Let’s begin by a short summary of events.
- About a month ago Nikki Haley announces to the UNSC that the USA is ready to violate the rules of this very self-same UNSC should a chemical attack happen in Syria
- Then the Russians announced that they have evidence that a chemical false flag is being prepared in Syria
- Then a chemical attack (supposedly) takes place (in a location surrounded and, basically, controlled by government forces!)
- The OPWC sends investigators (in spite of western powers loudly proclaiming that no investigation was needed)
- The AngloZionists then bomb Syria
- Next, the UNSC refuses to condemn the violation of its own rules and decisions
- Finally, the US Americans speak of a ‘perfect strike’
Now tell me – do you get a sense that this is over?
If you tell me that 32/103 is hardly perfect, I will reply that you are missing the point. In fact, if anything, 32/103 is further incentive to bomb again!
Let’s look at the differently for a second and ask this: what has the AngloZionist attack actually demonstrated?
- The western general public is so terminally zombified that false flag attacks can now be announced 4 weeks in advance
- The Europeans now live by the motto “my honor is called solidarity” (a variation of the SS motto “my honor is loyalty“)
- Lead by the USA, western countries have no objections to wars started in violation of their own national laws
- The UN Security Council has no objections to wars started in violation of the UN Charter and International Law
- The PRC leaders, in their infinite wisdom, act as if they have nothing personal at stake and act like bystanders
- The Israelis, via the UN Neocons, are now in total control of the Empire and use it to “clean house” next door
Oh, I hear the objections. They go something like this:
– But the attack was a dismal failure!
– So what? the Empire did not pay any price for executing it.
– But the US Americans did blink! The attacked from Jordanian airspace and from the Red Sea! They avoided the Russians completely! They are afraid of them!
– So what? They still bombed a Russian ally with total impunity.
– But, surely you are not suggesting that the Russians should have started a war against the USA over a strike which did not even kill a single person?
– No, of course not, but by not taking any action the Russians also failed to deter any future attacks.
– But what could the Russians have done?
Now *that* is the right question!
Let’s look at it a little closer. Roughly speaking, the Russians have a choice of 3 types of retaliatory measures: political, economic and military. However, each one of them has a specific set of prerequisites which are currently problematic to say the least:
| Measures | Political | Economic | Military |
| Prerequisites | Assumes a minimal amount of decency, integrity and respect for the rule of law by the rest of the planet. | Assumes that other countries, especially China, would be willing and able to support such measures. | Assumes that Russia has the military capability to defeat the AngloZionist “coalition”. |
| Current reality | Russia can moan, bitch, complain, protest, appeal to higher values, logic or facts – nobody gives a damn. | The Chinese and the rest of them are not willing to do anything at this time to support Russia. | Russia can militarily defeat the AngloZionists, but only by risking the future of our planet. |
This really can be summarized a simple sentence: the AngloZionist Hegemony is a threat for the entire planet, but nobody besides Russia and Iran is willing to take it on. Ain’t that an irony!
The so-called “Christian West” has become a willing host for its Zionist parasite and the only ones with the courage and moral integrity to take it on are Orthodox Christians and Muslims! Sic transit gloria mundi indeed…
But what is even more important is this: while it is true that the US Neocons did not succeed in delivering the kind of massive attack they would have wanted to, and while it is true that the US attack was just about as lame as can be, you need to completely forget about these facts. Facts simply don’t matter. And neither does logic. All that matters are perceptions!
And the perception is that “we” (the AngloZionist rulers and their serfs) “kicked” Assad’s “ass” and that “we” will “do it again” if “we” feel like it. That is all that matters in the Empire of Illusions which the AngloZionist Hegemony has become.
As soon as you understand that, you also will have to agree that Trump was right: it was a “perfect strike” (again, not in reality, but in the world of illusions created around it).
So now we come full circle.
The AngloZionist Hegemony demands that the entire planet bows down and worships it. Except for Russia and Iran, everybody meekly goes down on their knees or, at most, meekly looks away. In their own delusional reality, the ‘Mericans feel empowered to smack down Russia or Iran at anytime. There is nothing Iran can do to stop them, and while Russia can, she can only do that at the risk of the future of our entire planet.
Now you tell me – do you really think this is over?
The Saker
“But what could the Russians have done?” Oh, I don’t know, maybe stood up for themselves or their ally and host by following through with the threat issued by their Lebanese Envoy. And if not that, then maybe they could provide Syria with some S-400 systems as they offered to their enemies the Turks and our country (the U.S.). After all, Russia was the target in the latest strikes even though the missile trajectories allegedly steered clear of Russian assets or personnel. Was it not Putin who recently went before his nation and the world touting all the new and fancy Russian weapon systems? Then Russia issues two different threats to a U.S. attack, the one noted above and the one from the government stating retaliation if “Russian” interests were threatened. Taken as a whole, the “Putin is Hitler” insult from hitlery, the endless sanctions, false accusations and insults from the U.S. government and their western puppets, the endless military build-up and exercises on their borders, as well as weapons supplied to ukraine, etc., make Russia the ultimate target. Under all the above circumstances and then some, Russia is undeniably in the crosshairs of the “empire” and will remain so because of her inability or unwillingness to defend herself or her interests, i.e., Syria. Even attending a UNSC meeting on the issue of the latest strikes is counter-productive and counter-intuitive as the UNSC and the UN in general represent no law or order for the international community. All Putin did last week is look weak and the continued justification and excuse making for this serves no further purpose except to give your enemies a good laugh.
A back room deal has been done to allow the re-unification of Korea. Maybe they will sacrifice Taiwan to China in a similar way so China looks the other way when the dogs of war are let loose on the Orthodox Christian stronghold currently located in Moscow ?
I cannot agree more with the Saker, as what he wrote tends to agree with my earlier assessments. Currently, the U.S. is preparing new sanctions against Russian firms linked to the Syrian regime, new strikes they said are a realistic possibility (they can fake more attacks whenever they want). Russia is not going to get more breathing space anytime soon, the Empire will double down and their strategy seems to be working.
To parse your query, Saker, what is “It”?
The ‘It’ I see is the war against Russia. Syria is just the great theater war for the ME, for secular sovereign nations, for unification of multi-confessionals (as Lavrov calls all the faiths of the region).
Russia has opened a new (old Soviet) beachhead. It is really a new South (farther south than the Southern Military District. Russia sees this zone as fortress for the gas pipelines into Europe. Thus, its “It” is existential economics.
Russia must buttress its military and geopolitical victory with a Military District mentality. Men, material, logistical lines beyond the Black Sea express that is choked by Turkey/NATO at the Bosphorus are imperative to establish an Eastern Mediterranean fleet (primarily subs) and a much larger air basing operation. Using Iran is part of the solution. But a joint Russia-China-Egypt base would be ideal. The facility could be built by China, stocked with massive needs for Russian platforms, act as a service center for clients of Russian weapons platforms, and provide jobs for Sisi’s people. Russia should also “use” China’s Djibouti base as a signal to the nearby US Camp Lemmonier (NATO and drone base) that Russia and China are linked everywhere in some way.
Russia’s small footprint in Syria does not have to get too much larger. Just have China expand all Syria’s air bases and bring defenses for complete coverage, assuring the US can never establish a No Fly over Syria.
China needs to be given a To Do List if does not want to bring the PLA into play. It needs to build the facilities Russia’s military and its allies Syria, Hezbollah and Iran require to forestall the US-Arab-Israeli coalition. This step is imperative.
The Russian ME (South) Military and Eastern Mediterranean Naval Operations are skeletal now. But there are many fast ways to put real flesh on the bones at little cost to Russia’s budget.
“It” is never over. “It” is on for 20-25 more years before the Hegemon croaks.
The Russian Awakening, we might call it, is scaring the hell out of the US.
Follow-on construction of the Multi-Polar muscle must happen now.
Syria and Iran should get whatever missile defenses they need.
Russia must bring China’s money and infrastructure capabilities into play in Syria and Egypt.
And Putin should go to the UN and give a speech as to what is actually going on, so the world understands and the collars and leashes on some of the EU and QUAD lapdogs are snapped off or at the least loosened so the poodles can slip out later.
Saker,
The Russians need to get it through their head and accept that the lunatics in DC are coming for them in no uncertain terms. To the jackals, failure to act with force is seen as extreme weakness and only emboldens them. All this talk of waiting for the empire to fail and playing the long game is nonsense. This is a beast that will take down the world in its death throes. People who think the Empire will fade quietly into the night are as out of touch with reality as the lunatics in DC. These are people who believe they can prevail in a nuclear exchange and this belief drives their policy. This must be understood. This is why the US has adopted a first strike stance. They also don’t take Putin’s recent demonstration regarding weapons capability seriously. Listen to the rhetoric coming out of the US. People need to understand that it is what the enemy believes and how they will act according to what they believe that is important. Actual reality does not matter.
Russia is in a position where they must seriously consider risking everything. There must be a blow of sufficient ferocity and damage landed to the Empire to shock them back to reality or at least give them serious pause. A serious, merciless attack on Empire bases in Syria may work and is justified. It may fail to have the intended effect and we will find ourselves at the edge of the nuclear cliff. However, failure to act will absolutely find the planet at the nuclear cliff as Russia will soon find itself with no other choice. I don’t know why people can’t grasp the true depth of the lunacy in DC. It seems clear.
Your explanation is the most realistic one of any posted here. The playground bully will not stop until he is knocked down. This is obvious to anyone who has ever been bullied or seen a bully in action. Most commenters here simply have their head stuck deep, deep, deep in the sand.
I have come to the same reluctant conclusion. It is all well and fine to bide one’s time to gather strength and engage in diplomacy, but the hegemonic bully is only intent on overwhelming its adversaries by any means possible. It’s plan for one world government is very long in the tooth. There is no other plan. Its goals are plain to see and its methods are as devious and base as one can imagine. There is no turning back. The bully will only respond to physical pain.
At some point Russia will be forced to respond. It is nearly ready, and its hand will be forced.
Sadly i have to agrre with you. I think PCR has been saying the same over and over
An interesting article as always from The Saker, but on this occasion I don’t think I can fully agree with the expressed views.
The empire did strike, but how ? It was a joint US and UK mission, aided by Israel. The involvement of France is not clear, as the reports are contradictory, with the Russians saying that they could not detect any French involvement. This means that out of all NATO members, only the US and UK participated in the attack. And the others ? Why didn’t they participate ? This is a very bad sign for NATO.
The Russians did not directly get involved in repelling the attack, but they did so indirectly, aiding the Syrians with their electronics and intel and placing their military on full alert. That certainly sent a strong message to NATO. The performance of the Syrian military was very good, if not excellent, shooting down 71 incoming missiles.
Will the empire strike again in Syria ? I don’t think so, as this attack did not go lightly. If it struck again, who can guarantee that the Russians will not respond ? How many times will the empire dare to attack Syria, and under what excuses ?
I can only reiterate that the Russian response was brilliant, being highly professional, efficient and low profile from the military point of view. Under the present circumstances it was logical. Had they acted directly, how would the Pentagon generals have responded and how would they have interpreted this ? Having watched some US generals on TV and on the Internet, I can conclude that they did not exactly leave a sense of confidence to those watching them.
What did the US and UK achieve ? Nothing. How much money did it cost them ? Millions. How much did they lose on the international scene ? A huge amount. This attack on Syria was in reality a joint effort by London and New York bankers, who control the US, UK and NATO. They exposed the US and UK on the international scene, while the other NATO members looked on. Not a good sign. What in effect we now have is a military and political partnership between the US and UK, with the other NATO members unofficially staying out. This unofficial stand will slowly become official, as Continental Europe does not wish to be dragged into a potential military conflict with Russia. Yes, Continental Europe has it’s own elites, but even they know how far they can go when war is in question, fearing possible repercussions from their own populations. Worse for both London and New York, analysts have since last year been predicting a rift between the elites in Europe and the US, with the European ones beginning to look towards Russia. I think it’s going that way, the cool European response to this attack against Syria being proof.
BF I fully concur.
Masterly effort by Russia; no doubt the electronics won the day. They are the masters of electronic warfare.
Some are disappointed that Russia did not sink any ships or shoot down planes. There was no need to.
Increasingly the world sees the US (and UK – but now they have used up all their 6 missiles) for what they are.
The US “allies” are only fair weather friends, and most secretly despise the US. The countries that refused to join in, and the French firing no missiles (is this Russian humour?) is very telling.
The other big looser is Israel; Russia signed a deal to use2 Iranian military airports – and locate S300 and Pantsir units.
There is a greater victory in letting your opponent to make a fool of himself and exposing his braggadocio as just hot air (or farts, actually).
You know that the primitives way of doing war was by starting to shout and make obscene gestures at the ‘enemy’ trying to scare him. In many cases the ‘other’ primitive got scared and abandoned the field. The things changed radically when the barbarians faced the Romans who let them make all the circus (probably laughing), even let them attack. Usually, these encounters ended up with the total routing of the barbarians.
The only way that I see this dangerous game come to a peaceful conclusion is by Putin and Trump having a meering – man ro man and without any of Trump’s minders there ready to scuttle the talks. Even then it is doubtful that Trump has the political clout to affect policy in a meaningful way. Already the neocons have made it clear that all that is needed to take us back to the brink is another false flag.
Russia’s Humanity and Moral Conscience Are Leading to War
https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2018/04/14/russias-humanity-moral-conscience-leading-war/
More sanctions this monday announced by…yessssssss N Haley the lunatic.
Reason?No reason at all.Just for the fun.
US’ new sanctions to punish Russia for mere fact of its presence on global arena
Russian Politics & Diplomacy April 15
“This is exactly how they worded these sanctions: for Russia’s role in international affairs,” Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman stressed
More:
http://tass.com/politics/999940
Attempts to make pariah country of Russia doomed to failure – Russian UN envoy
More:
http://tass.com/politics/999916
They are getting ready it seems for the Financial collapse.
ECB Tells Deutsche Bank To Simulate A “Crisis Scenario”
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-04-15/ecb-tells-deutsche-bank-simulate-crisis-scenario
I have always believed tht Trump was The ‘guy’ forseen for the big krach to come.Of course it will be Russia(Assad?)fault.
US has zero intention to leave Syria EVER(bibi asked to stay,you must obey then).
Haley: US Not Withdrawing Troops From Syria “Until Goals Accomplished”, More Russian Sanctions Coming
”The Chinese and the rest of them are not willing to do anything at this time to support Russia.”
Are you sure about this? If both Russia and China were to divulge any possible co-operation do you think they would advertise the fact. When the Rouble was being shorted the Soros gang China was actually buying Roubles to help Russia shore up its currency. China cannot simply stand by and watch Russia fall to the AZ-empire, it would be strategic suicide as China would be next in line, that is after all the Hegemon’s plan. It seems axiomatic that a joint anti-hegemonic Eurasian front including Russia and the CTSO and China could hold off any attack by the AZs whereas China alone would be much weaker and totally surrounded by the Hegemon who after subduing Russia would be very confident of taking China. This seems to me common-sense, albeit speculative.
”Russia can militarily defeat the AngloZionists, but only by risking the future of our planet.”
Yes, but that cuts both ways. The Anglo-Zionists can militarily defeat Russia but only by risking the future of the planet. Unless the AZ-empire has succumbed to a collective death wish it is unlikely to engage in a full-scale nuclear exchange which would result from a conventional war with Russia, particularly if Russia was losing.
Clearly some elements are deluded enough to think a nuclear exchange winnable. That delusion has to be factored in to your reasoning. I live in London also and am glad to wake up each morning, so far.
Unless of course I am also successfully deluding myself and am already, rather than soon to be, vapourised.
Seriously, Russia was defeated yesterday at the UN, big time, notwithstanding its “stellar” response to the attacks in Syria by Trump/May/Macron regimes. I am not even sure what was the point of putting forward a resolution, given the NATO/EU being over-represented at the SC. Pathetic.
Lavrov should go – even the day before yesterday he was talking of having “evidence” about “one country” behind the false flag attach in Syria. Can he not bring himself to namin the said country and providing the evidence? Pathetic. Yes, we now know what he means but between his overuse of the word “partners” and inability to call a spade a spade, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pathetic.
Russia’s response to the latest economic sanctions: Medvedev said that Russian economy would “adapt” to them. Pathetic. Yes, there are some squeaks about retaliatory measure – well seeing is believing.
Unless China raises the stakes (I would not hold my breath) in some major way, we can forget about a multi-polar world. The end.
Annonn
What you have written is completely unacceptable. Lavrov to go ? Are you serious ? He is the best foreign minister in the world. Russia defeated at the UN ? In what way ? You mean Nikki Haley’s performance being a victory ? The US had only Britain behind it, with all the other NATO members refusing to participate in the attack against Syria, which achieved nothing. You call that a victory ?
This kind of ravings only show that the defeatist propaganda directed at Russians finds some audience among the ‘patriots’. The Czar should go, Putin should go, Lavrov should go. Find a new Lenin to sign a new Brest-Litovsk Peace.
Yes, indeed. I am amazed at the number of comments which transmit the message that Russia is done, finished, abandoned, to face alone the invincible forces of the ‘Empire’ which would gobble her, China, Iran, the rest of the world in no time. Since apparently these comments are from Russians, lovers of Russia, or just sympathizers, they look as ‘black propaganda’.
Of course it is better to pretend Russia has won (again!) and brace ourselves for the next false flag attack. What will it be this time – Russia (Putin himself) “hacking” UK hospitals, another fake poison attack? And then Russia will be droning at the UN, releasing feeble statements, proclaiming that aspersions are just that without evidence and there is not evidence of Russia’s culpability. Sure – we’ve seen that, ad nauseum. Actually, no – American “partners” will introduce more economic sanctions to kill Russian economy. 14 companies have just been sanctioned and what has it done the the Russian stock market? No, of course, we can congratulate Russia that the stock market has since recovered a bit so it is not too bad and so on so forth. Whilst Russia does not have an independent monetary policy (other than raising/reducing the interest rate a couple of percentage points and selling $ to prop up the Rouble) and whilst its elite has vast assets in the West, Russia cannot do much – not because Putin wants to avoid the third world war but because he cannot do much. This is the sad truth.
Yes, Britain and her last remaining 6 missiles. ‘Austerity’ ( IOW, theft of publicly owned resources ) means that the Maybot and co will sell advertising or sponsorship on the remaining 5 operational RN ships to buy a few more, but can they find someone mug enough to buy it?
Medvedev is a goner. ~May 7, 2018. See John Helmerś speculations:
several weeks ago:
WHEN VLADIMIR PUTIN COUGHS, THE GRIPPE IS INFECTIOUS – KREMLIN SUCCESSION SHOWDOWN STARTS
http://johnhelmer.org/?p=17606
In his Federal Assembly speech on March 1, Putin also made sure that for his succession, he intends the Russian military-industrial complex to prevail over the oligarchs on whom Kremlin rule has depended since 1996. Politically, this means the rise of Dmitry Rogozin, currently deputy prime minister in charge of the defence sector, and Sergei Shoigu, the defence minister. Putin has signalled he intends the defeat of the pro-American business faction in Moscow, which US sanctions have been attempting to promote since 2014.
. . .
A year later, in Putin’s Assembly address on December 1, 2016, he spoke for roughly the same hour. The military industrial complex was mentioned in passing; war not at all. “We have carried out far-reaching modernisation at our defence industry enterprises,” Putin said, following Rogozin’s script but cutting it to a fraction. “This has resulted in increased production and, particularly important, in a significant increase in labour productivity. The defence industry has posted very good results and gives a good example. In 2016, we expect growth in the defence industry to reach 10.1 percent, and a labour productivity increase of 9.8 percent.”
Left to right: Rogozin, Shoigu, and General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff.
Putin’s analysis of the new weapons, and their targeting on US territory, is succinct. For further analysis, read Alexander Mercouris’s report. The usually careful Bulletin of the [American] Atomic Scientists claimed Putin “provided no proof that the new nuclear platforms actually exist” and attempted to dismiss the “video animations of the alleged weapons”. Putin anticipated the reaction. “Be sure that everything I have said today is not a bluff ‒ and it is not a bluff, believe me.”
Rogozin, Shoigu and Gerasimov wrote the text; for the first time Putin said it with enthusiasm, and without qualifying himself. “To those who in the past 15 years have tried to accelerate an arms race and seek unilateral advantage against Russia, have introduced restrictions and sanctions that are illegal from the standpoint of international law aiming to restrain our nation’s development, including in the military area, I will say this: everything you have tried to prevent through such a policy has already happened. No one has managed to restrain Russia.”
As a statement of Russian strategy, Putin is turning the US theory of Russian regime change on its head, reinforcing the president instead of isolating and toppling him. In practice, Russian sources in a position to know believe his performance reveals the new power of the military-industrial complex and the General Staff to fight the business oligarchs for influence over Putin, and for winning the succession. They predict Putin’s successor will be more military-minded, more anti-American than Putin thought safe for himself until now.
4-10-18 Now comes this–the party’s over for Medvedev and the allied Atlanticist oligarchs:
GOOD FRIDAY, RESURRECTION SUNDAY – RUSSIA’S NEW WAR CABINET TO BE HEADED BY SERGEI SOBYANIN
By John Helmer, Moscow
http://johnhelmer.net/good-friday-resurrection-sunday-russias-new-war-cabinet-to-be-headed-by-sergei-sobyanin/
Father Politics, like Mother Nature, abhors a vacuum.
And so it was, even before the US Treasury announced its newest sanctions against Russian individuals and their companies for “malign activity around the globe”, that President-elect Vladimir Putin was preparing a successor cabinet of ministers on the principle that they would be organized as a headquarters staff for fighting a war on all fronts, without the option of negotiating terms with the enemy.
The impact of the US sanctions, along with the campaign of the British Government in the Skripal affair, and the Syrian front action escalating since the weekend, have reinforced what had already been decided in the Kremlin. The new government is to be a war cabinet. In Russian parlance, a Stavka.
To foreigners, Putin’s new war cabinet will look like the Stavka created by Joseph Stalin following the German invasion on June 21, 1941.
. . .
The pictures issued by the Kremlin since last Friday reveal that Putin has decided, along with the Defense Ministry , the General Staff, the heads of the security services, and the Russian military-industrial complex, that he must change prime ministers. This means the revival of the candidacy of the Mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin.
Putin will announce the new government after his official inauguration, which is legally appointed for May 7.
Sobyanin, who turns 60 in June, was Putin’s choice to be his chief of staff in the Kremlin between 2005 and 2008. When Putin moved to the prime ministry in May 2008, Sobyanin moved with him to become the head of the government staff. He became Mayor of Moscow, replacing presidential contender Yury Luzhkov, on October 21, 2010.
Sobyanin is Putin’s compromise with Russia’s military and security commanders who regard Medvedev as a capitulationist; and who have been losing confidence in the Kremlin’s capacity to withstand the escalating Anglo-American attacks. Instead of Medvedev, they may have preferred Sergei Shoigu, the Defense Minister, or Dmitry Rogozin, the deputy prime minister in charge of the military-industrial complex. Both of them Putin regards as presidential candidates with independent voices of their own, and thus threatening to his own supremacy. Sobyanin is a staff man, Putin calculates – not more.
Left to right: Sergei Shoigu; Vladimir Putin; Dmitry Rogozin. For more on what they now stand for, read this. The uniforms Shoigu and Rogozin are wearing come with their Defense Ministry posts; by professional training they are civilians. Rogozin was proscribed in the first round of US sanctions in March 2014; Shoigu has not yet been sanctioned; nor has Sobyanin.
. . .
“Yes to a war economy”, says a veteran of Russia’s Finance Ministry. “It is the regime where the country can reveal its true potential and become creative. Here, peace time has meant stagnation. In a war economy, individuals no longer matter so long as they perform their functions right. Also, there should be no factions within the government, so it has to be a group of people who are not trying to undermine their neighbours.”
The source warned that in Russia’s present situation, Putin’s preferred approach is impossible: “cherry-picking [between factions] would not yield the result that’s required.”
“More specifically, there should be no prime minister. It is clearly a presidential team, so a prime minister is surplus to requirements. All those games of keeping a ‘technical’ PM in order to blame him for inefficient work are now unnecessary. Either we win the war or we lose it. When the leader has high support, he is in charge of everything.”
, , ,
The Stavka approach is endorsed by several sources, although they aren’t telling their non-Russian friends, and Sobyanin’s name is not being mentioned. Medvedev’s reappointment, which appeared two months ago to be the likely result of Putin’s cabinet reshuffle, is unmentionable now.
The Stavka approach also means the removal from active staff and line command roles of those individuals who have depended on Medvedev’s patronage; contributed to his presidential campaigns; and preserved the option of a Kremlin succession on terms to be negotiated with Washington, London, Brussels, and Berlin. These include Igor Shuvalov, deputy prime minister; Arkady Dvorkovich, deputy prime minister; and Alexei Kudrin, ex-finance minister and aspiring prime minister. For Dvorkovich’s story, click.
Disqualified from reappointment in a senior official capacity are ministers who own very large residences in London.
. . .
“In the war the Americans and NATO are imposing on Russia now,” says a non-Russian international banker, “entrepreneurs’ rights are obsolete. The Americans have succeeded in reversing twenty-five years of Russian privatization they thought they had made irreversible.”
Very interesting – thank you for posting this info.
The Russian Federation is a democratic country, VVP’s ‘successor’ will be whoever the Russian people vote for among the running candidates.The West can live under their fascist,totalitarian,aristocratic rule on their own.
I think you should intoduce in your reasoning that US, GB, France, and above all Israël are so afraid concerning their own lives.
Never, Never, will they use the bomb if they risk for exemple the anhilation of New York, London Paris and the apple of their eyes Tel Aviv.
There is no risk of a nuclear conflict.
I would like to point out that Russia as well as China are complementing each other to avoid a brutal crash.
Russia is playing the game of the military whereas China plays the game of money and both for the good of mankind.
I am sure that both great personalities (Putin and Xi) have everything taken into consideration and account how the offenders could act. The blueprints of the Westeners allied actors shine through the last decenniens.
They work (Putin and Xi) perfectly together. In between is Iran and might be India (whereas with India I am not so sure).
Putin is a great personality – a real peacemaker and most of all not weak. If there will be any retaliatory necessary it will be chosen when the Western allied offenders will not expect – thats what I think.
But he will try to avoid a too great damage to humanity.
However, both Russia and China are well aware if they don’t use restraint in their actions a 3rd world war could break out easily. That’s the point. Both do not want it.
The neocons do not care …. their mind is set on how to gain more wealth and power. This way of thinking leads to arrogance and arrogance is the way of the loser. Why ? Because arrogance doesn’t take into its mind that the other part is more versatile in strategic games. Arrogance leads to oversee important facts.
Monika
Russia could announce today that the US manned space program is over for the time being as Russia will no longer offer rides for U.S. astronauts nor astronauts from any country participating in illegal aggression with the US.
I’ve said this before here, more than once. It’s an asymmetrical move that will get these psychopaths attention.
Russia is dangerously close to being seen as all talk and the US us doing everything it can to call Russia’s bluff. Something must be done. Russia has a little time to see if it can garner support for its current path but not much.
Should have added that this would show the US that they are not the only ones that can create reality.
FYI, it was Generals of the Russian Military ‘all talk’ that froze the Pentagon. Mattis and JCS and Centcom heard the “talk” and acted accordingly, fought off the neocon crazies, coordinated and shaped their “attack” and defended it like obedient servants to Russia’s demands.
If you take a good look at Russian generals, hear them, check their war records, compare their CVs to US generals, compare the Russian military achievements in Syria and Chechnya to US in Iraq and Afghanistan, you know who are the Alphas.
Talk from Russian Generals saved the day. Russia has a military. The US has a Chaos Machine.
And next go at it, the Americans will do much the same, though they will hit at Iranian, Hezbollah and Syrian targets in a much larger attack with 500 missiles. After which, Israel will burn in a few places and the US will have to douse those flames or watch all its asset vassals burn, Saudi Arabia for certain.
Trump will be in a wag the dog need, and the strategy they are running is to take it to the limit. But the limit is Russian-determined. What the next determination is we don’t know. Maybe, Russia will deliver that word sooner or later. Putin’s call. He’s got the cards to play. We can only guess.
No one is going to start a war with Russia. The American Generals will not survive the loss of their 6th fleet flagship, or the thousands of casualties on the ground in Syria. If Latakia or Tartus is hit in an attack, Pearl Harbor losses will seem trivial. The US will lose part of Aviano in Italy, Sigonella in Sicily, Al Udeid in Qatar, and even Mashabim in Israel. The UK, if it participates in such an attack against Russian bases, will lose everything they have that floats and its share of Cypress base, Akrotiri.
I am certain the US had Latakia and Tartus ‘packages’ for hitting them if the Russians attacked US assets.
And the Russians certainly had ‘packages’ of Kalibrs targeted on all US assets that night.
The US is mighty and powerful but it does not want to suffer defeat, thousands of deaths and losses of magnitude that Russia can inflict on them.
The US present hold on one-third of Syria is like having one’s arm down the throat of a crocodile whose mouth is still open. If the US persists, it will lose that arm and the one-third it “holds”.
No real disagreement with your post. Your post, however, is focused on military aspects. I’m talking about a non-military Russian response that could be implemented immediately.
If all we can see is the military aspect, then war it will be, sooner or later. I would hope that Russia could ‘shake the tree’ in some other way. Frankly, denial of the ISS to America and any others joining in illegal aggressions is about all Russia has outside of the military sphere that would make these psychopaths take notice.
Bit pessimistic I think.
Yes western terrorism will continue for the time being – that’s all they’ve got and yes indeed the west could blow us all up.
Wouldn’t that spoil their own fabulous, privileged lives though – just a little bit?
Reported in Russia Today 10 days ago –
“Beijing has sent a delegation to Russia to show Washington the unity of Russian and Chinese military forces and “support” Russia at the 7th Moscow Conference on International Security.
Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe voiced strong support for Russia during the talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoigu. While stressing “the united position” on the international arena, the minister said that one of the main goals of the visit was to send a message to Western powers.
“The Chinese side came to let the Americans know about the close ties between the Russian and Chinese armed forces” – Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe said
This is the top Chinese defence official speaking with the top Russian defence official and the statement was the main purpose of the visit to Moscow. It doesn’t get more official than that.
What do you want China to do?
Western commenters seem often only able to think in terms of who has the biggest bombs yet world events are shaped by other factors eg economics and access to vital resources.
Russia and China have plenty weapons. Do the anti Chinese commenters want Russia and China to start shooting their missiles at the USA?
Will that make the world a better place?
Sadly in some ways, we have a generation of people – especially in the USA – who have no idea what a war is like. They think it is a computer game that they can watch on tv.
Can they even conceive of what a radioactivity-ravaged planet with hundreds of millions dying agonising deaths and destroyed state infrastructure would be like?
The fact that we are all alive right now despite endless western belligerence is a testament to the wisdom and patience of the Russian/Chinese leadership.
We should be grateful for that.
They are not buying gold like there’s no tomorrow just for fun you know.
They are destroying the dollar’s reserve currency not by blowing people up but by creating a better gold backed currency for trade.status. For now they just want to avoid war – for all our sakes. We should be grateful for that. The US offers the world nothing but chaos.
Most of what the US does these days just seems to me like absolute desperation. Yes, the US regime and it’s bought and paid for puppets are dangerous but we are clever and focussed.
Patience friends, and as a previous poster said “one brick at a time . . . .”
For some reason, American Christianity has never really seemed to regard Orthodox Christians as really being other Chrisitians. American Protestants recognize Catholics as Christians. There have been some antognisms over the centuries, but they don’t really seem to cut off the other as not really being Chrisitans.
But for some reason, Orthordox Christians in Russia don’t get the same regard. They are somewhat regard as being “different”. At best they get a reaction that goes “Oh, I guess they are some sort of Christians too.” But even that is reluctantly given. Don’t really know why. I’m sure it goes back to both the European roots of both Protestantism and Catholicism and the older schism betwen the Roman and Constantinople seats of Christianity and power.
Thus, it doesn’t really surprise me to see both Orthodox Christians and Muslims force into opposition of western Christianity.
To me, the real schism in Christianity is between those who follow the teachings of Christ, and those who do exactly the opposite of what Christ taught but say they do that in the name of Christ. Some Christians help the poor and the sick and those struggling to get by. Some Christians oppose war and violence and death and destruction and torture. That’s the one faction. The other faction is the one who views the poor and the sick as people to be exploited and profited from, and who view war, death, violence and torture to be a some sort of sick holy crusade in the name of Christ and that if they can only hurry Armaggedon a long a little bit they soon be sitting at God’s table in God’s heaven as their reward.
That’s the schism in Christianity. Which side are you on?
Americans are evangelists, I don’t count them as real Christians, merely some sort of frothed mouth religiosity to back up their vengeful, violent paranoid view of the outside world. Religion as a rubber stamp for imperialism one might say.
It has long been an agreed-upon carve up of temporal power between the state and the religious institutions, the state handles practical things, the religious institutions the more volatile emotional side.
Massive data collection and the application of machine learning is likely to shortly replace the influence previously wielded by the religious institutions.
Welcome to the Brave New World.
Pompeo’s Promotion: Zio-Christian Armageddonist Power-Play
Why do recent moves promoting Mike Pompeo to head up Department of State, and Gina Haspel taking over at CIA, point to the generals consolidating power for a man in the shadow of Donald Trump, Mike Pence? These promotions are elements of a contest between vying factions where the generals are winning. We begin with the promotion of torturer Haspel at CIA, to arrive at understanding of where this is presently pointed in a convoluted series of contested maneuvers from behind the curtain.
. . .
Why did Petraeus have to go? For the simple reason of religious conviction:
Dominionists celebrate Christian nationalism, in that they believe that the United States once was, and should once again be, a Christian nation. In this way, they deny the Enlightenment roots of American democracy.
Dominionists promote religious supremacy, insofar as they generally do not respect the equality of other religions, or even other versions of Christianity.
Dominionists endorse theocratic visions, insofar as they believe that the Ten Commandments, or “biblical law,” should be the foundation of American law, and that the U.S. Constitution should be seen as a vehicle for implementing Biblical principles.
It was General Petreaus had pushed to a point the USA military’s…
“85 percent of our leadership were active in dynamic Bible study”
…became a problem for MOSSAD, that is, dominionists not only believe in a ‘Greater Israel’, they also believe in literal Armageddon, in which case the Jewish state would certainly be destroyed, have a listen to the USA’s #1 authority on dominionism in the American military…
“You’re telling me 28 to 34 percent of our military want 7 billion people to die” [believe in literal Armageddon] … “The simple answer is affirmative”
…noting the officer corps are a much higher (up to 85%) concentration of dominionism persuasion.
A sample of known dominionists surrounding Trump in the so-called ‘national security’ apparatus would include ‘the generals’ McMaster, Kelly and Mattis, all aligned with known dominionist Mike Pence, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and now Mike Pompeo at Department of State:
“We make sure that we pray and stand and fight and make sure that we know that Jesus Christ is our savior is truly the only solution for our world”-Mike Pompeo
https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/03/pompeos-promotion-zio-christian-armageddonist-power-play/
Many thanks for your analyses.
I mainly agree with your points. However some tendancies are emerging and their is an important reality that you miss….
1) First i have a question to you : Is there a possibility that these strikes were designed to evaluate the level at which the syrian air defense would be saturated ? In this case the answer is that more that ten times of missiles must be fired. Which is horrifying and would lead undoubtly to an escalation.
2) In Great Britain there is a strong political opposition to Theresa May Policy of flase flag and missile launches. In France too. And beyong a diplomatic support on very general principles again chemical weapons, Angela Merkel has stated against an effective participation to this military show. Germany is surreptitiouly developping its own way about Ukraine, Nord Stream 2, … and try to set up an european military defense force which means a cool exit from NATO….
3) In the US the military investments and wars have degraded the economy, together with some other factors, in such a manner that further sinking in employment level, welfare, … would lead to political problems. Sadly these are the ground conditions for wars.
Dear Saker,
I think the Chinese abstention is a strategy. In not presenting a united front, it present critical space for the Yanks not to go to desperate extremes in thinking it has to deal with both Russia and China. It help to limit the Yank’s resort to escalation if they think that they need only to deal with Russia.
But the Yanks know well China’s red lines in the middle-east and Syria. E.g.: the thousands of Uighurs now being radicalised and trained in Syria for future terrorism in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China.
In abstaining, China also retains some strategic space to help in a possible negotiated settlement between Russia and US.
I am sure China will have already gamed out the consequence of an abstention.
Let’s just be a bit optimistic..
The A.Z. Empire in the past showed the same behaviour that in the last days:
Iraq, Jugoslavia, Afghanistan and then Libya.
Yes, there were manifestations of people and protests in western countries, but with no practical effect to stop the attacks. And they were really true attacks until the capitulation of the “enemy” or a full invasion.
Now, instead, for the first time, it is not so, A full scale attack to Syria has not be done and CANNOT be done, for the same reason that Russia cannot ACTIVELY oppose the attacks.
I find this a big difference from the past and giving some hope for the future.
I agree that China is acting in a not smart way.
China will find herself in very bad waters and should understand that Russia must be sustained totally.
Instead, China has not yet accepted Crimea as part of Russia…
Here is a little different take, in response to those who say that Russian restraint was the right thing and the others who say that Russia should have called-out the empire, shooting back if necessary. And with some thoughts on China and its support or lack of it.
One fact is loud and clear: Russia is dealing with an enemy all out to destroy it. There can be no doubt about that. The other clear fact is that Syria is only an incidental matter, the real thing is about Russia. Today it is Syria, tomorrow it could be Iran, or Ukraine, or anywhere else that the empire senses an opening. The Syria matter is likely to proceed to stage 2, then stage 3, with the aim of ousting Russia from its naval base. If Russia for whatever reasons, good or bad, decided not to offer resistance in stage 1, how will it be easier or better to resist and fight in stage 2? If Russia has not war-gamed the next stage, it is likely to be caught with its pants down.
The second risk (I won’t call it a fact, because at this time we cannot be sure) is that moves to further isolate Russia economically, politically, and culturally will intensify. The likely aim is cutting Russia off the internet and SWIFT, impeding movement of sea and air cargo to and from Russia, restricting air corridors, and whatever else the devils can think of. If that happens, it is almost certain that no country will take the risk of running foul of the empire, not even the Chinese because the Chinese will have their own major worries about keeping their sea lanes open. The isolation of Russia will then be complete and total. If at any stage Russia tries military resistance (say for example to break a naval quarantine to enable flow of merchandise), the same questions as were faced now will arise: Should it fight, risking escalation to nuclear exchange? If not to fight to break naval blockade, then fight when and where? Needless to say the UNG and the UNSC will prove as useless and farcical as now. They could just “vote” to expel both China and Russia out of the UNSC, legality be damned. None of the above are certain, but look like realistic risks likely to materialize.
China’s fence-sitting could be the result of their cognizance of the above risks. Perhaps they hope they will be able to mediate to stave off war, buying for Russia guarantees of no attack but at the cost of Russia coming to terms in terms of its reduced status. The Chinese could even make clear that an attack on Russia would bring-in China. By this hedged strategy, China may keep open its trade and avoid international strangulation, yet at the same time, by underwriting Russia’s physical survival, thereby securing Russia’s military support for itself based in turn on Russian dependence on itself, try to advance its development and global power. In other words, the Chinese strategy is an extremely risk-averse, hedged one, committing to nothing that cannot be undone without much loss.
The only way out for Russia is to count on no one, need nothing from any one, buckle up, hunker down, and get ready for the troubles and tribulations ahead. This then goes back to the starting question: Should Russia offer fight now or stall for time? Stalling for time makes sense only if some material improvements can be effected in the context of increasing international economic strangulation. And the problem here is the Russian economy! China can stall for time – and is stalling and hedging – because time is on its side in matters economic; I doubt if Russia has that advantage, it could even be on a slippery economic rope.
In investment finance and risk management there is the concept of “myopic risk aversion”. Extreme short-term risk aversion is guaranteed to lead to certain and higher longer-term losses. Perhaps the concept is applicable in geopolitics as well?
No. Russia is fighting for her survival and knows it, as does China. Risk aversion and losses in those terms take on an entirely different meaning to the financial world’s terms. Financial losses, however bad, can be weathered. Loss of existence is another, more profound matter–there is no going back.
It probably won’t be over until both sides bring the full spectrum of their “black box” techs. Every major world wars resulted in a tech spike. WW3 would not be an exception, of course just as long as they don’t opt for MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction).
The attack resulted in a significant loss to US, UK and France reputation at the world stage. If they think they hold the moral high ground, they’re delusional. Even China is hinting it’s not amused at such an amateurish false flag attempt. No matter how they try to censor the internet, bits will always propagate and Russian troll activity will always spike. Unfortunately, many don’t get paid a single ruble.
RT heading “US & allies will try to get Moscow on board for new UNSC resolution after attacking Syria”. Either trying to rub the salt in or they’re in damage control mode to save their precious UN from irrelevancy.
Saker and team, I have a question: is there anyway for the Syrians and/or the Russians to neutralize the White Helmets to prevent future false flags? Say even jamming any possible satellite transmissions so their propaganda can’t go on line. Or sending special forces to harass and stop them.
Thanks.
Not all is so gloomy, or we wouldn’t be here writing about it.
But the bad guys are romping around like bad winners; of course, they haven’t won anything above and beyond a cheesy (yes incredibly cheesy) propaganda … (I yet hesitate to call it) victory (more like a minor 1 point score in an American or Canadian or Australian rules football game).
Still, seeing them thumping their chests, boasting, i.e. Bolton, but the mainstream media’s glee, and of course, I noticed a clip by Hillary… (sad…)
Let’s not forget what all of this is in support of, however.
It’s not American citizens (at least the 99.9%).
It’s certainly not prisoners of mother England.
And it is not any of the 99% of the French Republic’s population.
Nor is it benefiting any people in Western Europe, Canada, Oceana, etc.
This action, ridiculous in claiming to be for the Syrian people, ridiculous for claiming it to be in response/to prevent chemical attacks, by the Syrian government, against the Syrian people.
[it does make me a little bit angry that anybody in my country, the Great White North, who believes this, has the same rights as I do, and that the national public broadcaster carpet-bombs the ridiculous accusation as fact, over, and over, and over…..]
No this entire, ridiculous, cheesy operation, call it a deception, benefits only a small psychopathic international collective cult, dedicated towards hatred against humanity and destruction of all, who have a stolen little parcel of land nearby, which they are obsessed with expanding, at any cost (by such, cheesiness is definitely only seen as good, if it works, and then not at all, if it doesn’t).
The entire deception operations, especially the mainstream media, and (puppet) government ‘leaders‘, included active (and passive) participants across all of those countries, listed above, who will have absolutely no benefit, and quite likely some fallout, sooner or later (pun not intended, but acknowledged).
This entire Syria ‘adventure‘ was only serving to ‘deflect‘ attention away from these crimes against humanity!
And of course, reap the $$$ from more arms sales.
This entire ‘problem‘ will only get solved by addressing the root of it.
The symptoms are simply the ‘way of deception‘ these international gangsters use to accomplish their real objectives.
It seems to me, the West is now trying to pressure the Russians into reviving the Geneva process in order to oust Assad. They do this after failing spectacularly on the battlefield with their Wahabi Jihadi allies and after failing to scare the Iranians into bailing on their friends.
They now thus in their desperation resort to attacking directly, even if it means risking WW3. They do this in the belief that the cautious Russians would ultimately bail on their new Shia friends if only pushed enough because ultimately they don’t really care about this region so much.
I understand how frustrating and infuriating it must be to get help from absolutely no one even when you are actually fighting on their behalf and in their interest. As Mr. Martyanov says, the Chinese are indeed nobody’s friend. But Russians shouldn’t let this demoralize them.
Just remember how long Iran and the resistance axis Shias have been fighting the Empire even without any help from the Russians. The Middle East is an important component of the Eurasian Chessboard and worth fighting for. The Shias, Christians and other minorities do not deserve to get genocided and be left at the mercy of the ZioWahabis.
Russia should continue to strengthen both Syria and Iran by arming them adequately.
Russia should also not let Turkey be at the complete mercy of the EU/NATO even if the Turks are assholes; just like how Iran helps the definite but lesser enemy Qatar against the greater enemy Saudi Arabia.
The 32/103 is very misleading. The military facilities, presumably protected by Pantsir-S1 systems, had a nearly perfect record (not sure what happened at Mezzeh, but maybe they only had a single Pantsir that was overwhelmed). The civilian facilities, like Barzeh, got hit much harder, but they were mainly defended by old Soviet stuff like S-200.
Over time, the Syrian air defenses will get better as they deploy more modern air defenses like the S-300.
I think the rules of the game just changed, and the Pentagon is not happy. You are right that they are not done yet. They have a window of a few weeks to repeat a cruise missile attack, but after that they are either going to have to launch a MUCH bigger attack to degrade Syria’s air defenses (which will likely bring Russian assistance), or they will have to risk US planes and pilots.
-The Deep State advanced Trump to the WAR CRIMINAL POSITION
-A real American president now ,believing absurdities and committing atrocities ,the Donald is very proud
-Trump ,the American Yeltsin ,who wanted to be Gorbachev
-Trumptards are delirious , they are still in the Trump sect cult
-The nation gasped , the majority in delight ( we are number 1) ,very few in horror , (number 1 criminals indeed)
-The world trembled with hidden disgust , while laughing in private
-This is how we roll , Tomahawk diplomacy,Mission accomplished
– Bush 5.o has risen ,praise SATAN
-The animal Assad had almost freed his country : he had it coming
-Americans sighed : they can finally watch ,in peace , Dancing with the Stars
– America wanted to start the beginning of the end ; could not finish it ;incompetence is a national trait now
-Iran and Russia will rearrange the board now , Iran invented the chess game and Russia plays it well
-Mr. Putin has a new powerful weapon now : the world’s indignation
-America ,invest in body bags and yellow ribbons ; it’s all you have left
-The religious scholars are thrilled : the mystery of “The MYSTERY BABYLON” was revealed ; we even have a Beast presidential limousine
– America ,America , how ugly you have become : judge , jury and executioner
Why don’the the Kremlin release the information they have on the Polish workcamps, or 911 for that matter?
Well Saker I glad to see you have moved from deferential treatment of the zionists—finely pitting the head of the snake where it belongs. You ask what should done—what retaliatory action should Russia take? How about Russia simply tells the truth—that in and of it self would stop the empire in its tracks and maybe even engage the American populace who could then instruct their government to stand down.
What truth: The federal reserve is a Zionist bloodsucker as is the IRS, The Great Depression was engineered by the Zionist bankers, JFK was taken out by the Mossad and others, the Oklahoma bombing was s false flag, the Mossad was deeply imbedded in 9/11, thethe zionists control the US of A space socially, economically and politically. US politicians are completely controlled by the Zionist lobby. Israel is in control of the planet and must be judged on her performance—which for the average person has been dismay and therefore must be disengaged from the reins of power.
How’s that for a starter and not one shot was fired—what say you Mr. Putin—it is my understanding that you yourselve are forced with the Zionist within your domain—as we are approaching Armageddon—perhaps it’s time to tell the truth!
Worth reading if you haven’t:
https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/15/the-us-secret-plan-on-damascus-foiled-the-russian-role-before-and-after-the-us-uk-france-attack-revealed/
Yes, and as our all busy watching the current players maneuver around the ME theater China may be there to pick up the pieces—and can tell you that Americans are not prepared to fight Russia or China—these are very tuff and very aggressive and Americans are just to soft to take on either of these opponents. I had a recent experience with a Chinese Communist here in the states—who me in no uncertain terms: “I am your f***ing God”. Not someone I poke unnecessarily.
Worth remember and pondering over: nothing Christ ever said departed from this message. Except that his was world encompassing. So, this land called Earth, will we keep it as a species or will God “take it away”?
Again, Naomi Wolf on what god REALLY told the Jewish people : “We as Jews are raised with the creed that “God gave us the land of Israel” in Genesis — and that ethnically ‘we are the chosen people.” But actually — and I could not believe my eyes when I saw this, I checked my reading with major scholars and they confirmed it — actually God’s “covenant” in Genesis, Exodus and Deuteronomy with the Jewish people is NOT ABOUT AN ETHNICITY AND NOT ABOUT A CONTRACT. IT IS ABOUT A WAY OF BEHAVING.
Again and again in the “covenant” language He never says: “I will give you, ethnic Israelites, the land of Israel.” Rather He says something far more radical – far more subversive — far more Godlike in my view. He says: IF you visit those imprisoned…act mercifully to the widow and the orphan…welcome the stranger in your midst…tend the sick…do justice and love mercy ….and perform various other tasks…THEN YOU WILL BE MY PEOPLE AND THIS LAND WILL BE YOUR LAND. So “my people” is not ethnic — it is transactional. We are God’s people not by birth but by a way of behaving, that is ethical, kind and just. And we STOP being “God’s people” when we are not ethical, kind and just. And ANYONE who is ethical, kind and just is, according to God in Genesis, “God’s people.” And the “contract” to “give” us Israel is conditional — we can live in God’s land IF we are “God’s people” in this way — just, merciful, compassionate. AND — it never ever says, it is ONLY your land. Even when passages spell out geographical “boundaries” as if God does such a thing, it never says this is exclusively your land. It never says I will give this land JUST to you. Remember these were homeless nomads who had left slavery in Egypt and were wandering around in the desert; at most these passages say, settle here, but they do not say, settle here exclusively. Indeed again and again it talks about welcoming “zarim” — translated as “strangers” but can also be translated as “people/tribes who are not you” — in your midst. Blew my mind, hope it blows yours.”
If it is confirmed that the U.S. B1 force deviated from the agreed plan, and attacked assets that were not “approved ” , leading to the scrambling of Russian fighter jets, then we can know that there will be a Russian response to the demonstrable perfidy.
Easy to determine. The B1Bs fired AGM-158 JASSM missiles not Tomahawks. 29 of them.
So the question remains : were the B1Bs part of the pre- agreed plan, or did someone sabotage the agreement that Mattis engineered with the Russian generals?
Yes, it is not over, but Russians have more options than the ones described.
It is possible to say anything about Fidel Castro, but there is a fact: he won each and every show-down with the “almigthies”. The key of his success was that he chose the Americans as his enemies and not the other way around. And more than that: he understood: 1) that it was really a war, and 2) that that war was in the first place and ideological one. He had not doubts whatsoever and he never waved in this mind set.
Russia has to intensify the ideological side of this confrontation. The Russian news outlets simply cannot compete with the West ones. (On the other side, Russians have to stop trying to imitate the West: this is a no-win approach.)
Russia has (and has have for many years) one of the best intelligence services. This is a known fact. Why they are not using them to expose the blatant hypocrisy, double-standard and immorality of the West? (For example, in the sports. It’s not a minor thing. Sport are one of the most important features of the image of a country.) But there are many, many instances in which the intelligence services could act decisively.
By the moment, Russia has lost completely the battle of image, so it is urgent to make audible and visible the Russian point of view and the Russian culture (culture is the most powerful of messengers). There is a new Iron Curtain (raised by the West: talking about irony!) and no Russian thing get through it (only fake news). Russia should break this barrier and make actively the case of Russian life, culture and science (Russia has a formidable scientific background and extraordinary capabilities. Why they are not spreading a part of the good news?)
Stop complaining and/or appealing to international institutions than doesn’t exist, like the UNO, and create new ones (political and cultural) that reflect a multipolar, peaceful (cooperational and not confrontational) and omnicultural world. Invite people from other countries to Russia, create and intense exchange of ideas and creations, etc., etc.
Counteract forcibly any demented deployment from the likes of Nikki Haley in the international arena. Russia simply should not allow this. Maybe Russia needs other ambassadors/ ministers of foreign relations. Lavrov is a very good one, but maybe he is too old and soft. Now’s the time of ideological-cultural warriors.
And last but not least: stand by their allies and stop calling the West countries “partners”. Russia and these countries are not partners at all. As for the allies, stand by them as the US stand for example by Israel. Russia has many ways to aide those countries (specially in the military sphere). Confidence is created by loyalty and not by common interests. Look at Israel: who made them (or allowed them to be) nuclear? Who weaponized them? (It is the chain act-fact-image.)
I have pointed only to some instances. The list could be very long and any low-range brain-storming briefing can create a bulky one in a minute.
Simply put: to gain allies in this gigantic battle for Humanness, Russia needs to be credible, and to be credible and reliable she has to offer an alternative paradigm (a human paradigm) to the Pathologic (inhuman) Paradigm of the West.
You’re forgetting that Castro had Russians on the front lines and they were keeping his back safe and cozy. Russians are engaged in a much bigger game and they know who is their true enemy. However, I doubt they will ever say it out right. Talk is cheap, action is everything.
Normally I don’t answer to misinformation but this one deserve a line. You are deadly wrong and know nothing about the history (and above all about this history). Cubans enter the Angola war without consult with the soviets. Period. Cuban special forces (they carried all the weight in the first months) make a truly amazing voyage by ships in horrible conditions. Seventy percent of Angola was occupied by let say unfriendly forces. Yes: weapons were soviets, but corage (read: cojones), tactics and morals were all Cuban. And the Cuban forces (much inferior in number) in conjunction with the FAPLA prevailed in a record frame of time. Cubans were never (as your frivolous comment said) “back safe and cozy”, and after 1980 they were all by themselves because the Soviets told them in no uncertain termes that they will not intervene in the case of a direct agression of the United States. So much for “real history”.
Excellent points. Thank you for pointing out the obvious. This emulating the Western media is a sick joke. In my native Macedonia everything is done to please the US ambassador, “Governor” Jess Bailey, an absolutely despicable figure who was booted out of Turkey for trying to bring Erdogan down, only to arrive in Macedonia and succeed in short course. Macedonia is not exactly Russia of course, but we have a handful of excellent journalists who are blacklisted while everyone in an official or public capacity pretends everything’s hunky-dory while our “strategic partner”, the architect of our impending demise, sits back and grins. I also cringe when I hear Lavrov and Putin speak of “our partners”. In Russia’s case, its beyond me.
Excellent article. So when are the Russians going to do something? as of principal they should have shot the missiles down, they should also have used EW to put the coalition of the unwilling in difficulties. Nothing is going to change until the moment the Russians do SOMETHING. Otherwise all the hot air and whining to the UN (who really don’t care – or aren’t allowed to care) is meaningless. I agree its all about perceptions but those are important to a degree, why bother having something like RT when you allow the perception by the hegemons PR arm – the western MSM – to just churn out ‘murica’ propaganda after ‘interventions’ like this? The Russians keep making the mistake of thinking that at some stage the Yanks are going to stop, well, here’s news, they aren’t! Ever. So until the Russians are prepared to put the US ‘on edge’ a little we’re stuck on the merry go round in Syria and the US will just keep taking liberty after liberty.
Its the one thing I can never understand about Russia, it seems to believe that somewhere, in the west, there is a strand of decency, some hidden group of people that are gong to see the light and make everything ok, turn the US into a cuddly listening entity that don’t want to dismantle the Russian Federation, balkanise and rape it for its resources. From those who live in the west we can tell you it isn’t going to happen. So my advice is to either start making life for the US difficult or just shut up shop and leave Syria, it isn’t going to get easier, its going to get harder. Its pointless taking ‘retaliation’ if no one hears about it or sees it … remember those perceptions … it doesn’t matter if they’re grinning from ear to ear in the Kremlin at some sneaky cyber hybrid warfare caper if nobody ever knows that it happened. The very thing it appears that Russia are playing for … time … is running out.
I know that there is the fear of quick escalation to nuclear war, perhaps if there is a point were the US will back off, that is it. We all know the only way to beat a bully is to stand up to them. Is the US going to risk major confrontation for Syria? No. The alternative is this death by a thousand cuts (and sanctions) whereby we get to the point where Russia can’t back down but neither can they fight adequately as their capability as a fighting group and as a nation has been exhausted by a long drawn out marrow extraction.
So what’s next? Ukraine? … more sanctions .. the RF ‘fighting’ on two fronts?
Tis far far from over but the asymmetric responses are option #4. Everything from anonymous attacks on the USA infrastructure (I call it the Mandela strategy), to assassinations of leading business people (fed bankers, CEOs of MIC companies), accidents at large refineries and chemical plants, etc. Yes the USA could respond in kind but you have to assume that they are already doing it or will be shortly.
The military response could also include supporting various groups with arms and training to open up several new fronts. Eastern Libya and central America could become hot spots again. Spread the empire’s forces thin and it weakens all their responses.
Most importantly is to continue the financial independence from the west. Russia needs to modify its constitution to nationalise its central bank. They have almost all the pieces in place to do that and it is the one blow that would hurt the west the most.
The desperation of the empire is palatable right now. Like grains of sand slipping through their fingers they see the end and are grasping at any straw just to buy more time. It is far from over but that cuts both ways.
Saker,
I am confused by this post – the triple attack on Syria was just the latest battle
You have been reporting on the events of the latest battle – but it would be helpful if you could assess the respective strengths of the participants
Did it take one battle to defeat Germany? No
So I don’t know why this event is invested with such significance
Russia know how to fight a long war and they know they are in one
USA has announced more sanctions on Monday – for Russia suporting Syria.
It’s clear by this response the USA know they lost the battle on the 13th and are resorting to sanctions
Any oligarch who has money in the USA still is an idiot anyway.
Russian strategy working very well.. containing the US military (=puppet master Kissinger).. making the empire look worst and worst and waiting that the empire collapse on itself
But its true that western society is terminally zombified.. apathic.. demorilised by the leftist total brainwashing thru media, schools,… see interview between Ed Griffin and Bezmenov in 1980.. => western society must collapse before it recovers.
Great article Saker. I’m glad it was you saying it. Whenever I say something like that I get attacked as “defeatist,zionist stooge,anti-Russian,etc,etc”. But at least people won’t do that with you.
So at the risk of more attacks,I’ll say,Turkey is a problem for Russia. On one hand,Russia has gotten Erdogan to calm down a bit. But no matter what we want to believe he isn’t on Russia’s side. Today the Duran reports him praising the Western strikes on Syria.And his forces are still deep in Syria.And those forces heavily include jihadi terrorists in their ranks. Turkey is totally untrustworthy for Russia. And when “push comes to shove”,is more than likely to support the US against Russia.
One might ask why is that? Russia can offer Turkey far more than the US can economically. And the US support of the Kurds is a “direct” threat to Turkey.One would think that would bring Turkey to reason,but it doesn’t. Erdogan has two sides. One he is a ultra-Turkish nationalist. He wants to have strong Turkish influence in the Balkans and in the Caucasus. He still wants to get Turkey into the EU as well.He wants to control Syria,and Iraq,if not rule them,at least control them. And project Turkish power throughout the Middle East. So who is a greater threat to his dreams there. Not the failing power of the US.Especially under Trump.None of those plans are a “no go” for the US (at least for now). While they all run counter to Russia’s hopes for a “multipolar” World. And nations having true sovereignty. Erdogan’s other side (which is stronger is unknown) is as a Sunni champion.He shows no real acceptance for the Shia. He acts like he wants good relations with Iran.But Iran is a strong state, who he needs to keep peace with (for now).But he has supported all the Sunni jihadis in their attacks on his neighbors. And continues that even today in Syria. Incorporating jihadis in his ranks.At the same time “whispering sweet nothings” to Russia and Iran about wanting peace in Syria.Trusting Erdogan at all is a wrong move.
So no its not over as Saker says. Putin gets inaugurated, I believe May 7th (2 days before Victory Day,symbolic). If the “word on the street” is right (anyone’s guess,I think) he will quickly start by purging the pro-West officials.And replacing them with Russian patriots.Of course we’ve heard that talk before and not seen it. But it seems more credible now. He desperately needs to.So, I hope its true.
Bob, before I start, I admit: my opinion about Turkey is biased. Looking at the history of Turkey and the history of Cossack “country” Zaporozhye, I say you are totally correct. Turks just like their cousins Tatars could never be trusted. They always flip-flopped and back-stubbed their “temporary” allies. Their addiction to grabbing “yassir or treasures” continues. So, Erdo can not be trusted as far as you can throw him. I can’t speak for Putin, but I do not doubt he knows Russia’s history very well, and thus he knows what to expect from Erdo. Having said all that, at this moment Putin owns Erdo and this is important.
» Now you tell me – do you really think this is over? «
It’s not. But President Putin said that before going into Syria everything had been taken into account. Everything. It means they have assessed Azi America’s options and have the answers ready. It means they have a lot of aces up their sleeve.
F/UK/US sent 103 missiles and 71 were shot down. Egg on the face, but the show can go on.
Imagine F/UK/US sends 103 planes and 71 are shot down. Then what?
But, just restricting attention to this particular event, it was the implementation of a threat from the Oranged Hair guy in one of his morning tweets, “nice, new, and smart, …”, and it likely surprised and deeply embarrassed everybody in FivePoints: “How are we not going to trigger WWIII with this”. So apparently they managed it pretty well, wasted a bunch of millions dollars with old, and pretty useless missiles, made a good show, even the Russians and Syrians watched it: “oh, look at the blue ! … look at red … !”. It looked like a July 4th show.
From the US military point it was a complete success: didn’t trigger WWIII and made Oranged Hair happy.
May it’s not more than this.
Saker that is exactly how I see it
Russia has the burden more or less alone
Still the i believe they should have sunk a ship
thus time because as you write it is far very far from over
If the Russians would have sunk a ship it could have terrible consequences but the Cabal would have terrible respect but now we are heading the same direction anyways it will escalate whatever the Russians will do
The so-called “Christian West” has become a willing parasite for its Zionist host
I think you meant the reverse? Christian west bends over for the parasite?
Right, the West is the host to the Zionist parasite. This also answers the question whether it is over or not. It will never be over as long as the West is host to the Zionist parasite, as long as it slavishly executes the orders from the Zio cabal and, for that matter, as long as it continues to support the Zio-state. Even stronger: it will never be over as long as the Zio-state continues to exist.
WW II started creepily, hideously and by small steps. Rheinland was remilitarised while France was held back from responding by US and United Kingdom. All the treaties be damned.
Then there was Munich. Everybody knows what came next. Or used to know. The Beast was fed and kept safe until it was ready to wreak havok.
So definitely there’ll be a moment when it will be better to act with all the force necessary. World be damned. Just look at the incredible arrogance of Macron. They were perfectly right and Russia was complicit in chemical attack! But no, you need not to worry, it’s not a war.
But it is. They’re lying about this as well.
Regarding Asymmetric warfare against the US dollar via Russia&China central bank gold accumulation… …gold appears to be stuck in what looks like a flag consolidation pattern.
Time for the Gold Bulls to Show their Mettle
http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article62061.html
So Russia Bulls watch what gold does over the next 2 weeks.
http://stockcharts.com/freecharts/gallery.html?$gold
“The so-called “Christian West” has become a willing parasite for its Zionist host “
The so-called “Christian West” has become a willing host for it’s Zionist parasite actually.
As if we have not encountered enough angles on this situation yet, here is an all points consideration of the topic by player from Leonid Issaev, a lecturer at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, writing for Al Jazeera.
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/russia-respond-strikes-syria-180415130802748.html
The US trade deficit with China is on tract to be 400 billion dollars this year (its running higher this year than last). While Russian gas exports to Europe are about 32-35 % of all the gas used in Europe. This is enormous wealth produced for the Chinese and Russian elites in that trade. Russia and China will not be able to truly resist the West until the decision is made by their governments, that they must accept the loss of most of that trade.
There is great potential,both in China and in Russia to spur their internal economies. And through trade with non-Western states to make up for that Western and US dominated trade.But until the leaderships understand that they “must” free themselves from that trade. They can truly not resist US domination.On one hand we see signs they do understand that. But on the other hand there are signs they don’t. Whichever choice they made will determine whether they will remain free sovereign nations. Or join as vassals tied to the West.This year may reveal the answer to that question.
Another way of viewing this is to ask when will NZ be ” permitted” to ink its trade deal with Russia : there is division within the NZ coalition government on this very point.
Unfortunately the current NZ P.M. is a puppet in the hands of Aunty Helen(Clarke) at the U.N.
And Aunty Helen has been blackmailed totally.
When Russia has nuclear weapons system and refuses to stop occupation of Syria. When it allows its opponents to use chemical and nuclear weapons to defend their territory but disarms Syria chemical weapons, When it supplies gas and food to its enemies for foreign fiat currency. It is the slave of foreign bankers willing to obey for fiat foreign currency.Russia empowers its enemies and the foreign central banks that control it because it sells its assets for foreign currency..So now the foreign bankers own Russia with their currency. You are their slave .Slaves merchants and debtors obey their masters. Stop your BS. Be honest with who you are.
Russia’s Humanity and Moral Conscience Are Leading to War – Paul Craig Roberts
https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2018/04/14/russias-humanity-moral-conscience-leading-war/
One thing has been puzzling me for a long time – Russia response to new sanctions over and over – seems to be no response whatsoever. What is the reasoning for this? Is it really true that Russia simply has nothing it can use as respose? Is that reaaly the case? Russia is a major supplier of several importantresources – natural gas, oil, nickel, titanium to name just a few, what is the reason russia is not telling the EU to kiss their gas supplies good bye ? For the life of me i cant figure this out. Its totslly bizarre to me.
No, I agree, this is not at all over yet.
And yes, the lack of Chinese response to this showdown was indeed quite disapointing.
But there are several glimmers of hope:
+ It’s quite a hopeful sign (if the news about it is correct) that the Syrian Arab Army was able to shoot down 71 out of 103 US cruise missiles with their 20-30 years old (Russian) air defence missiles: imagine what the score would have been with the modern Russian S-300, S-400 and Pantsir missiles… I guess that’s a lesson the Pentagon is pondering right now.
+ It’s also a glimmer of hope that the US chiefs of staff have apparently been able to convince the neo-con nuts that a direct attack on Russian (or even Syrian and Iranian) troops in Syria is not a very wise move. Moreover it appears they have even communicated the targets with Russia (maybe via France) before attacking them.
+ Another glimmer of hope, I would say, is that this confrontation has, for now, ended relatively peacefully: the pressure is off the cooker for now and that buys time. Time for the whole world to digest what has happened and what will be the diplomatic fall-out of this US war crime. The conclusions of the OPCW-investigation will be published (however faintly worded, diplomats the world over will know how to interpret them).
+ In general, I think this buying of time is very valuable, maybe even crucial: with each passing day now, the US economy is sinking lower; with each passing day now, the Petro-Yuan is establishing its bridge-head undermining the Petro-Dollar. Maybe it’s just as well that China stays out of the fray for now, silently chiseling away at the base of Washington’s economic power (on which its military might ultimately rests). Time is on Russia’s and China’s (and the entire world’s) side: every day that pases peacefully, is a day closer to final victory over the Washington fascists
A interesting (confusing?) article in RT today. It seems the German President (a position with little power in Germany,though symbolic) says: “Regardless of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, we cannot declare Russia as a whole, the country and its people, to be an enemy,” he said. “Our history speaks against it, and there is too much at stake.” This is implied in the article to be a good commit? I’m not so sure just “how good” it is with him saying “regardless of Putin”,certainly implying that Putin is “somehow” bad.
But at least its better than the comments reported by the new anti-Russian FM,who plainly says:” “We had an (cyber) attack on the Foreign Ministry where we have to assume that it stemmed from Russia,” he told the German broadcaster ZDF. “We can’t just wish all that away … And I think it’s not only reasonable but necessary to point out that we do not view those as constructive contributions.“What I said is just what it is. I just described the reality. We have Ukraine. The peace process there goes no further. We have had that Skripals [case]. We saw Russian organizations influencing elections in the West. One cannot just pretend that nothing of these happened. Unfortunately, this is reality. I regard it not just as malignant, I believe it is necessary to point out that we do not see it as constructive behavior.”
“It is time, I think, to point out that we expect constructive contributions from the Russian side, including on the Syrian conflict. And also that they don’t always simply protect (Syrian President Bashar) al-Assad.”
He lists all the same false claims that the other US stooges do. So isn’t it about time that the Russians, and we here, stop with the fantasy that Germany is any less a threat to Russia then the other stooges.
https://www.rt.com/news/424226-german-president-stop-demonizing-russia/
This is exactly my point earlier re why is it that Russia keeps taking the sanctions lying down? Why not just tell the Germans and the EU w countries any more bad behavior and they can kiss their gas supply good bye? Its bizarre!
I am sure that is under consideration but timing is everything. October is the time to drop that bombshell, just as winter starts and countless millions of heating systems kick in. That said, stocks measured in weeks means that industry starved of gas supply would react with horror anytime that it is shut off.
The decision not to convict Gorby for treason was supported by those who engage in treason. So no one not even Gorby is required to have loyalty to their national sovereignty. In DPRK they honor leaders that resisted the west despite enormous costs to people. DPRK leader executed his own uncle for treason. But in Russia the corrupt traitors who serve the West and their own pockets are protected. Putin is no Stalin No Kim .
Pentagon has reported no missiles intercepted.
Some clarification of what was or not intercepted would help otherwise it is just an other information and propaganda war.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-14/warship-ruse-and-new-stealth-missiles-how-they-attacked-syria
Shouldn’t it be: willing host to its Zionist parasite?
I have just read a report which says that the US military has more than 5,500 contractors in Syria …
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/04/pentagon-acknowledge-us-contractor-presence-syria-iraq.html
That certainly means to me that we should expect more fireworks to come! The poor Syrian people, haven’t they suffered enough at the hands of the AZ?
Another thing which worries me greatly – I saw a video of John Bolton at a MEK meeting and his words at the end of his speech were something like “We shall all meet again in Tehran in 2019”!
https://theintercept.com/2018/03/23/heres-john-bolton-promising-regime-change-iran-end-2018/
Now he has the Orangutang’s ear :( I honestly cannot see the US not keeping up the pressure on the Russians, Iranians and Syrians.
What a depressing world we live in.
I put some observations below. Helps me clear things up a bit. I keep going back and forth in regards to what this all means. Hard to say because we do not know what is really going on. As someone who has attempted to do business in Russia I can tell you that working with Russian officials can be extremely frustrating. They are notoriously private. They always have a poker face. It is like dealing with a brick wall. Everything is done on their time. You have no idea who is really calling the shots. This is what I see here. Something does tell me that Hezbollah is getting a GREAT deal of support from Russia covertly. Nasrallah can barely keep it a secret these days in his speeches.
POSITIVES:
— The attack was weak and caused virtually no real harm to anything of importance.
— Russian politicians (including Dmitry Sablin) visited with Assad on Sunday. Everyone seem pleased. Sends sign to the AZ that the bond is stronger than ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU-15VRRJEo
— Trump loses the most passionate part of his base. They will surely be back once summer protests start up though, but he is no longer a 4D Chess Wizard to them.
— If Russia does something big it will be at their time. They never let the AZ dictate how the game is played. I do give them credit for that.
NEGATIVES:
— Russia sits on its hands AGAIN. This pleases the AZ who now surely think that Putin will still be calling for UN Security Council meetings and discussing International Law when the West is 40 miles from Moscow.
— No reason to think the Russia will change much in Syria. Only teases the idea of better air defense systems.
— Rumors of up to 4,000 US troops to Syria to train groups of jihadists.
— More sanctions. Does anyone believe that the economic war has anything to do with Russia’s actions? Of course not. Good thing is that the ruble has rebounded slightly. Sanctions also makes Russia become self-sufficient.
Was not Russia going to proceed to some world trade organisation that sanctions are illegal……so many things are claimed to be against international law…..but no follow up is possible or available…except for recent gazprom thingy in Sweden with the Ukraine…..one wonders if there is a point when the UN is declared redundant(or neutralised by the proposed usa reforms)….because usa wants Russia out as it keeps using its veto or remove veto or because Russia and “friends” confirm that is it useless…..
Dear Saker, allow me to put the title of your article on its head.
Instead of “Alas, this is far from over!” I’d like to suggest:
“Fortunately, this is far from over!”
or:
“Hopefully, this is far from over!”
I’m sure you understand, my brother, because the final victory will surely be for the humble and honest and loving people of our dear world, so this SHOULD NOT be over and we MUST go on.
I’m an atheist myself, but I do respect and admire your faith. My faith is not in any kind of God, but instead my faith is in the inalienable social spirit of us human beings and I (MUST) believe that our human social spirit will eventually win the war (yes, in spite of having lost many costly battles). We humans are not a solitary species like cats; we humans are ultimately driven by social imperatives and this is where my atheist faith rests upon. So we HAVE to go on.
Everybody needs a helping hand sometimes to be pulled back on his/her feet again and so do you, my brother. These recent days we’ve gone through, have been a brutal weight on your shoulders. But your God has given you another day to celebrate LIFE. So celebrate this battle’s victory, because the victory of this battle in Syria was that it has (for now, I admit) NOT escalated into a nuclear WW-3 and DEATH. This is the victory that your God has given to you (and all of humanity). So let me pull you up and relieve your worried mind: open a bottle of wine tonight and celebrate this day’s God-given victory with your loved ones.
Bless you, my brother, I wish you peace!
Hans Zandvliet (Coroico, La Paz, Bolivia)
P.S.: I’m sad to not be able to support your work. I live on a shoe string in a mud home in a rural village in Bolivia. I can’t afford myself to watch news videos on-line (I have to pay per GB downloaded), but I can read your news and that of like-minded people and sources (like Paul Craig Roberts, Consortium News, Dmitry Orlov, James Howard Kunstler, Chris Martenson, Global Research et al.).
The attack was not only against Syria, but also against UN and UNSC.
And also a propaganda war against us. I sometimes wonder if these are litmus tests to see how credulous and mind-numbingly ignorant we have all become (excludng most who post on here and similar sites).
In the US we are all Pharasee’s now.
The 32/103 may look preposterous; however, I still believe this was planned that way. The war machine implemented their version of sabotage to the outcome of this “one strike only” action in Syria. The Russians should not have commented on the success of Syrian defenses (in any form), as I believe, the US military is playing their game too well…
Mod: there’s another poster who uses ‘sea’ as his nick so I’m modifying mine. Cheers.
Of course it’s not over, The Saker. In fact it’s only the beginning of a new phase following the failure of the previous phase — removal of Assad and installation of a puppet friendly to Israel, hostile to Iran and open to hosting terrorists who will operate in the ‘Stans and the Kavkaz to Russia’s south.
So what’s the plan then? Ask the Settler State, Israel. Unfortunately for it, Hesbollah has been strengthened and Iran has edged closer. Netanyahu made a strategic mistake by attacking Syria and compounded that by being the cheerleader of the recently concluded missile strike. No one is under any illusions: Israel and RF are on good terms but perhaps due to carelessness or arrogance, war criminal Netanyahu appears to have taken VVP for granted. Netanyahu thinks he can continue hiding behind the veil of US/Nato/Saudi action when all the while RF knows he pulls the strings.
Regardless of whether Assad ‘wins’ or not, Syria is broken and Israel is so much the safer for it. Ideally there should be a simmering insurgency in Syria, enough to keep Syria preoccupied internally like, erm, Afghanistan or Iraq, so that outstanding problems like the Golan Heights have to be kept on the backburner. Yes, Hesbollah has been strengthened, but it is in no way as potentially threatening as an intact Syrian state and armed forces of 7 or 8 years ago.
Once the dust has settled in Syria, trouble will start brewing in Iran courtesy of the Saudis and the Kurds who are openly hosting Israeli military personnel and flying the Star of David. My, my, what arrogance on the part of the Settler State. Once the Saudis/Kurds start stirring the pot in Iran, the Ayatollahs will have no option but to withdraw their forces from Syria in order to deal with their own problems. Iran doesn’t need to be defeated militarily of course, the country just needs to be broken.
Well, that’s the plan for the Middle East. What about Russia? I don’t know but Zbig Brzezinski’s words may give a clue: “A loosely confederated Russia — composed of a European Russia, a Siberian Republic, and a Far Eastern Republic — would also find it easier to cultivate closer economic relations with its neighbors. Each of the confederated entitles would be able to tap its local creative potential, stifled for centuries by Moscow’s heavy bureaucratic hand. In turn, a decentralized Russia would be less susceptible to imperial mobilization.”
basil
The west will not stop until stopped. As Putin said, they only understand force. The lack of a response to the Syria attack, regardless of justification, invites further aggression. So, yes, more aggression to come. The west’s most recent land grab constitutes about 1/3 of Syria. They will never surrender it voluntarily. Acquiescence to the partition of Syria means postponing to a future date the inevitable confrontation that will determine Russia’s and China’s survival as independent states. Forget ethics, morals, logic, and international law. These have no meaning to the west except to support the west’s policies. We just saw this. They made up the facts for public consumption and acted on imagined reality, the underlying presumption being they own the world (and they have the power to enforce it).
There’s more to this story. Below is a timeline of events leading up to the tripartite attack on Syria. If you want the source, search the entire title after the date.
2018-01-06 Trump says he’d “absolutely” engage in talks with N. Korea’s Kim Jong Un
2018-01-08 Three injured in fire atop NY’s Trump Tower
2018-03-13 Trump fires Tillerson, taps Pompeo as next secretary of state
2018-03-22 John Bolton Appointed As Trump’s National Security Adviser
2018-03-30 U.S. to Leave Syrian Battlefield ‘Very Soon,’ Trump Declares
2018-04-06 Netanyahu Had ‘Tense’ Call With Trump Over U.S. Plan to Leave Syria, White House Officials Say
2018-04-07 Fire erupts at Trump Tower in New York City; 1 fatality ID’d, at least 4 hurt
2018-04-07 Dozens suffocate in suspected chemical weapon attack in Syria, opposition says
2018-04-09 FBI raids Trump lawyer Michael Cohen’s office
2018-04-09 Nikki Haley tells U.N. Russia responsible for chemical attack
2018-04-10 Trump says US ‘cannot allow’ Syrian chemical weapons attacks
2018-04-11 There Was No Chemical Attack in Syria – Senator Black
2018-04-13 U.S., Britain and France Strike Syria Over Suspected Chemical Weapons Attack
To summarize, within three months, two fires were reported at Trump tower, with a total of 7 people injured and 1 killed. The above dates of the fires were checked and are correct. Within two days of the second fire, the FBI also raided Trump attorney Cohen’s office.
The first question I would ask is what would happen in Russia if Putin lived in a similar building that experienced two fires within three months, with 7 injured and 1 killed? My guess is that polite green men would show up. What happened at Trump Tower? Nothing, business as usual, so it seems.
One might argue that the two fires were coincidental, but not the raid. The raid on Cohen is a direct, illegal, and flagrant violation of the President’s constitutional right to client-attorney privilege, and it sets an ominous precedent for all Americans.
In view of the raid, the two fires can no longer reasonably be dismissed as mere coincidence. When viewed as a whole, the three events appear to be warnings to Trump to get in line. Importantly, he appears to comply each time (e.g., appointing the reputed war hawks Pompeo and Bolton after he encouraged talks with Kim Jong Un, and flip-flopping within days of saying he wished to leave Syria).
In the most recent alleged chemical warfare event, Trump magically transformed from fake news critic to fake news underwriter by attacking before the allegation could be investigated.
I also note the high frequency that Mattis, Nikki Haley, the pentagon, and formerly Tillerson contradict Trump statements, particularly regarding the topic of Russia cooperation. Many examples exist too numerous to list here.
Has Trump ceded authority of all foreign policy matters to the pentagon and state department? Looks like it, and if so, is this not what one would expect in a coup?
Although the Trump presidency might have been reduced to an annoying but manageable distraction for the war party, there can be no doubt the Syrian war will continue (and expand).
Might Russia consider arming the Taliban in response to US provocations?
I think you guys will agree that this article about the F/UK/US (love that acronym – cudos to the Saker poster who first thought of it!!) strike on Syria is extremely interesting …
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2018/04/14/486752/
Mayhem May’s state propaganda:
http://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-43776015/syria-chemical-attack-girl-seen-in-hospital-video-speaks
Scripted.
Right now I am pinning my hopes on a military coup led by Jim Mattis….
Russia did manager to deter attacks on itself. And it did take out 70% of the missiles. And the Neocons will try to use this failure to get rid of Mattis. But the Pentagon leadership must realise they are being asked to do the impossible or else start WW3.
Thanks to the internet military insiders are personally aware of what is going on. We have seen this kind of thing before with Manning and Snowden, when the system becomes intolerable to thinking individuals.
Yes, I know, I am relying on people who watch the likes of Alex Jones to save us now….
To Stuart, Rob from Canada and Barry. The observer and the observed are one and merely create seeming separation to experience it. Realityandyou.com. Great to hear from like minds.
Hi David Ingman! But I’m not so sure we are “like minds” and in agreement about “the witness” and “the ego”. I could argue for different viewpoints but that’s just my ego wanting to be “intelligent” and “right” and maybe even “better than you”. All egos, mine, yours, and everyone else’s are crazy. Egos can rationalize any destructive behavior. Egos lie to themselves and believe their own lies. Egos pretend not to know what they know but don’t want to know, and pretend to know what they don’t know. The ego is a liar.
If the observing consciousness recognizes the ego’s malfunctions as it always does, it indicates to me that it is wiser than the ego and not “merely” the ego mind observing itself.
I have no desire to debate the mechanism of “observer” vs. “ego”. Is it spiritual? is it electrochemical? It can’t be proven with any certainty either way. Modern particle physicists have proved that at the subatomic level we are all one. They have also proved that particles seem to have consciousness and respond to thought. A few are brave enough to say that possibly consciousness is the foundation of subatomic particles thus the foundation of matter. Why do flies seem to know when I am about to swat one and fly off?
Why does our dog coming running home from a field a hundred yard away when I am opening a can of dog food with a quiet hand operated can opener?
I do know that in my ongoing practice of “witnessing” my ego’s internal dialogue (self-talk), I fall back into my ego a hundred or more times a day until I refocus with my witness/observing consciousness.
Eckhart Tolle’s premise is that humans are hypnotized (focused) on their ego’s self-talk, and identify with their ego, thus run by their ego. The practice he teaches in “The Power Of Now” is to learn to witness the ego and identify with that which is witnessing it.
I do know with absolute certainty that the world would be infinitely better if humanity learned to observe their own ego with the wisdom of their witness, whatever it is. I’ll have a look at Realityandyou.com. The best to you! Barry
Nikki Haley at Duke university April 6.
On Russia:
“We work with them when we need to and we slap them when we need to”.
No, it won’t stop.
https://youtu.be/w8njAzFIJIY
15.04.2018
Embassy Press Officer replies to a media question on the legal basis of air strikes against Syria
Question: The UK has published its legal position claiming that the legal basis for the strikes against Syria is “humanitarian intervention”. Does Russia agree with that?
Answer: First of all, the concept of “humanitarian intervention”, actively promoted by the West in the 1990s, has been rejected by the international community. As such, it cannot possibly serve as a legal basis for any use of force. International law only allows to use force in self-defence or under a Security Council mandate.
The fact that Britain refers to “humanitarian intervention” is therefore a direct acknowledgement of the unlawfulness of the air strikes. The specific arguments used by the UK in support of its position confirm this further.
The gist of British reasoning is that the whole international community recognizes that a “new” chemical attack in Syria is imminent and that only the air strikes could prevent it. Yet, let alone a new attack, the international community is not convinced that a chemical attack took place in Douma, and wants to see the results of the ongoing OPCW investigation. When international monitors are arriving in Damascus, and – more broadly – when the Syrian government and large parts of the opposition are moving towards creating a constitutional committee to end the war, to say that “there is no practicable alternative to the use of force if lives are to be saved” is hypocritical, to say the least.
We should add that today, speaking at the Andrew Marr Show, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson admitted that the strikes were not about saving lives or actually prevening President Assad from further chemical attacks, but should simply be seen as a “message”.
Let’s leave legal details to lawyers. But one doesn’t need deep expertise to see that we are dealing with an attack under a false pretext, a false legal basis and a false result.
https://www.rusemb.org.uk/fnapr/6487
This is our Foreign Secretary, who would willingly take a ‘message’ from this performing seal?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hRwnXmdRCo
This is not over.
Of course this is not over…
The recent illegal and apparently ineffectual strike on Syria conducted by FUKUS is the most recent provocation In a long chain as the Globalist Empire struggles to maintain its grip on the global economy, bully (regime change) nation states into submission, and control the hearts and minds of the people. Hence the nature of the asymmetric war that has been hotting up in the modern era – post the demise of the Soviet bloc…
We know the list:
– attack and dismemberment of Yugoslavia
– Coup in Ukraine
– MH17
– Sanctions
– Wars and destruction of middle eastern nation states and the rise of ISIS
– campaigns against Russian participation in international sport
– Corporate media propaganda, spin, and inconvenient truth suppression
– campaign to control alternative media and the internet
– Syrian false flag attacks
– Scripals poisoning
– continuous anti Russia campaign
And so it goes on… This strike on Syria being the latest.
Meanwhile as the Globalist Empire continues to lose its grip on unipolarity the more it tries to bully, intimidate and censor – even to the brink of risking World War – there are signs of ‘unintended consequences’ as people and nations increasingly start to resist.
In this regard it is notable that that only three countries could be lined up to take part in this latest adventure. We can be appalled at the UN Security Council failing to uphold the UN Charter against such aggression, but it is interesting that while 8 countries voted against the Russian sponsored resolution, three voted for and 4 abstained – 8/7 difference. This was not an overwhelming vote of support for the aggressors.
It remains to be seen how much actual public support FUKUS gains, the early signs are that public opinion across countries is heavily opposed. If so, then the those responsible can look forward to further erosion of their respective political positions.
The struggle continues…
Surely, Easter teaches us that what matters in the eyes of God is not whether you live or die but how you live and what you die for. There are miracles that save the weak and the defeated.
Senator Richard Black of Virginia, one of the Righteous Yanks, sends this message to Syria:
“Syria has faced the falsehoods and military might of two-thirds of the industrial world. Its gallantry is historic–and miraculous. Only with God’s help, could a nation of 23 million face the sinister plots of so many wicked governments. Syria is forever in my prayers. Your friends will never forsake you.”
https://www.facebook.com/n/?SenatorRBlack&aref=1523589185445758&medium=email&mid=569b224dcb401G5af3a4948d62G569b2402e9f7eG5b&bcode=2.1523590073.Abw4w_B2s809gLieVxI&n_m=ziadfadel%40ymail.com&lloc=image
Senator Black is one of the Just Men without whom the city cannot stand, and I believe there are more people like him than it appears at present, people who have “decency, integrity and respect for the rule of law” as you say re Political Option. As for the Military Option, China is well aware of what is coming down the road. The “irresistible armed might” of NATZO will march from Syria through Iran to Russia and end in China — unless stopped; so China will have to come in with her military in defense of the Free World well before 2033. There are turning points in battles, even though the War will never end till Time itself ends, and the World comes to Judgment.
“Things change, but one thing does not change /
The war between Good and Evil does not change”.
Saker – in (urgent?) response to above analysis, the article below (author reliable I am told) indicates a much bigger attack was planned and Russia DID intervene … if true this changes a few things?
https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/15/the-us-secret-plan-on-damascus-foiled-the-russian-role-before-and-after-the-us-uk-france-attack-revealed/
Andrei my Orthodox Brother,
The Anglo Zionist Empire can be defeated without a direct military confrontation with Russia. Imagine if Iraq had S300 systems and Pantsir systems and Kalibr cruise missile systems in 2003? Imagine if Libya had those sytems in 2011? I surely think the sovereignty of Venezuela and Cuba would be greatly complimented by such systems as should Russia’s Slavic Orthodox brothers in Serbia. Iran absolutely should have these systems and the best in field anti aircraft/tank defense sytems should be provided for Hezbollah. Possiby even North Korea should have access to such indispensable Russian military hardware. Yes the Russians are right to avoid direct military confrontation with the Empire but at the same time it should give these smaller nations and paramilitaries the hardware they need to make the next Anglo Zionist war an absolute nightmare for the Empire.
PS-The First Recipients of the best in Russian Military hardware (if they don’t already have it) should be our brothers in Novorossiya. If the Russians are to have a direct military confrontation with the Empire it needs to be in Ukraine or close to the borders of Russia where Russia will maintain superior defense capabilities and escalation dominance (that you talked about). A showdown in Syria would be heroic no doubt but as you said it would be suicidal for the Russians in Syria unless Moscow was willing to respond in a manner likely to take us to a nuclear exchange. That’s not to say the Empire will stand down in Ukraine but Ukraine is not of existential importance to the Zionists the way Syria and Lebanon are.
Russia may be in the process of changing its policy of arming its “friends” who are threatened by the Hegemon.
Too many signs are appearing that the Trump administrations is like a Bush administration. War is fine and dandy to use wherever other extremes like sanctions or economic containment (denial of financing, restrictions of technologies, blocking FDI (foreign direct investment) don’t work.
The US is totally non-competitive, monopolistic capitalism on a global scale.
Like the size of its military, its economy continues to outpace competition in the spaces that matter: EU, Asia’s easter rim, Latin America and ME.
China’s size and scale are deceptive. They do not have the high value technologies as yet to compete with the US. So, thought they continue to grow much faster than US, and amass great wealth, they can’t influence strategically among developed nations. They are huge among developing and emerging economies. But none of these countries matter in the great struggle for global power. Even Eurasia’s enormous differential is not a factor and won’t be for many more years. Especially, with the US churning Afghanistan, demonizing Pakistan and enticing India in its historic enmity with both China and Pakistan.
Russia must become more like the Soviet Empire with regional friends. It must protect them with sales of the top military equipment and begin to base naval and aerospace assets, something Russia has been loath to do until recently. Bases can be service centers and technology zones, cultural, medical and educational centers not just military installations. Spreading Russian culture and language is important. Trade, especially food and competitive export products like trucks and autos could be part of the dual use of “bases”.
The world, third world and even the second tier nations’ people are looking for Heroes. Putin and the Russian Military are today’s Heroes. Russia needs to exploit that important development.
Indeed, this is far from over.
But I have to question the Saker’s conclusion and that of several others that by forcefully retaliating in a limited way (sinking a few American ships/submarines), that Russia would invite the full force of Imperial Might on its head. It has been proven over and over that Imperial Might is not what it seems.
North Korea fought back in the 50s. The US could have brought to bear its entire Imperial Might on this country, but they didn’t. Why?
Iran fought back and humiliated the Empire in 79. The US could have brought to bear its entire Imperial Might on this fledging power, but they didn’t. Why?
The North Vietnamese fought back ruthlessly. The US could have brought its entire Imperial Might down against that country, but it didn’t. Why?
The Afghans fought back (the Taliban), and still are. The US could have brought it entire Imperial Might down against that country, but didn’t. Why?
Think about that. Why didn’t America bring the full force of her truly immense power to bear on these countries – power which could have completely crushed them?
I believe there are solid reasons why the US not only won’t but can’t bring its full power to bear on some spot on the globe – both political and economic reasons.
And I would say that should Russia sink a couple of American vessels, or perhaps disable an entire carrier fleet, in retaliation, it would completely shock the Americans – and their allies. Yes, it would send the neoconservatives and the Zionists into fits of pleasure and self-righteous anger. They would demand that the full force of the Empire be immediately brought to bear against the Russians. But would that really happen?
I think not. For one thing it takes lots of time and money and political jockeying to form a large and imposing military force. During that time, huge political and economic forces would arise that would severely limit this action from getting a strong grip. The very real political risk of driving the world into a nuclear holocaust would immediately raise its head, and while many would be for such a scenario, the forces against it would be huge and suddenly very powerful.
So, someone might surmise, the Americans might immediately consider a nuclear response. Really? I think not – not for a couple of naval vessels, and certainly not in the face of a world that would suddenly turn against them for even considering such a path.
Yes, if the Empire brought the full force of its might against the Russians, they could almost certainly win, just as the Saker has always indicated – if for no other reason than overwhelming numbers. But the cost (both politically and economic) of such an action would be far too great to bear, and might even bring the Empire down. Indeed, I might go as far as saying that a forceful Russian or Chinese response to American aggression might cause the Empire to collapse anyway – for once the aura of omnipotence is removed form the Empire’s veneer, the world will suddenly look at the US with entirely different eyes. If someone stands and actually gives the bully a bloody nose, suddenly all the playmates supporting the bully give second thoughts to supporting him, and often disperse.
I think a forceful response on the part of the Russians against the USA by either sinking or severely incapacitating one of their carrier groups would carry with it a strong and clear enough message to the world that the Empire can be resisted, and would cause immense turmoil inside America, perhaps even enough to bring her down from within.
I cannot answer all you ask here, but what we call war is not so straightforward. Some wars are fought to create chaos and sow trouble. Some wars are fought to expand territory and claim resources. The Korean war and the Vietnam war were chaos wars to slow down China by absorbing China’s resources in the North East and the South West, ripping … tearing at China. Along the way these two wars, which can be viewed as being one funneled a lot of tax-payers money into the US war machine. This much was explained to me in Beijing. The present war in Syria is about the Greater Israel Project (Oded Yinon Plan) and the New World Order. The Afghan war is about heroin and lithium resources, basically. Iraq is about oil resources (basically). The Syrian war is critical and must be won by the East if we are to have a multi-polar World. The Empire is sick and dying and has to be taken down slowly but surely because it has a killing instinct and is very capable of mass destruction. The East know all this and know how best to handle the beast. Keep them talking … shadow boxing and undermining which the East is doing day by day, and so far the majority of us are still alive, so let’s keep it this way. Every day without WW3 is a win win …
The effects are like ripples in a pond. Think of Britain’s Suez moment in the 50’s–when the world finally saw and acknowledged that the British Empire was over. In fact it had been crumbling from within for decades already, bankrupt from war-mongering around the world and losing India, the jewel in the crown, in the 40’s.
Immediate retaliation might be satisfying on an emotional level but it is not the wisest course of action in most situations.
The sentiments are not nuanced enough. The educated classes in the west are not so blinded by the ‘perception’ that the ’emperor’ would create with his new clothes. If you look at the comment sections (where these exist) of MSM and political websites you can see that major dissent is brewing. The top 49% are aware of the ridiculous sham, folly and farce – and this is fueling – in the UK, for instance – the rise of politicians like Corbyn and actions like Brexit. Even the election of Trump was a sign of the growing internal anger within the empire. There is nothing ‘left in the cupboard’ of the empire except the nukes. Certainly, public opinion would not support a draft for foreign conventional wars such as was seen in Vietnam and Korea.
The good news is that USA remaining around to do hollywood warfare is by itself acceptable. If that’s two strike a year killing in total less than 10 people it’s mire than acceptable on every front. It’s an UNSC violation of no consequence, it has no impact on Syria’s path to stabilisation, it’s not an escalation. The real question imo is where are we at the funding of rebel groups by foreign powers ? The pool of men in those grouis is likely inextinguishible, but they also need money and I understand Daesh died because of lack thereof – possibly when qatar switched side when they took a share of Gasprom.