The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
- iran is on verge of resuming oil supplies to EU
- iran has placed big airbus and ATR orders
- Money Talks: France's Peugeot Returns to Iranian Market by Paying $427Mln Euros in Compensation
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/#ixzz3zaxg9xax
- iran has placed big airbus and ATR orders
- Money Talks: France's Peugeot Returns to Iranian Market by Paying $427Mln Euros in Compensation
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/#ixzz3zaxg9xax
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Russians clearly gearing up for the possibility of Turkish invasion into Syria which would likely be done in concert with Azeri attack on Armenia and new Ukrainian offensive against Donbass. Putin would surely rather deter Turkey\Azerbaijan\NATO\Ukraine from attacking at all - not sure Russia can handle all these opponents at one time.
http://news.yahoo.com/russian-troops-pu ... 01073.html
http://news.yahoo.com/russian-troops-pu ... 01073.html
MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin has scrambled thousands of troops and hundreds of warplanes across southwestern Russia for large-scale military drills intended to test the troops' readiness amid continuing tensions with the West.
...includes troops stationed in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula that Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as well as forces in the North Caucasus and southwestern regions near the border with Ukraine.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
^^ If such a thing even happen the entire financial market will start collapsing , just the news of NATO verus Russian confrontation is dreadful enough
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov: the US government must understand that the political diktat in relations with Russia is useless
http://tass.ru/politika/2646469
http://tass.ru/politika/2646469
- Ahead of presidential elections in the United States. Can the rise to power of a candidate lead to a change in Washington's foreign policy? Do Russia's expectations of improvement or, on the other hand, the deterioration of bilateral relations, depending on the election results?
- No matter who is at the helm in Washington (this also applies to the current administration), the only key to improve relations with us is the US refusal from attempts to act against the interests of Russia, showing no willingness to follow the basic principles of equality, respect for sovereignty and sovereign equality of States, ignoring the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, on the other hand, interfering in Russia's internal affairs often the most challenging way, and generally behaving as if the United States - a separate socio-political category that "birthright" has more rights than other members of the international community.
I do not think any of the candidates for US president is ready to abandon the concept of American exceptionalism. We know that this ideology permeated American society, especially the elite, that is, those layers, where the nominated candidates for the highest executive office in the United States.
Any sudden change for the better after the elections in the US I do not expect to force the American mentality. But, ultimately, perhaps, there is a chance that those who will replace the current administration will be able to make obvious for us to conclude that the language of political diktat or sanctions to pressure Russia to say futile and useless. Under pressure from Russia is growing. The foreign policy of our country is active, in my estimation, is attractive. Many in the world are following with interest the current foreign policy of Moscow.
Even without giving up their "innate" ideology of American exceptionalism, politicians who stand in the United States after the upcoming chapter in November elections, probably, can adjust the current course and to try, in their own interest, to look for common ground with Russia. In the world there are many problems that can not be solved alone. Only collective efforts, the search for compromise and balance of interests can bring positive results.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
the march to minas tirith continues...they could have been offloaded at northern tip of red sea ... jordan has a coast there or driven across the border of KSA via city of Tabuk
long convoy of saudi 4x4 MRAPs being trucked up videoed on a highway in jordan!
long convoy of saudi 4x4 MRAPs being trucked up videoed on a highway in jordan!
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
so KSA is on the march and its army of mercenaries not far behind and will be flown in to man the equipment.
question is which theater will they enter the fight in?
will they work with assad and the russians?
the bahraini price who visited moscow this week is making soothing noises of working together but could be maskirovka.
question is which theater will they enter the fight in?
will they work with assad and the russians?
the bahraini price who visited moscow this week is making soothing noises of working together but could be maskirovka.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Saud ... ria-444299
WASHINGTON - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Monday held out the possibility of sending Saudi special forces into Syria as part of a US-led coalition against the Islamic State.
"There is a discussion with regard to a ground force contingent, or a special forces contingent, to operate in Syria by this international US-led coalition against ISIS and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed its readiness to provide special forces to such operations should they occur," he said.
Al-Jubeir spoke to reporters after he met for the second day in a row with US Secretary of State John Kerry. Their talks focused on conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Al-Jubeir declined to say how many troops Saudi Arabia might be prepared to send.
WASHINGTON - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Monday held out the possibility of sending Saudi special forces into Syria as part of a US-led coalition against the Islamic State.
"There is a discussion with regard to a ground force contingent, or a special forces contingent, to operate in Syria by this international US-led coalition against ISIS and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed its readiness to provide special forces to such operations should they occur," he said.
Al-Jubeir spoke to reporters after he met for the second day in a row with US Secretary of State John Kerry. Their talks focused on conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Al-Jubeir declined to say how many troops Saudi Arabia might be prepared to send.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
^ this is the takeover play for the SDF. the kurds are anyway not keen on moving south so american, saudi, UAE units would guide the SDF in their attack on manbij and raqqa.
at the price of demanding a sunni state later ofcourse.
iran will have to deploy heavily if it does not want to lose control .... they will need to put in people and get cracking in east aleppo and attempt to take raqqa or atleast a berlin like situation with US and russia arriving from opp ends and sharing the spoils into zones.
at the price of demanding a sunni state later ofcourse.
iran will have to deploy heavily if it does not want to lose control .... they will need to put in people and get cracking in east aleppo and attempt to take raqqa or atleast a berlin like situation with US and russia arriving from opp ends and sharing the spoils into zones.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
a few special forces, and a few hundred troops from here and there are not going to make a difference in Syria. Some time before May this year, they will be surrounded by Syrian troops and Kurds and then they will be like sitting in a hotel and peeping out of the window.
they were not invited by the host country in the first place, what are they going to do ? they will peep out of the window ocassionaly and then there will be an airlift.
they were not invited by the host country in the first place, what are they going to do ? they will peep out of the window ocassionaly and then there will be an airlift.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
well the more populous arab tribes could be bribed to "look east" rather than to damascus for leadership and their future. rich rewards would be promised as a pipeline conduit from the gulf to turkey and beyond.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
I am not sure how capable are Saudi Special Forces , Looking at the way Saudi fight in Yemen it does not inspire confidence.
Compared to yemen though in Syria the SAA , Kurds and Hezb are much better armed with Russian Air Power to back.
I suspect what is happening here is Saudi and Sunni Umma would try to grab the land and wont let Assad take over the entire country, its now a case of how much land you own is the one you rule.
Screw the Sovereignty or UN
Compared to yemen though in Syria the SAA , Kurds and Hezb are much better armed with Russian Air Power to back.
I suspect what is happening here is Saudi and Sunni Umma would try to grab the land and wont let Assad take over the entire country, its now a case of how much land you own is the one you rule.
Screw the Sovereignty or UN
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Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
So essentially Saudi special forces = Vadra?
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
I suspect what is happening here is Saudi and Sunni Umma would try to grab the land and wont let Assad take over the entire country, its now a case of how much land you own is the one you rule.
^^exactly. and a narrative of sieges by govt forces, starvation and torture is already being built up using the ngo circuit and the UN. saudis will protect their sunni brothers from shia and alawite oppression under UN auspices.
the timeline just got compressed. the regime does not have a unlimited time horizon now to accomplish anything. they have to accept more risks and push harder now and I think iran will have to retaliate by inducting 10 for every 1 saudi to build up and force a breakout from east aleppo 'tiger force' area and palmyra. I dont think lebanon and syria have any manpower for this.
^^exactly. and a narrative of sieges by govt forces, starvation and torture is already being built up using the ngo circuit and the UN. saudis will protect their sunni brothers from shia and alawite oppression under UN auspices.
the timeline just got compressed. the regime does not have a unlimited time horizon now to accomplish anything. they have to accept more risks and push harder now and I think iran will have to retaliate by inducting 10 for every 1 saudi to build up and force a breakout from east aleppo 'tiger force' area and palmyra. I dont think lebanon and syria have any manpower for this.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
found on a forum. they seem more similar to yazidis, druze and assyrian christians than the mainstream shia.
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthre ... ir-beliefs
Theologically, Alawites today claim to be Twelver Shiites, but traditionally they have been designated as “extremists – ghulat” and outside the bounds of Islam by the Muslim mainstream for their deification of Ali ibn Abi Talib or Ali. Only one holy book of the Alawites, Kitab al Majmu`, has been translated into French and printed. This was done in Beirut in the mid-nineteenth century by an Alawite convert to Christianity, who was later killed by a fellow Alawite for his disloyalty. The Alawite religion has many similarities to Isma’ilism. Like Ismaili Shi`as, Alawis believe in a system of divine incarnation as well as an esoteric reading of the Qur'an. Unlike Ismailis, Alawis regard Ali as the incarnation of the deity in the divine triad. As such, Ali is the "Meaning;" Muhammad, whom Ali created of his own light, is the "Name;" and Salman the Persian is the "Gate." Alawi catechism is expressed in the formula: "I turn to the Gate; I bow before the Name; I adore the Meaning." An Alawi prays in a manner patterned after the shahada: "I testify that there is no God but Ali." But he also must declare that he is a Muslim. Alawites believe that they are the true and best Muslims.
The Alawite religion is secret and Alawites do not accept converts or the publication of their sacred texts. The vast majority of Alawites know precious little about the contents of their sacred texts or theology which is jealously guarded by a small class of male initiates. At the age of 15 or 16 all Alawite men are given a few hours of initiation classes, but from then on, it is up to them to decide whether they want to become students of the religion, attach themselves to a Shaykh, and begin the lengthy initiation process and course of study in the religion.
Because only one book has been translated, outsiders know little about Alawite theology and much nonsense is repeated on web pages. Hanna Batatu’s last book has a short but reliable section on Alawite doctrine, theology and recent debates within the community. Many leading Shaykhs today reject much of the tradition laid out in the Kitab al-Majmu`. How sincere is this rejection of bida` or innovation? There is no way to tell, but it has a long tradition within the community. The French tried to pressure leading Alawite Shaykhs to declare the Alawite religion a separate, non-Muslim religion during the early 1920s but they lost their battle because many religious leaders refused to do so. After all, Alawites declare themselves to be Muslims in their catechism and believe that Muhammad is God’s messenger.
The Alawite religion seems to be based on Gnosticism and Neo-Platonism. According to Alawi belief, all persons at first were stars in the world of light but fell from the firmament through disobedience. The material world is a place of danger, enemies and impurity. The essential evil of this present existence can be escaped by the help of the divine creator. Every Alawite has within his soul a bit of the light of the divine creator, which can be accessed and lead him on the right path and salvation. Faithful Alawis believe they must be transformed or reborn seven times before returning to take a place among the stars, where Ali is the prince. If blameworthy, they are sometimes reborn as Christians or Jews, among whom they remain until atonement is complete. Infidels are reborn as animals.
Because of the highly syncretistic nature of the religion, scholars have claimed that Alawism is related to Christianity because they have a trinity, drink wine as a possible form of communion, and recognize Christmas. Various sources claim that their rites include remnants of Phoenician sacrificial rituals.
Although Alawites recognize the five pillars of Islam, they consider them symbolic duties and few perform them. Hafiz al-Assad’s efforts to bring his people into the main-stream of Islam included building mosques in major Alawite towns. Reforming clerics have encouraged fellow Alawites to pray regularly and perform the basic tenets of mainstream Islam. Bashar has followed his father’s lead in pushing his community to shed their idiosyncratic rituals and theology. Alawite shaykhs are encouraged to deny the divinity of Ali and proclaim themselves Twelvers.
--
i think in the 1930s they sent envoys to azhar and najaf to learn Sunni and shia fiqh and started to build mosques, before that they didn't have any mosques and used demolish those built in there regions by mukluks and ottomans, the sect seems to have gone through some form of reformation.
--
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthre ... ir-beliefs
Theologically, Alawites today claim to be Twelver Shiites, but traditionally they have been designated as “extremists – ghulat” and outside the bounds of Islam by the Muslim mainstream for their deification of Ali ibn Abi Talib or Ali. Only one holy book of the Alawites, Kitab al Majmu`, has been translated into French and printed. This was done in Beirut in the mid-nineteenth century by an Alawite convert to Christianity, who was later killed by a fellow Alawite for his disloyalty. The Alawite religion has many similarities to Isma’ilism. Like Ismaili Shi`as, Alawis believe in a system of divine incarnation as well as an esoteric reading of the Qur'an. Unlike Ismailis, Alawis regard Ali as the incarnation of the deity in the divine triad. As such, Ali is the "Meaning;" Muhammad, whom Ali created of his own light, is the "Name;" and Salman the Persian is the "Gate." Alawi catechism is expressed in the formula: "I turn to the Gate; I bow before the Name; I adore the Meaning." An Alawi prays in a manner patterned after the shahada: "I testify that there is no God but Ali." But he also must declare that he is a Muslim. Alawites believe that they are the true and best Muslims.
The Alawite religion is secret and Alawites do not accept converts or the publication of their sacred texts. The vast majority of Alawites know precious little about the contents of their sacred texts or theology which is jealously guarded by a small class of male initiates. At the age of 15 or 16 all Alawite men are given a few hours of initiation classes, but from then on, it is up to them to decide whether they want to become students of the religion, attach themselves to a Shaykh, and begin the lengthy initiation process and course of study in the religion.
Because only one book has been translated, outsiders know little about Alawite theology and much nonsense is repeated on web pages. Hanna Batatu’s last book has a short but reliable section on Alawite doctrine, theology and recent debates within the community. Many leading Shaykhs today reject much of the tradition laid out in the Kitab al-Majmu`. How sincere is this rejection of bida` or innovation? There is no way to tell, but it has a long tradition within the community. The French tried to pressure leading Alawite Shaykhs to declare the Alawite religion a separate, non-Muslim religion during the early 1920s but they lost their battle because many religious leaders refused to do so. After all, Alawites declare themselves to be Muslims in their catechism and believe that Muhammad is God’s messenger.
The Alawite religion seems to be based on Gnosticism and Neo-Platonism. According to Alawi belief, all persons at first were stars in the world of light but fell from the firmament through disobedience. The material world is a place of danger, enemies and impurity. The essential evil of this present existence can be escaped by the help of the divine creator. Every Alawite has within his soul a bit of the light of the divine creator, which can be accessed and lead him on the right path and salvation. Faithful Alawis believe they must be transformed or reborn seven times before returning to take a place among the stars, where Ali is the prince. If blameworthy, they are sometimes reborn as Christians or Jews, among whom they remain until atonement is complete. Infidels are reborn as animals.
Because of the highly syncretistic nature of the religion, scholars have claimed that Alawism is related to Christianity because they have a trinity, drink wine as a possible form of communion, and recognize Christmas. Various sources claim that their rites include remnants of Phoenician sacrificial rituals.
Although Alawites recognize the five pillars of Islam, they consider them symbolic duties and few perform them. Hafiz al-Assad’s efforts to bring his people into the main-stream of Islam included building mosques in major Alawite towns. Reforming clerics have encouraged fellow Alawites to pray regularly and perform the basic tenets of mainstream Islam. Bashar has followed his father’s lead in pushing his community to shed their idiosyncratic rituals and theology. Alawite shaykhs are encouraged to deny the divinity of Ali and proclaim themselves Twelvers.
--
i think in the 1930s they sent envoys to azhar and najaf to learn Sunni and shia fiqh and started to build mosques, before that they didn't have any mosques and used demolish those built in there regions by mukluks and ottomans, the sect seems to have gone through some form of reformation.
--
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Tx Singha,that was very illuminating.Echoes of X'ianity and our very own Trimurti.
The financial mess has hit the fan.Asian stocks tumbling and fears about a global recession haunting bourses.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/
Stock market panic spreads to Asia as screens flash red
Fears over new financial crisis come back to haunt global markets as trading turmoil hits
For the Saudis,a double-whammy.They have invested heavily in various stocks /cos worldwide.They now have the cute pain of both collapsing oil prices as well as collapsing markets and share value. They'll have to exchange their solid gold taps,etc. to get by! For those with deep pockets,no time like now to pick up easy bargains.
They have probably worked out with the Yanquis a plan to grab hold of as much territory as poss. before the Russians and Assad send ISIS into oblivion.This territory they will call the state of "Free Syria",or some other nomenclature,and tand get it UN recognition just as the Palestinians have got recognition from the UN. This will be the future launch pad for US/NATO/Wahaabi forces in the future once Putin takes his eyes off the Syrian issue.Stirring up major trouble in his backyard the best way forward to restrain him from pushing the boundaries of Russian influence into the heart of the MEast,something which the Yanquis took for granted.
The financial mess has hit the fan.Asian stocks tumbling and fears about a global recession haunting bourses.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/
Stock market panic spreads to Asia as screens flash red
Fears over new financial crisis come back to haunt global markets as trading turmoil hits
For the Saudis,a double-whammy.They have invested heavily in various stocks /cos worldwide.They now have the cute pain of both collapsing oil prices as well as collapsing markets and share value. They'll have to exchange their solid gold taps,etc. to get by! For those with deep pockets,no time like now to pick up easy bargains.
They have probably worked out with the Yanquis a plan to grab hold of as much territory as poss. before the Russians and Assad send ISIS into oblivion.This territory they will call the state of "Free Syria",or some other nomenclature,and tand get it UN recognition just as the Palestinians have got recognition from the UN. This will be the future launch pad for US/NATO/Wahaabi forces in the future once Putin takes his eyes off the Syrian issue.Stirring up major trouble in his backyard the best way forward to restrain him from pushing the boundaries of Russian influence into the heart of the MEast,something which the Yanquis took for granted.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
the alawites (followers of Ali) pretend to be muslims, but in reality may be gnostics. they nominally converted to Islam to avoid harassment by mamluks, ottoman and sundry medieval nuisance.
about this Saudi hiking up their frocks for deployment in Syria for 'Sunni stan' in desert .. this Raqqa is a big empty desert and a name not even long time residents of Syria had heard of until the war broke out and a terrorist organization claimed it to be their hq. To put a couple dozen tanks/trucks/APC with a couple of hundred 'special forces' in what is a vast empty desert quarter seems symbolic but actually on ground it is meaningless.
So I think all this Saudi mobilization is something else. Maybe they are doing a military exercise with Jordan.
about this Saudi hiking up their frocks for deployment in Syria for 'Sunni stan' in desert .. this Raqqa is a big empty desert and a name not even long time residents of Syria had heard of until the war broke out and a terrorist organization claimed it to be their hq. To put a couple dozen tanks/trucks/APC with a couple of hundred 'special forces' in what is a vast empty desert quarter seems symbolic but actually on ground it is meaningless.
So I think all this Saudi mobilization is something else. Maybe they are doing a military exercise with Jordan.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
THE SYRIA WAR WILL NOT BE A QUAGMIRE -- BECAUSE PUTIN AND ASSAD ARE WINNING
by Alastair Crooke, Fmr. MI-6 agent
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alastair- ... 69998.html
by Alastair Crooke, Fmr. MI-6 agent
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alastair- ... 69998.html
Peoples who undergo the kind of trauma to which Syrians have been subjected either emerge as a psychologically defeated nation or they are strengthened by the crisis through which they have passed. I am quite sure from my visits to Syria through this crisis that its people will emerge stronger. Steel has entered into the Syrian soul.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
I am bit mango confused. Every report says this city or that city. What they really mean by City? We never heard any other name except Damascus till now. Are they simply branding large villages ( by Indian standards) as cities?
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
cluster of homes = villages; large villages = towns; jisr-al-shughour, salma and such places are like large villages or towns.
every few miles there is such a cluster of houses .. this is a big deal because of the low 'effective' military manpower available to regime.
so they take up one village and one such town at a time.
homs is name of a province and also name of a city (province hq)
damascus is name of a province and also name of a city (country capital+ province hq)
likewise for hama
likewise for raqqa
every few miles there is such a cluster of houses .. this is a big deal because of the low 'effective' military manpower available to regime.
so they take up one village and one such town at a time.
homs is name of a province and also name of a city (province hq)
damascus is name of a province and also name of a city (country capital+ province hq)
likewise for hama
likewise for raqqa
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
I don't see these Saudi Forces or other Gulf forces being interested in combat in the Syrian theater. They are not taking part in the air raids against ISIS when they have been part of the Coalition for more than a year. More likely it is an excuse to have physical presence in Syria if the US backs them.
I suspect these troops are there to justify Saudi presence and infiltration of Wahabi players to rally the Sunni brotherhood agenda and cut Syria in to two (at least). The Western half may remain with Assad and a Sunni state from Turkey to Jordan and Iraq on the eastern side is what they are playing at. Ideally, parts of Western Iraq would also be part of this state (read ISIS territory).This appears to be their wish and with every passing day the extent of this imaginary state reduces.
For the effort the Sunni Arab states have put in and the money invested presently they are coming off from Syria literally empty handed. This offer of Special Forces boots on ground is their desperate roll of dice. Saudis in Kurdish territory will not be allowed by YPG.
This leaves only one way for Saudis to get boots in Syria - through Jordan. The Southern border is also the place where SAA+ has minimal presence. I suspect that just like the movement north towards Turkey by SAA+ has rattled war sabers in Turkey, the action on the Jordan front by SAA has got the Saudi goat and these noises from them are just like those from Turkey. In a situation where a far more capable Turkey is being tentative, I do not see how the Saudis will be overtly aggressive.
My secret but hope (wishful horse with wings) is that in all this muddle Pukis (yes our western neighbour) take a committed position either towards the Saudis or towards the Iranians. Phir mazaa ayega and with popcorn and beer I will watch the Ummah birathers tighten the screws on Pukis.
I suspect these troops are there to justify Saudi presence and infiltration of Wahabi players to rally the Sunni brotherhood agenda and cut Syria in to two (at least). The Western half may remain with Assad and a Sunni state from Turkey to Jordan and Iraq on the eastern side is what they are playing at. Ideally, parts of Western Iraq would also be part of this state (read ISIS territory).This appears to be their wish and with every passing day the extent of this imaginary state reduces.
For the effort the Sunni Arab states have put in and the money invested presently they are coming off from Syria literally empty handed. This offer of Special Forces boots on ground is their desperate roll of dice. Saudis in Kurdish territory will not be allowed by YPG.
This leaves only one way for Saudis to get boots in Syria - through Jordan. The Southern border is also the place where SAA+ has minimal presence. I suspect that just like the movement north towards Turkey by SAA+ has rattled war sabers in Turkey, the action on the Jordan front by SAA has got the Saudi goat and these noises from them are just like those from Turkey. In a situation where a far more capable Turkey is being tentative, I do not see how the Saudis will be overtly aggressive.
My secret but hope (wishful horse with wings) is that in all this muddle Pukis (yes our western neighbour) take a committed position either towards the Saudis or towards the Iranians. Phir mazaa ayega and with popcorn and beer I will watch the Ummah birathers tighten the screws on Pukis.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
erdugashayanam
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
exercise between KSA and Jordan in their joint border.
https://twitter.com/BTelawy/status/696579401278844928
If Saudis venture into Syria, they will do so only if USA leads them to it. Obama willing or unwilling USMC only goes into battle if they have air superiority. And it is never going into a terrain patrolled by Russians, the USMC wants air monopoly, and it is not happening in Syria with Russia around.
Secondly its not practical to drive these fat ass Saudi troops a few hundred km via Iraq or Jordan into Syria. For logistical reasons a convoy this big and a few hundred km long needs air cover. Syrian air force will bomb them .Even if they do reach Syria, where will they base these huge FAT Saudi soldiers ? they will need to bring in supplies, food, ammo, doctors, nurses, toilets, fresh water (the FAT Saudis WILL eat and poop a lot) and other essentials all the way from Saudi to this "base" in Syria on a daily basis . They barely can contain the rag tag houthi rebels in next door yemen.
Half of yemen in still in rebel hands and they paid and brought in 1,800 mercenaries from Latin America and all they have managed to do is kill 1,641 Yemeni civilians and have lost. the houthis blew up 6 Saudi Abrams tanks and dozens more vehicles and 400 plus dead Saudi solders. that's all they managed to do in 10 MONTHS of bombing and huffing/puffing !
South Front - Assad’s forces growing stronger
https://twitter.com/BTelawy/status/696579401278844928
If Saudis venture into Syria, they will do so only if USA leads them to it. Obama willing or unwilling USMC only goes into battle if they have air superiority. And it is never going into a terrain patrolled by Russians, the USMC wants air monopoly, and it is not happening in Syria with Russia around.
Secondly its not practical to drive these fat ass Saudi troops a few hundred km via Iraq or Jordan into Syria. For logistical reasons a convoy this big and a few hundred km long needs air cover. Syrian air force will bomb them .Even if they do reach Syria, where will they base these huge FAT Saudi soldiers ? they will need to bring in supplies, food, ammo, doctors, nurses, toilets, fresh water (the FAT Saudis WILL eat and poop a lot) and other essentials all the way from Saudi to this "base" in Syria on a daily basis . They barely can contain the rag tag houthi rebels in next door yemen.
Half of yemen in still in rebel hands and they paid and brought in 1,800 mercenaries from Latin America and all they have managed to do is kill 1,641 Yemeni civilians and have lost. the houthis blew up 6 Saudi Abrams tanks and dozens more vehicles and 400 plus dead Saudi solders. that's all they managed to do in 10 MONTHS of bombing and huffing/puffing !
South Front - Assad’s forces growing stronger
The ultimate defeat of terrorists in Syria’s north-west is inexorably approaching.
Latakia province governor Ibrahim Khodr as-Salem believes that it’s difficult not to overestimate Russian airpower’s contribution. Effective air support facilitated the government forces’ significant successes when the terrorists had a sizable numerical advantage in most sectors. Government successes are an encouragement and inspiration to Syria's citizens who are joining volunteer units. This is exactly the opposite of what happened four years ago when the fighting began, when the active part of the population supported the opposition. But now nobody in Syria doubts Assad will triumph in the end.
The unfolding operations remind one of 1944, when the former allies of Nazi Germany declared war on the Axis powers, one after another. Volunteer units are formed on a territorial basis. They will protect liberated cities against raids and sabotage, in other words act as police forces. They will also form army reserve units that could be used to support regular forces in crucial sectors. The volunteers retain their jobs and receive half of a soldier’s salary each, moreover the volunteers’ families are regularly supplied with food and provided benefits by the government of Syria. This policy adds an economic incentive to the sense of patriotism and feelings of hatred toward the terrorists, in order to motivate them to join government forces.
On the terrorist side, money flows have greatly dwindled, therefore the Islamists cannot count on new recruits. Rather the opposite–the less radical formations are losing fighters who have opted to join government forces instead.
In Aleppo, Syrian forces have already severed the main arms and reinforcements supply channels from Turkish territory. Aleppo province saw the end of the four-year siege of Nubel and az-Zahra, where some 70,000 Syrians were blockaded by the terrorists.
The Aleppo operation has now entered its deciding phase, whose objective is to take control of the entire length of border with Turkey.
The West expected the Syrian government forces to become bogged down in Latakia at least until April, when the change in weather would impose an operational pause. This area is vital to ensure continued supply of reinforcements and munitions by Turkey, which is why its control is a matter of life and death for the Islamists.
Fighting in Latakia and Aleppo is tying down significant Syrian forces which otherwise could be used to annihilate the demoralized militants in Idlib province. But now, as if to spite the West, the terrorists are on the brink of complete defeat in Syria’s north-west.
The victory will free sizable forces that could next be used to defeat Idlib province militants. That defeat, in turn, will destroy the terrorist front leaving the militants no choice but to flee to Turkey.
Erdogan is no doubt breaking out a cold sweat, knowing that his terrorist chickens are about to come home to roost.
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Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Kerry let's slip the cat out of the bag
An exasperated John Kerry lets slip to aid workers the real situation. He believes the 'opposition will be decimated in 3 months'.
An exasperated John Kerry lets slip to aid workers the real situation. He believes the 'opposition will be decimated in 3 months'.
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/oppos ... 1808021537Syrian aid workers said Kerry told them on sidelines of donor conference that 'opposition will be decimated' and to expect 3 months of bombing.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
settled areas of syria are like southern part of west bengal -no really deserted areas..it has been intensively settled for millenia. every few 100mts in each direction there is a village a cluster of houses, which is defended and taken over if targeted. every 1-2km is a bigger village and every 5km a town.
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Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Known as "sprinters" in other countries?Saudi special faujes
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
9th Feb First half update - Syria. ( The update doesn't cover the bodycount of terrorists killed)
>Car Bomb blast in Damascus suburb with 8 killed and many injured. ISIS has claimed this attack.
>Deal with ISIS at Yarmouk camp for smooth handover to SAA and exit of ISIS has fallen through.
>Deal of smooth handing over of Dael and Ibta in Daraa has also collapsed with FSA+ arresting the civilians who raised the Syrian flag.
>SAA has made some more gains in Northern Lattakia.
>In Aleppo, talks with citizens for smooth entry of SAA into Kafr Naya has been undone and SAA is now on the offensive.
>Food aid has been air dropped at Dier Ez Zor again but the population under siege there is 200K plus SAA.
> In Idlib, Rebels Justice Council threatens to execute those who smuggle Aid / Supplies into Fuah-Kafraya area held under siege by militants. This area is predominantly Shia and Hezbollah has a sworn aim to free this pocket of people. The rebel threat of killing aid smugglers is in keeping with their moderate terrorist tag that they so proudly wear.
>Car Bomb blast in Damascus suburb with 8 killed and many injured. ISIS has claimed this attack.
>Deal with ISIS at Yarmouk camp for smooth handover to SAA and exit of ISIS has fallen through.
>Deal of smooth handing over of Dael and Ibta in Daraa has also collapsed with FSA+ arresting the civilians who raised the Syrian flag.
>SAA has made some more gains in Northern Lattakia.
>In Aleppo, talks with citizens for smooth entry of SAA into Kafr Naya has been undone and SAA is now on the offensive.
>Food aid has been air dropped at Dier Ez Zor again but the population under siege there is 200K plus SAA.
> In Idlib, Rebels Justice Council threatens to execute those who smuggle Aid / Supplies into Fuah-Kafraya area held under siege by militants. This area is predominantly Shia and Hezbollah has a sworn aim to free this pocket of people. The rebel threat of killing aid smugglers is in keeping with their moderate terrorist tag that they so proudly wear.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
MSM and UN were shouting about starving in madaya but not these two towns besieged by the opposite party. http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/15/middl ... tarvation/
where are the UN convoys?
where are the UN convoys?
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
French news channel has now claimed a Russian attack as that by US It seems precision bombing is a US and Western Europe patent for the French.
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160 ... z3zPy6QuFS
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160 ... z3zPy6QuFS
Start a war,save money, score fewer successes and hence claim what others have done. Honest, bestern world view.TV Channel France 2 showed footage of Russian airstrikes in Syria as the work of the US-led international coalition in a fight against Daesh (Islamic State).
While covering news from Syria and reporting about airstrikes against Daesh militants, France 2 showed footage first released by the Russian Defense Ministry.
According to Russian blogger Timofei Vasiliev, the news story said that Russian airstrikes hit civilian targets, as the Russians allegedly don't use precision bombs, instead indiscriminately bombing everything in the area. Unlike the Russians, the French Air Force, which works as part of the US-led coalition, "successfully" bombed Daesh targets, France 2 said.
...
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160 ... z3zPy6QuFS
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
french performance has been pathetic so far..even by modest EU stds. they would be better off closer home trying to bomb those they put in power in libya.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
video of 1000 ypg fighters marching toward azaz today morning is the claim
https://twitter.com/DrPartizan_/status/ ... 3496615937
https://twitter.com/DrPartizan_/status/ ... 3496615937
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Syrian Rebellion Obs @Syria_Rebel_Obs 19h19 hours ago
#SRO - Two small #FSA battalions near #Menagh joined Jaysh al-Thuwar, #FSA group fighting inside #SDF, opening more the #Menagh road.
^^ looks like for reasons of survival the FSA stuck in the north aleppo pocket have now declared themselves SDF, else IS is always looking to beat them up. with this they can get YPG, SAA, hezbollah, badr and RuAF off their backs and have to deal only with IS.
#SRO - Two small #FSA battalions near #Menagh joined Jaysh al-Thuwar, #FSA group fighting inside #SDF, opening more the #Menagh road.
^^ looks like for reasons of survival the FSA stuck in the north aleppo pocket have now declared themselves SDF, else IS is always looking to beat them up. with this they can get YPG, SAA, hezbollah, badr and RuAF off their backs and have to deal only with IS.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Dr Partizan @DrPartizan_ Feb 8
Jaysh Thuwwar Statement: The Syrian regime will only be able to go to Azaz over our dead bodies.
Jaysh Thuwwar Statement: The Syrian regime will only be able to go to Azaz over our dead bodies.
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
here is the FSA convoy that was allowed by ypg to move via afrin to north aleppo
this might be one of many
this might be one of many
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Singha wrote:french performance has been pathetic so far..even by modest EU stds. they would be better off closer home trying to bomb those they put in power in libya.
They can drop 1 or 2 bombs at stand off range and leave it to AFM and Air International to do the PR , How French Fights ISIS , cover story
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
This erdugashayanam and Saudi exercise with Jordan - modern day camel charge of Mamluks - needs another revision of what happened so far and who all benefited till now at the cost of Syrians.
* Turkey sending explosive shells across the border, supposedly in exchange of stolen oil.
* Saudis bankrolling 'volunteers' ie jihadis, in hope of capturing some territories while given cover of propaganda.
* Weapons dropped in deserts to revolutionaries by NATO, a part of which was handed over to jihadis, including ISIL, when over run or simply collapse/surrender.
Such points would sum up what is old wine in new bottle, when half of Syrians are refugees.
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Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
KSA wages war on Guitar!!
Islamic World News @A7_Mirza Feb 8
N #Aleppo
SAA & Allies liberated #Kiffin
#Kurd-s liberated #Deir_Jamal
http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/67d1/q ... 0ajfzg.jpg …
Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
Dr Partizan @DrPartizan_ 3m3 minutes ago
#Efrîn: Journalist in Hesekê confirms liberation of Menagh airport by YPG/Thuwwar.
#Efrîn: Journalist in Hesekê confirms liberation of Menagh airport by YPG/Thuwwar.
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Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
What is the status of relations between YPG and SAA?
I thought FSA had been declared "Patriotic Syrian Opposition" by Comrade Vlad.
What about "SDF"? (whose terrists are they?) What is SDF/SAA love status?
How about Peshmarga-SAA?
I thought FSA had been declared "Patriotic Syrian Opposition" by Comrade Vlad.
What about "SDF"? (whose terrists are they?) What is SDF/SAA love status?
How about Peshmarga-SAA?
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Re: The Levant crisis.(Israel,SYRIA,Lebanon,etc) - II
this sort of thing usually isnt needed forever, may be until march april or so -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfrG4Uif1Nc