the whole country from foreigners. It is a matter of priorities.

Question 28: But I meant about the actual coalition airplanes that are actually flying over Syria. So, that is not a priority either at the moment?

President Assad: No, not at the moment. At the moment the priority is fighting terrorism.

Question 29: If Saudi Arabia were to invite you for serious discussions on the future of Syria, would you accept such an invitation? Or have relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia been severely severed that you would never consider that?

President Assad: No, there is nothing impossible in politics. It is not about whether I accept or not, but rather about the policies of each government. What are their policies towards Syria? Are they going to keep supporting the terrorists or not? Are they going to continue playing their dangerous games in Syria, Yemen and other places? If they are ready and willing to change their policies, especially with regard to Syria, we don’t have a problem meeting with them. So it is not about the meeting or whether we go or not, the issue is their approach to what is happening in Syria.

Question 30: Do you expect any results from the talks in Vienna? And what would be the shape of any possible deal that you see coming out of Vienna?

President Assad: The most important clause in the Vienna communique is that the Syrians should come together to discuss the future of Syria. Everything else is an accessory. If you don’t have that main part, the accessories are of no use. So, the only solution is for us to come together as Syrians. Vienna itself is a meeting to announce intentions; it is not the actual process of siting down and discussing the future. So, the question is not what results from Vienna, but rather what we Syrians are able to achieve when we sit down together.

Question 31: But do you realize that some of the opposition’s leaders, and I’m talking about opposition figures who have been against taking up arms and what have you, but are also afraid of coming to Syria, because the moment they land in Syria, they will be arrested by the security officers and put in prison. And it has happened to others.

President Assad: No, it has never happened. There is an opposition in Syria, and they are free to do whatever they want.

Question 32: No, I mean the external opposition. For example, somebody like Haitham Mannaa, cannot come back.

President Assad: We have clearly stated that when there is a gathering in Syria, which they want to attend, we guarantee that they will not be arrested or held. We have said this many times. We don’t have any problems in this regard.

President al-Assad-Sunday Times-interview 1

Question 33: Now, Saudi Arabia invited 65 figures, including opposition leaders, even rebel commanders, businessmen, religious figures for a meeting in Saudi Arabia to present a united front in preparation for the January Vienna talks. Yet, the Syrian government, which is the other major element in this whole thing for the future of Syria, has not been seen to be involved with the opposition. Are you conducting any talks with the opposition? Have you reached any consensus with them?

President Assad: We have direct channels with some opposition groups; but others cannot communicate with us because they are not allowed to do so by the governments that control them. From our perspective, we are open for discussions with every peaceful opposition party. We don’t have any problems. With regards to the meeting in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi’s have been supporting terrorism directly, publically and explicitly. That meeting will not change anything on the ground. Before the meeting and after the meeting Saudi Arabia has been supporting terrorists and will continue to do so. It is not a benchmark or a critical juncture to discuss. It will not change anything.

Question 34: Do you see that anytime, in the future, that in order to protect Syria, or in order to save Syria, or to get the Syria process moving, that you might see yourself sitting with certain groups, one group, or certain groups, that perhaps now you deem terrorist, but in the future, it might be feasible that you would agree to negotiate with them because it would do well for the future?

President Assad: We already have; since the very beginning one of the pillars of our policy, was to start a dialogue with all parties involved in the conflict, whether they were in Syria or not. We negotiated with many terrorist groups, not organizations – to be very precise, who wanted to give up their armaments, and return to normal life. These negotiations led to many amnesties being issued and has proven to be very successful in several areas. Furthermore, some of these fighters have joined the Syrian Army and are now fighting with our forces. So yes, we are sitting down with those who committed illegal acts in Syria, whether political or military, to negotiate settlements on the condition that they give up their arms and return to normal life. This doesn’t mean that we negotiate with terrorist organizations like ISIS, al-Nusra and others. This is what I meant by groups, those who want out of the fight, regret their choices and want to have their lives back.

Question 35: The rebels call them barrel bombs. You refuse to refer to them as barrel bombs. Irrespective of the name, these were indiscriminate. Do you accept that Syria used indiscriminate bombs in some areas, which resulted in the death of many civilians?

President Assad: Let us suppose that this part of the propaganda is true, which it isn’t. But for the sake of argument, let us ask the same question regarding the different attacks committed by the Americans and the British with their state-of-the-art airplanes and missiles in Afghanistan and in Iraq, not only after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, but also during the first Gulf war in 1990. How many civilians and innocent people were killed by those airstrikes with these very high precision missiles? They killed more civilians than terrorists. So, the issue is not these so-called barrel bombs and this evil president killing the good people who are fighting for freedom. This romantic image is not the case. It is about how you use your armaments, rather than the difference between so called barrel bombs and high precision missiles. It is about how you use these weapons, what kind of information you have and your intention. Do we have the will to kill innocent people? How is that possible when the state is defending them? By doing so, we are pushing them towards the terrorists. If we want to kill people, for any reason, innocent people or civilians, that will play directly into the hands of the terrorists. And this is against our interests. Are we going to shoot ourselves in the foot? That is not realistic and not logical. This propaganda cannot be sold anymore.

Question 36: Mr President, the final question. As president of the country, and you always lead the military and everything. Do you, even if by default, not bear responsibility for some of the things that happened in Syria?

President Assad: I’ve been asked this question many times especially by western media and journalists. The aim of the question is to corner me between two answers: if I were to say I was responsible, they would say look the President bears responsibility for everything that happened, if I were to say I am not responsible, they would say this is not true, you are the president, how can you not be responsible.

Question 37: Because you are the head, like in a family …

President Assad: Let me continue, that was only an introduction to my answer. It is very simple. Since the very beginning, we built our policy around two pillars, engaging in dialogue with everyone, and fighting terrorism everywhere in Syria. Now, if you want to talk about the responsibility, you have to discuss many aspects of the conflict, and the reason why we are here today in this difficult and dire situation in Syria. If I am to claim responsibility, do I also claim responsibility for asking the Qataris to pay the terrorists money? Or for the Saudis to fund their activities? Or for western governments allowing their terrorists to come to Syria? Do I claim responsibility for asking western governments to offer a political umbrella to those terrorists and label them as moderates? Or for the western embargos on the Syrian people? This is how we have to discuss it. We cannot simply say, that he takes responsibility or not. We have to talk about every part; we have to differentiate between the policy decisions and the practices, between the strategy and the tactics. So, it is very complicated to evaluate it. Additionally, if you want to evaluate who bears responsibility in Syria, it could happen at the end of the war, when you can investigate the whole story before, during and after.

Interviewer: Mr President, thank you very much.

http://sana.sy/en/?p=63558

Dhalgren

12-13-2015, 02:06 PM

Even as bourgeiose go they are wretched curs, more catamite than comprador.

Word.

Comrade

12-13-2015, 10:53 PM

Russia has stated many times that only the Syrian people can decide the future of their country, which means that Russia fully backs President Assad because he has the support of the vast majority of the Syrian population. I don’t see any point in believing Vladimir Suchan over the Russian government’s own public statements and actions. Mr. Suchan wrongly predicted in August that Russia was going to soon “abandon Syria.” Instead, Russia militarily intervened to protect Syria from a planned Western attack. He also predicted that Novorossiya was “finished” in July of 2014. Instead, the Novorossiyan resistance beat back the junta with covert military aid from Russia.

Suchan is not a very good prognosticator. And I believe that the root cause is a fundamental misreading of world events. He seems to have a conspiratorial sort of view of the world, where “Putin” is out to “betray the revolution” (so to speak). In reality, the simplest explanation is usually correct and I believe that is so in this case: the world is seeing a major showdown between US imperialism and Russia in Syria. And neither side wants to back down. – Comrade

Syria news:

Assad: Syria won’t negotiate with foreign terrorists, but only national & patriotic opposition (https://www.rt.com/news/325690-syria-negotiate-terrorists-assad/) (RT)

Week Ten of the Russian Intervention in Syria: the “Assad must go” policy leads to war with Russia, Iran and Hezbollah (http://thesaker.is/week-ten-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-the-assad-must-go-policy-leads-to-war-with-russia-iran-and-hezbollah/), by The Saker.

Fresh From Syria? UK-Based SOHR Reporting on 'Situation on the Ground' (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151212/1031662014/uk-based-syrian-observatory-human-rights-reporting-syria-affairs-distorted-data.html) (Sputnik News)

Russian destroyer fires warning shots at Turkish fishing boat on collision course in Aegean (https://www.rt.com/news/325785-russian-destroyer-turkish-trawler/) (RT) (The West’s latest provocation. – Comrade)

Syrian Army Makes Massive Gains in Northeastern Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940918000077) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces to Cut off Terrorists' Supply Routes from Jordan (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940919000196) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Forces Advancing towards Deir Hafer in Eastern Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940919000469) (Fars News)

Nearly Fifty Militants Killed in Army's Ambush South of Syria's Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940920000431) (Fars News)

Russian Air Force Hits ISIL Militants Hard Near Syria's Border with Turkey (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940920000530) (Fars News)

Lattakia- Kassab Highway under Full Control of Syrian Army (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940921000463) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Captures Hundreds of Militants Fleeing from Aleppo Battlefronts (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940921000366) (Fars News)

Syria: Russian Warplanes Bomb Militant Strongholds Near Turkish Border (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940921000257) (Fars News)

Army Kills Top Terrorist Commanders in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940922000674) (Fars News)

Gov't Forces Win Back New Town Southwest of Syria's Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940922000664) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Quietly Approaches Daraa-Jordan Border-Crossing (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940922001060) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

Is Turkey at War With Free Speech? 100 Arrested for 'Insulting' Erdogan (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151208/1031393893/Hundred-People-ArrestedInsulting-Erdogan.html) (Sputnik News)

Turkish Grey Wolves: Forgotten Story of Cold War-Era Paramilitary Group (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151211/1031604883/turkish-grey-wolves-cold-war-era-paramilitary-group-gladio-cia-bozkurtlar.html) (Sputnik News)

Iraq news:

Sistani Orders Turkey Out Of Iraq - Syria Oppo-Conference Fails (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/12/sistani-orders-turkey-out-of-iraq-syria-oppo-conference-fails.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Is Erdogan's Mosul Escapade Blackmail For Another Qatar-Turkey Pipeline? (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/12/is-erdogans-mosul-escapade-blackmail-for-a-new-qatar-turkey-pipeline-project-.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Sadr Movement Warns of Iraq's Crushing Response to Turkish Aggression (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940919000302) (Fars News)

Thousands of Iraqis protest against Turkey’s troop deployment in north (https://www.rt.com/news/325751-thousands-protest-iraq-turkey/) (RT)

McCain is Playing Chicken With Baghdad (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/11/mccain-is-playing-chicken-with-baghdad/), by Vladimir Simonov.

Crippled in Syria, Turkey goes for a ‘Sunnistan’ in Iraq (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/325218-syria-turkey-iraq-war/), by Pepe Escobar.

Popular Forces' Top Commander Warns to Target US Bases, Turkey's Military Interests in Iraq (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940916000727) (Fars News)

Images Show Turkey Covertly Constructing Airbase in Northern Iraq (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940916001189) (Fars News)

Iraq recaptures large part of Ramadi from Daesh (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/08/440851/Iraq-Ramadi-Daesh-Anbar-) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

15 Blackwater mercs, including commander, killed in Yemen since Tuesday (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/10/441071/Yemen-Blacwater-UAE-Saudi-Arabia-Taizz-Hadi-Sudan) (PressTV) (The foreign mercenary scum invading Yemen have really taken a beating this week. – Comrade)

Yemen's 'Cry' Missiles Destroy Saudi Military Bases in Jizan Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940918000684) (Fars News)

Yemeni forces take two Saudi villages in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/11/441291/Yemen-Houthi-Jizan-Saudi-Najran) (PressTV)

Yemeni Forces Destroy Another Saudi Warship (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940920000306) (Fars News)

Yemeni forces down Saudi spy craft in Sana’a province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/12/441478/URL-Yemen-Sanaa-Saudi-spy-aircraft-) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces capture strategic Saudi-held base in Ta'izz (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/13/441529/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Taizz-Marib-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill over 80 Saudi-led troops in missile attack (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/13/441621/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-BabelMandeb-Taizz-Amnesty-International-Jizan) (PressTV) (42 more Blackwater mercenaries killed today, for a total of 57 this week. Many of them are apparently US puppets from Colombia (presumably right-wing death squad members). – Comrade)

“Saudi” Arabia news:

Annual execution toll in Saudi Arabia hits two-decade high (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/08/440872/Saudi-Arabia-execution-toll-Amnesty) (PressTV)

Saudis hold rally to demand release of political prisoners (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/11/441317/Saudi-Arabia-Qatif-Nimr-Riyadh-Amnesty-International-Eastern-Province) (PressTV)

Burundi news:

87 dead in Burundi after unidentified gunmen storm military facilities amid political turmoil (https://www.rt.com/news/325754-burundi-clashes-killed-army/) (RT) (Washington tried overthrowing the pro-BRICS government of Burundi earlier this year. These attacks are part of the next phase of that plot. – Comrade)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Ukraine’s Neo-Nazi Government Tries to Sell Stolen Art (http://www.globalresearch.ca/ukraines-neo-nazi-government-tries-to-sell-stolen-art/5494395), by Eric Zuesse.

Erdogan Sends 'Grey Wolves' to Russian Borders (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940918000211) (Fars News) (This is another example of the Kiev junta’s ties with Wahhabi terrorists. – Comrade)

The IMF forgives Ukraine’s debt to Russia (http://thesaker.is/the-imf-forgives-ukraines-loan-to-russia/), by Michael Hudson.

Moldova news:

Moldovan deputies tear map of "Greater Romania" (http://tass.ru/en/world/843079) (ITAR-TASS)

Montenegro news:

How U.S. and EU Manipulate Public Consciousness: Montenegro (http://thesaker.is/how-u-s-and-eu-manipulate-public-consciousness-montenegro/), by Ion Todescu.

‘Murderers’: Thousands gather in Montenegro capital to protest NATO membership (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/325776-montenegro-anti-nato-protests/) (RT)

Venezuela news:

Maduro Announces Proposals to Renew the Revolution (http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Maduro-Announces-Proposals-to-Renew-the-Revolution-20151212-0001.html) (TeleSUR)

USA news:

Gun Linked to Paris Attacks Traced Back to Florida Arms Dealer Implicated in Iran-Contra Scandal (http://www.globalresearch.ca/gun-linked-to-paris-attacks-traced-back-to-florida-arms-dealer-implicated-in-iran-contra-scandal/5495355), by Travis Gettys. (Looks like US arms dealers are obviously involved in arming the Western-backed terrorists in Syria and Iraq. And then one of those weapons found its way to Paris… – Comrade)

Another video report from Syria, this one is about the National Defense Forces:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mB24u-S_fI

blindpig

12-14-2015, 09:23 AM

blindpig

12-16-2015, 07:24 AM

From speech of Amar Bakdash, Syrian CP, at the Anti-Imperialist Meeting, Athens
[...] Syrian communists, alongside other patriotic forces in Syria, are resisting the savage attack of imperialists and their collaborators against our country, and believe this is not only their patriotic and class duty, but also their internationalist duty. Because at this moment, Syria is in the front line of the conflict between global imperialism and the global liberation forces.

One of the main motives for the hatred of imperialism and global Zionism against Syria is its historically stable stance in resisting imperialist schemes in the region, as well as its support for national liberation movements that face imperialist aggression. Syria consistently rejected the the plan for a "great New Middle East" that aimed at instituting full zionist imperialist hegemony in our region. The Syrian CP had called this plan "Great Zion." And it is indeed that, because it aims to extend the hegemony of Zionist Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the blessings and under the auspices of American imperialism. The success of this dangerous colonial plot presupposes the fragmentation and division of the states of the region, so that the situation is transformed into the "creative chaos" of imperialism's theoreticians, that is, into the creation of tragedy for the peoples of the region, murder, displacement, immiseration, so that imperialists can dominate and plunder these peoples.

Imperialists have not forgiven Syria for its support to the just struggle of the Palestinian people for its rights. They have not forgiven Syria for supporting the Iraqi resistance against US invasion, this brave resistance that rubbed on the conqueror's face the mud caused by the first serious military deeat of the US after the victory of the Vietnamese people.

[...] Global imperialism wants to overturn the patriotic position of Syria, using, in its aggressive plots, loyal and dependent states of the regions, of which Turkey, the infected fingernail of NATO, is the most aggressive, but also the absolutist monarchist regimes of the Gulf States: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others.One of the most savage tools imperialism is using are organizations using a religious mantle, which pursue the institution of medieval regimes to serve the hegemony of imperialism and Zionism.

Dear comrades,

We, Syrian communists, have defined our position regarding any political force, person or regime in relation to their position toward US imperialism. For us, the most dangerous enemy the people face is US imperialism, the frontline of global imperialism.

There is no doubt that European imperialism is in solidarity to the aggressive policy of US imperialism, as was evident and continues to be evident from events in North Africa (particularly Libya), the Ukrainian crisis and the conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean, where the forces of Old Europe have sent military units to combat the direct Russian military intervention, which took place in response to a demand of the Syrian government.

We think we must take advantage of all efforts made to combat the aggression of American imperialism. The national liberation movement must take advantage of the sharpening of conflicts between global centers of power.

Our party, the Syrian CP, believes that the Russian intervention, including Russian military intervention, plays an important role for Syrian resistance against the savage aggression of Euroatlantic imperialism. We are fully aware that contemporary Russia is not the Soviet Union, which was a stable frontline for the liberation of peoples. However, Russia is the recipient of a great deal of pressure from the expansionist policy of US and of west European imperialism.

Source: http://www.902.gr/eidisi/politiki/83003/hairetismos-toy-amar-mpagkntas-gg-toy-syriakoy-kk-stin-antiimperialistiki

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1so1qe0

Comrade

12-17-2015, 12:44 AM

The thing is, Russia says all sorts of things. Couple weeks ago Russia doubted the existance of FSA, Now Russia flies air support for them. Russia stands 100% behind Assad, then we read that Russia is discussing 'post- Assad' Syria with it's 'partners'. It is much the same in Ukraine, Putin made it abundantly clear that he would not tolerate exactly what happened in Slavyansk and the shelling of major cities and then sat on his hands. Have you read the Minsk agreements, listened to what Putin and Lavrov say about it? The Kremlin is selling Novorossia down the river, to Nazis. I understand that the socialism professed by those fighters does not pass your muster but given conditions is that not somewhat idealistic? Suppose the same might have been said about the Paris Commune.....

Quite right about the conspiratorial turn in Suchan's analysis. Perhaps you saw the 'jumped the shark' post? Nonetheless, to a certain level his analysis is sound because he matches Russia's words with it's actions.

The assassinations of all of the best of the political commanders(and only political..) did not happen without at least the acquiescence of Moscow's local agent.

If Russia is in an imperial death match with the US then buying bonds from your mortal enemy is a funny way to do it. Some parts of the Russian state apparatus no doubt see it that way and would perform in the 'normal' way but it seems that a considerable portion of the Russian ruling class, to whom Putin answers, is in no way interested in confronting the US, quite the opposite. How else might we explain the craven manner in which Russia answers every escalation and insult? The 'sell-by' on cunning plans is long expired. Whatever is going on it is not the 40 year conspiracythat Suchan imagines but neither is it business as usual imperialist conflict in which national groupings of the bourgeiose duke it out. This is because one of the parties ain't really in the fight, some significant portion of the Russian ruling class 'loves' the West more than Russia herself. Class will out, eh?

Not entirely unprecedented in Russian history, towards the end of the Seven Years War the Russian Tsarina Elizabeth croaked and was succeeded by her son, an extreme Frederick the Great fanboy. The little twat declared an armistice just as the Prussians were on their knees. Had it not worked out like that I doubt we'd be calling Freddie "Der Grosse".

Well, if you really want to believe that Russia is selling out the DPR/LPR, you can do so. However, I have not read any recent analysis that convinces me of that. In fact, I think that a lot of ‘facts on the ground’ speak against that position. Most significantly, Russia provided the DPR/LPR with an immense amount of critically important military hardware that helped beat back the junta. Without that support, there would more than likely not be a DPR/LPR today (except, perhaps, as exile organizations).

Russia’s main goal in the Ukraine is regime change. The reason that Russia does not want the DPR/LPR to secede is because without the Donbass’ population, the southeast would have a very hard (if not impossible) time ever regaining power in Kiev. However, just because Russia has different goals than those who want to create an independent country in the southeast (Novorossiya) does not mean that Russia is abandoning the DPR/LPR. The DPR/LPR’s militaries will undoubtedly play an important role when the Kiev regime is eventually overthrown. Russia would never abandon them for that reason alone.

Regarding the so-called “FSA”, what exactly is it? Western media attempts to portray the “FSA” as being some real, unified “army” of “liberal Syrians.” In reality, it is a mishmash of a large number of rival ‘battalions’ (mostly of sectarian extremists) many of which spend large amounts of time killing each other. However, it should be noted that some “FSA” have in fact surrendered to the Syrian government. I believe that Russia working with any such groups is simply part of the Syrian government-backed national reconciliation process with groups willing to cooperate (or at least temporarily cooperate) against a common enemy. – Comrade

Syria news:

NATO’s got a brand new (Syrian) bag (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/325845-natos-syrian-us-escobar/), by Pepe Escobar.

EXCLUSIVE: Sarin materials brought via Turkey & mixed in Syrian ISIS camps – Turkish MP to RT (https://www.rt.com/news/325825-sarin-gas-syria-turkey/) (RT)

Islamic State or Wahhabi Colony? (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/16/islamic-state-or-wahhabi-colony/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Russian Air Force strikes large ISIS base in Syria after opposition provides coordinates – MoD (https://www.rt.com/news/326127-syria-cooperation-opposition-base/) (RT)

Army Secures Entire Marj Al-Sultan Region (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940923000898) (Fars News)

Over 100 Jaish Al-Fateh Terrorists Killed in Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940923001194) (Fars News)

Syria: Army Few Kilometers Away from Turkish Border in Lattakia Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940923000917) (Fars News)

Russian Heavy Bombardments Leave No Chance for Militants to Regroup North of Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940924000999) (Fars News)

Aleppo's Kuweires Airbase Ready to Carry Out Anti-Terrorism Operations (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940925000319) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Win Back Strategic Al-Nuba Mountains North of Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940925000245) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Annihilate Militants' Weapons Depot in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940925001082) (Fars News)

Army Repels ISIL Attack on Key Deir Ezzur Village (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940925000983) (Fars News)

Another report on the Syrian army’s offensive:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60EJigG25X0

blindpig

12-17-2015, 11:11 AM

Well, if you really want to believe that Russia is selling out the DPR/LPR, you can do so. However, I have not read any recent analysis that convinces me of that. In fact, I think that a lot of ‘facts on the ground’ speak against that position. Most significantly, Russia provided the DPR/LPR with an immense amount of critically important military hardware that helped beat back the junta. Without that support, there would more than likely not be a DPR/LPR today (except, perhaps, as exile organizations).

Russia’s main goal in the Ukraine is regime change. The reason that Russia does not want the DPR/LPR to secede is because without the Donbass’ population, the southeast would have a very hard (if not impossible) time ever regaining power in Kiev. However, just because Russia has different goals than those who want to create an independent country in the southeast (Novorossiya) does not mean that Russia is abandoning the DPR/LPR. The DPR/LPR’s militaries will undoubtedly play an important role when the Kiev regime is eventually overthrown. Russia would never abandon them for that reason alone.

Regarding the so-called “FSA”, what exactly is it? Western media attempts to portray the “FSA” as being some real, unified “army” of “liberal Syrians.” In reality, it is a mishmash of a large number of rival ‘battalions’ (mostly of sectarian extremists) many of which spend large amounts of time killing each other. However, it should be noted that some “FSA” have in fact surrendered to the Syrian government. I believe that Russia working with any such groups is simply part of the Syrian government-backed national reconciliation process with groups willing to cooperate (or at least temporarily cooperate) against a common enemy. – Comrade

Russia's involvement with post-Maidan Ukraine has evolved considerably since inception. The Donbas revolt started out as an intra-oligarchic power play by those oligarchs who lost out in the Maidan putsch, essentially guarding their turf. The Nazi nature of the putsch was anathema to anyone of Russian persuasion for obvious reason and perhaps the last straw for many who had seen their standard of living seriously decline in the post-Soviet period and so some rose up, with hunting guns and baseball bats. Initially all most wanted was to be reunited with Mother Russia, as they saw happen with Crimea. And it seems that was the initial plan as Igor Strelkov, and his merry 'vacationers' entered the scene. But something changed in the Kremlin in the first quarter on 2014. The growing popular nature of the revolt was Ok as long as icons led the popular forces and a monarchists like Strelkov was a player but I believe those red banners( 'Red', mebbe not Bolsheviks but anti-capitalists with 'expropriate' upon their lips.)caused a stir, 'Arrow's monarchism was more nuanced than desired and so change of policy. This could not be effected easily, Russian propaganda had really built up support for Donbas among the Russian people which could not be reversed in the drop of a hat. In no way could they allow the Donbas to be conquered by Nazis, a major loss of face probably fatal to Putin's popularity. And so no invasion but much hardware, more 'vacationers' too, many with needed specality skills. I strongly suspect Russia also did use it's own artillery to hammer the border cauldrons on one or two occasions in August 2014.

And so the domestic political situation was stabilized, but the international was getting uncomfortable as sanctions piled up. It seems that Russia could manage and make lemonade out of lemons by revitalizing negelected industries. (The price of oil crashing sure didn't help, a function of market which typically would have been distorted by OPEC but in this case the market was allowed to function in it's ruthless manner, undoubtably to hurt Russia, Iran and Venezeula. That OPEC would sacrifice margin and the US it's fracking true indicators of their seriousness and perhaps desperation.) Yet despite all protestation sanctions seemed to have an effect on the Russian stance, and if the issues of production were addressed the personal restraints placed upon prominant Russians was not, and so Minsk 1. Implemented it would theoretically solve both of Moscow's problems, get the West off their backs and get rid of those pesky reds. And so the slow boil, and while the Syrian deployment serves a number of more legitimate purposes it serves as a distraction too.

If regime change in Kiev had been Moscow's goal why did they pull the plug on the taking of Mariupol? There for the taking with Ukrainian force disintergrating, the odds were very good for a classic collapse, never a better chance for regime change. Damn unlikely now, the US is now up to it's tits in the place and Ukrainians may suffer much but they will be kept alive as cannon fodder. There will be no regime change in Kiev which does not include anti-Nazis tanks in Maidan and I don't think ever could be. That is the only way the NAF is going to play a part in the re-ordering of Kiev. But I expect them to be more and more marginalized and degraded. Kiev will shell and grab territory on the neutral zone with impunity to which little or no response is allowed, further degrading morale.

Don't you find it disturbingly coincidental that the 'reddest', most political of the militia leaders have been eliminated? I know I do. Could this happen again and again without Moscow's knowledge or connivance? Unlikely.

Eventually, probably sometime next year, Minsk will be finalized by returning border control to the Nazis. By that time most potential resistance will have been smothered or demoralized. If a minority, say 'Ghost' and friends, make a deal of it they can be safely outlawed by all involved and hunted down like dogs. My advice to them would be to get out before that happens, to leave their weapons(more can always be gotten), and melt into Mother Russia. Novorossia after all is an Idea.

While this course will probably serve to prevent widespread discontent among Russians it will not go unnoticed either, they are not as media-blinded as we are, and Putin's popularity will take a hit. Maybe he can get a London apartment too. Like they say, you can 't serve two masters, or two classes, and it seems that Putin has made his choice. He had a chance to do it differently, however unlikely, but that's gone.

Comrade

12-19-2015, 02:54 AM

If regime change in Kiev had been Moscow's goal why did they pull the plug on the taking of Mariupol? There for the taking with Ukrainian force disintergrating, the odds were very good for a classic collapse, never a better chance for regime change. Damn unlikely now, the US is now up to it's tits in the place and Ukrainians may suffer much but they will be kept alive as cannon fodder. There will be no regime change in Kiev which does not include anti-Nazis tanks in Maidan and I don't think ever could be. That is the only way the NAF is going to play a part in the re-ordering of Kiev. But I expect them to be more and more marginalized and degraded. Kiev will shell and grab territory on the neutral zone with impunity to which little or no response is allowed, further degrading morale.

Don't you find it disturbingly coincidental that the 'reddest', most political of the militia leaders have been eliminated? I know I do. Could this happen again and again without Moscow's knowledge or connivance? Unlikely.

Regarding Mariupol, how we do know that “Russia pulled the plug” on taking it? I think it’s a lot more plausible that the DPR commanders felt overextended and decided not to take it at that time. In addition, why would Russia have stopped the DPR from taking Mariupol only to allow the DPR to take back Debaltsevo? The key victory at Debaltsevo prevented the junta from launching a major offensive to encircle Donetsk. If Russia were really going to abandon the DPR/LPR, they would not have allowed the successful winter offensive, which also finally cleared the Donetsk airport. Regarding the LPR assassinations, I will continue to blame the junta/Western intelligence agencies unless I see some very, very strong evidence suggesting otherwise. – Comrade

Syria news:

Talks About A "Political Transition" In Syria Are Not Serious – Yet (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/12/talks-about-political-transition-in-syria-are-not-serious-yet.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Syria Shatters Pentagon Dream (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/17/syria-shatters-pentagon-dream/), by Pepe Escobar.

The Unexpected Explanation How "That Ford Truck" Ended Up In ISIS Hands (http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-12-15/stunning-explanation-how-infamous-ford-f250-truck-ended-isis-hands), by Tyler Durden. (More evidence that there are “IS” agents in the US acquiring both weapons and vehicles for the sectarian killers. Washington does nothing to stop them. – Comrade)

Soros Plays Both Ends in Syria Refugee Chaos (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/18/soros-plays-both-ends-in-syria-refugee-chaos/), by F. William Engdahl.

Russian Warplanes Destroy ISIL's Tanker Column, 100 Fuel-Transfer Stations in Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940925001501) (Fars News)

More Aleppo Regions Purged of ISIL (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940926000416) (Fars News)

Senior Ahrar Al-Sham Commander Killed in Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940926000627) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Seize Large Batch of Military Hardware in Militants' Positions in Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940927000575) (Fars News)

Hezbollah, Syrian Army Remain Undefeated from Qusayr to Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940927000512) (Fars News)

Another video showing the Syrian army’s struggle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utJNgeQAb2I

blindpig

12-19-2015, 08:06 AM

Regarding Mariupol, how we do know that “Russia pulled the plug” on taking it? I think it’s a lot more plausible that the DPR commanders felt overextended and decided not to take it at that time. In addition, why would Russia have stopped the DPR from taking Mariupol only to allow the DPR to take back Debaltsevo? The key victory at Debaltsevo prevented the junta from launching a major offensive to encircle Donetsk. If Russia were really going to abandon the DPR/LPR, they would not have allowed the successful winter offensive, which also finally cleared the Donetsk airport. Regarding the LPR assassinations, I will continue to blame the junta/Western intelligence agencies unless I see some very, very strong evidence suggesting otherwise. – Comrade

The debacle at Mariupol was a matter of class interest, specifically the oligarch Akhmetov, whose holdings are centered on that city. Among that class there is much cross border interest and alliance. In the end it's always class.

Should be noted that the political militia leaders, besides wanting to expropriate oligarchs, were also those very keen to eliminate corruption, which has been wide spread with many civil and other militia leaders implicated. As always 'who profits' is a pertinent question.

Like I said, Moscow cannot allow Donbas to be conquered, for loss of face. Rather it will be compelled to rejoin Ukraine, apparently of free will and with meaningless guarantees, this after significant resistance has been weeded out, which is what the ongoing assasinations have accomplished. It is curious that the highest profile leaders, 'Motorola' and 'Givi', whose loss would have the greatest morale effect, have been spared.

Dhalgren

12-19-2015, 12:59 PM

It is curious that the highest profile leaders, 'Motorola' and 'Givi', whose loss would have the greatest morale effect, have been spared.

I think an addition to your sentence of "so far" is called for. I really do not see any evidence of "western" hit-squads in the Donbas - not saying it isn't possible, but 'Occam' says probably not. The assassinations of these various "political" militia leaders is directly beneficial to the Russian ruling class, who are playing for not just survival, but for profit, as well. The very existence of "Minsk", both 1 and 2, argue for the "betrayal" of the Donbas by the Russian government.

After reading more of the Lenin piece on opposing imperialist governments, the Russian government looks more and more like a smaller imperial power trying to shore-up its holdings and protect its investments against competitive encroachments. One bourgeois government "protecting" a client state from another bourgeois government looks like imperial conflict - not the smaller bourgeois government helping a victim of imperialism to maintain "self-determination". Knowing and understanding what the belligerents are doing, AND why, are both required in order to make realistic evaluation of events and to analyze developments.

Putin, et al, has to walk a thin tight rope in global politics, because of the dominance and ruthlessness of the US empire and its minions. But the fact that all of the most recent "anti-US" governments have clung, desperately, to capitalism and have striven mightily to solidify their bourgeois bona fides would make one regard the bulk of current global conflict as an imperialist conflict, and not necessarily a conflict of imperialist vs. other.

Comrade

12-20-2015, 10:39 PM

The debacle at Mariupol was a matter of class interest, specifically the oligarch Akhmetov, whose holdings are centered on that city. Among that class there is much cross border interest and alliance. In the end it's always class.

If Russia cared so much about Rinat Akhmetov, then why did they nationalize his assets in the Crimea (http://tass.ru/en/russia/772301)? And why did they let the DPR nationalize his assets too? Russia gave up on Akhmetov the second that he sided with Kiev instead of going into exile with Yanukovich.

It is curious that the highest profile leaders, 'Motorola' and 'Givi', whose loss would have the greatest morale effect, have been spared.

Yes, if Putin were trying to “betray the revolution”, then why only do it in the LPR and not the DPR too? That suggests that in the LPR there is some kind of serious security issue that the DPR does not have (like local collaborators with the junta amongst the local bourgeoisie/criminal elements). I think that the LPR needs to let the DPR leadership have a greater say in the running of their republic to sort this mess out. – Comrade

Syria news:

Week Eleven of the Russian Intervention in Syria: a step back from the brink? (http://thesaker.is/week-eleven-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-a-step-back-from-the-brink/), by The Saker.

Syria: The break for the border (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/326536-turkey-isis-syria-erdogan/), by Pepe Escobar.

Bashar al-Assad: The Democratically Elected President of Syria (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/20/bashar-al-assad-the-democratically-elected-president-of-syria/), by Steven MacMillan.

Assad makes surprise Christmas visit to Damascus church (PHOTOS) (https://www.rt.com/news/326541-assad-visit-church-damascas/) (RT)

Russian long-range warplanes drop 1,500 bombs on ISIS targets in Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/326532-russia-strategic-bombers-syria-isis/) (RT)

Lebanese Media Confirms FNA Report on US Airbase Construction in Northeastern Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940927000786) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Deploys Forces Only 2,000 Meters from Palmyra's Gates (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940928000739) (Fars News)

Gov't Forces Seize Control over 8 Heights North of Syria's Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940928000224) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Restore Security to Strategic Chunk of Damascus-Quneitra Highway (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940928000638) (Fars News)

Hundreds of Iraqi Fighters Flocking to Syria to Join Army Operation North of Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940929000935) (Fars News) (Good news, reinforcements are arriving from Iraq to help the Syrian army’s offensive. – Comrade)

Syrian Army, Hezbollah Capture Khan Touman in Groundbreaking Victory in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940929000703) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

How Influential Are Turkish Spies Within The Islamic State? (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/12/how-influential-are-turkish-spies-within-the-islamic-state-.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Turkey Headed Toward Civil War (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151220/1032033126/turkey-civil-war.html) (Sputnik News)

Turkish MP faces treason charges after telling RT ISIS used Turkey for transiting sarin (https://www.rt.com/news/326084-erdem-rt-interview-treason/) (RT) (Another example of the “Free World” member Turkey trying to silence dissent. – Comrade)

Iraq news:

“ISIS Air Force”: US Airstrike Takes Out Battalion of Iraqi Troops Who Were Battling ISIS (http://www.globalresearch.ca/isis-air-force-us-airstrike-takes-out-battalion-of-iraqi-troops-who-were-battling-isis/5496826) (21st Century Wire)

Russian Military Aid in Iraq (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940924000825) (Fars News)

US-NATO’s “Counter-Christmas Crusade” against the Cradle of Civilization and the Holy Land (http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-natos-counter-christmas-crusade-against-the-cradle-of-civilization-and-the-holy-land/5496472), by Felicity Arbuthnot.

Qatar royals among those abducted in Iraqi desert – report (https://www.rt.com/news/326188-qatar-royals-abducted-iraq/) (RT)

Iraqi forces liberate areas from Daesh in Ramadi (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/18/442190/Iraq-army-Ramadi-Anbar-Daesh) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Top Saudi, Emirati commanders killed in Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/14/441660/Yemen-Houthi-Saudi-Arabia-Ansarullah-UAE) (PressTV)

Yemen forces kill senior Saudi military commander (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/16/441991/Saudi-Arabia-Najran-Ansarullah-Ahmad-almabti-UN--) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill 120 Saudi forces in ballistic missile strike (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/18/442294/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Houthi-Ansarullah-Marib-Najran-Tochka-Hadi-UN-Najran) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill 25 Saudi troops in missile attack in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/20/442567/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Ansarullah-Najran-missile) (PressTV)

Libya news:

Rival Regimes in Libya Sign Agreement in Morocco Paving the Way for Western Troop Deployments (http://www.globalresearch.ca/rival-regimes-in-libya-sign-agreement-in-morocco-paving-the-way-for-western-troop-deployments/5497078), by Abayomi Azikiwe.

‘Libya at core of US, UK strategy to destabilize region’ (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/326520-libya-us-special-forces/), by Dan Glazebrook.

IS militants seized chemical weapons in Libya, says cousin of late Libyan leader (http://tass.ru/en/world/845033) (ITAR-TASS) (Another “NATO victory” in Libya. – Comrade)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Putin: "We cannot give up Donbass to be eaten by Ukrainian nationalists" (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/12/putin-we-cannot-give-up-donbass-to-be.html) (Fort Russ)

The Donbass Diary: If Kiev Launches a New Offensive, Donbass Is Ready (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/donbass-diary-kiev-gearing-new-offensive/ri11835), by Zakhar Prilepin.

US Wants Him So Yatsenyuk Stays (http://thesaker.is/us-wants-him-so-yatsenyuk-stays/), by Alexander Mercouris.

Erdogan Meets With Crimean Blockade Organizers: Naval Provocation Imminent? (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20151219/1032016827/erdogan-crimean-naval-blockade.html) (Sputnik News)

How bad is the crisis in the Ukrofreakistan? How is the Nazi regime doing? (http://thesaker.is/how-bad-is-the-crisis-in-the-ukrofreakistan-how-is-the-nazi-regime-doing/), by The Saker.

Ukrainian nationalist battalions resume shelling of Donetsk – media (http://tass.ru/en/world/845523) (ITAR-TASS)

Russian MP calls for treason inquiry against Gorbachev, with transcripts of two of the most important phone calls of our time (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/12/russian-mp-calls-for-treason-inquiry.html) (Fort Russ)

Moldova news:

Moldovan socialists to suggest constitutional amendments to ban unification with Romania (http://tass.ru/en/world/844620) (ITAR-TASS)

Republic Srpska news:

Soros aided CIA operations in Balkans and Moldova region (http://www.infowars.com/soros-aided-cia-operations-in-balkans-and-moldova-region/), by Wayne Madsen.

Montenegro news:

‘Cancer of Europe’ – Russian Duma speaker calls for NATO dissolution (https://www.rt.com/politics/326294-cancer-tumor-of-europe-/) (RT)

Venezuela news:

Will South America Explode? (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/19/will-south-america-explode/), by Caleb Maupin.

Assessing Venezuela’s Elections: The Good, the Bad, and the Indifferent (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/15/assessing-venezuelas-elections-the-good-the-bad-and-the-indifferent/), by Eric Draitser.

Myanmar news:

Myanmar: Trading in the Devil You Know… (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/18/myanmar-trading-in-the-devil-you-know/), by Tony Cartalucci.

China news:

China Carefully Moving to Displace Dollar (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/14/china-carefully-moving-to-displace-dollar/), by F. William Engdahl.

Footage of an important height taken by the Syrian army this week in Latakia province:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJnM50caEAk

blindpig

12-21-2015, 09:35 AM

Russia cared so much about Rinat Akhmetov, then why did they nationalize his assets in the Crimea? And why did they let the DPR nationalize his assets too? Russia gave up on Akhmetov the second that he sided with Kiev instead of going into exile with Yanukovich.

Don't think Russia has "given up" on anybody, the oligarchic class hardly recognizes the border between Ukraine and Russia, despite the apparant hostility cross border ownership is common. An energy company in the newly 'liberated' Crimea is exceptional, matter of national security.

Yes, if Putin were trying to “betray the revolution”, then why only do it in the LPR and not the DPR too? That suggests that in the LPR there is some kind of serious security issue that the DPR does not have (like local collaborators with the junta amongst the local bourgeoisie/criminal elements). I think that the LPR needs to let the DPR leadership have a greater say in the running of their republic to sort this mess out. – Comrade

Because that's where the 'reds' are(were). Both states are up to their ears in all sorts ugliness, Including the return of various Ukrainian officals including SBU.

In any case it will all come down to the return of border control to Ukrainian authorities as per Minsk, which Russia has signed on to and insists must be implemented. Then we shall know for sure.

Comrade

12-24-2015, 12:33 AM

Because that's where the 'reds' are(were).

There are many socialists/communists in the DPR too, including the Communist Party that has 11 seats in the DPR parliament. The DPR’s left is probably better organized than the LPR’s. And the DPR does not seem to suffer from all of the same internal problems that exist in the LPR. – Comrade

Syria news:

Putin’s Progress in Syria Sends Kerry Scampering to the United Nations (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/23/putins-progress-in-syria-sends-kerry-scampering-to-the-united-nations/), by Mike Whitney.

Criticism Of Hersh's New Piece Fails To Understand What Really Happened (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/12/how-a-critic-of-hershs-new-piece-fails-to-understand-what-really-happened.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Looks like there might have been some high-level US military dissent trying to undermine Obama and the CIA’s drive to arm the Western-backed terrorists in Syria. – Comrade)

Washington Quietly Targets ISIS’ Foes (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/21/washington-quietly-targets-isis-foes/), by Caleb Maupin.

Syrians Made Their Choice: 'Assad is Their Man for Now and Into the Future' (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151223/1032192076/syria-assad-president-alawites-sunnis-sectarian-violence.html) (Sputnik News)

Apocalyptic scenes of Damascus suburb obliterated by violent clashes (RT EXCLUSIVE DRONE FOOTAGE) (https://www.rt.com/news/326837-syria-jobar-obliterated-drone-footage/) (RT) (Video showing Syria’s battle to liberate Jobar from the Western-backed terrorists. – Comrade)

Watch death defying driver pull off impossible TOW missile dodge (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/22/442854/TOW-driver-dodge-footage) (PressTV)

Russian-Syrian Airstrikes Target ISIL's Long Columns of Oil Tankers (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941001000409) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Finds Saudi Aid Supplies in Positions Seized from Terrorists Southwest Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941001000555) (Fars News)

Several Senior Terrorist Commanders Killed in Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941002000977) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Complete Control over Al-Nuba, Sheikh Sayyid Mountains North of Lattakia Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941002001016) (Fars News)

Video showing the Syrian army's female troops battling against the West's medieval terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL9nC8KV-_E

Comrade

12-27-2015, 08:56 PM

Syria news:

Week Twelve of the Russian Intervention in Syria: Zag! (http://thesaker.is/week-twelve-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-zag/), by The Saker.

Top Syrian rebel leader Zahran Alloush killed in airstrike in Damascus suburb (https://www.rt.com/news/327094-top-syrian-rebel-killed/) (RT) (Great news! – Comrade)

Zahran Allouch's Successor Might Be Dead 24 Hours after Appointment as Jeish al-Islam's New Leader (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941005001300) (Fars News)

Russian jets bomb ISIS oil tankers in Syria (MoD VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/327071-russian-airstrikes-isis-oil-tankers/) (RT)

Syrian Army Scores Another Major Victory in Lattakia, Captures Several Strategic Regions (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941004000741) (Fars News)

Turkish Army Launches Military Incursion into Northeastern Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941004000481) (Fars News)

Notorious Saudi Emir of Al-Nusra Killed in Bashkoy, Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941006001374) (Fars News)

Army Captures More Strategic Regions Around Kuweires Airbase (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941005001085) (Fars News)

Militants in Syria's Aleppo, Damascus Provinces Surrender to Government (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941005001197) (Fars News)

Syrian forces kill senior Takfiri militant commander near Damascus (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/27/443413/Syria-Daraa-Reza-Mohammed-alMasaalm-Syria-Revolutionaries-Front-Damascus/) (PressTV) (A lot of the Western-backed terrorist commanders have been killed this week. – Comrade)

Turkey news:

Russian intel spots 12,000 oil tankers & trucks on Turkey-Iraq border - General Staff (https://www.rt.com/news/327063-russian-intelligence-oil-tankers-turkey/) (RT)

Evidence reveals Turkish regime affair with ISIS as global threat – Iraqi militia to RT (https://www.rt.com/news/327052-iraqi-militia-isis-turkey/) (RT)

Meet the Sultan of Civil War (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20151224/1032265320/erdogan-sultan-civil-war.html), by Pepe Escobar.

Wiretapped calls reveal communication between Turkish officers and ISIS – report (https://www.rt.com/news/327024-wiretapped-calls-turkish-officers/) (RT)

Turkish ruling party spokesman dubs Israel as Ankara’s 'friend' (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/21/442594/Turkey-Israel-AKP-Omer-Celik) (PressTV)

Daesh Leader's Mobile Phone Holds Proof of Turkey's Support (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20151223/1032175304/isil-mobile-phone-turkey.html) (Sputnik News)

Iraq news:

Iraq: Popular Forces' Commander Reveals US Plots to Evacuate ISIL Leaders from Ramadi (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941003000828) (Fars News)

Iraq warplanes kill eight Daesh commanders: Military (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/23/442914/Iraq-Daesh-Hawija-Anbar-Ramadi) (PressTV)

Iraqi forces retake Ramadi government complex: Military spokesman (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/27/443454/Iraq-Daesh-Ramadi/) (PressTV) (Divide-and-rule Biden must be pissed, the Iraqi government has just taken back Ramadi. – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Saudi Arabia only understands language of force: Ansarullah official (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/23/442993/Yemen-saudi-Arabia-Riyadh-Ansarullah-Mohammad-alBukhaiti-UN-Cheikh-Hadi) (PressTV) (Exactly. – Comrade)

Balance of power in favor of Yemen in Saudi war: Ansarullah official (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/26/443354/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Ansarullah-Bukhaiti-alQaeda/) (PressTV)

Yemen strikes Saudi Aramco oil facilities (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/22/442745/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Aramco-Jizan) (PressTV)

EXCLUSIVE: 207 More Saudi-Led Troops Killed in Yemen Ballistic Missile Attack (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941001001421) (Fars News)

Yemeni forces liberate strategic mountain in Ta’izz (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/23/442895/Yemen-Ansarullah-Taizz-mountain) (PressTV)

Report: Yemeni Forces Kill Saudi Prince in Ma'rib Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941004000756) (Fars News)

Yemeni army, allied forces kill eight Saudi soldiers (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/26/443258/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-alAhsa-Ansarullah-alJawf-bin-Jalawi-/) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces' missile attack hits Saudi base in Najran (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/27/443407/Yemen-Ansarullah-Saudi-Arabia-Najran-Taizz/) (PressTV)

Libya news:

The ‘Anti-Imperialist’ Who Got Libya Wrong Serves Up The Same Failed Analysis on Syria (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-anti-imperialist-who-got-libya-wrong-serves-up-the-same-failed-analysis-on-syria/5497730), by Stephen Gowans. (To summarize, Gilbert Achcar is a Neocon douche. – Comrade)

Afghanistan news:

Taliban attacks: 6 NATO troops killed in Afghanistan, part of Helmand province seized (https://www.rt.com/news/326648-taliban-troops-attacks-afghanistan/) (RT) (Just goes to show that Obama did not “end” this war as he claimed. In fact he escalated it in his first term compared to even Bush. – Comrade)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Caught in the act: German state channel accused of faking Russian soldiers in Ukraine (https://www.rt.com/news/326902-germany-fake-documentary-ukraine/) (RT)

Media: Ukraine’s Zaporizhia lawmakers refuse to recognize Russia as ‘aggressor state’ (http://tass.ru/en/world/847056) (ITAR-TASS)

China history:

A Hundred Years of Humiliation: How Western Powers Ruined Chinese Empire (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151227/1032372735/western-powers-ruined-chinese-empire-opium-wars.html), by Ekaterina Blinova.

Cuba news:

Cuba Warns Obama Not to Interfere in Internal Affairs (http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Cuba-Warns-Obama-Not-to-Interfere-in-Internal-Affairs-20151217-0004.html) (TeleSUR)

US news:

There’s Something About Stalin: Why West Still Reveres the Soviet Leader (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151221/1032079238/why-west-still-reveres-joseph-stalin.html) (Sputnik News) (An interesting interview by Sputnik with a member of the Party of Communists USA, which should not to be confused with the Webbite-controlled CPUSA. – Comrade)

More Than a Dozen US Cities Destroy Homeless Camps Days Before Christmas (http://sputniknews.com/us/20151224/1032275114/cities-destroy-homeless-camps-holidays.html) (Sputnik News) (The US bourgeoisie’s way of saying, “Merry Christmas, America.” – Comrade)

Another video showing the Syrian army’s struggle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrPvIMs4gMk

Comrade

12-30-2015, 11:47 PM

Syria news:

Captured ISIS fighter says 'trained in Turkey, ISIS thinks it’s safer here than Syria' (https://www.rt.com/news/327222-isis-fighters-turkey-training/) (RT) (Turkey is training “IS” fighters in training camps disguised as being for the so-called “FSA”. – Comrade)

RT talks to Syrians rescued from Al-Nusra-besieged Shiite villages after UN swap (EXCLUSIVE) (https://www.rt.com/news/327412-rt-exclusive-syrians-rescued/) (RT)

Syria: It’s Not a Civil War and it Never Was (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/28/syria-its-not-a-civil-war-and-it-never-was/), by Ulson Gunnar.

Did John McCain Meet with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Alleged Head of the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh)? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/did-john-mccain-meet-with-abu-bakral-baghdadi-the-alleged-head-of-the-islamic-state-isis-isil-daesh/5498177) (Global Research News) (More evidence of John McCain’s not-so-secret meeting with al-Baghdadi in May of 2013. – Comrade)

Kenneth Roth's Schizophrenic Positions On Zahran Alloush (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/12/kenneth-roths-schizophrenic-positions-on-zahran-alloush.html) (Moon of Alabama)

ISIL Military Convoy, Oil Tankers Destroyed in Syria's Sweida Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941007000371) (Fars News)

Syria: Terrorists' Border Supply Routes Pounded by Army (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941007001425) (Fars News)

Another Major Blow to ISIL; Syrian Army Takes Two Towns in Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941008000584) (Fars News)

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Army Takes Full Control of Several Areas in Northern Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941009001376) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Captures Sheikh Meskeen in Dara'a Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941009001245) (Fars News)

Takfiri Terrorists Crushed in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941009000465) (Fars News)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2JIupfdi3c

Comrade

01-01-2016, 08:52 PM

Syria news:

Back to the 1930s: Hitler, Da’esh and the West (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/01/01/back-to-the-1930s-hitler-daesh-and-the-west/), by Dan Glazebrook.

Syria Rebel Leader’s Assassination a Major Blow to US Agenda (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/31/syria-rebel-leaders-assassination-a-major-blow-to-us-agenda/), by Eric Draitser.

Saudi “Anti-Terror Coalition” a Facade to Hide Yet More Terrorism Behind (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/30/saudi-anti-terror-coalition-a-facade-to-hide-yet-more-terrorism-behind/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Creating Sunnistan: Foreign Affairs Calls for Syria and Iraq to be Balkanized (http://journal-neo.org/2015/12/31/creating-sunnistan-foreign-affairs-calls-for-syria-and-iraq-to-be-balkanized/), by Steven MacMillan.

Russia Underlines Terrorist Nature of Jeish al-Islam, Ahrar al-Sham Groups in Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941011000410) (Fars News)

Army forces recapture strategic village in southwest Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/31/443934/Syrian-army-soldiers-Samadaniyah-Quneitra-Daesh/) (PressTV)

Syria army advances against militants in several areas (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/01/444033/Syria-Hama-SANA-Daesh-Nusra-Front-Hama-Daraa-/) (PressTV)

Senior Nusra Commander Killed in Army's Special Operation Northwest of Syria's Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941011000501) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Intensifies Offensives on Militants' Defense Lines North of Dara'a (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941011000584) (Fars News)

Syrian Forces Continue Crushing Militants East of Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941011000449) (Fars News)

Another informative video report from the front (this time in Dara’a province) by the PressTV crew:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4MpB3onYRE

Comrade

01-03-2016, 10:53 PM

Syria news:

Syria is the Middle Eastern Stalingrad (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/02/syria-is-the-middle-eastern-stalingrad/), by Andre Vltchek.

Surreal: West Mourns Death of Al Qaeda Collaborator in Syrian Airstrike (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/03/surreal-west-mourns-death-of-al-qaeda-collaborator-in-syrian-airstrike/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Syrian army leads offensive in key southern Daraa province - RT’s Murad Gazdiev reports (https://www.rt.com/news/327715-syria-assault-rt-gazdiev/) (RT)

Syrian Army Kills Senior Militant Commander North of Lattakia Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941012001320) (Fars News)

Militants Caught Off Guard in Aleppo Neighborhoods (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941012000658) (Fars News)

Another ISIL Convoy Destroyed East of Homs Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941012000820) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Seizes Strategic Village in Hama Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941012001308) (Fars News)

Source: Syrian Army Destroys Jeish Al-Fateh's Ammunition Depot, TOW Missiles near Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941013000715) (Fars News)

Aleppo: Army Crushes ISIL's Command Center, Military Positions (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941013000604) (Fars News)

Severe Infighting Leavees Three Senior Militant Commanders Dead in Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941013000792) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

ISIS oil trucks cross into Turkey every day, captured terrorist admits (https://www.rt.com/news/327701-isis-turkey-oil-trade/) (RT)

Turkey Drags NATO Into Quagmire as Iraq Threatens Military Retaliation (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160101/1032574632/turkey-iraq-military-force-nato.html) (Sputnik News)

Erdogan’s ‘Kurdish Disaster’ in the Making (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/01/erdogan-s-kurdish-disaster-in-the-making/), by Salman Rafi Sheikh.

Iraq news:

Foreign Planes Dropping Military Aid for ISIL in Kirkuk (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941008000580) (Fars News)

Face It, Iraqi Kurds are ISIS (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/02/face-it-iraqi-kurds-are-isis/), by Gordon Duff.

Iraq cleansing northern Ramadi of Daesh terrorists (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/02/444233/Iraq-northern-Ramadi-Daesh-Anbar/) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Yemeni Forces Destroy 9th Saudi Warship (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941007000707) (Fars News)

Yemeni Forces Capture Scores of Saudi-Led Coalition Troops near Ma'rib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941008000596) (Fars News)

Yemeni counterstrikes kill two Saudi military forces (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/30/443779/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-Jizan-Ansarullah/) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces launch missile attacks on Saudi military bases (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/12/30/443776/Yemen-Ansarullah-missile-attacks-Saudi-Arabia-Najran/) (PressTV)

Yemeni missiles kill 24 Saudi troops in Jizan: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/01/444086/Yemen-Saudi-positions-Hajjah-Najran/) (PressTV)

Yemeni Forces Kill US, French Officers in Ta'iz (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941013000373) (Fars News)

Palestine news:

Israel’s First “Jewish-Only Road”. Palestinians are Banned from Using the Road” (http://www.globalresearch.ca/israels-first-jewish-only-road-palestinians-are-banned-from-using-the-road/5498313) (Middle East Rising)

Palestinians to Outnumber Jews in Israel and Palestine in 2 Years (http://sputniknews.com/society/20160104/1032645879/palestinians-outnumber-jews.html) (Sputnik News)

Iran news:

Iran to develop 5,000-km range missiles in response to US sanctions (https://www.rt.com/news/327685-iran-sanctions-response-missiles/) (RT)

“Saudi” Arabia news:

Saudi execution aimed at provoking regional bloodbath (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/327796-saudi-arabia-nimr-cleric-executed/), by Finian Cunningham.

Popular Group Warns Al-Saud of Serious Revenge for Sheikh Nimr's Execution (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941013000698) (Fars News)

Afghanistan news:

‘US and NATO operation in Afghanistan has failed’ – Russian president’s special envoy (https://www.rt.com/news/327390-afghanistan-nato-failed-envoy/) (RT)

Nigeria news:

Has Boko Haram Been “Technically Defeated”? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/has-boko-haram-been-technically-defeated/5498706), by Adeyinka Makinde.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Ukrainian lawmaker filmed singing along to neo-Nazi song, saluting Hitler (https://www.rt.com/news/327288-ukrainian-lawmaker-hitler-song/) (RT)

'Crimeans reject Kiev's electricity - it shows they don't want Poroshenko' (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/327711-crimea-electricity-poroshenko-ukraine-poll/) (RT)

Moldova news:

Moldovan opposition leader slams pro-European policy (http://tass.ru/en/world/847988) (ITAR-TASS)

India news:

Red Brigade: Indian Communists Rally and Reflect (http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/28/red-brigade-indian-communists-rally-and-reflect/), by Vijay Prashad.

EU news:

Is NATO’s European honeymoon on the rocks? (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/327660-natos-european-honeymoon-hitting/), by Robert Bridge.

Another South Front analysis from earlier this week:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkCdQmQkVaQ

Comrade

01-08-2016, 12:12 AM

Syria news:

Was This Fantasy Syria Timeline Leaked To Push For Open War? (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/01/was-this-fantasy-syria-timeline-leaked-to-push-for-open-war.html) (Moon of Alabama)

'They Came to Defend Us': Syrian Businesses Welcome Russian Troops (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160106/1032728061/syrian-businesses-welcome-russians.html) (Sputnik News)

Senior Militant Commander Killed in Syrian Air Attacks North of Dara'a (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941015001145) (Fars News)

Strategic Damascus Village Captured by Army (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941015000440) (Fars NewS)

Syria: Ahrar Al-Sham Commander Killed (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941016000421) (Fars News)

Jeish Al-Islam Commander Killed in Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941016000343) (Fars News)

Militants Smashed by Syrian Army's Massive Operations in Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941017000864) (Fars News)

ISIL Continues to Suffer Heavy Losses in Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941017000247) (Fars News)

Militants' Tunnels Destroyed in Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941017000322) (Fars News)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NEhGaT1rOY

blindpig

01-09-2016, 12:18 PM

Hillary Emails Reveal True Motive for Libya Intervention
by Brad Hoff January 6, 2016

Newly disclosed emails show that Libya’s plan to create a gold-backed currency to compete with the euro and dollar was a motive for NATO’s intervention.
http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Muammar-al-Gaddafi-739x492.jpg
Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, murdered by Western-backed rebels on October 20, 2011, planned to create a gold-backed African currency to compete with the dollar and euro. (Photo: Jesse B. Awalt/US Navy)

The New Year’s Eve release of over 3,000 new Hillary Clinton emails from the State Department has CNN abuzz over gossipy text messages, the “who gets to ride with Hillary” selection process set up by her staff, and how a “cute” Hillary photo fared on Facebook.

But historians of the 2011 NATO war in Libya will be sure to notice a few of the truly explosive confirmations contained in the new emails: admissions of rebel war crimes, special ops trainers inside Libya from nearly the start of protests, Al Qaeda embedded in the U.S. backed opposition, Western nations jockeying for access to Libyan oil, the nefarious origins of the absurd Viagra mass rape claim, and concern over Gaddafi’s gold and silver reserves threatening European currency.

Hillary’s Death Squads
A March 27, 2011, intelligence brief on Libya, sent by long time close adviser to the Clintons and Hillary’s unofficial intelligence gatherer, Sidney Blumenthal, contains clear evidence of war crimes on the part of NATO-backed rebels. Citing a rebel commander source “speaking in strict confidence” Blumenthal reports to Hillary [emphasis mine]:

Under attack from allied Air and Naval forces, the Libyan Army troops have begun to desert to the rebel side in increasing numbers. The rebels are making an effort to greet these troops as fellow Libyans, in an effort to encourage additional defections.

(Source Comment: Speaking in strict confidence, one rebel commander stated that his troops continue to summarily execute all foreign mercenaries captured in the fighting…).

While the illegality of extra-judicial killings is easy to recognize (groups engaged in such are conventionally termed “death squads”), the sinister reality behind the “foreign mercenaries” reference might not be as immediately evident to most.

While over the decades Gaddafi was known to make use of European and other international security and infrastructural contractors, there is no evidence to suggest that these were targeted by the Libyan rebels.

There is, however, ample documentation by journalists, academics, and human rights groups demonstrating that black Libyan civilians and sub-Saharan contract workers, a population favored by Gaddafi in his pro-African Union policies, were targets of “racial cleansing” by rebels who saw black Libyans as tied closely with the regime.[1]

Black Libyans were commonly branded as “foreign mercenaries” by the rebel opposition for their perceived general loyalty to Gaddafi as a community and subjected to torture, executions, and their towns “liberated” by ethnic cleansing. This is demonstrated in the most well-documented example of Tawergha, an entire town of 30,000 black and “dark-skinned” Libyans which vanished by August 2011 after its takeover by NATO-backed NTC Misratan brigades.

These attacks were well-known as late as 2012 and often filmed, as this report from The Telegraph confirms:

After Muammar Gaddafi was killed, hundreds of migrant workers from neighboring states were imprisoned by fighters allied to the new interim authorities. They accuse the black Africans of having been mercenaries for the late ruler. Thousands of sub-Saharan Africans have been rounded up since Gaddafi fell in August.

It appears that Clinton was getting personally briefed on the battlefield crimes of her beloved anti-Gaddafi fighters long before some of the worst of these genocidal crimes took place.

Al-Qaeda and Western Special Forces Inside Libya
The same intelligence email from Sydney Blumenthal also confirms what has become a well-known theme of Western supported insurgencies in the Middle East: the contradiction of special forces training militias that are simultaneously suspected of links to Al Qaeda.

Blumenthal relates that “an extremely sensitive source” confirmed that British, French, and Egyptian special operations units were training Libyan militants along the Egyptian-Libyan border, as well as in Benghazi suburbs.

While analysts have long speculated as to the “when and where” of Western ground troop presence in the Libyan War, this email serves as definitive proof that special forces were on the ground only within a month of the earliest protests which broke out in the middle to end of February 2011 in Benghazi.

By March 27 of what was commonly assumed a simple “popular uprising” external special operatives were already “overseeing the transfer of weapons and supplies to the rebels” including “a seemingly endless supply of AK47 assault rifles and ammunition.”

Yet only a few paragraphs after this admission, caution is voiced about the very militias these Western special forces were training because of concern that, “radical/terrorist groups such as the Libyan Fighting Groups and Al Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) are infiltrating the NLC and its military command.”

The Threat of Libya’s Oil and Gold to French Interests
Though the French-proposed U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 claimed the no-fly zone implemented over Libya was to protect civilians, an April 2011 email sent to Hillary with the subject line “France’s client and Qaddafi’s gold” tells of less noble ambitions.

The email identifies French President Nicholas Sarkozy as leading the attack on Libya with five specific purposes in mind: to obtain Libyan oil, ensure French influence in the region, increase Sarkozy’s reputation domestically, assert French military power, and to prevent Gaddafi’s influence in what is considered “Francophone Africa.”

Most astounding is the lengthy section delineating the huge threat that Gaddafi’s gold and silver reserves, estimated at “143 tons of gold, and a similar amount in silver,” posed to the French franc (CFA) circulating as a prime African currency. In place of the noble sounding “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) doctrine fed to the public, there is this “confidential” explanation of what was really driving the war [emphasis mine]:

This gold was accumulated prior to the current rebellion and was intended to be used to establish a pan-African currency based on the Libyan golden Dinar. This plan was designed to provide the Francophone African Countries with an alternative to the French franc (CFA).

(Source Comment: According to knowledgeable individuals this quantity of gold and silver is valued at more than $7 billion. French intelligence officers discovered this plan shortly after the current rebellion began, and this was one of the factors that influenced President Nicolas Sarkozy’s decision to commit France to the attack on Libya.)

Though this internal email aims to summarize the motivating factors driving France’s (and by implication NATO’s) intervention in Libya, it is interesting to note that saving civilian lives is conspicuously absent from the briefing.

Instead, the great fear reported is that Libya might lead North Africa into a high degree of economic independence with a new pan-African currency.

French intelligence “discovered” a Libyan initiative to freely compete with European currency through a local alternative, and this had to be subverted through military aggression.

The Ease of Floating Crude Propaganda
Early in the Libyan conflict Secretary of State Clinton formally accused Gaddafi and his army of using mass rape as a tool of war. Though numerous international organizations, like Amnesty International, quickly debunked these claims, the charges were uncritically echoed by Western politicians and major media.

It seemed no matter how bizarre the conspiracy theory, as long as it painted Gaddafi and his supporters as monsters, and so long as it served the cause of prolonged military action in Libya, it was deemed credible by network news.

Two foremost examples are referenced in the latest batch of emails: the sensational claim that Gaddafi issued Viagra to his troops for mass rape, and the claim that bodies were “staged” by the Libyan government at NATO bombing sites to give the appearance of the Western coalition bombing civilians.

In a late March 2011 email, Blumenthal confesses to Hillary that,

I communicated more than a week ago on this story—Qaddafi placing bodies to create PR stunts about supposed civilian casualties as a result of Allied bombing—though underlining it was a rumor. But now, as you know, Robert gates gives credence to it. (See story below.)

Sources now say, again rumor (that is, this information comes from the rebel side and is unconfirmed independently by Western intelligence), that Qaddafi has adopted a rape policy and has even distributed Viagra to troops. The incident at the Tripoli press conference involving a woman claiming to be raped is likely to be part of a much larger outrage. Will seek further confirmation.

Not only did Defense Secretary Robert Gates promote his bizarre “staged bodies” theory on CBS News’ “Face The Nation,” but the even stranger Viagra rape fiction made international headlines as U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice made a formal charge against Libya in front of the UN Security Council.

What this new email confirms is that not only was the State Department aware of the spurious nature of what Blumenthal calls “rumors” originating solely with the rebels, but did nothing to stop false information from rising to top officials who then gave them “credence.”

It appears, furthermore, that the Viagra mass rape hoax likely originated with Sidney Blumenthal himself.

Note
[1] The most comprehensive and well-documented study of the plight of black Libyans is contained in Slouching Towards Sirte: NATO’s War on Libya and Africa (publ. 2012, Baraka Books) by Maximilian Forte, Professor Anthropology and Sociology at Concordia University in Montréal, Québec.

http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2016/01/06/new-hillary-emails-reveal-true-motive-for-libya-intervention/

Comrade

01-10-2016, 09:17 PM

Syria news:

Anti-Assad Propaganda Exposed: ‘Starving Syrian Child’ Revealed as Healthy Lebanese Girl (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/anti-assad-propaganda-exposed-starving-syrian-child-revealed-healthy-lebanese-girl/ri12143), by Rudy Panko.

RT pays visit to oilfield recaptured by Kurds from ISIS (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/328371-syrian-kurdistan-ypg-oil/) (RT)

US Ground Troops Deployed in Syria's Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941018000488) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Advancing against Militants near Border with Jordan (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941018000261) (Fars News)

Syria: Gov't Forces Inflict Major Losses on Militants North of Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941018000616) (Fars News)

Lattakia: Syrian Army Wins Back Strategic Valley, Height (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941020001481) (Fars News)

Senior Militant Commander Killed by Syrian Soldiers Northwest of Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941019000231) (Fars News)

Syrian Fighter Jets Target Long Convoy of Militants' Trucks in Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941020000563) (Fars News)

Gov't Forces Drive ISIL Back From More Lands North of Syria's Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941020000788) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Seizes Large Volumes of Militants' Munitions in Tartous Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941020000727) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

Erdogan Praises Hitler: Yet Another Threat Against Russia (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/05/erdogan-praises-hitler-yet-another-threat-against-russia/), by Caleb Maupin.

Ankara Residents Side With Russia, Turn On Erdogan (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2016/01/ankara-residents-side-with-russia-turn.html) (Fort Russ)

Iraq news:

Iraqi MP: ISIL Assisted by Recent US Heliborne Operations in Huweija (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941017000616) (Fars News)

US Drones Attack Headquarters of Iraqi Popular Forces in Tikrit, Kill 9 People (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941020001248) (Fars News)

'Convert or die': Yazidi refugees speak of ISIS assaults (RT EXCLUSIVE) (https://www.rt.com/news/328053-yazidi-survivors-camp-exclusive/) (RT)

EXCLUSIVE: ISIL Troops Hunted in Iraqi Army Ambush Near Ramadi (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941016001222) (Fars News)

Iran news:

Iran opens 2nd underground missile site to cameras (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/05/444621/Iran-IRGC-Emad-Larijani-missile/) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Yemen center for blind hit by Saudi-led coalition airstrike – locals (https://www.rt.com/news/328024-yemen-saudi-airstrike-blind/) (RT) (Unable to win on the battlefield, Washington’s Saudi puppets continue targeting civilian infrastructure in Yemen. – Comrade)

Daesh commander killed in southern Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/05/444599/Daesh-commander-Yemen-Houthi-Ansarullah/) (PressTV)

Yemeni Forces Repel Saudi Cross-Border Attack (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941015001330) (Fars News)

Yemeni Forces Down Another Saudi Apache Helicopter (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941018000358) (Fars News)

Yemen forces liberate district in southwestern Ta’izz Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/10/445220/Yemen-Ansarullah-Taizz-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-/) (PressTV)

“Saudi” Arabia news:

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Body Count (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/04/saudi-arabias-growing-body-count/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Saudi-Iranian spat: Another skirmish in the oil war (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/328097-oil-saudi-iran-war-crisis/), by Pepe Escobar. (Looks like Washington’s plot to weaken the Russian economy is doomed to fail -- there just isn’t enough of an oil glut. – Comrade)

Contrary To Media Claims U.S. Always Sides With Its Saudi Clients (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/01/contrary-to-media-claims-us-always-supports-its-saudi-clients.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Saudis continue protests over top cleric’s execution (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/07/444834/Saudi-Arabia-Qatif-Nimr-execution-protest/) (PressTV) (One can only hope that this will evolve into a revolutionary movement in eastern “Saudi” Arabia. – Comrade)

UAE Top Commander Injured in Yemen's Ta'iz (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941019000938) (Fars News)

Libya news:

Media Blackout: NATO Returns to Libya (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/endless-war-nato-returns-libya/ri12128), by Rudy Panko.

At least 65 killed in bomb attack on Libya police training center (https://www.rt.com/news/328154-libya-police-bomb-killed/) (RT) (Looks like the “IS” and Misratis are going at it. – Comrade)

Algeria news:

The Passing of Algerian Independence Leader Hocine Ait Ahmed (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-passing-of-algerian-independence-leader-hocine-ait-ahmed/5499452), by Abayomi Azikiwe.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Is Washington's Anti-Russian Sanctions Policy Bursting at the Seams? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160106/1032763242/washington-anti-russian-sanctions-policy-bursting-at-seams.html) (Sputnik News)

Latin America news:

Neoliberalism Raises Its Ugly Head in South America: As Washington Targets Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina (http://www.globalresearch.ca/neoliberalism-raises-its-ugly-head-in-south-america-as-washington-targets-venezuela-brazil-and-argentina/5500037), by Jack Rasmus.

India history:

1971 War: How Russia Sank Nixon’s Gunboat Diplomacy (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/1971-war-how-russia-sank-nixons-gunboat-diplomacy/ri12117), by Rakesh Krishnan Simha. (Some fascinating military history in this one. – Comrade)

Germany news:

Cologne events may start the end of Merkel’s career - Deutsche Welle expert (http://tass.ru/en/world/848604) (ITAR-TASS) (Looks like the Western Euro bourgeoisie’s attempt to drive down workers’ wages by bringing in millions of migrants has backfired big time. Many of the migrants are actually Wahhabi radicals and criminal elements. – Comrade)

US news:

Is the Oregon Occupation Being Stage-Managed? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/is-the-oregon-occupation-being-stage-managed/5499956), by Eric Draitser. (Without having researched it, I was suspecting the same thing – that the leaders of this ‘occupation’ are more than likely agents provocateurs. – Comrade)

Another South Front analysis, this one on the Yemen war:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2PpOS_nfjk

Comrade

01-12-2016, 11:51 PM

Syria news:

West Media Starves Truth in Syria (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20160111/1032965548/west-syria-media-misinformation.html), by Finian Cunningham.

Syria: Russian Campaign Enables Government Progress - Terrorist's Lines Fall Apart (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/01/syria-russian-campaign-enables-government-progress-terrorists-lines-fall-apart.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Madaya hunger reports aim to demonize government: Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/12/445457/Syria-Madaya-Bashar-Jaafari-/) (PressTV)

Russian general: New militants regularly arrive to Syria’s Latakia province from Turkey (http://tass.ru/en/world/848780) (ITAR-TASS)

ISIL's Oil Tankers Convoy Destroyed in Syria's Sweida Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941021000543) (Fars News)

Syria: Terrorists Fleeing Regions near Kuweiris Airbase in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941021001176) (Fars News)

Syria army retakes key militant bastion in Latakia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/12/445532/Syria-Salma-Latakia-Tartayah-Syria-army/) (PressTV) (Great news, Salma has just been liberated! This is a big defeat for the West’s terrorist proxies. – Comrade)

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Army Wins Back Plants in Eastern Ghouta (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941022001257) (Fars News)

Another on the ground video report, this one from Eastern Ghouta:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l56_szgxu28

Comrade

01-15-2016, 11:57 PM

Syria news:

US Desperately Paints Russia as Villain in Syria (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/14/us-desperately-paints-russia-as-villain-in-syria/), by Tony Cartalucci.

From Sarajevo to Madaya: Starvation as propaganda (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/328661-madaya-starvation-sarajevo-propaganda/), by Nebojsa Malic.

Syrian Youth Movement: No US 'Puppet State in Syria' (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160114/1033093550/loud-and-clear-makki.html) (Sputnik News)

Are Washington, Ankara Seeking to Redraw Syrian, Iranian Borders? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160115/1033210902/washington-ankara-seeking-to-create-sunnistan.html) (Sputnik News)

Turkey blockades Syrian Kurdish areas surrounded by ISIS (RT EXCLUSIVE) (https://www.rt.com/news/328809-turkey-blockade-syrian-kurds/) (RT) (NATO’s Turkey is blockading Syria’s Kurds. Meanwhile, Turkey’s borders to al-Queda/IS held territory are still wide open. – Comrade)

Syria liberates villages in Aleppo, Hama and Latakia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/13/445651/Syria-recapture-militants/) (PressTV)

Syrian Army Completes Control over New Territories East of Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941023001076) (Fars News)

41 Militants Killed in Clashes with Gov't Forces in Syria's Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941023000344) (Fars News)

Syrian Soldiers Seize New Village in Aleppo Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941024000942) (Fars News)

Senior Terrorist Commander Perished in Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941024000521) (Fars News)

Aleppo: Syrian Army Seizes Back Strategic Region, Pushes Back ISIL (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941025000773) (Fars News)

Homs: Syrian Army Wins Back Strategic Hilltops Near Qauryatayn (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941025000750) (Fars News)

Dara'a: More Militants Killed in Sheikh Meskeen in Syrian Army, Russian Air Force Attacks (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941025000719) (Fars News)

Video showing Syrian forces celebrating their key victory in Salma:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=metxKOUkkZ8

Comrade

01-17-2016, 09:22 PM

Syria news:

Week Fifteen of the Russian Intervention in Syria: when no news is good news (http://thesaker.is/week-fifteen-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-when-no-news-is-good-news/), by The Saker.

US May Add Yet Another Rebel Group to Syria Mix (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/us-cant-resist-destabilization-itch-may-add-yet-another-rebel-group-syria-mix/ri12242), by Daniel McAdams. (Washington wants to train more “moderates” that will immediately defect to al-Queda and the “IS” upon entering Syria from Turkey/Jordan. – Comrade)

MI6 and ‘overseas terrorism’: A special relationship (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/329181-mi6-overseas-terrorism-special/), by Dan Glazebrook.

ISIS massacres 280 civilians for ‘cooperation with the Syrian army’ – reports (https://www.rt.com/news/329214-syria-isis-massacre-deir-ezzor/) (RT) (The West’s “human rights experts” have been eerily silent about this latest “IS” crime. – Comrade)

Syria: Thousands of Fresh Recruits Joining Army in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941026000880) (Fars News)

Syrian forces recapture two key villages in Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/15/445908/Syria-Takfiri-Aleppo-DAesh) (PressTV)

Syrian Warplanes Target ISIL Military Vehicles, Oil Tankers in Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941026001036) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, Hezbollah Capture More Lands in Damascus Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941026000733) (Fars News)

Syria troops seize key militant bastions in Latakia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/17/446180/Syria--Latakia-alKindeisiyeh-alSukkariyeh-Idlib/) (PressTV)

ISIL Emir in Deir Ezzur Killed by Syrian Army (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941027000317) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

On the Brink? Russian Sanctions to Cost Turkey Four Times Initial Estimates (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160117/1033268635/turkey-economy-russian-sanctions.html) (Sputnik News)

Iraq news:

11 Daesh commanders killed, 7 wounded in west Iraq (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/13/445688/Iraq-Anbar-Daesh-ISIS-Abadi-Baghdad/) (PressTV)

Iran news:

Slaughter of Shia Crushes P5+1 Hopes (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/11/slaughter-of-shia-crushes-p5-1-hopes/), by Caleb Maupin.

US Reckless Moves in Persian Gulf Could Trigger War (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941023000317) (Fars News)

Yemen news:

Yemenis kill 3 Saudis in fresh reprisal attack (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/11/445399/Yemen-reprisal-attack-Saudi-Houthis/) (PressTV)

25 Saudi Mercenaries Killed in Bayda Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941022000454) (Fars News)

Five Saudi troops killed in Yemen retaliatory operations (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/13/445658/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Ansarullah-Asir-Jizan-Marib-/) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill top Emirati commander in Ta’izz: TV (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/15/445847/Yemen-UAE-Saudis-Taizz-Ansarullah/) (PressTV)

Tens of Saudi-Led Forces, Senior Commander Killed in Yemen's Tochka Missile Attack (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941027000800) (Fars News)

“Saudi” Arabia news:

The House of Saud’s Firecrackers (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/14/the-house-of-saud-s-firecrackers/), by Salman Rafi Sheikh.

Palestine news:

Israel Tortures Palestinian Children; Keeps Them in Outdoor Cages in Winter (http://www.globalresearch.ca/israel-tortures-palestinian-children-keeps-them-in-outdoor-cages-in-winter/5501772) (Mint Press)

Libya news:

Here We Go Again: Western Powers Preparing for New Invasion of Libya? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160112/1033016489/west-europe-nato-new-invasion-libya.html) (Sputnik News)

New Clinton Emails ‘Potential Gamechanger’ in Benghazi Probe (http://sputniknews.com/us/20160112/1032976395/new-clinton-emails-gamechanger.html) (Sputnik News)

Afghanistan news:

‘US war in Afghanistan goes on, but renamed’ (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/328533-afghanistan-us-troops-dod/) (RT)

US Pumps Billions of Dollars Into Afghan 'Ghost Soldiers' That Don't Exist (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160112/1032972507/afghanistan-ghost-soldiers.html) (Sputnik News)

The Afghan Puzzle (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/01/15/the-afghan-puzzle/), by Pepe Escobar.

Indonesia news:

Indonesia snubs Saudi ‘anti-terror’ coalition... then its capital gets hit (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/329034-indonesia-snubs-saudi-terror/), by Finian Cunningham.

ISIS: US-Saudi Plague Reaches Indonesia? (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/16/isis-us-saudi-plague-reaches-indonesia/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Zimbabwe news:

China, Russia helping Zimbabwe ride out West’s bullying (http://thebricspost.com/china-russia-helping-zimbabwe-ride-out-wests-bullying/#.VpRzNE8Xebx) (The BRICS Post)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Kiev Troops Routinely Plunder Dirt Poor Donbass Civilians (http://russia-insider.com/en/military/donbass-villages-under-kievs-control-subject-outright-plunder-ukrainian-soldiers/ri12158) (Russia Insider)

Moldova news:

Tens of thousands protest in Moldova calling for snap elections (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/329210-tens-thousands-protest-moldova/) (RT)

Srpska Republic news:

Bosnia 2016: The Fate of Republika Srpska is the Fate of Serbia and Russia (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2016/01/bosnia-2016-fate-of-republika-srpska-is.html), by Jafe Arnoldski.

Venezuela news:

Venezuela’s Upcoming Double-Confrontation (http://www.globalresearch.ca/venezuelas-upcoming-double-confrontation/5501767), by Gregory Wilpert.

India news:

Currency Dictatorship. The Struggle to End US Dollar Hegemony (http://www.globalresearch.ca/currency-dictatorship-the-struggle-to-end-us-dollar-hegemony/5501829), by Rakesh Krishan Simha.

US news:

Travails of a Bankrupt Hegemon (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/17/travails-of-a-bankrupt-hegemon/), by F. William Engdahl.

Video showing the Syrian army liberating more territory in Dara’a, which is Syria’s most important city near the Jordanian border:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0qlCVDZsJU

blindpig

01-20-2016, 07:34 AM

Former Cuban Leader Fidel Castro Says Israel & US Created ISIS
Castro accuses Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, and US

http://www.neonnettle.com/sphere/images/camain22.jpg

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro is now claiming that Israel and the US have created ISIS.Castro accuses Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, and US Senator John McCain of conspiring to create the terrorist group we know as the Islamic State.According to RT Cuba’s former president Fidel Castro compared NATO’s recent statements to that of Nazi SS and accused US and its allies of igniting conflicts abroad. Castro slammed John McCain for backing Israel and accused both of being involved in the creation of ISIS.Apparently referring to the pressure the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been trying to exert on Moscow in connection with the Ukrainian crisis, which coincides with calls for the ramping up of military budgets of NATO member countries, Cuba’s iconic leader accused Western politicians of hypocrisy and aggression.“Many people are astonished when they hear the statements made by some European spokesmen for NATO when they speak with the style and face of the Nazi SS,” Castro wrote in a column published in Cuban state media.Castro Slams US & Israel For ‘Creating ISIS’, Compares NATO To Nazi SS
Posted on November 19, 2015 by Carol Adl in Bizarre // 1 Comment
CastroThe former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has claimed that Israel and the United States are behind the creation of the ISISIn an article written for official Cuban state media, Castro accuses Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, and US Senator John McCain of conspiring to create the Islamic state terrorist group.RT reports: Cuba’s former president Fidel Castro compared NATO’s recent statements to that of Nazi SS and accused US and its allies of igniting conflicts abroad. Castro slammed John McCain for backing Israel and accused both of being involved in the creation of ISIS.Apparently referring to the pressure the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been trying to exert on Moscow in connection with the Ukrainian crisis, which coincides with calls for theramping up of military budgets of NATO member countries, Cuba’s iconic leader accused Western politicians of hypocrisy and aggression.“Many people are astonished when they hear the statements made by some European spokesmen for NATO when they speak with the style and face of the Nazi SS,” Castro wrote in a column published in Cuban state media.by Taboola Sponsored Links You May Like
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“Adolf Hitler’s greed-based empire went down in history with no more glory than the encouragement provided to NATO’s aggressive and bourgeois governments, which makes them the laughing stock of Europe and the world.”Castro, 88, also attacked US Senator John McCain over his policies in the Middle East, describing him as “Israel’s most unconditional ally.He accused McCain of supporting Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency as well as participating “together with that service in the creation of the Islamic State, which today controls a considerable and vital portion of Iraq and reportedly one-third of Syria as well.”Castro attacked the West for its “cynicism” and said that it became “a symbol of imperialist policy.”“The world has seen no respite in recent years, particularly since the European Economic Community, under the strict and unconditional leadership of the United States, decided the time had come to settle scores with what was left of two great nations (Russia and China) that… had carried out the heroic deed of putting an end to the imperialist colonial order imposed on the world by Europe and the United States,” Castro said.Instead of promoting conflicts, the governments should “introduce more food, build hospitals and schools for the billions of human beings who desperately need them,” the Cuban leader believes.Castro stressed that Cuba will continue to resist the US, despite the costs to the Cuban economy due to the US embargo, saying that “there is no worse price than capitulating before an enemy who attacks you without any right to do so.”“When the USSR disintegrated and disappeared from the socialist landscape, we continued resisting and together, the state and the revolutionary people, we’re continuing our independent march,” said Castro.Castro praised the Soviet Union for “gathering its resources and sharing its technology with a large number of weak and less developed nations, the inevitable victims of colonial exploitation” at the time the union existed.

http://www.neonnettle.com/sphere/456--former-cuban-leader-fidel-castro-says-israel-us-created-isis-

Dhalgren

01-20-2016, 09:37 AM

”Castro attacked the West for its “cynicism” and said that it became “a symbol of imperialist policy.” “The world has seen no respite in recent years, particularly since the European Economic Community, under the strict and unconditional leadership of the United States, decided the time had come to settle scores with what was left of two great nations (Russia and China) that… had carried out the heroic deed of putting an end to the imperialist colonial order imposed on the world by Europe and the United States,” Castro said

Mr. Castro is, as usual, dead-on. The US is much, much worse than Nazi Germany - and now there is no USSR to stop it. China may be the last hope; if we just knew who and what the Chinese government actually are.

Comrade

01-22-2016, 12:33 AM

Syria news:

Syria - Some Preliminary Positioning For An Endgame (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/01/syria-some-preliminary-positioning-for-an-endgame.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Islamist fighters in Aleppo, Syria, got reinforcements from Turkey – Russian Foreign Ministry (https://www.rt.com/news/329675-aleppo-militants-reinforcements-turkey/) (RT) (The Syrian army is still gaining ground each day, despite the invasion of new Western-backed terrorists into Syria from Turkey. – Comrade)

Syria liberates more areas near Dayr al-Zawr (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/18/446286/Syria-Dayr-alZawr-alBghailiye-Daesh-militants/) (PressTV)

Over 140 Terrorists Killed in Syria-Russia Coalition Attack in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941028000538) (Fars News)

ISIL Sustains Major Losses in Syrian Air Attacks Southeast of Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941028001136) (Fars News)

Russia kills 60 militants in Deir ez-Zor, where ISIS massacred hundreds of civilians (https://www.rt.com/news/329446-syria-isis-deir-airstrikes/) (RT) (With videos. – Comrade)

ISIL's Senior Commander Killed by Syrian Army West of Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941029000836) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Wins Back More Territories in Deir Ezzur Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941030001085) (Fars News)

Syrian Air Force destroys 1,662 Takfiri targets in less than a month (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/20/446661/syria-air-force-takfiri-targets-December-/) (PressTV)

Syria: Militants' Positions Hit Hard in Army Attacks in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=139411010006600) (Fars News)

A good documentary with English subtitles on the Desert Eagles, an elite pro-government brigade fighting against the Western-backed terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIQUOFvor7U

Comrade

01-24-2016, 09:08 PM

Just a brief note on “Bernie” Sanders for our lurking US viewers – he is a Neocon and pro-imperialist scumbag who supported Obama’s illegal war against Libya and Clinton’s criminal bombing of Yugoslavia. “The Bern” should not be supported by any self-respecting ‘progressive’. In fact, his main role in the whole “Democratic Party primaries” charade is to protect Hillary’s left flank from the Green Party. In addition, if the Democratic Party leadership decides that Hillary is a complete loser, like they did in 2008, Sanders might be used as the 2016 version of Obama: a pseudo-“outsider” who gets the party’s nomination to vie with the GOP for leading US imperialism for another four years. – Comrade

Syria news:

Syrian Peace Will Be Decided on the Battlefield, Not in Vienna (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/22/syrian-peace-will-be-decided-on-the-battlefield-not-in-vienna/), by Tony Cartalucci. (Exactly. – Comrade)

Syria: The Battlefield Negotiations Now Favor The Syrian Government (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/01/syria-the-battlefield-negotiations-now-favor-the-syrian-government.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Rmeilan Airfield: Is Pentagon Preparing for All-Out Offensive in Syria? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160123/1033605459/syria-pentagon-rmeilan-airfiled.html) (Sputnik News)

Russian military protects int’l team of journalists as they tour liberated Salma, Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/329903-salma-town-recaptured-journalists/) (RT) (A brief look inside this newly liberated city. – Comrade)

Russia Sends Advanced Missiles to Kuweires Airbase (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2016/01/russia-sends-advanced-missiles-to.html) (Fort Russ) (Russia is setting up a military presence in the Kuweires airbase to counter Western moves in northern Syria. – Comrade)

Russian Marines Expand into East Aleppo to Monitor Syria's War on ISIL (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941102000204) (Fars News)

Two Senior Militant Commanders Killed by Syrian Army in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941102000225) (Fars News)

Gov't Forces Capture More Heights, Villages North of Syria's Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941102000558) (Fars News)

Russian Warplanes Target Militant Centers over 20 Times South of Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000971) (Fars News)

Two Senior Militant Commanders Killed in Bomb Blasts in Syria's Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000606) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Seizes Back More Districts in Sheikh Meskeen (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941104001090) (Fars News)

Syria army retakes key militant bastion in Latakia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/24/447095/Syria-army-Latakia-Rabia-Takfiri-militants-Aleppo-Suwayda-/) (PressTV) (Great news, the Syrian army just liberated Rabia, another key town in northern Latakia province. – Comrade)

Turkey news:

Shooting of Kurds waving white flag caught on camera (GRAPHIC VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/329793-alleged-kurd-civilian-shooting/) (RT) (NATO’s IS-aiding Erodgan has carried out another atrocity against the Kurds. – Comrade)

Iran news:

Iran: Lifting Sanctions and Coming Betrayal (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/24/iran-lifting-sanctions-and-coming-betrayal/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Yemen news:

Yemeni forces target Saudi mercenaries with ballistic missile (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/18/446242/Yemen-Ansarullah-missile-attack-Saudi-Bairaq-Marib-Sanaa/) (PressTV)

Yemen being pounded by US, British, Israeli jets: Army (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/21/446733/Yemen-US-Britain-Houthi-Daesh/) (PressTV)

Four more Saudi soldiers killed in Yemen reprisal attacks (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/23/447000/Yemen-Saudi-soldiers-Jizan/) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill 8 Saudi troops in retaliatory attacks (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/24/447183/Saudi-Jizan-Yemen-Houthi-Ansarullah/) (PressTV)

Palestine news:

China backs establishment of independent State of Palestine (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/22/446801/China-Palestine-Xi-Israel-East-Jerusalem/) (PressTV)

Libya news:

ISIS attacks oil infrastructure near Ras Lanuf port in Libya, threatens sequel (https://www.rt.com/news/329644-libya-attack-isis-port/) (RT) (“IS” – the “gift” that the “humanitarian interventionists” gave to the world. – Comrade)

Top US General: Can We Please Bomb Libya Again? Pretty Please With Sugar on Top? (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/top-us-general-can-we-please-bomb-libya-again-pretty-please-sugar-top/ri12385), by Rudy Panko.

Congo history:

A Revolutionary Speech: Patrice Lumumba and the Birth of the Republic of Congo (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/01/21/a-revolutionary-speech-patrice-lumumba-and-the-birth-of-the-republic-of-congo/), by Ludo de Witte.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

CIA: Undermining and Nazifying Ukraine Since 1953 (http://www.voltairenet.org/article189895.html), by Wayne Madsen.

Donbas militia report Ukrainian marines, nationalist battalions clashes (http://tass.ru/en/world/850899) (ITAR-TASS) (Another outbreak of fighting between the Banderites and the regular Ukrainian army. – Comrade)

Putin’s biggest failure (http://thesaker.is/putins-biggest-failure/), by The Saker.

More than 700,000 rally in Grozny in support of Chechen leader Kadyrov (https://www.rt.com/politics/329791-kadyrov-rally-grozny-chechnya/) (RT)

Moldova news:

Protesters in Moldovan capital storm parliament building (https://www.rt.com/news/329590-protesters-storm-moldova-parliament/) (RT)

Moldova’s opposition sets up National Salvation Committee (http://tass.ru/en/world/851802) (ITAR-TASS) (Washington’s puppet regime in Moldova is facing some serious opposition. – Comrade)

Nagorno-Karabakh news:

Karabakh Conflict: It’s All About One Man and Currency Values (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/20/karabakh-conflict-it-s-all-about-one-man-and-currency-values/), by Henry Kamens.

Macedonia news:

The Republic Of Macedonia: Hybrid War Redux? (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20160120/1033427028/macedonia-war-eu-opposition.html), by Andrew Korybko.

Argentina news:

Argentina Revisited – One Month on. Towards a Neoliberal “Democratic Dictatorship” (http://www.globalresearch.ca/argentina-revisited-one-month-on-towards-a-neoliberal-democratic-dictatorship/5502615), by Peter Koenig.

Vietnam news:

West may misread Communist Party of Vietnam National Congress (http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/964780.shtml) (Global Times) (A good analysis of the upcoming CPV congress by a Chinese paper, which predicts that there will not be any major policy changes after this upcoming party congress. – Comrade)

EU news:

US investigation into ‘Russian meddling’ in the EU will be a farce (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/329433-investigation-russia-eu-meddling/), by Danielle Ryan. (Looks like Washington is trying to implement a McCarthyist style crackdown on various anti-EU and anti-NATO dissidents in the EU. – Comrade)

Refugees claim ISIS militants living among them in Germany (https://www.rt.com/news/329890-germany-refugees-isis-members/) (RT) (The Western Euro bourgeoisie’s desire to drive down workers’ wages has brought the “IS” into Europe. – Comrade)

US news:

American nightmare: Rich, poor and middle-class no more (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/329970-american-rich-economy-collapse/), by Robert Bridge.

Video showing newly liberated Rabia, the Western-backed terrorists had to leave behind their Saudi supplies when they fled as shown near the end:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_ZDjHSAWK0

Comrade

01-28-2016, 11:14 PM

Syria news:

Israel, Turkey and ISIS Ally to Steal Syrian Energy (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/28/israel-turkey-and-isis-ally-to-steal-syrian-energy/), by Maram Susli.

Syrian army involved in ideological battle with terrorists – RT report from frontline (https://www.rt.com/news/330109-syria-ideological-battle-frontline/) (RT)

Apocalyptic scenes of strategic town in southern Syria retaken from jihadists (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/330368-syria-sheikh-maskin-recaptured/) (RT) (Sheikh Maskin, a key city and transit hub in the south, has now been fully liberated by the Syrian army. – Comrade)

20 Terrorist Commanders Killed in Russian Airstrikes in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941105000616) (Fars News)

Syrian Artillery, Fighter Jets Crush Militants in Lattakia Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941107000968) (Fars News)

Militants' Supply Route Cut by Gov't Forces' Offensive in Damascus Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941106000581) (Fars News)

Syria forces liberate Ein al-Hanash near Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/26/447434/Syria-Aleppo-Daesh-Ein-Hanash/) (PressTV)

Western Ghouta: Syrian Army Cuts Terrorists' Supply Routes between Strategic Cities (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941107000793) (Fars News)

Syria: 30 ISIL Members Killed in Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941107000648) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, Popular Forces Liberate Bluzah in Aleppo Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941108000710) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Begins Siege of Darayya in Rural Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941108000809) (Fars News) (Great news, a bunch of the West’s puppets are surrounded near Damascus. – Comrade)

Drone footage showing the fully liberated city of Sheikh Maskin. Unfortunately, most if it was damaged as a result of it being occupied by the West’s invading proxy army:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7FS0hcPeS0

Comrade

01-31-2016, 08:44 PM

Syria news:

Western Media Ignores Putin’s Progress in Syria (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/01/29/western-media-ignores-putins-progress-in-syria/), by Mike Whitney.

Week Sixteen of the Russian Intervention in Syria: a US invasion of Syria next? (http://thesaker.is/week-sixteen-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-a-us-invasion-of-syria-next/), by The Saker. (The Saker explains how it is not feasible for the US to use a tiny airstrip in far northeastern Syria to invade and occupy the entire country. – Comrade)

Syria’s Base Wars (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/30/syrias-base-wars/), by Ulson Gunnar.

Takfiri groups fail to unite against Syria government : Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/30/447922/Syria-Nusra-Front-Ahrar-Geneva) (PressTV)

Senior Militant Commander Killed in Army Attack in Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941109000727) (Fars News)

Two Senior Militant Commanders Killed in Syria's Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941109000271) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Winning Battle against Militants in Lattakia Regardless of Turkish Artillery Shelling (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941110001395) (Fars News)

ISIL Munitions Depot Exploded in Syrian Air Attacks in Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941110000727) (Fars News)

ISIL Militants Driven back from More Territories East of Syria's Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941110001075) (Fars News)

Russia Laughs off Turkey's Claims of an Airspace Violation (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2016/01/russia-laughs-off-turkeys-claims-of.html) (Fort Russ)

Over 60 ISIL Terrorists, Including 14 Foreign Nationals, Killed in Syria's Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941111001132) (Fars News)

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Army Wins Another Chunk of Lattakia-Aleppo Highway (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941111000500) (Fars News)

Russian Warplanes Target Meeting of Senior Militant Commanders in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941111000455) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

Joe Biden Seduces Erdogan (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/28/joe-biden-seduces-erdogan/), by F. William Engdahl.

Erdogan's Crackdown on Freedom of Speech Turns Into All-Out Witch-Hunt (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160129/1033929467/erdogan-crackdown-freedom-of-speech-witch-hunt.html) (Sputnik News)

“Saudi” Arabia news:

Two officers killed in eastern Saudi Arabia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/31/448153/Saudi-Arabia-Qatif-police) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Yemeni army, allies capture 3 bases in southwestern Saudi Arabia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/28/447763/Yemeni-forces-Ansarullah-fighters-capture-bases-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Jabal-alDoud-Najran/) (PressTV)

More than 30 killed in Saudi air raids on Yemeni capital (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/30/448018/Yemen-Saudi-airstrikes-Sanaa-Houthis-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

25 pro-Saudi mercenaries killed in Yemen’s Ma'rib (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/30/448000/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-mercenaries-Marib) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces troops kill five Saudi soldiers (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/01/31/448175/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-Jizan) (PressTV)

Blackwater's US Colonel Killed, Saudi Apache Helicopters Destroyed in Yemen's Tochka Missile Attacks in Lahij (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941111000620) (Fars News)

Libya news:

US-NATO Invade Libya to Fight Terrorists of Own Creation (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/27/us-nato-invade-libya-to-fight-terrorists-of-own-creation/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Libya’s parliament votes to reject UN-backed unity govt (https://www.rt.com/news/330106-libya-rejects-unity-government/) (RT) (Looks like Tobruk doesn’t want to bend over for Misrata. – Comrade)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

DPR Deputy: "Donbass will not return to Ukraine - neither by Federation or Confederation" (http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2016/01/dpr-deputy-donbass-will-not-return-to.html) (Fort Russ)

Ukrainians Realize Futility of EU Free Trade, But It's Too Little, Too Late (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160125/1033682894/ukraine-eu-free-trade-futility.html) (Sputnik News)

DPR intelligence spots 30 foreign mercenaries arriving to Kiev-controlled part of Donbas (http://tass.ru/en/world/852323) (ITAR-TASS)

Moldova news:

Moldovan protests leaders agree to continue joint pressure on authorities (http://tass.ru/en/world/853216) (ITAR-TASS)

Inda news:

India Pakistan Detente Can Transform Eurasia, Europe (http://journal-neo.org/2016/01/31/india-pakistan-detente-can-transform-eurasia-europe/), by F. William Engdahl.

Vietnam news:

Vietnam's communist party congress concludes (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-01/28/c_135053464.htm) (Xinhua) (The Western “experts” who predicted some sort of counter-revolution in Vietnam have been repudiated by Trong’s re-election to CPV general secretary. – Comrade)

China news:

Silk Dragon Takes Persian Road (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/01/28/silk-dragon-takes-persian-road/), by Pepe Escobar.

Cuba/DPRK news:

Cuba, DPRK sign protocol on cooperation in bilateral trade (http://tass.ru/en/world/852971) (ITAR-TASS)

Another good video showing Russian long range bombers pounding the West’s proxies in Syria:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55ni9KbpSv4

blindpig

02-01-2016, 12:46 PM

Yemen’s Tochka Attack Kills Blackwater Commander, Saudi Mercenaries

The Yemeni military backed by fighters of the Ansarullah resistance movement launched overnight Saturday a Tochka ballistic missile on the al-And military base in the southern Yemeni province, a Yemeni military source reported.

http://image.almanar.com.lb/english/edimg/2016/Middle_East/Yemen/Military/tochka.jpg

TochkaThe huge attack killed Colonel Nicholas Petros, the new commander of the infamous US security firm, Blackwater, and at least 200 mercenaries of Saudi Arabia were killed or injured in Lahij Province.

Apache helicopters, Typhoon fighter jets and armories belonging to the mercenaries were destroyed in the missile strike.

Blackwater has had to change its name several times due to its ill fame around the world. It is now known as the Academi. The company, which went by the alias Xe Services before its current name, is one of the most notorious private security firms in the world for killing scores of civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Yemen.

Yemen has been since March 26 under brutal aggression by Saudi-led coalition.

Riyadh launched the attack on Yemen in a bid to restore power to fugitive president Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi who is a close ally to Saudi Arabia.

However, Yemeni army, backed by the committees has been responding to the aggression by targeting several Saudi border military posts and cleansing several areas across the country, especially the country’s south, from Hadi and al-Qaeda-linked militias.

http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=252844&cid=23&fromval=1&frid=23&seccatid=31&s1=1#.Vq88B9awb_U.twitter

Comrade

02-02-2016, 09:06 PM

Syria news:

Syria 'Negotiates' With New Attacks On Insurgency Supply Routes (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/syria-negotiates-with-new-attacks-on-insurgency-supply-routes-.html) (Moon of Alabama)

You Won’t Believe What Former US Ambassador Robert S. Ford Said About al-Qaeda’s Syrian Allies (http://www.globalresearch.ca/you-wont-believe-what-former-us-ambassador-robert-s-ford-said-about-al-qaedas-syrian-allies/5504906), by Daniel McAdams. (Ford has admitted that his beloved “moderates” fight alongside al-Queda and the “IS.” – Comrade)

New Rules of Engagement on the Battlefield and in the Diplomatic Arena (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/01/new-rules-of-engagement-on-battlefield.html) (Fort Russ)

Turkish artillery shells Syrian territory – Russian military presents video proof (https://www.rt.com/news/330858-turkey-shells-syrian-territory/) (RT)

‘Defending motherland with own hands’: Syrian volunteer troops train to fight ISIS in Daraa (https://www.rt.com/news/330941-militia-volunteers-daraa-syria/) (RT)

Town Where Russian Pilot Was Murdered Liberated by Syrian Forces (Video) (http://russia-insider.com/en/military/killed-pilot-downed-su-24-revenged-video/ri12559) (Zvezda TV)

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Army Deploys Anti-TOW T-90 Tanks in Aleppo Again (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941113001193) (Fars News)

Army troops capture village in northern Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/01/448256/Syrian-army-liberation-Duwayr-alZaytoun-Aleppo) (PressTV)

Terrorists' Main Supply Line in Northwestern Aleppo Cut by Syrian Army (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941113001279) (Fars News) (The Syrian army is coming close to ending the siege on two pro-government towns, Nubl and al-Zahra, in northern Aleppo province. These two towns have resisted the Western-backed terrorists for nearly four years. Their liberation will shatter Western fantasies of building a “safe zone” for the al-Nusra/“FSA” terrorists north of Aleppo. – Comrade)

Over 50 Terrorists Killed in Syrian Army Ambush in Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941113000905) (Fars News)

Another video showing the Syrian army’s advances in northern Latakia province:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4YdciXGnG0

blindpig

02-04-2016, 10:15 AM

THE MILITARY-POLITICAL EQUATION IN SYRIA

http://inter.kke.gr/export/sites/inter/.content/images/news/503162.jpg_229398396.jpg

(Extensive excerpts from the article published in "Kommounistiki Epitheorisi", the political-theoretical journal of the CC of the KKE, issue 1 of 2016)

Elisseos Vagenas
Member of the CC of the KKE,
Responsible for the International Relations Section

Over ten years have passed since the writer Alexandr Zinoviev [1] first likened capitalist Russia to a "rabbit with horns"."A rabbit", because obviously in the first years after the restoration of capitalism the newly formed bourgeoisie of Russia, which was on the way to assimilating the country into the global imperialist "pyramid" and was attempting to consolidate its position domestically, easily gave ground in the face of the demands of the USA and other powers. And this, despite the fact that it had "inherited" a powerful arsenal from the Soviet Union (hence ... the "horns")
But how things change. And Russia, more and frequently now, is using military force outside its own borders.It did so in Moldova (in the case of Transdniestria), Tadjikstan, Georgia (in the case of Abkhazia and South Ossetia), Ukraine (in the case of Crimea), i.e. in the territories of the former USSR which are considered to be its "zone of immediate interests".Moscow carried out a "leap" with its military intervention in Syria, trespassing onto the recent US "monopoly" regarding military interventions in more distant regions.An intervention that changes the terms of the 'Syrian equation" and , apart from anything else, creates confusion in the International Communist Movement.
Of course, after the Russian military intervention, there followed the murderous attack in Paris. This carnage also formed new conditions in the Syrian geopolitical "algorithm".Because the mass murder of ordinary people was utilized by the French bourgeoisie and by the member-states of NATO and the EU as a whole as a kind of "libation"-with the blood of the French people-before their even greater military involvement.
First of all, let us look at some of the basic political-military developments that are useful to understand for the issue we are examining.

THE INCREASED FOREIGN MILITARY INVOLVEMENT
The Russian airstrikes began in Syria against the so-called Islamic State (IS) on the 30th of September.
On the same day, the Russian Upper House approved the request of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to deploy military forces abroad and specifically to support Bashar Assad in Syria.
This came after the Russian President's speech in the UN where he defended the Russian positions on Syria and Ukraine.As regards Syria, he had stressed that there can be no political solution without Assad, as well as the need to strengthen Assad who together with the Kurds is resisting IS.
The meeting with the US President, Barak Obama, despite the fact that there was an attempt by a section of the mass media to present it as indicative of a “convergence” of Russia and the USA concerning combating IS, did not overcome their contradictions over the future of the Assad regime, something which of course is linked to which imperialist power will have the "upper hand" in Syria.
The development also clearly signals the further sharpening of the inter-imperialist contradictions in the region of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.We must bear in mind that the Russian military intervention in Syria comes after the intervention of the USA, EU, Turkey, the Gulf monarchies and other powers in the region underway before 2011 e.g.the US occupation of Iraq, the NATO attack against Libya, the infiltration of forces armed by the USA and its allies into Syria.
It should be noted that the KKE from the very first moment, in 2011, denounced the intervention that has very serious consequences for the people of Syria and also for the people of the wider region. When bourgeois and opportunist parties celebrated the so-called “Arab Spring”, our party exposed the organized efforts to fund and arm the so-called Syrian opposition by the imperialist powers, which resulted in, amongst other things, the formation and spread of the monstrosity of the “Islamic State”, as well as the creation of an enormous wave of refugees, both inside the country (about 10 million people) and also to foreign countries (chiefly to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, where about 2 million people live who have been driven from their homes, of these people those that can are trying to reach European countries).

CONFLICT OF ECONOMIC AND GEOPOLITICAL INTERESTS IN SYRIA
The close economic and political-military ties of Russia with the bourgeois regime of Assad are well-known. This regime is a stable ally of capitalist Russia in the region of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean for the last 20 years.This is a region where a serious geopolitical “game” is underway with powerful “players”, like the USA, the EU, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, the Gulf monarchies, the bourgeois classes of which promote their own interests.Let us look at some more specific data.

THE ISSUE OF RAW MATERIALS
Assad in an interview in June 2013 argued that:"The western countries, in contrast to their political stance in public, are striving to present to us under the table "attractive" contracts for the reconstruction of the country and extraction of the rich hydrocarbon deposits that have been discovered on the Syrian coast.The World Bank, which cannot move without US permission, proposed a 21 billion dollar loan with "generous" terms, which we completely rejected.We have already given the rights for hydrocarbon extraction in the Syrian EEZ to a Russian company.We trust the Russians, who are defending their strategic security and national interests that will be endangered if Syria is controlled by the West and its satellite powers in the region." [2]
There are different assessments as regards the size of the hydrocarbon deposits, [3] while Syrian researchers claim that the dimensions of the natural gas deposits in the country overturn the current "international energy map", as they are ten times larger than those of Israel.
The contracts signed with Russian companies for extraction, before the most recent events, were worth 1.6 billion dollars. In addition, Russian companies are active in the construction of refineries.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF PIPELINES
The Russian newspaper "Kommersant" wrote in 2013:"The outcome of the war in Syria could significantly affect the European natural gas market.The parties involved in the conflict are supported by two rival powers, which want to construct new natural gas pipelines to the EU, which will cross Syrian territory: Iran and Qatar.In this light, the consequences for Gazprom and for the Russian budget's revenues will be determined to a great extent by the battles for Aleppo and Damascus." [4]
In relation to the specific different plans:
On the 27th of July 201, an agreement was signed between Iran, Iraq and Syria for the natural gas pipeline called "Friendship Pipeline" that provides for the transport of natural gas from Iran to Baghdad, Damascus, Beirut and to Western Europe. [5]
Qatar, Iran's basic rival as regards natural gas, considered that its aim, in consultation with Turkey, to construct a pipeline that would distribute Qatar's natural gas via Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria to Europe has been sidelined. Of course, the precondition for the construction of this pipeline would be Syria's participation, which however with the agreement it had signed with Iraq and Iran removed Qatar from the "game".Qatar's plan also had the blessing of the USA.
It goes without saying that Russia would not want to see the realization of the US-Qatar plan, which is in competition with its own positions in the European markets, while the Iranian plan is more complementary to it and it is doubtful whether it could actually be carried out, due to the instability in the region.In addition, Russia had also been practically involved in the implementation of this plan, as it had undertaken a section of the Iranian pipeline, the modernization of the ports where the pipeline will end and the construction of refineries. [6]

PROFITS FROM ARMS SALES
Russia profits from arms sales in Syria, which even before these developments was one of the basic consumers of Russian weapons. Based on the data of SIPRI, if in 2010 (before these developments) Russian arms exports to Syria were worth 238 million dollars [7], in 2013 they reached 351 million dollars, while the contracts that are going to be implemented according to "Jinmin Zibao" will reach 4 billion dollars. [8]
Naturally, the uncontrolled overthrow of the Assad regime would endanger all these profits. As it notes:"If Russia abandons Syria, then this debt possibly may not be recognized by another transitional authority, endangering the continuation of arms sales to this country and consequently limiting Russian influence in a state that has a crucial geographical position in the Middle East." [9]

PROFITS FROM ESTABLISHING A POSITION IN THE SYRIAN MARKET
Russian companies exported (and continue to export, even if to a smaller extent than before the war) products (fuel, machines, food, wood etc.), while other Russian companies are also active in the tourism and telecommunications sectors.
The Russian monopolies, which of course have suffered losses due to the hostilities (the value of non-military Russian exports fell from 1.89 billion dollars in 2011 to 582 million dollars in 2014) [10], would be even more comprehensively damaged if there was an uncontrolled overthrow of Assad that would lead to a significant loss of profits.

GEOPOLITICAL AND MILITARY ARENA
It is well known that Russia possesses a "naval refuelling station" in the Syrian town of Tartus which could be developed into a full military base with permanent moorings for its naval hardware in the Mediterranean. This is the only Russian naval base on non-Russian territory.
This is underscored by the Chinese "Jinmin Jibao", which also adds:"Russia does not want to allow countries that cooperate with it to be attacked, one after the other, by the USA. Otherwise, the leading status of Russia will be seriously damaged." [11]

PRETEXTS THAT ARE BEING USED IN THE CONFLICT
The USA and its allies, initiating the imperialist intervention in Syria about 5 years ago, put forward as pretexts issues of "democracy", the overthrow of the "dictator Assad", the support for the so-called "Arab Spring". This hypocrisy was extremely obvious, if you look at who is invoking "freedom" and "democracy": the anti-people Gulf monarchies, Turkey, which occupies half of Cyprus, the EU and USA that play the leading role in massacring the peoples and overthrowing regimes that are not to their liking so that their monopolies can win better positions.
Today the same powers, insisting on using pretexts regarding democracy, have also brought back the pretext of "the war on terror" and "self-defense" from the attacks carried out against them by the jihadists, who are based in the territories of Syria controlled by the so-called "Islamic State".
On its part, the Russian leadership rarely makes reference to its economic, geopolitical interests that we have already highlighted, as the reasons for its intervention. Nevertheless, Russian politicians from the government and journalists talk about these things. In this specific phase of the Russian intervention, the Russian leadership promotes the following pretexts:
1. Russia was invited by the government to assist against "terrorism". It promotes the so-called war against terrorism and it also stressed that its actions are not contrary to international law, as it has been invited by the legal government.
2. It highlights the fact that several thousand IS fighters come from regions in Russia and the former USSR, and if IS is victorious in Syria, they will return to Russia to carry out similar "terrorist attacks" there, targeting the country's territorial integrity and the Russian people's wellbeing.
3. The following issues are also utilized to a lesser extent where appropriate: To stop the wave of refugees, the humanitarian disaster, the destruction of antiquities and the barbaric acts of IS.
4. After the tragedy that struck the Russian passenger plane over Mt Sinai, the Russian leadership also resorted to using the pretext of "self-defense", which we will refer to in more detail below.

[A section of the article providing data regarding the military correlation of forces in the Syrian conflict is omitted]
THE RUSSIAN MILITARY INVOLVEMENT
In these complex military conditions, the Russian leadership has decided to reinforce Assad’s forces, chiefly in two ways:
a) Through the provision of modern military equipment, with high precision weapons (new armoured personnel carriers, modern telecommunications systems, spy drones, machine guns etc.)
b) Through aerial bombardments of the “terrorist” forces.In a display of military strength, Russia bombed enemy positions with missiles fired from warships belonging to the fleets in the Caspian and Mediterranean. The Syrian airforce has older planes, with less capabilities of carrying out precision strikes on the enemy.
[A section of the article providing data about Russia’s airforce and naval strength involved in the Syrian conflict is omitted]

IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM AIMS
Military importance of the Russian involvement
Through these actions, it is assessed that the losses of the Syrian armed forces can be cancelled out and that they can once again achieve the upper hand and dynamism in relation to their enemies.
Moreover, according to the newspaper "Financial Times" [12], the USA in cooperation with Turkey and Jordan will implement a "No Fly Zone" in Syria, i.e. according to the same method they used in Libya.The Russian involvement impeded these plans

Political aims
The Russian bourgeoisie is aiming to consolidate its economic and geopolitical interests in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean.Having learned the lessons from the developments in Yugoslavia and Libya, where it had no military presence and was distant from the arena of the confrontation, it is attempting to prevent a similar situation.Russia aims to support the Syrian regime with every means at its disposal so that its monopolies and not the Euro-Atlantic ones have the first say, in cooperation with the section of the bourgeoisie represented by the Assad regime, as regards the exploitation of resources and the people.
This is a development that "disentangles" it from the impasse in Ukraine and allows it to better utilize the contradictions between Germany, France and the USA.It also allows it to more effectively approach the regimes in Iran, Iraq and Egypt.
Moreover, whether it is successful or not in defending its interests in Syria will predetermine if it has the decisiveness and strength to protect its interests in other regions, like, for example, Central Asia and other regions where it seeks the deeper penetration of its capital, such as Egypt and Iran.So the Russian leadership is taking a gamble on maintaining its positions in Syria in order to strengthen its attempts to deepen its penetration of other countries in the region.

THE MILITARY-POLITICAL STANCE OF OTHER POWERS
It is worth noting the stance of the other strong powers, at a moment when the EU, USA and their allies, amongst other things, have implemented economic sanctions against Russia, on the pretext of its absorption of Crimea and accusing it of military involvement in East Ukraine.
The USA reacted negatively to the Russian military involvement in Syria.On its part, it continued airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, while it has also sent advisors to the Kurds and possibly to other armed groups active in Syria.All these moves demonstrate US interest in the northeastern region of Syria.The USA utilizes the existing military based of its allies in order to advance its plans, amongst them the bases in Suda and Kalamata. It has also sent the aircraft carries "Harry S.Truman (CVN75)" to the Mediterranean.
Politically, the USA seems to be posing the unconditional removal of the Syrian President as a precondition, but its real aims are the strengthening of its position in the region and the weakening of the position of its rivals.
In the recent past, China has aligned with Russia in the UN over the issue of chemical weapons in Syria and the USA's aim to win UN approval for airstrikes.Together with Russia it utilized its veto.Now, various Greek sources write that Chinese warships and planes are reaching Syria in order to defend Assad.This has not yet been confirmed by China, but cannot be ruled as a possible scenario.Indeed, the newspaper "Jenmin Jibao" has published an evaluation of the Chinese military expert Chan Chunsen, who claims that all the reports of a Chinese aircraft carrier going to take part in the conflict in Syria are simply rumours and that China will not take the side of any force in Syria militarily.[13]
The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, at the meeting to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the UN, said that the world could not stand idly by in the face of the tragic developments, but also that no one of his own volition can intervene in the affairs of other countries.He also argued during his meeting with the Foreign Minister of Syria that Syria's sovereignty should be respected. However, in his speeches he made no reference to Assad or the Russian initiatives and added that "China has no interests in the Middle East, and thus it seeks to play a constructive role". [14] The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that China is taking a position in favour of a political settlement.[15]
At the beginning of 2015, the representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying stated China’s position: " As for Russia’s strikes against terrorist organizations in Syria, we have also expressed our support previously and noted that Russia carried out the fight against terrorist organizations in Syria at the invitation of the government of this country." [16]

The stance of Germany, its differentiation from the USA, is of particular interest.Initially Germany had signed the statement of the 7 (USA, Britain, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey) [17], which called on Russia to immediately cease its attacks against the Syrian opposition and citizens and to focus its efforts against the Islamic State.
A.Merkel stated on October 4 2015:
" We will need military efforts, but military efforts will not bring the solution; we need a political process but that has not really got going very well yet." She also added that it is necessary for the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad to be involved in the talks: « But to get to a political solution, I need both the representatives of the Syrian opposition and those who are currently ruling in Damascus and others as well to get real successes and then above all the allies of the respective groups. Russia, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Iran could all play a role, along with Germany, France and Britain.» [18]
I.e. It has a stance that differs from that of the USA on the following issues:1) It accepts Assad's presence at the table in the talks for a political solution.2) It accepts that Iran must be at the same table.
Germany's stance clearly differs from that of the USA and also that of France.It is characteristic that France, following the USA's example, carried out airstrikes in Syria on the 27th of September (two days before the Russian intervention), while the French Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, speaking about the Russian intervention, dredged up the issue of chemical weapons(!), stating that :"Russia must not make mistakes regarding its targets in Syria and hit other organizations aside from the Islamic State", clarifying that:" We should hit the right targets and in this instance ISIS"."The second condition is that no one can attack civilians.And chiefly, you are aware that the regime of the (Syrian President) Bashar (Al Assad) continues to use chemical weapons against civilians and this cannot be tolerated", continued Valls. [19]
However, after the murderous attacks in Paris on the 13th of November 2015, the French stance seems to have altered.The French President F.Hollande in his speech to the parliament and senate on the 16th of November made the following reference:" In Syria, we're looking for the political solution to the problem, which is not Bashar Assad. Our enemy in Syria is ISIL." This is interpreted as a change of policy in Syria, approaching the German position, as there is no longer an obsession with Assad's removal (immediately).Hollande also mentioned that he would call on Putin and Obama to take joint initiatives together with him, a position that pleased M. Le Pen who has been demanding for a while "a change of stance towards Russia."

The French aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" headed to the Eastern Mediterranean and began attacks against the "Islamic State", seeking to coordinate its military operations both with the USA (whose alliance it belongs to) and also with Russia.
France's decision to invoke article 42, paragraph7 of the EU's Treaty [20], and not article 5 of the relevant NATO Treaty, demonstrates that the French bourgeoisie wants its alliance with the USA, but does not unconditionally accept the hegemonic role of the USA.At the same time, the fact that the French government did not invoke article 222 of the Treaty of Lisbon (which indeed refers more specifically to the instance of a terrorist attack) demonstrates the distance it is attempting to keep from Germany.
Britain made very aggressive statements against the Russian intervention.Prime Minister Cameron made the following statement:"They are backing the butcher Assad, which is a terrible mistake for them and for the world.It is going to make the region more unstable." [21] In addition, Britain's Foreign Minister, Philip Hammond accused Russia of conducting a "classic asymmetric war" in Syria [22]. On the 3rd of December, Britain also began airstrikes, using its military bases on the "unsinkable aircraft carrier", Cyprus.
On its part, Israel which admits that it is carrying out operations on Syrian territory for reasons of "self-protection" is seeking to have a balanced position, but has expressed its unhappiness about direct Russian military involvement.Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that he does not want a return to controversy in Israel's relations with Russia [23] and also said that "Israel is aware of the fact that it has a Russian border now"[24]. However, it should be noted that Russia has assured Israel that its interests will not be damaged by the Russian military intervention, quite the contrary!
Of course, all these powers have stated their intention-and some have already acted on it-to create "mechanisms" in order to avoid an accidental military entanglement with Russia.
Turkey, with the so-called "Neo-Ottoman Dogma" as its vehicle, utilizing Islam as a unifying factor in the Middle East and Balkans and Caucasus, promotes the ambitions of its bourgeoisie for an enhanced role in the global imperialist system, initially inside the G20 and then to get into the tighter circle.It is playing a decisive role in the Syrian crisis!The Turkish bourgeoisie supported the jihadists and the accusations about its involvement in the illegal oil trade organized in the areas controlled by the "IS" have a basis.To begin with, the Turkish bourgeoisie supported the plans to dismember Syria and Iraq and not only demanded airstrikes in Syria, but also the implementation of a "No Fly Zone", as had been done in Libya, which in reality would create the preconditions for a ground invasion and occupation of Syria or a section of it.There already sources that refer to powerful ground forces being deployed by Turkey on its borders with Syria.The downing of the Russian fighter plane was a deliberate act on Turkey's part, with the aim of showing Moscow that it cannot openly ignore the interests (and plans) of the Turkish bourgeoisie.This development has clear provoked and provokes even greater NATO involvement in the Syrian crisis.
It would be an oversight for us not to mention Saudi Arabia's aim to form a new coalition, the so-called "Islamic Military Alliance" [25], which aims to integrate 34 countries from the Middle East, Asia and Africa in order to allegedly confront IS.Such a plan, which clearly enjoys the support of the USA, regardless of whether it is totally successful or not, will clearly play a role if ground operations the plans to dismember the couuntry proceed in Syria.

ASSESSMENTS ABOUT THE PROSPECTS OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS
The basis on which these contradictions and their military expression are formed is capitalist competition for profitability and the division of natural resources and wealth.So, the Syrian issue is the epicentre of an enormous concentration of forces, without meaning that they will necessarily come into conflict.There are many possibilities, which are influenced by dozens of factors and we are not in a position to evaluate their importance and potential dynamism.The workers'-people's intervention is an important factor that up until now does not have the direction of freeing itself from the aims of the domestic and foreign bourgeoisies.
Based on the current correlation of forces, there could be developments in the following directions. We present them below in no particular order of importance:
a) Continuation of the long-term wearing down of Assad and his allies, triggering other flashpoints, as a basic choice of the USA and its allies e.g.Turkey, Israel, the Gulf monarchies, with the aim of bleeding it economically over the long-term and grinding Russia down politically and militarily in Syria.This could be achieved by providing weapons (e.g.'Stinger" missiles to the "opposition" which is alleged to have already asked for them and been officially refused by the USA) [26] and also by opening up "fronts" in East Ukraine, and other wounds in Central Asia, the Caucasus etc.Of course, such a possibility could lead to uncontrollable consequences, which could be negative for the powers that planned them e.g.a generalized war.Military-political personnel are already talking about a generalized war between NATO and Russia and pushing for an increase in NATO spending.[27]
B) A compromise solution to the Syrian crisis.The compromise to begin with would be between the foreign powers and then later would include the opposing domestic forces.And there could be various outcomes of a compromise, with the most likely being the dismemberment of Syria, as the open military intervention of the imperialist powers also has geographical dimensions.For example,Russia is showing more interest in the coastal regions of Syria, the USA in the north and northeastern sections, where they have sent military "advisers" to Kurdish armed groups etc.That is to say, each foreign power, supporting local bourgeois forces, will divide Syria into zones, i.e. protectorates.
In any case, the opposing interests will continue to come into conflict. We will have a false, in essence imperialist, "peace", i.e. "with a gun to the people's heads".
The scenario of the internal and external correlation of forces allowing a return to the situation as it was a decade ago is less likely, i.e. for Russia to completely maintain its position and the Assad regime in place and to "crush" the "terrorists", who as Putin stressed cannot be easily separated into a "moderate opposition" and "opposition".
On the other hand, a compromise and a "disentanglement" from the conflict would facilitate other imperialist powers to focus their attention on other flashpoints, like e.g.the South China Sea, where the confrontation has being intensifying for some time, above all between China and the USA and also between China and other countries in the region.

MISLEADING IDEOLOGICAL CONSTRUCTS THAT AIM TO JUSTIFY THE IMPERIALIST WAR
The open Russian involvement in the Syrian crisis, like the bomb attacks in Paris, have created a "recycling" of ideological confusion, both old and new forms, that we must examine.So, for example, while the class nature of today's capitalist Russia and the aims of Russian capital are not usually disputed and it is acknowledged that Russia today is not the Soviet Union of yesteryear, often various misleading ideological constructs are promoted.In addition, decidedly non-class analyses of international relations and developments re-emerge.These are issues that are worth answering, as they lead the workers into aligning with and choosing an imperialist power in a war that is being waged for interests alien to theirs, specifically for the interests of capital.

The "multi-polar world" in opposition to the "empire of the USA"
Certain forces see imperialism merely as the “empire” of the USA and on this basis they salute the promotion of new emerging capitalist powers in global affairs, such as the emergence of new inter-state unions (BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Collective Security Treaty Organization, ALBA etc), which are formed by capitalist states, with an economic-political and military content.These developments are saluted as the beginning of the emergence of a new “multi-polar world”, which will “reform” and will give “new life” to the UN and the other international organizations that will escape the US “hegemony”.These hypotheses conclude that peace will be ensured in this way.From this standpoint, the Russian military involvement in Syria is welcomed as a step in this direction.
It is argued that the "new" inter-imperialist contradictions and the apparent realignment of the global system can lead to the "democratization" of international relations, as a world with many "poles" is emerging with the strengthening of Germany, Russia, China, Brazil and other states and the relative retreat of the USA's position.
Related proposals are heard, such as, for example, the expansion of the UN Security Council with other countries.
So the question arises: Can an increased global role for the EU, as , for example, SYRIZA and the Party of the European Left argue for, or even an enhanced role for Russian and China create another "peaceful" environment for international developments?
Not at all, in our assessment.And this is because imperialist wars are not caused by the specific correlation of forces amongst capitalist states at any given moment, but by the laws of capitalism: uneven capitalist development, competition, the tendency to acquire additional profits.The inter-imperialist contradictions are produced, reproduced and altered on this basis, particularly as regards raw materials, energy, their transport networks, the fight for market shares. It is monopoly competition that leads to local and generalized military interventions and wars.This competition is conducted using every means possessed by the monopolies and the capitalist states which express their interests. It is reflected in the inter-state agreements, which are constantly being disputed due to uneven development.This is imperialism, the source of military attacks on both a large and small scale.
The talk about a “new democratic global governance”, with “transparency”, “participation” and “social solidarity”, which is disseminated by bourgeoisified social-democratic and opportunist forces aims at ideologically prettifying the new correlation of forces in the capitalist, imperialist barbarity, with the goal of misleading the workers.
Previous wars, like the 2nd World War, were also unleashed in the name of righting unjust agreements or preventing new wars.There is an urgent need for the workers to be liberated from such illusions and traps regarding the "democratization" of capital and international relations, which line them up behind interests alien to theirs.
The "multi-polar' world as a means of safeguarding peace and people's interests is a fallacy.In essence, this approach treats the enemy as being an ally, traps popular forces into choosing an imperialist or imperialist union, paralyzes the labour movement.

"The stance of Russia, even if it includes risks of a more general conflict, facilitates the anti-imperialist struggle."
This view is often overlaps with the assessment that Russia is an "anti-imperialist power".An entire political "current" has emerged in Russia in recent years, with the name "Red Putinists", who provide "leftwing" political support to the current President of the country V.Putin.This is a modified form of the ideological construct of the "multi-polar world".It is equally misleading and paralyzing for the labour movement, as it overlooks the social-class character of today's power in Russia.Who possesses the means of production and power in Russia today? The answer- that the bourgeoisie is the ruling class in Russia and that the monopolies are dominant there, while the vast majority of the people are faced with all the social and economic impasses of capitalism-is bypassed by the representatives of this standpoint.The attention of specific forces is basically focused on Russia's struggle against the USA and other imperialist powers.However, this struggle is not being waged in the interests of the Russian people, but in the interests of the Russian monopolies.
Moreover, it is important to clarify what is meant by the term "imperialism".If by this term we understand the scientific criteria established by Lenin his writings, on the basis of which he concludes that it is capitalism in its highest, monopoly stage, then it becomes obvious that a capitalist power, such as Russia, where the monopolies are dominant, cannot be characterized as being an “anti-imperialist power”.
Forces, even communist ones, that abandon the Leninist understanding of imperialism and treat it as an "aggressive foreign policy" or identify it only with the USA and the view about a US "empire" can end up making enormous political mistakes.A characteristic example of this is that such forces a few years ago labeled Turkey as being an “anti-imperialist power”, when Erdogan sharpened Turkey's confrontation against Israel and took positions in favour of Iran, while it was in the imperialist military alliance of NATO, still militarily occupying 40% of Cyprus and threatening Greece that its implementation of the International Law of the Sea in the Aegean would be a Casus Belli (reason for war).
Of course, the sharpening of the inter-imperialist contradictions and imperialist war on its own do not lead to a change of the correlation of forces in favour of the working class and popular forces, as is demonstrated by the current developments in Syria, as well as in Ukraine and other countries.A precondition is the existence of strong CPs, with a well-elaborated revolutionary strategy and roots in the labour-people's movement in order to direct the insurgent masses towards the goal of overthrowing capitalist barbarity.

Non-class interpretations of International law
In the case we are examining, a series of forces (including communist ones) claim that Russia is acting in the "framework of International Law", in contrast to the USA and other powers.On this basis they justify the Russian military intervention, at the invitation of the Syrian government, as being different in comparison to the interventions of other powers.
However, "International Law" as it stands today provides for three instance when there can be military operations on the territory of another state: 1) Through a decision of the SC of the UN as was the case in Libya, 2) at the invitation of the legitimate government of the specific state, i.e. as Russia was invited by Syria and 3) for reasons of "self-defense".
The USA invoked reasons of "self-defense" from the beginning regarding is airstrikes in Syria.But the Turkish government, with its letter to the General Secretary of the UN, Ban Ki Moon, also invoked "Article 51" of the UN Carter.Turkey's deputy permanent representative to the UN, Levent Eler, made the following references in his letter:
" It is apparent that the regime in Syria is neither capable of nor willing to prevent these threats emanating from its territory which clearly imperil the security of Turkey and safety of its nationals (..)Syria has become a safe haven for (Islamic State). This area is used by (Islamic State) for training, planning, financing and carrying out attacks across borders of Syria, in Turkish territory."[28]
It is worth noting that Article 51 of the UN Charter, which refers to the right of a country to defend itself against an armed attack, was not always as it is today.Initially the article engaged with a foreign invasion at the expense of a UN member-state and its right to respond to this attack by striking outside its borders, i.e. at the territory of the aggressor state, for reasons of self-defense, until a relevant decision of the UN Security Council is taken.
However, after September 2001, the USA addressed the UN Security Council and requested an "expanded interpretation" of the specific article so that it could invoke it to invade and occupy Afghanistan in its war against the Taliban.Then the UN Security Council (and Russia) accepted the US request and now self-defense is not just a response to an attack (military invasion) by a specific state, but any armed attack in general, something which, as is obvious, is interpreted at will.
On the 18th of November 2015, Russia also stated that from now on it will act on the basis of Article 51, considering that it is also exercising its right to self-defense.This position, in reality, ended the discussion underway within the ranks of the International Communist Movement as to "whether we should support the power that observes International Law against those that do not."
However, we must clarify the following: International Law is an extension of bourgeois law.As long as the USSR and other socialist countries existed, this was formed as a result of correlation of forces between capitalism and socialism, which nevertheless continued to be negative, and even in this period imperialist crimes were being carried out.After the overthrow of socialism, International Law is exclusively determined by the correlation of forces amongst capitalist states, it is becoming even more reactionary and is utilized by the imperialist powers at will, in the framework of their competition and at the expense of the peoples.
At the moment when another imperialist conflict breaks out, it is completely misleading to have a discussion as to who started it or who observes "International Law", which has become even more reactionary and "flexible" so that it can be invoked by the imperialist powers.The essence, which we communists must clarify, is the "terrain" on which this war is being conducted. A terrain that is defined by the interests of the monopolies.The essence is to be found in the character of the powers that are coming into conflict-and these powers have a specific class content.

The characterization of the USA as "fascist" and Russia as a "democratic" international power
This ideological construct also flows from an non-class analysis of International Law.The basis for this is the view that the Russian bourgeoisie, while promoting its interests, acts within the framework of existing International Law, while the USA violates it continuously and acts "selfishly" and "in a fascist way" in the promotion of its interests.It argues that the USA may observe some democratic norms domestically, but acts in a "fascist way" in its foreign policy and causes the so-called "exportation of fascism".On this basis, there emerge calls for new "anti-fascist fronts".
This assessment, whether consciously or not, bypasses the unified class character of domestic and foreign policy in each state and misleads the labour movement.The class nature of the system as the basic criterion is bypassed.The interests of the monopolies are served inside the capitalist states by the anti-people political line, just as the interests of the monopolies are also served by the interventions and imperialist wars for the control of the markets. V.I. Lenin underlined the following concerning this issue."No idea could be more erroneous or harmful than to separate foreign from home policy. The monstrous falsity of this separation becomes even more monstrous in war-time."[29] Lenin in many of his works stressed that "the workers, if they are politically conscious, cannot side with either group of imperialist plunderers."[30]
The tragically mistaken separation of states into "fascist" and "democratic" ones leads the communist and labour movement into choosing imperialist, in a regional or more general military conflict.
As regards the invocation of the history of the anti-fascist struggle, we should bear in mind that there is now incontrovertible evidence that the major economic and military power of fascist Germany was acquired due to the direct support given to it by "democratic" bourgeois states:USA, France and Britain. These states also tolerated its initial acts of military aggression.Moreover, after the end of the war, German war criminals, staffed NATO and the intelligence services of the "democratic" capitalist states.And we should not forget that it was not just the Nazis and Axis forces that committed crimes against humanity, but also the governments of "democratic" capitalist states.The USA committed an enormous and blood-chilling crime, without any military necessity existing for it, when it dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (6 and 9 August 1945).

The stance of supporting the less strong power
Certain comrades from other CPs assess that Russia is a capitalist state, but only a "regional power" in the international imperialist system which, like the other BRICS states (Brazil, India, China, South Africa), observes the rules of International law, and indeed is not integrated into "global imperialism", which is considered as being the "hard core of finance capital".
However, this approach detaches politics from the economy, as today finance capital is dominant in every capitalist country, finance capital being the fusion of industrial and banking capital.The monopoly groups that bring together stock companies, a basic feature of monopoly capitalism i.e. imperialism, are dominant both in the "rich" and the "poor" capitalist countries.
The separation of capitalist countries into some that are in the "metropolis", a version of this being the theory of the "golden billion" (of the global population) and others that are in the "periphery" narrows the concept of imperialism, restricting it to issues of dependence on and exploitation by the capitalist "metropolis".The Leninist theory of imperialism, on the basis of the development of monopoly capitalism in the era when this theory was formulated, correctly posed the issue of the existence of a "handful" of large imperialist powers that exploit the rest of the planet.The schematic transfer of an identical classification of the countries in the global imperialist pyramid to the situation today, ignoring the current level of the development of monopoly capitalism in many more countries, is a caricature of Leninism.In the end it leads to collaboration with the bourgeois classes of less developed capitalist states, of with sections of them which are considered to be "patriotic", "non-monopoly", "nationally conscious". This is a catastrophic approach for the people's movement, especially when we are talking about issues related to imperialist war.
In addition, it must be stressed that Russia cannot be characterized as belonging to the "periphery", because it exports raw materials, just as one cannot characterize the USA, as being in the "periphery", even if it is the moast indebted state in the world.Moreover, the EU and China have a significant level of energy dependence on Russia, which apart from its inexhaustible raw materials, has a nuclear arsenal capable of responding to the USA, technical and scientific expertise, a highly trained labour force and it exports capital.Taking this into account, it belongs to the "handful" of states that sit at the top of the "imperialist pyramid".It is no accident that it is the "motor force" of all the unions of capitalist states in Eurasia. Nor is its important role in global developments an accident.
Of course, the economic strength of the Russian bourgeoisie is clearly smaller than that of the USA's, but this is not a reason for the labour movement to choose it as an ally.It is worth learning from Lenin's methodology and the position he took on this specific issue:
"The former country, let us say, possesses three-fourths of Africa, whereas the latter possesses one-fourth. A repartition of Africa is the objective content of their war. To which side should we wish success?It would be absurd to state the problem in its previous form, since we do not possess the old criteria of appraisal:there is neither a bourgeois liberation movement running into decades, nor a long process of the decay of feudalism.It is not the business of present-day democracy either to help the former country to assert its “right” to three-fourths of Africa, or to help the latter country (even if it is developing economically more rapidly than the former) to take over those three-fourths.”[2
Present-day democracy will remain true to itself only if it joins neither one nor the other imperialist bourgeoisie, only if it says that the two sides are equally bad, and if it wishes the defeat of the imperialist bourgeoisie in every country.Any other decision will, in reality, be national-liberal and have nothing in common with genuine internationalism(…)In reality, there can now be no talk of present-day democracy following in the wake of the reactionary imperialist bourgeoisie, no matter of what “shade” the latter may be(…).”[31]

"Russia's stance has an ulterior motive, aims to serve the interests of the monopolies, but supports a "patriotic" regime, which is waging on its part a "just war", for this reason it is positive and useful for the anti-imperialist movement."
As regards this view, the relations between the USSR and Syria are often referred to bolster this view, ignoring the class character of Syria and the fact that the means of production are in the hands of the bourgeois class.The Baath regime that has been governing the country since 1963 became dominant after the 2nd World War when thanks to the USSR, its contribution to the anti-fascist victory, the creation of socialist regimes in Eastern Europe, the collapse of colonialism, there were positive developments in the correlation of forces.Then in Syria, as well as in the general line of the international communist movement, the question of national independence and the rallying around this goal were the central issues, as a first precondition for the overcoming of the backwardness which was predominant in every sector of social life. The USSR and the other socialist states formed a policy of economic and other forms of cooperation with and support for the new regimes, amongst them Syria, with the aim of preventing their assimilation into the international capitalist market, the imperialist unions, and also to strengthen forces within the governing fronts which were in favour of a socialist orientation.
This effort of the Soviet Union to develop economic relations, and even alliances, with some capitalist states, against the stronger imperialist powers, was legitimate and understandable, as it weakened the united front of the imperialists, detached forces from them, even if only temporarily, and utilised contradictions in the imperialist camp.The problem was that this contingent (state) policy of the USSR, which was expressed at an economic, diplomatic or other level towards certain countries, was elevated into a principle, it was turned into a theory and there was talk of the so-called “non-capitalist path of development” in these countries, which was linked to the view about a “peaceful transition”. This led communist forces, and consequently the labour movement to show toleration for or even participate in governments of bourgeois management.
Indeed up until today the Leninist position “state-monopoly capitalism is a complete material preparation for socialism, a rung on the ladder of history between which and the rung called socialism there are no intermediate rungs” [32] is misunderstood by communist forces. On the alleged basis of aiming to mature the material preconditions, the active support and participation of communists in bourgeois management, also in Syria, is excused. Even more so when these specific people understand state monopoly capitalism merely as the existence of a strong state sector in the economy, and not as imperialism, the highest stage of capitalism, as Lenin described it, and we must highlight something else as well:Lenin never called on the communists to contribute from government positions or other positions to the management and strengthening of state monopoly capitalism.So, this is a mistaken interpretation of Leninist positions to excuse the participation of communists in bourgeois governments, “left”, “patriotic” etc .Lenin wrote just above this specific phrase that “Imperialist war is the eve of socialist revolution”[33], but this does not mean that we as communists should welcome the imperialist war and participate at the side of the bourgeois class of our country in it.As we know from history, Lenin was the one who raised the banner of proletarian internationalism, against the participation in the imperialist 1st World War, a banner that was abandoned by the 2nd International.
So the mistaken separation of the bourgeois class into a “patriotic” section and a section “subservient to foreigners”, the participation in bourgeois governments, can lead the CP and the workers to fight under a “false flag”, Lenin warned of this danger [34]. Even more so, when it has been demonstrated in practice that a ‘third road to socialism” does not exist. Likewise, intermediate stages between capitalism and socialism do not exist, something that is also apparent in the case of Syria.
After the counterevolution and overthrow of socialism in the Soviet Union, the Syrian state favoured the centralization of capital, further developed its relations with monopoly interests, implemented restructuring policies, and took anti-people measures.
The goal of the bourgeois class of each capitalist state, in line with its economic, political and military strength, is to assert a better position in the competition for the control and exploitation of natural resources, oil, natural gas, energy pipelines and transport networks in order for the monopolies to acquire more profits, by acquiring greater market shares, by intensifying the exploitation of the working class and other popular strata.This is the general "rule", to which Syria is no exception. It had elevated Erdogan and Turkey into being a “strategic ally” in 2010. This had already been preceded by its change of stance towards the PKK (we must not forget how Ocalan's "Odyssey" began that ended with his imprisonment on the island of Imrali).It voted for laws, despite the protests of τhe communists, in favour of the so-called "liberalization of the market", with serious negative consequences for the workers (e.g.the worsening of labour relations, amongst other things the freeing up of dismissals, price increases of basic mas consumption goods etc.)So, even earlier that the beginning of 2011, mobilizations occurred that expressed their discontent with the policies of privatizations and austerity followed by the Assad government.A movement developed that struggled for wage increases, the expansion of democratic rights, constitutional reforms.To a varying extent, some demands were satisfied, but the plan of foreign intervention was already underway, in the framework of the more general designs for a "New Middle East".This plan was advanced to carry out changes that aim to curb and negate tendencies that were manifested at the expense of the economic interests of the USA and other strong imperialist powers, such as France, because there were states in the region that were making other choices. These states were looking to China, Russia and India, which had improved their position in the inter-imperialist competition and threaten the US primacy in the imperialist "pyramid".
So, in summary we can say that the character of a form of power is not determined by decorative adjectives like "subservient to foreigners" or "patriotic" which someone might use, but by which class is in power, by who possesses the means of production. Syria is no exception. This is a capitalist state where the bourgeoisie has the power. Its behaviour, particularly after the overthrow of socialism in the USSR, prepared, amongst other things, the "terrain" for the current developments: in the sense that Syria participated in the global imperialist system, carried out restructurings and reforms with aim of its deeper integration into the international capitalist economy, without hesitating to attack the gains of the workers and popular strata and in the end it became entangled in the web of monopoly contradictions over the division of the capitalist markets.
So it does not escape our notice that the the Syrian regime, developing political-economic relations with the Soviet Union in previous decades, without ceasing to cooperate with capitalist countries as well, opposed the imperialist plans of the USA and Israel from time to time, supported the just cause of the Palestinian people, came into conflict with Israel, which still occupies Syrian territory taken in the 6 Day War of 1967. We very well understand that the weakening of those political forces that are led by President Assad, or even his overthrow, could lead to new imperialist wars and interventions.
We are opposed to the imperialist war, we call on the people to organize their struggle against the country's involvement in it, against the use of its territory, waters and airspace as a "launching pad" for attacks against foreign lands, as well as against the participation of Greek armed forces.For this reason we are opposed to the choices and plans of our country’s bourgeoisie, which are being served by the SYRIZA-ANEL government that states it is ready to push Greece into an imperialist war, under the pretext of “fighting against terrorism”.
We express our solidarity with the communist movement in Syria, which clearly cannot be indifferent towards the foreign imperialist intervention that is taking place now in its country, nor towards the plans to occupy and dismember the country.Analyzing the historical experience of the international labour and communist movement, we believe that the struggle of each people can have significant results to the extent that it is linked to the struggle for a country freed from capitalists, outside all the imperialist coalitions, a country where the working class will be in power, owning the concentrated means of production and the wealth it produces.Only in this way, can the socio-economic and political factors that create the vilest forms of capitalist management, like fascism and the murderers of the Islamic State, be put to an end.

The "joint war against terrorism"
The shooting down of the Russian fighter plane by Turkey temporarily extinguished the euphoria of the bourgeois mass media, and of several opportunist forces, about the formation of a "great alliance" in the "joint war against terrorism" and the criminals of IS.Here we can see the regurgitation of arguments that what is required is "national" and "European" unity, as Europe (and the world) are under attack from "terrorism".Bourgeois political forces, from fascist Golden Dawn to the governmental "left" of Syriza, supported more open military involvement in Syria.Thus, for example, the French CP, after the Paris attacks, took a position in favour of ""an international coalition under the UN mandate because today the United States, Russia, France and others are engaged in military operations which obviously do not get the desired outcomes."[35]
Certain leading political forces in states such as Russia and also France made similar statements after the Paris attacks.On their part, these forces seek to "consolidate" their position in the political processes that will follow in Syria, after the "reduction" of IS, seeking to safeguard or win bases for their monopolies.
However these false appeals are not in the interests of the workers of Europe, but aim to conceal the real intentions, interests and plans of these forces.
Once again, it has been demonstrated that opportunist and social-democratic forces are the "leftwing chorus" of the system and imperialist wars.
As the imperialist invasion and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq clearly proved, islamicist reaction and obscurantism, the problem of immigration and refugees can in no way be solved by imperialist wars, interventions and occuopations.Quite the opposite.
The strategic line that the communist movement should form must be independent from the plans of each bourgeois class and its sections.It must not allow the workers to be turned into the cannon fodder of the imperialist wars.It must target the causes of capitalist barbarity and not just some of its more extreme manifestations.

THE STRUGGLE AGAINST IMPERIALIST WARS CAN HAVE RESULTS AND PROSPECTS
The SYRIZA-ANEL government, talking about a "multidimensional foreign policy" and seeking to achieve the best possible result for the interests of the country's bourgeois class, has made it clear that it operates within the framework of the country's commitments to NATO and the EU.
This not a political line the government has been “dragged” into due to a lack of will, but a conscious one that is directed by the strategic interests of the country's bourgeoisie (or its dominant section), which assesses that it will be able to increase its profits in these unions.So, the SYRIZA-ANEL government appears willing, in the name of "protecting the Christian population" in the Middle East, "combating terrorism", "reversing the flow of immigrants", to provide military infrastructure and facilities for the EU-NATO military intervention in Syria. The only reservation that has been expressed so far concerns Greece's involvement with ground forces, something however that in their statements (if not in their plans) the USA and NATO do not prioritize at the moment.However, the agreement of the government to the activation of Article 42, paragraph 7, that talks about "an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power" has left it exposed!
Many workers may ask themselves in these conditions:"Can our struggle for Greece's disentanglement from the imperialist plans, when it remains shackled to NATO and the EU, have results?"
The workers'-people's struggle in order to have prospects and results must at the same time be turned against both domestic and foreign capitalist forces, against the government's decisions and against those of NATO and the EU.The stronger this struggle is, the more forces from the working class and popular strata embrace it, the more possibility we have of impeding the sending of Greek armed forces to an imperialist war at the side of the imperialists of NATO-EU-USA.The stronger the movement against imperialist war is, the more obstacles can be placed to impede the use of the country's military infrastructure by the NATO-EU-USA imperialists.The struggle against imperialist war could be the "trigger" for the country's disengagement from the imperialist unions themselves, for the overthrow of capitalist power, as only workers' power can guarantee the real disengagement from them and every other kind of imperialist union.
We communists, who base our analyses on the theory of scientific socialism, know very well that war is continuation of politics by other specifically violent means.War arises on the terrain of the conflict of different economic interests, which permeate the entire system of capitalism.This is the reason why, even if war in the conditions of capitalism is inevitable (like economic crises, unemployment, poverty etc); at the same time it is a social phenomenon that reflects the crisis of capitalism, can lead to a general political crisis, to a revolutionary situation, to form conditions for an exit from the war through the revolutionary overthrow of capitalist power and the conquest of workers' power.
In conclusion, our struggle for a society where the means of production will be the property of the people (and not the property of the very few), where the economy will operate on the basis of being planned centrally and controlled by the workers themselves, with the aim of satisfying the needs of the people (and not the increase of the capitalists’ profits) is integrally connected to the struggle against the imperialist war and the "peace" imposed by the imperialists with the gun to the people's head, which prepares the new imperialist wars.

NOTES:
Alexander Zinoviev (1922-2006): One of the best-known contemporary Russian writers, sociologists, mathematicians and philosophers. His life trajectory included his rejection of the Soviet system and his expulsion from the CPSU in 1976 and then his departure from the USSR in 1978. 20 years later he completely changed his views and now in capitalist Russia he can be counted as one of the most fanatical supporters of the Soviet system that exists amongst the Russian intelligentsia. He is possibly the only Soviet “dissident” from the “Cold War Era” who fully regretted his anti-Soviet stance and has indeed officially apologized to the Russian people. He has responded aggressively to the anti-soviet propaganda about “persecutions” and “gulags”, stating that he himself was arrested in 1939 and rightly so, as he had organized a group that aimed to assassinate Stalin. “What were the meant to do, give us a medal?” was his answer to a question on this subject in 2005. After 1990 he passionately defended the gains of the USSR and also the humane values that characterized the Soviet system. Zinoviev has spoken harshly about the dissolution of the USSR , characterizing it as an “unprecedented crime”. In one of his last interviews, he stated that “the basic evil in the world is private ownership, and if humanity does not move beyond it, it is doomed.”
http://www.al-akhbar.com/node/ 184653
See, for example http://energypress.gr/news/o-polemos-ton-agogon-stin-notioana toliki-mesogeio
«Synchroni Rosia», http://gr.rbth.com/international/2013/02/06/i_maxi_ton_agogon_ sti_mesi_anatoli_19795
«The energy war in the Eastern Mediterranean», Kommounistiki Epitheorisi, issue 1/2012.
http://www.kontinent.org/article.php?aid=52454f5ae5e84
http://top.rbc.ru/business/24/09/2015/560168269a7947597c281379
http://russian.people.com.cn/95184/7727145.html
Andreas Matzakos, retired army officer, MSC international relations and strategic studies. «Are Russia’s vital interests at stake in Syria? Why is Russia continuing to support the Assad regime?” http://www.elisme.gr/gr/ 2013-01-06-18-39-21/item/2015-09-27
http://www.rusexporter.ru/research/country/detail/2506/
http://russian.people.com.cn/95184/7727145.html
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/cee6fcba-69bf-11e5-8171-ba1968cf791a.html# axzz3neno2hNG
http://russian.people.com.cn//n/2015/0929/c31521-8957089.html
http://top.rbc.ru/politics/01/10/2015/560d2f6a9a794744bcd58e23
http://russian.people.com.cn//n/2015/1001/c31521-8957602.html
http://www.rg.ru/2015/12/04/kitay-anons.html
Memorable Statement - 7 countries call on Russia not to attack the islamofascists whose patrons they are http://thesecretrealtruth.blogspot.com/2015/10/7_3.html#ixzz3 naTs9Kdr
http://www.ert.gr/merkel-vlepi-politiki-lisi-me-asant-ke-antipolitefsi-sti-siria/
http://www.politis-news.com/cgibin/hweb?-A=303503&-V=articles
Article 42 includes provisions of the «common security and defence policy» της ΕΕ. In particular paragraph 7 reads as: «If a Member State is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other Member States shall have towards it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. This shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States. Commitments and cooperation in this area shall be consistent with commitments under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which, for those States which are members of it, remains the foundation of their collective defence and the forum for its implementation.».
http://www.naftemporiki.gr/story/1012006/kameron-terastio-lathos-oi-rosikes-epidromes-sti-suria
http://www.naftemporiki.gr/story/1012116/xamont-i-rosia-den-mporei-na-petaei-ta-paixnidia-tis-apo-tin-kounia-otan-den-ginetai-to-diko-tis
http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/2317079
http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2015/10/04/fareed-zakaria-gps-benjamin-netanyahu-on-russia-iran-u-s/
http://www.rizospastis.gr/page.do?id=16064&publDate=17%2F12%2F2015&page No=24
http://top.rbc.ru/politics/04/10/2015/5610c1619a7947339a73394c
http://www.onalert.gr/stories/senaria-oloklirotikou-polemou-nato-russias-gennoun-exoplismous-kai-xrima/45300
http://news247.gr/eidiseis/kosmos/h-toyrkia-enhmerwse-ton-ohe-oti-ksekina-aeroporikes-epitheseis-enantion-toy-islamikou-kratoys.3589646.html
V.I.Lenin:The Foreign Policy of the Russian Revolution. Collected Works. V.25
Ibid
Β.I.Lenin:Lenin. Under a False Flag. Collected Works, V. 21
Β.I.Lenin:The Impending Catastrophe and How to Combat it.Collected Works, V. 25
Β.I.Lenin:The Impending Catastrophe and How to Combat it.Collected Works, V. 25
Β.I.Lenin:Lenin. Under a False Flag. Collected Works, V. 21
http://www.humanite.fr/pierre- laurent-il-faut-des-objectifs- de-paix-589717

http://inter.kke.gr/en/articles/THE-MILITARY-POLITICAL-EQUATION-IN-SYRIA/

blindpig

02-04-2016, 10:47 AM

The Irish Labour party on Syria Mr. imperialism from the fall of the USSR

The war against Yugoslavia created the template for future NATO operations. In isolation, the attack and the dismemberment of a country in alliance with local terrorist groups affected by a thriskeftiki- national ideology found a means targeting regimes that were in the path of economic and political interests of the western imperialists. In the coming years this model was to be implemented in Libya and Syria and in a different way in Iraq. The audience were those countries with Yugoslavia was that considered allies a regional power that were considered hostile to the interests of NATO Member States (either Russia or Iran) and / or that have significant natural resources, such as oil. The literature of humanitarian intervention interspersed with the talk about "democracy" and the so-called "war on terrorism" to create a flexible excuse for war for the interests of imperialism. [...] In Syria imperialism surgery . The internal conflict in Syrian society which deliberately exploited by the imperialist forces after foreign intervention created a situation posing a great threat to Syria for the whole region and the entire world. Equipment terrorist groups aimed at undermining the rule of those forces seeking sanctions against the government led Syria to war. Syria has a duty to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, to provide security to its citizens and to maintain the secular character of the state. In a situation reminiscent of Yugoslavia and the conflict in the US and other imperialist powers Kosovo-Metohija region are asking the Syrian armed forces to lay down their arms, while the destructive and reactionary forces that act against the state supported and facilitated the launching undermining acts , sabotage and terrorism, assassination attacks. These challenges are supported by the US, EU, Israel and NATO in cooperation with Turkey and a series of reactionary, anti-democratic monarchies of the Gulf region, generating only suffering and destruction to the people of Syria and the wider region. At the same time, serve to pave the way for the intervention and occupation in order to destabilize and neutralize Syria and its strategic importance in the region, changing the balance of forces in the region and creating a range of weak but submissive and faithful member satellites. This would serve the aggressive and expansionist designs of Israel, which continues the occupation of the Golan Heights and Sheba valley in Lebanon and guarantee unrestricted access monopolies valuable natural resources of these countries. Http://www.iccr.gr/el / news / - 00131 /

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1so96u4

Translated from Greek by Google.

blindpig

02-04-2016, 11:03 AM

Lenin’s approach to the analysis of imperialist alliances and to the use of contradictions between imperialists for developing revolutionary strategy of struggle under the conditions of modern Russia
11/5/15 5:29 PM

Nowadays communists in Russia have been facing the problem of establishing their position regarding the conflict of Russian capitalists with a part of Western imperialistic Oligarchy. Whereas the main reason for this conflict is still the struggle for control over Ukraine that manifested itself in the invocation and support for Fascism there performed by the biggest imperialist powers led by USA, the conflict has a wider scope. We can observe the confrontation over the issue of Syria between Russia on the one hand and USA and certain European countries on the other hand. We can see Russian politics aimed at creating friendly ties with such enemies of USA as Cuba, Vietnam, Venezuela, Korean Peoples’ Democratic Republic, the creation of Eurasian Economic Union headed by Russia on the territory of the USSR, this union to be a rival of USA and EU. We can see steps directed towards establishing co-operation with China and attempts to organize BRICS countries so that they should represent a sort of alternative to the American hegemony in the world.

Communists from all countries, especially from those that don’t belong to the narrow circle of imperialistic powers robbing the rest of the world, have been facing similar questions referring to the attitudes towards imperialistic politics as well as towards the politics of their own governments. To resolve these issues we should first of all analyze the politics of Lenin and of the USSR referring to imperialistic alliances and inter imperialist rivalry.

Lenin expressed his views on imperialistic alliances (here we mean not only military and diplomatic alliances but also deep rooted tendencies for unification, for creation of politic and economical alliances of the state or semi-state type) in his famous article “On the Slogan for a United States of Europe”[1]. While recognizing a certain progressive role that this slogan could have played under those concrete circumstances (the article was written in 1915), in case it had been linked to the revolutionary putting an end to the imperialistic war and to the overthrowing of Russian, German and Austrian monarchies, Lenin still expressed his general negative opinion of that slogan as from his point of view it created an illusion of possibility to create progressive alliances under conditions of Capitalism in its final, imperialistic stage.

“Of course, temporary agreements are possible between capitalists and between states. In this sense a United States of Europe is possible as an agreement between the European capitalists …but to what end? Only for the purpose of jointly suppressing socialism in Europe, of jointly protecting colonial booty against Japan and America, who have been badly done out of their share by the present partition of colonies, …”1 At the same time Lenin accepted and considered it necessary to use contradictions between imperialist powers and their alliances in the interests of proletarian state.

In his article “The Itch”[2] Lenin used to prove the possibility of co-operation with one of imperialistic alliance to defend the proletarian state against another one. Lenin meant the assistance from the imperialists of Britain and France against the advancing German troops (this was a moment in 1918 when Germany resumed its advance on having broken the peace talks).

“If Kerensky, a representative of the ruling class of the bourgeoisie, i.e., the exploiters, makes a deal with the AngloFrench exploiters to get arms and potatoes from them and at the same time conceals from the people the treaties which promise (if successful) to give one robber Armenia, Galicia and Constantinople, and another robber Baghdad, Syria and so forth, is it difficult to understand that this deal is a predatory, swindling, vile deal on the part of Kerensky and his friends? No, this is not difficult to understand. Any peasant, even the most ignorant and illiterate, will understand it.

But if a representative of the exploited, oppressed class, after this class has overthrown the exploiters, and published and annulled all the secret and annexationist treaties, is subjected to a bandit attack by the imperialists of Germany, can he be condemned for making a “deal” with the Anglo-French robbers, for obtaining arms and potatoes from them in return for money or timber, etc.? Can one find such a deal dishonourable, disgraceful, dirty?

No, one cannot. Every sensible man will understand this and will ridicule as silly fools those who with a “lordly” and learned mien undertake to prove that “the masses will not understand” the difference between the robber war of the imperialist Kerensky (and his dishonourable deals with robbers for a division of jointly stolen spoils) and the Kalyayev deal of the Bolshevik Government with the Anglo-French robbers in order to get arms and potatoes to repel the German robber“ 39.

The peace treaty of Brest that was signed with Germany soon after, was also an example of using contradictions between imperialists in order to maintain and develop the state of proletarian dictatorship as well as the treaty with Germany signed in Rapallo in 1922. Of course, the best known of such examples is the Anti-Hitler coalition between USSR, Great Britain and USA aimed against Fascist Germany and her Anti-Comintern Pact’s allies. We can state that these were exactly the forces of Comintern with the assistance of bourgeois democracy’s forces that achieved the victory over forces of Fascism.

Current situation in the world is characterized by increasing rivalries between imperialists. USA go on dominating the world - the opportunity that became possible after the downfall of USSR. Nevertheless other imperialists strive to undermine their positions. These are the imperialists of European Union, first of all Germany and France, we should also mention China whose industrial output can be compared with the one of USA, and also Russia.

Modern Russia is the biggest “splinter” of USSR. Despite the destruction of industrial and scientific-technological potential if compared with the Soviet time, she still represents a serious enough power that possesses nuclear weapons. By the end of nineties Russian capital had completed the theft of socialized property performed by way of privatization, had quickly passed the stage of capitals’ concentration and reached the stage of monopoly capital. They had constructed their political system and as soon as they stopped feeling a direct danger of Socialism’s restoration (in particular because they knew how to use opportunists), the big Capital of Russia started to pursue more militant foreign politics while aspiring to obtain a “place under the sun”.

Nevertheless, despite all the patriotic verbiage and actual deterioration of the relations with the West, Russia actually remains a source of raw materials and a sales market for their products (nowadays for the products of China as well, in particular of the western TNC that have their manufacturing facilities there). For all the super profits from the exports of expensive oil and gas as well as of other natural resources, there has been no real substantial modernization of economics let alone reaching the Soviet level of production during the years of Putin in power. At the same time there still remain certain high tech enterprises and scientific centers surviving from the Soviet period, in particular in the field of military industry. Essentially weak and hesitant politics of the Russian state in her relations with the leading imperialist powers is determined by several circumstances. First - it’s a weak materials basis and insufficient human resources (population of Russia is less than a half of the USSR’s population and as different from USSR she doesn’t have any ideologically motivated military allies); second: it’s dependence of Russian ruling class on the West. We can see it in the case of the conflict in Ukraine: on the one hand the joining of Crimea and the support to the insurrection in Donbass – initially weak, but later a substantial one. On the other hand the promises by Putin not to let the bloodshed in the East of Ukraine remained just promises, Russia keeps making concessions to the West, signs disadvantageous agreements, makes insurgents stop their advance in crucial moments. Almost immediately after the coup Russia had actually recognized the new regime in Kiev thus helping it to strengthen itself and to unleash the war in Donbass. Russian government partially under the pressure from the West, but primarily basing on the interests of Russian capital (retaining huge properties and familiar markets) has been granting Ukraine favourable economic conditions – Russian authorities themselves outraged by the politics of Kiev claimed that they had rendered Ukraine an assistance for the total sum of about 100 billion USD (discounts, credits etc.) whereas USA only provided an assistance worth 5 billion USD. We can also add that Russian capitalists do their best to avoid a serious break with the West and they only strive to negotiate more advantageous conditions for the “partnership”. Meanwhile in reality Russian capitalists have been helping USA to implement their anti-Russian plans, in particular these plans aimed at interrupting with the economical co-operation and integration between Russia and Europe. Trade turnover between RF and EU countries before the introduction of sanctions was around 420 bil.USD in all (132 of import and 282 of export) whereas the one between USA and EU was about 500 billion USD – we can see that these two figures are quite comparable which means a real competition. The introduction of sanctions has decreased the turnover of trade between RF and EU by 12,2% (import) and by 7,1% (export). At the same time imports from USA to Russia has increased by 23% and Russian exports to USA increased by 7%. This way looks the war of sanctions carried out simultaneously against Russia and against EU.

As far as the western Imperialism is concerned, it is not united. EU is in fact a much stronger competitor for USA than Russia and the conflict over Ukraine allowed USA to destroy the emerging alliance between RF and Germany and to create a united front of western powers against Russia under the leadership of USA – this is a great success of Washington in its struggle against not only Russia but against European competitors as well, let alone the struggle for Ukraine and for the subdued status of their European allies.

Economical potential of EU still significantly exceeds its political significance that could be explained by the absence of unity in this loose structure. Apart from that, there are several states within EU that actually act as USA’s agents. Meanwhile all this helps USA go on making EU to follow their political line.

The role of China has increased. This country while pursuing her own economic interests has started to support Russia in a number of issues, still China has managed to avoid any involvement in acute conflicts with her competitors, though in the future this will most likely become inevitable.

In the political lexicon there has appeared the word “BRICS” (an abbreviation of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) this word to denote an informal alliance, a form of co-operation of fairly strong states that try to pursue politics that would be more independent from Washington and that aspire to dispose of “the single-pole model” of the world. Meanwhile this alliance is more a theoretical thing as no obliging agreements have been signed, and the interests of these states as well as their politics don’t always coincide.

When in the majority of countries there still continues capitalist reaction that has followed the downfall of USSR and the Eastern Block, and capitalists can start a struggle for the redistribution of the world without hindrances, we can observe quite the opposite in Latin America - a “left turn” that started since the end of nineties. There appeared a whole block of countries (ALBA) that proclaimed the socialist way of development and anti-imperialism, this block led by Cuba and Venezuela. Even some moderate governments of LA, like the governments of Argentina and Brazil have been trying to pursue politics that are more independent from Washington and that take into account the demands of working masses in their countries to a greater extent. Such situation in LA can be explained not only by objective social-political conditions (as early as beginning from the second half of the XX Century LA has turned into one of potential locations of social revolution), but also by the fact that after the counterrevolution in USSR and in Eastern Europe in LA there remained a socialist state – Cuba, this state being a small one, still capable of influencing the processes in the region to some extent. Left revolutionary forces have also managed to retain their potential and ideological influence. That’s why people’s uprising there lead not to an exchange of one bourgeois government for another, or even worse, as it was the case in Egypt, Ukraine, but at least in certain instances there were achieved real changes of power in the interests of working classes. We consider it essential to mention that such progressive anti-imperialist reforms are portrayed by a number of “left” politicians as the way of XXI Century’s Socialism, which in our opinion is not correct and even more than that – it’s harmful. Such fascination with reforms (in most cases the progressive ones) leads to the rejection of the basic laws of transition to Socialism, the scientific Communism itself. Venezuela in the period of Chavez presidency became the leader in carrying out such reforms. Nevertheless there are also serious weaknesses characteristic of the revolutionary movement in LA. Here we can mention the influence of petty bourgeois ideology, inconsistency in implementing socialist changes and worship of bourgeois democracy by many of the leaders there. We should also remember that ALBA countries are not the biggest and the strongest even within LA and their abilities to resist Imperialism are limited.

Ad it is known the process of production’s and capital’s concentration, the transition from the pre-monopolistic Capitalism to the monopolistic and later to the state-monopolistic one, are historically predetermined processes and taking this fact into consideration – they are progressive as far as they create material preconditions for Socialism. «Or, in other words, socialism is merely state-capitalist monopoly which is made to serve the interests of the whole people and has to that extent ceased to be capitalist monopoly»[3]. Of course it doesn’t mean that proletariat shouldn’t struggle against the state-monopoly Capitalism. Yes, state-monopoly Capitalism does create material conditions for Socialism, that’s why the attempts to roll back to the pre-monopoly stages of Capitalism the struggle for “small and medium range business” etc. would be reactionary. Nevertheless the second part of the Lenin’s phrase is no less important: this state-capitalist monopoly should be destroyed as a capitalist monopoly by way of socialist revolution, thus transforming it so as it should benefit all people. Until the revolution is not performed and state-monopoly capitalism exploits and suppresses the class of workers and all working people, the main task of proletariat is still the struggle for destruction of Capitalism, for turning the material preconditions into real Socialism, into public property preserved by the power of working class. This is the dialectics of social development.

All this is also applicable to international capitalist alliances like EU and the Eurasian Economic Union.

On the one hand under conditions of Imperialism international economic and political alliances promote the development of means of production, concentration of industry and capital, i.e. progressive processes. On the other hand only unequal alliances are possible under capitalism, when weaker allies are subdued and exploited by the stronger ones and the development is often lopsided and malformed. A typical example of such alliance is European Union and the Euro zone where two states, Germany and France impose their conditions onto all the rest. Such situation may lead to a regress of industry in certain countries instead of its development depending on the role allocated to the country in the labour division’s framework within the union. Greece, East European countries and the Baltic States can be demonstrated as example of degradation that followed their joining EU. In case the economic alliance is also accompanied by a political one, such new supranational entity turns into a powerful tool of ruling classes to subdue the working classes along with the national states. The transition of many powers of office from national states to the “European” bodies in EU deprived working people even of those limited possibilities to influence the politics of their governments that the workers used to have in their national states. It’s quite obvious that such unions serve the purpose to intensify the exploitation of proletariat and to increase the profits of financial oligarchy.

As far as the Customs and the Eurasian Unions lead by Russia are concerned, these are also imperialistic alliances created in the interests of the big capital from the participating countries, first of all the interests of Russian monopolistic capital that subdues itself weaker post-Soviet states (and competing in the struggle for them with USA and EU). Nevertheless it would be wrong to oppose economic integration and the tendencies to unification on the former USSR’s territory as USSR used to be a united economical complex and to some extent remains so even in a capitalist form, the more so as communists from the former Soviet republics have always called for reunification of our people.

Anyway at the moment this alliance doesn’t offer any apparently unequal conditions for the participants. We should mention that the process of the “Eurasian integration” is still at initial stages only; there is yet no discussion of common currency’s introduction or of creating a common state. Besides that, as Russian imperialists are weaker than the American or West European ones, they have to offer more advantageous conditions to attract junior partners which improves the conditions for reproduction and struggle of working class in the former Soviet republics.

Still communists should abstain from an unequivocal support of Eurasian Economic Union (as well as from ascribing to this union a possibility of progressive development and a solution of certain issues in favour of working people). They shouldn’t do it because regardless of what some “left” national-patriots claim, this union has nothing to do with the Soviet Union apart from partial overlapping of the territories. We should also remember that in this union there participate certain reactionary oppressive regimes like the one in Kazakhstan that brutally suppresses any opposition, in particular the communist one and shoot down striking workers (like in Zhanaozen).

There is yet another threat that is even more important: the active support provided by Russian communists (or to be more exact by their opportunistic part) to the pro-Russian alliances on the post-Soviet territories could eventually lure communists to the trap of bourgeois-patriotic ideology, could infect them with the virus of social-chauvinism and dull the hatred to their own oppressors. We think that even without us Russian monopolists could ensure the implementation of “progressive” features of the Eurasian integration (like economic growth, the defense against American Imperialism’s expansion) in case they are in a position to do so (if not - we cannot help them anyway), whereas there is nobody to fight with the great-power chauvinism but us.

We think that at the moment the general attitude of Russian communists towards Eurasian Economic Union should be calm and balanced. We should discuss strengths and weaknesses of the union while clarifying what is positive or negative. At the same time we shouldn’t either oppose this union due to anti-imperialistic reasons, or provide uncritical support while considering this process as an alleged return to the USSR.

We can also reasonably apply these considerations when analyzing the idea of creating the union state of Russia and Belorussia. In this case we should also take into account the fact that Russian capital strives to get hold of the large centralized economics that has been preserved (and that has even been developed) in Belorussia since the Soviet times. RCWP supports the politics of Belorussian President only aimed at repelling the attempts of different types of “privatizators” both local and foreign, at retaining the industrial potential of the republic. Communists oppose the predatory intentions of Russian capital to swallow the economics of Belorussia and by all means support the process of getting closer and combining the efforts of the working people in both countries in their joint struggle for Socialism.

At the moment European Union is a pretty powerful supranational organization that is a tool of monopolistic capital’s domination over the people of its member countries, of suppressing workers’ movement and of expansion. That’s why the demands of communists in a number of European countries to leave both EU and the Euro Zone are quite fair. Nevertheless these claims make sense only when they are combined with the demands to introduce radical social changes and to change the standing social order as it is done by the Communist Party of Greece. The slogans to quit EU or the Euro zone with the domination of capital left untouched, these slogans being put forward by various right and nationalistic forces as well as by the groups calling themselves “leftist” that are in fact pro-bourgeois and opportunist, cannot be regarded as progressive at all. In case a revolutionary situation arises in the majority of EU countries or in the leading countries there, the slogans to leave EU should be probably withdrawn. In case EU interrupts with progressive changes in a country, then to leave EU would be necessary and reasonable step.

We should separately analyze the situation in Ukraine and Novorossia. Capitalist social order was established in Ukraine similar to the rest other Soviet republics right after the counterrevolutionary coup 1985-91 and the destruction of USSR. Whereas Russian capital that got the biggest chunk of the country had managed to stabilize the situation in Russia by the end 90-ies and despite its dependency on the West even started to play a relatively independent role in the world while showing its own imperialistic ambitions, Ukraine had turned into a battlefield of competing imperialist powers (USA, EU and Russia) and the corresponding oligarchic clans. Economic co-operation between Ukraine and Russia first of all in the field of military industry significantly contributed to the maintaining and growth of Russian Imperialism’s military potential.

In February 2014 there took place a reactionary coup in Ukraine. That coup was organized by USA, EU and the groups of local big capitalists closely associated with the West. A puppet semi-Fascist regime was established in the country whereas its ideology combine nationalism, anti-communism and anti-sovietism and its politics are aimed at turning Ukraine in a sort of colony of EU and USA that is hostile to Russian Federation.

The so called “Communist Party of Ukraine” headed by Simonenko is a right opportunist party similar to Russian CPRF. In the 90-ies the party enjoyed a significant influence and Simonenko contested Kuchma in the second round of presidential elections in 1999 while having a support of about 40% of the population. Nevertheless the unscrupulousness and conciliation of that party led to their loss of popular trust, whereas there wasn’t enough time for strong and genuine communist parties to appear. These are reasons why the just outrage of the people at the abomination of Capitalism was used by right bourgeois powers including nationalists and fascists and by the agents of Imperialism, whereas the anti-fascist movement that appeared later in the South-East of Ukraine was left without class organization and was subdued to Russian Imperialism. Still we believe it necessary to mention that while having serious reasons to criticize the opportunism of CPU we strongly condemn the decision by present authorities of Ukraine to ban all Communist parties there. We show our solidarity with the struggle of Ukrainian communists against the repressions unleashed by the junta in Kiev.

We should undoubtedly consider the anti-fascist struggle of the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk as a progressive one. Despite the fact that both these republics are of bourgeois nature, that they are pro-Russian, that there can be observed various reactionary trends among the insurgents (like nationalists, monarchists, White Guards), there is maintained bourgeois democracy and communists have possibility to act and to promote their views (though to a limited extent – e.g. they cannot participate in the elections), there have even appeared left armed units within the insurgent army of Lugansk. The Soviet symbols there have been preserved, whereas the respect to the Soviet heritage, especially to the memory of the WWII has been widely practiced. All this differs so much from the deeds of the regime in Kiev where they make heroes from Hitler’s collaborators Bandera and Shukhevich, and where communist ideology has been banned.

The politics of Russia towards Donbass and Ukraine has an ambivalent nature. From the one hand Putin’s government renders certain material, information, and apparently also certain technical-military assistance to Donetsk and Lugansk Republics while unwilling to give up the struggle for at least a part of Ukraine. It’s only natural that Russian authorities ensured that the bourgeois regimes in Donetsk and Lugansk should be totally controlled by Moscow. On the other hand under the pressure of western Imperialism the regime of Putin keeps bending and backing away while not letting the resistance forces to exploit their military success. He’s actually recognized and even sponsors the Kiev junta of Poroshenko. We are of the opinion that communists both in Russia and Ukraine should show their support to the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, though such support should also contain a degree of criticism. That is we should support the anti-fascist and democratic struggle of the working people of Donbass and simultaneously criticize the bourgeois and pro-Kremlin character of these regimes as well as the reactionary trends within them. Russian communists should demand that Russian government should officially recognize the choice of people in Donetsk and Lugansk republics and give them any help they would need. Nevertheless, communists shouldn’t similar to social-patriots consider a possibility of immediate deployment of Russian troops as there are not military reasons to do so at the moment and would only intensify the imperialistic conflict and suppress all the progressive trends in Donbass.

One might ask a question if the support rendered by Russian communists to the republics of Donbass and their demands that Russian government should assist the resistance, are in fact a support of “their own” Russian imperialism in its conflict with rival powers and coming over to the side of social-chauvinism. If Donbass and Ukraine are just another point of dissent between various groups of imperialists is there any sense, or progressive meaning in the struggle of Donbass against Fascism and western Imperialism? As it is known Lenin recognized that the struggle of Serbia against the Austrian aggression during the WWI was justified (we should mention that exactly Serbia was used as a formal cause to unleash the WWI), later though he wrote that the fact didn’t have any meaning in the general assessment of the war, as Serbia was only a pretext to start the war for the redistribution of the world among imperialist predators.

“The present war is, in substance, a struggle between Britain, France and Germany for the partition of colonies and for the plunder of rival countries; on the part of tsarism and the ruling classes of Russia, it is an attempt to seize Persia, Mongolia, Turkey in Asia, Constantinople, Galicia, etc. The national element in the Austro-Serbian war is an entirely secondary consideration and does not affect the general imperialist character of the war”[4] .

We are of the opinion that in our case an attempt to find similarity between the two historical events would be wrong. Unlike the situation in 1914 we don’t currently have two groups of imperialists with comparable military potential, these groups only looking for a pretext to start hostilities. What we have is the western Imperialism that dominates in the world (though the West is pretty heterogeneous it presents a united front as to regards Ukraine) and that has been striving not only to retain its supremacy, but also to extend it while in the countries that were appointed victims the imperialists use as their tools the most reactionary movements, such as Fascists, fanatical islamists etc. On the other hand there are attempts of the Russian imperialism that has managed to get a bit stronger lately and China to somewhat curb these intentions while trying to retain the relations with their “western partners”. What is important: there is semi-fascist regime in Kiev and the anti-fascist struggle in Donbass and communists ought to support this struggle as they did in the past while supporting anti-fascist struggle in capitalist countries even before USSR entered the WWII.

Of course there exists a threat that communists could slide down to social-chauvinism and to servicing domestic bourgeoisie (that is done by CPRF). That’s why Russian communists should adhere to the class approach and while practicing this approach they should focus their attention on harsh criticism of their own Capitalism and reveal it’s predatory nature. They should criticize the oligarchic pro-Russian regimes in the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, they should resist the nationalistic anti-Ukrainian hysteria as well. In other words they should explain that the followers of Vlasov are no better than the followers of Bandera.

The accession of Crimea is presented by Russian authorities as the biggest success of Putin, this attitude fully shared by CPRF. The slogan “Crimea is ours!” has turned into a symbol of local form of jingoism bordering a sort of nationalistic hysteria. On the other hand pro-western propaganda accuses Russian government in aggression and in annexation of foreign territories.

Sure that Crimea has always been the region of the Ukraine that demonstrated the highest hostility towards Ukrainian nationalists. That’s why it was only natural that after the nationalistic coup in Ukraine an insurrection took place there and the semi-peninsula subsequently joined Russian Federation. In the referendum the joining to Russia was supported by the overwhelming majority of local inhabitants. We should mention though that such an option as independence wasn’t presented in the ballots: one had to choose only between joining Russia or to remain being a part of Ukraine under the rule of semi-fascist junta.

Joining Russia and establishing in Crimea the rule of Russian capital and bureaucracy excluded the possibility of any progressive changes there, that could have been theoretically possible in case an independent republic similar to the ones of Donetsk and Lugansk had been established there. Russian oligarchy has taken the place of the Ukrainian one, though the properties of Ukrainian oligarchs with some exceptions were left intact as well. The unification of Crimea with Russia has also led to the exclusion of the most dedicated and militantly ant-fascist region from the struggle with Fascism that continues in Ukraine on the territory of Donbass.

Meanwhile the “abduction” of Crimea and its unscrupulous inclusion into Russian Federation that the Russian authorities and Putin personally so much boasted about (there was even shot a special film dedicated to the event), allowed the junta in Kiev to boost up Ukrainian nationalism and hatred to Russia, all this to be used as a means to distract the attention of Ukrainians from those anti-national politics that the semi-fascist pro-western regime pursues, and as an ideological tool to mobilize the cannon fodder necessary for the war in Donbass.

Theoretical analysis could bring us to a conclusion that the accession of Crimea looks pretty ambivalent even in case we forget about the class struggle and consider the problem focusing only on the task of the development of the anti-fascist struggle in Ukraine , or even more than that – if we consider the accession of Crimea based on the interests of Russian Federation itself only. One might suppose that the creation of anti-fascist resistance center for the whole Ukraine, or at least creating there an independent republic similar to the latter ones of Donetsk and Lugansk to be officially recognized by Russia, could have brought more benefits. Still, these options are no more available. Marxism considers existing reality rather than theoretical opportunities. We have no doubts that the unification of Crimea with Russia is objectively more preferable than leaving the population there to the tender mercies of Nazis from Kiev. Examples of progressive steps taken by reactionary forces are known in history. For example Marx was of the opinion that the unification of Germany pursued by Bismarck was objectively a progressive task. Why then Marx was never listed among Bismarck supporters and went on struggling with him? The reason is that there exist reactionary forms of implementing objectively progressive movement. Lenin believed that the politics of tsarist Prime-Minister Stolypin would lead to the development of Capitalism in Russian rural areas, i.e. to objectively progressive result, which didn’t prevent him from struggle with Stolypin as uncompromising as the one led by Leo Tolstoy. Reactionary form of implementing progressive reforms could lead to Fascism, as it happened in Germany where Capitalism had been developed in the so called Prussian form.

That’s why communists have no reasons to celebrate the “reunification” of Crimea and Russian Federation and to consider it to be a prominent success of Putin’s regime. It is the more so that for us both Crimea, Ukraine and Russia are parts of our genuine Motherland – USSR.

Still we believe that communists sure have even less reasons to reject and condemn the accession of Crimea into Russia similar to certain leftist organizations closely associated with EU organizations. In case Crimea had been annexed by Russian Federation at the time of Yanukovich or even the one of Yushchenko, that would have been an obviously reactionary action. Under the given historical circumstances after the “Euromaidan” coup in Ukraine the accession of Crimea was a form of the local peoples anti-fascist’s struggle and the means to avoid the fate that Ukrainian nationalists had prepared for them and that was subsequently implemented by them in Odessa and now in Donbass.

To consider the accession we should bear in mind the fact that this was a realization of the people’s desire that was unequivocally and willingly expressed by the local population in the course of referendum and that was indeed supported by the vast majority of the Crimean inhabitants.

For all the attractiveness of the idea that in Crimea there could have been established an independent center of anti-fascist struggle with the prospects of progressive social changes, we should come to a conclusion that such idea is unrealistic if we remember that there is no strong communist party both in Crimea and Ukraine. So it’s quite natural that the people of Crimea chose the simplest way of escaping the “Maidan” regime of Kiev – i.e. flight to Russian Federation. Besides that, joining Russia allowed them to avoid a war on their territory.

We are of the opinion that the general attitude of Russian communists to the accession of Crimea should read as follows: we recognize the will of Crimea’s population and even consider the accession positively as a way to save people from a direct threat of Fascism, but that’s all to it. Meanwhile our task is to make working people of Crimea to join the struggle against Russian Capitalism, which is not easy as the majority of public at large still percepts bourgeois Russia and the person of Putin as if they were a sort saviors.

Russia and progressive states. The relations of Russia with socialist Cuba and DPRK, with the socialist government of Venezuela and the progressive regime of Syria. All these states are enemies of USA (Syria is also hostile to France and UK). Russia has been developing economic, political and military-technical co-operation with these states. Though they are not so big and powerful as USSR used to be, these states still represent centers of progress and liberation movement. American Imperialism has been striving to strangle these regimes. Under such conditions their friendship with Russia that is a nuclear power and still retains a significant potential despite 25 years of capitalist devastation acquires a special importance.

Whereas in 2011 the government of Putin-Medvedev didn’t hesitate to leave Libya to the tender mercies of NATO aggressors (though that country has never had significant importance for Russian capital), in the case of Syria Russian authorities on having understood the degree of NATO’s brazenness and the reluctance to set limit to their ambitions, rendered to Assad diplomatic and economic support. This support was not especially strong, but Russia still blocked anti-Syrian resolutions in the UN Security Council, supplied weapons and gave credits – all this considerably helped Syria to go on struggling. It’s clear though that these are Syrian people and the authorities who ensured that the battle is not lost – the rotten oligarchic regime of Yanukovich was overturned despite all the billions from Moscow.

Co-operation with Russia is also very important for ALBA countries – this a union of progressive regimes of Latin America led by Cuba and Venezuela that have been performing a “left turn” there.

Russian bourgeois regime has nothing to do with the left and socialist regimes in these countries, nevertheless strategic considerations, economic interests and the struggle with the USA competition make it “friends” with these regimes that are alien from the class point of view.

The politics of these governments directed at establishing co-operation and alliance with bourgeois government of Russia should be considered absolutely correct as an example of using rivalries between imperialists in the interests of progressive forces. Similar politics were carried out by USSR during the WWII when the alliance aimed against Nazi Germany had been created.

USA and Cuba have recently taken steps to normalize their relationship. Some people, especially those from national-patriotic circles accuse Cuba of next to treason. We consider the foreign politics of Cuban government to be correct. Cuba is not obliged to blindly follow Russian Imperialism under any circumstances. It’s only natural when Cuba while using the contradictions between imperialists not only enjoys friendship with Russia, but also gets certain concessions from USA as well.

That’s why on having taken the above into consideration Russian communists should reservedly approve the improvement of relationships between Russia and these countries and endorse further steps in this direction while putting the main emphasis on the benefits that the workers’ movement in these countries can gain from such politics. .

CPRF gives its full support to the Russian ruling regime’s foreign politics. Leaders of CPRF together with the rest of various national-patriots express their satisfaction over the fact that the President has finally called to memory “national interests”. The fact that these are actually the class interests of bourgeoisie they prefer not to discuss. CPRF in fact gave up any opposition to Putin even in internal politics while claiming that they call for the resignation of the “Prime Minister Medvedev’s government” as if Medvedev was not a direct appointee of Putin, as if he didn’t report to Putin and represented an independent figure. No wonder that this party shows such attitudes: it’s always been one of the regime’s pillars, whereas not only its political practice but it s ideology as well have always been that of social-democracy and bourgeois patriotism as opposed to Marxism and proletarian Internationalism.

It’s only too obvious that communists are obliged to reveal that the essence of the ruling regime’s politics, including its foreign politics, is the protection of Russian big capital’s essence. Russian foreign politics are based on the aspiration of Russian capitalist oligarchy to retain and extend its sphere of influence and to increase its profits obtained by exploitation of proletariat. On a number of occasions we can approve certain moves of the authorities in their foreign politics, like the support of Donbass, or co-operation with Cuba and DPRK, still this doesn’t in the least mean that we advocate the “class piece” or that we should give up the struggle against the ruling regime, the struggle for overthrowing capitalism in Russia and for going back to the socialist way of development.

More than that: communists should remember that as Lenin indicated, they must reveal first of all the aggressive politics of their own capitalists and not those of their foreign rivals.

Meanwhile communists should not reject all patriotic feelings and slogans as it is practiced by certain Trotskyites and Anarchists’ groups. We should understand that the ruling regime of Russia with all its patriotic rhetoric and imperialistic politics has not only failed to resolve social problems of the country, but the authorities have also failed to change the “peripheral”, depending solely on sales of raw materials character of Russian Capitalism that was established in the 90-ies and is actually an appendix to the Western Capitalism. The politics of Russian Federation aimed at integration of post-Soviet states under her control have not only been facing the resistance of imperialistic rivals. The problem is that modern Russia cannot offer any attractive idea different from the Western ideology to the peoples of these states, whereas the Western imperialists are wealthier and stronger. Western imperialists watch the spaces and natural wealth of Russia with longing, there even can be heard opinions that one state cannot control such huge territories. They wouldn’t object to Russia’s repeating the fate of USSR and her splitting into several units providing the West with energy and raw materials. The essence of patriotism of Putin and modern ruling circles of Russia is the demand that “they should perform this task themselves without splitting the bourgeois state”.

Communists, who are heirs to the great history of USSR and have a real program for genuine revolutionary resurgence of the country, shouldn’t leave patriotism to bourgeois regime or to nationalists. Nevertheless, they should take care that this patriotism takes anti-bourgeois nature, i.e. should be directed against bourgeois state and that it should be associated with proletarian Internationalism and with the struggle against domestic oppressors.

Conclusion

One may come to a conclusion that our views expressed on many issues in this article are complex and contradictory. For example we suggest that the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk should be given a support accompanied by criticism, rather than to give them unconditional support or identify them with Russian authorities. One can remind us that Bolsheviks of Lenin always looked for a radical solution of issues, but under no circumstances this means a search for extreme solutions only or using simplified schemes of life description. The constant aspiration to take one of the most extreme positions would mean an idealistic rather than Marxist approach that would be based on emotions rather than on political criteria. Marxism teaches us to analyze real situations and existing contradictions of the objective reality. Sometimes we need to put forward the simplest slogans based on this reality and to take a radical position (like the slogan “All power to the Soviets” in the period of getting ready for the October Revolution). In other instances a correct position may look pretty complicated and even outwardly contradictory. These contradictions though are not the result of mistakes in formal logic, they are dialectic contradictions reflecting the inconsistency of the objective reality. We can find many such examples in the practice of Lenin and Bolsheviks’ party, some of which can be found above. Marxist analysis should not make concessions to the attempts to unduly simplify issues. At the same time communist propaganda must be able to present a complicated analysis in a way that could be understood by people, to choose the most suitable images and slogans, to put correct syllables depending from the requirements of the current situation.

[1] https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1915/aug/23.htm

[2] https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1918/feb/22.htm

[3] V.I. Lenin Collected works v. 34, p. 192 (Soviet edition in Russian). https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/ichtci/11.htm#v25zz99h-360

[4] (V.I. Lenin collected works 5th edition, USSR, vol. 26 page 162 - https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1915/feb/19.htm).

Comments on the article of RCWP by the representatives of “Kommounistiki Epitheorisi” (KKE) on the Editorial Board of the ICR
Taking into account the complexity of the topics analyzed in the 6th issue of the ICR and in order to further develop the exchange of views, we would like to utilize the “Space for Discussion” to briefly express certain different approaches we have in relation to the article of the RWCP.

Specifically:

1/ The issue of dependency amongst capitalist states in the world today.

Imperialism must be understood by taking into account all its characteristics as described by Lenin in his writings, not just as an aggressive foreign policy.

In the contemporary imperialist system, where about 200 states have “political independence”, we do not have the situation of the colonies that we had in the 19th century. A situation characterized by unequal interdependence amongst the capitalist states has been formed, which resembles an imperialist pyramid, where each capitalist state occupies a place on the basis of its strength (economic, political, military). The position of states alters due to the impact of the law of uneven development.

Communists, in our assessment, should struggle for the overthrow of bourgeois power and in this way break the relations of uneven interdependence, and of course should not to achieve “equality” inside the framework of imperialism or to enhance the position of a country (i.e. of its bourgeoisie) in the global imperialist system.

In relation to the EU, we bear in mind that it is a capitalist unification of European countries, which was established for the more effective exploitation of the workers in these countries and so that it could cope with the competition from the other imperialist powers. Clearly Germany and France, as the strongest countries in the EU, have a hegemonic role in it, but the bourgeois classes of all the countries that participate in it are responsible, in line with their respective strength, for the anti-people measures and the imperialist political line.

2/ The issue of the communists’ stance towards bourgeois governments.

At different points in the article, there is a positive attitude towards a number of bourgeois governments.

In our opinion, the criterion must be which class possesses political power and the means of production.

In relation to the struggle against fascism, the KKE notes that this can not be conducted in a way which will lead to the victory of the people under the flag of bourgeois democracy. It must be waged for the overthrow of the dictatorship of monopoly capital as a whole, which creates and utilizes the fascist current.

3/ The issue of the stance towards imperialist war and annexations.

The stance of communists towards imperialist war can not depend on whether one imperialist power is stronger (e.g. the USA) and the other (e.g. Russia) is not as strong.

Lenin very descriptively wrote: “a slave-owner who owned 100 slaves warring against a slave-owner who owned 200 slaves for a more “just” distribution of slaves. Clearly, the application of the term “defensive” war, or war “for the defence of the fatherland” in such a case would be historically false, and in practice would be sheer deception of the common people…”

In addition, the stance towards the issue of “self-determination” and “annexations” is important in these conditions. We recognize that the issue of Crimea has specific characteristics, as every such issue has in any case, but we consider that the focus of communists’ propaganda should not be on which country Crimea should belong to (Russia or Ukraine), but on the fact that neither the linking of Ukraine to NATO, nor the attachment of Crimea to one or the other state solves the basic problems of the workers as long as the capitalist development path remains in place.

4/ The issue of the stance of communists towards the new inter-state capitalist unions.

The reality clearly demonstrates that these are unions of capitalist states which, regardless of whether states with governments that call themselves leftwing participate, are based on the major economic groups and their interests. This is the starting point of the trade and other economic transactions that are being promoted amongst the member-states and also in the framework of the relations with other capitalist countries or imperialist unions.

In addition, we assess that it is a fallacy to treat the “multi-polar world” as a means of ensuring peace and the people’s interests. In essence, this approach treats the enemy as an ally, traps popular forces into choosing imperialist or imperialist union, and is damaging for the labour movement.

http://www.iccr.gr/en/news/Lenins-approach-to-the-analysis-of-imperialist-alliances-and-to-the-use-of-contradictions-between-imperialists-for-developing-revolutionary-strategy-of-struggle-under-the-conditions-of-modern-Russia/

Dhalgren

02-04-2016, 11:48 AM

Extensive excerpts from the article published in "Kommounistiki Epitheorisi", the political-theoretical journal of the CC of the KKE, issue 1 of 2016

Great analysis. This has been needed for a long time. The working class has no part in this fight. This is more closely aliened with WWI than WWII. Regardless of which bourgeois power wins in Syria, the working class loses.

Comrade

02-05-2016, 12:39 AM

For a while I’ve thought that the KKE has a somewhat ultra-left position on international matters, specifically its belittling of Latin American integration, Eurasian integration, and the BRICS. There is a very real difference between the type of world that Washington wants (where fascists and medieval sectarian extremists run wild as US proxies) and the world that the BRICS want. Russia and China’s support for Syria is a perfect example of that difference.

The Syrian government is led by a coalition of the Ba’ath party, the Communist party and several smaller soc-dem type parties. If Washington’s sectarian freaks win they will massacre or drive into exile everyone in Syria that believes in socialism in any sense. The stakes are high. Russia and China are on the right side of this conflict. Hopefully the Neocon assholes in Washington are defeated in their drive for global domination. – Comrade

Syria news:

Syria's Enemies Seek Face Saving Escalation Measures (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/syrias-enemies-seek-face-saving-escalation-measures.html) (Moon of Alabama)

BREAKING: Saudis 'Ready' to Send Troops Into Syria (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/pure-desperation-saudis-ready-send-troops-syria/ri12648), by Rudy Panko. (I doubt that the Saudi regime will actually invade Syria, because they’ve already gotten a very bloody nose in Yemen. – Comrade)

Syria: 'Negotiations' Over Insurgency's Northern Supply Route Concluded (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/syria-negotiations-over-insurgency-supply-route-successfully-concluded.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Great news, the Western-backed terrorists’ siege on Nubl and al-Zahra has been broken. This big victory also cuts off a key supply line for the West’s proxies to Aleppo. – Comrade)

Syrian army makes gains in Daraa with local militia support (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/331347-syrian-army-gains-daraa/) (RT)

‘You created ISIS!’ Press conference scandal mars Kerry’s visit to Italy (https://www.rt.com/news/331209-italian-woman-kerry-isis/) (RT) (Kerry is pissed -- the world is waking up. – Comrade)

‘Dangerous precedent’: Turkey denies Russian observation flight along Syrian border (https://www.rt.com/news/331206-turkey-russian-observation-flight/) (RT)

Militants Admit Large Casualties in Aleppo Clashes with Syrian Army (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941114001390) (Fars News)

Al-Nusra Front Terrorists Pushed Back from 2 Kurdish Villages Near Nubl (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941115000624) (Fars News)

40 Takfiri Terrorists killed in Huge Depot Blast in Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941115000787) (Fars News)

Footage showing the Syrian army breaking the siege on Nubl and al-Zahra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuRqS6L3uG0

Dhalgren

02-05-2016, 10:18 AM

For a while I’ve thought that the KKE has a somewhat ultra-left position on international matters, specifically its belittling of Latin American integration, Eurasian integration, and the BRICS. There is a very real difference between the type of world that Washington wants (where fascists and medieval sectarian extremists run wild as US proxies) and the world that the BRICS want. Russia and China’s support for Syria is a perfect example of that difference.

The Syrian government is led by a coalition of the Ba’ath party, the Communist party and several smaller soc-dem type parties. If Washington’s sectarian freaks win they will massacre or drive into exile everyone in Syria that believes in socialism in any sense. The stakes are high. Russia and China are on the right side of this conflict. Hopefully the Neocon assholes in Washington are defeated in their drive for global domination. – Comrade

Perhaps, in some sense, the Russian Federation is a lesser evil than is the US/EU/NATO. And it is a terrible crime that innocent civilians are constantly being brutalized by conflicts between bourgeois states. I do not view the KKE as ultra-left, at all. They could only be viewed as such by taking the stance that support for one bourgeois state over the other is the correct working class position. Is that the case? If Russia and the Syrian government defeat the US/NATO in Syria (which is unlikely), then Syria will be ruled by a bourgeois government, with extensive imperial controls from Russia. US/NATO wins if Syria remains a failed state, or if it is divided, or if some Saudi-backed military regime is installed, etc., etc.

Hoping for a US/NATO setback is a shared feeling by almost everyone who claims a leftist position, but cheering for a US defeat must not cause us to become blind to the conflict at hand. We can discuss and report on the conditions unfolding in all these areas of struggle, without giving up our discernment and our materialist view. Saying that the US is "evil" does not require that Russia becomes "good". Saying that Assad is the legitimate leader of the Syrian government and state does not mean that we hold him as a paragon of socialism. Assad may be undoubtedly "better" in our eyes than any puppet put forth by the US/NATO, but we must still see him clearly.

In a decision between the KKE and Putin/Russian Federation, I choose KKE every time.

Comrade

02-08-2016, 12:06 AM

Perhaps, in some sense, the Russian Federation is a lesser evil than is the US/EU/NATO. And it is a terrible crime that innocent civilians are constantly being brutalized by conflicts between bourgeois states. I do not view the KKE as ultra-left, at all. They could only be viewed as such by taking the stance that support for one bourgeois state over the other is the correct working class position. Is that the case? If Russia and the Syrian government defeat the US/NATO in Syria (which is unlikely), then Syria will be ruled by a bourgeois government, with extensive imperial controls from Russia. US/NATO wins if Syria remains a failed state, or if it is divided, or if some Saudi-backed military regime is installed, etc., etc.

Hoping for a US/NATO setback is a shared feeling by almost everyone who claims a leftist position, but cheering for a US defeat must not cause us to become blind to the conflict at hand. We can discuss and report on the conditions unfolding in all these areas of struggle, without giving up our discernment and our materialist view. Saying that the US is "evil" does not require that Russia becomes "good". Saying that Assad is the legitimate leader of the Syrian government and state does not mean that we hold him as a paragon of socialism. Assad may be undoubtedly "better" in our eyes than any puppet put forth by the US/NATO, but we must still see him clearly.

In a decision between the KKE and Putin/Russian Federation, I choose KKE every time.

Luckily, it is not a matter of choosing between “the KKE or Putin.” Many other communist parties have a more positive view of the BRICS and the various regional integration projects in the developing world. Some notable examples are the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Communist Party of China, the Communist Party of Cuba, the Workers Party of Korea, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), the Communist Party of Brazil, and the Communist Party of Vietnam. And that is not to say that I have anything against the KKE, I just believe that they have a mistaken view on this matter.

Another important point is that not all ‘bourgeois states’ in the world are equal. This is particularly true in the developing world. Some developing capitalist countries nakedly collaborate with the Western imperialists in plundering their lands while others stand up for their sovereignty. This latter group of developing countries with patriotic leaderships is always under a constant threat of attack or subversion by the Western imperialists. Defending these developing countries under attack is an important part of an anti-imperialist’s work. – Comrade

Syria news:

Week Seventeen of the Russian Intervention in Syria: does Erdogan want war with Russia? (http://thesaker.is/week-seventeen-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-does-erdogan-want-war-with-russia/), by The Saker.

Syria: NATO’s Last Desperate Options in Lost Proxy War (http://journal-neo.org/2016/02/06/syria-natos-last-desperate-options-in-lost-proxy-war/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Peace Talks “Paused” After Putin’s Triumph in Aleppo (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/05/peace-talks-paused-after-putins-triumph-in-aleppo/), by Mike Whitney.

'It Would Be Suicide': Iran Mocks Saudi Offer to Invade Syria (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/it-would-be-suicide-iran-mocks-saudi-offer-invade-syria/ri12682), by Rudy Panko.

Syria FM warns against any foreign ‘ground intervention’ (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/06/448960/Syria-Muallem-Saudi-Arabia-Turkey) (PressTV)

Russia’s cutting edge Su-35 fighters to be on 24-hour alert at Latakia base (https://www.rt.com/news/331545-su-35-deployed-latakia/) (RT)

Syria liberates more towns from militants' control in Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/05/448851/Syria-Aleppo-Rityan-Mair-Nabbul-Zahra) (PressTV)

Syrian Army, Allies Close to Encircling ISIL Terrorists East of Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941116000665) (Fars News) (A “cauldron” is starting to form east of Aleppo. – Comrade)

Syria forces liberate village in Latakia Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/06/448990/Syria-Latakia-Aliyah-village) (PressTV)

Syrian Government Forces Cut off Ezaz-Aleppo Highway (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941118000723) (Fars News) (The West’s terrorists north of Aleppo are being beaten back to the Turkish border. – Comrade)

Syria: Kurdish Fighters Engaged in Tough Battle with Militants North of Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941118000673) (Fars News)

Syria in Last 24 Hours: Army Advances in Deir Ezzur's Key Areas, Kills Notorious Commander (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941118000431) (Fars News)

ISIL Militants Trapped in Ancient Assyrian Town in Syrian Province of Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941118000493) (Fars News)

Ajnad Al-Sham Commander Taken out by Syrian Troops near Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941118000939) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

Five Turkish soldiers killed in PKK attacks in southeast (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/01/448304/PKK-Sur-Diyarbakir-Kurdistan-Workers-Party) (PressTV)

Erdogan guards attack female protesters in Ecuador: Video (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/06/448939/Turkey-Erdogan-Ecuador-PKK-Daesh) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Iraqi Kurdish president calls for independence referendum (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/02/448469/Kurds-Iraq-Barzani-independence) (PressTV) (This move could come back to bite NATO in the ass if the Barzani clan ever loses control of Iraqi Kurdistan. – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Yemeni tribes call for mobilization against Saudi Arabia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/05/448750/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Hamdan-Aden) (PressTV)

US Orders Fugitive President to Attack Sana’a (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941115000841) (Fars News)

Yemeni Missiles Hit Power Station in Southern Saudi Arabia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941112000435) (Fars News)

Several mercenaries of Riyadh killed in Yemen's Ta'izz (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/02/448438/Saudi-Arabia-mercenaries-Hadi-Yemen-Taizz-Saada) (PressTV)

Yemeni snipers kill 11 Saudi soldiers in western border regions (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/05/448865/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Tawwal-Hodeidah-Ansarullah-Hadi-Hajjah) (PressTV)

Two Saudi soldiers killed in Yemeni forces attacks (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/07/449039/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Najran-Asir) (PressTV)

Libya news:

Gaddafi’s Daughter Ayesha: New Leader of Resistance Against NATO and Libyan Terrorists (http://www.globalresearch.ca/gaddafis-daughter-ayesha-new-leader-of-resistance-against-nato-and-libyan-terrorists/5505157), by Maja Orlic. (Some big Green Resistance news. – Comrade)

Palestine news:

Palestine opens embassy in Brazil amid Tel Aviv-Brasilia row (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/06/448907/Brazil-Palestine-Israel-Brasilia-Ibrahim-Alzeben) (PressTV)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Mass exodus of foreign businesses from the Ukraine (http://thesaker.is/mass-exodus-of-foreign-businesses-from-the-ukraine/), by Olga Samofalova.

East Ukraine militias claim Right Sector radicals attack Ukrainian marines near Mariupol (http://tass.ru/en/world/853666) (ITAR-TASS)

Yugoslavia news:

'Mafia State': Washington Turns Blind Eye to Organized Crime in Kosovo (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160202/1034106113/washington-turns-blind-eye-organized-crime-kosovo-nationalism.html) (Sputnik News)

Laos news:

Laos: The New Cold War Battleground You Don’t Know About (http://journal-neo.org/2016/02/01/laos-the-new-cold-war-battleground-you-dont-know-about/), by Tony Cartalucci. (Washington has sent its “NGO” creatures into Laos, a socialist state in southeast Asia. – Comrade)

US news:

Professor: Warmonger Hillary Clinton Architect of Syria, New Cold War (http://sputniknews.com/us/20160208/1034379723/warmonger-hillary-clinton-architect-syria-new-cold-war.html) (Sputnik News)

Video showing the Syrian army advance north of Aleppo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xjca0Lxcso

Dhalgren

02-08-2016, 10:05 AM

Many other communist parties have a more positive view of the BRICS and the various regional integration projects in the developing world. Some notable examples are the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Communist Party of China, the Communist Party of Cuba, the Workers Party of Korea, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), the Communist Party of Brazil, and the Communist Party of Vietnam. And that is not to say that I have anything against the KKE, I just believe that they have a mistaken view on this matter.

Another important point is that not all ‘bourgeois states’ in the world are equal. This is particularly true in the developing world. Some developing capitalist countries nakedly collaborate with the Western imperialists in plundering their lands while others stand up for their sovereignty. This latter group of developing countries with patriotic leaderships is always under a constant threat of attack or subversion by the Western imperialists. Defending these developing countries under attack is an important part of an anti-imperialist’s work. – Comrade

Nothing you say, here, is wrong, yet nothing you say justifies unqualified support of the Russian Federation in its "soft" conflict with US/NATO. One assertion you make, that "Many other communist parties have a more positive view of the BRICS and the various regional integration projects in the developing world" has almost no intrinsic meaning. What does it even mean that one CP might have a "more positive view" of something as apposed to some other CP? Any CP, if forced to choose sides, would show a "more positive view" of the RF, the KKE included. What the KKE is saying is that everything within and without this conflict must be viewed clearly. We must be able to 'walk and chew gum at the same time'.

The Russian/Putin stance in Syria (and other places), as they are in conflict with US/NATO (they are not always or consistently in conflict), is certainly the "lesser of two evils" - that is without doubt. But that it is a "lesser evil" must always be borne in mind. This last points directly at your statement in the last paragraph, "Another important point is that not all ‘bourgeois states’ in the world are equal." This is true, yet they are "all bourgeois states" and as such are our opposition.

blindpig

02-09-2016, 07:47 AM

Communist Youth of Syria: 'We will never give up!'

http://icp.sol.org.tr/sites/default/files/skghb_0.jpg

Special interview with Wessam Kahel, member of the International Relations Committee of the Communist Youth Union of Syria-Bakdash.

ICP, 9th February 2016

ICP: How would you consider the internal dynamics and the positions of the subjects in Syria today?

WK: I would like to give some information from the last events.Syrian army recently has progressed in different places. As you know, it is a quite large country. So, the Syrian army cannot spread all its forces to all places. This progress should be considered due to Russia, on which we will talk about later.
Haleppo for example, the south of Haleppo is mainly controlled by the Syrian army and the reactionary rebels have all been swept away. This powerful and fast progress of the Syrian army was supported by Russia. More than 75 places in south of Haleppo are controlled by the Syrian army now. It is not the city, but the wide countryside. In some small cities, the army swept the rebels away just in a few hours. We were surprised by this very fast progress.
Also in the west of Haleppo, important progress have been gained against Daesh this time.
In south, there are the main terrorist organisation, the Front of Nusra which is affiliated to Al-Quaida, and also some other smaller terrorist organisations controlled by this Front of Nusra.
In the west of Haleppo, there have also been progressions towards al Rakka, the so-called capital of Daesh.
We are all very surprised about this progress and we are very hopeful as well.
Also around Damascus, where most of the places are in the government's control, in the countryside and exactly in the west, there is Islamic Front, an organisation controlled by the Saudi-Arabia. The leader of this organisation has been killed in an operation of Syria and Russia. His name was Zehran Hallush. This clearly means a very big problem for this organisation since they depend only to one person, not to an ideology.
In the south of Damascus, Dara, near to Jordan and Israel, where there is also Front of Al-Nusra, the Syrian army has regained the control of some many big cities and important places. This is a very broad region but Syrian army has done many progressions in all of these places.
In the middle of Syria, in Homms, there was a very small base where the rebels are grounded. Syrian army has circled them, fought and made these rebels leave the city. Homms is now clear. The countryside towards Liban is also clear.

ICP: What about Palmira?

WK: Unfortunately, you know that there has been a big attack from hundreds, maybe a thousand of rebels to get this small city. It is a very important city since it is a historical place. Syrian army has draw back as they did not want the artifacts got damaged. It is still under the control of ISIS, but the Syrian army is situated around 10 km above. It is not the most important place for now though, there are many big cities that the Syrian army tries to deal with.

ICP:Has there been any damage to this ancient city?

WK: Yes, unforunately... As you know, Daesh and the other organisations have no ideology, no humanity, no reason; they kill and fight, they destroy every historical thing, this is because they are reactionary organisations with reactionary ideas, also could be called a fascist ideology. “If you don't come with us, I kill you” or “If this place belongs to your ideology, I destroy it” this is how they act.

ICP: As communists who struggle in such difficult conditions, how do you consider the Russian intervention and the roles of some others like Hizbullah, or Iran, who say they are opposing the American imperialism?

WK: We recognise that Russia is now a capitalist country, it is not USSR anymore. But we also know that the actual enemy now is the US imperialism,which is what we must be against for today. We consider the Russian intervention as a positive intervention because it gave and is still giving the Syrian army and people of Syria more and more power against the organisations fighting our people and our army.

From the beginning of this military intervention, it is legitimate, because it was the Syrian government who invited Russia to interfere. So we cannot call it an invasion or attack. It has been very helpful. From the very beginning of it, there had been many positive activities, important progress for the Syrian army. Also a similar role has been played by Hizbullah and Iran. We have receive supporting military activities. Supporting positions for the Syrian army and for the Syrian people. We consider that all of this until now has been very positive for us, since it has been a support for struggling against the imperialist attack. (And also it provides us some time.)

ICP: What about the activities of the Union? We assume that you are actively involved in the defence of the country, and today it is a reactionary position to be against Esad, but one day it will change. Can you tell us about a future strategy for your organisation?

WK: In some places, we cannot move, cannot do anything, it is “die or leave”. There, we have to hold position together with the army, and we do not have any activity of our own in these places. But in places which are controlled by the government, by the Syrian army, as you said, we are active as we were before the war. I will divide our activities in two parts: First part is under the big banner “Syria will not kneel” which was created by our historical leader Halid Bakdash many years before. This patriotic banner is still up to date. Under this banner, we continue our struggle, we support the Syrian army, support the resisting people of Syria. We share this banner not only with the communists, our union or our party, but also with other important national forces which share this patriotism. We consider this as not only our national or class duty, but also an international duty since Syria represents an international struggle against the global imperialist attack.
And the second part is under the banner: “Defence of rights of the Syrian youth”. It is related to our economical and social struggle against the economical liberalism of our government. We are against the liberal activities of the government in health, in education, and in everything. We try to maintain the gains in health, in education, and in other areas. We also continue our struggle to get more social and progressive rights in housing and in employment of the young generations. We also support the nationalisation of the production for the country because we believe that is an important economic factor to support Syria.
We also have some other events. Before the war, we had the central carnival for all the country. But now, because of this situation, it has to become local. Another activity is the yearly cultural “Halid Bakdash meetings” in which we invite progressive artists, singers. Also as the organisation, we have discussions and analysis about the current issues.
We also have an exclusive school for our party and for our union members.
In our universities, especially in Damascus and in Haleppo, we represent our Union in most of the colleges and also in “Syrian Students' Union”. By this way we can get close to the students' demands and we can spread our ideas as communists, our analysis and opinions with other students, as our first duty. The second duty is about communicating demands of the students and the youth in general.

We try to continue our struggle despite the war and never give up...

http://icp.sol.org.tr/asia/communist-youth-syria-we-will-never-give

Dhalgren

02-09-2016, 09:07 AM

We try to continue our struggle despite the war and never give up...

Words to live by.

Comrade

02-10-2016, 12:42 AM

Nothing you say, here, is wrong, yet nothing you say justifies unqualified support of the Russian Federation in its "soft" conflict with US/NATO. One assertion you make, that "Many other communist parties have a more positive view of the BRICS and the various regional integration projects in the developing world" has almost no intrinsic meaning. What does it even mean that one CP might have a "more positive view" of something as apposed to some other CP? Any CP, if forced to choose sides, would show a "more positive view" of the RF, the KKE included. What the KKE is saying is that everything within and without this conflict must be viewed clearly. We must be able to 'walk and chew gum at the same time'.

The Russian/Putin stance in Syria (and other places), as they are in conflict with US/NATO (they are not always or consistently in conflict), is certainly the "lesser of two evils" - that is without doubt. But that it is a "lesser evil" must always be borne in mind. This last points directly at your statement in the last paragraph, "Another important point is that not all ‘bourgeois states’ in the world are equal." This is true, yet they are "all bourgeois states" and as such are our opposition.

Regarding Russian politics, I’m a longtime KPRF supporter, so I’ve never been willing to give ‘unconditional support’ to anyone in the current Russian leadership. But I support Russia 100% when they confront Western imperialism (i.e. in Syria, the Crimea, the Donbass, and South Ossetia). And I believe that Russia’s willingness to fight back is largely a result of the pressure put on the government by patriotic forces, especially the KPRF.

Regarding the regional integration projects (ALBA, Mercosur, and the Eurasian Economic Union). These projects, in Latin America and former Soviet countries, are critically important to counter Western imperialism’s ability to “isolate” or “economically strangle” governments independent from the West. Unfortunately, what I’ve read from the KKE’s statements is that they don’t seem to see these projects as being much better than the EU. And I strongly disagree with that assessment. – Comrade

Syria news:

The Wannabe Sultan Meets A Russian Airborne Division - What Is He Going To Do? (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/where-the-wannabe-sultan-meets-a-russian-airborne-division.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Terrorists' supply routes from Turkey cut off during army offensive in northern Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/331767-terrorists-supply-routes-turkey/) (RT)

Iraqi Resistance Group Warns S. Arabia, Allies against Sending Forces to Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941119000233) (Fars News)

Syria: Militants Face More Defeats in Aleppo Battlefields (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941119000671) (Fars News)

Militants Kicked out by Kurdish Militias from Military Base North of Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941119001478) (Fars News)

Russian Warplanes Bomb Long Convoy of Militant Vehicles in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941120000650) (Fars News)

Syria: Terrorists' Last Base in Lattakia nearing Collapse (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941120000776) (Fars News)

ISIL Terrorists' Training Camp in Raqqa Totally Destroyed in Syrian Air Raids (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941120000322) (Fars News)

ISIL Positions Crushed by Syrian Army near Palmyra (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941120000757) (Fars News)

A video showing Syrian forces advancing on Tell Rifaat, a key city north of Aleppo occupied by the Western-backed terrorists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldiyejYo76M

Comrade

02-13-2016, 01:07 AM

Syria news:

The Race To Raqqa Is On - To Keep Its Unity Syria Must Win (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/the-race-to-raqqa-is-on-to-keep-its-unity-syria-must-win-.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Bombing plagiarism - And why it’s taking place (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/332294-isis-bombing-plagiarism-syria-russia/) (RT)

Putin’s Aleppo Gamble Pays Off (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/10/putins-aleppo-gamble-pays-off/), by Mike Whitney.

Russia Has Destroyed the CIA's Arms Smuggling Operation in Syria (http://russia-insider.com/en/russia-has-destroyed-cias-weapons-smuggling-operation-syria/ri12821), by Rudy Panko.

Syrian Christian Girls Train to Defend Their Homes from US-Backed 'Moderate' Rebels (Video) (http://russia-insider.com/en/military/christian-syrian-women-become-soldiers/ri12784) (Russia Insider)

Russia: US Warplanes Bomb Aleppo City North of Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941123000608) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Ready to Fight against Saudi Aggressors at Border with Jordan (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941121000648) (Fars News)

Syrian Kurds liberate strategic airbase, several villages in N Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/11/449663/Syria-Daesh-YPG-Kurds-Minnigh-alNusra-Front-Russia) (PressTV)

Syrian Army, Allies Win Back Control of Strategic Village in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941122000313) (Fars News)

37 Terrorists, Ringleader Killed in Western Ghouta (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941122000260) (Fars News)

Syria: Kurdish YPG Encircles Militant Strongholds in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941123000233) (Fars News)

ISIL Terrorists Withdraw From More Lands in Syria's Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941123000200) (Fars News)

Syria: Tribal Fighters Hit ISIL Defense Lines near Border with Iraq (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941123000332) (Fars News)

Another South Front video analysis of the Syrian army’s ongoing offensive:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCq9Q6Bcplc

blindpig

02-13-2016, 09:57 AM

wish
colonelcassad
February 13, 0:01

https://cdn4.tass.ru/width/744_b12f2926/tass/m2/uploads/i/20160126/4173543.jpg

After yesterday night gatherings in the evening of this day became clear that "not so simple."
Assad said he was not going to stop so successful for him offensive at Aleppo against terrorists and of course one can understand - so well he was doing for a long time did not go .

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that government forces not hesitate to return all captured insurgents territory, but due to the intervention in the conflict other regional power solution to the problem will require a lot of time and is expensive.

According to Assad, if cut all the way from Turkey, Jordan and Iraq, which the rebels are delivery, "the problem is less than one year can be solved in the country."
He also said that he supports the peace plan. "But, - he added the Syrian president - negotiations do not mean that we stop the struggle against terrorism."
Assad gave an interview to the AFP news agency on Thursday in anticipation of an agreement on the preparation of a cease-fire, which was adopted in Munich, on the same day late in the evening.
The agreement concluded with the participation of heads of US diplomacy, Russia and 15 more countries to come into force within a week, but around him there are still many uncertainties.
The Syrian government forces with the support of the Russian aircraft almost completely surrounded the insurgents in some areas of the northern city of Aleppo and cut main routes of supply, leading to the Turkish border. US State Department spokesman earlier said the Russian service Bi-bi-si, that under the new Munich agreements cease-fire in Syria must relate primarily Aleppo and other places of contact of the troops of Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian opposition.
Since the beginning of large-scale offensive by government forces in the region of Aleppo to the Turkish border rushed to tens of thousands of refugees. But Moscow says it will continue to bomb "terrorist groups", without specifying how, where and for how long. the fact that the negotiations are not an alternative to the "fight against terrorism", said and Assad: "and he and another way in Syria is inevitable ", - he said. according to al-Assad, there is a risk that Saudi Arabia and Turkey, who support Syrian rebels take military intervention in Syria.
In an interview with AFP, Assad also dismissed recent statements by UN human Rights Council, he accused the Syrian government of war crimes. He called the accusations politicized, adding that UN investigators have not provided any

Is not difficult to understand, Assad is not a puppet of Moscow, although it depends on it directly in the military-political issues, because it is a military and technical assistance from the Russian Federation allowed to break the fall of 2015 the unfavorable development affairs at the fronts. The fact that Moscow in any case obliged to take into account the wishes of its ally, since the defeat of Assad would be a just and defeat Russia. So anyway opinion Assad on the future course of the war and the settlement of the Kremlin to take into account. The same applies to Iran.

In some way, all three countries were in the same boat, and their future depends on the outcome of this war. And as replicable rumors that Russia allegedly tried to force Assad to relinquish power. Assad himself they commented:

Russia refers to the leadership of Syria with all the necessary respect. This was stated by the President of Syria Bashar al-Assad, responding to a question about "trying to whether Russia to persuade him to give up power." "Such actions on the part of Russia would be possible only if the policy of Russia and its policies were similar to those policies and US policy-makers, that is, the course went contrary to ethical principles. But this is absolutely not the case. Russia belongs to us with all the necessary respect. It acts on Syria not as a superpower against a small country, and as a sovereign state against a sovereign state. That is why such a question has never in any form did not arise " - quoted Assad Tass.

Https://russian.rt.com/article/148254 - zinc

State Department is literally on the same day, when the agreement was concluded that that the truce should come in a week, and wished to see from Russia stop bombing, which shows how the United States belong to the concluded agreements.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said at a briefing on Friday that after Russia's obligations in Munich to stop bombing in Syria, it is necessary to see these actions on the ground . "We need to see an end to the bombing and the end of support for Assad" , - said Toner. According to him, the US also hopes that Russia will affect the Syrian authorities to those involved in the negotiations. Earlier, Moscow and Damascus said that the truce does not mean the end of operations against terrorists who may not be members of the treaty

PS. As in October, everything depends on the agreed list of "bad" and "good" terrorists. And once an agreed list not, by and large, you can continue the bombing of various groups randomly throwing the ball on the US side, so that they decide with whom to talk will be, and who will work together to kill. In general, it is not even ruled out that the Munich agreement awaits the fate of Vienna, who also crashed on the problems with the coordination of the list rukopozhatnyh antiasadovskih organizations. On the other hand, the Munich Agreement could serve as a basis for future negotiations / consultations between Assad and the opposition, who are equally likely to open the way to achieve real peace or fail, like the preceding.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ca-JvCrUsAA0jnF.png:large

The PS2. On the front near Azaz Kurds meanwhile continue to move to the track. Militants fiercely resisted, but in a number of areas to retreat. To the east of Aleppo continued fierce fighting between the CAA and the Caliphate which is solved, the boiler will be to the east of the city or not. On heat fights napomyanayut multi-day battles for Sheikh Ahmad during deblokady Kuveyrisa. Hopefully in the Syrian army, and this time it will break the resistance of the "black". Some photos from the northern and eastern fronts. There are a couple of 18+.

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2613510.html#cutid1

Google Translator

Good for Assad, double down & finish Aleppo before the month is out. Dunno how it works but there are contrary signals galore, almost entirely from Russia and it seems that Assad will not be a willing pawn in a master move to repatriate apartments in London and New York.

Dhalgren

02-13-2016, 10:07 AM

Good for Assad, double down & finish Aleppo before the month is out. Dunno how it works but there are contrary signals galore, almost entirely from Russia and it seems that Assad will not be a willing pawn in a master move to repatriate apartments in London and New York.

Absolutely agree. Assad should wipe out the NATO-proxies as quickly as possible and to hell with Washington and Moscow if they get in the way. Russia seems to be willing to continue helping Syria right up to the hilt, but Putin is not necessarily trustworthy. What are the Syrian clauses in the Minsk "agreement"? I guess I had missed that part of the Minsk sellout.

Comrade

02-14-2016, 09:17 PM

A brief note regarding the so-called “ceasefire agreement” – it does not apply to the “IS”, al-Queda, and all groups that collaborate with them. Essentially, there is not going to be a ceasefire, because all of the groups that Syria and Russia are fighting are either al-Queda/“IS” or collaborating with al-Queda/“IS”. Kerry will continue squealing as usual.

I also suspect that if Washington is stupid enough to use the Turkish/Saudi militaries as a proxy invasion force, Russia and Iran will respond big time. Iranian military figures have been constantly warning Erdogan/Saudis not to do anything stupid. Even the liberal Medvedev has stated that a Saudi/Turkish invasion could start a world war. – Comrade

Syria news:

Week Eighteen of the Russian Intervention in Syria: a dramatic escalation appears imminent (http://thesaker.is/week-eighteen-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-a-dramatic-escalation-appears-imminent/), by The Saker.

The "Race To Raqqa" Is Quickly Intensifying (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/the-race-to-raqqa-is-intensifying.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Turkey’s Second Army Prepares to Invade Syria (http://www.globalresearch.ca/turkeys-second-army-prepares-to-invade-syria/5507520), by Brian Kalman.

Turkey is the Source, Not Solution to ISIS and the Syrian Crisis (http://journal-neo.org/2016/02/14/turkey-is-the-source-not-solution-to-isis-and-the-syrian-crisis/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Damascus confirms its army targeted by Turkish shelling, complains to UN (https://www.rt.com/news/332414-turkey-continues-shell-kurdish/) (RT) (Washington is pretending to oppose Erdogan’s aggression against Syria, but we all know who is truly giving Erdogan his marching orders. – Comrade)

Syria troops capture another village near Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/13/450137/Syria-Aleppo-Tamoura-Daesh-Russia-Hama) (PressTV)

Intense Fighting Underway over Aleppo's Tal Rifat (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941125001187) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Seizes Militants' Large Arms Cargo in Sweida (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941125000820) (Fars News)

Deir Ezzur: Over 100 Militants, Terrorist Leaders Killed in Syrian Army Operation (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941125001223) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Gains Control Over Strategic Heights in Raqqa Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941125001497) (Fars News)

Iraq news:

Popular forces to make Iraq graveyard for Saudis: Official (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/13/450115/Iraq-Popular-Mobilization-Units-alAssadi-Saudi-Arabia-Assadi) (PressTV)

Collapse of Iraqi Kurdistan (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/332408-iraqi-kurdistan-collapse-turkey-oil/), by Andre Vltchek. (Opposition is growing to the Washington’s puppet regime in Iraqi Kurdistan. – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Report: US Blackwater to Withdraw Mercenaries from Yemen (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941121000681) (Fars News)

Ex-Yemen president hires out Socotra isle to UAE for 99 years: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/13/450057/Yemen-Socotra-UAE-Abd-Rabbuh-Mansur-Hadi) (PressTV) (Hadi is now finished politically, even the southern Yemenis will now hate him for this monstrous betrayal. – Comrade)

Yemeni forces capture Saudi town, villages in Asir (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/09/449473/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Houthis-alRaboah-Jizan) (PressTV)

Three Saudi troopers killed in Yemeni retaliatory attack (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/11/449702/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-retaliatory-attack-Asir) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill 20 Saudi soldiers in Jizan (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/12/449898/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Hadi-Marib-Sanaa) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces recapture hilltops in Ta’izz (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/13/450075/Yemen-Taizz-Militants-Saudi-Ansarullah-Sanaa) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces kill 6 Saudi soldiers in retaliatory attacks (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/14/450358/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jizan-Najran-Taizz-Marib-Human-Rights-Watch-cluster-bombs-US-UN-Hadi) (PressTV)

Libya news:

'Mickey Mouse and Coca-Cola Revolution': The Roots of Libya’s Chaos (http://sputniknews.com/africa/20160209/1034427078/loud-clear-libyan-revolution.html) (Sputnik News)

Iran news:

New Scandal for US: Republicans Asked Tehran to Keep US Prisoners in Jail Until Presidential Elections (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941122000872) (Fars News)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Dutch Voters: No Thanks, We Don't Want Ukraine (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/dutch-voters-no-thanks-we-dont-want-ukraine/ri12735), by Enrico Braun.

Privatization: the Atlanticist Tactic to Attack Russia (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/08/privatization-the-atlanticist-tactic-to-attack-russia/), by Paul Craig Roberts and Michael Hudson.

Another Day, Another Billion for Color Revolutions Near Russia's Borders (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160213/1034707630/state-department-democracy-spending.html) (Sputnik News)

DPRK news:

In defense of north Korea (http://www.workers.org/articles/2016/02/09/in-defense-of-north-korea/) (Workers World)

German history:

71st Anniversary of Dresden Fire Bombing: Allied War Crime Prelude to the Cold War (http://www.globalresearch.ca/71st-anniversary-of-dresden-fire-bombing-allied-war-crime-prelude-to-the-cold-war/5507765), by Dougal Macdonald.

US news:

Cold War Scare: US Propaganda Budget Reaches All-Time High (http://sputniknews.com/us/20160213/1034680053/us-propaganda-budget-increase.html) (Sputnik News)

Video showing Syrian female troops training:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwIX-V5Dj4Y

Comrade

02-17-2016, 12:24 AM

Syria news:

Russian Diplomat Drops a Bombshell: US Expected ISIS to Seize Damascus by October (http://thesaker.is/russian-diplomat-drops-a-bombshell-us-expected-isis-to-seize-damascus-by-october/), by Alexander Mercouris. (More evidence that Washington had planned to launch a criminal war against Syria last fall, which would have installed the “IS” into power in Damascus, but Russian military intervention prevented that perverse Libya-style scenario from playing out. – Comrade)

The "Race To Raqqa" - A Syrian Campaign Plan (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/the-race-to-raqqa-a-syrian-campaign-plan.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Turkey Admits to Aiding Al Qaeda and ISIS (http://russia-insider.com/en/turkey-admits-aiding-al-qaeda-and-isis/ri12880), by Maram Susli.

Syria: Russia Advances - Washington, Riyadh and Ankara Freak Out (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/syria-russia-advances-washington-riyadh-and-ankara-freak-out/ri12855), by Alexander Mercouris.

Finding the Islamic State a Safe House (http://journal-neo.org/2016/02/16/finding-the-islamic-state-a-safe-house/), by Ulson Gunnar.

Ex-Security Chief: Russia to Launch Airstrikes on Turkish, Saudi Troops in Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000182) (Fars News)

Security restored to three villages in Syria’s Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/15/450517/Syria-Aleppo-Daesh-Masqan-Kafr-Naya) (PressTV)

Syrian Kurds, Backed up by Russian Air Force, Liberate Strategic Aleppo City of Tel Rifat (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126001563) (Fars News) (Monday’s big news, the YPG liberated Tel Rifat, another key city north of Aleppo, near the Turkish border. – Comrade)

ISIL's Trophy Emir Killed in Russian Airstrike in Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126000883) (Fars News)

300 Terrorists Killed in Russian, Syrian Air Assault Near Border with Turkey (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127001207) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Wins back Power Plant near Kuweires Airbase (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000919) (Fars News)

Syrian Soldiers Liberate Two More Towns in Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000765) (Fars News)

Another South Front video analysis of recent fighting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmfqAfl46Io

Comrade

02-19-2016, 12:29 AM

Syria news:

Syria: At the Gateway of Greater War (http://journal-neo.org/2016/02/17/syria-at-the-gateway-of-greater-war/), by Tony Cartalucci. (The Syrian city of Azaz has been occupied by the “IS” for the last two years. Currently, NATO’s Turkey is firing artillery at the Kurdish YPG that is trying to liberate the city and Turkey is also sending reinforcements to Azaz’s terrorist occupiers. Meanwhile, Western propagandists are falsely claming that “moderates” hold Azaz… – Comrade)

'Russian operation in Syria is our salvation' – top Syrian Catholic bishop to RT (https://www.rt.com/news/332922-aleppo-bishop-russia-support/) (RT) (Syria’s Christians still overwhelmingly support their legitimate government and not the West’s invading terrorists. – Comrade)

Army Seizes Israel-Made Weapons in Militants' Arms Cargo South of Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941128000919) (Fars News)

500 militants enter Syria via Turkey: Observatory (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/18/450912/militants-Turkey-Syria-500) (PressTV)

More than 100 Takfiri militants killed in Syria military operations (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/17/450836/Syria-army-operations-Aleppo-footage) (PressTV)

Syria: Kurdish Fighters Storm Terrorist Centers in Aleppo Neighborhoods (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941128000516) (Fars News)

No evidence of Russia attacks on Syria hospitals: Moscow (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/18/451018/Syria-Russia-MSF-Zakharova-Turkey) (PressTV) (Looks like Washington bombed some hospitals in northern Syria to blame it on Russia. Russia should place some S-400s near Aleppo to prevent these type of provocations. – Comrade)

Syrian army forces liberate village in Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/18/451053/As-Sin-Syria-Aleppo-Daesh-Latakia) (PressTV)

Army Captures Kinsibba Town in Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941129000388) (Fars News) (Today’s big news, the Western-backed terrorists lost control of their last notable outpost in Latakia province. – Comrade)

Syrian Army Airstrikes Kill, Injure 140 Terrorists in Eastern Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941129000116) (Fars News)

Syrian Soldiers Capture Southern District in Darayya, Western Ghouta (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941129000275) (Fars News)

Footage showing the Syrian army liberating Kinsabba, the Western-backed terrorists last notable outpost in Latakia province:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt7rAGT9Ysg

Comrade

02-21-2016, 08:16 PM

Syria news:

Week Nineteen of the Russian Intervention in Syria: would Russia use nukes to defend Khmeimim? (http://thesaker.is/week-nineteen-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-would-russia-use-nukes-to-defend-khmeimim/), by The Saker.

U.S. Ignores Own UNSC Resolution - Tells Russia "Stop Bombing Al-Qaeda!" (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/us-ignores-own-unsc-resolution-tells-russia-stop-bombing-al-qaeda.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Washington is desperately trying to save its al-Queda puppets in Syria. – Comrade)

No strategic divide between US & Turkey – only a division of labor (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/333023-turkey-us-divide-syria/), by Dan Glazebrook.

Obama Backs Turkey Against Syrian Government, PKK in Call to Erdogan (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160220/1035073488/obama-erdogan-syria-pkk.html) (Sputnik News) (Obama has made it clear yet again that he backs the “IS”-aiding Erdogan against the secular Kurds. – Comrade)

Report: Syrian Army Completes East Aleppo Cauldron; 800 ISIS Fighters Trapped (http://russia-insider.com/en/military/report-syrian-army-completes-east-aleppo-cauldron-800-isis-fighters-trapped/ri12964) (Russia Insider) (A pocket of Washington’s “IS” puppets have gotten surrounded just like the Kiev junta did in the Donbass. Meanwhile, a much larger ‘cauldron’ is forming: the entire area of Aleppo held by the Western-backed terrorists. – Comrade)

CENSORED BY FACEBOOK: Turkish Flag Now Waving Proudly Next to ISIS Banner in Syria (http://russia-insider.com/en/nato-photobombs-isis-turkish-flag-now-waving-proudly-next-isis-banner-syria/ri12976), by Paul Kaiser.

Aleppo: More Lands Fall into Hands of Gov't Forces North of Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941130000573) (Fars News)

FSA Suffers Heavy Casualties in Clashes with Army Soldiers in Syria's Quneitra (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941130000687) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Hits Convoy of ISIL Vehicles near Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941130000671) (Fars News)

Syrian army liberates 18 villages in Aleppo from Daesh (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/20/451413/Syria-Aleppo-Raqqah-Hasakah-Shaddadah-Daesh-Russia) (PressTV)

Syrian Army Captures Another Strategic Village in Lattakia Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941201000924) (Fars News)

Syria forces kill 50 Daesh militants in Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/21/451520/Syria-Daesh-Aleppo-Takfiri) (PressTV)

Nusra Front Militants Crushed by Syrian Soldiers in Dara'a Al-Balad (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941202000679) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

Erdogan uses ISIS to suppress Kurds, West stays silent – Turkish MP (https://www.rt.com/news/332529-erdogan-uses-isis-kurds/) (RT)

'We have proof' Turkey backs ISIS & other terrorists – Kurdish commander (https://www.rt.com/news/332794-kurds-proof-turkey-islamists/) (RT)

Today's Attack In Ankara Could Be A False Flag Incident (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/todays-attack-in-ankara-could-be-a-false-flag-incident.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Around 150 Kurds Burned Alive by Turkish Military Forces in Sırnak Province (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160219/1035003035/kurds-burned-alive-turkish-army.html) (Sputnik News)

Two soldiers killed, one hurt in Turkey-PKK clashes (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/17/450846/Turkey-Diyarbakir-Sur-PKK) (PressTV)

Russia sends fighter jets to Armenia base near Turkey (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/20/451360/Russia-Armenia-base-jets-Syria-Turkey-Dmitry-Peskov) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Source: US Military Chopper Transfers ISIL Leaders from Fallujah to Unknown Location (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941202000537) (Fars News)

Yemen news:

Pentagon mercenaries: Blackwater, Al-Qaeda… what’s in a name? (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/333186-blackwater-yemen-mercenaries-pentagon/), by Finian Cunningham.

Report: Over 1,600 Saudi Forces Killed in Ta'iz Province Since March (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941202001336) (Fars News) (Wow, and this was only in one Yemeni province… Yemen = Saudi Vietnam. – Comrade)

Yemenis rally in Sana’a to protest S Arabia’s ongoing attacks (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/19/451181/yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Sanaa-) (PressTV)

Sources: US Plotting to Control Bab al-Mandeb, UAE to Take Control of Socotra Islands (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941201000726) (Fars News)

Yemeni forces retake key military camp outside capital (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/16/450596/Yemen-Saudi-Airstrikes-Saada-Amran) (PressTV)

Gap Widening between UAE, Saudi Arabia over Yemen, Emirati Jets Hit Pro-Saudi Camp in Lahij (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000512) (Fars News)

Yemeni forces kill 24 Saudi soldiers in retaliatory attacks (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/19/451249/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Jawf-Jizan-Taizz-Saada-Hadi-Houthi-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

EXCLUSIVE: Yemeni Forces Win Back Strategic Regions in Ma'rib Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941202000773) (Fars News)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Operation Barbarossa 2: American Occupation of Europe Intensifies (http://journal-neo.org/2016/02/17/operation-barbarossa-2-american-occupation-of-europe-intensifies/), by Christopher Black.

Most Russians Would Return to the Soviet Economic System – Poll (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/most-russians-would-return-soviet-economic-system-poll/ri12952) (Levada Center) (Keep in mind that the “Levada Center” has a liberal bias, so the real level of support for socialism is undoubtedly even higher than the 52% that they are reporting. – Comrade)

Serbia news:

Serbs protest government’s NATO deal, call to Russia for help (https://www.rt.com/news/333142-serbia-nato-immunity-protest/) (RT)

Bolivia news:

Clouds Gather Over Bolivia’s Change Process as US Intervenes (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/16/clouds-gather-over-bolivias-change-process-as-us-intervenes/), by W. T. Whitney.

US news:

How Hillary Stole Nevada: Voter Fraud Caught on Camera (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/more-dirty-tricks-hillary-nevada/ri12975), by Rudy Panko. (A Clinton election campaign would not be complete without some old-fashioned vote fraud. – Comrade)

Video showing the Syrian army’s advance toward Raqqa:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG1MvDj19Sc

blindpig

02-23-2016, 01:33 PM

Joint statement of the Communist Parties of Greece and Turkey

http://inter.kke.gr/export/sites/inter/.content/images/news/kk-tourkias-sygkentrwsh.jpg_2071533636.jpg

In light of the very dangerous developments for the peoples that are unfolding in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean, the common stance of the Communist Parties against the imperialist interventions and wars acquires even greater importance. A delegation of the KKE recently visited Turkey and held discussions with the CP, Turkey about the developments in the region, the situation in Greece and Turkey, the tasks and experiences of the communists in the two countries. The two CPs decided to issue a Joint Statement on the developments in the Aegean Sea and the involvement of NATO there, which uses the issue of immigration as its pretext. The statement is as follows:

No to the imperialist war! NATO out of the Aegean!

The imperialist intervention of the USA, NATO, EU, Turkey, Israel and the Gulf monarchies in Syria that has been going on for 5 years and has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and to millions of others into becoming refugees and destitute, is entering a new phase of intensification. This is the phase of the even more open involvement of NATO and the preparation of possible ground operations.

It is becoming obvious that the military intervention of Russia, in consultation with the Syrian government, changed the situation at a military level, and for this reason NATO is increasing its presence in the region, amongst other things by transferring a naval armada into the Aegean Sea, using the control of the flow of immigrants as a pretext.

Those that created the dramatic situation for millions of people, who have been uprooted from their homes, are now invoking this in order to reinforce their military presence in the region. However it is well-known that the bourgeois classes, their political representatives, their imperialist alliances, such as NATO and the EU, have no sensitivity as regards the peoples and the dramas they experience. They are hypocrites! What lies behind their pretexts is the struggle against capitalist Russia for the defense of the interests of their monopoly groups, for the safeguarding of geostrategic positions, the control of energy resources, their transport routes, market shares, as well as the restructuring and reinforcement of the capital’s dominance in the region.

We, the CPs in Greece and Turkey denounce to the workers of the two countries these dangerous developments in Syria, the role of the imperialist powers, the stance of the governments of Turkey and Greece.

We stress that it is urgently necessary for the workers, the popular strata to understand that the war for the interests of the monopolies is being waged with political, economic and military means, shedding the blood of the peoples.

We note that the participation of the two countries in NATO is detrimental to the two peoples and their peaceful coexistence, as NATO does not recognize the borders and sovereign rights of the two countries, seeks to play the role of the umpire in the relations between the two countries and at the same time is the “gun hand” of euro-atlantic imperialism against other peoples.

We call on the people to be ready to prevent the involvement of our countries in new imperialist massacres, both as regards the possible scenarios that will bring our two peoples into conflict for the interests of capital, as well as regards the participation of our countries in the imperialist plans that target other peoples.

NATO out of the Aegean! No to the transformation of the Aegean into a “launching pad” for NATO!

No to the hypocrisy of the imperialist EU!

No to the imperialist war!

Communist Party of Greece

Communist Party, Turkey

http://inter.kke.gr/en/articles/Joint-statement-of-the-Communist-Parties-of-Greece-and-Turkey/

Comrade

02-26-2016, 12:23 AM

Syria news:

Week twenty of the Russian military intervention in Syria: a ceasefire and yet another huge victory for Russia (http://thesaker.is/week-twenty-of-the-russian-military-intervention-in-syria-a-ceasefire-and-yet-another-huge-victory-for-russia/), by The Saker.

Syria: A First Major Win Due To The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/syria-a-first-major-win-due-to-the-cessation-of-hostilities-agreement.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Elements in foreign-backed FSA militants oppose Syria truce (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/23/451947/Syria-FSA-truce-Daesh-Nusra-Front) (PressTV) (Good news, the West’s “Ahrar ash-Sham” terror group is refusing to be part of the ‘ceasefire’, which means that it will continue getting bombed into oblivion. With al-Nusra and the “IS” excluded as well, the ‘ceasefire’ does not apply to the vast majority of Western-backed terrorists. – Comrade)

Analyst: US Plans to Build Oil, Gas Corridor from S. Arabia to Europe Failed Due to Syria's Victories in North (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941203000709) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Continues to Advance against Militants in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941203000433) (Fars News)

Syria: Kurdish Fighters Inflict More Defeats on Terrorist Groups in Aleppo City (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941205001113) (Fars News)

Army Regains Full Control over Another Strategic Town in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941206000284) (Fars News) (Earlier this week, the “IS” launched a large offensive on multiple fronts, including the supply highway leading to Aleppo. They are being beaten back. However, this is clear evidence that Washington has sent in thousands of new terrorists into Syria via Turkey. This is the real Saudi-Turkish invasion of Syria… – Comrade)

Terrorists in Darayya Squeezed by Army in Small Area (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941206000221) (Fars News) (Note that the offensive in Darayya will continue as planned (see the video below), because these Western-backed terrorists are al-Nusra members. – Comrade)

Video showing the Syrian army’s offensive in Darayya:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPDCpv5IKik

Comrade

02-28-2016, 08:34 PM

Syria news:

Is There A Crack in the Dam Holding Back the Truth on Syria? (http://thesaker.is/is-there-a-crack-in-the-dam-holding-back-the-truth-on-syria/), by JiminNH. (This recent US bourgeois media criticism of US imperialism’s proxy war in Syria suggests a divide between two sections of the US bourgeoisie: the ultra-militarist group (i.e. ‘the Neocons’) and a more cautious grouping. These two bourgeois factions will likely clash in the 2016 presidential election, with the Neocons backing Hillary Clinton and the cautious group supporting Donald Trump. – Comrade)

Russia’s Military Operations in Syria. Quiet Work Behind the Scenes (http://www.globalresearch.ca/russias-military-operations-in-syria-quiet-work-behind-the-scenes/5510696), by J. Hawk, Daniel Deiss, and Edwin Watson.

ISIS & al-Nusra make ceasefire unlikely in Aleppo, Syrian troops tell RT (https://www.rt.com/news/333787-syria-ceasefire-aleppo-phelan/) (RT)

Syria: UN Humanitarian Aid “Accidentally” Lands in ISIS-Controlled Territory in Deir Ezzor (http://www.globalresearch.ca/syria-un-humanitarian-aid-accidentally-lands-in-isis-controlled-territory-in-deir-ezzor/5510443) (Alalam) (Another suspicious “mistake” by the West’s “humanitarians.” – Comrade)

Five Months in Syria: Russia Has Made History (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/russias-help-syrian-army-has-doubled-its-territory-aleppo/ri13099), by Rudy Panko.

Army forces recapture six villages in western Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/26/452483/Syria-army-villages-Rasm-Taineh-Hama-Aleppo-Maanaya) (PressTV)

Syrian Commandos Enter Idlib Province after Six Months of Non-Stop Battle (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941207001342) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Advances against Militants Southwest of Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941208000956)

Reports of Syrian town attacked by militants coming from Turkey – Russian military (https://www.rt.com/news/333867-syrian-town-turkey-attack/) (RT) (Surprise, surprise, surprise, the “IS” attack on the Kurdish town Tell Abyad came from NATO’s Turkey. – Comrade)

Syrian Soldiers Capture Key Height at Lattakia Border with Turkey (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941209000686) (Fars News)

Syria: Saudi Aid Found in Terrorists' Positions in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941209000241) (Fars News)

Syria: Russian Warplanes Pound Terrorist Centers in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941209000747) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

‘OK, big brother’: Turkish military cooperate with ISIS on border, telephone calls reveal (https://www.rt.com/news/333359-turkey-isis-military-cooperate/) (RT)

Three Turkish soldiers killed in clashes with PKK (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/22/451616/Turkey-PKK-clashes-Sirnak-Diyarbakir) (PressTV)

Turkish Football Legend Faces 4 Years Behind Bars for 'Insulting' Erdogan (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160225/1035302477/turkish-footballer-insults-erdogan.html) (Sputnik News) (A closer look at “Free World” member Turkey. – Comrade)

Lebanon news:

Lebanon’s 14th of March marches into oblivion (http://thesaker.is/lebanons-14th-of-march-marches-into-oblivion/), by Ghassan Kadi. (Washington’s puppet ‘coalition’ in Lebanon is falling apart. – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Saudi Arabia in cahoots with al-Qaeda in Yemen: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/23/451792/Yemen-Ansarullah-US-Saudi-Arabia) (PressTV)

Saudi bombardment kills 60 across Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/22/451744/Yemen-Saudi-Saada-Lahij-Hajjah-Houthi-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

EXCLUSIVE: UAE, Saudi Forces Sustain Heavy Casualties in Al-Jawf Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941203001205) (Fars News)

Yemeni forces kill 50 Saudi troops in missile attack (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/24/452171/Yemen-Saudi-Hadi-Houthi-Qaher-1-Jawf) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces shoot down Saudi helicopter (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/26/452468/Yemen-Saudi-helicopter) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces capture 30 Saudi troops, kill dozens more in Ma'rib (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/28/452890/Saudi-Arabia-Yemen-Marib-Houthi-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Libya news:

NYT Is Whitewashing Clinton And Her War On Libya (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/a-whitewash-of-clinton-and-her-war-on-libya.html) (Moon of Alabama)

One Million Libyans At Risk of Death Due to Lack of Life-Saving Medication (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160224/1035240809/one-million-libyans-at-risk-of-death.html) (Sputnik News) (NATO’s “humanitarian intervention” has created a very real humanitarian disaster. – Comrade)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Maidan Two Years Later: It Couldn't Be Any Worse (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/maidans-2nd-anniversary-it-couldnt-be-worse/ri13041), by Nikolai Starikov.

Latvia news:

Latvia Stages Rally Against BBC Propaganda (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/02/latvia-stages-rally-against-bbc.html) (Fort Russ)

Yugoslavia news:

Betrayal and Humiliation in the Balkans (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20160225/1035337147/balkans-nato-betrayal.html), by Andrew Korybko.

Yugoslavia, Interrupted: A European Success Story Ruined by NATO Invasion (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160223/1035223766/yugoslavia-european-success-story-ruined-by-nato-invasion.html) (Sputnik News)

EU news:

How the US Runs the EU (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20160224/1035278337/us-runs-eu.html), by Alexander Mercouris. (Exactly, the “EU” is controlled by the US, not Germany. – Comrade)

Over 50% of Britons Want to Leave EU (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160227/1035426452/half-britons-favour-brexit.html) (Sputnik News) (Washington is probably panicking at this news. US imperialism uses the UK to control France/Germany within the EU and strongly opposes “Brexit.” The long-term result of the UK leaving the EU would be an inevitable “rift” that would form between the US/UK and France/Germany. – Comrade)

Hungary's Orban Says George Soros Is Destroying Europe (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/hungarys-orban-says-george-soros-trying-destroy-europe/ri13088), by Matthew Allen.

US news:

Hillary Goes to War (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/26/hillary-goes-to-war/), by Diana Johnstone.

A South Front video report on the Russian military’s training/advising of the Syrian Arab Army and the National Defense Forces:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9vfX_R8MTI

Comrade

03-04-2016, 12:30 AM

Syria news:

The War in Syria Continues Despite the “Ceasefire” (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-war-in-syria-continues-despite-the-ceasefire/5511648), by Binoy Kampmark. (A summary of the ‘ceasefire’ so far. – Comrade)

From lion cage to battlefield: Female animal trainer fights militants in Syria’s Aleppo (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/334026-syria-aleppo-female-fighter/) (RT)

Sputnik International interviews the Saker about the Syrian ceasefire (http://thesaker.is/sputnik-international-interviews-the-saker-about-the-syrian-ceasefire/) (Sputnik News)

Kerry's "Plan B" - Attack Syria From Lebanon - With Saudi and Turkish Help (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/03/kerrys-plan-b-an-attack-on-syria-from-lebanon-with-saudi-and-turkish-help.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Over 450 Terrorists Killed in Syrian Army Operations in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941211001048) (Fars News) (During the battle to clear the Aleppo supply highway, large numbers of “IS” terrorists were killed. – Comrade)

Syria: Kurdish Fighters Push Terrorists Back, Kill over 100 Combatants in Raqqa (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941211000423) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, Popular Forces Capture More Lands in Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941211000949) (Fars News)

Militants Driven Back from More Positions in Syria's Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941212000683) (Fars News)

Syria: Kurdish Fighters Cut Terrorists' Supply Route in Aleppo City (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941212000430) (Fars News) (Coalition forces are closing in on the West’s al-Nusra puppets in Aleppo. – Comrade)

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Army Wins Back 3 Strategic Villages, 1 Hilltop in Lattakia Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941212001321) (Fars News)

Over 130 ISIL Militants Killed in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941213000648) (Fars News) (The “IS” tried attacking the highway to Aleppo again today, but were crushed again. – Comrade)

Syrian Army Repulses ISIL Aggression near Deir Ezzur Airbase (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941213000351) (Fars News)

Today’s South Front video analysis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWlIks9q3Mc

Comrade

03-06-2016, 10:04 PM

Syria news:

Week twenty-one of the Russian military intervention in Syria: the calm before the storm? (http://thesaker.is/week-twenty-one-of-the-russian-military-intervention-in-syria-the-calm-before-the-storm/), by The Saker.

Syria - Preparing For The Next Major Push (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/03/syria-preparing-for-the-next-major-push.html) (Moon of Alabama)

EXCLUSIVE: Turkey ‘protects & supplies’ Al-Nusra camps at its border – Syria’s YPG to RT (https://www.rt.com/news/334483-turkey-nusra-ypg-exclusive/) (RT)

Turkey keeps shelling Kurds, backing terrorist groups in Syria – Russian MoD (https://www.rt.com/news/334609-turkey-syria-kurds-terrorists/) (RT)

Al-Nusra militants in Syria shell Turkey to prompt return fire – Russian military (https://www.rt.com/news/334739-syria-militants-shell-turkey/) (RT)

Confidential: NATO Report Praises Russia’s Superiority in Syria (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160305/1035829916/russia-superiority-syria.html) (Sputnik News)

20,000 uniforms bound for ISIS, Al-Nusra Front seized in Spain (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/334535-isis-uniforms-seized-spain/) (RT) (This is evidence of the immense support infrastructure that the Western-backed terrorists have inside the EU countries. – Comrade)

Raqqa Citizens Take to Streets to Voice Support for Syrian Army (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941216000387) (Fars News)

Syria: Militants Retreat From More Positions in Central Province of Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941214000267) (Fars News)

Syria: Russian Air Force Targets Militants' Oil Tankers in Homs Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941215000331) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

Turkey Falls Under Boot of Dictatorship (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20160305/1035837151/zaman-seizure-police-violence.html), by Finian Cunningham. (NATO’s Erdogan continues banning all dissent inside Turkey. He has now taken control of Turkey’s largest independent newspaper. The West’s “human rights experts” and “democracy promoters” are eerily silent. – Comrade)

Four Turkish soldiers killed in clashes with PKK (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/04/453676/Turkey-army-operations-Kurdish-PKK-Sur-Diyarbakir-Dargecit-Mardin) (PressTV) (Meanwhile, the Kurds are bloodying Erdogan’s nose. – Comrade)

Two more Turkish soldiers killed in PKK militant attack (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/04/453800/Turkey-Sirnak-Idil-PKK) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Iraqi security forces recapture two areas in Anbar (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/05/453967/Iraqi-Hamdaneen-Jazirah-Jamilah-Anbar-Daesh-terrorists) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Saudi Arabia Assassinating Defecting Mercenaries in Yemen (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941211000952) (Fars News)

Yemen army ballistic missile hits Saudi camp in Ma’rib (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/02/453304/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia--Marib-Taizz-Hadi-Riyadh) (PressTV)

Iran news:

Iran Makes Trade, Not War, with Eurasia (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/01/iran-makes-trade-not-war-with-eurasia/), by F. William Engdahl.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Surprise! The EU Just Admitted That Ukraine Will Never Be a Member State (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/surprise-eu-just-admitted-ukraine-will-never-be-member-state/ri13193), by Matthew Allen.

OSCE Ukraine Mission Chief Humiliated by Furious Babushka Bombing Victim (Video) (http://russia-insider.com/en/osce-ukraine-mission-chief-hug-humiliated-irate-babushka-video/ri13056), by Anthony Grulich.

Ukraine bans its officials from criticizing authorities (https://www.rt.com/news/334183-ukraine-ban-government-critics/) (RT) (The West’s crumbling puppet regime in Kiev is banning all dissent for government workers. – Comrade)

Lugansk republic intelligence: US deployed two electronic intelligence stations in Ukraine (http://tass.ru/en/world/860661) (ITAR-TASS)

FSB Confirms Permit-Free Movement in Russia for Those With DPR/LPR Passports (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/03/fsb-confirms-permit-free-movement-in.html) (Novorosinform)

Korea news:

South Korea and the Art of Collaboration. Raw War Propaganda against the DPRK (http://www.globalresearch.ca/south-korea-and-the-art-of-collaboration-raw-war-propaganda-against-the-dprk/5512043), by Andre Vltchek.

Norway news:

Mass Murderer Breivik Whines About Prison Treatment, Norway Rejects Claims (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160303/1035693714/breivik-whines-about-prison-treatment.html) (Sputnik News) (Neocon terrorist Breivik, who was sentenced to only 21 years in jail for murdering 77 people, is now crying about not having access to good enough video games (among other things). – Comrade)

EU news:

Europe’s Slow Motion Debacle (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/03/03/europes-slow-motion-debacle/), by Pepe Escobar.

US news:

Neocons Panic That Trump Presidency Would Mark End to Their New World Order (http://sputniknews.com/us/20160306/1035871466/trump-neocons-critique-analysis.html) (Sputnik News) (The Neocons are not-so-silently shitting themselves as Trump wins state after state. Expect the corrupt GOP political machine to try every dirty trick to prevent him from winning the nomination. – Comrade)

Behind the Facade: America, The Bankrupt Hegemon (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/06/behind-the-facade-america-the-bankrupt-hegemon/), by F. William Engdahl.

Video regarding the Syrian army clearing the key supply highway to Aleppo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRPnSnOkGOM

blindpig

03-07-2016, 10:18 AM

Neocons Panic That Trump Presidency Would Mark End to Their New World Order © AFP 2016/ Michael B. Thomas

http://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/images/103549/69/1035496917.jpg

As eccentric billionaire Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump continues to rack up primary victories, the party's establishment is beginning to wonder whether the political outsider can be stopped. Alarmed, neoconservative pundit Anne Applebaum goes so far as to suggest that a Trump presidency would mark "the end of the West as we know it."

Republican presidential candidates, businessman Donald Trump and Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, argue a point during a Republican presidential primary debate at Fox Theatre, Thursday, March 3, 2016, in Detroit

On Saturday, real estate mogul Donald Trump racked up two more primary victories, winning in Louisiana and Kentucky, and thus securing a total of 373 delegates, with establishment candidates Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and John Kasich trailing with 291, 122 and 33 delegates, respectively.
With some pundits now openly asking whether the Republican establishment really has a chance to derail Trump, others, including neocon journalist Anne Applebaum, have resorted to scaremongering.

In a recent op-ed for The Washington Post, Applebaum, an American-Polish journalist known for her hawkish, stridently anti-Russian attitudes, laid out a worst-case scenario for the Euro-Atlanticist empire, warning that "right now, we are two or three bad elections away from the end of NATO, the end of the European Union and maybe the end of the liberal world order as we know it."

"In the United States, we are faced with the real possibility of Republican Party presidential nominee Donald Trump, which means we have to take seriously the possibility of a President Trump. Hillary Clinton's campaign might implode for any number of reasons, too obvious to rehash here; elections are funny things, and electorates are fickle."

"That means," Applebaum warns, "that next January we could have, in the White House, a man who is totally uninterested in what presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton, Reagan – as well as Johnson, Nixon and Truman – would all have called 'our shared values.'"

'Wouldn't It Be Nice': Trump Would Like to Improve Relations With Russia

Blowing through Trump's domestic policy proposals in one sentence, what seems to interest the journalist more is his approach to foreign policy, particularly as it relates to Russia and Eastern Europe, of course.
"[Trump] brags that he 'would not care much' whether Ukraine was admitted to NATO; he has no interest in NATO and its security guarantees. Of Europe, he has written that 'their conflicts are not worth American lives. Pulling back from Europe would save this country millions of dollars annually'. In any case, he prefers the company of dictators to that of other democrats. 'You can make deals with those people,' he has said of Russia. 'I would have a great relationship with [Vladimir] Putin.'"

more.......

http://sputniknews.com/us/20160306/1...-analysis.html

There's a lot of stuff like this in my twitter feed nowadays. Many Russians and Russian sympathizers are taking a handful of statements as the foreign policy of an opportunistic ego-maniac, and they like it. Which is not to say that better relations between two nuke powers doesn't benefit us all, it would be a good thing. Leaving aside the purely speculative, what Trump would really want to do(I suspect that varies wildly)there is what he would be allowed to do, within a program which has continued with a few bumps in the road for the past 70 years and especially the last 30. It's just nuts, on one hand the budding one way bromance with Putin while on the other 'Make America Great Again', implied muscular responds to our enemies who are having our lunch because current leadership is stupid.

There's a lot of desperation everywhere, across the board, across the water, and at the heart of it, when you clear away the brush, is the crisis of capitalism and the increasingly aggressive imperialism which it spurs.

Bernie Sanders' tawdry little game is old and known, but this Trump thing, wtf? Many are predicting the immediate demise of the Republican Party, which would be nice, but I think push come to shove most of the party will rally behind Trump cause the bottom line is that they're a bunch of venal politicians, not idealists. If the Republican Party does not fracture too badly Trump will beat Hilary, which is one can of worms. Otherwise, the devil we know.

Having predicted the demise of the Democratic Party due to the reactionary domestic policies which Obama indicated he would pursue I ain't up for no predictions. At least it is clear why that prediction failed, it was dependant upon the Republicans cooperating in the intended assault upon so-called entitlements. That ruling class wet dream, dear to administration and Republican Party in general, failed because the Republicans were prohibited by their 'base' from any cooperation with that uppity negro whatsoever. Whatever cooperation was achieved is now vilified and the mark of Cain. I heard this working class guy saying he hoped Trump would raise the minimum wage. A hotelier, yes, of course. These people got no politics.

On the other hand, how great is the current situation a result of the failure of the Left? Given objective conditions could anything else be expected? The crisis may be upon us and a significant portion of the working class looks towards a ruling class grifter for leadership largely based upon his entertainment value. The only good that might come from Trump is chaos. I feel like Dylan's Mr Jones.

Dhalgren

03-07-2016, 10:03 PM

I feel like Dylan's Mr Jones.

It gets weirder and weirder. Bloomberg came out and said he was not going to run a third party gig, because he was afraid Trump would get the Republican nomination. That means that he was assuming he would pull votes away from Hillary - I guess because the Democrats want to vote for a billionaire, too. But Bloomy would prefer Clinton to Trump. Then again, Clinton might go down in flames over this email shit - I was reading one thing that said there might be "felonies" involved. I guess I haven't really been paying attention to this crap, so maybe so. That leaves the Bern vs Trump. I am expecting to see the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat join the race.

I agree that almost everyone still in the race, on both sides, are known quantities, except for Trump - and "WTF?" does not really cover it. One thing is clear, the ruling class will not allow the empire to be slowed or reduced. Imperialism is all they got left, unless they really want to tighten the screws on the US working class and down grade what's left of our standard of living - and that may be goose killing time.

One thing for sure, this is different than any election cycle I've seen...

Comrade

03-11-2016, 12:21 AM

Yeah, I’m sure that even if Trump would ‘miraculously’ win in November, he would either sell out immediately or not be able to change a damn thing. But the shitstorm that Trump has raised is a pretty damning indictment of Bernie Sanders. The bourgeoisie just aren’t scared of the “democratic socialist”. That being said, it is deeply satisfying watching Sanders humiliate the “invincible, inevitable Hillary” and her demented, cultish followers. The Hillary hacks all said that he’d only win one state (Vermont), but now he’s got that crusty old Neocon harpy on the defensive. – Comrade

Syria news:

Syria: Phantom “Rebels” Return from the Dead (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/07/syria-phantom-rebels-return-from-the-dead/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Washington’s Objective is to “Split up Syria”: U.S. Establishes Air Force Base in Northern Syria In Violation of International Law (http://www.globalresearch.ca/washingtons-objective-is-to-split-up-syria-u-s-establishes-air-force-base-in-northern-syria-in-violation-of-international-law/5512652) (SyrianFreePress)

Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of aiding sarin gas delivery to rebels after fresh chemical attacks (https://www.rt.com/news/335069-kurds-turkey-syria-rebels-sarin/) (RT)

Turkey shelling Syrian Kurdish militia in northern Aleppo – YPG (https://www.rt.com/news/334811-turkey-shell-ypg-syria/) (RT)

ISIL Sustains Heavy Casualties in Syrian Army's Ambush in Central Homs Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941217000651) (Fars News)

Russian Air Force Targets Militants' Large Ammo Depot in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941218000311) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Inflicts Heavy Death Toll on Terrorists South of Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941218001032) (Fars News)

5 Villages in Aleppo Freed by Syrian Troops (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941220000366) (Fars News)

ISIL Sustains Heavy Death Toll in Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941220000244) (Fars News)

Al-Nusra Terrorists Come under Heavy Airstrikes after Offensives in Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941220000258) (Fars News)

Today’s South Front video analysis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBY1e4cDJNY

Comrade

03-13-2016, 09:54 PM

Syria news:

Most Syrians Support Assad, Reject Phony Foreign ‘Revolution’ (http://www.globalresearch.ca/most-syrians-support-assad-reject-phony-foreign-revolution/5513680), by Eva Bartlett.

Lavrov Says Russia Has Evidence of Turkish Troops in Syria (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/breaking-lavrov-says-russia-has-evidence-turkish-troops-syria/ri13328), by Matthew Allen.

Syria: Another CIA Supplied Group Hands Its Weapons To Al-Qaeda (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/03/syria-another-cia-supplied-group-hands-its-weapons-to-al-qaeda.html) (Moon of Alabama)

FSA Commander Confesses to Collaboration with Israel in Video (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941222000417) (Fars News)

Syria: ISIL Militants Retreating towards Raqqa under Heavy Offensives of Gov't Forces (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941221000276) (Fars News)

Al-Nusra Withdraws from More Positions in Idlib under Russians' Heavy Airstrikes (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941221000417) (Fars News)

Over 100 ISIL Terrorists Killed in Russian Blitzkriegs in Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941221000516) (Fars News)

Syria: Hundreds of Militants Encircled by Army Northeast of Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941223000239) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Launches Fresh Anti-ISIL Operation near Ancient Palmyra (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941223000291) (Fars News)

Terrorists' Ammo Depots Targeted by Syrian Army in Hama Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941223000265) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

RT crew films destruction in Kurdish town Cizre after Turkish military crackdown (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/335208-turkey-kurdish-cizre-devastation/) (RT) (Take a look at how NATO’s IS-aiding Erdogan treats his own people in southeastern Turkey. – Comrade)

Lebanon news:

Lebanese Army Destroys ISIL Base in Ras Baalbek (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941220000385) (Fars News)

“Saudi” Arabia news:

Out of Money: Saudi Arabia Shot Itself in the Foot by Dropping Oil Prices (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160312/1036177589/saudi-arabia-oil-price-slump-money.html) (Sputnik News)

Yemen news:

U.S. Central Command Promotes The War On Yemen Where Al-Qaeda Is The Only Winner (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/03/us-central-command-promotes-the-war-on-yemen-where-al-qaeda-is-the-only-winner.html) (Moon of Alabama)

DynCorp mercenaries to replace Blackwater in Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/07/454304/Yemen-mercenaries-Blackwater-DynCorp) (PressTV)

Yemenis inflict losses on Saudi mercenaries (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/08/454589/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Taizz) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces capture 150 Saudi mercenaries in Bayda: al-Masirah (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/09/454674/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-Bayda-Rada-Marib) (PressTV)

Iran news:

On a Progressive Iran: The Iranian Way, Not Washington’s (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/07/on-a-progressive-iran-the-iranian-way-not-washington-s/), by Phil Butler.

Simorgh: Iran's Reproduced US Sentinel Spy Drone RQ-170 with Improved Features (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941220000394) (Fars News)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Going Colonial? Meet the American Who May Soon Be Ukraine’s Prime Minister (http://sputniknews.com/world/20160310/1036041550/american-may-soon-be-ukraine-prime-minister.html) (Sputnik News)

Ukraine Is Awash in Illegal Firearms and Criminality (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/my-fellow-ukrainans-run-your-life/ri13162), by Yurasumy.

Donetsk Blog Mar 09: Ukrainian Army Attacks - Mercenaries Revolting - Ukrainian Drunken Losses (http://russia-insider.com/en/donetsk-blog-mar-09-ukrainian-army-attacks-marines-fight-mercenaries-afu-non-combat-losses/ri13233), by Irina Burya.

Why Gorbachev Will Never Be Forgiven (http://russia-insider.com/en/history/why-gorbachev-will-never-be-forgiven/ri13175), by Nikolai Starikov.

Investigation Reveals US Funding Of "Color Revolutions" in Russia (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/03/investigation-reveals-us-funding-of.html) (Fort Russ)

Was Mikhail Lesin Killed by the FBI? (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/03/was-mikhail-lesin-killed-by-fbi.html), by Petri Krohn.

EU news:

French Teacher Accused of Islamophobia for Praising Russian Syria Operation (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160310/1036044523/french-teacher-praises-putin.html) (Sputnik News)

US news:

“Pluto-Zionists” Support for Hillary: The “Marriage” of Plutocracy, Rightwing Zionism and Hillary Clinton (http://www.globalresearch.ca/pluto-zionists-support-for-hillary-the-marriage-of-plutocracy-rightwing-zionism-and-hillary-clinton/5513296), by Prof. James Petras.

At Secretive Neocon Confab: Billionaires, CEOs And Top Republicans Plot “To Stop Donald Trump” (http://www.globalresearch.ca/at-secretive-neocon-confab-billionaires-ceos-and-top-republicans-plot-to-stop-donald-trump/5512908), by Ryan Grim, Nick Baumann, and Matt Fuller.

‘That’s horse sh*t!’: FBI can already unlock iPhone without Apple’s help – Snowden (https://www.rt.com/usa/335054-snowden-apple-fbi-fight/) (RT) (Exactly. – Comrade)

Snowden movie co-creator: ‘US State Dept and president did not want this film’ (https://www.rt.com/news/335319-snowden-stone-movie-problems-kucherena/) (RT) (Washington has apparently been trying to disrupt the production of the upcoming film about Snowden. – Comrade)

South Front video on the Donbass war:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1stO20W1fU

Dhalgren

03-14-2016, 02:57 PM

Putin Orders Withdrawal of Russian Forces from Syria

From the AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the defence ministry to begin the withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria from Tuesday.
"The task that was set before our defence ministry and armed forces has as a whole been completed and so I order the defence ministry to from tomorrow start the withdrawal of the main part of our military contingents from the Syrian Arab Republic," Putin told Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in televised comments.
The Kremlin announced that Putin had called President Bashar al-Assad to inform Moscow's long-standing ally of the surprise move that appears to end the main part of its intervention in Syria's conflict that began in September.
"The leaders noted that the actions of the Russian airforce allowed to radically change the situation in the fight against terrorism, to disorganise the fighters' infrastructure and inflict significant damage on them," the Kremlin said in a statement.
"Taking that into account, the President of Russia stated that the main tasks set before the armed forces of Russia in Syria had been completed. It was agreed to carry out the withdrawal of the main part of Russia's airforce contingent," the statement said.
The two leaders, however, also agreed that Moscow would maintain an airforce facility in Syria to help monitor the progress of a ceasefire in the war-torn country.
"Assad noted the professionalism, courage and heroism of the officers of the Russian armed forces that took part in the military operations and expressed deep appreciation to Russia," the Kremlin statement said.
Russia began its bombing campaign in support of Assad's forces in September, a move that helped shore up the Syrian regime's crumbling forces and go on the offensive.
A fresh round of talks to end Syria's civil war opened in Geneva on Monday, but hopes for a breakthrough remained remote with the sides locked in a bitter dispute over the future of President Bashar al-Assad.
A temporary ceasefire in the country introduced on February 27 has largely held, despite accusations of violations from both sides, allowing aid to reach some 150,000 people living under siege.

http://www.afp.com/en/home/

I got this from a Windows newsfeed, so I could give a direct link to article.

blindpig

03-14-2016, 03:01 PM

blindpig

03-14-2016, 03:07 PM

This is Minsk all over again. Defeat from the jaws of victory.

More implications:

El Murid on one of the key political implications of Russia's announced withdrawal from Syria - it is undermining the negotiating positions of the Syrian government for no Syria's enemies are withdrawing or ending the war of regime change: "Russian Child in the negotiations Assad opposition actually it undermines the position of the Syrian government in these negotiations, but it does not bother anyone -. in the end, we some Assad? "

https://www.facebook.com/vladimir.suchan/posts/10153442796638388

Google Translator

So much for restraining the capitalist hegemon....

Dhalgren

03-14-2016, 03:20 PM

More implications:

El Murid on one of the key political implications of Russia's announced withdrawal from Syria - it is undermining the negotiating positions of the Syrian government for no Syria's enemies are withdrawing or ending the war of regime change: "Russian Child in the negotiations Assad opposition actually it undermines the position of the Syrian government in these negotiations, but it does not bother anyone -. in the end, we some Assad? "

https://www.facebook.com/vladimir.suchan/posts/10153442796638388

Google Translator

So much for restraining the capitalist hegemon....

So, what has all this been about? Did Putin just want to show some muscle - but not too much? Did the US make him an offer he couldn't refuse? Has he shown that he is a better "partner" for the US, rather than a "cold" enemy? He might think that Obama would be better to deal with than Clinton (if so, he's probably right), or he may have over-extended himself and just couldn't afford it any more. Whatever the case, the Hegemon must be feeling pretty smug.

blindpig

03-14-2016, 03:57 PM

So, what has all this been about? Did Putin just want to show some muscle - but not too much? Did the US make him an offer he couldn't refuse? Has he shown that he is a better "partner" for the US, rather than a "cold" enemy? He might think that Obama would be better to deal with than Clinton (if so, he's probably right), or he may have over-extended himself and just couldn't afford it any more. Whatever the case, the Hegemon must be feeling pretty smug.

Vladimir Suchan will say this is more of the Russian ruling class, fronted by Putin, kissing up to the US ruling class. They want to be friends, they want to party!(they also want to sell off everything) I still find this explanation very hard to swallow, the shallowness is epic, mega, and stretches credulity that a power with the resources and history of Russia could behave with such base craveness. Nonetheless, we are running out of other options.

blindpig

03-14-2016, 04:23 PM

What was it?

14-Mar-2016 10:26 pm

So. Strictly formally. Putin really fulfilled what he promised. The purpose of the operation in Syria was formulated in October 2015:

"... The problem of the Russian military operation in Syria - is the stabilization of the legitimate authority in the country, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

" Our task is to stabilize the legitimate authority and create the conditions to search for a political compromise ", - he said in an interview with the program" Sunday night with Vladimir Solovyov "on TV channel" Russia-1 "..."

Assad the autumn 2015 retreat in the most important area - in the north. In the summer of '15 was lost Idlib, gunmen went to the coast for the first time the war came directly to Hama. LIH took Palmyra, in the south there has been a grave situation in Deraa and the threat of total loss of the Jordanian border for populated areas. In fact, it was a military defeat.

Something reminiscent of the situation in August 14 at the Donbass - then turned the defeated militia, too, passed into patchy resistance, Donetsk from August 9-10 was in the operational environment. Enter "vacationers" prevented a final defeat. In Syria, the sense input Russian group wore virtually the same character: waiting for when Assad out of steam completely, and its defeat would be only a matter of the nearest future, it was announced about the beginning of the Russian operation in Syria.

The operation also had a regional-political dimension: Russia's attempts to create a new format cartel Russia-OPEC demanded that Russia's influence in this organization, and military presence in the region was becoming quite a powerful argument underpinning the right to vote in such an organization.

Putting troops and the strikes on the militants allowed to stop their advance, while Assad with the help of mercenaries pushed militants about 20 -50 km from the line of contact between the end of September 2015. Shoigu has reported the release of about 10 thousand square kilometers of territory - that actually speaks of a narrow strip of a size of 200 by 50 km. Across Syria - a mere trifle. Again, there is an analogy with the Donbas - "vacationers" pushed APU 20-30 km, on which the offensive was halted, and in some areas before the "holidaymakers" and the remnants of the militia was an empty steppes to the Crimea.

TV slop poured into the ears of the electorate, talking about merciless struggle with LIH, although in reality LIH has been the target of no more than 20% of all strokes Russian Air Force. Propaganda tried my best, that now works against it: Now we have to somehow explain, so we won LIH or not. And if not - what we did there?

However, the task of translating an endless war in the format Russia fulfilled without letting lose Assad. Winning his goal was not to give that, in general, it was clear from the beginning -. 40 aircraft for such a task force is too small

Also, the idea ROPEC, seems to have sunk into the abyss. Iran has made some changes, burying the hopes of its creation during the 2016-2017 year. Earlier reach the level of 4 million barrels, which is delivered to them as a condition for accession to the limitation of oil production, it can not. So far in the Kremlin for a long time do not plan, and wait for two years did not see sense. To live up to the end of the 17 - and the bread.

Well, there will understand. In this sense, leaving the Russian group is quite logical. Something failed, something not impossible to achieve more. The only question that the Kremlin did not initially set the task of winning over the terrorists - this stuff can drive the viewers, in reality questions were much narrower and more specific.

To speak of the betrayal of Assad does not make sense. It is not our ally, the Kremlin proved all 4 years of the war. And because there was no one to betray. The Kremlin decided purely pinpoint problems, and Russian interests in their number is not included. Does the order he or foreign players it was the interests of specific groups of Russian associated with the West - an interesting question, but it is very theoretical.

Russia is not a subject of world and regional policy. This, in particular, said the other day, Obama, put it this way, that Putin is not involved in the development agenda. What he said is that Russia is acting exclusively within the foreign plans. On the wings. No wonder - in the colony does not have its policy. Well, what say on TV, it does not matter. In the end, it's his job - to inspire courage and a sense of pride. Already, politicians compete to explain the next bend of the general line. Personally, I believe in them - they will cope.

http://el-murid.livejournal.com/2722023.html

Google Translator

blindpig

03-14-2016, 04:36 PM

Take that, Grandma, and Asad DAY

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/m_kalashnikov/19021490/1261640/1261640_original.jpg

Maxim Kalashnikov
Take that, Grandma, and Asad Day

to the next - the Syrian - Kremlin foreign policy somersault How to interpret the Kremlin announced the conclusion of the main forces of the Russian group of forces from Syria?

I believe that this - the end of a senseless adventure. Russian economy in such a state that we had to get out of Syria. On the feature then generally there were? Under pressure from the Kremlin owners of the West have to retire, leaving virtually Assad to fend for themselves. Well, why spend so much money on this disastrous enterprise? I not have been better to solve the problem of Russian Donbass?

***

Here are my conclusions succinctly: on Friday night meeting with Putin, March 11, 2016 key economic ministers and the chief of the Central Bank Nabiulina probably put the head of state before the fact of a difficult situation in the Russian economy and insisted on termination of the Syrian expedition. Which, moreover, does not use a tenth of the share of public support that was at Donbas defenders in spring 2014 winter 2015. Indirectly, the power of the Russian Federation recognizes the most original meaninglessness of sending troops to Syria.
In fact, the Kremlin has retreated under the pressure of the US hosts, for whom LIH - an instrument of chaos in the Middle East. Thus crumbled to dust all promotional design protective heralds that the Russian Federation does not throw-Assad's ally in Syria, our troops encounter terrorists on the distant approaches, that the Russian Federation will be a firm foothold (military bases) in the Eastern Mediterranean and the such nonsense. In fact, it turns waste. And not only the triumph of America home, but the Saudis, and Erdogan in Turkey. Syria is given to the section, and the wolves. I, right, sorry staff Kremlin propagandists. As they will now be turned out? I hear them on the radio comments.: They explicitly confusion means of economic war, the Kremlin put in the face of social and economic collapse in Russia.
First, they dragged him into a useless war for us in the Middle East - an expensive undertaking against the background of a falling economy. And then forced to retreat, and branding (the current newspeak) loss of face for the Kremlin humiliating and obvious. This is what a superpower such a like a monkey jumping up and down?

***

What will be the result? The Assad regime continue agony. LNR and DNR continue to abide in dire economic, political and humanitarian situation. I strongly doubt that the Russian planes with wonderful sights fly smash position APU powers. The Kremlin will remain with nothing in the Donbass. . Faced with the threat of a new outbreak of war among heaps Moreover, the West will begin to force the Kremlin to implement the Minsk Protocol, and in fact -. LDNR to pushing in "Ukraine" With all the dirty process costs and further "loss of face" for Moscow. And forgive all Kiev and Moscow will continue to find fault with every little thing. It will continue to beat the economic sanctions (the most painful - cutting from cheap credit), gleefully watching over how the central authority in the Russian Federation can not do anything with the growing crisis in the economy. As predicted by Maxim Kalashnikov. Kremlin Ponoy bowl izopet fruits of their ostupnichestva in the rapid creation of New Russia in the spring of 2014. Disclaimer lightning victory turns into a systemic collapse, gentlemen. And I have long warned about this.

In order to somehow compensate for the obvious foreign policy (and cost-management) failure, power begins to fiercely-senile "tighten the screws" in the Russian Federation. In bringing his promotion to full schizophrenia, before splitting of consciousness, to attacks of collective psychosis. Given that the crisis will only hasten on their development. Then - "the failure of the thread" and ... This - the only question of time.

http://m-kalashnikov.livejournal.com/2620766.html

Google Translator

blindpig

03-15-2016, 12:50 PM

Output can not leave
colonelcassad
March 15, 13:04

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CdihbwrVIAA1q2l.jpg

Regarding disputes and assessments on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria. If we talk about the results of the military operations in Syria, they are generally favorable for the Russian Federation. In strategic terms, to solve the problem of preventing the military defeat of Assad and cropped adverse trends associated with the promotion of "green" and "black" in the government-controlled areas of Syria.

Syria. End of August 2015

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/8/88/20150904072930!Syrian_civil_war.png

March 2016.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Syrian_civil_war.png
Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ommons / 8/88 / Syrian_civil_war.png

- enlarge Walk in the main areas where some form of CAA supported the Russian contingent (in addition to Iran and Hezbally) .

1. Latakia and Idlib - in general there have been significant advances brought under control of the border, rebels in the northern Latakia suffered a serious military defeat, the troops reached the southern regions of Idlib province, overcome defensive line in the mountainous areas of Latakia and taken a bastion of "green" in the northern Latakia . Due to the nature of the terrain, the stubborn resistance of the militants and the assistance from Turkey, completely block the border and reach the central areas of Idlib province failed. Operational successes have not turned into strategic. At the same time it removed the threat of Latakia and Tartous, which by September 2015 were at risk. 2.

Aleppo - here to achieve maximum success - released Kuveyris, cut trail running at Azaz, defeated the troops of the Caliphate east of Aleppo, applied sensitive defeat "green" south of Aleppo, 2 times successfully reflected counterattack Caliphate on the track at Hanassera and offensive Caliphate Al -Safiru. Of the remaining challenges (in addition to a complete cleaning of the city) - not established control over the route Damascus-Aleppo, are not taken Al-Bab and dayr hafir. In general, Russia has provided the successful development of the battle for Aleppo, which was one of the key battles of the Syrian war (on the scale involved troops it certainly is not Stalingrad, but the duration and the size of the territory, which went on battle somewhere nearby).

3. Homs - decisive results have been achieved. Rastansky boiler has not been eliminated (attempts to cut it into two parts ended in failure), Homs, Hama track was not unlocked. However, the militants left the suburbs of Homs, and the Rastansky boiler decreased slightly in size. In general, here it was not possible to achieve significant operational results and progress has been rather modest.

4. Ham - the most serious setback in six months. Supported VCS CAA Russian offensive in northern Hama bogged down due to heavy losses in the armor (supplied by Turkey and Saudi Arabia TOW systems themselves are well shown), moreover, it was lost Morek and part of the territory north of the Kernaza. To form El Lataminsky boiler failed. The largest and essentially the only operational success of "green" over the past half-year. In the eastern regions of the province of Hama was able to prevent a significant advance of troops of the Caliphate of desert areas to key roads, the front is in general carried positional character. In general, in the province of Hama progress has been rather modest.

5. Mahin and Palmyra - 2 times Caliphate took Mahin and 2 times the CAA beat out it from there. In general, here at its left side. Caliphate could not keep Mahin and exit to the road to Damascus-Homs. CAA supported by VCS RF failed to take Al-Karantyan and Palmyra. In the case of Palmyra, in my opinion is the most important of omission - in terms of prestige (both inside Syria and abroad), Palmyra liberation with Russian contingent would give Russia a lot of bonuses political and diplomatitecheskogo nature, especially as overtures toward Palmyra undertaken since the autumn, but here Caliphate rested horn in Palmyra CAA has not started. However, given the fact that not all of the contingent is displayed, and the continuing fighting near Palmyra, then there's Russia can assist the release of the ancient city.

6. Damascus - the battle for the suburbs of Damascus as a whole did not lead to the liberation of occupied areas of militants - were cleared enough suburban area, several residential blocks and 1 important air base, but a dense residential and industrial buildings + constructed enemy ground and underground fortifications did not give these tactical successes in Duma, Huta, Deraye jobaria and lead to the complete elimination of "green" enclaves near the Syrian capital. In general, progress is quite modest. 7. Deraa - six months of fighting in the south, the CAA was able to expand the zone of control in the city, free Atman and Sheikh Miskin, but problems such as the overlap of the Syrian-Jordanian border were beyond the ability of the current grouping CAA in the southern parts of the country, and Russian military efforts focus located in the northern and central regions of Syria, so then it would be strange to expect the all-time wins. Southern Front as a whole remained secondary.

8. The attack on the RACC - unfolded after the victory over the Caliphate to the east of Aleppo, the attack on the Raqqa considerably slowed down after a counterattack in the Caliphate Hanassera that required to transfer to the track forces to the north and south-east, which slowed down the development of the CAA operations. The counterattack was docked at the moment fighting continues, but in light of the reduction of the Russian military involvement, the prospects for an offensive against the capital of the Caliphate rather vague. Much will then depend on what the Russian forces leave Syria as will operate Iran and Hezballa (whose units usually operate in key areas) as will the intended land Pentagon operation against Mosul and Raqqa and whether "race for Rakka" will be held in principle (as there is no zero probability that Russia will give Americans the opportunity to play himself in "small victorious war" with attempts to take Mosul and Rakka).

9. Deir ez Zor - the complete unblocking of the city it certainly was not due to the remoteness from major enclave of Syrian forces. Russia has helped to establish the supply of the enclave and the garrison at the critical moment, it has involved long-range aircraft, which allowed the Syrians to fight off a powerful attack of the Caliphate, which nearly led to irreparable consequences. It is more likely that the Enclave will help unlock the Kurds leading a successful offensive in the north. After the capture of Kurdish Al Shaddad, obviously there will be attempts to move to the Euphrates and release Deir ez-Zor, cut the US within the framework of the communication plan of the Caliphate between Syria and Iraq.

10. Syrian-Turkish border - in addition to Latakia and Idlib, Russia conducted operations in the border areas with Turkey. They were treated in one of the Su-24 and one Mi-8 (in the course of Turkish provocation), but helped to create the conditions for a successful attack Kurds, who cut part of the road south of Azaz and actually put a block on the path of oil supplies through Azaz, which took place on the territory of " green "in the gray schemes for trade in petroleum products between Turkey and the Caliphate. In general, the impact there was very limited, but some progress has been made, the more Russia there probably acted by proxy within situationally shared interests with the Syrian Kurds. One of the results of operations of VKS and Russian steel oil trade problems between the Caliphate and Turkey.

to sum up, then:

1. The problem of military stabilization of the Syrian government successfully solved. The question of military defeat Assad agenda removed. This is a major strategic achievement. Despite the fact that the military assistance was provided Assad with great delay (it would be so in the year 2012-2013), six months of intensive military aid have led to the realization of the West simple fact that the military means to overthrow Assad will not work. In the fall we have seen the collapse of the previous US strategy in the Middle East. Actually, it is already before its last breathe, Russia simply chose an opportune moment for his actions, which allowed it Russia demonstrate that the Middle East Obama's strategy has completely failed, which caused a very real tantrum in the American military and political establishment, and forcing the White House, State Department and Pentagon during the winter feverishly to change plans for Syria and Iraq, the result of which was the decision to start a ground operation in Iraq.

2. In addition, Russian troops helped liberate a sufficiently large number of territories and settlements, to clean up part of the Turkish-Syrian border, cut the part of the oil trade channels between the Caliphate and Turkey. The position of Assad because of this obviously improved. The position of "green" and "black" obviously deteriorated, although the defeat of those and others do not have to say of course, given the assistance of their foreign sponsors. The enemy suffered heavy losses in men and material (were broken trophy defense complexes, Artillery, tanks, MLRS - by the spring of 2016 the lack of heavy weapons has become increasingly annoying group of militants who were trying to fight a regular army). Rare trophies were not allowed to compensate for the loss (as opposed to the CAA that received major logistical support), and suffered from a lack of anti-tank weapons (hence the request to Saudi Arabia and Turkey to increase the supply of anti-tank and anti-tank systems).

3. The main victims of the Russian action in Syria is of course "green." It is clear that the slogan "fight against LIH" covered the main motive of the military operation - the elimination of the threat from "green" that threatened the key settlements, which relies on the legitimate Syrian government. On the Syrian Free Army, Al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham, Dzheyh al-Islam and other "green" groups had up to 70-80% of sorties, not to mention the actions of land contingent Caliphate also got, but strictly on the key areas when Russian VKS Cropped offensive attempts of the Caliphate. The bombing of the rear infrastructure Caliphate allowed to influence the economic situation of the "black", which, coupled with the US bombing led to a deterioration in financial and economic situation of the regime in Raqqa. The failure of the West to define a list of "good" and "bad" terrorists allowed Russia rather arbitrarily determine who bomb, indicating the desired goals as belonging to the Caliphate or unnamed terrorists. This ensured Russia a significant freedom of action, and on the other side forced the sponsors of "green" to negotiate with Assad under the Vienna process.

4. Nevertheless, the threat of the Caliphate still remains - it is not clear how the operation will be developed with reduced support from the CAA to the east of Aleppo. Go to war with Russia Caliphate of her escape is no longer able - the attack on Sinai, infiltration of terrorist infrastructure caliphate on the territory of Russia and the former republics of the Soviet Union, the activities of Vilayat Caucasus, spread jihadist propaganda - all still there and not go anywhere. Ignoring the core of this threat, the fight against the above will be a struggle with the symptoms, whereas the "cure" should be a source of disease. The fact that the problem can be solved by the Americans or Assad, I have serious doubts. The United States are quite mundane task - to reach a pair of important victories and declare "victory over the Caliphate", while it will continue to spread to different parts of the world and continue to operate in Syria and Iraq, Assad openly enough power to independently purify Syria. It's not talking about the fact that Russia must take on the burden of a ground operation against Raqqa, but would like to see a more comprehensive strategy aimed at the destruction of the Caliphate, in which Russia could act not necessarily directly. There is no clarity, even though it is obvious that "black" is better to destroy it than in Russia and neighboring countries. In my opinion from a military point of view of Russia's military strategy against the Caliphate at the moment it looks quite hazy and then I would like greater clarity.

5. Question losses of the parties rather vague, since all participants in the war are on the principle of "Write maybe more, which they consider infidels." Q RF power losses in the well-known law classified, learn with time how much it cost this operation, but I do not think very much expensive (for the six months of the war fighters and did not bother to knock down at least one airplane, the Turks had to be connected). CAA losses were quite significant in people and technology (without Russian supplies CAA would be hard for several months to conduct offensive operations). The same can be said about the "green" to the Caliphate. All parties are happily piling corpses showed their opponents, but of a composite objective calculation did not occur. From what I saw in the last half-year, the impression that in the fighting from September to March in Syria and Iraq, killing tens of thousands of people + a sufficiently large number of civilians.

6. RF Syria could be used among other things as a testing ground for running a variety of new types of aircraft and ground equipment, to continue improving the reconnaissance UAV and mechanisms of interaction of various types of troops in combat. Of course it was nebesplatno - operation was in terms of finance it is obviously not cheap (the numbers of course kept secret). Content kontigenta, equipment maintenance, consumable bombs, shells and missiles, military supplies CAA. All this is in addition to the war in Ukraine severely loads the Russian defense budget (especially in light of the announced reduction of 5%). Was the amount unaffordable? Unlikely. Essential? It may well be. As with the issue of loss, then clarity will come only after some time after the war, but maybe later.

7. What does he care? Of course Russia is not going away completely. Remain base in Tartus and Hmeymime, the latter - a nice bonus for participation, as to Russia in October 2015 did not have a very promising base in the Middle East. Remain air defense systems, the ships in the Mediterranean Sea, reconnaissance aircraft, UAV, protection of military facilities in the amount of 800-1200 people, the staff of special services. Most likely remain different military advisers, trainers and PMCs. The main question for derivable contingent - to what extent the addition of output aviation groups, reduced ground presence, because Russia complexes conventional and rocket artillery played a significant role in the offensive actions of the CAA, and supplied T-72 and T-90 played an important role in the victories of the CAA for Aleppo . Will the equipment fully serviced Syrians will be if further supplies of equipment and ammunition, will continue the work of instructors, as will military advisers - these questions are many, the answers to them yet, because of the general regime of secrecy around the actions of the Russian Federation Army ground forces in Syria. I believe that the development of the operations during the 2nd half of March will answer most of them. It should be remembered that the declarative statements about the parameters of the RF group in Syria may differ from the real.

As for political reasons have pushed the Russian leadership on the withdrawal, at the moment there is no complete clarity why it happened. It puts forward several versions within the familiar discourse "Cunning Plan vs. Putin poured" http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/265 8655.html . His position about what is waiting for Syria, I expounded in October http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/244 7542.html and current talk about federalization (while maintaining the territorial integrity), Bosnian variant, other forms of post-war reconstruction in Syria for I have news are not. Where will this lead is not yet clear - there is no complete picture of the real US agreements and Russia on Syria, there is no clarity to the issue of direct talks Assad and "green", there is no clarity with the Kurdish factor and prospects of Kurdish-Turkish war, which threatens to turn the Turkish intervention Syria. Saying that Russia withdraws fully do its job in my view prematurely (there must not be like Bush, that the aircraft carrier broadcast as the US won the war in Iraq), the final strategic outcome RF operations in Syria will be seen when it will be clear what the outcome of the current diplomatic stage. If a compromise is reached and Syria go the way of the postwar settlement, the Russian Federation will gather all the laurels of peacemaker, although here a lot will depend on what kind of place will be Assad and the Alawites in postwar Syria. If the negotiations will be derailed and proactive CAA against the bulk of the "green" vozobnovyatsya, then the withdrawal will obviously look premature. However, the partial reduction of reserves for the RF group the opportunity to back off in certain scenarios.

https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10152428_1013180262075604_5922975550947768561_n.jpg?oh=48d89bc74a0e6b8719a48601f8de4e3f&oe=574AD20A

If we talk about my personal attitude, it is known I initially supported the operation and did not believe that it could lead to a "new Afghanistan" http: // colonelcassad. livejournal.com/238 5871.html
in my opinion, in addition to the need to stabilize the Assad regime and the fight against jihadists, unspoken purpose of the operation was to break the diplomatic isolation and exposure to direct contacts with the United States due to the persistent deadlock in the Ukraine.
Syria has become a way to overcome one of the problems ultimatum Obama, forcing the US to once again something to discuss with Russia, although the operation in Syria, Washington's position was largely due to the fact that talking to Russia in general is about.
As a result, the problem of Ukraine somewhat blurred, but not completely removed was because of Russia still need to give the Donbass and the Crimea, and no sanctions from it is not going to shoot.

will the Russian operation in Syria have long-term consequences for Russian-American relations? It all depends on how you will negotiate Assad and "green", how successful will be the Pentagon's operation in Iraq, what will the conflict in Ukraine and who will be the president of the United States. Chances are that at the beginning of next year in the United States may occur in relation to the revision of the policy of the Russian Federation (not in terms of rejection of anti-Russian policy, but in terms of changing attitudes aimed at restricting and weakening of the Russian Federation). Therefore, on the one hand the Russian operation in Syria may have a non-obvious positive implications for the Russian Federation relating to the need for the US to reconsider its course, and just be a temporary respite on the way to the next escalation, when the new administration decides to take on tougher Russia. Because at the moment we still do not know much about all the reasons for the decision on the withdrawal of troops and about the outcome of a number of key military and political processes, to talk about "Peremoga" and "zradah" I think prematurely.

In my opinion the conflict the United States and the Russian Federation in this year, as in the next end.
Fighting as Ukraine and Syria are in one form or another continue the sanctions regime will operate. The reasons for this lie in the fact that the system of the USA and Russia contradictions have not been resolved, and they are the driving force behind the current conflict.

http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2659301.html

Google Translator

Dear Boris, the contradictions between USA and Russia will not be resolved short of the federation's dismemberment. This is not conflict beteen 2 competing imperial powers, this is the hegemon wearing down and preparing a colony while the people of that place have no idea what's happening.

To have announced this withdrawal while negotiations were ongoing is somewhere between stupidity and treachery. Obama must have been very pleased but he still ain't getting off them sanctions, love unrequited.

So Russia accomplished it's modest, stated goals, hurrah, and then sets up for failure at the negotiation table. This is starting to look like the modus operandi of Russian diplomacy.

Dhalgren

03-15-2016, 02:10 PM

Dear Boris, the contradictions between USA and Russia will not be resolved short of the federation's dismemberment. This is not conflict beteen 2 competing imperial powers, this is the hegemon wearing down and preparing a colony while the people of that place have no idea what's happening.

To have announced this withdrawal while negotiations were ongoing is somewhere between stupidity and treachery. Obama must have been very pleased but he still ain't getting off them sanctions, love unrequited.

So Russia accomplished it's modest, stated goals, hurrah, and then sets up for failure at the negotiation table. This is starting to look like the modus operandi of Russian diplomacy.

Agree in total. And I am beginning to lean toward "treachery", because Putin, et al, can't be this stupid.

blindpig

03-16-2016, 07:30 AM

It took Putin's government almost five years of the vicious terror onslaught of the international coalition relying on ISIS and al Qaeda against Syria before consenting to send to the Syrian government a limited quantity of more advanced tanks. It took also nearly as much time for Putin to come up with a ingeniously new way of fighting wars: you jump in for several months, declare a splendid victory by signing on the plan of the US, which organized the destruction of that country, and then, after these 5 months of the limited military operation, you go back to what you have been doing anyway--driving the Russian economy down to an abyss while squeezing all you can still squeeze out of the increasingly impoverished population in order to feed the clique of your vulgar oligarchic buddies and cronies.
So Putin bombed for several months in Syria, then he (the US) decided that it's enough ("Mission Accomplished") and out--if the war keeps going on, as it was already in its fifth year before, then too bad for the war. Putin showed his machismo and his potency was calibrated and potent to last only for a limited time. Had Stalin had the character, intellect, and moral qualities of Putin, Petain, the Petit, he would have fought World War II in the same way. He would have gotten in just for a while and then he would also quickly pulled out, thus, as Putin's fans assure us, he would have totally disoriented and dumbfounded his adversaries, even the mighty Wehrmacht itself.

https://www.facebook.com/vladimir.suchan/posts/10153445741533388

blindpig

03-17-2016, 10:20 AM

Updated, Al-Jaafari: Delegation of Syrian Arab Republic presented ideas to di Mistura on reaching a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria

http://sana.sy/en/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1-7.jpg

16 March، 2016

Geneva, SANA-Head of the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Syrian-Syrian dialogue in Geneva, Bashar al-Jaafari, said on Wednesday that the delegation presented to UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan di Mistura important ideas and notions in order to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria.

Al-Jaafari said “We provided the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura with important ideas and opinions. We call them Basic Elements for a political settlement. These elements reflect what is shared by everybody in Syria,” adding that “One Basic Element is how to keep Syria together for the Syrians without any divisive approach,” al-Jaafari said.

“Until now, the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic doesn’t know who will be the other side in dialogue, we have to put, with di Mistura and other delegations, a firm ground to specify who will be considered a partner,” al-Jaafari told SPUTNIK news Agency in a statement.

“We need to work out together with the Special Envoy a solid ground with regard to who are other delegations. We still do not know how many delegations will be at the talks. We still don’t know who are these ghosts with whom we are supposed to engage into indirect talks. Something is lacking in the complete picture,” Jaafari said.

He added “We moved today into deeper discussion with di Mistura regarding the ideas and points that we have, he needs some clarifications and we will return to him on Friday with the answers regarding the issue,” pointing out that suggestions of the delegation of Syrian Arab Republic reflect the opinion of all Syrians.

Al-Jaafari affirmed the need to draw a line between terrorism and the political participation, calling on the United Nations to create a special mechanism to monitor and prevent irresponsible behavior or statements from the opposition delegations because some of these statements could undermine the progress achieved in the talks.

Al-Jaafari affirmed that moving from the indirect talks into the direct ones is not possible as irresponsible persons in the opposition delegations continue uttering statements that contradict the UN Security Council resolutions regarding the crisis in Syria.

“There is a problem represented by how to observe and control irresponsible statements that occur here and there by the so-called delegation the Saudi group,” al-Jaafari said.

He added that the other issue that the delegation discussed with di Mistura is to oblige all to adhere to liberating the occupied Syria Golan.

In a relevant context, al-Jaafari called for lifting the economic sanctions imposed on the Syrian people, stressing that these sanctions were not imposed by the UN Security Council, therefore they are “illegal.”

We informed the Special Envoy that “we want from all, if they were Syrians, to join their voices to those of the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic to lift these illegal measures imposed on the Syrian people”.

In an interview with Russia Today, al-Jaafari pointed out that de Mistura’s mission is applying the task mandated to him by the Security Council as he is a mediator, who does not have the right to make decision in this dialogue but rather he could help in exchanging ideas and we have helped him through presenting a package of ideas to promote in this dialogue.

“If there were a patriotic opposition indeed, it should not refer to itself as Astana group, Riyadh group, Tal Aviv group or Amman group…It is a shame,” al-Jaafari said.

“We are meant to find solutions to the sufferings of the Syrian people and that could not be done through manipulation or delusion but rather through transparency and honesty and through giving the representative status to as broad of the opposition spectra as possible for settling the problem yet what is going on in Syria is a proxy war”.

He stressed that the UNSC counterterrorism-related resolutions in the case of Syria prohibit any figure whether a person, a state or entity to incite acts of terrorism, wondering” how could we make peace with a person -supposed to be “a chief negotiator” of the different side while he threatens of terrorist acts and is known for his past rich with acts like encaging women in iron cages and marching with the cages in the streets of Douma town in Damascus Countryside?”

“Constitutionally, it is the duty of the Syrian government to eliminate terrorism from all the Syrian territories and that is why there is no contradiction between the political and military tracks and the government’s engagement in dialogue in Geneva came for gathering all the Syrians around one agenda”, al-Jaafari said, adding that “the operations of the Army and Armed Forces allowed us to have more “stock” in the process of political dialogue.”

Answering a question on whether countries have a good understanding of the Syrian stance, al-Jaafari said that the Arab dimension is not that important because of its deterioration due to the hegemony of some Gulf countries on the decision-making of the Arab League, adding “we have never suffered from isolation in New York as we were able to break isolation and isolated those who attempted to isolate us and there are many western states which deal with respect and credibility with us… they contact us directly although some of them had shut down their embassies in Damascus.”

“All know what is going on in Syria as they are supposed to have realized the cost of what has happened to Libya, Iraq, Sudan and other countries in the world” al-Jaafari said adding, the political changes in stances are based on the resilience of the Syrian Army and leadership in the face of pressures and attempts of destroying the Syrian state.

He clarified that the sides targeting Syria want to transform Syria into a failed state.

English Bulletin

http://sana.sy/en/?p=72186

********************************************************

Syria warns against any attempt to undermine its unity and territorial integrity

http://sana.sy/en/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Foreign-and-Expatriates-Ministry........jpg
17 March، 2016

Damascus, SANA – The Syrian government warned against any attempt to undermine Syria’s unity and territorial integrity under whatever names.

The warning was expressed by a Foreign and Expatriates Ministry source, speaking in a statement to SANA on Thursday.

The government “warns any party against attempting to undermine the territorial integrity of Syria and the unity of its people under whatever names,” the source said in the statement.

That, it added, includes those who gathered in al-Rmeilan city in Hasaka province.

“Raising the issue of a federation or that of federalization would affect the territorial integrity of Syria, which goes against the Constitution, the national concepts and international resolutions,” the source said.

“Any declaration to that effect would be without any legal value and void of any legal, political, social or economic effect as long as it does not reflect the will of the entire Syrian people with all their political leanings and social spectra, who are all committed to the national unity and territorial integrity of their country,” the source added.

The source went on saying that “The main task for our people now is combating terrorism, and any deviation from this goal would be considered support for terrorism and for all those who try to weaken Syria and undermine the will of its heroic army in its endeavor for restoring security and stability nationwide.”

R. Milhem/H. Said

http://sana.sy/en/?p=72217

Comrade

03-18-2016, 12:33 AM

I will start off by saying that I do not think that Russia should have reduced the bombing at this point and probably not for a few more months at least. However, I will definitely not call this “a betrayal.” Let’s rewind back to last year. Washington was obviously preparing to illegally attack the Syrian government by setting up a military base in Turkey to launch the raids from. Russia knew this and responded by setting up its own base in Syria and carried out airstrikes, preventing another criminal US war of aggression. The Russian airbase, including the S-400 anti-aircraft system, is remaining in Syria. Consequently, Washington will not be able to implement Libya 2.0 in Syria. And that really is a major success, in addition to having helped the Syrian army stabilize the front. – Comrade

Syria news:

Putin: Russia may deploy forces back to Syria ‘in mere hours’ if necessary (https://www.rt.com/news/335949-putin-russia-op-syria/) (RT) (In other words, Washington will not be allowed to attack the Syrian government. And any new massive surge of jihadis across the border from Turkey will result in a new wave of major Russian airstrikes. – Comrade)

What Success Looks Like - When a 'withdrawal' is not a withdrawal (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/03/what-success-looks-like-when-withdrawal_14.html) (Fort Russ) (A very good analysis. – Comrade)

Russia’s “Mission Accomplished” Moment in Syria (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/17/russias-mission-accomplished-moment-in-syria/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Syrian Kurds Risk Their Gains With New Federalization Demands (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/03/syrian-kurds-risk-their-gains-with-new-federalization-demands.html) (Moon of Alabama)

S-400 Air Defense Systems Will Remain in Syria After Withdrawal (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/s-400-air-defense-systems-will-remain-syria-after-withdrawal/ri13375) (Russia Beyond the Headlines) (A key point. – Comrade)

9,000 sorties, 400 localities freed: What Russia has achieved during its 5-month Syria operation (https://www.rt.com/news/335596-russia-syria-operation-results/) (RT)

CIA ignored rise of ISIS since 2013, Syrian rebel ‘spy chief’ says (https://www.rt.com/news/335756-cia-ignored-intel-isis/) (RT)

Commander: Iran to Send Commandos, Snipers to Iraq, Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941226000819) (Fars News)

Syria: Top Militant Commander Killed in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941224001102) (Fars News)

Syria: Senior ISIL Commander Killed in Battle with Army near Palmyra (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941224000956) (Fars News)

Russian Warplanes Bomb Column of Terrorists Entering Syria from Turkey (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941225000390) (Fars News)

Russian Air Force Resumes Airstrikes on ISIL Centers in Syria's Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941226000291) (Fars News)

Yesterday’s South Front video analysis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plrBZherq_Y

blindpig

03-18-2016, 07:53 AM

blindpig

03-18-2016, 01:13 PM

'Choose your side'

Commentary by Kemal Okuyan, Secretary of the CC, Communist Party, Turkey (KP), on the March 13th Ankara attack.

Published at soL news portal at 16.03.2016

Choose your side
“You will choose a side, you will be either with us or them”. That is what they are telling us, to everyone...

“I am the national will, I came to power by the vote of the people, I can do what I want” that is how the one in power* starts his words.

“I can jail journalists, I can seize papers, I can order the women not to go out on the streets, if necessary I can order curfew in residential areas in order to oppress the people, I can sell the country out to the bigger powers, declare war on whom I think is weak, I can turn schools into religious 'imam' schools, I can appoint imams as ministers, judges and doctors, if I feel like it I can declare I am a Kurd too and if I choose to, I can declare all Kurds enemies, I can be for peace one day and a warrior the next, I can bully Israel with a 'one minute' show and kowtow to it later, I can beat the workers and students, insult people wholesale and then file a libel suit against everyone, you are either on my side or you are the enemy.”

“I am the national liberation, I am going to determine the future of the Kurdish, I can do whatever I want” is how the one in the mountains** starts his words.

“When necessary, I criticize anyone who says anything against the peace process with the government, later I declare Erdogan a fascist, I save the dictator from being overthrown during "Gezi"*** and later I call everyone to unite under the spirit of "Gezi"; I can be a strategic partner with USA but while at the same time I talk about the games played by imperialism, I can propose a united front and if it doesn't hold, I can issue threats; I demand sensitivity for the massacre of civilian population, I then claim it is legitimate to bomb civilians; I can boast about how it was us who saved Erdogan yesterday and today I can declare we will be waging war until we topple Erdogan; choose your side.”

It is obvious that anyone who doesn't pick a side will be declared an enemy. That is what the ruling government says and PKK is also saying “Let everyone make it clear whose side they are on”.
How will we decide?

Are the Turks and the Kurds the sides here? What if we don't want a dissolution and a solution built on ethnic identities? What if we are Turkish and Kurdish or we are not!

Or is it the pro-US versus the anti-US people? At one stage, AKP was whispering in the ears of the whole Arab world, even to others from Asia to Latin America that “they would put a spoke in US's wheel” while boasting about co-chairing the “Greater Middle East Project”. They were not shy about inviting NATO to the country asking them to “please protect our borders” while blaming the opposition for being led by foreign forces. On the other side, a political line that can ranges from “We are not enemies of US” to “We can further serve the interests of the US”...On top of that long live the revolution! No, this is not a side one can side with either.

Is it the seculars on the one side and the religious reactionaries on the other side? The power is in the hands of the reactionary bigots, that is for sure but the others don't seem to care much about secularism. They are so oblivious to it that they attacked the secular, progressive, pro-enlightenment gains of Turkey with the slogan “Secularism is elitism, it is the tool of denialist and destructive policies” for years. Now they are uniting under the wings of Saidi Nursi****.

When it comes to the rule of market, the capitalist system... The start and the end of everything, the main issue... Is there any choosing sides on this topic? Is is the domination of the bosses versus the workers' rule? Is the polarization built on this?

No.

So, what is this fight about?

“The fight for equality, freedom and justice of the Kurdish people”

No one can say anything against a people's quest for equality, freedom and justice. However, how will equality, freedom and justice be achieved? It is possible to debate about that.

“A brotherly co-existence”, that was what was being said till yesterday. That was being said but what kind of brotherhood is it that looks down on the quest for equality, freedom and justice that is not for “Kurds” only, that does not even think of that quest as legitimate? What kind of unity without answering the question of “What kind of Turkey?” Could “When Kurds are liberated, so will the Turkish” be an answer?

Since that can not be an answer, things have reached the point of forcing one to choose between two sides who are in a competition with each other in limitless violence. And a choosing of sides that is reduced to Turks vs Kurds...

We don't exist or in fact for us such a siding doesn't.

We don't care one bit about the fact that representatives of this system of exploitation, capitalism, the dictatorship of bourgeoisie are screaming to us “Traitooooorrrs”.

We are also not on the same path with those who say “Whatever we do, you have to support us since we are the representatives of an oppressed nation”.

It should be known that number of people who want to get beyond this entrapment is on the rise. The bomb in Ankara did not accelerate the number of people choosing their side but the number of people that are moving out of this “polarization”. The rage against the government is intensifying, so is the rage against the right to “retaliate” against the people!

And yes, of course there is a need to choose sides; another one.

http://icp.sol.org.tr/europe/choose-your-side

blindpig

03-18-2016, 02:23 PM

DAVID GRAEBER’S HOMAGE TO ROJAVA.
The imperialists and the ever-faithful Western “Lefts”, led by chronic NATO-cheerleading “Academic Anarchist” David Graeber and the effervescent celebrity-left cling-on Charles Davis, are attempting to appropriate the Syrian Kurds and engineer a situation in Syria very similar to events that occurred during the Spanish Civil War – both from the perceived propaganda angle with regard to the “Lefts”, and the concrete with regard to the imperialists. As a result of this ongoing deception, those who support Syria against imperial aggression are to be portrayed as obstructing an ostensibly “thriving democratic Kurdish autonomy”, or “Kurdish self-determination” in its supposed battle to create a libertarian anarchist eco-utopia in Northern Syria, and break free from the clutches of the “evil Assad regime”, or, as is otherwise known to adults still able to converse outside the lexicon of Orientalist bourgeois propaganda: the Syrian State and nation at large.

Contrary to the mythical fantasies of Graeber & Co., most Communists are fully aware that this supposed “autonomy” gained via the US military will never be achieved under the aegis of imperialism. It will only be usurped and used to further the reactionary goals of empire in dividing Syria and to further exacerbate the consequences of this reaction and impending subordination of the entire region.

Just as the opportunists and anarchists misunderstood the historico-material international characteristics of the civil war in Spain, followed their own utopias and chose to break with the united front and the republic against Franco’s fascism–they choose to oppose the right of nations – the Syrian nation and all its people regardless of their ethnicity – to self-determination by supporting the inevitable imperial domination and division of Syria such imperial “aid” to the Kurds will engender. In their shortsighted compartmentalized support of a “just cause”, the Western “Left” opportunists and poorly disguised social chauvinists once again support the road to reaction.

People may well “empathize” with oppressed actors seeking to acquire “impure assistance” [from US empire] but it is a Communists duty to expose that “impure assistance” as reactionary to the core, that it is antithetical to the material aims both of the oppressed actor forced into a condition of seeking to attain it and to the working classes and oppressed peoples of the wider region. US empire has never aided even the slightest progressive movement without it being in the US empire’s larger interests, which in turn are nothing but reactionary all along the line.

The “Lefts” could arguably sing: the Kurdish cause in Syria is a “just cause” based on the historical persecution they have undoubtedly received at the hands of the Syrian Arab ruling class, and therefore the Kurds “desiring impure US assistance” must be supported to achieve an assumed utopian future, but this is the argument of a one-sided simpleton. Would a Communist have ever advocated the oppressed Irish take the military or political “aid” – and equally therefore the domination – of the German Nazi’s to break the yoke of the British ruling class, to jump from the frying pan into the fires of hell?

The PYD will have no political authority over the “assistance” they are given by empire, as a result of receiving such aid they must become empire’s subordinates, in line with the Kurdistan Regional Govt in Iraq ruled by the NATO/Israeli clients of the Barzani clan. Again, the US will only aid the PYD and its military wing the YPG if that course of action furthers US imperial interests (hence the rabid support from the imperialist “Left” David Graeber), interests which are fundamentally opposed to the interests of the vast majority of the entire region, not least the vast majority of the Kurdish population. US goals in Syria are the break up of the Syrian State into antagonistic ethno-sectarian “mini-states” incapable of obstructing imperial (Western/Israeli) domination. This is not the road to the emancipation of the Kurdish working class, much less the working classes of Syria and the region. Yet it may well prove to be the road to “freedom” (imperial patronage) for a small minority of bourgeois Kurdish elements – as it has proven to be for the Barzani clan in Iraq – at the price of the enslavement of the majority of the population. The argument could well be made that life “under the regime”, would be no better, but this is an ahistorical blind assumption contrary to all the facts. Life for Syria’s Kurdish minority “under the regime” may well have been oppressive, but it was by no means the worst in the region, and nothing like the oppression minorities receive under US client regimes.

So, our dear “Lefts” end up once again appropriating the sections of the Kurdish Syrian community that mistakenly seek alliances with and aid from fascist US imperialism, by focusing on intermittent flare-ups with the Syrian army and anti-Assad elements from within the PYD, and those who aim to influence it in this direction from without, as the sole expression of the entire Syrian Kurdish community. (As it must also be noted here that the PYD is itself divided on its future path and fluctuating alliances, even as it engages in sporadic clashes with the Syrian army and localised militia of the National Defense Forces, and releasing bellicose denunciations of “Assad’s fascist forces”, there are nonetheless concrete local alliances on the ground elsewhere, not to mention the historic ties between the Syrian Ba’ath and the PKK/PYD leadership) Graeber & Co. are deceptively promoting the partition and weakening of the Syrian nation currently under vast imperial aggression and the imminent threat of reaction from all sides. They are further advocating the Kurds submit to US empire, to become its patsies in a war of aggression, its proxy enforcer against the Syrian army and State; they advocate the PYD succumb to an empire that has played a lead role in the persecution of the Kurdish community for decades upon decades.

It is important to stress that the US empire is not attempting to simply aid the Syrian Kurds’ quest for political autonomy; throughout the insurgency the US and its partners have used “ISIS” & Co. as a tool of coercion against the PYD in attempts to cause further cleavage between them and the Syrian State and to act as a conduit for US/Turkish contras. It is these “rebel” contras that viciously assaulted Kurdish communities ever since the PYD became detached from the puppets of imperialism in the “SNC” and refused to become part of the project against the Syrian State in 2012 – coincidentally, of course, when David Graeber & Co. were no doubt singing the praises of the very same “moderate” chauvinist Takfiris utterly opposed to any form of Kurdish self-rule. The US and Turkey have been very clear that any aid to the PYD would be subject to strict conditions, the principal condition being to abandon their neutral stance – by extension any possibility of Bookchin’s libertarian anarchist eco-utopia – and join these “rebels” against the Syrian army.

While the “Left” imperialists pretend the US is willing to “aid” the Syrian Kurds’ quest for this metaphysical “democratic libertarian autonomy” (or pretend that this is even a practical possibility under current conditions), empires’ Kurdish compradors attempt to usurp and coerce the PYD into an alliance with imperialism, with the ultimate objective of using them as a tool to irrevocably divide and disintegrate the Syrian nation, thus further weakening the entire region and its peoples ability to combat Western-Israeli imperial fascism.

The Western “Lefts” who advocate the Syrian Kurds subordination to the fascist American empire are not supporting Kurdish progression or “self-determination”, they are supporting imperialist reaction under the guise of Kurdish progression. And it is an unfortunate but necessary responsibility that falls upon Communists to remind the Kurds themselves who have been lured by this course of action and these reactionary alliances that they are mistaken in their choices, just as Barzani was mistaken in helping to create the cleavages that now form the puppet Kurdish petro-state of US and Israeli imperialism in Iraq.

It is a Communists duty (a Communist of any nation as we are internationalist in outlook, not philistine chauvinists who make concessions to our own imperial bourgeoisie under guise of supporting “their own chosen natives”) to warn the PYD and its supporters that seeking such “aid” from empire is a reactionary and dangerous policy and will lead to the further immiseration and oppression of the Syrian people, including the oppressed Kurds. Communists should just as surely recognise the historical roots of this antagonism and while lending support to the necessity for a unified Syrian front against imperial fascism to not become accustomed to forgetting to criticise and oppose the chauvinist elements within the Arab ruling classes and their oppression of the Kurdish population. It is about separating the two trends and determining a principled position on them both that forwards the objectives of the global working classes and oppressed people, from within the totality of the class struggle under the modes of production during the current epoch of imperial fascism.

https://notthemsmdotcom.wordpress.com/2015/01/21/david-graebers-homage-to-rojava/

Comrade

03-20-2016, 09:52 PM

Syria news:

Week Twenty-two of the Russian Military Intervention in Syria: Putin announces new strategy (http://thesaker.is/week-twenty-two-of-the-russian-military-intervention-in-syria-putin-announces-new-strategy/), by The Saker.

Was Putin’s Withdrawal from Syria a True Surprise? (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/19/was-putin-s-withdrawal-from-syria-a-true-surprise/), by Maram Susli (AKA Syrian Girl).

Not Coming Home: What Russian Hardware Stays in Syria After Pullout and Why (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160320/1036618424/russian-forces-syria.html) (Sputnik News)

BREAKING: Russian General Staff Confirms Bombing Campaign in Syria to Continue (http://russia-insider.com/en/military/breaking-russian-general-staff-confirms-bombing-campaign-syria-continue/ri13450), by Alexander Mercouris.

Groundwork laid to defeat ISIS in Palmyra, Syria - Russian military (https://www.rt.com/news/336128-palmyra-russia-defeat-isis/) (RT)

ISIS Twitter Accounts Traced to British Government (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/isis-twitter-accounts-traced-saudi-arabia-british-government/ri13463), by Rudy Panko.

Syria: Another Top Commander of ISIL Killed near Palmyra (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941228000478) (Fars News)

Syrian Warplanes Destroy ISIL Vehicles, Underground Arms Depot, Fuel Tank in Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941229000232) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Launches Major Counter-Offensive in Southern Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950101000092) (Fars News)

Russian, Syrian Jets Pound More ISIL Positions in Palmyra (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950101000204) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

The Kurds: Turkey-NATO Genocide? (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/18/the-kurds-turkey-nato-genocide/), by Phil Butler

'Devastating': US Media Turns Back on Horrors of Erdogan’s Kurdish Assault (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160318/1036549949/loud-clear-rt-turkey-kurds.html) (Sputnik News)

Iraq news:

American ISIS fighter arrested in Iraq after ‘mistaking it for Turkish border’ – reports (https://www.rt.com/news/335510-american-isis-syria-iraq/) (RT)

Libya news:

Hillary Emails, Gold Dinars and Arab Springs (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/17/hillary-emails-gold-dinars-and-arab-springs/), by F. William Engdahl.

The Islamic State Is Pretext To Again Mug Libya (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/03/the-islamic-state-is-pretext-to-again-mug-libya.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Think the Colonial Era is Over? Look at Libya, Think Again (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160314/1036260864/libya-war-planning-colonialism-analysis.html) (Sputnik News)

Egypt’s Sisi tells West ‘stay out of Libya’ amid talk of UK military intervention (https://www.rt.com/uk/335991-sisi-libya-military-intervention/) (RT)

Yemen news:

Tens of pro-Saudi mercenaries captured in southern Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/14/455726/Yemen-Saudi-Qaeda-Houthi-Ansarullah) (PressTV)

Toll from Saudi raids on Yemen market hits 119: UN (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/17/456305/Yemen-Meritxell-Relano-alKhamees-Mustaba-Saudi-Arabia) (PressTV) (Obama’s Saudi attack on Yemen continues proving that it is only effective at massacring civilians. – Comrade)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Communist Party of the Russian Federation recognizes the Communist Party of Lugansk (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/03/communist-party-of-russian-federation.html) (Fort Russ)

Most Russians Today Would Vote to Preserve the Soviet Union (http://russia-insider.com/en/society/more-half-russians-polled-would-have-voted-today-preserve-soviet-union/ri13420), by Moses Birch.

Brazil news:

‘Prime Minister’ Lula: The Brazilian game-changer (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/335834-lula-brazil-dilma-economy-rousseff/), by Pepe Escobar.

Argentina news:

Argentina and the Vultures: the Political Economy of the Settlement (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/03/16/argentina-and-the-vultures-the-political-economy-of-the-settlement/), by Mark Weisbrot.

DPRK news:

North Korea Punished for Helping to Liberate Africa (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/18/north-korea-punished-for-helping-to-liberate-africa/), by Andre Vltchek.

Video showing Russian Mi-24s providing cover for the Syrian army’s offensive to liberate Palmyra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhLeeoXcRgM

Comrade

03-25-2016, 12:27 AM

Syria news:

America’s Fake War on ISIS Grinds On (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/21/americas-fake-war-on-isis-grinds-on/), by Tony Cartalucci.

“The Creation of the Jihadist Monster” by the USA: Syrian Catholic Archbishop (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-creation-of-the-jihadist-monster-by-the-usa-syrian-catholic-archbishop/5515500) (Agenzia Fides)

RT Exclusive Documentary Reveals Financial Tracks of Turkey-Daesh Oil Trade (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160324/1036847044/rt-reveals-daesh-turkey-oil-trade.html) (Sputnik News) (More evidence has emerged of NATO-member Turkey’s aid to the “IS.” – Comrade)

US is Offering False Hope to Syria’s Kurds (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/23/us-is-offering-false-hope-to-syrias-kurds/), by Ulson Gunnar.

Hillary Clinton: Destroy Syria for Israel: “The Best Way to Help Israel” (http://www.globalresearch.ca/hillary-clinton-destroy-syria-for-israel-the-best-way-to-help-israel/5515741) (The New Observer) (A look into the absolutely evil mind of Hillary Clinton. – Comrade)

Russian commander confirms active ground troops in Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/23/457257/Syria-Russia-Daesh-Dvornikov) (PressTV) (Russian special forces are active in Syria. – Comrade)

ISIL Loses 100 Fighters in Failed Deir Ezzur Offensive (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950102000138) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Kills 70 Daesh Militants in Battle East of Palmyra – Source (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160323/1036789198/syrian-army-kills-daesh.html) (Sputnik News)

Syrian, Russian Airstrikes Cripple ISIL in Raqqa (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950105000084) (Fars News)

Syrian forces enter Palmyra: TV (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/24/457342/Syria-army-advances-Palmyra-liberation-Daesh) (PressTV) (Palmyra’s liberation has begun. – Comrade)

Video showing Syrian troops entering Palmyra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oepXe6We1UI

Comrade

03-27-2016, 08:43 PM

Huge great news, Palmyra/Tadmur has been liberated from the Western-backed terrorists! In addition, another important town (Qaryatayn) in central Syria has been totally surrounded by the Syrian army. This important victory allows for breaking the siege on Deir ez-Zor, taking back the important al-Tanf border crossing with Iraq, and eventually liberating Raqqa. Washington’s “Sunnistan” project to divide Syria/Lebanon from Iraq/Iran is now in ruins. The West’s Wahhabi puppets will not be getting a “state” in eastern Syria or western Iraq. – Comrade

Syria news:

The Best is Yet to Come: Putin Congratulates Assad on Palmyra Liberation (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160327/1037051456/putin-assad-palmyra-liberation.html) (Sputnik News)

Palmyra Liberation: Syrian Army Officer Reveals Details of Operation (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160327/1037059286/palmyra-liberation-details.html) (Sputnik News)

Palmyra's Liberation, Ishtar's Resurrection And The Easter Walk (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/03/ishtars-resurrection-palmyra-and-the-easter-walk.html) (Moon of Alabama)

VIDEO: State Department Says Maybe Russia, Syrian Army Shouldn't Take Palmyra From ISIS (http://russia-insider.com/en/httpwwwzerohedgecomnews2016-03-25caught-tape-state-dept-says-maybe-russia-syrian-army-shouldnt-take) (Zero Hedge) (Washington can barely hide its anger about the Syrian army liberating Palmyra. – Comrade)

Roundup Of Current News On Syria (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/03/roundup-of-current-news-on-syria.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Untold Story of Syrian Coup: Who is Really Behind the Plot to Topple Assad? (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160325/1036856128/clinton-emails-assad.html) (Sputnik News)

Russian Air Force carried out 41 sorties to support Syrian army’s Palmyra offensive (https://www.rt.com/news/337229-russia-airstrikes-syria-palmyra/) (RT) (In addition, the iconic Palmyra Castle was also liberated on Friday. – Comrade)

Russian 'Rambo' Wipes Out ISIS Thugs by Calling Airstrike on Himself (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/03/russian-rambo-wipes-out-isis-thugs-by.html) (Fort Russ) (Salute. – Comrade)

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Army Cuts Terrorists' Quaryatayn-Palmyra Supply Route (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950107000348) (Fars News)

Syria army forces capture town near Palmyra (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/26/457661/Syria-AlAmiriyah-Palmyra-Daesh-Syrian-army) (PressTV)

Before our eyes: Syria’s Battle for Palmyra in latest RT reports (VIDEOS) (https://www.rt.com/news/337273-rt-footage-syria-isis-palmyra/) (RT)

Russian airstrikes kill 100 terrorists in Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/26/457707/Russia-airstrikes-Syria-Palmyra) (PressTV)

EXCLUSIVE: 500 ISIL Terrorists Killed in Battle with Syrian Army over Palmyra (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950108000418) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

2 Turkish gendarmes killed in PKK car bombing (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/24/457416/turkey-pkk-blast-gendarmerie) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Iraqi Shiite militias say US troops ‘forces of occupation,’ demand withdrawal (https://www.rt.com/news/336434-iraq-shia-militia-us/) (RT)

Palestine news:

Critics Aghast at ‘Disgusting Speech’ Clinton Just Gave to AIPAC (http://www.globalresearch.ca/critics-aghast-at-disgusting-speech-clinton-just-gave-to-aipac/5515735), by Lauren McCauley.

Libya news:

Long Live the King: Why Restoration of Monarchy in Libya Suits West's Needs (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160325/1036982832/restoration-monarchy-libya.html) (Sputnik News) (Some of us were warning of a Western plot to restore the puppet monarchy five years ago when Obama launched his criminal war against Libya. – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Yemen Ceasefire May ‘Contribute to Downfall of Saudi Regime’ (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160326/1036996728/yemen-ceasefire-saudi-regime-downfall.html) (Sputnik News) (The Yemenis have now withstood one year of Western-backed Saudi aggression. – Comrade)

The Wahhabis' War On Yemen One Year On - When Will Riyadh Fall? (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/03/the-wahhabis-war-on-yemen-one-year-on.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Donetsk Blog Mar 25: Residential Areas Under Fire - Mercenaries Legalized - Kiev’s Plan to Seize Donbass (http://russia-insider.com/en/donetsk-blog-mar-25-residential-areas-under-fire-kievs-plan-seize-donbass-mercenaries-legalised), by Irina Burya.

LPR: Kiev pulling in foreign mercenaries for Donbass operation (http://tass.ru/en/world/864810) (ITAR-TASS)

Washington, Kiss Your Silly Missile Defense Goodbye (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/22/washington-kiss-your-silly-missile-defense-goodbye/), by F. William Engdahl.

Kyrgyzstan news:

Kyrgyzstan says recordings posted online confirm opposition’s plans to seize power (http://tass.ru/en/world/864426) (ITAR-TASS) (Another color coup attempt has been uncovered in Kyrgyzstan. – Comrade)

Yugoslavia news:

1,000s of Serbs march against NATO in Belgrade (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/337379-serbs-march-against-nato/) (RT)

Brazil news:

BRICS Under Attack: The Empire Strikes Back In Brazil (http://www.globalresearch.ca/brics-under-attack-the-empire-strikes-back-in-brazil/5516634), by Eric Draitser. (It should also be added that of all the five BRICS countries, Brazil is in some regards the ‘weak link’ – the one BRICS country where the traitorous compradors are the very strongest and most politically organized. If Brazil can manage to hang on and defeat the coup-attempt, it will be a huge victory against US imperialism. – Comrade)

Brazil's revolution starting to reveal its true colors (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/336440-brazils-revolution-color-escobar/), by Pepe Escobar.

EU news:

Why Western Outrage Following the Brussels Terrorist Attacks Is Useless (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20160322/1036755630/brussels-attacks-west-terrorism.html), by Alexander Mercouris.

EU-funded BBC documentary on Obama sparks allegations of anti-Brexit bias (https://www.rt.com/uk/336484-obama-documentary-eu-brexit/) (RT)

US news:

Arizona: Hillary Clinton’s Election Fraud Masterpiece (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/arizona-hillary-clintons-election-fraud-masterpiece/ri13524), by Rudy Panko.

Video showing part of the Syrian army’s successful operation to liberate Palmyra/Tadmur from the West’s puppets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiOkkUbWG1I

Comrade

04-01-2016, 01:00 AM

Syria news:

All quiet on Western front after Syrian forces recapture Palmyra from ISIS (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/337436-western-front-palmyra-syria/), by Danielle Ryan.

If US-led coalition really fought terrorism, Palmyra wouldn’t have fallen – Assad’s adviser to RT (https://www.rt.com/news/337493-syria-palmyra-assad-adviser/) (RT)

ISIS ‘Department of Artifacts’ document exposes antique loot trade via Turkey (RT EXCLUSIVE) (https://www.rt.com/news/337829-isis-artifacts-trade-turkey/) (RT) (More evidence of NATO’s involvement in aiding the “IS”. – Comrade)

Assad:Terrorism in Syria, Iraq Directly Supported From Turkey, Saudi Arabia (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160330/1037190003/assad-interview-terrorism-support.html) (Sputnik News)

Kerry’s Plan at Balkanising Syria (http://journal-neo.org/2016/03/29/kerry-s-plan-at-balkanising-syria/), by Maram Susli.

Military advisers, 2K pinpoint airstrikes: How Russia helped free Palmyra from ISIS (https://www.rt.com/news/337919-russian-advisers-syria-palmyra/) (RT)

Russian soldier who called airstrike on himself while surrounded by ISIS is hero (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/337774-russian-soldier-aleksandr-prochorenko/), by John Wight.

First-hand look at ancient site of liberated Palmyra (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/337680-palmyra-video-bombs-engineers/) (RT)

Surprise Syrian showdown: 'Pentagon-backed rebels fighting CIA-backed rebels' (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/337646-syrian-showdown-pentagon-rebels/) (RT) (LOL, now that is a real “inter-bureaucratic rivalry”… – Comrade)

Russian Air Force Pounds ISIL's Military Positions in Southeastern Homs (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950110000424) (Fars News)

Syria in Last 24 Hours: Army Takes Control of More Key Regions in Hama (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950111000064) (Fars News)

‘Delayed action mine’: ISIS failed to obliterate Palmyra, left behind jihadi paperwork (https://www.rt.com/news/337969-isis-palmyra-mines-documents/) (RT)

Video showing the Russian air force assisting the liberation of Palmyra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msRy7XiHK3s

Comrade

04-03-2016, 09:52 PM

Another Sunday, another huge victory for the Syrian army: Qaryatayn, a key town in central Syria, has just been liberated from the Western-backed terrorists. – Comrade

Syria news:

U.S. CentCom History: "2014 - Syrian Terrorist Group ISIS Invades Iraq" (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/us-centcom-history-in-2014-the-syrian-terrorist-group-isis-invaded-iraq-.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Now Washington is trying to claim that the “IS” invaded Iraq from Syria when it actually invaded Syria from Iraq. – Comrade)

Turkey is key supplier of weapons, military hardware to ISIS - Russian envoy to UN (https://www.rt.com/news/338038-isis-weapons-turkey-churkin/) (RT)

Al-Nusra Front's Positions Razed Down by Syrian Army in Damascus Countryside (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950113000121) (Fars News)

Syrian Air Force Destroys Al-Nusra Front's Military Positions in Eastern Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950113000321) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Takes Control Over Mountain Range Near Al-Qaryatayn (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160402/1037391709/syrian-army-al-qaryatayn.html) (Sputnik News)

Emir of Raqqa, Several ISIL Commanders Killed in Syrian Air Attacks (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000730) (Fars News)

Syria: Russian Warplanes Hit ISIL Positions Hard in Raqqa (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000707) (Fars News)

Lattakia: Tens of Terrorists Killed in Failed Attacks on Syrian Army Positions (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950115000705) (Fars News)

50 Al-Nusra Terrorists Killed in Clashes in Hama Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950115001099) (Fars News)

Syrian forces recapture Daesh-held town of al-Qaryatain west of Palmyra (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/03/458881/Russia-Syria-alQaryatayn-SANA-Daesh-Takfiri-Abdurrahman/) (PressTV) (The full story, with videos, on this week’s biggest victory. – Comrade)

Lebanon news:

Will Lebanon be ‘Handed Over’ to ISIS? (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/02/will-lebanon-be-handed-over-to-isis/), by Andre Vltchek.

Turkey news:

Six Turkish forces killed in alleged PKK bombing (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/02/458793/Turkey-PKK-militants-security-forces-Nusaybin-district-Mardin-Province-military-operations/) (PressTV)

Turkish ‘Ministry of Religion’ promotes martyrdom to children in colorful comic strips (https://www.rt.com/news/338278-turkey-diyanet-children-martyrdom/) (RT) (This is the government that Washington wants to force the EU to accept as its newest member. Not gonna happen. – Comrade)

Iraq news:

EXCLUSIVE: Iraqi Popular Forces Cut ISIL's Strategic Iraq-Syria Supply Route (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950109000128) (Fars News)

Libya news:

Five Years into the Libyan Disaster (http://www.globalresearch.ca/five-years-into-the-libyan-disaster/5517118), by Abayomi Azikiwe.

Yemen news:

US Helicopter Fails to Rescue ISIL Leader in Ta'iz Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950112000375) (Fars News)

Dozens of Saudi-led troops killed in north Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/31/458426/Yemen-Saudi-Red-Sea-clashes/) (PressTV)

Yemeni forces capture 42 Saudi troops in Bayda, Jawf provinces (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/03/458958/Yemen-Saudi-Bayda-Jawf-Houthi/) (PressTV)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Ukraine-EU Association: From Self-Determination to Foreign Domination (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/02/ukraine-eu-association-from-self-determination-to-foreign-domination/), by Ulson Gunnar.

The Neocon Plan to Dismantle Russia (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/nwo-plan-dismantle-russia/ri13604), by Stephen Morgenstern.

Ghosts of the Past: The Story of Red Army Captives in Poland (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160402/1037384229/poland-death-camps-red-army.html), by Ekaterina Blinova.

Nagorno-Karabakh news:

Armenia’s president orders to work out mutual military alliance treaty with Karabakh (http://tass.ru/en/world/866821) (ITAR-TASS)

What's Behind Nagorno-Karabakh Row Between Armenia and Azerbaijan (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160402/1037386732/nagorno-karabakh-conflict.html) (Sputnik News) (Washington’s latest provocation – renewal of fighting along the Nagorno-Karabakh / Azeri border. At least one Azeri Mi-24 was shot down on Saturday. Note that Armenia is a CSTO and Eurasian Economic Union member. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is a small Armenian-majority state that became independent from Azerbaijan back in the 1990s, following a brutal war won by the Armenian side. – Comrade)

Yugoslavia news:

International Injustice: the Conviction of Radovan Karadzic (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/03/30/international-injustice-the-conviction-of-radovan-karadzic/), by Diana Johnstone.

Brazil news:

Brazil, like Russia, under attack by Hybrid War (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/337411-brazil-russia-hybrid-attack/), by Pepe Escobar.

Cuba news:

Monroe Doctrine Ghosts: Why Washington's Soft Power Does Not Work in Cuba (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160326/1037025237/us-soft-power-cuba.html) (Sputnik NewS)

India news:

Different Folks: Why India and the US Can't Be Close Allies (http://russia-insider.com/en/different-folks-why-india-and-us-cant-be-close-allies/ri13656), by Rakesh Krishnan Simha.

China news:

The Mysterious Letter: Is Washington Plotting Against Xi Jinping? (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/01/the-mysterious-letter-is-washington-plotting-against-xi-jinping/), by Caleb Maupin.

China Is Already Living in 2020 (http://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2016/03/28/china-is-already-living-in-2020.html), by Pepe Escobar. (Among other things, state-owned enterprises remain a key component of China’s development projects. – Comrade)

The China-Russia alliance is in full bloom – if you know where to look (http://thesaker.is/the-china-russia-alliance-is-in-full-bloom-if-you-know-where-to-look/), by Jeff J. Brown.

Vietnam news:

US Rewriting History of Vietnam War, a Genocide of 3.8 Million (http://sputniknews.com/us/20160330/1037172102/us-vietnam-genocide-whitewash-massacre.html) (Sputnik News)

Ireland news:

Irish Unification Remains the Issue: Easter Rebels Vindicated by New Report (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/03/29/irish-unification-remains-the-issue-easter-rebels-vindicated-by-new-report/), by Dan Glazebrook.

USA news:

Erdogan’s Security Team Thinks They Have Jurisdiction in Washington, DC (http://sputniknews.com/us/20160401/1037303170/erdogan-us-press-crackdown.html) (Sputnik News)

Video showing part of the Syrian army’s battle to liberate Qaryatayn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti5QEAN2T8s

Dhalgren

04-03-2016, 11:48 PM

Turkish ‘Ministry of Religion’ promotes martyrdom to children in colorful comic strips (RT) (This is the government that Washington wants to force the EU to accept as its newest member. Not gonna happen. – Comrade)

I don't know, Europe seems to be very much in line with US policies. If there is profit in it, Europe will pony-up...

Comrade

04-08-2016, 12:49 AM

I don't know, Europe seems to be very much in line with US policies. If there is profit in it, Europe will pony-up...

While I totally agree that the Western Euro bourgeoisie are complete US puppets, Cyprus will veto any Turkish attempt to join the EU (Turkey still occupies the northern half of Cyprus in an ongoing dispute). – Comrade

Syria news:

Reports of Russia’s Defeat in Syria are Greatly Exaggerated (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/04/reports-of-russias-defeat-in-syria-are-greatly-exaggerated/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Syria - As Rebels Break Ceasefire Army Gathers For New Campaign (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/syria-as-rebels-break-ceasefire-army-gathers-for-new-campaign.html) (Moon of Alabama)

British Collusion with Sectarian Violence in Syria (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/05/british-collusion-with-sectarian-violence-in-syria/), by Dan Glazenbrook and Sukant Chandan.

Churches burnt, cemeteries desecrated: RT visits liberated town of Al-Qaryatayn, Syria (https://www.rt.com/news/338453-syria-christian-al-qaryatain-retaken/) (RT)

Syrian Students Tell Sputnik Why They Swapped Their Textbooks for Guns (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160407/1037626356/syria-students-sputnik-exclusive-interviews.html) (Sputnik News)

After the War: Syrian Soldiers Reveal Hopes for When the Fighting Ends (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160406/1037591396/syria-after-war-interviews-soldiers.html) (Sputnik News)

Iran Sends Commandos to Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950116000494) (Fars News)

Al-Nusra Front's Spokesman Killed in Syrian-Russian Joint Airstrike in Idlib (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950116000447) (Fars News)

Al-Eis Recapture Paves Way for Syrian Army Move to Idlib Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950118000919) (Fars News)

Shocking images show victims of chemical attack on Aleppo neighborhood in Syria (PHOTOS, VIDEOS) (https://www.rt.com/news/338847-shocking-images-sheikh-maqsood/) (RT) (Washington’s “moderate rebels” have just attacked Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhood with chemical weapons. – Comrade)

Syrian Army Kills Over 70 ISIL Militants East of Damascus Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950119000581) (Fars News)

ISIS vehicles hunted & destroyed by Russian Mi-28 helicopters in Syrian desert (MILITARY VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/338749-russian-helicopters-syria-isis/) (RT)

Video showing advanced Russian Ka-52 attack helicopters in action against the West’s “IS” puppets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oixIcGRG0U

Comrade

04-10-2016, 09:17 PM

Syria news:

U.S. Delivers 3,000 Tons Of Weapons And Ammo To Al-Qaeda & Co in Syria (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/us-delivers-3000-tons-of-weapons-and-ammo-to-al-qaeda-co-in-syria.html) (Moon of Alabama)

US reporters ignore first journalist tour of liberated Palmyra organized by Russian military – MoD (https://www.rt.com/news/338971-us-journalists-ignore-palmyra/) (RT)

Syria prepares op to liberate Aleppo, Russia to assist – agencies cite PM Halaki (https://www.rt.com/news/339100-syria-russia-aleppo-operation/)(RT)

Why Russia Withdrew Su-25 Assault Aircraft From Syria but Brought in Attack Helicopters (http://russia-insider.com/en/su-25-attack-helicopters/ri13814), by Mark Nicholas. (The attack helicopters have defense systems to protect against shoulder-fired missiles. – Comrade)

5 facts about Jaysh al-Islam, group that used chem weapons in Syria & has delegate at UN peace talks (https://www.rt.com/news/338939-islamists-chemical-weapons-talks/) (RT)

EXCLUSIVE: Israel, Terrorists Closely Cooperating in Quneitra (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950121000769) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Wins Back 2 Strategic Villages in Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950120000529) (Fars News)

Turkey Sends Special Forces to Aleppo City to Help Al-Nusra Terrorists Fight Kurds (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950121001261) (Fars News) (The Syrian Kurds have already killed at least two of the Turkish invaders. – Comrade)

ISIL Oil Convoy Destroyed in Russian Airstrikes East of Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950121000949) (Fars News)

ISIL Leader Executed in Deir Ezzur As Sign of Warning (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950121001246) (Fars News)

Syrian forces retake two villages in Aleppo (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/10/460039/Syria-army-soldiers-recapture-villages-Aleppo-Daesh-Takfiri-militants-Barneh-Zytan/) (PressTV)

Ahrar Al-Sham's Top Aleppo Commander Killed (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950122001467) (Fars News)

Lebanon news:

Hezbollah destroys Daesh bunker on Lebanon's border with Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/05/459157/Lebanon-Hezbollah-Daesh-bunker/) (PressTV)

Turkey news:

Turkey’s Gaziantep is main ISIS trade hub of antiques hauled in Syria & Iraq – Russian UN envoy (https://www.rt.com/news/338705-turkey-syria-artifacts-trade-churkin/) (RT)

Five Turkish policemen killed in PKK militant attacks (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/07/459636/PKK-attack-Turkish-policemen-killed-injured-Turkey-Nusaybin-Mardin/) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Iraq liberates Hit center from Daesh occupation (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/08/459724/Iraq-Hit-recapture/) (PressTV)

Iran news:

‘EU fearful of normalizing ties with Iran without US permission’ (https://www.rt.com/op-edge/338541-iran-us-sanctions-agreement/) (RT)

Iran's $10Bln Mega Canal Could be Game Changer in Global Trade Routes (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160409/1037748591/trans-iran-canal-prospects-analysis.html) (Sputnik News) (This would be geopolitically huge. – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Yemeni rocket kills 70 Saudi mercenaries in Jawf: TV (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/06/459384/Yemen-Jawf-Houthi-Ansarullah-JIzan-Hajjah-Hadi/) (PressTV)

Three Saudi-backed commanders killed in Yemen (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/06/459476/Yemen-proHadi-Houthi-Ansarullah/) (PressTV)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Yatsenyuk Goes - Finally! (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/yatsenyuk-goes-finally/ri13816), by Alexander Mercouris.

61% of Dutch voters say no to ratifying EU-Ukraine deal – preliminary results (https://www.rt.com/news/338694-dutch-referendum-ukraine-eu/) (RT)

"Suicide Bomber Battalion" Formed on the Crimean Border (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/suicide-bomber-battalion-formed-on.html) (Fort Russ)

Ex-UFC fighter Jeff Monson comes out as fan of Russian Communist Party, wants to enlist (VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/sport/339031-jeff-monson-communist-party/) (RT) (Interesting. – Comrade)

Belarus news:

Belarus Develops New 'Color Revolution-Crushing' Military Doctrine (http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160409/1037763315/belarus-new-military-doctrine-analysis.html) (Sputnik News) (Excellent. – Comrade)

Nagorno-Karabakh news:

Katehon Forecast: Nagorno-Karabakh Ceasefire will not last long (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/katehon-forecast-nagorno-karabakh.html), by Katehon.

Turkish mercenaries and trainers to help the Azerbaijani army to attack Karabakh (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/turkish-mercenaries-and-trainers-to.html) (Fort Russ)

Brazil news:

The Forces Behind the Attempted Coup in Brazil (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/05/the-forces-behind-the-attempted-coup-in-brasil/), by Mark Weisbrot.

“Panama Papers” news:

The Panama Papers: The People Deceived (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/09/the-panama-papers-the-people-deceived/), by Christopher Black.

Hybrid War, From Palmyra to Panama (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20160407/1037639203/palmyra-panama-war-scandal.html), by Pepe Escobar.

Selective Leaks Of The #PanamaPapers Create Huge Blackmail Potential (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/selected-leak-of-the-panamapapers-creates-huge-blackmail-potential.html) (Moon of Alabama)

The Panama Papers: Why Iceland? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-panama-papers-why-iceland/5519510), by Gearóid Ó Colmáin. (Interesting report on why Iceland was targeted. – Comrade)

France news:

French Intelligence Knew About Paris Attacks, Failed to React (http://sputniknews.com/military/20160410/1037791754/french-intelligence-failed-paris-attacks.html) (Sputnik News)

USA news:

The CIA’s Work With Hollywood Filmmakers (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-cias-work-with-hollywood-filmmakers/5519436), by Adam Johnson. (Another reason NOT to watch shitty Hollywood movies. – Comrade)

Video showing thousands of patriotic citizens celebrating the Donetsk People’s Republic’s second anniversary:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KExI1FOeCk

Comrade

04-15-2016, 12:32 AM

Syria news:

Syria starts counting votes in parliamentary polls (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/14/460772/Syria-Damascus-Geneva-Parliamentary-elections-Assad/) (PressTV) (Much to Washington’s chagrin, Syria has successfully held its scheduled 2016 parliamentary elections. Turnout was higher than in 2012. The results are to be released soon. – Comrade)

Turkey aiding al-Nusra ahead of major Aleppo strike: Russia (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/12/460301/turkey-syria-alnusra-russia/) (PressTV) (NATO’s Turkey continues endlessly aiding al-Queda. – Comrade)

Turkey Shells Syrian Government Forces in Latakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950124001090) (Fars News)

Transitional government nothing short of coup d'etat: Syria (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/13/460647/syria-coup-assad-geneva/) (PressTV) (The Syrian government will not allow a Western-orchestrated coup to occur under the guise of a “transitional government.” – Comrade)

Islamic State Attacks, Occupies Erdogan's "Safe Zone" (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/islamic-state-occupies-erdogans-safe-zone.html) (Moon of Alabama) (Rival groups of Western-backed terrorists are killing each other north of Aleppo along the Turkish border. – Comrade)

Syria: Palmyra Airbase Ready for Hosting Combat, Logistic Flights (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950123000695) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, Allies Force Terrorists to Retreat from Heights North of Latakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950123000947) (Fars News)

Deir Ezzur: Syrian Air Force Destroys ISIL's Headquarters (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950125000952) (Fars News)

All Al-Nusra Leaders inside Dara'a Center Killed, Wounded in Army Attack (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950126000321) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, Hezbollah Cut off Terrorists' Major Supply Route in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950126000869) (Fars News)

A video showing the Syrian army beating back the West’s al-Nusra puppets in Latakia province:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKrIjBw_G9M

Comrade

04-17-2016, 09:05 PM

Syria news:

Syria’s ruling coalition wins majority of Syrian parliamentary seats (http://presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/17/461222/Syria-parliament-elections-National-Unity/) (PressTV) (The Ba’ath Party’s coalition, which includes the Syrian communists and other patriotic parties, won 200 out of 250 seats. This is up from around 170 seats in the 2012 elections. – Comrade)

Hand in Hand: Untold Story of Muslim Brotherhood's Collusion With Daesh (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160416/1038130401/muslim-brotherhood-daesh-middle-east.html) (Sputnik News)

Syrian man says FSA killed his baby son to recruit him (https://www.rt.com/news/339775-syria-army-moderate-opposition/) (RT) (A closer look at the West’s so-called “moderate rebels.” – Comrade)

Evidence Points to the CIA Targeting Assad, Not Daesh in Syria (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160414/1038026738/cia-syria-rebels-daesh-assad.html) (Sputnik News)

Syrian official: IS may have got air defense systems from Turkey, Saudi Arabia (http://tass.ru/en/world/870076) (ITAR-TASS)

Syrian Analyst: Iran, Russia, Syria to Jointly Control Aleppo Operations' Command Center (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950129000685) (Fars News)

Over 150 Terrorists Cross Turkish Border to Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950127000344) (Fars News)

EXCLUSIVE: 90 Terrorists, Incl. Commanders, Killed in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950128001311) (Fars News)

Russian, Syrian Warplanes Hit ISIL Centers Hard West of Raqqa (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950128000435) (Fars News)

Syrian Army Targets Terrorists' Military Column near Border with Turkey (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950128000928) (Fars News)

Syrian army liberates airport near Damascus from Daesh (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/17/461165/Syria-Damascus-Daesh-Air/) (PressTV)

Iraq news:

Hearts and Minds: Poll Says 93% of Young Iraqis Consider America an Enemy (http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160414/1037972193/Iraq-poll-young-enemy-americans.html) (Sputnik News)

Report: US Military Advisors Secretly Meet ISIL Leaders (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950125001125) (Fars News)

Volunteer Forces: US Helping ISIL to Survive in Iraq (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950125001044) (Fars News)

Iran news:

First Batch of S-300 Has Been Delivered to Iran (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/first-batch-of-s-300-has-been-delivered.html) (Fort Russ) (They will be armed and ready if Hillary becomes president. – Comrade)

Yemen news:

Mass rallies held in Yemen against Saudi offensive (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/15/460929/Yemen-Saudi-Houthi-Ansarullah/) (PressTV)

Clashes kill pro-Hadi commander in Yemen: Report (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/13/460597/Yemen-Hadi-Sanaa-Houthi/) (PressTV)

Libya news:

Soft Coup In Libya Causes Meltdown, Breakup (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/the-soft-coup-in-libya-cause-meltdown-breakup.html) (Moon of Alabama) (The Western-concocted “Government of National Accord” is simply an attempt by the West to strengthen their favored Misrati “Muslim” Brotherhood puppets against the secular, Egyptian-backed Tobruk government. – Comrade)

Barack, Hillary and the Libya Crime (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/15/barack-hillary-and-the-libya-crime/), by Margaret Kimberley.

Clinton Lied - Benghazi Attack Was Part Of A Larger Operation (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/newly-released-documents-prove-that-clinton-lied-about-the-benghazi-attack.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Afghanistan news:

Trains Against Terrorism: The New Silk Road Crosses Afghanistan (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/11/trains-against-terrorism-the-new-silk-road-crosses-afghanistan/), by Caleb Maupin.

Taliban Spring Offensive to Include Suicide Attacks Against US Forces (http://sputniknews.com/asia/20160413/1037905435/taliban-suicide-bombing-us-afghan.html) (Sputnik News)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Meet Andriy Parubiy, the Former Neo-Nazi Leader Turned Speaker of Ukraine’s Parliament (http://russia-insider.com/en/meet-andriy-parubiy-former-neo-nazi-leader-turned-speaker-ukraines-parliament/ri13928), by Jon Hellevig.

Hired By Nuland, Fired By Nuland (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/hired-by-nuland-fired-by-nuland.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Post-Mortem on Dutch Rejection of Ukraine Agreement (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/post-mortem-dutch-rejection-ukraine-agreement/ri13827) (Vzglyad.ru)

Odessans: May the Ground Burn Under the Feet of the Occupiers! (Video) (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/odessans-may-ground-burn-under-feet-occupiers-video/ri13866), by Alexei Pankin.

EU to 'Palm Off' Ukraine With Membership Promises for at Least 20 Years (http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160412/1037892011/eu-ukraine-promises.html) (Sputnik News)

British intelligence archives: Navalny is a MI6 & CIA agent (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/british-intelligence-archives-navalny.html) (Antimaidan)

Nagorno-Karabakh news:

Why It Is Armenians Who Won the 2nd Karabakh War (http://russia-insider.com/en/why-armenians-won-karabakh-war/ri13922), by Anatoly Karlin.

What's Israel's Role in the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict? (http://sputniknews.com/military/20160417/1038168379/karabakh-israel-role-analysis.html) (Sputnik News) (The leader of Azerbaijan is in bed with Israel. – Comrade)

Brazil news:

Brazilian Coup Threatens Democracy and National Sovereignty (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/15/brazilian-coup-threatens-democracy-and-national-sovereignty/), by Mark Weisbrot.

“Panama Papers” news:

CIA behind Panama Papers leaks, says 'most significant financial whistleblower of all time' (https://www.rt.com/news/339457-panama-leaks-cia-operation/) (RT)

USA news:

Obama Sides with Saudis, Opposes Bill to Release 9/11 Findings (http://sputniknews.com/us/20160416/1038136433/obama-sides-saudis-bill-release-911-findings.html) (Sputnik News)

Bernie Sanders’ Jewish Outreach Director Suspended for Blunt and Honest Criticism of Netanyahu Government (http://www.globalresearch.ca/bernie-sanders-jewish-outreach-director-suspended-for-blunt-and-honest-criticism-of-netanyahu-government/5520471), by Anthony Bellchambers. (“The Bern” has just suspended his ‘Jewish outreach director’ for criticizing Netanyahu. No wonder US bourgeois media only targets Trump and not Sanders… -- Comrade)

Video showing the Donetsk People’s Republic’s army training this week (the LPR army also carried out massive drills, but that is not shown in this video):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za2tgkMClLM

blindpig

04-18-2016, 01:33 PM

Vladimir Suchan shared El Murid 's the post .
5 hrs ·

El Murid
5 hrs ·
Syrian rebels launched an offensive in the area of Kensabba Latakia province, which was released by the Syrian army in mid-February. It should be noted that we are talking about militants, who are called moderate opposition - not Al-Nusra and especially not LIH, which are from birth was not. The truce is clearly going down.

Question - Who exactly are we so heroically won, that had a low start to claim victory and the withdrawal of troops - already set is awkward. One of the most shameful wars in the history of Russia, where we have simply used as a disposable item. War without any goals, objectives and perespektiv.

Now everything comes into compliance. West's task is completed - a promise of Russian assistance to the exhausted army Assad Boros in the last and decisive attack, after which its combat capabilities have been exhausted completely. The traitors in the Kremlin could safely go for the cookies - though not in the State Department - not by rank, holuёv sent to the servants. But the servants refused to pay the debts of the same owners, leaving the Kremlin with an outstretched hand.

Well, the war in Syria, starting in the new. Now, before the rebels completely bloodless Syrian army, which the year before had been on the verge, but today it just undermined opportunities. A Russian aides have already won and have no obligation to Syria. Officially, we have already reached, and if the order to be followed - and then derive the remaining parts as rapidly. Promoting change of notation on the fly and say - well, you do not want to see our boys were killed is not clear why. And the truth - do not want. Because the genius cheers High, who hath not given us lure into another trap.

Ugh, in general. With such a policy to talk about it calmly and reasonably get less and less. Stunning Russian leadership's ability to turn to shit everything it touches.

https://www.facebook.com/vladimir.suchan/posts/10153537436593388

Dhalgren

04-18-2016, 02:54 PM

Ugh, in general. With such a policy to talk about it calmly and reasonably get less and less. Stunning Russian leadership's ability to turn to shit everything it touches.

But only for the promise of a share in empire, Vlad. The Kremlin is a business, after all.

Comrade

04-22-2016, 12:50 AM

Fortunately, all of al-Nusra’s recent attacks near Aleppo and in northern Latakia province have been beaten back by the Syrian army with support from the Russian air force. – Comrade

Syria news:

Syria - "Rebel" Sponsors Order A New Round Of Defeat (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/syria-rebel-sponsors-order-a-new-round-of-defeat.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Ankara’s anti-Kurd crackdown spills over border onto Syrian civilians (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO) (https://www.rt.com/news/340014-ankara-shelling-syrian-civilians/) (RT)

For Russia the Syria Intervention Has Been Well Worth the $500 Million Spent (http://russia-insider.com/en/syria-withdrawal/ri13945), by Anatoly Karlin.

5,000 Militants Entered Aleppo, Idlib from Turkey (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950202000548) (Fars News)

EXCLSUIVE: Terrorists' Massive Operations Fail in Western Aleppo, 40 Militants Killed (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950201001276) (Fars News)

Terrorists' Supply Route Cut off in Syrian Airstrike South of Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950201000633) (Fars News)

Damascus: Senior Jeish Al-Islam Commanders Killed, Captured by Syrian Army (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950201000852) (Fars News)

Tajik Commander among 75 ISIL Members Killed in Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950202000464) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, NDF Storm Terrorists' Strongholds in Damascus, Kill 20 Militants (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950202000431) (Fars News)

Video showing the Syrian army fighting the Western-backed terrorists in Latakia province:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy2299Dh4-k

Comrade

04-24-2016, 08:15 PM

Syria news:

Syrian Elections Confirm West’s Worst Fears (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/23/syrian-elections-confirm-wests-worst-fears/), by Tony Cartalucci.

ISIS bomb cache in Palmyra: Russian sappers unearth depot with 12,000 explosive devices (https://www.rt.com/news/340640-explosive-devises-cache-palmyra/) (RT) (Undoubtedly, many of these explosive devices were originally provided to “vetted moderate rebels” by Western intelligence agencies. – Comrade)

Syrian Army Receives Russian All-Seeing Portable Radars (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/syrian-army-receives-russian-all-seeing.html) (Fort Russ)

Russian, Syrian Fighter Jets Pound ISIL Centers in Aleppo Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950203000213) (Fars News)

Syria: Heavy Infighting Erupts between Terrorists West of Dara'a Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950203000535) (Fars News)

Russian-Syrian Joint Airstrikes Inflict Major Casualties on Terrorists in Latakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950204001019) (Fars News)

Syria: Gov't Forces Push ISIL back from more Lands near Ancient Palmyra (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950204000547) (Fars News)

Top terrorist commander killed in northwest Syria bombing (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/24/462248/Syria-Takfiri-militant-commander-Ahrar-alSham-bombing-attack-Binnish-Idlib/) (PressTV)

ISIL Seizes FSA's Anti-Tank Missiles in Dara'a (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950205000421) (Fars News)

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Army Kills 100 Takfiri Terrorists in Aleppo's Rashidin (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950205001404) (Fars News)

Turkey news:

3 Turkish soldiers killed in PKK militant attack (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/22/462014/Turkey-soldiers-PKK-Tunceli/) (PressTV)

Libya news:

Washington’s Fake War on ISIS “Moves” to Libya (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/20/washington-s-fake-war-on-isis-moves-to-libya/), by Ulson Gunnar.

Meltdown in Libya (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/meltdown-in-libya.html), by Richard Galustian.

Libya’s “Green Resistance” Movement against US-NATO (http://www.globalresearch.ca/libyas-green-resistance-movement-against-us-nato/5521555), by Hugo Turner and Alexandra Valiente.

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Full Report: Sharp Increase in Donbass fighting - last 72 hours (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/full-report-sharp-increase-in-donbass.html) (Fort Russ)

Brazil news:

Hybrid War Hyenas Tear Brazil Apart (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/hybrid-war-hyenas-tear-brazil-apart/ri13952), by Pepe Escobar.

Venezuela news:

Venezuela’s Opposition: Attacking Its Own People (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/20/venezuelas-opposition-attacking-its-own-people/), by Eric Draitser.

Cuba news:

Fidel Castro: “The Cuban People will Win” (http://www.globalresearch.ca/fidel-castro-the-cuban-people-will-win/5520989) (Cuba Debate)

China news:

Hong Kong Gets New US-backed Party (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/18/hong-kong-gets-new-us-backed-party/), by Tony Cartalucci.

UK news:

‘Back of free trade queue’: Brits slam Obama for ‘threats’ over Brexit (https://www.rt.com/uk/340682-brits-obama-trade-queue-brexit/) (RT) (Obama is now threatening the UK that if it votes to leave the EU it will not get favorable trade deals with the US. Washington is terrified of the UK leaving the EU because the US uses the UK to control France/Germany. Without the UK in the EU, France/Germany would dominate the EU and Washington would eventually get squeezed out of continental Western Europe. I suspect that Washington will instruct London to rig the vote against Brexit. – Comrade)

US news:

Hillary Clinton’s Support Base as Bogus as US Democracy (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/22/hillary-clintons-support-base-as-bogus-as-us-democracy/), by Eric Draitser. (A new study has found that most of Hillary’s online “friends” are actually fake accounts. – Comrade)

A former paid “Internet troll” for Clinton speaks out: It was “nasty” and “left a very bad taste” (http://smokinghotpoliticaljunkies.com/a-former-paid-internet-troll-for-clinton-speaks-out-it-was-nasty-and-left-a-very-bad-taste/), by Julie Driscoll. (Hillary also has an army of paid Internet trolls trying to pressure ideologically weak liberal-left types into supporting her demented drive for power. – Comrade)

Video showing the Syrian army fighting the Western-backed terrorists near Damascus earlier this week:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmBwg1KvQso

Dhalgren

04-24-2016, 11:01 PM

This post from blindpig has to be added and considered in context.

Putin got a new plan for Donbass and it's Poroshenko's plan, which means it is the US plan: OSCE to become the new "police"

Poroshenko declared on April 22 that, in the near time, OSCE in Donbass will become a new "police force," which will be armed and that this is his initiative. As we know, at his recent press conference, Putin said during his last press conference on April 14 that Poroshenko had this idea and that he supports it.

We also know that OSCE (and Russian acquiescence) helped the junta seize nearly all of the so-called "no-man's zone" or as it was officially called "the buffer zone," for which, if you remember, Lavrov had been fighting especially very valiantly. It is also a common knowledge that OSCE has been helping the fascist junta in many other ways--even accompanying them when their troops were pushing forward their firing positions.

In this way, yet another piece has emerged from what Kerry brought to Putin during his recent visit to Moscow.

Since OSCE is to get arms, the question arises against whom they are supposed to use it or in defense from whom. Once the question is asked and reached the threshold of the mind, the answer emerges as well and, in this case, it is very clear.

According to Putin, Poroshenko's (Bandera-in-chief) proposal to turn OSCE into "a police force" is to serve implementation of the Minsk Agreements. It should also provide for better control of the non-existing ceasefire. In the latter case (with respect to "ceasefire"), OSCE would be hardly a police force, but more a military force, but, clearly, beholden to pulling wool over the eyes of the Russians, both Putin and Poroshenko were at great pains to avoid saying as much. The frog needs to continue to be boiled gradually. Declaring OSCE as some new sort of "Protection Donbass Force" similar to UNPROFOR and KFOR in Bosnia and Kosovo in the interest of the US and NATO would be still too early at this stage. Remember, Russia back in those days supported creation of both UNPROFOR and KFOR. Lavrov made sure of that as Russia's then representative at the UN Security Council.

However, if OSCE is to perform (also) police duties, then the logical and necessary question is: What policing duties? I.e., policing in the place of whom? The police is an arm of INTERNAL order and its enforcement. If so, then OSCE in its police form would not exactly be suitable for frontlines in between two heavily armed armies. Rather it would be more likely to expect that the ingenious, cunning plan of Putin, if there is such, is not Putin's, but the true masterminders'--planning to install OSCE as the new internal police in the DPR and the LPR, thus effectively putting them in charge of enforcing new (pro-junta; fasicst/Banderas-friendly order) behind the back of the Novorossiya militia AND with the Kremlin's support. This policing, which will further change the system of the republics away from its current oligarcho-mafia one fostered by Surkov in the name of the oligarchic Kremlin, which replaced the budding original form of people's power, toward a dia or triumvirate--the current stooges (Plotnitsky and Zakharchenko), Moscow, and OSCE as a proxy for the West and Kiev on the way of further empowering Kiev and "reintegrating" Donbass into the sadistic fold of the fascist, anti-Russian regime.

This "policing" via OSCE would be especially crucial in staging the several times put-off "elections" which should satisfy Minsk and the intent behind it--"restoring fascist sovereignty" over the whole of Ukraine, as Starikov once said "the whole of Ukraine is needed." But not for the Russians any more.

So, yes, the Kremlin has a plan. It was brought to them by Kerry in his briefcase.

For more than two years now, fascists in Ukraine using the of the state, which they usurped, have been making war on the Russians and Ukraine's Russian soul. And all Putin can say about this is that OSCE should expand and acquire firearms and that he likes this Poroshenko's idea. Who placed this nonentity above the great Russian nation?

Putin confirms that he is adamantly committed to Minsk, as Gorbachev was adamantly committed to the destruction of the system and the country allegiance to which he swore and as adamantly as Yeltsin was committed to the same principle--destruction and degradation of one's own country and its people. This makes a series of three.

During the latest Minsk talks, the fascist junta demanded that the DPR and the LPR cancel their prepared celebrations of V-Day in World War II, i.e., the military parades. We already know that since last Fall, the fasicst regime had effectively exercised thanks to Moscow's position a veto on elections in the DPR and the LPR.

There is a little doubt that Putin would like to oblige the fascists in this too. But he is also concerned with his image, which appears to be diving regardless of the official polls which the Western media playing up to this artificially constructed cult of (non)personality helped to spread without any critical question asked.

http://vladimirsuchan.blogspot.com/2....html?spref=tw

We have to view all in the same light.

Comrade

04-29-2016, 12:36 AM

According to Vladimir Suchan, Putin was supposed to abandon Syria in August of last year and Ukrainian junta troops were already supposed to be controlling the DPR/LPR border posts with Russia over a year ago. Suchan also predicted that the junta would defeat the DRP/LPR back in the summer of 2014. I never believed that dude for an instant. He is either so blinded by his hatred of Putin that he can not conduct sober analysis or he is intentionally trying to demoralize people. I’m not sure which. – Comrade

Syria news:

Syria - Russia Rejects Kerry's New Attempts To Shield The Terrorists (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/04/syria-russia-rejects-kerrys-new-attempts-to-shield-the-terrorists.html) (Moon of Alabama)

Syrians seize Israeli-made arms in Suwayda Province (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/27/462817/Syria-Israel-Suwayda-Daesh-Takfiri-militants/) (PressTV)

Erdogan Plots for US Plan B (http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20160427/1038711799/syria-erdogan-planb.html), by Finian Cunningham.

US state senator meets Syria's Assad, urges support for Damascus (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/28/463011/Syria-US-Bashar-Assad-Dick-Black-Damascus/) (PressTV)

Algerian minister meets Assad in Damascus in rare visit (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/25/462488/Syria-Damascus-Assad-Algeria-Messahel-Halqi-Muallem/) (PressTV)

From the Ashes Springs New Life: Damascus Throws Amazing Night Parties (http://sputniknews.com/photo/20160428/1038703381/damascus-nightlife-photos.html) (Sputnik News) (An interesting look at civilian life in Damascus. – Comrade)

Russian Air Force Intensifies Bombardment of Terrorists' Logistical Movement across Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950206000715) (Fars News)

Syria: Russian Air Force Hits Terrorist Centers Badly across Aleppo Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950207000668) (Fars News)

Syria: “Riyadh Delegation” Raises Threats to Attack in Aleppo, Damascus (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950207000599) (Fars News)

Syrian Army, NDF Win Back One More Military Base in Damascus Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950208000748) (Fars News)

Report: 150 US Soldiers, Officers Arrive in Syria's Hasaka Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950208000736) (Fars News) (Washington is expanding its little, illegal, outpost in the far northeastern Kurdish area of Syria. – Comrade)

Blast kills terrorist commander in Syria's Idlib (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/27/462833/Syria-terrorist-commander-Idlib-ahrar-alSham/) (PressTV)

Video showing the Syrian army eliminating Western-backed terrorists in Latakia province:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e242NXThC-I

blindpig

04-29-2016, 07:53 AM

Dhalgren

04-29-2016, 10:51 AM

He is either so blinded by his hatred of Putin that he can not conduct sober analysis or he is intentionally trying to demoralize people. I’m not sure which.

Suchan surely views Putin as a western sycophant and tool of the oligarchs. The former may or may not be true, the latter cannot be honestly denied. It is quite reasonable to support a lesser capitalist nation against the capitalist hegemon, if the former is in actual conflict with the latter on the basis of hegemony. If the lesser capitalist nation is only trying to maintain its position within the hegemon's orbit, then the conflict is of a different nature. Anything that is detrimental to US imperialism is a 'good', anything that results in strengthening US imperialism is a 'bad' - but only in the most simplistic of ways. The 'good' of the working class - worldwide - is the focus. And, so far, I can't see where the Kremlin has any concerns for working class people anywhere, in Russia or the world.

I am not sure who Suchan might be trying to "demoralize". Certainly not the peoples of the Donbas, they are being shelled, maimed and killed everyday, while being prevented from defending themselves by Russia's insistence that they adhere to Minsk. Is he trying to "demoralize" Syrians who have been in the mist of imperial attack by jihadist of every stripe for nearly six years? The Syrians have lost half their country, they have sustained casualties that would have ended most other nations and they continue to defy the US and its minions by reelecting the besieged Assad government. I don't really see how a Russian Facebook blogger is going to "demoralize" the Syrian people.

So, I don't really understand the "demoralization" thing. Clear critiques of all players in all conflicts and real analysis of conditions is the best we can do and what we all should do. Of course, opposition to imperialism is primary and "our enemy's enemy" receives our support - but not blindly, and not disregarding inherent class conflicts.

Comrade

05-01-2016, 08:49 PM

While Putin is not the next Lenin, he is not the next Yeltsin either. Putin represents the Russian national bourgeoisie, rather than the compradors. And that is the key point that the more radical Putin-bashers miss.

Another point is that Suchan is Czech, not Russian. Of course, Czechs are totally entitled to have their opinions on any matter. However, it does make me feel a little curious why someone from a NATO country seems to hate Putin so much. I’ve seen too many ‘alternative’ writers over the years whose main political activity is bashing governments that happen to be on Washington’s regime change list. I just don’t trust people like that, whether they are ‘real’ or not.

As for whom such writers might want to demoralize, it is the Western left and anti-imperialists. If sympathetic people in the West think that ‘the cause is lost,’ they are less likely to engage in solidarity actions with, say, Novorossiya or Syria. The Trots, anarchists, and various other ultra-leftists played a similar role for US imperialism during the last phase of the so-called ‘Cold War’ – to turn the Western left against the USSR. And many of them were on the payroll of various Western intelligence agencies. I’m sure that we will see a new wave of people like that in the ‘Cold War 2.0’ – and undoubtedly the return of some old faces too.

By the way, I’m not trying to say, “Suchan is a cop.” He probably just became very cynical after 1989-91. However, as a general rule, I just don’t trust writers that constantly attack governments that are being targeted by US imperialism. – Comrade

Syria news:

Seymour Hersh Says Hillary Approved Sending Libya’s Sarin to Syrian Rebels (http://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2016/04/28/seymour-hersh-hillary-approved-sending-libya-sarin-syrian-rebels.html), by Eric Zuesse.

VIDEO: Syria ‘White Helmets’ Exposed. Propaganda Instrument. Nobel Peace Prize for Al Qaeda? (http://www.globalresearch.ca/video-syria-white-helmets-exposed-nobel-peace-prize-for-al-qaeda/5522628), by Vanessa Beeley. (A closer look at the US-funded “White Helmets” terrorist organization. – Comrade)

US troops in Syria to topple govt.: FM Lavrov (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/29/463065/Russia-Syria-USled-coalition-Lavrov/) (PressTV)

Russia won’t pressure Syria to halt Aleppo strikes: Official (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/30/463310/Syria-Aleppo-Russia-Gatilov/) (PressTV)

ISIL Pulls Forces back from more Lands in Hama Province (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950210000485) (Fars News)

Syria: Russian Snipers Capture ISIL Position near Palmyra in 10 Minutes (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950211001288) (Fars News)

Syria: Armed Forces' Attacks Leave nearly 40 ISIL Terrorists Dead in Deir Ezzur (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950211000709) (Fars News)

Over 20 Terrorists Killed in Clashes with Kurdish Fighters North of Syria (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950211001333) (Fars News) (The YPG are still battling the Western-backed “FSA” terrorists north of Aleppo. – Comrade)

Syria: Scores of Al-Nusra Terrorists Killed in Russian Airstrike in Aleppo (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950212000474) (Fars News)

Syria: Al-Nusra Sustains Another Defeat in Lattakia (http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950212000801) (Fars News)

Iraq news:

Iraqi forces retake Nineveh village, kill 200 Daesh terrorists (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/27/462849/Iraq-Mahana-village-Daesh-Nineveh/) (PressTV)

Lebanon news:

Lebanese troops kill Daesh leader on Syria border, reports say (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/28/462968/Lebanon-Syria-Arsal-Daesh/) (PressTV)

Turkey news:

Three Turkish soldiers killed in clashes with PKK (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/04/28/463042/Turkish-army-soldiers-killed-PKK/) (PressTV)

Separate PKK attacks leave 4 Turkish soldiers dead (http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/05/01/463400/Turkey-PKK-Mardin-Gaziantep-Clashes-Daesh-/) (PressTV)

Yemen news:

Yemeni ex-leader Saleh to RT: No difference between Saudi regime and ISIS, Al-Qaeda (https://www.rt.com/news/341499-yemen-saudi-saleh-interview/) (RT)

Ukraine/Novorossiya/Russia news:

Donbass security ministry disrupts attempted terrorist act against PM Zakharchenko (http://tass.ru/en/world/873174) (ITAR-TASS) (Several Ukrainian terrorists were captured while plotting to assassinate the DPR’s prime minister. This is probably the same type of group that murdered Mozgovoy. – Comrade)

Record Number of Russians Want Socialism Back (http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/record-number-of-russians-want.html), by Sergey Semushkin.

Moldova news:

Moldovan opposition to protest against NATO’s military vehicles march (http://tass.ru/en/world/873136) (ITAR-TASS)

Pridnestrovie news:

Transdniester parliament rejects reports of questioning Russian peacekeepers’ status (https://www.rt.com/politics/341217-transdniester-parliament-refutes-reports-of/) (RT)

Serbia news:

How Long Will Belgrade Seesaw Between Russia and NATO? (http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/how-long-will-belgrade-seesaw-between-russia-and-nato/ri14064), by Sergey Belous.

Armenia news:

New Armenia Protests, Same US-Backed Mobs (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/28/new-armenia-protests-same-us-backed-mobs/), by Tony Cartalucci.

Brazil news:

Washington’s Dog-Whistle Diplomacy Supports Attempted Coup in Brazil (http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/25/washingtons-dog-whistle-diplomacy-supports-attempted-coup-in-brazil/), by Mark Weisbrot.

The Constitutional Coup “Color Revolution”:Two-Step Regime Change In Brazil (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-constitutional-coup-color-revolutiontwo-step-regime-change-in-brazil/5521883), by Andrew Korybko.

Cyprus news:

Nuland Instructs Cyprus To Cut Russian Ties and Accept Turkish Troops (http://russia-insider.com/en/nuland-tells-cyprus-cut-russian-ties/ri14076), by John Helmer.

China news:

Top CIA Objective: Fracture The Eurasian Bloc (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/29/top-cia-objective-fracture-the-eurasian-bloc/), by Caleb Maupin. (This was a great read. – Comrade)

South Africa news:

BRICS Under Attack: The Empire’s Destabilizing Hand Reaches Into South Africa (http://www.mintpressnews.com/brics-attack-empires-destabilizing-hand-reaches-south-africa/215126/), by Eric Draitser. (Predictably, the imperialists are trying to undermine BRICS member South Africa as well. However, I suspect that the West will not have the same success there that it has had in destabilizing Brazil. I just can’t imagine the old apartheid era compradors returning to power. – Comrade)

EU news:

Flashback: Top Journalist Exposes How Intelligence Agencies Control Western Media (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/28/flashback-top-journalist-exposes-how-intelligence-agencies-control-western-media/), by Steven MacMillan.

How NATO-linked Think Tanks Control EU Refugee Policy (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/27/how-nato-linked-think-tanks-control-eu-refugee-policy/), by F. William Engdahl. (Washington is trying to depopulate and weaken the Arab world by sending refugees to the EU. However, this will ultimately backfire on the US/EU with the corresponding rise of anti-EU parties. – Comrade)

US news:

The Lingering Danger of Google & Facebook (http://journal-neo.org/2016/04/30/the-lingering-danger-of-google-facebook/), by Ulson Gunnar.

A speech by a Virginia state senate representative that went on a solidarity visit to Damascus to support the Syrian government:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WndDHCh8sGg

blindpig

05-02-2016, 08:48 AM

While Putin is not the next Lenin, he is not the next Yeltsin either. Putin represents the Russian national bourgeoisie, rather than the compradors. And that is the key point that the more radical Putin-bashers miss.

I suspect that Putin may be the next 'Yeltsin', or worse. You have seen the very expensive Yeltsin Center which Putin spoke glowingly of? And it seems that Russia is currying favor with the West in Syria as it sickeningly has in Donbass. Putin declared Porky his 'partner' shortly after the Odessa massacre, two years ago today. If this is imperialist competition it's pretty weird. I think Putin represents the booj consensus, is to a degree a 'man on a high wire', and judging from the actual diplomacy the compradors are in ascendancy.

By the way, I’m not trying to say, “Suchan is a cop.” He probably just became very cynical after 1989-91.

In this we agree. I think Suchan is deeply attached to 'Russian civilization'(I got problems with this concept) and is affected by melancholia. He has formally abandoned materialism though his analysis was largely materialist until about a year ago. In any case, events will tell.

blindpig

05-02-2016, 09:34 AM

Exclusive: Aleppo Doctor Attacks Western Media for Bias, Censorship and Lies
MAY 1, 2016 BY VANESSA BEELEY
http://21stcenturywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/aleppo-2.jpg

Silvia Cattori
Arret sur Info

When the US and NATO war of aggression was launched against Syria, Dr Nabil Antaki could have abandoned Aleppo to ensure his own safety. Instead he decided to remain and to serve the besieged people of his City, working with various local charities. Above all, he wanted to bear witness to the destruction caused by Western support for the foreign armed groups who have been systematically destroying Syria and terrorising its people for the last 5 years.
Yesterday Silvia Cattori recorded this report from Dr Antaki on the recent amplification of propaganda surrounding events in Aleppo. It has been translated from the French by Vanessa Beeley.

http://21stcenturywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Aleppo-photo-Samer-Hussein.jpg
Victim of Al Nusra terrorist mortar fire in western Aleppo. Photo: Samer Hussein

“With regards to recent events in Aleppo, I state very clearly that the mainstream media are lying by omission. Since the beginning of the war in Aleppo that began 4 years ago, they have consistently failed to report all the facts.
All of us here in Aleppo are disgusted by their lack of impartiality and objectivity. They only ever talk about the loss of life in the east of Aleppo which is entirely controlled by Al Nusra, a terrorist group affiliated with Al Qaeda. These are their “moderate rebels” a title that affords them an unmerited degree of respectability.

http://21stcenturywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Aleppo_28_4.jpg
Al Nusra terrorist attacks on western Aleppo 28/4/2016

This same media remains silent on the daily losses and suffering endured in the Western areas of Aleppo living under the rain of mortar fire from these terrorist factions. This media never mentions the terrorist blockade upon our people or the electricity cuts and water shortages inflicted upon us by their “moderate rebels”
Read more on Aleppo’s terrorist blockade, water shortages and starvation here: Syria, from the Sublime to the Shameful.
This media never mention the continuous bombardment and the carnage we have witnessed in western Aleppo where every single sector has been targeted. On a daily basis we see dozens of people murdered.

http://21stcenturywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/collage-aleppo.jpg

What makes these omissions even more despicable is that these areas represent 75% of Aleppo and there are 1.5 million people living in them. Compare this to the 300,000 living in the eastern zone which is occupied by terrorist groups.
This twisted narrative engenders the belief that these terrorist groups that are attacking us are actually the victims. Even more abhorrent, these media have distorted our “Save Aleppo” appeal, to make it look as if we are calling for Assad and the Syrian Army to cease hostilities!
This is FALSE. Added to which, they are not “Assad’s forces“, they are the national forces of the regular Syrian army that is defending the Syrian State.
The western and gulf media could at least have had the decency to mention the terrorist massacres of our people. For example, on Friday 30th April, when one of their mortars targeted a mosque at prayer time.

http://21stcenturywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Aleppo-terror-attacks.jpg
Professor Tim Anderson

The attacks and losses we suffer are reported in a way that leaves the public in the dark about the true perpetrators of these crimes.
For three days now, these media outlets have been accusing the “Assad regime” of bombing an MSF hospital [Medecins sans Frontieres] to the east of Aleppo and of killing the last paediatrician in the city. This demonstrates that, for these media, the only priority is this pocket of the city where terrorists are embedded.
The three quarters of Aleppo under Syrian Government control where numerous paediatricians are practicing is of no consequence for this media. We witnessed the same bias when Al Kindi, the biggest hospital in Aleppo, was targeted by terrorist mortars and then intentionally burnt down about 2 or 3 years ago. The media ignored this criminal act.

http://21stcenturywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/al-kindi.jpg
Al Kindi hospital Aleppo:Video

We are disheartened and disgusted by this continuous disinformation.”
Nabil Antaki
30th April 2016

blindpig

05-04-2016, 07:17 AM

Syria: Terrorist organizations and their Saudi and Turkish allies committed crimes against humanity in Aleppo

http://sana.sy/en/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Aleppo_3_5_3.jpg
3 May، 2016

Damascus, SANA – Syria reiterated on Tuesday its demand that the Security Council and the UN Secretary-General condemn the crimes committed by armed terrorist groups, particularly the terrorist attacks on Aleppo city.

In two identical letters sent to the UN Secretary-General and the head of the Security Council, the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry said that while local and international efforts are being made to bolster the cessation of hostilities agreement and reach a truce in Aleppo, terrorist organizations under order of its masterminds in Saudi Arabia and Aleppo carried out an extensive attack from several directions on Aleppo city, with the Syrian Arab Army repelling the terrorists and preventing them from seizing areas in the city.

The letters pointed out that terrorists fired large rocket shells at al-Dhabeet Hospital in Aleppo city, destroying it and killing innocent civilians including women and children, and this attack is part of a larger attack that targeted all neighborhoods in the city with indiscriminate shelling, killing and injuring many civilians and damaging homes.

The Ministry asserted that what is being done by terrorist organizations and their Saudi and Turkish allies constitute crimes against humanity, and the UN and the international community must stop them and hold their perpetrators accountable.

The letters went on to state that with their frenzied attack on Aleppo, terrorist organizations have violated the arrangements of the truce that were agreed upon on Monday May 2nd, and by doing so undermine all the efforts that were made to save the lives of innocent civilians.

The Ministry asserted that Syria reiterates that the terrorist organizations’ persistent crimes against humanity wouldn’t have occurred had the Security Council assumed its responsibility and condemned the regimes and states that sponsor and support terrorism.

The letters concluded by saying that Syria once again demands that the Security Council and the UN Secretary-General condemn the terrorist crimes and that the Security Council take the necessary steps to force the regimes and states that sponsor and support terrorism to stop all forms of support for terrorist organizations.

Hazem Sabbagh

http://sana.sy/en/?p=76337

blindpig

05-05-2016, 01:42 PM

Yankee Go Home! Syrians Protest Against US Boots on the Ground © AFP 2016/ AHMAD AL-RUBAYE
11:32 05.05.2016(updated 11:34 05.05.2016) Get short URL

http://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/images/103873/27/1038732772.jpg

Residents and local administration officials in the northern Syrian town of Al-Hasakah rallied on Wednesday to protest against the illegal presence of 150 US troops in the Kurdish-controlled town of Rumeilan, Syrian SANA news agency reported.

“We are categorically against the impermissible and flagrant violation of our country’s sovereignty. We will not allow American boots on our soil. We are also against any plans for a division or federalization of Syria,” Al-Hasakah Governor Mohammad Zaal said during the meeting.

A similar rally had earlier been held in the neighboring town of Al-Qamishli.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry called the reported deployment of 150 US troops to Rumeilan airport in the northeast of the country as “an unacceptable and illegal intervention” which came without authorization from the Syrian government.
On April 28, US President Barack Obama announced that Washington would "deploy up to 250 additional US personnel in Syria including Special Forces.” They are reportedly expected to train the Syrian Democratic Forces.

The White House asserts that the deployment of the Special Forces is intended to repel Daesh terrorists.

On Wednesday, about 150 US soldiers arrived in the Kurdish-controlled town of Rumeilan in northeastern Syria, according to a Kurdish security source. According to the source, part of the contingent immediately headed to the north of Raqqa province.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old US Army officer has sued President Barack Obama over the legality of the war against the Islamic State (Daesh), questioning Mr. Obama’s disputed claim that he needs no new legal authority from Congress to order the military to wage the ever deepening mission, The New York Times wrote on Wednesday.

Captain Nathan Michael Smith, an intelligence officer stationed in Kuwait, voiced strong support for fighting Daesh but, citing his “conscience” and his vow to uphold the Constitution, he said he believed that the mission lacked proper authorization from Congress.

The legal challenge comes after the death of the third American serviceman in the fight against Daesh and as President Obama has decided to significantly expand the number of Special Forces members.

President Obama has argued that he already has the authority he needs to wage a conflict against the Islamic State under the authorization to fight the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, enacted by Congress shortly after the attacks.

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160505/1039107755/syria-troops-protest.html

Dhalgren

05-05-2016, 02:54 PM

President Obama has argued that he already has the authority he needs to wage a conflict against the Islamic State under the authorization to fight the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, enacted by Congress shortly after the attacks.

It's called "carte blanche", a blank check, a free rein. The President can deploy troops anywhere in the world, against anyone in the world, any time he wants. So will Trump, and even worse, so will Clinton. It is swiftly becoming the Divine Right of the President; and don't even think about opposing it, 'cause there ain't no Posse Comitatus Act no more, either. Heh...

blindpig

05-11-2016, 10:48 AM

This from Phil Greaves on Twitter:

Russian capitalists are at least heavily influenced by US imperialist finance capital, ignore this & you betray the Communist movement.
Ignoring the simple, easily evidenced historical fact that Russian capitalists have for 30yrs betrayed oppressed nations for better relations with their "American partners" means ignoring harsh, concrete history, & substituting it for infantile fantasies. Ignoring the fact that on the one hand Russian military aid benefits the Syrian national-liberation struggle against US imperialism, while on the other hand Russian "diplomacy" & appeasement to the aggressor damages the Syrians struggle means shying away from reality, means superimposing delusional fantasies of capitalists saving humanity onto historical materialist analyses, onto proletarian praxis.

The fact that American imperialism seeks to destroy not only Russia's independent allies, but eventually also the Russian State itself, is all the more reason for Communists to expose the Russian capitalist's collusion with them--be that collusion under duress or not.

Ignoring Russian Communist's warnings of Russian bourgeois betrayal means deceiving Syrian & Russian workers; means damaging their struggle.

(This a series of tweets posted app. 7-8AM EDT)

Dhalgren

05-11-2016, 11:18 AM

Ignoring Russian Communist's warnings of Russian bourgeois betrayal means deceiving Syrian & Russian workers; means damaging their struggle.

Man, Phil is dead on. The desire to see US imperialism brought low, to see US aggression thwarted, must not blind us to the materialist reality "on the ground". Seeing only Russian "opposition" to US imperialism is being blind to the actual facts of the Russian ruling class' collusion with imperialism.

Dhalgren

05-20-2016, 10:46 AM

Terrorist Organization NATO Pushing For War With Russia !

May 20, 2016

The ink isn’t even dry on the latest moves by the alliance’s foreign ministers to finalize the current anti-Russia military build-up, the largest since the Cold War ended, and officials are already openly talking about doing “more” to target Russia along their frontier. NATO Fascist Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters today that discussions are ongoing on how terrorist NATO can “project stability” around its borders, language which in the last few years has always boiled down to putting more troops on the Russian borders, and issuing more statements predicting an imminent Russian attack on Europe.

US Ambassador Douglas Lute said the plan is for a “very sober discussion on dealing with Russia,” insisting Russia has “thrown out the rulebook” and NATO has to respond. Lute is seen as loudly advocating more military buildups around Europe to target Russia.

And while there was some talk among European members about targeting ISIS in Libya at the ongoing NATO meetings, materially everything that was agreed to, including future talks in Warsaw, were about targeting Russia more aggressively. Even the decision to invite tiny Montenegro to the alliance was seen primarily as being about thumbing their nose at Russia for criticizing the continued expansion of NATO deeper into Warsaw Pact territory.

http://novorossia.today/120070-2/

blindpig

05-21-2016, 12:33 PM

Major events in Syria today, seems to occur around Deir ez-Zor and in the areas north of Raqqa. The situation in Deir ez-Zor is close to critical, however, is on the turn in any direction can not speak. Syrian army took the unprecedented by the standards of the current war move - forced mobilization of local residents. Apparently, the onset of acute shortage of people. LIH managed to intercept the road Deir ez-Zor - Damascus, knocking several checkpoints on it, which illogically guarded only militia. Purchasing groups in Deir ez-Zor then sharply deteriorated.

Battles are also along the perimeter of Palmyra - here militants also seek to seize the "tadmorsky triangle" - the intersection of roads north-east of the city. Palmyra itself they are interested enough. It began the announced attack the Kurds in the direction of Raqqa. Frankly, while talking about his prospects early, although the grouping created quite serious - about 20-25 thousand people, the offensive is supported by US aircraft in the upcoming orders have information about the American special forces (or private mercenaries, is unclear) LIH morning announces the presentation of the Caliph al-Baghdadi and al-Adnani. In Raqqa declared mobilization, the city tightened reserve troops LIH. Will troops be removed from other sectors - is unclear. However, it is assumed that a general mobilization is declared in all countries to urgently come to the territory of the IG and take up arms. Baghdadi's appearances are rare, and treatment are almost always extraordinary character. LIH massively uses suicide - technology is astounding. Before LIH use of suicide bombers was a point simply because of the complexity and cost of training. Suicide bombers were almost piece goods. Now they have become a mass phenomenon that none of the opponents LIH still can not cope. Suicide bombers are "working" against the special forces, and very successfully. Probably, it is a massive use of Captagon or any other combat drugs, reducing fear, isolation survival instinct that causes euphoria and completely relieves fatigue. The phenomenon of strange and frightening in many ways - if igilovskie military leaders will be able to work out this technology, it will become very unpleasant surprise for all who will be targeted by LIH. Media Studio IG bake as pies, inspiring and very bad quality propaganda videos - and the emphasis is on the periphery of the Islamic state. Non-stop out videos "Wilaya Barca" (Libya), "Wilaya Abyan Adan" (Yemen), came reports of accession to the IG Islamist militants from India, with the appropriate visuals. Apparently, LIH intends to expand its traditional tactic of distracting beats strategy - shifting performance at the periphery and diverting attention and forces his opponents to fight since external to Syria and Iraq threats. Sami videos are quite traditional - execution stage and treatment on death row with appeal to the "brothers" and continue their way to repeat their feat. Surprising only pipeline that provides a week for three to five movies a very decent quality, with the director's idea and in a decent timing. Media Machine LIH operates 48 hours a day, and giving out information transmission on Internet radio stations, and 5-10 daily inspirational hymns-nasheed, video, photographic, magazine release. This is not to mention the thousands of twitter facebook accounts, the fight against which virtually no prospects due to viral spread going with them information. So far we can say that there is no effective kontrborby on all fronts nobody organize unable to - it is quite possible that no one it is not necessary .
http://el-murid.livejournal.com/2804456.html

Google Translator

Dhalgren

05-21-2016, 02:10 PM

Why Russia's Reviving Its Nuke Trains

Russian "Barguzin" strategic missile trains may become an asymmetric response to NATO's complex European Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system deployed in Romania and Poland, military experts believe.

Russian designers have begun to create new elements of "Barguzin" — Russia's combat railway missile complex (BZhRK) aimed at transporting and launching strategic nuclear missiles.

Citing a military source with the knowledge of the matter, Russian Regnum news agency wrote that the project's exact completion date would be announced in early 2018. Back in 2014, Strategic Missile Forces Commander Col. Gen. Sergei Karakayev told journalists that the sketches of Russia's future railway-based missile complex had been finalized.

Shield or Sword? What is Known About New US Missile Defense Site in Romania
It was reported that the Russian Army may receive five Barguzin railroad ICBM systems by 2020. In late February 2016 the head of the Strategic Missile Forces' military education department, Viktor Nesterov, informed Echo Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) Radio that a new generation of ICBM-launching trains would enter the Army service in 2020.

Russian military experts regard the system as a powerful counterbalance against NATO's European Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system deployed by the United States in Eastern Europe.

On Thursday, the Pentagon military officials inaugurated their missile defense base in Deveselu, Romania. The Deveselu base is one of the first major European elements of the US global missile shield. The cornerstone of the military site is an Aegis Ashore missile defense system equipped with an AN/SPY-1 radar and vertical launchers for 24 Standard SM-3 Block IB missiles.

A similar ground-based Aegis system is currently under construction in Poland. The Polish base is due to become operational in 2018.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed Thursday that the deployment of the elements of the US global missile shield in Europe undoubtedly poses a direct threat to the Russian Federation's security.

"From the very beginning we have said that, according to experts — and we are certain of this, undoubtedly — the deployment of missile defense systems indeed poses a threat to the security of the Russian Federation," Peskov told reporters.

Rail Phantom: Russia Developing Invisible 'Death Trains' With Nukes

The Pentagon and NATO war planners have been "encircling" Russia since the end of the Cold War seeking to nullify the country's nuclear deterrence capability. However, with Barguzin nuclear trains the threat would be seriously mitigated.

The crux of the matter is that the Russian BZhRK looks similar to any other ordinary cargo train and cannot be detected by an adversary. The elusive nuke complex also moves constantly across the system of the country's railroads. It is worth mentioning that the Russian railways are ranked second longest globally. In general, the combat railway missile complex can pass up to 1,000 kilometers daily.

The first BZhRKs entered the Soviet Army service in 1987 but were completely decommissioned in 2007 in accordance with the START II (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) treaty between the US and Russia.

However, the modernized BzhRK Barguzin system does not violate the provisions of the New START treaty signed by Moscow and Washington on April 8, 2010, in Prague.

Threat? 'Washington Has Forgotten How Putin Lent the West His Helping Hand'

Each Barguzin train will be armed with six ICBMs RS-24 Yars which could be brought into firing position within minutes. Furthermore, Barguzins will be also equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and a sophisticated stealth technology.

Russian military expert Leonid Nersisyan notes in his article for Regnum, that Washington's unilateral withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty in the early 2000s prompted serious concerns in Moscow and forced Russian military planners to seek new ways to counter potential threats.

The other destabilizing factor is the Pentagon's Prompt Global Strike (PGS) concept, Nersisyan underscores. The US is developing a system that can deliver a precision-guided conventional weapon airstrike at targets throughout the world within one hour using hypersonic weapons.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly signaled that Washington's efforts at implementing the European BMD and creating Prompt Global Strike (PGS) weapon systems is dealing a blow to the ongoing talks on nuclear disarmament between the countries.

However, Nersisyan stresses that the Russian BZhRKs will nullify the challenge posed by the US Prompt Global Strike (PGS) concept.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160514/1039617061/barguzin-nuclear-train-russia-nato.html#ixzz49JanKhuP

blindpig

05-22-2016, 10:00 AM

Lebanese Source: US, French Intelligence Officers Captured by Hezbollah in Aleppo

http://media.farsnews.com/media/Uploaded/Files/Images/1394/10/01/13941001000383_PhotoI.jpg

TEHRAN (FNA)- Hezbollah has captured an American and a French spies in its operations in Aleppo, a prominent Lebanese media source revealed on Saturday, adding that the US, Israeli and Saudi intelligence agents helped Al-Nusra Front to find the place of Hezbollah's martyred military chief, Mustafah Badreddin, and kill him in retaliation.
"Hezbollah special forces took captive a senior field commander of the terrorists affiliated to Riyadh and two US and French intelligence officers working in the newly-founded joint operations room of Jeish al-Fatah (a coalition of several terrorist groups) in Aleppo in one of the regions controlled by al-Nusra Front in Aleppo," Majeda al-Haj, a prominent Lebanese journalist, wrote on al-Sabat news website today.

Al-Haj said that the joint operations room was set up so that the French and US intelligence agents can directly command Jeish al-Fatah terrorist attacks in Aleppo and nearby regions.

She said the US imagined that the captured spies would be taken to Lebanon and alerted Tel Aviv to bomb the convoy that was supposedly taking the captive American and French officers, "but the convoy that came under the Israeli airstrike was not carrying the captured spies".

She said the US, Israeli and Saudi spy agents in Syria later helped a special team of Al-Nusra terrorists - who received their trainings from Israel's Mossad secret service in 2012 - to find the place of Hezbollah Commander Badreddin in retaliation for the capture of these officers.

Al-Haj said the Al-Nusra team is tasked with finding senior Hezbollah commanders in Syria to assassinate them.

She also pointed out that the death of several Iranian advisors in Khan Touman was not the result of clashes with Al-Nusra terrorists, adding that the senior officers were killed in an air raid by the US planes that took off from Turkey's Incerlik airbase and bombed their operation room in Southern Aleppo.

The Lebanese resistance movement's senior military commander, Mustafah Badreddin, was killed near Damascus military airport in a terrorist attack last week.

After his death, a senior politician disclosed that the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement is planning to launch massive military operations against the Takfiri terrorists in Syria in retaliation for his martyrdom.

"Unique military operations by Hezbollah against Syria's Takfiri terrorists will be conducted very soon," Wahib Wahibi told FNA on Tuesday.

He reiterated that Hezbollah's response to the Takfiri terrorists' crimes will come within the framework of its counterterrorism operations.

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950301000881

Dhalgren

05-22-2016, 01:12 PM

Al-Haj said that the joint operations room was set up so that the French and US intelligence agents can directly command Jeish al-Fatah terrorist attacks in Aleppo and nearby regions.

Things are getting pretty strange. Haven't heard anything about this in any US media. This shit could go sideways in a heartbeat.

blindpig

05-22-2016, 06:15 PM

Things are getting pretty strange. Haven't heard anything about this in any US media. This shit could go sideways in a heartbeat.

Couple of them boys frog-walked in front of the cameras would take some explaining.

Dhalgren

06-14-2016, 09:44 AM

The U.S. (Again) Escalates The War In Afghanistan

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/06/the-us-again-escalates-the-war-in-afghanistan.html

6/10/2016

When Obama came into office he promised to end the hopeless war in Afghanistan. Immediately the Pentagon ambushed him with requests for a "surge" with some additional 40,000 troops. Under pressure Obama agreed to a lower number and set a 18 month limit for their deployment. Those troops occupied some meaningless areas in Afghanistan and when they were withdrawn those areas fell back to Taliban rule. Currently the U.S. has some 10,000 troops and more than 20,000 "contractors" in Afghanistan. There are additional troops from NATO allies. Since 2014 these troops are restricted in their tasks to fighting Al-Qaeda and are not supposed to support Afghan government troops.

But the idea of turning the war over to local troops without losing to the Taliban failed. Afghan troops are giving ground especially in the south and have a high attrition rate. It is obviously that without change the whole south would fall to the Taliban by end of the year. This would hardly matter to anyone but the people living there many of whom have no problem with their Taliban brethren.

Several steps taken by the U.S. have made it more unlikely that the conflict will come to an end. The primary Taliban demand in any peace talks is the the removal of all foreign troops from the country. The U.S. and the U.S. installed puppet government have rejected that. Instead of finally giving up the U.S. military wants to continue to occupy Afghanistan. The U.S. recently killed a innocent taxi driver in south Pakistan and his passenger, the Taliban commander Mansour, with a military drone strike. All available science on the issue says that assassinating the leader of a resistance movement does not end such movements but let them intensify their conflict and cause more civilian casualties. The Taliban operations did not halt for one moment. A new hardline leader was elected and bigger operations against Afghan troops were launched.

In a recent political change of direction the U.S. is now making nice with India to use it as a pawn in the competition with China. At the same time it stopped payments to the Pakistani military. In a countermove China intensified its cooperation and its investment in Pakistan. The Taliban have their training camps, leadership organization and support in Pakistan. The Pakistani secret services are feeding them with Saudi money. Shunning Pakistan and making nice with India will intensify Pakistani paranoia of a two front war against their arch enemy India supported by the U.S. in Afghanistan. Pakistan is therefore likely to further intensify its support for the Taliban. These have an endless stream of recruits from Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan and enough material support to fight on for decades. Meanwhile the Afghan government troops are unwilling to shed blood for their corrupt government, operational incapable and disorganized despite years of U.S. training.

The only way to end the war in Afghanistan is through peace negotiations. Some main conditions of the Taliban must be met to let those succeed. Foreign troops will have to leave the country. Otherwise the conflict will go on for more decades and will again metastasize into neighbor countries.

The Obama administration seems to be incapable of recognizing that. Instead of reducing troops it is contemplating to again reinforce those. Instead of deescalating the war it intensifies it. This despite years of failure to achieve anything positive with similar moves.

After months of debate, the U.S. is close to a decision to expand the military's authority to conduct airstrikes against the Taliban as the violence in Afghanistan escalates, a senior U.S. defense official said Thursday.
There is a broad desire across the Obama administration to give the military greater ability to help the Afghans fight and win the war. The official said the U.S. is likely to expand the authority of U.S. commanders to strike the Taliban and do whatever else is necessary with the forces they have to support the Afghan operations.
...
Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook, asked Thursday whether the administration was looking at expanding the U.S. military's authorities to strike the Taliban more broadly, said: "In every step of our review of Afghanistan, the question of what's the best way to use our forces is something we're constantly looking at. It's also in the same sense that we're looking at the number of troops. We are always looking at the authorities question and the best use of our troops."

This "new" policy is incoherent:

The official said U.S. forces will also be able to provide close air support to Afghan ground forces and accompany and advise them on the ground.
The plan does not involve U.S. ground troops.

More bombing will not cower the Taliban who have been bombed by the U.S. for the last 15 years. More U.S. troops will not change the strategic equations for China, Pakistan and the Taliban.

The U.S. and the especially the U.S. military have lost in Afghanistan. How many additional decades will it take it to recognize and admit that simple fact?

blindpig

06-14-2016, 03:55 PM

The US Is Preparing to Oust President Evo Morales

http://www.strategic-culture.org/images/news/2016/06/09/or-37433.jpg

US intelligence agencies have ramped up their operations intended to remove Bolivian President Evo Morales from office. All options are on the table, including assassination. Barack Obama, who sees the weakening of Latin America’s “hostile bloc of populist states” as one of his administration’s foreign-policy victories, intends to buoy this success before stepping down.

Washington also feels under the gun in Bolivia because of China’s successful expansion in the country. Morales is steadily strengthening his financial, economic, trade, and military relationship with Beijing. Chinese businesses in La Paz are thriving – making investments and loans and taking part in projects to secure a key position for Bolivia in the modernization of the continent’s transportation industry. In the next 10 years, thanks to Bolivia’s plentiful gas reserves, that country will become the energy hub of South America. Evo Morales sees his country’s development as his top priority, and the Chinese, unlike the Americans, have always viewed Bolivia as an ally and partner in a relationship that eschews double standards.

The US embassy in La Paz has been without an ambassador since 2008. He was declared persona non grata because of his subversive activities. The interim chargé d’affaires is currently Peter Brennan, and pointed questions have been raised about what agency he truly works for. He was previously stationed in Pakistan, where “difficult decisions” had to be made about assassinations, but most of his career has been spent handling Latin American countries. In particular, Brennan was responsible for introducing the ZunZuneo service into Cuba (an illegal program dubbed the “Cuban Twitter”). USAID fronted this CIA program, under the innocent pretext of helping to inform Cubans about cultural and sporting events and other international news. Once ZunZuneo was in place, there were plans to use this program to mobilize the population in preparation for a “Cuban Spring”. When reading about Brennan one often encounters the phrase – “dark horse”. He is used to getting what he wants, at any cost, and his tight deadline in Bolivia (before the end of Obama’s presidency) is forcing Brennan to take great risks.

Previously, Brennan had “distinguished himself” during the run-up to the referendum on allowing President Evo Morales to run for reelection in 2019, as well as during the vote itself. To encourage “no” votes, the US embassy mobilized its entire propaganda machine, roused to action the NGOs under its control, and allocated considerable additional funds for the staging of protests. It is telling that many of those culminated in the burning of photographs of Morales wearing his presidential sash. A record-setting volley of dirt was fired at the president. Accusations of corruption were the most common, although Morales has always been open about his personal finances. It would have been hard to pin ownership of “$43 billion in offshore accounts” on him, as was done to Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro.

Brennan also has agreements in place with Washington about other operations to compromise the Bolivian president. An attack was launched by the CIA agent Carlos Valverde Bravo, a well-known TV journalist and former agent with Bolivia’s security services. In his Feb. 3 program he accused Morales’s former companion, Gabriela Zapata, the commercial manager of the Chinese company CAMC Engineering Co, of orchestrating shady business deals worth $500 million. Insinuations simultaneously began circulating on the Internet about the Bolivian president’s involvement in those, although Morales completely broke ties with Zapata back in 2007 and has spared no individual, regardless of name and rank, in his battle against corruption.

The “exposés” staged by the US embassy continued until the day of the referendum itself on Feb. 21, 2016. The “no” votes prevailed, despite the favorable trend that had been indicated in the voter polls. Morales accepted defeat with his Indian equanimity, but in his statements after the referendum he was clear that the US embassy had waged a hostile campaign.

The investigation into Gabriela Zapata revealed that she had capitalized on her previous relationship with Morales to further her career. She was offered a position with the Chinese company CAMC and took possession of a luxury home in an upscale neighborhood in La Paz, making a big show of her “closeness” to the Bolivian leader, although he played no role in any of this. This was the same reason she tried to initiate a business and personal relationship with the president’s chief of staff, Juan Ramón Quintana. He has categorically denied having ever met Zapata.

Gradually, all the CIA’s fabricated evidence disintegrated. Zapata is now testifying, and her lawyer has holed up abroad because his contacts with the Americans have been exposed. The American agent Valverde Bravo has fled to Argentina. Accusations against Morales are being hurled from there with renewed vigor. The attack continues. It’s all quite logical: a continually repeated lie is an effective weapon in this newest generation of information warfare. The latest example was the ouster of Dilma Rousseff, who was accused of corruption by officials whom her government had identified as corrupt!

The US military has been increasing its presence in Bolivia in recent months. For example, Colonel Felando Pierre Thigpen visited the department of Santa Cruz, where there are strong separatist leanings. Thigpen is known to be involved in a joint program between the Pentagon and CIA to recruit and train potential personnel for American intelligence. In commentary by Bolivian bloggers and in publications about Thigpen, it is noted that the colonel was dispatched to the country on the eve of events related to “the impending replacement of a government that has exhausted its potential, as well as the need to recruit alternative young personalities into the new leadership structure.” Some comments have indicated that Thigpen is overseeing the work of diplomats Peter Brennan and Erik Foronda, a media and press advisor at the US embassy.

The embassy responded by stating that Thigpen had arrived in Bolivia “at his own initiative”, but it is no secret that he was invited to “work with youth” by NGOs that coordinate their activities with the Americans: the Foundation for Leadership and Integral Development (FULIDEI), the Global Transformation Network (RTG), the Bolivian School of Heroes (EHB), and others. So Thigpen’s work is not being improvised, but is rather a direct challenge to Morales’s government. Domestically, the far-right party Christian Democratic Party provides him with political cover.

The US plans to destabilize Bolivia – which were provided to Evo Morales’s government by an unnamed friendly country – include a step-by-step chronogram of the actions plotted by the Americans. For example: “To spark hunger strikes and mass mobilizations and to stir up conflicts within universities, civil organizations, indigenous communities, and varied social circles, as well as within government institutions. To strike up acquaintances with both active-duty and retired military officers, with the goal of undercutting the government’s credibility within the armed forces. It is absolutely essential to train the military for a crisis scenario, so that in an atmosphere of growing social conflict they will lead an uprising against the regime and support the protests in order to ensure a peaceful transition to democracy.”

The program’s first fruits have been the emergence of social protests (recent marches by disabled citizens were staged at the suggestion of the American embassy), although Evo Morales’s administration has evinced more concern for the interests of Bolivians on a limited income than any other government in the history of Bolivia.

The scope of the operation to oust President Morales – financed and directed by US intelligence agencies – continues to expand. The Americans’ biggest adversary in Latin America has been sentenced to a fate of “neutralization”. Speaking out against Evo Morales, the radical opposition has openly alluded to the fact that it has been a long time since the region has seen a really newsworthy air crash involving a politician who was hostile to Washington...

http://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2016/06/09/the-us-is-preparing-to-oust-president-evo-morales.html

Black Agenda Report

06-16-2016, 01:11 PM

Eritrea (http://www.thebellforum.com/category/africa/eritrea)

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http://blackagendareport.com/sites/default/files/styles/image-400x300/public/GLEN_Eritrea.jpg?itok=ygB2gzaV (http://www.thebellforum.com/us_plots_war_against_eritrea)

by BAR executive editor Glen FordThe U.S. is moving towards war against Eritrea, a fiercely independent African nation of only six million people. Washington has deployed its UN “human rights” proxies to justify another “humanitarian” military intervention, remarkably like the UN-sanctioned aggression against Libya, in 2011. The UN panel charges Eritrea with “enslaving” and murdering its own people – a pack of imperial lies. Obama is set to add another war to his bloody legacy.
U.S. Sets Stage for Libya-Like Regime Change in Eritrea, “Africa’s Cuba”by BAR executive editor Glen Ford“Eritrea’s fierce independence has put it in imperialism’s crosshairs.”
The United States is methodically setting the stage for a so-called “humanitarian” military intervention (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/un-commission-eritrea-international-criminal-court-hague) against the small northeast African nation of Eritrea, under legal pretexts much like those used to justify NATO’s war of regime change against Libya, in 2011. As in Libya, the U.S. has hijacked the United Nations human rights apparatus to claim a “responsibility to protect” (R2P) Eritrea’s citizens from alleged abuses by their own government. War and regime change are the intended result.
Washington engineered UN sanctions against Eritrea, beginning in 2009, on the patently bogus charge that Eritrea’s determinedly secular government provided “political, financial and logistical support” to Islamist Shabaab fighters in Somalia. Islamic jihadism is anathema to Eritrea, whose population of six million on the shores of the Red Sea is about evenly divided between Muslims and Christians. But few people in the United States knew Eritrea existed, much less its secular revolutionary history and politics. The lies stuck, as did the sanctions, even after the UN Human Rights Council conceded there was no further evidence of Eritrean aid to the Shabaab.
A three-person UN panel now alleges that Eritrea is a lawless state that has committed “crimes against humanity, (http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/CoIEritrea/A_HRC_32_CRP.1_read-only.pdf)” enslaving up to 400,000 people and engaging in murder, forced disappearances, rape and torture. Mark Smith, the Australian chairman of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea, demands that Eritrea be put on trial before the International Criminal Court, a body that has indicted only Africans – and only those that were on the wrong side of U.S. foreign policy – since its creation in 2002. Smith laid the legal groundwork for the overthrow of the Eritrean government:
“There is no genuine prospect of the Eritrean judicial system holding perpetrators to account in a fair and transparent manner. The perpetrators of these crimes must face justice and the victims’ voices must be heard. The international community should now take steps, including using the International Criminal Court , national courts and other available mechanisms, to ensure there is accountability for the atrocities being committed in Eritrea.”
“The UN commission demands that Eritrea be put on trial before the International Criminal Court, a body that has indicted only Africans.”
In February of 2011, the United Nations Security Council, led by the U.S., Britain and France, referred the case against Libya to the ICC, to provide a criminal justice rationale for the military assault that was already underway against Muammar Gaddafi’s government. This time, Washington has instructed its UN proxies to give “humanitarian” legal cover in advance for an attack on Eritrea. The demonization campaign is built around two Big Lies: one, that Eritrea’s system of national service – a form of draft, which is the right of all nations – amounts to “slavery”; and two, that domestic oppression in Eritrea is a prime source of African refugees to Europe, with the tiny nation allegedly accounting for more cross-continental emigration than every other country except war-ravaged Syria.
National service in Eritrea, as in many other countries, includes not only military duty on the front lines with Ethiopia – which still occupies parts of Eritrea in clear violation of an international arbitration agreement – but also labor in public works projects as well as service in health and education infrastructures. (Most teachers in Eritrea, for example, are national service workers.) Lots of folks would call that socialism or nation-building – which is how the Eritreans see it.
The Eritreans defend extended national service on grounds of necessity, citing an existential threat from the Ethiopian military, backed to the hilt by Washington. Economic sanctions have also necessitated that Eritrea mobilize the population to develop its own national resources. However, self-reliance is also a cornerstone of Eritrean domestic development policy, and seen as central to maintaining true national sovereignty and independence. Eritrea rejects foreign “aid” and entanglements with structures of international capital, and is one of only two nations in Africa that has no relationship with AFRICOM, the U.S. military command on the continent (Zimbabwe is the other).
“It is insane to believe that little Eritrea, with only six million people, has set more people to flight than neighboring Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the world, with a population 15 times greater.”
Eritrea’s fierce independence has put it in imperialism’s crosshairs. Eritrea is “Africa’s Cuba (http://www.blackagendareport.com/amare-eritrea-endures-sanctions-occupation)” – and the United States treats it as such in a striking variety of ways. Indeed, the other Big Lie against Eritrea – that it is the second largest contributor to the waves of refugees risking life and limb to reach Europe – is directly related to European immigration policies, urged on them by the U.S., that put Eritrea in much the same bind as U.S. policy towards Cuba.
It is insane to believe that little Eritrea, with only six million people, has set more people to flight than neighboring Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the world, now in the throes of a devastating drought, with a population 15 times greater; or neighboring Sudan, also desperately poor and afflicted by multiple wars, with 40 million people; or nearby Somalia, a nation without a state, inhabited by 10 million people. Indeed, economic, political and war refugees from all across Africa claim to be Eritrean because, unlike citizens of any other African country, Eritrean refugees are afforded special status on arrival in Europe as presumptive political refugees who might face torture if returned home. As with U.S. Cuba policy, the Eritrean exception was designed to weaken and destabilize the country through a brain and human resource drain. Inevitably, however, the policy has made Eritrean identification papers the hottest selling documents on the streets of Khartoum and other refugee gathering points. Europe is awash, as is Israel, with fake Eritreans fleeing various military, political and economic catastrophes – most of them rooted in Euro-American foreign destabilization policies and the global capitalist Race to the Bottom.*
If Latin Americans could pass for Cubans, the populations of U.S. “Little Havanas” would number in the tens of millions, full of Hondurans, Guatemalans, Salvadorans and Mexicans.
“Economic, political and war refugees from all across Africa claim to be Eritrean.”
Ethiopians pass most easily as Eritreans, since millions of them share the same ethnic background. About half of Eritreans are Tigrayan, the ethnic group that is the fourth largest in Ethiopia and dominates the ruling party in Addis Ababa. The Austrian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Andreas Melan, last year estimated (http://www.tesfanews.net/40-percent-of-eritrean-migrants-in-europe-are-ethiopians/) that “among the thousands of Eritrean migrants in Europe, 30 to 40 percent are Ethiopians.” That may be an underestimate. And many more “Eritreans” actually hail from as far away as West Africa.
The Eritrean ambassador to Israel believes that Ethiopians account for half (http://www.madote.com/2013/12/the-politicization-of-eritreas-economic.html) of the purported Eritreans seeking refugee status in that country. "They know the Eritreans automatically receive a six-month visa, so they pretend to be Eritrean," said the ambassador.
The Eritrean refugee scam is an open secret all across Europe, and is well known to the American and European governments. The Big Lie is maintained to serve imperial purposes, and will now be deployed to justify an armed assault on Eritrea as an alleged mass enslaver and rogue nation. The UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea will submit its manufactured findings to the Human Rights Council on June 21, setting the imperial lynch mob in motion.
“They know the Eritreans automatically receive a six-month visa, so they pretend to be Eritrean."
Eritrea cannot expect a fair hearing from a UN apparatus that is puppeteered from Washington. As the Eritrean government stated in its preliminary response to the UN commission’s charges:
“The purposes of national service in Eritrea are clearly stated in a legal proclamation of 1994 and are three-fold: national defense, economic and social development and national integration.* The service is not indefinite although for a time and in certain cases it has been prolonged due the already explained existential threat of war.”
The commission based its findings on the testimony of about 800 (alleged) Eritreans interviewed in various foreign cities, while ignoring the 42,000 Eritrean expatriates that have petitioned the world body to lift sanctions against their home country.
The UN panel is ignoring what is “effectively a continuing state of war with Ethiopia, the illegal occupation of Eritrean territory which constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights, repeated armed aggression, sanctions and mistaken policies that consider almost all Eritreans asylum-seekers,” said Eritrean government spokesperson (http://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/21964-press-statement-by-he-mr-yemane-gebreab) Yemane Gebreab. That’s a diplomatic way of putting it. By referring the case to the International Criminal Court, and implicitly threatening military action against Eritrea, the commission has become a warmonger.
On Monday, the New York Times reported (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/14/world/africa/border-clashes-between-ethiopia-and-eritrea-heighten-fears-of-war.html?ref=world&_r=0) that thousands of Ethiopian and Eritrean troops were rushing towards the disputed border, the site of heavy artillery duels. The Times quoted an Eritrean dissident living in Sweden as their expert of the moment. “If there is a war, or the rumor of a war, it could be a way for the Eritrean government to get support and divert attention,” said the dissident. The newspaper also relayed a Twitter message from an Eritrean American in his homeland’s capital. “Here in Asmara, it’s peaceful despite #EthiopianAttacks against #Eritrea on the Tsorona front.*And you wonder why there’s national service?”
President Obama seems intent on adding War #8 to his imperial legacy.
[I]BAR executive editor Glen Ford can be contacted at Glen.Ford@BlackAgendaReport.com

More... (http://blackagendareport.com/us_plots_war_against_eritrea)

blindpig

06-16-2016, 01:18 PM

U.S. Sets Stage for Libya-Like Regime Change in Eritrea, “Africa’s Cuba”
by BAR executive editor Glen Ford
“Eritrea’s fierce independence has put it in imperialism’s crosshairs.”

The United States is methodically setting the stage for a so-called “humanitarian” military intervention against the small northeast African nation of Eritrea, under legal pretexts much like those used to justify NATO’s war of regime change against Libya, in 2011. As in Libya, the U.S. has hijacked the United Nations human rights apparatus to claim a “responsibility to protect” (R2P) Eritrea’s citizens from alleged abuses by their own government. War and regime change are the intended result.

Washington engineered UN sanctions against Eritrea, beginning in 2009, on the patently bogus charge that Eritrea’s determinedly secular government provided “political, financial and logistical support” to Islamist Shabaab fighters in Somalia. Islamic jihadism is anathema to Eritrea, whose population of six million on the shores of the Red Sea is about evenly divided between Muslims and Christians. But few people in the United States knew Eritrea existed, much less its secular revolutionary history and politics. The lies stuck, as did the sanctions, even after the UN Human Rights Council conceded there was no further evidence of Eritrean aid to the Shabaab.

A three-person UN panel now alleges that Eritrea is a lawless state that has committed “crimes against humanity,” enslaving up to 400,000 people and engaging in murder, forced disappearances, rape and torture. Mark Smith, the Australian chairman of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea, demands that Eritrea be put on trial before the International Criminal Court, a body that has indicted only Africans – and only those that were on the wrong side of U.S. foreign policy – since its creation in 2002. Smith laid the legal groundwork for the overthrow of the Eritrean government:

“There is no genuine prospect of the Eritrean judicial system holding perpetrators to account in a fair and transparent manner. The perpetrators of these crimes must face justice and the victims’ voices must be heard. The international community should now take steps, including using the International Criminal Court [ICC], national courts and other available mechanisms, to ensure there is accountability for the atrocities being committed in Eritrea.”

“The UN commission demands that Eritrea be put on trial before the International Criminal Court, a body that has indicted only Africans.”

In February of 2011, the United Nations Security Council, led by the U.S., Britain and France, referred the case against Libya to the ICC, to provide a criminal justice rationale for the military assault that was already underway against Muammar Gaddafi’s government. This time, Washington has instructed its UN proxies to give “humanitarian” legal cover in advance for an attack on Eritrea. The demonization campaign is built around two Big Lies: one, that Eritrea’s system of national service – a form of draft, which is the right of all nations – amounts to “slavery”; and two, that domestic oppression in Eritrea is a prime source of African refugees to Europe, with the tiny nation allegedly accounting for more cross-continental emigration than every other country except war-ravaged Syria.

National service in Eritrea, as in many other countries, includes not only military duty on the front lines with Ethiopia – which still occupies parts of Eritrea in clear violation of an international arbitration agreement – but also labor in public works projects as well as service in health and education infrastructures. (Most teachers in Eritrea, for example, are national service workers.) Lots of folks would call that socialism or nation-building – which is how the Eritreans see it.

The Eritreans defend extended national service on grounds of necessity, citing an existential threat from the Ethiopian military, backed to the hilt by Washington. Economic sanctions have also necessitated that Eritrea mobilize the population to develop its own national resources. However, self-reliance is also a cornerstone of Eritrean domestic development policy, and seen as central to maintaining true national sovereignty and independence. Eritrea rejects foreign “aid” and entanglements with structures of international capital, and is one of only two nations in Africa that has no relationship with AFRICOM, the U.S. military command on the continent (Zimbabwe is the other).

“It is insane to believe that little Eritrea, with only six million people, has set more people to flight than neighboring Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the world, with a population 15 times greater.”

Eritrea’s fierce independence has put it in imperialism’s crosshairs. Eritrea is “Africa’s Cuba” – and the United States treats it as such in a striking variety of ways. Indeed, the other Big Lie against Eritrea – that it is the second largest contributor to the waves of refugees risking life and limb to reach Europe – is directly related to European immigration policies, urged on them by the U.S., that put Eritrea in much the same bind as U.S. policy towards Cuba.

It is insane to believe that little Eritrea, with only six million people, has set more people to flight than neighboring Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the world, now in the throes of a devastating drought, with a population 15 times greater; or neighboring Sudan, also desperately poor and afflicted by multiple wars, with 40 million people; or nearby Somalia, a nation without a state, inhabited by 10 million people. Indeed, economic, political and war refugees from all across Africa claim to be Eritrean because, unlike citizens of any other African country, Eritrean refugees are afforded special status on arrival in Europe as presumptive political refugees who might face torture if returned home. As with U.S. Cuba policy, the Eritrean exception was designed to weaken and destabilize the country through a brain and human resource drain. Inevitably, however, the policy has made Eritrean identification papers the hottest selling documents on the streets of Khartoum and other refugee gathering points. Europe is awash, as is Israel, with fake Eritreans fleeing various military, political and economic catastrophes – most of them rooted in Euro-American foreign destabilization policies and the global capitalist Race to the Bottom.

If Latin Americans could pass for Cubans, the populations of U.S. “Little Havanas” would number in the tens of millions, full of Hondurans, Guatemalans, Salvadorans and Mexicans.

“Economic, political and war refugees from all across Africa claim to be Eritrean.”

Ethiopians pass most easily as Eritreans, since millions of them share the same ethnic background. About half of Eritreans are Tigrayan, the ethnic group that is the fourth largest in Ethiopia and dominates the ruling party in Addis Ababa. The Austrian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Andreas Melan, last year estimated that “among the thousands of Eritrean migrants in Europe, 30 to 40 percent are Ethiopians.” That may be an underestimate. And many more “Eritreans” actually hail from as far away as West Africa.

The Eritrean ambassador to Israel believes that Ethiopians account for half of the purported Eritreans seeking refugee status in that country. "They know the Eritreans automatically receive a six-month visa, so they pretend to be Eritrean," said the ambassador.

The Eritrean refugee scam is an open secret all across Europe, and is well known to the American and European governments. The Big Lie is maintained to serve imperial purposes, and will now be deployed to justify an armed assault on Eritrea as an alleged mass enslaver and rogue nation. The UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea will submit its manufactured findings to the Human Rights Council on June 21, setting the imperial lynch mob in motion.

“They know the Eritreans automatically receive a six-month visa, so they pretend to be Eritrean."

Eritrea cannot expect a fair hearing from a UN apparatus that is puppeteered from Washington. As the Eritrean government stated in its preliminary response to the UN commission’s charges:

“The purposes of national service in Eritrea are clearly stated in a legal proclamation of 1994 and are three-fold: national defense, economic and social development and national integration. The service is not indefinite although for a time and in certain cases it has been prolonged due the already explained existential threat of war.”

The commission based its findings on the testimony of about 800 (alleged) Eritreans interviewed in various foreign cities, while ignoring the 42,000 Eritrean expatriates that have petitioned the world body to lift sanctions against their home country.

The UN panel is ignoring what is “effectively a continuing state of war with Ethiopia, the illegal occupation of Eritrean territory which constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights, repeated armed aggression, sanctions and mistaken policies that consider almost all Eritreans asylum-seekers,” said Eritrean government spokesperson Yemane Gebreab. That’s a diplomatic way of putting it. By referring the case to the International Criminal Court, and implicitly threatening military action against Eritrea, the commission has become a warmonger.

On Monday, the New York Times reported that thousands of Ethiopian and Eritrean troops were rushing towards the disputed border, the site of heavy artillery duels. The Times quoted an Eritrean dissident living in Sweden as their expert of the moment. “If there is a war, or the rumor of a war, it could be a way for the Eritrean government to get support and divert attention,” said the dissident. The newspaper also relayed a Twitter message from an Eritrean American in his homeland’s capital. “Here in Asmara, it’s peaceful despite #EthiopianAttacks against #Eritrea on the Tsorona front. And you wonder why there’s national service?”

President Obama seems intent on adding War #8 to his imperial legacy.

http://blackagendareport.com/us_plots_war_against_eritrea

blindpig

06-20-2016, 07:55 AM

Syrian MP Sees No Chance of Opposition Parties in New Government
News ID: 1106893 Service: World
June, 17, 2016 - 17:42
خالد العبود

http://newsmedia.tasnimnews.com/Tasnim/Uploaded/Image/1395/03/28/139503280923338137936294.jpg

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Secretary of the Syrian Parliament Khalid al-Aboud on Friday dismissed rumors about formation of a new government in the Arab country, and argued that the opposition groups appear to have no chance of being given a role in the next government.

In an interview with the Tasnim News Agency, Aboud said there are hostile purposes behind the rumors going around that a new government has been formed in Syria.

The process of government formation is clear, he added, explaining that President Bashar al-Assad is going to single out one of the nominees for the post of prime minister within the next days and task him with forming the government.

However, Aboud said he does not believe that the upcoming government would include political opposition factions, pointing to the deterioration of the country’s situation in the past when the opposition groups had a role in the government.

Asked about any plans for drafting a new constitution, the senior lawmaker said Syria does not need any new constitution at the moment, but if the political groups feel the need for it and if the people agree, actions will be taken on it.

Syria is going to get a new government as part of a constitutional process after the new parliament was sworn in earlier this month.

The Arab country has been gripped by civil war since March 2011 with Takfiri terrorists, including Daesh and al-Nusra Front, currently controlling parts of it, mostly in the east.

According to a report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the country’s pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders.

http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/06/17/1106893/syrian-mp-sees-no-chance-of-opposition-parties-in-new-government

Lavrov seems to think he can push Syria around like Donbass. President Assad better watch is back or he'll end up like Alexi Mozgovoy.

Dhalgren

06-20-2016, 11:13 AM

Lavrov seems to think he can push Syria around like Donbass. President Assad better watch is back or he'll end up like Alexi Mozgovoy.

True. One of the big things Syria has going for it is its dedicated, blooded, veteran army. These guys don't play, and with Hezbollah standing beside them, they mean business. Also, Iraq and Iran are not to be easily manipulated by the Kremlin any more. It may be time for Putin to put up or shut up - he fucked over Novorossiya and everybody saw him do it, gotta give 'em pause.

blindpig

06-22-2016, 10:12 AM

blindpig

06-28-2016, 04:57 PM

El Murid
Yesterday at 7:52am ·
The Turks, allowing Putin without losing face forget downed aircraft, risking very little. The main thing for which strayed aircraft has already been done.

In principle, the vague withdrawal of Russian troops, and concluded, as is customary in contemporary Russian politics, with the prefix "semi" with all its pre-history, and then to the subsequent events, shows that in fact the Kremlin has failed to achieve any of the goals he even theoretically could pursue in this utterly strange war.

If you recall the background to "O", the overall picture is already at that time was extremely frank and clear: downed aircraft showed Turkey's readiness to go to any aggravation, just to explain the Russian politicians and generals that the Turks would not tolerate others near its borders. Turkish "Novoturtsiya" inviolable, in fact, it is trying to convey Erdogan dispersed in rage Putin. He did not heed - had to shoot down. Erdogan's logic, by the way, is flawless: "Novoturtsiya" - is a barrier to the promotion of Kurdish areas to the coast. In a sense, Erdogan solved our problem: the Kurds, not having access to the coast, significantly depreciate the value of its infrastructure "corridor" through which can go to Europe Iranian gas. Surprise Erdogan, who could not understand the stupidity of his Russian counterpart, obviously.

To the Kremlin more clearly realized that he was fighting not with those with whom it is necessary, in February, Saudi Arabia and the Arab League have pulled together a coalition of the northern border of Jordan under the guise of an enormous group exercise "Northern Storm". The group at the peak there were 350,000 troops personnel LAS Coalition 2500 tanks, 2500 aircraft, 500 helicopters, air defense, artillery - reactive and receiver. The Saudis even removed from the south with Yemen army, to create such an unprecedentedly powerful fist.

In addition, the naval forces of the coalition at least defiantly preparing for the blocking of the Suez and the southern Mediterranean Sea. From the north, Turkey announced its intention to land operations in Syria, gathering not too inferior to Saudi coalition force. Plus - the threat of the overlap of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles.

Putin remained at that time the only trump card - a nuclear weapon. Actually, launches "calibrated" in October were intended not militants and even the United States - and the regional players. However, the Saudis and the Turks it could no longer impress - they have learned after the first start-up in October, and hiked up to his threat to Pakistan. In February-March was again floated the information that Saudi Arabia has a nuclear bomb in a sufficient amount, but it is in custody in Pakistan. The message was more than clear - no unilateral strike was not expected, the Saudis have had on it a symmetrical response. Another response in Russia was no longer there.

on February 8 in Moscow with the first ultimatum of coalition LAS and Turkey visited the Emir of Bahrain, a second ultimatum was presented during the visit of Foreign Minister of Sudan (also entered into a coalition), after which Lavrov suddenly began to talk about the admissibility of Syria federalization (of course, if it decides to Syrian people). It is noteworthy that in an hour and a half after it was announced that the withdrawal of Russian troops. Ultimatum proved extremely significant.

In fact, the sole purpose of the coalition was to redirect the zeal of Moscow from the "moderate" terrorists towards LIH. What happened. On the conclusion was announced, the group is partially cut as seriously fight with the goal of LIH was not originally, and to fight against the "moderate" after such ultimatums and preparations for a very uncertain clash proved impossible. Russia had to make statements that actually already considered a future without Assad Syria - it was an attempt to please the new partners, although the Russian domestic consumers continue to sound the horns and the drums of war victory.

Rakka. Unidentified samoletTem at least April 14, was shot down over Rakka "unidentified" military aircraft, and by all indications it was Russian. Anyway, after about him that was not heard and not seen. But dull, but very confident about the past history of what LIH captivated our two pilots and handed them over to Russia in exchange for a promise not to bomb the RACC. What to this day and it is maintained. Several reports of alleged Russian air raids on the RACC subsequently proved to be inaccurate - the Americans bombed. It is interesting only someone who allegedly knocked our plane. The probability that knocked LIH, no higher probability that knocked down "is not LIH". Who eventually knocked down - the question.

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/…/1655…/360304/360304_300.png

In fact, LIH (and possibly external players) only warned Russia that it was at war with him without a spark, as before, otherwise there will be methods and against Koli Saprykin. Peripheral and not too significant portions LIH not worry too much - the situation in Palmyra proof. Purely Display victory of Russia and Assad in Palmyra not changed the situation in the south, LIH only moved to virtually go back now again: fighting is already in the city, although in the suburbs. The defeat of the expedition "on Rakka" was another proof that igil not excite the television war the Russian leadership: in two days the situation has been restored.

Russia got into a situation where she could neither go out nor fight. Therefore, being a strange semi-war in the hope that after a while howling in TV art will be reduced to zero, and then the Federation Council routinely cancel your permission to use troops abroad, on which it will be possible to announce the decision of problems and the return of the heroes home.

In such circumstances layatsya with Turkey no longer make much sense - must somehow return all back, but so that the person was saved. At least under a thick layer of powder. Here Erdogan and gives this powder - you utrites there, but as you get it - yourself examined. Turks have their own problems, caused by the break with the barbarians of the north, they decided, so what is the curse? Erdogan Letter can also be viewed from the other side: we, in general, do not care anymore. We agreed with Israel, we now everything is in order, the Israelis instead of your visitors, and tomatoes we now find what to do. Decide for yourself, in general.

https://www.facebook.com/vladimir.suchan/posts/10153693164188388

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