Debate Over Death and Suffering in Syria; Rebel Unity Efforts
Posted by Joshua on Tuesday, February 19th, 2013
In 2010 the UN estimated that 32% of Syrians were living in poverty, estimated at 2$ a day or less – that was before the currency had fallen by half, the economy collapsed, strict economic sanctions were placed on Syria, and fighting engulfed the country. In all probability, a conservative percent of Syrians living in the direst poverty has surpassed 50% or more than 11 million people.
A rocket strike has leveled buildings and killed at least eight people in a neighbourhood of Aleppo, activists say. The source of the attack on Jabral Badro appeared to be a ground-to-ground missile, possibly a Scud. Another report said 20 people were killed with 25 missing.
U.N. numbers on Syrians in need of help far too low, survey suggests
By Roy Gutman | McClatchy Newspapers
ISTANBUL — The first detailed survey of the humanitarian crisis in northern Syria suggests that the United Nations has grossly underestimated the number of civilians in dire need of assistance, a situation that experts say plays down the scope of the catastrophe.
“Syria is the largest IDP crisis in the world,” said Clare Spurrell of the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, the leading body monitoring internally displaced people worldwide. “The longer we underestimate the reality of what is happening on the ground, the further we are getting from an appropriate response.”
The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees released new figures Monday showing 2.08 million people in urgent need in six provinces of northern Syria. That’s way below a partial survey of the same provinces that the Syrian opposition and 10 international aid agencies conducted over four weeks in January.
That survey, undertaken by teams of researchers who met with local relief committees, religious leaders and local police, among others, estimated that the number of people in urgent need totaled at least 3.2 million in those provinces: Idlib, rural Aleppo, Latakia, Raqqa, Hasaka and Deir el Zour. That’s nearly three-quarters of the provinces’ estimated population of 4.3 million.
Of those, the survey found that 1.1 million are people who’ve been forced from their homes, making them dependent on others for food, shelter, health care and clean water.
And the situation is almost certainly worse than that: The researchers completed the survey in only about 40 percent of the provinces’ area and excluded the city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, where fighting has raged since July. Once the survey is completed in the remaining 60 percent, the numbers are expected to go up.
Newly Displaced Syrians Head For Turkish Border
Deborah Amos and Rima Marrouch
February 18, 2013, All Things Considered – NPR
Syrian people wait at a customs gate at the Turkey-Syria border near Reyhanli, Turkey, last week. Hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing central Syria, heading to southern Turkey. Enlarge image
Syrian people wait at a customs gate at the Turkey-Syria border near Reyhanli, Turkey, last week. Hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing central Syria, heading to southern Turkey.
Gaia Anderson/APA new surge of Syrian refugees is swamping humanitarian aid agencies in southern Turkey, where official refugee camps are full.
But the newcomers may be just the tip of the iceberg. In central Syria, civilians under attack by combat jets, tanks and artillery have fled towns and villages north of the city of Hama, and thousands are on the move.
“What they do now, they burn everything ahead of them. They bomb this area with everything they’ve got,” says Hossan Hamadah, a Syrian-American from Texas.
He’s seen firsthand the devastation of the new army offensive. He was in central Syria a few days ago to deliver bread and blankets to families on the run, but found only burned and abandoned houses.
“And I’m telling you, it’s a very, very weird feeling when you walk into a place and there’s not even a cat,” he says. “I just want to see something alive moving. Nothing.”….
Sharmine Narwani: Unreliable data can incite and escalate a conflict – the latest UN-sponsored figure of 60,000 should not be reported as fact
guardian.co.uk, Friday 15 February 2013
….Casualty counts during modern wars have become a highly politicised business. On one hand, they can help alert the outside world to the scale of violence and suffering, and the risks of conflict spreading both within a country’s borders and beyond them. On the other, as in Syria, Iraq, Darfur, the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere, death tolls have routinely been manipulated, inflated or downplayed – a tool for the advancement of political interests.
As if to underline the point, Libya’s new government recently announced that death tolls had been exaggerated during the 2011 Libyan civil war; that there had been around 5,000 deaths on either side – a long way from the reported tens of thousands of casualties that set the scene for Nato’s “humanitarian” intervention, or the 30-50,000 deaths claimed by opponents of this intervention.
While physically present in Iraq, the US and British governments were unable to provide estimates of the numbers of deaths unleashed by their own invasion, yet in Syria, the same governments frequently quote detailed figures, despite lacking essential access.
Syria’s death toll leapt from 45,000 to 60,000 earlier this year, a figure gathered by a UN-sponsored project to integrate data from seven separate lists. The new numbers are routinely cited by politicians and media as fact, and used to call for foreign intervention in the conflict…..
Counting the Dead in Syria
By Armin Rosen in Atlantic
Syria’s strategic stalemate, made worse by US inaction
Tony Karon, Feb 20, 2013 – the National
Not only is the Obama administration no longer convinced that Syria’s armed rebellion is about to topple President Bashar Al Assad, a rebel military victory does not even appear to be Washington’s preferred outcome.
A little over a year ago, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the Assad regime as “a dead man walking”, and President Barack Obama expressed confidence, in his 2012 State of the Union address, that “the Assad regime will soon discover that the forces of change can’t be reversed”.
This year, by contrast, Syria barely rated a mention in the same speech, with Mr Obama vowing only to “keep the pressure on the Syrian regime … and support opposition leaders that respect the rights of every Syrian”.
The rebels clearly can’t win the war with the current level of support being offered by outside powers. Moreover, Mr Obama has reportedly dismissed proposals from within in his administration for arming insurgents, and Monday’s European Union rebuff of efforts by the UK, France and Italy to lift an embargo on arming the rebels reinforced the sense of western reluctance to invest in a rebel military victory.
The policy logic underlying these decisions was articulated on Sunday by new Secretary of State John Kerry, who said his goal in Syria was “to see us have a negotiated outcome and minimise the violence”. He admitted that achieving that goal remained exceedingly difficult, but insisted that it was in the best interests of “the Syrian people, and the region and the world, to make every effort to explore ways to achieve that negotiated outcome”.
Pursuing a military solution, Mr Kerry warned, risked the “implosion” of the Syrian state, with far greater regional risks.
Two years into the rebellion, Syria’s civil war remains locked in a strategic stalemate, reports of a renewed rebel offensive notwithstanding. The slow but steady erosion of the regime’s grip on much of the countryside underscores the fact that the rebellion has become an irreversible political-military fact, but its failure to capture a single major population centre suggests the regime’s better-equipped forces have lost neither the will nor the ability to fight.
Western powers want Mr Al Assad out, but not to be replaced by those leading the armed rebellion, many of who are hostile to US regional interests. Many of the rebels’ most impressive tactical gains are being recorded by jihadists such as the Jabhat Al Nusra group, branded by the US as an “international terrorist organisation” and Al Qaeda affiliate…..with the political influence on the ground of Mr Al Khatib’s organisation unproven, the US appears in no hurry to pursue the military victory of which he speaks. And the Obama administration has recognised that the factors maintaining the regime – its security forces have not collapsed precisely because most of the Alawites and other key minorities see the rebellion as mortal threat to themselves – are unlikely to change any time soon.
Even if the regime were dislodged from Damascus, that would be unlikely to end a civil war that threatens the survival of the Syrian state….Even as the rebels make new tactical gains on the ground – downing two regime aircraft, capturing an oil town and the Al Furat hydroelectric dam in the north-east, and an airbase in the north, as well as launching a new offensive in the suburbs of Damascus – a substantial shift in the strategic balance does not appear forthcoming….
Worldview: Kerry’s plan for Syria is sadly familiar
Trudy Rubin, Inquirer Opinion Columnist, Sunday, February 17, 2013
Heaven help John Kerry! The newly minted secretary of state has already announced he’ll launch a fresh initiative aimed at ending the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Last spring, then-Sen. Kerry appeared to grasp what was needed to break the deadly stalemate. But his current approach, and the White House’s deep antipathy toward any serious U.S. involvement in Syria, mean Kerry is embarking on a mission impossible. Unless, that is, the secretary can persuade the president to change his mind.
Before I get to Kerry’s approach, let me remind my readers why any of this matters. Despite early White House expectations that Assad would fall, the Syrian struggle is now mired in a bloody stalemate in which more than 70,000 people have died and a country is being pulverized. Barring a new approach, neither side is likely to triumph in the foreseeable future.
“The more probable outcome,” according to the astute Syrian opposition activist Amr Al-Azm, “is the collapse and fragmentation of the state,” and possibly a sectarian genocide. The blowback could affect Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel.
A failed Syrian state also would provide a power vacuum into which outside jihadis could flow, permitting them to radicalize local Islamists and obtain dangerous weapons from captured regime arsenals. And once a state collapses – as we know from the Iraq experience – it is very difficult to rebuild.
Back to Kerry. He understands this danger and warned last week about an “implosion” of the Syrian state.
Kerry also understands why Assad won’t budge. “He thinks he’s winning and the opposition is losing,” Kerry said at his confirmation hearing. “We need to change Bashar al-Assad’s calculation,” he added.
Indeed, backed and armed by Russia and Iran, and aware that Washington won’t give crucial antitank or antiaircraft weapons to the rebels, Assad seems confident that his regime can survive the fighting. So does Moscow.
While the rebels have managed to take control of some rural areas, no city has fallen yet. “In Bashar’s calculus, he just needs to weather the storm,” Azm told me. “And he’s not necessarily wrong.”….
Last spring, Kerry talked of arming the rebels. Now, instead of charting a new strategy, he seems limited to repeating past (failed) efforts, urging Moscow to help him ease Assad into exile. Meantime, the regime’s planes bomb cities and towns into rubble, and the Syrian state rapidly collapses. The longer this goes on, the worse the outcome will be.“To my knowledge no options have been entirely taken off the table,” Dempsey told journalists on the plane. However, there are no signs that Obama will reconsider the option of breaking the Syrian military stalemate. This means Assad will hunker down as Syria implodes.
In a small corner of Syria, rebels attempt to reconcile
Rebels and pro-government militias have agreed to stop shooting in Talkalakh, thanks to the efforts of Sheikh Habib
Jonathan Steele in Talkalakh – Guardian
…”I am religious and I have an idea – perhaps it’s crazy – of leadership via love”, said Habib….
“I used to work in real estate in Saudi Arabia, but came back here when the revolution started,” Abu Oday said. Anticipating my question, he went on: “I’m not religious. I only have a beard because we have no time to shave. There are no foreign fighters with us. We are all local, 100%. This is a Sunni part of town and we are all Sunnis.
“We started here with peaceful demonstrations for justice. It was only when the regime responded with force that we started to call for freedom and the end of the regime. That’s what we still want. When they attacked us and made arrests we had to defend ourselves”, he went on. The regime’s claims that there were hardline Islamists in rebel ranks were only a ploy to blacken the rebels’ image, he said.
In spite of the ceasefire the sheikh had organised, – here Abu Odeh nodded appreciatively at the sheikh who nodded back – people on this side of town were afraid to cross the railway line to the other side in case they were detained.
And the ceasefire was being violated, he said. “We only control about three streets. Up there” – he pointed over the ruined petrol pumps to the mouth of a side-street – “there are snipers. The day before yesterday, in broad daylight, a lawyer was up on his roof feeding his pigeons. He was shot in the neck. The sheikh helped to get him safe passage to hospital.
“We have agreed a ceasefire, but we’re still not ready to trust the government,” he said.
He could not say when they would move to the next stage of the agreement and was not yet convinced the government did not want to drive Sunnis out of the town. His views made it clear that confidence-building in Talkalakh still has a long way to go.
Kurdish refugees have mixed feelings about Syria
By KARIN LAUB | Associated Press
DOMIZ REFUGEE CAMP, Iraq (AP) — Syrian Kurds who fled their country’s civil war have mixed feelings about a future without Bashar Assad: They hope to win a measure of autonomy after the fall of the regime, but fear chaos and the rise of Islamists could instead make their lives worse.
More than 81,000 Syrian Kurds have found refuge in northern Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region in recent months and hundreds more arrive every day. Few seem in a rush to go home.
The Kurdistan Regional Government allows fellow Kurds from Syria to work and move freely in the three provinces of northern Iraq it controls. Some 30,000 refugees still live in a camp of tents and cinderblock shacks near the Syrian border, while the rest have found jobs and homes in towns across the autonomous region, some staying with relatives.
Even those struggling with the hardships of camp life say they prefer to stay in Iraq after the fall of the regime, until they have a better idea how Islamists and other groups in the Sunni Arab-dominated Syrian opposition will deal with Kurds, Syria’s largest ethnic minority.
“If the Muslim Brotherhood takes over and there are problems in the future, we want to stay here,” said Faroush Fattah, a 28-year-old laborer from the northeastern Syrian town of Qamishli who arrived in the Domiz camp three months ago.
The refugees’ ambivalence about the upheaval in Syria is shared by Iraqi Kurdish leaders, who have carved out an increasingly prosperous quasi-state in the autonomous region, aided by an oil-fueled economic boom.
Kurdish autonomy in post-Assad Syria, similar to the Iraqi model, could strengthen long-standing Kurdish demands for an independent homeland for the more than 25 million Kurds in parts of Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq.
But the emergence of yet another autonomous Kurdish region would likely spook Turkey, a regional power that is key to plans by Iraq’s Kurds to export their oil riches directly, if necessary without permission from the central Iraqi government.
Turkey is home to an estimated 15 million Kurds, some with self-rule aspirations, and has been battling Kurdish insurgents for nearly three decades. Adding to Turkey’s concerns, the dominant Kurdish faction in Syria, the Democratic Union Party, or PYD, is seen as an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, the leader of the armed rebellion in Turkey.
The president of Iraq’s Kurdish region, Massoud Barzani, has tried to exert influence over Syrian Kurdish groups, presumably in part to protect his strategic relationship with Turkey. Last year, he helped form an umbrella group of Syrian Kurdish groups that includes the PYD and smaller factions loyal to him.
“Barzani has some sway over Syrian Kurds,” said Washington-based Turkey expert Soner Cagaptay. “He has been reaching out to a spectrum of Syrian Kurds, including the PYD, to stop the hostile rhetoric and attitude toward Turkey.”
Falah Mustafa, in charge of the Barzani government’s foreign relations, said Iraqi Kurds want to make sure their Syrian counterparts are united when negotiating their role in a post-Assad Syria with the Sunni Arab-led opposition.
He said it’s up to all Syrians to shape their future, but that Kurdish rights have to be protected — an outcome he suggested is not assured. Asked in an interview if Syrian territory should remain intact at all costs, he said, “I do not believe that these borders have to be sacred, because these were artificial.”
Syria’s Kurds, who make up more than 10 percent of a population of 23 million, initially remained largely on the sidelines after the uprising against Assad erupted almost two years ago. They had been marginalized by the regime, but were also weary of the Syrian rebels, many of them Sunnis. Some prominent Kurds joined the Syrian political opposition in exile, while some younger Kurds joined street protests against Assad.
Kurds were pulled into the conflict on a larger scale when Assad’s forces unexpectedly withdrew from predominantly Kurdish areas in the northeast of the country last summer, enabling the PYD to take control there.
The pullback appeared to serve two objectives at the time — giving the PYD a higher profile to pressure Turkey, one of the most vocal backers of the Syrian opposition, and allowing thinly stretched government troops to move to hotspots elsewhere.
The PYD denies it is affiliated with the PKK or coordinates with the Syrian regime, even though in some areas, such as Qamishli, residents say both the regime and PYD forces maintain military posts. At the same time, the PYD has clashed with rebel fighters, particularly those from the al-Qaida-inspired Jabhat al-Nusra.
Some in the Domiz camp said the PYD protects Kurds against both rebel fighters and regime soldiers, while others described the PYD militiamen as regime sub-contractors terrorizing residents.
“The regime and the PYD work together,” said Abdel Khader Taha, a 37-year-old laborer from Qamishli who sported a colorful tattoo of Barzani on his chest. Taha said he fears all Kurds will one day be targeted by Syrian rebels because of the PYD’s perceived collusion with the regime.
Taha and others in the camp seemed ambivalent about Syria’s future.
While favoring Kurdish autonomy, they acknowledge that carving out a self-rule zone, like in Iraq, is difficult because Kurds are dispersed across the country. Refugees say they fear the Muslim Brotherhood, the pan-Arab Sunni movement driving the anti-Assad rebellion, will disregard Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities once Assad falls.
“We fear a big ethnic war in Syria,” said Ali Kalash, 57, a former Syrian civil servant, standing with a group of men in one of the tent-lined alleys of the camp.
On Patrol in Syria with Assad’s Most Disciplined Enemies
By Rania Abouzeid / Marshamsheh | Time
…There are 23 men in his Farouq unit stationed along the eastern flank of the Wadi Deif military base, one of the few remaining loyalist outposts in the northern Syrian province of Idlib in late January. His men are all from this front-line town of Marshamsheh, a desolate, devastated area that was once home to some 4,000 people but is now populated almost solely by a handful of diverse rebel groups. There’s nothing between it and Wadi Deif except an olive grove….
The forces ranged against the regime of President Bashar Assad are a varied crew: there are foreign fighters; Islamic extremists, both Syrian and from other countries; as well as criminal elements who kidnap for ransom or loot homes, exploiting the general lawlessness of war. There is a kinetic nature to the rebellion — of multiple pieces moving at once. In Aleppo further north, many of the rebels fighting there don’t know their way around the metropolis. They’re from the towns and villages around it.
But in many smaller places like Marshamsheh, it is still mainly local men like Hajji Zaki who are fighting in their hometowns. It is their homes that are being destroyed, their families displaced or killed. On the other side of this conflict’s increasingly intractable divide, there are also men loyal to Assad who are just as grounded in their local communities, fighting for what they believe is right and just, and also losing their lives and livelihoods. This is the nature of civil war.
It’s easy to get caught up in talk of weapons, of geostrategic interests and diplomatic maneuvers, but war, at its most basic level, is more intimate than that. It’s about people, mainly the terrible things they see and do or have done to them, but also the bonds they forge, the attempts to cling to the normalcy of their old lives and what they think about their new ones.
…The Farouq is among the largest, best organized and most well-known of Syria’s many military units. They take the name Farouq from Omar bin al-Khatab al-Farouq, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, political architect of the caliphate and, historically, the second Caliph…..
The talk turns to several key commanders in the area, how the men believe they are more interested in making quick trips to a battlefield to upload a few photo-ops to YouTube rather than staying and fighting. “The revolution was better before. Some commanders have forgotten the early days when we had nothing,” Abu Sami says. “Now they have money, cars, they have forgotten when they only had a motorbike. They are more interested in their five- or six-car entourage. After the regime falls, will they keep their tanks? What will they do with their 14.5-mm [antiaircraft guns]?”
“Why do men join him?” one of the men says of one of these commanders.
“Ammunition is low. People want a leader who can supply them. What matters to a fighter is that his ammunition vest is full,” Abu Sami says. “But after the fall of the regime, I tell you, even his cousins will leave him, they won’t stay with him.”
Abu Ibrahim, who served his military conscription in 1987 and ’88 with Division 11, the same unit he says is now stationed in Wadi Deif, says the fight among rebels after the fall of the regime will likely be harder than this one. That struggle would be to unseat the warlords who are now setting up minifiefdoms as well as against religious extremists. Those fledgling tyrants — whether local or national — will not be tolerated. “They won’t have as many men or weapons as Bashar, and we are going to remove him, so we will also be able to remove a small group that thinks of these things,” he said.
“We know that this is a long fight, a difficult fight,” Abu Sami says, “but I am fighting for my son. We are all fighting for our sons. God willing, our children will live good lives.” Mortar strikes and other explosions continued outside, some so close that the doors and windows shook….
• Russia has rejected a call by UN investigators for Syrian leaders identified as suspected war criminals to face the international criminal court. Deputy foreign minister Gennady Gatilov told a news conference that this was “not the path we should follow … at this stage it would be untimely and unconstructive”.
• The FSA has given Hezbollah 48 hours to cease attacks in Syria or face retaliation in Lebanon. The Lebanese Shia group has been accused of attacking Syrian villages near the border with Lebanon but has consistently denied involvement in the Syrian conflict. Syria’s ambassador to Lebanon also denied that Hezbollah was supporting the Assad government with attacks.
• Barack Obama could reconsider his decision not to arm Syrian rebels, the New York Times reports. The report, citing a senior administration official, suggested that, surrounded by a new national security team, the US president might come to a different decision.
Washington invites Syrian opposition leader
18 February 2013
Al-Khatib might possibly visit Washington, date not set
A New Levant: A Possible Way Through the Syrian Crisis Giandomenico Picco argues that “the war in Syria is not a national civil war but rather another manifestation of the changing architecture of the region. Attempts at mediation which do not recognize this reality are unlikely to have sustainable results.”
The Gulf States and Syria’ Kristian Coates Ulrichsen on the role of the Gulf in a future agreement on Syria
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Michel Kilo predicts what would happen if Al-Assad were to stay in power.???? ????????? ?? ?????: “????? ???? ????? ????? ??????”
Raheel Ibrahim on the “Alawite curse.”
James Miller in EA Worldview writes
Yesterday’s dramatic news was the insurgency[‘s capture of an airbase, complete with working fighter jets, in Aleppo Province and the assault against the largest Assad base in the north, near Aleppo International Airport.
This surge is at least partially the result of new weapons and new organisation of insurgency groups in Daraa and Damascus, with ample evidence that the boost in arms is courtesy of foreign powers.
Now a new piece of evidence bolsters the assessment that these weapons are coming from outside Syria, and also gives insight into the modified organisation of insurgent groups. Eliot Higgins presents this video:
manpads sighted but these said to be chinese in origin.
1208 GMT: Weapons. Bjørn H Jespersen ?and Mads Dahl have pointed to videos indicating the first appearance among insurgents of foreign-made MANPADS (man-portable air-defence systems).
Blogger Brown Moses evaluates that the MANPADS are Chinese-made, and “the nearest country to Syria that uses this weapon is Sudan, with Malaysia, Cambodia, Peru, and Pakistan being other users”. Given this, there are “some big questions with regards to [the] source”.
video shows rebels posing with the weapon. how long does it take to train how to properly use it?
@brown_moses: A classroom of opposition fighters get a lesson on the new weapons flooding Syria, very unusual.
According to Higgins’ conversations with activists and Arabic speakers on Twitter, the video shows a group of secular Free Syrian Army troops being trained by the Al Farouq brigade, in an effort organised by the Kataeb al-Fajr faction.
This group appears to be called the “Dawn of Islam” Brigade, a coalition founded in late December.
This group in turn appears to be part of a larger effort to unify the Islamic brigades in the south and ally them with the Free Syrian Army — with the exclusion of the most extreme groups like Jabhat al Nusra. Zilal, an activist associated with the CFDPC, offers insight:….
On Monday, United Nations investigators called for Syria to be referred the International Criminal Court (ICC). The panel released a 131-page report which finds that the two year conflict in Syria has become “increasingly sectarian,” militarized, and radicalized by the growing presence of foreign fighters. Human rights investigator Carla del Ponte said, “We are pressuring the international community to act because it’s time to act.” Although all sides in the conflict are accused of committing war crimes, the report lays heavy blame on the Assad regime for perpetrating war crimes.
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Comments (1,382)
Jasmine said:
Very sad day for me today,they bombed the hospital I was born in,the school I went to for my primary education and the church where I had my first communion,in Damascus,f..k the Syrian revolution.
February 19th, 2013, 10:19 am
revenire said:
I’m sorry that happened Jasmine. I saw the news the terrorists had attacked the hospital.
February 19th, 2013, 10:26 am
annie said:
Rebels shell Assad Damascus palace
Rebels on Tuesday shelled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s Tishreen palace complex, a Syrian official told AP on condition of anonymity.
“The official said the rounds struck Tuesday near the southern wall of the Tishreen palace, in the capital’s northwestern Muhajireen district, but caused only material damages,” the report said.
AP also said that “no casualties were reported” and added that it was unknown whether Assad was in the complex.
Batta, pack your bags
February 19th, 2013, 10:36 am
ann said:
I’m sorry Jasmine for what those FILTHY ANIMALS are doing to your beautiful country!
I just can’t believe Obama wants to give them weapons after all this!!!
February 19th, 2013, 10:39 am
Uzair8 said:
65. Mjabali said
Sir, you are speculating about my position on shia. Where in my comments have I called or supported for their killing?
Of course the attacks on Pakistani shias are appalling and distressing. I’m only aware of the headlines as I can’t bear the details. It’s the responsibility of the pakistani government to protect all citizens. I condemn all such attacks.
If you look at my comment from a couple of days ago I called for the revolution to be magnanimous in victory and confirm the legendary status of this uprising.
About the humour/satire. The recent Godfather/Beauty & Beast parallels were used to further highlight the mafioso and beastly (recall ex-Hama attorney general statement – beastmen) nature of the regime. Just go on twitter and see how such techniques are used (eg Amjad of Arabia) along with parody to highlight certain things.
Don’t worry. I understand the importance of self-control. I didn’t post for perhaps a week until a couple of days ago.
February 19th, 2013, 10:42 am
Uzair8 said:
I read somewhere in recent days that if the rebels hadn’t taken up arms we would have a Rwanda on our hands. Couldn’t find it but I think it was possibly in the comment section of an online newspaper article.
Nobody wanted violence, however, did the opposition have any choice?
Can we thank the rebels for preventing another Rwanda?
February 19th, 2013, 10:46 am
annie said:
Rebels shell Assad Damascus palace
Two mortar shells fired by “terrorists” exploded near Tishreen presidential palace in the Syrian capital on Tuesday, causing some damage but no casualties, state media said.
The mortars “landed near the southern wall of Tishreen palace, only causing material damage,” state news agency SANA quoted an unnamed official as saying. The rebel Free Syrian Army claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to SANA, the shells slammed into an area around the Al-Mouwassat and Children’s Hospital in west Damascus, “leaving no casualties”.
The hospitals are several hundred meters from Tishreen which is reserved for visiting dignitaries but is not an actual residence of President Bashar al-Assad.
This is the first time that the Syrian authorities have reported shells falling near a presidential palace.
The military council of the rebel Free Syrian Army meanwhile announced on Facebook that “the Free Army has fired mortars at the Tishreen presidential palace, resulting in a definite hit.”
Tishreen is one of three such palaces in the capital. The others are the Peoples’ palace atop Mount Qassioun in the north and Rawda palace in the center, which holds the executive offices.
February 19th, 2013, 10:55 am
Uzair8 said:
Previously Russia began carrying out a difficult decision to evacuate citizens which could have upset the syrian government. It did so in a drip drip fashion, in small numbers, so the Damascus regime would become gradually accustomed to the decision and to avoid negative propaganda consequences for the Assad regime.
Now Russia is sending a couple of planes, under the guise of humanitarian aid, to evacuate more russian nationals. Another attempt to sugar coat a bitter pill with a sweetener.
From AJE blog:
______________________
Syria about 8 hours ago
Two Russian Emergencies Ministry planes carrying humanitarian aid for Syria on Tuesday took off from Moscow for the city of Latakia and may take Russians wanting to leave on their flight back, the ministry said.
The Ilyushin-62 and Ilyushin-76 planes were carrying 46 tonnes of humanitarian aid and would be ready to evacuate any Russians wanting to leave the country, a ministry spokesperson told Russian news agencies.
http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/two-russian-aid-planes-flying-syria-may-evacuate-citizens
February 19th, 2013, 10:58 am
annie said:
Some of the first images & videos to emerge from Aleppo after the regime fired a scud missile into Tal Rifaat:
http://youtu.be/0Xe5M446loY
http://youtu.be/zsjJStOvzdU
http://youtu.be/mt9kf3Udx50
February 19th, 2013, 11:01 am
annie said:
Our young Kafaranbel heroes
http://youtu.be/SmbQnFK1eOs
February 19th, 2013, 11:07 am
Uzair8 said:
#10 Annie
Great video.
Children are the future. They are the hope.
There were a couple of videos in a yalla souriya post yesterday. One with children carrying water home and there was this lovely video (MashaAllah):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzJw5BoPLDos
http://yallasouriya.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/aleppos-children-daily-life-02-17-2013-aka-assads-terrorists/
February 19th, 2013, 11:22 am
Uzair8 said:
#11
I don’t why the video didn’t embed. I tried the different variations of the link. Did someone say you have to add an ‘s’ to the link? I added the ‘s’ at the end and ran out of editing time as I rushed to remove the ‘s’ after it failed to embed the video.
Fortunately it still links to the same video. That was a close one. I wasn’t sure what it may link to.
February 19th, 2013, 11:37 am
annie said:
12. Uzair8
There is no telling when the video embeds and when it does not. From the three I copied above, one shows. that is no sweat; when you click you get to the clip.
February 19th, 2013, 11:43 am
habib said:
“The FSA has given Hezbollah 48 hours to cease attacks in Syria or face retaliation in Lebanon.”
Just LOL. The hubris of the FSA is astounding.
The entire membership of Nusra would be wiped out in one day against Hezballah.
February 19th, 2013, 11:57 am
zoo said:
Europe fears fight against militancy will shift to the home front
Colin Randall
Feb 20, 2013
Concern is rising in Europe that civil war in Syria and foreign military action against Islamist rebels in Mali have given new impetus to the radicalisation of disaffected young Muslims.
France, in particular, fears scores of its own citizens, most of North African or sub-Saharan origin, are either potential recruits for Al Qaeda-linked groups directly involved in the insurgencies or capable of mounting attacks on French
Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/europe-fears-fight-against-militancy-will-shift-to-the-home-front#ixzz2LMpmik50
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February 19th, 2013, 12:33 pm
Tara said:
Habib
The FSA is defeating the Syrian occupying army despite its air power. You don’t think they can defeat a bunch of terrorists calling themselves HA?
February 19th, 2013, 12:33 pm
zoo said:
Any updates on the ‘major battles of the aiports”: The Aleppo civil airport, Brigade 80 base and al Nairab?
Clashes rage in vicinity of Syria’s Aleppo airport, airbase: activists
English.news.cn 2013-02-16 05:59:49 [RSS]
The rebels have unleashed attacks against the civilian airport of Aleppo and the nearby al-Nairab airbase since Wednesday, activists said, placing the death toll of the three-day-long clashes at 150, roughly evenly divided between the rebels and the government troops.
The pro-government al-Watan daily said recently that the Syrian army was poised to wrest back control over the Brigade 80 base, of which the rebels have overrun large swathes. It said the army ringed the base to recapture it.
The paper said the brigade was used by the government troops to provide protection for Aleppo’s international airport and the adjacent al-Nairab airbase.
Meanwhile, a leading commander of the rebels in Aleppo was quoted by the Saudi-funded al-Arabyia TV as saying on Friday that the rebels’ attack would continue until the civilian airport and the airbase fall in their hands.
The recent incidents came as the rebels had been taking pains to achieve territorial gains in a bid to empower their position in possible negations with the administration of President Bashar al- Assad, local analysts say.
February 19th, 2013, 12:45 pm
zoo said:
Syria eyes Western reparation for ‘deaths by sanctions’
February 19, 2013 06:12 PM
DAMASCUS: A cabinet minister on Tuesday said his country will demand compensation from Western officials who have imposed sanctions on Syria causing the deaths of “thousands”.
“Who said that the embargo does not kill,” Domestic Trade and Consumer Protection Minister Qadri Jamil said during a speech to parliament, which was broadcast by Syrian state television.
Syria “will reclaim its rights by holding world officials accountable for imposing this unjust embargo that has killed thousands of Syrians,” he said.
Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Feb-19/207110-syria-eyes-western-reparation-for-deaths-by-sanctions.ashx#ixzz2LMtRlFsi
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)
February 19th, 2013, 12:46 pm
zoo said:
Tara
The FSA without Al Nusra and other islamist extremists and criminals leading and putting car bombs is zero
February 19th, 2013, 12:48 pm
GEORGES said:
TARA
I think Hezballat is an army superior to Assad’s army. They have experience, an ideology and cohesion.
February 19th, 2013, 12:51 pm
zoo said:
Obama is the enemy number one of the rebels and Qatar is the friend number one.
Obama blocks help for Syrian rebels
http://www.dw.de/obama-blocks-help-for-syrian-rebels/a-16609732?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf
The US president is one of the biggest obstacles to helping the Syrian rebels, a recent Senate hearing revealed – to analysts and Syrian activists, Obama’s policy of disengagement amounts to support for Bashar Assad.
February 19th, 2013, 12:52 pm
Visitor said:
Habib oummo,
We missed your LOL’s so much, it is becoming so gloomy here.
And now you just came on time to tell us that Hezbos are so powerfull.
Power your ass man! They just lost 40 criminals in Qusayr.
I have a feeling that the FSA will now continue the war against these Hezbo criminals until they storm the sh*t hole of Dhahiya and bring Hassan Nus-lira in handcuffs with his dirty beard shaved off.
I know you’ll come back and LOL as usual. So I am just relieving from the effort, so you can say something intelligent instead.
February 19th, 2013, 12:59 pm
Tara said:
Zoo,
And HA without Iran and its Islamist extremist and criminal IRGC is Zero.
February 19th, 2013, 1:00 pm
Tara said:
Georges
HA does not have air power. It has disciplined and brave fighters so I find it difficult to agree that they are superior to the Syrian army. Airpower if used indiscriminately can wipe them out completely with hundreds of thousands of collateral civilians. The FSA however has a leading edge over HA. They are fighting to stop the slaughter of the Syrian people. Whereas HA is now fighting to slaughter people. In me opinion, this what will make a difference.
February 19th, 2013, 1:07 pm
erin said:
Here is the deal,
keep killing and more killing of the rebel, terrorists, mercenaries and all the radical you wish to die in Syria.
my only regret is the innocent who are dying daily.
I am not worried if the USA doesn’t want to arm the rebels because it would seem USA is arming the Alqaida in Syria.
you have a failed revolution which means the fighters in the revolution at the current time are bunch of criminals and bloody killers.
it is clear that Assad was right when said it is an outside conspiracey.
although his regime is brutal, corrupt, ethinically based domination but also it seems Syria was running much better than many other democracy developing in the middle east.
No one is crying the fall of Assad if it ever happens but everyone is crying foul the upcoming dictatorship lead by the muslim brotherhood and its radicals muslims retards.
February 19th, 2013, 1:10 pm
Syrian Nationalist Party said:
1. Jasminesaid:
Very sad day for me today,they bombed the hospital I was born in,the school I went to for my primary education and the church where I had my first communion,in Damascus,f..k the Syrian revolution.
__________________________________________________________________
Sorry Jasmine, blame Assad incompetence first then the Alciada trained Islamic Terrorists and Jewish backers. If this make you feel any better, Syria will be vindicated in the end, the real living god promised in his Christian Bible that two third of the planet will looks like Aleppo when this all end. Since you are Christian, please read the book of Revelation. A whole lot of judgment is coming to the evil doers in the next 5 years. God said he will destroy those that are destroying the earth and killing animals, polluting the environment, he will bring an end to the evil ones, using meteors, fire, volcanoes, earthquakes, financial collapse and world wars. Only third of human will survive the upheaval and they will live and worship Christ only for ever. The evil ones will be sent to a bottomless astral of eternal hell, never to eternal life like Christians.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_Guidestones
February 19th, 2013, 1:11 pm
Visitor said:
I have a theory which explains why everyone is blaming Obama for the fiasco foreign policy in Syria. This theory is based on observations of what happened in all those so-called FOS meetings.
Obama is now in his last term and the Democrats are preparing for the upcoming Presidential elections in 2016. Mrs. Clinton is being groomed as the candidate for the Democrats, and Obama no longer cares about popularity issues since he will not be running.
The US policy about the Syrian Revolution was orchestrated in full agreement between State department (i.e Clinton) and the White House (i.e. Obama). There was no disagreement whasoever. Mrs. Clinton was the first US official to offer Bashar the misnomer of so-called reformer. It is a misnomer because everyone with a minimal IQ (minimal here has to be higher than Zoo’s miserable level) knows full well Bashar is not reformable and neither is the regime which he runs. Mrs. Clinton’s generosity came at a time when the presumed reformer was killing children and shooting at demonstrators. So, unless Ms. Clinton has an IQ comparable to Zoo’s (I do not mean here the Greek Grand Mullah), then one has to conclude she made the statement on purpose in support of Bashar in order to subvert the Revolution. That was not the only time she made such statements. She continued making similar statements throughout the first year of the revolution.
She further resolutely rejected Prince Saud’s plan to arm the opposition in every FOS meeting she bothered to attend.
At the moment, Clinton is the most popular Democrat in the US, even more so than Obama. But unless someone is preparing a coup, Obama need not worry since he will not be running and will simply join the ex-Presidential club with hefty compensations four years from now.
The Republicans will be fighting the next elections based on foreign policy isssues in which they will try to show the American public that the Democrats have compromised the US standing in the World by ignoring, among other issues, the Syrian Revolution.
It looks like the US politics became so mundane, it is killingly boring and unimaginative. Could you imagine a piggy with glasses, diabetes and high chol. sitting in the White House?
February 19th, 2013, 1:21 pm
apple_mini said:
One of today’s big news is that a mortar shell fell close to presidential palace. I bet it is the same group of rebels with one mortar launcher as yesterday. They started shelling various locations including schools, hospitals and now the palace. Their tactics is hit and run. If they will do shelling again tomorrow, then the regime would have headache and someone from intelligence will be trouble.
If Assad is assassinated or killed tomorrow, what will it be? Obviously the regime is not going to stop its military actions: Most likely more Alawite will join in to fight. Those already in fighting certainly will hold their guns even tighter. For those people in SAA who do not worship Assad, they know they are not fighting for Assad. So it does not matter if Assad is still around or not.
In other words, even Assad is not around, SAA will still have at least the same fighting power as today. The question is whether they will continue to fight. That depends on the regime (without Assad) and how the rebels react to absence of Assad.
So far, the only thing bonding the opposition and rebels is getting rid of Assad. When Assad no longer ”exists”, that actually poses a problem: the bond disappears. Some of those rebels will certainly feel the revenge has justified and they might just give up fighting.
Some rebels with different agenda will start infighting to gain ground since now they have different priorities. Some rebels will continue to fight the regime if the regime is not standing down which is not going to happen.
Politically, absence of Assad will not make the regime crumple. They clearly have a consensus what they are fighting against, the Islamic radicals. The preservation of integrity of Syria and her people holds the regime tight regardless whether they are Sunni, Alawite, Christian or others.
That is why I think if the opposition is hoping physically eliminating Assad will change the table and bring in what they have been hoping for. They better think again.
February 19th, 2013, 1:27 pm
Ziad said:
William Hague has been outflanked on Syria
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/editorial-william-hague-has-been-outflanked-on-syria-8500384.html
From the comments section:
I’ve said it before, but until these questions are answered, then it is absolutely right that Russia and China are urging caution and non-intervention: i) Who gave those in power the the moral authority to lecture, let alone threaten, others? ii) What would happen if Russia threatened to intervene in an Western-allied dictatorship e.g. Saudi Arabia or Bahrain? iii) Why aren’t those in power threatening countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen or Israel? iv) Which people are going to answer for the crimes committed in Iraq and Afghanistan? v) Why aren’t the some of the starkest war crimes happening at the moment – the drone murders of any “military-age males near drone strike area” in another sovereign nation – not even raising a single comment? vi) Why was Yemen’s presidential election – held with *one* candidate – praised by ex-Secretary of State Hilary Clinton? Until these questions are answered, no one has any right to intervene.
February 19th, 2013, 1:37 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
George
We will not forget that HA, and some Palastinians are fighting along Assad troops, Syrians has welcomed them in the past,now they are killing us.
February 19th, 2013, 1:38 pm
Uzair8 said:
Justness, righteousness of cause and strength of grievance would make someone 10 times the fighter than without these factors.
Losses (martyrdoms) would feel lighter as the cause would be given precedent.
Hezbo losses would feel all the more heavier as what would they be fighting or dying for?
If Iran and Hezbo want to play with fire then let them burn. They’re provoking the flame of the syrian (our) cause to roar at an increasingly ferocious heat.
February 19th, 2013, 1:55 pm
revenire said:
If the rats ever assassinated Assad the SAA would keep fighting. This is the Syrian army not the Assad army.
February 19th, 2013, 1:59 pm
Hopeful said:
#21 Zoo
I thought this whole thing was a conspiracy led by America against the Syrian regime! How is Bashar going to spin this one?
February 19th, 2013, 2:01 pm
GEORGES said:
MAJEDKHALDOUN
I know that, I despise them myself. I was just pointing out that I think Hezbullat is a more capable enemy than Assad’s army.
February 19th, 2013, 2:02 pm
revenire said:
@30 Uzair8 Indiana Jones and the Syrian army has a message for you rats:
February 19th, 2013, 2:03 pm
SANDRO LOEWE said:
Congratulations to the elected democratic president of Syria, Mr. Bashar al Assad.
When people massively decides to be terrorists (because according to owner of the state and the law you can only decide to be dog-loyalist or a terrorist) it is time to send scud missiles and kill all the terrorist population in any terrorist city. This is democracy. Assad must defend the law over any human problem. The law is supreme and the people problems are simply stupid things. The law is always written to defend the status quo and consecuently it is more important than any people´s demand.
COngratulations too to the EU for the embargo decided yesterday on Syria. Now rebels cannot be provided with arms from Europe so they can be more easily finished in a mass killing by Assad´s scuds. Europe has always really been bright in let and do great dictators their great massacres.
February 19th, 2013, 2:05 pm
revenire said:
Sandro quit your whining. It’s war and missiles and allies from Lebanon and Iran are part of the war. You rats moaning and crying about a few Hezbollah fighters didn’t say a single word about foreign jihadis by the 1000s coming to murder Syrians.
Assad should let loose a 1000 Scuds on any areas where rats are. Wipe them out. Carpet bomb them. You have to kill rats if they infest your land.
February 19th, 2013, 2:16 pm
Uzair8 said:
34. Revenire
Very funny.
Btw in #30 I forgot to mention that God is with the revolution. Hezbo are doomed.
February 19th, 2013, 2:24 pm
revenire said:
So God is with you but not with Hezbollah or with Assad or with the millions of Syrians not in favor of Al-Qaeda or the fake revolution? Did God tell you that personally?
I think Hezbollah is feared by the FSA. I know Israel fears them. It is a mistake to threaten them.
February 19th, 2013, 2:28 pm
Uzair8 said:
#38 Revenire
Yes Almighty God is with the oppressed.
Hezbo should fear the syrian people. The syrian people are wounded and are hurting. They have an unbearable grievance and don’t care what’s in front of them. Victory comes from God.
February 19th, 2013, 2:46 pm
revenire said:
Are the Christian, Alawite and Shia towns Jahbat al-Nusra has surrounded and now starves oppressed? Has God forsaken them?
February 19th, 2013, 2:52 pm
revenire said:
GUIDED MISSILES KILL HUNDREDS PLANNING ATTACK ON ALEPPO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT!!
http://www.facebook.com/homs.news.network.english
Very large numbers of armed terrorists who were planning attacks on both Aleppo International Airport and Neirab Airport have been targeted by the Syrian Arab Army with guided missiles killing hundreds of mercenaries, mostly from the “Al-Nusra Front” Al Qaeda terrorist organization, who were holed up in the streets, several buildings and blocks of “Karam” Village, adjacent to Aleppo International Airport where the terrorists were planning to launch their attacks from.
THE TERRORISTS DIDN’T HAVE HAD TIME TO BRUSH THEIR TEETH!
February 19th, 2013, 2:57 pm
hansi said:
As a frequent reader of this blog and especially of the commentary section I would appreciate the commentators to refrain from personal insults, “regime” bashing or propaganda and apparent hasbara. After all there are millions of people suffering and it should be in every sane man´s interst to try finding a solution to this senseless conflict.
February 19th, 2013, 3:08 pm
revenire said:
VIVA LA PUTIN!
Baltic Fleet ships delivered weapons to Syria
12.02.2013
http://rusnavy.com/news/newsofday/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=16795
Large amphibious ships of the Baltic fleet Kaliningrad and Alexandr Shabalin delivered weapons, purchased by Syria in the military-technical cooperation with Russia, in the frame of sailing to the Mediterranean Sea as reported by the source in the General Staff of Russian Navy.
Export weapons were embarked to amphibious ships in Novorossiysk in mid-January together with the combat groups of the Black Sea Fleet Marines and Novorossiysk air assault divisions airborne raiders.
To unload the export of military equipment, both ships docked at the Syrian port Tartus, where sustainment center of Russian Navy is located. Then, after taking part in the exercises, warships returned to Novorossiysk to unload troops.
Kaliningrad and Alexandr Shabalin arrived on February 9 in Novorossiysk naval base. Troops and equipment debarkation is completed, airborne raiders and marines left to cantonment area. In a few days both warships leave Novorossiysk and start sailing to Baltiysk.
Large amphibious ships of Baltic Fleet participated in the large inter-fleet exercises of Russian Navy performed in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. The inter-fleet group comprises the warships from the North, Baltic, Black Sea and Pacific Fleets: a guided missile cruiser Moskva, a large ASW ship Severomorsk, guard ships Smetlivy and Yaroslav Mudry, large landing ships Saratov, Azov, Kaliningrad, Alexandr Shabalin and service ships, long-range aviation and the fourth Air Force/Air Defense command.
The main goal of the exercises is to practice the formation of a combined group of forces outside of the Russian Federation, plan its use and perform joint operations within a Navy group under the common plan.
February 19th, 2013, 3:10 pm
Uzair8 said:
#40 Revenire
Firstly an observation. Normally you’re denying ‘phantom’ rebel advantages and are telling us the regime is winning everywhere. So this rare serious tone seems to be admitting reality. We all knew you were fibbing.
I’m sorry I’m not aware of the situations you describe or the context. Perhaps you could inform us of the names and contexts of these locations.
Whatever the case, I hope civilians and innocents are not targeted or harmed. Nobody should be targeted based on their sectarian background.
I’m confident the revolution will do it’s best to keep in check and hold to account all those fighting under or associated with it’s banner.
February 19th, 2013, 3:23 pm
omen said:
via uzhair who posted a france24 discussion on syria.
part 2 – 9:23
i noticed this during the summer. there was an avalanche of press heralding how the gulf states were promising to arm the rebels, along with promises of support via salary – only to hear from rebels later on that they weren’t getting what was offered. you also have regime loyalist press (not known for adherence to the truth) constantly complaining how gulf states are arming the opposition, absent any proof. we know regimes hire PR firms to put out false narratives. the saudis do it to polish their image abroad. the assads have done this. gaddafi pumped money into a think tank to produce articles that tried to sell the notion that the dictator was a reformer.
how does this misconception that the gulf states are helping to arm the rebels hurt the opposition? it’s used as an excuse by the west not to help unseat the regime. we have an european official declare – in a vote against arming the rebels – that there is no shortage of weapons in syria. there may be an element of truth to this but it isn’t the quantity of arms that is going to be decisive but the quality. a qatari diplomat who pleaded for the west to allow the rebels be armed with heavier arms noted the war wont be won by ak-47s. know how else i can tell rebels are under equipped? disclosure that rebels newly obtained 10 anti-tank missiles wouldn’t have merited headline treatment on this blog.
February 19th, 2013, 3:25 pm
Visitor said:
Al-Safirah and the surrounding areas are turning into the graveyard of the so-called ‘mighty’ SAA, or in layman’s terms ??? ??? ?????, and for the Anglophones the litteral meaning is Army of the father of slippers. It may not mean much to Anglophone but believe me it is a very derogatory term that every Syrian describes this army of thugs. See map here and zoom out to see Al-Safirah and tal 3Aran
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&sugexp=les;&gs_rn=3&gs_ri=psy-ab&cp=4&gs_id=3&xhr=t&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4GGNI_en-GBCA477CA477&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42553238,d.aWM&biw=1536&bih=744&ion=1&wrapid=tljp136130500391904&q=aleppo&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x152ff813b98135af:0x967e5e5fc542c32a,Aleppo,+Syria&gl=ca&sa=X&ei=2N0jUd7BIuOEygGkroG4BA&sqi=2&ved=0CJkBELYD
The so-called SAA is sending one enforcement after the next which has to pass through this area in order to avert the catastrophic fall or more accurately liberation of the Aleppo Airport. Last time they sent a huge convoy of 3000 rodents with heavy equipment from 7Hama. Somehow, the convoy either lost its way or disappeared into an alternate universe.
Now, the new rodent SAA convoy is heading from the east while our heroes of Nusra and FSA are ambushing the rodents one after the next. Bombing from the air or even through scuds will not avert the criminals from losing the airport. They are only commiting more crimes and killing civilians by doing so, to which they will be held accountable and made to pay for each holy drop of blood they spill from the Syrian people.
February 19th, 2013, 3:27 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Have I mentioned yet that Revenire is a total loser?
He’s not Syrian. He doesn’t speak Arabic. He goes online and posts continuously for 12 hours a day, almost every day.
In other words, he has no life and he has no job.
As I’ve said before, he’s a failure of a human being.
February 19th, 2013, 3:30 pm
revenire said:
Uzair8 you wish. Your rats are being delivered to Hell. They can never hope to win but many of them will die.
Surrender before the army kills you rats!
PICKUPS LOADED WITH TERRORIST CARCASSES ARRIVE FROM AIRPORT!!
https://www.facebook.com/homs.news.network.english?ref=stream
3 pickup trucks loaded with dead NATO terrorist carcasses from the civilian Airport perimeter arrived to the “Al-Sakri” neighbourhood in Aleppo earlier, the dead terrorists resulting from the Syrian military targeting terrorist positions with guided missiles surrounding the airport, from which the terrorists were planning on launching renewed attacks from ..
GUIDED STRAIGHT TO THE RATS, TO HELL AND GOOD RIDDANCE …
February 19th, 2013, 3:32 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Hello Mr. Loser. How does it feel to be a retarded loser?
February 19th, 2013, 3:39 pm
Jasmine said:
Revenire@2
Ann@4
SNP@25
Thank you for your kind words,I don’t like to moan usually on a political blog,but I am maddened by the destruction of my beloved city.
I agree with Ann that arms should stop flooding to Syrians and dialogue should prevail.
Although I have a lot of respect for the book of revelation,but I am sorry SNP,it is very depressing to read it in these circumstances when you are living day by day and you are scared every morning of hearing about the loss of your loved one back home,and living like this for almost 2 years make you doubt the existence of any god.
Personally I do blame Syrians first on the witch’s brew cooked in Syria ,we were so stupid not to see it coming.
February 19th, 2013, 3:49 pm
revenire said:
Rats. Would you like me to quote many of you telling me that Aleppo airport had fallen?
The trouble with you is you believe the Twitterverse and “activists” who’ve never set foot in Syria.
If you surrender now you will at least, one hopes, be spared your lives. You can never win.
Our president is merciful. Accept defeat and bow to your president.
February 19th, 2013, 4:01 pm
revenire said:
Jasmine don’t lose hope. It’s war now and we must trust our heroes in the SAA to deal with the rats who have come to Syria to cause death and destruction. Our boys are strong and we have allies. We are not alone.
February 19th, 2013, 4:03 pm
revenire said:
February 19th, 2013, 4:07 pm
MarigoldRan said:
The especially sad part is that he makes multiple accounts so that he has someone to talk to.
February 19th, 2013, 4:09 pm
zoo said:
The FSA is provoking the Hezbollah and Lebanon.
After their request for weapons has been officially rejected by the USA and Europe, the rebels are so humiliated and desperate that they want to escalate the war to the region. They hope is that if Hezbollah intervenes, it will oblige the reluctant Europe and the USA to act.
Syrian rebel fighters threaten to hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syrian-rebel-fighters-threaten-to-hit-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon/2013/02/19/49e3d2f2-7abd-11e2-82e8-61a46c2cde3d_story.html
By Babak Dehghanpisheh and Ahmed Ramadan, Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2:49 PM
BEIRUT— Syrian rebels on Tuesday threatened to carry out attacks against Hezbollah inside Lebanon, a dangerous escalation of the conflict that could seriously destabilize Syria’s politically unstable neighbor as well as the region.
February 19th, 2013, 4:19 pm
Jasmine said:
Mari@52
Your numerous attempt to be funny has failed so far.
Keep trying!
February 19th, 2013, 4:20 pm
Observer said:
Here is the condolences note of Omar Aziz a true hero of Syria, a hope for the future, killed in the dungeons of the regime and arrested without a warrant without an accusation without due process and without a trial in the most barabric of regimes Syria had ever seen.
??? ???? ???? ??????
????? ?????????????? 18/02/2013, ??? ????? 12:57 ???? ???? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ???????? ?? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ?????? ????? ????????? ?? ???? ????? ?????? ???? ?????? ????? ??????? ???? ???? ?????? ????? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ????.
????? ???? ??? ?????? ??? ?? ????? ?? ??? ???? ????? ??????. ????? ???? ?????? ???? ?????? ??????? ??????? ????? ????? ?? ?????? ????????? ?????? ??????. ?? ?? ??? ??? ????? ???????? ???? ?? ?????? ??? ??? ?? ??? ??? ???? ???? ????? ???? ?? ?????? ?????? ?? ??? ???????? ?? ???
??? ????? ??? ??????? ??? ?? ????? ??? ??? ???? ???????? ?????? ????? ??? ????? ?? ??? ???????? ?? ????. ?????? ??? ?? ?????? ??? ?????? ???????? ???? ?? ????? ??? ??????? ?????????? ???????? ????????? ??????. ????? ???? ????? ????? ???? ??? ???? ???? ??????? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ????? ?? ???? ?? ????????. ????? ???? ????? ?????? ?????? ????? ???????? ??? ?????? ????? ?????? ???????? ??? ???? ?????? ?????? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ??????? ????????? ??????? ??? ??????? ????????.
?? ????? ???? ??????? ??? ??? ?????? ????? ?? ?????? ????? ?????? ??? ???????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ?????? ??????? ??????? ?????????. ??? ?? ????? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??????? ?????? ?????? ??? ???? ??????? ???????? ?????? ?? ???????? ???? ??? ?? ???? ?? ????? ????? ????? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ??????. ?? ???? ???????? ??????? ????? ????? ?? ???! ??? ???? ?????? ????? ?????? ??????? ???????? ?? ??? ?????? ??????? ???? ???????? ?????? ???????? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ??????! ?? ???? ??? ????? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ???? ?? ???? ??? ???? ??????? ???????? ??? ???????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ??????? ?? ??????. ???? ????? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ??????? ??????? ?? ?? ???? ????? ?????. ??? ????? ??? ??????! ??? ?? ?? ???? ????? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ???? ???? ??????. ??? ???? ??? ??????? ???? ?? ??????? ????? ??? ??? ?????
????? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ?? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ????? ?? ?? ???? ???????? ??????. ?? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ?? ??? ???? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? ???? ??? ??????. ??????? ????? ???? ????? ??? ??????? ?????? ?????? ??? ?????? ??? ???? ??? ???????? ?????? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ???????? ????? ???? ??? ??? ???????? ??? ????? ????? ?? ???? ??? ???????? ??? ???? ???? ?? ?? ?????
?? ???? ?? ??? ????? ?? ???? ????? ?? ???? ???????? ??? ?????? ????? ????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ????????. ?? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ??? ????? ?? ?? ???????? ????? ???? ?? ???????? ????? ?? ??????? ????? ????? ????? ???????? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ?? ??? ????? ???????? ??? ??? ??? ???? ?? ?????? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ??????? ??? ????? ?????? ???. ?? ???? ?? ??? ????? ??????? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ????????… ???? ?? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ???????.
???… ?? ???? ?? ???.
February 19th, 2013, 4:21 pm
AIG said:
Jasmine,
Given that the regime and its murderous army have indiscriminately bombed civilian areas and have leveled 100 times more homes, schools and hospitals than the rebels, you come across as a hypocritical whiner that cannot take what she is happy to dish out.
If you don’t want people bombing your school, don’t bomb theirs. Otherwise, take your chances and expect the worst.
February 19th, 2013, 4:25 pm
revenire said:
Rat King Moaz al-Khatib is scared
Syria opposition warns Turkey against military intervention
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/02/19/289783/khatib-warns-turkey-against-syria-attack/
The leader of the foreign-backed Syria opposition coalition, Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib, says any military intervention by Turkey in Syria would pose a great danger to the entire Middle East.
Speaking in an interview with Anatolia News Agency on Tuesday, he noted that deceitful forces are determined to trigger war in the region in order to keep the Muslim world contained in a desert for centuries, reiterating that he is opposed to foreign military intervention in Syria.
“Turkey’s military intervention in Syria will result in the engagement of the regional powers, above all Iran, which will then cause the conflict to spread to the Persian Gulf, and this would be a great threat to the entire region,” he added.
Ankara has openly voiced support for the militants fighting against Damascus.
Commenting on negotiating with President Bashar al-Assad, Khatib said, “We offered negotiating with Bashar al-Assad’s government not for the political and military benefits, but to save the lives of people and end the violence and clashes.”
On January 30, Khatib announced that he is ready for “direct discussions” with representatives of the Syrian government in Cairo, Tunis or Istanbul.
However, he added that there are “basic conditions” before holding talks with the Syrian officials over the crisis in the Arab country.
The so-called Syrian National Coalition and other foreign-backed opposition groups had stressed in the past that the Syrian president must step down before any negotiations.
Syria has been experiencing unrest since March 2011. Many people, including large numbers of security forces, have been killed in the turmoil.
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.
February 19th, 2013, 4:30 pm
revenire said:
AIG the Syrian government does not kill civilians or bomb schools. There isn’t one proven case of this in nearly two years.
It is rat propaganda.
February 19th, 2013, 4:32 pm
Visitor said:
I am looking for help from old timer SC contributors to identify a poster who popped up recently. I first thought Apple_Mini was Albo, but now I think I was mistaken.
The reason I tought Apple was Albo is because, at first, somehow I found the profiles to be similar but now I noticed few differnces. I am sure of one thing Apple_Mini is a reincarnation of another contributor who may have been posting a while ago here before I started posting on SC.
Here’s what I have regarding Apple’s profile. He is a hard core Assadist, most likely a Baathist trained functionary, a propagandist who can compose more than one-sentence paragraphs (the last item was one reason I thought he was Albo. But he cannot be Zoo as Zoo has a copy-paste profile. Also, another difference I noticed is because Albo’s profile fits with mullah-stan fan type not the Baathist type which is similar to Zoo Mullah fan type). Apple is also the type who would have no problem trading so-called stability for freedom.
If you know of any such character from previous lives here on SC, please help in the identification process.
February 19th, 2013, 4:39 pm
Visitor said:
AIG @57,
I am one thousand percent certain Jasmine was lying and he/she didn’t lose anything today. This is typical behaviour to solicit sympathies on behalf of so-called minorities based on claiming to be a member of such groups. His/her claims are all bogus including what he/she claims to be.
But, I must admit you’re quite sharp in identifying some elments of his/her bogusness which you described as hypocritical.
February 19th, 2013, 4:45 pm
zoo said:
After “Scuds” missile killing “civilians” in a rebel occupied area, what else will the “opposition activists” claim to force Obama and the EU’s hand?
CNN:
A Scud missile slammed into a crowded slum in Syria’s largest city overnight, killing at least 50 people and strewing body parts across the neighborhood, opposition activists said Tuesday.
The missile – one of at least eight fired at the ravaged city of Aleppo by government forces since Friday, according to a U.S. official – slammed into the Jabal Badro neighborhood Monday night, the Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported.
February 19th, 2013, 5:08 pm
Tara said:
Hyenas consoling hyenas. It is nauseating!
February 19th, 2013, 5:09 pm
zoo said:
“in combination they are more than capable of destroying Syria – and may even have already done so.”
Syria’s strategic stalemate, made worse by US inaction
Tony Karon Feb 20, 2013
Not only is the Obama administration no longer convinced that Syria’s armed rebellion is about to topple President Bashar Al Assad, a rebel military victory does not even appear to be Washington’s preferred outcome.
….
Even as the rebels make new tactical gains on the ground – downing two regime aircraft, capturing an oil town and the Al Furat hydroelectric dam in the north-east, and an airbase in the north, as well as launching a new offensive in the suburbs of Damascus – a substantial shift in the strategic balance does not appear forthcoming.
The response of both the regime and the opposition to ongoing negotiation efforts appears guided by the belief that they can win the war. This despite emerging signs that key backers of both sides have begun to recognise that neither side is capable of defeating the other.
So the Obama administration’s reticence to this point may be guided by a recognition that while neither the regime nor the rebels is capable of destroying the other, in combination they are more than capable of destroying Syria – and may even have already done so.
Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/syrias-strategic-stalemate-made-worse-by-us-inaction#ixzz2LNzaGfEJ
Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook
February 19th, 2013, 5:19 pm
Dolly Buster said:
Obama is not giving any weapons — that is the problem all along.
Syria is a war between 12% Shia Alawi lunatics, and 74% Sunni majority Syrians.
The allies of the regime are: China, Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, Cuba, Venezuela.
The allies of the people are: USA, GCC, EU.
Problem is: allies of the regime are very active, and allies of the opposition are extremely passive and do nothing.
February 19th, 2013, 5:24 pm
Tara said:
Tuesday 19 February 2013 12.54 EST
http://m.guardiannews.com/world/2013/feb/19/qatar-eu-syria-arms-embargo
Qatar criticises EU over Syria arms embargo
Hamed bin Jassim Al Thani, prime minister and foreign minister of the Gulf state, told al-Jazeera TV that the decision was wrong and accused the Syrian government of seeking to buy time.
“I am astonished at this decision,” Bin Jassim said. “The rebels only want to be able to defend themselves. At the present time this is the wrong decision. It will only prolong the crisis.”
February 19th, 2013, 5:29 pm
Jasmine said:
AIG@57
Talking about hypocrisy ,don’t you think that Bibi should help the refugees he has helped to create in Syria .
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9876117/Syrian-refugees-will-not-be-allowed-to-cross-Israel-border.html.
February 19th, 2013, 5:35 pm
revenire said:
Jasmine good point!
February 19th, 2013, 5:38 pm
revenire said:
Hundreds of Insurgents Killed In Attempt to Control Aleppo Airport: Syria
http://www.english.moqawama.org/essaydetails.php?eid=22359&cid=274
Hundreds of insurgents of the armed terrorist groups were killed while trying to control Aleppo countryside’s airports during the past couple weeks.
In this context, a well-informed Syrian security source told al-Ahed News website, “Units of the Syrian Army were able to destroy tens of armed vehicles used to attack the airports’ surroundings, as well as confiscating huge amounts of weapons and ammunitions.”
The source mentioned, “Meng Military Airport, Kweiress Airport, Kashish Military Airport, Neirab Military Airport, and Der Hafer Airport witness clashes every now and then with armed terrorist groups mostly belonging to “al-Nusra Front” and backed by “Liwaa al-Tawhid”.”
The source further clarified, “The clashes between the Arab Syrian Army and the attackers are 4 kilometers away from these airports not on its borders like some TV stations promoted.”
“A unit of the Syrian Army confronted an attack that al-Nusra Front made on the surroundings of the Meng and Kweiress Military Airports as well as the 80 brigade of the Air Force. Clashes also took place in Sheikh Said area that led to the death of a number of insurgents,” the source added.
Moreover, the source indicated, “The militiamen try to control this brigade since it represents a center for logistic support and for military airports in Aleppo,” underscoring, “The Army’s units move to purify and target insurgent gatherings in the radius of the 80 Brigade as a primer to purge it in the next few days.”
On a similar note, a number of insurgents were killed during clashes that occurred in Rastan city, and the Syrian Amry also destroyed armored BMPs the insurgents used to attack the Syrian Army’s checkpoints
February 19th, 2013, 5:39 pm
Syrian said:
Shelling Batta’s Tishreen palace
http://youtu.be/4eYAClMCsSI
February 19th, 2013, 5:40 pm
AIG said:
Jasmine,
You are using the same infantile techniques as the regime, you point fingers at others. Netanyahu may or may not be a hypocrite, but that is irrelevant because you sure are. You are also a whining coward that supports bombing other people’s schools but starts complaining when her own is bombed. Indeed, you are a low life.
February 19th, 2013, 5:42 pm
ghufran said:
This is what SOHR said about the “attack” on TPP:
?????? ???? ::???? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ??????? ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ??? ??? ????? ?????????? ??? ??? ??????? ?? ????? ????? ??? ?????? ????? ??? ???? ?? ??????? ???? ????? ????? 3 ???????? ???? ????? ???? ????? ????? ????? ???????? ????? ?? ???? ????????? ??? ????
that does not look the same as ” Tishreen PP is under attack right now”, some people are willing to post anything that excites their crowd, however, I think the rebels will be able to get closer to government buildings by using car bombs, mortars or missiles, the question is does it really matter, I do not believe it does, Syria is screwed with or without attacking Bashar personally, such an attack will be a symbolic victory for some but it will unleash a new wave of violence similar to what happened after the assassination of Asef Shawkat and other senior government officers in last July, whether removing Bashar will help fighting parties reach an agreement or not is debatable, my argument is that it is better to pressure Bashar to resign than taking him out physically, violence will always lead to more violence, we learned that the hard way but some people are unteachable.
February 19th, 2013, 5:45 pm
Observer said:
There is no point discussing anything with the regime trolls.
SCUDs and the pictures of destroyed neighborhoods are props made in some Hollywood movie. They claim it is propaganda and there has never been a single bombing of a hospital or a bakery or a school. It is all propaganda. Well, thouria alathad must have been in a meteor shower for the last two years if you listen to the retards. I do truly think that they all exhibit the SPOUSAL ABUSE SYNDROME where the abuser is adulatedby the abused who is feeling valued because Narcissus beat her/him today.
The UN according to the Guardian today is recommending that the prethident be sent to the ICC.
There will be more reporting about Syria in the media. This is part and parcel of the upcoming visit of Kerry to the EU and the ME.
The arrival of Russian planes in Latakia is another indication that the Abou Shahata army of the retarded optometrist that cannot see beyond his nose is not capable of securing the airport any longer.
Russia thinks it can force its solution on the opposition of keeping elements of the regime mafia to continue doing business with the Russian mafia run by Putin.
Putin thinks he is a superpower. Syrians will go back to Southern Russia after they are done with the prethident. He can be sure of that.
A report on the status of Syrian Industry is out. Another damning report of the incompetence and corrupting mafia regime. I hope JL posts it in full.
February 19th, 2013, 5:48 pm
Jasmine said:
AIG@71
I am finding it hard not to insult you back,but I still prefer civilised argument.
The point is that the only country who is really gaining from having a weak Syria is Israel and This has been achieved so far.
Actually you could practise your charity on Palestinians first,they have been our guests in Syria for the last 60 years,and they were never in tents,why don’t you have them back and create a settlement for them.
Who is hypocrite now?
February 19th, 2013, 6:00 pm
Tara said:
Hyena,
Eat your heart out. A family member of Asma just called me extending an invitation to a glass of champagne in Manhattan when the regime falls and the people of Syria emerge victorious.
February 19th, 2013, 6:18 pm
AIG said:
Jasmine,
If you think Israel is gaining from the civil war in Syria, then stop fighting. Nobody forced Assad to shoot at protesters or not to reform during the 11 years he was firmly in control. Whether Israel is gaining or nor from the civil war is again irrelevant to the fact that you whine when your school is bombed and cheer when someone else’s school is bombed. That makes you a whining, cowardly hypocrite.
As for the Palestinians, again an irrelevant issue. Just pointing fingers at others hoping that this infantile technique will help. The Palestinians and Israelis will solve their problems by negotiations. The fact that Assad supported Hamas that wanted war instead of negotiations did not help the Palestinians one bit. You probably supported this, but are now crying alligator tears for the Palestinians. Pathetic.
The issue that is relevant and you have not addressed is simple. Assad and his murderous army have bombed thousands of homes, schools and hospitals. For some reason, we have not heard your opinion about that, only about non-relevant issues.
February 19th, 2013, 6:22 pm
ghufran said:
More on Assad, from his meeting with a non governmental Jordanian delegate:
??? ????? ??? ?????? ???????? ????? ?? ????? ???? ???? ??????? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ?????.
??? ?????? ????? ????? ????? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ??????? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ?????? ??? ?? ????? ???? ??? ???????? ???? ‘?????? ????’ ?? ????? ???? ????????? ??????? ??? ?????? ????? ??????? ??? 2014.
??? ???????? ??? ?????? ????? ???? ???????? ????? ??????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???????? ??????? ????? ??? ???? ?????? ????? ?????? ??? ????? ???? ??? ???? ????? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ???????? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ??? 2014.
???? ?????? ????? ??? ????? ??? ????? ???? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ??????? ??? 2014 ??? ?????? ????? ?????? ???? ?? ?????? ????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ??? ????? ???? ????? ???? ????? ????? ????? ?? ?????? ??????.
????? ?????? ?????: ?????? ??? ??? ???????? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ..?? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ???? ???? ?? ???? ??? ????? ?? ???? ??? ???????.
????: ??? ????? ??????? ???? ?????? ????..????? ?? ???? ??? ??????? ??????? ???? ?? ?????? ????? ???? ?? ?? ??? ????
I think people who truly believe that Assad can stay president or be able to live a normal life in Syria again are in need for psychiatric help, even if a lot of Syrians want him,many others do not, he will always be seen as a symbol of Syria’s civil war and the violence that followed.
it tells a lot about the nature of this regime that non of the political prisoners who committed no crimes is released from prison, instead, almukhabarat set free a bunch of criminals under a “presidential pardon” .
Tara:
“A family member of Asma just called me extending an invitation to a glass of champagne in Manhattan when the regime falls”
if you go,make sure nobody is videotaping the celebration, Tara, drinking alcohol puts you in the same camp as anti islamists and infidels, nusra supporters here would love for you to publicly declare that you do not drink champagne.
February 19th, 2013, 6:33 pm
Jasmine said:
AIG
I wish that I have a magic wand to stop the fight at once,and you are assuming that Syrians are enjoying this fight or they asked for it.
Do you think that Syria is going to give up the golan heights ?
Do you think that the Palestinians are not going to claim their lands?
Do you think that having Salafist Syria will be more peaceful to Bibi?
February 19th, 2013, 6:42 pm
MarigoldRan said:
These wars always take a long time.
But the regime will be dismantled. Even if it’s done slowly.
February 19th, 2013, 6:43 pm
revenire said:
“A family member of Asma just called me extending an invitation to a glass of champagne in Manhattan when the regime falls and the people of Syria emerge victorious.”
I know there are plenty of rats in New York but I didn’t know they drank champagne.
February 19th, 2013, 6:47 pm
AIG said:
Jasmine,
Again, you ignore the issue we are discussing:
Assad and his murderous army have bombed thousands of homes, schools and hospitals. For some reason, we have not heard your opinion about that, only about non-relevant issues.
Care to tell us what you think about this issue before you ask irrelevant questions?
February 19th, 2013, 6:48 pm
Tara said:
“Do you think that having Salafist Syria will be more peaceful to Bibi”
Probably not.
But notice the implicit begging for Israel to use its influence to crush the revolution that will be “detrimental” to Israel’s peace.
Nauseating!
Have you no pride?
February 19th, 2013, 6:50 pm
revenire said:
AIG no, Syria is defending herself from terrorism. No government bombs its own infrastructure. That’s idiotic.
And who is this “us” you talk about?
As far as I am concerned you support terrorism and should be arrested and prosecuted.
Of course, you leave out every crime of the terrorists to try to say it was the government. You’re a fool who deserves no answer.
You sicken me.
February 19th, 2013, 6:56 pm
SANDRO LOEWE said:
REVENIRE,
Your words are very indicative of a person full of hate and full of decaying and ill feelings. All supporters of this criminal regime must get suicided like Gazi Kanaan, Interior minister who suicided with 2 bullets in the back. Terrorists will be very happy to help you.
February 19th, 2013, 6:58 pm
Jasmine said:
AIG
I have answered your question already @78.
Why you are not answering mine?
February 19th, 2013, 7:02 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Visitor
Jasmine is 19-20 year old ,she lives in Australia.
?????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ???? #????? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ??????? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ?????????? ???? ??????? ???? ?????? ???? ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ?? ??? ????? ???? ???? ????? ???????
February 19th, 2013, 7:05 pm
revenire said:
“86. MAJEDKHALDOUN said:
Visitor
Jasmine is 19-20 year old ,she lives in Australia.”
Cut it out grandpa. You don’t know where people live or their ages.
Just crawl back in your jihadi cave.
February 19th, 2013, 7:13 pm
Visitor said:
MajedK @86,
Excellent news. That’s about 3000 to 5000 individuals who decided to become real human beings and real national army. I just hope they took all weapons and ammunition with them. Also, being located in ???? means Damascus battle may be decided in the not too distant future.
Bashar: your days are numbered. You may even die begore Anitha. That’s soooooooo freakin good. Anitha will suffer even more!!
February 19th, 2013, 7:27 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
visitor
The news are definite, and they all kept their weapons,and yes Damascus battle is coming soon.
We said it the warmer the weather the more Assad will lose, There will be more defections soon.
????????????? ???? ?????? ???????? ????? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ?????? ?????? ????? ?????????? ??????? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? ???? ..
February 19th, 2013, 7:41 pm
revenire said:
NEIRAB AIRPORT BATTLE – UPDATE
https://www.facebook.com/homs.news.network.english?ref=stream
AIR FORCE BOMBARDING FROM SKIES AND HEAVY ARTILLERY FROM GROUND POUNDING TERRORIST POSITIONS !!
The Syrian Eagles combined with Military Forces on the ground have increased their offensive against Terrorist positions, in a major joint operation the Air Force is currently conducting Air Strikes from the skies, while valiant Troops from the Syrian Army are targeting from the ground with Heavy Artillery, in an operation designed to overwhelm the Terrorists who have taken up positions surrounding Neirab Airport from which they have been launching repeated failed attacks, with further plans of more attempts at infiltrating and taking control of the Airport ..
AWESOME WORK, GET RID OF THEM FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL, MAY GOD BE WITH OUR BRAVE ARMY AND GUIDE THEM TO A QUICK VICTORY … – J
February 19th, 2013, 8:01 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Wait a second. An ENTIRE brigade defected?
Where did you get this news? Is it reliable?
February 19th, 2013, 8:37 pm
Tara said:
We have formed a military council in every district in Damascus. The council contains many brigades. Our work is more organised than before. The regime has divided Damascus by endless checkpoints, which had made it so difficult for us to move within the city. We can only do so in few districts like Darayya, Juber and Mua’adamiyia but we are trying to break this siege and not be an easy target for the regime. All the fighters in Damascus are from the city itself. We can’t move outside of Damascus or get more fighters from outside. The city is completely sealed off by the regime.
The nature of Damascus forced FSA fighters to fight a guerrilla war not like other cities. We are also very careful about the safety of the people. It is difficult to launch rockets and mortars in heavy populated areas …We feel we are progressing with the increasing number of defected soldiers who come everyday to join us. They are so useful with the intelligence information they are providing us of the regime’s plans and stores …
The fighters in the capital’s countryside are working to provide safe passages to launch more attacks against the centre of the city. We also want to connect the liberated areas to create a gap within Damascus that divides the city into two halves. We are launching a battle now, named “Supporting Darayya at the western Ghouta” …
We are trying to make every district busy either with engagement or attack of a checkpoint or targeting the military convoys of the regime. The new strategy we are adopting now in Damascus is to seize as many weapons as we can from the regime itself and provide protection to the civilians as well as their daily basic requirements, food, fuel, water and electricity …
Though it is difficult to count the exact number of FSA martyrs who have fallen within the battles of the last weeks, I can say till today we have no less than 250 martyrs, the number of the wounded is even more. We have a fighter who got a bullet in his head but till now we can’t find a doctor who can operate on him. We do not have even pads or cotton, we tied the wound with T-shirt pieces. Sometime we even run out of food and we run to the houses asking for food or water.
We won’t stop our fighting for the liberation of Syria but we also support any initiative that can help in stopping the bloodshed. But we believe if the regime wanted to negotiate right from the beginning, we would not reach this stage. It is a bloody and cunning regime. The politicians can work and we work too, there is no harm at all.
,,,,,
The Guardian
February 19th, 2013, 8:38 pm
Observer said:
Here is an example of how I read the news from the side of the regime
Here is the Alwatan from Syria article on the fighting
http://www.alwatan.sy/dindex.php?idn=133503
If you read it, it clearly is focusing on Aleppo and has very little to say about the situation in Damascus.
The two mortar rounds that supposedly landed in the presidential compound are declared having landed on the wall and that the other two hit the two hospitals
Mouwassa and the Children’s hospital.
Those are just below the hill of the palace and it is possible they landed near the hospitals but those who know the city realize that this is quite close to the inner part of Damascus.
As for the news of Aleppo, they claim that the relief column is now 5 km away from the airport still holding out.
The airport is therefore surrounded and the fighting is continuing and the regime is sending more troops and they are having a hard time getting through.
It is also a very nice glimpse of flowery propaganda editorializing as if the initiative is in the hands of the regime. It actually shows that the regime is reactive to events on the ground and does not really have a coherent offensive strategy.
The use of SS missiles is an act of revenge against the civilians and will fuel more fighters to join. It has no military value whatsoever as the fighters are scattered.
The only two points of some coherence are Damascus ringed with defensive circles and Homs to insure contact with the coast. The entry of HA is a clear indication of exhaustion of manpower.
So one article from the regime side has given me a lot of reassurance that this regime is reactive and not active. It also shows Stalin style propaganda.
I may be wrong, but day in and day out and comparing news, has confirmed my overall impressions of how the regime propaganda has given me an insight to the actions on the ground.
February 19th, 2013, 8:41 pm
revenire said:
You better get better sources because my boys IN the army tell me that hundreds of rats have been killed in Aleppo today alone with MINIMAL army casualties.
🙂
February 19th, 2013, 8:45 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Classic guerilla warfare:
Lay siege to an important area, like an airfield.
Opposing army must send reinforcements.
On the road, ambush and if possible, destroy reinforcements.
February 19th, 2013, 8:49 pm
revenire said:
We got them good today. Let’s hear some fake reports of rat “victories” from the terrorist supporters here.
Where was the FSA Air Force? LOL
Give the order Dr. Assad. Stop taking it easy on them.
February 19th, 2013, 8:54 pm
Visitor said:
MajedK,
You may want to also verify major gains for the FSA in 7Homs (both city and countryside), as well as in Hasakeh.
February 19th, 2013, 9:08 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Feb-19/207028-two-russian-aid-planes-flying-to-syria-may-evacuate-citizens.ashx#axzz2LOgVkaxT
Russia evacuating Russians who live in Syria
February 19th, 2013, 9:10 pm
Syrialover said:
That Sharmine Narwani (article poasted by Joshua Landis above) is a real piece of work!
Her reputation remains intact as a pseudo-journalist with nothing to say. But she’ll have a go at anything to grab attention and get herself into print.
For example, in that article above she makes a ludicrous statement that it’s wrong and manipulative to quote high numbers of dead in Syria. And that most of the dead are probably young men who were fighters, anyway, and therefore that doesn’t matter.
That’s her made-up based-on-nothing message.
A view powerfully contradicted by a wide range of better-informed sources, including those also posted above by Josha Landis. But no, Miss Narwani says the UN and others are all liars, manipulating the figures and escalating the conflict.
Sharmine Narwani’s articles are always built on sniping at others, and in this case it’s an ugly spray of bullets at the people of Syria.
Ugly for what shew says. Ugly because she has no particular knowledge or understanding of what is happening there. And ugly for her shamelessness at knowing nothing but still writing self-importantly and smugly about it.
And ugliest of all because she sits on her sofa dishonestly inferring that Syrians’ losses are less than people think, and that accusations against Assad are exaggerated.
Sharmine Narwani has a very ugly brain. And she taints anyone who publishes her.
February 19th, 2013, 9:25 pm
MarigoldRan said:
I remember reading that article. And I was thinking, “what a piece of rubbish.”
February 19th, 2013, 9:56 pm
Tara said:
I suspect Sharmine is a paid agent, commissioned by Iran to covertly or overtly define defend the Syrian regime and to tarnish the reputation of the revolution. She should be investigated wherever she lives for being an agent of a foreign country.
February 19th, 2013, 10:10 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Jasmine,
Can you explain to me why the Palestinians are more important than Syrians? Because the Palestinians are really living like KINGS compared to other arabs in the ME, especially the Palestinians living in Israel.
Time for a “reality check”.
February 19th, 2013, 10:57 pm
ghufran said:
????? ???? ???????? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ????????? ??????? ???? ??????? ?? ??????? ??????? ???????? ?? ?????? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ?????? ???? ????? ????????? ??????? ?? ??? ????? ????? ??????? ?? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ????? ???? ???? ????? ??????? ?? ??????? ????? ???? ?? ???? ?? ????? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?? ??????? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ?????.
this will earn Moaz more enemies within the opposition
I saw pictures of the damage done in Alqassaa’ after terrorists shelled the French Hospital and a school in the area, I guess that is how Damascus will be liberated.
A major screw up for the rebels in Khan Al-Sheeh refugee camp, that has no army presence, that ignited confrontation between the rebels and locals who have no interest in getting their camp destroyed in the name of toppling the regime.
February 19th, 2013, 10:59 pm
revenire said:
Sharmine Narwani is a respected journalist. I applaud Dr. Landis for posting her important article.
February 19th, 2013, 11:09 pm
ghufran said:
Wahhabis will call this a Shia Rafidi pipeline:
??? ???? ??????? ??????? ???? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ????? ?????? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ????? ????? ???? ????? ???????? ??? ??????? ???????? ???????? ??? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??????? ??????? ??? ????? ?????? ????????.
????? ???? ???? ?? ?????? ????? ????? ??????? ???????? ??? ?? «??????? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ??????? ????».
February 19th, 2013, 11:12 pm
revenire said:
What was known to most close observers but not widely reported is Narwani’s reporting that MOST of the dead in Syria are males i.e. combatants and that they are either 1.) SAA soldiers 2.) rats.
It gives lie to the statement that “Assad has murdered 60,000 civilians” and that angers terrorist supporters. They want the world to believe their myth of victim-hood.
I was a bit surprised to hear Sharmine say the opposition doesn’t use a lot of the SOHR statistics/information because they don’t like it.
February 19th, 2013, 11:32 pm
ghufran said:
Make no mistake about it, Jabhat Al-Nusra has a number of sympathizers and a potential member on this forum. It is beyond depressing to see that there are Syrians who can justify terrorism in the name of toppling a government, if the statement of this thug, abulokman, sounds familiar that is because it was posted here on this blog by one of their internet jihadists.(Source: CNN)
The Nusra Front is a feared and a secretive organisation but after long negotiation we were able to speak to an emir, or senior commander.
As you might expect, the emir, Abu Lokman, set out a vision of Syria as an Islamic state ruled under Sharia.
“In the name of God, praise is to God and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad,” he began, “the people in Syria are religious by nature.”
“They like Islam. People here are fed up with socialist and secular regimes. They are all looking forward to an Islamic state. It is impossible there could be anything else in Syria.”
Abu Lokman was in his thirties and had been a student before being arrested by the regime in 2008.
He was active on jihadi internet forums and joined Jabhat al-Nusra while it was still a secret organisation, six months before the video announcing its existence.
Rev: more than 70% of the identified dead in Syria were male adults,but that also mean that scores of women and children got killed.
February 19th, 2013, 11:41 pm
Aldendeshe said:
This is like the last nail in the coffin for Qatari and Israeli pipelines through Syria to Europe. This is what started this attack on Syria in the first place, now they have to use donkey back to deliver gas to Europe.
February 19th, 2013, 11:43 pm
Syrialover said:
REVENIRE #104
There you go, giggling to yourself again. I would place a bet that Sharmine Narwani wasn’t on your radar screen at all until she got a dishonourable mention here.
February 19th, 2013, 11:51 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Silly Bouti
February 19th, 2013, 11:52 pm
ghufran said:
regime media denies that Assad accepted these ideas:
(Amir Tahiri)
?????? ??????? ?????????? ??????? ??????? ??? ????? ?? ???????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ????????? ?? ???? ???. ????? ????? ?? ?? ??? ????? ??? ????? ????? ???????? ???? ????? ????? ??????. ???? ??? ?????? ????? ?????? ????????? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ???????? ???? ??????? ??????? ????? ??????.
???? ????? ????? ?????? ?? ?????? ??? ??????? ?? ???????? ???????? ?? ????????? ??????? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ?????????. ??? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ??????? ???????? ??????? ????? ?? ??? ??????? ????? ?? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ?? ?????? «??????» ???????? ????? ??? ????? ???? ?? ?? ????? ???? ?? ???? ??????? ????????.
????? ????? ???? ?? ?????? ??? ?????? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???????? ???? ??? 100 ????? ?? ??? ??????? ???????? ??????? ????? ????? ??????? ??????????.
?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????? ?? ??? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????? ???????.
?? ????? ????? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ???????.. ???? ???? ?????? ????? ????? ??? ???? ????? ???? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ?????.
??? ??????? ??????? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ??? ?? ????? ???????? ???????? ??? ????????? ????? ????? ???????? ???????? ?? ??? ?? ????? ???? ?? ??????? ??????? ??? ??? ???? ???? ?????.
February 19th, 2013, 11:56 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
February 19th, 2013, 11:57 pm
Syrialover said:
COMMENT: Regardless of what can be said about Israel, that one field hospital (below) is more than Russia and Iran together in total have done to help Syrians
Report: Israel takes advantage of the Syrian crisis to generate electricity
In light of the ongoing chaos in Syria, Israel decided to generate electricity through wind turbines across the bordering area of the Northern Golan Heights.
This project has been in suspension for the past years since Syria referred complaints to the United Nations claiming that it threatens security, stability, and peace. The project consisting of 41 blades will provide Israel with 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity costing up to 100 Million Euros.
In this context, Head of the Golan Regional Council Eli Malka said that this project will increase the power of Israel in the Golan area since it is a strategic area with wind available in high frequencies.
On another note, military movements are still at the forefront in the South Golan seemingly since the Israeli army is still preparing for the possible arrival of wounded Syrians from the civil war by setting up a military field hospital.
In this context, sources quoted Israeli army officials as saying that the field hospital will be allocated to help unarmed Syrians in order not to have a repeat of the incident when 7 Syrians were transported inside Israel for treatment.
As for the Syrian crisis, it is still on the agenda of Israeli officials; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatens that his army will forcibly prevent the movement of arms from Syria to Hezbollah.
http://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/75344/report-israel-takes-advantage-of-the-syrian-crisis
February 20th, 2013, 12:02 am
revenire said:
“109. SYRIALOVER said:
REVENIRE #104
There you go, giggling to yourself again. I would place a bet that Sharmine Narwani wasn’t on your radar screen at all until she got a dishonourable mention here.”
You would lose that bet.
February 20th, 2013, 12:04 am
Syrialover said:
And while we’re thinking of what Iran and Russia haven’t done, here’s a further contrast with an update on US humanitarian assistance to Syrians:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/02/204903.htm
It’s informative reading.
February 20th, 2013, 12:10 am
revenire said:
Syrialover everyone knows and respects Sharmine, just like we all knew Maya Naser and Yara Saleh. These people are heroes to the Resistance.
“Sharmine Narwani ?@snarwani
Israeli strike on Syria, fake Fordow explosion, Hezbollah blamed for Bulgaria attack… Seems like Syrian army gains r really causing panic.”
February 20th, 2013, 12:13 am
Syrialover said:
# 113. MAJEDKHALDOUN
Can you please post the link, the video is displayed as embedded here with no link.
Thanks.
February 20th, 2013, 12:15 am
ghufran said:
Jonathan Steele (The Guardian) has written some of the best articles on Syria since 2011, here are few pieces from his last article:
Youssef Abdelke, a painter who spent two decades in exile in Paris and returned in 2008, is one of the few Assad opponents who was willing to be quoted by name. He draws charcoal pictures that express Syria’s current sadness in elegant simplicity. “The country is increasingly being emptied by the democrats,” he told me. “It leaves Syria to the regime and the Salafis. People take a risk by staying here but going to Beirut puts Syria at risk.”
Most residents have now returned to Qudsaya, traumatised but apparently having “learned their lesson”. The message has gone out to would-be protesters to lie low and to the armed opposition not to come into the area. The same message has been absorbed by people in the districts of Midan and Old Mezzeh, which rebels penetrated briefly last summer before being driven back by a massive army counter-attack. Residents have urged the rebels to keep out and not provoke total destruction.
The front lines around the capital have barely moved for six months and foreign media reporting or opposition websites which use phrases like: “war gets nearer to central Damascus” or: “rebels close in on the capital” create a false image that the regime’s fall is inevitable or even imminent. Even the fall of Aleppo would not be a fatal blow.
In Damascus, many are putting their hopes on Moaz al-Khatib, the leader of the Syrian National Coalition, who recently broke a taboo by saying the exiled opposition should stop rejecting the government’s invitation for negotiations. The soft-spoken engineer who used to serve as a Friday preacher at Damascus’s famous Umayyad mosque is becoming a local hero.
Almost everyone I spoke to supported negotiations as the only way to end a stalemate in which more and more of Syria is destroyed and fewer and fewer people remain on the board.
February 20th, 2013, 12:19 am
Dolly Buster said:
But the Shia regime is using artillery on residential buildings.
Imagine you’re just lampin’ in your apartment, and suddenly a Scud missile.
That would be objectionable even if done to another country, but it’s especially absurd when done in your own cities.
February 20th, 2013, 12:21 am
revenire said:
There is no “Shia regime” – that’s garbage. Nor is anyone just sitting in their apartment drinking a Coca Cola and a Scud flies in.
There is a war going on in Syria. Hadn’t you noticed?
Don’t give me your double-talk about poor civilians. Syria, as the posters here point out, is a war zone.
And Dolly you know as well as I do the terrorists shell civilian areas constantly – areas with no soldiers. That is a fact.
My information comes from Syria, from people in the opposition NOT the government. You are more than aware that not everyone who opposes the government supports the terrorists. You know the civilians of Aleppo have demonstrated for the terrorists to leave. You also know that opposition members have been arrested by the terrorists in Aleppo for exposing terrorist crimes.
You can’t BS people with your victim garbage or your stories. For every civilian you claim is innocent killed by the army I can provide a civilian who supports the government who was killed by the terrorists.
If you can’t accept that truth that’s your problem.
February 20th, 2013, 12:28 am
Visitor said:
Battalion 546 in the east in Hasakeh, responsible for collaboration with the hated Majoussi agents in Iraq, has now been brought to submission by the heroes of the revolution,
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/20/267287.html
The Battalion is captured and all the traitors have been taken as prisoners. This is a double victory for the Syrian and the Iraqi Revolutions.
And some idiots here think that Hezbos would stand a chance against the FSA, not to mention Nusra!!
Empty posturing is the name of their game.
Deception and ???? are their their specialties.
But they have been uncovered and their days are numbered.
February 20th, 2013, 12:29 am
ghufran said:
Galioun’s turn to speak:
??? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? ?? “?? ???????? ?? ????? ??????? ????? ??? ????? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ?????? ???????? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ???? ?????????”? ?????? ?? “?????? ???? ?????? ??????? ???????? ????? ?? ?????????”? ????? ??? ?? “??? ?????? ???? ??????? ???????? ?????????? ???? ??? ???????? ??? ???? ???? ??? ????”.
?????? ????? ?? ???? ???????? ?? “?? ?? ????? ???? ?? ???? ???? ????? ????”? ????? ?? “???????? ?????? ??? ?????? ?????? ?? ?? ????? ???? ????? ????? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ??????”? ????? ??? “???? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ?? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ????? ??? ??? ??????? ?????”.
the regime heads will only negotiate if they lose more ground to the rebels, unlikely as of now, or if Assad, his family and his close allies receive certain guarantees about future prosecution, the regime also wants Turkey to stop supporting rebels, what the regime proposes is not a real dialogue, no opposition party will take the regime’s ideas seriously, rebels will not even consider a dialogue as long as the regime remains intact, they think they can win,I disagree, I believe we have already lost, all of us.
February 20th, 2013, 12:33 am
Syrialover said:
Yawn. REVENIRE #117 you have shown since you came here you don’t know anybody or anything much. Just what you pick up from others’ comments or get from quick trawls of the internet.
No point in looking for knowlege, informed opinion, insights or information from you.
You’re kind of a poor mans version of Sharmine Narwani. Plus you think the whole Syrian issue is a source of games and self-amusement.
You just keep making it up as you go along. And not very well either.
February 20th, 2013, 12:38 am
Visitor said:
Ghufran,
Go see your shrink!
February 20th, 2013, 12:38 am
Syrialover said:
GHUFRAN # 119
Please. Get somebody, anybody to show you how to copy and paste in a link.
Your material lacks credibility when you fail to source it.
You should appreciate that the many people here who have pointed this out to you are being helpful.
February 20th, 2013, 12:45 am
ghufran said:
(Source: CNN)
The story of one detainee in the cell next to her is one that Keffah says will haunt her forever.
“I was detained during Ramadan, and there was a detainee who clearly sounded like an old man. I used to hear him at certain times, knocking at the door saying “God help you, God bless you my son,” begging them (the jailers) to just give him a drop of water because he was fasting,” she said.
“Are you fasting you animal?” the jailers would respond.”
Keffah says she watched as they would then take the man to a tap and let him drink — but they would continuously slap him, beat him up and curse him while he drank the water. She would then hear the old man thanking them for giving him water.
“I would sit crawled up in a corner in my cell and cry so much thinking about what they were doing to this man,” she said.
On the day of her release, Keffah recalls being taken down into a car. In the back was a blindfolded man with his hands bound.
As they were led out of the car and into the elevator, the guards removed the blindfold off the old and frail man.
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he realized his fellow detainee was a young woman.
Keffah sat in the room where an investigator met with them before their release.
The old man thanked the investigator.
“When he spoke I realized this was the same old man who would beg for water. I remembered his voice,” she said.
As the investigator gave the man his belongings, he apologized: “Sorry old man, we apologize, we picked you up by mistake.”
SL:
“Please. Get somebody, anybody to show you how to copy and paste in a link.
Your material lacks credibility when you fail to source it”
SL, you should know by now that I can copy , paste and link when I feel like it,relax, I could not care less if people attack my “credibility”
February 20th, 2013, 12:49 am
zoo said:
Syria rebels say they don’t have the weapons to end the war
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/middleeast/la-fg-syria-weapons-20130220,0,5365909.story
Opposition leaders mostly blame the U.S., which they believe is pressuring Persian Gulf allies to keep heavy weapons out of rebels’ hands.
February 20th, 2013, 12:51 am
zoo said:
As expected the FSA back tracks on its threats to Hezbollah
Naharnet
FSA Joint Command Denies Link to Statement Promising Reprisal for Hizbullah ‘Intervention’
A statement attributed to the Free Syrian Army gave Hizbullah on Tuesday a 48-hour ultimatum to halt its alleged operations in Syrian territories, warning that it will retaliate to the sources of fire inside Lebanon.
“If Hizbullah didn’t halt shelling Syrian territories, villages and civilians from Lebanese territories within 48 hours, we will strike back,” a statement attributed to the rebel FSA said.
It urged citizens to stay away from Hizullah’s missile launchers and military bases.
But Fahd al-Masri, spokesman for the Joint Command of the Free Syrian Army, denied to Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5) any link for FSA’s Joint Command to the alleged warning
February 20th, 2013, 1:00 am
MarigoldRan said:
So… the war continues.
With a proper conduit of weapons, the rebels can end the regime in a year. They have the men, the motivation, and international sympathy. Most regime soldiers, on the other hand, want to defect or run away at the first possible opportunity. The only edge the regime has is better and more weapons.
Without a proper conduit of weapons, it’ll probably take the rebels five years to end the regime.
February 20th, 2013, 1:01 am
revenire said:
FSA scared of Nasrallah.
February 20th, 2013, 2:06 am
revenire said:
Looks like the West is choking the rats to leave them die on the vine. I don’t like Obama but maybe Putin talked to him and straightened him out that Assad is “protected” by God and won’t be leaving.
If the rat’s weapons get choked this will be over by summer.
February 20th, 2013, 2:13 am
omen said:
charlie rose w/michael gordon (nyt) discussing the pros and cons of arming the rebels.
February 20th, 2013, 3:12 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
The retard is probably familiar with the pseudo pseudo-journalist Narwani, his puppet master is a big fan.
February 20th, 2013, 3:31 am
Mina said:
Zoo 129
What matters is that Le Monde has had an article explaining its readers that FSA is fighting HA militias in Syria. Comparing it to Steele’s article quoted by Ghufran 119 one wonders how Le Monde can accept to stay lonely in the Fabius/Aavaz line losing any credibility as a newspaper. For years in the 80s they survived from bags of cash delivered by the Libyan embassy so they must have got used to u-turns.
February 20th, 2013, 3:56 am
Syrialover said:
GHUFRAN said (in response to my plea for him to lift his game and put sources and links to the material he posts): ” “SL, you should know by now that I can copy , paste and link when I feel like it,relax, I could not care less if people attack my “credibility”
No, GHUFRAN, but it’s very strange for you not to care whether readers trust the material you post. It makes no sense for you to go to the trouble of posting something then make it look suspicious because you don’t give a source. It’s like posting spam.
Even high school students know they have to put sources and links for material they quote or their work scores an F.
Your approach doesn’t add up.
February 20th, 2013, 4:06 am
Syrialover said:
#134 HAMSTER,
It’s possible they are being fed from the same pig trough.
February 20th, 2013, 4:10 am
Syrialover said:
# 129. ZOO
Oh I don’t know. I think Israel is the important one with plans for Hezbollah (eg last paragraph in #114)
Significantly, Hezbollah is going to be left desperate without any plans for itself when it loses its buddy Assad and financial sponsor Iran.
February 20th, 2013, 4:19 am
Citizen said:
Dozens of Palestinian Salafists fight in Syria
According to the Syrian confidential source, in Syria destroyed Palestinian citizen Kuneyta Muhammad, who took part in the armed conflict on the side of the so-called Syrian opposition.
Muhammad was known Kuneyta warlord ‘Brigades Izzeddin al-Qassam “- a paramilitary wing of Hamas – and arrived in Syria as a specialist training militants.
27. 12. In 2012 he was part of the group that committed the attack on a military airfield in the province of Idleb. About 14.00 shrapnel wounds to the head and lower extremities and died at 16:00.
According to the source, several dozen members of the Salafi-Palestinian groups and organizations “Dzhebhat en Nusra” – came to Syria to participate in hostilities. Ferried from the Gaza Strip to Egypt, they go to Turkey, and from there – in SAR, which are adjacent to the terrorist groups within them – a lot of citizens of Arab countries, as well as Afghan and Chechen. Some fighters cross the border into Syria from the Golan Heights, controlled by the Israeli army.
The source stated that this fact is proof of insolvency claims Hamas leadership, which is part of the movement “Muslim Brotherhood”, their non-participation in the events in Syria and the reluctance to get involved in the Syrian conflict.
The reliability of the above information, confirm the words of one of the influential leaders of the Salafi movement in the Gaza Strip, Abu Al-Ain Al-Ansari, who said that “a few dozen soldiers of Allah went to Syria to confront the regime.”
February 20th, 2013, 4:48 am
Citizen said:
Armed groups, failed the next attempt to attack Aleppo International Airport, is under threat environment. They are making desperate attempts to escape from the ring of the government forces and ask for help. The losses in the ranks of the bandits in the hundreds of militants. Airport continues its work, despite the criminal activities of terrorists.
Statements that militants captured depot aviation fuel does not hold water. They managed to capture the creamery, located a few kilometers from the airport.
As a result, WHO Syrian army fully released Khanaser city and all the surrounding villages, located in the munitions factories.
In the eastern part of the city of Aleppo continuing army operations in which encircled and destroyed terrorist groups in the areas of al-Shaar and Masaken Hanano.
In Damascus were mortar fire fighters Hospital “Al Muwasat” and is located opposite the children’s clinic. Material damage to buildings. No casualties.
Gangs operating in the metropolitan area Dzhobar, having suffered significant losses in men and arms, pushed aside the adjacent village Zamalka.
February 20th, 2013, 4:55 am
Citizen said:
When messing hands in hornet’s nests
What is to be expected!
In the north of Cameroon taken hostage and brought to the territory of Nigeria 7 French tourists.
February 20th, 2013, 5:02 am
Citizen said:
http://static.medportal.ru/pic/news/2011/06/24/typhorsk/pic001.jpg
According to the spokesman Elizabeth Hoff info, in the province of Deir ez-Zor an outbreak of typhoid. This was reported by “Economic News”.
The cause of the epidemic called the quality of drinking water from the Euphrates. Access to clean drinking water is blocked by militants. Deaths have been recorded so far, but the situation clearly looks alarming. While in Syria started the hot season – but he is near.
February 20th, 2013, 5:07 am
Citizen said:
These are the real Syria lovers!
2 aircraft Russian Emergencies Ministry landed at the international airport of Latakia with humanitarian aid.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190363_478415282218466_525920631_n.jpg
February 20th, 2013, 5:31 am
Citizen said:
Syria went on the offensive, Turkey in defense
http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fza-kaddafi.ru%2Fportal%2Fnovostnoi-forum%2Fsiriya%2F2604-siriya-pereshla-v-nastuplenie-turciya-v-oboronu.html
An interesting point, perhaps we’ll pristutstvuem first time at the historical moment when the resistance of one man, his wonderful qualities political and military leaders, made a whole community of nations hungry devour it with guts, change your plans and give way, now it is clear. They are of course still try to go to another party, such as stated in Article DAILYMEDIA «butcher shop in The Hague opened again?”, But what happens in the last few days clearly shows in hostilities a break. Not only those who wished to Syria difficulties, these difficulties have now do everything in large quantities.
As noted earlier, Assad took the case with great skill and talent. Win the war with limited resources, being surrounded by countries each of which Syria is stronger, it is not easy. It is a hard man’s work, sometimes thankless. In this situation, Assad has made only a few things right. The first and most fundamental thing: friendship with Russia, no matter what. The second did not go to war with Turkey, provoking him, but once Assad has shown that his teeth were very sharp. Turkish aircraft flopped like a crow knocked out “patsanskoy slingshot”, but on Assad did not pursue the conflict. The third very important step planned and cold-blooded destruction of enemies using all possible capabilities, without looking at the wail of the West, about his use of artillery and aircraft. And most importantly, Assad held his nerve, do not let his nerves, which often hinders the achievement of goals.
As a result, the West could not get it to split, and Russia with China rose to the occasion. Now they have acquired in the course Assad ally hundred percent at all times. Not only because Assad as values ??friendship, but also because the West will always be in the bushes conceal Assad once feel a weakness, again try to overthrow Assad. Therefore, Assad now reinforced concrete ally primarily Russia.
However, time passed and Assad felt that the situation is changing, and now he has more room to maneuver and even offensive. War against Syria has cost the lives of many peace Syrians, but Assad is mastered, even though some things were very difficult. What Assad could not cope with is the external pressure of the Western media. Asad here and decided to give another battle those who tried to discredit Syria in the eyes of the world community. To do this, Assad invited correspondents CNN.
To such bait CNN correspondents could not bite. Assad calculated the exactly. West so much time trying to get into Syria, to look only for a moment at what is happening in Syria, including where to tell how strong Assad and you should continue to put pressure on him, and the whole idea is really useless. Assad knows that the Western media show. CNN correspondents visited the hospitals where they saw the wounded, but self-righteous Syrian military ready to return to action after recovery. CNN crew even went visiting Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
February 20th, 2013, 5:59 am
Citizen said:
Lavrov: positive trends are visible on both sides of the conflict in Syria, there is a desire to negotiate. Rest – business art of diplomacy
February 20th, 2013, 6:04 am
Visitor said:
Never mind what hyenas living in a Zoo have to say (bark).
The FSA made a clear ultimatum to the Hezbos and to the Lebanese government today. Hear it ya all straight from the mouth.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/20/267354.html
Our FSA heroes never retreat and more never backtrack.
February 20th, 2013, 8:41 am
Visitor said:
Mamlouk on the other hand may face execution in Lebanon,
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/20/267376.html
Why not Bashar?
February 20th, 2013, 8:46 am
zoo said:
Syrian regime: Aleppo airport still in army hands
Associated Press – 3 hrs ago
BEIRUT (AP) — The Syrian regime says the airport in the battleground northern city of Aleppo is still under military control and “safe” from rebels fighting to capture it.
The pro-government Al-Watan daily — considered a mouthpiece for President Bashar Assad’s regime — said Wednesday the military is “valiantly defending” the airport and will do so at all cost.
February 20th, 2013, 9:01 am
Syrian said:
….
February 20th, 2013, 9:04 am
zoo said:
Al Qaeda’s Top Recruiting Tool: The CIA
by Jamie Dettmer Feb 20, 2013 4:45 AM EST
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/02/20/al-qaeda-s-top-recruiting-tool-the-cia.html
After being tortured by American interrogators, a Libyan freedom fighter became a top terror leader. Jamie Dettmer reports from Tripoli.
February 20th, 2013, 9:06 am
Syrian said:
Another one bite the dust.A Mig shot down in Damascus suburb today.
http://youtu.be/_-hW6fgVGuM
February 20th, 2013, 9:07 am
Citizen said:
Heroism here became when the Syrians kill each other like sheep! And jihad when a Muslim kills brother!So there is nothing wrong if your Heroism in the destruction of humanity ! You are moron!
February 20th, 2013, 9:24 am
zoo said:
Recycling news: that was in October 2012.
Syria’s FSA threaten to pursue Hezbollah in Beirut
October 10, 2012 ? 6:57 am
Leaders of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) have announced in a statement that they captured 13 suspected members of Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia around the Syrian city of Homs, and threatened to launch full scale attacks against the Lebanese capital city of Beirut if Hezbollah doesn’t withdraw entirely from the region.
“We pledge to take the battle in Syria to the heart of the Beirut southern suburbs ( Dhahiya) if Hezbollah does not stop supporting the killer-Syrian regime,” Free Syrian Army spokesman Fahd al-Masri told media outlets Tuesday.
http://www.yalibnan.com/2012/10/10/syrias-fsa-threaten-to-pursue-hezbollah-in-beirut/
February 20th, 2013, 9:24 am
Citizen said:
One Syrian football player was killed and several injured in attacks by militants of the stadium in the heart of Damascus.
@RT_russian
??????: ??? ?????? ???? ?????????? ?? ??? ???? ??????? ?????? ??? ??????? ????????? ?? ?????
http://arabic.rt.com/news_all_news/news/608245/
February 20th, 2013, 9:38 am
zoo said:
KSA and Qatar show growing signs of apprehension that the Syrian Government may survive until 2014.
Having failing in using the ‘freedom trick”, the ‘massacre trick” the ‘humanitarian trick”, the ‘nuclear trick’, now the “Hezbollah trick” to force a West military intervention, they now use the “Al Qaeda trick’ that they fear will ultimately affect them too.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar press for more help to Syrian rebels
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-rt-us-syria-crisis-gulfbre91j0p7-20130220,0,1213993.story
But Saudi Arabia and Qatar are signaling that the longer the war drags on, the stronger such hardliners will get, while other groups will likely struggle if denied meaningful aid, according to a Gulf Arab official, analysts and diplomats.
…
Gulf Arabs are not bound by U.S. and EU arms embargoes on Syria, and some analysts say they supplied weapons to Syria last year, probably through tribal and smuggling connections in Iraq.
But Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signaled any support would be much more effective if Western powers lent political backing, coordination, equipment and advice.
…Not all Gulf Arab states are eager to arm Syrian rebels, but all fear possible “blowback” if their own nationals go to fight in Syria and one day come home and launch a jihad for a purist Islamic state. The al-Nusra Front has ideological overlaps with al Qaeda, which has sworn to topple the Saudi ruling family.
In the 1980s Saudi rulers supported U.S.-backed Islamists fighting Soviet forces in Afghanistan, a factor in the creation of al Qaeda, and in the last decade they turned a blind eye to clerics who urged Saudis to join an anti-U.S. jihad in Iraq.
In 2003 Saudis who had fought in both conflicts launched attacks at home, drawing a tough security response from Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul-Aziz bin Abdullah Al al-Sheikh, cautioned Saudi youth against going to Syria for jihad, and advised prayer, and sending material support by “regular channels”, al-Jazirah daily reported on Jan 7.
Gulf Arab policymakers argue that hastening Assad’s fall will curb the militants’ influence, and, a related bonus, reduce the regional clout of the Syrian leader’s ally Iran.
February 20th, 2013, 9:41 am
zoo said:
Coincidence? After accusing Hezbollah of killing Israeli tourists…
Bulgarian government resigns amid protests
PM Boyko Borisov resigns after the eruption of violent street protests in Bulgaria, a step that paves the way for early polls
AFP , Wednesday 20 Feb 2013
February 20th, 2013, 9:46 am
Citizen said:
Israel supplies Turkey with military equipment for first time since Gaza flotilla
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-supplies-turkey-with-military-equipment-for-first-time-since-gaza-flotilla-1.504299
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-307296-israel-delivers-awacs-equipment-to-turkey.html
February 20th, 2013, 9:51 am
zoo said:
One more recruit for the FSA, the turkish killer of the US tourist
Prime suspect in Sierra case trying to flee to Syria: Claim
ISTANBUL – Do?an News Agency
The prime suspect in the murder of Sarai Sierra, a U.S. woman whose body was found near Istanbul’s ancient city walls in Sarayburnu on Feb. 2, is trying to escape into Syria, daily Hürriyet reported.
February 20th, 2013, 9:52 am
Visitor said:
More and amore agree that the Syrian Revolution can only be resolved militarily,
????? ????? ??????? ??? ??????? ??? -??? ????? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ????????? (???????)- ????? ?? ?????? ???????? ?? ?? ??????? ?????? ????? ?? ?? ???????? ????? ?? ????? ?????? ???????? ?? ??? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ???? ?? ?? ???? ?? ??????.
This is what I have been saying since day one here on SC.
February 20th, 2013, 10:02 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
FSA has made each and every bombing mission of the regime’s remaining air force thugs a potential suicide mission. And the fool still talks about working as an eye doctor.
February 20th, 2013, 10:04 am
zoo said:
The bloody king of spades: More to come?
http://english.al-akhbar.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/5cols/leading_images/748926-01-08.jpg
Lebanon’s state prosecutor on Tuesday ordered an investigation to reveal the source of the posters hung around Beirut’s suburbs showing a caricature of the Saudi king carrying a bloody machete, state news reported.
The ultra-conservative kingdom meanwhile Tuesday announced it had beheaded its fourteenth convict this year.
The Lebanese National News Agency reported that prosecutor Hatem Madi launched an investigation into the posters after receiving complaints from Saudi Ambassador Ali Awad Asiri.
February 20th, 2013, 10:09 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
What the retards talking about Bulgaria want to hide (see @156 )
???? ??????? ????????? ????????? ????? ???????? ??? ????? ??????? ????? ????? ??????? ??? ?????? ????? ????????? ????? ?????? ?? ??????.
???? ???? ??????? ????? ??????? ??? ????? ????????
“?? ????? ?? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ?????? ???? ???? ????????? ????????? ??? ?????? ???????”.
????? -??? ?? ????? ????? ????? ????? ?????????- ?? ????????? ??? ????????? ????? ?????? ?????? ???? ??? ?????????? ????
“??? ?????? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ????”? ??? “?? ???? ?? ???? ????? ???? ?????”.
So the Bulgarian PM refuse to remain in a Government where the police beats the people and where threats of demonstration take the place of political discourse.
On the other hand, the arshole retard prethident of thuria al-alathad insists on remaining in government so that he can continue murdering his own people who only demonstrated after 11 years of jailing, maining, torturing, and murdering those who attempted civilize political discourse. What a piece of shxt.
No Mr. Retard, it is not coincidence, it is honor, integrity, and love of country, of which you, your fans here, and your cohort of dishonorable and sectarian minded criminals have none.
February 20th, 2013, 10:23 am
zoo said:
Doubts over Kilo’s first brokered ceasefire between the FSA and the Kurds
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/syria-islamist-kurd-warring-ends-dissident-mediates-140850952.html
Arab anti-regime rebels and Kurdish militias in northern Syria have ended three months of hostilities following a fragile agreement brokered by prominent dissident Michel Kilo, a Christian.
Clashes have erupted periodically between the two sides since Islamist rebels entered the city of Ras al-Ain last November and seized a strategic crossing on the Turkish border.
…
A Kurdish activist from Ras al-Ain said the Kurdish parties were hopeful that the main opposition Syrian National Coalition would ensure the rebels honour their side of the bargain to allay residents’ fears.
“Hostilities ended between the two parties a week ago and since then things have been calm,” the activist, who gave his name as Havidar, told AFP via Skype. “There have been no confrontations following the agreement.”
But a prominent Kurdish anti-regime dissident told AFP by phone that the agenda of radical Islamists in Syria meant fighting could erupt again at any time.
“Ghuraba al-Sham believe all Kurds are pro-regime and not Islamic enough for their taste,” said Massoud Akko.
“Either side can break the agreement at any moment,” he warned, after taking part in the talks leading up to the accord.
“The FSA military council is not strong in the area, and its leadership has made contradicting statements in the past. From my point of view, this accord is empty.”
February 20th, 2013, 10:35 am
Hanzala said:
FSA take major checkpoint right next to Daraa city, you can actually see the city is very near in the video. Maybe just a few hundred meters, and in full open view. The FSA guide is Palestinian.
February 20th, 2013, 10:38 am
Visitor said:
“No Mr. Retard, it is not coincidence, it is honor, integrity, and love of country, of which you, your fans here, and your cohort of dishonorable and sectarian minded criminals have none.”
SH,
The Retard you’re referring to is NOT Syrian. He was once Warren, the venom preacher from Toronto and who lives in a basement suite with another retard on Baramalea Rd. not very far off from the Syrian Consulate so that he can walk over to get his daily allowance when the Consulate gets enough cash to pay him. He was also the Irritated arshole at one time. And he may still have countless other lives here on SC.
The only constant trait about the Retard is his worship of Mullah-stan.
February 20th, 2013, 10:40 am
Sami said:
Sharmine Narwani is a shill that made her name throwing doubt over Syrian deaths. Not surprised her latest article is EXACTLY like her other ones.
WSS once called her a regime lap dancer, well William that is a grave insult to the men and women exotic dancers out there, because compared to her they make an honest living…
There is nothing more despicable than a pseudo journalist or commentator that deny the unforgivable atrocities being committed. No wonder some on here find this piece of trash informative.
February 20th, 2013, 10:42 am
elian said:
is this site for the radicals and the propaganda machine of the state department or it is for the Israelis who want to destroy Syria as a country.
It is clear that the posters here mostly belong to the GCC financed traitors and terrorists.
I would like most of the radicals to meet their virgins in the heaven ASAP, thanks to Obama he is helping to achieve their goal.
Arabs are not ready for democracy they are still going backward therefore, they will never be able to achieve any meaningful human rights or civility.
The so called Arab spring is clearly an Israelis Autumn for the Arabs it is well planned, financed, orchestrated.
February 20th, 2013, 10:46 am
revenire said:
Sami please, what has Bil Scherk ever done with his life? An aging queen in Canada? He works in HR for God’s sake. He’s not a journalist. He’s a former punk rocker, a washed-up has-been never-was. He’s pathetic. I pity him.
What do you dispute about Narwani’s article? Most of the deaths are male combatants. Those figure are taken from every public source available, including your vaunted SOHR.
You just don’t like it when the light is shown on you. You know what rats do when the lights are turned on.
February 20th, 2013, 10:47 am
revenire said:
The rats are so desperate they’re now killing Syrian sports figures. How sad.
February 20th, 2013, 10:53 am
Visitor said:
Hey Hanzala @ 164,
That was a great video (as usual). But,I only saw three holy warriors walking and everyone else is lying face down kissing Jahannam!!
Are you telling us that ONLY three holy warriors accomplished all that and sent this huge number of thugs to Jahannam?!!
February 20th, 2013, 10:53 am
zoo said:
Russia and Arab League see chance for start to Syria dialogue
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-307644-russia-and-arab-league-see-chance-for-start-to-syria-dialogue.html
20 February 2013 /AP, REUTERS, MOSCOW
Russia and the Arab League see signs of hope that the rival sides in the Syrian civil war are willing to start talks to end nearly two years of conflcit.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and visiting Arab League head Nabil Elaraby said on Wednesday they were encouraged that both the Syrian government and the opposition had voiced readiness for dialogue.
”There have been signs of a positive tendency to start dialogue and both the government representatives and the opposition have begun speaking about this,”Lavrov told a joint news conference with Elaraby.
“For now both sides still come up with preconditions but, according to our common view, once there is the key common readiness to start dialogue, then agreeing parameters for this process is just a matter of diplomatic art,”he said.
February 20th, 2013, 11:01 am
zoo said:
Is Qatar so furious against the USA that it allows an investigative journalist in Al Jazeera to unravel the US-Israel conspiracy to pin the Bulgaria’s Israeli tourists attack on Hezbollah ?
Dr Gareth Porter is an investigative journalist and historian specialising in US national security policy and winner of the 2012 Gellhorn Prize for journalism.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/02/201321810059550903.html
Bulgaria’s Hezbollah ‘hypothesis’ and the EU terror list
The US and Israel continue ignoring the actual evidence in terrorism cases to advance their political interests.
When Bulgarian Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov made a public statement on February 5 that the government linked the July 18, 2012, terror bombing of an Israeli tourist bus to Hezbollah, it was a spectacular development with far-reaching political implications.
This Bulgarian conclusion has significantly increased the pressure on the European Union to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. Although the EU had long avoided taking this step, the US and Israel have been pressing hard ever since the Burgas bombing to bring Europe’s position on Hezbollah with their stand. Bulgaria’s naming of Hezbollah as the culprit appeared to make such a European decision possible.
But was that really what Bulgarian investigators had found? A closer examination of the Bulgarian investigation reveals that the investigators had not, in fact, come to the conclusion desired by Washington and Tel Aviv by mid-January. But the Bulgarian government had to avoid being on the wrong side of the US and Israel on the issue. The result was language that telegraphed the absence of any real evidence of that Shia organisation in the crime, but which served the US-Israeli interests of getting Hezbollah listed as a terrorist organisation.
…
The US and Israel thus continue a pattern of ignoring the actual evidence in high profile terrorism cases in order to advance their political interests in relation to Iran and Hezbollah. That pattern was established nearly two decades ago with the US-Israeli pressure on Argentina to finger Iran in the 1994 AMIA bombing despite the absence of any evidence for such an accusation.
Some EU officials have indicated that they will demand actual evidence before listing Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. If so, it will be the first challenge to US-Israeli insistence on blaming their main regional adversaries for terrorist actions, even when the evidence points elsewhere.
February 20th, 2013, 11:11 am
zoo said:
….
February 20th, 2013, 11:20 am
zoo said:
The FSA to Hezbollah: A 48 hours ultimatum repeated every six months.
The Syrian Free Army (FSA) has issued an ultimatum to Lebanese Hezbollah group to cease its operations in Syria or face attacks on its installations in South Lebanon.
FSA Chief of Staff Brigadier General Salim Idris told Al Arabiya that Hezbollah, a staunch ally of President Bashar al-Assad, has 48 hours to end its involvement in Syria or the Syrian opposition army will begin targeting its positions in Lebanon.
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/20/267402.html
February 20th, 2013, 11:22 am
Hopeful said:
Today I had a meeting with a smart energetic young Syrian man who is working on a software startup company in Dubai. I felt very proud and optimistic about the future after spending an hour with the young man. The young man was cheerful, friendly, genuine and upbeat about his ideas.
At the end of our conversation, we started talking about Syria. The mood changed and the young man, with tears in his eyes, told me that both his father and brother have been arrested for 11 months and the family does not know much about their whereabouts. The family has contacts at the highest level with government officials but apparently no one can do anything to help them out.
This is the kind of regime that we are dealing with and that needs to be dismantled – not only to eliminate injustice and corruption, but also to allow our human capital to reach its potential. Had this young man been in the US, he may have been the one to start the new Google. Syrians, please wake up, you are wasting our youth. Syria must get rid of the nightmare that suffocated its human and natural resources for almost half of a century.
February 20th, 2013, 11:26 am
zoo said:
Short-lived Tunisia PM steps down: Tunisia in deeper crisis.
Published Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Tunisia’s prime minister announced his resignation late Tuesday following a failed effort to form a technocratic government to see the country out of its political crisis.
The resignation is expected to further deepen the country’s political instability, which earlier Tuesday prompted an international ratings agency to downgrade the government’s credit rating.
February 20th, 2013, 11:29 am
Juergen said:
Syrian couple overcomes sectarian differences
February 20th, 2013, 11:49 am
Sami said:
Hopeful,
There is no centralized leadership any longer. The regime has fragmented into a whole bunch of militias that are becoming increasingly more competitive with each other. It really has become a case of the right hand has no idea what the left hand is doing.
In creating so many different competing “intelligence agencies” Havez insured Syria will have this scourge to deal with for years to come.
I hope your friends brother and father make it out, I shudder at the thought of the monstrous treatment they might be enduring at the hands of the coward torturers.
February 20th, 2013, 11:50 am
Observer said:
Here is a great video showing the humour of the FSA and this is nice for my colleagues here to share with
February 20th, 2013, 11:54 am
Tara said:
Hyena,
You crossed all lines with your attack on WSS. So let me stoop down to your level and say, the only pathetic being is you… And it is a general consensus if you have not noticed.
I think the least thing JL should do in respect of his x- moderator is to ban you.
And your attack on gay status is pathetic too. You have not demonstrated a single quality to warrant respect.
February 20th, 2013, 12:06 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
@176
Dumbo sub-retard 2
Tunisia Former PM is alive and well, he is 64, which doesn’t really qualify as being short-lived on two counts.
February 20th, 2013, 12:13 pm
Hanzala said:
Visitor #170:
???? ????
February 20th, 2013, 12:21 pm
revenire said:
Tara spare me your outrage – you and Scherk are terrorist supporters. You both belong locked in cages.
Scherk is a rat who used his moderator status to steal private IPs and hand them out to animals like you.
February 20th, 2013, 12:27 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
The Feartleth leader
??? ????? ?? ?????
February 20th, 2013, 12:36 pm
revenire said:
February 20th, 2013, 12:37 pm
revenire said:
February 20th, 2013, 12:41 pm
revenire said:
Where is the FSA air force? More lies from rats.
February 20th, 2013, 12:42 pm
William Scott Scherk said:
The munchkin RevvedonRuins, mysterious commentator on all matters, waxes hysterical:
Yow. The manic scratching, the lurches in reason, the rampant Nutterzone observations and pontifications.
What the heck does it matter who is an aging Queen or not (I think Aldendeshe might qualify for that header — at least aging KIng of Bizarrostan)? — what on earth difference would it make what I was? What does ad hominem mean, in context?
We are not here to debate my aging or my queenitude, Munchkie. Seriously. Give your head a shake, Rev. Take a tip from your Prom date Zoolicious. Just turn on the charm …
Meanwhile, the leader of the National Coalition is expected to present his ass in Washington DC. Unlike RevvedonDeath and the other Baath singalong team, Khatib has a name and a face, and leaves mom’s basement.
Do you understand how odd it strikes reasonable people, Rev, when you persistently slag a person using personal details publicly available (queen of punk rock, aging, have been blah) — while at the same time you have declared nothing** about yourself at all? No country, no home, no connection to Syria.
See how the difference in perspective highlights both Assadist lunacy and base hypocrisy? Isn’t that fabulous, Rev? That you are swimming in the deep end without waterwings? That you are gasping like a mudfish? That you make Ann seem like Shirley Temple?
Marigoldran has your number, I think. No Arabic, no citizenship or family connection to the old country, and by most measures likely to be living in the world’s most awful NATO hellhole, the USA.
Just like um, er, Tara.
It is too bad you cannot see yourself as others see you, Revenire. You might then be able to get your non-functional debate skills out of the driveway and onto the road. As it is, you seem like a maniac, married to the House of Assad, and carrying its water.
___________________
** Zip, zero, nada, emptitude, notchkes. Jest like um, er, plain old nobody Zoolicious.
February 20th, 2013, 12:50 pm
ann said:
Quick hide your boys and your not so private IP addresses on this blog!
February 20th, 2013, 1:05 pm
PHALANGISTE said:
Report: Three Hizbullah Members Killed in Nusra Front Attack on Border Town
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/72714-report-three-hizbullah-members-killed-in-nusra-front-attack-on-border-town
February 20th, 2013, 1:09 pm
revenire said:
Bill so it is okay for you (and Tara and half a dozen other terrorist supporters) to call people names (and call for murder) but not okay for others to do the same? Why not?
“WSS once called her (Narwani) a regime lap dancer.”
https://joshualandis.com/blog/?p=17814&cp=all#comment-350463
I’ve seen you attack women more than once your majesty. Isn’t that both ironic and lawful?
And you did steal private IPs Bill. There is no doubt of that.
We’re not having a debate. There is no debate. You’re a pig.
PS – I hope in the “New Syria” you and Marigoldran can marry. He can cook dog for breakfast for the two of you. 🙂
February 20th, 2013, 1:12 pm
ann said:
Nothing but a common thief!
February 20th, 2013, 1:15 pm
revenire said:
Scherk was I wrong? Aren’t you an aging queen? You’re the one who brought up your “sexuality” as it were. Right? You can make love to the dogs Margoldran cooks for all I care Bill. That’s your right as a “free” Canadian isn’t it?
You call people names each time you come here. You harass people so much (usually women) on Twitter they are forced to block you. You did steal IPs when you were a moderator here – that’s a fact. (I think either you, or Tara, still has access to private IPs too. I also think she ran off and called you.)
I am laughing that anyone could be offended after you terrorist supporters sit here day after day accusing anyone who supports the Syrian government of being murderers.
It shows how sick you are inside. How warped your morality is.
Thank God our army is sending your cancerous rat army to Hell.
February 20th, 2013, 1:29 pm
revenire said:
Hearing unconfirmed reports that our army has just shot down an Israeli drone Deir Al-Ash’ar District.
February 20th, 2013, 1:46 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
Retards
Stop leaking your IP addresses every time you cut and paste.
February 20th, 2013, 2:07 pm
Uzair8 said:
Can you imagine the martyrs telling Guevara about their extraordinary revolution and Che refusing to believe any of it, thinking their crazy?
February 20th, 2013, 2:09 pm
zoo said:
Obama to change course on Syria?
Officials concerned about number of jihadists joining rebels
TEL AVIV – The Obama administration is leaning toward scaling back its demand for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to resign and instead may encourage reconciliation talks between Assad and the opposition, according to informed Middle Eastern security officials.
The security officials said Russia has been instrumental in convincing the U.S. to change its position, largely due to growing concern about the massive number of jihadists participating in the insurgency targeting Assad’s regime.
“Jihadists streaming into Syria via Turkey have reached a critical mass, to the point where the equilibrium of power may shift in troubling directions,” said a security official. “It’s to the point where Turkey is now perhaps the biggest al-Qaida base in the world.”
The U.S. has said it understands the issue and is leaning toward changing its position, the official said.
…
WND reported three weeks ago the increased numbers of jihadists pouring into Syria via the Turkish border at a rate of thousands per month, according to informed Middle Eastern security officials.
The officials said Russia and Iran have been compensating for the increased jihadist influx by providing more weapons to Syria, including advanced protections for Syria’s missile arsenal.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/02/obama-to-change-course-on-syria/#QqtvB0V6RwYtT8p5.99
February 20th, 2013, 2:15 pm
Tara said:
A Lebanese judge recommended Wednesday the death penalty for former Information Minister Michel Samaha, a Syrian general and another holding the rank of colonel over a terror plot to destabilize Lebanon. The indictment charges the three men of holding a meeting under Mamlouk at the National Security office in the Syrian capital Damascus and orchestrating a plot to assassinate Syrian opposition figures and arms traffickers entering Syria from Lebanon. Samaha is seen as Syria’s “man in Lebanon”.
Read more at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2013/Feb-20/207211-judge-recommends-death-penalty-in-samaha-case.ashx#axzz2LKZQKg00
February 20th, 2013, 2:22 pm
Uzair8 said:
The revolution – (1 year, 11 months and 5 days old)
What A Beautiful Day
It was on the {fifteenth of March}, when time it went back
Some say that that’s impossible, but you and I we never looked back
And wasn’t it incredible, so beautiful and above all
Just to see the fuse get lit this time
To light a real bonfire, for all time
[…]
The news broke after midnight,
That we pulled the temples down without a sound
But the generals they were hiding out
The ministers, Well! They’d all gone to ground
[…]
[Levellers]
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/l/levellers/what+a+beautiful+day_20340336.html
February 20th, 2013, 2:22 pm
Citizen said:
HAMSTER
for me to sneeze on your art and skill to break IP other commentators!
if you need a feed, I am ready to offer you
February 20th, 2013, 2:22 pm
Citizen said:
192.
Alice is the one man who wrote about the newspapers that he molested the little ones?It looks like they atypical group of nerds
February 20th, 2013, 2:28 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
Again, eloquence is not demanded, comprehensibility is required.
February 20th, 2013, 2:30 pm
Visitor said:
……
February 20th, 2013, 2:31 pm
omen said:
sharmine = holocaust denialist
February 20th, 2013, 2:46 pm
Citizen said:
Uzair
US-Saudi Funded Terrorists Sowing Chaos in Pakistan- Allah Akbar 🙂
February 20th, 2013, 2:48 pm
Visitor said:
“HAMSTER
for me to sneeze on your art and skill to break IP other commentators!
if you need a feed, I am ready to offer you”
Another Retard hits the jackpot!
Citizen @ 199,
Hamster was ridiculing Spam/Ann @189!!
Time for you to realize the full extent of your potential and try not to exceed it. You are the copy/paste ‘expert’!! Do more than that, and attempt to compose longer than one-sentence paragraphs, you end up revealing more than an IP: Your Retardation!!
You know what they used to say? A sound advice was worth a whole camel in days bygone!
February 20th, 2013, 2:52 pm
Sami said:
AssWipe,
This will be my first and only time to ever address a piece of vile garbage such as yourself.
Calling Sharmine a Regime Lap Dancer is NOT an attack on her womanhood. That was a cheap and rather infantile response by non other than the regime shill herself, the fact she took WSS’s statement as an attack on her femininity while ignoring the obvious fact that BOTH males and females slide down metal poles for a living (and whom make a more honest living than that piece of trash) shows how ignorant this crappy “reporter” is, and her willingness to twist the facts to fit whatever callous narrative she is trying to peddle.
This of course does not include her personal attacks towards ACTUAL reporters some of whom died WHILE reporting from INSIDE Syria, something this piece of garbage never will do.
Your brave “reporter” Sharmine is nothing more than a Journalistic Prostitute that is willing to peddle in regime lies and turn them into half truths for a blood soak dollar. Only an anus like you will find her crap agreeable, which is not surprising considering your sole job on here is spewing crap.
And please do inform us about the details of your “fact” regarding Bill stealing IP’s, because guess what Bill RESIGNED after a personal spat between him and Camille (Alex) on Facebook which had nothing to do with Syria Comment but resulted in the outing of Bill as SC moderator. Only a dimwit like you would take accusations peddled by a Spawn of SatANN as “facts”…
February 20th, 2013, 3:02 pm
GEORGES said:
February 20th, 2013, 3:04 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
SAMI
What a good mind you have. Competence has a way of showing itself.
In my opinion, the spat did not result in outing Bill, It was never a casual error, but a conscious, and arguably premeditated act.
February 20th, 2013, 3:14 pm
Syrialover said:
Mystery: Why does REVENIRE invest such a huge amount of time here when he has nothing to say?
His posts are all about childishly amusing and entertaining himself trying to bait others.
But we can be glad if anyone is paying him that they are putting their $$s into a trash can and setting it alight to make instant ashes.
February 20th, 2013, 3:18 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Answer:
Because he is a loser and he has nothing better to do.
February 20th, 2013, 3:26 pm
Citizen said:
205. VISITOR
what relationship do you have? seems forage does not concern you is not it?
February 20th, 2013, 3:28 pm
revenire said:
Hate to tell you but Scherk was “outed” (in more ways than one) by a very important (to this site anyway) person.
Sharmine really gets under your skin by reporting the truth doesn’t she? 🙂
February 20th, 2013, 3:39 pm
Visitor said:
Can anyone explain to me who this Camille (Alex) is? He keeps popping up in conversations every once in a while, and seems to have something to do with SC!!
So far everyone speaks of him as a villain!
————————
Citizen,
Come again!!
Oh! Forget it! Who am I talking to?
February 20th, 2013, 3:40 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
“????????? – ??????, ????????? – ??????.
The retard butchers both. And even though
???? ???????? ???? ???? ???????.
our insect doesn’t
February 20th, 2013, 3:58 pm
Syrialover said:
SAMI,
I always saw Sharmine Narwani’s attacks on high quality western journalists as a bizarre hissing fit of envy and inept attempt to distract from what they were telling the world about Syria.
It was embarrassing to read. And particularly distasteful when she was attacking some very fine people who lost their lives in their mission to bring the truth about Syria to the world. Sharmine Narwani has a very ugly brain.
And here’s something interesting.
That junk denying the number of deaths in Syria is a recycled version of something she ran exactly a year ago! She’s a shamelessly lazy, cheating “commentator”, with a repertoire smaller than the circumference of Bashar Assad’s pin head.
Back then, the excellent blogger Maysaloon, along with others, delivered well-argued, lethal precision blows to her nonesense: http://www.maysaloon.org/2012/03/sharmine-narwani-hear-no-evil-see-no.html
In one of his columns rebutting Narwani, Maysaloon remarks in a wickedly polite and understated way:
“Unfortunately this is a poorly referenced and researched article that appears to be more interested in resolving an artificial argument”
February 20th, 2013, 4:00 pm
Citizen said:
The failure by the West to condemn the killing of the Syrian athlete today by the FSA is as repugnant as the FSA itself.
February 20th, 2013, 4:09 pm
Uzair8 said:
There’s been speculation whether Zoo = Irritated = Warren.
Anything’s possible however I’m not sure. If I remember correct Irritated was a little more confrontational, combative. He really sounded irritated. Zoo was mild and just posted articles.
About Warren, I’d be surprised if it was Zoo. I remember once I pointed out to Zoo that a claim in his comment was a hoax. There were a few exchanges with him and warren that ensued about the same time.
From comment #39 where I responded to Zoo:
https://joshualandis.com/blog/?p=17273&cp=all#comment-341359
Zoo’s comment at #78 and Warren’s at #79 were a minute apart. Unless we’re dealing with the Gary Oldman of SC, a chameleon it seems unlikely.
I suspected Warren might be a second account. If true, whoever it is, it’s a cowardly cover under which to restort to racist, ethnic and sectarian slurs. Perhaps an attempt, in frustration, to intimidate and chase out rivals who are undoing pro regime propaganda.
Not long ago I googled Professor Paul Rogers, Department of Peace Studies Bradford University (a familiar face in UK media on international issues), to see what he has said on Syria. A list of previous articles some of which have a certain namesake of Warren* replying in the comment section. I pondered for a while, considering Warrens familiarity with UK issues but nah.
Prof Paul Rogers archive:
http://www.opendemocracy.net/author/paul-rogers
* http://www.opendemocracy.net/paul-rogers/syria-weapons-vs-politics
February 20th, 2013, 4:10 pm
revenire said:
Sharmine Narwani pointed out some simple facts. The freak out she elicited here only proves she’s right.
What do you take issue with in particular? Her point is that the casualty figures are mainly male combatants, comprised of rats and Syrian soldiers and police.
Dr. Landis obviously feels Narwani is right and pointed that out to his readers.
I’ve never seen Sharmine attacking any “fine” journalists – rats maybe but fine journalists no.
February 20th, 2013, 4:11 pm
Uzair8 said:
Sharmine Narwani. You can tell a person by the company they keep. She was a familiar tweeter on Syrian Commando’s twitter. I presume she would be a regime sympathizer.
February 20th, 2013, 4:16 pm
Citizen said:
War Syria. Sarakib. Combat shooting. February 2013. Syrian army shall render FSA terrorists.
http://youtu.be/yRfIsf0cEYg?t=2s
February 20th, 2013, 4:20 pm
Visitor said:
Uzair8 @217,
Zoo already admitted he was Irritated.
He is Warren because the style is similar.
Zoo creates different monikors and he uses each incarnation to present diffrent ascpects of his venoms. He cannot post under Zoo what he posted under Warren in order to keep the lines of communications open.
He also postsed under Irritated in order to reinforce what Zoo was posting.
It is all part of a propaganda scheme he is paid for to do as a shill.
You need to be able to profile posters in order to coi=nvince yourself of such conclusions.
Zoo was definitely Irritated.
Warren was definitely Zoo.
Zoo still has several incarnations on SC.
Comment 79 that you linked is only one sentence comment. I can write it in 10 seconds. You have to keep in mind Zoo is glued to SC.
February 20th, 2013, 4:22 pm
syrian said:
A note to HA and Hasan nes-lira
your so called”victory” againest Israel in 2006 can not be applied to Syria
we don’t have Isreal’s hight standerd defintation of a win and a lose
we will not coiseder 140 Syrian vs 1500 lebanise a lose
we will not get tierd after 30 days of fighting
your major asset, your reockest,have no effects what so ever,even if you want to use them there are no places to destroy unless you want to aim them at Taratous ,lattackia and the half of the city of Homes that is supporting the regime.
February 20th, 2013, 4:29 pm
Citizen said:
Information Minister SAR Omran Al-Zaubi confirmed that the government is going to start a process of national dialogue, whose doors are not closed to anyone. The dialogue must be found to solve pressing issues and problems of democracy, to resolve the crisis by the Syrians, and the compilation of the electoral register.
“The invitation is sent to all Syrians, both within the country and abroad,” – he said, noting that the state provides all the guarantees of foreign opposition and logistical resources to ensure its participation in a deep and serious political process. ”
He considered items political program, which includes solutions to social and economic issues as well as issues related to civil rights and reconciliation.
“Syria is committed to dialogue, despite the fact that violence continues in the country, but for his termination is necessary to create a new atmosphere that will ensure compliance with the constitutional rights of the state in terms of guarantees of its security,” – he said.
Al Zaubi stressed that the international position on Syria began to undergo changes, going back in the right direction after the external players, it became clear that the “overthrow of the regime by force” is impossible, and also criticized the statements of UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi to SAR, in which He ignored the political program proposed by the Syrian government to end the country’s crisis.
February 20th, 2013, 4:34 pm
Syrialover said:
HOPEFUL, I got a tightness in my chest and stomach reading your account in #175.
That bright young Syrian expatriate’s story brings home with a sledgehammer the unmeasurable damage Bashar Assad has inflicted on the people of Syria.
Somebody said that all Syrians have now had part of them die inside at the hands of the Assad regime.
All of us with family inside Syria live on a knife edge of anxiety, cutting sharper and deeper every day for two years. Fear, despair and grief at what’s happening takes our breath away and floods our mind in waves that don’t stop.
What is being done to Syria by Bashar Assad is worse than what happens when a country goes to war with an enemy.
It is very different because it is so excessively sinister, cruel, damaging, pointless and irrational. It has not only killed and disabled so many people and physically destroyed the country. Worse, it has psychologically wounded all for whom Syria is their only country, their identity and motherland, the one place where they belong.
HOPEFUL, stories like the one you tell above is a small glimpse into the bleak, dark canyon with no bottom that Syrians have been pushed into.
February 20th, 2013, 4:54 pm
MarigoldRan said:
@ Citizen
That’s nice. Because NO ONE who is fighting is going to talk to the regime.
This is something that the Russians are beginning to find out. As I’ve said before: the regime has no one to negotiate with and the war continues.
February 20th, 2013, 4:58 pm
revenire said:
Funny but Moaz called for talks. You should notify him about his position Mari.
Also Mari, we are wondering if you walk the dogs you eat? Is that emotional for you?
February 20th, 2013, 5:05 pm
MarigoldRan said:
The fact the rebels are split into many different groups makes it difficult for the regime as well.
It means that the regime and their supporters have no one to talk to. Even if they miraculously make an agreement or defeat one group, the other groups will keep on fighting, which means the war continues.
EDIT: As usual, I smell the stench of total loser-ness coming from you.
February 20th, 2013, 5:05 pm
revenire said:
Don’t you think everyone already knows the rats are not unified? That’s not exactly news is it?
February 20th, 2013, 5:07 pm
MarigoldRan said:
You don’t have a job. You don’t have a life. You spend 12-16 hours on this blog, with multiple accounts.
You’re a total loser, Revenire.
February 20th, 2013, 5:09 pm
Johannes de Silentio said:
188. WILLIAM SCOTT SCHERK
“RevvedonRuins, Zoolicious and um, er, Tara.”
The odd couple plus one…
A New Bashar Cartoon:
http://www.cartoonmovement.com/depot/cartoons/2013/02/Ycg73a3ATiuynSb3l50l1w.jpeg
February 20th, 2013, 5:10 pm
revenire said:
Can’t answer me can you?
Everyone, the Russians – the Americans – the Syrians – knows the rats are not united. This has been the case from Day One.
February 20th, 2013, 5:11 pm
MarigoldRan said:
There’s no reason to talk to you about Syria. Get your life in order, and then maybe there’s something to discuss. But I don’t like interacting with you because you’re such a big failure that I’m afraid that your failure germs are going to spread to others, like me.
People don’t like to be around failures, Revenire. You’re an excellent example of that.
February 20th, 2013, 5:11 pm
revenire said:
The level of stupidity is astronomical. Coming here to state the obvious really is stunning.
“The war continues.”
“The rebels are not united.”
“This will take a long time.”
Move the goal post down again. Just a few weeks ago you said Damascus was falling.
I am amazed Vietnam won but then again you didn’t fight there did you? Too young.
February 20th, 2013, 5:14 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Glad you finally noticed.
All of my comments are ACCURATE, by the way.
The war does continue. The rebels are not united. And this war will take a long time. Other than trash talking, what else is there to say?
It stands in contrast to your statements, which are complicated and WRONG.
February 20th, 2013, 5:16 pm
revenire said:
So weak and insecure too. I remember when you used to say I wanted to gas Sunni villages and I would tell you “no, just enemy combatants” and you would sit there stunned because you have this imaginary war going on in your head.
I enjoy watching you spin like a top.
February 20th, 2013, 5:17 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Oh, we’re revisiting that?
In which case I would like to remind you that gas weapons spread over a large area and are indiscriminate against targets, which is why they’re banned by the UN. Since the rebels take shelter in Sunni villages, gassing them would mean gassing the entire village.
What sort of gas weapons are you thinking about?
February 20th, 2013, 5:19 pm
revenire said:
I said 1000 x 1000 to give any civilians 24 hours and then start bombing and don’t stop bombing until everyone is dead. I said to gas any rats trying to escape.
You were so frightened you had to lie and said I wanted to gas Sunni villages. Assad’s wife is Sunni as is most of our army.
I don’t care one bit about anyone who remains after being given 24 hours notice. Let them die. Good riddance.
You spun around like a little puppet each time I said it.
February 20th, 2013, 5:21 pm
revenire said:
And, let me point out again how wrong you are: the United Nations doesn’t make any laws for Syria. None. Not one. Nothing.
Syria can do as she likes.
Don’t forget that.
You are such a small boy. Maybe Bill Scherk can make a man of you.
February 20th, 2013, 5:24 pm
MarigoldRan said:
“I don’t care one bit about anyone who remains after being given 24 hours notice. Let them die. Good riddance.”
Oh. I think that says it all. I’m done for now. Be seeing you, LOSER.
EDIT: Have fun living your life on the comments section of some blog. Unlike you I have things to do.
February 20th, 2013, 5:24 pm
revenire said:
People that shelter terrorists deserve the same fate as the terrorists. Got it? DEATH.
If a rat is being sheltered by a civilian that civilians is THE ENEMY and will be killed the same as any soldier would be. Wake up. We’re not playing games. This is war.
Go do your paper route. Mom is getting your bath ready for later.
Let the men talk.
February 20th, 2013, 5:29 pm
revenire said:
From Ziad – enjoy.
IDLIB: We told you so. Huge and complex military operations involving units from the Third Army Corps and militia devastated the rat population of the area with combination of artillery, air power and relentless infantry assault. Over 100 rodents have been counted. One of the vermin population was a Libyan who went by the name of “Abu Mus’ab Al-Libi”, a common name among these Barbary apes. His actual identity has not been determined because he did not carry any papers. Here are some names which have been reported. Over 48 are believed to be foreigners in the pay of Prince Pedophile of Qatar.
Muhammad Mahfouz Siyaam
“Abu Khaddouj” (i.d. pending)
Rami Ali Mukhlis
Hassan Diab Safraa
Khaled Abu-Smaaneh
Mahmoud Samir Al-Halabi
Abdallah Hussein Taifoor
Rajab Atiyyeh
Hilal Khamees Zurqut
Jihad Ali Hilwaani
“Abu-Rida” (i.d. pending)
Ali Muhsin Sirdab
At Jisr Al-Shughoor, we can confirm the following identities of dead carcasses:
Munif Hussein Al-Bazzaz
Hassan Ali Maqsoud
Sadreddine Kheir Ali
Ghassan Muhammad Sairafi
Ali “Abu Jack” Hassanein
Jihad Hussein Abdul-Rahman
Another 6 remain unidentified. Our friends at Updates also mentioned a Abdul-Razzaaq Al-Khidr whose name did not come to us.
At Kafr Haya, in the Jabal Al-Zaawiya, a firefight broke out when SAA discovered a den of vermin and tried to arrest them. Wael tells me 6 were killed and 2 injured but in critical condition.
February 20th, 2013, 5:31 pm
zoo said:
Death of Danish Jihadist Highlights International Makeup of Assad’s Opposition
Matthew Feeney|Feb. 20, 2013 3:00 pm
http://reason.com/blog/2013/02/20/death-of-danish-jihadist-highlights-inte
Earlier today, UPI reported that Slimane Hadj Abderrahmane, a jihadist fighter, had been killed in Syria. Many jihadists have been fighting and dying in the Syrian conflict, and the death of Abderrahmane is at first glance nothing particularly worth noting. However, Abderrahmane’s death highlights the international nature of the Syrian conflict and the different ideals motivating Assad’s diverse opposition.
Abderrahmane was a Danish national who was born in Denmark to an Algerian father and a Danish mother. In February 2002 Abderrahmane was arrested in Pakistan and sent to Guantanamo Bay, where he was detained until February 2004 (link to declassified chronological listing of Guantanamo detainees from the Office for the Administrative Review of the Detention of Enemy Combatants here).
The Copenhagen Post reported that according to Danish domestic intelligence Abderrahmane was one of an increasing number of Danes going to fight against Assad in Syria.
The conflict in Syria is oftentimes described as a civil war, and while Syrians are the main belligerents in the fighting it is important not to forget that Syria has become a battlefield where fighters from across the world have come, only adding to the already high possibility of a destabilized post-war Syria.
In December last year Reuters reported that U.N. investigators had recorded fighters from 29 different countries coming to Syria to fight with Assad’s opposition.
…
Given the international diversity of the rebels and the increasing possibility of international involvement in Syria it would be best for Obama to resist the urge to arm those fighting the Assad regime. If the rebels win no one can predict what might happen next or whether the U.S. will be safer as a result.
February 20th, 2013, 5:42 pm
zoo said:
Allan Massie: War crimes trials are only for the losing side
By ALLAN MASSIE
Published on Wednesday 20 February 2013 00:00
http://www.scotsman.com/news/allan-massie-war-crimes-trials-are-only-for-the-losing-side-1-2799875
Threats of court action will not encourage the opposing forces in Syria to come to the negotiating table, writes Allan Massie
United Nations investigators have been calling for the trials of people accused of war crimes in Syria. Carla Del Ponte, who was chief prosecutor for the international criminal tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, has been particularly vociferous. She was on television on Monday night saying there is enough evidence to bring the accused to trial. “It’s really time,” she says. “We have a permanent court, the international criminal court, who would be ready to take this case.”
She is wrong. It is indeed probable that acts which might be designated war crimes have been committed in Syria, by both sides: the troops of the Assad government and the rebels. Nevertheless, she is wrong.
She is wrong, first, because the Syrian civil war is still raging. There is at present little evidence that leads one to suppose that it will end with a clear victory for either side
February 20th, 2013, 5:47 pm
Tara said:
It does sound weird to have 2 phone calls from 2 different members 2 days in a row.
Received a phone call today from yet another “relative” of Asma al Akhrass asking for donation….for the opposition!
—
I was so hesitant to share this on SC lest I cause massive heart attack in some hyenas… who I demand from them complete worship to Asma and her family, the worship they used to entertain us with..
It was reassuring to know that al Akrasses are the only rotten apples. Sourya bi Khair!
February 20th, 2013, 5:49 pm
zoo said:
Iraq Gives Go-Ahead for Iranian Pipeline to Syria
AFP BAGHDAD February 20, 2013 (AP)
Iraq has approved the construction of a natural gas pipeline across its territory that will connect Iran to key ally Syria. The move likely to strengthen Tehran’s influence over its neighbors.
The Iraqi Cabinet said in a statement Tuesday evening that it has instructed the country’s oil minister to sign a framework agreement for the $10 billion project, allowing the pipeline to move ahead.
The project is designed to supply gas from the giant South Pars field to Syria as well as other export markets.
Iran signed a preliminary deal to build the 1,500-kilometer (750-mile) pipeline in July 2011 as Syrian rebels were stepping up their fight to topple President Bashar Assad. Work on the project started in November.
After Russia, Iran has the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves.
February 20th, 2013, 5:55 pm
zoo said:
Torture in a prison in .. Dubai
Dubai denies abuse allegation by Britons held on drug charges
Three British nationals in detention in Dubai over drug charges claim they have been tortured; authorities deny accusations
Reuters , Wednesday 20 Feb 2013
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/65249/World/Region/Dubai-denies-abuse-allegation-by-Britons-held-on-d.aspx
…
Reprieve said Williams had electric shocks administered to his testicles, adding that a Reprieve lawyer had met the three men in prison and drawn up draft witness statements.
“They pulled down my trousers, spread my legs and started to electrocute my testicles. It was unbelievably painful. I was so scared. Then they took off the towel and I could see that there was a gun pointed at my head,” Williams was quoted as saying.
The three men say they were also forced to sign documents in Arabic, a language none of them speak, Reprieve said.
February 20th, 2013, 6:05 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
A gift from Ali Ferzat to the retards
?????? ??? ?? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ?????????? ?? ??? ????? ???????.. ..!!???? ????..!!
??? ?????
February 20th, 2013, 7:04 pm
revenire said:
HNN Homs News Network
https://www.facebook.com/homs.news.network.english?ref=stream
I WAS WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION TO BRING YOU THE ICING ON TONIGHT’S CAKE, AND HERE IT IS !!
TWO DRONES WERE DOWNED BY SYRIAN DEFENSE, FIRST ONE UNMANNED , 2ND DRONE AND F-16 FLOWN BY AN ISRAELI COLONEL WHO IS NOW DECLARED MISSING IN ACTION, ACCORDING TO ISRAEL’S CHANNEL 10 NEWS ..
COULD IT GET ANY BETTER TONIGHT , THIS IS THE BEST NEWS . GOD IS GREAT .. ALLAH W AKBAR, COME AGAIN ISRAEL … –
February 20th, 2013, 7:11 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Visitor
Joshua started this blog with the help of Alex Camile Otrakji, who worked as moderator too.you can goggle it.
February 20th, 2013, 7:16 pm
revenire said:
Correct on Alex. And one can see many of the same cast of characters (AIG, Akbar Palace, Syrian Hamster, Mayasaloon etc) posting below. This was over one year ago. All their silly predictions failed.
http://qifanabki.com/2011/05/02/camille-otrakji-syria-protests/
February 20th, 2013, 7:46 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
General Salim Idris sent a threat to HA,gave them 48 hour to withdraw from Syria,and they must stop aiding Assad to kill Syrians.
I doubt HA will respond positively, since they take orders from Iran,and the question is,what can FSA now do to HA?
All what FSA can do must be kept secret, probably the most FSA can do is making sure that HA needs for its existance a good relations with future Syria,meanwhile no one is immune from violence,also pro revolution lebaneses can paralize HA
February 20th, 2013, 8:01 pm
zoo said:
France uses Israeli drones to kill Islamists in Mali
Participation of Israeli drones in Mali war
Monday, 18 February 2013 18:00
http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/5263-participation-of-israeli-drones-in-mali-war
According to the French Ministry of Defence, 26 UVAs were deployed over Mali.
An American newspaper, World Tribune, has revealed that France used of Israeli drones in airstrikes targeting armed Islamists in Mali.
The newspaper quoted officials in the French Ministry of Defence as saying that since the beginning of the military operation in Mali earlier this year, the French army have been using “Harfang” drones, which can fly at medium and high altitudes.
It added that such drones are considered a modified model of the Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), “Heron”, manufactured by Israeli Aerospace Industries.
The newspaper also quoted a report by the French Defence Ministry issued on February 8th that the drones conducted their first operations on 18th January.
February 20th, 2013, 8:10 pm
zoo said:
Syrian and Lebanese News Agencies Claim Israeli Drone Downed
By: Jewish Press News Briefs
Published: February 20th, 2013
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/syrian-and-lebanese-news-agencies-claim-israeli-drone-downed/2013/02/20/?src=ataglance
Two news agencies in Lebanon and Syria claimed Wednesday evening that an Israeli drone was downed, possibly by a SAM anti-missile that was fired from Syria. The official Lebanese National News Agency reported, “The tail of a surface-to-air missile (SAM) fired from Syria fell in the outskirts of the Lebanese town of Deir al-Ashayer,” near the border between Syria and Lebanon and approximately 15 west of Damascus.
February 20th, 2013, 8:12 pm
omen said:
Justice fo Hamza and Omar and Yasser and all of the martyrs of this revolution.
sorry, trying to catch up. who is yasser?
February 20th, 2013, 8:28 pm
revenire said:
The FSA can do nothing to Hezbollah.
Nasrallah had a little warning of his own for Israel and her FSA allies.
Don’t test him.
February 20th, 2013, 8:37 pm
Tara said:
I am growing more resentful to HA than I am to the regime. It is plain and simple sectarianism that is motivating HA to kill Syrians. They are willing to kill all Sunnis to protect their interest. For the regime, it is kill whoever to protect the mfia family. The Alawis just happened to be hijacked by them. I hope and pray that the FSA is prepared to deal with those terrorists before and after the regime fall. And I also hope that Iran’s nuclear capability is bombed and the world is rid from those evil mullahs.
February 20th, 2013, 8:46 pm
omen said:
observer requested we absorb this report:
how do people continue to remain loyal to this regime?
February 20th, 2013, 8:54 pm
revenire said:
Tara here you are calling for Iran to be bombed and you’re worried about me calling Bill Scherk what he is – an aging queen? Tara you are a confused and weak woman. Syria is too good for you. You would need to atone and change to be allowed to walk on her sacred soil.
You might have nice black hair and a shape that men admire – I don’t know – but inside it your soul is ugly.
Your words sicken me.
February 20th, 2013, 8:55 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
OMEN
How far is it from wanting to gas entire cities to rape? I would say not far. Rape is not sexual, it is power crime. So I would easily imagine some (not all) of the retards here as standing trial one of these days for rape or sexual assault.
February 20th, 2013, 9:06 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Omen said
how do people continue to remain loyal to this regime?
I said it before those who are not afraid of God,those we should be afraid of.
Civil war is inevitable,and all Assad thugs will vanish, their crimes justify their death.
February 20th, 2013, 9:07 pm
omen said:
bernard, if you really wanted to demonstrate your loyalty and support for assad, you would run off to be in syria. i wish you would. that way you’d find out first hand what the regime does to people like you. it wouldn’t take long before you’re crying for rebels to come save you.
February 20th, 2013, 9:12 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
Nus-lira sounded like it was laying an egg.
good… retard, push that impotent rage button, it is the red colored one. Right here ↓
February 20th, 2013, 9:19 pm
ALI said:
Please pay respect when talking about Sayed Hasan Nasrallah. Nasrallah belongs to the same ranking of Hafez and Jamal AbdolNasser
February 20th, 2013, 9:29 pm
Sami said:
Tara,
The sharper you are the more vile they grow… Having said that when dealing with a disbecibel, demented, dimwitted and juvenile anus one should take into account all this entity is good for is spewing crap. It is best to avoid it because it likes nothing more than to taint you with its filthy disgusting crap… But if you insist try the Syrian Hamster approved Havazat Al Havez, nothing can absorb poop better than a diaper made from havez assad posters.
February 20th, 2013, 9:31 pm
Ghufran said:
By Raja Abdulrahim, Los Angeles Times
February 19, 2013, 5:10 p.m.
BEIRUT — Just when they expected a flood of heavy weapons to help them make a major push against the forces of President Bashar Assad, rebel commanders in Syria say, arms shipments from outside the country have instead slowed, prolonging a conflict now nearing the end of its second year.
Though rebels have made gains in the north and east, seizing military bases and checkpoints, opposition figures who had made predictions of quick victory now say their arsenal is at a level that can support only a war of attrition.
“There will be no quick and practical end,” said Nabil Amir, spokesman for the Damascus Military Council, a key rebel group.
( I remain skeptical at least of any attempt to repeat Aleppo scenario in Damascus, my position is shared by many in the opposition who watched Aleppo getting destroyed and the country losing over $ 5 billion in a battle that only benefited Turkey and Israel)
February 20th, 2013, 9:32 pm
ALI said:
Wake up deluded people, it’s not a loyalty and support to Bashar (to hell with Bashar) it’s our obligation to mother Syria to defend it against terrorists to the last damascene.
February 20th, 2013, 9:33 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
@258
Retard thinks that a worm like itself can patronize real people by twisting their words in order to fake moral outrage. It loves the criminal prethident, it lusts for the fool prethident’s wife, and it wants to gas entire cities. Moral outrage my toe, which by the way will not run for election in 2014.
Neat…., not even finished posting before another retard wants to defend this regime (foolishly mistaken for a country) to the last of someone else’s children. And talks about morality.
@263
Nus-lira blew up his respect credit. His dept is now collected in contempt. So buzz off you and your fake resister agent of a foreign occupation. As for the other two “heroes”… I can only say…
??? ??????? ???? .. ???? ???? ????? ???? ?? ????
February 20th, 2013, 9:34 pm
Visitor said:
Nus-lira is full of sh*t. And what he s boasting about is called ?????? in Arabic. He thinks he won in 2006 and that’s his biggest delusion.
Worse than his delusion is that few idiots in the Arab world believed his delusion. Now everyone is waking up and beginning to know the empty demagogue he really is. we call such characters drums in Arabic layman terms. Because drums are also empty and make a lot of noise
The FSA will get him from the sewer where he lives in the sh*thole of dhahiyeh in handcuffs.
————
Thanks MajedK.
February 20th, 2013, 9:37 pm
Ghufran said:
Liberating Damascus by killing football players:
( terrorists shelled a stadium before a football game)
Players from the al-Wathbah team who witnessed the attack identified the dead player as Youssef Suleiman. The 19-year-old striker had been a youth international. They said he was the father of a six-month-old baby.
A far more dangerous move is bringing the war to Lebanon and igniting another Shia-Sunni war that can only benefit Israel.
?? ??? ???? ?? ????? ?????
February 20th, 2013, 9:55 pm
zoo said:
The SNC is trying to stir anti-hezbollah and pro-Israel western feeling to get the USA and EU to intervene and provide weapons.
Has the FSA being appointed, on behalf of Israel, to liquidate the Hezbollah?
SNC Cites Hezbollah Role in Syria
…..
According to Nasrallah, “There are 23 town and 12 farms inhabited by Lebanese inside Syria; nearly 30,000 Lebanese live there.” He then asserted that young men in the area had decided to defend themselves, and their families, and not the Syrian regime. “I can’t prevent anyone, whether they belong to Hezbollah or not, from staying in the border areas,” said Nasrallah.”If there ever comes a day when our responsibility demands that we fight in Syria, we will not conceal that, but there is no such thing at the moment.”
Read more: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/hezbollah-in-syria.html#ixzz2LV1rVXvQ
February 20th, 2013, 10:15 pm
MarigoldRan said:
@ Ali
As long as Assad is in power, there will never be negotiations.
After the war, Syria will have many, many problems. But for those problems to heal, the war has to end first, right?
… The problem of course is that even if Assad leaves, there is no guarantee the war will end. It’s gone too far for that.
It looks increasingly like this will have to be settled with force.
February 20th, 2013, 10:38 pm
ghufran said:
I do not doubt the sincerity of many Syrians on this blog,I just question their judgement, as for foreigners and Islamists, I consider them warts and parasites who have an interest in seeing Syria as a state destroyed and replaced with a Taliban Emirate(Islamist thugs dream) or a passive toy that that can not defend itself, it is not a coincidence that the same people who are advocating war are the ones who celebrate unnecessary wars between Shia and Sunnis.
KSA is now using the king’s son as a liaison with the regime, King abdulah of Jordan is definitely changing course, Qatar is isolated, France in busy with its african adventure, the countries of the “Arab Spring” are now worse than where they were two years ago and the US is focused on advancing a domestic agenda instead of helping people who call Nusra thugs “heroes”.
take a break and smell the flowers, Syria needs a political exit not an entry to the club of Talibistans, as for Assad and the thugs around him, Syrians will figure out how to take care of them but not through car bombs and mortar attacks on stadiums.
February 20th, 2013, 10:56 pm
Syrialover said:
READ THIS – it’s not in the mainstream media.
It’s a fascinating investigation and analysis into outside arms now flowing to moderate FSA, and the good results they are getting from using them.
Article: Who just started arming Syria rebels?
https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentaryanalysis/who-just-started-arming-syria-rebels
It’s a long and detailed read, but here’s a tantalizing excerpt:
“That sophisticated anti-tank and anti-infantry munitions are now being funneled exclusively to non-extremist rebel units, who themselves are committed to isolating al-Qaeda, suggests either a staggering coincidence or some degree of external facilitation. Now here’s another interesting fact. The M60, the M79, the RBG-6 and the RPG-22 are all currently in use by the Croatian Army.
“Croatia, which, along with a host of European and Middle Eastern powers, recognized the Syrian National Coalition as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people, is not yet a member state of the European Union (it is set to accede in July of this year) and so, technically, it is not beholden to the EU arms embargo. It is, however, a member of the Friends of Syria umbrella group: Croatian Foreign Minister Vesna Pusi? attended the second conference in Istanbul in 2012, and she’s previously expressed concern about Croatia’s [investments in Syrian] oil and gas fields, which sanctions and deteriorating security have rendered useless. (About a year ago, Croatia instructed all of its businesses to withdraw from Syria, an act that left INA, the national oil company, operating at a loss of “hundreds of millions of euros.”)
“A pro-EU Balkan state not yet subject to EU jurisdiction [Croatia] would also have a nice geopolitical motive to help undermine a proxy of Russia.
February 20th, 2013, 11:06 pm
revenire said:
Sorry to burst your bubble Syrialover but the author of that article, one Michael Weiss, is a member of the neocon think tank the Henry Jackson Society and has called for NATO intervention for well over one year. He also hates Iran, Hezbollah and Russia. Thus Weiss is tainted to spread lies in the worst way. Weise traveled to Aleppo himself and had dinner with al-Nusra. If you don’t believe me ask him or review his Twitter feed. He was joking with Austin Tice about it 2-3 days before Tice disappeared. Weiss’ source is James Miller of EA Worldview who used to work at a video store before deciding to scribble nonsense from “activists” and call it news. Both men have dogs in the race.
To the point: If the terrorists are getting arms from Croatia, skirting the EU embargo, this would not be a new effort. The Croatians could have done that all along with funding from the Saudis and Qataris. I suspect they have been doing it all along.
This reminds me of how Reagan skirted arming the Contras when Congress cut off the funding. If this is happening it is happening because Obama wanted it to happen not because of anything Croatia decided to do.
Weiss is a dogmatic amateur when it comes to the chess game that is international politics.
February 20th, 2013, 11:22 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Hello Mr. Loser. How does it feel to be a loser?
February 20th, 2013, 11:28 pm
omen said:
Liberating Damascus by killing football players:
(terrorists shelled a stadium before a football game)
this report originates from sana? where are the images of the dead body?
ghufran, you need to be more specific. nobody is a bigger terrorist than this regime. for some reason, you reserve the bulk of your animus for islamists. but it is this regime with the 40 year long record of drowning people in blood. not even alqaeda, whom this regime helped enable, can match it. how many hundreds of thousands of people have assadists killed? how many hundreds of thousands of people have they forcibly disappeared? expecting a political solution out this monster is like expecting table manners from a rabid beast. this regime only knows how to kill. it will only respond to a power greater than they. you take other countries to task but i don’t see you chastise iran, russia & china for helping to keep the regime alive.
February 20th, 2013, 11:40 pm
Syrian said:
?????? ??????? ?? ????? ????? the Chinese revolution
5 hours ago ·
????? ?????? ????? ?????
???????? ?????? ??????? ????? ??????? ??????????? ???? ????
?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ???? ???????? ???? ?? ???? ??? ??? ??????? .
http://m.facebook.com/COMEDY.AND.COMEDY?id=123654064382449&_rdr#!/123654064382449/timeline/story?ut=2&hash=186620705593147061&wstart=1359705600&wend=1362124799&ustart&__user=100003131418721
February 20th, 2013, 11:48 pm
ghufran said:
The Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, denied in an interview broadcast last week on German television that he was responsible for starting the bloody conflict tearing his country apart.
The interview, featured in a new documentary on the conflict in Syria by the filmmaker Hubert Seipel, was conducted in English but later overdubbed in German for broadcast on the network ARD. Mr. Seipel, whose previous film, “I, Putin,” was also a portrait of a strongman, provided The Lede with an edit of the documentary in which Mr. Assad’s remarks can be heard in the original English.
(do not waste your time listening to the interview, the summary posted on NY times website was enough to tell that the guy has nothing to say)
February 21st, 2013, 12:00 am
revenire said:
Syrian SAM (surface to air missile) reportedly downed Israeli drone
http://theaviationist.com/2013/02/20/syrian-sam-iaf-drone/#.USWr9R1JNRa
February 20, 2013
Although the event was not reported by Syria’s official news agency SANA, several Syrian and Israeli news outlets have been reporting that an Israeli drone was downed near the Syrian border with Lebanon.
According to eye-witnesses, Syrian air defenses reportedly shot down the aircraft over Deir al Ashayer, a village near Lebanese border: some people saw debris and buring wreckage fall from the sky whereas, according to The Times of Israel, residents posted on Facebook that the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) was downed by a surface to air missile fired from Syria, even if the drone crashed on the Lebanese side of the border.
Deir al Ashayer is located about 15 miles to the west of Syria’s capital Damascus, hence not far from the complex that was attacked by the Israeli Air Force last month. Furthermore, earlier on Feb. 20, Lebanese government news agency gave the news of intense Israeli combat planes activity over southern Lebanon: most probably, Syrian air defense batteries were on an heightened readiness status for any incoming threat from the border.
In June 2012, a Turkish Air Force RF-4E was downed by a Syrian air defense battery after violating the Syrian airspace.
February 21st, 2013, 12:10 am
ghufran said:
By Goran Tomasevic
DAMASCUS | Wed Feb 20, 2013 10:44am EST
(Reuters) – Rebel fighters in Damascus are disciplined, skilled and brave.
In a month on the frontline, I saw them defend a swathe of suburbs in the Syrian capital, mount complex mass attacks, manage logistics, treat their wounded – and die before my eyes.
But as constant, punishingly accurate, mortar, tank and sniper fire attested, President Bashar al-Assad’s soldiers on the other side, often just a room or a grenade toss away, are also well drilled, courageous – and much better armed.
So while the troops were unable to dislodge brigades of the Free Syrian Army from devastated and depopulated neighborhoods just east of the city centre – and indeed made little effort to do so – there seems little immediate prospect of the rebels overrunning Assad’s stronghold. The result is bloody stalemate.
(fighting parties are taking risks by pushing a violent agenda in a war that is unwinnable)
February 21st, 2013, 12:18 am
Juergen said:
Ghufran
This programme was highly criticized in the German media, like the one interview before done by Jürgen Todenhöfer. Seipel was attacked mainly because he did not question the usual blabla of Bashar, no second question, he just gave in to him. Seipels reputation of portraying dictators has now risen, also I Putin was an piece which lacked totally critical journalism, unfortunatly such SANAnisation of Journalism is not just found in the ME.
February 21st, 2013, 12:28 am
MarigoldRan said:
@Ghufran
That unfortunately is misleading enough to deserve mention:
City neighborhoods are difficult to take directly. There’s no question of that.
But cities can be taken. All cities have one giant weakness: they need to be supplied from the outside.
The classic strategy is to cut off the major highways connecting the city. The rebels are doing that in Aleppo with success. They will end up doing the same to Damascus.
February 21st, 2013, 12:30 am
Juergen said:
February 21st, 2013, 12:30 am
ghufran said:
“Millions of Egyptians want the army to come back and deliver us from chaos,” Ibrahim Issa, host of a political talk show on television, said this week.
“This is the sentiment on the Egyptian street, and ignoring it is stupid,” said the popular Issa, a harsh critic of Morsi, the Brotherhood and the military when it was in power.
February 21st, 2013, 12:36 am
Sami said:
Omen,
I believe the Yasser Observer is mentioning is Yasser Haidar Kizbari, his father was a former Prime Minister and he was an accomplished Pilot.
He was slain at a regime checkpoint for the crime of attempting to provide aid.
http://all4syria.info/Archive/58518 (Sorry link is in Arabic)
This is what his daughter wrote to the killer that murdered her father (again sorry it is in Arabic):
???? ???? ?? ???? … ???? ???? ?? ????? . ???? ?????? ????? ????? . ????? ???? . ??????? ???? ? ??????? ?????? ? ??????? ???????? ? ??????? ????? . ???? ???? ?? ?? ???? ??? ? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ???? . ????? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ! ?????? ???? ?? ???? ???. ?????? ??????? ? ?????? ??????? ? ?????? ?? ????? . ???? ???? ?? ?? ??? ???? ??????? . ?????? ?? ??? ! ??????? ?????? ?
???????? ??????? ….
It is really hard being a Syrian these days, so many people I grew up around have died. Good people that really cared for their country and loved their people.
February 21st, 2013, 12:50 am
Observer said:
Yasser is a class mate of mine killed by a sniper delivering food to poor displaced families.
Personal friend that I included in the list of thousands.
I see that every one of us has a martyr that they know and my family has martyrs from 1916 to 1982 ( Hama ) killed by the murderous regime
February 21st, 2013, 12:56 am
apple_mini said:
The regime has been adapting its tactics constantly. Also under the advice from the Russia.
The regime has plenty supply of munition but limited army men. If they rush to take back those suburban towns on the east of Damascus, they risk casualties by snipers and remote IED.
The way they fought in Darraya was quite organized. They had been shelling and bombing the town way before full-scale assault. Many residents had since fled. So the casualties on civilian population had been reduced by the intense attack in the end of last year.
They sent in mechanized brigades without enough infantry support. That caused higher loss and suffer for their tanks and other armored vehicles.
Right now, I think the stalemate around Damascus just appears to be. As long as the rebels in those towns are not posing imminent threats, the SAA can set their own pace for the battle.
The pressing issue is the group of rebels carrying a single mortar launcher have been shelling for the last three days, causing loss of civilians. The regime’s intelligence needs to find out their location and take them out.
I believe it is a single incident. Not a widespread problem. Understandably, the rebels will not withhold any weapons or tactics while they are in Damascus.
We have not seen any serious terrorist attack in Damascus lately that shows their protection for the city is quite effective.
People who are closely watching the situation on the ground should move their eyes to the north: Aleppo.
February 21st, 2013, 1:04 am
ghufran said:
???? ???? ?? ???? … ???? ???? ?? ????? . ???? ?????? ????? ????? . ????? ???? . ??????? ???? ? ??????? ?????? ? ??????? ???????? ? ??????? ????? . ???? ???? ?? ?? ???? ??? ? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ???? . ????? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ! ?????? ???? ?? ???? ???. ?????? ??????? ? ?????? ??????? ? ?????? ?? ????? . ???? ???? ?? ?? ??? ???? ??????? . ?????? ?? ??? ! ??????? ?????? ?
???????? ???????
Sami, Thank you.
February 21st, 2013, 1:07 am
Visitor said:
Bashar is playing his last card. And no, his last card is neither Hizbo nor Mullah-stan.
According to these reports, Bashar is soliciting Israeli involvement in his dilemma, and his first step in doing so is withdrawing his so-called army from the Golan. This comes on the heel of major gains made by the FSA in the southern front, recntly, which may ave convinced Assad that Damascus is about to fall, thus calling for some drastic action: enter Israel. Assad is hoping that Israel will get involved in fighting the FSA, perhaps after conducting some incursions by some rogue elements into Israeli controlled areas , following his army’swithdrawal, prompting the Israelis to move in. Of course, Assad is aware that Israel recently conducted military maneuvers which simulated scenarios of Israeli army incursions deep into Syrian territories including scenarios of fighting in urban areas.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/21/267452.html
On the other hand, an American report, expected to be out within a week, about the fate of Hezbo in Lebanon, foresees the total collapse of the of the Iranian funded organization, once Assad has fallen, according to Lebanese sources familiar with he report. This proves the point I made above about Nus-lira being nothing but an empty drum capable of making loud impotent noise.
February 21st, 2013, 1:28 am
revenire said:
Visitor you should get your own TV show. That was brilliant.
February 21st, 2013, 1:51 am
MarigoldRan said:
And you should get a job.
February 21st, 2013, 1:53 am
Visitor said:
Sami,
???? ????? ????? ???? ?? ???? ???????? ??? ????? ??? ????? ??? ?????? ????? ????? ????????. ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ??? ???? ????? ?? ???? ?????.
February 21st, 2013, 1:56 am
Visitor said:
“290 said:
Visitor you should get your own TV show. That was brilliant.”
Dimwit @ 290,
Show me how much of an idiot you are. What did it it say in the Arabic story which I linked in that comment (289)?
Do you really speak Arabic? I left off many details from that story. Can you show us who you really are? Identify those details I left off.
If you don’t, then you have to submit to being called a pathetic troll with no questions asked.
February 21st, 2013, 2:12 am
Dolly Buster said:
That is weird spelling, are you sure you are Arabic ?
February 21st, 2013, 2:40 am
Citizen said:
Syria downs Israeli drone – report
An Israeli drone has been downed near the Syrian border with Lebanon, the Mayadeen TV station reported Wednesday. Syrian forces allegedly shot down the aircraft over Deir al Ashayer, a village near Lebanese border, the TV channel said quoting local websites. There were no reports of casualties or damage. Neither Syrian, nor Israeli officials confirmed the reports. RT Arabic’s correspondent in Syria also was unable to verify it. Israel is suspected to have arranged an airstrike on a Syrian military facility outside the capital in early February. Two workers were killed and five injured in the strike.
http://rt.com/news/line/2013-02-21/#45529
February 21st, 2013, 2:48 am
Uzair8 said:
The Syrian people have every right to self defence. To defend themselves and their country from Hezbo interference on the side of the murderous tyrant. It’s one thing defending one’s own land against an invader (2006). however. it’s another thing to become the unjust invader yourself. God Almighty is with the wronged and not with the wrong-doers. Hezbo has chosen to stand against the oppressed.
February 21st, 2013, 4:45 am
Juergen said:
Citizen
So far the last time an Israeli fighter jet was downed by the Syrians was in 1973, since then the Israelis have flown numerous attacks on Syrian soil, I was in Damascus when the IDF send a special greeting to Bashar during the last lebanon war, they flew over his house in Melke. It was quite an talk that time at the Ar Rawdeh cafe back then.
But of course the downing of an drone will make up 40 years of total failure to secure the air space and the liberation of Palestine will come very shortly through the hands of Assad and Al Baath. I would say, dream on!
February 21st, 2013, 4:45 am
majedkhaldoun said:
The downing of a drone is a lie,show the evidence, picture of the fallen drone.
Assad withdrew troops from the front against Israel, he is committing treason, this is not resistance, this is the opposit,his father in 1967 announced the fall of Qunaitra,before it fell,his son Bashar is doing the same,this will backfire,it is either he has assurance from Israel they will not advance into Syria,or he is giving permission to Israel to come in and take more land from Syria.either way he is running out of loyal troops,and shows his enemy is Syrian people,not Israel, he is so coward,and stupid traitor.
February 21st, 2013, 5:23 am
mjabali said:
???? ????? ??? ???????? ???? ????? ???? ?? ????”
????? ??? ???? ???
???? ???? ?????? ?????:
?????? ????
?????? ????:
???? ??????
???? ??????? ?? ????? ????…
February 21st, 2013, 6:31 am
Syrialover said:
REVENIRE # 274
Thank you for strengthening Michael Weiss’s credentials for writing about who is arming the FSA in Syria (see #273).
You tell us he’s been around inside Syria, met some leading fighters, is a well respected researcher and writer on the Middle East, is involved in human rights and humanitarian activities and, best of all, is unenthusiastic about Iran, Russia and Hezbollah.
On every point, the radical opposite of you and those you gigglingly promote.
Which explains why he is worth reading and you and your sources are not.
February 21st, 2013, 6:39 am
Akbar Palace said:
Assad is hoping that Israel will get involved in fighting the FSA, perhaps after conducting some incursions by some rogue elements into Israeli controlled areas , following his army’swithdrawal, prompting the Israelis to move in.
Visitor,
Why would the GOI “get involved in fighting the FSA”? I think they have a lot in common. I think the GOI is happily sitting on her hands with regard to the FSA, and the only concern for the GOI is the status of Betho’s chemical weapons.
Last I heard, the GOI is treating wounded Syrians at the border:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4345807,00.html
Perhaps, one day, we can stop demonizing Israel and lead normal lives q;o)
February 21st, 2013, 6:53 am
apple_mini said:
Terrorist attacks in Damascus is most likely response to SAA shelling yesterday. I think the injury or death of Sheikh Zahran Alloush also has something to do with it. Previously, an explosion happened at a gas station in rebel held area. Then the next day, a suicide car bomb exploded at a gas station in Damascus.
Question is who initiated the retaliation? Nursa has different signature when it comes to suicide bomb. They tend to use it on military targets or distraction for their attack.
My hunch is that this terrorist attack is from FSA directly.
Again, that same mortar attack happened today. Massive fear and panic among civilians in Damascus. Even so, it does not change the balance on the battle ground at all. Will the regime and SAA become more furious on suburban towns?
A sad day for all Syrian.
February 21st, 2013, 6:55 am
Mina said:
Once a thug, forever a thug
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/65259/World/International/Britain-to-India-Diamond-in-royal-crown-is-ours.aspx
February 21st, 2013, 6:57 am
Uzair8 said:
Iran sends out snipers to dispatch rats. Good, it’ll keep them occupied and away from interfering in Syria. Rats stick together. Revenire’s provocative insults seem to have backfired.
http://m.ibtimes.co.uk/iran-rats-tehran-snipers-mutated-437326.html
February 21st, 2013, 7:08 am
Uzair8 said:
NMSyria?@NMSyria 49 mins
FSA Military Council’s statement accuses Assad regime of the bombings across #Damascus, including one in Mazra’a killing 31.
https://twitter.com/NMSyria/statuses/304551807538065408
Saw this on AJE twitter feed. We’ll have to wait and see.
February 21st, 2013, 7:15 am
apple_mini said:
Another piece of news today requires attention: The Free Syrian Army has bombed Hezbollah positions in Syria and Lebanon.
This is quite odd! What is really behind this move? FSA is under severe attack by the regime. They can barely make any strategic advance. Yet, they decided to open another potential front with a power opponent. It appears this risky and bizarre move is poorly planned and it might blow back pretty bad.
I certainly hoped the FSA were smarter than it appears to be. So I’d think the true motive behind the attack is gaining supports from the west, GCC and even Israel. Not just political support, more about military side. Equally important, they can instantly drag their Sunni brethren in Lebanon into the conflict.
I would make my conclusion that the attack on Hezbollah actually shows the weakening position of FSA.
February 21st, 2013, 7:19 am
Uzair8 said:
Apple,
There have been a flurry of denials about the claims of attacking Hezbo positions. Reports have been called false. Here an Al Jazeera journalist:
Basma Atassi | ???? @Basma_ 56m
Activists in Qusair and our sources in Hermel said the report on Syrian rebels targeting Hezbullah installations is FALSE. #Syria #Lebanon
https://twitter.com/Basma_/statuses/304556388498157568
___________________
Elsewhere.
‘Russia warns of ‘mutual destruction’ in Syria’
Two year’s too late? So it was ok when it looked like one-sided destruction?
___________________
Btw, how much foreign reserves has the regime got left? What level have they dropped to? Assuming we accept the claim of Assad surviving till 2014, can he pay his way for that period of time? Will Iran cover the finances for this time?
It’s highly unlikely Assad remaining till 2014. I don’t think the regime can survive another Ramadan. If he’s still around by then that is.
February 21st, 2013, 7:35 am
apple_mini said:
The attack on Hezbollah has been claimed to be false.
Apparently, FSA were not that imprudent or desperate to do something so risky.
February 21st, 2013, 8:11 am
zoo said:
Having failed several times to destroy Damascus with their ‘guerillas’, Al Nusra is now attempting to create a climate of terror by using the coward ‘Iraqi’ way : Car bombs and random mortars attacks.
Result: A mortar attack on a stadium, a car bomb near the Baath headquarter and the Russian embassy, killing 31, mostly civilians and wounding 2 children.
That will simply reinforce the conviction in the West that Syria is now a target of Islamist terrorists using the opposition as a cover up. It will also force the opposition that wants to save Syria from total destruction to accept the unconditional dialog with the government proposed by Russia.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/22/world/middleeast/car-bomb-in-damascus-kills-dozens-opposition-says.html?ref=middleeast
In renewed violence reaching the center of the Syrian capital, a car bomb exploded in Damascus on Thursday near the headquarters of President Bashar al-Assad’s ruling party, killing more than two dozen people, mainly civilians and but also including security forces, according to opposition sources.
..
Syrian state television said two children were wounded, while Al Ikhbariya, a pro-government television channel, showed footage of two dead bodies and body parts in a park.
The area where the bomb exploded was near the headquarters of Mr. Assad’s ruling Baath Party and the Russian embassy
February 21st, 2013, 8:22 am
zoo said:
Syria’s war, Israel’s trap
Paul Rogers 21 February 2013
http://www.opendemocracy.net/paul-rogers/syrias-war-israels-trap
The prospect of a chaotic endgame in Syria and more instability in Egypt is leading Israel further in the direction of a “fortress-state”. This military entrenchment reflects not strength but vulnerability.
February 21st, 2013, 8:27 am
zoo said:
A team of rivals on Syria
… But there’s no sign from Damascus that Assad will be receptive; his current belief, as Kerry put it, is that he can outlast the rebels, even as war tears his country apart.
…
So here’s a prediction for the next few months of Obama administration policymaking on Syria:
Kerry will make his trip. He will appeal to Assad to negotiate with the opposition and entreat Russia to end its aid to Syria. But those efforts will show indifferent results.
Then he’ll come back to the White House and say it’s time to revive the proposal that Clinton and Petraeus made last August for aid to Syria’s armed rebels.
Obama will be caught in the middle again. He will have to make the call. But this time there won’t be an election campaign underway, and the problems of Syria, along with the spillover problems for its neighbors, will have escalated.
Obama may find it harder to say no this time. But if he says yes, he’ll have to explain why he waited seven months, during which both time and lives were lost.
Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2013/02/20/2796719/doyle-mcmanus-a-team-of-rivals.html#storylink=cpy
February 21st, 2013, 8:37 am
Syrialover said:
The massive car bomb in Damascus near Baath Party HQ a few hours ago. Questions started already to throw suspicion on regime.
1. How could such a quantity of explosives reach a highly secured area in the heart of Damascus? (dramatic photo)
https://twitter.com/emmasuleiman/status/304538911768727552/photo/1
2. Man who appears on Syria TV as “innocent bystander” with every Damascus car bomb has again appeared today.
https://twitter.com/rallaf/status/304572739769991168/photo/1
February 21st, 2013, 8:38 am
Visitor said:
Akbar Palace @302,
There is nothing demonizing to GOI in that which I said. You have to put yourself in Assad’s deluded world.
Everyone knows Israel has contingency plans for a scenario in which Assad falls pr is about to fall including Assad himself. And everyone knows tat Israel will act in a way to achieve its security. Do you think that, in 2006, Hezbos did not know tat Israel will attack them if they kidnap the Israeli soldiers that they kidnapped? They knew full well and yet they gave Israel the pretext to attack. There is no military strategy or objective behind the kidnapping. But the Hezbos calculate that an Israeli attack against them will translate into political gains in te country where they operate and beyond in the Arab world. And that’s exactly what happened despite the huge military, civilian and economic losses inflicted upon the Hezbos. They even managed to call it ‘victory’ and the gullible masses bought it sheepishly and idiots still call it a ‘victory’. All Arab despots and demagogues resort to Israel when the are facing political problems at home. And I bet you Hezbos were in deep trouble politically in Lebanon in 2006. Hence, the kidnapping, enter Israel and the woes at home are gone for at least some time. Buying time in the Middle East is the one and only strategy these thugs of demagogues know full well to survive and they will do it at any cost.
Likewise, Assad is hoping to do the same by, as I said, soliciting Israeli involvement in his dilemma. How will he do it? First thing he withdraws the army from the Golan. Next step would be a trigger similar to Hezbos trigger of 2006. Israel has to do something in retaliation. Since Assad is beginning to lose on the Southern front (Israel border), who will Israel have to deal with other than the fighters in the area? But the political gain that Assad hopes to achieve is to sit down and preach anti-Zionist, anti-Israel propaganda rhetoric while Israe is involved in an act of aggression against Syria as he would frame the whole affair in the media, i.e. Hezbos 2006 Syrian version.
February 21st, 2013, 8:48 am
zoo said:
A further concession from the opposition on the way to endorse the UN-Russia-USA political initiative: The SNC does not ask Bashar Al Assad to resign as a pre-condition to the dialog.
Another concession: After previously refusing the invitation, Al Khatib will go to Russia.
Syrian opposition says Assad cannot be part of deal
http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/02/21/syria-crisis-deal-idINDEE91K07520130221
The draft SNC communique, seen by Reuters, omitted a direct demand for Assad’s removal, in a softening of tone from past positions that insisted the president must go before there could be any negotiations.
The document said Assad and his cohorts must be held accountable for bloodshed, and that any peace deal must be under the auspices of the United States and Russia.
“Bashar al-Assad and the military and security apparatus commands are responsible for the decisions that have led the country to what it is now, are outside the political process and are not part of any political solution in Syria,” it said.
…
Veteran opposition campaigner Walid al-Bunni, a coalition member who supports Alkhatib, played down the omission of a direct mention of Assad’s removal.
February 21st, 2013, 8:50 am
Juergen said:
SL
Dont expect from the usual regime cheerleaders any answers to your questions. Even if these crimes were committed by the opposition forces, the regime has proven once again that it can no longer guarantee security for its citizens, nor can the regime bigshots have a good night sleep, except for those snorring underground protected by concrete bunkerwalls.
February 21st, 2013, 8:56 am
Syrialover said:
The Damascus car bomb apparently demolished a school and injured many children.
Attacking children, destroying schools – a hallmark of the regime. It’s their specialty, it doesn’t bother them.
Dual purpose for Assad: burning Syria while serving the rubbish propaganda campaign about “foreign terrorists”
February 21st, 2013, 9:01 am
zoo said:
The Qatar ‘humanitarian’ reward for the car bomb and 31 dead. More to come?
Qatar hands $100m to Syrian rebels
By Francesca Astorri
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-hands-100m-syrian-rebels-490461.html
Thursday, 21 February 2013 4:44 PM
Qatar has handed financial support worth US$100m to the Syrian opposition, the state-run Qatar News Agency said.
The financial aid, which comes under the directive of Deputy Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has been handed over to the Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Unit in Syria.
This contribution comes in the context of humanitarian aid provided by Qatar to the Syrian people aiming to provide emergency assistance through all humanitarian networks operating in favour of the Syrian people, QNA reported.
According to local media, Nazar Al Haraki, the new Syrian ambassador to Qatar representing the National Coalition, appreciated Qatar’s gesture.
February 21st, 2013, 9:02 am
zoo said:
Playing with fire, Turkey will get burned
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/playing-with-fire-turkey-will-get-burned.aspx?pageID=449&nID=41542&NewsCatID=416
Islamist Erdo?an government increasingly finds itself in this respect. It is clearly caught between burning hatreds – based on its religious ideology and seen most visibly in the case of Israel and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime – and the need to appear to be what it is not.
For example it finds it difficult to accept as “terrorist” some groups that have been designated by the West as such, and this applies to Syria also where “Jabhat al-Nusra,” a jihadist group fighting the al-Assad regime, is reportedly receiving considerable support from Ankara.
Reports and commentary in the Turkish and Kurdish media have suggested that the Erdo?an government is not only using this group against al-Assad, but also against Syrian Kurds.
…
If there is any truth to any of these reports, it indicates that the Erdo?an government is playing with fire in order to force outcomes that suit its own ideological expectations, rather than considering the consequences for Turkey’s long-term security interests. The recent car bombing at the Cilvegözü border crossing between Turkey and Syria may be a premonition of things to come, as Ankara gets embroiled with jihadists in Syria and elsewhere.
February 21st, 2013, 9:08 am
Mina said:
How come the party was not protected while already yesterday an attack on it was reported in different media?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/20/syria-crisis-damascus-under-siege#block-5124bed0b5796129ac9ed23d
https://twitter.com/zaidbenjamin/statuses/304201033964478464
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/20/syria-rebels-baath-offices-damascus
February 21st, 2013, 9:18 am
Syrialover said:
Everything I read on Hezbollah that is even halfway informed and serious points out that it’s stuck in a one-way deadend street.
100% of their funding, weaponry and instructions come from Iran, they have no other potential sponsor or Plan B.
They are now doing everything they can to earn their money by helping Iran in the Syrian situation. It’s desperation do or die for Nasrullah.
I’ve read they only have enough weaponry and resources for one more attack on Israel, after that their cupboard’s bare.
I thnk the FSA don’t have to wrorry about Hezbollah – Israel has plans for them.
February 21st, 2013, 9:20 am
Sami said:
Visitor,
Those are not my words, but his daughter’s.
I found it humbling how she right after her fathers untimely passing had this reaction. She is a promise of a better tomorrow.
Having said that nothing she wrote wold nullify justice, justice needs to be served for reconciliation to ever happen. Those that killed, raped, and maimed Syrians will get no sympathy from me.
If peace is ever to have a chance the criminal and his hyenas surely cannot be perched upon their paper throne…
?? ???? ?????
February 21st, 2013, 9:24 am
Juergen said:
Mina
That may show how much the Party was valued not only by the people but also by the regime.
February 21st, 2013, 9:28 am
Syrialover said:
Syria’s rebels create their own weapons. A study in ingenuity and resourcefulness.
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/02/diy-weapons-of-the-syrian-rebels/100461/
February 21st, 2013, 9:29 am
AIG said:
Zoo,
Can I get you to address a point? Would you agree that given the results we see in Syria, the Assad regime “played with fire” and got severely burned when it supported Islamists for 11 years and alienated the Gulf Arabs, not to mention the West? Was it wise for Assad to promote Islamists and pick such enemies given the horrendous results for Syria?
February 21st, 2013, 9:39 am
Visitor said:
Thanks Sami @321.
I was aware those were not your words. What prompted my response was if we succumb to these apparently ‘high ideals’ which could be tempting, then those tempted would be tempted by a ‘devil’ considering that we are witnessibg a second 7Hama scenario on a much larger scale: Like father like son like grandson…perhaps.
Also glad to know you are for accountability – and perhaps she is.
February 21st, 2013, 10:01 am
Akbar Palace said:
There is nothing demonizing to GOI in that which I said. You have to put yourself in Assad’s deluded world.
No you didn’t; perhaps my use of the term demonizing was too strong. Nevertheless, you are predicting Israeli incursion into Syria to “get involved in fighting the FSA”. From my vantage point, this would NEVER happen. That being said, the GOI will employ aircraft to stop sophisticated weapons/WMD transfers to Hezbollah
Everyone knows Israel has contingency plans for a scenario in which Assad falls pr is about to fall including Assad himself.
I don’t agree. Egypt’s Mubarak fell, Israel didn’t retake the Sinai.
And everyone knows tat Israel will act in a way to achieve its security.
Yes, but the era of doing”whatever you need” is gone. In ’82 the GOI went to war because the PLO was amassing weapons north of the border. Now Israel has to wait for several attacks before being “allowed” to respond by the international community and even so, Hezbollah has amassed so many weapons, that Israel has to take into account a severe response.
But the Hezbos calculate that an Israeli attack against them will translate into political gains in te country where they operate and beyond in the Arab world.
Good point. This is how is works. Take some bad hits militarily and succeed politically. This is what Hamas did last year.
But I don’t think Israel wants to create enemies with the FSA or the opposition.
All Arab despots and demagogues resort to Israel when the are facing political problems at home.
For sure.
Buying time in the Middle East is the one and only strategy these thugs of demagogues know full well to survive and they will do it at any cost.
Yup.
Likewise, Assad is hoping to do the same by, as I said, soliciting Israeli involvement in his dilemma.
Yes, Assad wants to get Israel involved, but I don’t think the FSA does. So I guess we’re splitting hairs here.
Since Assad is beginning to lose on the Southern front (Israel border), who will Israel have to deal with other than the fighters in the area?
I guess I am naively thinking the “fighters” will be FSA. Maybe you’re saying the fighters will be jihadi/Hezbo forces.
February 21st, 2013, 10:06 am
Visitor said:
“Yes, Assad wants to get Israel involved, but I don’t think the FSA does. So I guess we’re splitting hairs here.”
Akbar Palace @326,
Everything you said in your response makes sense except the above and another item which I would explain later in the comment. In fact this is the heart and soul of Assad’s objective if he succeeds in drawing Israel. That’s when he thinks, he begins to achieve his ‘political’ gains.
Once Israel is involved whose side you are in the new reality determines the political outcome.
We know Assad withdrew his army from the battle, just like his dad did in 67, and we know he will do zilch to counter an Israeli incursion other than preaching in the media, which is all he wants, by portarying the FSA and those other fighters as stooges of Israel which according to him and his media apparatus would now be in full sight for the ‘blind’ to see, but to Syrains Israel is still the enemy.
I also have problems agreeing with your assertion that Isarel did not retake Sinai when Mubarak fell, making that as a precedent which may apply to Syria. I believe Israel deals with its neighbors on a case by case basis. Israel was faced with a multiple of bad choices in the Egypt uprising. It chose the least evil of all which is try to live with ‘popular’ uprising even if it produces Islamists in the government with the hope that eventually Egypt and Israel will reach a new modus vivendi. If Israel knew it could swallow the Sinai by retaking it, they would have done it.
In Syria’s case a modus vivendi has already been established with the Assads since 1973, albeit officially undeclared. It is this status-quo, which is threatened, which makes Israel shiver from the unknown outcome. Perhaps to your surprise, many in the Syrian Revolution as well as in the Arab World, have come to the firm conclusion that the US behaviour over the last two years with regards to the Syrian Revolution has been dictated by the above Israeli concerns. You may also want to know that those who came to such conclusion are the farthest from the conspiracy theorists camp, and in fact, they are the most vocal in combatting such theorists.
February 21st, 2013, 10:36 am
revenire said:
The Atlantic glamorizes terrorism with the DIY weapons-spread. They romanticize terrorists. I’d love for the photographer to be kidnapped by al-Nusra and see how much he loves their DIY swords then. It would really be funny to see a follow-up story with the guy’s head on a pike.
The weapons are photo-op stuff. Slingshots? I am getting the mental image of little Marigoldran firing live dogs filled with explosives at the Syrian army using a giant rubber-band powered slingshot. I am sure the SAA is terrified.
February 21st, 2013, 10:37 am
zoo said:
The opposition is gradually loosing the little credibility it had in Syria as not only it is unable to protect the civilians from the armed rebels blind mortar and car bombs attacks, but it is applauding them as “victories”.
Without a dialog, Syria will either remain in the hands of the current government over radicalized or will be crippled, divided and ruled by militias for many years to come.
The losers will be the secular opposition.
The opposition has almost reached that conclusion, but many among them believe that an Islamic state is viable for Syria. Therefore they prefer to see an islamist military “victory” over a negotiation with a secular regime.
Recently, they appear to have accepted the UN-USA-Russia plan and lower their conditions, but for some, it could be only a way to buy time until the Islamists take over Damascus militarily.
If the opposition is not serious about the dialog and if the armed rebels take over the country, the role of the secular opposition will be reduced to null and an Islamic transitional government will appear, strong from its military wing.
As many Syrians will never accept to be ruled by the Moslem Brotherhood or by Salafists, the country will get into an endless civil war, like Lebanon.
Time is running out to save what is left of Syria.
February 21st, 2013, 10:42 am
zoo said:
Carnage in Syria Courtesy of US Allies
Posted by Daniel McAdams on February 21, 2013 09:31 AM
http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/132689.html
While the US and its Western partners pretend to be engaged in a global war against terrorism, their terrorist allies in Syria have set off another car bomb, tellingly very close to the ruling Baath party offices and the Russian embassy. Initial reports are that more than 50 have been killed by the terrorists, including many children attending a nearby school.
The Syrian rebels despise the Russians for refusing to provide them weapons and resisting US demands for regime change in Syria. The rebels have long threatened to attack Russian interests in Syria.
No doubt this bombing against a government building will be blamed on the Syrian government in the Western media, adding to the phony UN body count. As Sharmine Narwani points out in the Guardian, the organization that is responsible for compiling the “body count” in Syria is…surprise…funded by the US State Department! Narwani quotes Megan Price, lead author of the UN’s casualty analysis project, admitting, “We were not asked to do verification of whether the casualties are real.” Well, that’s helpful. Narwani’s analysis of the results is highly suggestive: the vast majority of those “killed by the regime” are in fact fighting age men — only 7.5 percent are female. The numbers are cooked, however, to instigate for another “humanitarian intervention.”
It is a shameful day. A day to remember the carnage and the horrors of war. And to again redouble efforts against US interventionism.
February 21st, 2013, 10:54 am
revenire said:
You know the reported casualty numbers remind me of the Iraq WMD lies. They’re really designed to get NATO to attack Syria by claiming a humanitarian disaster. Same thing as the chemical weapons claims etc.
I remember during the run-up to the Iraq war when the media had stories of the Iraqi army pulling Kuwaiti babies out of incubators. After the war it was exposed that the woman who testified to the US Congress about that was a member of the ruling Kuwaiti al-Sabah family.
February 21st, 2013, 11:04 am
Ziad said:
Justice for Hamza
I also want justice for all the innocent civilian victims, children, women, and men, of this terrorist act and the many like it.
February 21st, 2013, 11:07 am
revenire said:
Rebel “victories” the past few days: they murdered a football player and killed a bunch of civilians.
February 21st, 2013, 11:07 am
zoo said:
Syria rebels claim attack on Hezbollah
https://mobile.mmedia.me/lb/en/lebanonnews/syria-rebels-shelling-hezbollah-in-lebanon
However, Voice of Lebanon (100.5) radio cited Lebanese security sources as saying that no rebel projectiles from Syria had landed on Lebanese territory.
Also, Sky News Arabia cited FSA sources as saying that rebels had not shelled any position in Lebanon or Syria.
February 21st, 2013, 11:09 am
ghufran said:
The NC denounces the attack:
???? ???????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ????????? ???? ???? ????? ?????? 21 ??????/ ???? ?? ????? ???? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ???? 237 ????? ?????? ?? ????????.
???? ?? ?????? ???? ???? ???????? ??? ????? ??? ???? “??? ???” ?? ???????? “???? ????? ?????????? ????????? ???? ??????? ???? ????? ???? ??? ???? ??? ?? ????????”? ???? ?? “??? ????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?? ?????????? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ??? ??? ???????”.
some of you have no shame and do not deserve the syrian passport they carry,assuming they have one or are interested in one, what the terrorists are doing in Damascus did not work in other places unless the goal is to kill as many people as possible and punish Syria’s moderate sunnis for not joining islamist thugs jihad.
February 21st, 2013, 11:11 am
Ziad said:
February 21st, 2013, 11:23 am
Visitor said:
????? ??? ??? ?????? ??????? ???? ??? ????? ??????? ?????? ?? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ????????? ??? ???? ??????? ??? ?????? ?? ?????? ???????? ????????????? ?????? ???? ?????? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ???? ???? ??????? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ???????? ????????? ???? ?????? ????? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ??? ???????.
http://aljazeera.net/news/pages/0f51c601-2ce9-48da-9d83-29e946e10f18?GoogleStatID=1
Brigidier General Zayyat, military startegy specialist, confirms Assad’s objective behind withdrawing the army from the Golan is to solicit Israeli involvement in his internal dilemma.
February 21st, 2013, 11:29 am
ghufran said:
I agree that the attacks,not just the car bomb in almazraa. was in retaliation for losses in Reef Dimashq, it is clear now that althawrajiyyeh have the same contempt for Damascenes as they did for Aleppines, that contempt goes back to the 1980s when the two cities did not join the MB uprising in Hama. Notice that along with the car bomb mentioned above there were two attacks in Barzeh, heavy fighting in the same area and two rounds of mortars that landed near the (empty) army HQ and Al-Jahez park. The attacks were coordinated and their goal is to boost moral on the terrorists side who think that Damascus has betrayed their cause.
This is an update from SOHR:
???? ::????? ??? 64 ??? ???????? ????? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ???? ????? 56 ????? ??? ????? ??? ????? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ???????? ?? ???? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ?????????
I remember one poster here who said that he owns a house in almazraa, I lived in that section of Damascus for few years and I have relatives and friends in Damascus, some of whom may very well be passing by or stopping to visit. This is not going to help rebels,it is actually a bad sign that reflects the rebels inability to take Damascus using orthodox military methods.
February 21st, 2013, 11:33 am
revenire said:
That awkward moment when the Syrian opposition threatens Hezbollah
http://theagentofchange.tumblr.com/post/43643364589/that-awkward-moment-when-the-syrian-opposition
“The rebel Free Syrian Army on Wednesday threatened to shell positions of the powerful Hezbollah militant group in neighbouring Lebanon after accusing it of firing across the border into territory it controls.”
As you’ll have noticed, I have a certain amount of sympathy for the Syrian state. They’ve made plenty of mistakes, and IMHO suffer from having a rather narrow vision and over-cautious strategy, but essentially they have worked to build a decent, dignified, educated and resistant nation, in exceptionally difficult circumstances.
Hezbollah on the other hand deserves an entirely different level of support. It is the only movement that has defeated Israel in the latter’s expansionist wars, and it represents the brightest hope of the people of Palestine and the wider Arab world for a just peace.
So when the Syrian opposition army – the ‘Free Syrian Army’ – threatens to shell Hezbollah, you have a pretty clear indication of where their loyalties lie. Hence I contend that support for the Syrian revolution is tantamount to support for Israeli expansionism and an attack on the Palestinian national project.
February 21st, 2013, 12:01 pm
Citizen said:
297
Are you proud Mr. Juergen of That State monstrosity? Why do you not go to live there? Hairless brags hair of neighbor?
If we send a little bit and pieces of iron pipes to Syria, Israel come to Kaputt
February 21st, 2013, 12:01 pm
Johannes de Silentio said:
301. AKBARIO PALACIO
“Perhaps, one day, we can stop demonizing Israel and lead normal lives”
One can only hope, AP. But with these people, it’s doubtful. Syrians have it in their DNA to blame the Jews for everything. If a Syrian man has erectile dysfunction, it’s due to an Israeli plot. If a Syrian taxi driver runs out of petrol on the way to the airport, he blames the Jews. If a Syrian woman stubs her toe, the Jews did it. These people see Jews behind every rock and under every bed. It’s part of the reason Syrians are, along with North Koreans and Albanians, the most unlikeable people on earth.
A New Bashar Cartoon:
http://7ee6an.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/100328174002.jpg
http://lhvnews.com/files/en/news/2013/1/14/2675_226.jpg
February 21st, 2013, 12:10 pm
Citizen said:
A repeat of the terrorist bombings require demand from friendly countries to provide all operational support for Syria’s help in the fight against terrorism, as the Security Council must vote on the condemnation!
February 21st, 2013, 12:26 pm
apple_mini said:
Looks like Iran is getting even closer to their goal for peace: IRAN INSTALLS NEW CENTRIFUGES AT NATANZ ENRICHMENT PLANT
With the help of North Korea, Iran might be getting ready to test their first nuclear bomb within two years.
The choice for enriched uranium is much better than plutonium. Iranians can actually use it as fuel for their power generators. But again, keep aggression of Israel in check is the priority.
February 21st, 2013, 12:45 pm
AIG said:
Terrorism is bad, full stop. Attacking civilians is bad, full stop.
Therefore, I cannot take the regime idiots seriously when they decry terrorism against them and cheer terrorism by Hezbollah and Hamas against Israelis and jihadists against Iraqi citizens.
How do you think these guys were trained to build car bombs? The learned in Iraq courtesy of Assad. You play with fire, you get burned. Terrorism is bad, full stop, not only when it is directed at you. So stop crying crocodile tears and beef up the security measures. And if Assad cannot protect his people, that is more reason to resign.
February 21st, 2013, 12:47 pm
omen said:
314. concession, zoo? ali haidar has been all over the map on whether or not the regime will talk to khatib.
funny how there is an increase in car bombings just when obama* is alleged to be reconsidering arming the rebels and when russia is said to be supportive of talks with the opposition. developments that must make the regime nervous.
February 21st, 2013, 12:49 pm
Visitor said:
Hey all ya regime apologetic ‘thugs’ here,
We have had enough of your alligator tears and hypocrisy. We know full well how much you care about Syria and Syrians. You have made that abundantly clear over the last two years, especially during 7Houleh, bombings of bakery line-ups from the air, systematic destruction of civilian neighbourhoods, etc, etc, etc….. You guys are shameless and also a big shame on Syria if you are indeed Syrians (we know Zoo, Revenire, Ghufran, are definitely not. So what are you trio up to shedding snake’s tears?).
While we do not know who is behind this bombing yet, I personally regret that the long time terrorist Hawatmeh had survived the bombing.
February 21st, 2013, 12:49 pm
Citizen said:
Brigadier-General Safwat El-Zayat said!
Of course it is necessary to say!!!
Does one of you know how much earns this Zayat on a monthly basis?
Imagine if, after all this wage does not say anything, is not a joke? Such as a drum , He predicted events, expect and will expect more of them to continue bonuses
February 21st, 2013, 12:50 pm
omen said:
zoo and ghufran call for dialog in order to “save what is left of Syria.” this is an expectation that keeps being thrown out there without elaboration or support of how this is supposed to work. tell us, HOW will negotiation with the regime save syria? what is this magic formula which will cause the regime to stop its wanton mass killing and get the rebels to put down arms? why do minorities expect to gain protection through dialog?
February 21st, 2013, 1:00 pm
revenire said:
AIG coming from a killer of Palestinian women and children like yourself I must pause and laugh.
February 21st, 2013, 1:06 pm
revenire said:
RAT-STATS courtesy of Ziad:
http://syrianperspective.blogspot.com/2013/02/first-post-february-21-2013-news-from.html
DAMASCUS: The frustration of the terrorists and their U.S. enablers is manifest in their sudden recourse to attacks only on civilians. The terrorists have been routed and are seeking refuge now with the Zionist Abomination of Polish and Russian settlers on Southern Syrian soil. The stats cannot be disputed any more:
At Zabadani, in a continuing effective operation, the following rats were sent to Hell as they tried to escape into neighboring Lebanon. They were shot as cowards, in the back as they threw their weapons away to make their run:
Harith Jamal Al-Ward
Ali Muhammad Al-Lahham
Tawfiq Ali Al-Tawil
Muhieddine Khaled
Ibrahim Burhan
At Darayya, where Mr. Clean is particularly active, these terrified little mice were put in the matchbox and lit up:
Adnan (a/k/a Abu Abdo – id. pending)
Muhammad (aka Abu Abdullah – id pending)
At Al-Muazzamiyya in Damascus, we can attest to the departure of these scavengers:
Muhammad Adib Abu-Khaldoun (carrying fake papers)
Subhi Ahmad Matar
Muhammad Ahmad Lasmeh (?)
Hadi Sadeq Al-Burj
Mamdouh Ahmad Al-Aseel
Huge losses for FSA and J.N. at Shifooniyya (Chiffoniere) with lists coming in. Will provide when Monzer sends it. This was a big battle.
At Al-Dhiyaabiyya, the SAA killed about 7 rodents with only one carrying i.d.:
Abdallah Al-Fuhaid
February 21st, 2013, 1:07 pm
omen said:
301. Akbar Palace said: Perhaps, one day, we can stop demonizing Israel and lead normal lives
there is something gross about exploiting the regime in an attempt to rehab israel.
yes, the regime is evil incarnate. the need for it to be toppled is the utmost priority. but that doesn’t absolve israel from all of its past crimes. both have unapologetically borrowed tactics from the same play book.
– demonize ordinary civilians as “terrorists” in order to dehumanize them and to justify naked brutality
– wage collective punishment on the innocent
goes without saying the US has also been guilty of this.
February 21st, 2013, 1:18 pm
zoo said:
Car bomb kills more than 50 people in Syria
Published February 21, 2013
While no group has claimed responsibility, the attacks suggest that rebel fighters who have gotten bogged down in their attempts to storm the capital are resorting to guerrilla tactics to loosen Assad’s grip on the capital.
….
Syrian state media put the toll at 53 with more than 200 wounded. However, anti-regime activists said 59 died, which would make this the deadliest attack in the capital since the Syrian uprising began nearly two years ago
…
Within hours of the car bombing, two other bombs went off elsewhere in the city and a mortar attack struck the army’s central command. Thirteen people were killed by the other two bombs, activists said.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/02/21/large-explosion-shakes-syrian-capital-near-headquarters-ruling-baath-party-in/?test=latestnews#ixzz2LYkQEyrQ
February 21st, 2013, 1:29 pm
ghufran said:
another islamist party is formed:
???? ?? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ??????? ????????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ??????? ???? ??????. ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????????.
???? ??????? ?????? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ??”???? ???? ?????” ?? ????? ???? ??? “????? ????? ??????? ???? ????? ?? ????? ??????? ????? ??????? ?????? ??? ???? ???????”? ????? ?? “??? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ?? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ??????? ???? ???? ???? ??????” ??????.
??? ???? ????? ?????? ???: “??? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ??? ???????? ??? ??? ????? ????????? ???? ?????? ?????? ????? ???? ??????? ?? ??????? ???? ????? ???? ??????? ??????”.
??? ?? ???????? ??? ???????? ?????? ???? ?????? ????????? ???????? ???? ?????? ??? ?? ????? ?? ????? ???????? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ???????: “??? ??? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ??????? ??? ?????? ?? ???????? ??? ??? ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ??????? ???? ?? ???????”.
???? ????: “???? ????? ?? ????? ???? ?????? ???? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?? ??????? ??????? ?????? ?????????? ?? ??????? ?????? ??? ???????? ???? ?????? ??????? ??? ??? ??????? ???????? ????? ?????”.
??? ???? ???? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?? ??? ????? ???? ???????? ????????? ??????? ???? ????? ?? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? “??????”? ??? ??????: “??? ?? ???? ????? ????? ????????? ??? ???? ??????? ?? ??? ??????? ????? ?? ???? ??????? ???????? ????? ?? ????? ??????”.
????? ?? “??? ??????? ???? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ??????? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ?? ???? ??????? ????? ??? ??????? ??? ??????? ???? ?????? ??????? ?????? ??? ??? ??????? ?????? ????????? ?? ???????”.
??? ??????? ?????? ???? ?????? ??????? ??? ????? ???: “????? ????? ?? ??? ?? ?????????? ?????? ???? ????? ?? ????? ????? ?? ??? ???????? ???? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ??????? ???? ?????”? ?????: “?? ????? ?? ???? ????? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ????????????”.
it is clear that the arab spring is bringing more mess than democracy, freedom requires a level of responsibility and respect for the rule of law, random violence in the name of toppling a regime is a form of terrorism, I regret the fact that this experiment has failed, it basically means that Arabs are not ready to enter the 21st century yet, two main reasons for this tragic outcome: militant islamist wahhabi ideology and past/current governments, take those governments out and you are left with the wahabbis since secular opposition is out of the arab world, in jail or dead.
the more I watch current regimes in the arab world and the new islamists movements the more convinced I am that the waste land called the Middle East offers no future for its residents unless they are islamist thugs or part of the corrput establishment.
February 21st, 2013, 1:37 pm
Badr said:
If the first interest of Assad regime’s decision makers were what is good for Syria, they would declare their willingness to step down, should this lead to an agreement on a political solution.
February 21st, 2013, 1:37 pm
ghufran said:
While arabs were busy killing each other,Israel was busy building settlements in occupied land, stealing water, cleansing whatever is left of Arab presence in Jerusalem, bombing military targets in Syria and Gaza,assassinating wanted arab and muslim military personnel and now stealing oil and gas from Syria and Lebanon, this is the latest from Golan:
???? ????? ????? ????????? ?????? ?? ??????? ???? ???????? ?? ????? ?? ???????? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ??????????? ????? “???? ?????” ??????????? – ????????? ??????? ????? ???????.
????? ????? (?????? ???????) ?? ????? ?????? ??? ?????? ?? ???? ?????? ?????????? ???? ??????? ???? ??? ??? ???? “???? ?????”? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ???????.
February 21st, 2013, 1:48 pm
zoo said:
A car bomb massacre in Damascus
The armed rebels are running wild like headless chicken, killing civilians, bombing residential areas, threatening, in a hysteria of blind violence. I doubt that anyone sees these desperate acts as signs of strength.
It is so ugly that the FSA did not even dare claim the responsibility of the massacre or call it a ‘victory’. Yet, it is clear for the whole world that they are behind it and they are the ones bearing the responsibility of 59 dead and 200 wounded.
One thing is sure now, is that they have lost forever the trust of the Damascenes and of many Syrians.
They have degenerated into vulgar terrorists that need to be mercilessly crushed.
February 21st, 2013, 1:49 pm
zoo said:
The death of a country
http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21572193-syria-disintegrates-it-threatens-entire-middle-east-outside-world-needs-act
As Syria disintegrates, it threatens the entire Middle East. The outside world needs to act before it is too late
Feb 23rd 2013 |From the print edition
AFTER the first world war Syria was hacked from the carcass of the Ottoman empire. After the second, it won its independence. After the fighting that is raging today it could cease to function as a state.
As the world looks on (or away), the country jammed between Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Israel is disintegrating. Perhaps the regime of Bashar Assad, Syria’s president, will collapse in chaos; for some time it could well fight on from a fortified enclave, the biggest militia in a land of militias. Either way, Syria looks increasingly likely to fall prey to feuding warlords, Islamists and gangs—a new Somalia rotting in the heart of the Levant.
If that happens, millions of lives will be ruined. A fragmented Syria would also feed global jihad and stoke the Middle East’s violent rivalries. Mr Assad’s chemical weapons, still secure for now, would always be at risk of falling into dangerous hands. This catastrophe would make itself felt across the Middle East and beyond. And yet the outside world, including America, is doing almost nothing to help
February 21st, 2013, 1:55 pm
Juergen said:
Citizen
I would love to live in the area, not sure if Damascus would be my choice, I have seen very pretty villages near Bloudan or near Slunfeh. Anyway i would consider if these would be possible as it was 70 years ago:
Breafast in Jerusalem, lunch in Damascus and dinner in Bagdad.
February 21st, 2013, 1:56 pm
revenire said:
“354. BADR said:
If the first interest of Assad regime’s decision makers were what is good for Syria, they would declare their willingness to step down, should this lead to an agreement on a political solution.”
Good thing you have zero influence…
What would they negotiate? Their executions?
Who would they negotiate with? The puppets or their Western masters?
Go take a nap and maybe when you wake up you won’t make such ridiculous statements.
February 21st, 2013, 1:57 pm
Citizen said:
February 20 Syrian government troops attacked a command center on Islamist militants in the northern suburbs of Damascus Duma. As a result, the building was completely destroyed, killing several militants, severe injuries to the leader of one of the key groups “Liwa al-Islam,” Sheikh Zahran Alloush.
This official said the group, and a cousin of the wounded commander. The so-called “team-Liwa Al-Islam” combines Islamist mercenaries and coordinates with the famous group “Dzhebhat en Nusra.” Insurgents “Liwa al-Islam” control a significant part of the Duma and are raiding other northern suburbs.
Sheikh Alloush death, according to militants groups can initiate conflict between Islamists and the unity which is often held to his authority.
Militants are trying to fire the central districts of Damascus. February 19 became aware of the attempt to attack the presidential palace. The next day, militants fired mortars Stadium “Tishrin”, resulting in the death of Suleiman Yousef football team “Al Wathba.” A few more players to train at the stadium when the explosion occurred, were injured.
February 21st, 2013, 2:14 pm
omen said:
360. citizen: The next day, militants fired mortars Stadium “Tishrin”
are there political prisoners being held underground at this stadium?
February 21st, 2013, 2:23 pm
Citizen said:
Where are western denounce the car bombings in Damascus? or have selectively chosen news? such as zebra white stripe, black stripe, white stripe, black stripe, white stripe, asshole!!
February 21st, 2013, 2:34 pm
AIG said:
Badr,
Of course you are right and Assad should take his family and move to Moscow or Tehran. That will facilitate dialog. Alas, we should not expect someone who had 11 years to reform Syria but instead delivered the current catastrophe to do anything right.
It looks more and more that the situation in Syria will only be settled by the use of guns and suicide bombers. The regime idiots really believe in “Assad or we burn Syria” instead of sharing the country.
February 21st, 2013, 2:46 pm
AIG said:
Badr,
Also, Assad knows he cannot win. Because while he is there Syria will be under sanctions with zero chance of rebuilding and under constant attack from the jihadis. Syria will be a hell hole from which anyone with money will leave and millions will be internal refugees. But Assad is staying on out of spite because he does not care about Syria. The more time it takes Assad to go, the more jihadis will swarm into Syria and the less secular the outcome will be. Assad knows this also but doesn’t care.
February 21st, 2013, 2:52 pm
revenire said:
Frightened Hasbara describing current Israel: “It looks more and more that the situation in Israel will only be settled by the use of guns and suicide bombers. The regime idiots really believe in ‘Netanyahu or we burn Palestine’ instead of sharing the country.”
February 21st, 2013, 2:57 pm
AIG said:
Why are the regime idiots complaining about the West after having proclaimed that the West is their enemy? Do they expect their enemy to be nice to them? Suck it up and fight. Don’t whine like little babies. You wanted to take on the West and the Gulf, you have your wish. You claim you are winning, so what are you worried about?
February 21st, 2013, 3:00 pm
omen said:
348. a clarification:
while i hold the regime incapable of honoring promises, i don’t fault or demonize khatib for making the effort (even though i suspect he’s taking his cues from the west who are hell bent on a “political solution” in an attempt to preserve the regime.) even if his call for negotiation results in an impasse doesn’t mean it was pointless. an additional layer of stress on the regime is a plus in my book. pile it on.
February 21st, 2013, 3:05 pm
ghufran said:
did somebody on this blog thank Israel for treating wounded rebels?
???? ?????? ??????? ??????????? ?? “????? ?????????? ????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ??????? ??????? ?????? ?? ?????? ???????.
????? ??? ?????? ??? ?? ???? ???? ???????? ?????????? ???? ??????? ?????? ???????? ????? ???? ??? ??????? ??????? ????????? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ????? ?????? ??? ??????? ??????? ?? ???????.
rebels may now have a whole hospital to go to in sister country
Israel, next they may get recruited,like South Lebanese Army before 2000,and go back to Syria to return the favor and spy on those evil Syrians who want to destroy the peace-loving jewish state !!
February 21st, 2013, 3:06 pm
MarigoldRan said:
What comes around, goes around. A lesson that the regime and its supporters have forgotten.
February 21st, 2013, 3:06 pm
AIG said:
Marigoldran,
If the people killed were those that sent jihadists to Iraq, you would be right. But most likely, the civilians killed had nothing to do with that. They just paid a price for Assad’s failed policies, as are all of Syria’s inhabitants.
February 21st, 2013, 3:18 pm
AIG said:
Ghufran illustrates the muddled thinking about Israel prevalent in many Syrian’s minds. If Israel would have let the wounded die, it would be “barbaric”. If it helps them, it is an Israeli conspiracy. Oh, well there is no pleasing some idiots.
February 21st, 2013, 3:22 pm
Citizen said:
@DrMarcusP
Turkey and Libya have become the main training grounds and staging grounds for Islamic terrorists.
It is simply an exercise in futility for the West to continue stating that the militants in Syria are fighting for “freedom”.
The Syrian people are waiting for an unequivocal condemnation from Western governments of the terrorist attack in Damascus today.
Condemn FSA, condemn terrorism
Contrary to what Western media states, the al-Qaeda affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra Front is part of the FSA. The FSA is a ragtag organization.
Every success the #FSA achieves in Syria constitutes a blow to the fight against international terrorism. And every achievement scored by the #FSA in Syria helps to bring terrorism that little bit closer to the streets of Western capitals.
Terrorism is terrorism. Those found guilty today in Birmingham of plotting terrorist attacks are, ideologically, the same as the FSA.
February 21st, 2013, 3:26 pm
omen said:
368. ghufran, shame on you. it’s the regime guilty of creating the police state. you know this. how can you level that accusation without irony?
if the west or the gulf states were sincere about stopping the carnage, they would have offered these workers the guarantee of a salary as an incentive to walk off the job.
February 21st, 2013, 3:27 pm
revenire said:
It’s very nice of Israel to build a hospital for their fighters in Syria. In turn their fighters threatened Hezbollah.
In the West Bank today the Israelis opened up on Palestinians protesting in support of hunger strikers in Israeli prisons.
It’s all very cozy.
February 21st, 2013, 3:34 pm
MarigoldRan said:
The regime is a terrorist group too.
So any blow against the regime, is a blow to terrorism too. After all, some of the people who died today were family members of Baath party officials. Similarly, some of the Aleppines who got killed a few days ago by a regime missile were family members of rebels.
Terror for terror. As I’ve said before: what comes around, goes around.
February 21st, 2013, 3:35 pm
Citizen said:
368. GHUFRAN
Turkey has erected tents on the border with Syria before they open their borders for infiltrators and before starting the military scene in northern Syria and in Aleppo especially! So your understanding is enough.
February 21st, 2013, 3:37 pm
AIG said:
“Assad, or we burn Syria”:
http://yallasouriya.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/graphic-and-to-watch-syria-it-is-not/
February 21st, 2013, 3:42 pm
revenire said:
NEW FROM ALEPPO:
http://syrianperspective.blogspot.com/2013/02/first-post-february-21-2013-news-from.html
ALGERIAN-DANISH RAT EXCREMENT DISPOSED OF IN ALEPPO. GOOD BYE! AND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE RAT MOTHER AND FATHER WHO CREATED THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE.
http://alhittin.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/slimane-hadj-abderrahmane.jpg?w=300&h=225
Danish-Algerian pest and plague-carrying rodent, Sulayman Hajj Abdul-Rahman, met the Devil on Saturday along with his fellow rodents. A thief by profession, he came to Syria to collect some money from Prince Pedophile of Qatar. He is now enjoying his wages in Hell itself.
SYRPER HAS RECEIVED GREAT NEWS THAT THE MENNAGH AIRBASE IS COMPLETELY SECURE. WAEL REPORTS THAT OVER 649 RODENTS WERE DISPATCHED TRYING TO TAKE OVER THE BASE. THEY HAVE NOW WITHDRAWN. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ENTIRE FILE FOR THE BASE IS WITH SYRIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE AND THEY DO NOT RELEASE DETAILED INFORMATION.
The FSA has been monitored communicating withdrawal orders from all Aleppo bases in a clear indication that their commanders now know it is a hopeless cause. Air power and Syria’s very accurate artillery and missile units have made the difference. As Wael says, however, the Jabhat Al-Nusra terrorists do not take orders from the FSA. Let’s see what happens.
Western media and anti-Syrian Lebanese Phalangist sources are completely confused about Aleppo. It is almost rat free now with remnant rat infestations to the northern suburbs and in Hanano. There are also some Islamist terrorists still operating in the Industrial Zone northeast of the city. Their time has come.
February 21st, 2013, 3:43 pm
revenire said:
The war continues.
February 21st, 2013, 3:45 pm
Citizen said:
No Dispute with the peoples of the West! Dispute is with Zionist lobby dogs pervasive there.
February 21st, 2013, 3:46 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
The FSA will never send suicide bomber,they fight the Assad thugs and defend the civilians, the bomb explosion today is certainly an action of the regime, and must be condemned,the regime has no fear of God,
The dialogue suggested by the Coalition is only to satisfy the west,Russia will not change their mind,and such dialogue is not approved by the rebels,and will not be accepted by this criminal regime,I have no doubt that Mr. Khatib is patriotic and sincere,what we need is a mean guy,Mr. Khatib is a nice guy,Assad is criminal comes from criminal people and they don’t believe in God.
The rebels should be merciful toward the Syrians,but should be brutally unforgiving against Assad people.
February 21st, 2013, 3:51 pm
revenire said:
LOL these guy are idiots. Without Israel and the West’s help they would all be dead by their own hands by now.
February 21st, 2013, 3:54 pm
revenire said:
‘Syrian rebels too weak to target Hezbollah sites’
http://rt.com/op-edge/syria-violence-Hezbollah-rebels-219/
The situation in Syria has escalated lately since terror groups are trying to counter any negotiations that could lead to a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict, strategic expert Ameen Hutait told RT Arabic.
In a new turn in the nearly two-year-old civil war, Syrian rebels warned the Lebanese political party Hezbollah to stop the shelling of Free Syrian Army-controlled territories in Syria or face consequences. The group posted its statement on its page on a popular social networking service and gave Hezbollah a 48-hour deadline to stop the attacks.
However, Beirut-based analyst Ameen Hutait believes these threats are not likely to be fulfilled and are rather linked to the events in neighboring Lebanon. RT Arabic asked the commentator to discuss the latest developments in Syria.
RT: There has been intense fighting in Damascus, bombing and casualties. How could you explain these developments?
Ameen Hutait: The events in Damascus reflect clearly how desperate the terror groups are as they saw the peaceful solution to the crisis – which is led mainly by Russia, which is keen to achieve a peaceful solution – has started to move forward. This is because these terrorists will not have a place in any future peaceful settlement.
That’s why they have carried out these desperate attacks on the capital Damascus, hoping to stop any possible negotiations that might lead to a peaceful solution for the crisis. And also they aimed at punishing the Syrian people for their steadfastness and for their rejection of any form of fighting and terrorism.
RT: How serious are the threats by the so-called Free Syrian Army to target Hezbollah sites?
AH: These threats are not linked at all to the Syrian crisis. Rather, they are linked to the current events in Lebanon such as the elections law. We know that these threats came from a supporter and a comrade of Ukab Saqar, member of Tayyarul-Mustaqbal (Future Current Party). Moreover, Saad Al-Hariri, who has lost control over the legislative process and is now facing an election law which will not secure majority for him in the parliament, wanted to threaten Hezbollah and send a message to him that a security chaos might take place in Lebanon in order to stop the elections. The so-called Free Army is too weak to carry out such actions.
RT: News about the participation of Hezbollah in fighting alongside the Syrian army, are they real or they are mere escalations aiming at widening the conflict?
AH: This is all fabricated lies. Hezbollah has courage enough to announce its plans and actions. Hence, it is all fabrications. Besides, everybody knows that there are 23 Lebanese villages on the Lebanese-Syrian border, but they are inside Syrian territory, and these villages are inhabited by Shiite Lebanese. Those Shiite Lebanese, who support the Resistance of Hezbollah, are being targeted by An-Nusra front fighters and the Free Army. These people are defending themselves; and they cannot allow the Free Army to invade them and kill their families. This would never happen.
February 21st, 2013, 4:04 pm
Citizen said:
Innovation and industry by the FSA workshops
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/60750_10151537651973854_28613498_n.jpg
February 21st, 2013, 4:09 pm
jna said:
Read more: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/hezbollah-shiites-syria.html#ixzz2LZP46oa7
February 21st, 2013, 4:10 pm
ghufran said:
I think wounded fighters should receive treatment, and if the only place to provide treatment is Israel then be it, the last people to talk about humanity is the Israelis, their history for the last 100 years speak volume about their values, Syria and the countries around Israel are blessed with two diseases: Israel and their own governments,I do not need lectures from Israelis and Islamists, the Midlle East had suffered enough from both, on behalf of most Syrians:
Tiz feekon wa bi daoulet al’isabaat tabaakon
ma asfal min Israel illa alirahbiyeen almuta’aslimeen
February 21st, 2013, 4:10 pm
AIG said:
Again all Ghufran can muster is muddled thinking and trash talking. You do need a serious education into values. If Syria were run according to Israeli values, it would be a much nicer place. Just ask the Druze in the Golan. I am starting to believe that the regime supporters are only good at killing other Syrians and running their big mouth while quoting propaganda outlets.
February 21st, 2013, 4:33 pm
revenire said:
FORMER OPPOSITION SUPPORTER HAMAECHO EXPOSES RATS
Extremist Murderers in Syria
Posted on February 17, 2013 by hamaecho
https://hamaecho.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/extremist-murderers-in-syria/
There are more and more extremist idiots spreading their filthy ideas across the country. They think they can create a silly “caliphate” Islamic dictatorship to replace the Baathist dictatorship. How nice! Did 60,000+ people died so we can have a new Assad with a beard??
They hate all the national symbols, even our national flag, calling it “french mandate” like the regime does. According to these people, only their kandahar mandate islamic flag is the only banner allowed in the country.
We have to still live in fear with these idiots around, if I said any of this in public I would be arrested or worse. These groups are not popular at all, but our secular Syrianist groups are too weak compared to them and no one is helping our groups so people have no choice.
You might think Islamic extremists might be alright in the short term since no one will arm our secular groups, but in the long term Syria will be raped by them more than anyone in history ever did.
Look at who the extremist pigs are killing:
https://hamaecho.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/extremist-murderers-in-syria/
February 21st, 2013, 4:41 pm
zoo said:
Who was predicting that the FSA were winning the airport battles?
Could you kindly update us on the prediction? News are confusing.
February 21st, 2013, 5:00 pm
Citizen said:
387. AIG – If Syria were run according to Israeli values –
Do you think it’s smart to request a certificate of good conduct for the Zionist state from the Knights of Damascus?Do you suffer from confusion?
by the way
??what happened to Avigdor Lieberman after he shot to fame in money laundering?Are 85% of the Israeli economy in the hands of ten Israeli families?
February 21st, 2013, 5:04 pm
Juergen said:
time to give a name to this John Doe guy. I wonder what would be an
typical syran name for such an guy? Fadl Tahan?
Syrian Television’s Most Outraged Bystander
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/syrian-televisions-most-outraged-bystander/?smid=tw-thelede&seid=auto
I hear that two mortars have hit Chami Hospital, any confirmation on that? Where will Assad and his buddies go now for treatment?
February 21st, 2013, 5:08 pm
revenire said:
It’s Elvis Juergen.
February 21st, 2013, 5:12 pm
zoo said:
Oh yes, once Bashar al Assad is gone these Islamist terrorists will pack their bags and weapons, say good luck and go home. They will let the moderate Islamist that they hate to take over, of course…
The naivety of the people who think like that is total stupidity.
Once these Islamists are here, they won’t leave until they are all chased and killed.
Guess who will do that job after the Syrian Army had collapsed?
The only chance Syria still has to survive is the Syrian Army and its commanders.
February 21st, 2013, 5:12 pm
revenire said:
“If Syria were run according to Israeli values” they’d have imprisoned an entire nation of people in a giant Nazi concentration camp called Gaza.
Thank God we have President Assad and not the war criminal Netanyahu.
February 21st, 2013, 5:14 pm
revenire said:
hamaecho was one of the biggest rat supporters EVER. Now look what he says about the murderers. This is the reality of the war.
I hope al-Nusra doesn’t try to kill him.
“We have to still live in fear with these idiots around, if I said any of this in public I would be arrested or worse.” – hamaecho, opposition member
February 21st, 2013, 5:20 pm
zoo said:
US condemns “discriminate acts of violence” in Syria
21/02/2013
WASHINGTON, Feb 21 (KUNA) — The U.S. strongly condemned here Thursday any “discriminate acts of violence” against civilians or diplomatic facilities in Syria.
State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters: “We do have the same reports you have of intense ongoing violence in Damascus today, including a car bomb that reportedly killed 31 people, most of whom were civilians in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy and the Baath Party headquarters.” “We strongly condemn any indiscriminate acts of violence against civilians or against diplomatic facilities which violate international law, and we continue to emphasize that perpetrators on all sides have to be held accountable,” she stressed.
February 21st, 2013, 5:21 pm
Juergen said:
Omar ?@AllWeAskFor has tweeted this:
My aunt has to pass through two checkpoints to get to a bakery in Damascus. Yet explosive filled cars somehow snuck through?
Reve I am sure you can tell us how one can drive a bus filled with explosives through the checkpoints to its designated explosion site, yet conveniently one of the best monitored areas of Damascus.
February 21st, 2013, 5:21 pm
Ghufran said:
It makes a lot of sense for Israelis to love this revolution, first it is leading to Syria’s destruction, second it forced Hamas to sell its body to Qatari pimps, and third it made Iran an enemy for Syrians instead of Israel. Israelis on this blog can only fool those who are born to be idiots and others who are in a state of total confusion due to understandable emotions of anger and guilt, when this is all finished and done Israel will regain its rightful position as a terrorist apartheid state.
February 21st, 2013, 5:22 pm
zoo said:
William Hague playing on all the horses…
UK to train Lebanese troops amid fears of Syria overspill
Beirut Thursday 21 February 2013
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/uk-to-train-lebanese-troops-amid-fears-of-syria-overspill-8505814.html
Britain will help train 2,000 Lebanese soldiers this year amid heightened concern that Syria’s neighbour will be sucked into the country’s civil war, the Foreign Secretary has said.
The announcement by William Hague during a two-day visit to Lebanon came amid a tense face-off between the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which rebels accuse of assisting Syrian regime troops. The UK also pledged to provide “equipment support” for the Lebanese army, though officials declined to provide details.
Britain is hoping to help shore up stability in Lebanon, where politics are closely interwoven with those across the border in Syria. Since the start of the uprising the situation has become increasingly unstable, with armed clashes and a car bombing that killed a security official in the capital Beirut last year.
The armed forces have so far managed to contain any large-scale conflagration, but there are threats by the FSA to attack targets in Lebanon if Hezbollah does not withdraw its fighters backing President Bashar al-Assad. An FSA spokesman said that rebels had struck a Hezbollah base in their heartland of the Hermel, but the claims could not be corroborated.
February 21st, 2013, 5:24 pm
revenire said:
Juergen no idea but I do believe your Tin Foil Hat is showing. 🙂
February 21st, 2013, 5:32 pm
Juergen said:
Christopher Dekki: A (very) rough guide to the Christians of the Levant
“I challenge you to let this be the first step to understanding the depth of the Middle East’s diversity”
http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/opinion/christopher-dekki-a-very-rough-guide-to-the-christians-of-the-levant_13147
Reve you might consider this your motto:
If I can’t dance I don’t want to be part of your revolution. — Emma Goldman
February 21st, 2013, 5:37 pm
revenire said:
Juergen does Chris fit in with your views? You sure?
“Chris Dekki ?@CDekki
‘#Obama is part of the #MB!’ But the imperial strategy re: anti-#Arab nationalist political #Islam took shape long ago… #PT”
I can go on Juergen.
Let me know.
🙂
February 21st, 2013, 5:46 pm
Visitor said:
Those regime idiot apologists over here who continue to spin stories back and forth about Hezbos must know that the clash between the FSA and the Mullah stooges in Lebanon is inevitable. It is now clear what the Hezbos are up to, and actually it started long before the recent skirmishes and even well before the Arsal fiasco in which the Hezbos were the instigators on orders from the thug who was killed recently, the RG general Khoznevi.. According to this story Hezbos are actively involved in defending the so-called Alawite thug regime in order to create the midget statelet of Alawistan by orders from the grand ape-gorilla mullah in Qomistan,
https://now.mmedia.me/lb/ar/nowspecialar/???-????-????-??-??????-??-???????-???????
But, it is all in vain and it will result in the total destruction and annihilation of the Mullah agents and the stooges in ‘Alawistan’. Your game is over and your time is up. FSA will destroy you all without mercy.
February 21st, 2013, 5:51 pm
Juergen said:
See Reve, contrary to you I have my very own opinion, I dont share necessarily what the author thinks, f.e. I like the style of Fisks articles more than his actual standpoint. But i assume you dont question anything you post right?
Midanibatman tweets:
So you guys all support the president that your families don’t live under? Sounds easy.
February 21st, 2013, 5:55 pm
revenire said:
401.) Juregen this one better for you?
“Chris Dekki ?@CDekki
#Hydrabad, #India and #Damascus, #Syria affected by #terrorism today… #tragic”
403.) The rats were complaining about Hezbollah a year ago. Why so upset now? Something happen? I can show you news reports over a year old claiming Hezbollah had sent 1000s of fighters. Now you’re upset over a few border clashes of men protecting their villages from your rats?
Believe me if Hezbollah gets involved you will know about it. They are not shy.
February 21st, 2013, 5:56 pm
DAMASCUSROSE said:
Not that I trust Isareli motives or their policies, but offering to help treating the wounded Syrians is a nice humanitarian gesture. A wounded human being needs care no matter what their political affiliation and I commend the Isarelis for doing the right thing here. Thank you to the Isareli doctors and nurses who took care of the wounded.
February 21st, 2013, 5:56 pm
revenire said:
Hasbara rat AIG this is how Israel conducts itself: “IOF arrests 19 Palestinian children in two weeks.”
ROSE the hospital is for FSA terrorists not anyone else. Wake up.
February 21st, 2013, 6:00 pm
omen said:
why do minorities expect to gain protection through dialog?
instead of relying on the regime to negotiate protection for them in a post-assad world, minorities should do an end run around the regime and send their own emissaries to the various factions of the opposition to work out their own accords. minorities need to start establishing their independence away from the regime as something they can point to.
i get the sense this is already being done on the local level with village elders negotiating differences between the two groups.
relying on the regime is bad PR. in the long run, it wont benefit any group to be seen even as tacit supporters of the regime. not to mention the inner circle cannot be counted upon to honor agreements and have only their own selfish, greedy, wicked interests at heart.
February 21st, 2013, 6:11 pm
SANDRO LOEWE said:
407. REVENIRE said:
¨Hasbara rat AIG….. ¨
REVENIRE,
Do you know what? You are surely the great rat here, the FSA will impale Assadists like you. Go to hell you and your dirty words. People like you are going to vanish from earth, in sha allah.
I understand this way of free expression is allowed in SC since Revenire is permanently vomitting these kind of, let´s say, words and ape arguments.
February 21st, 2013, 6:12 pm
Syrian said:
Even the Nytimes took notice of the Shabih that shows up after every regime bombing
February 21, 2013, 4:19 pmComment
Syrian Television’s Most Outraged Bystander
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/syrian-televisions-most-outraged-bystander/?smid=tw-share
February 21st, 2013, 6:13 pm
omen said:
Oh yes, once Bashar al Assad is gone these Islamist terrorists will pack their bags and weapons, say good luck and go home. They will let the moderate Islamist that they hate to take over, of course…
if syrians are strong enough to topple this regime, it will be strong enough to tackle anything coming after it.
it’s not islamists with hundreds of thousands of spies running around throwing the innocent in dungeons. it’s not islamists who are disappearing tens of thousands. it’s not islamists creating mass graves. it’s not islamists who are dropping bombs from aircraft and reducing syria to rubble.
February 21st, 2013, 6:19 pm
revenire said:
“409. SANDRO LOEWE said:
407. REVENIRE said:
‘Hasbara rat AIG….. ‘
REVENIRE,
Do you know what? You are surely the great rat here, the FSA will impale Assadists like you. Go to hell you and your dirty words. People like you are going to vanish from earth, in sha allah.
I understand this way of free expression is allowed in SC since Revenire is permanently vomitting these kind of, let´s say, words and ape arguments.”
I’m going to be impaled by terrorists for pointing out a Hasbara rat? Don’t hold your breath.
If you must call me names I prefer that you call me Hyena as Tara does.
Thank you.
February 21st, 2013, 6:42 pm
SANDRO LOEWE said:
Revenire,
After loooong loooong years living in that Paradise turned Prison called Syria, I say once and forever that I am FED UP and fuxxxingly FED UP of people like you and all the shabihha and supporters of the regime who used to have wasta for everything and cosidered that it was reason enough to TREATHEN any other memebr of society as if they were real BADASSES.
Now you are beginning to receive what you deserve. Sadly tens of thousands of innocent people will die because of those rats who destroyed Syria from inside for vile reasons. Sahme on you Assad, forever and ever. We will kill you with our hearts and souls.
February 21st, 2013, 6:55 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
SYRIAN
I have a feeling that this thug and some of the retards on SC are graduates from the same kennel.
February 21st, 2013, 7:15 pm
revenire said:
Sandro what’s that you say? Calm yourself… Dr. Assad is in control of things. Read the excellent news:
U.S. Diplomat: Majority of Syrians Stand Behind Bashar Assad
http://www.moonofalabama.org/2013/02/us-diplomat-majority-of-syrians-stand-behind-bashar-assad.html#comments
A member of the UN independent panel investigating human rights violations in Syria, Karen Abuzayd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Koning_AbuZayd), said what we have asserted here all along.
A majority of the people of Syria stand behind their president Bashar al Assad.
Thanks to J. Bradley for a comment (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2013/02/open-thread-2013-4.html#c6a00d8341c640e53ef017d4129b740970c) that pointed to Monday’s (http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/episode/2013/02/18/monday—syria-war-crimes-banksy-mural-for-sale-south-african-rain-frog/) CBC Radio Show As It Happens.
Starting at 2:00 minutes into the first part (http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/popupaudio.html?clipIds=2336416028,2336416291,2336417666) of the show Karen Koning AbuZayd, a former U.S. diplomat, is interviewed about the latest UN Human Rights Council report (http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/CoISyria/A.HRC.22.59_en.pdf) (pdf) about the situation in Syria.
At 5:35 min into the audio with regard to a question about a possible indictment of Assad a comparison is made to Milosovic and Serbia. There Karen Abuzayd, who was involved with Bosnia, says:
“… Milosovic had a lot of his population strongly behind him, throughout, until the end, until now I would say, and the same goes for President Assad – there’s quite a number of the population, maybe as many as half, if not more, who stand behind him.”
That determination certainly runs counter to the “western” propaganda campaign. Why should Assad, as the “west” demands, go when the majority of the Syrian population is supporting him?
PS:
And lets keep in mind, as Noirette reminds us (http://www.moonofalabama.org/2013/02/open-thread-2013-4.html#c6a00d8341c640e53ef017c370380cf970b), that the court found no evidence linking Milosovic to genocide and war crimes committed in the Bosnian War. His indictment was just another propaganda act. Just like an indictment of Bashar Assad, which the Russians will prevent anyway, would be solely to support the ongoing disinformation campaign.
February 21st, 2013, 7:27 pm
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
Retard @ 362
Thought it was going incognito…
February 21st, 2013, 7:27 pm
zoo said:
From his palace in Paris or in Ryadh….
Hariri slams Cabinet silence on Hezbollah involvement in Syria
February 22, 2013 01:44 AM
BEIRUT/HERMEL, Lebanon: Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri blasted the government Thursday over its silence on recent clashes between Hezbollah fighters and Syrian rebels, accusing it of handing over national security to the party.
Meanwhile, Lebanese security sources denied claims by the rebel Free Syrian Army that one of its battalions had struck Hezbollah bases in the eastern city of Hermel near the border with Syria.
“What is happening on the Lebanese-Syrian border is extremely dangerous, and most dangerous of all is that the Lebanese government is [acting unaware] and allowing Hezbollah to take control of national security,” Hariri said in a statement.
Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2013/Feb-22/207431-hariri-slams-cabinet-silence-on-hezbollah-involvement-in-syria.ashx#ixzz2LaEFN0aS
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)
February 21st, 2013, 7:32 pm
SANDRO LOEWE said:
Revenir
Assad does not control even his brain, I wonder how many doses of cocaine he is taking daily. He has always been garbage son of a garbage family of criminals but now evidence is clearer and all the suckers behind him are going to be shown crystal clear. I would dare to say that Assad has reached a lower point than Bush and Sharon. Maybe similar to Hitler.
You keep on repeating the mantra ¨Assad is in control¨ until a truck fulled with 20 tones of explosives explodes in the face of Assad. Even when he is dead, time will come, you will say Assad is in Control or you will be already in the hands of a Psychiatric.
February 21st, 2013, 7:32 pm
zoo said:
This has not been reported by the Lebanese authorities, the Hezbollah or any independent source..
Syrian rebels attack Hezbollah’s positions in Lebanon: FSA commander
February/21/2013
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?PageID=238&NID=41647&NewsCatID=352&op=sent
A commander of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) said Syrian rebels had started to attack Lebanon’s Hezbollah Feb. 21, less than a day after the FSA chief of staff issued a 48-hour ultimatum warning the militant group to stop shelling territory held by the insurgents.
“We have bombed the territories of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria. The Free Syrian Army will continue bombing these positions,” Col. Hisam al-Avvak of the Group of Free Officers, which operates under the umbrella of the FSA, told Anatolia news agency
February 21st, 2013, 7:45 pm
ghufran said:
According to UN OCHA, less than 20% of syrian aid that pledged by donors was actually delivered (to help Syrian refugees), some countries like Bahrain has not paid a penny yet, others,like KSA, only paid a fraction of what was pledged and sent the money to WHO but not to refugee camps or UNICEF. UAE which pledged $ 300 million has only paid $ 12 million, and the list goes on and on. The main responsibility for the refugee crisis still falls on the shoulders of the Syrian government but I never believed the myth that the GCC cared about ordinary Syrians.
it tells a lot that the country that paid the most to help Syrian refugees was the US.
February 21st, 2013, 7:53 pm
MarigoldRan said:
There is no point in discussing with Revenire about anything related to Syria. He doesn’t care about Syria. Instead, criticize him directly. He cares about that.
For example:
Revenire is a loser. He lives on the comments section of a blog for 12-16 hours a day.
Revenire is a retard.
He should get a job.
Etc. etc. At this point they’re not even insults. They’re statements of TRUTH.
February 21st, 2013, 7:56 pm
Syrialover said:
One striking thing about an Assad interview is the bizarre childishness of the lies, and the way he delivers them.
One is reminded of a toddler standing in a mess and saying earnestly, “Teddy did it”.
The weakly-deliverd lies, the failed mustache, the undersized head, the creepy lisping voice – has there ever been a “national leader” like it anywhere, even in sci-fi comic books?
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/assad-denies-starting-war-in-new-interview/
February 21st, 2013, 7:57 pm
Tara said:
Brahimi staying for 2013. I wonder how much they pay him?
• Lakdar Brahimi is to renew his contract as Syrian peace envoy for the UN and the Arab League. The veteran diplomat took over in August last year as envoy, succeeding former UN chief Kofi Annan. Brahimi’s contract is due to expire tomorrow but he will continue for a further six months, a UN spokesman said.
February 21st, 2013, 7:57 pm
zoo said:
After accusing Hezbollah of killing Israelis, Bulgaria PM accuses Turkey politician of plotting to kill him.
Bulgaria’s Borisov accuses Turkish politician of murder plot
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/bulgarias-borisov-accuses-turkish-politician-of-murder-plot.aspx?pageID=238&nID=41603&NewsCatID=351
Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov accuses the ex-leader of the country’s Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedom, Ahmet Do?an, of plotting an assassination attempt against him
February 21st, 2013, 7:57 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Assad should never have been allowed to run a country. We can see the consequences of that now.
One wonders just how much power he actually has.
February 21st, 2013, 7:59 pm
zoo said:
#421 Ghufran
guilt…
February 21st, 2013, 8:03 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Wrong as usual, Zoo. The Syrians did this to themselves.
As long as stupid people blame others for their stupidity, they will always remain stupid.
February 21st, 2013, 8:04 pm
zoo said:
After the Iranian monkey, Morsi is to be to be traveling in space.
Will he take the Moslem Brotherhood with him?
https://www2.axeapollo.com/en_AE/244825/mohammed-morsi?image=0(hash)./mohammed-morsi?&_suid=13614680934900703352844006959
February 21st, 2013, 8:17 pm
Syrian said:
Syrian Hamster
Of course they are the graduates of the same kennel, one can spot the same cold rigid ways of talking and using the same talking points.
Here in SC when they want to go out side the lines drawn to them they use different names just to get away a little and speak their minds away from their watchful handlers.
February 21st, 2013, 8:18 pm
Tara said:
Not even in their wildest dream…..
Syria not part of Iran
Iran has been trying to link its nuclear programme to regional issues, raising the question of whether it regards Syria as an Iranian province, writes Bassel Oudat in Damascus
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/1546/19/Syria-not-part-of-Iran.aspx
In a move that has stirred controversy among the Arab countries, Iran has submitted a proposal to the P5+1 group composed of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council along with Germany and in charge of negotiating Iran’s nuclear programme, asking that the Syrian and Bahraini crises be included in the talks to take place in Kazakhstan on 26 February.
Iranian officials hope that the proposal will effectively merge the future of Syria and Bahrain with the prospects for Iran’s nuclear programme with the approval of the international parties, constituting an audacious move to place its ambitions in Bahrain and Syria on the negotiating table as if it had legitimate rights in those two countries.
The move follows reports in the US media of the presence of Iranian combat units in Syria, together with an attempt by Iran to turn Syria into an “Iranian province”, as one Iranian cleric declared recently.
Such statements have shocked Syrian public opinion,…
Read more….
February 21st, 2013, 8:33 pm
Ziad said:
One of the two suicide bombers of today’s attack caught alive.
???? – ???? ????? ??? ????????? ?????? ???? 21 2 20
February 21st, 2013, 9:15 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Visitor responds to my posts from this morning:
Once Israel is involved whose side you are in the new reality determines the political outcome.
… which is all he wants, by portarying the FSA and those other fighters as stooges of Israel which according to him and his media apparatus…
Assad is claiming this NOW, w/o any Israeli involvement. Arab despot/jihadist conspiracy theories are so ridiculous and so prevalent; and it’s been this way for years.
It is all part of the process of dehumanization. By referring to people as being less than human, we can justify the worst atrocities. An example of that was George Galloway’s refusal to speak with an Israeli just yesterday. And of course, on this website, it is the riff-raff who calls all opposition supporters “rats”. It a common thread for all the immature, arm-chair freedom fighters here.
http://www.danielpipes.org/1294/deadly-denial-of-muslim-anti-semitism
I also have problems agreeing with your assertion that Isarel did not retake Sinai when Mubarak fell, making that as a precedent which may apply to Syria.
Visitor, it’s not an assertion. It’s a fact, no?
I believe Israel deals with its neighbors on a case by case basis.
Of course. Just like Obama helps the Libyans, but turns his back on the Syrians. Every country is free to act in its best interest.
If Israel knew it could swallow the Sinai by retaking it, they would have done it.
Visitor,
What is your point here? That Israel enjoys swallowing countries? Simply put, there is no reason for Israel to retake the Sinai with the current peace treaty and Egypt, even under the MB/Islamist administration knows there are bigger fish to fry than start a war with Israel.
In Syria’s case a modus vivendi has already been established with the Assads since 1973, albeit officially undeclared. It is this status-quo, which is threatened, which makes Israel shiver from the unknown outcome.
Visitor,
Again, I’m a bit confused here. As long as there are mortal enemies to Israel, whether that is Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria or Iran, Israel is on guard. She has protected herself fairly well. I don’t think Israelis are any more or less concerned if jihadists somehow manage to gain control of Syria. Assad or jihadists are both at war with Israel. Perhaps the only difference is that the jihadis will fight, but the Baathist will subcontract to the other jihadists.
AIG,
Keep up the good work.
406. DAMASCUSROSE said:
Not that I trust Isareli motives or their policies, but offering to help treating the wounded Syrians is a nice humanitarian gesture.
Thanks. This makes me proud to be Jewish and pro-Israeli.
A wounded human being needs care no matter what their political affiliation and I commend the Isarelis for doing the right thing here. Thank you to the Isareli doctors and nurses who took care of the wounded.
Just FYI, Israel treats Palestinians like this on a daily basis.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/08/12/hamas-leader-kin-gets-israeli-medical-aid-even-as-terror-group-blasts-jewish/
One day we’ll all get educated outside of the madrassas and then we may live in peace. Tell George Galloway.
February 21st, 2013, 9:15 pm
Ziad said:
??? ???? ??????? ?????????? ?? ???? 21-2-2013
February 21st, 2013, 9:30 pm
Syrian said:
?????? ??????? ?? ????? ????? the Chinese revolution
about an hour ago
????? ???? .. ?????? ?????? ???? .. ?? ????????? ??????????? .. ? ?? ??? ????????? .. ? ??? “??????” ??????? .. ? ?? ??????? ????? .. ? ?? ??????? .. ? ??????? ?????? ?????? .. ? ?? ???? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ?? ?????? .. ? ????? ?? ?? ???????? .. ? ?? ???? ?? ???????? ??????? (?? ????) ?????? ????
?????? ??? ??????
????? ?? ???? ???????
?????? ????? ?????
? ??? ??????? ?????? ??? ???????? .. ??? ????? .. ?????? ????? ???????2 .. ??? ?? ????? ????? ?????? .. ? ???? ????!
???? 14
February 21st, 2013, 9:31 pm
Syrialover said:
MARIGOLDRAN #427 said:
“The Syrians did this to themselves. As long as stupid people blame others for their stupidity, they will always remain stupid.”
How insulting and offensive. How ignorant. How insenstiive. And above all, how stupid to say something like that.
Where the HELL are you coming from?
February 21st, 2013, 9:37 pm
Syrialover said:
By the way MARIGOLDRAN, if you ever actually met any Syrians (which I suspect you never have), would you stand there and say your statement in #427 directly to them?
You’ve now exposed what a self-important thrill you must get sitting on your sofa making patronizing remarks about what is happening in Syria.
What a privileged, safe, free life you have. Unlike all those stupid Syrians who “did it to themselves”.
February 21st, 2013, 9:50 pm
MarigoldRan said:
It was in response to Zoo’s comments. He was, I think, blaming America for the regime’s troubles. My comment refers to the fact that the regime was stupid, and they have no one to blame but themselves for the trouble it’s in.
But regardless of which side you’re on, a Syrian Civil War is a war of Syrians vs. Syrians. So yes, they did do it to themselves.
Was it inaccurate?
And yes, I do have a pretty good life. I love my job and I like the people around me. The same is probably true for you too. After all, you post here pretty often, and you seem pretty well-adjusted (albeit somewhat angry at times) which means that you have both internet access and free time and probably job as well.
February 21st, 2013, 9:50 pm
Syrian said:
@431
Only in Syria
A General commit suicide with 3 bullets to his head(Ghazi Kena’an)
And catch a” suicide bomber”alive after exploding his car
I wonder which dungeon you got this poor soul from, so you can make him admit to what ever that you want him to say
February 21st, 2013, 9:52 pm
MarigoldRan said:
And, to answer your rhetorical question:
Yes I would. I understand why they would feel angry about it. But it is true. If it makes you feel any better, I would like to remind you that I am very much against the regime.
EDIT: In case others haven’t noticed, I treat reasonable people with respect, even if they’re on the other side. For example, I have no problems with Ali or Ghufran. I may disagree, but I respectfully disagree.
But I will attack mal-adjusted retards like Revenire. They do not deserve respect.
February 21st, 2013, 10:00 pm
Ghufran said:
Qadri Jamil praised Moaz on sham fm and called him Ustaz Moaz then Sayyed Moaz, of notice is the fact that the NC did not accuse the regime of being behind the massacre in almazraa, I have not heard anybody, outside the usual rebel mouth pieces, Who seriously think that regime forces were behind that terrorist attack, the lies about car bombs started with the first incident, now after Islamist gangs admitted to being behind many of those crimes nobody believes anything that comes out of rebel sources and their supporters when it comes to these ugly crimes that show total disregard to innocent civilians, many posters here, and I was one of them, condemned the army’s indiscriminate bombing of areas that are heavily populated even though these areas were controlled by the rebels or had rebel presence, but none of the thawrajiyyeh had the moral courage to call car bombs with their true name: terrorism.
February 21st, 2013, 10:04 pm
Syrialover said:
MARIGOLDRAN #437
You have no idea.
What you said was sneering at Syrians and calling them stupid and suggesting they deserve what’s happening because they brought it on themselves. (#427)
I think you’re out of your depth.
I suggest an apology to me and all Syrians who read this forum and are in real life hell because of what is being inflicted on so many millions of dignified, decent, courageous Syrians.
The people of Kanfranbel had a poster that said Syria is not a Roman coleseum to be watched like a game.
Think about that if you are going to keep posting your commentaries here, which I am now seeing in a clearer light.
And maybe make an effort to actually meet and get to know some Syrians.
February 21st, 2013, 10:15 pm
MarigoldRan said:
Ghufran is right. The car bombings are terrorist act.
They were made in response to the regime’s terrorist acts. And the regime has committed many more terrorist acts than the rebels. So I am still on the side of the rebels.
But still, terrorism is terrorism. As I’ve said: what comes around, goes around.
February 21st, 2013, 10:17 pm
MarigoldRan said:
@ Syrialover
Are the “decent courageous Syrians” only on one side? Or are can they be on both sides?
And I don’t see what I have to apologize for. My statements are accurate:
1. The war continues.
2. Both sides commit terrorist acts, though the regime commits more, and thus is the evil side.
3. A Syrian Civil War is caused by Syrians.
4. The regime has lost half of the country in a little over a year of fighting.
5. This will be a long war.
6. Revenire is a retard.
Which one of these statements is factually un-true?
February 21st, 2013, 10:21 pm
Ghufran said:
????? ? ?? ?? ??: ??? ??????? ?? ??????????? ???????? ??????? ?? ?????? ???????? ??????? ????? ???? ?? 40 ??????? ????????? ?? ??? ‘????’ ??????? ????? ????????? ?? ???? ?????? ???? ??????? ????????.
???? ?????? ?????????? ?????? (?????) ?? ????? ?????????? ?? ????? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ?????? ???? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ??? ?? ???? ?? ??? ???????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ???????.
????? ??????? ‘??? ????? ??????? ?? ??????? ???? ???????? ?? ??? ????? ?????? ???? ???’. ?????? ??????? ??? ?? ????????? ??????????? ???? ?????? ?????? ???? ??? ??????? 40 ????? ‘????’ ??? ????.
American sources said that those missiles were fired from areas around Damascus, there is no way to avoid the fact that firing those inaccurate missiles is a form of collective punishment and a war crime, I hope nobody tries to defend using those missiles, one military expert said that the regime is experimenting with scud missiles and sending a message to turkey and Israel at the expense of Syrians who are being used as guinea pigs, the regime denied using scud missiles.
February 21st, 2013, 10:22 pm
Ghufran said:
An update from SOHR:
?????? ???? :: ????? ??? 72 ??? ???????? ????? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ???? ????? 59 ????? ??? ????? ??? ????? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ???????? ?? ???? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ????????? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ??????? ?? 16 ?? ?????? ???????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ???? ????? ???????? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ?? ??????? ?????? ???? ???????? ???? ???? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ???? 13 ???? ?????? ????? 10 ?? ?????? ???????? ???? ??? ????? ??????? ??????? ??? ????? ????? ?? ????? ???? ???? ??? ???? ??? ??? ????? ???? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ??? ??? ????? ????? ??? ????? ???????? ????? ?? ???????? ??????? ?? ?? ??? ???? ???? ???? ???? ????? ????
Where are those noble and angelic FSA leaders who are watching foreign jihadists and Islamist terrorists killing Syrians indiscriminately ?
February 21st, 2013, 10:42 pm
Syrian said:
Now no one can claim that Firass Tlass is a Salafi
Firas Tlass
vor 14 Stunden
??? ??????? ?????? ?????? ?? ????? ????????? ???? ?? ?? ??? ??? ?? ????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ??? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ??? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ??????? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ?????? ??? ??? . ?????? ??? ???? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ??? ???? ???????? ?? ??? ????????? ?? ????? ??? ??? ????? ????? ?? ??????? ?????? ???? ?????? . ????? ?????? ?? ?????? 105 ??? ?????? ??? ???? ???????? ?? ????? ?????? ??????? . ??? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ???? ????? ????? ?? ????? ????? .
February 21st, 2013, 10:56 pm
revenire said:
“436. SYRIALOVER said:
By the way MARIGOLDRAN, if you ever actually met any Syrians (which I suspect you never have), would you stand there and say your statement in #427 directly to them?”
What do you expect from someone who admits eating dogs?
February 21st, 2013, 11:24 pm
Dolly Buster said:
The term terrorist is meaningless. It is used for Hamas which Assad supported; but now Assad is also fighting terrorists? Duh.
A car bomb is simply a decent mechanism of fighting back against Shiite oppressors.
February 21st, 2013, 11:37 pm
Syrialover said:
MARIGOLDRAN #443,
Stop making those 6 unoriginal, over-obvious, repetitive points as if they had some special meaning. Nothing that shallow deserves to be labeled “accurate” or otherwise.
I suspect you must be quite young.
The war was caused by a vicious criminal group who hijacked the country and kept Syrians controlled by fear for 42 years, and are now keeping it up with the assistance of Russia and Iran.
And yes, I have limitless sympathy and respect and caring for ordinary Syrians caught up and suffering on both sides and who now have to show great courage. My attitude is shared by everyone who knows the people of Syria and understands the situation.
Here’s my challenge to you:
I have no idea where you live, but I recommend you get yourself to what ever place locally where Syrians gather (maybe even a voluntary aid organization) and have some discussions about real things with real people.
Then come back on here with some insights about those “stupid Syrians” who brought their situatiom on themselves.
Maybe then you might re-read your shallow, callous statement in #427 and feel a little bit apologetic.
February 21st, 2013, 11:58 pm
MarigoldRan said:
@ Dolly Buster
That is fair, and I would agree with that. However, that would ALSO mean that the missile strike in Aleppo is a legitimate way of fighting against the Sunni majority.
@ The Retard
That name has stuck.
February 21st, 2013, 11:59 pm
ghufran said:
“A car bomb is simply a decent mechanism of fighting back against Shiite oppressors”
I settle my case, may be people like those who believe in car bombs deserve a leader like Assad.
I read Marigold statement about Syrians, he probably went too far but not far enough to be attacked for stating a largely true opinion. there is foreign interference in Syria but much of the suffering and the misery there is self-made, nobody is forcing the regime and its violent oppoenents to be brutal and dumb,that was a choice, this is why an outside force needs to step in and stop those idiots from killing each other and destroying what is left of that beautiful country.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:04 am
MarigoldRan said:
@ SyriaLover
Those points are simplistic… but true. It’s an accurate assessment of the situation on the ground. Much MORE accurate than 90% of the predictions and assessment made by journalists on both sides of the conflict. Stupid people like Zoo think complications = intelligence. Intelligent people KNOW that it’s always a good idea to stick to the basics. That way you can’t be wrong.
Furthermore, at this point, what else can be said about the situation?
1. The war continues.
2. Revenire is a retard.
3. The regime is evil.
4. The regime is losing.
5. What comes around, goes around.
6. This will be a long war but the regime will eventually lose.
7. People are dying.
8. There is no more Syria left.
Is there really anything more to be said, besides trash talk?
February 22nd, 2013, 12:11 am
Observer said:
This from the NYT makes me suspicious the regime did the bombing
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/syrian-televisions-most-outraged-bystander/
February 22nd, 2013, 12:18 am
ghufran said:
“It is the first time to feel we are living in a war condition,” said a 30-year-old Mazraa resident named Anas, who lives with his family in a house behind the headquarters of Mr. Assad’s Baath Party. “Today I saw what was happening in Baghdad in my city, Damascus. This is not the Damascus I know.”
(that was a powerful statement, indeed the SAME animals who are killing Iraqi civilians with car bombs in Baghdad are killing Syrian civilians with car bombs in Damascus)
The regime lost the support of more Syrians today who thought until now that Damascus proper is mostly immune from terrorists,and that is exactly why those animals did what they did in Al-Mazraa, however, for the long term, car bombs never toppled a regime and never won political support, the regime is stupid for not making conciliatory gestures towards moderate Sunnis who are now ready to engage in a dialogue which is the only way to defeat Nusra and other terrorist Islamist gangs, Assad guns and jets are not enough)
February 22nd, 2013, 12:22 am
revenire said:
Ghufran the nation is at war. There are only two sides. Good and evil – and no man can walk down the middle of that road. You will see.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:32 am
Syrialover said:
MARIGOLDRAN,
I think you must be VERY young.
There is plenty more to say and share and some people here are certainly doing that. Do you read their comments and the articles they recommend? And also follow what’s being said in other forums?
The simplistic and repetitve nature of your comments is a reflection of how little information and opinion reading and processing you are doing.
Stop being lazy. Go out and meet some Syrians and read some deeper material.
Would you like some references?
February 22nd, 2013, 12:33 am
MarigoldRan said:
Intelligent people ARE simplistic. That’s why they’re so smart. They’re capable of understanding complications, but they know that the more complicated something is, the more likely it’s wrong.
Your recent comment, for example, falls under the category of “trash talk.”
@ Revenire
There are retards, and there are non-retards. There cannot be anything in between. You are in the first category.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:40 am
revenire said:
“456. Syrialover said:
MARIGOLDRAN,
I think you must be VERY young.”
He’s a child soldier? Wow.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:40 am
MarigoldRan said:
Revenire, you’re a retard. At this point this is no longer an opinion, but a statement of fact.
As I’ve said before, retard, always stick to the basics.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:41 am
revenire said:
Nothing complicated about my peace plan: just start carpet bombing, two weeks later it’s over.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:45 am
Juergen said:
Syria’s Christians fearing religious persecution
Many of Syria’s Christians are fearful of what might happen if the Islamic rebels prevail over President Assad’s regime and worry they could face the same kind of religious persecution they’ve seen in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. Clarissa Ward reports.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50141509n
February 22nd, 2013, 12:46 am
MarigoldRan said:
That’s because you’re too retarded to tell apart the difference between “simple” and “retarded.”
There’s two types of simple ideas: the ones that work and the ones that don’t.
Your plan doesn’t work, Revenire. That makes you a retard.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:48 am
Juergen said:
Observer
I just checked there are about 7-8 checkpoints to reach the bomb site near the russian embassy if one would come from outside Damascus. Its just unthinkable someone could pass all those with explosives in a car. Of course the thought that government forces did this is tempting, given that in Iraq the Syrians learned how to operate such bombings.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:50 am
Hanzala said:
Sorry if already posted, this is the “innocent” bystander Assad government interviewed after the Damascus explosions.
http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s480x480/480879_566318506713893_1224802901_n.jpg
February 22nd, 2013, 12:52 am
MarigoldRan said:
@ SyriaLover
For example, the last two comments by Juergen and Hanzala fall under the categories of:
The regime is evil. And/or
The regime is losing.
If the regime did the car bombing, that means it is evil. If it did not do the car bombing, that means the regime is losing. These categories of mine work.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:54 am
revenire said:
Juergen gee, what a revelation you found. Salafist apes hate Christians and want to kill them all.
I guess after the rats beheaded Syrian Christian men and raped their women about two years ago the rest of us knew then.
Better late than never I suppose.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:59 am
MarigoldRan said:
Ah, it’s the retard again. How does it feel to be a retard, retard?
Revenire, you’re so retarded that you can’t even troll without getting trolled.
EDIT: This comment falls under the category:
2. Revenire is a retard.
See? My categories work.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:59 am
revenire said:
“I just checked there are about 7-8 checkpoints to reach the bomb site near the russian embassy if one would come from outside Damascus.”
You know how many checkpoints there are between point A and B? You’re crazy Juergen.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:06 am
MarigoldRan said:
In case you haven’t noticed yet, Revenire, but he’s not responding.
Once a loser, always a loser. Once a retard, always a retard.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:10 am
MarigoldRan said:
In case you haven’t noticed yet, Revenire, but he isn’t responding. The only people who talk to you, Revenire, are the ones who call you retarded.
Revenire, you can’t even troll properly. I guess what they say is true: Once a loser, always a loser. Being a loser in life makes you a loser online too.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:11 am
revenire said:
Someone from Germany on a message forum making an idiotic statement they know the exact amount of checkpoints the bomber had to pass in Damascus. I’ve heard a lot of stupid things here on SC but that tops them all.
Juergen you outdid yourself with that one.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:16 am
MarigoldRan said:
This is getting pathetic. Good night, Revenire. Have fun TRYING to interact with people.
P.S. If you’re interested in getting people to talk to you, have you considered NOT insulting them?
P.S.S. Also, in case you haven’t noticed, you’re the only person I consistently insult on this forum. What does this tell you about what I think about you and what I think about other people?
February 22nd, 2013, 1:18 am
Syrialover said:
MARIGOLDRAN,
You are looking younger and younger (and I am being kind here).
A grown up would not be reacting the way you are.
And repeating “Revenire is a retard” and describing him as retarded is also playground stuff, unworthy of the space you keep taking for it.
Those pointless silly slanging matches crash the standard of this forum. It chases away a lot of quality people who come here for information exchanges and debate. Which is exactly what REVENIRE and others like him want to happen.
Your insult posts are actually supporting REVENIRE in his mission.
And here’s another grown up perspective. Do you know anyone who has a family member with an intellectual disability? Would you throw around that insult in their hearing? It’s no different than mocking a physical handicap.
REVENIRE’s performance is something he cynically chooses to work on. Not because he is mentally retarded. BIG difference.
I’m coming down hard on you because you have shown a careless and insensitive disregard for the realities of what has been inflicted on the Syrian people, saying they are stupid and have done it to themselves (#427.)
Being “against Assad” from your sofa isn’t a free ticket to patronize and insult all Syrians.
If you want to redeem yourself, take up my recommendations in #456.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:54 am
Dolly Buster said:
No, it depends who initiated the war. For example in Iraq, the Shia started the hostilities. Then, Zarqawi responded to them with car bombs.
In Syria: regime sickos bomb civilians using Russian-delivered Migs. Today, finally a smile on people’s faces as Baath HQ is demolished with VBIED.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:56 am
ALI said:
???? ???? ??? ???? ? ????? ? ????? ? ???
?? ????? ??????? ????? ??????? ?? ???? ???? ??????
??? ???? ????? ?? ???? ??? ??? ???? ???? ??? ? ??????
February 22nd, 2013, 1:59 am
Juergen said:
Reve
I was suggesting that such an attacker would come from outside Damascus, to travel from the suburbs and outskirts to the city center one has to pass at least 7-8 checkpoints, you can verify that with anyone living still in Damascus. But of course anyone related to the security staff of this regime wouldnt need to pass that many checkpoints, there are many compounds and barracks right in the center, but such an thought would never come from you right?
February 22nd, 2013, 2:02 am
revenire said:
You’re saying the government did the bombing?
February 22nd, 2013, 2:36 am
revenire said:
Syrialover I don’t mind Marigoldran at all. We’re used to dealing with much worse in Syria. We wish the rats were throwing words instead of bombs. Young Mari’s just a typical terrorist supporter – not very smart and keen to see blood flow all over Syria. He talks a lot about Sunnis. Maybe you should inform him most of our army is Sunni so when he cheers “the stupid Syrians” he’s cheering on the death of Sunnis. Perhaps Mari is fatherless and sees me as a surrogate? No idea really.
I was not taken aback by his statement calling Syrians stupid. There is a germ of truth in that from my perspective: to wit.. have you ever seen these videos where they shout Allahu Akbar like 1000 times and then end up getting killed by our snipers? The videos are all over YouTube. Well, if those guys are really Syrians they are pretty stupid. Hardly seems like God could be with people who blow up children and murder football players does it? Or behead people. No need to answer. We all know the right answer.
Seriously to me Syrian blood is precious, all Syrian blood – the smart blood and the stupid blood. We will win this war and then there will be less blood.
Thanks for sticking up for me. I admit after being called a retard I started crying.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:48 am
revenire said:
Dolly if you’re Syrian you must be one of the stupid ones my son Marigoldran talks about. The air force doesn’t bomb civilians. That is a lie. The air force protects civilians. That is the reality.
Like my son said: simple.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:51 am
revenire said:
“And here’s another grown up perspective. Do you know anyone who has a family member with an intellectual disability? Would you throw around that insult in their hearing? It’s no different than mocking a physical handicap.”
LOL I am surprised Tara didn’t volunteer she knows Asma’s cousins.
signed,
The Retarded Hyena
😉
February 22nd, 2013, 2:53 am
Visitor said:
Akbar Palace @432,
First, if Israel gets involved, as Assad wishes, then the Revolution becomes no longer a Syrian issue. It becomes part of the Israeli-Arab conflict. Assad still claims to be the so-called champion of this onflict from the Arab side. Right now whatever he employs against the revolution in terms of propaganda does not have the majic appeal to the general public as if Israel is in the theatre. Once and if it is in, it becomes a completely different game.
Seondly, I did not say that Israel is after swallowing countries. I said that Israel will do what it takes to achieve its own security. In the case of the Egyptian revolution it was faced with a combination of bad choces. When it became evident that Mubarak is about to fall, one of the scenarios GOI considered was whether the treaty will survive the outcome or not. In this case, I am sure the GOI would have considered retaking Sinai as a possible scenario, among many others, to counter this pssibility.
Thirdly, in the case of Syria, the general consensus among Syrians is that Israel prefers the Assads over any other outcome. This consensus is supported by historical evidence going all the way back to 1967 when Assad senior was the defense minister during the war. It has further been reinforced by the events of the last two years. We all know it is Israel’s security which is driving ths behaviour. But from our perspective it is all the same, because we end up paying the price. And by the way, this consensus is shared by Arabs in general including those who support the revolution, and even within the GCC decision makers.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:02 am
Johannes de Silentio said:
441. SYRIALOVER
“millions of dignified, decent, courageous Syrians”
Millions? Name even one. The fact is, the last dignified, decent, courageous Syrian died 1400 years ago during the Arab invasions (634 AD)
New Bashar Cartoons:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/c36da21a84249133707d8fe1241a54eb/tumblr_mik3j8qFog1r1boeoo1_1280.jpg
http://24.media.tumblr.com/26613dcdd7c90fe4d1047614019184fb/tumblr_migevatHfF1r1boeoo1_500.jpg
http://jeffreyhill.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d417153ef016766f30b66970b-800wi
February 22nd, 2013, 3:05 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
Screw the niceties.. It is a retard. And it does not deserve wasting intellectual argument on.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:11 am
Johannes de Silentio said:
481. VAT
“the general consensus among Syrians is that Israel prefers the Assads over any other outcome”
What you didn’t say is that the average Syrian is a credulous idiot who believes the CIA, the Saudis, the Jews and al Qaeda are close allies.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:11 am
Juergen said:
Reve
I am sure one loyalist like you with a crush on Batta would never think in this way. In real live qui bono always is an indicator, but as long as we dont have an Swiss investigation team on the grounds no one could be sure of who did it. But as I know this area quite good from before the war, even then it was impossible to access some of the bombing sights of prior attacks without lets say at least insight knowledge or Laissez faire et laissez passer on behalf of regime forces.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:19 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
@ 475
Spoken like a true shabbee7, one would wonder which cigarette smuggling route did this person work…
February 22nd, 2013, 3:23 am
Hopeful said:
#476 Juergen
I do not put it past the regime to be involved in the bombing, but the existence of checkpoints is not a proof. Many of the people manning the check points are all easily corruptable and can be paid off. They are, after all, part of a corrupt and rotten regime.
Indiscriminate killing of civilians is an outrage, no matter who is responsible, and for what reason. It is an outrage when the regime does it, it is an outrage when the Islamists do it, it is an outrage when Israel does it, and it is an outrage when the Palestinians do it. It is evil, inexcusable and everyone should condemn it. Humanity can at least agree on this simple unambiguous principle. I challenge all of you on SC to voice your agreement now. All you need to do is post a “Hopeful – I agree” one-liner right now!
February 22nd, 2013, 5:19 am
apple_mini said:
Was watching a vid on liveleak, showing several rebels cutting off phone cable and water pipe.
Their mindsets are just as scary as those who detonate car bombs. Basically, they have one thing in mind: destroy this country in every corner.
Who are those men? If they are from outside of Syria, there is an explanation for it and we ought to blame and condemn those Syrians who collaborate with them. If they are Syrians, I won’t be surprised.
There are always some uneducated, unintelligent and violent people in every society. Under normal circumstance, they are under the rules of law and state forces. Generally, they do not have much qualification to ascent to upper ladder in society. Understandably, they are always the group of people who pose potential threats to stability of the society.
In a turbulent state, as soon as they get armed, they immediately become deadly menace to people and the country. This is happening to Syria now.
The opposition can use them to fight against the regime. But the opposition has absolutely no power or mean to contain them.
February 22nd, 2013, 5:22 am
Juergen said:
Hopeful
We could not agree more.
February 22nd, 2013, 6:16 am
Citizen said:
US refuses to condemn Damascus terror act frustrating – Lavrov
http://english.ruvr.ru/2013_02_22/U-S-refusal-to-condemn-Damascus-terror-act-frustrating-Lavrov/
Most of the victims are women and children as there was a school nearby.
Syrian opposition decries ‘terrorist bombing’ in Damascus
Syria’s main opposition group, the National Coalition, denounced as “terrorists” those behind a deadly car bombing in Damascuson Thursday, regardless of who carried it out.
According to a press release of the Russian Ambassador to the UN, the US delegation has deplorably, for the umpteenth time, vetoed the UN Security Council required reaction to a terrorist attack by tying it with other issues.
Russia sees this kind of effort to justify terrorists’ moves as unacceptable.
Mr. Lavrov also unveiled plans of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and China’s Communist leader Xi Jinping to attend the forthcoming meetings of the G-20, BRICS and SCO.
In return, Mr. Yang expressed “deep gratitude” to the Russian foreign office for creating favourable conditions for his visit.
He stressed that the upcoming visit of Xi Jinping to Russia would boost Russia-China relations, adding that bilateral partnership was effectively “nurtured” by the leaders of the two nations.
February 22nd, 2013, 6:35 am
Dolly Buster said:
Russia is pretending to care about the car bomb, but in fact Russia aims to support dictatorship. This is evident from the brand new benefits it gave Cuba.
The douchebags in the Kremlin think they can carve out a Russian area of global influence. They cannot, Putin will fall by around 2017.
All allies of Russia will collapse, and Syria is just one example.
February 22nd, 2013, 7:32 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
Hopeful – I agree
February 22nd, 2013, 7:39 am
zoo said:
Obama’s Bad Brotherhood Bet
Jonathan S. Tobin 02.21.2013 –
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2013/02/21/obama-bad-muslim-brotherhood-bet-egypt/
For the last few months, conservative critics of the Obama administration’s foreign policy have obsessed about its failure in Libya. The fiasco in Benghazi that took the lives of four Americans including our ambassador deserved more media scrutiny and Republicans are right to continue to demand answers about it.
But the unfolding disaster next door in Egypt is a far greater indication of the way the president has blundered abroad than even that tragic episode. Obama’s decision to force the Egyptian military to accept a Muslim Brotherhood government in Cairo and Washington’s subsequent embrace of Mohamed Morsi’s regime has materially aided the descent of the most populous Arab country into the grip of an Islamist party.
The Brotherhood regime is determined to extinguish any hope of liberalization in Egypt and its drive to seize total power there is a direct threat to regional stability and Middle East peace.
…
As Friedman notes, the Brotherhood has prioritized the cleansing of non-Islamist aspects of Egyptian culture over its supposed hope to reboot the economy. The banning of the Belly Dancing Channel on Egyptian TV made for a comic lede for Friedman’s column, but it is no joke, as it illustrates Morsi’s desire to turn a multi-faceted society into another Iran.
Yet as right as Friedman is about the current situation, his advice about the Brotherhood having to change or fail misses the point about a movement that has no intention of ever allowing power to slip from its hands.
Friedman is right that the Brotherhood’s version of political Islam will sink Egypt into poverty.
February 22nd, 2013, 8:19 am
Observer said:
Obama needs a Plan B for Syria
By Vance Serchuk, Published: February 21
Vance Serchuk, a former foreign policy adviser to Sen. Joseph Lieberman, is a Council on Foreign Relations international affairs fellow, based in Tokyo. This is his first monthly column for The Post.
John Kerry will depart shortly on his first overseas trip as secretary of state, a major focus of which, he has said, will be the conflict in Syria. There is no crisis more deserving of the attention of America’s top diplomat, and Kerry deserves credit for immediately throwing himself into the fray.
In previewing his trip, however, Kerry has suggested that the key to ending the bloodshed in Syria is to change Bashar al-Assad’s “calculations” — a formulation he has invoked repeatedly in recent weeks — and that the path for doing so may run through Moscow.
This raises the specter that, rather than forging a new direction on Syria policy, the Obama administration is poised to repeat mistakes of the past.
The first of these has been to vest unrealistic hopes in the Russians. If the past two years should have taught anything, it is that the Kremlin is unlikely to help the United States orchestrate Assad’s exit.
This is not because of Russian arms sales or naval facilities in Syria, nor for any lack of U.S. engagement with Moscow. Rather, the Kremlin believes it has a broader interest in thwarting another U.S.-engineered regime change — seeing such interventions, stretching from Serbia to Libya, as a threat to international stability and as a precedent that could someday be used against itself.
More important, the Russians have less confidence than Washington does in their influence over Damascus. Even if Moscow were to pressure Assad, it is far from clear that would prompt him to consider leaving when countless other diplomatic and military setbacks haven’t, including the loss of Assad’s Turkish allies and the northern third of his country to rebels.
This points to a second, deeper problem with Kerry’s formulation. The United States has long staked its strategy on the hope that persuading Assad and the worst of his cronies to go would pave the way for a negotiated settlement between a unified Syrian opposition and remnants of the regime — avoiding an Iraq-like state collapse. But this notion of a “peaceful political transition” is increasingly questionable.
Rather than regime change without state collapse, the inverse is unfolding in Syria: the emergence of a failed state in which a contracted, consolidated Assad regime fights on — more sectarian, repressive and tightly aligned with Iran and Hezbollah.
Such a regime is less likely to be willing or able to negotiate its own end — regardless of whether Assad is its leader — and more likely to keep fighting, even if this means abandoning Damascus and establishing an Alawite rump state on the Mediterranean coast, protected by chemical weapons and militias sponsored by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the conflict, al-Qaeda-linked extremists continue to gain influence by providing the help the West won’t — likewise dimming the chances of a negotiated peace.
Washington can, of course, keep hoping that Russia will flip, Assad will go and a deal will follow that saves the Syrian state — but we cannot count on it. Just as Assad and the Iranians have their Plan B, so must we.
The first element of such a strategy should be to recognize that, if any prospect remains to change the calculations of Assad and his gang, it will be because of bold leadership from Washington, not Moscow — specifically, the use of limited military force, such as airstrikes, to neutralize Assad’s airpower, protect civilians in liberated areas and underscore that the Syrian leader’s cause is hopeless.
Just as a diplomatic settlement was impossible in Bosnia until NATO airstrikes pushed Slobodan Milosevic to the negotiating table, the same may prove true for Syria.
Second, we need to accept the possibility that a negotiated settlement won’t be achievable and start working to mitigate the most sinister consequences of state collapse.
This leads to the question of U.S. support for the Syrian opposition. Proponents of arming the rebels — who, as of last fall, we now know, included Obama’s last secretary of state, defense secretary, CIA director and chairman of the Joint Chiefs — have argued that doing so could help tip the balance against Assad, empower moderates and build leverage with the opposition.
These arguments still hold. But there is another, more compelling reason now: Lethal assistance is our last, best tool to help determine whether the post-Assad vacuum is filled by a unified, military opposition that can maintain something resembling order — or a patchwork of ethnic and sectarian militias over which we have no influence.
Any hope for the former will require not just funneling weapons to guerrilla groups in the shadows but also a large-scale, transparent U.S.-sponsored effort to train, equip and mentor a new Syrian army.
Such a shift in strategy would run against the instincts of the Obama administration — its aversion to nation-building and military intervention, and its preference for letting others lead.
If John Kerry hopes to save Syria, the leader whose calculations he will need to change is not Vladimir Putin nor even Bashar al-Assad but the president of the United States.
Sorry for the full post
February 22nd, 2013, 8:40 am
Visitor said:
Hundreds of thousands of our Iraqi brothers are now in the footsteps of the Syrian Revolution. They want to get rid of the hated safawi majousi agents who were brought to Iraq on American tanks,
http://www.aljazeera.net/news/pages/975505a9-6baf-445f-a65d-90aeb4a89147?GoogleStatID=9
February 22nd, 2013, 8:42 am
majedkhaldoun said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=idvH3GEHpKs
Maliki is sending troops to help Assad.
February 22nd, 2013, 8:48 am
zoo said:
Jabhat a-Nusra releases videos of its deadliest attacks in Syria
22/02/2013l
http://observers.france24.com/content/20130222-jabhat-al-nusra-front-video-deadliest-attacks-syria
Al-Manara al-Bayda, the media arm of the jihadist group Jabhat al-Nusra, has published a video showing several of their attacks on Syrian regime forces – a striking example of the militia’s firepower and the meticulous preparation. Jabhat al-Nusra is considered a terrorist organisation by the United States, which says it has links to Al-Qaeda.
..
For the majority of their operations Jabhat al-Nusra use the explosive C4 (mainly used by armies and demolition experts, and thus highly controlled). Most of their stock comes from contacts in Iraq, because the border between the two countries is very porous and open for trafficking. Otherwise, the C4 comes from Syrian army stocks seized by barrels, or occasionally sold by Syrian army officers.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:10 am
zoo said:
After buying weapons to kill Libyans and Syrians, the French football club, now Qatar buys “Le Printemps” in Paris.
When will they buy “the Folies Bergeres”?
Paris’s Arab Spring: Qatar eyes iconic retailer
http://www.france24.com/en/20130222-qatar-france-printemps-store-shopping-paris
After buying out the Paris Saint-Germain football club and investing heavily in major French energy and media firms, the Gulf state of Qatar could soon own Paris’s iconic Printemps department store.
…
Qatari ‘invasion’ continues
While no deal has been made yet, it appeared Qatar would be a part of an eventual acquisition, thus extending the oil-rich state’s influence or outright ownership of significant French businesses and landmarks.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:15 am
zoo said:
As the opposition is meeting in Cairo, this exclusive interview on video with Lakhdar Brahimi leaves no doubt anymore that the guy is senile and useless.
‘No military victory for any side in Syria’ – UN peace envoy
http://rt.com/op-edge/syria-assad-un-brahimi-262/
“LB: The problem is that the opposition is saying every five minutes that they don’t want to talk to Bashar Assad. This is the problem.”
February 22nd, 2013, 9:30 am
Syrialover said:
#484 JOHANNES SILENTIO
You are a very sad case.
Why make such juvenile, ignorant, offensive statements about the people of Syria?
To feel less of an empty little kid?
Looks like your school homework is too hard for you. You desperately need to feel like a smartass somewhere, anywhere.
I wonder if your parents know what you are doing on this forum (and no doubt a lot of other forums to fill your days).
February 22nd, 2013, 9:51 am
Syrialover said:
HOPEFUL #487
You have written what I was thinking.
In Syria, as in Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, wherever terrorist bombs are exploding among people, there is nothing crueller, more pointless and more evil.
And nothing more unworthy of the human race.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:58 am
GEORGES said:
February 22nd, 2013, 10:03 am
zoo said:
488. Hopeful
Your outrage is irrelevant. The rebels have already invited suicide bombers, car bombers, criminals and Islamists terrorists to help them create a ‘democracy’ in Syria financed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and rich Syrian expats.
For the ones who have supported the rebels actions and their sinister alliances, it is too late to show outrage to clear your conscience.
February 22nd, 2013, 10:10 am
AIG said:
Well, If something good comes out of this revolution it is perhaps the heightened awareness among Syrians that terrorism should never be used as a weapon. As they say, better late than never. I did not see any Syrian rebuke when Assad was funding and cheering on Hamas to blow up Israeli buses, restaurants, hotels etc. killing a thousand Israeli civilians. What I saw was mostly joy. Same when Hezbollah was firing rockets at mostly civilian targets. It is not very convincing when you only bother to denounce terrorism when it is aimed at you but think it is a legitimate weapon to use against your enemies.
February 22nd, 2013, 10:15 am
Visitor said:
I find it extremely naive to talk about terrorism without understanding the political maneuvering embedded in the use of this term.
First of all, I will never condemn terrorism based on an American defintion of the term. The American admin. has blown it. American admin. misuse of the term was made evident when they labelled the holy warriors of Nusra as a ‘terrorist’ group. Nusra is the best fighting force in Syria, is made up of Syrians and they are simply and plainly heroes of the Syrian Revolution. You don’t like it then tough luck. America we do not need you. So go to hell along with your machination.
Secondly, the regime is known to be a terrorist regime. It was behind yesterday’s bombing and all the other bombings that came before it. It will be ridiculous if the regime is not universally condemned first for its 50 years of terrorism and secondly for its continuing to cling to occupying Syria when the Syrians made it clear that they hate it.
February 22nd, 2013, 10:29 am
Hopeful said:
#503 Zoo
I support the Syrian people’s right for freedom and democracy. I support their right to protect themselves. But I am outraged when some of them indiscriminately attack civilians, whether intentionally or not.
You clearly support the Syrian regime. Are you outraged when its military fires scud missiles into residential areas?
My moral compass is unambiguous, and my conscious is clear. Are yours?
February 22nd, 2013, 10:31 am
revenire said:
Juergen please don’t give me “cui bono” lessons on Machiavellian tricks and realpolitik okay? You are not talking to some ape who repeats “the war continues” or “what goes around comes around” over and over, like a mantra for gibbering idiots.
I asked if you believed the government did this bombing and wanted a yes or no answer not conspiracy theories (and unless you have proof that is exactly what those theories are).
It is sick to suggest such a thing and reminds me of when you posited that the government bombed its own university in Aleppo.
You suffer from the delusion that the rebels are a noble breed who would never murder civilians with suicide bombers. Or that this was some rogue operation because the good FSA guys don’t do this sort of thing. Maybe you even feel they fight the army on the open battlefield? I don’t know.
You’ve romanticized this thing beyond all cold, rational analysis. You fawn over ridiculous propaganda (like your 250 person circulation “newspaper”) and post the most obvious propaganda pieces taken from the YouTube “front line” as it were.
I can’t say I’m surprised.
February 22nd, 2013, 10:59 am
revenire said:
The Hasbara is like a pig in mud seeing Syria torn apart.
February 22nd, 2013, 11:01 am
Akbar Palace said:
Terrorism
Visitor, AIG, et al,
Terrorism is actually fairly easy to define.
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/rules+of+war
The problem is, the offenders make excuses, and the international community doesn’t apply it’s own definition equally to all offenders. Perhaps “might makes right”.
The issues are:
1.) targeting civilians
2.) firing weapons from civilian and population centers
3.) military personnel not using uniforms to identify as such
4.) use of WMD
5.) disproportional use of weapons
Of course Israel is always at the center of this discussion because, although the Jews control the world (sarcasm), many in the international community point to Israel under heading 5.).
Was America’s use of nuclear weapons disproportional?
How about America’s use of drones, where, as one Senator admitted yesterday, has killed about 4700 people. Israelis and pro-Israelis are therefore, skeptical, because the US kills thousands half-way around the world, while the UN castigates Israel for responding to missile fire into her own territory.
I guess life isn’t fair?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debate_over_the_atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki
February 22nd, 2013, 11:09 am
Visitor said:
Akbar Palace @509,
We seem to agree that the US admin. is misusing the term for its own political maneuvering.
In my opinion, the US admin. must first apologize to the Syrian people and to the Nusra Front for its flagrant attempt as evidenced by its latest labelling of so-called terrorists to the most effective fighting force in the Syrian revolution. It is yet another clear evidence of the US betrayal of the Syrian Revolution.
February 22nd, 2013, 11:23 am
apple_mini said:
I do not see there is any need from either sides to claim moral high ground. It is already too late for that. Both sides are dirty and brutal. When some people think their side is holding more justice because their side is less brutal, they fail to acknowledge the fact: Right now, the only victim are those silent majority of Syrians who never wanted to have a war in their homeland to tear apart their home and their family.
Both sides have people with their best intention and aspiration. At this stage it won’t help if those people cannot form a momentum to push for a political solution.
Whoever wants to set a condition for a dialogue is not genuine. As I stated above, both sides are not clean so they can despise their opponents. But in the meantime respect your opponents so they can sit down and try to save the country.
Attacking on civilians will drive more supporters out that is a warning to both sides. To keep the war going and slowly turn the land in ruin bleed everyone’s heart.
No one is winning the war tomorrow or even next year. If there is no hero here to save Syria, then use collective conscience and wisdom to get this country out of hell.
February 22nd, 2013, 11:27 am
omen said:
456. Syrialover said: read some deeper material. Would you like some references?
if you’ve already prepped a list, please post it. don’t let it go to waste!
February 22nd, 2013, 11:30 am
Ziad said:
Dubai Takes on Al-Jazeera: Foes of the Muslim Brotherhood Unite
Dubai Takes on Al-Jazeera: Foes of the Muslim Brotherhood Unite
February 22nd, 2013, 11:31 am
Ziad said:
Dubai Takes on Al-Jazeera: Foes of the Muslim Brotherhood Unite
http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/dubai-takes-al-jazeera-foes-muslim-brotherhood-unite?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AlAkhbarEnglish+%28Al+Akhbar+English%29
February 22nd, 2013, 11:33 am
Citizen said:
REVENIRE
http://youtu.be/e5DVxyEEP68?t=1m17s
February 22nd, 2013, 11:33 am
revenire said:
Crazy Visitor the US isn’t going to apologize to anyone. They back al-Nusra behind the scenes and allow it to continue its killing spree. They won’t send advanced weapons but will allow their clients to do so. That’s how it works.
The US was stung by Libya and Afghanistan. If you think about it the US is fighting the enemy it created in Afghanistan back in the 1980s to fight the former USSR. That’s how smart the US is.
February 22nd, 2013, 11:34 am
omen said:
I do not see there is any need from either sides to claim moral high ground.
uh huh. only one side has built a 40 infrastructure to brutally oppress the masses. it’s remarkable, even shocking, the level of denial regimists resort to in order to rationalize their support for evil.
February 22nd, 2013, 11:38 am
revenire said:
For Israel the regional equation changed in 2006 with the victory of Hezbollah. That was the first time in Israeli history they were defeated. Israel was not defeated by a national army but by a resistance movement.
The weapons for that movement came from Syria and Iran.
For Israel it was a matter of survival and something had to be done to change the situation or during the next war all of Israel would be hit by resistance rockets and it could spell the end of Israel. Israel’s fighter jets were useless and the resistance promised that during the next war Israeli jets would fall from the skies. The vaunted Iron Dome was already a failed system that could be easily overwhelmed by thousands of rockets in a way any military man can understand. Israel watched in horror as the power of Iran grew and the strategy to isolate and weaken Iran failed. The alliance of Syria-Iran-Hezbollah was the only potent enemy Israel faced.
The project to destroy the resistance has been ‘baking in the oven’ for a very long time. Sectarianism is used. When the FSA targets Syria and Hezbollah they are working directly for Israel. Israel is building a field hospital near the Golan so Israel can better take care of its proxies in Syria, as they backed the fascists in Lebanon all those years.
This is more of a “cui bono” than believing Syria would blow up its own citizens in the heart of Damascus – a ridiculous theory when looked at from any angle.
Israel is salivating over the fall of Syria.
February 22nd, 2013, 11:41 am
Citizen said:
Now live about Suria
http://rt.com/on-air/
February 22nd, 2013, 11:42 am
Ziad said:
Syrian War: The Prequel
http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2012/05/syrian-war-prequel.html
February 22nd, 2013, 11:45 am
zoo said:
#507 Hopeful
You know what you believe in and I know what I believe in. That’s enough.
February 22nd, 2013, 11:47 am
zoo said:
The USA kills 4700 innocents to claim the death of some Al Qaeda leaders: No problem, they are not American citizens.
Lindsey Graham: Drone Strikes Have Killed 4,700 People
Posted: 02/21/2013
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/21/lindsey-graham-drone-strikes_n_2734133.html
WASHINGTON — Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) estimated that the United States has killed 4,700 people in drone strikes, saying he supported the Obama administration’s program.
“We’ve killed 4,700,” Graham told the Easley Rotary Club in South Carolina on Tuesday afternoon. “Sometimes you hit innocent people, and I hate that, but we’re at war, and we’ve taken out some very senior members of al Qaeda.”
February 22nd, 2013, 11:56 am
PHALANGISTE said:
Revenire are you syrian?
February 22nd, 2013, 11:59 am
omen said:
116. Syrialover: Today in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Syria Humanitarian Forum, U.S. Agency for International Development Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, Nancy Lindborg announced that the United States is providing an additional $19 million in humanitarian assistance in response to urgent needs emanating from the brutal conflict in Syria. On January 29, President Obama announced an additional $155 million to help those suffering inside Syria and refugees in the neighboring countries. Today’s announcement brings the United States total contribution of humanitarian support in response to this crisis to nearly $385 million.
looks impressive at first blush. but then you run across other figures that puts these numbers into context that makes you realize just how meager they really are. aje interviewed a turkish official who said it cost $30 million to open up a refugee camp. a decent one where refugees are treated with dignity and are given trailers. that $19 million announced wouldn’t even cover the cost of one camp. and how much of that earlier contribution actually wound up going to the regime after it was laundered through the red cross?
obama is said to want to tackle syria on the cheap. it would have been less expensive had the US been more proactive and had helped to unseat the regime early on. half of syria wouldn’t have been reduced to rubble and there wouldn’t be millions displaced, with so many refugees escaping to house & feed that it threatens the stability of neighboring countries.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:00 pm
AIG said:
As usual, the regime idiots continue to disrespect the intelligence of the Syrian people and keep peddling their crazy conspiracy theories about Israel. Simple question, if the “resistance” axis has the technology to shoot down Israeli planes, why don’t they do so instead of let Israel bomb in Syria and fly at will over Lebanon?
The Syrian people bought the “resistance” myth for decades. Hopefully, they have seen the light. If not, they can stick with Assad, the Rabbit of the Golan, who prefers to kill his own people than shot at Israeli planes.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:09 pm
Citizen said:
????? ??????? ???????? ??????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ???????
?????? ????? ????? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ????? ?? ??? ??? ???????
Washington is trying to implement a double game in order to disassociate itself from charges of supporting terrorism.
Change the way the U.S.To tackle the Syrian crisis tactical goal repudiate charges of supporting terrorism
February 22nd, 2013, 12:15 pm
zoo said:
…
February 22nd, 2013, 12:16 pm
zoo said:
Russia begins new bid to end Syria conflict
http://www.dw.de/russia-begins-new-bid-to-end-syria-conflict/a-16621718?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf
The Syrian regime and the opposition are to meet in Moscow next week for talks to end the country’s civil war. But dialogue between the two sides is a distant prospect and Russia’s clout in Syria isn’t unlimited either.
…
The Syrian National Coalition (SNC) meanwhile has been reported to say they were only willing to talk to government representatives who have no blood on their hands.
Finding such people is an illusory idea, Wimmen said, adding that the war had dragged on for too long for that to happen. He said talks in Moscow next week will likely break down, with the warring parties jostling to pin the blame on each other.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:23 pm
Hopeful said:
# 511 Apple_Mini
There is a moral equivalence between the regime and the terrorists attacking civilians through car bombs, no matter who they are.
However, there is absolutely no moral equivalence between the brutal regime and the freedom fighters who carried arms to protect themselves, their families and their peaceful protests, including those who defected from the army because they did not want to be part of the brutality.
The opposition should do all it can do to find a political settlement with the regime, not because they are equally guilty, but because saving the life of one more Syrian is worth more in my opinion than seeking justice or revenge. I frankly do not know how they can be successful at convincing the tens of thousands of families who’ve lost loved ones and the hundreds of thousands of refugees to give up their desire for justice and revenge.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:25 pm
Citizen said:
Just for 523
http://youtu.be/SxqElouEmvQ?t=1m29s
February 22nd, 2013, 12:25 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Akpar Palace
please add .
terrorism=discrimination
Terrorism=deprivation of freedom.
terrorism=abuse of power
Terrorism=not helping the poor=cheap labor
February 22nd, 2013, 12:26 pm
zoo said:
Revenire
“Israel is salivating over the fall of Syria.”
I am sure Qatar, Saudi Arabia and some Lebanese too…
Revenge is eaten cold.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:28 pm
AIG said:
Thank you Citizen, showing the difference between how Israeli soldiers act and how the murderous Assad regime acts. There are tons of cameras in the West Bank. Please, find me ONE video 1/10th as gruesome as the videos coming out of Syria. Show me ONE beheading, show me ONE video of mutilating bodies, show me ONE video of executions. Good luck.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:32 pm
AIG said:
The regime idiots do not understand the difference between wanting Bashar and his murderous regime to go and wanting the “fall of Syria”. Only in their primitive minds does Bashar equal Syria.
February 22nd, 2013, 12:35 pm
PHALANGISTE said:
Revenire are you syrian? Please answer this simple question
February 22nd, 2013, 12:51 pm
revenire said:
We all saw Israel murdering women and children in Gaza. Each day Israel treats Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews.
Video evidence of Israeli genocide is indisputable.
The Hezbollah rockets of the resistance is what Israel fears.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:02 pm
revenire said:
Let’s not kid ourselves: the Israeli regime’s wet dream is to replace the Syrian government with a weak, Muslim Brotherhood-dominated collection of apes. These Takfiri apes would be no threat to Israel.
That is the plan and every Israeli move – from the hospital to the bombing of Syria to the murder of Iranian scientists – is designed to further that goal.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:05 pm
Friday Morning Linkage » Duck of Minerva said:
[…] Landis’ survey of the debate over counting casualties in Syria. There is a strong sense that the numbers are […]
February 22nd, 2013, 1:09 pm
omen said:
527. Hopeful said: I frankly do not know how they can be successful at convincing the tens of thousands of families who’ve lost loved ones and the hundreds of thousands of refugees to give up their desire for justice and revenge.
i’ve heard a number of syrians argue the way to quell revenge is to hang bashar. i’ve come to believe that such symbolic gesture would help a great deal to appease the aggrieved and help to provide closure.
ironically, by the west insisting on a muddled political solution that seeks to preserve elements of the regime – a solution that will satisfy no one (except for the west’s own self-serving agenda) – threatens to backfire and wind up inciting more anger, further fueling demands for revenge.
for all of its rhetoric about wanting to preserve threatened minorities, the west’s refusal to provide a clean break from the past and demonstrate a clear example of justice by decapitating the inner circle – could wind up causing a sectarian cleansing the west claims it wants to avoid.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:12 pm
Akbar Palace said:
Akpar Palace
please add .
terrorism=discrimination
Terrorism=deprivation of freedom.
terrorism=abuse of power
Terrorism=not helping the poor=cheap labor
majedkhaldoun,
Why do you write Akbar as “Akpar”? Must be an inside joke?
Terrorism is terrorism, discrimination is discrimination, etc., etc.
The reason I say this is because we have to communicate problems effectively without the use of exaggeration, hyperbole and demonization. Murdering tens of thousands of civilians is not the same as posing for a picture with a prisoner or ripping out an olive tree, or burning a mosque, or knifing a dead corpse, or murdering a whole family in bed.
All the things you’ve listed are problems that need to be at the national level. And they are certainly important.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:25 pm
Akbar Palace said:
These Takfiri apes would be no threat to Israel.
Reverse,
So your definition (in your effort to dehumaniize people) of an “ape” is someone doesn’t pose a threat to Israel?
I guess you’ve just named yourself using your own words.
Each day Israel treats Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews.
Reverse,
Just provide us the pictures showing the gas chambers, the ovens, the barracks, the rail cars, the tatoos, and the forced labors camps.
Here’s what I found. Take a look (but be careful, the pictures are really gruesome)…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_localities_in_Israel
February 22nd, 2013, 1:28 pm
Uzair8 said:
If Assad continues to fire Scuds and rockets at Aleppo then he’ll anger Aleppans and lose the city’s population on mass (fence sitters, everyone). Perhaps he feels he’s about to lose the city anyway so has nothing to lose?
February 22nd, 2013, 1:32 pm
AIG said:
Still waiting for any one of the regime idiots to answer my question:
If the “resistance” axis has the technology to shoot down Israeli planes, why don’t they do so instead of let Israel bomb in Syria and fly at will over Lebanon?
Let me add another one:
If the Hezbollah rockets are so effective, why doesn’t Hezbollah just use them? What are they afraid from? Why haven’t they fired ONE rocket at Israel in 6 years?
February 22nd, 2013, 1:36 pm
Uzair8 said:
I understand recently the kurds and rebels came to a deal and will work together (Michel Kilo apparently mediated). Today there were protests in the north with kurd and revolutionaray flags being held aloft.
If Assad went after the kurds in punishment, he would risk turning all the regional kurds (in neighbouring countries) as well as syrian kurds against him.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:38 pm
Uzair8 said:
If Hezbo deepens it’s involvemnet in Syria it could be a terrible error. The hunter would become the hunted. Rebels, using guerilla tactics, would slip away and Hezbo would chase ghosts while getting picked off and ambushed. American satellite intelligence on Hezbo positions and movements would give rebels a further advantage.
I don’t buy this idea of the Hezbo fearsome reputation giving them a ‘psychological edge’ (in Syria). Ask anyone (pro-rev’n) here on SC about Hezbo involvement in Syria and they’ll describe feeling anger. Justified anger. Not fear. The revolution has faced and conquered great fears over the last 2 years.
If Hezbo does get further embroiled they will suffer and, like SyriaLover said, Isreal, who has probably been planning to settle old scores, may see the perfect opportunity to resume it’s conflict with a distracted Hezbo, in south Lebanon.
February 22nd, 2013, 1:58 pm
revenire said:
Uzair8 the FSA can do nothing to Hezbollah. It is a joke to even threaten them.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:04 pm
revenire said:
The Kurds won’t support Erdogan’s terrorists. That’s ridiculous. Sober up.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:07 pm
Syrian Nationalist Party said:
Each day Israel treats Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews.
__________________________________________________________________
Stop regurgitating hoaxes and false Jewish propaganda about the German Nationalists. Nazi did not do anything as bad as Jews did to Palestinians, Iraqis and Syrians. Nazi were far more humane, they did not steal others land, fabricated fictitious National history fairytales, did not traffic in persons either, nor killed for body part sale, and did not forced women into sex slavery, Jews in Israel did all that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_trafficking_in_Israel
February 22nd, 2013, 2:13 pm
AIG said:
I see the regime idiots are trying to change the subject. So let me repeat my questions:
If the “resistance” axis has the technology to shoot down Israeli planes, why don’t they do so instead of let Israel bomb in Syria and fly at will over Lebanon?
If the Hezbollah rockets are so effective, why doesn’t Hezbollah just use them? What are they afraid from? Why haven’t they fired ONE rocket at Israel in 6 years?
Any regime idiot willing to try answering these simple questions?
February 22nd, 2013, 2:13 pm
AIG said:
I just love the great PR the regime idiots are doing for the regime. Let’s hear more how Israel is worse than the Nazis or how Assad is a “genius”. Please elaborate so people will know what Assad and his regime represent.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:16 pm
revenire said:
Akbar Palace you take a look at the Israeli Nazi behavior against Palestinians:
http://scrapetv.com/News/newsbrief/international/images-2/gaza-death-toll.jpg
http://img4.allvoices.com/thumbs/image/609/480/95401231-update-gaza.jpg
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdrqwvKBXe1r6m2leo1_1280.jpg
http://cache.tcm.ie/media/images/g/GazaDeadWomanNov12_large.jpg
http://mondoweiss.net/images/2012/11/Gazawomen.jpg
http://islamgreatreligion.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/gaza-under-attack-images-and-photos.jpg
Syria and Iran arm the resistance against the murder. That is what Israel wants to end so they can murder all the women and children they want without anyone being able to defend themselves.
Give the Palestinians nuclear weapons as Israel has and see how many children you murder then.
Israel knows her day is coming.
God willing we will all live to see that day.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:22 pm
ghufran said:
???? ??????? ?? ???? «???? ????? ???????» ??????? ???????? ??? ???????? ?????? ?? ?????? ???? ???????? ??????? ???? ????? ??«????? ??????» ?? ??????? ?? «??????? ?????? ?????? ???? ??????? ??????? ??? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????»? ???? ???? «???? ??????» ???? ??????? ???????? ??????? ??? ????? ???????? ?????????? ????? ???????? ????? «?????? ????? ???????? ??? ????» ??? ??? «????? ??????????? ??? ??????» ?? ??? ???.
???? ??? ?? ???????? ???????? ??? ??????? ??????????? «???? ??? ?? ????????? ?? ??????? ?????????? ???????? ??????? (???? ????? ???????)? ??? ????? ???????? ?? ?????? ?????? ?? ?????». ???? ????? ????? ??? ???? «??????» ???? ?????? ?? ????????? ?????????? ????????? ?? ?????? ??? ?????? «???? ???????»? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ??????? ??? ??????? ????? ???? ??? ?????.
why do rebels need more fighters?
who invited those thugs?
how did they get in?
who still thinks that this is a revolution?
February 22nd, 2013, 2:25 pm
Syrian Nationalist Party said:
Each day Israel treats Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews.
__________________________________________________________________
Stop regurgitating hoaxes and false Jewish propaganda about the German Nationalists. Nazi did not do anything as bad as Jews did to Palestinians, Iraqis and Syrians. Nazi were far more humane, they did not steal others land, fabricated fictitious National history fairytales, did not traffic in persons either, nor killed for body part sale, and did not forced women into sex slavery, Jews in Israel did all that.
The body parts harvesting and trade in Israel:
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/faithbased/2009/07/organ_failure.html
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/human-corpses-harvested-in-multimilliondollar-trade-20120717-2278v.html
February 22nd, 2013, 2:27 pm
AIG said:
The regime idiots cannot explain how the “resistance” is defending the Palestinians. In the last 6 years, Israel fought with Gaza two main battles. In either case, and in fact throughout the 6 years, neither Hezbollah or the Rabbit of the Golan fired ONE, let me repeat ONE, missile at Israel. Yet they claim they are defending Palestinians. Can they explain how? By talking? And can they explain how they are defending the Palestinians by fighting Hamas???
And of course the regime idiots have not answered my previous questions:
If the “resistance” axis has the technology to shoot down Israeli planes, why don’t they do so instead of let Israel bomb in Syria and fly at will over Lebanon?
If the Hezbollah rockets are so effective, why doesn’t Hezbollah just use them? What are they afraid from? Why haven’t they fired ONE rocket at Israel in 6 years?
February 22nd, 2013, 2:28 pm
AIG said:
Regime idiots, keep up the antisemitic diatribes, they are quite helpful. We know that is the true face of the murderous Assad regime and an excellent reason why the West should not tolerate it anymore.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:31 pm
revenire said:
SYRIAN NATIONALIST PARTY we will let history decide who was worse: the Zionists or the Nazis. One day Hamas will get nuclear weapons and be able to launch a few “hot ones” at Tel Aviv.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:38 pm
Uzair8 said:
392. Revenire:
‘It’s Elvis…’
I could have sworn if one listens to Elvis close enough one can just about make out a hidden prediction of the future warning of the current situation. Assad forcing alawites into fighting for him. Nah, I guess too much conspiracy got to my head.
Chorus
Alawite army is here to stay
Alawite army are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
[…]
London is full of arabs
We could be in palestine
[…]
http://www.lyricsdepot.com/elvis-costello/olivers-army.html
Video
February 22nd, 2013, 2:41 pm
Syrian Nationalist Party said:
Very odd that is on this blog Israelis who are well known at the service and payroll of Israel are the vocal supporters of the “REGIME CHANGE” in Syria. If that is not telling, what could be!!! They are here to support their Islamic Fronts Terrorists and paid mercenaries.
EXTERMINATE THEM TERRORISTS BASHAR.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:42 pm
AIG said:
Thank you regime idiots for putting to rest the lie that Assad and his regime are peaceful. The truth has come out: You want to develop nuclear weapons and destroy other nations, especially Israel. All the more reason to get rid of the murderous Assad regime.
And still the regime idiots have not answered a few simple questions I posed.
The regime idiots cannot explain how the “resistance” is defending the Palestinians. In the last 6 years, Israel fought with Gaza two main battles. In either case, and in fact throughout the 6 years, neither Hezbollah or the Rabbit of the Golan fired ONE, let me repeat ONE, missile at Israel. Yet they claim they are defending Palestinians. Can they explain how? By talking? And can they explain how they are defending the Palestinians by fighting Hamas???
And of course the regime idiots have not answered my previous questions:
If the “resistance” axis has the technology to shoot down Israeli planes, why don’t they do so instead of let Israel bomb in Syria and fly at will over Lebanon?
If the Hezbollah rockets are so effective, why doesn’t Hezbollah just use them? What are they afraid from? Why haven’t they fired ONE rocket at Israel in 6 years?
February 22nd, 2013, 2:44 pm
revenire said:
Syrian opposition agrees to form government in ‘liberated’ areas
Friday, 22 February 2013
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/22/267770.html
Syria’s opposition National Coalition decided on Friday to form a government to run areas of the country “liberated” by rebels and will meet in early March to name a prime minister, a spokesman said.
“We agreed to form a government to run the affairs of the liberated areas,” Walid al-Bonni told AFP after a meeting in Cairo.
He added that the coalition would meet in Istanbul on March 2 to decide on the composition of the planned government and to choose its head.
Almost two years after the national revolt against Assad broke out in southern Syria, the absence of a political leadership from swathes of land under rebel control has been a glaring weakness of Assad’s foes, who have little control over Islamist brigades making advances on the ground.
“You have a situation developing where chaos reigns in liberated areas while, relatively, there is still fuel, electricity and basic services in the Assad-held regions,” one diplomat in contact with the opposition said.
“If the situation persists like this popular support for the opposition will dwindle and they could lose the war,” he added.
On the second day of meetings of the Syrian National Coalition, an umbrella group of political players in the opposition, members heard reports from members of a committee formed to help decide on the viability of a government and whether it could have enough financial and diplomatic support, according to sources at the meeting.
Opposition sources estimate several billion dollars is needed a month for a government to operate in rebel-held areas, mostly rural and desert regions estimated to comprise over half of Syrian territory.
The coalition’s financial backing falls way short of that, the sources said, adding that Qatar, a main supporter of the revolt, this week pledged $100 million for humanitarian aid to be administered by the Assistance Coordination Unit, anon-partisan division of the coalition.
The opposition’s failure to provide services, mounting reports of rebel indiscipline and looting in rebel-held areas have undermined public support for their cause.
Air strikes
Opposition brigades have wrested large swathes of Syria from the control of Assad’s forces but the areas remain the target of army artillery, air strikes and, increasingly, missiles.
“Even if a government is not viable right now we should name a prime minister and let him start forming it to send a message to the people on the inside who are demanding one,” a high-level coalition member said.
Another source said a block in the coalition that includes the Muslin Brotherhood, the only organized political force in the opposition, is against forming a government at this stage.
Opposition by the brotherhood helped scuttle an attempt backed by the coalition’s secretary general Mustafa al-Sabbagh, a businessman with good links to the Gulf to name former Syrian premier Riad Hijab as prime minister at a meeting in Istanbul last month, the sources said.
Hijab, the highest defector to abandon Assad since the beginning of the revolt, does not have good ties with the brotherhood. But several liberals in the coalition also oppose him because was a long serving ruling Baath Party operative.
“Hijab has said the right things and is an administrator. He is qualified but his history in the regime plays against him. We could see a surprise name circulating by the end of tonight, “the coalition member said.
Munther Makhos, a veteran opposition figure who fled Syria in the 1970s for his opposition to Assad’s father, said a government needed an opposition force capable of keeping Assad’s air force and long range weapons at bay to be able to operate in liberated regions.
“It does not make sense to form a government and present it as a present for the regime to target,” said Makhos, a respected member of the coalition.
The meeting of the Western, Arab and Turkish-backed coalition began on Thursday before Syrian Foreign Minister Walidal-Moualem is due for talks in Moscow, one of Assad’s last foreign allies.
One diplomat said that the coalition spent a long time debating a peace proposal that appeared to “be going nowhere “and it was time it got to the nutty gritty of governance, such as how to administer the newly pledged aid from Qatar and building an alternative administration.
Coalition president Moaz Alkhatib came under strong criticism from Islamist and liberal members alike for proposing talks with Assad’s government without setting what they described as clear goals. The coalition adopted a political document that demands Assad’s removal and trial for the bloodshed, members said.
A statement issued by the coalition said any political solution has to be based on “the removal of Bashar al-Assad and the heads of the military and security apparatus responsible for the decisions that led the country to this stage.”
The statement said any future initiatives have to emanate from the 12-member collective leadership of the coalition.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:45 pm
AIG said:
Regime idiots continue to conflate between Assad and Syria and believe that anyone against Assad is a terrorist. Please keep this coming, it just shows what the Assad regime is all about.
February 22nd, 2013, 2:46 pm
zoo said:
A mini-government in North Syria?
The opposition “coalition” is under heavy pressure from Turkey to put some order in the mess of the North-East Syria that is threatening Turkey, especially after the blast near a border controlled by the rebels.
Turkey wants also to send back the hundred thousands of Syrian refugees that are becoming a real financial and security burden. As Turkey have failed to get a “No-fly” zone in North East Syria, they are pushing the opposition to create a “mini government” in the North-East with the hope of forcing the international community to implement a no-fly zone so they can get rid of the refugees.
It is clear that, despite their promises and dates set, the expat opposition have repeatedly failed to create a “transition government”. They need now to show some initiative other than putting conditions that are blocking the dialog, to gain some credibility.
So they announced a mini-government “a la Vichy” to assert their authority in areas that are “controlled” by a myriad of militias often opposing each other. They set a date of the 2 march to elect a ‘prime minister’ and they ” hoped the rebel government would be based in Syria.”
There is a lot of doubt about the realization of that idea. The expats opposition would never dare put their foot in Syria for fear of being killed. Therefore it will be “liberated areas government in exile” set in Turkey … that will be totally powerless.
It all sounds absurd. There seem to be no doubt that Turkey and the expat opposition are squeezed from all sides and literally loosing their senses, if it ever had one.
Al Khatib has been silent about that. Has he been sidelined and Walid al Buni taking over?
Another deadline: 2n March
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/article8970750.ece
We agreed to form a government to run the affairs of the liberated areas,” Walid al-Bonni said after a meeting in Cairo.
He added that the coalition would meet on March 2 to decide on the composition of the planned government and to choose its head, with members of the group saying the gathering would take place in Istanbul.
Bonni said he hoped the rebel government would be based in Syria.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:00 pm
jna said:
AIG, whatever credibility you have here is diminished when you keep addressing those with opposing views as “idiots”.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:01 pm
revenire said:
I am personally looking forward to the new government in liberated areas being bombed to smithereens on its first day.
We await your order Dr. Assad.
AIG is a Hasbara shill here to gloat at the spectacle of Al-Qaeda murdering Syrians. He laughed at the Damascus bombing yesterday.
We all have seen the Israeli war tourists watching from the occupied Golan.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:08 pm
zoo said:
Revenire
“Coalition president Moaz Alkhatib came under strong criticism from Islamist and liberal members alike for proposing talks with Assad’s government without setting what they described as clear goals”
Al Khatib seems virtually expelled from the SNC. Is Russia going to sit and discuss with a dead duck? Will the USA invite a dead duck?
The coalition internal bickering and power struggle only emphasizes the unity and coherence of the Syrian government.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:13 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
Mr.Khatib will head the new goverment
February 22nd, 2013, 3:13 pm
Aldendeshe said:
I am absolutely positively sure that Bashar Assad like his boss the rag head Shia mullah are playing one grand Zionist plan. Nothing Iran, Syria or HA doing to fight Israel mercenaries is making any sense to me. How these three mighty armies are struggling with rag tag Israeli backed mercenary terrorists units is beyond me. It leaves no room for any doubt that they are playing along to please the master Jews.
Look how Ahmadinejad runs around hugs and kisses the hand of every one claiming to be a “MOSLEM” even though all that fucker action is utterly destroying the land of Islam. He goes around and kisses Abdullah hands, when this dude is giving Americans and Israelis all the military bases they need to kill Moslems. He goes and lick the shoe of that idiot in Egypt claiming to be Moslem, you know the guy that SOROS put in office to rob Moslems in Egypt, after draining Tunisia and Libya or any valuable. And what did that mother do, he goes and flood all the underground tunnels with sewage water that Moslems using to bring food and medicines to Gaza, a place been under siege for a decade by Jews. WHAT A BUNCH OF FUCKING SCAM ARTISTS MOSELMS ARE.
If I was in power in Syria, the very first Palestinian attack any Syrian or operate against Syrians, I will launch the most powerful array of Missiles straight unto the Aqsa Mosque complex, obligating it to dust. And if no Palestinian got involved, will fabricate an attack involving a fictitious one, ala 9/11, a false flag and do the same, launch the missiles and force all of Lebanon and Syria Palestinians out to Jordan, no food, just all the guns and ammo they need to win and take over Jordan, go free the Holly land from that Jewish Hashemite abomination. Then after, declare an Islamic Emirates in Jordan and make sure all of Allah slaves ABDULLAH’S are kicked out to that filth of Ammon Emirates. Jews will never let Moslem rebuild on the mount that turn the table on the fucker Semites, let them deal with it while we grow Poppy, bankrupt ALCIADA by dropping prices of poppy in the world, then go rebuild Syria.
Islamists then are no longer Syria problem; they are Israel and Arabian one. But again, I am not playing the Zionist plot like Bashar, Ayatollah ad HA playing, slowly demolishing Syria.
STOP PLAYING THE ZIONIST PLOT AYATOLLAH, ASSAD, AND NASRALLAH. YOU CANNOT DELIVER GET HELP; OTHERWISE, YOU ARE JUST COMPLACENT CULPRITS IN THE ZIONIST PLOT TO DISMANTLE SYRIA.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:23 pm
revenire said:
“Al Khatib seems virtually expelled from the SNC. Is Russia going to sit and discuss with a dead duck? Will the USA invite a dead duck?”
It does seem rather odd doesn’t it?
I can’t imagine any area of Syria being ‘liberated’ enough to have another government in it. Maybe directly on the Turkish border? Maybe Turkey has promised a few kilometer ‘nation’ to be protected by a no-fly zone? That way he Erdogan could dump the refugees in that sliver of land. It hardly seems workable.
It’s a mess for the West’s project (not that they care).
I am certain Israel and the West would like nothing better than for this war to go on for a decade. They probably give the terrorists just enough weapons to keep this going but not enough to change the situation on the ground but that is just a guess of mine.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:27 pm
revenire said:
Aldendeshe I too wish Dr. Assad would open up with the missiles. Enough playing around. Give 24 hours notice and then start bombing and don’t stop until the enemy is all dead. I would not even give them a chance to surrender. The next time a bomb – or even one lone hunting rifle – goes off in Damascus I’d level a rat nest like Kafranbel with hundred of Scuds. Let them make a poster of that.
I can tell you our army wants to be unleashed.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:33 pm
zoo said:
Syrian strife prompts Israeli rethink on Golan
7 fighters of the FSA find refuge in Israel
PATRICK MARTIN The Globe and Mail
As civil war rages in neighbouring Syria, Israel has taken a series of dramatic steps that alter the nature of its hold on the occupied Golan Heights and place the Jewish state clearly on the side of the rebel opposition in Syria.
The latest development came Thursday when the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu announced it has awarded a licence to a local subsidiary of a U.S. company to explore and drill for oil and gas on the occupied Golan plateau. The move followed the surprise admission to an Israeli hospital last weekend of seven wounded Syrian rebel fighters, and an apparent plan to set up a field hospital on the Syrian frontier capable of treating more fighters.
…
In a move that was played down by authorities, Israel gave refuge to seven wounded rebel fighters who had presented themselves at the frontier that separates Syrian and Israeli forces on the Golan. The men, believed to be members of the Free Syrian Army, were treated at a military hospital on the Heights and then moved inland to a hospital in Safed. One of the men remains in serious condition.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:34 pm
zoo said:
Revenire
I think the West never expected such a level of stupidity, arrogance and greed in the expat opposition, supposedly fed with democratic principles.
Destroying Syria has been the dream of Israel and the Gulf countries for year. They could not bear its determination, pride and its independence. The Arab spring was a good cover up.
Yet, after seeing how dumb and inefficient the expat opposition was, sensible Syrians should have postponed the revolution and not condone its escalation to a spiral of violence that is destroying the country. They are paying a high price for that immature revolution.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:46 pm
Syrian Nationalist Party said:
The Gharqad Tree Plan:
Move the conflict south of the border, split the Islamist hardcore fighters from the whore friendly, hotel lobby Islamist Moslem Brotherhood fakes (Al Banna British MI6 clowns). Turn the Islamic hardcore ones onto Syria and Iran/HA side by arming them to fight the Jew Hashemite puppet and set up an Islamic Emirate state down south on Israel/ Sinai/Arabia border. It is prefect strategic land patch to launch an Islamic Holy war, and to help real Islamists hardcore in Sinai and Egypt, as well as Palestine, to win and take over. Afterward, comes Arabia and North Africa turn. Iran can provide the funding and arms, HA can provide the training. The paid mercenaries of Israel and Alciada will be eliminated by the real Islamist hardcore; they will help identify the masters pulling the strings in Syria and Turkey. Will deal with Turkey after Jordan, we have the master plan. It is a piece of cake; no one will come to Turkey help, because the world will be in financial upheaval then and Jews will have to take the curse and anger of the Gentiles then.
http://www.questionsonislam.com/question/war-between-jews-and-muslims-end-time-mentioned-will-you-give-information-about-talking-tre
February 22nd, 2013, 3:55 pm
zoo said:
News from the “liberated areas”
Security forces fires “indiscriminately” bullets on the crowd of thousands:
Result: 1 dead. Where did the other bullets go?
The security forces are less good that the snipers who killed 3?
Forces fire at protesters, three killed in Raqa
February 23, 2013
BEIRUT: Thousands of people held an anti-regime protest on Friday under the banner of “Raqa the proud on the road to freedom” in solidarity with the embattled province of northern Syria.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the protesters were “greeted by bullets fired indiscriminately by the security forces” in the district of Mishlib and February 23 Street of Raqa city.
“One person was killed by regime forces during the demonstration and three others were killed by snipers in the same area shortly after, but we cannot confirm who was firing,” Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said by telephone.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:57 pm
revenire said:
That makes sense Zoo.
I feel the opposition is being told not to negotiate by some Western governments. How else can we explain their stance? They have no hope of a military victory. The worst – absent a NATO attack – that can happen is 100s of 1000s of Syrians will die in a prolonged war (and I feel this is the goal of some in the West and Israel). The government won’t fall but it could be fighting for years if the weapons and jihadis keep pouring in.
I also believe if the situation ever became truly dire the Iranians would send troops. By that time the Lebanon would be in flames. I don’t think we will get that far. On the ground the army is making gains slowly. It is a hard fight with neighborhood by neighborhood, inch by inch, progress.
February 22nd, 2013, 3:59 pm
zoo said:
Kfar Nabal, the “intellectual center” of the revolution accuses the world of “carelessness” and welcomes Al Nusra.
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/850c5c19-ce2e-44e8-bba0-c71eb4abe87e.aspx
In the Idlib town of Kfar Nabal, which has seen deadly air raids in the past week, demonstrators carried banners to denounce the escalating violence.
“World! Your carelessness produced extremists like Assad. Now, we need extremists to get rid of your products,” read an English banner held by men and boys standing in front of a bombed-out building.
February 22nd, 2013, 4:05 pm
Aldendeshe said:
Absolutely, the Syria conflict, even right now, not only is winnable, but it can be used to Syria’s advantage, reshaping the Middle East to our own strategic interests, regaining our stolen Golan and Iskenderun. Turn it from the enemy Civil War plan for Syria into a nightmare for the whole world. With few pop in Saudi Arabia oil storage facilities, oil prices will shoot to the sky, gold and commodity prices will hit the roof and fiat paper currency with all the countries deficit and inflation will collapse. It all can be accomplished with relocating Palestinian down to the south, the new dynamic will roll, I will pull the trigger for the Aqsa demolition if I was asked, that, will really get it rolling fast and furious.
ALL IT TAKES IS STOP PLAYING THE ZIONIST PLAN. SYRIA NEEDS NATIONALIST LEADERSHIP.
February 22nd, 2013, 4:08 pm
zoo said:
#571 Revenire
I think it is Qatar and KSA who are pressing them not to negotiate. The humiliation will be unbearable if there is a dialog and Bashar is still in power.
The USA and Israel are happy to see Syria weakening by the day. The wild card is the Islamists extremists. If they turn against Turkey, Jordan or Israel, then the USA will move.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia who are funding Al Nusra are careful that it does not spill over to the neighbors. But they don’t have control over all the militias.
A terrorist attack in Jordan or Turkey may change the whole dynamic. This is why Turkey is worried and is pushing urgently the Syrian opposition to set up some kind of control of the Syrian side of its borders.
In my view, a second terrorist attack in Turkey is inevitable.
February 22nd, 2013, 4:20 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
??? ?????: ????? ???? ????? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ???? ???? ????? ??????? ??????? ??? ???????? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ??????
February 22nd, 2013, 4:29 pm
Syrian Nationalist Party said:
???? ?????
February 22nd, 2013, 4:30 pm
Syrian Nationalist Party said:
?? ????? ???????? ??? ??? ????
We don’t need a degenerate rag head Semite from the desert of Arabia and a fake gypsy boy made into king in Canaan in our nation history, nor its future. Leave the rag head for the sand bugs. Look at those two degenerate bastard nations today. Anyone want to emulate? can anyone points out what these two nations offer humanity of positive attribute today. A sore thumb in the face of descent humanity, that is all.
February 22nd, 2013, 4:36 pm
AIG said:
JNA,
Do you call antisemitic diatribes, calls to nuke Israel, calls to bomb Saudi oil facilities, calls to wipe out Syrian cities, do you call all that “an opposing point of view”? The regime supporters on this blog are idiots.
How about you take a shot at answering one of the questions I posed above? How about making a sane argument of your own that can actually be discussed? We actually did that here for many years before the idiots started spamming this blog.
February 22nd, 2013, 4:41 pm
revenire said:
AIG please, the days of Hasbara disinfo are long past. Spam the Jerusalem Times with your silly rants.
February 22nd, 2013, 4:45 pm
annie said:
and all the while Syrians are dying in an astounding indifference
#yallasouriya 10:36 pm on February 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply | Follow
#Syria, The Local Coordination Committees in Syria The number of martyrs in Syria has risen to 162 thus far today, including 14 women and 17 children: 70 martyrs were reported in Aleppo, 47 martyrs in Damascus and its suburbs ; 16 martyrs in Daraa (most of them in Hrak); 10 in Homs; 6 in Hama; 5 in Deir Ezzor; 3 in Hasakeh; 2 in Idlib; 2 in Raqqa and 1 in Swaida
February 22nd, 2013, 4:58 pm
Aldendeshe said:
579. anniesaid:
and all the while Syrians are dying in an astounding indifference
__________________________________________________________________
If mighty Allah and his Moslems don’t giva a f**ck why should we. Sunni Moslems are dying by the thousands in Syria, all complaints should be addressed to Allah not left here. This is a humanist political forum. Try to leave a note paper in the crack of the Wailing Wall or Mohammad grave stones; otherwise it will go in my crack.
February 22nd, 2013, 5:09 pm
AIG said:
“Sunni Moslems are dying by the thousands in Syria, all complaints should be addressed to Allah not left here.”
Wait, aren’t most Palestinians Sunni? Again the idiot regime supporters have been lying about their support for the Palestinians. And they still have not answered any of my questions. What does it mean that they cannot answer simple questions except that they are idiots?
Let’s recap:
The regime idiots cannot explain how the “resistance” is defending the Palestinians. In the last 6 years, Israel fought with Gaza two main battles. In either case, and in fact throughout the 6 years, neither Hezbollah or the Rabbit of the Golan fired ONE, let me repeat ONE, missile at Israel. Yet they claim they are defending Palestinians. Can they explain how? By talking? And can they explain how they are defending the Palestinians by fighting Hamas???
And of course the regime idiots have not answered my previous questions:
If the “resistance” axis has the technology to shoot down Israeli planes, why don’t they do so instead of let Israel bomb in Syria and fly at will over Lebanon?
If the Hezbollah rockets are so effective, why doesn’t Hezbollah just use them? What are they afraid from? Why haven’t they fired ONE rocket at Israel in 6 years?
February 22nd, 2013, 5:15 pm
AIG said:
“This is a humanist political forum.”
That is one of the funniest thing a regime idiot wrote. After they advocate nuking other countries, flattening cities and post racist rants they call themselves “humanists”.
February 22nd, 2013, 5:22 pm
revenire said:
AIG please, Netanyahu called me to tell me the Likud janitor is missing. Run along.
No one will take your bait.
February 22nd, 2013, 5:25 pm
Syrian Nationalist Party said:
Muslim beheads 2 Christians in New Jersey, MSM silent, not a word.
http://christiannews.net/2013/02/20/muslim-who-beheaded-christians-in-new-jersey-charged-with-murder-desecrating-human-remains/
February 22nd, 2013, 5:26 pm
Visitor said:
??? ???? ???? ??????????? ???????? ???????? ???? ???????? ?????? ??????? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ?????? ??????? ??? ????? ???????.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/22/267774.html
So-called SNC decided to suspend participation in so-called FOS, and no visists to Moscow, and no visits to Washington. That must have been a long steep learning curve for these newbees – after 90000 martyrs!!
It looks like the novices have just taken the first baby step towards political maturity.
February 22nd, 2013, 5:32 pm
revenire said:
“Muslim beheads 2 Christians in New Jersey, MSM silent, not a word.”
How funny this man looks exactly like the rats in Syria chopping everyone’s head off.
February 22nd, 2013, 5:34 pm
revenire said:
Things are going exceedingly well for the army.
February 22nd, 2013, 5:37 pm
Citizen said:
551. AIG -keep up the antisemitic diatribes-
Scarecrow you can use with the non-Semitic, O ignorant!Most Syrians Semites more of you!Do you laugh at yourself!
Do you consider yourself the single representative Sam son of the Prophet Noah, boy?
February 22nd, 2013, 6:07 pm
Tara said:
Syria opposition to choose provisional PM on March 2
http://news.yahoo.com/syrian-opposition-renews-efforts-form-provisional-government-175614559.html
CAIRO (Reuters) – Syrian opposition leaders will meet in Istanbul on March 2 to choose a prime minister to head a provisional government that would operate in rebel-controlled areas of Syria, coalition officials said on Friday.
…
Opposition sources estimate several billion dollars is needed every month for a government to function in rebel-held areas, mostly countryside and desert estimated to comprise more than half of the major Arab state’s landmass.
…
February 22nd, 2013, 6:12 pm
Citizen said:
French authorities for the first time acknowledged the presence of fifty fighters with French citizenship in Syria
French authorities have now recognized the presence of CAP fifty Salafi militants and French citizenship.
The head of the investigative committee on counter-terrorism, Mark Trevedsh found that about fifty French Salafists are now in Syria.
In turn, the French Interior Minister, Manuel Valls, said that about 100 people with French citizenship or resident in France are present in Syria as part of groups close to the “Al-Qaeda.”
February 22nd, 2013, 6:13 pm
Tara said:
I am glad that the National coalition suspended its visit to the US. Let Obama knows that he made himself completely irrelevant.
February 22nd, 2013, 6:14 pm
zoo said:
I commented ealier that as Al Khatib no longer seems to have any power in the opposition any more, it was a waste of time for Russia or the USA to meet him. They did well in cancelling their visit now irrelevant.
Al Khatib turned out to be a coward, not standing on his early courageous position. Walid Al Buni will probably replace him soon in the ever divided nest of snakes.
By relying on the bad advices of GCC that provides them with the money, the expat opposition has lost all its western allies, they are isolated and now at the mercy of Qatar, KSA and Turkey.
In my view, they are drowning.
February 22nd, 2013, 6:27 pm
Aldendeshe said:
@REVENIRE,
I always liked the videos you post here. This last one reminded me with an old story, LOL & LOL. Looking at the ugly face of that Jewish Ambassador Feltman brought old memory. Back in May 73’ I was attending English courses at UCLA, living in a dormitory called La Mancha (Now Westwood Marquis Hotel). In the evening we play Monopoly at the club house with a team, a look alike of Feltman, Gary, a banking student and ardent Jew, A Saudi Scholarship student, a Lebanese son of industrious fruit farmer and me. The Saudi always team up with Gary against us, whenever he is totally losing, he gives his cash and properties to Gary so he can beat us up in the game. One night, I was so infuriated with the Saudi we got into fist fight and never talked to him ever. We teamed up at the dorm club with an Italian Nuclear Physicist doing research at UCLA and an Israeli student who served in 67’ war on the Golan height. Developed good friendship, gone out every night to places together, but It took the school director some effort to make out after the 73’ war, including taking us all three Middle Eastern to the Rotary Club to speak at luncheon of which, the Lebanese kissed a*s*s to the audience, the Israeli thanked everybody, and I said exactly what I say on this blog, so you guess, no one applauded, all I get is angry Jewish faces staring at me and every time they ask question, I shell out the right answer, until it was dim silent. Sorry, I am not an as*skisser.
February 22nd, 2013, 6:35 pm
Tara said:
A family at war. With families like this, Syria bi khair
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/22/syria-brothers-uprising-war-chulov
Brothers in arms: the 10 brothers fighting for the Syrian uprising
February 22nd, 2013, 6:38 pm
zoo said:
That articles brings some light on the urgency for the opposition to create a “government” for North Syria: Massive humanitarian aid for the North is been worked out by the West and it needs an ‘administrative’ Syrian entity to manage it.
Here’s Your Plan B
Arming the rebels isn’t the only way the United States can help Syria.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/02/22/here_s_your_plan_b_syria_aid?page=0,0
February 22nd, 2013, 6:39 pm
Tara said:
Aldendeshe,
You were once cursed by your own mother who needed to take a shelter at a neighbor house?
February 22nd, 2013, 6:49 pm
Tara said:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/car-bomb-kills-53-in-syrian-capital-as-rebels-mount-a-sustained-challenge-in-civil-war/2013/02/21/2df49be0-7c88-11e2-9073-e9dda4ac6a66_story.html
BEIRUT — Gunmen from rival Sunni and Shiite Muslim villages in northern Syria have freed more than 200 people snatched in tit-for-tat kidnappings this month, easing tensions that threatened to touch off more sectarian violence, activists said Friday.
February 22nd, 2013, 6:58 pm
Aldendeshe said:
All blames, grievances and curses belong to Sharmoot-Allah, he should get off his ass and take care of his Moslems and Quran devotees. I only care about Syria and Syrians.
February 22nd, 2013, 7:00 pm
revenire said:
Aldendeshe I remember a cousin of mine walking against the ADL on Wilshire Blvd in LA with Casey Kasem. Something about the Zionists spying on all these American groups.
February 22nd, 2013, 7:01 pm
Johannes de Silentio said:
598. ALDENDENDENDESHINSKY
“Allah should get off his ass”
Oh God! You’ve done it! You PISSED HIM OFF now.
Anyone knows God does not have an ass, you twit. God is a perfect sphere. Plato said that a long time ago, way back when your smelly ancestors were still in the desert beating their women, drying camel turds for camp fires and bowing down to the Moon Goddess. But I digress…
February 22nd, 2013, 7:09 pm
Visitor said:
In this comment, you (the reader) are supposed to answer who is who before you open the link for the roght answer. You are also supposed to keep your own score. No cheeating allowed and you are given 10 minutes before you open the link,
OK!
So who is who?
???? ???? ?????
(easy bonus question) ????? ???? ?????
(easy bonus question) ???? ???? ?????
(easy bonus question) ???? ???? ??????
??????? ??? ???
Find right answers here,
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/22/267759.html
I expect regime idiots to score 3 out of 5. That is the reason for the bonus questions. No one is supposed to score 0. Score 3 means extremely low IQ – pathetic idiocy.
February 22nd, 2013, 7:09 pm
Tara said:
Silentio,
“Oh God! You’ve done it! You PISSED HIM OFF now.”
Kinda bored. We are not going out tonight.
He is easy. It doesn’t take much. I just repeated what he proudly shared with us.
February 22nd, 2013, 7:20 pm
ghufran said:
This is not from SANA, it is from SOHR, an opposition site:
?? ??? ??????? ???? ??????? ?? ???? ???? ???????? ????????? ????????? ???????? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ???????? ??? ????????? ???? ??? ????? ?? ????? ??????? ???? ???? ???????? ???????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ????.
??? ????? ???????? ??????? ????? ?? ?????? ?????? ????? ?? ??? ???? ??? ????? ?? ????? ??????? ????????? ???? ???? ???? ?? ?????? ??? ??? ?????? ???????? ?? ???? ????????? ??????? ??????? ?? ????? ?????? ?????????. ??? “???? ??????” ???? ????? ?? ??? ????????? ???????? ???? ???? ?? ??????? ???????? ????? ?????? ?? ?????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ??????? ????? ??? ??????? ????????? ???????.
?? ?? ??????? ???? ???? “???? ??????” ??? ?????? ????????? ??????? ??????????? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ??? ???????? ??????? ????? ??????? ????????? ?? ?? ??????? ?????? ???????? ???????? ??? ???? ????? ???????: ????? ?? ???? ??? ??? ????? ????? ?? ??????
tfu ala kil wahed feekon who supports car bombs or is still trying to cover for Nusra terrorists (I borrowed mixing arabic and English from Morsi)
February 22nd, 2013, 7:22 pm
Tara said:
I am an average ordinary Syrian and I believe the regime is behind Damascus explosion.
February 22nd, 2013, 7:25 pm
ghufran said:
Mr AIG,
If you think that Syrians on this blog have forgotten the 2006 war and how Lebanon, the weak link, stood up to Israel’s terrorism and inflicted substantial damage on the aggressor you are sadly mistaken.
One major goal of the dirty war in Syria is to make sure that Israel does what it wants in the Middle east unchallenged, the legitimate rights of Syrians that were violated by our criminal regime was the fuel that ignited the war,then islamists and their friends took advantage of the mess. Find another place to sell your garbage, Syria with or without Assad will not compromise, the Syrian nation is bleeding but it is not dead yet.
February 22nd, 2013, 7:30 pm
zoo said:
….
February 22nd, 2013, 7:33 pm
zoo said:
The USA and Russia will certainly be very unhappy and will change their policy immediately.
Syria opposition spurns U.S., Russia invites in protest
Reuters February 23, 2013, 12:46 pm
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/16214852/syria-opposition-spurns-u-s-russia-invites-in-protest/
CAIRO (Reuters) – The main Syrian opposition grouping has said it turned down invitations to visit Washington and Moscow to protest what it described as international silence over destruction of the ancient city of Aleppo by Syrian missile strikes.
February 22nd, 2013, 7:39 pm
Tara said:
Bravo! Bravo! The Coalition has finally made themselves relevant.
The statement says:
“Hundreds or civilians have been killed by Scud missile strikes. Aleppo, the city and the civilisation, is being destroyed systematically,” the statement said.
“The Russian leadership especially bears moral and political responsibility for supplying the regime with weapons,” it added, referring to Moscow’s status as a leading ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
“In protest of this shameful international stand, the coalition has decided to suspend its participation in the Rome conference for the Friends of Syria and decline the invitations to visit Russia and the United States.”
February 22nd, 2013, 7:53 pm
AIG said:
Mr Ghufran,
Substantial damage on Israel? The total number of Israelis that died throughout the whole war about 150. Less than what die in Syria in one die. Israel’s economy grow about 5% in 2006. Substantial damage only in your dreams. Instead of talking nonsense why don’t you answer the simple questions I asked and show us you an ounce of realism in your bones instead of just bombastic hot air:
Let’s recap:
The regime idiots cannot explain how the “resistance” is defending the Palestinians. In the last 6 years, Israel fought with Gaza two main battles. In either case, and in fact throughout the 6 years, neither Hezbollah or the Rabbit of the Golan fired ONE, let me repeat ONE, missile at Israel. Yet they claim they are defending Palestinians. Can they explain how? By talking? And can they explain how they are defending the Palestinians by fighting Hamas???
And of course the regime idiots have not answered my previous questions:
If the “resistance” axis has the technology to shoot down Israeli planes, why don’t they do so instead of let Israel bomb in Syria and fly at will over Lebanon?
If the Hezbollah rockets are so effective, why doesn’t Hezbollah just use them? What are they afraid from? Why haven’t they fired ONE rocket at Israel in 6 years?
February 22nd, 2013, 7:53 pm
zoo said:
The USA did a favor to the expat op in giving them the recognition they have been begging for 2 years.
Now the ‘Sole representative of the Syrian people’ is sulking and saying to Lavrov and Obama: Al Khatib will not visit you because you are naughty.
In fact the real reason behind that is that Al Khatib does not represent the coalition anymore, the group is more disunited than ever and they will be given the same old lesson by Obama and Lavrov to unite and control the armed rebels, tasks that they are too weak, stupid and greedy to be able to perform.
I think this slap on Obama and Lavrov will have far reaching consequences. No one refuses an invitation from the president of the USA and gets away with it.
The opposition is increasingly isolated. Their only bed fellows are Qatar, KSA, Al Nusra, Erdogan and Brahimi… Who does not envy them?
February 22nd, 2013, 7:58 pm
AIG said:
“No one refuses an invitation from the president of the USA and gets away with it.”
Right, but you expect Assad to get away with sending jihadists to kill Americans in Iraq. Or get away with hosting Hamas which the US considers a terror organization. How logical.
It is a good move by the opposition. The US and Russia should be put on the spot for doing nothing while Assad murders his own people.
February 22nd, 2013, 8:08 pm
revenire said:
I can’t wait until Al Khatib starts trash pick up again… there are rodent carcasses laying all over the place and the smell is overpowering.
February 22nd, 2013, 8:09 pm
Tara said:
Mr. Obama will take the “slap on the face” and will absolutely not be able to do a thing.
Let him cut off the quality weapons he never supplied.
And for Russia, this was not the first time.. They are used to slaps on their face. Alkatib refused a Russian invitation not too long ago. The Russians are lightweight and they mean nothing.
February 22nd, 2013, 8:09 pm
zoo said:
If it was not to avoid giving satisfaction to Bashar Al Assad and boosting the morale of his troops, the West would have declared this pathetic coalition immature and irrelevant a long time ago.
Its credibility is below zero with hundred of promises, plans, and deadlines it never met.
Now time is ticking faster.
If on 2nd of March they don’t come out with a viable ‘government’, their role will be re-evaluated and they may loose the “sole” and return to “a”
February 22nd, 2013, 8:23 pm
Tara said:
Let it tick as fast as it can get.
Obama will change the opposition status from “the sole” to “a”. Big deal! Like that changes any thing.
Let him cut the supply of the weapons he never supplied.
February 22nd, 2013, 8:37 pm
BALANGO said:
I think this is a good move by the opposition. US and Russia are useless and irrelevant anyway.
February 22nd, 2013, 8:43 pm
Syrian said:
Burhan Ghalioun
???? ???????? ?????? ???? ?????? ????????? ???? ???? ??? ??? ????????? ??????? ?? ??????? ?? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ??????? ????? ???? ?????? ?????? ?????? ????? ???????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ???? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ????? ??????? ??? ????? ??? ??????? ??????? ????????? ????????? ????????.
???. ?? ????? ????????? ?? ????? ??? ????? ?? ???????? ?? ???????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ????? ???????? ?????? ??????? ?????????. ???? ?????? ???????? ?? ????? ????? ??????? ??????? ??????. ??? ?? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ???? ????? ???????? ?? ????? ???? ??? ?? ????? ??????? ??? ?????? ??? ????????.
?? ???? ??? ????? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ????? ????????? ??????.
????? ??? ??? ???? ???? ?? ???? ????? ?? ???????? ???? ????? ??? ??? ?????? ??? ????? ???????.
????? ??? ??????? ????? ?????? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ????????? ?? ??? ???? ?? ??????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ????????.
????? ??? ????? ??? ???? ?? ??? ???????? ??????? ?????? ????? ????? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ??????? ????? ?? ?? ??????.
????? ??? ????? ??? ???? ???? ?? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ????? ??? ???? ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ??????.
????? ??? ??? ??????? ??????? ???????? ???.
????? ??? ????? ????? ??? ??????? ??????.
??? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ????? ???? ???? ????? ????? ?? ???? ???????? ?? ????? ???? ?? ???? ??? ????? ???? ??????? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ????? ????? ??????? ?? ??? ????? ????? ???????????.
February 22nd, 2013, 8:51 pm
Visitor said:
SNC to Big O. , FOS and Russia,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dEz2aBAx6I&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my iPad
February 22nd, 2013, 8:57 pm
MarigoldRan said:
The West and the opposition outside of the country have no influence on the ground. It honestly doesn’t matter what they do.
No weapons = no influence.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:17 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
would anyone believe that huge amount of explosive passed through several military check points and reach central Damascus(Mazeaa) and not being stopped? he who denies the regime has planned such explosive,is co-responsible for such crime, and will make him pay for it.
The regime has done it before several times, this is criminal regime ,will not hesitate to commit such crime, then we hear someone here on SC defends the regime,ofcourse no body believes him, and frankly his opinion is as usual worthless.
Al 7himar is 7himar even if his name Ghufran
????? ??????? ???? ….(????? ????? )….????? ?????? ???? ?????” ?? ???? ??????? ????? ???? ?????? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ?? ????? ?? ??? ?? ??????? ???????…
February 22nd, 2013, 9:20 pm
revenire said:
The weapons come from the West via its clients Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Libya. The largest shipments have come from Libya via ship to Turkey and then into Syria. It is a complete myth that the rats are fighting with weapons secured from Syrian bases. Any video shows foreign weapons obtained the way I said or via the black market.
The man who gives the green light for all this is Obama. I don’t care what your newspaper says. If Obama wanted the weapons to stop he orders Qatar and Saudi Arabia et al. to stop and they stop – that simple.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:38 pm
revenire said:
“If it was not to avoid giving satisfaction to Bashar Al Assad and boosting the morale of his troops, the West would have declared this pathetic coalition immature and irrelevant a long time ago.
Its credibility is below zero with hundred of promises, plans, and deadlines it never met.”
I believe that is absolutely correct. The opposition doesn’t even have the support of the pro-terrorist faction here on SC. Listen to them denounce the SNC etc. It is funny.
On the ground you have over 150 different so-called brigades and battalions fighting against the government, none of which are united.
It is impossible for the opposition to set up a government in liberated areas of Syria because there are no liberated areas of Syria as the articles announcing the formation of a government said: “Opposition brigades have wrested large swathes of Syria from the control of Assad’s forces but the areas remain the target of army artillery, air strikes and, increasingly, missiles.”
I have to laugh at the irony of saying that “large swathes” of the nation is not under government control and in the same sentence say the areas are vulnerable to artillery, air strikes and missiles. Where would this government meet? In back alleys of Aleppo? I am LOL at this stuff.
Assad has nothing to worry about from these ants.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:46 pm
omen said:
apologists still refuse to acknowledge the regime guilty of committing houla massacre. that tells you their unwillingness (or inability) to face reality.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:47 pm
MarigoldRan said:
The majority of people who support the regime are losers. Simple as that.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:49 pm
omen said:
595. zoo said: That articles brings some light on the urgency for the opposition to create a “government” for North Syria: Massive humanitarian aid for the North is been worked out by the West and it needs an ‘administrative’ Syrian entity to manage it.
if you are hinting snc/mb corruption, that’s an interesting supposition. it wouldn’t surprise me if that were the case.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:52 pm
Aldendeshe said:
599. REVENIRESAID:
Aldendeshe I remember a cousin of mine walking against the ADL on Wilshire Blvd in LA with Casey Kasem. Something about the Zionists spying on all these American groups.
__________________________________________________________________
Well, you got me in a talking mood now. I am nursing really bad flu tonight, not going Ice Skating. Casey Kasem (Top Countdown) and George Nouri (Cost to Coast) are really great American legends, one in music field and the other on the most informative radio show ever produced in the world.
Hell, Zionists and Israelis spying on the world, not just Americans. SNP compiled huge file on this worldwide activities by this enemy of humanity. We probably know more about it than any Government Intelligence Agency in the world knows. Personally, I can tell you few of personal stories:
They used Israeli artist back in early 90’ to bug my Art showroom/ offices at Hutton Center. Broke and stole business deals from a trading company, called customers and told them I am Arab terrorist. Used my Jewish neighbor whom I supplied with power each time the power company cuts him off for non-payment to spy on my internet activity. Used details obtained through espionage, of an Iranian American girl who befriended me and after going back to Oklahoma City, she called and begged me to come visit her, after making hotel and plane reservation, I get an “SSS” call (Syrian Secret Service) that is SNP unit in charge of tracking Israeli, called men and said the girl is talking to Israeli Nationals. That night I cancelled the trip without telling her, and the next morning the Oklahoma City bombing occurred. Some coincidence, go figure what setup they were working on based on that espionage on me.
Afterward, I disconnected all PacBell landlines, three days later, the phones still working. I called the phone company and they confirmed, assuredly, that all my lines are cut, that my acct is closed, and the final bill is sent. After paying it, a week later, the phone still working, so we started making calls and used it for 3 months, never receive phone co. bill. But we only can call out, because we did not know the phone number to call it in. Then a third generation Syrian immigrant who we know at the phone company, tested the line and gave us the number and a Jewish person name attached to it, he also discovered a sort of fraud going on and told me to be quite. It is a long story, we know it all. In fact the world knows it now, see link below.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of what I know about Israeli spying. I was able to deal and cover securely what I need to keep away from them, but not without losing quite a bit of money. The biggest loss was the early 5 patent applications. They not only stole the technologies, they used the exact words of my patent description page on Rafael Company website per verbatim, mind you the application was never published. In another case, Harvard University funded a development of another patent for an Israeli “HALAVEY” then cancelled after I brought the matter to the attention of Harvard MIT Attorney.
This patent application has to do with using laser to scan Cuneiform tablets, store the original and translate the text to modern language, based on stored impute.
The biggest financial loss occurred out of their espionage activities were in the textile business. Where they stole Ross Stores hosiery account and used the U.S. Department of Treasury U. S Customs to harass and delay for security inspections, entry of my shipment coming from Syria back in the 90’s. They stole another big account for my neckties, again, this time using the Treasury dept, U.S. Customs which practically forced me out of business. They simply stated, based on an Israeli-American tester employee that the neckties are made with wool inner liners, that is not admissible into U.S. because of import ristriction laws. After hiring a lawyer and investigators, they released 3 samples of a huge seasonal shipment. We sent the ties to one of the U.S. reputable laboratory to examine the liner content, and they came back stating, using nuclear molecule test, that it was in fact 100% silk available in Western China, which is exactly what the factory swore it is from. The Customs still refused to accept the result and ordered destruction of container content. We contacted then Congressman Christopher Cox for help, he was cooperative and the customs buckled on condition of posting bond. We told the customs and Bond Company to go fu*ck themselves after we took delivery and just got out of business. As it turned out an Israeli took over that big neckties acct the shipment is destined to.
Few of the men that are engaged in such Israeli activities were known to SNP. We lost track of them now, but in one late instance, 3 years ago, I was on vacation in San Francisco, the Embarcadero area that the Rockefeller built. Walking downtown sidewalk, noticed this man that I know but could not remember who and from where, we both kept at turning head deeply gazing at each other, then all the sudden we recognized each other. He was station manager for San Francisco. They bugged the Financial District to the tee, in and out. They even have agents running after me downtown taking turn, at least 3 of them, young American males, but very Amateurish work, it was rather funny when I approached one of them and pointed on my ear saying: see this, I can hear everything you saying about me for 1000 feet, he bolted out of the store running.
I used to go to San Francisco every month. Walking the Golden Gate Bridge round trip is the most exhilarating experience to me. After 2001 Insider Job on 9/11 and demolition of the Towers by Thermate explosive and some nuclear devise, my internet activity is of course was monitored, every time plans made for San Francisco trip, the T.V. starts reporting that “terrorists are targeting the bridge”, cancel, then later, and again, gave up in the end, for years I did not go.
But the most pity Israeli espionage and most profitable is the Mall Cart scam. This where the peddlers just stand up looking like selling trinkets, that nobody wants to buy, yet the mall charges as much as $5000 for each cart. Well, it is reported by many, that those Israelis are there to steal, using electronic espionage, credit card data from unsuspecting mall shopper at the nearby stores. Many Americans get hit between Christmases and New-year with a $9.95 charge, few astute ones like me will detect the illegal charge on the statement during the shopping frenzy of the Holiday week. Imagine the millions they make on this scam alone, although I think fed got after them lately, got smart for the game.
If that all not enough, the most evil of Israeli scams in a very long list, is not the Uri Geller spoon bending one, that is a small ac, it is Palestinian-Israeli named Benny Hinn Preacher, check him out here, I am not sure if he is using some stunt gun array, or high velocity pneumatic gadget, to get these idiots to fall. I noticed the helpers always run away after they deliver someone to him.
This is just one of hundreds of spy cases by Israeli. Just use BING to search it all.
http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/spyring.php
This is Benny Hinn:
February 22nd, 2013, 9:55 pm
majedkhaldoun said:
I fully support the Coalition refusing to go to Russia and FOS, but I have mix feeling toward refusing to come to Washington, Mr.Khatib visit to Washington,will have tremendous oppurtunity,where he will have a chance to talk to the congress and the president, and will meet many Arab Americans who mostly support him, and will be able to meet the press, it is great public media oppotunity he should not miss,Mr. Najib Ghadban should work on making him change his mind,and convince him to come.He is a likable person,and I like Mrs. Suhair Atassie to come with him,hopefully Mr. Burhan GHailion to come too.
February 22nd, 2013, 9:56 pm
Syrian said:
Dr MK
I don’t think the Obama admin. Is waiting on Mr. Alkhatib visit to make up their minds, their satellites are watching everything, they can see the Scuds being fired and every airplane bombing,They will use MR. Alkhatib visit as a photo-op. to show as if they care or getting involved.So I think it was a good decision not to come.
The Syrians with the help of those who have the objective of not letting Iran complete is grand design of the Shia crescent will not let Iran make Syria its 35th province.
The US and Israel are capable of living with a friendly Shia crescent, which Iran will have no problem providing, because its main enemy are the Sunnies and their holiest places are in Iraq and not Jerusalem.
Turkey, the GCC will not let Iran win, not out of love for the Syrians but out of hate to Iran.
And those countries where MR. Alkhatib should be concentrating his effort on.
February 22nd, 2013, 11:04 pm
DAMASCUSROSE said:
AIG,
You seem frustrated, and maybe understandably so, that the regime supporters haven’t attempted to answer your questions. I’m gonna give it a shot though I’m not a regime supporter. However, you do yourself a great dis-service by referring to people as “idiots”, it’s not helpful.
You wrote:
“The regime idiots cannot explain how the “resistance” is defending the Palestinians. In the last 6 years, Israel fought with Gaza two main battles. In either case, and in fact throughout the 6 years, neither Hezbollah or the Rabbit of the Golan fired ONE, let me repeat ONE, missile at Israel. Yet they claim they are defending Palestinians. Can they explain how? By talking? And can they explain how they are defending the Palestinians by fighting Hamas???”
Who are we kidding, the whole “resistance” stance is a sham perpetrated by these pathological dictators to keep the masses occupied by the big bad wolf lurking around the corner, most of them are nothing more than paper tigers (or rabbits) and they know fully they don’t possess the courage nor the means to fight Israel toe to toe. So it’s all bluster, you know it, the Israeli government knows it, and most of the educated Arab world knows it. Give it a rest.
“And of course the regime idiots have not answered my previous questions:
If the “resistance” axis has the technology to shoot down Israeli planes, why don’t they do so instead of let Israel bomb in Syria and fly at will over Lebanon?”
See above, The Syrian Army may be many things but they’re not suicidal. The funny thing is that the Syrian Army is now using the same tactics used by the Israeli Army against the Palestinians (collective punishment and disproportionate force). I’m sure you’re not proud to export such ideals and values?!
“If the Hezbollah rockets are so effective, why doesn’t Hezbollah just use them? What are they afraid from? Why haven’t they fired ONE rocket at Israel in 6 years?”
The same can be said about Israel though, why hasn’t Israel, with all its superior military might, not destroy HA once and for all, they can do it anytime but why haven’t they? This is all about self-preservation and security. HA doesn’t fire rockets because they don’t want to antagonize Israel, the same reason Israel doesn’t just invade Lebanon every few months because they also don’t want to antagonize HA and invite insecurity to their citizens.
Finally, if I may, I have some questions to you and your cohorts on this bog – why are you here? What are you trying to achieve? We know this is an evil regime, we know the crimes they’re perpetrating on us are horrific and unconscionable. We know they may go down as the worst in history, we live it every day, we don’t need anyone to tell us. Or are you here to make yourself feel better, that by comparison, no one can any longer point the finger at Israel for how it treats the Palestinians? I have members of my own family divided between those who are pro and against this regime. If people in the same family can’t be convinced their thinking is wrong, you think you can preach your values to us? If Israel had a good human rights record, some of us may be willing to listen to what you have to offer, but overall your governments’ record over the last several decades is abysmal, they have convinced its citizens that it needs to use disproportionate force to protect you against the Palestinian “terrorists”, does that sound familiar when you read about what this regime is doing now? And yet you continue to call them “idiots”, kind of ironic, don’t you think?
I am hopeful though, putting aside geopolitical agendas and interests, I think the majority of Israeli citizens are decent people and just want to live in peace. I don’t buy the propagandists’ hateful rhetoric that try to show you in a different light, maybe you can start to see us differently as well. You have a lot of good virtues and we share a long history. We can use your help, you can put pressure on your government to do the right thing and stand for truth and justice. We’re all human beings and we all aspire for the same things in life.
February 22nd, 2013, 11:35 pm
ghufran said:
I think the NC decision not to go to Russia and the US was a mistake. This is from SOHR:
???? ????? ???????? ??????? ??? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? ????? ?????? ??? ?? ???????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ????? ??????? ?? ??? ?????? ??? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ?? ?? ?????.
???? ?????? ???????? ?????? ??????? ???? ??? 70 ???? ????? ???? ????? ???? ????? ?????? ??? ??????? ?????? ???? ???????? ?????? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ??? ??????? ??????? ????? ??? ????? ???? ?????? ??? ??????? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ????? ?????? ??? ?????.
???? ???? ????? ??? ??? ????? ???? ?????? ???? ???? ???? ???????? ???? ?????? ????????? ???? ?? ??????? ?????????? ???????????? ??? ?????? ??? ??????? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ????? ??? ???? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ?????? ???? ???????? ????? ?????? ????? ????? ????? ???????? ?? ????? ??????.
????? ????? ??????? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ??? ??????? ???????? ??? ??? ??? ???? ????? ???? ?? ?? ????? ?????? ???? ??????? ????? ?? ????? ?????? ?????? ??????.
???? ??? ?????? ???? ??? ?????? ??????? ???????? ?????? ?? 12 ???? ????? ????? ?????? ?????? ???? “??? ?????? ??????? ???????? ???? ???? ?????? ?? ????. ???????? ???????? ??? ??????? ?? ??? ?? ????? ???? ?????.”
????? ???? ???? “????? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ????? ??????? ?? ?? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ???????? ??? ???????? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ?? ????????.”
??? ??? ??? ??????? ???? ?? ??????? ????? ????? ??? ????? ???? ????? ????? ???? ??? ????? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ?? ??????? ?? ??????.
??? ???? ??? ?? ????? ?? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ??? ?????????? ?? ????? ????? ??? ????? ????? ??? ????? ?????? ?? ??? 2014 ?? ???? ???? ?????? ???????.
???? ?????????? ????? ??????? ???????? ??????????? ??? ???? ?? ??? ????? ???????? ????? ?? ????? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ???????? ??? ????? ????? ??????? ?? ??????.
???? ?????????? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ????? ????? ??????? ??? ????? ??? ??? ?? ????? ????.
I stand by my personal position that Assad needs to step aside,then step down ahead of elections that he should NOT be part of.
February 23rd, 2013, 12:05 am
ghufran said:
One of Aleppo’s most famous anti-government activists, a man known as Abu Maryam, told CNN he was briefly detained and flogged by Islamist fighters last week.
After his release, Abu Maryam posted a photo on Facebook of his bruised back.
“They accused me of protesting against the caliphate,” Abu Maryam said in a brief interview with CNN.
Asked whether he thought the Nusra Front was taking over Syria’s uprising, Abu Maryam said, “Yes, of course, that’s true, but it’s all because of the mistakes of the Free Syrian Army.”
Nearly two years into the uprising, the rebel Free Syrian Army continues to be dogged by accusations of corruption.
In recent weeks, activists have mounted an online campaign accusing Ahmed Afash, a prominent commander based in Aleppo, of banditry and kidnapping. Afash has denied the charges.
But last week, a detachment of Afash’s fighters raided the offices of the Aleppo Media Center. They briefly detained several Syrian journalists who had published reports that Afash’s brigade had killed an innocent civilian.
February 23rd, 2013, 12:11 am
ghufran said:
web poll from SOHR:
?? ???? ?????? ????? ???????? ???????
??? – 10%
?? – 90%
SOHR is under attack by many in the opposition for suggesting that Damascus car bombs were done by the rebels.
February 23rd, 2013, 12:37 am
revenire said:
Sharmine Narwani said the opposition doesn’t use a lot of SOHR information because it goes against what they say. I trust Narwani 100%.
She has a fuller version of the article Dr. Landis posted above here:
“The Dirty Numbers Game in Syria”
http://mideastshuffle.com/2013/02/22/the-dirty-numbers-game-in-syria/
February 23rd, 2013, 1:12 am
Badr said:
Risky proposition
February 23rd, 2013, 1:12 am
apple_mini said:
When the opposition accuses the regime was behind those car bombs, it does not change the fact.
Most importantly, when it comes down to PR, it really does not matter who is really behind it. The attack was targeting the regime and many civilian casualties. After that the horrific images chip away some supports for the opposition from Syrians. It becomes another hard evidence to the world that terrorist tactics and radical Islamist are part of the rebels.
It drives SAA more determined to fight. It serves the regime well on its causes and methods to deal harshly with the rebels.
So while the opposition keeps accusing the regime which really has not much use to convince anyone else except those diehard supporters, the rest just keep turning away.
So I think those propaganda warfare after each terrorist attacks really is repeated fruitless attempts. People make their conclusion by simple facts: where did it happen? What was the target? What was the casualty? People can get those info and gory images everywhere. To convince people to believe there is a conspiracy behind it and ignore those simple facts just does not work well at all.
February 23rd, 2013, 1:31 am
MarigoldRan said:
And the reverse is true as well.
What goes around, comes around. Every SCUD missile attack means another potential suicide bomber.
February 23rd, 2013, 1:35 am
Dolly Buster said:
It is Positive to attack regime installations in the regime-held capital.
There is no reason to condemn such bombings, on the contrary.
The way to shake the government, is exactly through mass-casualty strikes on the regime.
Only Russians, Shiites, and other evil people are upset by Baath HQ bombing.
It is no coincidence that only Bolsheviks have condemned it, while the U.S. has stopped short.
February 23rd, 2013, 1:38 am
revenire said:
“Every SCUD missile attack means another potential suicide bomber.”
If all we get is one “potential” rat each time we kill dozens it is a bargain.
As my son has said: simple.
February 23rd, 2013, 1:47 am
MarigoldRan said:
Revenire, you don’t have a son because you don’t have a wife or a girlfriend.
And you aren’t going to get a wife or a girlfriend because you’re a retard and a loser.
So stop lying. We know the truth.
February 23rd, 2013, 1:51 am
ALI said:
“they can see the Scuds being fired and every airplane bombing,”
What’s wrong with that?
You gotta do what you gotta do to save Syria
February 23rd, 2013, 2:12 am
Dolly Buster said:
So, to protect 1 person’s lifetime appointment as prez, you are prepared to level city blocks and let children sleep in the snow.
Why didn’t you try to send Bashar to a 1 month vacation to Paraguay, and then see if the war is over.
February 23rd, 2013, 2:23 am
Syrialover said:
Tweet:
“If Jabhat al Nusra or anybody else want to fight Assad then his thugs are not hard to find. Car bombs are for cowards”
Maysaloon – https://twitter.com/Maysaloon/status/304534882518986752
February 23rd, 2013, 2:35 am
Syrialover said:
#638. MARIGOLDRAN
Keep calling REVENIRE a retard and saying childish personal things.
Keep helping him trash this site, which is his goal in coming here.
Or instead, get advice before you post from a Syrian or just any grown up will do.
February 23rd, 2013, 2:43 am
Syrialover said:
Great tweets. From brilliant young Syrian journalist Hassan Hassan:
? Syria reveals everything ugly about this world: neighbors not only refuse to help refugees but steal donated money & allow their abuse.
? Syria reveals everything ugly about this world: outside powers not only stand by but actively prevent arms from reaching the helpless.
? Syria reveals everything ugly about this world: to make a point after bickering on Twitter, some ‘intellectuals’ contribute to this inaction
? Syria reveals everything ugly about this world: people make the conflict a way to advance their own narrow interests, whatever the cost.
https://twitter.com/hhassan140
February 23rd, 2013, 2:53 am
Syrialover said:
MARIGOLDRAN #638
Keep calling REVENIRE a retard and saying childish personal things.
Keep helping him trash this site, which is his goal in coming here.
Or instead, get advice before you post from a Syrian or just any grown up will do.
February 23rd, 2013, 2:55 am
MarigoldRan said:
Oh he’s going to come here regardless. May as well get kicks out of it.
By the way, I’m not your enemy. Spare them for the regime and their supporters. In case you haven’t noticed, I refrain from attacking people on the same side.
February 23rd, 2013, 3:03 am
revenire said:
Syrialover please, let’s not restrain the energetic youth. He is the vanguard of our revolution and like a son to me. I’d be honored to take the lad into my own home and offer him a humble meal (and not dog).
Hassan Hassan is know to be one who uses words to defile. He also called for NATO air strikes from his comfortable perch in the UAE. Isn’t that funny?
How many Syrians would die if NATO attacked? Did your gifted wordsmith take that into account?
The promotion of traitors is not helping your cause.
February 23rd, 2013, 3:05 am
revenire said:
??????? ??? ???????? ????? ??? ?? ??? ????
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=540781802609960&set=a.268441903177286.63765.266209936733816&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf
February 23rd, 2013, 3:05 am
ALI said:
“Why didn’t you try to send Bashar to a 1 month vacation to Paraguay, and then see if the war is over.”
Paraguay or hell it does not matter
the bottom line you terrorists will not occupy Syria
February 23rd, 2013, 3:09 am
MarigoldRan said:
This is going to be a long war, Ali.
At the end of this I don’t there’s going to be much of Syria left to occupy, for anyone.
Still, there are debts to pay.
February 23rd, 2013, 3:17 am
Visitor said:
MajedK @626,
Syrian @627 is 100% right. America should go to hell even before Russia and FOS.
The only things you get from paying Big O. A visit are these:
1) Bashar will go to kinder garden all over again to be taught arithmatic by Kerry.
2) New instructions on who is and is not a so-called terrorist.
3) We are watching the Chems from the sky to make sure they don’t fall on Israel.
To hell with America. You want to win the revolution, you need to abandon naivete and depend on your own resources.
SNC’s can meet Arab Americans without need to meet with O. or any other sleezy administrator.
February 23rd, 2013, 3:24 am
ALI said:
“This is going to be a long war, Ali. At the end of this I don’t there’s going to be much of Syria left to occupy, for anyone.”
I agree and it’ll keep going as long those muthfkrs Arab Gulf people keep financing the killing terror machine.
Soon enough my friend you’ll see how these rats will be burned alive for daring to occupy Syria.
Yes there might not be the same Syria by the end if this terror cycle, but it’s the hope of better tomorrow that keeping us pushing forward to secure a better and safe life to our next generations.
February 23rd, 2013, 3:28 am
annie said:
He Provided Them with Bananas
source : http://beta.syriadeeply.org/op-eds/2013/02/bananas/#.USiCNGdaY3U
Karl Sharro is a Syria Deeply columnist, London-based architect and Middle East commentator. He blogs at the wildly popular karlremarks.com and Tweets @KarlreMarks.
In the early 90s I was in a taxi heading from Lebanon to Damascus with several other passengers. The trips were always educational. This prime mode of transport between the two countries allowed one to meet people from various backgrounds and walks of life.
Listening to the coded way in which Syrians spoke was quite revealing. Nuggets of truth lay under layers of innuendo and seemingly apolitical language, decipherable only by the trained ear.
On that particular trip, we had an estaz on board, the generic description for an intellectual, usually a university professor or teacher. This particular estaz sported an audacious comb-over, which bestowed an added sense of respectability to his appearance.
In those days imports to Syria were still highly restricted and travellers took the opportunity of being in Lebanon to purchase products that were not available in Syria. Lebanese bread was particularly sought after, as well as fruits and other foods.
Before we were about to depart, the driver asked the estaz if he wanted to buy some bananas. The estaz declined. Bananas weren’t in shortage in Syria any longer, he said.
Then he added, “God protect the president. [At the time, Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father.] He knows what the Syrian people want. He saw that the Syrian people wanted bananas, so he provided them with bananas.”
The pronouncement hung in the air for a while, before dissipating among the sea of mundane chatter that one was used to hearing in those days.
As it happened, that was the most profound political thought the estaz would make for the rest of the trip. To thank the ruler for his magnanimity in allowing the Syrian people access to bananas.
The words had come out un-selfconsciously, like the recitation of a familiar prayer. But for a learned man in particular, they must have been accompanied by a sense of shame at having to engage in this daily ritual of submission.
Those who don’t understand why Syria revolted two years ago are entirely oblivious to this deep sense of shame that its people lived with for decades.
It wasn’t the deprivation or lack of consumer goods. Rather, it was the incessant demand to submit to an all-knowing authority, one that cannot be questioned.
It was the lack of possibility, the closed doors of the future. It was the bureaucratic machine that reduced every citizen to a robot and then treated him or her accordingly.
In the 1980s, I remember going with a relative to an ice cream shop in one of Syria’s northeastern cities. I naively inquired about the flavors when the vendor was about to fill my scoop.
“Flavors? They’re all the same flavor, they’re just a different colour,” he said.
It was a perfect metaphor for the officially-sanctioned parties, available in various political shades but all subsumed by the ruling Ba’ath.
The illusion was elaborately constructed to remind you that you didn’t really have any choice.
Damascus in the 1960s was a thriving cultural center that had hundreds of media publications. By the ‘80s, just a handful was left. The two party-sponsored newspapers were completely interchangeable with little variation from day to day.
They provided sterile, mass-produced ‘opinions’ that were the journalistic equivalent of the estaz’s polyester suit. They belonged to a pacified intellectual class.
But they carried their shame with them. Everybody knew about the thousands in the regime’s prisons, those who refused to submit. Poets, writers, activists and workers who spent decades facing incarceration and torture but refused to sign a piece of paper denouncing their political aspirations.
Those on the outside felt that shame but thought they were helpless to do anything about it. They publicly sang the praises of the regime and the heroic role it played.
Syria’s rich and long history only increased the sense of shame. The feeling of being marginalized from the world’s consciousness was exacerbated by the ancient monuments that mocked your impotence.
What purpose does dwelling on past achievements serve other than to remind you of your helplessness and the squandered legacy you have not lived up to?
As Syria gradually opened to the Western world in the 1990s, the regime thought that it could pacify people by turning a blind eye to the satellite dishes that were sprouting like mushrooms on buildings, and later by allowing the internet.
But the feelings of inadequacy only increased. People could now compare between their lives and what was happening in the rest of the world. They had access to the internet, shopping malls and lots of bananas.
But they still had only one choice in presidential “elections.”
The sudden openness violently confronted Syrians with their helpless self-image. When the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt succeeded in removing aging dictators, the response in Syria, more than any other Arab country, was visceral.
Organised attempts at staging demonstrations never materialized. When the eruption came, it was brought about by the regime’s heavy-handedness and the instinctive reaction to it. The time for living with the shame was over.
Syria’s was the least well-articulated or organised of all the Arab uprisings. It was raw and abrasive.
The people who had the responsibility to lead the uprising failed it. Perhaps this was unavoidable, the accumulation of anger and shame got in the way of cold thinking and the decades of oppression meant that Syrians were starting from scratch.
What we’re seeing today isn’t what Syrians wanted. The situation got out of control, but the regime bears the main responsibility for that. What is clear is that there will be no return to the old ways. After all the sacrifices, the people of Syria won’t go back to living with their shame.
February 23rd, 2013, 3:47 am
Wim Roffel said:
A transitional government is not the way to go. It would be just as powerless as its Libyan counterpart. Continuity can only be achieved by a negotiated transition that transforms the old order into a new one.
http://nation-building.blogspot.nl/2013/02/peace-in-syria-how-it-can-be-done.html
February 23rd, 2013, 4:08 am
Badr said:
Annie:
Thanks for pointing out the article. I enjoyed reading it.
February 23rd, 2013, 4:21 am
Juergen said:
lately in Saudi Arabia:
February 23rd, 2013, 5:11 am
ALI said:
“God protect the president. [At the time, Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father.] He knows what the Syrian people want. He saw that the Syrian people wanted bananas, so he provided them with bananas.”
Rest in peace you greatest man ever been to Syria and Syrians, our forever president Hafez.
The author and few other ignorants on this forum are making fun of the importance of importing bananas to Syria at the time, when people were really struggling to find a kilo of banana till the president himself ordered Jood (famous merchant in Lattakia) to fill Syria with banana and so he did.
After that kids got to eat banana a lot and became more healthy, and adults started using banana for every meal even young guys used to take bets on who could eat 5 or 6 kilos of banana on one go next to the banana carts just because it went so cheap and the prices dropped from 175 SYP to only 15 SYP in no time, even at that time the famous Syrian actor Yaseen Baqoush used to say (?????? ?? ???) something like they ashamed the banana by dropping its price that much.
Yes every honest Syrian owes our president Hafez a huge favor for fixing the banana problem
February 23rd, 2013, 5:16 am
Juergen said:
Ali
You should open the Hafez al Assad memorial banana order. How about some pet stories of the late Hafez or some memories how he kissed an small innocent girl during a parade? See someone mentioned that earlier, Syrians have excelled themselves in ass kissing their leaders.
February 23rd, 2013, 5:27 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
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February 23rd, 2013, 5:32 am
Mina said:
Thanks to Bassam Youssef and his team to follow the latest ravings
of the fundamentalists
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February 23rd, 2013, 5:41 am
ALI said:
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February 23rd, 2013, 6:04 am
Syrialover said:
ANNIE #652
I was also about to post the same beautifuly written piece by Karl Sharro you gave us above, “He provided them with bananas”.
It’s brilliant in the way it describes the emotional abuse Syrians have been living under.
The decades of despair, shame and frustration the Assad dictatorship has inflicted on all Syrians at the point of a gun. Even how this made them feel about the ancient monuments around them.
Sharro captures how the Assads created a wasteland in the heart and soul and life of Syria.
How an illiegitimate brutal regime stripped out what was there and replaced it with a bleak landscape of deprivation, humiliation, fear and shame.
I am circulating it widely. Aother good one for the textbooks in post-Assad Syria.
February 23rd, 2013, 6:05 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
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February 23rd, 2013, 6:12 am
ALI said:
“stories of the late Hafez or some memories how he kissed an small innocent girl during a parade”
I’m not sure about the age segment of participants on this forum but I remember clearly how i used to accompany my father and the late forever president Hafez in his visits to youth camps (????? ?????) in Alzabadani and Nabe3 Alfawar every year during summer breaks.
I remember every moments of those days, the young guys used to come to father Hafez and he was shaking hands with them, listening to them like adults and at the end of every visit there was a reward of big dinner (including banana) to them as a gift from father Hafez. The love I have seen in their eyes to their one father is indescribable, there were tears from the young girls but he was comforting them when the saluted him.
These generations are the millions who currently are paying back their loyalty by protecting Syria which he built.
February 23rd, 2013, 6:14 am
ALI said:
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February 23rd, 2013, 6:16 am
Syrialover said:
MARIGOLDRAN,
A serious challenge for you.
Read the article ANNIE posted in #652 and my comments in #661.
See if you can swim with it or are out of your depth.
And think about how it flies with your appalling declaration in #427, (which you keep trying to justify) where you said:
“The Syrians did this to themselves. As long as stupid people blame others for their stupidity, they will always remain stupid.”
February 23rd, 2013, 6:20 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
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February 23rd, 2013, 6:25 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
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February 23rd, 2013, 6:30 am
Juergen said:
February 23rd, 2013, 6:41 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
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February 23rd, 2013, 6:49 am
Hopeful said:
#656 Ali
I genuinely feel sorry for you. You think a great a president is one who “orders” a private merchant to import bananas for the people, and he complies. It never occurrs to you to ask what the problem is with a country whose citizens want to buy a product, but somehow magically, the product does not exist in that country. It never occurs to you to ask if the president has the right to order a private citizen to do something. It never occurs to you to ask what is wrong with a country in which a president has to deal with decisions at the level of buying bananas. You believe the nation and the people are property of the president, Sigh!
I thought North Korea was unique in this world. I was wrong. Clearly many Syrians still believe that their government is doing them a favor by allowing them access to things that the rest of the world has freely enjoyed for the past half a century.
February 23rd, 2013, 6:50 am
mjabali said:
Syrialover:
The article you are circulating is ok at best. It is filled with statements that are more prose than reality, for example: the writer wrote:
“Damascus in the 1960s was a thriving cultural center that had hundreds of media publications”
This is wrong. Damascus in the 1960’s probably had nothing important in terms of newspapers, or magazines. Most of the publishers, as today, are those publishing religious (Sunni) books. They used to publish some Sufi books of course. The books from that period speaks about what was the position of Damascus on the culture scene. Name one newspaper that was dominant and people still remember till today from Damascus from the 1960’s? None.
1960’s was dominated by the Naserites first (till 1961), then the Infisalis (till 63), then the Baathis(in different versions): really who amongst those is culturally inclined, or supported culture in Damascus in the 1960’s? None.
They probably published only few things. The literary scene was boring as you know. The city was filled with army men doing one coup after the other.
If you count how many coups happened in Damascus in the 1960’s you would know what I mean.
February 23rd, 2013, 6:55 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
MJABALI
You are, as usual, a thinking man, eager to learn and impart history’s lessons. This is one of the reasons I appreciate you.
You are right, once more, but not entirely. There was a cultural life in Syria in the 1960s, but it was merely an inertia from the previous phases of Syrian life, primarily in urban centres.
Some newspapers hung on with their teeth, but with the arrival of baathists to ultimate power and control, along with their bloody coups against each others, the country was more and more placed in a cultural black hole with assad era cementing the cultural depravity of the new elites and his son’s reign emphasizing the mafia cultural lifestyle even in art and literature and heightening the depravity, low taste, and unholy control of superficial cultural life in a style not different from how it is portrayed in the God-father series of books. Only few brave artists managed to break this monotonic,suffocating environment while paying very heavy prices. Ali Deek is definitely not one of them.
February 23rd, 2013, 7:19 am
Syrialover said:
ALI,
I appreciate you are sincere and honest in presenting your perspectives and experience as a school child in Syria under Hafez Assad.
You are giving us firsthand insight into what dictators do with young people under their control. You were officially told you that you were in a superior heaven, shown who was God and told why and how to worship him.
The same as masses of flagwaving excited children in Nazi Germany, Maoist China, Stalinist Russia and North Korea.
But other Syrians growing up in the same time and place later compared it with a wider reality, then saw life growing up under the Assads in a far less rosy light.
There’s the article posted above by Annie for example, but I can also recommend this one by another Syrian looking back with wiser eyes and damning what he was led to believe was “normal” when he was growing up:
“Growing up Baath: The Art of the Bribe” http://beta.syriadeeply.org/op-eds/2012/12/growing-baath-art-bribe/
February 23rd, 2013, 7:20 am
Syrian Atheist Against Dictatorships said:
Bravo Ali, bravo!
More please! more stories about the ETERNAL FATHER of…
WAIT! not only Syria but the whole Arab Umma, Nay, the whole of humanity! His love and compassion have surpassed those of Christ and the Buddha (neither has managed to feed a whole nation their fill of bananas, after all). Comrades Stalin and Kim il sung pale in the brightness of His light that hath shone upon the world and engulfed it and without which it would have lived in darkness.
Akh, you are making me feel really bad and ashamed at ditching my Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships name.
Forgive me father Assad, for I have sinned.
February 23rd, 2013, 7:22 am
Hopeful said:
Which Syria do you want?
1. Syria under a Stalin-style regime with rusted pan-Arab ideology filled with empty anti-west and anti-Israel rhetoric, executing an economic policy that favors the few, promotes corruption and encourages nepotism; and conducting a foreign policy that turns all neighboring countries into enemies.
2. Syria under the rule of religious mullahs promoting Shariaa, treating non Sunnis as second class citizens, forcing certain religious ideologies on people’s lives, and allowing only economic policies and practices that they deem to be “Islamic”
3. A democratic free Syria, where all citizens are equal, where state and religion are separate, the country is at peace with its neighbors, with good relations with western countries and everyone else, and with an open free economy with equal opportunity for everyone and limited government involvement and interference.
I want Syria # 3. We need to dismantle the Syria #1 we have today and make sure we don’t allow Syria # 2 to replace it.
February 23rd, 2013, 7:46 am
Mina said:
The usual vampires on this board won’t like it
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/65359/World/Region/Political-settlement-prospects-for-Syria-expanding.aspx
February 23rd, 2013, 7:59 am
apple_mini said:
Be realistic. Is it fair to pin in Assad, his father, the dictatorship and Baath party for every problems the Syria had faced? Name one country in ME from 70s till 90s which was a model for prosper and democratic state.
From those arguments presented here, Syria would have been an Utopia without dictatorship.
So please show a little respect to history and do not throw in cheap judgement.
February 23rd, 2013, 8:12 am
Syrialover said:
MJABALI and SYRIAN HAMSTER
Economics and instability had slowed down cultural life in 19th century Syria, but it still flourished in its traditional forms, and there was a buzz of political and intellectual debate in the pre-Baathist years. That’s the picture I get from reading about it and speaking to my elders.
The dead cement started to block Syria’s air passages when a backward, brain dead dictatorial “government” started turning inward and drawing the blinds. Merit, quality, creativity and originality had nowhere to go in public in Syria any more.
Hafez Assad’s version of runnng a country included ramping up cenrorship (both what was locally produced and what was allowed in), tightening controls on academic and cultural institutions, rewriting official history to be force fed to students and civil servants, controlling news sources, monitoring and persecuting intellectuals and political thinkers – and so on. And keeping Syria poor and culturally deprived.
February 23rd, 2013, 8:23 am
Tara said:
Enough is enough
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/23/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html
“Enough is enough. The whole world is not doing anything,” Adib Shishakly, a member of the Syrian National Coalition, told CNN on Friday. “We are not going to any more conferences.”
In a statement released Friday, the coalition said it also would not accept upcoming invitations to meetings in Washington and Moscow.
//
Counterproductive move?
The news that the National Coalition was pulling out of the meeting came as a surprise to the United States where at least one senior U.S. official warned the move would be counterproductive.
The meeting will provide the opposition its first opportunity to meet with new U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The coalition did not notify the United States ahead of its decision, said the official, who was not authorized to release the information.
….
February 23rd, 2013, 8:24 am
SYRIAN HAMSTER said:
Well said HOPEFUL
#2 is the illegitimate child of #1? which itself an illegitimate child of totalitarianism.
#1 to be obliterated — working on that
#2 to be guarded against– more work needed
#3 to be built– It is being built with every demonstration, with every defection, every inclusive word, and every time a Syrian extends a hand to another syrian victim of the ugly, criminal, totalitarian #1 and to the innocent victims of #2’s attempts to force itself on Syria and Syrians
February 23rd, 2013, 8:25 am
Syrian Atheist Against Dictatorships said:
Thank goodness we have a German commenting here. Juergen, quick, please write to His Holiness Pope Benedict a letter in perfect German (I know he is a polyglot, but I think a letter coming from a fellow German in his own mother tongue will surely soften him up) and please intercede with him to perform his last and most perfectest act as Pope by conferring and confirming the sainthood of Hafez el mahfooz lil-abad fi qulub al-arab Yes, Saint Hafez he must become! The miracle required? Well, of course, he reduced the price of Bannanas to where a kilo of them was cheaper than a falafel roll and every bannana-deprived and crazed Syrian got his fill of Bannanas. If that ain’t miracle enough for the Vatican, I don’t know what is.
???? ??? ????? ??????? ???? “???? ???? ??????” ??? ??? ???? ????
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February 23rd, 2013, 8:26 am
Syrialover said:
Explanation behind current Syrian National Coalition stance against proposed talks. Also talks of announcing transitional government in the coming days.
Story: Syria opposition to boycott upcoming talks
Syrian National Coalition pulls out of Friends of Syria meeting in Rome over “shameful” international silence on Aleppo.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/02/201322218202590207.html
February 23rd, 2013, 8:35 am
Tara said:
What was Aboud’s plan again for Saint Hafiz Abou Batta?
I am less and less concerned with Batta now and more concerned and resentful to the fat boy in Lebanon, Nasrallah and his militia in Syria.
February 23rd, 2013, 8:37 am
Syrian Atheist Against Dictatorships said:
The Obama Adminstration will surely feel slighted by the snub delivered by the syrian national coalition and will announce an absolute definite stop to the arms deliveries that had never started or existed or were ever contemplated. Furthermore, the US government will appoint Toughy Gonzalez as its reposession contractor to go and bring back all the communication equipt. they gave the FSA. Should the S N Coalition persist in dissing the US, it shall be henceforth declared a terrorist organization!
Don’t anybody dare say the US don’t play fair!
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February 23rd, 2013, 9:01 am
majedkhaldoun said:
Extending Ibrahimi tenure for six months means US will not change its policy toward Syria for six more months.
I call on Ibrahimi to resign,his failure is due to Assad intransigence.
February 23rd, 2013, 9:02 am
Syrian said:
The Syrians plans for Hafez grave
http://youtu.be/_autEehkkmw
February 23rd, 2013, 10:29 am
AIG said:
Damascus Rose,
Thank you for your thoughtful and well-argued response. It reminds me of the good old days where at least we could have a decent discussion on this site. I almost missed your post in the barrage of nonsense that you find here now, so if you don’t get an answer from me in the future, please remind me with another comment. I will answer you in several posts to make the discussion simpler.
The regime supporters that post on this site are idiots. They run away from honest discussion, quote propaganda sites, post racist rants and cannot argue a point if their life depended on it. What else can you call them but idiots? Please convince some intelligent regime supporter you know to come and post here and I will not call him an idiot.
1) The “resistance” myth
Yes, you do understand that this whole “resistance” stance is a myth, but do all educated regime supporters? I don’t think so. Cammile Otrakji, who used to “own” this site, does not think so. I still read plenty of educated Syrians and Arabs that talk about “resistance” and “Israeli hegemony” and how Assad is the only one standing up to the West. Just read the leftists papers in Lebanon who have been arguing that Assad should be supported because of these facts. And please show me ONE significant Syrian politician on either side that is willing to say in public that hosting Hamas was an Assad mistake. You won’t find one because there is still muddled thinking even in the educated classes about “resistance”.
I think I detect some of it in your post also. It is not that you are against “resistance” in principle; it is that you don’t think Assad is able to deliver. This point is crucial because unless Syrians come to the conclusion that the only way to reach Arab-Israeli peace is through negotiations, not violence, Syria will not be able to develop. As I have been saying on this blog for years, you can have “resistance” or you can have economic development, but you cannot have them both at the same time.
February 23rd, 2013, 10:57 am
Ziad said:
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February 23rd, 2013, 11:02 am
revenire said:
February 23rd, 2013, 11:04 am
Juergen said:
Syrian Atheist Against Dictatorships
I think you may like this one.
This is Germanys best politcal comedian Gerhard Polt.
February 23rd, 2013, 11:11 am
zoo said:
In Cairo, Qatar and Turkey have advised the opposition, as a last chance, to ignore the West and rely exclusively o them to achieve the first step to full “victory”. The promise is : We will help you rule on North Syria.
The opposition has no plan. After millions of dollars spent in traveling and conferences, they have not been able to convince anybody inside or outside Syria that they are a force to reckon with.
Now they accuse their bankers and supporters of not giving enough money and weapons to solidify them, while after two years they have nothing to say other than repeating ‘every five minutes’ that Bashar al Assad has to go.
So Qatar and Turkey advised them to bypass the useless Western countries. Instead, they promised the opposition that they will support them in creating a ‘mini government’ in the ‘liberated areas’. Qatar promised it will fund it and Turkey will host it on Turkish territory until it settles in Syria.
This aims of this plan are many:
– Protect Turkey from the repeat of terrorist attacks on its territory
– Force the West to think again about the long-waited no-fly zone
– Allow massive humanitarian help in the North that will boost the opposition credibility.
– Allow the costly refugees to go back home
– Channel the deliveries of salaries and weapons to the FSA
– Create the embryo of a ‘government in exile’ that may expand to rule the whole country.
– Show that the opposition is powerful
That seems to be ideal on paper, but it faces a major hurdle: The opposition has a very limited leverage on the military componenst presently in North Syria. The Al Nusra and the dozens of militias, Islamists or secular won’t be able to unite and accept to be managed by ‘expats’.
With this in mind, it seems that such an ambitious plan has almost no chance to succeed.
Sooner or later the opposition will have to turn again toward the international community for help
February 23rd, 2013, 11:12 am
ghufran said:
“unless Syrians come to the conclusion that the only way to reach Arab-Israeli peace is through negotiations, not violence, Syria will not be able to develop. As I have been saying on this blog for years, you can have “resistance” or you can have economic development, but you cannot have them both at the same time”
This is pure zionist garbage, Israel was established by terrorists and illegal immigrants who stole land they do not own, this is still true today, negotiations are fruiltless when the other side is much more powerful and you are weak and divided, Israel is unable and unwilling to deliver justice to the palestinians and other Arabs who suffered from its brutality and oppression because “they do not have to”, Israel took the Golan in 1967 and announced it as part of Israel and now wants to look for oil in that part of Syria, Israelis love this “revolution” for the reasons I explained in a previous post, every time you speak the truth about Israel you are called an idiot and anti semite, the truth is bitter,my friends !!
February 23rd, 2013, 11:16 am
AIG said:
Damascus Rose,
2 . “The funny thing is that the Syrian Army is now using the same tactics used by the Israeli Army against the Palestinians (collective punishment and disproportionate force). I’m sure you’re not proud to export such ideals and values?!”
Really, is the Israeli army using the same tactics? Yes, the Israeli army kills innocent people by mistake just as any modern army does. But it goes to great depth to try to acquire pin-point intelligence and to try to target only militants. It does not carpet bomb cities nor fire scuds or other inaccurate weapons at civilians. So while the Israeli army is far from perfect I am very proud of the effort we make to spare civilians. And there is one additional major difference that many Syrians fail to acknowledge. The IDF is fighting Israel’s enemies, not its own people.
3)”The same can be said about Israel though, why hasn’t Israel, with all its superior military might, not destroy HA once and for all, they can do it anytime but why haven’t they?”
Israel’s aim is not to destroy Hezbollah or kill many of the Shia of Lebanon which in fact what it would take. If that were our aim we would not have left Lebanon completely in 2000. Our aim is to have a quiet border, and while we have one, why should we do anything in Lebanon except gather intelligence? Hezbollah’s aim is to destroy Israel. There is just no symmetry. While there is peace and quiet, we are winning. In fact, Hezbollah hardly even mentions the Sheba Farms any more.
February 23rd, 2013, 11:16 am
AIG said:
Ghufran,
Yo are right, the truth is bitter. It is just a fact, you cannot have “resistance” and economic development at the same time. The faster you accept it, the better Syria will be. Please, make a reasoned argument how you can have both at the same time. Give it a try.
Yes, Israel “loves” it when the Assads keep Syria technologically backwards and an economic basket case. Every bad thing that happens to Syria Israel “loves”. But at some point you have to come to realize that 99% of your problems are not related to Israel and that the best way to fight Israel is to build a strong economy and a strong technological base. And you just can’t do that without learning from and trading with the West. Even for China this is crucial. So take a few years rest with the “resistance”, build your country and then take on Israel. Isn’t that a much better strategy?
February 23rd, 2013, 11:23 am
AIG said:
Damscus Rose,
Why am I on this site? I have been on this site for about 7 years because I enjoy a good give and take and am curious about Syria and the way its people think. I am not on this site because of the revolution or the Palestinians. I am not here to preach or claim any superiority. Nobody is telling you to learn anything form Israel. And yes, Israel’s human rights record is not perfect and we have much to improve.
And again, I just cannot see the equivalence between fighting one’s stated enemies and fighting one’s people. You really need to be an idiot to accept that your country should level major cities like Homs or Aleppo and support any government that did so. Maybe I am wrong, but is there any reasonable argument why a government should kill its own people and level its own cities? Seriously, I am really curious to read how some of the regime supporters in your family argue that this is the right thing to do not just from a moral point of view but even a realist one.
February 23rd, 2013, 11:39 am
majedkhaldoun said:
I listened to Mr. Umran
He denied facts, Iran is sending troops and weapons to Assad, I showed it in the video I posted before.and the evidences are abundant.
He keeps on saying he will negotiate but with those who lay down their weapons, it is his boss the grand Shabbih who refused to stop violence.
Russia is supplying jets and missiles to Assad,and that is what Assad is using against Syrians,who fight with simple guns and rpg.
He talked about patriotism, is it patriotic to kill 150000 Syrian,or to destroy cities and town, is it patriotic to have 160000 syrian in jail,to rape women to kill children.
Mr. Umran is just like his syrian media,they lie and deny that they are lying,
to negotiate with an idiot ,it will take another idiot like him.
February 23rd, 2013, 12:11 pm
Hopeful said:
# 677 Apple_mini
The only country in the region that was worst than Syria in terms of brutality and suppression of freedom was Iraq and maybe Libya. Syria under Bashar was better than under his father, but not much better. But now that he mishandled the crisis so badly, he will go down in history as one of the worst leaders in modern history, having destroyed half of the country, killed thousands, and forced millions into exile.
And his supporters? Many will one day wake up and come to the realization that they were on the wrong side of history, like the Nazis and the Serbian nationalists, but some will never see the light.
February 23rd, 2013, 12:40 pm
zoo said:
Walid Al Bunni, the hawk of the Coalition
http://english.al-akhbar.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/5cols/leading_images/Feb23_Syria.jpg
February 23rd, 2013, 12:53 pm
Hopeful said:
#694 AIG
You are forgetting one important fact: Dictators do NOT want their countries to develop economically, because middle class citizens will soon rise up and demand political freedom. So with the “resistance” rhetoric, you kill two birds with one stone: keep your people busy running after their daily meals, and give them a fake sense of pride for belonging to the great “resistance”. The Syria and Iranian regimes are masters at this game, so was Saddam.
What is shocking to me is that many Syrians living in the West fell for this crap, unlike the Iranians living in the west, who know it is all crap.
February 23rd, 2013, 12:58 pm
zoo said:
The consumption of tear gas is skyrocketing in Egypt
Egypt ordered $2.55m in US-made teargas: memo
http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/egypt-ordered-255m-us-made-teargas-memo
Egypt ordered 140,000 unlabeled teargas canisters worth $2.55 million from the United States this January, Egypt’s al-Masry al-Youm revealed Friday.
A 30 January letter from the Interior Ministry to the Defense Ministry, leaked by the newspaper, said a US company had been contracted to import 70,000 gas bombs and 70,000 long range gas projectiles.
The order came at the start of a week of mass protests against President Mohammed Murisi and police brutality.
It cited a “growing need for gas bombs to deal with rioters,” and urged the Defense Ministry to facilitate the shipment by taking the goods on board a military jet from the US to Egypt.
The US has seemingly tried to escape scrutiny by having Egypt remove the company’s name and country of origin from the canisters, another memo showed.
February 23rd, 2013, 1:00 pm
AIG said:
HOPEFUL,
You are of course right. I can only report that for years educated Syrians were arguing with me on this blog that:
1) Assad was providing adequate economic development
2) That Syria could follow the Chinese model and that would work for it.
3) Assad was fighting “Israeli Hegemony” and worth supporting.
4) Assad plans to reform democratically and just needs another 7-10 more years.
There were also brave souls here like Ehsani who constantly highlighted the economic problems of Syria. And of course, Off The Wall, that changed his views once he saw how Assad reacted to the peaceful demonstrations.
February 23rd, 2013, 1:06 pm
Wim said:
Annie,
The story of the bananas is nice. But I think it is wrong to accuse Assad of the closing of Syria’s mind. You can only have freedom when it is not abused: just look how much freedom the US has lost due to 9/11. Assad came to power in a climate where political freedom was an excuse for freedom to scheme your own coup. And things became even worse when the Muslim Brotherhood saw intellectual freedom as an opportunity to launch a religious war.
That is why you need a negotiated solution where you make very detailed agreements on what is acceptable behavior and what not. To see how it can go wrong you may look to Tunisia where a climate where Salafist gangs were free to impose their vision with violence has escalated towards a climate where political murder becomes normal.
February 23rd, 2013, 1:31 pm
Citizen said:
http://youtu.be/34wgyBarQRE?t=1m58s
February 23rd, 2013, 1:44 pm
Citizen said:
“Syria – the challenges of global diplomacy”
http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnarochnitskaia.ru%2Fevropeyskiy-institut-demokratii-i-sotrudnichestva%2Fkollokvium-siriya-vyizov-mirovoy-
February 23rd, 2013, 2:04 pm
Tara said:
Battle for Syria’s Aleppo airport intensifies
Associated Press
http://news.yahoo.com/battle-syrias-aleppo-airport-intensifies-131106416.html
BEIRUT (AP) — The battle for Syria’s second-largest airport intensified on Saturday as government troops tried to reverse recent strategic gains the rebels have made in the northeast in their quest to topple President Bashar Assad.
Rami Abdul-Rahman, director of the Britain-based activist group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the current fighting was focused on a section of a highway linking the airport with Aleppo, the commercial hub of the nation.
The rebels have cut off the highway, which the army has been using to transport troops and supplies to a military base within the airport complex. Rebels have made other advances in the battle for the complex in recent weeks, including capturing two army bases along the road to the airport.
February 23rd, 2013, 2:12 pm
Aldendeshe said:
There are idiots in this world that believe in Al Qaida, Al Nusra and Al Santa Clause.
February 23rd, 2013, 2:37 pm
Citizen said:
@ammarman
http://youtu.be/4POG-7kTO_s?t=2m44s
February 23rd, 2013, 2:52 pm
Syrian said:
?????? ??????? ?? ????? ?????? ????????? ???????? ?? ????? ?????? ?????? ??????? (??????) ?? ??? ??? ????? ???? ?????? ???? ?????? ?????? ??????
The brave Lebanese young men in Al-Masna’a bordering area with Syria are forcing the diesel tanks to return back, preventing Hezbollat from supporting the criminal killer regime
http://youtu.be/sd9W2c68Bi0
http://youtu.be/sd9W2c68Bi0
February 23rd, 2013, 2:57 pm
Citizen said:
http://youtu.be/RsRl4F5BHZI?t=1m35s
February 23rd, 2013, 2:59 pm
Citizen said:
U.S. President Barack Obama announced to send 100 U.S. military personnel in Nigeria to help the French in the fight against Malian …
February 23rd, 2013, 3:07 pm
revenire said:
Tara’s been going on and on about the airport in Aleppo for six months. Each week it is going to fall. LOL
February 23rd, 2013, 3:23 pm
omen said:
we’ve gotten used to the world’s indifference & apathy, but still,
can you imagine broadcast tv news ignoring scuds hitting israel or the u.s.? where is obama? still playing golf?
bbc radio podcast
3 Feb 13: Syrian Talks Boycott
Sat, 23 Feb 13
Syrian opposition anger
@ 1:23
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/worldservice/globalnews/globalnews_20130223-1634a.mp3
February 23rd, 2013, 3:28 pm
Citizen said:
Irony: the West is fearful of chemical weapons falling into the hands of Islamist militants in Syria yet it supports the FSA and the SNC.
There is an assumption in the West that Syrian refugees are opponents of the Syrian government. But it is just that – an assumption.
After Syria, where next for the Western media circus??? That is the question. Coming to a town and city near you. But where???
It never ceases to amaze me how Western politicians and journalists have, over night, become ‘experts’ on Syria.
Prime Minister Erdogan is playing a very dangerous game…both for Turkey and the neighbouring region.
@DrMarcusP
February 23rd, 2013, 3:34 pm
Visitor said:
Defection of more than 75 in 3Adra, (????) among them high ranking officers. Just now!
February 23rd, 2013, 3:35 pm
omen said:
visitor, i hope you are right but we never got confirmation from the last batch of defections.
February 23rd, 2013, 3:40 pm
Syrian said:
@711
Your militia leaders has stopped talking about talking back Aleppo altogether.!!
February 23rd, 2013, 3:43 pm
revenire said:
So many volunteers we can’t get them trained fast enough.
February 23rd, 2013, 3:45 pm
revenire said:
One missile did this. Just one. Imagine if the president took my advice and launched 1000s of them on the rats. PS Where was the FSA Air Force and Capt. Omen? 🙂
February 23rd, 2013, 3:48 pm
Visitor said:
In a recent comment, I compared President O.’s foreign policy to the isolationist policies of President Wilson after WWI.
That comparison does not capture the true picture. I believe we have a case of the disproven policy of appeasement – disproven at the cost of millions upon millions killed when a more resolute policy would have averted the losses had it been undertaken. A more appropriate picture than Wilson’s policy describing Obama’s would be Chamberlain’s policy on the eve of WWII. We have a President with no foregn policy experience supported by novices in the field.
This story is based on revelation made by high ranking Western diplomat who has long been involved in the so-called nuke negotiations with Mullah-stan. The first fruits of O’s recent appointments to the State and Defense portfolios is the increase of Uranium enrichement to 20% by Mullah-stan,
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/23/267928.html
February 23rd, 2013, 3:49 pm
Syrian said:
@rev.
So now the Shabihas are wearing uniforms, looks like Rami Makhlof can not afford to pay them 2000sp a day. Now they can die as combatants and not as “civilians”
BTY the Assad’s regime has only about 200 long-range Scuds, he already used about 40.
I can bet that have of the rest don’t even work,they have not killed one FSA member yet, all he is doing by using them is sending more recruits to the FSA.
February 23rd, 2013, 4:00 pm
AIG said:
Damascus Rose,
Just in