Southfront reportingFSA part of USA coalition has shot down SAA helicopter and war plane….does this make them targets now by SAA?Really messes up things again ?
NOTE: The Southfront article reports that the FSA claimed this attack however the Syrian government denies it. No photos or videos have yet been provided. – Moderator
I found your conversation with Chris Martensen informative though probably containing few surprises for your those who follow the articles and themes on here.
I noticed that most of the interview comprised analysis of military strengths of the various forces arraigned in Syria and know that you have considerable expertise in this field ( military analysis.)
You also said that the war in Syria will be won by “boots on the ground” and that the US has very few of these.
Could I draw your attention to several rep[orts I have posted over a number of days, from various sources such as “Sputnik” and “Fars News” in which a figure of 8 American bases is referred to?
I am confused about this because although to me this surreptitious US military build up seems like a huge story, no-one else is talking about it.
And yesterday we had another Sputnik article describing a large US amphibious assault force setting sail for the Middle East which has
“. . . ships, aircraft, troops and logistical equipment, the ARG/MEU is a self-contained and self-sustained task force capable of conducting everything from combat operations to humanitarian assistance, according to the release”
Today Ziad Fadel reports another US base being established inside Aleppo province though he doesn’t mention the other 8 bases in the east of Syria.
Would you care to give your assessment of the situation vis-à-vis the US military in Syria perhaps looking at the following:
1) How many bases are there?
2) What would be their strength personnel wise?
3) What you think their purpose is?
It would very helpful if you would offer an opinion on this as it is very difficult to assess what the US are up to in Syria especially since as you say in the broadcast the US gov are not even clear themselves on their policy.
Thanks and I do hope you can manage to write a reply to this request.
Thanks. As for the leadership on the ground at Centcom, they are not crazies. There is a short term strategy and a long term strategy and everything is dedicated to the destabilization of Southern Russia . Gen Votel is very loyal to his men and will not risk them unless he is sure of the win: that is my measure of the man.
Mattis is a blowhard–McMasters is Master of the Cabal–and UN-Nikky needs to be slipped the mickey of being assigned ambassador to Togo.
As for “we can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way”, here is the correct approach:
I have followed you for years and continue to profit by your insights and explanations. I mirror your views and fears but must admit that I am not optimistic about Amerika’s future largely because of its own failures and hubris.
I salute your efforts. You are a real gentleman and I’m sorry that we shall never meet.
Best Personal Regards from the Pacific Northwest,
RSD
Excellent podcast because the host was able to ask a cogent question, framed for a good, thorough answer. Never intruded. Follow on questions kept digging intelligently. Worth the listen.
Saker, you were very informative on the military aspects of Syria. Great details.
You say that Iran represents a huge threat for Israel, the US and Saudi Arabia. Is Iran actually a “threat” to these countries. It shows no sign of attacking them. Perhaps you mean that Iran is an “obstacle” rather than a “threat.” An obstacle to Israel, because the Zionists want to realize “Greater Israel” from the Sinai to the Euphrates. An obstacle for the Saudis because they don’t want Shias to exist. An obstacle for the US because Israel runs its foreign policy and because both Israel and Saudi lobbies and funding have corrupted–even hijacked, via the Neocons–the government.
In my opinion the real threat is the rejection of the USD as the world’s reserve currency by Iran (and by Irak, Syria, Libya, Russia, China, Qatar? …).
An excellent interview, I have enjoyed it. Also the good questions of the host lighted it up.
@sam, @lapsus
You both have true points, may I add something?
The whole area stretching from Lebanon to Iran is an area where mainly Shia or Shia-like muslims live. They are ‘influenced’ by Iran. In fact, about 80% of the ME oil is located in areas where mainly Shia muslims live, including the Northeast of Saudi Arabia.
Add to that, in South Lebanon Hezbollah is located and they have thrown out the mighty IDF in 2006 (and they have tens of thousands of missiles that they can use against Israel).
So, therefore the US was so hell-bent to install their precious ‘salafist principality’ between Iraq and Syria -it would block the supply lines of Hezbollah (and create an area south-north of mainly sunni muslims, up to the south border of Russia).
The good news is, that the new crown prince (I almost typed ‘clown prince’) of Saudi Arabia is a hothead and an inverse Midas. He messed up everything he was accountable for insofar, and he is even younger than Kim Jong Un.
I wouldn’t count out that his mess will start the fall of the House of Saud.
Thanks for your explanation Saker but I am missing the (US defense of the) Petrodollar link in the cause of the wars wherein the US is involved in the past decades.
Neocons seem to have been checked by newly forming eastern alliances. This doesn’t bode well for the us and the shit storm that will result domestically.
The stage has been set and after 911 there’s no going back. Neoconia has promised to take the world down with them. As gen petreyus pointed out there’s no peace to be had as long as israel is pulling the strings. Look what happened to him.
Chris Martenson makes a great interviewer and Saker delivers.
By the way: Saker must be the only guy out there on the internet who can meaningfully talk about the shear madness of current geo-politics and it makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. : )
Southfront reportingFSA part of USA coalition has shot down SAA helicopter and war plane….does this make them targets now by SAA?Really messes up things again ?
NOTE: The Southfront article reports that the FSA claimed this attack however the Syrian government denies it. No photos or videos have yet been provided. – Moderator
If it happened, expect Russian and Syrian AF to blast the FSA. Maybe Iran and Russia will give them a taste of cruise missiles.
thanks for the elucidation mod!
Dear Saker
US Occupation of Syria
I found your conversation with Chris Martensen informative though probably containing few surprises for your those who follow the articles and themes on here.
I noticed that most of the interview comprised analysis of military strengths of the various forces arraigned in Syria and know that you have considerable expertise in this field ( military analysis.)
You also said that the war in Syria will be won by “boots on the ground” and that the US has very few of these.
Could I draw your attention to several rep[orts I have posted over a number of days, from various sources such as “Sputnik” and “Fars News” in which a figure of 8 American bases is referred to?
I am confused about this because although to me this surreptitious US military build up seems like a huge story, no-one else is talking about it.
And yesterday we had another Sputnik article describing a large US amphibious assault force setting sail for the Middle East which has
“. . . ships, aircraft, troops and logistical equipment, the ARG/MEU is a self-contained and self-sustained task force capable of conducting everything from combat operations to humanitarian assistance, according to the release”
https://sputniknews.com/us/201707101055415264-amphibious-group-mideast/
Today Ziad Fadel reports another US base being established inside Aleppo province though he doesn’t mention the other 8 bases in the east of Syria.
Would you care to give your assessment of the situation vis-à-vis the US military in Syria perhaps looking at the following:
1) How many bases are there?
2) What would be their strength personnel wise?
3) What you think their purpose is?
It would very helpful if you would offer an opinion on this as it is very difficult to assess what the US are up to in Syria especially since as you say in the broadcast the US gov are not even clear themselves on their policy.
Thanks and I do hope you can manage to write a reply to this request.
Another great one, Saker!
Thanks. As for the leadership on the ground at Centcom, they are not crazies. There is a short term strategy and a long term strategy and everything is dedicated to the destabilization of Southern Russia . Gen Votel is very loyal to his men and will not risk them unless he is sure of the win: that is my measure of the man.
Mattis is a blowhard–McMasters is Master of the Cabal–and UN-Nikky needs to be slipped the mickey of being assigned ambassador to Togo.
As for “we can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way”, here is the correct approach:
http://theduran.com/russia-set-to-expel-30-us-diplomats-its-called-reciprocity/
Maybe it is a good response to Trump’s after his post meeting waffle concerning joint cyber security efforts.
I have followed you for years and continue to profit by your insights and explanations. I mirror your views and fears but must admit that I am not optimistic about Amerika’s future largely because of its own failures and hubris.
I salute your efforts. You are a real gentleman and I’m sorry that we shall never meet.
Best Personal Regards from the Pacific Northwest,
RSD
Excellent podcast because the host was able to ask a cogent question, framed for a good, thorough answer. Never intruded. Follow on questions kept digging intelligently. Worth the listen.
Saker, you were very informative on the military aspects of Syria. Great details.
Chris Martensson is very solid – I have been listening to his podcasts, read his books, watched his videos. Pleasant surprise to have the Saker on CM!
Excellent interview!
You say that Iran represents a huge threat for Israel, the US and Saudi Arabia. Is Iran actually a “threat” to these countries. It shows no sign of attacking them. Perhaps you mean that Iran is an “obstacle” rather than a “threat.” An obstacle to Israel, because the Zionists want to realize “Greater Israel” from the Sinai to the Euphrates. An obstacle for the Saudis because they don’t want Shias to exist. An obstacle for the US because Israel runs its foreign policy and because both Israel and Saudi lobbies and funding have corrupted–even hijacked, via the Neocons–the government.
In my opinion the real threat is the rejection of the USD as the world’s reserve currency by Iran (and by Irak, Syria, Libya, Russia, China, Qatar? …).
An excellent interview, I have enjoyed it. Also the good questions of the host lighted it up.
@sam, @lapsus
You both have true points, may I add something?
The whole area stretching from Lebanon to Iran is an area where mainly Shia or Shia-like muslims live. They are ‘influenced’ by Iran. In fact, about 80% of the ME oil is located in areas where mainly Shia muslims live, including the Northeast of Saudi Arabia.
Add to that, in South Lebanon Hezbollah is located and they have thrown out the mighty IDF in 2006 (and they have tens of thousands of missiles that they can use against Israel).
So, therefore the US was so hell-bent to install their precious ‘salafist principality’ between Iraq and Syria -it would block the supply lines of Hezbollah (and create an area south-north of mainly sunni muslims, up to the south border of Russia).
The good news is, that the new crown prince (I almost typed ‘clown prince’) of Saudi Arabia is a hothead and an inverse Midas. He messed up everything he was accountable for insofar, and he is even younger than Kim Jong Un.
I wouldn’t count out that his mess will start the fall of the House of Saud.
That will have serious consequences.
Thanks for your explanation Saker but I am missing the (US defense of the) Petrodollar link in the cause of the wars wherein the US is involved in the past decades.
Neocons seem to have been checked by newly forming eastern alliances. This doesn’t bode well for the us and the shit storm that will result domestically.
The stage has been set and after 911 there’s no going back. Neoconia has promised to take the world down with them. As gen petreyus pointed out there’s no peace to be had as long as israel is pulling the strings. Look what happened to him.
Classic!
Chris Martenson makes a great interviewer and Saker delivers.
By the way: Saker must be the only guy out there on the internet who can meaningfully talk about the shear madness of current geo-politics and it makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. : )
I have a question; how do Syria’s air defenses compare with Iraq’s and Libya’s defenses when they were invaded?
Thanks.
Apparently the US has been fomenting regime changes in Syria for more than half a century:
http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2017/02/u-s-carried-regime-change-syria-1949-tried-numerous-times-since.html