Open Thread 2018-23
News & views ...
Posted by b on May 11, 2018 at 17:33 UTC | Permalink
next page »B, wake up and smell the coffee. You are behind the curve. Comment sections at South Front and Sputnik are revolting. Even major russian bloggers are becoming embarrassed by Russia.
"Russia's Lack of Reaction to Israel's Strikes on Syria Is Disgusting"
https://russia-insider.com/en/russias-lack-reaction-israels-strikes-syria-disgusting/ri23438
No S300 for Syria says Russia
https://sputniknews.com/military/201805111064353749-russia-s300-supplies-syria/
I told you guys that the sanctions owned Russia and they are looking for a deal with the US.
Russian Senators to soften sanctions against US
RBC: Russian senators to water down Moscow’s response to US sanctions. Two Federation Council members told the newspaper that the final version of the amendments to the ‘anti-sanctions’ bill initiated by State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and leaders of all parliamentary factions, will be “quite mild.”
More:
http://tass.com/pressreview/1001647
Ryabkov:
Russia interested in meeting between Putin, Trump. We will work hard so that our colleagues in the US administration come to the same conclusion.
More:
http://tass.com/politics/997761
Ex-Finance Minister Kudrin to head Accounts Chamber
http://tass.com/economy/1003887
You should learn to use your brains and be more realistic, and not easily fall for overentusiastic propaganda, whether american or russian one, for that matter.
As RT says, question more. Dig deeper. Compare various viewpoints to make up your mind, not only one or two viewpoints. Understand that reality is not something that you will always like, and that things could get unpleasant sometimes, or not very nice for your ego. In order to get to the truth and escape cognitive dissonance, both pleasant and unpleasant information must be accepted.
Posted by: Passer by | May 11 2018 18:06 utc | 2
Korybko interprets Russian signals as message to Assad to "compromise," which I don't agree with at all as such a "demand" backwalks numerous previous statements about Syria by Russia, which isn't normal Kremlin behavior. In essence, Korybko's arguing that the relationship between Zionists and Russia is more important than Russia's relations with Syria, Iraq, and Iran--a huge misread on his part, IMO.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 11 2018 18:33 utc | 3
Where are the Scripals? How are they feeling these days? (68 days and counting)
When is the OPCW report on Douma going to be published?
Oh, I've got it the Scripals are proof reading the OPCW report - they're too busy to even say hello.
Posted by: Babyl-on | May 11 2018 18:38 utc | 4
Russia has tried to stay out of the conflict between Israel and Iran/Hezbollah and i suspect Russia has sought to keep a peace of a sort between those parties. That is wise.
PUTIN DID NOT GIVE NETANYAHU PERMISSION TO ATTACK SYRIA.
How do i know that because Netanyahu bragged that Russia put no restraints on Israel attacking Syria. No way as that put Russians in danger. Netanyahu is now attacking Syria/Iran most likely to show discord and injure the alliance that booted Jihadists from Syria. The weak link is Iran and Iran is providing a lot of the boots on the ground. It is difficult for Russia to publicly defend Iran from attacks by enabling the killing of Israelis - they should do it anyway and they would if Putin had a pair but he won't.
The second Russia steps in to help Iran (or help someone Israel claims is iran), you'll see another massive media campaign against Russia and more economic sanctions.
That said, really the west is trying to destroy Russia and the harder it is to get through Syria and Iran, the harder that will be. Wise up Putin.
Posted by: alaric | May 11 2018 18:47 utc | 5
Disgusting,
Israeli forces kill one Palestinian, injure 170 in Gaza
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/05/11/561394/Gaza-Israel-Palestinian-
Wonder if its something actually wrong in the brain with liberals in the west defending this..
Posted by: Anon | May 11 2018 18:51 utc | 6
@passer by: Do us all a favour and PASS BY. If you don't like what you see here at MoA, move on. b does a very good job finding info that seldom appears elsewhere, even in the more mainstream Russian outlets.
Those screaming for Russia to "act" should take it up with Putin directly... I'd guess they will get the same response as Nuttyyahoo did at the Victory Day ceremonies... be ignored. FUKUS/Israeli/Saudi warmongers can't keep this BS up indefinitely, even thought the Rothschilds control the US$ money supply. The US is in a $21TRILLION hole mostly dug by the Rothschild warmongering Deep State and MIC oligarchs.
Russia/China/Iran should NOT launch any major military reactions to Trumpty Dumbdy's and Nuttyyahoo's temper tantrums at losing in Syria. They are having much more success rope-a-dopa-ing FUKUS and the Rothschilds sycophants.
Posted by: A P | May 11 2018 18:52 utc | 7
Too many cast Putin as Tsar; he is not. National security issues are discussed and solved by a council of same name through consensus. Same with Foreign Relations. One aspect of Russia that differs greatly from almost every Western nation is the Russian government acts in the best interest of all Russians, not just a select nomenclatura as in Outlaw US Empire and UK.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 11 2018 19:09 utc | 8
Meanwhile, the SAA continues to clean out takfiri pockets with unprecedented speed, probably the real reason for the latest round of Israeli provocations. Sure, we'd all love to see Israel get what's coming to them but as long as the facts on the ground keep trending in Syria's favour, Russia isn't going to up the ante. The Zio-FUKUS attacks are a display of weakness, not strength.
Posted by: Peter Gose | May 11 2018 19:21 utc | 9
Corbett points out Netanyahu's hypocrisy of being a nuclear parts smuggler while point to OLD information about Iran's nuke program.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gyc-wU4UmU
Posted by: Curtis | May 11 2018 19:27 utc | 10
Passer 2:06:21 PM | 2
"In order to get to the truth and escape cognitive dissonance, both pleasant and unpleasant information must be accepted."
That's certainly true, but with the information selection you present here, you prove yourself wrong. Most of it is unconfirmed bullshit or irrelevant. Russia is definitely not the force destined to satisfy everybody longing for the downfall of the usa. Russia has its own interests and needs. It is not looking for self-destruction. So it's wise to try to settle things peacefully. It's still possible to avoid the worst. Tronald's decision about Iran opens up leeway for finding an understanding with EU powers. It's not League of Legends, it's more like chess. But not even chess, it's not the meaning of world politics to destroy somebody, one should try to get along. Strategic patience is important. The neocons play a game they cannot possibly win. Many influential stakeholder in the usa are not ready to risk everything they grabbed. The world is way to big and complicated a place to hold it under one single thumb.
Putin's quite successful using restrained resources. China grows bigger every day. I do not agree with B in every aspect, but mainly he is right. We need his relative optimism. Do not let you guide by your wrath.
Posted by: Pnyx | May 11 2018 19:30 utc | 11
There has been a lot of commentry in the last few days on Putin being under the control of or in partnership with Netanyahu. To the contrary, it is more likely Netanyahu traveled to Moscow to sell his butt. This may be the main reason Russia announced it would reconsider selling S-300 to Israel. Nutty would have payed dearly to have Russia say it was no longer considering sending S-300 to Syria and Russia still hold that card. Putin let nutty blow off wind and save face as that has always been his way.
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 11 2018 19:35 utc | 12
If russia were to render the Israeli Air Force largely ineffectual by imposing an air exclusion zone over Syria, what would the Israeli leadership be most likely to do in their blind panic??
Why they'd reach for their tactical nukes of course.... and up the escalation ladder a few rungs.
Enter the S-300 question mark then.
So keeping a degree of uncertainty about the full potential of Syrian air defenses in the event of an all out attack by Israel is a very wise move IMO.
Wishing all the gung-ho armchair generals a good weekend. :-)
Posted by: APOL | May 11 2018 19:37 utc | 13
My post @11 should have read "Russia announced it would reconsider selling S-300 to Syria"
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 11 2018 19:43 utc | 14
Strategic Culture's published a very powerful editorial. Teaser:
"The reckless, reprehensible behavior of the US towards international law, multilateralism and diplomacy – all of which it falsely projects onto Russia, China and others – is, or should be, a watershed moment for all of the world to recognize that such rogue conduct is intolerable and unacceptable.
"Either there is multilateral accord or there is not. Either there is a multipolar world as envisaged by a democracy of nations, or there is brutish hegemony of unipolar ambitions. The latter is not law-abiding. It is predicated on the brutish principle of “might is right”. The world cannot afford such a hegemon for the sake of peace and survival."
It certainly echoes much of what's written by b and us Barflies.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 11 2018 19:46 utc | 15
IMO Netanyahu hoped that his presence in Moscow would give IDF the advantage of surprise in their attacks.
He could also personally brief Putin on Israel’s new agressive posture before the attacks began.
It’s highly unlikely that Putin approved of the Israeli attacks, and any suggestion that he did is unlikely to have any factual basis.
Posted by: Jackrabbit | May 11 2018 19:52 utc | 16
Gaza Suicide Crisis
https://youtu.be/63GQbvVTW70
"Good briefing for Ambassadors today by Security Cabinet member Minister Naftali Bennett on Iran, Syria and Israel security concerns. Canada agrees Israeli security & defence are paramount, condemns Iranian aggression..."
https://twitter.com/CANdiplomat/status/994588521624231943
"I already killled lots of Arabs in my life and have absolutely no problem with that..." - Naftali Bennett
Canada supports!
Posted by: John Gilberts | May 11 2018 19:52 utc | 17
APOL @12--
Given IAF behavior, a de facto No Fly Zone exists over Syria already. As has been discussed, if the Zionists employ nukes of any size/type, their nation will cease to exist.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 11 2018 19:53 utc | 18
I personally believe that Putin gave Iran/Syria a green light to respond to Israel.
Putin could bring stability to the area by beefing up Syrian air defenses. Even Tors, Pantsirs and Buks might be enough.
Posted by: Alaric | May 11 2018 19:55 utc | 19
Russia's catching a lot of blogger-flak regarding its failure to go to war with Israel. That's not smart.
Here's the probable scenario as I see it, keeping in mind that the #1 priority for Russia is its own political interests and its own security, which is true of every country.
There are three allies concerned with Syria led by Russia, and including Turkey and Iran. Three unlkely allies, actually. But they are trying to get along, with Russia's objective a return of Syria to full sovereignty of all its territory, and a cessation of hostilities, with a Russian military presence. It's not been easy but there has been progress and it looks like Russia and its allies will be successful.
Iran has that objective too, but also has a strong interest in aiding Hezbollah as a powerful anti-Israel force. That includes provisioning Hezbollah in Syria with ballistic missiles.
Russia (in my probable scenario) said to Iran don't do that. It endangers our chief interest in Syria which is to win the war against US/Israel and end the warfare. Don't do anything that endangers that. But Iran did it anyhow, and has paid a price which Syria shares. And as a part of that, Russia has taken no action against Israel because it expected this might happen, that's why Iran was cautioned. Iran thought it could do whatever it wanted in Syria and it got burned.
So I say to anti-Russia bloggers, wake up and smell the coffee.
Posted by: Don Bacon | May 11 2018 20:02 utc | 20
Jackrabbit @15--
Here's what Putin said to Nuttyahoo according to Kremlin:
"Naturally, we will use your visit today to discuss bilateral relations and problems in the region. Unfortunately, the situation is very acute. I would like to express hope that you and I will not only manage to discuss, but also find solutions which will lead to a shift in the situation, and which will also allow us to find ways to resolve heated conflicts."
Putin's clearly aiming at de-escalation, while Nutty's all about escalating.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 11 2018 20:04 utc | 21
Defense became offense via preemptive strikes. The aggressor is not defending itself. By its nature, it is firstly the aggressor. Its strikes are offensive.
Posted by: fastfreddy | May 11 2018 20:07 utc | 22
Interesting comparison of Gina Haspel's Senate testimony and Adolf Eichmann's at his trial. Not surprisingly, Haspel apes Eichmann.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 11 2018 20:18 utc | 24
Don Bacon
Thats israeli propaganda in full effect, since no one really believes it was iranians that was hit in nor hezbollah soldiers.
Why are you so caring about israeli red lines? Iran/Syria/Hezbollah is not allowed to have weapons for protection against Israel? Total israel apologetic nonsense.
Posted by: Anon | May 11 2018 20:20 utc | 25
@3 karlof1
I used to admire Korybko enormously, and I thought him a brilliant talent. I don't know what's happened in the last few months. Every one of his articles seems to be a mis-read. He's chosen a view of reality that I think is wrong, and everything he extrapolates from that is off-kilter.
We all choose at what level down the rabbit hole we want to go, but whatever it is, our predictions should accord with subsequent events, or we can know it's an inaccurate ledge to perch on. Korybko keeps saying there's a hidden agenda and a secret union between Israel and Russia that makes all the rest of the Syria campaign a sham. He's become as unreliable as Paul Craig Roberts at reading the true balances, and as unreliable, it pains me to say, as the Saker appears at times lately. They all call for the sky to fall tomorrow, or else say that it already has and the fix is in, and resistance is futile.
Miracles abound. But everyone is so damn gloomy. Is it a new CIA manic-depression drug? Radio waves? Crazy.
Posted by: Grieved | May 11 2018 20:29 utc | 26
@ 2 Wow, thought I was back in school for a minute…
@ 12 I second that.
During the course of the Ukraine war I, and I imagine many others, went through some of the feelings about Vladimir Putin that many people are expressing now. We grew impatient. We wanted Russia to go in and kick Porky’s ass into the high heavens. We wanted the Chocolate King toasted. But Putin carried on with his minimalist strategy, his control over emotion and ego, his resource stinginess, providing just enough to the Donbas warriors, just enough. It was nail-biting and frustrating at times, but If Russia had gone into Ukraine, guns blazing (as Russia’s enemies wanted) it would probably be bankrupt by now.
Scene change to Syria and we have the same minimum aircraft, troops, special forces… Minimum but enough. Israel feels very strongly about the S-300. Putin and his generals have probably verified for themselves what they long suspected – that many products built by the US military industrials since the 1990s are pretty crap. Just look at the F-35 and the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner”, which pilots and cabin crew refer to as the “binliner” due to its continuous faults. After a PHD on more-or-less this subject my humble self came to the same conclusion.
So do the Syrians really need the S-300 when they seem to be doing fine with what they have got? They could be beefed up with some Pantsirs and Buks. Why antagonize Israel needlessly? Why risk WWIII? Why risk Russia’s World Cup – when sabotage and stealth are what the Israelis are best at? Why not just keep slipping Assad stuff that will keep the Israeli’s guessing?
Posted by: Lochearn | May 11 2018 20:32 utc | 27
Reuters is reporting that Russia has backed off supplying S-300s to Syria.
Posted by: Trisha Driscoll | May 11 2018 20:33 utc | 28
Putin speaking about the wailing wall and Jerusalem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJnIsbo5uMs
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 11 2018 20:57 utc | 29
@ 25 Grieved
Exactly my thoughts, and thanks for having the courage to take on the PCR, Saker and Korybko all in one go.
In find Canthama at Syrian Perspective to be refreshing. Somebody posted a wonderful piece by him on MOA last night
Posted by: Lochearn | May 11 2018 20:59 utc | 30
@ Grieved who wrote: "Miracles abound. But everyone is so damn gloomy. Is it a new CIA manic-depression drug? Radio waves? Crazy."
The more the elite can rile the public with fear and anger against others the better their chances of manipulating events to their ends......at least that is their plan and I am not seeing white flags yet.
Yes, we are in the middle of a watershed event for humanity where the real issue of whether a small elite continue to control the tools of finance is being fought as a battle between Israel et al and the rest of the world through Syria/Iran/??? That the issues are so intertwined and so misunderstood by the public is a human travesty that I attribute to brainwashing by the Western media.
The good thing about this situation is that we are in it because the old way is breaking down all around us and energy abounds for supporting structural change. For someone who has been watching and waiting for 40+ years, I am DAMN happy to see such an opportunity for human growth present itself in my lifetime.
Posted by: psychohistorian | May 11 2018 21:11 utc | 31
@ 27
Peskov corrects:
May 11. /TASS/. The refusal to supply the S-300 air defense missile systems to Syria is not linked in any way with the recent visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Moscow, acting Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
Peskov commented on a statement, which acting Russian Presidential Aide for Military and Technical Cooperation Vladimir Kozhin gave in an interview with the newspaper Izvestia.
"Technologically, it is absolutely incorrect to link this [Kozhin’s words] with Netanyahu’s visit because the interview was given before Netanyahu’s visit," the acting Kremlin spokesman pointed out.
Russia has never announced such deliveries and only specified that it reserves the right in the wake of US-led airstrikes against Syria to do everything possible in this situation.
In an interview published on Friday, Kozhin said that Russia was not delivering the S-300 air defense missile systems to Syria and no talks had been underway on their delivery thus far.
As the acting Kremlin spokesman added, the Syrian army "has everything it needs."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on April 16 that Russia was ready to consider all necessary steps to reinforce Syria’s defense capabilities, including the delivery of the S-300 systems.
Unlike the West, RF does not pre-announce. Just do it!
Do you think Putin is pleased about this?
Israeli Weapons Among Arms Handed Over to Syrian Army By Terrorists in Damascus
Oh, not just medical aid!
Posted by: Likklemore | May 11 2018 21:20 utc | 32
psychohistorian "The good thing about this situation is that we are in it because the old way is breaking down all around us"
I have been thinking this for some time now. Also because of this, trying to predict geo-political moves or tactical moves by the geo-political players seems a bit like trying to predict every gust of wind in a storm.
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 11 2018 21:21 utc | 33
Also not a good sign that President Putin re-nominated Medvedev (not the URL) as Prime Minister. The Saker lays out the rationale for this view.
Posted by: Trisha Driscoll | May 11 2018 21:22 utc | 34
Why antagonize Israel needlessly? Why risk WWIII? Why risk Russia’s World Cup – when sabotage and stealth are what the Israelis are best at?
Posted by: Lochearn | May 11, 2018 4:32:53 PM | 26
The World Cup is a nice, fat, vulnerable target. As silly as it might sound - with a hot WWIII apparently in the balance - my feeling all during this period of, shall we say, "diplomatic recession" by Russia - where there has been a quieting of rhetoric from the Kremlin, hints/rumours of Russian "Atlanticists" gaining influence, and a seeming (I repeat, "seeming") backing off of military support for Syria in the face of increasingly belligerent actions from Israel - is that Putin is trying to protect this important world class event from sabotage and tragedy. The evidence on the ground in Syria is that the Syrians, Russians and Iranians are winning big. And while most of us reading this blog would like to see the gains continue to come fast and furious, especially in the face of continuous provocations, why turn up the temperature now on a ruthless and morally-bankrupt enemy when their nerves are already frayed to distraction from humiliating setbacks? I am sure if a strategic "red line" is crossed Russia will act.
I am surprised at the sudden increasing criticism being levied at Russia and Putin in view of what they have accomplished to date. I think that most of it is disingenuous or guided by fear.
Posted by: Activist Potato | May 11 2018 21:25 utc | 35
34
It is essentially the same team that pulled Russia through the simultaneous hits of sanctions, crashed oil price and attack on the Ruble.
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 11 2018 21:26 utc | 36
Saker is brilliant on military matters, but he has not studied politics or finance in depth.
Saker is wrong about Medvedev. Putin feels comfortable with him as a sort of sidekick. There is a war going on, an undeclared WWIII, and Putin has enough to think about.
Posted by: Lochearn | May 11 2018 21:33 utc | 37
Some people forget that jewish oligarchs control large parts of the russian economy and have people in the Russian Central Bank (Yudaeva).
Anyone who thinks that Russia will be fighting "zionism" is out of his mind.
Putin’s Jewish friends
https://www.momentmag.com/putins-jews/
Posted by: T | May 11 2018 21:46 utc | 38
@Posted by: Grieved | May 11, 2018 4:29:09 PM | 25
Korybko is just an American guy, as it is The Saker ( socialized and most of life living in the US....).
While I share with The Saker his disgust for Medvedev´s re-appointment and Netanyahu´s presence in V-Day Parade as an "honor guest", I do not agree in that resistance is futile. May be, it was futile our long and strong support for Putin...but never to resist....
While we thought Putin could be aboard with us in this, it looked good and bright, but in case he results not being, well, to hell, who cares?, we will continue fighting them along with every peer out there opposing the Imperialist/Nazi thugs.
There are millions of antifascists peers out there.... just try to find them and join them...
Posted by: From the resistance | May 11 2018 21:48 utc | 39
Likklemore @32--
Thanks for that Peskov clarification. The important phrase: "no talks had been underway on their delivery thus far." [My emphasis] "No talks" implies that Syria hasn't broached the subject, and that all the hand-wringing about S-300's lack of delivery is generated via social media--including this blog. As previously stated by me, it's clear Syria's AA defenses are very good and really don't need S-300. For those who missed it, here's the link to a very reasonable thread about the S-300 and overall AA defense situation. The Pantsir-S1 entered Russian military service in 2012; its upgraded version, S2, entered service in 2015. Syria likely has the S1; but even so, that's quite a modern piece of equipment and clearly better than anything in NATO or Zionist militaries. There are other systems, too. But IMO, the important point made in the linked thread is the need to replace/modernize/relocate the newer radar and EW systems that complement/facilitate the actual weaponry. Zionist and NATO jets now getting painted outside Syrian airspace is a result of that r/m/r cycle.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 11 2018 21:52 utc | 40
Speaking of a watershed event in the world of finance, continuation and extension of the US sanctions on Iran is not popular in other countries, which may spark changes to the world financial system now US dominated.
WaPo
Within hours of assuming his new post Tuesday, Richard Grenell triggered harsh criticism in this Trump-weary country after appearing to threaten one of the U.S. president’s frequent targets: German businesses.
In a tweet after President Trump’s announcement to leave the Iran nuclear deal, Grenell wrote that “German companies doing business in Iran should wind down operations immediately.”. . . here
Bloomberg
.. .But that doesn’t mean the core European powers are going to accept Trump’s contempt. Europeans have stood up to the U.S. before. The most relevant precedent concerns the extraterritorial Cuba sanctions in the Helms-Burton Act, which Bill Clinton signed into effect in 1996. The European Union’s answer was a regulation protecting European companies from such sanctions. It rendered U.S. rulings against firms that defied the U.S. restrictions unenforceable in the EU. The regulation wasn’t an empty threat: For example, it was upheld in 2007 when Austria forced one of its banks to reinstate the accounts of 100 Cubans it had closed while being taken over by a U.S. company.
Europe’s stance on Cuba allowed European companies, such as Spain’s Sol Melia hotel group and France’s Altadis tobacco company, to remain major investors in Cuba after Helms-Burton. The U.S. sanctions did scare off other European investors, especially those with U.S. operations: The EU couldn’t protect them. But, as Joaquin Roy of the University of Miami wrote, “The true effect of the Helms-Burton law has been to foster unity and galvanize opposition to it on the part of all the governments of Europe and Latin America.” In 1997, in the face of European action at the World Trade Organization, the U.S. compromised by suspending the law’s most onerous provisions. . . . here
And here's a lengthy 2007 study which examines countermeasures and other responses by foreign jurisdictions to U.S. extraterritorial economic sanctions imposed for foreign policy reasons.They include the Cuba embargo.
Posted by: Don Bacon | May 11 2018 21:53 utc | 41
Such a massive organized aggression has been inflicted on Syria, so much effort has been put into sujugating and destroying Syria, the Syrians have suffered so horribly. Years of economic warfare - sanctions, tens of thousands of mercenary madmen from dozens of countries deployed against Syria, entire cities destroyed, massive amounts of arms and financing provided to the madmen, global mass media disinformation deployed, oil stolen, thousands of US bombs dropped, continual Israeli attacks and subterfuge, NATO special forces deployed, massive mercenary underground construction project at Douma, false flags, Turkish aggression, Saudi complicity, and more.
And how do things stand, after seven years of this? Syrians are inspirational for their resistance, Syria is battered but winning, Russia's standing has risen as she has saved Syria, the mercenaries are largely eliminated or herded into specific areas; Israelis and Americans have lost yet more international standing, are more obviously outlaw regimes, and have lost self confidence; their military intimidation is more and more lacking in real authority. NATO is licking its wounds and is less cohesive, occupied Germany is showing signs of awakening, Turkey and the US are at odds, the British are a malicious joke, the Saudis are weaker, Iran and Lebanon are stronger, Iraqis despise the Americans, China is stronger.
Meanwhile, Russia too has been under US led economic warfare attack, and near global disinformation attack, and demonization. And yet she too is stronger in many ways than she was just a few years ago.
Posted by: Robert Snefjella | May 11 2018 21:54 utc | 42
We recently talked about "glide bombs" used in Syria, here's a powerful new small one that will be bought by the US in the thousands for "immediate combat needs." These fit in the category of "stand-off" weapons that don't need the immediate presence of a jet fighter to deliver them, they can be delivered by any type aircraft at distance, twenty miles in this case.
Posted by: Don Bacon | May 11 2018 22:11 utc | 44
Robert Snefjella @43--
Yes, Syrian resolve and aid from its allies has infuriated the Outlaw US Empire along with its Zionist and Wahhbiest affiliates. No wonder more Red Herrings are surfacing trying to generate friction and create schisms. Will the remainder of the EU awaken from its Animal Farm slumber and escape its Orwellian existence are now the questions.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 11 2018 22:20 utc | 45
@ babyl-on #4:
‘Who we are, why we're digging: Team probing Syrian war & Skripal poisoning case reveal all’, the UK working group on Syria, propaganda, and media, via RT (with video, 9:26)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=oQwuxGSTwj0
https://www.rt.com/uk/426489-skripal-syria-propoganda-academic/
and thank you all for the good comments pushing back on some of the putin-bashing. i've notice a hella lot of them from the tankies on twitter. i've even grabbed some of them for further examination and spreading about.
Posted by: wendy davis | May 11 2018 22:26 utc | 46
Don Bacon 46
The article says it is specifically for use in the C-130 gunship. Afghanistan?
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 11 2018 22:26 utc | 47
@46 Modern warfare is constantly evolving. Syrians/Iranians are currently busy turning out dozens of dummy missile batteries. Must be plenty of old trucks and bits of metal pipe laying around.
Posted by: dh | May 11 2018 22:29 utc | 48
Karlof1 @ 41
Peskov is fluent in English with good comprehension of its nuances and structure.
Reading between the lines, the key tell for me:
"Russia has never announced such deliveries and only specified that it reserves the right in the wake of US-led airstrikes against Syria to do everything possible in this situation."
"and to do everything possible in this situation..[.] and FM Sergey Lavrov stated...including delivery of S300"
Lavrov, experienced as he is, have never been recorded to "mis-speak"
Posted by: Likklemore | May 11 2018 22:32 utc | 49
Don Bacon @46--
It's my understanding that Russian radars are capable of seeing a jet release either bomb or missile which would allow Syrian AA to target jets that deliver payloads versus those providing air cover, thus retaliating in true self-defense against an aggressor. If true, will the Zionists again test Syria's defenses knowing they will take casualties and expose their civilian populace? I fully expect Syria to launch its Southern Offensive, particularly as the Zionists have recently taken to treating Golan as their own.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 11 2018 22:35 utc | 50
@ Peter AU 1
Yes most likely Afghanistan, but SOCOM is active in many places including Africa. There are a lot of "terrorists" to be shot. Most of them, of course, are really rebels fighting against one oppressive government or another, or the US presence somewhere, but "terrorists" has a nice ring to it.
Posted by: Don Bacon | May 11 2018 22:35 utc | 51
karlof1 @20
There’s nothing in that statement that approves of Israel’s attack. And informing Putin of a changed stance due to a perception that ‘red lines’ were crossed (red lines that would’ve been discussed weeks or months prior) would be positioned by Netanyahu as a courtesy ( when it is really just a sneaky attempt at battlefield advantage).
Here’s a thought (not fully baked):the Russians have their eye on the ball. Those who are focused on Zionists as a problem for a West easily miss the fact that USA is a bigger problem for Russia than Israel. USA is the “power behind the throne”. Zionists and neocons may manipulate that power but it is better for Russia to make an effort to separate Israel from the West. You catch more flies with honey.
If SCO becomes strong enough to offer meaningful security guarantees and Israel also has an opportunity to participate in lucrative economic opportunities in Eurasia then Israel might be enticed to end it’s belligerent manipulation of US. It may require a new generation of leadership in Israel before that happens. Russia-China are playing long games.
Posted by: Jackrabbit | May 11 2018 22:38 utc | 52
Perhaps the Syrians are onto this: How to visit the Golan Heights from Tourist Israel.
Posted by: Don Bacon | May 11 2018 22:40 utc | 53
Yes, separation of countries from the US has to be a major Russia goal, and Moscow has jumped major hurdles to do it with China and Turkey, for two examples. More to come. Germany, eventually?
Also, that same theme has been picked up by the "Russian meddling" claims about Russia dividing Americans domestically, which is a joke but there you go. I guess Washington is sensitive to it.
Its actually RealPolitik and the US has done it for years under the guise of spreading democracy.
Posted by: Don Bacon | May 11 2018 22:49 utc | 54
Robert Snefjella @ 43:
Excellent summary of the past 7 years. I would add that Putin and Bashar al Assad have distinguished themselves as steadfast leaders during this time, as evidenced by levels of consistent popular support and the fact that hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees have already returned to Syria to participate in the nation's reconstruction.
Plus the increased Russophobic hysteria and faking of CW attacks in Syria point to despair and desperation in the Deep State that controls Washington and the City of London.
Posted by: Jen | May 11 2018 22:51 utc | 55
ZipperSnipper @ 45: Looks like our "Venezuelan" friend "Matt" indeed at 207 and 208 in the last comments forum. That's enough to get him banned from MoA.
Posted by: Jen | May 11 2018 22:58 utc | 56
"Medvedev is an Atlanticist". Could someone please explain to me how this has shown up by what he has actually done or not done. He is a political leader and so he has to modify his public policy position on matters to maintain the support of his party.
This applies to Putin too. Strong or weak, they are always constrained by needing to maintain support. We know nothing (or very little) about the strengths of various lobbies, so claiming someone is weak, could really be due to not knowing something important about the general balance of power. One aspect of these proxy wars is the possibility of escalation to WW3. Is Putin weak because he won't risk bringing on WW3? Why should Putin have rejected Netanyahu coming to the Victory Parade? He got to listen and speak to Netanyahu which is always important.
Another aspect is financial. How broke is Syria? - I imagine very broke. How broke is Russia? - can Putin afford to field S-300s to defend Syria and Iran and Hezbollah?
".....Putin and Bashar al Assad have distinguished themselves as steadfast leaders during this time.....Syrian refugees have already returned to Syria to participate in the nation's reconstruction "
Really? The bloody daily killing and missiles from occupied Golan Height continue raining down on Syrians' cities provided No Russians being harms. While in Gaza Bibi's solders continue since 67's killing Palestinians.
Bravo Putin!!
Posted by: OJS | May 11 2018 23:07 utc | 58
As I have mentioned before, the seeds of Zionism were planted in Russia with the Bolshevick Revolution. From Hess/Marx/Engdahl to financiers in Germany, Britain and the United States Zionism prospered. It had great support from non Jewish elements as well as Europe lacked oil which was becoming a necessary fuel for War. Balfour Declaration issued to Lord Rothschild was agreed to months in advance of its release and led German financiers on Wall Street to join forces with British controlled financiers like JP Morgan to pressure Wilson to enter the war and ensure Germany would be defeated. Stalin was anti religion but not all Zionists were religious. Soviet Union sent many of the Torah following Jews to Israel and US, as well as the criminal elements who went on to create the Jewish Mafia, some of whom who are very influentional in US and Israel and now work with the mafia in the FSU and Russia (some of whom are oligarchs) where they also have influence
Many of the Russian oligarchs today obtained Israeli or US citizenship. Those remaining under Putin have a great deal of power and influence. Putin walks a tight rope between the oligarchs and nationalists and unlike in the US does not have full control of the media which has a good amount of pro western/anti Putin sources. One Russian diplomat was said to have said recently how surprised he was that most of the media outlets in US all tend to agree on many issues relating to foreign relations which he said was not true in Russia.
Putin also knows he is vulnerable to a color revolution due to presence of various foreign NGO's, friends of ousted oligarchs, and ousted oligarchs hoping to return under a new regime. Organized protests last year reminded him of his vulnerability. Sanctions on oligarchs who have supported his rule may have a safe haven for their financial interests in Israel Netanyahu has leverage. Last thing he needs is the remaining oligarchs to join forces with anti-Putin elements.
Then there is his personal interests. He wont be President for life. Like Yeltsin he has likely acquired billions in personal wealth. He has to consider his retirement and protect his assets so and his family can live the good life.
I never bought into Putin as saviour. He is a convenient enemy for Israel and US to dupe their citizens into supporting their agenda and paying for a larger military. Perhaps low level conflict with the US and Israel works for him as well. Its hard to know. Certainly there are real interests for Russia that he must defend such as Crimea and ports in Syria , but his interests are limited and he is not going to War to save the world from the US and Israel, not unless they initiate one which I dont believe they are inclined to do.
Posted by: Pft | May 11 2018 23:18 utc | 60
@ 42 -- More on sanctions avoidance -- (fascinating subject)
from AMN
Chinese businessman Sheng Kuan Li didn’t worry about sanctions when he decided in 2010 to invest $200 million in a steel mill in Iran that started producing ingots and billet within months of the lifting of punitive measures against the Islamic republic as part of 2015 international nuclear agreement with Iran.
With no operations in the United States, Mr. Li was not concerned about being targeted by the US Treasury. Mr. Li, moreover, circumvented financial restrictions on Iran by funding his investment through what he called a “private transfer,” a money swap that was based on trust and avoided regular banking channels.
In doing so, Mr. Li was following standard Chinese practice of evading the sanctions regime by using alternative routes or establishing alternative institutions that were in effect immune.
To be able to continue to purchase Iranian oil while sanctions were in place, China, for example, established the Bank of Kunlun to handle Chinese payments. . .here
which links to--
U.S. imposing sanctions on Bank of Kunlun severely violated the principles of international relations . . .here
Posted by: Don Bacon | May 11 2018 23:18 utc | 61
I don't give shits to any gods, Dr. Assad, Putin, Bibi, Trump, Erdogan or any players in Syria. My concerns is the helpless Syrians, Palestinians and elsewhere unable to help themselves.
So I say to Putin's apologists, wake up and smell the coffee. Yea Putin " #1 priority for Russia is its own political interests and its own security (and themselves), which is true of every country. I have no problems with that, but why Dr. Assad invite Putin's forces to Syria in the first place? Nobody should stand idly by and watch Palestinians and Syrians murdered daily and endless bombing Syrians’ cities.. Hey man, Putin should tell Bibi STOP the shit immediately!!
The scene in Syria is different from Donbass. FYI I was monitoring Ukraine daily before Maidan’s Massacre. The killing of Palestinians are more than 51-yrs and will continue even after we passed on. Sorrie I'm extremely sympathetic to the Syrians and Palestinians and endless murders.
There are two-camps forming here, maybe three? One Putin's apologists, the other Putin's critics and.....
Disclaimer: Prepared earlier too strong and badly written... however the weekend here, I dun give a shit call me what you wanna...
Posted by: OJS | May 11 2018 23:18 utc | 62
OJS
So you run around spouting your hatred for Putin because he does not proclaim himself world policeman and and does not crap on about R2P. As he has said, he is not anybodies friend. He is the president of the Russian federation.
In this video I linked earlier, he plainly states his position on Israel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJnIsbo5uMs
Like it or not Putin recognizes and operates within International law and Russian law, and respects UN recognized borders. Putin, all the time he has been President has operated on the principle of evolution not revolution. He is not about to change now.
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 11 2018 23:53 utc | 63
Jackrabbit @54--
I agree The Outlaw US Empire presents a bigger problem than Zionists for Russia. Also agree Putin's "keeping eye on the ball" as that's his job. Israel will never become affiliated with SCO until it morphs back into Palestine as per SCO guidelines (can't be afoul UNSC Resolutions is one reason, which is what's kept Iran from full membership).
Palloy @59--
The one main voice I've seen accuse Medvedev of being an Atlanticist is The Saker. Here's his latest screed against his being renominated for PM. To get more, you'll need to search his site. He received 374 votes to 56 against from the Duma in confirmation. "[R]epresentatives of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and the center-left party Fair Russia said they would not support Medvedev’s nomination for the post as they considered the cabinet’s performance over the past years as 'extremely poor'." Note the focus on the cabinet, not Medvedev personally. It appears a very large majority disagree with those two minor parties.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 12 2018 0:01 utc | 64
Palloy @59--
Sorry, didn't mean to avoid your final question, "Is Russia broke?" No, most certainly not. its financial condition is far better than its rival the Outlaw US Empire, although not as robust as its partner China. Russia counterintuitively became stronger economically thanks to the sanction regime as it was forced to employ a degree of autarky and thus pull itself up by its own bootstraps. It's now the planet's leading grain exporter, for example, and everyone wants its clearly superior, and less expensive by far, weaponry. And things will improve as Eurasian economic integration and development continue their ongoing advance. The impasse with deploying S-300 to Syria is political not economic.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 12 2018 0:12 utc | 65
Don Bacon @63--
Think we'll soon see global insubordination of Outlaw US Empire's edicts. Never thought I'd write the following with conviction: Neocon hubris will make the world a better place as that hubris will be their downfall.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 12 2018 0:20 utc | 66
I'm not running around SPOUTING hatred, but at this instance Russia Federation is the only force able to stops the endless killing. If Putin walked away or did not stop Bibi NOW this endless killing continue.
I am not asking or expecting Putin to be the world policeman but humanity for mankind. I'm in the same camp with Vanessa Beeley, Eva Bartlett, Julian Assange, John Pilger, Dick Black and more...
If Putin is not anybodies fren, why accepted Dr. Assad offered and further secured two long term bases? Should I conclude Putin is no different from Obomo, Hillary, Trump...?
Iran, Hezbollah and China watch that sneaky Putin! Putin only interest are selling oil, gas, weapons......
Posted by: OJS | May 12 2018 0:26 utc | 68
Don Bacon @ 42
Thanks. Like the Salisbury England poisoning, there is a cone of silence around what is important. A world war is underway. On one side is the oligarch’s hegemon [USA plus UK, Israel and Saudi Arabia] verses the multi-polar world - China [the second wealthiest nation] plus Russia and Iran. The shooting war has spread from Ukraine to Yemen. If European Corporations can break the American Sanctions and trade and import energy from Iran and Russia, the hegemon will be broken. If not, the 17-year war will inevitably escalate.
Humankind will only survive; if a multi-polar world of sovereign nations is restored, if the rule of law returns to the West, and once Peace Treaties are signed between all nations at war.
Posted by: VietnamVet | May 12 2018 0:40 utc | 69
With regard to Medvedev. Let's just end this now.
Vesti news has a 10-minute clip showing the Duma in session to approve or disapprove Medvedev as Prime Minister. It's a great glimpse into the parliamentary side of things that we rarely see. Putin states that the social reforms he has called for and intends to carry out have been planned and examined with a fine tooth comb for a year and a half - by a team led by Medvedev. It makes sense to him, he says, that this same team would now carry these plans forward.
Can we not get beyond our own particular preferences of policy flavor and understand that Medvedev long ago ago gave up the Atlanticist affiliation - when, indeed, that option politically receded from his country's shores - and is simply a team player now, subservient to Russia and to Putin? And what he thinks in his own mind is nobody's business but his? He has no power outside of being a Prime Minister who effectuates Putin's vision.
And personally, I suspect he takes some satisfaction from doing this well. I don't care what transforms or redeems a man. I just care what fits the need of the moment. The hour produces the man, be he ever so tainted from former allegiances.
~~
pa..Vesti is cranking out so much Russian news and news shows now, in short clips with English subtitles - often half a dozen per day - that I've added it to my daily news scan. I reccomend the YouTube channel: Vesti News
Posted by: Grieved | May 12 2018 0:50 utc | 70
Finally, a brief look at the Iraqi election, stressing its issue-oriented nature versus previous sectarian/ethnic divide, or so we're told. Trying to find more in English, but that's a rare bird. Even AngryArab's silent about it, which I find odd.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 12 2018 0:51 utc | 71
Putin has done more to stop, blunt or block US military aggression than any other country.
He picked Syria to put Russian military up against US military. If he had not not done so, the Syrians that are still dying due to the terrorists and their sponsors would, along with hundreds of thousands of others have been dead in the jihadist takeover in 2015.
the Palestinians? What is the rest of the world doing about this? How many other countries deal with Israel. What is you country doing for the Palestinians.
There have been many proposed resolutions against Syria in the UN but US has vetoed them all. Israel can be brought into line only when US power is destroyed.
Many of the worlds conflicts that exist today can never be resolved until US power is destroyed as it is the US that keeps those conflicts as open wounds.
For Russia putting all their efforts into say Palestine or Yemen and the many other conflicts is like running around putting out spot fires rather than catching the arsonist.
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 12 2018 1:02 utc | 73
I don't understand why people think Russia is supposed to fight against all the FUKUSIS countries and their allies all alone? You cannot be serious. Criticizing Russia is OK, but not considering this fact is not OK. Where are the Chinese? India? Brazil and other big nations? Where are they? Are they all letting Russia step in the open fire. Nope that will not happen.
Posted by: Б | May 12 2018 1:59 utc | 75
Hi All - I posted this in Saker's comments and thought it fit the discourse here as well:
I disagree with the pessimism shown by Saker and others here. Nutyahoo was determined to have a show of strength and apparently asked for the meeting with Putin to inform him personally. I can envision Putin giving bibi a two part response:
Go ahead and do your token attack, but know that if you hit anything important, S-300s are coming the following week.
And – if you even accidentally kill al-Assad consider what the mindset of his successor will be and know he will be provided with all the arms he needs.
I see Putin’s primary strategy here as not defeating the West, but just holding it at bay until dollar decline takes the U.S. to a soviet style collapse
Posted by: Citizen621 | May 12 2018 2:00 utc | 76
These nonstop attacks on Russia and Putin are completely unfounded and terribly unfair. Russia has to act with its own interests first aforethought, as must every country. Russia must act with the resources it has available and in the knowledge that they have to deal with the problems in Ukraine, North Korea, NATO troops in the Baltics, etc. and not just Syria.
And in Syria, Russia has done the best possible job in my view. The strategic picture will slowly lead to Syrian victory and sovereignty over its own territory. There is nothing Israel can do to change the strategic picture even without S-300s. And so why should Russia incur the wrath of the west when it will get what it wants anyway? Where would Syria be today if Russia had not entered the war? Its entry was a complete surprise to me and I think to just about everyone.
Attempts to cause strife between Russia and Syria and Iran should be obvious to all and no one here should fall for them. Russia is not stopping Syria or Iran from retaliating against Israeli attacks. They advise against it, but they are certainly not forcing them not to. And, in fact, they have retaliated and with some success it seems. Russia does not seem troubled by that at all.
Nor do I believe for an instant that Russia is trying to force Iran out of Syria. Russia knows perfectly well that Syria needs Iran's help just as much as it needs Russia's. Russia will never believe any guarantees from the west that they will respect Russia's interests in Syria if only they get the Iranians to leave. They know perfectly well that a new army of Jihadists will come and that without Iran and Hizbullah, Russian airpower alone will not be enough to stop them. And more importantly, Syria knows it. For that reason, they will never ask Iran to leave, even if Russia wanted it, which is very doubtful.
And as Syria gains more control over the rest of its territory, you can expect ever more robust retaliation against Israeli attacks, even without S-300. Truly, it is silly to think that Syria is helpless without the S-300, but unbeatable with it. They will defend themselves just fine with what they have, and what Russia is already providing. As for the US occupation of North east Syria, that too will end, but here the actions of Turkey and Iraq will be more decisive in making the US presence there a dead end. Russia can't do everything by itself.
Posted by: Lysander | May 12 2018 2:14 utc | 77
Grieved 73
Thanks for the link to that video. With the Putin/Melvedev partnership, Putin is the man with vision and the ability to see his vision through, Melvedev is the very professional manager to help see those visions through and comfortable in that position.
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 12 2018 2:15 utc | 78
Remember this? All 17 U.S. intelligence agencies have agreed that Russia tried to influence the 2016 election to benefit Donald Trump.
Let's put the "Russia meddling in the election" puppy to bed.
Actually as clickbait the Russia advertising agency concentrated mostly on the huge US racial problems.
USA Today (extract)
We read every one of the 3,517 Facebook ads bought by Russians. Their dominant strategy: Sowing racial discord [sic]The Russian company charged with orchestrating a wide-ranging effort to meddle in the 2016 presidential election overwhelmingly focused its barrage of social media advertising on what is arguably America’s rawest political division: race.
Among the findings:
Of the roughly 3,500 ads published this week, more than half — about 1,950 — made express references to race. Those accounted for 25 million ad impressions — a measure of how many times the spot was pulled from a server for transmission to a device.
At least 25% of the ads centered on issues involving crime and policing, often with a racial connotation. Separate ads, launched simultaneously, would stoke suspicion about how police treat black people in one ad, while another encouraged support for pro-police groups.
Divisive racial ad buys averaged about 44 per month from 2015 through the summer of 2016 before seeing a significant increase in the run-up to Election Day. Between September and November 2016, the number of race-related spots rose to 400. An additional 900 were posted after the November election through May 2017.
Only about 100 of the [3500] ads overtly mentioned support for Donald Trump or opposition to Hillary Clinton. A few dozen referenced questions about the U.S. election process and voting integrity, while a handful mentioned other candidates like Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz or Jeb Bush. . .here.
Posted by: Don Bacon | May 12 2018 2:22 utc | 79
@ Pft 62
"As I have mentioned before, the seeds of Zionism were planted in Russia with the Bolshevick Revolution. From Hess/Marx/Engdahl to financiers in Germany, Britain and the United States Zionism prospered."
So the leaders of the Bolshevik revolution who referred to Zionism as a 'utopian and reactionary' (source: https://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1940/xx/jewish.htm) and 'dangerous fable' (https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1903/feb/15.htm) were Zionists? Why does this blog attract imbeciles like yourself?
Posted by: ninel | May 12 2018 2:22 utc | 80
EU mission on rule of law in Kosovo will assume advisory role in June – PM
https://www.rt.com/newsline/426495-eu-mission-kosovo-advisory/
and very good comment
Only few churches left there, all others were burned by Albanian savages, they kidnapped and killed many people, killed people for organs and many other recorded atrocities. Even Albanian testimonials were assassinated by own terrorist gangs during Hague prosecutions against them. Haradinaj is one of the assassination chief. Independence? With what pretext? It was all plot planned by terrorist creators, who else than, USA under Clinton administration. Albanians even rised him statue there, and USA built their terrorist military base in Kosovo.
Eulex was not of any use there except to protect criminals in Kosovo "government". They even were complicit in actual kidnapping of Serbian government official Marko Djuric lately.
https://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2018&mm=03&dd=27&nav_id=103793
Terrorists dressed in special police uniforms of a non-existent state of Kosovo wanted to show they can occupy northern Kosovo, says Aleksandar Vucic.
...They were doing this with the help of the EU rule of law mission in Kosovo, EULEX, he continued - "for every two ROSU (special Kosovo police) vehicles, there were two EULEX vehicles."
Americans are eaching for yet another conflict on European soil...they are even pushing to make an Army there...
Posted by: vbo | May 12 2018 2:24 utc | 81
Grieved @73--
Thanks for that link! Agree with you about Medvedev. Garrie's rant at the "alt-media mob" helps explain his POV.
Pa-Russki B @78--
Unfortunately, Russia's occupied a somewhat solitary position against the West for a variety of reasons--some real, some false--for centuries. No, it certainly didn't seek or ask for such a distinction; but, nevertheless it finds itself in that position. Except that this time it's different, for it does have a very strong de facto alliance with China and many other Eurasian nations, all of whom crave a new geopolitical order, as do many of us living within the Outlaw US Empire and its vassal nations. My question and concern is who will rise up to replace Putin when his term ends.
Posted by: karlof1 | May 12 2018 2:41 utc | 82
From a Syrian Tiger Forces Commander , who thinks the deals have already been made between the US , Russia , and Turkey , and that the final subdivision of Syria will very much resemble the current distribution of the respective country's forces/proxies (Much as I hate to say so , I think he'll be proven correct , in the end) :
https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/995083149695733760
Posted by: Marko | May 12 2018 2:46 utc | 83
OJS: "Russia Federation is the only force able to stops the endless killing."
Not entirely true. The killers can choose to use a force within themselves that could stop them...
But, why do you think Putin has the right to stop the killing? Is it because he/they have that force or because there is a moral imperative that gives us all that right to intervene? Are we all guilty the way Putin is because we haven't stopped the killers, or just Putin?
Posted by: Charles R | May 12 2018 3:14 utc | 84
@86 Charles R,
The right to intervene comes from the lawful executive of the Syrian Arab Republic having asked and invited Russia to help.
Russia, not Putin. Only a shill would try to personalize this. Don't be a shill.
Posted by: Jonathan | May 12 2018 3:34 utc | 85
Russia has acted ingeniously to reduce the killing in Syria with its creative idea to offer anti-Syria forces a choice: Turn over your weapons and get on the bus to Idlib, or be killed. And mostly they got on the bus. Contrast that with the US method of destroying a city and everyone in it by aerial bombing.
Posted by: Don Bacon | May 12 2018 3:41 utc | 86
@85 Marko. Yes, I've read that and am perplexed as this comes (apparently) from a Tiger Force commander. Could be only one man's disapointment with his General Staff who under political pressure, are not focused only on military campaign goals..
Posted by: Lozion | May 12 2018 3:43 utc | 87
@89 lozion.. i was wondering about that myself.. Ivan Sidorenko was a Red Army officer and a Hero of the Soviet Union, who served during World War II. i am wondering why this guy has this name? my first thought was it looks like propaganda..he appears to have a presence of twitter for what that is worth but twitter seems like a pretty sketchy realm, what little i follow it..
Posted by: james | May 12 2018 3:53 utc | 88
@43 Robert Snefjella.. you are on a roll... keep it up!!
Posted by: james | May 12 2018 3:54 utc | 89
@80 lysander.. good post.. i pretty well agree with all of it.. thanks for saying it..
Posted by: james | May 12 2018 4:00 utc | 90
@88 Exactly right. And note that this does not gel with the Western demonization of Assad as a dictator who cares nothing for the civilian carnage that is his fault, and his fault alone.
Yet time and again situations arise where he has terrorists cornered - no way of escape whatsoever - yet he agrees that if they throw down their weapons he will allow them to leave. He even supplies the bus and a driver.
How callous can one man be????
Posted by: Yeah, Right | May 12 2018 4:41 utc | 91
Lozion 89
Sidorenko puts up a bit of stuff like that. I suspect he takes wingers grievances to heart as I don't see that content from Syrian journalists that post on twitter.
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 12 2018 4:45 utc | 92
Jonathan, I was asking OJS. OJS is the one framing it as a duty for Putin. I promise I am too stupid to shill. :)
Posted by: Charles R | May 12 2018 4:55 utc | 93
Activist Potato @35;
“The World Cup is a nice, fat, vulnerable target.”
Oh, come on now. Who would place tons of explosives in a stadium and blow up thousands of people?
Oh, right. Beirut, 1982. But Israeli PM Begin pulled the plug on that literally the day before because of fears that the Soviet Ambassador might be in the crowd. I hear removing all those explosives was even more difficult than planting them had been.
How the MSM has been covering up the expose of Israel’s terrorist bombing campaign of the 1980s:
Posted by: Daniel | May 12 2018 5:04 utc | 94
@90 & 94. James, out of respect I suppose. He seems to be an "embedded" type journalist close to the TF and RU deployed troops. Been following him for awhile. Peter, yes I read it the same way..
Posted by: Lozion | May 12 2018 5:18 utc | 95
Lochearn #26. Totally agree with you. I too believe that Syria doesn't need the S 300. Beef up the Pantsirs and Buks and some more upgraded S 200. There must be plenty of these in warehouses in Russia. S 300 being mobile are an advantage. US MIC kit isn't what it use to be. IDF is not entering Syrian airspace except by deception flying east of the Euphrates, that says a lot. Syrian air defence forces have become a lot better thanks to Russia.
Interesting article on Duran by Alexander Mercouris . He mentions increased sanctions on Russian air defense complex.
"Bizarrely two Russian entities which were sanctioned were two Russian military units: the 183rd Guards Anti Aircraft Missile Regiment and the 11th Training Centre of Russia’s Anti Aircraft Missile Forces.
It is surely not a coincidence that these are the two Russian military units which have recently provided training to Syria’s air defence forces."
The US sanctions and the IDF tries to take out the Syrian air defences. Back a few months when at least one IDF jet was shot down, Israel claimed to have destroyed a large part of Syrian air defences. LIE. Expect Israel to try again, especially once Syrian forces start to clean up the jihadists along the border of occupied Golan Heights and Jordan.
Haven't Iranian backed militias and Hezbollah have been withdrawing for a while now from Syria? Robert Fisk reported that he hasn't seen Iranians at the front lines. It was the SAA running the whole East Ghouta show as well as south Damascus with Palestinian groups. As usual, the US and Israel are lying about the extent of Iranian presence and lying about hitting Iranians when Israel is trying to take down Syrian air defences. Seem the IDF got use to flying wherever it wanted over Syria and don't care much for the new ROE.
Posted by: Tom | May 12 2018 5:52 utc | 97
Russia did deliver the S300 to Iran.
The question is what the non delivery that can always be resumed cost Netanyahu.
The other question is if Europe can save the Iranian nuclear deal. The US have basically threatened to cut US business with any company that deals with Iran.
If - that is a huge if - French and German political announcements will be followed through this will mean a Chinese, Russian, Iranian, European Economic block.
Posted by: somebody | May 12 2018 6:17 utc | 98
somebody 100
Pepe Escobar in his articles a few years back thought Germany would be the first to move to the Russia China block but has stopped commenting on this. He may be proved correct yet.
Posted by: Peter AU 1 | May 12 2018 6:36 utc | 99
Lockhearn @26.
Yes, I went round and round with some folks in 2014 who were deeply frustrated that Putin wasn’t doing MUCH more for the ethnic Russian victims in east/south Ukraine. Especially after the literal nazi-lit holocaust at the Trades Union House in Odessa, I shared much of that frustration.
For more than a year, now I’ve been frustrated that Putin hasn’t done more for the suffering Syrian people.
But back in 2014 my take was that Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia, and since taking the reins in 2000, he has mostly successfully done what benefits Russia and the Russian people, both of which are far better off than they were when Yeltsin stumbled off the world stage. And poking the AZ Empire hard enough to excuse an escalation that could easily have gotten way out of hand was not in Russia’s interest then. So it surely isn’t now, when most of the victims are not ethnic Russians.
So, I mostly hold onto hope that Putin (and those behind him) will remain loyal to Russia’s allies. But that doesn’t mean I just shine on the evidence that could mean that the Russian Federation is actually an integral part of the Global World Order and we’re all being psy-oped while the plan moves forward. I’ve posted links to some of that troubling evidence over the years.
It’s been noted that about 1/5 of Israelis are Russian/Soviet emigres, and some Israelis are concerned that they aren’t assimilating as Jews who make Aliyah are expected to do. What does that mean? Does it mean that Russia is infiltrating and influencing Israel, or that Russia is more loyal to Israel than to its Syrian and Iranian allies?
I don’t know.
Posted by: Daniel | May 12 2018 6:38 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
jackrabbit.. was that the false flag you were looking for?
Posted by: james | May 11 2018 17:43 utc | 1