(please press the ‘cc’ button to see the English subtitles)
Saker Message:
(please press the ‘cc’ button to see the English subtitles)
Saker,
I was listening to Stephen Cohen on John Batechlor show today. In which he points out that this syria plan is Putin’s and he has taken it against the advice of his security council. Many advisors disapprove because of the experience of concessions made to US in the past (Libya, Missile defence, Nato, Yugoslavia, Ukraine etc. and past experience has shown that US can not be trusted. So, he says Putin is putting his personal responsibility on this matter. After all, such a truce will allow the Takfiri’s to regroup and resupply. Ofcourse, the same advantage exists for the Syrian Army and its allies too.
With all this risk, why does Putin do this? Also, please comment on how Russians and security structures are reacting to this deal.
In a previous episode I recall Stephen Cohen mentioning that Putin and Kissinger have been friends since Putin was deputy mayor of Petrograd and that Kissinger would visit him once a year going back to the time when Putin was this obscure deputy mayor.
My guess is that Putin himself was originally one of the Atlantic integrationists and that if it were not for America’s nonstop efforts to undermine Russia he would remain one to this day. I think Putin may be a little like Charlie Brown who reluctantly allows himself to believe that each time he tries to punt the football will be different and that Lucy won’t jerk the ball away this time. Inevitably Lucy (America) does what it is wont to do and Charlie Brown (Putin) walks away dejected that she really hasn’t changed in spite of her promises.
A high percentage of the Soviet and Russian elite over the last 35 years or so have been in favor of convergence, which means a merger with the West. The only problem is that they don’t seem to get the idea that they don’t have enough leverage to be treated more-or-less as equals. Why should they be treated any better than the Brazilian or Nigerian elite? And the only real answer is that they have a strong military and a vote in the UN. Well, the UN isn’t that relevant, and the military seems hard to use and at risk of being unable to keep up with industrial developments because Russia’s economy is so colonial.
So we are back to the old problem that Russia’s elites love the West, but can’t understand that they don’t fit in with the West. To fit in, Russia has to give up its nukes, leave Crimea, and just generally stop interfering with “democracy”. Actually, they have to agree to being broken up into many pieces as well as being depopulated – and selling off their resources. They thought that ignoring Eastern Europe and letting NATO and the EU take over showed that they were good Europeans/NWO men. What it actually showed is they couldn’t stand up for themselves and that there was no reason for the West to offer them much of anything. Ironically, the only way they will get much from the NWO crowd is by resisting in the Ukraine and Syria and helping Iran. But they really don’t want to. It is a bit harsh, but one could say that not only have Russian foreign affairs been based on Gazprom, so has their ideology. We are all partners, even if your name is Kholomoisky or you are trying to smash Syria, which would have been a catastrophe for Russia.
Paul, is your opinion that the situation is hopeless for the world? My hope is that the russian people will stay up against and defeet the oligarks and big business which for the moment rule the world like they stod up against Hitler during the second world war. Putin is possible one of these oligarks but I hope he is not, because then all hope is gone and NWO will crush freedom in the world.
I think every country in the world is going to develop industrially as long as oil is available. Weapons will be made because that’s where the greatest profit is, and war is the best way the banker families have discovered to control the masses of people in the world. This will go on until oil runs out. The money people are grifters who know how to manipulate the world to make themselves rich and everyone else either poor or dead, or maybe both.
Benny,
No, I don’t think it is hopeless. But it is the Kali Yuga or whatever metaphor works for your religious or spiritual take on the darkness in the world. And there may be plenty more darkness before the light at the end of the tunnel.
More generally, I think circumstances drive things. Putin may have been a pro-Western guy with a bunch of rotten oligarchs as friends, but he at least stabilized the country and worked to restore their military. For all we know, there may be a kind of Russia, Inc. that chose Putin and he represents them. They know they need to change their business model, but it is difficult for a huge corporation to change. Still, we are likely entering a crisis time, not just for the West, but also for Russia. And then Shakespeare’s quote comes into play.
“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”
So Putin or whoever follows him will have a chance to make Russia an example to follow in industry, living standards, and how to run a good and just society, not just one to follow when it comes to not destroying the world and working towards a more just international system. It shows how deprived and depraved things are that so many of us consider modern Russia a Godsend. Talking to just a few Russians will do the trick in understanding their problems, but the West has sunk so low that down looks up.
And, if the world doesn’t totally go down the drain, Asia will be able to decide its own destiny in other ten years or twenty at worst. Maybe they aren’t run by the psychopaths who have taken over the West. So that could be a very positive thing.
There is no particular reason to believe what Cohen asserted about any so-called advice given to Putin by his advisers. In fact, this agreement is by its explicit terms not a cease fire at all, but rather a “cessation of hostilities” between those parties not associated with the ISIS, Al-Nusra and other groups named by the UN as terrorists, nor with groups associated with same. Those named groups are subject to continued attack by Syria and all its allies. Groups eligible for inclusion in the “cessation of hostilities” must present themselves to the signatories of the agreement–the US and Russia only–and allow themselves to be vetted and their physical position delineated. To date, the US has refused to share data about such purportedly non-jihadi “moderate” groups with Russia. This data gets shared pursuant to this agreement. Or not. If shared, these groups will be exposed and rendered vulnerable to attack should they fail to meet the criteria of the agreement or if they violate the agreement. If not shared, they face on-going hostilities from the Russians as well as the non-signatories to the agreement.
The suggestion by Cohen and others that Putin and the Russians don’t understand all the implications of what the Russians themselves proposed strikes me as a complete non-starter. I heard Cohen and was disappointed to hear him reveal that even he, as clear and as cogent a thinker/analyst as I believe he is, could fail to understand this initiative-from strength established by the Russian executive suite.
I’m sure Rus will monitoring the airwaves, mobiles phones etc for any electronic intelligence who the groups and their masters are, to confirm Assad’s information that 80+ countries are supporting the rebels, moderates,terrorists etc etc are……..then finding out who the terrorists are from Rus c 2,500…..hope he hands this info over to Kadyrov………
The ceasefire in Syria is not obligatory for Turkey to follow if the country feels a threat against its security, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Thursday.Note Erdogan has accused Rus , Assad, Hezb. of actually joining up with IS……………..
yet
A recent survey carried out in European countries and the United States show that an overwhelming majority of respondents believe Turkey is collaborating with the Daesh terrorist group.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to Sputnik.Polls, 72 percent of the French public believe that Turkey is turning a blind eye to the operations of Turkish illicit traders who are buying oil from Daesh in Syria.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/agency_news/20160225/1035311128/europeans-suspect-turkey-collaborate-daesh.html#ixzz41AmpnWsx
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Moscow considers Turkey’s actions against Syria to be aggression, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday.
“Ankara is aggravating the situation on the Syrian-Turkish border and carries out provocations, though those actions aren’t just provocations, but aggression on all counts,” Zakharova said in an interview with Russia’s Argumenty i Fakty (Arguments and Facts) newspaper.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160225/1035315071/turkey-syria-aggression.html#ixzz41An7irUs
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during a mukhtars meeting at the presidential palace on November 26, 2015 in Ankara
© AFP 2016/ ADEM ALTAN
Erdogan Claims Russia-US Deal on Syrian Ceasefire ‘Spreads Butter on Assad’s Bread’
ANKARA (Sputnik) – On Monday, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced an agreement on cessation of hostilities between the Syrian government of President Bashar Assad and the armed opposition factions had been reached. The agreement will come into force on February 27.
Military action, including airstrikes conducted by Syria, Russia and the US-led coalition will continue against Daesh, al-Nusra Front, as well as other UN-designated terrorist groups.
“This ceasefire is actually for Syria, for the sides that are within its borders. If threats arise against our national security from any of the sides, this ceasefire will not place its obligations on us. In such a case Turkey will ask no one permission and will do what needs to be done. Because from that moment the issue leaves the boundaries of the Syrian problem and becomes an issue for Turkey,” Davutoglu told journalists.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160225/1035316933/syria-ceasefire-turkey.html#ixzz41AmJBwxy
Saudi Arabian aircrafts will arrive in Turkey on February 25 or 26.
ANKARA (Sputnik) — Saudi Arabian military aircraft set to be used against Daesh will arrive in Turkey on February 25 or 26, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday.
“Saudi Arabian warplanes will arrive in Turkey today or tomorrow. Saudi Arabian personnel has already arrived,” Cavusoglu told Anadolu news agency.
Thick smoke rises following an airstrike by the US-led coalition in Kobani, Syria as fighting intensified between Syrian Kurds and the militants of Islamic State group, as seen from Mursitpinar in the outskirts of Suruc, at the Turkey-Syria border, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014.
EAST NEWS/ AP
Balance of Power: ‘Turkey, Saudi Arabia Try to Justify Their Own Imperialism’ in Syria
Last week, Riyadh said it was ready to deploy ground troops to Syria to fight Daesh terrorist group. He said the number of fighter jets used in the mission would depend on “objectives outlined by the coalition.”
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160225/1035317587/minister-planes-saudis-daesh.html#ixzz41AlbZolo
According to Russian deputy foreign minister, Moscow and Washington may carry out airstrikes against those who will not adhere to the ceasefire in Syria.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Moscow does not rule out that along with the United States groups in Syria not adhering to the cessation of hostilities agreement may be bombed, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Thursday.
“I think that together with the United States we’ll bomb everyone who doesn’t join in on the ceasefire.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/world/20160225/1035318008/russia-us-may-bomb-goups-not-observing-ceasefire-syria.html#ixzz41AlqD4gr
behave or else??
Riyadh and Moscow have good prospects of cooperation thanks to the recent visits of Saudi officials to Russia, a Saudi official told Sputnik. Riyadh highly appreciates its relations with Moscow, uninterrupted by the Cold War.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The recent visits by Saudi officials to Russia have opened new prospects for cooperation between the two states, Nasser bin Abdulaziz Dawood, Foreign Affairs Committee chairman of the Saudi Consultative Assembly, told Sputnik.
“Those important visits that Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, [who is] second deputy prime minister and defense minister, has made in recent months have opened new prospects for [bilateral] relations. Proof of this was the signing of several important agreements in the interests of the two countries,” Dawood said.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160225/1035317148/russia-saudi-arabia-relations.html#ixzz41Alzy5P1
———————————————–
MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. Intra-Syrian talks in Geneva are expected to resume in early March, a source in the Syrian opposition that took part in the previous round of negotiations told TASS on Thursday.
“According to information that we have, the resumption of the process will be announced at the very beginning of March while consultations are expected in the first week (of March),” the source said.
The previous round of Intra-Syrian talks brought no results
More:
http://tass.ru/en/world/858799
—————————————————-
MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. The implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Russia and the United States is the only hope for the Syrian settlement, former Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis has told a conference of the Valdai discussion club titled “Middle East: From Violence to Safety.”
“The only hope that we have is the Russian-US decision on a ceasefire,” he said. “No one knows how it will happen, but this is the best option the two countries could offer.”
“We hope that eventually the country’s territorial integrity will be attained and its multi-religious nature will be preserved,” Yakis said.
More:
http://tass.ru/en/world/858814
Pogohere,
I agree completely.
I also wonder how Cohen, an academic based in the States, could possibly ‘know’ that Putin’s decision was against the advice of Russia’s Security Council.
Did they ring him up and tell him?
Nothing against Cohen, but how would he know?
Exactly. What does Cohen know?
Russia has also made it abundantly clear – there is no plan B.
https://www.rt.com/news/333581-plan-b-syria-bogdanov/
This cessation of hostilities gives Russia and its allies the upper hand not the US – becuase it is there in black and white that all those terrorists aren’t included and actions will continue against them……Russia has called the US’s bluff on the “humanitarian” relief argument.
All the naysayers should read what the RT article says too – this deal will be backed by UNSC.
Re: Plan B – The presenter speaks of “framing plans by the American partners …called as ‘B’ and other letters of the alphabet.” In that respect, Americans should start the real work, “instead of traveling through letters and words as fast as possible.”
This really is a ‘must watch’. I love the Russian sense of humor.
Regarding Russia’s “American partners” I would like to share a joke …
A pack of hungry wolves catches a hare. Just as they are about to eat him, the hare says, Stop, I can help you! I can bring you to a flock of sheep! The wolves consider – OK they say, lead on. The hare brings them to the sheep, the wolves devour some of the sheep, and the hare as well. Satisfied, bellies full, they contemplate the leftover remains of the hare. We should bury it, the wolves say, he helped us. They bury it.
What to write on his tombstone they wonder? “Here lies our friend the hare”? No, he helped us out but was our enemy – “Here lies our enemy the hare”? Well, they say, he wasn’t really our enemy either! Unanimously they decide on:
“Here lies our partner the hare.”
Sources:
http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/02/open-thread-2016-09.html#comments (translation)
http://kprf.ru/dep/gosduma/activities/152010.html (original)
This cessation of hostilities gives Russia and its allies the upper hand not the US
Are you completely sure?
Take a look at the map of the ceasefire zones, very narrow and coinciding with the midpoint between Al Nusra thugs and SAA / Russian forces.
To me looks more like a corridor, as that one who was qualified at the beginning of the Syrian conflict, for the French and British spies imprisoned in the ranks of the jihadists, characterized as journalists from major Western media, so as they could flee to Lebanon and thus their countries could save face. I still wonder why on Earth Assad did not expose them to the day light then, perhaps could save a bunch of lives.
The same happened in the Debaltsevo Cauldron where it was said there were a lot of foreign mercenaries to expose…..
http://russia-insider.com/en/military/russian-map-showing-syrians-areas-covered-ceasefire-agreement-marked-yellow/ri13082
I think this ceasefire has multiple aspects to it.
1) Probably the SAA do need a break to consolidate for the next phase of campaign. If you have been watching SouthFront videos, discussions were made about preparing for a push to Raqqa and a push from Aleppo cutting across Idlib province.
2) This is tie the US down and also means it is the responsibility of the US to hold back Turkey and Saudi Arabia. If these two do anything, then the US will not have anything diplomatic standing should Russia counterattack them.
3) This is the last chance for any ‘grey’ groups to surrender and follow Russia’s lead, otherwise they will be assumed to be conspiring with acknowledged terrorist groups like al nusra etc.
I believe that regrouping of takfirs would be beneficiary for russian air force. They would fly less sorties and use less bombs. It looks lately that, they are running out of targets.
Yesterday a ceasefire agreement, drafted by Russia and the United States, was agreed upon by moderate rebel groups and the Assad regime. But is it just another ruse? We’ll take a look at what Russia’s bombing today to see how the patterns in Syria are changing.
What Russia’s New Bombing Targets Tell Us About The Ceasefire In Syria
Pentagon, CIA chiefs don’t think Russia will abide by Syria cease-fire http://on.wsj.com/1Q8L9e9
Initial Free Syrian Army concern: A provision allowing #Russia to continue targeting al-Nusra, blent in with rebels http://bit.ly/21lwljE
On Nusra proximity to FSA: “If you hang out with the wrong folks,” State says, “you choose who you hang out with and that sends a signal.”
We could carefully detail how these ceasefire deals have fallen apart in the past. In fact, in September 2013 Russia proposed a deal to find a solution to the Syrian crisis. We carefully detailed how Assad and Russia worked together to duplicitously change the definitions of terms in order to break every ceasefire proposed in Syria from 2011 onward.
We were right then [WE ARE ALWAYS RIGHT!, as we can make up shit as we go along to suit our purpose]. Could this time be any different? Maybe, but not because Russia or Assad are any more interested in finding a peaceful solution to this crisis.
The Ceasefire Has Not Started, But Has Anything Changed?
Today we see an interesting pattern in the reports of Russia’s bombing — for perhaps the first time since Russia started its bombing campaign in Syria in September 2015, Russian airstrikes appear to have predominantly struck areas that are actually controlled by ISIS. [We can also come to different conclusions because well we need things to write about to make a buck, but the buck STOP where we say it does.]
A major focus of today’s attacks is Khanasser, south-southeast of Aleppo city:
Russian airstrikes were also reported in Deir-Ez Zour, a city in eastern Syria which is controlled by ISIS.
Is it possible, then, that we could see, at least temporarily, a partial ceasefire that works, giving the pro-Assad coalition more time to at least temporarily beat back ISIS in order to more fully control the situation around Aleppo? [See, they are just doing it because they are very weak willed nillies, Russia lacing manpower, equipment, money are eating stale week old bread to survive and this gives them the chance to scrounge up some more flour and beans]
In the long-run, however, there’s still no evidence that Assad and Russia will refrain from attacking Syria’s moderate rebel groups, its civilians, and its activists.
— James Miller [I make up this shit as I go along and have a rather pretty good income from grants and such for writing such nonsense.. Hey a man got to do what a man got to do to eat.. Unlike the ruskies eating stale week old bread, I frequent the steakhouse..]
http://www.interpretermag.com/what-russias-new-bombing-targets-tell-us-about-the-ceasefire-in-syria/#12637
Extra editing by yours truly.. Heck I should start writing nonsense to, far more profitable business and who cares people are getting blown up to pieces by so much nonsense, If not for this, how would we ever support the trillions spent on global hegemony..
Wall Street Urinal is the same Ameircan propaganda rag that spewed lies about Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction, or the USA’s bogus War on Terrorism.
As always, Ameircans accuse their opponents of what they are guilty of. In this case, conniving to break a ceasefire.
Well well.
So much for Interpreter mag.
It’s clearly one of the alphabet agencies’ bullhorns.
PUTIN did it… Our exemplary article supporting our position and excuse to create a global hegemon to extort tribute from the global subjects.. To of course make our paychecks.. So lets continue onto the goodies…
Putin boils boys for lunch.. Hey assad would you like some grey poopon on those young thighs? The ribs will be done soon… Best is the sirloin.. not stirred but raw and bloody..
Bloody hell, 9 more pages of this krap??
Live Updates: Yesterday five hospitals and two schools were destroyed in Russian airstrikes in Syria. Today, moderate rebels are suffering more defeats, and civilians have far fewer hospitals to receive treatment in. The previous post in our Putin in Syria column can be found here.
Live Updates: Three hospitals in rebel-held areas of Syria have been struck this morning, causing heavy civilian casualties. The previous post in our Putin in Syria column can be found here.
Live Updates: Russian airstrikes have reportedly hit a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Syria’s south and and an IDP camp in the north. The previous post in our Putin in Syria column can be found here.
Live Updates: Thousands of people are trying to flee the north of the Aleppo region into Turkey as fighting rages between rebel fighters and pro-regime forces. Meanwhile Russian jets have conducted air strikes on rebel-held settlements across the country. The previous post in our Putin in Syria column can be found here.
http://www.interpretermag.com/category/putin-in-syria/
MOD… so clear headed and taking the full measure of Mr Cook and his alphabet soup.
This appeared from on the Facebook page of Don DeBar (radio host on CPR Sunday). It ia a contribution from someone named George Ades:
Turkey now “demands” from NATO that the whole Eastern Aegean Sea be placed under its (Turkey’s) operational control and openly disputes Greek sovereignty over the Islands.
Given the recent track record of NATO and Germany whereby they give Turkey anything it asks for, the Greek Navy has sent 11 warships into the area and is preparing more.
Having lost all hope of acquiring Syrian soil, the Turks have now turned their attention Westwards and to the Greek Islands that they have often in the past declared their intention to acquire, “by force if necessary”.
Turkish military morale is at an all time low and they are looking to boost it with a “win”. They’ve come to the wrong door. They’ll get another repeat of the defeats they’ve had in the past in the Aegean. Pity NATO does not have the guts (or is it the desire) to tell Turkey to stand down and are forcing us to defend our soil, once again, at a cost in human lives.
https://www.facebook.com/george.ades.3/posts/1775315666021317?fref=nf&pnref=story
https://www.facebook.com/don.debar
Also linked by one of the commentators to Don’s original thread was this article:
Turkey’s increasingly desperate predicament poses real dangers
Turkey is confronting what amounts to a strategic nightmare as bombs explode in its cities, its enemies encroach on its borders and its allies seemingly snub its demands.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/turkeys-increasingly-desperate-predicament-poses-real-dangers/2016/02/20/a3374030-d593-11e5-a65b-587e721fb231_story.html
@ Adam,
I’ll think you’ll enjoy this article. Looks like Erdogan’s megalomania is heading him to a whole heap of strife. He would be advised to read up again on what the ultimate fate for Saddam and his sons were … and start thinking hard, about his and his own children’s possible fate.
In Hussein’s Footsteps? Erdogan is Walking Straight into Washington’s Trap
Washington has set a trap for impulsive Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US journalist Mike Whitney notes, adding that a ‘color revolution’ in Turkey may one day become a reality.
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160225/1035341962/erdogan-walking-into-washington-trap.html
It’s certainly looking this way. There is increasing exposure of Turkey’s alliance with ISIS & AQ. Thats getting through the filters for a reason. If Turkey does break up, it’ll be interesting how her neighbors will react. They all have historical claims on parts of what is now Turkish territory.
Here’s one that ties into a possible motive for the USA cutting Turkey loose and setting her, along with the Ukraine, up for a losing war with Russia. Here’s the last 3 paragraphs.
“Contacted in Donetsk about Rickards findings, former CIA Agent David ” Dave ” Simpson added, ” How this effects Donbass is America needs a war to deal with 20 plus Trillion Dollars in debt. We see moves that indicate Ukraine may attack here and in Crimea with Turkey’s assistance.
“NATO is already making moves to cut Turkey loose on it’s own in these operations,” Simpson continued, “An attack with a robust response from Russia in retaliation upon both Ukraine and Turkey gives the Americans what they desire most, a cold war replay that justifies massive defense spending, without the US actually having to go to war. It becomes a win-win for Russia and the USA avoiding a nuclear confrontation, with the Turks and Ukrainians paying the real costs of America’s next bailout.”
Seems the costs of American foreign aid in this era of high finance can truly be expensive in ways only intelligence professionals can anticipate.”
Intelligence Report: CIA Expert Says US Will Collapse
https://dninews.com/article/intelligence-report-cia-expert-says-us-will-collapse
A process as far as I know where after predetermined steps a desired result is achieved. The US has “peace process” After a number of talks the desired (by the US) result is usually achieved. More war.
This peace initiative by Russia is something out of the ordinary for this world. A genuine attempt at resolving a conflict. I hope they can pull it off.
Blessed are the peacemakers–reconciliation is the first step for the redemption of Syria. And the Russians are not doing it airy-fairy either but rather as an organized effort lead by people with such experience as the General mentioned.
For all the worry warts and naysayers, I say at least it must be attempted in this manner first. Remember that standing in front of the UN and challenging the New World Disorder, Putin spoke not just for himself but for the World at large as he stepped upon the high road which he has to walk now carefully and consistently and faithfully.
What the Russians are doing is making a new template for how to do intervention correctly, clearly and cheaply ( there are no Halliburtons making big bucks to savage a land). And the whole world is watching.
At least the mid East situation got pulled back from the brink of something rather dire last week.
Too bad it is too late for Libya.
I have a feeling Auslander might be unhappy with this video. If it works as they hope he might be overrun with “visitors” in Crimea,lol:
https://www.facebook.com/GreatMotherRussia/videos/970142189739404/
Syrian latest from
http://www.anna-news.info/node/53840
http://www.anna-news.info/node/53812
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that Russia, the Syrian Kurds, Assad’s government and the “Islamic State” have joined forces and are now creating “terror zone” on the border with Turkey. Ankara continues to fire at positions of Kurdish People’s Protection Units in spite of Washington’s appeals. The US has repeatedly demanded that Turkey stop the targeting of Syrian territory. According to statements by US officials, the Syrian Kurds – a reliable US ally in the fight against the IS.”
Seems to be some Turkish Delight imploding on the boundaries.
False flag to ignite hatred in the military?
Or genuine blow-back from the usual suspects (and not just the Kurds)?
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/massive-explosion-reported-at-turkish-syrian-border/
MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. The United State tried to interpret the statement on cessation of military actions in Syria in a directly opposite manner, Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
“We were confused when we heard first responses from Washington to the document. To be honest, we did not expect some officials to interpret this agreement in such a diametrically opposite way,” Zakharova said. “Several officials in fact tried to cast doubt on the agreement signed by the presidents of Russia and United States,” she added.
READ ALSO
Russia FM: There is no “plan B” on Syria and there never will be
Russian official calls talks of plan B for Syria “dangerous trend”
Turkish ex-FM calls Russian-US truce agreement “the only hope” for Syria
Moscow concerned about reports on US plan B for Syria — Russian Foreign Ministry
Syria fully supports Moscow in ceasefire issue — ambassador
Kurdish units agree to ceasefire in Syria
The diplomat added that this was a sabotage attempt. “The positive thing is that it was the first wave that we managed to break,” she noted.
Technology of working on provisions of joint Russian-US statement established
Zakharova also noted that Moscow is satisfied with the way the work on the joint Russian-US statement is beginning.
“Despite the statements what began to emanate from Washington on the very first day, we maintain contacts with US representatives,” she said. “The process is under way, and it’s quite vigorous. The technology of working on provisions of the joint statement has been established, data exchange has been launched, military-to-military contacts are in progress.”
More:
http://tass.ru/en/politics/858890
and
MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. Turkey is trying to hide illegal activities near the border with Syria by denying a Russian observation flight over its territory, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
“Ankara had no right to deny the observation mission over its territory,” she said. “Its refusal indicates the Turkish side’s intention to hide some kind of activity that takes place in the areas over which a Russian aircraft was to fly.”
The diplomat drew attention to the fact that Ankara argues that Moscow’s statements on illegal activities near the Turkish-Syrian border were groundless. “It was a great chance to dot the i’s and close the issue,” Zakharova said.
“The fact that we were refused means that there is something to hide and we know what is hidden,” she said. “We constantly talk about it.”
More:
http://tass.ru/en/politics/858903
presumably there is the usual Thursday MA presentation-any chance of it all being posted up?
plus
extract from
https://www.rt.com/news/333581-plan-b-syria-bogdanov/
” We’re perplexed by our Western partners, the US included, mentioning the existence of some kind of ‘Plan B,’ Nothing is known on that one, we are considering no alternative plans,” Bognanov told the ‘Middle East: From violence to security’ conference in Moscow…………..The roadmap for bringing end to violence in Syria is going to be put on paper at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Mikhail Bogdanov also said.
Such a document, possibly formalized as a UNSC resolution, is likely to be ready “within days,” a high-ranking Russian diplomat said.
Moscow is concerned with the declared intentions to create a buffer zone on the Turkish-Syrian border and attempts to pull together a military bloc for a ground invasion into Syria. The aims and international legitimacy of such plans raise “grave concern,” the diplomat said.
The Deputy FM also referred to the idea promoted by President Vladimir Putin about forming a “broad antiterrorist front” with the central role of the UNSC and participation of Syrian and Iraqi armies, Kurdish self-defense forces, armed patriotic Syrian opposition and involvement of the regional and global players.”
RT: Erdogan actually said Ankara has the right to conduct any operation it deems necessary in Syria, and on any soil. But what does international law actually say about that?
AI: First of all, we know that the international law and the Charter of the United Nations strictly prohibit any intervention in the domestic affairs of any other sovereign and independent state. But I think international law wasn’t respected throughout the five years of Syrian war. We have to bear in mind that Turkey has a history of intervening in other countries. They launched incursions into Iraq throughout the second half of the 1990’s benefiting from the weak status of the regime of Saddam Hussein at the time. Turkey is known to benefit and try to capitalize on the weakness of its neighbors. They have done so on more than one occasion, and Syria won’t be an exception. Legally speaking, obviously Turkey has no right to say it will intervene militarily in Syria. But international law is not always respected, and it hasn’t been respected especially by Turkey and other countries supporting the rebels for the past five years.
We know that Turkey has direct links with many of the organizations that are considered terrorist organizations by the UN and even by the US itself. Yet, Turkey continues to allow these organizations to move its fighters through Turkey inside Syria. Many here in Syria accuse Turkey of providing direct logistics and direct assistance to these organizations.”
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/333242-turkey-isis-syria-erdogan-intervention/
http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/making-sense-syria-ceasefire-pepe-escobar/ri13047
Escobar video re Syria c 18 mins
Syria has the least land to lose to the Kurds..
https://twitter.com/AnalystSayi/status/702765126462509056
Iran also had some major kurd operations but it is also rare..
Australia unveils huge military buildup http://ptv.io/25bi aussies are out to kill em bunnies and kangoo’s..
New batch of fighters graduate from joining to join the YPG/J, to defend Rojava Kurdistan and fight ISIS. Whats with all the kurd women who wanting to fight?
https://twitter.com/DrPartizan_/status/702859176419180544
Kerry warns Libya may become ‘failed state’.. He said all that with a straight face and there was no unusual monkey business with bananas..
Russia’s opposition ‘leader’ suffers a cake attack, blames #Putin
Putin nominated as Parliamentary candidate.. in SYRIA…
https://twitter.com/Syria_Rising/status/702858321578102784
Number of foreign language speakers in the UK military…
https://twitter.com/mattb0401/status/702856568161902592
Bahraini regime jails opposition leader for one year for opposing the government.. http://bit.ly/1oCkZtb
WTF??
13 IRGC special forces were killed when IS captured the 6 checkpoints..
31 soldiers from the 47th Regiment martyred in the Khanasser Plains. Youngest soldier was 18 years old. Khanasser has been recaptured! Sadly, 58 soldiers killed in the last 3 days
Russia’s central Asian satellite states lack the immunity to fend off the economic ills which have beset their larger neighbor. Tajikistan has appealed to the International Monetary Fund for support. Other countries in Russia’s economic orbit may need similar treatment.
Reuters writes about “Russian’s sattelite states” and about “Other countries in Russia’s economic orbit”. The Natoist media never write about “American sattelite states”.
http://blogs.reuters.com/breakingviews/2016/02/25/central-asia-needs-life-support-as-russia-suffers/
.
Let’s get real.
The SAA and RuAF are exhausted. They’ve been driving forward relentlessly since September. For the Syrians it’s been 5 long years and it isn’t even close to over. They need rest and time to consilidate.
Tactically, yet again, the Russians have shown their brlliance. All resources can now be focussed on destroying unrepentent NATO Turk and Israel backed jihadis.
The. Pocket south and west of Aleppo is exactly what Sun Tzu recommends — leave an opening for your enemy to escape lest you should convince him he must fight to the death. Those who remain know they will likely be abandoned and so have every reason to run kike hell for the safety of Turkey.
The SAA does not have the manpower to grind the jihadis down in mostly urban warfare. This agreement helps them avoid such a confrontation with Allepo falling to the government on its own volition. Brilliant! This is how you manage precious resources in a war of attrition.
The western media will whine that Russia isn’t respecting the agreement but we all know it’s only bluster made to slow down Syrian-Russian momentum. That’s why Putin put himself up front after the agreement; to forestall the AZ media shit storm that will follow the RuAF no matter who is the target.
There is still work to do in the pocket but the next big uptick in fighting goes north and east. If the main action moves to Iraq this will be very good news for the SAA and will give them ample time to further rearm and reorganize their military to its most formidable state ever.
For those “weallgoingtodie” people who was screaming about ” cauldron (Kesselschlacht) for Assad near Aleppo” and “defeat of Russia”
Bear came and chased all the bad guys away.
Pictures, maps, and video in English
http://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/2635002.html
It’s turning out to be a century of Russian victories.
I love this man and his briefings, the tone, the cadence, the intonation, and, most definitely, the “pearls” he drops, as if he does not want the thing…
Anyone knows from what part of the Russian Federation he is?
Love that accent!
I found his comments on interference from a Mr Cook of the US Pentagon just meaningless and not representative US professionalism expected from theUS Pentagon! ( Speaking on military matters. Evidently the Pentagon spokesman, Mr Cook was speaking politically rather than professionally and the Russian found that un-necessarily annoying and disruptive. The Military is, after all. a disciplined profession, or should be this Russian seemed to be saying.
The chaos of lawlessness in the US resulting form 9/22 still, is spreading…like a cancer.
This sounds more like surrender management rather than a cease fire.
The general should send this little ‘message’ to the ‘exceptionals:’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9jHgrbjUL0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
After all, if their countryman The Tick gets that he isn’t so ‘exceptional’ , what excuse do the ‘geniuses’ have?
For those claiming that MSF in its web is not saying anything about who bombed the hospitals last week:
“Today, in Syria, the abnormal is now standard, unacceptable is accepted”
Joanne Liu, MSF international president, intervention to the UN:
http://www.msf.es/noticia/2016/hoy-en-siria-lo-anormal-es-ahora-norma-lo-inaceptable-es-aceptado?utm_campaign=1886968&utm_content=2953669722&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Emailvision
The link is in Spanish, try to translate if you are interested.
The most important statements which justify Comrade Gen. Konashenkov remarks about this NGO, amongst others, double standars and selective blindness are :
* Blaiming Syryian government led coalition:
(….)” This attack can only be considered deliberate. It was probably carried out by the Syrian government led coalition as it is the dominant player and more active in the region.”
* Whitewashing the role of the Turkish government in the Syrian/Turkish border:
(….) ” 100,000 people are trapped in northern Syria near Azaz. They are trying to escape from the airstrikes and ground fighting escalating. They are caught between the Turkish border and the front line. Although Turkey has made considerable efforts to accommodate million Syrian refugees, it sits right now across its border a civil potential catastrophe. Meanwhile in the south, a similar scenario takes place in the now-closed border with Jordan.(….)
There is evidence that ever more weapons and militants have been getting into Syria across the Turkish border in the last days before the moment truce is to take effect, an expert says
READ ALSO
John Kerry and Sergey Lavrov (archive)
Russia FM: There is no “plan B” on Syria and there never will be
MOSCOW, February 26. /TASS/. The United States’ Plan B for Syria may imply the beginning of a ground operation in Syria or accusations against Russia of disrupting the agreements and the introduction of more sanctions, the science doyen of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Oriental Studies Institute, Vitaly Naumkin, told the conference titled The Middle East: from Violence to Security of the Valdai discussion club.
“Firstly, I know from my US partners that many have been calling for a ground operation,” he said. “I believe that President Obama will not agree to this by any means. Yet there have been such hints.”
Another version of Plan B, Naumkin believes, might be confined to the introduction of a no-fly zone.
“This is what our Turkish partners and some other political figures have been calling for in order to re-open a corridor delivering supplies to rebels in the area of Aleppo,” he said. “We have evidence that ever more weapons and militants have been getting into Syria across the Turkish border in the last days before the moment truce is to take effect.”
“Also, there exists one more possibility our US counterparts have been hinting at — more sanctions against Russia and Iran, if we are accused of disrupting something,” Naumkin said.
More:
http://tass.ru/en/politics/859206
The comment below has been corrected. In addition I had approved it myself two days ago … I seldom modify comments … it appears that a URL somehow was inadvertently inserted in the middle of the comment. Maybe paste key was hit in error. Do not know .. mod-hs
/russian-mod-press-briefing-for-february-24th-2016/comment-page-1/#comment-213439
Thanks a lot in advance, and kind regards.
Elsi.
“The HNC confirms the acceptance among the Free Syrian Army and the armed opposition to adhere to a temporary truce starting at midnight on February 27 for the duration of two weeks,” the HNC said in a statement.
The agreement was reached after “negotiations with 97 opposition groups,” the committee said, without naming the exact rebel forces.”
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160226/1035392719/syrian-ceasefire-deal.html#ixzz41HjRFXsN
now-this is the Saudi HNC, the alternative power group set up by saudi following Vienna talks, sticking their oar in…….
are they acting on behalf of these groups to claim them as their own…..or have these groups directly signed up via the form and Rus-USA register…be v v careful Rus to know who these are , cos Saudi foreign minister is the snake in the grass and sworn to destroy Assad( and opposition still are committed to their ‘rebellion” to remove Assad too……..maybe his King and defence Minister(who have been in touch with Russia, meetings etc) has been allowed by the King to rise up to see if he can achieve things, hopefully Rus has pointed out to the King that this could mean a very big fall for both of them if they are not careful, ie Eu considering ban on weapons sales etc etc……….
and
“There is the possibility that American warhawks and their strange bedfellows – Saudi Arabian intelligence services – would throw a monkey wrench in Syria’s ceasefire to upset the deal, Czech-based freelance journalist and analyst Martin Berger believes.
While the Syrian ceasefire agreement, brokered by Russia and the US, is regarded by many as light at the end of the tunnel, the Pentagon and CIA hawks do not seem enthusiastic about the ongoing peace effort at all.
They even went so far as to predict the failure of the ceasefire agreement before it has even come into force and call for “inflicting real pain on the Russians.”
“Of course, one could only be amazed by such behavior from Washington’s ‘hawks’ if one did not take into consideration the evidence exposing their direct involvement in the continuous aggravation of the situation in Syria, which makes them directly responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians. Those actions would for sure present the perfect subject for a careful investigation of an international tribunal,” Czech-based freelance journalist and analyst Martin Berger writes in his article for New Eastern Outlook.
Syrian Arab Army troops take part in a rally in Tarus in support of the Russian Aerospace Force operation in Syria
© SPUTNIK/ DMITRIY VINOGRADOV
Out to Win: Why Syria Ceasefire Deal is a Huge Victory for Russia
Citing Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Nathaniel Barr of the Daily Beast, the journalist points out that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is now involved in assisting the terrorist organizations which Washington has been allegedly fighting against for more than decade.
“The CIA’s program, launched in 2013, initially was conceived as a way of strengthening moderate rebels fighting Bashar al-Assad’s regime without significantly increasing the US footprint in the conflict,” the journalists wrote in their January article.
But soon things got ugly on the ground. The CIA-backed groups sided with Islamists including the notorious al-Qaeda affiliate al-Nusra Front, claiming that it was a “marriage of necessity.”
“At this point it is impossible to argue that US officials involved in the CIA’s program cannot discern that Nusra and other extremists have benefited. And despite this, the CIA decided to drastically increase lethal support to vetted rebel factions following the Russian intervention into Syria in late September,”Gartenstein-Ross and Barr admitted.
Residents push a cart near al-Shaar bridge in Aleppo’s al-Shaar neighborhood, Syria, January 19, 2016
© REUTERS/ ABDELRAHMIN ISMAIL
Divide and Conquer: Does Kerry’s ‘Plan B’ on Syria Originate From 2008 Secret US-Saudi Plan?
Furthermore, another investigation carried out by Mark Mazzetti and Matt Apuzzo for The New York Times described in detail how Washington was using Saudi money to provide jihadists in Syria with lethal weapons, Berger underscores.
However, he adds, this is just an episode in a long string of Saudi-American controversial covert operations in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.
In a recent interview with Sputnik, American author and historian F. William Engdahl said that an ‘unholy alliance’ between the CIA and Islamists was established in the early 1950s.
“In my most recent book, The Lost Hegemon: Whom the gods would destroy, I describe in great detail the perverse ‘unholy alliance,’ brokered by the CIA in the early 1950s to mate the Egyptian death cult known as the Muslim Brotherhood with the primitive Saudi Wahhabist branch of Islam. The consequence of that was Mujahedeen, the Chechen wars, Bosnia’s Mujahedeen war against the Serbs, and now Al Qaeda-Al Nusra and Daesh,” Engdahl told Sputnik.
A soldier of the Syrian Arab Army at an observation post at the frontline in the al-Kom village of the Quneitra province in Syria
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
Syria Ceasefire: Who is Interested in Upsetting the Deal?
Berger emphasizes that in light of this we may assume that US warhawks would try to dent any progress made in Syria, since they are not interested in any victory for Russia, be it diplomatic or military.
“It would be safe to assume that the CIA will be put in charge of the operation, funded with the money provided by Saudi Arabia, therefore we can await provocations and misleading articles about how it is Russia who is continuing with provocations, not these forces hidden in plain view,” the Czech-based journalist stresses, adding that one should not be surprised that Washington has already come up with Plan B.
According to Berger the international community should prevent the failure of the ceasefire agreement by exposing these warhawks, namely the CIA, the Pentagon and the Saudi secret service.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160226/1035399210/why-us-hawks-islamists-bummed-out-by-syrian-ceasefire.html#ixzz41HtxSrFs
MOSCOW, February 26. /TASS/. The lack of progress at political talks on Syria comes as some Syrian opposition members wish to bargain for privileged position, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday.
OPINION
Zamyatina
Tamara
Syria truce plan crushes Turkish president’s aggressive intentions
“The only matter agreed in Vienna that has no positive changes is political talks,” Lavrov said after a ministerial session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum.
“This comes as certain groups of the regime opponents and their Western sponsors try to bargain for privileged position, to strengthen positions that will create advantages for them over other groups,” he said.
Now real progress has been reached in the humanitarian area and conditions have been agreed for cessation of hostilities. “This group of saboteurs of political talks has no other pretexts left to continue setting preconditions to launch the intra-Syrian dialogue,” Lavrov said.
READ ALSO
Some Syria regions are controlled by groups preventing people from joining ceasefire
“Let’s hope that those who have decisive influence on them will make certain conclusions and remove obstacles on the way towards comprehensive full-fledged implementation of agreements confirmed by UN Security Council resolution 2254,” he said.
More:
http://tass.ru/en/politics/859126
can’t remember if posted before-never mind.
Meeting of the Federal Security Service board:
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/51397
Russia’s Bastion systems and Onyx missiles block Barents and Black seas
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2016/02/26/russias-bastion-systems-and-onyx-missiles-block-barents-and-black-seas/
The Northern Fleet of the Russian Federation has deployed two batteries of state-of-the-art K-300P “Bastion” coastal missile systems with supersonic cruise missiles P-800 “Onyx” on the Kola Peninsula. The appearance of these weapons ensures the protection of 1,500 kilometers of the Russian coast from possible landing attacks and creates a 300-kilometer “dead zone” for NATO ships in the Barents Sea.
“Bastion” (NATO reporting name SS-C-05 Stooge) is one of the latest know-hows of the Russian army. The weapon was unveiled to the public for the first time in a documentary by Andrei Kondrashov “Crimea. The Way Home.”
Ssshhh….it’s a secret.
Russia’s nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy (Peter the Great) is to be armed with hypersonic cruise missiles by 2022. Ultra-secret Zircon missiles are rumored to be passing final tests before being considered for introduction.
“[GM heavy cruiser] Pyotr Velikiy will go into dry dock in the third quarter or in late 2019. General overhaul and ordnance alterations are planned to be completed by late 2022,” a source in Russia’s shipbuilding industry informed TASS.
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2016/02/24/russias-nuclear-hunter-of-aircraft-carriers-to-get-hypersonic-cruise-missiles-by-2022/
With regards to the agreement; I believe this was a very clever way of getting “on paper” the organizations that wish to negotiate with the government, and those who will now be fair game for the duration of the conflict. The US has purposely not disclosed to the Russians where, or who the groups are that they support, because it allows them to control the narrative of the conflict.
The US can no longer do this, since the zones of the cease fire are now mapped, the groups participating in them are listed, so the “grey areas” which were being exploited have now been resolved into “black and white” (no pun intended). As the map depicts, these areas represent a very small part of Syrian territory, so I can’t see the battle really being slowed down by this. In fact, it will clarify the battle fronts and maybe speed it up.
To counter this unanticipated situation, I feel the US will now do what it does best, (especially when its is losing) and behave like a jaded teenager and start breaking things. So I expect “unexplained” attacks on groups in the cease fire zones which will be very quickly blamed on Russian / Syrian forces; the stories will be in the MSM before Russia / Syria even know they have occurred, which is the advantage the planner of the false flags has.
Something that is just starting and is concerning is Lebanon and Saudi issues. Here are articles from South Front:
http://southfront.org/lebanon-will-not-become-saudi-emirate-hezbollah/
http://southfront.org/is-lebanon-becoming-a-black-sheep-of-the-middle-east-or-yet-another-target/
“Five Middle Eastern countries issued a travel ban to Lebanon without submitting any clear evidence about a possible security threat for their citizens”
Is this a new front opening up to force Hezbollah troops out of Syria and back to defend Lebanon? Is this part of “Plan B”?
http://anna-news.info/node/53961
Syrian war news for 27-28 Feb
is this the better place to post at the moment? If not please put where you want it!!