After U.S. Attack In Syrian Iran Demonstrates Its Escalation Dominance

February 26, 2021

Last night the U.S. escalated the situation in Iraq by bombing Iraqi government security forces at the Iraqi-Syrian border station near Abu-Kamal/Al-Qaim. One Iraqi soldier, a Sunni, was killed. Other sources claim that as many as 22 were killed.

The Pentagon spinmasters and their stenographers in the media use Orwellian language to justify the crime. The official press release says:

U.S. Conducts Defensive Precision Strike

Feb. 25, 2021

(Attributable to Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby)

“At President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces earlier this evening conducted airstrikes against infrastructure utilized by Iranian-backed militant groups in eastern Syria. These strikes were authorized in response to recent attacks against American and Coalition personnel in Iraq, and to ongoing threats to those personnel. Specifically, the strikes destroyed multiple facilities located at a border control point used by a number of Iranian-backed militant groups, including Kait’ib Hezbollah (KH) and Kait’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS).

This proportionate military response was conducted together with diplomatic measures, including consultation with Coalition partners. The operation sends an unambiguous message: President Biden will act to protect American and Coalition personnel. At the same time, we have acted in a deliberate manner that aims to de-escalate the overall situation in both eastern Syria and Iraq.”

The last attack on U.S. units in Iraq happened on February 15 against a U.S. position in Erbil, Iraq. Some three small rockets were fired by an unknown group of provocateurs.

To call an attack with seven 500 pound bombs on a border station guarded by official Iraqi security forces against ISIS attacks hundreds of miles away from Erbil "defensive" and "in response" is of course ridiculous.

Kataeb Hizbullah al-Iraq (not related to Hizbullah in Lebanon) and KSS are under command of the Iraqi prime minister. They were founded with help from Iran in 2014 to fight against ISIS. Since 2018 they are regular Iraqi forces paid and equipped by the Iraqi government, not by Iran. This attack will escalate the situation in Iraq. More attacks against U.S. and other foreign units there are now assured.

Together with the deliberate steps to make a return to the nuclear deal with Iran more complicate this attack can be seen as a deliberate escalation against the 'resistance axis' of Iran, Syria, Hizbullah in Lebanon and their supporters.

The Biden administration has yet to learn the lesson the Trump learned when he tired to provoke Iran and its allies. It is the resistance that has escalation dominance in the Middle East. It can control the pace of further steps up the escalation ladder. It is willing to step up higher than the U.S. It knows how to use that ability.

Here is proof for that:

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian @manniefabian – 14:34 UTC · 26 Feb 2021

An explosion struck an Israeli-owned cargo ship sailing in the Gulf of Oman Friday. The crew and vessel were safe. The explosion forced the vessel, reported to be the Helios Ray, to head to the nearest port.

AP has details:

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An explosion struck an Israeli-owned cargo ship sailing out of the Middle East on Friday, an unexplained blast renewing concerns about ship security amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The crew and vessel were safe, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which is run by the British navy. The explosion forced the vessel to head to the nearest port.

The site of the blast, the Gulf of Oman, saw a series of explosions in 2019 that the U.S. Navy blamed on Iran against the backdrop of steeply rising threats between former President Donald Trump and Iranian leaders. Tehran denied the accusations, which came after Trump abandoned Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and reimposed harsh sanctions on the country.
…
Satellite-tracking data from website MarineTraffic.com showed the Helios Ray had been nearly entering the Arabian Sea around 0600 GMT Friday before it suddenly turned around and began heading back toward the Strait of Hormuz. It still listed Singapore as its destination on its tracker.

A United Nations ship database identified the vessel’s owners as a Tel Aviv-based firm called Ray Shipping Ltd. Calls to Ray Shipping rang unanswered Friday.

Abraham Ungar, 74, who goes by “Rami,” is the founder of Ray Shipping Ltd., and is known as one of the richest men in Israel.

The dimwits in Biden's National Security Council seem to think that they can push Iran around and press it for "concessions". It is exactly the other way around. Iran and its allied forces can hit well selected targets like the Israeli ship, Saudi oil installation or U.S. bases in the Middle East with precision and at a time that fits their schedule. The U.S. has no ability to prevent such strikes nor can it respond in kind without risking a wider war that it has no chance to win.

Biden can return to the nuclear deal by lifting the sanctions on Iran. Or he can attempt to escalate further to get his additional "concessions". Those efforts will not only be costly for the U.S. and its allies as Iran can and will response in kind but also futile.

It's his choice to make.

Posted by b on February 26, 2021 at 15:57 UTC | Permalink

Comments

The USA can just wreck Iran and then “win”, just like in Afghanistan/Iraq sez 8.
But the cost to the USA economy like the Vietnam loss is huge, Ford and Carter didn’t win a 2nd term because the economy dragged. There was no great competing economies in the 1960s-70s, China was not even on the charts, Russia did not match even France. Expanding Japan, Europe, S.Korea were all with the USA.
China and Russia economies will then spring way ahead of the USA. Other economies in the Persian Gulf supporting the USA Empire will be wrecked (Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Occupied Palestine, etc) just like Cambodia/Laos/etc in the American War further degrading the USA empire. Japan is not an expanding economy now. Korea excels in K-Pop, yes. Tiny Australia is far away. EU is tied to MidEast/Asia economies.
The US may drag itself down with Covid even without attacking Iran at all.
Another few Texas Winter weather debacles + hurricanes like Puerto Rico, New Orleans, Alabama where 17 of the few F-22 planes left were destroyed and it falls behind China from the weight of the huge USA military economy that can’t make F-35s, Boeing planes or steer its own Navy ships.

Posted by: johnny lob | Feb 27 2021 3:10 utc | 101

Jackrabbit @ Feb 27 2021 2:36 utc #108

Please elaborate. Knowingly or unknowingly your comments are Empire talking points

You are reading a lot in, and making a lot negative comments phrased as questions “Do you believe…”
I posted a comment by Korbyko and asked for comments.’

Anyone want to venture an opinion as to why the Russians, despite Lavrov’s tougher talk, refust to let the Syrians use the S-300s?

I got useful feedback from you and from Haassaan. I answered that I agreed with each of your replys. So, I am at a loss as to why you launch this sudden blunderbuss attack.
I have had my doubts about Korybko’s agenda for a while, which is why I asked for comments. I think the replies (you and Haasaan and James too) has made it clear to me just how much propaganda is behind his piece. You and Haassaan have crystalized my suspicions of him. Clearly his article is propaganda, not genuine analysis.
So why the third degree?

Somebody sends a message to Israel by bombing a Ro-ro ship.

Did I say Iran? No. My phrasing was meant to accent my lack of deep knowledge. Do you deny the fact of the bombing? I was just making a comment about how opaque it all is. Was it a false flag? How am I qualified to decide if it is or not? I can only go by what I read, and its hard to find alternative news. It was just today that I found out about the oil tanker explosion on the Iran/Afghan border – because I simply don’t read the corporate media.
So pardon me for sampling some Korbyko. When I limit myself to non-corporate sources, there are few oases to drink from; and some of them may be poisoned.

Posted by: john brewster | Feb 27 2021 3:16 utc | 102

Synchronized Monkeys

Biden Won’t Penalize Saudi Crown Prince Over Khashoggi’s Killing, Fearing Relations Breach

President Biden has decided that the diplomatic cost of directly penalizing Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is too high, according to senior administration officials,

Iraqui Prime Minister @MAKadhimi

Has russhed to congradulate MBS !!

He made a phone call with His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Clown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he assured him, during the phone call, of the health of His Highness the Crown Prince following his surgery, wishing him a complete recovery.

Posted by: arata | Feb 27 2021 3:20 utc | 103

This article below raises some thought-provoking ideas–particularly about the inability of Syria to use its S-300 air defense system against the American bombings yesterday and what this says about Russia’s agenda in that country:
“It’s Time To Break The Taboo
At this point, honest members of the Alt-Media Community must publicly question why the S-300s haven’t yet been used for their official purpose of defending Syria from foreign attacks by “Israel” and the US. Under no circumstances should those who respectfully raise their concerns about this ultra-sensitive issue be accused of being “Zionists”, “agents”, or whatever else by the community’s gatekeepers who’ve hitherto aggressively pushed back against anyone who dares to ask this “politically incorrect” question. To the contrary, the objectively existing and easily verifiable fact that the S-300s have never even once been used to defend Syria since they were dispatched there in late 2018 for that explicit purpose very strongly suggests that those who attack others for asking this obvious question might be the real “Zionists”, “agents”, or whatever else.
Russia vs. The Resistance
There’s no “diplomatic” way to say this, but everyone in the Alt-Media Community must now declare whether they stand with Russia or the Resistance in Syria since their goals no longer overlap in the Arab Republic. They’re both against terrorism there, but that’s where their common interests end. Now that ISIS has all but been defeated, they disagree over the post-war presence of Iranian forces and their allies there. Russia’s reluctance to let the SAA operate the S-300s to defend its partners from American and “Israeli” attacks has resulted in Moscow passively facilitating those strikes against them. Everyone must now make their positions clear about whether they believe that Russia has the right to deny Syria the S-300s “for its own good” to avoid a larger escalation or if Syria should have the sovereign right to decide for itself if and when to use them..”
Biden’s Latest Strike on Syria. The S-300 No-Show. The Russia-Israel De Facto Alliance?
https://www.globalresearch.ca/why-isnt-alt-media-asking-about-s-300s-biden-latest-strike-syria/5738437?print=1

Posted by: ak74 | Feb 27 2021 3:23 utc | 104

@114 ak74
The S-300 doesn’t cover where Biden’s airstrikes hit. What you have posted is obviously neocon misdirection as it shows no understanding of basic military knowledge.

Posted by: Haassaan | Feb 27 2021 3:40 utc | 105

Biden Strikes Syria And Liberals Turn Into WARHAWKS!
Posted by: gm | Feb 27 2021 1:37 utc | 101
I don’t usually follow YouTube links, but I hope the guy isn’t saying this is something new. All the way back to Clinton, so-called liberals have cheered for wars so long as they are sold on them by the corporate mainstream media as “humanitarian” interventions or fought against (alleged) abusers of human rights. Milosevich, Khadaffi, Assad – all accused by the liberal war hawk media of being human rights violators. Children bombed, women raped, chemical weapons, oh the HORROR!! We MUST STOP these crimes against humanity with exploding shrapnel and bombs of our own!!
On the “conservative” side in the USA, it’s usually stuff like WMDs and harboring alleged terrorists that gets them riled up. Luckily enough for the Blue side of the War Party, if there’s one time the conservative Red side will perk up its ears and listen to the liberal media it is when a war against brown people abroad is being sold. Oh sure, there were babies and incubators when Bush I went in, but the crux of the case made in that one was the invasion of Kuwait.
Liberals are just fine with bombing and wars and regime change when the media sells them a certain way and the same applies to conservatives. The corporate media, having numerous high level ties and shared board members or investment portfolios with “Defense” contractors, will always sell AND celebrate wars. Remember when Trump launched his first missiles at Syria? Was it Brian Williams at NBC who gleefully exclaimed: “Oh just look at the power of that rocket motor!” (or something like that)
And watch as the corporate “liberal” media willfully self-censors in the coming weeks after the damning report implicating MBS in Kashoggi’s death became public and Biden refused to sanction or punish MBS in any way, whatsoever. That will be memory holed really quick-like. The corporate media knows that their liberal audience doesn’t want to hear about it when it’s their guy who kisses the asses of thugs like Bibi and MBS.

Posted by: _K_C_ | Feb 27 2021 3:54 utc | 106

john brewster and james (various posts)
Isn’t it funny how Trump singled out Dominion when ES&S provides election and vote counting services in FAR more places?
Excerpt (recommend reading at daily dot since the text is embedded with numerous hyperlinks):

ES&S equipment has a well-documented history of irregularities and malfunctions, such as when thousands of votes seemingly disappeared in heavily Black districts in Georgia in 2018, an election in which voters also complained that the machines changed their votes for governor from Democrat Stacey Abrams to Republican Brian Kemp. Problems with that election were so serious that a federal judge later banned paperless voting in the state as a result.
Over the years, ES&S has been repeatedly in the news for things like quietly selling 14,000 machines with internet access while claiming on its website that none of its equipment is online, as NBC News reported earlier this year; erroneously claiming that the modems in those machines were sanctioned by the Election Assistance Commission, as Politico reported in August; suing candidates, its rivals, critics, and jurisdictions, the latter for canceling a contract or choosing a competitor, as ProPublica reported last year; and blaming user error for election mishaps, as it did in Georgia.
“ES&S believes strongly in the security, accuracy and reliability of our machines,” the company told ProPublica when asked about problems with Georgia’s 2018 election. “We’re committed to our role in democracy and protecting the right to vote.”
Last year, its own senior vice president of government relations said that, while it was in a “strong position” moving into the 2020 elections, its equipment should be tested more.
“People say there isn’t enough testing,” Kathy Rogers of ES&S told Stateline. “We agree.”
Since 2018, Georgia has switched from ES&S to Dominion, but nearly half of voters in America are still casting ballots on ES&S machines, including in Wisconsin and Michigan, two states where Trump fruitlessly contested results.

Posted by: _K_C_ | Feb 27 2021 3:58 utc | 107

I highly recommend the above article at daily dot for those who think that the American election system is fair and free of fraud in the “cyber” domain.
Re: Trump’s extremely interesting refusal to call out ES&S:

Trump’s hyper-focus on Dominion while ignoring ES&S is oddly incongruous with doing everything in his power to overturn the election. As Cohn and others have noted, he and his proxies seem intent on avoiding any mention of ES&S. Trump’s lawyers have gone so far as to blame Dominion for results in jurisdictions that use ES&S’s machines, such as Philadelphia.

Makes one wonder, doesn’t it? https://twitter.com/kurteichenwald/status/1333457311755608066
Disclaimer: Eichenwald is more often than not full of shit, but he makes a good point above.

Posted by: _K_C_ | Feb 27 2021 4:01 utc | 108

john brewster @Feb27 3:16 @112
I don’t mean to be mean.
We’ve seen certain propaganda memes time and time again.
!!

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 27 2021 4:09 utc | 109

Sometimes I need to do my due diligence before making an allegation. I was a bit harsh on Kurt Eichenwald above. He’s a shill for the DNC and, as he is a NYT writer, it is his duty to legitimize abuses of power when Democrats do them. That said, his criticisms of the GOP are mostly valid, but I hadn’t really followed him since I left the USA roughly 4.5 years ago. Scanning his recent Twitter activity and he’s pretty middle of the road lately.

Posted by: _K_C_ | Feb 27 2021 4:19 utc | 110

@ john brewster… thanks for your comments.. i appreciated the question you raised and don’t have quick answers, but i did appreciate @ Haassaan and jackrabbits comments too….
@ _k_c – thanks.. i think you meant to tag someone else.. either way, it was interesting and relevant.. good question as well and makes sense what the author suggests.. i haven’t really been following that particular issue any..
@ 109 grieved with the link… i watched the link debs shared the other day – video on how the city of london – which sounds like it covers what is in the book and is very similar… for anyone interested – The Spider’s Web Britains Second Empire here are debs comments on this from a previous thread..
“I came across a doco today which should be essential viewing for MoA-ites. Entitled The Spider’s Web – Britain’s Second Empire it details exactly how the city of London was set up, how it runs and how it and the Bank of England exercise control which they claim not to have over the many trillions of dollars and sterling held in overseas financial territories – The Caymans, Jersey etc.
The tales are told by experts who have extensive experience and detail how developing nations are burned over and over again, contributing hugely to global capital far in excess of their alleged indebtedness, yet that indebtedness is the means that ‘the west’ uses to continue to exploit them.
According to bankers, economists and accountants involved in overseas finance more than 99% of the capital is used for illicit purposes, from tax evasion, to fraud, arms selling, election rigging to drug dealing.
As well as making the rich richer, overseas financial holdings have been the prime facilitator for the deindustrialization of amerika and england, that way ensuring the poor get poorer.
I found a copy on YouTube which is linked to above as I can’t be f’d uploading it today.
Doubtless some of you will have seen this doco but if you haven’t it is well worth a watch.
Posted by: Debsisdead | Feb 25 2021 3:36 utc | 310”
i highly recommend that video… start at 5 minutes in to get going with it…

Posted by: james | Feb 27 2021 4:38 utc | 111

re james @ #121
I’m pleased to see at least one person followed that link and watched “the spider’s web” as I took a while to develop a technique for gathering information from vids rather than documents it’s likely others also prefer the written word, but once you do learn to ‘read’ video, that spiders vid imparts far more relevant, recent and easily comprehended info than any recent book on multi-national finance I’ve come across. So psychohistorian if you haven’t seen that vid James was kind enough to relink to above, then I suggest you do as it is enlightening particularly in regard to the detail of how the 99% get rorted every time.
Well maybe helping educate fellow amerikans esp younger ones is one way that can help effect change, so today I have also posted a download link to ’76 Days’ a doco made by a small Wuhan team about 76 days of wuhan lockdown filmed almost entirely in a Wuhan hospital ICU ward. Not on YouTube & ideal to show to amerikans unfamiliar with the egalitarian availability of public health and its effectiveness, the doc can be downloaded from here.

Posted by: Debsisdead | Feb 27 2021 5:05 utc | 112

@122 Debsisdead
I didn’t respond to your earlier link on the Spider Web vid since I already had downloaded and watched it – probably got the link from here in the first place and maybe from you, who can say. Half my news feed comes from links made in the MoA threads – and I’m grateful for every one.
I’m downloading the 76Days doco now – many thanks for that, I look forward to it.
I’m usually behind in the threads, and I never did find a good place to thank you for Baghdad Central, but thank you, that’s a good one. I’m glad to have an opportunity now to respond.
~~
I appreciate people sharing. It’s one of the great things that shoots down pessimism about the world, the fact that people are by nature both caring and sharing beings. Caitlin Johnstone made the point the other day that the universe is not hostile, and Catherine Austin Fitts made a follow-up point that the Earth is a provider of great bounty, which humans used to be in touch with and have lost, and should get back again.
Amazing that the obsessed thievery of the relatively few can distort the entire culture of the human race into thinking that things are inherently wicked.

Posted by: Grieved | Feb 27 2021 5:36 utc | 113

Jackrabbit @ Feb 27 2021 4:09 utc #119

We’ve seen certain propaganda memes time and time again.

Just trying to learn something here. Is the meme “Russia is weak”? Is Korybko a strong purveyor of this meme?
I can understand vigilance; but, in future, can you please say something like “Halt, who goes there?” before you start shooting? Otherwise, you will be scaring away potential recruits.

Posted by: john brewster | Feb 27 2021 5:37 utc | 114

_K_C_ |@ Feb 27 2021 3:58 utc #117
While I apprecitate being thanked, I never commented about voting machines or voter fraud, which is all that your #117 discusses. My only comments were about S-300s.
Cheers.

Posted by: john brewster | Feb 27 2021 5:43 utc | 115

john brewster @Feb27 5:37 #124

Is the meme “Russia is weak”? Is Korybko a strong purveyor of this meme?

It’s usually phrased as “Putin is a Zionist”, with lots of variations. IMO it’s a Hasbara theme.
!!

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 27 2021 6:06 utc | 116

Robert Lindsay @Feb27 5:45 #126

Syrian Office of Human Rights

How do you know so much … then get this name wrong?
!!

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 27 2021 6:08 utc | 117

Ah yes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same”. Welcome to Obama 2.0. The empire of commerce continues…

Posted by: vetinLA | Feb 27 2021 6:24 utc | 118

@ Debsisdead | Feb 27 2021 5:05 utc | 122 with the Spider web link
I have seen it and it was linked to and talked about here a few months ago. I agree that it clarifies how the acolytes of the elite that own the global finance system manage their money.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 27 2021 6:30 utc | 119

re Grieved@ #123
Thanks for the response Grieved. I appreciate as any long term poster here knows response to posts is not always common & I get that, response to links isn’t about vanity, sending stuff up to the cloud then linking can be a bit of a chore & sometimes if I put up something I think is interesting then there is no feedback it can feel like pissin’ in the wind.
‘whats the point if no one is even looking at them’ etc, so a response can make a difference there. Good to hear you enjoyed Baghdad Central I had forgotten about it until you mentioned it. Maybe this most recent occupation of Iraq will create work for Iraqi dramatists & actors too. Not much recompense for the misery the empire inflicts but better than nothing I spose.

Posted by: Debsisdead | Feb 27 2021 6:42 utc | 120

@Jackrabbit | Feb 27 2021 2:36 utc | 108
I agree with your comments @108, the minor damage to the ship with Israeli connections smells a lot like a false flag. Why would Iran risk so much for so little? We have to look at how the incident is used to understand who is behind it. For sure it looks like playing into the hands of those who want escalation (US/Israel). I don’t think it serves Iran’s interest, I would require definite proof to believe Iran did it, and such proof we will never get.
When Iran retaliates, it is very open and clear, ref. the shooting down of the US drone and the missiles providing headaches after the US murder of Soleimani. This does not fit the typical Iran retaliation pattern, so I will assume it is a US/Israel false flag incident until proven otherwise.

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 27 2021 7:50 utc | 121

Somehow an air of playing with little toy soldiers and model airplanes has taken over the bar. And all based on military “body counts” that supposedly the empire does not do. When was the last time that a body count was not altered conveniently to fit the narrative of the moment?.
A pitiful show at the Washington Saloon, where the new prez has to prove his mettle and draw the Colt faster than anyone else. Someone commented that probably good ol’ Joe does not even know about himself ordering the “strike”, or maybe that is what one of his pills is called, Strikeinina or Strikeinol. Smells like impotence, and attention should be placed outside the Xbox game.

Posted by: Paco | Feb 27 2021 7:53 utc | 122

Posted by: john brewster | Feb 27 2021 0:52 utc | 95

Anyone want to venture an opinion as to why the Russians, despite Lavrov’s tougher talk, refust to let the Syrians use the S-300s?

Because the Empire still holds the advantage of escalation dominance in Syria and anywhere else around the Mediterranean?

Posted by: robin | Feb 27 2021 9:07 utc | 123

Ah. Well I hope all the Biden voters drink deep from the return of Moloch they helped to usher in. Well done

Posted by: Jezabeel | Feb 27 2021 9:09 utc | 124

Karlof1 (46) was mentioning an article by Patrick Armstrong. Then emersonreturn (65) responds mentioning Patrick Lawrence’s newest article as well as Andrei Martyanov’s (if that’s what he/she means by “Smoothie”). Can either of you provide a link to either or both of said articles? Thanks.

Posted by: joey_n | Feb 27 2021 9:14 utc | 125

The operation sends an unambiguous message: President Biden will act to protect American and Coalition personnel. At the same time, we have acted in a deliberate manner that aims to de-escalate the overall situation in both eastern Syria and Iraq.”

War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 27 2021 9:17 utc | 126

Posted by: NemesisCalling | Feb 26 2021 19:10 utc | 29 — “DJT has a nationalist rudder. Biden is clearly rudderless.”
Good call.
Both are easily subverted and led from behind by the deep state.
DJT had almost the entire deep state sabotaging his every step.
Bidet Biden will sign on to anything long as deep state say they will not air his crimes in public.

Posted by: kiwiklown | Feb 27 2021 9:23 utc | 127

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 26 2021 20:32 utc | 50 — “Americans are more lazy than stupid… ignorant and easily led….. The lazyiness is mostly attributed to selfishness.”
Posted by: jared | Feb 27 2021 0:09 utc | 87 — “And no the american people do not care. They are animals serving the master that feeds them.”
Posted by: john brewster | Feb 27 2021 1:47 utc | 103 — “I feel sorry for the Syrian people, caught in the middle of this ten year meat grinder.”
I feel sorry for the American people, led by unspeakable evil, although, looking at jackrabbit & jared’s readings, Americans are too self-centred, short-sighted, poorly-read for their own good.

Posted by: kiwiklown | Feb 27 2021 10:23 utc | 128

Robert Lindsay @ 141:
Maybe you’re thinking of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights that operates out of a shop in Coventry?

Posted by: Jen | Feb 27 2021 10:43 utc | 129

BBC take on the White Helmets –
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-56126016

Posted by: English Outsider | Feb 27 2021 10:45 utc | 130

English Outsider | Feb 27 2021 10:45 utc | 144
what a guy! I don’t think the writers could have made Jesus look as good as this Le Mesurier fellow.
do you think they might have piled it maybe just a bit too thick? nah, I am sure it was precisely calibrated to have the most impact on people who still think the BBC is honest.

Posted by: dan of steele | Feb 27 2021 11:08 utc | 131

Hi joey_n.
Here’s Smoothiex12, he’s quite funny and an ex-pat Russian naval warfare scientist, living in the US.
Smoothie12 reminiscence of the future. Smoothie often treats us to a musical segment/youtube video on Fridays. I think he has good taste.
As for Patrick Armstrong, I believe he is a Canadian expert of some kind and writes a blog about Russia. Not sure which article was referenced but here is his most recent post.
Patrick Armstrong
I think there’s a picture of him in a tuxedo on the Asia Times website, which apparently syndicates him. I could be wrong.
Hope this helps. I find both authors credible.

Posted by: jonku | Feb 27 2021 11:12 utc | 132

daffyDuct #107
The #fraudsquad is just flapping their jaws and blowing wind. They need to start voting against all legislation while any troops are abroad. They need to stand for freedom or keep just lying down and lying about the issues.
#fraudsquad couldn’t even #forcethevote for something peaceful and absolutely necessary so don’t get your hopes up that they might do anything (other than toe the line and flap their jaws).
Cowards all.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Feb 27 2021 11:18 utc | 133

@jonku (149)
I was referring to the articles Karlof1 and emersonreturn were talking about, and wanted to address either one so he/she could provide links to the article(s) (sorry I didn’t make that clearer earlier). I just wasn’t sure if they were confusing Patrick Armstrong with Patrick Lawrence.
But thanks anyway.

Posted by: joey_n | Feb 27 2021 11:50 utc | 134

Robert Lindsay @ 145 — “Not so much that they don’t care as they are brainwashed…. ”
Robert Lindsay @ 150 — “Everything that goes against the narrative is “conspiracy theory.”
Thanks for your comment.
I remain sorry for those Americans whom you describe so well.

Posted by: kiwiklown | Feb 27 2021 11:50 utc | 135

“Bottom line is “liberal Democrats” are complete crap. There’s nothing liberal about them!”
Social Democrats have social life, and liberals partake liberally. Perhaps the pandemic is more favorable to the latter and hinders the former.
More seriously, Wikipedia is actually useful in this issue
Liberal internationalism is a foreign policy doctrine that argues that liberal states should intervene in other sovereign states in order to pursue liberal objectives. Such intervention can include both military invasion and humanitarian aid. This view is contrasted to isolationist, realist, or non-interventionist foreign policy doctrines; these critics characterize it as liberal interventionism.
or
In international relations, the liberal international order, also referred to as the rules-based international order or the US-led liberal international order, describes the notion that contemporary international relations are organized around principles of international cooperation through multilateral institutions …

Posted by: Piotr Berman | Feb 27 2021 12:15 utc | 136

Just to note that if the photos we have seen are to be believed the missile that hit the Helios Ray ran through an empty room. The damage is minor and easily fixed. Coincidence the room was empty?

Posted by: oldhippie | Feb 27 2021 12:22 utc | 137

The US shit continues
https://www.newsweek.com/2021/03/12/syrians-executed-most-deadly-chemical-weapons-attack-generations-un-inspectors-there-1572442.html
What is known about Joby Warrick? He seems to be a note in the wurlitzer.

Posted by: tucenz | Feb 27 2021 12:38 utc | 138

I called this the very moment Biden is elected, the exact moment when MarkII told me to “celebrate” and take it easy.
What happened to that guy anyway.

Posted by: Smith | Feb 27 2021 12:54 utc | 139

Smith
His use-by date expired.

Posted by: john | Feb 27 2021 12:59 utc | 140

@ john
It IS kinda weird that some of the pro-Democrats-just-to-spite-Trump posters (Circe, MarkII) literally drop off the website after Biden wins.

Posted by: Smith | Feb 27 2021 13:03 utc | 141

Robert Lindsay @Feb27 10:27 #141

I can’t remember everything, you know.

Well, SOHR is so well known by anyone paying attention that it is strange that someone with your purported knowledge would get the name wrong.
And so, I am skeptical when you write @Feb27 5:57 #127:

The info I am getting from Iranian sources is that the attack was done by either missiles or drones.

I don’t think an Iranian attack on the Israeli ship makes any sense, as I explained @Feb27 2:36 #108. What makes much more sense is a false-flag as alluded to by oldhippie @Feb27 12:22 #155.
!!

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 27 2021 13:52 utc | 142

_K_C_ | Feb 27 2021 4:19 utc | 120:
Disclaimer: Eichenwald is more often than not full of shit, but he makes a good point above.
____________________________
His point that trump is attacking Dominion for profit is not a good point at all.
The complaints trump made against Dominion were designed to fail. Designed to turn into nothing burgers when examined closely.
Take Georgia as an example. If you add up all the votes counted by Dominion machines Trump won 52% of those votes. So why is trump not complaining about the various other voting systems in Georgia that actually delivered more votes to Biden?
Fraud is very difficult to accomplish with the Dominion system. It has a paper trail that can and has been checked. Other systems have no way of verifying that the count is accurate.
Trumps complaints have uncovered no evidence of any vote fraud on a scale that could influence an election. But that doesn’t mean the vote fraud is not happening. It just means we are being told to look in the very places where it is easy to show it does not exist.

Posted by: jinn | Feb 27 2021 14:00 utc | 143

Continuing from @Feb27 13:52 #160 …
And if your “Iranian sources” don’t know how the attack was done (missile or drone), then what good are they?
Heck, I could make a similar report: my Cuban ~~exile friend~~ sources says the attack was likely done by missile or drone. Does that mean Cuba did the attack?
!!

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 27 2021 14:20 utc | 144

I disagree with Korybko in this one:
Biden’s Syria strike sends a strong message to Tehran and Damascus
The problematic part of his op-ed is this:

As for Syria, it’s once again under pressure to decide the status of Iranian military forces and their allies following ISIL’s defeat in the country. Damascus veritably has the legal right to retain their presence to deter the group’s possible comeback, but doing so will arguably risk them being targeted by more American and Israeli strikes in the future. Syria is now in an increasingly dangerous dilemma where it has to decide whether it’s worth keeping its allies’ forces in the country but risking more strikes or whether it should request their dignified but phased withdrawal while risking a resurgence of ISIL terrorism.

He would be right if we were in 1998, but not in 2021. Military operations never occur in a vacuum: we have to look at the broader picture.
Curiously, I think Tara Reade has the correct interpretation of the situation in this case:
Tara Reade: As the American hawk bombs overseas, the rot of corruption and bigotry plucks at its underbelly at home

The convoluted reasoning behind the attack heaped further confusion even on the pundits stuttering away to justify it. We had to bomb Syria because of Iraq and Iran? One pundit added it was a message to Saudi Arabia. Wait, what?
I will tell you now most Americans watching got lost at Syria. Most Americans do not know where Iraq is on a map, certainly not Iran. Americans would not even know where Russia is if it wasn’t so vast and always painted an alarming red on school maps.
This is all a distraction from the real fact that America is a failing state rotting from the inside. Thus, children freezing to death in Texas and citizens not having power for days. The media outlets will spin out on justifying the airstrikes in a 48-hour news cycle and then move on to justify the next action, probably torment Russia some more, then get back to the business of not providing vaccines or assistance to American citizens.

This is essentially it. Americans in general don’t give two shits about the pressure the Syrian government is allegedly suffering or the Iranian electoral cycle. They want three things: 1) the USD 2,000.00 checks, 2) USD 15.00 minimum wage and 3) universal healthcare. Then some want the USD 50,000.00 student debt forgiveness and some want mass vaccination.
As I said: 2021 is not 1998. This is not the USA at its apex bombing Yugoslavia to oblivion while enjoying the wonders of the “End of History” anymore. It’s a decrepit empire scrambling to save its overseas provinces, desperately trying to contain the rise of socialism (China) and convince the Europeans a 50% cheaper gas (Nordstream II) is a bad idea.
The USA has degenerated to such a point where it put itself in a situation where even if it wins, it will lose. In philosophy, we call that the USA has become a negative force, i.e. a force that is acting against the progress of humanity.

Posted by: vk | Feb 27 2021 15:28 utc | 145

Mr. Vk
USA was already a negative force by 1994.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 16:14 utc | 146

I’m not sure i agree with the ‘escalation dominance’ assessment.
So far, with the notable exception of last year’s missile strike on the US bases in Iraq, Iran has not retaliated against the US directly. Iran on the other hand, is being directly attacked through vicious sanctions, attacks on Iranian soil and assassinations of top Iranian military personnel, as well as regular attacks on its forces operating abroad.
Iran is failing to not only sufficiently deter the US, but also to make it pay any price for its aggression.
At this current low intensity level of confrontation, while certainly not gaining any strategic long term advantage, the US is causing considerably more pain on Iran, who’s best case scenario in a major escalation could be some pyrrhic victory in a lose/lose full scale war. The US is not going anywhere, and will predictably double down on every attack. US predictability is what needs to be exploited. Iran’s prudence so far has both been its saviour and a curse.
Easy to say from the comfort of my desk, but to effectively change the status quo, it may be worth taking some calculated risks and either calling the US’ bluff, or goading them into striking Iran directly, thus justifying the use of Iranian missiles on US bases all over the region. Of course that also leaves the door open for a very worrying ‘and then what?’ for Iran.
Destabilising Saudi Arabia by directly targeting the Royal family could be another option that could deliver significant knock on effects to alter the strategic balance in Iran’s favour. It is no accident the CIA just released a report condemning MBS for the Kashoggi murder, who knows, with Biden in charge now, the US may even let them get away with it or even help them. Could Iran set a trap, leading the US to believe they will put ‘their guy’ in, but then actually set off a destabilising insurgency from the Shia majority areas near the all important oil fields? Bottom line, the best saboteur of US plans is its lack of self awareness, incompetence and arrogance. Could it be the right time to give them more rope?
The US public will likely not accept another major war this time around, provided Iran and its partners can somehow shape the narrative in its favour, something Iran should be focusing on not only with Russia and China, but also Europe, who should be given an incentive and a mutual interest to help with Iran’s goal to drive the US out of the Middle East.

Posted by: Et Tu | Feb 27 2021 16:26 utc | 147

vk @ Feb 27 2021 15:28 utc #163

The convoluted reasoning behind the attack heaped further confusion even on the pundits stuttering away to justify it. We had to bomb Syria because of Iraq and Iran? One pundit added it was a message to Saudi Arabia. Wait, what?
I will tell you now most Americans watching got lost at Syria. Most Americans do not know where Iraq is on a map, certainly not Iran.

Thank you for providing corroboration for my everyone is “sending a message” comment a while back. BTW, I have no idea who Tara Reade is. If someone objects to quoting her, please inform me why.
Ms. Reade does the useful service of pointing out the complete disconnect between elite neocon scheming/aggression and the geopolitical cluelessness and disinterest of everyone paying the bills for this folly.

Posted by: john brewster | Feb 27 2021 16:41 utc | 148

Mr. Mao, Cheng Ji
Mr. Laguerre is correct.
The Shia Iraqis will fight and will fight on to maintain control of Iraq and its revenue.
After ISIS and the massacre of those 1700 Shia cadets in 2014 in Iraq by an Iraqi Sunni tribe, the start of Syrian Civil War, the continued attacks against Shia communities in Afghanistan and in Pakistan, the war against Ansarallah in Yemen since 2011_by those who explicitly call for the death of all Shia, and the US-EU Siege War to destroy the Shia Republic of Iran, the political, religious, cultural, military, and humanitarian grounds for non-sectarianism have been eliminated.
The Party of Ali and their offshoots are under physical threat of annihilation by their enemies, fellow Muslims, Zionist Jews, and Protestants across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Those are areas that the war against the Party of Ali has been going on for many years.
This war against the Party of Ali could also spread Turkey, where 15 or 16 million Alaska and Belts who could be subject of attacks by Sunni Turks. Azerbaijan Republic and Kuwait are there area where the war can breakout.
The Calvinists of Islam are dying to destroy the Catholics of Islam that represent legitimate religious and political authority (per the two Had it’s of the Prophet on Imma Ali).
Americans and EU also have taken side in this religious war.
They will all fail, of course, but not before many more decades of war and bloodshed.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 16:50 utc | 149

Alaska and Belts was an error.
Meant Alevis and Bektashis

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 16:53 utc | 150

Mr. Robert Lindsay
Americans prefer war to Peace.
Empirically, they have preferred to sell their jobs to China, Korea, Japan, Mexico to pay for playing at Imperial Games.
They have preferred to spend USD 8 trillion on their ongoing religious war to control Palestine than to invest in their own country’s physical and human infrastructure.
And they still are unwilling to admit that there is a problematic here. I guess that it is too painful to discard one’s self-image that had lost its validity against a thing called Reality.
Regrettably, I do not see any course correction.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 17:07 utc | 151

Mr. St Th
Iran is not interested in destabilizing Saudi Arabia with its very heterogeneous religious population. In fact, that was a major concern of the Iranian National Hero, the late Major General Qasem Domains no.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 17:11 utc | 152

Mr. Chu Teh
Apologies for messing up your name.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 17:12 utc | 153

These images are supposedly of the bombed site (I am unable to be certain):
https://cont.ws/@Colonel-Cassad/1928177
If this is the bombed site, it looks very superficial (that is no excuse, for it is a crime regardless).

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 27 2021 17:23 utc | 154

@Fyi 167
Sorry, but I have to disagree. I maintain that the ‘Shia vs Sunni’ is the bullshit western framing, that has nothing whatsoever to do with real causes of events.
In reality, no one (except, possibly, a few idiots) – under normal circumstances – cares about confessional differences. Just like no one in Ukraine cares whether you speak Russian or its local peasant dialect.
Yes, massive ethnocentric propaganda does affect some people for a period of time. But that’s not the cause. You need to look at those who implemented that propaganda campaign, and understand why they do it. Imo.

Posted by: Mao Cheng Ji | Feb 27 2021 17:26 utc | 155

@ 169 fyi…. quote “Americans prefer war to Peace.” i don’t believe that is an accurate statement… those in power seem to prefer war to peace, but i think the ordinary usa person is not into war… that is my take.. i think you need to make a distinction in all of this which you are failing to make..
and fwiw – i agree with @ 173 Mao Cheng Ji quote ‘Shia vs Sunni’ is the bullshit western framing, that has nothing whatsoever to do with real causes of events.” that is just a cheap propaganda divide and conquer approach..

Posted by: james | Feb 27 2021 17:29 utc | 156

@35 54, Robert and William. How extremely interesting. Thanks.

Posted by: David G Horsman | Feb 27 2021 17:32 utc | 157

@Mao Cheng Ji | Feb 27 2021 17:26 utc | 173

I maintain that the ‘Shia vs Sunni’ is the bullshit western framing, that has nothing whatsoever to do with real causes of events.

Precisely, this is the usual divide and conquer, and nothing else. Those who reject the western wars must stop talking about ‘Shia vs Sunni’ and point to the actual criminals in Israel/US and NATO.

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 27 2021 17:36 utc | 158

…and, Fyi 167, “The Shia Iraqis will fight and will fight on to maintain control of Iraq and its revenue. ”
The guy selling figs on the Basra market has no “control of Iraq and its revenue.”

Posted by: Mao Cheng Ji | Feb 27 2021 17:40 utc | 159

@dan of steel (4) “It’s his choice to make.
sadly no.
he is truly a meat puppet with no say and perhaps no idea of what is going on.”
This is absolutely correct. Neither Biden nor any other U.S. President has the capacity to refuse what the War Machine wants. What’s more, Biden appointed several warmongers to his cabinet. Is any further proof needed as to the direction that his foreign policy will take?

Posted by: Rob | Feb 27 2021 18:03 utc | 160

Mr. Mao Cheng Ji
You be wrong.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 18:42 utc | 161

Mr. James
Euro-American people like war. There is some deep need in their psyche for war. The American language is permeated with war and its metaphors.
Look up the sack of Kerbala in the 18-th century by Wahhabis. Look up Deobandi doctrines. Look up the selling of Shia into Slavery in Afghanistan….

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 18:48 utc | 162

Mr. Norwegian
Sunni-Shia is only one aspect of the wars of the Middle East. The other aspect is the wars of Protestanism and Zionist Judaism against Islam, both Shia and Sunni.
Unless one accepts the reality of the religious passions of billions of people in these wars first, one cannot hope to reach a cease-fire deal (the only achievable political goal).
I understand that Mr. Ma, being a Modern Chinese, cannot comprehend the central role of Islam in the contemporary civilization of the Near East, North Africa, and Central Asia. He lacks historical and experiential knowledge.
But you at least are familiar with the history of the centrality of Christianity to Eurooean civilizations. (Even though that not being true in Western part of Europe). You must be able to understand by historical analogy, viz. Calvinist wishing to annihilate the Catholics.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 18:57 utc | 163

mr fyi… we all process history differently… just saying someone would be wrong isn’t a convincing presentation! as for wahhabi and deobandi doctrine – i know how messed up it is.. it seems when anyone goes down the religious rabbit hole, they can get lost and often times do! then there are those who use religion for power and control… some people – no matter who – would sell there fellow humans into slavery.. that is a sad commentary on an aspect of human nature that has nothing to do with any particular people… most people on the other hand want to get along and work in harmony with others… that is what we need to be focused on here..

Posted by: james | Feb 27 2021 18:58 utc | 164

@179 Robert Lindsay
I’m springing to your defense – why would anyone interested in the fields you follow have any recall of the formal name of a propagandist of no substance? I find it actually more authenticating than not that you can’t readily bring to mind that outfit’s name. I don’t really know it either, and I don’t care to fill my mind with useless knowledge.
Obviously the attack against you is by one who has never worn the hat of Grammar Nazi – whereby the fault one points out is usually expressed with a typo of one’s own.
I’m sure we could find fault within the attack itself – but no one bothers to proof-read or critique the words of the one attacking you – at least not during the silly attack.
Carry on.

Posted by: Grieved | Feb 27 2021 19:18 utc | 165

@183 james
Yes, Fyi strays into the error of “peopleism” – the error of calling a large group of people all one thing.
I like Fyi and I have often been grateful for his comments. But he strays here, and I admire your push back. Well said, here – and elsewhere, by the way. You’re so ubiquitous, and almost always so correct, that I rarely jump in with a riff on one of your comments. But you seem in fine form lately, and I often look for your comments as a clarifying way to enter a thread.

Posted by: Grieved | Feb 27 2021 19:24 utc | 166

Mr. James
Thank you for your comments.
I am personally not opposed to any religion or people.
We were sitting in our own home, chatting and drinking tea, when Arab Nationalists attacked us.
We sought to enlist the help of the United States in our decades-long struggle for Liberty and Independence when they stabbed us in the back in 1953.
Later on, when we helped the Americans in the formation of the new government of Afghanistan, they again stabbed us in the back.
In fact, they hate us so much that they dishonored themselves by reneging on their contractual commitments to us in JCPOA AND, also proceeded to humiliate Koreans and Japanese and causing them to lose face to Iranians.
In my opinion, Anericans are acting emotionally out of outmost religious passion and prejudice.
Circa 1900, Protestant Americans were building hospitals, colleges, girls schools all over the Middle East. And they were quite welcome since many locals appreciated what they were doing.
Now their descendants are bombing the Middle East. What has changed?

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 19:26 utc | 167

Mr. Grieved
You be wrong in as much as you do not understand WASP America.
Decades ago, during the Spanish Civil War, the Nationalist cause was the cause of Catholic America.
How is that for people-ism?

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 19:32 utc | 168

Mr. Robert Lindsay
Agreed.
America attacking anything Israeli would be literally a religious act of sacrilege. One needs to look no further than the fate of USS Liberty.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 19:41 utc | 169

@ 185 grieved.. that is very generous coming from you who i very much admire.. thanks for the kind words..
@ 186 fyi… thanks for your comments as well..i too really appreciate your unique viewpoint in all these discussions.. you raise a good question and it doesn’t have a simple or easy answer to your question at the end.. i wish i did! however, i don’t believe it is the ordinary people of the west who are the problem here, so much as those who have undue control and influence in the west.. in fact you will witness here regularly many people who don’t share and typically oppose the position of their gov’t actions, especially in regards the middle east… i am more inclined to believe iran, russia and china have many more friends and supporters then the media would ever dare let on… i encourage you to not base your viewpoint on people of the west based on the actions of the leadership.. it is often not how the people see it… now, i will admit i am an optimist! i am capable of being quite cynical too, but like to think we will sort this all out and move towards a more harmonious future.. for the time being, we are doing the best we can do and it appears not good enough! cheers james off for a recording session for noon.. i am late!

Posted by: james | Feb 27 2021 20:00 utc | 170

Mr. James
Protestanism’s intervention in the Middle East is rather popular as one notices the dearth of objections to that policy in US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 20:10 utc | 171

Fyi seems to be well informed about Iraqi Shi’a interests. He should be listened to, rather than rubbished.

Posted by: Laguerre | Feb 27 2021 20:35 utc | 172

FYI @ 191:
Protestantism has changed a great deal throughout the 20th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, most Protestant Christians in the Anglosphere countries belonged to the Anglican Church and its associated Episcopalian churches, the Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church or the Presbyterian Church. These church denominations often emphasised charity and helping others.
Over time these churches lost members with secularism increasing in society. The charity aspect in these churches became less as they tried to stem losses in their congregations. Other newer Protestant churches came to the fore and these churches preach that God favours those who accumulate wealth. Charity and giving aid are looked down on.
A lot of these Protestant Churches also favour Israel – because they believe that when all Jews return to Israel, Jesus will come again in physical form and begin his new kingdom. This would require all Jews to convert to Christianity or to perish along with all other non-Christians. Yes, I know for Israel to work with Christian groups that are actually anti-Jewish in their beliefs sounds insane, but if you were to know the history of Zionist settlers in Palestine in the 1930s and their cooperation with fascist Italy and Germany in that decade, then you realise that Israel’s leaders work for their own self-interest and would happily send Israeli people down the drain if that action was worth money to them.

Posted by: Jen | Feb 27 2021 20:55 utc | 173

There’s no doubt that attacking an Iraqi government militia just over the border in Syria was an error of judgement by the US. The militias, although in theory under government control, and paid by them, still retain independence of action. Infuriating them is only likely to lead to more bombardments of US bases. Will they listen to Kadhimi’s attempts to calm them?

Posted by: Laguerre | Feb 27 2021 21:01 utc | 174

MS. Jen
Thank you.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 21:07 utc | 175

Mr. Laguerre
Merci.
The answer is “No”.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 21:08 utc | 176

Robert Lindsay @Feb27 19:34 #188
This is nonsense:

The ship is owned by one of the richest men in Israel. He is also very close to Yossi Cohen, the head of the Mossad. If it was Iran, this sends a powerful message to Mossad. Why would the US or Israel send a powerful message to Mossad? Weird.
Here you are manipulating the evidence to arrive at an absurdity to your liking.
Why do you fail to recognize that the billionaire Israeli ship-owner that is “very close” to the head of Mossad could have easily allowed the ship to be sabotaged via a bomb on board. Since you claim to be so knowledgeable, we can assume that your oversight is deliberate.
The attack on this ship is very bad for this man’s business. He’s the biggest shipper in Israel. International shipping runs on tight timeframes. Time is money. A ship that has a tendency to get attacked while at sea is a very bad thing. There’ s a possibility that ports might not want such a dangerous vessel in their harbors.
“Very bad for this man’s business?” Can you quantify that? Did they miss any port of calls? Did they fail to deliver any cargo due to the minor damage that they sustained?
Isn’t it logical that if Iran took the trouble to attack an Israeli ship that they would inflict much more damage? Damage sufficient to guaranty a disruption in ship operations?
Such stretching! You try to make one minor attack into a “tendency to be attacked”. LOL.
You said you’re a published author. Is it fiction that you publish?
Why would Israel attack its own ship!? Why would they US attack a ship of their top ally? When has Israel ever attacked itself recently, false flag or not? When has the US ever attacked Israel recently, false flag or not?
This is just willful ignorance (aka bullshitting). It’s clear that the attack on the ship – which caused only minor damage – was about propaganda. US-Israel have labeled Iran a terrorist nation and they to give credence to that smear to pressure Iran and to manufacture consent for war.

=
… That said, we have no idea what happened …
We know enough to suspect a false-flag. But you and some others want to mislead us into believing that there is much more reason to suspect Iran instead.
Apparently you’d like to forget that there were a series of mysterious attacks on Gulf shipping and Iraqi warehouses” over a year ago. Iran was also blamed at for those attacks (with no evidence). That culminated in an attempt to trick Iran to down a US spy plane. And Netanyahu admitted that Israel was behind the attacks on Iraqi warehouses.
And lets not forget about the mysterious explosion in Beirut in August 2020 that resulted in Hezbollah’s removal from power. Hezbollah was smeared as having been responsible in much the same way that Iran has been smeared about mysterious attacks.
!!

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 27 2021 21:24 utc | 177

English Outsider @ 144, Dan of Steele @ 147:
That BBC article was the work of Chloe Hadjimatheou the appointed hagiographer for John Le Mesurier. She produced a radio series about him for the BBC. You should see – or on second thought, maybe you shouldn’t – the separate correspondences she had with Vanessa Beeley and Paul Keague (Syrian Working Group on Propaganda, founded by him, Timothy Hayward and some other UK academics) in her research for the series. Both Beeley and Keague put her in her place but the exchanges are as dreary and frustrating to read as Beeley and Keague found dealing with her. The exchanges can be Googled.

Posted by: Jen | Feb 27 2021 21:26 utc | 178

The answer is “No”.
Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 21:08 utc | 196
Sorry, what question is “No” the answer to?

Posted by: Laguerre | Feb 27 2021 21:39 utc | 179

@188 Feb 27 2021 19:34 Robert Lindsay
What about the possibility of the Israelis attacking an Israeli boat? They have form for false flags.
Since I read about the attack yesterday, my mind keeps shouting about insurance.
The owner of the ship is likely willing to take one for the team (for the greater good…). They will eventually get a payout covering most of their losses (and probably other perks from the state as more incentive). The only people I see losing out with this is the customers waiting for their new car. Unlucky them.
To the providers of the many links in this thread.
My sincerest thanks. I’d have never have found them otherwise.

Posted by: Some Random Passerby | Feb 27 2021 21:50 utc | 180

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 27 2021 21:24 utc | 197
An Israeli ro-ro ferry in the Gulf is likely to have been transporting arms to defend the unpopular new Israeli embassies. Anybody could have done it, not necessarily Iran. My bet would be on Gulfi, or Omani, military who are not satisfied with their government’s acquiescence in making peace with the enemy.

Posted by: Laguerre | Feb 27 2021 21:53 utc | 181

Corrections to my comment @ 198: “Keague” should read McKeigue and his organisation is the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media.

Posted by: Jen | Feb 27 2021 22:08 utc | 182

@186 Feb 27 2021 19:26 Mr. Fyi
What has changed?
Whilst I cannot answer your question completely, I think a large part of it is the devaluation of the Dollar over the last 100 years. I have the feeling that if America wasn’t ripping everyone off, they’d have already gone under.
HREF=”https://cdn.howmuch.net/articles/Rise-and-Fall-of-the-USD-64c2.jpg”>Fall of the Dollar

Posted by: Some Random Passerby | Feb 27 2021 22:11 utc | 183

I was in Najaf in 2017, and met their representatives. I can bear witness to the fact that Fyi does represent their point of view, a point of view worth hearing.

Posted by: Laguerre | Feb 27 2021 22:34 utc | 184

Mr. Laguerre
The world observed the reactions of the Shia Muslims in Iraq and in Iran when the Americans murdered the national of heroes both countries. The honors bestowed on their remains has had no precedents is Shia History or in Islam…
This point of view is informed by the experiences of centuries.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 22:52 utc | 185

Mr. Some Random Passerby
So, if I understand you correctly, as USD purchasing power has declined, the popukation has become meaner. There also seems to have been a cocomitant general decline in manners and understanding.
There used to be a joke that Methodists are those Baptists who can read and write. I guess the education level, in the sense used in Spanish, among Protestant churches in the United States also has significantly declined if Ms. Jen includes Baptists among the higher educated Protestants.

Posted by: Fyi | Feb 27 2021 22:59 utc | 186

186;what has changed?zionism, thats what.

Posted by: dahoit | Feb 27 2021 23:23 utc | 187

Ahhh Biden has returned the US and “supported troops” into the ISIS air force once again.

Posted by: njh | Feb 28 2021 0:12 utc | 188

@207
Yes.

Posted by: Castellio | Feb 28 2021 0:54 utc | 189

oldhippie #155

Just to note that if the photos we have seen are to be believed the missile that hit the Helios Ray ran through an empty room. The damage is minor and easily fixed. Coincidence the room was empty?

No soot, no burn marks, the distinct impression of a collision damage. Maybe they cleaned it so it would look good for the photo. There are plenty of clear spaces in a vessel this large so the crew can maneuver things and stash vehicle stabilising kit.
It would need repair before the vessel continued. If it was a suicide drone it could have come from anyone in reasonable proximity. But the damage reeks of fake and no explosive.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Feb 28 2021 2:09 utc | 190

@ fyi
i think this is the correct answer given @ dahoit | Feb 27 2021 23:23 utc | 207 for your question @ 186 … that has to be factored in definitely..

Posted by: james | Feb 28 2021 2:55 utc | 191

Cutting the carotid artery of Israel by disabling shipping is easy to achieve with modern and simple weapons. I believe we will see much more of these events especially as the USAi mobilises new ISIS brigades from the al Tanf training academy.
Clearly the war will drag on courtesy Xerxes Biden.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Feb 28 2021 6:46 utc | 192

@Fyi (191)
If I’m not mistaken, countries like the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland are (were?) also Protestant. (Not sure if Germany counts too, since that’s where Protestantism originated.) What is your awareness on those countries’ citizens’ opinions on the Anglo-Saxon Five Eyes’ occupation of the Middle East?

Posted by: joey_n | Feb 28 2021 9:03 utc | 193

Could this be a partial reply to what was on “that” ship? It is far too large to stop at Socotra but military equipment could have been unloaded nearby and then taken further. How would you know what was inside? The port of destination was said to be Singapore, but the track seems to follow the coastline towards Aden/Djibouti. Admittedly a bit of a long shot, and presupposes that the Yemenis were the originators.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210227-in-violation-of-riyadh-agreement-uae-sends-military-equipment-to-socotra/
Today’s “rules based order” is now one of literally stealing land and assets from the inhabitants, or “occupying” their natural resources. East Syria/Iraq Anbar province, Socotra, “China sea” islands, Palestine and all the other multiple wars in countries that do not have the ability to fight back. (Diego Garcia is “passé”)

Posted by: Stonebird | Feb 28 2021 11:32 utc | 194

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 27 2021 21:24 utc | 197
“Why do you fail to recognize that the billionaire Israeli ship-owner that is “very close” to the head of Mossad could have easily allowed the ship to be sabotaged via a bomb on board.”
The photographs show evidence of blast occurring outside bending metal towards inside which is inconsistent with sabotage via bomb on board.
“And lets not forget about the mysterious explosion in Beirut in August 2020 that resulted in Hezbollah’s removal from power.”
There was no mysterious explosion in Beirut in August 2020. There was a predictable “waiting to happen” detonation of an Ammonium Nitrate load unprofessionally stored for years in a port facility near a highly dense population center. There is wilful or criminal neglect of legal and well established international norms and regulations for the storage of dangerous goods UN placards 1942 / UN 2067. What exactly set it off, among the plurality of anecdotal and hearsay versions, is for forensic investigators to determine.
Your speculations are not based on objectivity.

Posted by: Sun Tzu | Feb 28 2021 12:58 utc | 195

Posted by: Robert Lindsay | Feb 28 2021 6:14 utc | 212
“The fertilizer only blows up if you mix it with fuel oil.”
And this fact free and science free statement takes the gold medal for complete ignorance about Ammonium Nitrate properties.

Posted by: Sun Tzu | Feb 28 2021 13:09 utc | 196

B has taken for granted the efficacy of the vaccines. As Israel is the country which has implemented the most extensive Pfizer vaccination program with more than 50% of the population having taken at least the first shot (Arabs excluded, as they view the vaccine with skepticism), I recommend reading Gilad Atzmon’s factual analysis of the Israeli statistics pre- and post-vaccination campaign https://www.unz.com/gatzmon/the-israeli-mutant-the-idf-prophecy-and-the-reality-on-the-ground/

Posted by: Spyros Politis | Feb 28 2021 13:12 utc | 197

Yemeni forces say hit ‘sensitive’ targets deep in Saudi territory by missile, drone strikes. Retaliation is sweet.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/02/28/646242/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-retaliation-ballistic-drones

Posted by: Nathan Mulcahy | Feb 28 2021 13:35 utc | 198

Iraqi resistance groups: US to pay heavy price for airstrikes

Posted by: arby | Feb 28 2021 14:15 utc | 199

Robert Lindsay @Feb28 6:14 #212
This never happened. [Referring to mysterious attack on Gulf shipping and Iraqi warehouses over a year ago.]
2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq

The 2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq began as unidentified drone or aircraft bombings of the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) bases in Iraq starting on 19 July 2019. The strikes targeted Iranian proxy groups, based in Iraq, as well as IRGC operatives.
Several Iraqi, Iranian and Israeli officials have blamed Israel for the attacks,[citation needed] though Israel had initially neither confirmed nor denied its role. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted responsibility for the attacks on 20 August 2019, claiming that “Iran is not immune anywhere”. Israel confirmed responsibility for the strikes on 22 August 2019, which was later followed by a US confirmation.

The Israeli attacks in Iraq coincided with “mysterious attack on shipping” in the Gulf of Oman that were blamed on Iran (with no evidence):

May 2019 Gulf of Oman incident

On 12 May 2019, four commercial ships were damaged off Fujairah’s coast in the Gulf of Oman. The ships included two Saudi Arabian registered oil tankers, a Norwegian registered oil tanker, and an Emirati registered bunkering ship… The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates reported that the ships had been subject to a “sabotage attack”. The United Arab Emirates launched a joint investigation probe with United States and France. The initial investigation assessment determined that 5-to-10-foot (1.5 to 3.0 m) holes near or below all the ships’ waterlines were probably caused by explosive charges.
… The government of Iran called for an international investigation of the incident, describing it as a possible false flag operation. [The Emirati-led investigation found] … that a sophisticated and coordinated operation by divers from fast boats utilized limpet mines to breach the hull of the ships, concluding that a “state actor” is the most likely culprit. A similar incident took place a month later on 13 June 2019.
June 2019 Gulf of Oman incident
On 13 June 2019, two oil tankers were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz while they transited the Gulf of Oman. The Kokuka Courageous, flagged in Panama and operated by a company based in Japan, and Front Altair, flagged in Marshall Islands and operated by a company based in Norway, were attacked, allegedly with limpet mines or flying objects …
2019 Iranian shoot-down of American drone
On June 20, 2019, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s (IRGC) shot down a United States RQ-4A Global Hawk BAMS-D surveillance drone with a surface-to-air missile over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said that the drone violated their airspace, while U.S. officials responded that the drone was in international airspace.
A US P-8 “spy plane” was reported to be flying alongside the drone. USA may have hoped that Iran would down this plane (thereby starting a war) instead of the drone.

[The August 2020 Beirut explosion]… was when Israel dropped a tactical nuclear weapon on Lebanon’s wheat supply in silo in the Beirut port. And Hezbollah was blamed.
The nuke theory is known to be false without a doubt. The characteristics of the fireball match that of an Ammonium Nitrate explosion and no radiation was reported. That you support this ridiculous theory – which is likely a Hasbara concoction to misdirect from simple sabotage – shows how false you are.
!!

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Feb 28 2021 15:13 utc | 200

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