Islamic State Declared in Syria
Posted by Matthew Barber on Sunday, April 14th, 2013
by Matthew Barber
Al-Qaida and Jabhat al-Nusra have each declared an Islamic State in Syria, in their own way.
And by the way, Jabhat al-Nusra is al-Qaida. The head of al-Nusra, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, finally confirmed the obvious through an official declaration of allegiance.
An Islamic State in Syria? For Real?
Al-Qaida in Iraq already styles itself as the “Islamic State in Iraq” (ISI). The difference between it and Jabhat al-Nusra is that the latter actually controls territory, making the declaration of a state cause for a moment of disconcerted reflection: If Jabhabt al-Nusra currently administers various villages and cities (such as Raqqa) through a manifestation of Islamist governance embodied in shari’a councils, and if Jabhat al-Nusra is al-Qaida, then it’s not absurd to say that something resembling a rough patchwork of quasi city-states has been established by al-Qaida in Syria. This is a strange station that no one expected to arrive at when the Syrian uprising began.
Whether or not al-Nusra is developing the various ministries and institutions typically associated with statehood, they are expanding their scope of shari’a governance, and as al-Julani stated in his announcement, they receive some kind of budget from al-Qaida in Iraq.
The lately growing anticipation of total failure of statehood in Syria—code for the emergence of an al-Qaida-branded Islamist patchwork state—is behind the U.S. reaction to train nationalist rebels (of course not “secular rebels”—a strange term frequently appearing now), as well as an alleged change in Saudi policy (more below). Should an al-Qaida state grow into even more of a reality, Israeli and Jordanian border integrity are the primary concerns motivating the counter effort, which would likely develop into buffer zones.
He Said—I Say
It all started with a speech from Ayman al-Zawahiri who apparently decided to rip the lid off the affiliation between Jabhat al-Nusra and al-Qaida. This seemed to prompt the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, to quickly go public in announcing that together with Jabhat al-Nusra, they were forming an entity called “The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.”
According to MEMRI:
… Al-Baghdadi then says that ISI [al-Qaida in Iraq], following the same path set by its predecessors regarding the group’s adherence to a doctrine that does not abide to geographical border or ethnic affiliation, has in fact had training and support cells operating in Syria; however, these cells have been “awaiting the chance” to expand their operations. Such a chance came after the bloodshed ensued in Syria, and after the Syrians’ call for help was answered. Therefore, Al-Baghdadi says, ISI decided to answer the call by assigning the “Julani” – a reference to Abu Muhammad Al-Julani, the leader of [Jabhat al-Nusra] – to lead the group there. Al-Baghdadi confirms that Al-Julani was in fact dispatched from Iraq along with a group of men to Syria in order to meet the aforementioned cells there. Furthermore, Al-Baghdadi says that ISI provided JN with the plans and work strategy needed in Syria. He also says that ISI has been in fact splitting its funds evenly with JN, which received those funds on a monthly basis.
Addressing Syrians, Al-Baghdadi says that the announcement about JN being part of ISI was not released earlier for security reasons, and also in order to provide the Syrian people the opportunity to see and judge JN on their own, as a separate entity that is not part of Al-Qaeda, rather than perceive the group through the eyes of the biased media.
Al-Baghdadi then declares the nullification of both the names of ISI and JN, while announcing the two will be joined under the name “Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham.”
Al-Baghdadi then urges Islamic scholars to join the mujahideen in Syria, while inviting the various opposition groups and tribes to work on raising the banner of tawhid in Syria, and to work on instating the shari’a.
Al-Baghdadi warns Syrians not to fall victims of democracy, while adding that democracy should not be the outcome for the endless suffering and death they have faced thus far.
After this announcement from al-Baghdadi, al-Nusra leader al-Julani countered some of al-Baghdadi’s assertions through a statement of his own, revealing that al-Nusra had not been involved in planning for the announcement and generally expressing a greater degree of separateness from al-Qaida in Iraq than that conveyed by al-Baghdadi. However, he did not renounce the declaration of establishing this “state” (though he framed it differently), and he affirmed al-Nusra’s allegience to Ayman al-Zawahiri. We are providing a rough translation of al-Julani’s statement, with some considerations following:
Muslims everywhere, leaders of the jihadist movements, leaders of the armed factions, people of the Levant, children of Jabhat Al-Nusra, as-salam wa’leikum.
Al-Haq [one of the names of Allah], praise his highness, said: [Surah Al-Ankaboot 1-3]
“Alif, Laam, Meem
Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and that they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.”
There have been talks about a speech attributed to Sheikh Abi Baker al-Baghdadi, may Allah protect him. In the speech attributed to the Sheik, there was mention of Jabhat al-Nusra being an expansion of the ISI [Islamic State in Iraq] and a declaration of the nullification of both the names of ISI and Jabhat al-Nusra, to be replaced with one name: “The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham.”
Thus, we would like the people to know that the leaders of al-Nusra, its Majlis al-Shura [advisory council], and the al-‘abd al-faqir [“the poor slave of God”–a self-debasing reference to himself], the Secretary General of Jabhat al-Nusra were not informed about this declaration, except for what they heard through the media. So if this speech is true, then we weren’t consulted or briefed about it.
Now that some cards have been revealed, I can say that we were part of the the jihad in Iraq from the beginning until we came back following the start of the Syrian revolution. Despite the disconnect that we had [?], we observed those momentous events that the path of jihad in Iraq went through and took from our experience there what brought joy to the hearts of the believers in the land of Sham [the Levant], under the banner of Jabhat al-Nusra.
And Allah knows, that we haven’t seen from our brethren in Iraq anything but great generosity and hospitality. We won’t be able to pay them back for that graciousness for as long as we live. I did not wish to leave Iraq until seeing the banners of Islam flying over it, but the rapidly-developing events in the Levant came between us and our wishes.
I was honored to accompany those who we believe to be the people of righteousness in Iraq. We lost so many of them that I have to say “May God accept him [as a martyr]” for almost every name mentioned in front of me. In addition to the tens if not hundreds of muhajariin [those who emigrate for jihad] who met their destiny, from the Levant and elsewhere, for the sake of raising the word of Allah under the banner of the Iraqi Islamic state.
Then God honored me by introducing me to Sheikh al Baghdadi, who returned the favor multiplied, to the people of the Levant. And he did that by agreeing to a project that we proposed to him, to aid the oppressed in the Levant.
He then provided us with the money of the state [the “Islamic State of Iraq”], even despite the harsh times that they were passing through. And he put his complete trust in me to produce policies and plans. And he sent us a few brothers, who, even with their small numbers, Allah had blessed their gathering.
Jabhat al-Nusra started facing the difficulties, a bit at time, until Allah blessed us and our banners were raised high and waved along with the hearts of the Muslims and the oppressed. And al-Nusra became those who made the difference in the battle of the umma today. And it became the center of hope for Muslims around the world. We declared, from the start, that our aim is to bring back the power of Allah to his land, and to raise the umma to follow his judgment and his way.
And we did not want to rush the announcement, as the role of the state in applying sharia and settling disputes and bringing security to Muslims and meeting their needs is already underway in the liberated areas, even with all the shortcomings. The matter of announcing it was not of importance, as long as it was underway.
In addition, the Islamic state in the Levant is built with the help of everyone without the exclusion of any principal parties, from jihadi groups and renowned Sunni clerics to the muhajariin, who fought and performed jihad alongside us in the Levant.
In addition to the exclusion of Jabhat al-Nusra leaders and its shura. [?]
The delay in the announcement was not because of weakness in religion or fear on the part of the men of Jabhat, but it was wisdom based on principles of the sharia and a long history of effort in understanding the sharia politics applicable to the situation of the Levant and which were agreed upon by the people of wisdom and logic in the Levant, from the leaders of Jabhat and its students, and the leaders of other factions and their students and those who support and advise us from outside the country.
Thus, I won’t respond to [I comply with] the invitation of al-Baghdadi, may Allah protect him, in moving from the lower to the greater and I say:
[Thanks to Cole Bunzel for identifying the correct Arabic word that we misheard when performing the translation from the audio version]
This is a pledge of allegiance that Jabhat al-Nusra and their secretary general renews for Sheikh of jihad Ayman Al Zawahiri, may Allah protect him. We pledge allegiance to him and will listen to and follow his orders […] in hijra and jihad and we won’t dispute his decisions unless we see blasphemy in them.
And the banner of the Jabhat will stay as it is, even though we are proud of the flag of the ISI and those who carried it and sacrificed their lives for it. And to the people of the Levant, rest assured that what you saw from the Jabhat in its defense of your religion, blood, and honor and its good manners with you and the fighting factions will remain the same. And this declaration of allegiance will not change any of its policies. May Allah bring us together to the path of righteousness. Amen, Amen
Thanks to Allah
The servant of Muslims
The Secretary General of Jabhat al-Nusra
Abou Mohamad Al Julani
A number of interesting observations can be made about this statement. First, it is amusing that al-Julani would begin his speech—a response to a speech by a fellow jihadi—by quoting a Qur’anic verse about liars. He clearly states that Jabhat al-Nusra had not been informed that the announcement was forthcoming. Though framed with respectful language, the entire statement represents a veiled rebuke to al-Baghdadi.
Al-Julani discloses the real picture of al-Nusra, revealing that the core of al-Nusra are Syrian jihadis who participated with al-Qaida in Iraq “from the beginning” of the Iraq war, only returning to Syria after the uprising began in order to engage in jihad against the Syrian regime by employing all the experience and tools gained through the long period of fighting in Iraq. And in addition to being the offspring of al-Qaida in Iraq, al-Julani affirms that al-Nusra has been supported by them throughout its tenure in Syria—supported both financially and with fighters. He intentionally downplays the numbers of fighters from Iraq, however; while expressing gratitude for their participation, he endeavors to place distance between the Iraqi and Syrian jihadi groups by framing the role of jihadis from al-Qaida in Iraq as minimal. Even when emphasizing a degree of autonomy from al-Qaida in Iraq, he nevertheless ends up indicating a measure of subordination by saying “he put his complete trust in me to produce policies and plans.”
So if al-Nusra was born of al-Qaida in Iraq, includes Iraqi jihadis, has continually received support from al-Qaida, and willingly affirms allegiance to Ayman al-Zawahiri, what is the rub between al-Julani and al-Baghdadi’s statement? The point of tension seems to center around the declaration of an Islamic state. Though he never denies affiliation with al-Qaida in Iraq, or what he sees as the evolving emergence of an Islamic state in Syria, he seems to have taken offense to the timing and manner of the declaration, and rejects al-Baghdadi’s approach of a single state for Syria and Iraq under a single governing structure. Though he has no problem being under the authority of al-Qaida’s top command, he experiences possible resentment at the suggestion that al-Nusra be subordinate to al-Qaida in Iraq.
Al-Julani therefore rejects al-Baghdadi’s assertion that the two wings will abandon their separate titles and merge into a single unit. He maintains that al-Nusra will continue to use its name and flag. He confirms the declaration of an Islamic state in Syria (saying it is “built” by all parties who participated in the struggle), but he does not link it with that in Iraq: Rather than the “Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham” it is merely “The Islamic State of al-Sham.” Though acknowledging the presence of an Islamic state, he says that declaring statehood is not important, since the state has been coming into being through a process of implementing shari’a to the degree it is possible in the Syrian context. (This process is ongoing, through such projects as the effort to bring shari’a classes to the public.)
These announcements therefore do not represent a “merger of Jabhat al-Nusra with al-Qaida” but the disclosure of their equivalency. While it has long been perceived that ISI and al-Nusra were linked counterparts, this reality is now in the open. Further, both factions declare an Islamic state in Syria, through formulated differently.
From the France Press article “Why al Qaeda has admitted its role in the Syrian conflict“:
On Tuesday, the head of al Qaeda in Iraq publicly unveiled its links to the jihadist group al-Nusra Front, which is fighting against the regime in Syria. In turn, the head of the al-Nusra Front has pledged allegiance to Ayman al-Zawahiri, who as Osama Bin Laden’s successor is at the helm of the entire terrorist organisation and has recently called for an Islamic holy war in Syria. FRANCE 24 talked to a jihadist fighter who shared his analysis of al Qaeda’s strategy in the Syrian conflict.
In his latest announcement, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, head of al Qaeda’s branch in Iraq – an operation al Qaeda refers to as the “Islamic State in Iraq” – confirmed what the United States had long claimed: that the al-Nusra Front had ties to his organisation. The al-Nusra Front first made its appearance in Syria in early 2012, and has since become one of the most well-organised and well-equipped groups of rebel fighters in the country. In the same statement, al-Baghdadi announced that he planned to rename his organisation the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant [a historical name for Syria] in order to include the al-Nusra Front.
In an audio recording published on YouTube, Abou Muhammad al-Julani, the head of the al-Nusra Front, says he was not consulted on this decision. However, he explains that he “accepts al-Baghdadi’s call to rise toward excellence by vowing allegiance to Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri.” While he did not refuse to work under the new “Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant”, he did say he wanted to “keep the banner of the al-Nusra Front”.
Louaï Mokdad, the spokesman for the Free Syrian Army, which has fought alongside the al-Nusra Front, says his rebel group “does not support al-Nusra’s ideology” and that their cooperation in battle was born out of necessity. However, a few weeks ago, the head of the Free Syrian Army, Riad al-Asaad, publicly expressed his support for the al-Nusra Front and criticised Washington for labelling it a terrorist organisation.
Riad al-Asaad’s recent expression of support for al-Nusra and criticism of the U.S.’s designation of it a terrorist group will now be a source of consternation for many. That al-Nusra is now more visibly subsumed under or an extension of al-Qaida will make such criticism difficult to deliver in the future.
France Press spoke to “the head of Ansar al-Sharia, a Syrian jihadist group that has close ties to the al-Nusra Front,” who sheds light on the spontaneous announcement that was delivered quickly rather than following a planning phase that would coordinate with all the various groups. He suggests that al-Qaida in Iraq was trying to beat several other groups to the punch, groups that can be viewed as competitors in the ambition to establish an Islamist state. The following are his words, reported in the FP article:
We’re all happy with al-Baghdadi’s announcement. But we also understand our chief al-Julani, who has asked that we wait for the results of a planned meeting between all the different groups fighting in Syria to work out the details of this new form of cooperation and to understand why the al-Nusra Front wasn’t consulted beforehand.
Everyone knew about the al-Nusra Front’s orientation and about its ties to the Islamic State in Iraq – that was no secret. I don’t think this has had any negative impacts on the battlefield, since, up until now, the international community hasn’t given us anything even though the Syrian regime has been murdering its people for two years now. In any case, creating an Islamic state in Syria is the logical next step for us.
On Wednesday, I took part in a meeting with different groups fighting in the region of Douma [a suburb of Damascus], including the Free Syrian Army. All those that attended were in favour of creating an Islamic state. Why would we make all these sacrifices just to see foreign states name others to rule over Syria? Or even to create a democracy? We’ve seen what’s happened in other Arab states where they tried to install democracies, and the results aren’t at all encouraging.
Many people think that al-Baghdadi’s announcement may have been a little premature, but there are two parameters to consider. First of all, recently, new groups of fighters have emerged, notably in the region of Ghouta al-Sharkiya [near Damascus] and in Deraa. These groups use Islamist names. But in fact, these fighters are controlled by the United States government, with the aim of curbing the al-Nusra Front’s influence. I believe the al Qaeda chiefs decided to make this announcement in order to regroup all the fighters who are truly jihadists under their banner.
Secondly, there’s a political side to this: we know that some jihadist groups, like the al-Furqan brigade, are backed by Qatar, and others by Saudi Arabia. We’ve heard that these groups were getting ready to announce the creation of their own Islamic state. So it seems that al-Baghdadi decided to pre-empt this by declaring the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.
The rebel leader is referring to Syrian rebels being openly trained by Jordan and the U.S. as an alternative to an Islamist presence near Israel, though he adds the conspiratorial twist that their purpose is to impersonate Islamists.
The Syrian regime doesn’t seem to share the enthusiasm for the strategy of distinguishing between breeds of rebels: Syria warns Jordan over supporting rebels:
Amid reports that Syria has turned the main destination of the world’s Jihadists, Damascus warned that unless those Jihadists are denied access, the crisis it has sustained for over two years will spill over across its border and set the entire region ablaze.
Syria, via its state-controlled newspaper al-Thawra, warned Jordan on Thursday against training foreign fighters on its territory and accused it of espousing the policy of a double ambiguity.
While the Syria conflict may be the biggest break al-Qaida has had in a long while, it remains to be seen how much appetite there will be for Islamist rule on the part of the Syrian people, some of whom have already shown an unwillingness to stomach it through protests against al-Nusra.
Other opposition factions have expressed dismay at al-Nusra’s declaration of statehood and the relationship with al-Qaida: Syrian Rebels Break With Group Over Qaeda Wing Alliance – NYT
A leading coalition of Syrian Islamist insurgents broke with a more radical group on Friday, sharply criticizing its announced alliance with Al Qaeda’s Iraq branch as a moral and political mistake that would benefit only their common enemy, President Bashar al-Assad. …
“This is not the right time to declare states, or to unify a state with another state.”
Expressing “surprise and dismay” at the development, the coalition statement said, “We don’t need imported charters or a new understanding of the nation’s religion.” And in a further criticism of Nusra’s loyalty to outsiders, the statement said, “We won’t be doing our population, and our nation, any service if we pledge our allegiance to those who don’t know a thing about our reality.”
… Assad has long contended that his enemies are foreign-backed terrorists affiliated with Sunni extremist groups like Al Qaeda. The news that Al Qaeda and Nusra were joining together not only appeared to partly validate his claims but reflected the divergent paths of the insurgency against him.
Additionally, Syria rebel chief Al Khatib urges rejection of Al Qaeda
… “The bottom line is that Al Qaeda ideology doesn’t suit us, and rebels in Syria have to take a clear stance about this,” Mr Al Khatib, the leader of the Syrian National Coalition, said yesterday on Facebook.
Peter Bergen and Jennifer Rowland also have a useful article on the development, though framing this development as a “merger” is not exactly correct, as discussed above: Syria rebel group’s dangerous tie to al-Qaeda
On Tuesday, al Qaeda’s affiliate in Iraq announced that it had merged with the Syrian opposition group Jabhat al-Nusra to form the “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.” …
The merger was first reported by SITE, a Washington-based group that tracks jihadist material online. The authors were able to confirm the announcement by monitoring the jihadist site, Ansar al Mujahideen, which frequently posts material from al Qaeda, including Tuesday’s news of the merger of the Syrian and Iraqi wings of al Qaeda. Complicating matters, on Wednesday al Nusra claimed it wasn’t merging with al Qaeda’s affiliate in Iraq, but instead was pledging its allegiance to al Qaeda’s overall leadership.
… The fact that al-Nusra has publicly aligned itself with central al Qaeda is worrisome. A long-term safe haven for this group in Syria could be the prelude for the formation of an organization with the wherewithal to attack the West, just as al Qaeda’s sojourn in Afghanistan when it was controlled by the Taliban prepared the group for the 9/11 attacks.
Second, al-Nusra is widely regarded as the most effective fighting force in Syria, and its thousands of fighters are the most disciplined of the forces opposing Assad.
Al-Nusra is also the first al Qaeda affiliate to take a page out of Hezbollah’s book and operate not only as an effective fighting force but also as a large-scale provider of services…
Finally, al-Nusra is the first jihadist group for many years that has chosen to merge with al Qaeda at a time when it is having significant success on the battlefield. Al Qaeda’s North African franchise, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, as well as the Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, both announced their affiliation with al Qaeda only when they were struggling for resources and exposure.
… Sheikh al-Baghdadi, the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, said that he had delayed the announcement of the formal merger with al-Nusra because he wanted to allow Syrians time to get to know al-Nusra on its own terms, without the inherent negative bias that would be caused by an early announcement of its ties to al Qaeda.
… According to Leila Hilal, a Syrian-American who meets regularly with the Syrian opposition and is the head of the Middle East Task Force at the New America Foundation, the merger announcement may “confirm the suspicions of much of the Syrian public that al-Nusra is not fightingfor a free Syria, but for the establishment of an ultra-fundamentalist state.”
That might explain why the head of al-Nusra, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, claimed in an audio message released on Wednesday that he wasn’t “consulted” on the announcement of the merger of the Syrian and Iraqi wings of al Qaeda. Jawlani then stepped on his effort at damage control by announcing his pledge of allegiance to Ayman al-Zawahiri, who is, of course, the overall head of al Qaeda worldwide.
Syria could become a “long-term safe haven” from which al-Qaida could attack “the West”? Ah, that’s why they’re talking about drones…
While Qatar inaugurates first Syria interim government embassy and welcomes Hitto in Doha (who “has begun talks to form an interim government of 11 ministries to administer the whole of Syria”), Saudi Arabia is allegedly beginning to second-guess its participation with Qatar and Turkey in supporting Islamist rebels:
Syria Civil War Causes Return of Saudi Influence to Lebanon – al-Monitor
Saudi Arabia is seeking to inherit Syria’s role in Lebanon, which began in the 1970s and lasted until Syrian troops withdrew from the country following accusations that Syria was behind Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination in 2005.
Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Lebanon has undergone many phases. During the rise of Nasserism, Riyadh espoused in Lebanon a policy of opposition to the Egyptian leader. After Gamal Abdel Nasser’s death in 1970 and the beginning of the Lebanese civil war and the growth of Syrian interference there, Riyadh vacillated between having an adversarial, peaceful or even harmonious relationship with Damascus in relation to Lebanon.During the last 10 years, Lebanon has become akin to a mirror of the sometimes intimate, and other times strained, relationship between Riyadh on one end and the Damascus-Tehran alliance on the other. The last harmonious period Syria and Saudi Arabia had in Lebanon occurred following King Abdullah’s initiative aimed at reconciling with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the 2008 Arab Economic Summit in Kuwait. This led to the Lebanese adopting the term “seen-seen” (Arabic for S-S) to describe the Syrian-Saudi Arabian accord relating to the management of the Lebanese crisis. This accord, in turn, led to Lebanon enjoying a period of political calm and the formation of a national unity government headed by Riyadh’s most prominent ally, former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, which included members of Hezbollah and representatives of all the components of Lebanon’s incongruous political factions.
But, the S-S understanding soon collapsed, with Hezbollah turning against Hariri’s cabinet. The reason was that Damascus, under Iranian pressure, had forsaken another of its agreements, namely to work together toward guaranteeing that Ayad Allawi, and not Nouri al-Maliki, became prime minister of Iraq.
…Once the Syrian crisis erupted, Riyadh’s announced priority was to back the Syrian opposition’s efforts to change the Assad regime. Since then, Saudi Arabia’s ally in Lebanon, Saad Hariri, has remained outside the country, bound by a Saudi decision to do so and by Riyadh’s desire to make it known that it was choosing to “disengage” itself from the Lebanese scene.
…Recent weeks, however, have seen a radical change in the Saudi policy of turning its back on Lebanon, with events pointing to a Saudi Arabian decision to return in force and re-establish its influence on the country’s political scene…
What led Saudi Arabia to change its stance and re-immerse itself in Lebanon’s quicksand? Several sources point to a Saudi re-evaluation of the policy adopted toward Syria. This does not equate to a change in position regarding the necessity of toppling the Syrian regime, for that remains a constant in its Syria policy.
This re-evaluation occurred as result of Saudi Arabia espousing a different view than Qatar and Turkey concerning the political alternative that would inherit Syria’s regime, if it were to fall. While Doha and Ankara favor the ascension of the Muslim Brotherhood to power, Saudi Arabia strongly opposes that eventuality. In fact, it will expend great diplomatic effort to prevent the establishment of yet another Brotherhood regime in an Arab country.
According to experts in Saudi affairs, Riyadh is of the view that Muslim Brotherhood rule in Syria would lead to the Brotherhood eventually coming into power in Jordan, thereby threatening to turn the attention of Arab revolutions from military presidential totalitarian regimes to regimes ruled by royal families.
Riyadh is also wary that the fall of Jordan into the hands of the Brotherhood would leave Saudi Arabia half-surrounded by Brotherhood regimes, and threaten to spread Brotherhood control over Syria and some other Gulf monarchies.
According to these sources, Riyadh started a concerted move on three different axes. The first aimed to thwart a Brotherhood takeover of Syria. The second proposed an alternative to the Syrian regime composed of Salafists and some elements who defected from the Syrian army. There is some diplomatic information pointing to the fact that US Secretary of State John Kerry was informed by his Saudi interlocutors, during his visit to Riyadh, that the Brotherhood experiment, as seen in Egypt, has proved to be a failure and that Riyadh strongly objected to the establishment of Brotherhood rule in Syria.
The third axis revolves around Saudi Arabia’s return to the Lebanese scene, which emanates from a Saudi belief that it needs both a Levantine card and Syrian opposition bargaining chips to bolster its position and influence when negotiating for the establishment of an alternative to the Syrian regime. …
Part of the apparent change in Saudi policy may be what is described in this article:
Gulf states put new conditions on arms supplies to Syrian rebels – The National
Syrian rebels say they have been told access to weapons from Arabian Gulf states will be conditional on their pledging allegiance to the Free Syrian Army and its civilian overseers in the Syrian National Coalition.
The conditions are part of an effort to better organise the revolt against Bashar Al Assad and rein in Islamist militants.
The Free Syrian Army commander Gen Selim Idriss visited Gulf states last week to ask if the flow of weapons to the rebels could be increased. …
There has been no public comment on the talks from any Gulf countries. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have been supplying elements of the opposition with arms for months via Turkey but not in sufficient volumes to act as an equaliser between rebels and the regime.
This is in addition to Saudi issuing explicit warnings regarding the illegality of its citizens going to fight in Syria, after confirmations of the presence of high numbers of young Saudis fighting in Syria. Considering the role that Saudi Arabia is known to play, this alleged, sudden change of policy seems puzzling. Saudi interests have long been characterized by a high degree of ambivalence.
The Syrian government is sending members of its irregular militias for guerrilla combat training at a secret base in Iran, in a move to bolster its armed forces drained by two years of fighting and defections, fighters and activists said.
… Israel’s intelligence chief and a Western diplomat have said Iran, Assad’s main backer, is helping to train at least 50,000 militiamen and aims to increase the force to 100,000 – though they did not say where the training occurred.
…if the reports by Syrian fighters are true, the move to train combatants in Iran suggests that their country’s increasingly regionalized conflict has grown well beyond – and could even outlast – a battle for power between Assad’s circle and the opposition.
… Nabeel, a muscular Christian fighter from Homs nicknamed “The Shameless One”, said Iranian trainers repeatedly lectured on looting, a crime widely committed by fighters on both sides.
“On our first day of training, the Iranian officer overseeing our course said, ‘I know exactly what is going on in Syria and want to tell you one thing: If you joined the National Defence Army for looting and not to defend your country, you will die an ugly death and go to hell’.” …
GULF SEEKS TO “BLEED” IRAN
The following paragraph of this article conveys the general sense that has been held about Saudi Arabia’s agenda in the conflict, and stands in stark contrast to the understanding laid out in the above article on Saudi influence in Lebanon, which, if to be confirmed, needs to be developed and aired further.
“If the Saudis felt that the Iranians are really moving this game up, they will be sure to check that escalation by increasing assistance to rebel fighters,” said Michael Stephens, a Doha-based analyst for the security think tank RUSI.
“Saudi Arabia is totally focused on this as a way to make the Iranians bleed … keep the Iranians bogged down in this proxy war, bleed them dry.”
That the conflict could drag on beyond the fall of the Syrian regime is echoed by MARK LANDLER and ERIC SCHMITT:
Rebel Victory in Syria Might Not Stop Conflict, U.S. Officials Say – April 11, 2013
WASHINGTON — As it cobbles together additional aid for rebel fighters there, the Obama administration believes Syria could face a protracted, bloody conflict, even if the rebels succeed in ousting President Bashar al-Assad, several officials said Thursday.
The top American intelligence official, James R. Clapper Jr., said that even if Mr. Assad’s government fell, sectarian fighting would most likely engulf the country for a year or more. The American ambassador to Syria, Robert S. Ford, warned that without a negotiated political transition, supporters of the Assad government, “fearing death, would fight to the death.”
Those bleak assessments, delivered in separate hearings before the House and the Senate, underscore the grinding nature of the conflict in Syria and the administration’s pessimism that outside intervention will avert further humanitarian tragedy.
“I agree with you that the prospects in Syria are not good,” said Elizabeth Jones, the acting assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, who along with Mr. Ford faced sharp questioning from members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee over what the members said was an inadequate American response to the continuing bloodshed.
President Obama has signed off in principle on more aid for the military wing of the opposition, which could include battlefield gear like body armor and night-vision goggles. The United States has already pledged medicine and food, and is training rebels covertly in Jordan….
Administration officials said the rebels had made slow but steady gains against the forces of the Assad government, and now controlled significantly more territory than five months ago. But they also warned about the rising danger of extremist groups, which Mr. Ford said were being bolstered by the “pernicious” influence of Iran.
“There is a real competition under way now between extremists and moderates in Syria,” said Mr. Ford, who had just returned from London, where he met with leaders of the opposition. “We need to weigh in on behalf of those who promote freedom and tolerance.”
Mr. Ford said the United States was also urging the Syrian opposition to reach out to minority groups, including Christians and the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam to which Mr. Assad and many of his closest advisers and loyalists belong.
“There needs to be a negotiated political settlement because if there is not a negotiated settlement, our sense is that regime supporters, fearing death, would fight to the death,” he said.
Mr. Obama discussed Syria on Thursday in a White House meeting with the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, who urged the president to show “stronger leadership” in dealing with conflict.
The president, acknowledging that the situation there was at a “critical juncture,” said, “It is important for us to bring about an effective political transition that would respect the rights of all Syrians.”
In the short term, Mr. Obama added, it was important “to try to eliminate some of the carnage.”
Speaking to the House Intelligence Committee, Mr. Clapper, the director of national intelligence, said the most likely situation was a Syria divided along geographical and sectarian lines, with militias fighting for at least a year to 18 months after an exit by Mr. Assad.
“There are literally hundreds of these militia groups that are fighting on a local basis in the north and east of the country,” he said. “They are gaining more control of the area.”
But Mr. Clapper acknowledged that American intelligence agencies were not venturing a guess about when or how Mr. Assad might go, given continuing support from Russia and Iran, and the Syrian leader’s own belief that he can ride out the civil war.
“His own perspective is that he believes he’s got the upper hand, that he’s winning,” Mr. Clapper said. “He’s also said that he was born in Syria and he’s going to die there.”…
Another article underscoring the intractable character of the conflict: The Battle of Armageddon by Michael Weiss
The impregnable regime bases are in the Qassioum, which, in addition to being Assad’s domicile, is also the headquarters of the Republican Guard, al-Drejj (to the north of Qudssaya), Mazzeh, home a military airport and army bases belonging to the Fourth Armored Division, Qataneh, and Kiswah.
The rebels face two major obstacles in any concerted foray into central Damascus. First, there is a greater concentration of conventional regime forces here than anywhere else in Syria, including not just the bulk of the two praetorian divisions but other divisions and the now mainly Alawite-staffed Special Forces. Rebels have never encountered this quotient of Syrian regulars before because these troops constitute a loyalist hardcore, the possibility of prompting defections is much slimmer. This is to say nothing of the capital’s buildup of the Popular Committees and Jaysh al-Sha’bi militias which stand to take the place of Syrian army in a coming sectarian free-for-all. Urban combat here will be longer and bloodier than it was in Aleppo. Imagine every street another Salaheddine.
The second problem is topographical. All of the regime installations cited above are in elevated positions meaning that, as rebels advance into downtown Damascus, a steady barrage of rockets and artillery can rain down on the capital until there aren’t any buildings left standing. As grim as it may sound, this may actually constitute the rebels’ end-game in the absence of foreign intervention.
How does a guerrilla insurgency make up for its lack of firepower or an air component? By using the other side’s to do its bidding. Typically what has happened in other fought-over swaths of Syria is that the rebels have laid siege to regime installations with their own rockets and artillery for the purpose of infiltrating them and confiscating whatever materiel they can carry or drive off with. (This ranges from Kalashnikovs to surface-to-air missiles). The regime inevitably responds to the loss of its own strategic terrain, and the prospect of better-equipped enemies, by bombarding these sites and rendering them inoperable even when the rebels are flushed out.
According to analysts I’ve spoken to, there is simply no way that the rebels can penetrate the Rif Dimashq military installations given their current capability, even with Croatian rocket launchers and recoilless guns. Since they don’t have a no-fly zone or close air support, or heavier caliber weapons the West has been reluctant to supply them, they will likely resort to the kind of pinprick measures – suicide and car bombings – we’ve seen used against NATO and coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Rebels will thus act as both moving targets and guidance systems for the regime’s own war machine, raiding one base in the hopes that it will be cannibalistically powdered by the adjoining. Jahbat al-Nusra is well-poised to be the vanguard fighting force in Damascus since its militants have the fewest reservations about sacrificing themselves. Idriss’ Supreme Military Command, although it disclaims Nusra membership in its ranks, is not above partnering with the caliphate-minded jihadists for precisely this reason.
… But be under no illusions about how long it will take or at what price the fall of Sham will come. Since the siege of Aleppo began last summer, 10,000 have been killed in that province, a million have fled, another half million are internally displaced, and out of a total population of 2.4 million, 2.3 million are living in areas needing humanitarian aid. Not for nothing did the rebels name the battle for Damascus the ‘Battle of Armageddon.’
Back to Iran, they support the Syrian regime, do they not? But they also seem to have a relationship with al-Qaida… what exactly is their game? Strange bedfellows — Iran and al Qaeda By Peter Bergen
The appearance Friday in a lower Manhattan courtroom of Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law and one-time al Qaeda spokesman, to face charges of conspiracy to kill Americans underlines the perhaps surprising fact that members of bin Laden’s inner circle have been living in Iran for the past decade or so.
It was Abu Ghaith’s decision to leave the comparative safety of his longtime refuge in Iran for Turkey a few weeks ago that led to the chain of events that landed him in Manhattan for trial.
… As is well known, many of bin Laden’s family and members of his inner circle fled Afghanistan for Pakistan after the fall of the Taliban in the winter of 2001, but what is less well known is that some also fled to neighboring Iran.
According to U.S. documents and officials, in addition to Abu Ghaith, other of bin Laden’s inner circle who ended up in Iran include the formidable military commander of al Qaeda, Saif al-Adel, a former Egyptian Special Forces officer who had fought against the Soviets in Afghanistan, as well as Saad bin Laden, one of the al Qaeda’s leader older sons who has played some kind of leadership role in the group.
Saad bin Laden spent the first six months of 2002 living in Karachi in southern Pakistan. From there he helped one of his father’s wives, Khairiah bin Laden, and several of his father’s children to move from Pakistan to Iran.
For years these bin Laden family members all lived in the Iranian capital, Tehran, under some form of house arrest. Their conditions were not unpleasant, with time for visits to swimming pools and shopping trips.
Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence learned that some al Qaeda operatives were living in the northern Iranian town of Chalus, on the Caspian Sea.
… A year after that operation was called off, according to US and Saudi officials, from his Iranian refuge Saif al-Adel authorized al-Qaeda’s branch in Saudi Arabia to launch a series of terrorist attacks in the Saudi kingdom that began in the capital Riyadh in May 2003, a campaign that killed scores of Saudis and expatriates.
On the face of it, the fact that a number of al Qaeda leaders and operatives and bin Laden family members found shelter in Iran is puzzling, as the Shia theocrats in the Iranian regime are hostile to the Sunni ultra zealots in al Qaeda, and vice versa. …
As al-Qaida’s influence in Syria becomes more visible, it also grows in Lebanon:
By: Nasser Chararah for Al-Monitor Lebanon Pulse
Waving al-Qaeda’s flag during protests and marches carried out by Salafists in Lebanon has become very common. Al-Qaeda’s flag was recently seen flying in the center of Beirut when 2,000 Salafists gathered in the capital upon the call of Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir to go to the streets. In one of Beirut’s neighborhoods [Tariq al Jadidah], which is the stronghold of the Sunni sect in the Lebanese capital, young masked men go occasionally to the streets waving al-Qaeda’s flag, as is the case in the city of Tripoli [the capital of North Lebanon], which is currently dominated by the Salafist movement.
In light of the current political situation, this phenomenon does not bode well for Lebanon. Al-Qaeda’s presence has become prominent on the Lebanese arena to the extent that it has become part of its normal political and partisan life. At the security level, it is believed that the Syrian crisis has been spilling over into some areas of Lebanon, as clashes in the Damascus countryside and Homs are reflected in some of the towns on Lebanon’s northern and eastern border.
The Lebanese security apparatus has been trying as much as possible to hide the grim reality from the public. It has been saying that al-Qaeda’s flags flying during protests do not suggest that the organization has a physical existence in Lebanon. …
Interior Minister Charbel Mansour, however, does not hesitate to appear on local television to warn that “Lebanon’s security situation is increasingly worsening and that armed groups have become more present than the state in many streets and regions.” …
First indications
According to the security information, al-Qaeda has affiliated groups in Lebanon, which have begun to grow and engage in raging confrontations in its northern cities, mainly the clashes taking place in Tripoli against Alawites. This is not to mention the confrontations waged by Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria, especially in the rural areas of Damascus and Homs. Moreover, the security information shows that first indications of al-Qaeda public appearance in Lebanon go back to period before the eruption of the Syrian revolution between 2007 and 2011, with the growing semi-public appearance of the movement of Fatah al-Islam, Abdullah Azzam Brigades and the Ziad Jarrah Brigades.
Nevertheless, al-Qaeda has had an increasingly heavy presence in Lebanon with the growing rise of the jihadist Salafist movement within the Syrian uprising, which created some sort of a link between the jihadist Salafists in Homs in particular, and the nascent Salafist movement in northern Lebanon. It was not long before the extremely poor Sunni-dominated northern Lebanon turned into the backyard of the Syrian armed Salafist opposition and an extension of its ideological climate. …
Imitating Jabhat al-Nusra
According to this information, the rise of Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria prompted the emulation of its jihadist model by Lebanese Salafists who are active in northern Lebanon and some Palestinian camps in the process of “supporting their brothers in Syria.” The information also indicates that “the Salafist arena of jihad” in Syria has started to produce an organic and organizational extension of it inside several Lebanese areas. It is noteworthy that al-Qaeda, which includes Jabhat al-Nusra, still classifies Lebanon as a “Nusra arena” (i.e., an arena to gather mujahedeen and prepare them for jihad in another). …
Since the mix isn’t diverse enough, let’s add Hamas. After years of support from the Assad regime, Hamas, now supported/hosted by Qatar, joins the array of Sunni Islamist groups participating in the Syrian uprising:
Hamas cuts ties with Assad and sends military to train rebels – Washington Times
The military wing of Hamas has upped its support for Syrian rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad and is now providing training.
Prior, Hamas was offering only support and assistance, but had held back from tapping its military forces, Ynet reported. But Friday, various media outlets reported that Hamas had completely severed ties with Mr. Assad and had sent military experts to Damascus to train the Syrian opposition, the Free Syrian Army. The group is now friends with Qater, Ynet reported.
Egypt Update
A lot has been happening in Egypt, including sectarian attacks on churches and violent clashes between the Muslim Brotherhood and their opponents. The following scratch the surface of what’s been happening.
AP Photo
Since fierce clash, Egypt’s crisis takes new turn
It has come to be known as the “Battle of the Mountain”: a ferocious fight between members of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and their opponents near the group’s Cairo headquarters. In a country that has already seen crisis after crisis, it could mark a dangerous turning point in the political turmoil.
The aftermath of the fighting is raising worries that the confrontation between Islamists,, who dominate power in the country, and their opponents is moving out of anyone’s control. The riot on March 22 revealed a new readiness of some in the anti-Brotherhood opposition to turn to violence, insisting they have no choice but to fight back against a group they accuse of using violence against them for months. The fight featured an unusual vengefulness. Young protesters were seen at one point pelting a Brotherhood member with firebombs and setting him aflame. Others chased anyone with a conservative Muslim beard, while Islamists set up checkpoints searching for protesters. Each side dragged opponents into mosques and beat them.
Since the fight, Islamists enraged by what they saw as aggression against their headquarters have for the past week hiked up calls for wider action against opponents — and the media in particular — accusing them of trying to overthrow Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.
Those calls may explain moves by the country’s top prosecutor the past week: the questioning of a popular television comedian, Bassem Youssef, whose Jon Stewart-style satires of Morsi drive Islamists into knots of anger, the summoning of several other media personalities and the issuing of arrest warrants against five opposition activists on accusations of fomenting violence.
Opposition activists warn the moves are the opening of a campaign of intimidation to silence Morsi’s critics. The presidency says the prosecutor is just enforcing the law and that Morsi’s office has nothing to do with the moves. Morsi’s supporters say they are showing restraint against extreme provocation.
… The fury growing for months was on display in the March 22 clashes in Moqattam, a district located on a rocky plateau overlooking Cairo, where the Brotherhood’s headquarters is located. Both sides came ready for a fight. Opponents had called for a march on the Brotherhood headquarters to “restore dignity” after an incident a week earlier, when Brotherhood members beat up activists who were spray-painting graffiti outside the building, as well as journalists filming the incident, slapping one woman to the ground.
The Brotherhood brought in several thousand supporters, vowing to defend the building, referring to it as “our home.” The mayhem erupted the minute the two sides faced off, and each accuses the other of throwing the first stone. The heaviest fighting was in a square several kilometers (miles) away from the Brotherhood headquarters, which was guarded by lines of police. Rains of stones and gunshots were exchanged, while “popular committees” formed by residents to protect their neighborhood joined in, swinging poles and machetes.
All day and into the night, the two sides battered each other with everything from knives and iron bars to homemade pistols, leaving 200 injured. Bearded Brotherhood members dragged dozens of activists into the Bilal bin Ramah Mosque, where they beat them and flogged them with whips, several of those who were held told The Associated Press.
Christian activist Amir Ayad recalled how, while he was being beaten, he’d hear Brotherhood supporters coming into the mosque greeted by their comrades who told them, “Go warm up on that Christian dog inside.” Ayad — who was left with a fractured skull and broken ribs — said Brotherhood members forced him to pose for photograph, wielding a knife they pushed into his hands to use as evidence that he was thug.
Opponents, meanwhile, snatched a number of Brotherhood members and took them into the Al-Hamad Mosque. A reporter for the Brotherhood’s party newspaper, Mustafa el-Khatib, told the AP he was seized and carried by his arms and legs into the mosque and beaten.
“You sheep, we’ll show you,” his tormentors shouted, using a term many protesters use against Islamists they see as blindly following their leaders, el-Khatib told the AP. He had deep cuts in his head and bruises all over his body. …
Attack on Cairo cathedral mourners leaves one dead – Ahram
At least one person is killed outside Cairo’s main Coptic Cathedral on Sunday night following attack by unknown assailants during funeral for victims of Saturday’s sectarian bloodletting
Unknown assailants attacked the main Coptic cathedral in Cairo’s Abbasiya district on Sunday as hundreds of mourners held a funeral for victims of Saturday’s sectarian clashes in the Qalioubiya governorate, north of Cairo. At least one was killed in the melee.
The Head of the Egyptian Ambulance Organisation, Mohamed Sultan, announced that one person had been killed after having been struck by birdshot outside Cairo’s main Coptic cathedral. The identity of the deceased is yet to be revealed.As of 6pm, the health ministry said that the injury toll had reached 29, at least two of which were in critical condition.
… After being pelted with stones, mourners at the cathedral responded by throwing stones back. Gunshots were heard during the subsequent clashes; some eyewitnesses confirmed that assailants used firearms.
Witnesses at the scene confirmed that teargas canisters had landed inside the cathedral’s precincts. Other eyewitnesses said that unknown assailants dressed in plainclothes were hurling Molotov cocktails towards the cathedral.
… Hundreds of mourners had turned out for the funeral on Sunday for those killed in Saturday’s sectarian clashes in Qalioubiya governorate.
In the early hours of Saturday, five people were shot to death – and at least eight injured – in Qalioubiya’s Al-Khosous town. Four Christians and one Muslim were killed in the violence, Egypt’s health ministry reported.
A Coptic priest, however, told the private CBC satellite channel on Sunday that six Copts had died and many more had been injured.
Al-Azhar and Muslim Brotherhood clash over Islamic finance issues – AP
Egypt’s leading Islamic authority Al-Azhar said on Thursday its clerics must be consulted on a law allowing the state to issue Islamic bonds, setting it at odds with the Muslim Brotherhood which drove the legislation through parliament last week.
It marks the first time Al-Azhar, a thousand-year-old seat of Islamic learning, has said its Senior Scholars Authority should be consulted on issues pertaining to Islamic law as set out in Egypt’s new, Islamist-tinged constitution.
Al-Azhar’s intervention could set a precedent for clerical oversight of other affairs of state. The Salafi Nour Party has said Al-Azhar must also approve an agreement Egypt is seeking with the International Monetary Fund because it includes a loan upon which Egypt will pay interest.
The Islamic bond, or sukuk law, will allow Egypt to issue debt compliant with Islamic principles, allowing the state to tap a new area of finance as President Mohamed Mursi’s administration grapples with an unaffordable budget deficit.
Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef is given bail, still poking fun at Morsi – The National
The popular Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef was released on bail yesterday after prosecutors questioned him on charges that he insulted Islam and the president.
Court saves Youssef from Brotherhood attempt to shut down show – al-Ahram
Egypt’s administrative court rejects the case filed by a Brotherhood lawyer to suspend Bassem Youssef’s Jon-Stewart-like political satire programme
Arab League Opinion
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down with a member of Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s inner circle. He is Syria’s Ambassador to the UN. His name is Bashar Ja’afari and he began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1980. Back then, Syria was governed by Bashar al-Assad’s father, Hafez al Assad.
Our meeting came in the wake of a General Assembly vote that approved the historic Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The ATT will attempt at regulating the $70 billion dollar arms trade by scrutinising whether sales of weapons breach international law, abet terrorism or foment genocide.
Syria, North Korea and Iran voted against the ATT. Ja’afari was quick to point towards India’s decision to abstain. India, a major importer, complained that the treaty favored exporting over importing states. …
ALIA ALLANA: At the Arab League’s most recent meeting in Doha (Qatar), Syria’s seat was given to the Opposition, Syrian National Council. How do you respond to this?
BASHAR JA’AFARI: There is no more Arab League. How can there be one without Syria, Egypt, Algeria and Iraq? These four countries are the four pillars of Arabism and they have either collapsed or face serious problems. There is a heavy weight vacuum that is being taken advantage of by Gulf States, by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
All the decisions made by the Arab League are a violation of the Charter. The league deals with states, not bodies such as the Syrian National Coalition. The Arab League has become an integral part of the problem, not the solution. The Arab League had a duty to help Syria resolve the crisis not to allow and approve terrorists to acquire more weapons. …
Has the Arab League mortally wounded itself by declaring war on Syria? – by Franklin Lamb
This week the global community saw that the Charter and by-laws of the Arab League, has not been respected with respect to the Syrian crisis from the beginning despite its mission to bring together Arabs. Rather it has been actively working to prevent coming together especially with respect to Syria.
Frankly, it never was much of a “League” of Arab states. And arguably it never really achieved a whole lot but two dozen lavish ‘summits’ offering inflated rhetoric, often calculated to assuage the Arab people about their central cause, Palestine.
… Despite years of pledges to eliminate visas requirements, along the lines of the European Ginga visa it should be noted that only one Arab country has waived visas for their Arab sisters and brothers internationally.
That would be the Syrian Arab Republic.
It is Syria, along with Palestine, out of all the 22 Arab League members, who most consistently and steadfastly have represented Arab Nationalism, Arab resistance to occupation, and the stated goals enunciated 66 years ago when the Arab League was established.
Extra, Extra
Aron Lund answers interview questions about the Syrian rebels
Four Italian journalists kidnapped in Syria – RT
Imaginary Syria – by Mitchell Plitnick
Comments (403)
revenire said:
“Jabhat al-Nusra is al-Qaida.”
Thank you for pointing out that Assad is fighting the same people who attacked the United States and were behind 9/11.
Assad has been right all along.
April 14th, 2013, 11:39 am
Visitor said:
Come on Dr. landis!!
Did we not have enough rubbish from this Aron Lund?
And you still want to pile rubbish upon rubbish by including none but the combined Lund-Abu-Khalil rubbish even as inconspicuously as you put in a link at the end of he post?
April 14th, 2013, 11:41 am
Tara said:
Mathew Barber,
Your posts are biased and unbalanced. Sorry, but don’t you think that posting the link of the new massacre committed in Homs where little girls are slaughtered by their Alawi neighbors with knives worth posting?
I am tired of the repeated tired line, scaring us with the Islamist bogeyman when the real monsters are the sectarian Militia of the regime.
Had al Nusra committed that crime, wouldn’t you be the first to parade it?
April 14th, 2013, 11:54 am
revenire said:
Visitor Al-Qaeda admitted that Nusra is them. There are many, many videos saying this from rat sources. Khatib himself begged the USA not to list Nusra as terrorists. The FSA said “we are all Nusra” at rallies that were foolishly filmed.
The Saudis are the biggest exporters of terrorism in the world and everyone knows it.
I am hopeful if war breaks out with Iran the Iranians destroy Saudi Arabia. I, for one, would be standing on my chair cheering.
PS – For all those who said Damascus airport was closed: the Russians just flew in with 30 tons of relief supplies (and some special goodies for the army).
April 14th, 2013, 11:58 am
revenire said:
DER’AH A CRUSHING BLOW TO AMERICAN TERRORIST-ENABLERS; NEWS FROM THE FRONT:
JORDANIAN PLATOON OF RATS WIPED OUT COMPLETELY IN EAST DER’AH. CONFIRMED: ALL JORDANIANS BELONGING TO JABHAT AL-NUSRA.
Samaad Village: Jabhat Al-Nusra plan to attack a military checkpoint went to Hell yesterday when the SAA wrought death and failure upon it. Many of the rodents carried Jordanian papers. All were killed while the SAA destroyed 2 flatbeds with heavy machine gun cannons. Here are the names of the rodents:
Khaaled al-Subh
Muhammad Al-‘Atiyya
Hassan Jubayri
Muhammad Al-Sa’ood
‘Aakef Al-Khutba
Abdullah Al-Sa’ood
Youssuf Halaawa (reportedly one of the most vicious of the J.N. scum-rodents)
7 others could not be identified.
In Der’ah City, a nest called the “Al-Mahkama Al-Shar’iyya”, (The Canonical Court of Islam. Yawn.), also made up of non-Syrians, was liquidated last night. It was a Jabhat Al-Nusra safehouse.
At Hayy Al-Arba’een, GI and SAA uncover a huge cache of drugs, mostly psycho-type.
Near the Al-Mutanabbi School at the Naaziheen Camp, another den was destroyed containing ammunition and assault rifles.
NOTE TO OUR READERS: The fighting for Ghabaagheb and Al-Sanamayn is largely over. Monzer claims that there are over 300 confirmed dead rats with “hundreds taken prisoner”. This was a disaster for Obama’s murderous rats. Any effort to establish some parallel government got set back a century with this spectacular SAA and SAAF victory. Hooray!!
http://syrianperspective.blogspot.com/2013/04/first-post-april-14-2013-derah-huge.html
April 14th, 2013, 12:00 pm
Tara said:
I wrote a post criticizing Mr. Barber and it disappeared after it was posted while editing. I am hoping this was a technical error and NOT that Mr. Barber does not accept a criticizing voice.
April 14th, 2013, 12:02 pm
Mina said:
Enjoy the conservative Egyptians idea of a popular wedding…
I can’t help thinking that the same crowd votes for the MBs in the end!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_KuzkZtigI&feature=share
If you get bored after 1′ just skip to 5′.
April 14th, 2013, 12:51 pm
ghufran said:
The type of islamist state those thugs from Nusra are advertising for is not like the Turkish or the Malysian model, it is more like the Taliban type where minorities and women are second class citizens and girls are kept at home to serve males in the family.
The behavior of islamist gangs leaves little douby about their true ideology and intentions, even the so-called moderate FSA rebels are engaged in torture, kidnapping and extortion. This is one fresh example of human rights abuses by rebels posted on opposition sites (aksalser and SOHR):
أكدت مصادر طبية وسياسية كردية وعربية في مدينة حلب للمرصد
السوري لحقوق الانسان استشهاد المواطن إبراهيم خليل علي اثر تعرضه للتعذيب على يد عناصر كتيبة شهداء بدر التي يقودها المدعو خالد حياني وذلك بعد اعتقاله من قبل عناصر حاجز للكتيبة المقاتلة لمدة ثلاثة ايام عند اطراف حيي الاشرفية الشيخ مقصود في منطقة السكن الشبابي وتعرضه للتعذيب الشديد قبل ان يقوم بالقائه يوم امس الاول في احد الشوارع وهو بين الحياة والموت
جدير بالذكر ان المرصد السوري لحقوق الانسان نشر صور ا يوم الثلاثاء الفائت تظهر التعذيب الشديد الذي تعرض له المواطن ابراهيم البالغ من العمر 54 عاما على يد هذه الكتيبة المقاتلة وقال حينها لنشطاء المرصد ان هذه الكتيبة تعتقل عشرات المواطنين الكرد والعرب النازحين من حي الشيخ مقصود
one aspect of rebel supporters intellectual dishonesty is labelling critics of islamist rebels as regime supporters as if Syrians are supposed to get rid of the Assadi regime only to replace it with a Taliban collection of thugs.
Two years of violence and blood shed was not enough to topple the regime but it succeeded in destroying Syria and transforming 1/5 of its poplulation into internal and external refugees, and the only thing we get from rebel mouth pieces is more promises of an “impending victory” while events on the ground show a stalemate at best and an actual detarioration in places like Homs, Reef Dimashq ,Aleppo and even Idleb now, the comments by western and pro-Israel foreigners on this forum who are “pro freedom” are a mere display of outsiders’ joy of seeing an anti Israel country being destroyed, I do not read posts by those bastards any more.
April 14th, 2013, 1:00 pm
Juergen said:
Souq Madhat Basha Damascus today
April 14th, 2013, 1:23 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Zoo said
“If mosques or churches are destroyed while the legal authority fights to save its citizens from extremists terrorists who use suicide bombs to indiscriminately kill them, then I don’t think God will object. Buildings can be easily restored, not lives.”
So Zoo you dont object to the destruction of Siti Zainab,or Ali ibn Anu Talib Mosque,in the future
April 14th, 2013, 1:32 pm
ghufran said:
President Assad’s army is starting to call the shots in Syria
The country’s brutal secret services are no longer the power they once were. Other forces are at work
Robert Fisk
Damascus
Sunday 14 April 2013
(The independent-UK)
An interestign read regardless of where you stand in this conflict. The army should have taken charge March,19,2011, there is no doubt that a Syrian army will be in charge for years to come.
April 14th, 2013, 1:33 pm
Sam said:
Barber in his lengthy article forgot, probably intentionally,to mention that Al Nusra account for only 5-6 k which makes less than 5% of the fighting force against the criminal Assad. Based on this fact, and other facts related to Syrian society, Barber and Landis are obliged to mention the impossibility of a viable Islamic state in Syria.
Rania Abuzaid is a known field journalist for the TIME visited Raqqa and interviewed Al Nusra and was very clear that Al Nusra are calling for Islamic system but not forcing the inhabitants to follow it.
Armchair journalists/ analysts, unlike field journalists, such as Barber and Landis are bound, intentionally or unintentionally, to be subjective rather than objective in their analysis.
April 14th, 2013, 1:40 pm
GEORGES said:
ZOO said:
“The Syrian army is the legal army of the Syrian government.
The Syrian government is officially part of the UN and international organizations with ambassadors all over the world.
It is not Qatar or you who decide about the international legality of a governement.”
Who said it was Qatar? It is not Qatar and it is not the UN either. Legitimacy can only be granted and taken away by the people. Not by anything else. It does not matter one bit what one organization a few thousands km away say. Nor does it matter what Qatar and Saudi and the US says.
You do not believe in the way you have described how legality or legitimacy is granted. If tomorrow the UN gives the regime’s seat to the SNC, you will not start recognizing the SNC and the FSA as legal governments or legal army. You will say it’s a conspiracy and that the UN holds no weights in this regards. You only bring up the UN because it fits your narrative. But you don’t believe in it. If we accept that you don’t lack common sense, then you are a liar and a hypocrite.
I’ll leave there another gem produced by ZOO in the other thread
“Who has decided that the majority of afghans do not support the Taliban? Nato, the USA?
There has never been any referendum or poll to know what the afghans really wants.
As there has been any poll to determine what the Saudis want.”
April 14th, 2013, 1:50 pm
Visitor said:
Needless to say, the current state of affairs in the fertile crescent is a direct result of the ill-conceived, short-sighted and evil policies of the US Administration under GWB when he decided to invade Iraq under the false pretext of fighting so-called war on terror. As everyone knew then, and as it now has become proven without any doubt, there was NO terrorism in Iraq. The result was a resoundibg and ignominous defeat for the unjustified wars of aggression that the US got itself entangled into in both Iraq and in Afghanistan, leading to the expected economic collapse of the US, as well as the inflicting of the tremendous losses in American lives, all for the purpose of following military objectives for futile ends. If there was to be a cause for the eventual, expected and foreseen demise of the US from the world scene, then this cause was the creation of none but American hands, by American soldiers, by American military and by Evil US Administration(s). It has nothing to do with any so-called terrorism which is nothing but a fiction of the imaginations of few American morons of policy makers, who upon the collapse of communism in the early 90s, entertained in their sick, delusional and convoluted minds the unachievable objective of fighting the Faith of Allah on this earth of His, by replacing the communist foe with the non-defeatable Mujahideen of Allah, who in fact were the actual victors in the war against communism, and NOT America as we are led to falsely believe. The American psychos sheepishly and childishly dreamt of conquering the Dominion of Allah on His Earth by the foolish endeavour of sheer stealth. But Allah, as we all know is the Best of all planners, and is now rewarding His faithful slaves with victory after victory in the Levant and Mesopotomia.
As we can see from the irrefutable scientific evidence presented in the following two videos, the events of 9/11 were staged by none other than US demonic groups of people who were seeking to achieve none but the above mentioned un-achievable plots of seeking domination over this Earth of Allah by implicating the Faithful among His Followers in such horrific events. But the Truth refuses but to become evident and known so that the Evil among the US administration will be uncovered and become known to the public, making it imperative for the people of the US to dissociate themselves from such evil in order to correct the path upon which the US has strayed too far off from righteousness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW6mJOqRDI4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICNeD0Hra1s
It is beyond any doubt whatsoever that the US, due to the foolishness of its elected officials, is now standing on very shaky and very low moral grounds. While the Holy Warriors of Allah are soaring high above lofty and high moral grounds, being involved in the Holy War of Liberation on the lands of the Levant and Mesoptomia. Now, that their plot is becoming plain to the eye for every one to see, the Evil administration of the US is left with nothing to cover its manipuative and Evil plots except through bad mouthing the True Believers and Holy Warriors, those who helped the world to rid itself of the Evil of Communism. We see the Evil US Administation aligning itself with the Evil Assad regime, and committing similar crimes in Afghanistan like the Evil Assad is committing in Syria. The US made it clear since day one of the glorious Syrian Revolution that it is more than willing to do the bidding of the Evil regime of thuggocracy. Therefore, as believers in the infinite Power and Wisdom of Allah the Al-Mighty, we must remind ourselves of what Allah taught us with regards to such Evil plotters against the Victorious Believers when such victories disturb those who have sickness in their hearts against the Muslims:
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا بِطَانَةً مِنْ دُونِكُمْ لَا يَأْلُونَكُمْ خَبَالًا وَدُّوا مَا عَنِتُّمْ قَدْ بَدَتِ الْبَغْضَاءُ مِنْ أَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَمَا تُخْفِي صُدُورُهُمْ أَكْبَرُ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الْآَيَاتِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ (11 هَا أَنْتُمْ أُولَاءِ تُحِبُّونَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِبُّونَكُمْ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْكِتَابِ كُلِّهِ وَإِذَا لَقُوكُمْ قَالُوا آَمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْا عَضُّوا عَلَيْكُمُ الْأَنَامِلَ مِنَ الْغَيْظِ قُلْ مُوتُوا بِغَيْظِكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ (119) إِنْ تَمْسَسْكُمْ حَسَنَةٌ تَسُؤْهُمْ وَإِنْ تُصِبْكُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَفْرَحُوا بِهَا وَإِنْ تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا لَا يَضُرُّكُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْئًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ (120)} [آل عمران].
((وَإِن يَكَادُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَيُزْلِقُونَكَ بِأَبْصَارِهِمْ لَمَّا سَمِعُوا الذِّكْرَ وَيَقُولُونَ إِنَّهُ لَمَجْنُونٌ))القلم 51
لَتُبْلَوُنَّ فِي أَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ وَلَتَسْمَعُنَّ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَمِنَ الَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُواْ أَذًى كَثِيراً وَإِن تَصْبِرُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الأُمُورِ (186).
April 14th, 2013, 1:58 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
So far I believe the Julani video is fake , made by Assad thugs intelligence to discredit Jabhat Al Nusra,Mr. Barber is believing such video,I don’t.
What we have seen from JN so far is that it is Syrian 100 %,and they are not a terrorist organization, on the contrary they are helping people to obtain food,medicine and safe movements,they have not been involved in any terrorist activities. JN is not Taliban.
KSA and Qatar and Ankara are all in agreement to counter Assad,and Iran,and they will continue their support to the rebels,regardless what US says
Obama has found out that there is a terrible world aroun,Korea,if unpunished will declare victory,will understand that provocation will not get US response, so they will do it again,time and time again, it means also that Obama is unfit to lead the world, he is weak president,so Iran will ignore him,and tells Assad that if he uses chemical weapons ,Obama will do nothing.
As for Michael Weiss assesment,I pointed out in the past that the battle for Damascus must come from behind Qassioun mountain,to protect Damascus.
George
Your comment is great,legitimacy does not come through military coup, and Assad and his thugs they don’t understan the spirit of democracy.nor it will come through armed revolution,so we should not expect democracy right away,there will be a period of chaos,democracy comes after a period of failing revolution,where there is failure to provide security to the people,then gradually democracy will be accepted.
April 14th, 2013, 2:02 pm
ghufran said:
The more things seem to change the more they stay the same. Jordan was always for sale:
Jordan has agreed to spearhead a Saudi-led push to arm rebel groups through its borders into southern Syria, in a move that coincides with the transfer from Riyadh to Amman of more than $1bn (£650m).
It a significant change for Jordan, from a posture of trying to contain the spillover threat posed by the civil war across its border to one of actively aiming to end it before it engulfs the cash-strapped kingdom.
Jordan’s role as a conduit for arms has emerged in the past two months as Saudi Arabia, some Gulf states, Britain and the US have sharply increased their backing of some rebels to try to stop the advances of al-Qaida-linked groups among them.
(The Guardian)
April 14th, 2013, 2:08 pm
GEORGES said:
Furthermore ZOO, let me remind you what your leader has said:
BASHAR AL ASSAD: Very simply I would say send us the documents and the concrete evidences that you have and we’ll see if they’re true or not. Who said that the United Nations is a credible institution?
BARBARA WALTERS: You do not think the United Nations is credible?
BASHAR AL ASSAD: No.
BARBARA WALTERS: You have an ambassador to the United Nations.
BASHAR AL ASSAD: Yes, yes, it’s a game we play. That doesn’t mean you believe in it. (Laughs)
So please spare us hypocrite empty arguments about legitimacy, legality and the UN. You don’t recognize the UN this is fine but then don’t use it when it fits your narrative. This is called hypocrisy.
April 14th, 2013, 2:25 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Jordan has no choice. They have tens/hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria. Either they help the rebels win, or they pay for the refugees forever.
April 14th, 2013, 3:06 pm
Citizen said:
http://youtu.be/5UrmOl0p7kQ?t=37s
April 14th, 2013, 3:13 pm
Citizen said:
Jordan forever is part of a larger Syria so the Syrians are there in their territory!
April 14th, 2013, 3:26 pm
revenire said:
Jordan is a pathetic excuse for a country that does the bidding of the Anglo-Americans.
Obama probably told the Jordanians: either play ball or we unleash the Muslim Brotherhood on you.
April 14th, 2013, 3:36 pm
revenire said:
You know Visitor I agree with a lot of what you said about the US and Iraq and the fallout from the wars.
April 14th, 2013, 3:38 pm
revenire said:
HUGE LOSS TO RATS AT #BAYT #HAAMEEK IN THE #LATAKIA COUNTRYSIDE. We can confirm that the Jabhat Al-Nusra freaks were annihilated at this sleepy town last night when #SAA and #militia destroyed 12 flatbed trucks loaded with heavy machine guns and ammunition. The scene was one of incredible #carnage as the trucks went up in balls of fire, the bodies of the #rats #dismembered and strewn all over the lemon orchards nearby. ALL WERE FOREIGNERS. Not one carried Syrian documents. The actual number killed is unknown but Wael predicts it will exceed 50! No survivors mentioned. Boo hoo hoo.
#Duwayrshaan: Another minority village targeted by the cockroaches of NATO. 4 confirmed dead. No identification on their carcasses.
#Al-#Waadi: 6 dead rats and 8 wounded warblers. They are in the hands of the Air Force Intelligence people. They will sing arias for them and implicate their own mothers!!
#Taa’ooma: CONFIRMED LIBYAN APE GOES TO SATAN’S ZOO. His name?
#Ahmad #Al-Idreesi. Also accompanying him is his cage-mate:
#Lu’ayy #Mahmoud #Al-‘Adass
https://www.facebook.com/SyrianPerspective
F`
April 14th, 2013, 3:49 pm
Uzair8 said:
Not only is the regime going to become weaker and exhausted, the rebels, many of whom probably never having held a weapon before the uprising, are becoming more experienced and more lethal, through trial and error, and thus better able to take out regime units (tanks, planes, men).
I wouldn’t be surprised if the regime was using some form of chemical weapons as Hassan Hassan writes in a new article. Btw, I had a read of his recent articles on his blog and was impressed. Brilliant work he is doing and a great asset for the revolution hopefully. I found, instead of explaining recent issues to others, I just have to share (elsewhere) his articles (issues ranging from Sh Buti, Al-Qaeda announcement to chemical weapons) which do the job for me.
Did the Syrian Regime Use Chemical Weapons?
April 14th, 2013, 3:55 pm
ghufran said:
While our Nusra dude on this forum is busy palying his thumbs up/thumbs down game, important things are taking place in Idleb:
(this from SOHR, not SANA)
تمكنت القوات النظامية السورية من فك الحصار عن معسكرين كبيرين في محافظة إدلب، كان مقاتلو المعارضة يحاصرونهما منذ أشهر، بحسب ما أفاد المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان.
وذكر المرصد في بريد إلكتروني أن “القوات النظامية تمكنت من فك الحصار عن معسكري وادي الضيف والحامدية، إثر التفاف جنود القوات النظامية في بلدة صهيان على مقاتلي الكتائب المقاتلة في بلدة بابولين أمس”.
وأدت الاشتباكات في هذه البلدة القريبة من طريق دمشق حلب الدولي، والواقعة إلى الشرق من بلدة حيش، إلى سقوط 21 شهيداً معارضاً على الأقل، بحسب المرصد.
وأوضح مدير المرصد رامي عبد الرحمن في اتصال هاتفي مع وكالة فرانس برس أن “القوات النظامية باتت تسيطر على هضبتين على جانبي الطريق الدولي في بابولين وحيش”، ما أتاح لها “إرسال إمدادات للمعسكرين” الواقعين إلى الشمال من البلدتين المذكورتين.
وافاد المرصد أن “شاحنتين عسكريتين تحملان مواد غذائية وجنوداً نظاميين، شوهدتا تتجهان من صهيان في جنوب حيش إلى معرحطاط في الشمال، للمرة الأولى منذ شهرين”.
وأوضح عبد الرحمن أن “وادي الضيف هو أكبر معسكر في محيط معرة النعمان، ومعكسر الحامدية هو قرية حولها النظام إلى تجمع كبير لقواته ونصب حواجز عدة في محيطها”.
readers of this forum know by now where the beef is, just ignore the garbage from Nusra supporters, they have nothing to offer.
This is a fresh update from SOHR:
محافظة ادلب::شوهدت ستة سيارات محملة بالذخيرة قادمة من بلدة صهيان تدخل معسكر الحامدية وبذلك تكون القوات النظامية مستمرا في ايصال الامدادات العسكرية الى معسكري وادي الضيف والحامدية بعد فكها الحصار الذي فرضه مقاتلو الكتائب المقاتلة على المعسكرين منذ اشهر وسمع على جهاز الاتصال لاسلكي مناشدات من اهالي بلدة بابولين الى مقاتلي الكتائب المقاتلة لمساعدتهم بعد سيطرة القوات النظامية على البلدة وذلك بحسب ناشط من المرصد السوري لحقوق الانسان كما تعرضت بلدتي مرعيان و التح في ريف ادلب لقصف من قبل القوات النظامية براجمات الصواريخ ولم ترد معلومات عن خسائر بشرية
April 14th, 2013, 4:09 pm
Ziad said:
خفايا تكشف لأول مرة… وتفاصيل اغتيال القياديين بحركة “حماس” غناجة
والجعبري
وتظهر المعلومات تفجر الخلافات داخل الحركة بشأن الموقف من الثورة السورية، وكيف دعمت وتدعم قطر رئيس المكتب السياسي لحماس خالد مشعل لمواجهة منتقديه داخل حماس، التي توجت بتخصيص ملايين الدولارات لاعادة اعمار غزة، وزيارة أمير قطر للقطاع، اضافة لموقف الاخوان المسلمين في مصر مما يحصل داخل حماس.
المشروع المنفذ الآن في سوريا ليس مشروع الشعب السوري، فأنا مع الشعب السوري ونضاله، ودائماً سنكون إلى جانبه لأنه من أوفى الشعوب للقضية الفلسطينية، ليس النظام السوري وحده من يقتل الشعب السوري، فعصابات وجيوش كثيرة في سوريا تقتل الشعب السوري.. ما يحدث في سوريا الآن هو حرب اقليمية يقودها ليس ما يسمى برموز الاعتدال العربي فقط، لكن من يقودها هي الخيانة العربية بعينها مع أميركا واسرائيل، وكلام الأخ أبو الوليد أن زيارتي إلى لبنان التي تمت من خلال وفد ايراني لم تكن سرية أو تحريضية ضد الأخ أبو الوليد أو غيره، لنا مصالح مع حزب الله وإيران، هل اتخذتم قراراً بإنهاء هذه العلاقة ولم نخبر بذلك؟ هل أنا خرقت وتجاوزت هذا القرار؟
http://arabic.pnn.ps/index.php/policy/50239
April 14th, 2013, 4:14 pm
revenire said:
Yes, the army is on the move in Idlib. Readers of Ziad’s blog would have known that but it is nice to see the British agent at SOHR reporting it.
April 14th, 2013, 4:24 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Well, Iraqi Shia were on the Crusader side in that war.
Where is the outrage?
April 14th, 2013, 4:27 pm
Citizen said:
http://youtu.be/Lg7-THsM9vg?t=51s
April 14th, 2013, 4:28 pm
ghufran said:
Another heinous act by rebels which when gets exposed will receive wide scale condemnation, it shows what type of people are in charge of bringing “freedom and dignity” to Syrians:
As many of you know, a helicopter was downed near Mu’arrat alnouman, what I did not know is that the rebels beheaded all of the crew ,the dead and the alive, then mounted the heads on sticks and took a tour around the area to terrorize people and boost morlae among their supporters. The victims are:
1 – العميد الطيار سهيل عكرم .
2 – العقيد المظلي يوسف معلا .
3 – النقيب الطيار حسام أسعد .
4 – النقيب الطيار ايهم الحسين .
5 -الملازم أول الطيار محمد علي الدكر .
6 – الملازم اول الطيار مياس رمضان .
7 – الرقيب سروت غنيجة .
8 – الرقيب مهند ديبه .
(It gets worse, a picture is avialable on the net showing a rebel placing one of the heads on a BBQ grill)
the rebels probably adopted this technique from Yazeed army commander (680) when he behaeded Imam Hussein and mounted the head on a spear and brought to Yazeed as a proof of achievement.
April 14th, 2013, 4:37 pm
revenire said:
Heads on sticks and then on a barbecue?
April 14th, 2013, 4:43 pm
ghufran said:
Jordan is now taking 70 D from people who want to leave Zaatari camp, I have to admit that I do not understand why.
Daraa is under heavy bombardment as the syrian army is trying to stop a campaign to establish a safe zone near jordanian borders, it also looks like jordanian army fired on Syrian targets today:
قالت مصادر ميدانية في محافظة درعا وشمال الأردن إن القوات الجوية والبرية السورية تقصف منذ الصباح مناطق “القاعدة” (جبهة النصرة) بعنف وضراوة غير مسبوقين .
وأفادت هذه المصادر بأن عنف القصف وصل حدا بات معه أهالي إربد والرمثا شمال الأردن يشعرون بارتجاج المنازل والأرض تحتهم ، بينما أفاد بعض الأهالي في مدينة السويداء السورية التي تبعد عن المنطقة حوالي 45 كم بأن أصوات القصف تسمع حتى أطراف مدينتهم بين وحين وآخر .
وكشفت هذه المصادر عن أن المضادات الأرضية الأردنية أطلقت النار عى الطائرات السورية نهار اليوم للمرة الأولى ، دون أن يكون معلوما ما إذا كانت الطائرات تجاوزت الحدود بين البلدين أم أنها كانت لا تزال ضمن المجال الجوي السوري ، إذ من الصعب تحديد ذلك بالنظر لقرب مواقع المسلحين المستهدفة من الحدود الأردنية
April 14th, 2013, 4:51 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Husayn was hungry for power, so he made khurooj against Yazeed.
But the insurgency was liquidated.
April 14th, 2013, 4:53 pm
revenire said:
There won’t be any “zone” inside Syria for the rats in the south. It won’t be allowed and as far as the weapons goes – the US can increase the amount of weapons but it won’t be alter the strategic situation in Syria one bit. It will result in more death. That will be Obama’s only accomplishment via Jordan.
April 14th, 2013, 5:00 pm
Syrialover said:
SAMI #12
Thank you for the sanity and realism !!!
What is Barber, 14 or something?
Despite the fact al-Nusrah represents only 5% of the fighting forces and unmeasurably tiny % of the Syrian population Barber is hooked on the thrill of inflating and dramatizing the “al-Nusrah Islamic State” prediction for Syria.
As you correctly pointed out: “Based on this fact, and other facts related to Syrian society, Barber and Landis are obliged to mention the impossibility of a viable Islamic state in Syria.”
April 14th, 2013, 5:28 pm
zoo said:
#23 Revenire
The Syrian army is rendering a great service to the terrorists, foreigners or Arabs. They came to become martyrs, they are now gone in a state of joy as they will enjoy the paradise promised to Jihadists.
The joy is shared by all of us…
April 14th, 2013, 5:51 pm
ghufran said:
أفادت مصادر سورية بسقوط اكثر من 20 جريحاً و4 شهداء جراء سقوط قذيفة هاون بجانب حافلة لنقل الركاب كانت قادمة من مدينة السويداء الى مدينة جرمانا بريف دمشق، حيث سقطت قبل نزول الركاب منها.
Toz feekum wa bihalthawra
first they said they are forming the FSA to protect civilians, then they joined the regime in killing those civilians !!
This is how thugs in Aleppo finance their “revolution”:
أكدت مصادر أهلية في حي الشيخ مقصود الحلبي أن المسلحين الذين سيطروا على الحي قبل نحو ثلاثة أسابيع عمدوا إلى تنظيم مزادات علنية منظمة تباع فيها السيارات ومسروقات المتاجر والمنازل التي سرقت عن بكرة أبيها.
وأكد أحد السكان أن المحال التجارية والشقق السكنية والبيوت العربية التي لم تتح الفرصة لنهبها في الشوارع التي ما زالت تحت سيطرة المسلحين راحت محتوياتها وأثاثها تباع بمزادات علنية أقامتها بعض الفصائل المسلحة التي شاركت في عملية دخول الحي «بحيث يتقاضى المسلحون مبلغ 25 ألف ليرة سورية عن موجودات كل بيت أو محل بعد معاينته من الشاري الذي عليه دفع مبلغ مماثل لقاء السماح للسيارة التي تقل المسروقات بنقلها»
April 14th, 2013, 6:00 pm
zoo said:
#17 Georges
Your argument shows that you don’t really understand international laws.
The UN greenlight to attack Iraq is one of the evidences that the UN is manipulated by the big powers and lacks credibility.
Many countries, including Arab countries, have expressed that the UN is not credible, especially when it comes to Israel and have asked for its overhaul.
Yet, the UN is the only international organization where all recognized world government are officially represented.
Syria is part of the international community, its government has ambassadors worldwide and it is part of the UN whether the president, you or I believe the UN is credible or not.
April 14th, 2013, 6:06 pm
Syrialover said:
I have two theories about Matthew Barber and his over-the-top headlines and assertions here on SC.
1. He correctly believes Abu Muhammad al-Julani is a nasty, dangerous terrorist and fantasist clown, with a craving to be hunted down and martyred. And he’s hoping his posts here will provide more publicity and make al-Julani’s end more certain.
OR
2. Barber’s in thrall to al-Nusrah and the fantasy of an extremist Islamic State in Syria.
He’s an enthusiastic and unquestioning fellow traveller of the posts here by VISITOR as well as those of ZOO, ANN and REVENIRE.
And the end result is his heartwarming headlines for the regime’s propagandists.
Either way, Matthew Barber’s weird Halloween picture above looks intended to add to the sinister and melodramatic flavor of his views on what’s going in Syria
April 14th, 2013, 6:27 pm
GEORGES said:
ZOO
If tomorrow Syria’s seat at the UN is given to the SNC (we are not interested in whether or not it is possible, we are supposing a hypothetical situation), will you start to consider the SNC and the FSA as the legal government and the legal army?
Answer: No.
Therefore asserting that the regime and its army are the legal government and and the legal army of Syria by bringing up the UN is completely hypocritical.
Before worrying about international laws and international legitimacy and legality, start by worrying about national, domestic legitimacy among syrians. International laws that you and your regime don’t recognize are irrelevant and a distraction to the real problem.
Syrians who want to see the criminal regime burned don’t care about what the UN or anyone else says. You either recognize and address this issue or you enjoy the war and call the situation as it is: a civil war.
April 14th, 2013, 6:31 pm
Dolly Buster said:
The matter is very clear, Syria was a dictatorship before the war began. So dictatorship was the original act of aggression. Everything else (such as opposition brandishing firearms) came only as a response to state #1 which was dictatorship.
Unequivocally the guilty side is the Syrian government, because it insisted on dictatorship. That is what sparked the civil war.
Syria ranks only 3 places behind North Korea in severity of oppression.
April 14th, 2013, 6:37 pm
zoo said:
The outrage expressed by the Al Nusra supporters is justified.
As they were praising al Nusra for its victories against the “barbarian Syrian army”, they suddenly were hit by what Bashar al Assad has been saying two years ago: While there are many protesters who have justified requests, most of them are manipulated by foreign powers and Islamists terrorist organizations.
The blow is that the terrorist organization is nothing but the worst, the 9/11 murderers, Ben laden: Al Qaeda
After the shock, they are in a state of denial. They try to minimize the presence of the terrorists, only 5%, then they accuse the Syrian government of spreading this false information to create ‘sedition’, and they attack any specialist that dares to support that announcement.
They are now faced with a reality they never thought Syria would face.
April 14th, 2013, 6:39 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Qa’idat al-Jihad has emerged as a champion of human rights, because they confronted the human rights abuser Bashar, at a time when Obama and Kerry chose inaction.
April 14th, 2013, 6:54 pm
Sami said:
SyriaLover,
That was not me who wrote post 12.
Sam ≠ Sami
Having said that I am delighted to see SAM switch sides, as the last time he wrote here he had expressed support with Assad.
I do not believe JAN is as low as he claimed, for they are involved in far to many fronts to be just 5 thousand strong. I am in agreement though they do not constitute anywhere near a majority of the rebel forces fighting Assad.
April 14th, 2013, 6:57 pm
revenire said:
The real leader of Al-Qaeda is Obama.
April 14th, 2013, 7:50 pm
revenire said:
We should collect the videos from “opposition” demos where they chanted “WE ARE ALL NUSRA” – even Khatib praised Al-Qaeda.
The “FSA” said “please don’t take our Nursa away” because Nusra has the best weapons and drugs (they take drugs for courage because at heart they’re all cowards afraid of the Syrian army).
April 14th, 2013, 7:54 pm
Syrialover said:
SAMI (#44), apologies and thanks for the correction (I still think of you as Son of Damascus). I hadn’t noticed SAM before.
I believe the nothing-to-do-with-Syria element in al-Nusrah is as low as that in numbers.
Naturally I’m well aware other groups of fighters have affiliated with them in the battle, but I’m also aware their aggressive ideology is regarded as alien, oppressive and unwelcome by ordinary Syrians.
And as everyone here except VISITOR acknowledges, al-qaeda/al-Nusrah is a powerful toxic repellent to outside support for Syrians while being helpful to Assadist propaganda.
My fear is that the antics of these fantasist jihadists could prove catastrophic and tragic for Syria’s post-Assad reconstruction efforts, way out of proportion to their numbers and influence
April 14th, 2013, 7:56 pm
Visitor said:
#47
Yoy BETTER shut your mouth because you’re a proven impostor.
And don’t you ever mention Visitor, your master, with your lousy mouth.
You do not know what you are talking about, and you are as pathetic as the last two evil US administrations.
All honorable Syrians support al-Nusra. But of course you are neither honorable nor Syrian.
April 14th, 2013, 8:03 pm
Tara said:
I am told buildings are just buildings, no big deal. If so shouldn’t the rebels ask the inhabitants near Zainab shrine in Damascus to evacuate then bomb the shrine to rubble? It is empty anyhow. And just to be safe, they should dug the shrine to make sure there are no one buried there. May be then, the Lebanese and Iranian Shiites know without a doubt that we do not like them in Syria. After all, isn’t just a building?
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/04/14/lebanese-shiite-fighters-backed-by-hezbollah-fighting-inside-syria-near-border/
Lebanese Shiite fighters backed by Hezbollah fighting inside Syria near border
Published April 14, 2013Associated Press
April 14th, 2013, 8:09 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Oh yea? So how come the U.S. wants to execute Ramzi bin ash-Shaybah. He is the 9/11 planner held in Cuba and facing the death penalty.
The real leader of Al-Qaeda is Dhawahiri of course. He has several video-interviews with As-Sahab where he presents his outlook.
April 14th, 2013, 8:11 pm
Tara said:
Ironically, the more scaremongering the regime and its lover cause, the faster their fall. The more scared the world is, the more weapons pour in to bring the regime down.
Syria: Jordan to spearhead Saudi Arabian arms drive
Fears over rising power of al-Qaida-linked groups drives move to channel weapons to moderate rebel fighters through Jordan
Sunday 14 April 2013 11.03 EDT
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/14/syria-jordan-spearhead-saudi-arms-drive
Jordanian, Syrian opposition and western sources say Abdullah’s calculation is that the sooner the Syrian crisis is over and the more moderate elements are able to defeat Assad, the better the chances are of a moderate regime taking over in Damascus. “It’s a race between them [al-Qaida] and the regular rebels to Damascus,” said one western official. “And it’s in no one’s interests if al-Qaida win.”
April 14th, 2013, 8:56 pm
Akbar Palace said:
The American psychos sheepishly and childishly dreamt of conquering the Dominion of Allah on His Earth by the foolish endeavour of sheer stealth. But Allah, as we all know is the Best of all planners, and is now rewarding His faithful slaves with victory after victory in the Levant and Mesopotomia.
Visitor,
Let me just start off by saying that I think you are a good person.
And although we talk to each other across cyber-space, without knowing who the hell we really are, I, perhaps naively, give people the benefit of the doubt. If I were a teacher, every person in the class starts out with a grade of A+.
If “Allah is the Best of all Planners”, then I wonder what his plan was when he allowed the murder of a third of my people, the Jewish People. Was it to gather my people together to get them to the “Promised Land”? This is how I sometimes explain it to myself. The ancient Torah amazingly predicts it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gathering_of_Israel
And what about Allah’s plan for the arabs? Why does his plan include so many autocratic rulers and so many undemocratic political parties and organizations? Why so many deaths at the hands of other muslims?
As much as I dislike Woody Allen’s philosophy, perhaps he speaks some truth when he says, “basically G-d is an under-achiever”.
FYI, I don’t believe 9-11 was “staged”, and I don’t believe the ” American psychos sheepishly and childishly dreamt of conquering” anything.
Basically, the US War in Iraq was “A Clean Break” applied to Iraq: the hope that regime change would enable the host country to create a democracy in place of the despot du jour, Saddam Hussein and his two lovable sons. It didn’t work for a number or reasons, not all the fault of the US government.
Regards,
AP
April 14th, 2013, 9:01 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Iraq was definitely not for democracy, some U.S. servicemen drove vehicles with the words “Jesus killed Mohammed” on them. Also Quran desecration, and hanging crosses on tank barrels, are some scenes from Iraq which belie a war for democracy.
It was just pure evil, we remember the scenes from Fallujah where the Shia and the Christians joined forces in a joint criminal enterprise to exterminate Sunnis of Iraq.
April 14th, 2013, 9:07 pm
Ghufran said:
Syria lover is attacked by nusra ghilmans here because he represents a large section of Syrians who are against Assad but they do not support alqaida and nusra terrorists .
Just look at the terrorists who bombed the wtc in 2001 and tell me how did that help Muslims and Arabs. Supporters of Islamist terrorists are providing a free service to Israel and the enemies of freedom and democracy in the middle east. Waiting for Islamists to accept elections is like waiting for a hooker to be faithful. There is a reason why nusra is supported by the GCC pigs who are now propping Talibans to take over Afghanistan , Qatar even gave those bastards an embassy in Doha, this is the real axis of evil, far worse than the much criticized Iran- n.korea and Saddam Iraq bush- invented other ” axis of evil”.
Some of you are liars, some are just angery,some are dumb, but only few got it right, SL got it right, Syria will be better off without Assad thugs and the terrorists of nusra.
April 14th, 2013, 9:09 pm
Ghufran said:
Here is a hooker pretending that he is repenting but he then remembers that he is a hooker:
أعلن المراقب العام السابق لجماعة الإخوان المسلمين في سوريا علي صدر الدين البيانوني أن جماعة الإخوان ضد التطرف والتشدد ومع الاعتدال والوسطية وكنا ننظر إلى جبهة النصرة على أنها فصيل من الفصائل السورية التي تقاتل نظام بشار الأسد.
وقال البيانوني في اتصال مع صحيفة “الرأي” : “إن الأفكار التي تستند إليها الجبهة خاصة بها، وأن مبايعة النصرة للقاعدة تسببت بضرر بالغ للثورة السورية ونحن نرى في هذا الموقف خطأ كبيراً استغله النظام وبعض الدول التي كانت تبحث عن أي حجج كي لا تُقدِم على موقف حاسم في القضية السورية”.
وأضاف: إن “جبهة النصرة لا تشكل خطراً على سوريا المستقبل فليس كل أتباعها يحملون الأفكار نفسها”، مؤكداً أن “ثمة الكثير من الذين يقاتلون مع الجبهة لا يتبنون إيديولوجيتها المتطرفة، وأن “المتطرفين في سورية قلة”.
April 14th, 2013, 9:23 pm
Dolly Buster said:
I have liked the page “Qatar, State of” on Facebook. Let us give philanthropists like HBJ and HBK the recognition they deserve.
April 14th, 2013, 9:24 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Akbar Palace
Look at history,many things happen to prove that God at the end wins,and evil people will lose,for example, What happened to Hitler, Saddam Qadafi?,it is constant fight between good and evil,remember the world is not 50 year old, it is millions of year,and evil people always lose at the end.
The way to fight terrorism is not by Guns it is by educating people , it is by teaching them good ethics and good religion
April 14th, 2013, 9:37 pm
Visitor said:
Akbar Palace @9:01PM,
I too think you are a very good person.
I really cannot answer for Allah’s Plan(s) before they get revealed by Him. In other words we can only judge the Al-Mighty’s Plan(s) in retrospect. But we need to keep our trust in Allah as the Best of all Planners. We know that Allah caused the oppressor(s) of the Jews to be vanquished when and if the Jews return to Allah.
As for the so-called ‘Clean Break’ invasion of Iraq, I believe it was evil and misconceived from the beginning and it will cause the demise of the US as we are beginning to witness.
On the other hand, if you watched the two videos which I linked, you cannot but confirm the obvious conclusion that the 9/11 event was staged by demonic figures within the US administration. The evidence is based on expert scientific, forensic and engineering testimonies of hundreds of experts in these domains. I have the firm belief that the 19 hijackers were nothing but mules recruited by cetain agencies within the US admin as a cover to carry out the evil plot. When communism was defeated by the great efforts and sacrifices of the Holy Warriors in Afghanistan, the US decided to capture the fruits of the victory and came up with the evil ‘Clean Break’ plot for the specific purpose of conquering the Great Dominion of Allah on Hs Earth by trying to imlplicate His good believers in a heinous act thinking (i.e. the US) by doing so it will gain the higher moral ground. Only the Holy Warriors stood and continue to stand in the face of the evil plots of the US adminstration(s).
However, as the evidence in those videos proves without any shadw of doubt, and as the Evil US administration continues to commit murders of women and children in Afghanistan and elsewhere, just like the Assad is doing in Syria, and as the Holy Warriors of Islam have taken it upon themselves to wage the holy wars of liberation while the US administration goes to bed with dictators like Assad, the high moral ground is now occupied by the Holy Warriors in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere. The US is now standing on vey low and shaky moral grounds, and risks eternal disgrace due to the policies it devised during thelast twenty some years.
The American people have ahead of them the monumental task of cleansing their house of the abominations of evil brought upon them by their elected officials. Otherwise, I am afraid to say the US is doomed to extinction.
In addition I urge you to research the subject of cognitive dissonance which grew out exponentially in the last ten years as a result of the demonic plot of 9/11. It psychologically affects and scars so many ordinary Americans. It is becoming like an epidemic as a result of this evil which struck the US by its own doing.
April 14th, 2013, 9:42 pm
Visitor said:
ولاك غفران الكلب
سد بوزك ولك كلب يلعنك ويلعن كل من هو على شكلك
كلب واطي
اذا بتعيدا يا اخو الهيك وهيك ما تلوم الا نفسك
فهمت يا كلب؟
April 14th, 2013, 9:46 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Yeah but if 9.11 was an inside job, it raises the question Why is AQ constantly claiming responsibility for it.
A few possibilities present themselves
1) AQ responsibility tapes are fabricated out of thin air using digital technology.
2) AQ are actually employed in the U.S. government, and receive a check from Uncle Sam to make these tapes.
3) AQ is lying about an attack they didn’t carry out, to boost their own prestige.
None of these 3 are realistic, so I say the 9/11 operation actually happened as the official account states. Muhammad Atta went to America and flew a plane into New York.
April 14th, 2013, 9:51 pm
ann said:
Syrian ‘Rebels’ Funded by Afghan Drug Sales – Russia – 15/4/2013
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20130411/180581557/Syrian-Rebels-Funded-by-Afghan-Drug-Sales—Russia.html
About 20,000 mercenaries fighting in Syria are financed by the proceeds of Afghan drug trafficking, Russia’s Federal Drug Control Service director Viktor Ivanov said on Thursday.
“Transnational organized crime groups can ensure an inflow of a huge number of criminals and mercenaries from certain countries to any part of the world with proceeds from heroin sales,” Ivanov said.
“Thus between 15,000 and 20,000 mercenaries are concentrated in Syria, who are destabilizing the situation in that country,” he added.
Transnational criminal groups, not the Taliban, pose the greatest threat in Afghanistan, he said.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said earlier this month Syria is turning into a “center of attraction” for international terrorists as the ongoing civil war between rebels and government forces continues.
Last year, the Syrian government submitted to the UN Security Council lists of hundreds of foreign nationals killed fighting against government troops in Syria.
[…]
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20130411/180581557/Syrian-Rebels-Funded-by-Afghan-Drug-Sales—Russia.html
April 14th, 2013, 9:53 pm
ann said:
19 Tunisian Jihadists killed in Syrian army raid in Idlib – 2013-04-14
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/14/c_132307844.htm
TUNIS, April 14 (Xinhua) — At least 19 Tunisian Jihadists belonging to the rebel’s al-Nusra Front in Syria were killed in a Syrian army raid in Syria’s northwestern city of Idlib, Shems FM reported Sunday.
The raid also killed some 20 Libyan militants, Shems FM said.
Latest Tunisian media reports said that some 6,000 Tunisian men, aged between 17 and 30, are currently fighting alongside the al- Nusra Front in Syria.
[…]
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/14/c_132307844.htm
April 14th, 2013, 9:56 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Ann: This garbage that you keep posting is from Chinese Communist and Russian KGB sources, and as such has 0 credibility.
It is said that the Chinese Communist Party is the worst criminal organization in history.
April 14th, 2013, 10:09 pm
Darryl said:
59. VISITOR said:
My Dear Visitor, if Jesus of Nazareth were to come around again, would he become a Muslim like you in this post?
I think I will stick with the old Jesus.
April 14th, 2013, 10:43 pm
revenire said:
Dolly Russia is correct about the funding – Afghan opium. This is well known. Drugs are a major funder of terrorism.
I enjoy Ann’s posts.
April 14th, 2013, 10:45 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Actually retard, you’re rubbish.
April 14th, 2013, 10:50 pm
ann said:
Syria: Britain funds “rebels” overseeing aid inside occupied Syria – Monday 15 April 2013
Britain has stepped directly into the Syrian crisis, funding scores of “civilian rebels” to oversee hundreds of millions of pounds in aid deliveries inside occupied Syria
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9993279/Syria-Britain-funds-rebels-overseeing-aid-inside-occupied-areas.html
Among the disasters to have struck rebel-held areas and which its multi-million pound aid package is trying to counter are outbreaks of typhoid, cholera and other diseases in Aleppo, as well as widespread looting.
In one glaring statistic showing the breakdown of order, aid workers and government officials told The Daily Telegraph that up to 60 per cent of earlier aid sent by the outside world had been stolen by rebel forces, squandered, or sold for weapons.
“Many of these groups have used the aid to empower themselves and not the people that need it,” said one Turkish official.
Diplomats admitted that the international aid, put by one official at 790 million euros (£675 million) from the EU alone, had political ends.
Many residents say they do not support the jihadists’ ideology but fear their lives would become even worse without them. After a year without government, towns are becoming overwhelmed by rubbish, and by power and water shortages.
“The regime could yet win in Aleppo – not because of air strikes, but because of cholera.” The disease is spreading across the city.
[…]
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9993279/Syria-Britain-funds-rebels-overseeing-aid-inside-occupied-areas.html
April 14th, 2013, 11:04 pm
Syrialover said:
If the US government are such brilliantly cunning and powerfully plotters, capable of such complex manoeuvres, elaborate mass hypnosis and genius to secretly organize 9/11 how come it hasn’t, I don’t know, dropped a drone on Assad’s head, sorted out N Korea and Iran, kidnapped up everyone in al quaeda and sent them home to their embarrassed parents – so MANY things you would expect them to do.
(Oh sorry, of course they are probably in close secret partnership with N Korea, directing Iran, in bed with Assad, orchestrating al qaeda – you name it).
Instead the US government decided to strike a devastating security and economic blow to their own country on 9/11. Then spend all that blood and treasure in Afghanistan and Iraq just to …
Well, obviously just to tease those who suffer from the extreme cognitive dissonance of enjoying a safe, free and prosperous life in the west while fantasising about imposing a primitive 8th century system (by means of 21st century weaponry, vehicles and digital technology) on others.
April 14th, 2013, 11:04 pm
Syrian said:
Only a sectarian that was fed sectarianism from the bosom of his mother would say this
“the rebels probably adopted this technique from Yazeed army commander (680) when he behaeded Imam Hussein and mounted the head on a spear and brought to Yazeed as a proof of achievement.”
implying the six pilots who have rained death and destruction with their barrels filled with explosives on civilians, that they are the likes of Imam Hussein, then implying that the villagers who for a brief moment got to finally meet the bodies of their attackers as the army of Yazeed, Just goes to show that this is false self-described secular is nothing but the most sectarian of them all
April 14th, 2013, 11:06 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Jesus bin Maryam called the people to be his helpers in Allah’s cause.
According to islam, Jesus is alive right now and worshipping Allah in sky number 3 out of 7.
April 14th, 2013, 11:08 pm
zoo said:
Georges
“If tomorrow Syria’s seat at the UN is given to the SNC”
Ha Ha HA !
The UN may be not credible, but not that stupid!
The SNC has zero legality, zero legitimacy and zero credibility.
They have no chance whatsoever to go beyond the Puppet theater of the Arab league..
Keep having stupid suggestions, they are quite funny!
April 14th, 2013, 11:09 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Well the point is that Russia is a criminal state, and therefore they should STFU on the global stage.
I was happy to read recently that Russia will be facing a recession, and inflation has doubled.
April 14th, 2013, 11:10 pm
ann said:
“typhoid, cholera and other diseases in Aleppo”
Dr. MAJEDKHALDOUN your “rebel controlled north” needs you!
April 14th, 2013, 11:13 pm
Visitor said:
Akbar Palace,
Here’s a link which you can use to begin your search for answers about the truth that very few in America are willing to face,
http://wakeupfromyourslumber.com/blog/poseidon/why-people-reject-911-truth-psychologists-speak-out
The cost of such denial would be immense for the US. Such denial would lead to the eventual consumption of the US by the Evil it sold its soul into.
The American public has the monumental task on its shoulders to extricate the country from the claws of evil beore it gets swallowed into the belly of evil.
April 14th, 2013, 11:21 pm
ann said:
Iraq security forces captured 47+ Terrorists pedophiles near the Syrian Border – Sun Apr 14, 2013
The terrorists lovers ‘Syrian Observatory for Human Rights’ aka ‘Rats observatory for Terrorists Rights’ will be very sad today.
___________________________
Iraq arrests 47 ‘terrorists’ near border with Syria
Iraqi authorities said a group of militants with the al-Nusra ront terrorist group has been captured in Anbar Province, which is lose to the border with Syria. Large caches of weapons were also seized.
The turmoil continues in Syria as the army battles foreign-sponsored militant groups in the country.
Damascus has time and again called on its neighbors to control the flow of arms and militants into Syria.
Just last week, the al-Nusra Front formally pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The terrorist group has been behind many of the deadly bombings targeting both civilians and government institutions across Syria since the beginning of violence in March 2011.
While al-Qaeda-linked groups have been listed as terrorist entities under sanctions by the United Nations, militants in Syria, including those belonging to al-Nusra, have been receiving all forms of support from the West.
[…]
April 14th, 2013, 11:24 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Ann
Thank you,That tells me you have heart, I am sorry in the past I thought you don’t have a heart.
April 14th, 2013, 11:27 pm
Syrian said:
36. ZOO said:
“#23 Revenire
The Syrian army is rendering a great service to the terrorists, foreigners or Arabs. They came to become martyrs, they are now gone in a state of joy as they will enjoy the paradise promised to Jihadists.
The joy is shared by all of us…”
For once I share the joy with you, those “terrorist” made sure to take with them no less than 15000 of your most expirinced soldiers with them.
Here the some of thier pictures on a wall in the city of Tartous
Enjoy and may your life be filled with such joy
https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/319955_438144562946084_181784940_n.jpg?dl=1
April 14th, 2013, 11:28 pm
Syrialover said:
I have been reading some of the “Iraq 10 years on” articles, which analyze what has happened there since the the end of Saddam Hussein.
Putting aside any chaos, failures and errors of the Americans etc, one thing stands out starkly in blazing red letters.
That is the terrible failure of the Iraqi political class.
Iraqis have suffered a stream of incompetent, cowardly, corrupt and lazy traitors who have betrayed them and squandered all hope and opportunity.
After all that has happened, they end up in the hands of a charisma-free bunch of sectarian mutts with no interest in the country they are supposed to be running, only in personal power and eventually delivering the country to Iran. Now they face more brutal civil unrest to get rid of them.
By comparison, the Syrian opposition, LCC and FSA have produced some ethical, intellectual and leadership GIANTS.
Let’s hope they make it to the finishing line and we don’t end up with the Iraqi political equivalent i.e. politics infected by the MB or the Islamists.
April 14th, 2013, 11:31 pm
ghufran said:
Alex Thomson:
the accusation of war crimes is the obvious and easy bit. Things are never so simple.
There are questions too for the various rebel groups who clearly live in, fight from, and take cover in, civilian villages and towns.
Be in no doubt if this happened in the US, would Washington not carpet-bomb Detroit housing projects full of al-Qaeda gunmen? Would the British government not blitz rebel held housing estates in Wolverhampton?
Syrian is accusing me of being sectarian:
“Only a sectarian that was fed sectarianism from the bosom of his mother would say this
“the rebels probably adopted this technique from Yazeed army commander (680) when he behaeded Imam Hussein and mounted the head on a spear and brought to Yazeed as a proof of achievement.”
Here is my reply (I will only reply because other readers may want me to):
Beside the fact that my mom came from a Sunni family, I never suggested that only sunnis committed war crimes or used religious fantasies to commit atrocities, however, rebels and at least one poster on this blog have made reference to that historical fact (Hussein’s beheading) and one bastard here called Imam Hussein a “khariji” since Yazeed was “Khalifat almuslimeen”.
I also chose to irritate islamists in my post because one “educated” Syrian once told me that he supports the action of Yazeed,still being honored by many muslims, who often receives the label of ” radiya allah anhu” as if God was pleased with the murder of his prophet’s grandson in Karbalaa.
Since our history is full of brutality and injustice done in the name of allah, I reached the conclusion that we should keep Allah and Islam out of politics, all progressive and accomplished nations reached the level of developed countries when they kept religion at home, Syrians have a choice of following Nusra and Talibans lead and go to hell, on earth, or copy other god-fearing nations who enforced good behavior,not a preferred faith, to build their countries.
My dear son, you have a lot to learn.
April 14th, 2013, 11:34 pm
ann said:
Child soldiers!
This is NOT Mogadishu – Somalia, this is Syria!
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=ae9_1365971770
April 14th, 2013, 11:38 pm
ann said:
Homosexuality in Sunni Salafi Wahhabi Islam is allowed only for the sake of Jihad!
The script being read by the Arab guy is taken from “The Lions of Sunnah” Fatwa official press releases. Listen and be prepared to be amazed!
😀 😀 😀
April 14th, 2013, 11:58 pm
Visitor said:
Some idiots like Ghufran mention the name of Al-Hussein in vain not knowing what Al-Hussein himself has to say about such characters.
Let it be known that Al-Hussein cursed the Shiite just before he died because it was the Shiite who betrayed him and assissted in killing him. Yazid (Radiya Allahu 3Anhu) had nothing to do whatsoever in the martyrdom of Al-Hussein. Yazid is just as innocent of the blood of Al-Hussein as the wolf was innocent of the blood of Joseph.
Here is the last prayer of al-Hussein in which he, forever, cursed the Shiite for the betrayal. This prayer is recorded in well known Shiite sources. In fact the sources are the most authentic of Shiite gibberish,
كان دعاء الحسين على شيعته : ” اللهم إن متعتهم إلى حين ففرقهم فرقاً ( أي شيعاً وأحزاباً ) واجعلهم طرائق قددا ، و لا ترض الولاة عنهم أبدا ، فإنهم دعونا لينصرونا ، ثم عدوا علينا فقتلونا ” { الإرشاد للمفيد 241 ، إعلام الورى للطبرسي 949، كشف الغمة 18:2و38
فقد قال السيد محسن الأمين ” بايع الحسين عشرون ألفاً من أهل العراق ، غدروا به وخرجوا عليه وبيعته في أعناقهم وقتلوه ” { أعيان الشيعة 34:1 }.
ثم ناداهم الحر بن يزيد ، أحد أصحاب الحسين وهو واقف في كربلاء فقال لهم ” أدعوتم هذا العبد الصالح ، حتى إذا جاءكم أسلمتموه ، ثم عدوتم عليه لتقتلوه فصار كالأسير في أيديكم ؟ لا سقاكم الله يوم الظمأ “{ الإرشاد للمفيد 234 ، إعلام الورى بأعلام الهدى 242}.
April 15th, 2013, 12:07 am
ghufran said:
Dialogue between a FSA fighter and a SAA soldier in Daraya
(no way to tell if the vid is real or not or whether the rebel is a syrian FSA fighter or a Nusra terrorist)
http://youtu.be/l-NTmVOK98Q
Here is some basic historical facts for readers who do not want a Nusra dude to “teach ” about history:
Al-Hussein ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (also spelled Husayn) (Arabic: الحُسين بن علي بن أبي طالب) (11 or 13 January 626 CE – 13 October 680 CE) (3rd / 5th Sha’aban 4 AH – 10th Muharram 61 AH) was the son of Ali ibn Abi Ṭalib (final Rashidun Caliph and first Shia Imam) and Fatimah Zahra (daughter of the Islamic prophet Muhammad) and the younger brother of Hasan ibn Ali. Hussein is an important figure in Islam as he is a member of the Ahl al-Bayt (the household of Muhammad) and Ahl al-Kisa, as well as being an Imam.
Hussein is highly regarded by both the Shia and the Sunni as a martyr because he refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid I,[6] the Umayyad caliph. He refused to pledge allegiance to what he considered the unjust rule of the Umayyads.[6] As a consequence, he left Madina, his home town, from where he travelled to Mecca and then after the people of Kufa sent letters to him, pledging him allegence he set of for Kufa.[7] The people of Kufa then broke their pledge [8] and on the way his caravan was intercepted and he was killed and beheaded in the Battle of Karbala in 680 (61 AH) by Shimr Ibn Thil-Jawshan.[9] The annual memorial for him, his family, his children and his As’haab (companions) is called Ashura (tenth day of Muharram) and is a day of mourning for Shia Muslims.
Anger at Husayn’s death was turned into a rallying cry that helped undermine and ultimately overthrow the Umayyad Caliphate
(the fact that Hussein was betrayed by some of his followers does not change anything about the story, it is a mere distraction)
April 15th, 2013, 12:09 am
Dolly Buster said:
This blazing civil war between Sunnis and Shiites in Syria should be expanded into Iraq.
Ignite the region into a huge hell on earth for the Shia.
April 15th, 2013, 12:17 am
ann said:
Syria refutes chemical weapons report – 2013-04-15
Omran Al-Zoabi, Syrian Information Minister, said, “Where did the rocket that was used in Khan al-Assal come from? Where did they get the chemical weapons from? They should ask Turkey, Britain, France and others about the source of this chemical weapon. And that’s why they are trying to cover up this issue”
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/video/2013-04/15/c_132309350.htm
BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhuanet) — Syria’s Information Minister says a report that claims to prove the use of chemical weapons in the country has” no legal or scientific value”. Saturday’s report in The Times newspaper in Britain was based on a soil sample that was smuggled-out of Syria.
Omran Al-Zoabi, Syrian Information Minister, said, “Any soil test that isn’t undertaken by the relevant international agencies, and without the approval of the Syrian government, has no scientific, legal or political value. Any such test is considered a forgery against the rights of the state of Syria.”
[…]
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/video/2013-04/15/c_132309350.htm
April 15th, 2013, 12:18 am
ann said:
ANNA News: Brief summary of the situation in Syria April 14, 2013
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=f7e_1365996577
April 15th, 2013, 12:30 am
Dolly Buster said:
Husayn was very power-hungry.
This is not a positive trait.
Husayn kept demanding to become Caliph. He was crazed with power hunger.
He ended up getting killed when he attempted a coup to satisfy his sick ambition.
This has caused a bunch of polytheists to proclaim that Husayn is God and that his corpse should be worshipped. Thus Shiism was born. The belief that Husayn is a deity worthy of worship.
April 15th, 2013, 12:31 am
Syrian said:
@78
1st of all never call me son again,
It is really a puzzle of the type of half Sunni you are.When 90% of the time attacking Sunnis in general and admiring Iran that follows wallayt alfqih and out to spread their influence all over the ME under the cover of resistance,
That Imam Husain comparison was brought about by Nizar Nayouf that you copied it all and said it as your own, which is even worse
Saying that some have mentioned Imam Husain name before does not give you the excuse to use it as you did, your suppose to be the secular man that doesnt use 1400 yrs old secatrain narrative,, which only bring out more hate.
April 15th, 2013, 12:34 am
Johannes de Silentio said:
Wow! The Caliphs are coming! History is being made before our very eyes. Get on board, people, or get left behind…like Spammie Annie and Bossy Mossie…
April 15th, 2013, 12:36 am
ghufran said:
indeed, Mr Syrian, moderate sunnis are the only hope for Syria, if they get corrupted by Nusra and alqiada then it is a long civil war and a bloody partition of Syria. I divided my wrath equally among sunni and alawi thugs until bearded terrorists from all over the world came to kill “those majusi rafida and heretic nusairis” then it became a moral obligation to expose those bastards. I also happen to believe that minorities in Syria face a bigger threat due to the global jihadi network, it is unfortunate but true that most jihadists are sunni, that does not make militant shia saints and it does not make Iran a “sisterly” country, I am on record saying that Iran is a foreign nation with a suspicious agenda. I do not see why condemning the action of Nusra terrorists today and the criminals who killed Hussein is a bad thing that will “spread hatred”, what about those who killed Omar, Othman and Ali, where they from the “radiya allahu anhom” tribe too ?
this is what a nusra dude said on this blog:
Dolly Bustersaid:
Husayn was very power-hungry.
This is not a positive trait.
Husayn kept demanding to become Caliph. He was crazed with power hunger.
He ended up getting killed when he attempted a coup to satisfy his sick ambition.
This has caused a bunch of polytheists to proclaim that Husayn is God and that his corpse should be worshipped. Thus Shiism was born. The belief that Husayn is a deity worthy of worship.
live and learn,my friend.
April 15th, 2013, 12:49 am
Sam said:
To SAMI, comment 44,
I never switched side. I have always been against tyranny and pro freedom and democracy.
BTW, my post above is my first on JL blog.
April 15th, 2013, 1:00 am
Juergen said:
report by Marcel Mettelsiefen for german tv
Aleppo- the divided city
His material was also used by Channel 4 this month
April 15th, 2013, 1:16 am
Syria no Kandahar said:
Moslems are discussing a crime 1400 years ago as if it is going to solve all their problems
Today. Who cares about Ali or Hussien or Yazeed or Othman or Waleed or Omar or Kaled
Or Alkaka or …..They are all dead and thanks to them they were all killers and Moslems
Are killing each others because they are following the same doctrine . If the terrorist Doc
AKA Majedkaldon has a Shia patient he will remove their liver instead of their appendix.
Islam is a religion which degnifies killing if it was justified:واقتلوهم وقاتلوهم واقتلوا وقتلو وقتل وأقتل
Who cares if you are Sunni or shii or durzi or Ismaili or alawi or batata or basal or banadora
….wahed adrab min altani ..falacto tezna behal alhaki alfadi..
April 15th, 2013, 1:25 am
Sami said:
Sam,
My apologies. I mistook you for this SAM.
JL had a method of making sure names don’t get mixed up in the comment section, but it seems little attention is paid to the comment section lately by JL or anyone on his team.
April 15th, 2013, 1:37 am
Sami said:
Ghufran,
Thanks for sharing the video clip from Darayya. It is unbelievable how something like fear and mistrust is making Syrians turn on each other.
Damn the fool that turned us on each other for the chance to continue to play Prethident just a little while longer.
April 15th, 2013, 1:42 am
Syria no Kandahar said:
So are you good if you are Sunni and bad if you are shii or are you bad if you are Sunni
Or good if you are shii ? And what are the criteria to define how much (sunnism) you have
Inside you or how much shiism?Who has the keys to heaven doors:Alkaradawi?Alaurefi?
Altartosi?Omar Bakri?Alaaroor?Binladen?Aytallajh?Amoussawi?Kaledbinalwalweef(whose
Sword killed thousands)?
70.000 Syrians parished .. How many of them are in heaven and how many in hell(if their
Was ones)..Are all Sunnis in heaven and all Alawis and Christians in hell?Are the suicide
Bombers in heaven?Is Nidaal Janood in hell?Is Saari Sawood in hell?Is god putting
FSA and J A in heaven and distributing 72 virgins and boy to each one and they are
All having heavenly continuous sex in a heavenly كرخانه.
Ya haram souria.
April 15th, 2013, 1:54 am
Juergen said:
I think no one today can answer the questions muslims had almost 1450 years ago. No one can give definite answers why f.e. Ali fought against Aisha in an battle. I mean, the dispute is as old as Islam itself, and just years after Muhammads passing, blood of his immediate followers were spilled. I suggest to those who romantize the era of the early Muslims to read Ibn Malikis “Al Muwatta”. Prostitution, murder, childkilling, ransom crimes, hunger were common in Muhammads Medina. Anybody who will talk about the early golden age of Islam whould be asked why then only one of the 4 Rashidun died of natural causes?
April 15th, 2013, 2:06 am
Juergen said:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=481986335189635&set=a.177018882353050.47869.175539832500955&type=1&theater
April 15th, 2013, 2:08 am
Darryl said:
96. JUERGEN said:
are you grateful for Charles Martel?
April 15th, 2013, 2:28 am
Juergen said:
Kurt Pelda the swiss freelance Journalist has just returned from Syria. In an interview he was asked by an swiss tv reporter:
“Is there an good and an evil side?
I wouldnt say there is an good side. There surely is an evil side. But that does not mean that those fighting against the evil, against Hitler, against Pol Pot, against Assad are automatically the good ones. Quite the opposite. That might have been the case right in the beginning of a war. War turns men into animals. And that you can see quite good in Syria.
… I have some friends among the rebels. I always tell them everytime I see them, see how you have turned more and more like those people you are fighting against.”
April 15th, 2013, 2:30 am
Johannes de Silentio said:
98. DARRYL
“are you grateful for Charles Martel?”
Charlie Martel, drummer for the Clash
April 15th, 2013, 3:17 am
Citizen said:
The CIA Database is, above all, a psychological warfare operation. It aims to drive a wedge between Muslims and Westerners, and set them at war with each other in a “clash of civilizations.” And it also aims to drive a wedge between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, opening the door for increased US-Israeli penetration into the Middle East.
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2013/04/14/al-ciada-duh/
Damascus Phone Call Arab Countries Are Unsafe Now http://youtu.be/3GEMDd0vNj4?t=6m2s
April 15th, 2013, 3:22 am
Citizen said:
France’s Media Admits that the Syrian “Opposition” is Al Qaida. Then Justifies French Government Support to the Terrorists
http://www.globalresearch.ca/frances-media-admits-that-the-syrian-opposition-is-al-qaida-then-justifies-french-government-support-to-the-terrorists/5331289
‘The head of Iraq’s Islamic state, the Iraqi branch of Al Qaida, announced in a recorded message on April 9th, that his group would be fused with the Japhat AL Nosra( Support Front), the principal armed jihadist organization in Syria. The new group will be called Al-Qaida in Iraq and the Levant. This announcement comes two days after the call of Ayman Al-Zawarhiri, the successor of Osama Bin Laden in the leadership of Al-Qaida ‘headquarters,’ for the establishment of an Islamic state after the fall of the regime of Bachar-Al-Assad, afflicted since two years by an insurrection by the Sunni majority.’[1]
‘The challenge to the postmodern world is to get used to the idea of double standards. Among ourselves, we operate on the basis of laws and open cooperative security. But when dealing with more old-fashioned kinds of states outside the postmodern continent of Europe, we need to revert to the rougher methods of an earlier era – force, pre-emptive attack, deception, whatever is necessary to deal with those who still live in the nineteenth century world of every state for itself. Among ourselves, we keep the law but when we are operating in the jungle, we must also use the laws of the jungle’[11]
April 15th, 2013, 3:27 am
Citizen said:
The Delegation of the internal Syrian opposition will visit Moscow on 16 April for consultations with Russia
April 15th, 2013, 3:58 am
Akbar Palace said:
Visitor,
Thanks for the link to “Wake up from your Slumber”. Regrettably, the website is an anti-Zionist website that carries several conspiracy theories all critical of Israel.
You are what we call, “A Truther”, someone who believes 9-11 was a staged conspiracy by the US government.
I don’t believe the US government wanted to kill 3000 of her own citizens (many more if the buildings collapsed sooner), destroy $90 Billion dollars of her own infrustructure, and pull the rug out of the airline industry so they could go to war in the ME.
The 9-11 Commission Report as well as the NIST investigation are enough proof for me to explain how the 9-11 plot unfolded and how the twin towers collapsed from the aircraft impact.
http://www.9-11commission.gov/report/911Report.pdf
http://www.nist.gov/el/disasterstudies/wtc/wtc_finalreports.cfm
Your Post #58 has many references to your perceived “EVIL” of the US government. What other governments do you consider “EVIL”? I’d like to know. Here is a list of several countries/governments, please tell me and the forum which ones you consider “EVIL” or “NOT EVIL”:
1.) USA – EVIL
2.) RUSSIA
3.) CHINA
4.) IRAN
5.) SADDAM HUSSEIN’S IRAQ
6.) ASSAD’S SYRIA
7.) HEZBOLLAH
8.) HAMAS
9.) The PA
10.) ISRAEL
11.) THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD/EGYPT’S CURRENT GOV’T
12.) SAUDI ARABIA
13.) YEMEN
14.) JORDAN
15.) THE GULF STATES
16.) TURKEY
17.) AL-QUEDA, OBL
18.) THE TALIBAN
19.) COLONEL QADDAFI’s LIBYA
We’ve heard a lot about how you consider the USA to be “EVIL”, please take a stab at the other 18 entries and let us know your opinion of these.
Thanks.
Look at history,many things happen to prove that God at the end wins,and evil people will lose,for example, What happened to Hitler, Saddam Qadafi?,it is constant fight between good and evil,remember the world is not 50 year old, it is millions of year,and evil people always lose at the end.
The way to fight terrorism is not by Guns it is by educating people , it is by teaching them good ethics and good religion
Majedkhaldoun,
Your answer was encouraging to me and I thank you for it. The cost of winning these battles is very high. I don’t know about you, but it is a bit depressing. “Good Religion”? What do these “head choppers” who cut off Daniel Pearl’s head know about religion? They think they are carrying out G-d’s work.
I am glad the US entered WW2 to help defeat Naziism as well as dethrone Saddam Hussein. I wish the US dethroned Assad like Colonel Sunglasses. The US doesn’t seem to win many “brownie points” for helping rid the world of tyrants. She seems to get blamed more than thanked.
April 15th, 2013, 7:20 am
Akbar Palace said:
Visitor,
Every day I check the BBC ME website to see what’s new in this part of the world, and it seems almost every other day, bombs are going off and people are being killed.
By whom? Which “evil” organization is killing so many Iraqis?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22149863
April 15th, 2013, 7:36 am
majedkhaldoun said:
Akbar Palace
Jews Christians and Moslems they all have stupid people ,misunderstand religion,tell me why did jews broke the bones of kids, or even kill children,then I will explain to you why moslems killed Daniel Pearl
April 15th, 2013, 7:50 am
Beirut Spring: Pointless Alqaeda said:
[…] was reading the news about the Nusra Front in Syria, about its claim for the Alqaeda brand name and the jostling for […]
April 15th, 2013, 7:51 am
Visitor said:
Akbar Palace,
It appears to me that your criterion for Truth is not based on irrefutable scientific evidence clearly proven in the A&E for 9/11 videos. You seem to measure the truth based on so-called Zionism vs. Anti-Zionism. I believe this is an antiquated way of looking at things, since the world has moved way past this irrelevance. I just hope you really watched those videos, because any high-school grad would be able to infer from the free fall nature of the three towers that the whole event was staged. You should know that Evil does not care for the lives of 3000 people which it would consider as collateral damage, or a mere $90 billion dollars which it would consider peanuts compared to the ultimate aim of world conquest.
I am also disappointed by your attempt to shift blame from the subject under discussion, which is the Evil Nature of the US administration, proven time and again, by resorting to a relativistic argument comparing it with other regimes that could or could not be Evil.
Since you prefer relativism, then I would have to answer you likewise.
I would say that the US administration, the Assad regime and the Iraqi regime are equally evil and at the same level. The US is killing women and children in Afghanistan and other places. While Assad is killing women and children in Syria. The Iraqi regime is also killing women and children in Iraq. We are not surprised at the behaviour of the Iraqi regime because it was a product of the evil nature of the US admin. Under GWB.
Israel, North Korea, China And Russia are also at the same level of Evil. Each for its own deficiency. But the discussion would get longer and longer if we would like to go into details.
Qaddafi regime is evil but kess so than either of the above.
All the others are much less evil than all of the above and some of them are NOT Evil.
However, we should go back and examine the Truth behind 9/11 because this was the root of US Evil. It is no use indulging in reativistic nonesense.
April 15th, 2013, 8:08 am
Tara said:
The sole rep rejects al Nusra allegiance:
The Syrian National Coalition, the umbrella group representing Syrian rebels, has put out a statement saying it is “deeply concerned” about a pledge of allegiance made by the al-Nusra Front to al-Qaida’s leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. One day earlier, al-Qaida’s Iraq branch had claimed it was formally allied with al-Nusra, an increasingly key force within the Syrian rebels. The SNC said:
Since its inception, the Syrian Coalition has worked to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people. Therefore, we strongly reject any position that does not reflect the spirit of Syria’s revolution for freedom and dignity. We stand against any forces that may inhibit the Syrian people’s choosing of their own future.
The Syrian Coalition is deeply concerned about recent statements regarding the affiliations and ideologies of particular factions of the rebel forces. We find it imperative to respond to these statements. The Syrian Coalition urges Jabhat al-Nusra to stay within the ranks of nationalistic Syrians, to continue its efforts in fighting the Assad regime, and in supporting and protecting the freedom of all Syrian sects.
Members of the Syrian Coalition have previously expressed their rejection of the United States’s decision to label Jabhat al-Nusra as a “terrorist organisation”. The Assad regime has forced Syria’s peaceful revolution into an armed struggle and Jabhat al-Nusra has become a part of these armed forces fighting against oppression. At the same time, the Syrian Coalition stands firm against any statements or actions that contradict the will of the Syrian people and the objectives of the revolution. Such initiatives only serve the goals of the Assad regime and harm the progress of the revolution.
On March 2011, the Syrian people took to the streets asking for freedom of beliefs, ideologies, and expression. They called for justice, democracy and equality, and this call continues today. The Syrian Coalition vows to support the Syrian people in their continued struggle for freedom and to stand against any forces that counter the noble objectives of the Syrian revolution.
From the Guardian
April 15th, 2013, 8:19 am
Ghat Al Bird said:
As the saying ges….”what goes around comes around”.
Since members of one religious group from several different European countries could demanded and forced the UN to create a “state” for just their “religion” [Israel].
Its now an Arab Muslim country that has demanded the same for their own according to reports about Al-Qaida and Jabhat al-Nusra have each declared an Islamic State in Syria.
One can only imagine how the ME states would look like in 10/20 years.
April 15th, 2013, 8:38 am
Akbar Palace said:
When in Doubt, Blame it all on Uncle Sam
Jews Christians and Moslems they all have stupid people ,misunderstand religion,tell me why did jews broke the bones of kids, or even kill children,then I will explain to you why moslems killed Daniel Pearl
Majedkhaldoun,
Over the course of Israel’s existence and even during WW2. Very few unarmed children were targeted by Jews, on purpose, at point-blank range, for the purpose of instilling fear in the enemy, revenge or any other evil reason. None that I know of were decapitated.
Yes, Jews have murdered people in cold blood. The few that have are not glorified by main-stream Jewish organizations or the GOI.
Since terrorist organizations fire from populated areas (which is a war crime), Israel has the right to return fire as long as the return fire is “proportional” as deemed by the Human Rights “referees”.
Israel, like every other country, has the right to defend itself. No country, Israel included, has to take missile fire just because it is fired within a poplulated area.
Visitor,
Send me your proof as a cluster of your best respected links. Anti-Zionist or anti-semitic websites would not be appropriate. I promise to remain open-minded.
It appears to me that your criterion for Truth is not based on irrefutable scientific evidence clearly proven in the A&E for 9/11 videos.
If these videos are your best proof, feel free to link them and I will watch them. If your proof is “5 Dancing Israelis”, or an Israeli company that moved prior to the attack, that’s fine with me. The best proof would be an email to from a government agency to a terrorist or proof that the terrorist was meeting with US gov’t officials.
You seem to measure the truth based on so-called Zionism vs. Anti-Zionism.
I measure “truth” by amount of pain caused on people. The GOI has caused pain on people. Arabs have caused pain on people. And I submit that arabs have caused more pain on themselves than the US, Jews and Israel.
I am also disappointed by your attempt to shift blame from the subject under discussion, which is the Evil Nature of the US administration, proven time and again, by resorting to a relativistic argument comparing it with other regimes that could or could not be Evil.
I have not shifted blame. Whereas you have said “Clean Break” was “evil”, and have countered that if “Clean Break” were employed, that is, the US government and Israel working together to conduct regime change in Syria, perhaps a LOT of lives could have been saved. The deaths in Syria are not my people’s fault or the GOI’s fault.
Since you prefer relativism, then I would have to answer you likewise.
I prefer “covering all the bases”, not just the culpability of the USA and Israel.
I would say that the US administration, the Assad regime and the Iraqi regime are equally evil and at the same level.
OK. We’ll call this Visitor’s “LEVEL 1” EVIL. Why is it I haven’t heard you criticize the Iraqi government half as much as you criticize Assad and the USA.
The US is killing women and children in Afghanistan and other places.
Yes. There is a war in Afghanistan. The US, as usual, is trying to set up a democracy there. Is this an “EVIL” fight, or a “GOOD” fight? Why is al-Nusra considered a good fight against Assad, but the fight against the Taliban considered “EVIL”? How many more women and children have the US killed compared to the number of women and children killed by the opposition in Syria?
While Assad is killing women and children in Syria. The Iraqi regime is also killing women and children in Iraq.
Visitor,
Most deaths of women and children in Iraq have come from non-government insurgents and terrorists. Today’s bombs in Iraq, who committed these attrocities??
We are not surprised at the behaviour of the Iraqi regime because it was a product of the evil nature of the US admin. Under GWB.
I disagree. The Iraqi people, with purple fingers, voted for the current Iraqi government. What the Iraqi government does, they are responsible for.
Israel, North Korea, China And Russia are also at the same level of Evil.
OK, this will be Visitor’s “LEVEL 2” EVIL.
Each for its own deficiency. But the discussion would get longer and longer if we would like to go into details.
Qaddafi regime is evil but kess so than either of the above.
All the others are much less evil than all of the above and some of them are NOT Evil.
Insteresting, so Iran and Hezbollah, which currently have fighters in Syria fighting for Assad and the Iraqi insurgency get off Scott Free??
However, we should go back and examine the Truth behind 9/11 because this was the root of US Evil. It is no use indulging in reativistic nonesense.
My opinion is muslim al-Queda committed the 9-11 attack which killed 3000 un-armed Americans and billions in damage.
My opinion is the ME, the dictatorships like Assad, the lack of democracy and rule-of-law is the root of all EVIL in this part of the world.
April 15th, 2013, 9:08 am
zoo said:
The rebels in Northern Syria are making a “tactical retreat” to the Islamic Caliphate of Raqqa and accuse each other of their defeat.
Assad’s forces break rebel blockade in north Syria
Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:46 GMT
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/assads-forces-break-rebel-blockade-in-north-syria
Abdelrahman counted more than 50 fighters dead or missing from the battle on Sunday. The army advance was not yet a decisive victory but could reopen battlefields in the north where rebels had the advantage, he said.
….
“We will see now what happens but if the rebels can push back the regime, they can avoid a major setback. If the regime is able to hold this opening it could take back the whole road and that will have major strategic consequences,” he said.
Islamist units that moved in over the weekend accused forces on the ground, lead by the Martyrs of Syria brigade, of failing to secure the base and sending away too many fighters.
The Martyrs of Syria brigade said they were pushing their campaign and the Islamist groups had hurt their blockade by interfering.
According to Abdelrahamn, many of the main fighting units previously based in the area had moved to Raqqa, Ras al-Ain, and Hassakah, towns in the northeast which rebels recently seized.
According to Abdelrahamn, many of the main fighting units previously based in the area had moved to Raqqa, Ras al-Ain, and Hassakah, towns in the northeast which rebels recently seized.
April 15th, 2013, 9:09 am
zoo said:
#110 Tara
The SNC, inclusing Al Khatib, was so adamant to claim that Al Nusra, their most effective fighters, was not a terrorist organization that now they have lost the little credibility they had left.
Naively or stupidly, they were defending an Al Qaeda affiliate, something that the West will never accept.
That was fatal mistake.
I am still waiting for Hitto and his yet unborn 11 ministers interim government to move to Aazaz before it is taken over by the heroic Syrian army.
April 15th, 2013, 9:20 am
revenire said:
Opposition demo praising Al-Qaeda:
Published on Oct 28, 2012
(27/10/12) Al Qaeda in Syria (Al Nusra Front) hold a demonstration to celebrate Eid. The crowd are seen to carry Nusra flags and are heard to chant that they are students of Osama [Bin Laden] amid anti-Assad slogans.
Contrary to most reports in the Western media, the most powerful oppositon groups are all allied to Al Qaeda, both tactically and operationally and at the very least ideologically. Their power and use of propaganda to win over increasing numbers of opposition supporters, notably children, has been largely ignored in the West .
April 15th, 2013, 9:34 am
revenire said:
Damascus calls for the return of Khilafah and prays Allah protects Jabhat al-Nusra | 14 Dec 2012
Published on Dec 17, 2012
http://www.facebook.com/alKhilafah
Jobar, Damascus erupted today by calling for the establishment of the Khilafah. Friday of “NO to US interference, we are all Jabhat al-Nusra” in Syria.
April 15th, 2013, 9:36 am
revenire said:
Tara do you need more proof? OK
FSA Terrorists Sing Praise Song for Osama bin Laden & Celebrate 9/11
Published on Jan 1, 2013
This footage taken on December 14, 2012 from Yabroud, Syria, during the week of what the Syrian opposition called “We’re All Jabhat Al-Nusra” (aka al-Qaeda in Syria), members of the “Free Syrian Army” (FSA) are seen singing with crowds of people a song that was previously sung by two Saudi Jihadis (http://youtu.be/8jy_yN-tRT8) in which they praise Osama bin Laden and the terror acts on the Word Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001.
April 15th, 2013, 9:37 am
revenire said:
“The rebels in Northern Syria are making a ‘tactical retreat’ to the Islamic Caliphate of Raqqa and accuse each other of their defeat.”
Zoo this is interesting because I had heard that SAA strategy was to force them out of Aleppo and Idlib to Raqqa where they could be destroyed.
April 15th, 2013, 9:50 am
Uzair8 said:
I can’t believe some of the outrageous, false, hurtful, provocative and offensive comments about Imam Hussain (RA).
Please fear for one’s Iman.
April 15th, 2013, 9:52 am
Uzair8 said:
In a previous comment someone mentioned birth of an abomination.
As The Clash was mentioned, this would be fitting anthem for the Shabeeha monsters:
Lost in the Supermarket
[…]
I wasn’t born so much as I fell out
[…]
April 15th, 2013, 10:02 am
Uzair8 said:
Syrian Girl (Partisan girl)
SC users have commented on her odd appearance in the past. Well it seems super girl has had that appearance since arriving from krypton.
https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/323021508303810561
**************
The US Masters (Augusta)
If rebels succeed in filling Assad with holes perhaps he can host next years tournament.
April 15th, 2013, 10:17 am
habib said:
Lol, seems the Zionist-Salafi honey-moon in the Syriacomment back-alley quickly came to a halt, or what?
April 15th, 2013, 10:19 am
Visitor said:
Akbar Palace @9:08AM,
First, I am sorry because I overlooked the Hezbos and Iran in my previous reply. I was responding from the airport waiting for my flight and was in hurry.
Iran and Hezbos are level 1 Evil as you put it.
Secondly, I am now surprised that you have been corresponding with me about my comment 14 and you didn’t even watch the A&E for 9/11 videos that ARE LINKED in that SAME comment. Do you really think I would say all what I said withou a SOLID proof? And here are the links again for your convenience,
The first video is 2 hrs long and the second one is 1 hr. long. They are packed with irrefutable scientific, forensic and engineering evidence from testimonies of experts from across the spectrum. Watch and make up your mind. Cognitive dissonance IS FOR REAL and will destroy America unless the American people rise up and ditch their evil -possessed administration(s).
The rest of your last comment and any new correspondence will be delayed from my end because I am travelling. But I will respond sometime.
April 15th, 2013, 10:38 am
Johannes de Silentio said:
107. MAJEDKHALDOUN
“Jews, Christians and Moslems all have stupid people”
Wow, majie, you are a deep [Johannes, your participation here is welcome, but profanity will get you banned. This is the second time I’ve warned you.–MTB]
A New Bashar Cartoon:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/885355_558992947457169_165110050_o.jpg
April 15th, 2013, 10:41 am
ann said:
Syrian opposition rejects repetition of “Iraqi scenario” – 2013-04-15
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/15/c_132310948.htm
DAMASCUS, April 15 (Xinhua) — Syria’s main opposition party at home denounced on Monday recent calls for an expanded investigation of chemical weapons’ use in Syria, saying they don’t want a repetition of Iraqi scenario in Syria.
The oppositional National Coordination Body (NCB) made the comments Monday in a press conference in the capital Damascus, during which they stressed that all allegations of chemical weapons’ use should be investigated but without involving the Syrian army’s depots.
“Any investigation about the use of chemical weapons from any party must involve all allegations without investigating the weapons’ depots of the Syrian army because we don’t want to repeat the Iraqi scenario in our country,” Safwan Akkash, member of the NCB, told reporters.
“The probe should only cover all the allegations of chemical weapons’ use but the Syrian weapons should be out of question,” he said.
The comments came on the heels of the recent wrangling between the Syrian government and the UN about investigating the alleged use of chemical weapons on Syrian soil.
The chemical weapons’ frenzy came days after Damascus refused an expanded UN probe that was planned to conduct the investigation of chemical weapons’ use in several Syrian cities.
The event was triggered last month when the Syrian government accused the rebels in northern Syria of firing a chemical rocket at the town of Khan al-Asal in Aleppo province that killed more than 26 people. The rebels denied accusations and turned the finger toward government forces.
Syria urged the UN to send a “technical team” to investigate the specific site, but the UN later said it wanted an expanded probe which Damascus did not agree upon. Damascus considered the probe as an attempt to “infringe upon Syria’s sovereignty.”
Meanwhile, the NCB slammed also the radical rebels’ recent allegiance with al-Qaida, stressing that such groups’ ideology ” contradicts our hopes and aspirations for a national and democratic change.”
“We appeal for the halt of arms funneling to all (Syrian) parties without exceptions after the outright declaration by some parties of their connection to al-Qaida and we stress that those powers contradict our hopes and aspirations for a national and democratic change,” Rajaa al-Naser, another member of NCB, said.
“We also call for the departure of all non-Syrian fighters regardless of where they came from or the title they are fighting under; whether it was for supporting the regime or to fight against it,” he added.
The NCB also called on the international envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, not to submit his resignation because such move “would be conducive in widening the circle of violence” in Syria.
[…]
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/15/c_132310948.htm
April 15th, 2013, 10:46 am
Sam2 said:
The criminal unelected tyrant Assad is destroying Syria and maiming Syrians left, right and centre. More than 100 k were butchered, more than 60 k are detained and being tortured, more than 4 m internally displaced, and more than 2 m are refugees and all because the [deleted-MTB] selfdeclared god of the syrian mafia regime opted to shoot and kill peaceful protesters in order to stay in power and continue to embezzle Syria and enslave Syrians and you [deleted-MTB] religious secterian fanatic nutcases are arguing and discussing Ali, Hussain, Omar, Abu Baker, Hassan and the mythical Imams who all died or killed more than 14 centuries ago. How low can you be on the humanity ladder. Who cares whether Mouawya killed Hassan or Hussain or whether Ali was supposed to be prophet or [deleted-MTB] god or Whether Omar was supposed to be Khalifah or not.
Syrians will never again accept to be ruled by Assad, Mullas and Ayatullas nuts, Russian Mafia, the Hizbulla Jihadists or any religious extremists and that is why they are sacrifying their lives and everything they have in order to earn their freedom and democracy.
[Dear Sam2, welcome to SC. You seem to bring a certain thoughtful grace quite consistent with the discourse of the comments section. Enjoy.
Oh, did I mention that profanity is prohibited? Another post like this one and you’ll be banned.–MTB]
April 15th, 2013, 10:47 am
Akbar Palace said:
Visitor,
The reason I posted that list is just for me to understand your position better. What do you consider “EVIL” and why. Really. I do not consider someone who is anti-Israel to be evil. Tara, for example, I think, is anti-Israel, however, I find her to be a courageous humanitarian despite the incredible lack of humanitarians surrounding this conflict.
To back a regime or any other political party that refuses to grant freedom to the governed can NOT be humanitarian.
Have nice trip. I need a trip too!
PS – thanks for the links. I will try to take notes and reply on them later…
April 15th, 2013, 10:50 am
Uzair8 said:
Urgent! Posted by Sh. Yaqoubi ~16 hrs ago:
هام جدا – خبر مسرب
هجوم متوقع للنظام
وصلتنا معلومات مسربة تؤكد أن جيش النظام المجرم سيقوم بعملية عسكرية واسعة لاقتحام الغوطة من جهة العتيبة وقد أعد لها تسعة آلاف عسكري
وسيلجأ في حال فشل الاقتحام إلى سياسة الأرض المحروقة
كما وصلنا أن النظام قد جهز سرية من الانتحاريين للتسلل والقيام بعمليات بالأحزمة الناسفة
واستخدام السلاح الكيماوي وارد في الخطة
نرجو من جميع الكتائب والألوية الالتزام بأقصى درجات التأهب والاستعداد وأخذ جميع الاحتياطات وخصوصا لسلامة المدنيين
نسأل الله تعالى أن يرد كيد هذا النظام المجرم في نحره وأن يمد إخواننا المجاهدين بالنصر والتأييد.
آلشيخ محمد أبو الهدى اليعقوبي
Adnaan Al-Shadhili Translation:
April 15th, 2013, 10:59 am
zoo said:
Revenire
I think that is possibly the SAA strategy: Push back the rebels away from their Turkish supply line toward Al Raqa where they be could encircled and annihilated.
After Syria’s tough warnings and the Al Nusra-Al Qaeda connection Jordanian and Lebanese military authorities are now pressed to close the supply lines to terrorists from their country.
Once gathered in Raqqa region, I would not be surprised if the Iraqi army does not intervene, at the request of the Syrian government to cut any supply lines from Iraq and maybe to attack on the grounds or from the air on the Al Qaeda and Al Nusra fighters hiding in Raqqa.
I hope this works out…
April 15th, 2013, 11:18 am
Uzair8 said:
A tweet by Sh. Yaqoubi ~16 hrs ago:
مسرب: هجوم وشيك لقوات النظام على الغوطة من جهة العتيبة ب ٩٠٠٠ عسكري وسرية انتحاريين بأحزمة ناسفة واستعمال الكيماوي وارد. رد الله كيدهم.
Google translation:
https://twitter.com/Shaykhabulhuda/status/323567205235191808
April 15th, 2013, 11:22 am
zoo said:
#127
“We beseech Allah Almighty that He returns the regime’s plots on itself and that He continue to grant our brothers, the Mujahidin victory and support. ”
Yes, Allah’s intervention is badly required, as the jihadists are about to be totally annihilated.
Have you though that maybe Allah wants them to die as martyrs, so He may not intervene…
April 15th, 2013, 11:24 am
zoo said:
Qatar, proven of supporting and funding the Moslem Brothehood in the Arab countries, has asked them to officially deny their heavy handed influence on the SNC.
This will not save the SNC from collase. Who are they fooling?
Syria Muslim Brotherhood denies seeking power grab
http://news.yahoo.com/syria-muslim-brotherhood-denies-seeking-power-grab-104729556.html
BEIRUT (AP) — The exiled leader of Syria’s Muslim Brotherhood denied Monday widespread accusations by other pro-rebel political factions that the group is seeking to impose its will on other members of the opposition.
The rare news conference by Mohammad Raid al-Shaqfa highlights the suspicions that his movement has raised in an already fractured opposition. The group has a powerful donor network among members in exile and supporters in oil-rich Gulf countries, especially Qatar. Many in the opposition say the group uses its support and money as key levers for influence.
April 15th, 2013, 11:35 am
Uzair8 said:
Oh People of Syria, be not afraid for God is with you. God is with the oppressed.
April 15th, 2013, 11:38 am
Ziad said:
I am going to pray two rukaa’s of salat al duha and pray to the almighty that the Syrian army succeeds in pulverizing those evil doers and save Damascus from what they have done in Aleppo.
Who blows himself up killing innocent women and children can’t be doing Allah’s work. I hope the news of an upcoming Army’s victory will cause the heart of the evil and senile sheikh Yacouby to stop.
Every day a mosque is blown with many innocent people killed in the name of your, and my faith, and we all stay silent including your damned Sheikh Ya’quby.
April 15th, 2013, 11:52 am
zoo said:
French Daily Admits Syrian Opposition is Al Qaida
then attempts to justify French government support for them
by Gearóid Ó Colmáin / April 15th, 2013
http://dissidentvoice.org/2013/04/french-daily-admits-syrian-opposition-is-al-qaida/
In a report published on 11 April, French daily Le Monde admits that rebels fighting the government of the Syrian Arab Republic are dominated by Japhat Al Nosra, a terrorist group linked to Al Qaida.
The admission comes after two years of non-stop disinformation trumpeted from all French mainstream media outlets from the official right to the official left, disinformation that has attempted to convince the French public that democratic revolutionaries are fighting a war for human rights and freedom against a brutal, tyrannical dictator, who is “killing his own people.”
This puerile and deeply dishonest narrative has now been utterly discredited, as the facts about the terrorist nature of the Syrian rebels have become too obvious to ignore. In an article entitled ‘The New Visage of French Jihadism’ it is reported that French jihadists are leaving France in their hundreds to join the ‘holy war’ against the Syrian Arab Republic, with many more joining jihadist groups in Mali.
April 15th, 2013, 11:54 am
zoo said:
133. Uzair8
If you think you are on a minaret calling God to help the Jihadists, it is time for you to jump.
April 15th, 2013, 11:57 am
majedkhaldoun said:
124. Johannes de Silentio Johannes
You need discipline,you are just like revenere,with no logic just bad mouth,we can respond in similar manner,but with your filthy mouth and evil attitude ,I will just say go to hell you and all the evil people like you.
What you said goes back to you,you deserve it more than anyone else
April 15th, 2013, 12:00 pm
zoo said:
That is going to be very funny to follow! Will Lebanon’s complaint be passed to Al Khatib and the SNC who took Syria’s seat at the Arab League? What will the impotent Arab league do? condemn Syria?
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/04/15/Border-attacks-frustrate-Lebanon/UPI-54241366035099/
BEIRUT, Lebanon, April 15 (UPI) — Lebanon is planning to send a formal complaint to the Arab League over Syrian conflict spilling over the border, the government said Monday.
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman met with top security officials to discuss border concerns from the Syrian civil war. The government said it was filing a formal complaint against Syria at the Arab League, The Daily Star newspaper reports.
April 15th, 2013, 12:03 pm
apple_mini said:
A bunch of fanatics are shouting “kill those Shiite including those in Iraq.”
It actually makes me feel sad to hear it if those are indeed Syrians.
Saudi and Qatar are predominantly Sunnis and they are the staunchest agitators and backers of Sunni-Shia conflicts. Yet, their national strategy are only involved financially.
They provide money for buying weapons, paying fighters and training. But they won’t send their own men to fight. And they will never allow that kind of fire getting close to their kingdom.
I can make a claim: if Saudi and Qatar have to, they will abandon their supports and even turn their ideology war into a progressive reflection. Everything is about their royal kingdom and their rules of the countries.
Quote from NYT, “With few parties or charismatic leaders to shape people’s broad aspirations for a better life into a political strategy, Arab societies in transition are vulnerable to the resurgence of entrenched interests, and to outside manipulation. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies, for instance, fear that smooth transitions could embolden their people to rise up. Their public and private support for various competing rebel factions may also prolong instability, Mr. Alterman said”
The most despicable and repulsive parties are the west and the royal families of GCC.
April 15th, 2013, 12:10 pm
zoo said:
Iraq reports searching Syrian plane; no arms found
Associated Press – Sun, Apr 14, 2013
BAGHDAD (AP) — An Iraqi aviation official says authorities ordered a Damascus-bound Syrian plane transiting Iraqi airspace to land for inspection, but that no weapons were found onboard.
Nassir Bandar, Iraq’s top civil aviation official, says inspectors checked the Airbus passenger plane traveling from Moscow on Sunday morning. It was the first time Iraq has reported inspecting a Syrian plane.
April 15th, 2013, 12:11 pm
Dolly Buster said:
The fact that Bashar was kicked out of the Arab League was a big deal, it shows the government has no future.
Everyone can draw the trend lines and see the inevitable outcome.
The evildoers (Russia, Shiites) are now fighting only out of sadism, to cause maximum humanitarian suffering and maximum refugees.
April 15th, 2013, 12:18 pm
zoo said:
Secularism and freedom of speech in Turkey?
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-pianist-fazil-say-gets-10-month-sentence-for-insulting-religion-.aspx?PageID=238&NID=44926&NewsCatID=341
Turkish pianist Fazıl Say gets 10-month sentence for insulting religion
ISTANBUL
A Turkish court sends chills through the country’s artistic world, handing pianist Fazıl Say a 10-month sentence for insulting religion
…
“I am sorry for my country after the court’s ruling,” Say said after the sentence was meted out. “I am disappointed in the sense of freedom of speech. I am worried more for the state of freedom of speech and belief in Turkey than I am for my own sentence.”
Say had been the focus of a legal battle since he retweeted several lines, which are attributed to poet Omar Khayyam in April 2012, saying: “You say its rivers will flow in wine. Is the Garden of Eden a drinking house? You say you will give two houris to each Muslim. Is the Garden of Eden a whorehouse?”
April 15th, 2013, 12:19 pm
apple_mini said:
#129 Zoo, I beg to differ. The biggest threat still has been the “wild wild west” along Syria-Turkey border. Other borders are not that uncontrollable compared to Turkey border. The Syria-Jordan border was a close call. But it seems SAA would not let what happened in the north to replay in the south.
Right now it is too late and too dangerous for SAA just taking back the border because the rebels have entrenched in the north.
SAA is taking their time and encroaching the rebels held area from what the SAA already controls. In that way SAA can shake the bases of the rebels and their strategic goal is to seal the Syria-Turkey border.
Back in October of last year, I spoke to a Sunni college professor in Damascus. My opinion back then was that SAA needed to recruit more men and seal the Syria-Turkey border.
After almost half year now and SAA is still facing those two big objectives.
It has not been an easy war for SAA. No one really wants the war. But if no political solution can be reached, then the regime has to keep fighting and do it right.
April 15th, 2013, 12:32 pm
Ziad said:
Syria’s Civilian Suffering – Western Imperialism Resorts to Medieval Barbarity
Western imperialism has created a human tsunami of suffering in Syria. And rather than making any effort to mitigate this suffering by delivering on much promised refugee aid, the Western powers seem to exploiting the massive misery for political advantage to further undermine the Syrian state and government. This tactic of enforced human deprivation is straight out of the Middle Ages, when invading armies would hold siege of cities by enforcing starvation on the occupants.
Two reports this week testify to the above conclusion – albeit indirectly. The first comes from various United Nations relief organizations for refugees. The UN agencies say that food, water and other basic provisions to some 1.3 million refugees that have poured out of Syria and to more than 4 million remaining within the war-torn country will soon no longer be afforded. The dire situation is because only a fraction of the $1.5 billion pledged earlier this year by international donors has actually been received.
http://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2013/04/14/syria-civilian-suffering-western-imperialism-resorts-medieval-barbarity.html
April 15th, 2013, 1:16 pm
Uzair8 said:
If the regime is using some form of chemical weapons (eg mixture of poisonous gases) then it’s unfair. It may be able to overturn stalemates, reverse losses and make rapid gains even against well entrenched rebels (eg trenches, underground tunnels, bunkers etc).
The revolution cannot be allowed to be endangered in this manner.
There will have to be an Arab League+Turkey intervention. If some arab nations try to block such a move then it will have to be an Arab League coalition of the willing+Turkey intervention.
April 15th, 2013, 1:17 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
April 15th, 2013, 1:30 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Take you hostility out on someone more deserving NewZ
Johannes de Silentio,
Show some respect. Majedkhaldoun wouldn’t hurt a fly (except maybe throw a shoe at the Poster Child).
April 15th, 2013, 1:40 pm
Hopeful said:
Akbar Palace,
I admire and respect your methodical, level-headed and ideology-free contributions on this forum. I hope we continue to hear from you.
Thank you for supporting Syrians in this tough transition to a democratic society.
April 15th, 2013, 2:30 pm
zoo said:
#143 Apple_mini
Turkey’s media hardly mentions Syria anymore. Erdogan is in a very delicate phase of negotiations with the PKK and does not want any trouble on the borders. He is also re-establishing full relation with Israel, a gesture unpopular among the Turkish Islamists. Therefore he has to be very careful as his political future is at stake. He has left the control of the SNC to Qatar, as we notice they are no more meetings in Turkey. In addition there is full censorship on the Syrian refugees in Turkey as there were many reports of instability.
The Syria government is using the Syrian Kurds to set a permanent threat to Erdogans’s peace plan with the Turkish Kurds.
This is why I suspect that the Turkish army is tightly controlling the border and preventing terrorists and weapons to pass since Kerry’s visit, especially after the Al Nusr-Al Qaeda have announced their alliance.
The Syrian army seems to be letting the situation in the North-west to rot by itself while concentrating on the borders with the Arab countries in the south so as to weaken the armed rebels supply lines.
This strategy may work if the West remains confused about who they are helping, freedom fighters or terrorists. This is why there is a flurry of SNC, FSA leaders declarations denying their affinities and alliance with al Nusra terrorists or even the Moslem Brotherhood.
These efforts of ‘secularizing’ the revolution come much too late and the opposition is stuck for good in its “Moslem Brotherhood-Expats-Al Nusra” image.
The opposition has never appeared so weak, confused and embattled.
April 15th, 2013, 2:35 pm
Hopeful said:
Zoo and Rev,
I am curious to know what you think of Haitham Manaa’s positions and opinions. Do the things he says resonate with you at all?
Ghufran, what about you?
April 15th, 2013, 2:36 pm
zoo said:
Syria accuses Turkey of giving chemical weapons to opposition forces
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/syria-accuses-turkey-of-giving-chemical-weapons-to-opposition-forces.aspx?pageID=238&nID=44987&NewsCatID=352
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi has accused Turkey, along with Britain and France, of providing chemical weapons for the Syrian opposition forces, Doğan news agency reported.
“Where do the rockets fired in al-Assal come from? We should ask Turkey, Britain and France about the source of these chemical weapons,” al-Zoubi said, according to the Syrian state-run SANA news agency.
He also denied claims that regime forces had used chemical weapons.
April 15th, 2013, 2:47 pm
Juergen said:
April 15th, 2013, 2:47 pm
Juergen said:
Milo
April 15th, 2013, 2:49 pm
Akbar Palace said:
I admire and respect your methodical, level-headed and ideology-free contributions on this forum. I hope we continue to hear from you.
Hopeful,
I often get pulled into the abyss of cynical put-downs, sarcasm and emotional out-bursts. So this may be a short-lived.;)
I HAVE an ideology: freedom and democracy. And if you work harder, you make more money. Keep the liberal socialism for the French.
Thank you for supporting Syrians in this tough transition to a democratic society
It is easy to support freedom and democracy instead of Assad. And right now, I tend to support anyone else. Another Morsi in Syria I can live with. I have no problem with a country that has traditional values be they Christian, Moslem, or Jewish. My contributions do not help Syrians. If the reports are true that the GOI is providing medical care to some Syrians, then I am glad.
April 15th, 2013, 2:50 pm
Juergen said:
Homs
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=447545285313801&set=a.168560016545664.36383.168536393214693&type=1&theater
April 15th, 2013, 2:50 pm
zoo said:
Zazou went on to express his fascination with Iran, offering a flattering analysis of Iranian society.
Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat—The Egyptian minister of tourism, Hisham Zazou, called on Sunday for Iranian tourists to return to Egypt. This call comes after a sudden reversal of Iranian–Egyptian tourism cooperation.
…
Egypt’s tourism industry has deteriorated significantly as a result of the security issues and unrest that Egypt has suffered since the revolution. In light of this, Zazou visited Iran roughly two months ago to sign a deal that would bring Iranian tourists to Egypt.
In his second interview of the week with the Fars News Agency, Zazou said that he is working to appease those who oppose the idea of Iranian tourism in Egypt.
He explained that he will meet with members of the Salafist movement before the end of the month. He believes the Salafists fear that “an influx of Iranian tourists would be the death of Egypt.”
“I personally think that is an exaggeration,” Zazou said.
Zazou went on to express his fascination with Iran, offering a flattering analysis of Iranian society. “I would like to see my city [Cairo] with the same level of hygiene and cleanliness” as Tehran, he said. He added that “women have an active role in all walks of life—with a particularly active presence in ministerial sectors—and people are educated.”
The Egyptian minister also observed that Iranians are keen on health and exercise, pointing out that the Iranian state provides “places for sports in public parks free of charge.”
“I did not notice the ‘potbelly’ phenomenon amongst Iranians, and have not seen obesity in either men or women,” he said.
April 15th, 2013, 2:55 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Basically anything is better than this regime.
April 15th, 2013, 3:02 pm
Tara said:
Syria Muslim Brotherhood denies seeking power grab
By BARBARA SURK | Associated Press –
http://news.yahoo.com/syria-muslim-brotherhood-denies-seeking-power-grab-104729556.html
“Our aim is not to tear apart but to unite the (Syrian) opposition,” al-Shaqfa told reporters in Istanbul, where he is based. He blamed accusations against his group on “lies and fabrications” that he said were spread by President Bashar Assad’s regime.
Some rebels say the Brotherhood is trying to control the uprising through the political opposition’s exiled groups, such as the Western-backed Syrian National Coalition umbrella bloc, marginalizing fighters inside the country from non-Islamist groups. They say the movement is positioning itself to take power once the war against Assad is won.
Tensions within the opposition rose last month with the election of Ghassan Hitto as interim prime minister for the opposition. Some of his critics claimed the Muslim Brotherhood orchestrated the choice of Hitto, a Syrian-born U.S. citizen and a little-known figure prior to his election.
Among those who regularly attack the Brotherhood are veteran secular dissidents such as Kamal Labwani, who accuses the group of using money to curry favor on the ground in Syria. Labwani and about a dozen other members of the Coalition suspended their membership a day after it elected Hitto, complaining of the dominance of the Brotherhood in the Coalition.
“We say with all honesty that we didn’t know Ghassan Hitto before he was nominated for the post,” al-Shaqfa said.
Al-Shaqfa also denied that the Brotherhood is positioning itself to grab power should Assad’s regime fall.
“These are all lies, slanderous statements against the Muslim Brotherhood,” he said. “We are not after any gains and we do not seek power. We await the fall of this regime so that the people can practice their role in choosing their own leaders.”
A senior member of the Coalition, Abdelbaset Sieda, said the Brotherhood feels misunderstood and worries that people are confusing the group with the ultraconservative Salafis and Islamic extremists who are now gaining prominence on the ground in the fight against Assad’s regime.
“There is a tendency to lump everything together,” said Sieda, who is not a member of the Brotherhood. He added that the group has benefited greatly from its experience in exile and is committed to a pluralistic, democratic society.
April 15th, 2013, 3:05 pm
Juergen said:
April 15th, 2013, 3:14 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Obama warned against chemical weapons, and now that the regime has used them, he still does nothing. Obama is supposed to be the most powerful man in history of the universe, yet no one respects him.
That is because Obama believes Friendship can solve everything.
Exactly the wrong approach. Only the language of Violence can make Putin and Qaddafi pay attention to your remarks.
April 15th, 2013, 3:25 pm
Syrialover said:
See the lying, slippery stuff being said by the Muslim Brotherhood denying they are after a power grab in Syria (see link in #158).
Note they then seized the opportunity to position themselves as the “moderate alternative” to al qaeda/al-Nusra.
They are not smart, and they think Syrians are not smart. They are not honest. And they are not to be trusted.
They are also programmed to fail, thank God.
Here’s a heartwarming account of how they got nowhere in the Libyan elections despite their massive efforts.
“Will the Muslim Brotherhood rule Syria?”
http://www.hhassan.com/2013/04/will-muslim-brotherhood-rule-syria.html
April 15th, 2013, 3:28 pm
Juergen said:
This years pulitzer prices go also to these AP photographers:
Pulitzer Prize-winning AP photographers, Rodrigo Abd, Manu Brabo, Narciso Contreras, Khalil Hamra and Muhammed Muheisen.
see their work
http://www.ap.org/states/tester/syriaap/index.html
April 15th, 2013, 3:29 pm
Citizen said:
157. MARIGOLDRAN
You have to bother evaluate your wicked regime!
Unfortunately for those who have a vested interest in seeing the Assad regime toppled, this approach hasn’t worked over the last two years, and almost, from a standpoint of those arming the rebels, reminds me of one classic definition of insanity, which is doing the same thing over and over and yet expecting a different outcome.
The war against Syria to get dirtier than ever!
From Qatar, Jordan, Turkey and Croatia, US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officers have acted as brokers and overseers of a massive arms shipment programme to Syria’s opposition rebels.
With the operation shrouded in secrecy, the CIA declines to comment publicly on the arms supply. US officials instead talk of its existence in a kind of coded doublespeak referring to “a maturing of the opposition’s logistical pipeline.”
The exist it definitely does, and according to arms-trafficking investigators who are monitoring data on the weapons’ supplies, the scale of the shipments is huge.
“a conservative estimate of the payload of these flights would be 3500 tons of military equipment,”, of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in a recent detailed analysis of the illicit transfer outlined in a New York Times (NYT) investigation.
“The intensity and frequency of these flights,”, are “suggestive of a well-planned and co-ordinated clandestine military logistics operation.”
What will Russia be actually prepared to do ?? Putin knows!
http://stratrisks.com/geostrat/11847
April 15th, 2013, 3:40 pm
Tara said:
No potbelly?
Batta can help with vision problem I guess..
I yet have to be impressed with their physique.
April 15th, 2013, 3:40 pm
Syrialover said:
The Muslim Brotherhood make false claims about who they represent in Syria and monopolise and disrupt the political process. Their policies are harmful, divisive and perpetuating the conflict.
EXCERPT:
“But, for the Brotherhood themselves, the question currently is not whether they can rule Syria democratically but whether they can steer the country after the downfall of the regime and thereby asserts its control over the state in the future.
“Put simply, the group’s policy is to buy loyalties and create a sense, for outsiders and the opposition, that it represents a large percentage of Syrians. Forming front groups that it would use to beef up its political representation is one of its trademarks.
“In response to the Brotherhood’s ability to ‘hijack’, people often say it is the failure of non-MB groups to counter its influence that is to blame.
“Of course but that is not the point here. The point is that the group’s policies are harmful, divisive and perpetuating the conflict.
“How? When the Brotherhood’s members and their allies, for example, form groups that claim to represent certain people or groups or areas. But such groups represent the Brotherhood not the people they claim to represent, and those falsely represented feel they do not have a say because, well, there are no true or proper representatives for them in the political bodies.
“Mis-representativeness is one of the Brotherhood’s well-known methods to monopolise the political process, to compensate for its little presence in Syrian society.”
From “Will the Muslim Brotherhood rule Syria?”
http://www.hhassan.com/2013/04/will-muslim-brotherhood-rule-syria.html
April 15th, 2013, 3:43 pm
revenire said:
I just received news from Idlib. The army has destroyed the rats there. There will be no possibility of recovery for them there.
“We can proclaim with 100% confidence that the rat presence around two major airbases in the northeast has been eliminated and/or vaporized. At Waadi Dhaif and Hameediyya, the SAA broke the seige by encircling the rats at the town of Sihyaan. Wael and Aslan (finally) confirm the deaths of at least 300 rodents. Aslan called me at a friend’s home and said that a ‘major disturbance at Apaydin’ caused a heightened security presence around the FSA base by Turkish authorities. The loss of the FSA and Jabhat Al-Nusra position around these bases now makes it impossible for the rats to return. This is all in light of the absorption of over 100,000 new militia and National Defense Force volunteers.”
Did someone say the army was having trouble finding soldiers?
April 15th, 2013, 3:44 pm
revenire said:
“155. JUERGEN said:
Homs
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=447545285313801&set=a.168560016545664.36383.168536393214693&type=1&theater”
If we have to do this to the entire nation to purify it so be it.
You will never win.
Assad or we burn the country.
April 15th, 2013, 3:47 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Rev, these sites you inform yourself from, like InfoWars and HomsNewsNetwork, have no credibility whatsoever. Try switching to a major news agency.
My beef with mainstream news is that they too often quote what Evildoers have said.
For example a Reuters headline may read: “Syria invites UN to blacklist the opposition,” or: “Libyan TV says Qaddafi is awesome.”
And I’m like, why are you even carrying their statements.
April 15th, 2013, 3:50 pm
Syrialover said:
AKBAR PALACE,
Cc: HOPEFUL
Your wrote in #154:
“Another Morsi in Syria I can live with.”
Sure you can, but why the hell should Syrians?
You need to wish Syria a dramatically better fate than that if you’re sincere about your ideology of “freedom and democracy”.
April 15th, 2013, 3:52 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Syrialover,
The “Morsi” comment was just me spouting a minimum preference along the lines of ANYBODY but Assad. If Syria can do better than Morsi, all the better.
I fear there are too many jihadists in this area that will fight the creation of a secular democracy, but I’ll be the first to welcome it.
As Visitor has stated, it is up to the people to decide.
April 15th, 2013, 4:03 pm
5 dancing shlomos said:
the american 9-11 event was an israeli operation with inside collaboration.
bin laden denied knowledge or involvement.
any alq declarations of responsibility would be u.s. state dept scripted. some minor goy. ask juergen. maybe scripted by one of the small jews occupying a broom closet cubicle.
the u.n. does as jewish america decides.
rats, big and small, be proud. you are dying for jews. there is no better fate for a rat goy than to sacrifice for jewry.
your name will go into the righteous rat sewer.
plitnick, what horrific crimes (by president assad)? what civil war? there is a war against syria but no civil war.
why is memri used for anything except as an example of how jewish lying BS looks? ok, toilet paper.
aron lund?
April 15th, 2013, 4:13 pm
Uzair8 said:
Going by the alleged leaked information received by Sh. Yaqoubi, this indicates that the opposition has moles (insiders, informants, spies etc) within the regime structure.
What a blow for the regime! It was probably meticulously planning the surprise Gouta operation in secrecy for weeks if not months and now it has been disclosed! Any element of surprise has been thwarted and now hopefully the rebels are prepared for any regime action in the Ghouta area.
This will seriously undermine morale and confidence within the regime. How can they ensure secrecy and surprise with untrustworthy elements within? Can the regime risk an internal cull without leaving morale and confidence shot to pieces?
April 15th, 2013, 4:15 pm
Citizen said:
what is going in BOSTON MARATHON ?
http://live.reuters.com/Event/Boston_Marathon_Explosion
April 15th, 2013, 4:19 pm
zoo said:
Is it an ironic smile addressed at Morsi?
Mubarak smiles through his 20-minute retrial over protester deaths
http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/mubarak-smiles-through-his-20-minute-retrial-over-protester-deaths
CAIRO // Hosni Mubarak appeared a different man as he was wheeled into court yesterday for the first day of his retrial.
Wearing fashionable sunglasses, the 84-year-old former president of Egypt appeared younger and more upbeat than in his previous court appearances. In past hearings, he lay almost comatose and was caught on camera picking his nose.
This time he waved to people in the courtroom while leaning on his chin in a relaxed and confident manner. His sons, Alaa and Gamal, smiled as scores of lawyers and journalists craned for a view of the former ruling family. It was all the more striking because Mubarak has been reported at times in the past two years to be on the verge of death and, at one point in June last year, in a coma.
The hearing lasted just 20 minutes
…
Staff recently started cleaning Mubarak’s villa and repairing equipment at the Jolie Ville Golf and Resort in Sharm El Sheikh, where Mubarak and his two sons each own a villa.
Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/mubarak-smiles-through-his-20-minute-retrial-over-protester-deaths#ixzz2QZ7CDV4s
April 15th, 2013, 4:23 pm
Tara said:
Reve
I am so thankful for your contribution on SC. In the past, it used to feel so prompted explaining the obvious. I don’t have to do this anymore. It is enough to read your comments to achieve that goal. You are a real treasure! Where were you 2 years ago to expose how murderous and hateful this regime is. We, the revolution supporters, are forever indebted. As kafrnabel people say “your stupidity makes us win”. We should name something in new Syria after you.
April 15th, 2013, 4:25 pm
zoo said:
#172 Uzair8
“This will seriously undermine morale and confidence within the regime”
Of course, dear… keep praying.
April 15th, 2013, 4:26 pm
zoo said:
Weapons from Jordan aimed at destroying Al Qaeda
Defeating al-Qaeda in Syria, Not Assad
John Glaser, April 15, 2013
http://antiwar.com/blog/2013/04/15/defeating-al-qaeda-in-syria-not-assad/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AWCBlog+%28Antiwar.com+Blog%29
From the Guardian:
Jordan has agreed to spearhead a Saudi-led push to arm rebel groups through its borders into southern Syria, in a move that coincides with the transfer from Riyadh to Amman of more than $1bn (£650m).
It marks a significant change for Jordan, from a policy of trying to contain the spillover threat posed by the civil war across its border to one of actively aiming to end it before it engulfs the cash-strapped kingdom.
Jordan’s role as a conduit for arms has emerged in the past two months as Saudi Arabia, some Gulf states, Britain and the US have sharply increased their backing of some rebels to try to stop the advances of al-Qaida-linked groups among them.
A push to defeat al-Qaida, rather than an outright bid to oust Syria’s leader, Bashar al-Assad, is Jordan’s driving force.
April 15th, 2013, 4:33 pm
Akbar Palace said:
“Supreme Leaders” and the Demented Morons who Worship Them NewZ
rats, big and small, be proud. you are dying for jews
5 Dancing Racists,
“Rats” aren’t dying for Jews. Nope, as difficult as the pill is to to swallow, arabs and muslims are killing each other and not a Joo in sight. The “Rats” are dying for freedom. And it is demented jihadist and conspiracy theorists such as yourself who are preventing the arab world from entering the 21st century.
April 15th, 2013, 4:37 pm
zoo said:
Are we seeing Bashar al-Assad’s second wind?
STEPHEN STARR
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/syria-live/article11222855.ece
…
Food and fuel is still widely available in government-controlled Syria, albeit at inflated prices. Schools and public sector institutions remain open. Government salaries are still being paid.
Furthermore, Syria’s Western-backed political opposition has clearly been caught out in its own backing of Jabhat al-Nusra – an Islamist fighting force now openly aligned with Al-Qaeda.
To state the obvious, Western capitals cannot support elements of the Syrian opposition that may have Al-Qaeda ties. France, Britain and others pushing for the arming of rebels certainly won’t be able to sell this to their respective populations with al-Qaeda in the mix. The ties between Syria’s opposition and its international sponsors may well be torn over the status of Jabhat al-Nusra, today the most successful fighting force taking on Mr. Assad.
Mr. Assad has mostly delivered on the promises and threats he has made over the duration of the uprising. Early on he spoke of “ten Afghanistans” in Syria should outside forces intervene, or fundamentalist takfiris and Islamic extremists dominating the opposition. Though clearly propaganda at the time, today it is difficult to dismiss his argument, a perspective that resonates with the millions of Syrians exhausted by two years of conflict and instability.
April 15th, 2013, 4:39 pm
ann said:
JABHAT AL-NUSRA STRUCK IN BOSTON!!
At least 2 dead, 23 injured as twin explosions hit Boston Marathon finish line – 13/04/15
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/04/15/two-explosions-at-boston-marathon-finish-line-injure-dozens-reports/
Two bombs exploded near the finish of the Boston Marathon on Monday, killing at least two people, injuring at least 23 others and sending authorities rushing to aid wounded spectators, race organizers and police said.
One runner, a Rhode Island state trooper, said he saw at least two dozen people with very serious injuries, including missing limbs.
[…]
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/04/15/two-explosions-at-boston-marathon-finish-line-injure-dozens-reports/
April 15th, 2013, 4:48 pm
Dolly Buster said:
No, there is an audio tape where OBL says he personally selected the hijack teams.
He made the statement in relation to Zakariyah Musawi, the so-called 20th hijacker’s trial. He said Moussaoui never was the 20th hijacker.
All these tapes indicate that Al-Qaeda is behind the Manhattan Raid.
April 15th, 2013, 4:50 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Does anyone know who this idiot Zoo is? At times he defends Shiites, but at other times he doesn’t know the first thing about islam. Is he a white leftist, or an Iranian magian?
One thing’s fer sure: Zoo is going to look incredibly stupid when Bashar’s corpse becomes front page. It is an unstoppable countdown.
April 15th, 2013, 4:55 pm
ann said:
Where’s Homeland Security?!
Is it time we rounded up all Al-Qaeda sympathizers and apologists?!
https://vine.co/v/bFdt5uwg6JZ
April 15th, 2013, 4:57 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Important update from Waleed Junbulat:
http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/3805.htm
April 15th, 2013, 5:25 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
The threat
April 15th, 2013, 6:47 pm
Tara said:
My heart goes out to the mother of the 8 yo child and the families of the victims killed by the terror attack in Boston today.
April 15th, 2013, 7:49 pm
revenire said:
The FBI should interview the Nusra/FSA supporters here.
Visitor, Dr. Majed and Tara are first on my list.
The Zionists here should also be questioned to see if they have links to any Jewish terror organizations like the JDL.
Akbar seems like a radical to me.
April 15th, 2013, 8:15 pm
revenire said:
Good Riddance: Brahimi may quit as UN-Arab League envoy on Syria
The United Nations and Arab League envoy on Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi may be on the verge of quitting, frustrated by the relentless efforts of President Bashar Assad’s foes on seeking “regime change” in Damascus, instead of a diplomatic solution to end the festering crisis.
During the Doha summit on March 26-27, the Arab League decided to handover Syria’s seat to the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (NCSROF), despite rejection of the resolution by Algeria and Iraq, and an abstention by Lebanon. The move piloted by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has been highly contentious.
Observers say that the decision lacks legality as a change in national membership of a country is possible only if all the 22 members of the League take a unanimous view.
The decision that was seemingly bulldozed by the League has delivered a big blow to a search for a political resolution of the crisis, based on dialogue between the Syrian opposition and the government. In themwords of Rim Turkmani, an opposition leader who belongs to the non-violent Building the Syrian State Movement, the prospects of a diplomatic solution have dimmed sharply because the NCSROF’s charter states “ unequivocally that there can be no negotiations and no dialogue with the regime”.
The summit had also green-lighted the transfer of weapons to the Syrian opposition by pointing out in its final document that “each member state of the Arab League has the right to supply defensive means as it so wishes — including military defence — to support the resistance of the Syrian people and the Free Syrian Army (the armed wing of the Syrian opposition)”.
Without naming specific countries, Mr. Gatilov pointed out that some “external players are obviously not interested in this cooperation”.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/brahimi-may-quit-as-unarab-league-envoy-on-syria/article4614425.ece
April 15th, 2013, 8:22 pm
revenire said:
What a surprise: CNN is reporting the FBI has a SAUDI national under arrest in relation to the terrorist attack in Boston.
April 15th, 2013, 8:26 pm
Dolly Buster said:
I was annoyed by this disgusting pig Brahimi, because he pretended that a diplomatic solution was possible. While these UN fools hold 3-year conferences in their ivory towers, people are starving on the ground every minute.
You can’t persuade Shiites not to attack Sunnis,
just like you can’t “negotiate” a wolf to stop preying on lambs.
April 15th, 2013, 8:49 pm
Ghufran said:
There is no official confirmation of who committed the terrorist attack in Boston, earlier we heard that it was probably a domestic terror attack but now there are rumors that a Saudi was behind it, the right thing to do is wait and see, there will be significant consequences if alqaida was behind it.
April 15th, 2013, 8:49 pm
zoo said:
…
April 15th, 2013, 8:52 pm
zoo said:
Authorities question Saudi national in Boston attack
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57579736/authorities-question-saudi-national-in-boston-attack/
…
(CBS News) Following the twin blasts at the Boston Marathon that has claimed two lives and dozens injured, a Saudi national is being held in custody in relation to the incident who was near the scene of the blast, CBS News correspondent John Miller reported.
Law enforcement sources told Miller a witness saw a person acting suspiciously when the explosions happened along the marathon route.
“They see him running away from the device,” said Miller. “Now, a reasonable person would be running away. But this person had noticed him before. This is a civilian — chases him down, tackles him, turns him over to the Boston police. The individual is being looked at [and] was suffering from burn injury. That means this person was pretty close to wherever this blast went off, but not so close as to suffer the serious injuries that other people did.”
Authorities told Miller that the person in custody is not charged and not under arres
April 15th, 2013, 8:56 pm
zoo said:
Assad forces try to consolidate gains in Maaret al-Numan
…
The government successes mark “an important tactical victory for the Syrian armed forces,” Torbjorn Soltvedt, senior MENA analyst at Maplecroft, told The Daily Star, adding that the “tactical gains could increase the regime’s chances of retaking the north-south highway.”
The recapture of Wadi Daif and Hamidieh is also an important strategic success for the regime in Syria’s protracted 15-month civil war as it provides government access to the bases without having to resort to airpower.
“The rebels have demonstrated the ability to bring down the regime’s helicopters and planes, and the regime is reluctant to lose any more of its equipment to rebel operations, Elizabeth O’Bagy, a Syria analyst at the Institute for the Study of War, told The Daily Star.
Following the breaking of the blockage, the Syrian army was able to drive six lorries of weapons into the bases Sunday.
“Not having to use its planes will help prevent the possible loss of more air power, and allow the regime to focus its use of air power in resupplying other areas, particularly in the north,”
Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Apr-16/213879-assad-forces-try-to-consolidate-gains-in-maaret-al-numan.ashx#ixzz2QaFYoQKY
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)
April 15th, 2013, 9:01 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Hey swine, instead of reposting articles and leaving it at insinuations, come out and state what you really think.
April 15th, 2013, 9:03 pm
Dolly Buster said:
You mean, socialist weirdos will now apologize for believing those dumb theories that AQ is working for Americans?
April 15th, 2013, 9:08 pm
MarigoldRan said:
@ Citizen and Zoo
The regime is evil. It bombs indiscriminately and it tortures people.
The regime and its supporters wanted violence. So violence it will get. What comes around, goes around.
As I’ve said before: the regime is politically dead. And the only reason it can pay for salaries is because of Iran, making the regime little more than an Iranian puppet state. No one’s going to talk to it. The war continues.
April 15th, 2013, 9:21 pm
apple_mini said:
We need to wait and see who is really behind the marathon bombing. Too early to make any guess and any analysis based on it should be avoided.
One thing is for certain: Terrorism has come back to people’s mind and those politicians will talk more about it and at least show they will be doing more about it.
What does it have anything to do with Syria conflict? US administration will have harder sale of their support for the opposition and the rebels.
People around the world will think of Assad as front runner of those fighting against terrorists. Without doing anything, the regime scores another win.
April 15th, 2013, 9:25 pm
Tara said:
I think picture #2 best symbolizes what our revolution is all about: dignity!
And of course, for those who enjoy the heroism of the Assad’s army, they can add #13 to their vast collection.
April 15, 2013
Photographs of Syria Sweep Pulitzer Prizes
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/photographs-of-syria-sweep-pulitzer-prizes/#/12/
April 15th, 2013, 9:25 pm
MarigoldRan said:
The regime is a terrorist regime because it commits lots of terrorism.
The fools can say what they want. But the regime is worse.
What’s the big deal about the Boston Marathon bombing? The Assadists do this everyday in Syria. It is evil.
April 15th, 2013, 9:36 pm
Tara said:
Hassoun the Syrian regime mufti had threatened the West and the US to unleash terror attacks through his sleeper cell not too long ago. Hassoun should be extradited to Guantanamo for investigation.
April 15th, 2013, 9:40 pm
revenire said:
LOL
April 15th, 2013, 9:48 pm
MarigoldRan said:
retard.
April 15th, 2013, 9:56 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Al-Qa3idah in the Land of the Two Holy Places had published some bomb-making сrap in their magazine, that is one possible explanation for Boston.
April 15th, 2013, 10:08 pm
zoo said:
Jordan extremist praises Boston bombing
By JAMAL HALABY | Associated Press – 3 hrs ago
http://news.yahoo.com/jordan-extremist-praises-boston-bombing-221640635.html
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — The head of an extremist Jordanian Muslim Salafi group said early Tuesday that he was “happy to see the horror in America” after the explosions in Boston.
“American blood isn’t more precious than Muslim blood,” said Mohammad al-Chalabi, who was convicted in an al-Qaida-linked plot to attack U.S. and other Western diplomatic missions in Jordan in 2003.
“Let the Americans feel the pain we endured by their armies occupying Iraq and Afghanistan and killing our people there,” he said early Tuesday.
Al-Chalabi served seven years in prison for his part in the foiled attack. His group is outlawed in Jordan.
A Mideast counterterrorism official based in Jordan said the blasts “carry the hallmark of an organized terrorist group, like al-Qaida.” He did not give actual evidence linking al-Qaida to the bombing.
“From the little information available, one can say it was a well-coordinated, well-targeted and near-simultaneous attack,” he said. “Luckily, the amount of explosives used is small, judging from the casualty figure and explosion area.”
April 15th, 2013, 10:22 pm
revenire said:
Syria kills the Al-Qaeda rats, Jordan gives them a home?
April 15th, 2013, 10:35 pm
ann said:
The New York Times cheering us into invading Syria!
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/opinion/global/the-dangerous-price-of-ignoring-syria.html?_r=0
April 15th, 2013, 10:45 pm
revenire said:
HNN Homs News Network
MA’ARET AL-NOU’MAN – ARMY CONVOY ARRIVES WIPES ENTIRE BRIGADES !!
The Syrian Arab Army has now reached “Ma’r Shamrin” in rural M’aaret Al-Nou’man, wasting no time, the powerful Military Convoy exterminated the entire Armed Members of the “Amr Al-Mukhtar” Terrorist Brigades with Tank shells and rocket launchers, leaving over 50 carcasses dumped on the roads, waiting for the garbage trucks …
LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS AND SURRENDER, THERE ARE NO MORE CHANCES … – J
April 15th, 2013, 10:46 pm
ann said:
The Los Angeles Times cheering us into invading Syria!
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-syria-and-iran-20130415,0,447311.story
April 15th, 2013, 10:49 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Zoo, what is your point in quoting this Jordanian.
Be upfront about what you’re saying.
It took us months before you finally came out of the closet as a Bashar supporter.
April 15th, 2013, 10:55 pm
ann said:
The Washington Post cheering us to invade Syria!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-muddled-plan-for-the-clear-danger-in-syria/2013/04/13/bf0e4c2e-a38a-11e2-82bc-511538ae90a4_story.html
April 15th, 2013, 10:59 pm
ann said:
Obama makes statement on Boston bombings – 36 minutes ago
“We still do not know who did this or why”
Well DUUUHHH Mr. President!!!!!
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/04/15/photo-obama-gets-updates-on-boston-bombings/
April 15th, 2013, 11:09 pm
ghufran said:
keep politics aside, can anybody explain the clear surge in Syrian army activities in areas that were once considered rebels strongholds?
from what I read, Aleppo and Idleb may witness some drmataic developments in the next few days/weeks, even Raqqa may become a target.
April 15th, 2013, 11:15 pm
ghufran said:
This is a comment by a reader on calls to intervene in Syria:
(Washington post)
the_gardener wrote:
4/14/2013 12:42 PM CDT
Although the position of the editorial board as presented in this opinion is clear enough, it seems to me that the board’s analysis is, to use their word, muddled. They seem to believe that the answer to this violent and multifaceted civil war is the increase in violence that direct American intervention would inevitably entail.
To the best of my knowledge the editorial board has not yet called for the introduction of American soldiers into Syria. Nonetheless, I suggest that their position might best be called incremental escalation and that we not not intervene at all unless we should be willing to endorse the eventual introduction of American soldiers.
We septuagenarians have heard all this before. This is the same litany of horrors that led to the debacle in Vietnam. First, we were content to supply arms and other provisions of war to those belligerents whom we favored. Then we posted military advisers to assist with planning and tactics. Then we introduced our own soldiers, thereby setting the foundation for the greatest failure of the democratic process since the Civil War.
The conceptual foundation of this editorial, the belief that American intervention would lead directly to the termination of hostilities, seems unjustified to me and contrary to our recent experience. The editorial board serves our nation poorly by appealing for American intervention yet again and by disguising that intervention, as such appeals so often are, as humanitarian concern.
The proper course of action, at least in my opinion, is the rendering of generous humanitarian assistance to any Syrian, regardless of political orientation, through organizations such as Doctors without Borders and the Red Cross or Red Crescent, but let us leave the establishment of Syrian polity to the Syrians themselves.)
April 15th, 2013, 11:18 pm
GEORGES said:
ZOO said:
”
“If tomorrow Syria’s seat at the UN is given to the SNC”
Ha Ha HA !
The UN may be not credible, but not that stupid!
The SNC has zero legality, zero legitimacy and zero credibility.
They have no chance whatsoever to go beyond the Puppet theater of the Arab league..
Keep having stupid suggestions, they are quite funny!”
But that’s not the point. We are not questioning whether or not this has a chance of happening. I was suggesting a hypothetical situation (if the UN gave the regime’s seat to the SNC) and asking how would you react if this hypothetical situation came about (would you recognize it as the legal government or not?), which highlights how much of a hypocrite and a manipulator you are (justifying the regime’s legality and legitimacy by bringing up the UN).
Not only have we established that you’re an hypocrite and a manipulator, but now it seems that we can also conclude that you are an idiot incapable of anything that can remotely be considered abstract and conceptual thinking.
April 15th, 2013, 11:22 pm
ann said:
Syrian man arrested in Greece with weapons cache – April 15, 2013
THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — A senior police official says a Syrian man has been arrested on Greece’s northeastern border with Turkey with a large batch of telescopic sights for rifles and shoulder-fired rocket launchers.
The official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak to the media about the case, said he believed the weapons were headed for Syria. There has been no official announcement by police.
The arrest took place Thursday when the man, who is a resident of Belgium, crossed the border with Turkey in a tractor trailer, according to the official. Customs officials found 281 telescopic sights.
April 15th, 2013, 11:28 pm
ann said:
Syrian opposition militia declares allegiance to Al Qaeda – By Niall Green – 16 April 2013
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/04/16/alnu-a16.html
Last week the Al Nusra Front, the military backbone of the US-sponsored Syrian opposition, openly swore its loyalty to Al Qaeda.
Al Nusra leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Egyptian-born cleric who served for many years as Osama bin Laden’s second-in-command.
“The sons of Al Nusra Front pledge allegiance to Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri,” al-Golani said in a recorded message released last week. The statement also indicated that the Syrian terrorist group would merge with Al Qaeda in Iraq, from which Al Nusra has received personnel and training.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the head of the Islamic State in Iraq, Al Qaeda’s affiliate in that country, said last week that his group would join with Al Nusra under the shared banner of “The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.”
The Al Nusra Front (or Jabhat al-Nusra) became the most effective armed group in the US-backed Syrian opposition last year. Its cadres, Islamist militants recruited internationally with combat experience from other wars, have inflicted several defeats on Syrian government forces, while carrying out sectarian atrocities against minority groups and alleged regime sympathizers.
The Free Syrian Army (FSA), the loose coalition of militias sponsored by Washington and its allies in their proxy war against the government of President Bashar al-Assad, issued a statement disavowing any formal ties with Al Nusra.
“We don’t support the ideology of Al Nusra,” an FSA spokesman said. “There has never been and there will never be a decision at the command level to coordinate with Al Nusra.”
This denial appears meaningless, however, as the FSA then admitted that it planned to continue co-operating with Al Nusra fighterson “certain operations.”
Without Al Nusra, the FSA would have very limited fighting capabilities. In July 2012, the UK-based Guardian newspaper reported from within Syria that the FSA frequently relied on al-Nusra when fighting the Syrian army. In the piece, titled “Al-Qaeda turns tide for rebels in battle for eastern Syria,” FSA personnel said that they had called upon Al Nusra to carry out truck and car bombings, plant roadside bombs, and to supply fighters, small arms and ordnance.
The FSA lacks a popular base of support, and appears to have little operational authority, within Syria. Rather, it is various sectarian and ethnic-based militias that carry out strikes against the Syrian regime, each for their own ends. Among these groups, it is Al Nusra that has proved to be the most deadly. Its militants, drawn to the Syrian war under the banner of Islamist jihad, are recruited from the ranks of Sunni extremist veterans of the wars in Chechnya, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.
Its shadowy leader, al-Golani (his nom de guerre ), is believed to have been a fighter in the Al Qaeda-linked insurgency in Iraq during the US occupation and subsequent ethno-sectarian civil war in that country.
Al Nusra has claimed responsibility for the overwhelming majority of suicide bombings inside Syria, including the December 2011 twin-suicide attack in Damascus that killed 49 people and injured over 160 others, the May 2012 bombing in the capital in which 55 people died and some 400 were wounded, and a triple suicide attack in Aleppo in October, which killed 48. In all these atrocities, and hundreds of other attacks carried out by the group over the past fifteen months, the majority of casualties have been civilians.
Al Nusra’s formal declaration of solidarity with Al Qaeda thus comes more as an inconvenience than a surprise to the Obama administration and its allies.
Islamist militias, including those associated with Al Qaeda, have received hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and materiel from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other US-backed forces—all under the watchful eye of the CIA, whose agents oversee the flow of supplies to the Syrian opposition across the borders of Turkey and Jordan.
On Thursday, the Assad government called on the UN to designate Al Nusra as a terrorist organization, like Al Qaeda. In a letter to the UN Security Council, the Syrian foreign ministry claimed that the announced merger confirmed previous assertions by Damascus that Al Nusra is engaged in terrorist crimes against the Syrian people.
The letter to the Security Council criticized the efforts within the “international community” to prevent Al Nusra from being branded as a terrorist organization, with the Assad regime attempting to put diplomatic pressure on US allies, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which have sponsored the Islamist fighters.
Washington was compelled to officially blacklist Al Nusra as a terrorist group in December. The designation came in the context of the establishment in November 2012 of a new US-sponsored anti-Assad umbrella group, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces. Al Nusra was hostile to this group, which includes moderate Sunnis as well as secular and Kurdish personnel.
The terrorist label applied to Al Nusra by the Obama administration was mainly symbolic, however. In the months since the designation, al-Golani’s fighters have proven themselves even more capable of striking at Syrian regime targets and carrying out terrorist attacks.
On December 23, al-Nusra declared a “no-fly zone” over the city of Aleppo, the main commercial center of Syria prior to the civil war. According to Al Jazeera, the group was able to deploy 23mm and 57mm anti-aircraft guns against Syrian armed forces aircraft, as well as civilian planes that were suspected of carrying government personnel or supplies.
Al-Nusra has emerged as the principal opposition group in the battle for control of Aleppo, which lies close to the Turkish border and the large US Air Force base at Incirlik. It regularly fights off Syrian government assaults on rebel-held areas.
Given the extensive presence of the US military and the CIA in and around Syria, and Washington’s influence within the despotic Persian Gulf sheikhdoms that bankroll the opposition, it is inconceivable that Al Nusra or similar outfits could function without tacit support from US imperialism.
Secretary of State John Kerry effectively acknowledged that the US would turn a blind eye to the arming of al-Nusra during a press conference last month with Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, a Qatari royal. Kerry insisted that Washington was doing everything to ensure that support went to the “right people” in the Syrian opposition. He added, however, that there could be “no one hundred percent guarantee”
[…]
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/04/16/alnu-a16.html
April 15th, 2013, 11:33 pm
ann said:
Syrian counteroffensive challenges imperialists’ plans – By David Sole – April 15, 2013
http://www.workers.org/2013/04/15/syrian-counteroffensive-challenges-imperialists-plans/
The Syrian government has launched vigorous counteroffensives against recent gains by the imperialist-backed rebels across that country. Intense fighting has been reported in neighborhoods of Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, in the north. In the south, near the Jordanian border, the Syrian army has moved to push back the contra rebels while sharp fighting goes on along the Lebanese border.
The pro-imperialist media have promoted gains by the contras over the past two years while giving subsequent reversals less coverage. Only in the past weeks has it become clear that the contra rebels have received massive airlifts of weapons since December, all coordinated by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. The CIA has also been exposed as running a military training camp for rebels in northern Jordan, sending hundreds of fighters against the Syrian government.
The weaknesses of the political opposition to the government of President Bashar al-Assad continue to worry the U.S., Britain and the other Western imperialist powers seeking its overthrow. At an April 10 meeting of the G-8 nations, France and Britain pushed to end the European Union arms embargo to both Syria and the rebels.
Meanwhile, Middle Eastern monarchies subservient to the Western powers have not been bound by this embargo and carry on huge arms shipments aiming to overthrow the Syrian government. While the imperialist nations plot their attack on Syria, “the Syrian National Coalition [the opposition front] will be present on the sidelines.” (guardian.co.uk, April 10)
In an embarrassment for the imperialists, the al-Nusra Front militia in Syria announced that it is officially in alliance with al-Qaida. The United States has been pushing the idea of supporting more “moderate” Syrian factions. However, Moaz al-Khatib, president of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, “called on the U.S. to reconsider its decision to list Jabhat al-Nusra as a foreign terrorist organization.” (guardian.co.uk)
In the end, the destruction of the nationalist Assad government is more important to U.S. imperialism and its allies than establishing a stable regime of any sort in Syria. The examples of Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan all expose the mayhem of imperialist intervention. No viable national government replaced the overturned regimes in those countries.
Will the fighting spread beyond Syria? The open interference of Turkey, Jordan and forces in Lebanon in the fighting in Syria already threaten to spread to those nations. Syrian TV, radio and newspapers have warned Jordan and Turkey that they “could not claim neutrality while actively supporting the insurgents” and “it is difficult to prevent sparks from crossing the border” (New York Times, April 5).
Washington is also aware that their “problem” in Syria is not just getting rid of President Assad. In testimony before the House Intelligence Committee, James R. Clapper Jr., who is director of national intelligence for the Obama administration, told the committee that fighting would probably continue in Syria for a year or more even if the government were overturned. Powerful peoples’ militias throughout the nation “would fight to the death” against the contra rebels, according to testimony of Robert S. Ford, U.S. ambassador to Syria (New York Times, April 12).
On April 20, the “Friends of Syria” group of 11 nations, headed by the U.S., European imperialists and puppet regimes in the region, will meet in Istanbul to ponder how to increase military and political support to their agents inside Syria.
[…]
http://www.workers.org/2013/04/15/syrian-counteroffensive-challenges-imperialists-plans/
April 15th, 2013, 11:39 pm
apple_mini said:
#213 Ghufran, my guess is that many cadres have graduated and joined in fighting. Well, that cannot be true picture behind but the regime uses it for their propaganda.
On a more serious note, NDF plays important roles. Also there are many fighters from Iraq and HB joining in as well.
On the other hand, the rebels do not enjoy significant fresh recruitment or defection from SAA.
As for the commanding and planning, SAA might get useful helps from Russia and Iran. The recent operations in Deraa by SAA remind me of Attack on H3 by Iran during Iran-Iraq war.
April 15th, 2013, 11:40 pm
Juergen said:
BBC showed last night their controversial North Corea undercover, unfortunatly you can see that whole report only in the UK, or you play with your proxy server.
Here is a short one, overall the land of the happy cheeerful children of Kim may is just an image this regime wants to portray,reality may look a bit more like this:
April 15th, 2013, 11:42 pm
GEORGES said:
ZOO I already had doubts about your intellectual capacities when I suggested you should refrain from using the adjective ‘terrorist’ to describe the rebels who commit terrorist acts unless you also use the same adjective for the regime who also commit terrorist acts, which makes it a terrorist regime. Otherwise you’re just using it as a propaganda term without actual signification the way it is commonly used by propagandists. If you want to use it this way then remember that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.
Then you went on a rant about your right to call them terrorists because that’s what rebels who commit terrorist acts are, showing to everyone that you had completely missed the point I was trying to make.
The comment I replied to at #215 furthers confirms my initial impressions that you have the intellectual level of an oyster.
Which makes me reconsider that you may not actually be a manipulator or a hypocrite. You’re an idiot and you may not be aware of your manipulations and your hypocrisy.
In my book it’s better be an idiot than be a hypocrite or a manipulator.
April 15th, 2013, 11:43 pm
ghufran said:
قال رئيس حزب التنمية الوطني السوري زاهر سعد الدين أن أحد أعضاءه المؤسسين قد قضى تحت التعذيب في أحد سجون النظام.
وأوضح سعد الدين في تصريح لوكالة أنباء أوروبا والشرق الأوسط ، بالقول “استشهد الاخ الغالي أحمد أبو عمار، من الاعضاء المؤسسين لحزب التنمية الوطني وهو في ريعان شبابه فعمره 35 عاماً”.
وتابع أن أبو عمار “من سكان داريا” وقد قضى “داخل سجون الظلم التابعة للمخابرات الجوية تحت التعذيب”.
وأشار سعد الدين أن أحمد أبو عمار قد “تم اختطافه منذ خمسين يوماً وكان يعمل باللجنة الاغاثية للحزب التي كانت تدعم النازحين واطعام اللاجئين، تاركاً وراءه ثلاثة اطفال”.
يذكر أن عضواً قيادياً في حزب التنمية “خليل السيد” كان قد أحيل بتاريخ ٢٧/ ٣ /٢٠١٣ من فرع التحقيق بالمخابرات الجوية الى محكمة الارهاب” وفق ناطق باسم الحزب.
ويعد حزب التنمية الوطني أحد أهم الأحزاب المنتشرة على الصعيد الاجتماعي السوري، والفاعلة على المستوى السياسي الداخلي، إذ قاطع الانتخابات البرلمانية الأخيرة، كما شارك في تنظيم مؤتمر الانقاذ الذي عقد الصيف الماضي في العاصمة السورية دمشق، حيث كان أول حزب سياسي يحظى بترخيص حكومي يطالب بتنحي رئيس الجمهورية
The Syrian Observatory also said on Monday that a petition had been sent to Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations secretary general, seeking his assistance in securing the release of Abdelaziz al-Khayer, a prominent figure in Syria’s officially tolerated political opposition. Aides say Mr. Khayer was arrested by Syrian intelligence officials upon his return last September from China, where he had been engaged in talks to find a negotiated settlement of the Syrian conflict.
(it is obvious that Assad and his thugs do not want any competition or opposition,peaceful or armed)
April 15th, 2013, 11:58 pm
Juergen said:
Saudi sheikh wants to stop an emirati dance show because the audience is allmost all women, and they could get tested by the men…three emiratis whom he found very attractive got deported afterwards… Sometimes I think Saudi Arabia is an other planet.
April 16th, 2013, 12:02 am
Syrialover said:
#170. AKBAR PALACE,
You said: “As Visitor has stated, it is up to the people to decide.”
Unfortunately that statement is now a discredited and meaningless assertion in countries emerging from dictatorships. A few points to consider:
– It is a favorit saying of Bashar Assad
– It’s proved a cynical mantra for some prepared to do whatever it takes to get power rather than respect and play fair in the democratic election process. Groups that use shortcuts, bribery, cheating and other ways to manipulate and monopolize a fragile system, and hustle and stir up violence around voting (eg Muslim Brotherhood, sectarian parties in Iraq)
– If I had time I’d discuss again what happened in post-dictatorial African countries where the “people decided” to vote their military dictators back into power as Presidents.
So it needs deeper and more careful thought than simply stating that throwaway line “the people will decide”.
April 16th, 2013, 12:16 am
revenire said:
Ghufran sometimes I wonder what side you’re on and what you really know.
You REALLY can’t understand why the SAA is on the march?
Odd.
April 16th, 2013, 12:44 am
ann said:
Syrian minister says UK and France are ‘directly or indirectly’ backing al-Qaida – 15 April 2013
Faisal al-Miqdad attacks ‘new colonialists’ providing support to opposition fighters in Syria
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/15/syrian-minister-uk-france-al-qaida
Britain and France are “directly or indirectly” supporting al-Qaida in an escalating war against Syria, according to a senior minister in Damascus, who also warned neighbouring Jordan it was playing “a dangerous game” by allowing arms supplies to go to rebel groups from its territory.
Faisal al-Miqdad, Syria’s vice-foreign minister, used a rare interview to attack the UK and France as “new colonialists” for providing political and military support to opposition fighters seeking to overthrow the president, Bashar al-Assad.
Damascus insists these fighters are terrorists with a jihadi agenda. Miqdad also lashed out at Turkey and “stupid Arabs” – singling out Saudi Arabia and Qatar – for acting “in western interests” and accused Israel of meddling in the conflict. He claimed “Mossad agents” had been killed in Deraa near the Jordanian border, where the rebels have made advances in recent weeks.
“There is a big conspiracy against Syria to force it to change its policies towards the Arab-Israeli conflict, to change its stance on Arab issues, and to have a government that will serve the interests of the US, UK and France,” he told the Guardian on Monday to the sound of Syrian artillery pounding rebel positions around the capital.
Miqdad said the Syrian government had “no doubt” that rebels had used chemical weapons in Khan al-Assal near Aleppo, but it would only agree to a “real” UN investigation and not to a repeat of what had happened in Iraq. “The game is clear,” he said. “They want to cover up what happened in Aleppo and create fictitious issues.”
“Britain and France were complacent about supporting al-Qaida directly or indirectly,” Miqdad said. “Now that Syria is flooded by Europeans fighting with al-Qaida, they are afraid. They wanted these people to come and be killed here, but when some of them started to go home, they changed their minds. They can tolerate killing in Syria and exaggerate what our government is doing, but they cannot defend this endlessly.”
Britain and France have also said they are trying to alter the terms of the EU arms embargo on Syria to help the rebels. Miqdad said he was heartened by “very strong opposition” to this from Germany and other member states. He scorned Britain’s insistence that it was sending only communications kit and other “non-lethal” equipment to the armed opposition.
“If I am travelling from here to my home in Deraa and some of their agents tell them that using these communications systems, I will be killed on the way,” he said. “Even if they are not weapons they are tools for war.”
Miqdad said he hoped that Jordan, now allowing Saudi-funded weapons transfers to the rebels, would not deepen its involvement any further. “The same forces that are killing innocent people in Syria are in Jordan too,” he warned. “We have stupid Arabs who are facilitating what the others are planning for the region. But the conspiracy begins in the west.”
Claims of recent rebel gains in the Deraa area were “psychological warfare”, he insisted; talk of an imminent battle for Damascus was “propaganda”. The capital itself was not threatened but was being defended.
The Arab League had ended its own role by handing Syria’s league seat to the opposition at the Doha summit last month, he said. If any government handed Syrian embassies abroad to the opposition, he warned, Syria would turn over their embassy in Damascus to refugees.
On the Syrian side, however, there was no change: the country’s problems would be solved by “necessary reforms” when violence ended. But Assad would not step down, Miqdad insisted. “There will be no Syria if president Assad steps down … If he leaves now before we agree on a political plan among all Syrians, Syria will no longer be on the map.”
[…]
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/15/syrian-minister-uk-france-al-qaida
April 16th, 2013, 1:41 am
ann said:
[Al-Qaeda] wounded bound for Germany – 15.04.2013
A German military Airbus is due to fly 36 people severely wounded in Syria from Jordan for further medical treatment at clinics in Germany on Monday
Berlin says the transfers were requested by “Syria’s opposition”
Germany’s BEST for Al-Qaeda!
http://www.dw.de/image/0,,16519419_403,00.jpg
http://www.dw.de/syrian-wounded-bound-for-germany/a-16744440
The German Foreign Office said the specially-equipped military Airbus would first land patients in Stuttgart and then in Cologne, Hamburg and Berlin for transfer to adjacent clinics of the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr.
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle described Germany’s reception of the wounded – the first major group of “patients” from Syria to be transferred to Germany – as an act of solidarity with the Syrian National Coalition opposition.
The cost amounting to several million euros would be absorbed by the German Defense Ministry and Westerwelle’s ministry, according to the Foreign Office.
It said the medical flight had been requested by the “opposition”.
[…]
http://www.dw.de/syrian-wounded-bound-for-germany/a-16744440
April 16th, 2013, 2:13 am
Syrian said:
All this giddiness from regime supporters about some lines break through in Wadi Aldief only shows the low esteem of the supporters.
Let’s not forget that the base is right next to the heart land of Batta’s main source of power, the Alawi mountains and Hama’s countryside, yet it took over 3 month for the “heroic mighty SAA” to be able to make little advances which was mostly due to some disagreement amongst the FSA and the other forces that were surrounding the base. Not due to any sudden improvements of Batta’s militia
And even if there were sudden improvements , if took them this long in Wadi Aldief it will take them 10 yrs to retake Aleppo and another 5 to get the far Raqqa and Dair Alzoor, of corse by then the whole thing would be settled way before Batt’s milttia finding its next miracle improvement
On another subject, I guess all the screaming about Al Qaeda did not reach the editorial and opinion pages of the 3 largest newspapers in the US. ZOO and Co, all your work has been in vain so far, tough luck.
April 16th, 2013, 2:15 am
ann said:
Syrian Girl: Fatwa Permitting Rape of Syrian Women
Another Islamic cleric has gone public to announce a fatwa that permits US-backed FSA rebels to rape non-Sunni women in Syria as part of a “sexual jihad” that has seen girls as young as 14 transported into the country to service the needs of anti-Assad militants.
“Salafi Sheikh Yasir al-‘Ajlawni, a Jordanian of origin who lived in Damascus, Syria for 17 years, posted a YouTube video last week where he said he was preparing to issue a “legitimate fatwa” making it legal (in the eyes of Islam) for those Muslims fighting to topple secular president Bashar Assad and install Sharia law to “capture and have sex with” all non-Sunni women, specifically naming Assad’s own sect, the Alawites, as well as the Druze and several others, basically, all non-Sunnis and non-Muslims,” reports Human Events.
April 16th, 2013, 2:45 am
ann said:
New Fatwa permits rape of non-Sunni women in Syria
NATO-backed rebels enjoy “sexual jihad”
Yet another Islamic cleric recently made it permissible for the Islamic fighters waging a jihad in Syria—politely known as “the opposition” to rape the nation’s women
http://www.humanevents.com/2013/04/02/islamic-cleric-rape-of-non-muslim-syrian-women-permitted/
Salafi Sheikh Yasir al-‘Ajlawni, a Jordanian of origin who lived in Damascus, Syria for 17 years, posted a YouTube video last week where he said he was preparing to issue a “legitimate fatwa” making it legal (in the eyes of Islam) for those Muslims fighting to topple secular president Bashar Assad and install Sharia law to “capture and have sex with” all non-Sunni women, specifically naming Assad’s own sect, the Alawites, as well as the Druze and several others, basically, all non-Sunnis and non-Muslims.
The Sheikh used Islam’s legitimate Arabic term for these hapless, non-Muslim women, melk al-yamin, a phrase that appears in Islam’s sacred book, the Koran, and which is simply a reference to non-Muslim sex-slaves. For example, Koran 4:3 commands Muslim men to “Marry such women as seem good to you, two and three and four… or what your right hands possess.” Islam’s ulema, or “scholars,” are unanimously agreed that “what your right hands possess” is, according to Islamic law, simply a sex-slave. Linguistic evidence further suggests that she is seen more as an animal, a possession than a human—hence this inhuman fatwa.
Jordanian Sheih Yasir al-‘Ajlawni is certainly not the first cleric to legitimize the rape of infidel women in recent times. Calls to capture and rape non-Muslim women are appearing with increasing frequency and from all corners of the Islamic world.
A few months earlier, Saudi preacher Muhammad al-Arifi also issued a fatwa allowing jihadi fighters to engage in “intercourse marriage” with captive Syrian women that lasts for a few hours “in order to give each fighter a turn”—also known as gang-rape.
Then there is Egyptian Sheikh Ishaq Huwaini, who once lectured on how infidel captives, or to use another term from the Koran, ghanima, the “spoils of war,” are to be distributed among the jihadis and taken to “the slave market, where slave-girls and concubines are sold.” He, too, referred to such women as “what your right hands possess,” saying: “You go to the market and buy her, and she becomes like your legal mate—though without a contract, a guardian, or any of that stuff—and this is agreed upon by the ulema…. In other words, when I want a sex-slave, I go to the market and pick whichever female I desire and buy her.”
Indeed, even some Muslim women advocate the enslavement and rape of fellow (non-Muslim) women. Kuwaiti political activist, Salwa al-Mutairi, for instance, is working to see the institution of sex-slavery return. In a video she posted online, she explained how she once asked Islam’s greatest authorities living in the city of Mecca, the city of Islam, about the legality of sex-slavery and how they all confirmed it to be perfectly legitimate. According to Mutairi:
A Muslim state must [first] attack a Christian state—sorry, I mean any non-Muslim state—and they [the women, the future sex-slaves] must be captives of the raid. Is this forbidden? Not at all; according to Islam, sex slaves are not at all forbidden. Quite the contrary, the rules regulating sex-slaves differ from those for free women [i.e., Muslim women]: the latter’s body must be covered entirely, except for her face and hands, whereas the sex-slave is kept naked from the bellybutton on up—she is different from the free woman; the free woman has to be married properly to her husband, but the sex-slave—he just buys her and that’s that.
The Kuwaiti activist went on to offer concrete suggestions: “For example, in the Chechnya war, surely there are female Russian captives. So go and buy those and sell them here in Kuwait; better than that have our men engage in forbidden sexual relations. I don’t see any problem in this, no problem at all.”
One can go on and on with more examples. The point is that last week’s fatwa permitting the jihadi-led “opposition” to target and rape non-Sunni Syrian women is in good company, and certainly not an aberration.
The only aberration seems to be the United States’ wholesale support for self-professed rapists and terrorists—quite laughably, in the name of “democracy.”
[…]
http://www.humanevents.com/2013/04/02/islamic-cleric-rape-of-non-muslim-syrian-women-permitted/
April 16th, 2013, 2:55 am
Hassan said:
775. Hopeful said:
# 756 Hassan
“At least you a being honest and direct, and I respect that.
You are determined to rule over the majority through force and intimidation. Regardless of whether or not you are a superior race, I do not think this is sustainable. The same was said about the whites in South Africa and the same can be said about the Jews in Israel. Your arms and superior skills cannot protect you forever.”
We will just shoot and slaughter our way out of trouble, like we are doing now. We have no problems with blood and gore, we were raised from childhood on blood and gore.
April 16th, 2013, 4:05 am
Hassan said:
The situation in Syria cannot be compared with South Africa or Israel. In Syria there was a very clear but unspoken contract or “agreement” between the Sunnis and Alawis in 1970-71 during the Corrective Revolution, by which the Sunnis agreed to leave the sphere of politics and governance to the Alawis in exchange for the relative peace, security, prosperity and stability which the Alaiw rulers provided. The Alaiws agreed to continue to provide peace, security, stability and prosperity to the Sunnis on condition that Sunnis do not even try to have a say in the Government. The moment Sunnis break this pact, all hell will break lose and not only will they lose their peace, prosperity, stability but they will also lose their dignity, life, wife, and kids and homes and hearth.
Both times Sunnis were the ones to break this pact/contract, in 1982 and in 2011, both times they got what they deserve.
Now brace yourselves for a Hama in every street in Syria.
April 16th, 2013, 4:13 am
Hassan said:
The Sunnis broke the social contract/agreement/pact with the Alawites, now they must deal with the consequences.
Assad, Khamenei and Putin are VERY ANGRY now and they have a lesson to teach.
April 16th, 2013, 4:17 am
MarigoldRan said:
Pffffft. The Alawites have acted like rubbish in this war. They will be treated as such.
Let’s make a new social contract: the Sunnis will provide peace and security for the Alawites. How about that?
The Assadists have steadily lost ground over time. They take 3 steps back for every 1 step forward and at this point they have lost ALL legitimacy to the Sunnis, being nothing more than Iranian puppets. Even they admit it.
The regime can commit violence, but it cannot end the war or convince its enemies to stop. Anything it tries only encourages its enemies to fight harder.
The war continues.
April 16th, 2013, 5:23 am
Badr said:
Syria: Deteriorating Options
What, short of full-scale intervention, can the U.S. do?
By Buck Sexton
“The closer Syria gets to the endgame for Assad, the harder it will be for America to have any say in the outcome.”
April 16th, 2013, 5:34 am
observer said:
no news really only a spiral down the hell.
The Boy declared an amnesty. I wonder how many detainees will be released.
He is going to grace us with another thircular argument tomorrow.
I have been watching al ikhbaria from thouria alathad and I am glued to it as it is the ultimate rubbish that anyone can possibly watch except for the North Koeran Dear Leader propaganda machine.
Six trucks after six months of siege is a victory no wonder it is called Jaish abou Shahata
April 16th, 2013, 6:12 am
Hopeful said:
#233 Hassan
I think you are fake. You are on this board just to cause trouble, promote hatred, and make sure this war continues. Prove me wrong!
April 16th, 2013, 6:24 am
mjabali said:
Yes…Hassan is faking that he is an Alawi. He is not.
April 16th, 2013, 7:03 am
Tara said:
Opposition leader Moaz al-Khatib has reacted to Assad’s amnesty by alluding to his controversial conditional offer of talks with the Syrian government.
Writing on his Facebook page Khatib said the release of 160,000 prisoners, starting with women and children, would represent “Syria-Syria” solution to the crisis.
In Arabic:
سمعت ان النظام في سورية قد اصدر عفوا عاما عن الجرائم ، لن اسب النظام ولن اسفه القرار ، ولكني اقول ولمصلحة جميع السوريين : نريد قبل العفو عن الجرائم ،، اطلاق سراح الابرياء وهم اكثر من مائة وستين الف معتقل وفي مقدمتهم النساء والاطفال ،، اذا حصل هذا فسنقول انها عربون لحل سوري سوري ،،
اطلاق سراح جميع النساء والاطفال ،، واكرر : جميع النساء والاطفال ، يجب ان يحصل خلال ايام معدودة ،،
See Translation
https://www.facebook.com/mouazalkhatib.alhasani/posts/269956849807171
April 16th, 2013, 7:16 am
Akbar Palace said:
So it needs deeper and more careful thought than simply stating that throwaway line “the people will decide”.
Syrialover,
I agree, and a lot has to take place before an election is conducted. The powers of the government, the branches of the government, the checks and balances, the legislators, term limits, etc. In short a constitution needs to be drawn up. Every government has an “instruction manual” that those in power have to abide by.
In the end, voting determines you representives; the people you designate to represent you.
April 16th, 2013, 7:22 am
apple_mini said:
#222 Ghufran, the demand of release of Mr. Khayer is an important test to the regime whether it has learned their lessons and committed to lead a meaningful political reform.
Mr. Khayer and his company returned to Syria from Beijing after a meeting with Chinese officials for political incentives in Syria. Upon arrival, they were snatched by the regime men. Rumor said it was done by air force intelligence.
Chinese government was quite frustrated by the incident. It made them look like accomplice of the regime. Apparently, the regime did not bow to pressure from China.
There are also illegal detention of many peaceful Syrian dissidents. The day the regime can let them out free and let their voices heard is the day we will experience a fundamental change on the way.
Unfortunately, it does not seem to be happening anytime soon. I wonder whether those despicable abuse of Syrian citizens is a consistent policy of the regime. Is the regime capable of and willing of scrapping its secret service apparatus?
In any case, if those horrifying and disgusting dungeons still exist, that will be fatal enough to crumple the regime eventually. Currently, people are focusing on the war, those hallmarks of tyranny will resurface and cancers have to be removed in order to survive.
Sooner or later, the regime will face the moment: To be or not to be.
April 16th, 2013, 7:28 am
apple_mini said:
I suggest people just ignore those extremists with hateful comments regardless what their true intentions are. After all, some annoying flies will not cause the house to collapse.
April 16th, 2013, 7:34 am
majedkhaldoun said:
Jabhet Al Nusra does not have to change its name,they just have to renounce terrorism,that should be easy for them since they are not terrorists,rather they should abide by wisdom and good advise.
More important than voting determines your representives,is to accept the results of fair and honest voting.The secularists in Egypt refused such elections
The Amnesty Assad declared today does not include political prisoners.
We don’t know who committed Boston Marathone bombings,there is no arrest or official accusation yet
April 16th, 2013, 7:56 am
apple_mini said:
News: Turkish police detain 10 for recruiting fighters to Syria
It is quite puzzling to figure out what is really behind that kind of news. A while ago, news reported Turkey border control stopped smuggled weapons bound to Syria.
But overall, we have not seen significant change of policy regarding Syria.
So is it just another staged PR show? Why bothers?
Or is Turkey government getting jaded with its Syrian puppets?
April 16th, 2013, 8:25 am
Juergen said:
Ann
Only a wicked person denies victims of war the proper medical treatment, but apparently a human relief programme run by Germany is a boost for terrorism in your eyes, thats quite a pathetic way to think.
April 16th, 2013, 9:04 am
annie said:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/syria-behind-the-lines/
April 9, 2013
An unprecedented film documents the new and perilous reality of everyday life for both Syria’s rebels and its regime.
April 16th, 2013, 9:08 am
zoo said:
Syrian
“On another subject, I guess all the screaming about Al Qaeda did not reach the editorial and opinion pages of the 3 largest newspapers in the US.”
No one cares what the western media say, they are mostly biased toward defending the rebels. What is important is what France and UK will do about their long standing promises of sending weapons to the rebels as well as recognizing Hitto’s interim government.
Total silence.
The USA is even more confused and continue providing food and medecine without committing anything. No one repeats that Bashar al Assad should go anymore.
Turkey is totally silent.
These are the real effects of the Al Nusra-Al Qaeda announcement.
No need to convince anyone, facts speak for themselves.
April 16th, 2013, 9:25 am
habib said:
Bashar Assad did the Boston bombings to accuse al-Nusra, and to create sympathy for the regime. Right? Right?
April 16th, 2013, 9:25 am
zoo said:
UN agencies urge leaders to push for a political solution in Syria
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/un-agencies-issue-rare-joint-appeal-for-action-to-end-bloodshed-in-syria-8575228.html
In what they described as an “unprecedented joint appeal” the heads of the five humanitarian groups – Unicef, WFP, UNHCR, WHO and UNOCHA – called for greater urgency among government, whose collective influence could “find a potential solution to the crisis”.
….
“We, leaders of UN agencies charged with dealing with the human costs of this tragedy, appeal to political leaders involved to meet their responsibility to the people of Syria and to the future of the region,” the joint statement said.
“We ask that they use their collective influence to insist on a political solution to this horrendous crisis before hundreds of thousands more people lose their homes and lives and futures—in a region that is already at the tipping point… In the name of all those who have so suffered, and the many more whose futures hang in the balance: Enough! Summon and use your influence, now, to save the Syrian people and save the region from disaster
April 16th, 2013, 9:32 am
Tara said:
Habit,
Possible.
Someone disturbed like Reve could easily be incited by anti-west sentiment triggered by the west backing the revolution responding to Hassoun call for jihad. He might be thinking that the usual suspect will be blamed and that might help Batta.
He and Ann always called for blood and gore.
I am sure we will find out who the perpetrator soon.
April 16th, 2013, 9:42 am
Akbar Palace said:
It won’t be long until we find those responsible for yesterday’s bombings at the Boston Marathon.
Once the identities of the accomplices are determined, it will be interesting to find out where they trained and who funded them.
Then we can all point to Obama to see his response, which we all know, will be weak to nothing. After all, we “know” there is “no more war on terrorism”.
Syrians, as well as anyboby, are familiar with terrorism and understand it is a long fight. Getting rid of despots cannot be accomplished in a day.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/25/obama-war-terror-overseas-contingency-operations
http://news.yahoo.com/boston-marathon-bombing-feds-raid-apartment-police-seek-111920615.html
April 16th, 2013, 10:11 am
zoo said:
Akbar Palace
Getting rid of occupiers cannot be accomplished in a day either.
April 16th, 2013, 10:36 am
Uzair8 said:
What the hell!
There he goes again! Assad issues another amnesty. So the Shabeeha are forgiven their crimes once again and can resume with a clean slate.
April 16th, 2013, 10:55 am
Akbar Palace said:
Advice for “Zoo” (not to be confused with the ME)
Getting rid of occupiers cannot be accomplished in a day either.
Zoo,
Here are a few suggestions for “getting rid of occupiers”:
1.) strap a bomb vest to yourself and push the button
2.) join a jihadist club and launch a war to evict the occupier
3.) kill your fellow arabs to show your support for ending The Occupation™
4.) Support self-appointed arab despots and muslim clerics so they can direct your fight against The Occupation™ (but, in reality, spend most of their free time enslaving and murdering arabs).
5.) Live with the occupier and make pretend you (and your mind) are not “occupied” like most Israeli-Arabs today.
April 16th, 2013, 11:04 am
Uzair8 said:
Notice a couple of users talking about the regime ‘counter-offensive’ and gains in certain areas. No usual mention or concern for possible destruction in those areas.
On the other hand, if it was a rebel ‘counter-offensive’ we would have the usual ‘OMG!, OMG! Aleppo is gonna be destroyed, Damascus is gonna be destroyed. Rebel this-and-that.’
April 16th, 2013, 11:13 am
zoo said:
Negotiations becoming a reality?
Syrian deputy prime minister in Moscow
Published: April 16, 2013 at 10:47 AM
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/04/16/Syrian-deputy-prime-minister-in-Moscow/UPI-87501366123654/
MOSCOW, April 16 (UPI) — Talks between Syrian government officials and opposition leaders could take place later this year, Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Qadri Jamil said in Moscow.
Jamil arrived Tuesday in Moscow to discuss the Syrian conflict with Russian officials. He met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regarding a political resolution to the conflict.
“Whereas in the past, this idea was theoretical, now it can be put into practice and become reality,” he was quoted by state-funded broadcaster RIA Novosti as saying. “We are currently discussing details of negotiations: which opposition groups will participate, what the agenda will be and how all of it can be done quickly.”.
…
Foreign ministers at a Group of Eight meeting last week in London said any political transition should give the Syrian people the opportunity to determine their own future.
“They called for the U.N. Security Council to remain seized of this matter,” a joint ministerial statement read.
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/04/16/Syrian-deputy-prime-minister-in-Moscow/UPI-87501366123654/#ixzz2Qdkmx7d6
April 16th, 2013, 11:24 am
revenire said:
“We are the messengers of peace, we don’t want death to others, and we sacrifice today so our youth can live tomorrow.” – Hafez al-Assad
April 16th, 2013, 11:49 am
Uzair8 said:
From Youtube
RT Interview With Syrian President Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban
Published on 14 Apr 2013
Russia Today (RT) correspondent Sophie Shevardnadze conducts an interview with ex-Minister and current advisor to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Bouthaina Shaaban, about the conflict in Syria and potential ways to solve the crisis. She states that the BRICS countries can take a firm position on the Syrian issue similar to that of Russia in order to prevent the continuation of supply of arms to terrorists and to initiate dialogue with opposition members in Syria.
Shaaban also states that at the heart of this conflict is another long-standing issue, the Arab-Israeli conflict with all its ramifications from the issue of Palestine and the occupation of its land to the issue of the Golan and weakening Iran too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IEl-KGhS7Q
April 16th, 2013, 11:58 am
Ghat Al Bird said:
@252 ZOO
You might want to mention the following quotes to AKBAR PALACE.
“The Palestinians are like crocodiles, the more you give them meat, they want more”…. Ehud Barak, Prime Minister of Israel at the time – August 28, 2000. Reported in the Jerusalem Post August 30, 2000
” [The Palestinians are] beasts walking on two legs.” Menahim Begin, speech to the Knesset, quoted in Amnon Kapeliouk, “Begin and the Beasts”. New Statesman, 25 June 1982.
“The Palestinians” would be crushed like grasshoppers … heads smashed against the boulders and walls.” ” Isreali Prime Minister (at the time) in a speech to Jewish settlers New York Times April 1, 1988
“When we have settled the land, all the Arabs will be able to do about it will be to scurry around like drugged cockroaches in a bottle.” Raphael Eitan, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces, New York Times, 14 April 1983.
“We have to kill all the Palestinians unless they are resigned to live here as slaves.” Chairman Heilbrun of the Committee for the Re-election of General Shlomo Lahat, the mayor of Tel Aviv, October 1983.
WE SHOULD prepare to go over to the offensive with the aim of smashing Lebanon, Trans-jordan and Syria… The weak point in the Arab coalition is Lebanon [for] the Moslem regime is artificial and easy to undermine. A Christian state should be established… When we smash the [Arab] Legions strength and bomb Amman, we will eliminate Transjordan, too, and then Syria will fall. If Egypt still dares to fight on, we shall bomb Port Said, Alexandria, and Cairo.” ” David Ben-Gurion, May 1948, to the General Staff. From Ben-Gurion, A Biography, by Michael Ben-Zohar, Delacorte, New York 1978.
“We must use terror, assassination, intimidation, land confiscation, and the cutting of all social services to rid the Galilee of its Arab population.” Israel Koenig, “The Koenig Memorandum”
April 16th, 2013, 11:58 am
zoo said:
Syria Is Complicated — Simultaneous Conflicts Always Are
By Rami G. Khouri , Daily Star
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=58165
The war in Syria is so enduring and vexing precisely because it is such a multi-layered conflict, comprising at least six separate battles taking place at the same time, argues Rami G. Khouri.
April 16th, 2013, 11:59 am
habib said:
251. Akbar Palace
Lol, I’m pretty sure it will become harder to get rid of the Salafist hordes once they’ve established themselves in Syria.
“Despots”, lol. You’ll miss them once your head lies on the ground with a rusty knife above it.
April 16th, 2013, 12:06 pm
zoo said:
The SNC is unhappy that Hezbollah protects Shia villages attacked by rebels associated with Al Qaeda
http://news.yahoo.com/syrias-assad-reduces-sentences-rebels-095247496.html
Meanwhile the Syrian National Coalition, Syria’s main opposition group, said in a statement that Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group, a strong ally of Assad, has been targeting villages near the Lebanese border for the past four weeks.
“We call upon the Lebanese government to take action against Hezbollah’s aggressions and do everything within their means to ensure the safety of the innocent civilians on the Syrian Lebanese border,” the SNC statement said.
Hezbollah denies its members are fighting in Syria, saying that Lebanese Shiites are defending Syrian border villages that have been inhabited by Lebanese for decades.
At the weekend, two people were killed by rocket fire that hit the Lebanese side from Syria. Hezbollah accused rebels of firing the rockets.
April 16th, 2013, 12:11 pm
ann said:
Belgium Admits Recruitment of Youths to Fight in Syria
Member of Belgian Parliament Donis Duquerm asserted that her country has become a key center for recruitment of young men to send them to Syria and join the opposition armed groups that are fighting the government.
In statements published today by the news agency SANA, the Member of Parliament warned that these young men could be a threat in the future to the European nation, when they return from combats.
The legislator said men are being currently recruited also in Germany, France, Holland and other European countries.
According to the mentioned news agency, Mayor of the Belgian city of Vilvoorde Hans Ponte requested that the Government withdrew the identity documents of those suspects of having the intention to come to this nation of the Levant.
That is a way to avoid that they travel there to take part in the conflict, and it would be easier to control their movements, he said.
In numerous occasions, Damascus has shown evidence to international authorities, as the Security Council and UN secretary general, the presence here of thousands of mercenaries from 30 countries.
It also criticizes that regional countries as Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as well as the United States, France and the United Kingdom support financially and logistically the mentioned groups, which are trying to overthrow the Government of President Bashar al-Assad.
[…]
April 16th, 2013, 12:12 pm
ann said:
Belgian raids target support for Syrian rebels – April 16, 2013
Belgian police raided four dozen [48 terrorist homes!] homes on Tuesday looking for potential extremists who lure youngsters into traveling to Syria to join rebels trying to overthrow the government there
Officials say dozens of Belgian teenagers already have left for the Syrian front, willing to fight but ill-prepared to survive the Arab country’s brutal civil war. Belgian leaders worry that the young fighters could return from Syria radicalized and willing to stage terrorist attacks at home.
Six people were detained and could be charged later, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. Police confiscated computers, mobile phones and cash but did not find any arms or explosives. The mayor of Mechelen, whose city saw some homes raided, said the police action was linked to the disbanded Islamic group Sharia4Belgium.
Authorities are trying to determine if the group is a terrorist outfit, and prosecutors allege that Sharia4Belgium members who had traveled to Syria linked up with “al-Qaida-inspired combatants.” Videos showed its former leader Fouad Belkacem being taken from his home in the pre-dawn sweep.
“It was a very important step of the federal police to try to counter that movement,” Mechelen Mayor Bart Somers told The Associated Press. The sweep of 48 homes covered a 50-kilometer (30-mile) area from the northern port of Antwerp to the capital Brussels and including Mechelen, a densely populated area with a large Muslim population. The investigation is centering on 33 people from the area who are either already in Syria or have left for the civil war there.
“I don’t want to see kids leaving for Syria and leave their families and parents behind in despair,” Somers said. “We should not let youngsters die there like cannon fodder.” The prosecutor’s office said it found that recruiting for Syria happened when youngsters were personally confronted on the street before being invited to private meeting rooms in Antwerp where training could include “extended indoctrination sessions and combat training.”
[…]
April 16th, 2013, 12:19 pm
ann said:
Belgium asks Turkey to watch for Belgians crossing into Syria – 14 April 2013
“We are in close cooperation with Turkey on this issue and we have asked them for additional monitoring [of border crossings],” Joelle Milquet, Belgium’s deputy prime minister and interior minister, said during a radio interview on Saturday
http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=106640
Belgium has asked Turkey to help in its efforts to prevent Belgian nationals from illegally crossing into Syria to fight alongside opposition forces trying to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
“We are in close cooperation with Turkey on this issue and we have asked them for additional monitoring [of border crossings],” Joelle Milquet, Belgium’s deputy prime minister and interior minister, said during a radio interview on Saturday.
She said she was planning to travel to Turkey for further talks on the matter.
Milquet’s remarks come amid growing media attention on Belgian youth secretly traveling to Syria to join anti-regime fighters there, upsetting their families in most cases.
The Belgian government has taken some measures to prevent such travels, introducing restrictions on traveling to Turkey for teenagers younger than 16.
Particularly those youth living in neighborhoods populated by Moroccan immigrants are reported to be under increased police scrutiny.
Turkey is a major supporter of the opposition forces trying to topple the Assad regime. Assad accuses Turkey of allowing foreign fighters and arms to cross into Syria, a charge Turkey denies.
[…]
http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=106640
April 16th, 2013, 12:26 pm
Tara said:
Ghufran,
Here you go. You got your answer above.
You asked why all of a sudden, the Syrian army is advancing in rebels territory.
It is because of the “heroic” Shiaa HA and Iraqis flocking Syria in their holy war to kill Sunnis, hoping too for the 72 heavenly shiaa virgins.
I am wondering to myself, are those 72 virgins going to be Shiaa?
April 16th, 2013, 12:28 pm
ann said:
French filthy animal killed fighting in Syria – Tuesday 16 April 2013
Belgian police carried out 46 early morning raids on radical Islamist groups early Tuesday morning in an attempt to stop the recruitment of volunteers to fight in Syria. A French citizen linked with Belgian Islamist groups was killed in Syria on Sunday
http://www.english.rfi.fr/europe/20130416-french-jihadist-killed-syria
The family of Raphaël Gendron, a 38-year-old of French and Algerian nationality also known as AbduRaouf Abu Marwa, confirmed on Monday that he died following violent clashes with Syrian forces in northern Syria.
Gendron lived for many years in Belgium and had a history of involvement with radical groups around Europe.
In November 2009 he was arrested along with radical imam Bassam Ayachi in southern Italy when found with undocumented migrants in a camping car.
Italian authorities accused the pair of giving logistical support to an international terrorist group linked with al-Qaeda and they were jailed.
But they were freed on appeal in July 2012 and they returned to Belgium.
Authorities were already monitoring his involvement with a radical group called the Belgian Islamic Center.
He had been fined in 2009 for inciting racial hatred in a video on the group’s website.
Gendron left for Syria in February of this year, ostensibly to avoid pursuit by the Belgian authorities.
He was killed while fighting with the Sham Falcons, led by Ayachi’s son Abdelrahman who was wounded in the head and the back during the same clashes.
[…]
http://www.english.rfi.fr/europe/20130416-french-jihadist-killed-syria
April 16th, 2013, 12:34 pm
Uzair8 said:
Denunciation of the Boston Terrorist Attack
By His Eminence Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi
Posted 16 hrs ago
As Muslim leaders representing Islam and Muslims worldwide, it is our duty to speak up and denounce terrorism and terrorist actions regardless of who is behind them. However, it becomes more incumbent upon us to do so when it is done in the name of Islam.
We strongly condemn the most recent terrorist attack in Boston, USA, and offer our sympathy to the victims. These types of attacks are but signs of cowardice and self-defeat.
Our goal as Muslims is to improve the image of Islam and establish a better understanding of our religion, culture, and history. Unfortunately, this attack, if it turns out that Muslims are behind it, will definitely be detrimental to this lofty goal.
Islam brings about mercy not cruelty, and spreads love not hatred. According to our Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, a true believer is “He who does not harm anyone, neither with his tongue, nor with his hand.”
April 16th, 2013, 1:15 pm
Citizen said:
268. UZAIR8
true Muslims of the 21st century should pray four times in direction of the White House and the fifth time in the direction of Mecca!!
Two explosions occurred on April 15 at the Boston Marathon finish line. Three people died, the number of victims ingrained to 144. One of the victims – eight years old child.
Event in the U.S. now has been on the front pages of news agencies, eclipsing all others, including Events in troubled Syria, which is facing every day in such crimes of terrorists.
The country has repeatedly refused to condemn the terrorist attacks in the SAR, which blocked the adoption of the relevant documents to the UN, proposed by Russia, once again became the target of attack of the forces that support in Syria, using them for their own purposes.
April 16th, 2013, 1:40 pm
zoo said:
The Boston bombings: Islamists or Christians?
If the terrorists are not Islamists, then the enemy is within: Christian American citizens.
This terror act would present a new worse problem for the USA: Who to blame? How to crack down without hampering human rights? A new patriot act?
If the responsibility is proven to be the Islamists, then at least the USA can blame other countries and crack down on Islamists worldwide without too much worries on human rights, as they did after 9/11 and it will have a direct impact on the USA foreign policies in the Middle east.
In both cases, it is a trauma that will leave traces for long time.
April 16th, 2013, 2:09 pm
Juergen said:
Annie,
I think this report is among the best I have seen in all those sad years. This reporter went beyond the task, he captured so many dearing moments, one could only accomplish when the people around you trust you. And that includes the Alawites and regime supporters he interviewed as well.
April 16th, 2013, 2:10 pm
Citizen said:
FBI’s History of Handing “Terror Suspects” Live Explosives
http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/
Pan-Syrian dialogue may begin in near future – internal opposition
http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c32/708666.html
April 16th, 2013, 2:13 pm
Juergen said:
The egyption regime supporter Taufik Akascha explains why Qatar supports the syrian revolution: Sheikha Mooza the wife of the Emir was jealous of an syrian actress, she was afraid her husband had fallen in love with her. Qatar supports the revolution because this actress is among the entourage of the Assads.”
Couldnt get more nuts… But thats the logic of regimes.
April 16th, 2013, 2:14 pm
ann said:
French Daily Admits Syrian Opposition is Al Qaida – April 15th, 2013
Then attempts to justify French government support for them
http://dissidentvoice.org/2013/04/french-daily-admits-syrian-opposition-is-al-qaida/
In a report published on 11 April, French daily Le Monde admits that rebels fighting the government of the Syrian Arab Republic are dominated by Japhat Al Nosra, a terrorist group linked to Al Qaida. The admission comes after two years of non-stop disinformation trumpeted from all French mainstream media outlets from the official right to the official left, disinformation that has attempted to convince the French public that democratic revolutionaries are fighting a war for human rights and freedom against a brutal, tyrannical dictator, who is “killing his own people.”
This puerile and deeply dishonest narrative has now been utterly discredited, as the facts about the terrorist nature of the Syrian rebels have become too obvious to ignore. In an article entitled ‘The New Visage of French Jihadism’ it is reported that French jihadists are leaving France in their hundreds to join the ‘holy war’ against the Syrian Arab Republic, with many more joining jihadist groups in Mali.
On the same page in an article entitled ‘Al Qaida extends its territory and unites its forces in Iraq and Syria’, Le Monde’s Christophe Ayad reports:
The head of Iraq’s Islamic state, the Iraqi branch of Al Qaida, announced in a recorded message on April 9th, that his group would be fused with the Japhat AL Nosra( Support Front), the principal armed jihadist organization in Syria. The new group will be called Al-Qaida in Iraq and the Levant. This announcement comes two days after the call of Ayman Al-Zawarhiri, the successor of Osama Bin Laden in the leadership of Al-Qaida ‘headquarters,’ for the establishment of an Islamic state after the fall of the regime of Bachar-Al-Assad, afflicted since two years by an insurrection by the Sunni majority.
So, here we now have the French establishment press, who has been working overtime since two years to convince us that those fighting Assad are democrats, admitting that they are in fact Al Qaida. According to an October 2010Fox News report, the above-mentioned Al Qaida leader Al-Zawarhiri dined at the Pentagon just months after 911. Fox News reporter Catherine Herridge claimed she had documents to prove this. Of course, Fox News being a corporate propaganda agency did not pursue this story any further, nor did any other international mainstream media outlets. In the war on terror ignorance is strength and questioning is stupid. The Fox News reporter earns 900,000 dollars per annum.
In order to soften the blow and reassure French readers that the Quai d’Orsay’s support for the ‘rebels’ does not contradict France’s commitment to ‘human rights’, Le Monde’s Christophe Ayad tells us that:
Contrary to the Islamic State in Iraq the Al Nosra Front have made an effort not to systematically target civilians. It has not insisted, for the moment, on imposing an Islamic order that is too strict in the zones under its control, and has even concluded honorable agreements with the Kurdish rebellion, as in at Ras Al-Ain and more recently at Aleppo.
These rebels Le Monde attempts to whitewash have been systematically targeting civilians from the start of this conflict. They have put bombs in cars in busy market squares, they have bombed universities murdering and maiming hundreds of innocent civilians. They have been torturing and beheading civilians and soldiers alike, even forcing children to participate in the decapitation some of their victims. Children have also been used as soldiers. They have forced women to wear the chador in the ‘liberated’ parts of once beautiful Aleppo. They have desecrated and ruined the country’s religious and cultural heritage. They have blown up pipelines and wrecked infrastructure. They have destroyed thousands of schools, libraries and public service buildings. They have used chemical weapons. They have slit the throats of little children in order to blame the Syrian government. They terrorists are now even taking photos of themselves with the decapitated heads of their victims. None of this is a secret. They have constantly posted videos boasting about their crimes.
Yet Le Monde wants us to believe that Japhat Al Nosra is a good, more civilized version of Al Qaida, one perhaps worthy of Western military support! Of course, Le Monde will reply that they do not support Japhat Al Nosra, that they support the secular rebels. But where are the secular rebels? Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states very clearly that ‘any propaganda for war shall be prohibited by law’. The attempt by Western journalists to portray terrorist groups as freedom fighters and the use of information sources emanating exclusively from these groups to justify foreign aggression against a sovereign state recognized by the United Nations constitutes a war crime.
The French ‘special envoy’ seems to lament the fact that the announcement of this new fusion of terrorist groups will discredit the French government’s attempts to convince its European Union partners to officially arm the ‘rebellion’. While the French press admits that the Syrian armed opposition is predominantly Al-Qaida, it continues to insinuate and suggest that the bulk of the armed opposition is in fact secular and liberal. However, no evidence to support such insinuations has ever been forthcoming, while evidence to the contrary is overwhelming and impossible to dismiss.
In another article published on March 5th entitled ‘The Syrian Rebels take control of the Village of Raqqa in the North of the Country’, reporter Khalid Sid Mohand tells us just who these ‘rebels’ are. They are, he admits a few lines into his report: ‘A coalition of armed groups, some of whom are affiliated to the jihadists of Japhat-al-Nosra, who are behind the fall of Rakka.’
How lovely! Al Qaida have captured a Syrian town and the French liberal media seems to be very excited about the prospect of armed barbarians taking over the Levantine state. From the title of the article, one is led to believe that the Syrian rebels have taken the town, the Syrian rebels being the French media’s designated ‘Arab Spring’ good guys. So, even though the news is bad, the headline suggests that it is good. Reality is turned upside down.
This technique of editorializing terrorists as rebels, while at the same time admitting that they are terrorists has the effect of confusing the public and preventing the uncritical reader from understanding the real forces at play in the Syrian conflict. The technique was repeatedly used during the Russian-Chechnian war when Islamist terrorists were repeatedly described as ‘rebels’. The double-standard, double-speak and double-think are techniques which are now part and parcel of ‘professional journalism’.
While such villainous and schizophrenic behavior may appear to some as a diabolical conspiracy, the reality is far more complex. This schizoid way of thinking and speaking is simply the psychological reflection of a global economic system that is collapsing upon its own internal contradictions. The extraction of surplus value from labour and the globalization of this capitalist mode of production have made a tiny section of the global population extremely rich and powerful.
The rich and powerful not only own the means of production, they also own the means of communication and as rule by a financial oligarchy is objectively contrary to democratic principles, a double-language and double-think is necessary in order to make people believe that 2 plus 2 equals 5. As a result, armed groups that serve the interests of the financial oligarchy will be mediatized as ‘freedom fighters’ and ‘human rights’ activists. However, as reporters cannot always control or ignore the complex realities they report on, the truth also emerges between the lines, in the margins and interstices of their own discourse. However, the job of rational analysis and interpretation of information is only being carried nowadays out by alternative media outlets whose goal is to serve the public good and tell the truth.
Thus, articles reporting the ‘good news’ that the Syrian rebels have taking another town will also have to admit that these same rebels are actually Al Qaida. But because double-think is so deeply embedded in Western culture, the contradictions of these reports are rarely noticed or analyzed The task of molding the public mind to support the ‘cruel but necessary’ geopolitical strategies of the global financial elite falls to the mass media , who orient and distort information to suit imperial designs and the corporate interests of the media’s owners.
In a 2002 Guardian article, the Western establishment’s policy of total hypocrisy was eloquently expressed by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s chief strategist Robert Cooper who wrote:
The challenge to the postmodern world is to get used to the idea of double standards. Among ourselves, we operate on the basis of laws and open cooperative security. But when dealing with more old-fashioned kinds of states outside the postmodern continent of Europe, we need to revert to the rougher methods of an earlier era — force, pre-emptive attack, deception, whatever is necessary to deal with those who still live in the nineteenth century world of every state for itself. Among ourselves, we keep the law but when we are operating in the jungle, we must also use the laws of the jungle.
Since unknown snipers opened fire on protestors and police in the town of Daraa on March 15th2011, the Syrian nation has been assaulted by death squads armed and trained by the Gulf emirates and Nato intelligence. The result has been the death of thousands and the destruction of a nation. This is a repeat of the Arc of Crisis created in Afghanistan in 1979 when US National Security Advisor Zbigniew Bzrezinski organized the arming and training of Mujahedeen terrorists in order to overthrow the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. The result was the creation of Al Qaida, a data-base of military-intelligence assets, who have since the very beginning, always served Nato geopolitical interests. The same technique is now being used against Syria.
It is quite possible the French government’s admission that Al Qaida have taken over large parts of Syria could serve as an excuse in the weeks, months or years ahead for direct military intervention to ‘free’ Syria from Al-Qaida, just as French intelligence’s fomentation of jihadism in Libya and their transfer to Mali served the cause of military intervention there. Meanwhile,the media demonization of Bachar-Al Assad will continue. However, the existence of Al Qaida in Syria could eventually become the final justification for intervention if the terrorists succeed in sufficiently weakening the Syrian state and Russia can be persuaded to acquiesce in the loss of its Eastern Mediterranean client state.
The dupes of Nato’s media empire can continue to comfort themselves that their governments are fighting terrorists in some countries, while helping ‘democratic rebels’ to fight ‘brutal regimes’ in others, but as savage austerity cuts and the militarization of urban space afflicts European cities, the reality that it is the degenerate Euro-Atlantic elites who are fomenting jihadist terrorism, the nightmarish reality that this is in fact both the ‘brutal regime’, and the opaque, loose ‘terrorist network’ which wants to take away our freedoms and destroy civilization.
[…]
http://dissidentvoice.org/2013/04/french-daily-admits-syrian-opposition-is-al-qaida/
April 16th, 2013, 2:15 pm
Juergen said:
April 16th, 2013, 2:17 pm
Juergen said:
April 16th, 2013, 2:22 pm
5 dancing shlomos said:
#181 reckon you missed the sentence where the cia admitted to making up the words attributed to obl.
of course the next sentence, “we made it up but we deny everything.”
maybe you were asleep in your closet cubicle?
April 16th, 2013, 2:37 pm
Hola said:
If the boston bombing is the work of radical islamists then, the USA has spent 3 trillions since 2001 attack and has not accomplished any security goals, although it has been more than 10 years between but the danger of radicals is still a daily fear in the USA.
By opening many fronts all over the world to combat Islamists including Syria as one of the front where the USA is playing a double agent role where it supports the Islamists to have them killed by the Syrian Army is a very clever idea, it doesn’t involves boots on the ground or drones to operate secretly, therefore one may conclude that attarcting and killing of radical islamists in Syria is the best interest of USA and Israel at first and the west in second, in fact it also help the Russian given many cheches are killed in Syria as well
It turned syria into the battlefield for all the jihadists from all over the world.
The longer the conflict continues in Syria the better off is the west and therefore the battle is not at home until the Boston bombings happended, it is unclear who is behind the unsophisticated operation is it home grown muslim radicals which the USA harbor plenty of them vs Saudi foriengers.
it is unlikely to be a Syrian who is sympathizer with the regime, more likely A Syrian reble sympathizer, time will tell, but the courage stands at the president to bomb the country where these terrorists belongs to.
Hola.
April 16th, 2013, 2:40 pm
Sam2 said:
I never thought I would find so many Shabiha thugs on this respectable blog.
It also seems the moderators don’t read Arabic.
April 16th, 2013, 2:45 pm
5 dancing shlomos said:
professor,
we need more plitnick and lund.
entertaining reading those who can speak with forked tongue from every orifice and still keep serious face.
April 16th, 2013, 2:45 pm
Uzair8 said:
The timing of the regime’s current offensive may be a panicked response to expected intervention. This could be the last chance for the regime to reverse losses and control more territory before any intervention.
Why I predict a Flaming June for the Arab World
15 Apr 2013
Abdel Bari Atwan
Sources close to Arab and Gulf decision-makers suggest that serious – maybe even critical – developments in Syria, are likely in June.
While there are no specific details as yet, several indicators give credibility to the chatter.
First of all, British army scientists have found evidence of chemical weapons used during the two-year Syrian conflict. The Ministry of Defence says that soil samples taken near Damascus have proven the use of chemical weapons, although nobody has directly implicated either the regime or the opposition.
Then, CNN has revealed that the US administration will revive plans to intervene militarily in Syria, in response to pressure from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
Further, Military training and exercises for Free Syrian Army (FSA) forces in Jordan and Turkey by US and British special forces, under the supervision of the CIA, will end in mid-May.
[…]
April 16th, 2013, 2:49 pm
Citizen said:
http://www.usdebtclock.org/
April 16th, 2013, 2:55 pm
Citizen said:
Everything is froze in anticipation of the next attack on Damascus.
As part of its preparation for the militant Al Nusra Front (Al Qaeda) and the FSA.
Jordan has opened its border with Syria, and Lebanon opened its maritime borders.
In Jordan and Lebanon instructors from NATO countries and Qatar strenuously made from the special forces and militants of tank destroyers.
In particular, in Lebanon seen instructors 1st Qatari armored regiment that teach terrorists use modern means of destroying tanks.
Simultaneously, the French and British fighters supplied armored vehicles and other equipment that will enable them to effectively resist the Syrian army.
Despite the serious threat from abroad and well trained fighters have confidence that spring attack on Damascus, and in this time will fail.
Glory for SAA!
April 16th, 2013, 3:19 pm
5 dancing shlomos said:
from angry arab:
Beheadings in Syria: not in US media
“None of US media circulated, or reported on, the videos of Syrian opposition thugs cutting off the heads of prisoners and then barbecuing the head of a Syrian army officer. Did any US paper reported on that? And the video was wildly circulated in Arab media and internet.”
u.s. papers, aka rat droppings, only report lies about the govt and army of syria.
our educated rat droppings, lund and plitnick, will have their own “balanced” spin to “rebel”/terrorist crimes.
April 16th, 2013, 3:19 pm
MarigoldRan said:
For the rebels it is 3 steps forward, one step back. For the regime it is 3 steps back, one step forward!
[And every time the regime takes a step forward after taking 3 steps back, they celebrate like it is a great victory.]
April 16th, 2013, 3:23 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Racist Thugs crying about Racist Thugs
5 Dancing Racists,
Your joking right? Crying about the big bad “US media” and opposition atrocities??
Your hero Betho is the King of atrocities, you dumb schmuck.
What Syrians need to do is simple: get rid of the thugs like you and live in peace.
For the racist cry-baby, a few article from the media:
http://rt.com/news/hrw-syria-opposition-atrocities-977/
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2012/12/30/Bandits-In-Syrian-Opposition-Behead-Christian-Feed-Him-To-Dogs
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/11/world/middleeast/united-nations-warns-syrian-rebels-over-atrocities.html?_r=0
http://news.sky.com/story/1006161/syrian-rebels-execute-government-soldiers
April 16th, 2013, 3:30 pm
Uzair8 said:
#284 Marigoldran
Yes.
Even if the regime has made gains around the besieged bases in Marat al Numan it provides the rebels with an exposed target. Previously the rebels were unable to reach the regime troops in the besieged bases, now that regime reinforcement are said to be arriving they provide a target for the rebels. The regime convoys on the highways will also be easy prey for rebels.
The regime may have made gains, however, they have had to send forces from safer areas to more dangerous zones.
The rebels were taking too long to capture the besieged bases and ultimately seemingly failed in doing so thus allowing the regime to eventually send in reinforcements. That said, now they can return to guerrilla tactics and pick off regime forces.
PS: The above is assuming the regime has indeed made a breakthrough in the area and completes the lifting of the siege and opening up of important roads.
April 16th, 2013, 3:41 pm
Citizen said:
US Vows to Prevent War in Syria If Damascus Breaks Ties with Iran
Is it bazar ?
April 16th, 2013, 3:52 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Uzair8
It is stalemate,it will only change if the interest of the west is threatened,basically if Iran does not give in to the west demands as far as its nuclear developement, chemical weapons use will be the pretext
April 16th, 2013, 3:56 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Btw, the only possible outcome of this civil war is the Death of Assad.
You can start placing your bets about the date, which day in 2013.
His gruesome end will be a crushing blow to the Shiites and Russia.
May Allah bless the Umayyad Caliphate.
April 16th, 2013, 4:25 pm
Citizen said:
Boston bombing took place the same day Israel remembers those killed from terrorism
note–the fact that this bombing took place on Memorial Day in Israel, where there those who lost their lives to war or to terrorism are remembered is cause for concern. Israel is BIG on symbolism when carrying out attacks of this type, and the fact that it took place on a national holiday in the Jewish state where victims of terror are remembered is something all should be interested in.
April 16th, 2013, 4:29 pm
Citizen said:
In connection with the tragedy in Boston on behalf of the Syrian citizens bring condolences to the American people and the families of the victims. I sympathize with all the victims of the terrorist attack.
April 16th, 2013, 4:35 pm
Citizen said:
http://youtu.be/oOVICOudMVI?t=2m27s
April 16th, 2013, 4:58 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Citizen is BIG on Athad NewZ
Israel is BIG on symbolism when carrying out attacks of this type…
Citizen,
What are you talking about? There have been WAY more attacks and deaths against the US and Americans from muslims than from Joos. Who are you trying to kid?
BTW – It looks like the Saudi national is no longer a suspect, which means it will take a LOT longer to find the culprit. And very possible he/she will never be found.
http://video.foxnews.com/v/2305715190001/saudi-person-of-interest-ruled-out-as-boston-bombing-suspect/?playlist_id=1621774019001
April 16th, 2013, 5:33 pm
revenire said:
USS Liberty
April 16th, 2013, 5:49 pm
Ameera said:
What’s wrong?
April 16th, 2013, 5:53 pm
Uzair8 said:
Came across a story on Sh Yaqoubi’s arabic facebook page (posted 1 hour ago):
‘Where is Algeria going?’
Followed by a link to this story:
http://www.watanserb.com/201304162006/تقارير/وزيرة-جزائرية-صلاة-المسلمين-أكبر-إهانة-للإنسان-ومليئة-بالنفاق-وابتكرها-بدو-السعودية-النخاسون.html#
The Shaykhs comment (20 minutes ago):
اللهم إنا نبرأ إليك من هذه المرأة ، ونبرأ إليك من كل من يؤيد هذا الكلام. نعوذ بالله تعالى من الكفر والشرك والشك ،ونسأله أن يحفظ علينا وعلى المسلمين ما وهبنا من نعمة الإسلام والإيمان والقرآن والصلاة والصيام والزكاة والحج والإحسان والأخلاق ، ونشكره سبحانه على بعثة سيدنا محمد عليه الصلاة والسلام ونعمة سنته ، وأن جعلنا من أمته وعلى ملته ومن ذريته. اللهم كما أنعمت فزد.
ونطالب الرئيس الجزائري إن كانت فيه ذرة غيرة على الله ورسوله وعلى الإسلام والمسلمين أن يقيل هذه الوزيرة فورا وأن تقدم للمحاكمة بتهمة السخرية والاستهزاء بمعتقدات المسلمين والإساءة إليهم.
https://www.facebook.com/ShaykhMuhammadAbulhudaAlYaqoubi/posts/606912575987281?comment_id=90517611&offset=0&total_comments=2
April 16th, 2013, 5:59 pm
Tara said:
The God of Damascus will eventually come true for Damascus. In the interim, Damascus remains under slavery
From the Guardian
Assad’s amnesty is a sign of recovering strength rather than a concession to the opposition, Ian Black reports from Damascus.
Speaking from the Syrian capital via Skype, Ian said:
People I’ve been speaking to are not impressed. They say flatly that is nothing to do with gestures to the opposition. It is not intended to signal a readiness for negotiations with the Syrian National Coalition and the armed opposition. The fact is that the prisons in Syria are full to over flowing, most people say that the main reason why this is happening.
You might argue that it [the amnesty] reflects a sense by the Syrian government that is not doing too badly at the moment. Some of the arguments and the events on the ground are going its way.
There’s a sense that things are getting a little bit better from their point of view. The Syrian government is in control of Damascus. It has powerful military security forces.
It is fighting hard against its enemies close to the capital – that’s true. The most extraordinary thing about being here is to be in a large city going about its business and every so often throughout the day comes the boom of explosives very close by.
The atmosphere is unpleasant, but life goes on. It doesn’t feel to me that at this time a big battle for Damascus for is looming, but in a volatile atmosphere things can change quickly. The capital is in for a long haul with unremitting violence and continuing attacks. It doesn’t feel it is coming to an imminent resolution.
The announcement of its affiliation to al-Qaida by the rebel group Jabhat al-Nusra has been seized on with a “sense of vindication” by the Syrian government, Ian said.
They clearly feel far more able than before to peddle this [terrorist] narrative, which completely ignores other significant elements of the opposition to the Syrian regime – democracy and human rights in a non-sectarian way. But it is hard to argue with the fact that the Islamist part of the Syrian uprising does seem to be more and more prominent.
April 16th, 2013, 6:16 pm
revenire said:
You can hear the utter desperation in Ian Black’s trash above.
April 16th, 2013, 6:21 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
No suspect,no claim.in Boston
Assad thugs,failed to achieve their goal in Ghouta,and in Marret Nu’man,one jet is downed in reqqa.
Negotiation? Assad is dreaming
April 16th, 2013, 6:52 pm
ann said:
NPR website defaced by hackers supporting Syria – Apr 16, 2013
Syrian Electronic Army posts messages in support of President Bashar Assad
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2013/04/16/technology-npr-hackers-sea.html
The website and several Twitter accounts of U.S. non-profit broadcaster NPR were attacked and defaced late Monday, apparently by hackers supportive of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Starting around 11 p.m. ET Monday, several stories on NPR’s breaking news blog The Two-Way and the NPR.org website, including some that appeared on the websites of affiliated “member stations,” were defaced with the text: “Syrian Electronic Army Was Here,” the Two-Way reported Tuesday morning.
“We have made the necessary corrections to those stories and continuing to work with our member stations,” said the NPR statement quoted on the blog.
It said statements from the hackers were also posted on some NPR Twitter accounts, but the problem had already been addressed.
The Syrian Electronic Army is a group that has been posting pro-Assad messages on web pages, primarily of Western media outlets and some government officials for a few years. In March, it took over three Twitter accounts belonging to the U.K.’s national public broadcaster, BBC, including its weather feed.
The group’s Twitter feed claimed Monday night that it had hacked five NPR Twitter accounts in total.
“We hope that NPR got our message #Syria,” it added.
The group tweeted that it would not say why it attacked @NPR. “They know the reason and that is enough,” it said.
A subsequent Twitter exchange suggested that it had to do with coverage of the conflict in Syria by NPR reporter Deborah Amos who “has told of the hard toll the fighting there is taking on the Syrian people,” the blog post said.
The Syrian Electronic Army has been operating for a few years. In 2011, it hit a large number of Facebook pages, including those of U.S. President Barack Obama, TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey, the U.S. Department of Treasury and ABC News.
[…]
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2013/04/16/technology-npr-hackers-sea.html
April 16th, 2013, 6:53 pm
ann said:
Syria: Germany will not arm “rebels”, Merkel tells Qatar – 16 April, 2013
http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2013/04/16/Syria-Germany-not-arm-rebels-Merkel-tells-Qatar_8562259.html
Germany will not arm the Syrian rebels, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters following her meeting with Qatari Premier Hamad Bin Jassim Al Thani on Tuesday.
”We want a political solution. We, the German Federal Republic, will not deliver arms to the rebels. Also, we are not legally allowed to send arms into areas of conflict”, Merkel explained.
Germany is willing to discuss possible logistical support for the Syrian opposition as part of the EU, ”within the limits of our position, which means we do not send arms”, the chancellor reiterated.
[…]
http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2013/04/16/Syria-Germany-not-arm-rebels-Merkel-tells-Qatar_8562259.html
April 16th, 2013, 7:00 pm
ann said:
Syria urges France to stop meddling in internal affairs – 2013-04-17
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/17/c_132314472.htm
DAMASCUS, April 16 (Xinhua) — Syria’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that France must stop intervening in Syria’s internal affairs after it questioned the fresh general amnesty issued by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Earlier in the day, Assad issued a general pardon that covered crimes committed before April 16. Syrian Prime Minister Wael al- Halqi said as many as 7,000 prisoners would be released under the amnesty.
France, however, said it was concerned that the pardon “might be a maneuver to buy time.”
The Foreign Ministry said the amnesty came on the eve of the anniversary of the 1946 withdrawal of French troops from Syria that marked the end of France’s mandate of the country.
“Our Syrian people will not allow France to return to their country (Syria) through supporting the armed terrorist groups and their conspiracy to further shed the blood of the Syrians,” the official SANA news agency quoted the ministry as saying.
“France has no right to evaluate an internal Syrian issue,” said the ministry.
[…]
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/17/c_132314472.htm
April 16th, 2013, 7:02 pm
revenire said:
HNN Homs News Network
HITTO, EMBARRASSED BY OFFICER AT HEATHROW AIRPORT
Ghassan Hitto the so-called Prime Minister of the fake and illegal Interim Syrian Government arrived at Heathrow Airport in London 5 days ago to find he had to stand in a long line to have passport stamped, bypassing the entire queue he demanded immediate entrance ..
The Immigration officer asked Hitto on what grounds he demanded immediate entry, to which he replied he is the Prime Minister of Syria ..
The Officer wanting to check if he held a Diplomats passport requested to see it, and upon being handed a regular American passport, the Officer responded with: “The Prime Minister of Syria with a U.S. passport” ???
Then expelling Hitto, she forced him to go back and stand in the queue …
FAKE GOVERNMENTS HAVE NO WORTH NOR RESPECT … – J
2
April 16th, 2013, 7:34 pm
Ghufran said:
It is obvious even to people who do not know where Syria is that external opposition and the internal rebel factions were used and lied to, I am genuiely saddened that some of you still can not see this. Israel and the regime realized for decades that this is a world that only respect the powerful and the rich regardless if they were right or wrong. The garbage that is being thrown at our faces by nusra supporters and GCC Ghilmaans can not hide the fact that this is a war over power which has achieved most of its goals, the fuel was Syrian lives while the rich and the powerful were never threatened, the vast majority of those who died were poor and helpless and have died for nothing.
سوريا ضحية اوساخكم و حقدكم و جوعكم للسلطه
طز فيكم من الحمار بشار لحمد الكلب و اردوغان السافل و كل المجرمين
April 16th, 2013, 8:52 pm
ann said:
`bibi the humanitarian paper tiger wants to make sure only Syrians are murdered by NATOs mercenaries!
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-to-urge-britain-to-8216-carefully-vet-syria-rebels-intentions-before-supplying-them-with-arms.premium-1.515844
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to ask British Prime Minister David Cameron during their meeting Wednesday in London to be extremely cautious about arming the Syrian rebels, a senior Israeli official has said.
Netanyahu will tell Cameron that because there are known to be global jihad elements among the rebels, it is very important to carefully vet a rebel group’s intentions before supplying it with weapons.
Netanyahu flew to London on Tuesday to attend the funeral of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, on Wednesday. He is scheduled to meet tonight with Cameron and with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who will also attend the funeral.
On the funeral’s sidelines Netanyahu is expected to have short conversations with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
France and Britain are leading an effort to get the European Union to remove its arms embargo on Syria, which blocks sending military aid to the rebels. The weapons embargo expires at the beginning of next month and the British and French are pressing not to extend it. The British have even threatened to veto an extension, which would scuttle the embargo since extending it requires the approval of all 27 EU member states.
A senior Israeli official said Jerusalem does not categorically object to Western nations arming the Syrian rebels, given that states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar are already arming extremist Islamic rebel groups in Syria. But, he said, Israel fears that Western military aid will be dispatched overly hastily, before the exact identity of the recipients is clarified.
Within the EU a large group of states, led by Germany and Austria, opposes arming the Syrian rebels. Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger, who visited Israel last week, told Netanyahu that arming the rebels was liable to lead to Austria withdrawing its soldiers from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force that patrols the Syrian-Israeli border on the Golan Heights.
[…]
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-to-urge-britain-to-8216-carefully-vet-syria-rebels-intentions-before-supplying-them-with-arms.premium-1.515844
April 16th, 2013, 9:13 pm
apple_mini said:
#302 The arrogance and stupidity of those big shot-wannabe! They just beg for humiliation.
Seriously, the level of intelligence and self-importance presented in this episode is astonishing.
Good thing is that those people are in no way near Damascus.
April 16th, 2013, 9:16 pm
zoo said:
After Kerry’s visit and the official revelation that Al Nusra=Al Qaeda, Turkey is not allowing weapons to pass to Syria anymore, as it is not clear where they’ll end up.
The rebels ammunition will dry up soon from Turkey with serious consequences on their ability to resist the new Syrian Army offensive in the North
Turkey holds 10 suspected of arming Islamist fighters
April 17, 2013 01:04 AM
ISTANBUL/BEIRUT: Turkey detained 10 people Tuesday on suspicion of providing weapons and fighters in the name of Al-Qaeda to Islamist rebels trying to topple the Syrian government, highlighting the dilemma Turkey faces as one of the rebel movement’s biggest backers.
Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Apr-17/213993-turkey-holds-10-suspected-of-arming-islamist-fighters.ashx#ixzz2QgBKHlHT
April 16th, 2013, 9:26 pm
zoo said:
303. revenire
I really enjoyed the Hitto-Heathrow incident.
Pumped by Qatar, the guy felt suddenly so important.
He did not yet realize that he is the ridiculous PM of a puppet government only recognized by the Arab League Theater.
April 16th, 2013, 9:33 pm
revenire said:
Ha ha. Hitto seems intoxicated doesn’t he?
Maybe someone can make a puppet head of him and parade around “liberated” Syria with it.
April 16th, 2013, 9:41 pm
zoo said:
For the naive rebels supporters…
Foreign fighters “unlikely” to leave Syria
Al Qaida has found it easy to recruit fighters from around the world in recent years
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/syria/foreign-fighters-unlikely-to-leave-syria-1.1170726
Dubai: Regardless of the course the Syrian crisis might take, experts believe that foreign fighters will not leave peacefully or voluntarily, according to No’man Benotman, president of Quilliam, a counter-extremism think-tank based in London. He believes that the fighters will not just pick up and leave after the regime collapses, adding that they are likely to fight fiercely for their gains. However, Mohammad Abu Roman, a Jordanian expert in Islamic extremism, pointed out that men who fought in Afghanistan and Chechnya did indeed return to their countries. While some decided to build new lives, others were always on the lookout for new battlefields in what Benotman described as “an addiction to jihad”.
Al Qaida has taken advantage of the Arab Spring, as the instability in several Arab countries has provided it with “unprecedented opportunity to re-position itself” in the Middle East, including Syria, experts say. The group is at “its peak” at the present, the specialists in Islamic extremism added. Al Qaida is carrying out attacks in different parts of the world, building training camps, engaging in arms smuggling and easily recruiting people all over the world to fight in Syria.
“For the first time since its birth in August 1988, Al Qaida today has such a presence in terms of numbers, influence and arms in the Middle East,” said Benotman.
April 16th, 2013, 9:44 pm
zoo said:
Turkey with US help is luring Iraq away from its support to Syria by proposing oil arrangements
Turkey and Iraq meet in UK to talk energy, security
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-and-iraq-meet-in-uk-to-talk-energy-security-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=45055&NewsCatID=429
…
Washington’s role is to eradicate this mutual mistrust between the two and to start a process of normalization, as it did between Turkey and Israel. The normalization of Turkey’s relations with both Israel and Iraq are of vital importance of the U.S. given its preoccupation with Iran and Syria. Among many others, these two processes have a specific objective. With plans to shift to a harder policy on Syria, Washington wants to be sure that the region is cleared of bilateral disputes between key actors. As the core group of the Friends of the Syrian People is set to meet on Saturday in Istanbul with the idea of increasing logistical assistance to the Free Syrian Army, the timing of Iraqi-Turkish reconciliation has gained more importance.
April/17/2013
April 16th, 2013, 9:50 pm
MarigoldRan said:
The regime is evil. The war continues.
April 16th, 2013, 10:10 pm
Johannes de Silentio said:
311. MARIGOLDRAN
“The regime is evil. The war continues”
And when it’s over, tell the last surviving Regime soldier to flush twice: it’s a long ways to Mossie’s house…
April 16th, 2013, 10:40 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
They finally got a lead, the serial number of the pressure cooker, now they can tell what store that cooker was sold,if the buyer paid in cash,there could be problem,but they would know where he lives, someone may remeber him, I think they will catch him within a week
April 16th, 2013, 11:38 pm
Johannes de Silentio said:
316. MAJEDKHALDOUN
“They finally got a lead”
A serial number on a pressure cooker? Are you kidding? That’s no lead. This is not a $1000 computer we’re talking about. It’s a $29.99 pressure cooker. Leads? Forget it…
April 17th, 2013, 12:09 am
Syrialover said:
# 304.
Sounds like a fairy story made up by fairies.
So WEAK.
Your team is standing in a puddle on the floor you’ve just made wetting yourselves giggling at your silly story about Hitto.
Where is Syrian Commando? He had real opinions and principles at least.
April 17th, 2013, 12:53 am
Juergen said:
Fisk on the barbecue story:
A barbaric war throws up a horror story that makes villains of all
There aren’t words to describe the brutality of an image currently circulating in Syria. But in an age of photo-shop, who knows how much of it is real
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/a-barbaric-war-throws-up-a-horror-story-that-makes-villains-of-all-8572487.html
April 17th, 2013, 1:23 am
Juergen said:
Bouthaina Shaaban enjoys Yoga in the morning, to my knowledg this is the height of fashion for the bored housewifes of la haute volee in Damascus.
Robert Fisk: ‘We don’t really know what war is like. We haven’t seen it yet’
The Independent’s Middle East correspondent, reporting from Damascus, finds Syrians hardened to routine, ubiquitous violence
“I drop by to speak to a minister, an adviser to Assad – and discover that she now starts her day with yoga sessions. Yoga! In Damascus?”
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/robert-fisk-we-dont-really-know-what-war-is-like-we-havent-seen-it-yet-8574139.html
April 17th, 2013, 1:31 am
Juergen said:
Those who havent seen it, here is a peek into the mother of all dictorships and personal cults, North Korea
BBC Panorama made this controversial report:
April 17th, 2013, 1:38 am
annie said:
it was really hard not to find oneself wishing that just a fraction of that compassion and anger be devoted to attacks that the US perpetrates rather than suffers. These are exactly the kinds of horrific, civilian-slaughtering attacks that the US has been bringing to countries in the Muslim world over and over and over again for the last decade, with very little attention paid.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/apr/16/boston-marathon-explosions-notes-reactions
April 17th, 2013, 1:39 am
revenire said:
Annie I thought the US was bringing freedom to Syria? Sending weapons to murder Syrians isn’t freedom?
April 17th, 2013, 1:45 am
revenire said:
Juergen because compared to say the UK North Korea has murdered so many.
Right?
I think the British Empire murdered far more people than almost any other empire. North Korea has nothing on the Brits.
April 17th, 2013, 1:47 am
Syrialover said:
ANNIE #323
Although I agree about the need for more compassion and anger to be spread around, I don’t see this comment as completely correct:
“…civilian-slaughtering attacks that the US has been bringing to countries in the Muslim world over and over”
There has also been a fair bit of bomb terrorist activity home-generated in the Muslim world that the US has little to do with – not only in the ME but Indonesia, Pakistan, India etc, even in the UK.
April 17th, 2013, 1:54 am
Syrialover said:
# 319. Johannes de Silentio
I am really bored with your private joke about “Mossie”. Nobody but you has any idea who or what you are on about.
The comment of mine you quoted was directed at REVENIRE.
April 17th, 2013, 1:56 am
Johannes de Silentio said:
327. SYRIALOVER
1. I don’t care what bores you.
2. Mossie = Revenire
3. If you don’t want comments from the rest of us, then sit down and shut up.
April 17th, 2013, 2:02 am
Johannes de Silentio said:
325. MOSSIE
“I think the British Empire murdered far more people than almost any other empire”
And of course you have the number, Mossie Baby. To be able to make that statement as a working scholar(you claim to be an economist), you need to have the numbers of people killed by each empire. I’m sure a serious “student of man” such as yourself would have those numbers.
Personally, I think the Assyrians and the Mongols killed more, but hey, that’s me…
April 17th, 2013, 2:13 am
Juergen said:
REVE
Tit for tat never works, and surely it doesnt work here. We talk about the 21st century, its 2013 and we have a country in which people have no freedom to work what they want, nor have they the freedom to just visit the national capital. If you find that normal and despise our western freedom, I assume you may want to make an longer trip to DPRK, they offer nice trips, may be you could see a gulag from inside then.
April 17th, 2013, 2:15 am
Badr said:
Faisal al-Miqdad told theguardian: “There will be no Syria if president Assad steps down … If he leaves now before we agree on a political plan among all Syrians, Syria will no longer be on the map.”
I say, he will even never announce his readiness to leave, as a catalyst to such an agreed upon plan, because his regime’s foremost objective is to hang on to power for as long as possible.
April 17th, 2013, 2:34 am
Juergen said:
report by german tv about the arrival of 36 syrian war victims with severe wounds
They are treated mainly in military hospitals, because the level of wounds caused by guns and shrapnel weapons can only be treated by doctors who have experince in war like medicine treatment. The refugees are spread in all military run hospitals allover Germany.
http://www.ndr.de/fernsehen/sendungen/ndr_aktuell/media/ndraktuell13673.html
April 17th, 2013, 2:40 am
Johannes de Silentio said:
Bashar Assad wears a hat:
April 17th, 2013, 3:17 am
Syrialover said:
# 328. Johannes de Silentio
So maybe REVENIRE now knows that you are speaking to him when you go on about Mossie. Or maybe he still hasn’t noticed – and never will.
I am always happy to receive comments, but can’t be bothered with private code that only the writer knows about.
April 17th, 2013, 3:45 am
Johannes de Silentio said:
Mossie knows. It’s really not known whether Mossie is male or female. Or, for that matter, whether Spammie Annie is female or male…
April 17th, 2013, 4:21 am
Ameera said:
Marhaba all.
April 17th, 2013, 5:23 am
Ameera said:
I like Mozzie in white collar
April 17th, 2013, 5:58 am
Citizen said:
Western Imperialism Resorts to Medieval Barbarity
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article34630.htm?utm_source=ICH%3A+Boston%2C+Cowardice+%26+America+the+Blind&utm_campaign=FIRST&utm_medium=email
The human suffering in Syria, which has escalated from crisis to disaster over the past two years, is the nefarious work of Western governments and their regional allies. It is a simple, provable, glaringly obvious truth. Yet, the thought-control Western mainstream media manage to somehow turn reality on its head, and make a virtue out of something vile and unspeakably villainous.
Western imperialism has created a human tsunami of suffering in Syria. And rather than making any effort to mitigate this suffering by delivering on much promised refugee aid, the Western powers seem to exploiting the massive misery for political advantage to further undermine the Syrian state and government. This tactic of enforced human deprivation is straight out of the Middle Ages, when invading armies would hold siege of cities by enforcing starvation on the occupants. ..
Syria tells France to stop interfering in its internal affairs
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has urged France to stop meddling in Syria’s internal affairs, following Paris’s questioning of a new general amnesty issued by President Bashar al-Assad.
“France has no right to evaluate an internal Syrian issue,” Syria’s SANA news agency quoted the ministry as saying in a statement on Wednesday.
“Our Syrian people will not allow France to return to their country (Syria) through supporting the armed terrorist groups and their conspiracy to further shed the blood of the Syrians,” the ministry added.
The statement came after France questioned President Assad’s decision to pardon criminals.
On Tuesday, Assad issued a decree and granted a general amnesty for crimes committed in Syria before April 16, 2013. Under the decree, the death penalty of the criminals will be commuted to a life sentence.
According to the President’s decree, Syrians “who joined a terrorist organization will only have to serve a quarter of their sentences.”
Damascus has repeatedly called on the armed foreign-sponsored militants to lay down their weapons and engage in a dialogue with the government.
Syria has been experiencing unrest since March 2011. Many people, including large numbers of army and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.
The Syrian government has said that the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and that a very large number of the militants operating in the country are foreign nationals.
Several international human rights organizations have accused the foreign-sponsored militants of committing war crimes.
http://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2013/04/17/syria-tells-france-to-stop-interfering-in-its-internal-affairs.html
April 17th, 2013, 6:07 am
Citizen said:
How Zionists Manage To Get Away With Their Myths And Lies?
What is Jewish power? Can we ask this question without being accused of being Anti Semitic? Can we ever discuss its meaning and scrutinize its politics? Contrary to popular belief, it is not ‘right wing’ Zionists who facilitate Jewish power, it is actually the ‘good’, the ‘enlightened’ and the ‘progressive’ who make Jewish power the most effective and forceful power in the land. It is the ‘progressives’ who confound our ability to identify the Judeocentric tribal politics at the heart of Neoconservatism, American contemporary imperialism and foreign policy.
Like Zionists, many progressive institutes and activists adhere to the bizarre suggestion that opposition to Jewish power is ‘racially motivated’ and embedded in some ‘reactionary’ Goyish tendency. The occupied progressive discourse effectively operates as Israel’s longest arm and as protection for Zionism and Jewish tribal interests.
It is the primary obstacle that must be confronted.
This ‘progressive’ voice speaks on behalf of the Palestinian and, at the same time, takes the opportunity to also push marginal politics, fight ‘Islamism’ and ‘religious radicalisation’ and occasionally even supports the odd interventionist war and, of course, always, always, always fights antisemitism. The controlled opposition has turned the Palestinian plight into just one more ‘progressive’ commodity, lying on the back shelf of its ever-growing ‘good-cause’ campaign store.
Gilad Atzmon is an Israeli-born British jazz saxophonist, novelist, political activist and writer.
there in Iraq since some hundreds of times. Allegedly sectarian violence, but Israeli designed to prevent the country from ever becoming a viable state.
In that way Israel’s ambition of territorial expansion from the Nile to the Euphrates can be achieved, or so they think.
Think that Syria’s future is going to ever be different from Iraq’s if Israel has anything to do with it ?
April 17th, 2013, 6:31 am
Akbar Palace said:
“Myths & Lies”, Citizen’s New Revelations
Citizen,
Thank you for showing the forum that there are, indeed, Jewish anti-semites. I hope that this is not a shock for you or anyone else on the forum. They represent a tiny, tiny minority of Joos, just like pro-Israel Arabs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilad_Atzmon
BTW – Can you name ONE Joo that has murdered ONE of the 80,000 or so Syrians killed these past two years?
April 17th, 2013, 7:28 am
Uzair8 said:
BBC World Service – Outlook.
Syrian singer Yahya Hawwa on how his music became the soundtrack of the uprising.
Introduced at the beginning and the covered from 26:57
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p016x527
April 17th, 2013, 7:49 am
ann said:
Russia rejects military intervention in Syria – 2013-04-17
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/17/c_132317358.htm
ISTANBUL, April 17 (Xinhua) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday said his country rejects military intervention in Syria, saying that Russia hopes to avoid any measure of military intervention in Syria in the forthcoming meeting of Friends of Syrian people in Istanbul.
Speaking at press conference following a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu [carpetbagger], Lavrov said “We do not struggle to change the regime. We don’t support such activities but further dialogue between the regime and the opposition.”
[…]
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/17/c_132317358.htm
April 17th, 2013, 7:51 am
ann said:
Friends fighting a common enemy ..
Mali says to strengthen cooperation with Syria – 2013-04-17
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/africa/2013-04/17/c_132316976.htm
BAMAKO, April 17 (Xinhua) — Mali’s Interim President Dioncounda Traore says his country is willing to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation with Syria.
Traore made the overture on Syria’s national day in a congratulatory message to his Syrian counterpart Bashar Al Assad.
“The celebration of your country’s National Day offers me an opportunity to wish Your Excellency and the Syrian people, on behalf of the Malian people and my own behalf, the very best,” a statement from the Malian Presidency said.
“I want to use this opportunity to reaffirm to you my willingness to continue strengthening the existing friendly relations and cooperation between Syria and Mali,” Traore added.
He wished Al Assad good health and expressed desire to see the Syrian people progress and prosper.
[…]
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/africa/2013-04/17/c_132316976.htm
April 17th, 2013, 8:07 am
Uzair8 said:
There have recently been a few videos allegedly showing gatherings of rebels facing a direct hit from a shell.
I don’t watch these types of videos normally but I decided to play one.
I hope an expert checks them out for any deception. It could be an explosion superimposed onto footage. I tried pausing-and-playing the footage to look for clues however the footage becomes black after the explosion so it’s hard to tell. Another millisecond of visibility would’ve shown body movement caused by the explosion and thus confirmed it’s occurence.
How did the footage get out and be uploaded? Did the regime visit the scene and get hold of the camera footage?
Were all rebels killed/wounded? Weren’t nearby rebels able to take the camera away?
April 17th, 2013, 8:16 am
Syrialover said:
Moaz al-Khatib’s cousin detained four weeks ago and tortured to death
https://www.facebook.com/mouazalkhatib.alhasani/posts/270244396445083
April 17th, 2013, 8:20 am
Akbar Palace said:
Ann,
I think most people understand why Russia and China support the Poster Boy-for-Life.
Can you guess?
I’ll give you a hint: no opposition
April 17th, 2013, 8:27 am
Matthew Barber said:
After multiple warnings for language, Johannes has been banned for making a sexual insult about another commenter. For now, he will truly be Johannes “de Silentio.”
April 17th, 2013, 9:22 am
Akbar Palace said:
Moderators are like UN “Peacekeepers” NewZ
Matthew Barber,
Godd Work! Where has “Alex” been up to? He was the moderator I recall from a few years back. He must be working overtime at SANA.
Per Professor Josh’s own stated criteria:
Messages containing any of the following elements will not be tolerated:
•Personal attacks against other contributors;
•Racist, sexist, obscene, or otherwise discriminatory or hateful language;
•Provocations designed to derail discussions away from substantive debate into dead-end arguments;
•Links to commercial sites or posting of commercial messages;
•Threats of death or violence
So it seems as though you guys have finally woken-up. Welcome back!
April 17th, 2013, 9:41 am
Uzair8 said:
It’s good to have moderation back. One or two pro-regime users were acting like moderators questioning user contribution (particularly non-syrian). One of them, if I remember correct, actually contributed in forcing out the previous moderator. What a sick joke!
April 17th, 2013, 10:06 am
zoo said:
#345
What a relief…
April 17th, 2013, 10:15 am
zoo said:
To pose as trustworthy moderate moslems, the SNC, known to be funded and infested by the Moslem Brotherhood, tries to convince the world that there is a ‘good’ Al Nusra and a “bad” one. Al Khatib calls for a revolution within Islam.
Khatib says Syrians reject ideas of al-Qaeda, stresses moderate Islam
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-312812-khatib-says-syrians-reject-ideas-of-al-qaeda-stresses-moderate-islam.html
“I ask my brothers [in the Nusra front] to change their name and speak about the love of God through good words.”
Besides asking the al-Nusra Front to cut off all relations with al-Qaeda in Iraq and change their leadership, Khatib also demanded the Syrian Islamist group to preach to people in a positive way, without forcing them into particular religious practices.
“If you want to preach to people, do it in a good way. I ask [al-Nusra] to change their goals and not focus on the details,” said Khatib. The opposition leader said that rather than acting by force, such as requiring women to wear headscarves, the group should simply convey their messages. “Religion is advice,” he added.
..
“We need a revolution in religious thought, not just against injustice. To be able to understand the real message of Islam, we need a revolution in people’s perceptions,” said Khatib.
…
For his part, the vice president of the coalition, George Sabra, said the new constitution will be just and will not discriminate against anyone. “There will be no difference between a Muslim and a Christian and between an Arab and a Kurd,” Sabra declared.
April 17th, 2013, 10:52 am
citizen said:
338 Ap
http://youtu.be/C-pWbdTWTas?t=1m4s
April 17th, 2013, 10:57 am
zoo said:
Just a rumor?
Arab League denies chief Nabeel Al Arabi has resigned
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/egypt/arab-league-denies-chief-nabeel-al-arabi-has-resigned-1.1171793
Earlier this month, Al Arabi denied in a TV interview reports that he had been asked to replace Egypt’s incumbent Prime Minister Hesham Qandil.
…
Al Arabi is an outspoken critic of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and has played a key role in suspending Damascus’ membership at the League in protest against Al Assad’s ruthless crackdown on the opposition.
April 17th, 2013, 11:04 am
revenire said:
Bravo Matthew – this “Silentio” character was an obvious troll and perhaps even a Mossad agent.
April 17th, 2013, 11:53 am
Akbar Palace said:
Citizen’s Joo Watch Alert #2
Citizen,
Thanks once again for linking to the Zionist killing of Yizthak Rabin. One deranged Joo, kills another Joo. OMG!
Meanwhile 5 US presidents were assassinated by their own, and SEVERAL arab leaders have been killed by their own as well (Sadat, Hussein, Hariri, Gadfly, and hopefully Assad).
Get real fool.
When you find videos of Joos:
– hijacking aircraft
– flying them into skyscrappers
– chopping off heads
– bombing American cities
– sending scuds missile randomly into population centers
– killing hundreds of thousands of our own people like Assad and Saddam
– bombing restaurants and buses
– strapping bomb vests to themselves
Let us know.
“One small step for man, One giant leap for Mankind”…
http://www.ict.org.il/ResearchPublications/DatabaseReports/tabid/380/Articlsid/1168/currentpage/1/Default.aspx
April 17th, 2013, 12:02 pm
revenire said:
Israeli crimes of genocide against the Palestinians are well documented.
April 17th, 2013, 12:14 pm
zoo said:
Watch your tweets in Turkey, you may end up in jail
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-312891-say-convicted-over-insult-not-expression-of-thoughts-ak-party-says.html
“The real issue is that he tweeted ‘I am not sure if you have noticed, but where there is a louse, a non-entity, a lowlife, thief or fool, they are all pro-Allah.” The court sentences him to a 10-month [suspended] prison sentence over insulting the religious values adopted by a group of people in the society,” Çelik said.
In April, Say posted controversial tweets questioning whether heaven in Islamic belief is like a brothel or pub, because the Quran says there are rivers of wine and houris (very beautiful women) in heaven for those who commit good deeds while they are on Earth.
Say also tweeted about a muezzin who recited the evening call to prayer in 22 seconds, questioning whether he was in a rush to reunite with his lover or go to a rakı table.
Say explained his controversial tweets as verses from a poem by Khayyam.
April 17th, 2013, 12:17 pm
AKbar Palace said:
Reverse’s Part Time Job as Morality Spokesperson
Reverse,
You obviously have a new definition of genocide.
Maybe your definition of “genocide” closely resembles what your hero Athad is doing to his own people.
April 17th, 2013, 12:18 pm
revenire said:
As the United States government has pointed out many times Syria is fighting against Al-Qaeda.
April 17th, 2013, 12:37 pm
apple_mini said:
News from Reuters: European Union governments are expected to ease a Syrian oil embargo next week in an effort to tilt the balance of the conflict against President Bashar al-Assad
That is a strange move and might be provocative. The rebels has been attacking the regime’s oil industry for over a year now: blowing up pipe line; shelling refinery; killing civilian government employees at oil fields; grabbing oil fields and using crude methods to pump oil and sell it. In fact, there have been well documented mass killing at oil fields in the eastern part of Syria.
The opposition and the rebels do NOT have any means to establish their own “oil industry”. The regime simply will not allow oil gets stealing by anyone not considered to be legitimate.
How about Kurds? I sense this new EU move is more political than economical. It might be served as wedge against the regime and a bridge of mutual interests between the rebels and Kurds.
Now the regime just needs to pay more attention to treat those oil fields to be more strategic.
April 17th, 2013, 12:57 pm
Uzair8 said:
Rebels push Assad’s army away from vital north Syria highway
Tue, Apr 16, 2013
By Erika Solomon
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian rebels repelled an advance by government forces near a strategic highway in northern Syria on Tuesday, in fierce battles expected to inflict heavy casualties on both sides, opposition activists said.
The two sides are struggling for control of a highway that serves as the main route into Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, after President Bashar al-Assad’s forces broke through a six-month rebel blockade of two bases near the road.
Rebels are determined to re-establish the blockade of the bases, located outside the town of Maarat al-Nuaman in Idlib province, because a government advance could upset the balance of power in the heart of the rebel-held north.
No side now fully controls the highway.
[…]
April 17th, 2013, 1:06 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Apple-mini said
The regime simply will not allow oil gets stealing by anyone not considered to be legitimate
Do you mean that some oil stealing is legitimate?
The income of oil used to get to Assad personal pocket, Hafez used to steel the money and call it( Aydi Amineh),trusted hands.
I am tired of hearing the word resistance, Hassan Nasrallah has done nothing in over six years,Assads did nothing in over 40 years, what is the definition of ressistance?Now Natanyaho is talking to David Cameron to avoid arming the opposition,this will help Assad,this is a return of favor to Assad for doing nothing against Israel for forty year.
They seem to have significant progress in solving Boston terror today,the letter to the president which contains poisinous material is an indication that it is inside job
April 17th, 2013, 1:18 pm
zoo said:
Turkey finally admits that it is loosing control of the opposition that have bee taken over by radical groups and blames the West from not preventing this to happen.
This new Turkish attitude may explain why it has started to crack down on weapons smuggling to Syria and stop calling for Bashar Al Assad to step down. The consequence are the apparent weakness of the rebels in the North and the muteness of the SNC on their ‘interim government’
Turkey frustrated with Syrian opposition
April 17, 2013 at 12:54 PM
PARIS, April 17 (UPI) — A lack of Western support for formal opposition to the Syrian government has led to radicalization of the rebel groups, Turkey’s deputy prime minister said.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc told French daily Le Monde that radical groups were gaining a foothold in Syria because of the lack of formal support for the opposition Syrian National Council.
“(Western powers) give neither military nor political support,” his comments were translated by Today’s Zaman as saying. “Regarding Syria, you did not show one-thousandth of the sensitivity you paid to Libya.”
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/04/17/Turkey-frustrated-with-Syrian-opposition/UPI-94241366217642/#ixzz2Qk4LjUXf
April 17th, 2013, 1:26 pm
zoo said:
New interview with Bashar al Assad
BEIRUT: Syrian’s president Wednesday accused the West of backing Al-Qaeda in Syria, warning it will pay the price “in the heart” of Europe and the United States as the terror network becomes emboldened.
Bashar Assad spoke in an interview set to be aired later Wednesday on the government-run Al-Ikhbariya channel, marking Syria’s independence day. Excerpts of the interview were broadcast in advance and posted on his office’s Facebook page.
“Just as the West financed Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan in its beginnings, and later paid a heavy price, today it is supporting it in Syria, Libya and other places and will pay the price later in the heart of Europe and the United States,” Assad said.
Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Apr-17/214107-assad-accuses-west-of-supporting-al-qaeda.ashx#ixzz2Qk771Tlm
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)
April 17th, 2013, 1:29 pm
zoo said:
Erdogan is brainwashing Syrian children in refugees camps
The Los Angeles Times said Syrian history books used to teach children in Syrian refugee camps in Turkey were being revised to reflect the anti-Assad narrative.
Photos of Assad and his late father have been deleted or blackened, and references to either man as “immortal commander” have been edited out, the Times said. The Syrian flag has been replaced with the opposition flag.
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/04/17/Govt-reports-hitting-rebel-targets-Red-Cross-recovers-dead-in-Aleppo/UPI-53881366210798/#ixzz2Qk7yPgDs
April 17th, 2013, 1:33 pm
Uzair8 said:
Posted on Yalla Souriya about 50 minutes ago:
#Syria, Aleppo, rebels have stormed the Mennagh airport now ( 30 mns ago)
http://yallasouriya.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/syria-aleppo-rebels-have-stormed-the-mennagh-airport/
April 17th, 2013, 1:42 pm
revenire said:
Uzair8 ha ha. Sure they have. Yalla is so reliable (not).
April 17th, 2013, 1:56 pm
zoo said:
Battle for Damascus: Regime Fights on Four Fronts
By: Nasser Charara
Published Wednesday, April 17, 2013
http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/battle-damascus-regime-fights-four-fronts
For two months now, all eyes were on Damascus as both the regime and the opposition readied themselves for a major confrontation to gain the upper hand ahead of a US-Russia summit in June.
…
Ferocious Fighting
The fourth front stretches to the northwest from Wadi Barada and al-Hameh to Zabadani near the border with Lebanon. Here again, one can find al-Nusra fighters, in addition to many foreign volunteers, who have been engaged in ferocious battles with government troops over the last month.
The main goals of the regime’s forces in this area is to: first, cut off all lines of support to opposition fighters; and second, to sever all the smuggling routes between Lebanon and Syria.
After subjecting Zabadani to heavy rocket fire and repeated incursions, government troops have managed to eject many fighters. Some have fled toward the Lebanese border area in order to avoid being surrounded.
There, they recently made a bid to take over a Palestinian base belonging to the Popular Front for Palestine-General Command that overlooks the international road that links Beirut to Damascus. After several hours of intense fighting, the effort failed.
April 17th, 2013, 2:00 pm
5 dancing shlomos said:
several interesting articles easily available online:
the lavon affair
http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/lavon.html
the jews of Iraq by naeim giladi
http://inminds.co.uk/jews-of-iraq.html
bloodcurdling libel by Israel Shamir
http://www.israelshamir.net/English/blood.htm
the bloody passovers of ariel toaff by Israel Shamir
http://www.israelshamir.net/English/Eng11.htm
[[[ 5, it’s not a problem for you to discuss ideas, but the way you interlace them with insults (that I’ve removed) is making it hard for me to determine where a discourse of revisionist history ends and antisemitism begins. Please engage in conversation (and disagree) respectfully. You’re on thin ice. —MTB ]]]
April 17th, 2013, 2:29 pm
MarigoldRan said:
The regime is evil. The war continues.
April 17th, 2013, 2:38 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Racists who can’t seem blame their own people for anything NewZ
5 Dancing Racists,
“Israel Shamir” is a phoney. Even Norman Finkelstein thinks he’s a raving lunatic.
http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/67305/his-jewish-problem
Question for 5 Dancing Racists:
Guess which Syrian family is responsible for more Syrian-Arab deaths than ALL THE ARAB DEATHS (Egyptian, Jordanian, Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, etc combined) caused by Jews in the Arab-Israel conflict since 1948?
Don’t you think what is going on in Syria is another “Nakba”?
April 17th, 2013, 2:50 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
“Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said the West will pay a high price for what he described as its support for al-Qaeda in his country’s conflict.”
Assad here is threatening
” He said that his own defeat would be catastrophic”
Assad here is self deceiving,under illusion.He is extremely exagerating his importance.
Uzair8
I could not verify the news about Mennegh airport.
April 17th, 2013, 2:59 pm
zoo said:
Flag carrier, Airbus seal 117-plane deal
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/flag-carrier-airbus-seal-117-plane-deal.aspx?pageID=238&nID=45081&NewsCatID=345
Turkey’s flagship carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) signed an enormous deal for the purchase of 117 planes, from French aircraft manufacturer Airbus April 17.
….
The order centers on Airbus’ A320 medium-haul line and includes firm orders for 82 planes and an option for 35 others, estimated at $9.3 billion in total, to be delivered by 2020.
April 17th, 2013, 3:00 pm
zoo said:
Israeli diplomats met with Syrian oppositionists’
http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-diplomats-met-with-syrian-oppositionists/
Israeli diplomats and officers have met with members of the Syrian opposition in Amman, likely in order to gauge the possibility of establishing a buffer zone along the Golan Heights border, a Jordanian news site reported on Wednesday.
According to an unnamed Syrian opposition source who spoke to Jordan’s independent Mouab website, the Israeli embassy in Amman recently contacted a number of members of the Syrian opposition living in Jordan, inviting them for “consultation meetings” inside the embassy. Some oppositionists refused the invitation out of hand, while others agreed to meet outside the embassy in complete secrecy, the report said.
April 17th, 2013, 3:02 pm
5 dancing shlomos said:
finklestein like chomsky is a zionist jew gatekeeper who says some things that sound good.
they have a protection racket going.
only those protecting jewry and its military wing, the abomination state of abominations, do not think highly of Israel shamir.
April 17th, 2013, 3:06 pm
ann said:
Mullah David Cameron and his stooge carpetbagger William Hague need to mind their own failing economy and look after their fast growing unemployed before they rush to serve their masters in `israel!
U.K. unemployment rose at the fastest pace in more than a year and wage increases slowed, providing further evidence the labor market is succumbing to a failing economy – Apr 17, 2013
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-17/u-k-unemployment-rises-as-fragile-economy-weighs-on-hiring-1-.html
Joblessness as measured by International Labour Organisation methods rose by 70,000 to 2.56 million in the three months through February, the most since November 2011, the Office for National Statistics said today in London. The unemployment rate climbed to 7.9 percent from 7.8 percent in the previous quarter. The median forecast of 27 economists in a Bloomberg News survey was for the rate to stay unchanged.
The figures are a blow to Prime Minister David Cameron, with the labor market previously providing a bright spot in an economy struggling with an austerity program, accelerating inflation and a crisis in Europe, Britain’s biggest trading partner. The number of people in work fell 2,000 in the latest quarter to 29.7 million, the first drop since October 2011.
“Today’s labor market data provided more evidence that the previous resilience of the jobs market is fading fast,” said Vicky Redwood, chief U.K. economist at Capital Economics Ltd. in London. “What’s more, the combination of a slowdown in regular pay growth and a drop in bonuses left overall average earnings unchanged on a year ago. More reason, then, to doubt that the pickup in consumer activity since the start of the year can be sustained.”
[…]
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-17/u-k-unemployment-rises-as-fragile-economy-weighs-on-hiring-1-.html
April 17th, 2013, 3:18 pm
Akbar Palace said:
The Dark Dark World of anti-Semites and a Possible New DSM-4 Category NewZ
5 Dancing Racists,
We know. Everybody who you say is a Joo is a Joo.
Arabs who hate Assad are Joos. Arabs who recognize Israel are Joos. Arabs who want Freedom are Joos. Blah, blah, blah…
Methinks you spend too much time researching Joos, you’ve become one yourself!
Meanwhile many more Arabs have died the hand of other arabs than Joos. Just “dance” around that one…
April 17th, 2013, 3:21 pm
zoo said:
Using Jihadist to settle scores in Egypt and Tunisia
http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/feedback/syrias-conflict-is-rich-fodder-for-anti-islamist-propaganda#page1
Tunisian media, meanwhile, has reported that over 3,500 fighters from Tunisia have gone to Syria, driven by fatwas by Tunisian extremists. Clearly this figure is exaggerated. But the media focus on Tunisian radicals in Syria is meant to undermine the Islamist government at home more than anything else.
Such propaganda, which can be viewed in Egyptian and Turkish media as well, underscores the failure of opposition forces inside these countries to win popularity at home through political programmes. Resorting to propaganda that obviously plays into the hands of a ruthless dictator in Syria betrays the values of the Arab revolts that began in Tunisia.
….
Consider the words of Mahmoud Salem, a prominent Egyptian blogger and activist: “The anti-Bashar Syrian secularists are now supporting the Al Qaeda-dominated [Jabhat Al Nusra] as the sane and fluffy alternative.” Salem says Hazem Abu Ismail, a notorious Egyptian Salafist who was disqualified from Egypt’s presidential race, sends his supporters to fight in Syria.
Salem then adds: We hope “the Abu Ismail militia in Syria will be a real force and a major player, and when Bashar falls I won’t be surprised to hear that they took over the city of Homs and made Abu Ismail its Emir”.
Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/feedback/syrias-conflict-is-rich-fodder-for-anti-islamist-propaganda#ixzz2QkZIJo52
Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook
April 17th, 2013, 3:24 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Akbar palace
Please stop using the term antisemitic in a blog where most of us are semitic, it does not make sense,we are more semitic that you,the ashkanazi people are of european root, they are not semitic, while Arab are semitic,
You can use this term in US or europe blogs but not here, here you need to be clear and say antizionism not anti semitism
April 17th, 2013, 3:35 pm
revenire said:
It isn’t about Judaism – it is about Zionism.
April 17th, 2013, 3:48 pm
5 dancing shlomos said:
i give small explaination for the professor:
the way i see it and from the rabbi’s mouth, “Israel is the jewish state of the jews”.
100% American, western, jews support the existence and atrocities of this state (unless negative pr results) of, by, for jews on palestinian land. not to forget Lebanese, Iraqi, Jordanian, Syrian, Arabian lands. at the very least.
the exception would be the very small in numbers and power torah jews, eg, neturei karta. (don’t know what kind of neighbors they are. unbearable racists like all who follow the Talmud?)
judaism via its jews/jewry/state has left a remarkable, but well censored, 2000 yr history of violence, lies, deception, manipulation, slavery, genocide, human/animal sacrifices.
as i see it, zionism is but a part of judaism. it is the part that established the military, criminal state.
judaism does not get a pass because there is a different category called Zionism.
a small explanation.
can you get rid of spell check. if I want a capital letter i’ll do it.
April 17th, 2013, 4:06 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Joos, anti-Judaism, who is a Semite 21st Century Enlightenment NewZ
Majedkhaldoun,
FYI, I am from Askenasi, European, Jewish heritage. I consider myself to be semitic. You don’t have to recognize how I define myself, but that is how I define myself. What can I say? What about Hugarian, Greek, Italian Jews? Are they semitic? Are only Yemenite Jews semitic?
Yes, we know (I think we know) that both arabs and jews are racially “semitic”. I am sorry you don’t like this term, it is not meant to slight anyone, it is just how the english language evovled.
You (and many arabs) are asking for a change in the english language. The term “anti-semitism” is equivalent to “anti-judaism”, however, “anti-semitism” is quite common in the english language to mean “jew-hate” as espoused by 5 Dancing Racists.
Out of respect to you, I will you the term “anti-Jewish” instead of “anti-semitism”. It will not change my arguments one way or the other.
Reverse,
It about the arab world moving into the 21st century from the 7th century. It’s a huge leap. I know.
April 17th, 2013, 4:09 pm
Akbar Palace said:
5 Dancing Racists is too Ashamed to Answer NewZ
jews support the existence and atrocities of this state
5 Dancing Racists,
Why don’t you talk about the atrocites of arabs? R U uncomforatable with this?
April 17th, 2013, 4:13 pm
revenire said:
Akbar I am perfectly willing to discuss the Al-Qaeda/FSA/Nusra Front terrorist crimes against the people of Syria.
Let’s start with Israeli support for the terrorists attacking the Syrian nation okay?
April 17th, 2013, 4:18 pm
5 dancing shlomos said:
arabs, Christians, muslims, all others I know of discuss, acknowledge the crimes committed by their group – past, present.
only jews deny and proclaim themselves the eternal innocent victim.
when jews do admit to “something” (because there is no alternative), others are called anti-Semitic for pointing out jewish crimes.
jews then forget their confession and continue as the victim blaming others.
note the treatment received by toaff a jew, a rabbi, a distinguished scholar.
note the treatment of those bringing up the dominant jewish position throughout history in the slavery business.
others acknowledge their involvement in slavery. jews deny theirs. jews punish others for bringing up the subject.
April 17th, 2013, 4:25 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Let’s start with Israeli support for the terrorists attacking the Syrian nation okay?
Reverse,
Let’s talk about something else and save the hard stuff for last.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
April 17th, 2013, 4:26 pm
Akbar Palace said:
UN Peacekeepers Sleeping on the Job
HELLO, IS MATTHEW BARBER THERE?
GROUND CONTROL TO MR. BARBER…….
HELLO, MR. BARBER, DO YOU READ…..OVER.
….
MR. BARBER IF YOU CAN READ THIS MESSAGE, PLEASE CONTACT ME.
I HAVE A SIMPLE QUESTION REGARDING YOUR SC RULES POLICY.
THANKS!
jews then forget their confession and continue as the victim blaming others.
5 Dancing Racists,
The Joos are not the victim right now in Syria. Syrians are. And guess who is responsible for the security of Syrians.
(Jeopardy theme music)….
April 17th, 2013, 4:31 pm
revenire said:
Pro-government and pro-Assad rallies have broken out in Damascus after his speech.
April 17th, 2013, 4:45 pm
revenire said:
Akbar all we need do it look at what Israel did to Gaza for all the evidence we need.
We have nothing at all to discuss.
Nothing.
April 17th, 2013, 4:47 pm
Uzair8 said:
#370 MajedKhaldoun
Dear Majed
Yes, not sure about what’s happening around Mennagh airport.
An hour after posting the news about Mennagh, there was this on Yalla Souriya:
A little later :
A little more later:
Note: I may have missed some posts on YS using the search function as at times different spellings are used for the airport.
***************
Anyway. I hoped it was true. It would have given the regime something to think about. Put it in two minds. Should it continue it’s current tasks (Idlib, Ghouta etc) or should it come to the rescue of Mennagh?
Perhaps the rebels should make moves on important locations while the regime forces are busy elsewhere. It would distract the regime and hopefully ease pressure on rebels facing regime offensives.
April 17th, 2013, 5:30 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Uzair8
The news I received,is that Dhab’a military airport has been taken by the FSA,several officers have died,and large ammunition has been gained.the airport is close to Qusair,Homs
Akbar Palace
Thank you,
April 17th, 2013, 5:36 pm
ann said:
NATOs Blood Thirsty Mercenary Terrorists Under The Syrian Hammer 😉
Syrian troops advance on several fronts nationwide: report – 2013-04-17
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/17/c_132317661.htm
DAMASCUS, April 17 (Xinhua) — The Syrian army is advancing on several fronts as part of its fresh wide-scale operation to wrest control over rebellious areas across the country, local media reported Wednesday.
The army now is breaking the siege on Wadi al-Daif encampments in northwestern Syria to secure the road between the central province of Hama and the northwestern province of Idlib all the way to Aleppo province, media reports said.
It also said that the road between the capital Damascus and the southern province of Daraa and the borders with Jordan is open, adding that the army is “cleansing” the road between Damascus and the central province of Homs in the areas of Jobar, al-Nabek and al-Qalamoun.
The operation has also included border areas near the Lebanese frontier, namely al-Qussair and Talkalakh.
The operation apparently aimed at securing network of routes connecting several Syrian areas as a prelude to besiege the rebels for decisive battles.
[…]
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/17/c_132317661.htm
April 17th, 2013, 5:43 pm
zoo said:
Uzair8
“Perhaps the rebels should make moves on important locations while the regime forces are busy elsewhere. It would distract the regime and hopefully ease pressure on rebels facing regime offensives.”
I think they would benefit from your expert advices as it seems they are in a dire situation everywhere in Syria
April 17th, 2013, 5:55 pm
Ameera said:
مين على بالو بوري ايمة او زبدية محلاية من بكداش
April 17th, 2013, 5:57 pm
zoo said:
Russia and Turkey agree to disagree on Syria
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/russia-and-turkey-agree-to-disagree-on-syria.aspx?pageID=449&nID=45120&NewsCatID=409
U.N. Security Council permanent member Russia knows that without the U.S. putting its weight into the Syrian civil war, because of concerns about the radical group al-Nusra, with its declared links with al-Qaeda, seizing power, al-Assad would (likely) keep his post.
Ironically the interests of Iran and Israel converge with Russian and American ones (therefore) enabling al-Assad to keep his post no matter the human cost in the country is.
April 17th, 2013, 5:59 pm
Uzair8 said:
This posted on facebook ~11 hrs ago (along with link for donation to SKT Welfare):
THE PLIGHT OF THE SYRIAN PEOPLE:
Owais Mohyuddin
After spending just over a week in Turkey close to the border of Syria and in Istanbul I have come to realise one thing…the reality of the need of the people of Syria as they are fleeing the oppression and flooding into Turkey in the thousands.
I have cried my self to sleep nearly every night after witnessing their struggle. Begging on the streets. Families walking the streets with a blanket wrapped in a few items of clothing, hung over their shoulders walking the streets not knowing where they will spend the night. A few days ago I met a young girl aged 8 who whilst hastily limping towards me showed me her leg which was burned and deformed because her house in Haleb (Aleppo) was bombarded by the regime.
I saw the look of desperation in the eyes of an expecting mother who asked me if I knew arabic, to which I replied “a little” to which she explained that she is struggling to pay her way, begging people for money in country that speaks a language she doesn’t speak or understand, as she clutches 4 small children.
As God almighty is my witness as I am writing this message I am approached by a man who is struggling to communicate with the Turkish people, so I ask him where he is from and he says from Syria, after conversing with this man, he brings to my attention that he is the khadhim (servant and carer) of the maqaam (mausoleum) of the great reviver and giant of a scholar Imam an-Nawawi (radi’Allahu anh) in Nawa, Syria and he explains he has just arrived in Turkey and is looking for a place to stay. Whilst explaining this he bursts out in tears so I embrace this man in efforts to comfort him and I am unable to hold back my emotions and we both hold each other crying. I take him to the charity shop that is set up by the students of Shaykh Mahmoud Effendi and introduce him to the kind brothers. He explains he needs to call someone whilst holding tight to a tattered piece of paper with a telephone number scribbled on to it. The brothers hand him a mobile phone to speak to the said person who’s name is ironically “Sami as-Serif”. Whilst speaking to this brother he again starts to weep profusely when he hears the voice of a fluent arab speaker, explaining in desperation his situation.
The question I ask is where are the people of the world? Where are those people who deny the need of the people of Syria? Where are those people who question the revolution? I wish for them to come visit Turkey and see for themselves first hand! As all I have witnessed and experienced in my time in Turkey is the unquestionable pain of the people of Syria.
May Allah protect and defend them all and grant them freedom and safe return to the blessed lands of ash-Shaam ash-Sharif!
Al-Fatihah!
April 17th, 2013, 6:01 pm
ann said:
Pentagon Chief Warns That War in Syria Could Be ‘Lengthy and Uncertain’ – 04.17.13
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/04/syria-hagel/
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned a Senate panel that intervening in Syria’s grinding, brutal civil war risked plunging the U.S. into another bloody conflict.
“We have an obligation and responsibility to think through the consequences of any direct U.S. military action in Syria,” Hagel told the Senate Armed Services Committee this afternoon. “A military intervention could have the unintended consequence of bringing the United States into a broader regional conflict or proxy war.”
Yet Hagel said that to prevent spillover violence, last week he ordered an “Army headquarters element” to go to Jordan to help coordinate contingency planning, particularly over a potential chemical-weapons attack.
Hagel didn’t rule out intervention. But he said it was an “option of last resort.” Rather than alleviate the slaughter of Syrian civilians, it could “hinder humanitarian relief operations” and “strain other key international partnerships,” likely a reference to Russia, an Assad ally. The Syrian opposition is fragmentary and unreliable. And Hagel reminded senators that getting into a Syrian war is easier than getting out of what could be “a significant, lengthy, and uncertain military commitment.”
With the departure of Marine Gen. James Mattis, the former top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, there is little appetite among top defense officials to take direct action in Syria. Before his recent retirement, Mattis told the same Senate panel he had a plan to “disrupt” Syrian chemical weapons. But Pentagon officers cite the need for a massive ground force to provide an assurance that Assad’s chemical arsenal is secure, which is frequently interpreted as a signal of reluctance.
A Vietnam veteran infantryman, Hagel’s Pentagon speeches often include a line about military interventions being “worthy of the service, sacrifice and loyalty” of U.S. troops.
[…]
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/04/syria-hagel/
April 17th, 2013, 6:01 pm
Uzair8 said:
Just noticed a new post is up…
April 17th, 2013, 6:13 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Ann
With all respect some of your informations are not correct,and I am sure of that
April 17th, 2013, 6:23 pm
Akbar Palace said:
“Akbar all we need do it look at what Israel did to Gaza for all the evidence we need.”
Reverse,
What exactly did the Israelis do to upset you?
R u sure u don’t want to discuss hobbies? Do you have a stamp collection?
April 17th, 2013, 6:29 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
SL
Nonsense about the character you have been talking about. He is a coward made from the same excrement that makes reverse and co including the entire athad family…and for bonus the cut and past diarrhea queen.
April 17th, 2013, 6:30 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
Majed
Bullshxt… no respect whatsoever. Contempt and disgust this is all what such characters deserve.
April 17th, 2013, 6:34 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
من البديهي أن يربط عيد الجلاء بانسحاب القوات الأجنبية من أي وطن
And this piece of dog poop wants to continue ruling Syrian.
April 17th, 2013, 6:39 pm
Strategic Intelligence Assessment for Syria (4) – State of Play Part III | Red (team) Analysis said:
[…] while refusing merging with ISI (see for full detailed analysis and translated documents, Barber, 14 April 2013). Jabhat al-Nosra thus asserts an Al Qaida in Syria, in a nationalist move that is not without […]
September 12th, 2013, 8:35 am
The Syrian War – Bibliography and Sources | Red (team) Analysis said:
[…] Barber Islamic State Declared in Syria, Syria Comment, April 14th, […]
September 19th, 2013, 10:48 am
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