‘The Mission Was Successful.’

February 3, 2022

DoD Statement on Feb. 2, 2022 Counterterrorism Operation in Northwest Syria

The following statement is attributable to Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby:

“U.S. Special Operations forces under the control of U.S. Central Command conducted a counterterrorism mission this evening in northwest Syria. The mission was successful. There were no U.S. casualties. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”

Successful!

The years long arming and nurturing of radical Islamist by the CIA was 'successful'.

The creation of an al-Qaeda infested area in north-west Syria was 'successful'.

To arrange protection of that area from Syrian and Russian forces by NATO member Turkey was 'successful'.

Providing housing for the first ISIS leader in Barisha, 5 km form the Turkish border, was 'successful'.

Providing housing for the second ISIS leader in Atmeh, 2 km form the Turkish border, was 'successful'.

The two and a half hour long firefight during yesterday's raid in Atmeh was 'successful'.

The killing of six children, four women and at least three men during the raid was 'successful'.

The mechanical damage (friendly fire?) on one U.S. helicopter was 'successful'.

The complete destruction of said helicopter by bombing it was 'successful'.

The killing of one ISIS honcho Mohamad Saeed Abdul Rahman aka Abdalla Kardas aka Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi was 'successful'.

The ongoing creation of more ISIS honchos at the U.S. base at the al-Tanf border crossing between Syria and Iraq will be 'successful'.

So much success.

The leaders of Russia and China must shiver with fear when they recognized that their opponent is so very 'successful'.

Posted by b on February 3, 2022 at 13:44 UTC | Permalink

Comments

Russia should successfully plant a few hightech landmines along the routes of occupation war criminals in Syria.

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Feb 3 2022 13:54 utc | 1

Strange what a difference 2,000 km makes.
2,000 km to the North of Idlib the US is promoting international panic due to an imminent invasion.
The US invasion of Syria is present and on-going and not a bleep of concern in the global media.
In Idlib the foreign invader is actively engaged in using a full range of military force against civilians. Not a bleep of concern in the global media.
In Idlib the foreign invader is engaged in stealing the resources belonging to a population upon which the US has inflicted unbridled military havoc and not a bleep of concern in the global media.
In Idlib the foreign invader created a “ratline” system to supply armaments obtained from another state destroyed by NATO which is exactly the NATO stated concern over RF in Ukraine.
The situation is not ironic. It is full on state schizophrenia, a psychotic pathology proclaimed as an “international rules based order” with which all states are expected to comply.

Posted by: Sushi | Feb 3 2022 14:06 utc | 2

WooHoo! A desperately needed success for the US that justifies a trillion-dollar-a-year military.
The last one was against Grenada in 1983.

Posted by: Black Cloud | Feb 3 2022 14:22 utc | 3

Aftermath: https://t.me/warjournaltg/11250

Posted by: Jjam | Feb 3 2022 14:28 utc | 4

ISIS set off the bomb that killed the civilians.
We are forgetting the real enemies of the Syrian people here and the reason for the operation.
But since all the Putinversteher here always jump on a chance to condemn what could only be a tough call – one that was not going to be without certain negative consequences – the pile on.

Posted by: Malchik Ralf | Feb 3 2022 14:37 utc | 5

Posted by: Malchik Ralf | Feb 3 2022 14:37 utc | 5
Guess who provides save haven for those jihadi to fall back to and continue to stage their guerrilla warfare? Guess which party that straddles Syria and Iraq borders preventing both countries to finish them off once and for all?

Posted by: Lucci | Feb 3 2022 14:49 utc | 6

kinda like Putins success in Chechneya, how easy it is to forget the 8 to 10 thousand civilians Putin’s military killed. War is all about killing folks–the armchair strategist should go back to their board games. What the US just demonstrated is that Russia and its Syrian ally cannot control the airspace over Syria. Where is all that high tech defense?

Posted by: wobblie | Feb 3 2022 15:07 utc | 7

Success = 6 dead kids + 4 dead women

Posted by: Dogon Priest | Feb 3 2022 15:09 utc | 8

Apropos the forever war in the Middle East …
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2919785/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-call-with-crown-prince-moha/
Feb. 1, 2022

The Secretary reviewed a range of actions the Department of Defense is taking to support the UAE. These include continuing to provide early warning intelligence, collaborating on air defense, and sending the U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Cole to partner with the UAE Navy before making a port call in Abu Dhabi. The Secretary also informed the Crown Prince of his decision to deploy 5th Generation Fighter aircraft to assist the UAE against the current threat and as a clear signal that the United States stands with the UAE as a long-standing strategic partner.

Posted by: too scents | Feb 3 2022 15:12 utc | 9

US drone strikes have produced so many civilian deaths over the years in the likes of Syria and Afghanistan, that the DoD probably automatically releases statement that the mission was a success without any casualties, when the that couldn’t be any further from the truth.
The only way they own up to killing civilians is if its reported and documented such as in the killing of ten family members from the same family (Ahmadi family in Afghanistan) and even then very little action is taken.
“The Pentagon will not punish personnel involved in the August 29 drone strikes that killed 10 members of a family in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved the recommendations of two senior commanders — Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the head of Central Command, and Gen. Richard Clarke, the head of Special Operations Command — for no proceedings.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said, “What we saw here was a breakdown in process, and execution in procedural events, not the result of negligence, not the result of misconduct, not the result of poor leadership. So I do not anticipate there being issues of personal accountability to be had with respect to the Aug. 29 airstrike.”
The Pentagon has rarely disciplined troops involved in strikes killing civilians in Afghanistan and elsewhere. A rare exception was the punishment of at least 12 personnel over the October 2015 bombing of a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan; however, no criminal charges were filed.”

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 3 2022 15:20 utc | 10

Posted by: Sushi | Feb 3 2022 14:06 utc | 2
Spot on, Sushi
On a related topic, is there any news on those six Russian amphibious assault ships reportedly “fully laden” that entered the Med. A few days ago? Almost certainly headed to Syria.
O/T: In the case of Russia being cut off from SWIFT or comparable financial sanctions, could Russia mandate that it’s petroleum products be sold only in non-U$ currency? I remember that China set up a gold backed system to do this a couple years ago in relation to Iran purchases at the time. Could this be used, or something like it for new all sales contacts?
Thanks b, as always!

Posted by: MikeO | Feb 3 2022 15:21 utc | 11

Then they were in an elevator bound skyward.
“What floor, please?” said the elevator man.
“Any floor,” said Mr. In.
“Top floor,” said Mr. Out.
“This is the top floor,” said the elevator man.
“Have another floor put on,” said Mr. Out.
“Higher,” said Mr. In.
“Heaven,” said Mr. Out.
Written one hundred years ago and still the only way America does business.

Posted by: oldhippie | Feb 3 2022 15:23 utc | 12

More American crimes and atrocities.

Posted by: Ali | Feb 3 2022 15:29 utc | 13

I wonder about anyone who wwould accept the job of terrorist bogey man for the US. The severance package seems less than desirable.

Posted by: jhill | Feb 3 2022 15:35 utc | 14

Well well well that didn’t take long. A thread yesterday or the day before asking where the “WHITE HELMETS” were. Planning the murder of women & kids is the answer.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/middle-east/us-special-forces-kill-isis-leader-in-overnight-syria-raid-1.4792768

The Syria Civil Defence, a rescue service also known as the White Helmets, said its teams recovered the bodies of at least 13 people, including six children and four women. The non-governmental group, which operates in opposition areas, said in a statement that they were killed in clashes and bombing that followed an airborne operation.

Posted by: dermot | Feb 3 2022 15:35 utc | 15

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 3 2022 15:20 utc | 10

The Pentagon has rarely disciplined troops involved in strikes killing civilians in Afghanistan and elsewhere. . . no criminal charges were filed.”

Not entirely correct.
When a journalist published information showing the US had used cannon fire against civilians in Iraq and then used cannon fire to rip apart civilians seeking to render medical assistance to wounded and dying children (see https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/15/all-lies-how-the-us-military-covered-up-gunning-down-two-journalists-in-iraq for details of the US cover-up and a link to a video of the incident – see if you can believe your own lying eyes).
The US response to this public evidence of war crime was to file criminal charges against the journalist reporting the war crime. This journalist is presently reported to be near death while incarcerated in Belmarsh Prison awaiting extradition to the US and a likely 135 year sentence for his execrable immoral conduct.

Posted by: Sushi | Feb 3 2022 15:37 utc | 16

He appears to be another commander without actual battlefield experience that we can point to unlike the Chechen commanders who ran ISIS. Neither Zarqawi nor Baghdadi had any real portfolio of battles that the news services can point to and back up the claim he had any real impact.
https://newlinesmag.com/reportage/a-caliph-without-a-caliphate-the-biography-of-isiss-new-leader/

Posted by: Les | Feb 3 2022 15:38 utc | 17

Sushi (16)
Assange is not US military personnel, though what the US and the UK are doing to the man is an absolute travesty, right now he’s being held in a maximum security prison in England without charge, effectively he’s a political prison, just as Craig Murray was in Scotland another fit up I might add.

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 3 2022 15:50 utc | 18

The USA has a long history of murdering former allies, this is just another drop in that bucket.
Those who defend/support ‘the west’ are complicit in an infinity of crimes against humanity, and clearly on the wrong side of everything. The United States and its imperial vassals are rooted in evil. Those who support the USA are brainless, feckless goblins.

Posted by: gottlieb | Feb 3 2022 15:54 utc | 19

@MikeO | Feb 3 2022 15:21 utc | 11

O/T: In the case of Russia being cut off from SWIFT or comparable financial sanctions, could Russia mandate that it’s petroleum products be sold only in non-U$ currency?

No need to mandate anything, just use Euros as before, or any other currency of choice.
If the US wants to sanction USD, go ahead, there are alternatives. And if they want to sanction SWIFT, there are alternatives too, so it won’t happen.

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 3 2022 16:23 utc | 20

““I do not think the United States government is responsible for the fact that a bunch of religious fanatics decided to kill themselves” — Bill Clinton
(re the Waco massacre)

Posted by: Billb | Feb 3 2022 16:28 utc | 21

@ Malchik Ralf, #5

ISIS set off the bomb that killed the civilians.
We are forgetting the real enemies of the Syrian people here and the reason for the operation. But since all the Putinversteher here always jump on a chance to condemn what could only be a tough call – one that was not going to be without certain negative consequences – the pile on.

The US created ISIS and has killed hundreds of thousands of civilians in the ME with its bombs.
We are remembering that the real enemies of the Syrian people are the invaders.
The reasons for the operation are to steal their oil, deprive them of arable land, and overthrow the government.
The call couldn’t be easier: The US is committing war crimes with terrible consequences for its victims.

Posted by: DocHollywood | Feb 3 2022 16:32 utc | 22

Still killing children
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2022/02/03/6-children-reportedly-killed-during-us-raid-syria

Posted by: jo6pac | Feb 3 2022 16:53 utc | 23

The Caliphate idea which morphed into ISIS was a part of the US plan to divide Iraq. In 2006: Biden proposed partitioning Iraq into 3 regions. The senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee proposed that Iraq be divided into three separate regions with a central government in Baghdad. . .here.
That was based on what Seymour Hersh in 2007 called “The Redirection” here. The US needed to “rescue” its Operation Iraqi Freedom which made Iraq Shiite allied with Iran, by widening sectarian conflict between Shiite and Sunni Muslims. Hersh’s article subtitle was: “Is the Administration’s new policy benefitting our enemies in the war on terrorism?” . .well, yeah, what’s wrong with that?
Biden, an avowed Zionist, was implementing the Yinon Plan, which aimed at the balkanisation of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region into smaller and weaker entities or states in order to ensure the dominant position of Israel in the region and the control of its oil, gas and water resources by the US-Israel nexus. . .It goes on currently.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 3 2022 17:30 utc | 24

@ gottlieb 19
The USA has a long history of murdering former allies, this is just another drop in that bucket.
Gaddafi was a current ally of the US when he was murdered, setting off Hillary’s clucking.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 3 2022 17:35 utc | 25

wobblie 7
Tsarnaev brothers were a couple of civilians that luckily escaped the nasty Putin. Russia asked US to extradite them back to Russia, but there they would have been persecuted for fighting for democracy and freedom. But when they started fighting for democracy in US, they were badly treated their too.
This other freedom/democracy fighter sitting with Reagan. Recognize him?
https://media.salon.com/2015/11/ronald_reagan_meeting2-620×412.jpg
US destroyed a country because he tried bringing democracy and humanitarian shit to US.

Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 3 2022 17:40 utc | 26

Posted by b on February 3, 2022 at 13:44 UTC | Permalink

The years long arming and nurturing of radical Islamist by the CIA was ‘successful’.
The creation of an al-Qaeda infested area in north-west Syria was ‘successful’.
…
…
…
The leaders of Russia and China must shiver with fear when they recognized that their opponent is so very ‘successful’.

I don’t see the logic in your argument here B.
You list a dozen actions which directly impact the Syrian nation in a very negative way, and yet you then dismiss the gravity of these actions on account of them being contrary to what you arbitrarily attribute as the proper metric for American success.
In other words, the coalition is indeed crushing Syria but it doesn’t matter because that’s not what the US set out to do there. We should instead deride America because it is failing in making Syria a better place. Because of course, this the kind of thing that America sets out to do: make places better for other people. Build things, grow stuff and generally look out for the little guy. It never seems to get it right though, proof that it must really suck.
Should we also mock the economic warfare waged against the Syrian people? Haha, those westerners always get it wrong. Good thing nobody is noticing that embargoes tend to make life hard for people, otherwise all this ostensible failure would be truly crushing for the West.
And what about the regular acts of war on the remaining half of sovereign territory which isn’t occupied? All those valuable natural and human resources confiscated by the coalition?
No doubt Syrians can take solace in the fact that the West is failing in its endeavors.

Posted by: robin | Feb 3 2022 18:26 utc | 27

poor Syria poor Iraq poor Afghanistan poor Yemen poor Ukraine it’s a long long long list
the US has been a mad dog on the world scene since well at least WWII, and the sooner it is neutered / neutralized / successfully euthanized ….well…. the so much the better for the entire planet Earth and all its at-risk inhabitants

Posted by: michaelj72 | Feb 3 2022 18:32 utc | 28

Civilian deaths are not accidental, they are intended. They recruit new anti-US fighters fighters for one thing, people looking for revenge. That keeps the wars going.
>A dossier released by Iraq Body Count, a project of the U.K. non-governmental non-violent and disarmament organization Oxford Research Group, attributed approximately 6,616 civilian deaths to the actions of U.S.-led forces during the “invasion phase”, including the shock-and-awe bombing campaign on Baghdad.
>Marines “Burned Out” Two Howitzer Barrels During the Raqqa Offensive . .The U.S. Marine Corps’ artillery support for U.S.-backed forces fighting in the Syrian city of Raqqa was reportedly so intense that units on the ground “burned out” the barrels on two of their M777 155mm howitzers during the effort to liberate the city, rendering them unsafe to use. “Every minute of every hour we were putting some kind of fire on ISIS in Raqqa, whether it was mortars, artillery, rockets, [High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems], Hellfires, armed drones, you name it,” Troxell said. Raqqa photo

Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 3 2022 18:37 utc | 29

141000 new Covid cases yesterday in the Russian Federation, the additional deaths will start piling up soon. Putin’s Covid response has been no better than the US. Time to distract the populations of the utter incompetence of the regimes—Oligarchs Russian or US will sacrifice millions of us—they will be the only winners.

Posted by: Wobbbli | Feb 3 2022 18:45 utc | 30

Latest propaganda headlines
“US: Russia planning to use faked video as invasion pretext”
“US says new intel shows Russia plotting false flag attack”
“Russia planning video of ‘false explosion with corpses’ as pretext to invade Ukraine, US claims”
US must think it has all its ducks in a row now. European gas, sanctions ect.
Their narrative this time..

“A senior administration official told CNN that the US has intelligence suggesting that the Russian government, with the help of Russia’s intelligence services, has been planning to produce a propaganda video depicting graphic scenes of a “staged false explosion with corpses, actors depicting mourners, and images of destroyed locations and military equipment,” the official said. The US believes Russia has already recruited actors to be involved in the fake attack.
The US believes that the military equipment used in the video of the fabricated attack would be made to look like it is Ukrainian or from an allied nation. The official said the video could include images of Bayraktar drones, which NATO ally Turkey has provided to Ukraine, “as a means to implicate NATO in the attack.”
The fake attack in the video would be aimed against Russian sovereign territory or against Russian-speaking people, the official said, and would “be released to underscore a threat to Russia’s security and to underpin military operations,” the official said. “This video, if released, could provide Putin the spark he needs to initiate and justify military operations against Ukraine.”‘”

Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 3 2022 18:54 utc | 31

Great, so SF whacked another terrorist who their bosses had been indirectly supporting (via regional allies) in the past when they were useful to them. Next in line, step right up.
o/t natural gas:
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/exclusive-qatar-has-not-approached-asian-buyers-over-gas-diversions-to-europe
Qatar signals it doesn’t have extra supply it’s been saving for Europe. Which should be obvious, any producer that did have extra supply would be happy to lock in sales at the current prices, since these prices are simply not sustainable and after 2023 there’s a fair amount more global LNG export capacity due to come online. If there’s unallocated supply out there it’s owned by traders.
TTF Futures more or less sideways for the day. (anything less than 5% on the day is noise at this point)

Posted by: ptb | Feb 3 2022 18:58 utc | 32

There once was a crew called ISIS
Manufactured by Western devices
They smelled like al-Qaeda
Then demolished Palmyra
And took our minds off the Ukrainian crisis

Posted by: Patroklos | Feb 3 2022 20:01 utc | 33

Russia has demonstrated the irrelevance of the EU by talking over their heads to Sheer Khan.
Now they should demonstrate US irrelevance and talk over their head to Israel
Deploy EW weapons, thermobaric missiles, drones and autonomous tanks to the SAA and the Israelis and Turks will join forces to make sure Russia gets any deal they want.
Simple

Posted by: Les7 | Feb 3 2022 20:22 utc | 34

Correction:
Deploy EW weapons, thermobaric missiles, drones and autonomous tanks to the SAA, and then the Israelis and Turks will join forces to make sure Russia gets any deal they want.

Posted by: Les7 | Feb 3 2022 20:26 utc | 35

Posted by: Sushi | Feb 3 2022 15:37 utc | 16
This is a point that needs to be made more often, bravo Sushi! I was somewhat at sea working out b’s post, though of course I knew it was well done – it just left me wondering what actually had happened. Yours is an excellent addendum, if that is not to mild a description. We need clarity for those just waking from a long sleep, and it doesn’t hurt to be sarcastic about it, but these are serious matters, and it cannot be too soon that the US leaves, leaves, leaves Syria and Iraq!!! – –
I want to celebrate that day, but for now, this day, I mourn more victims of their intransigence. The blood may have been shed by others but it is on their hands for staying, and for the ferocity with which they pursue all brave truth-tellers.
Thank you, b.

Posted by: juliania | Feb 3 2022 20:32 utc | 36

Once I read an Article about how ISR are about to DOUBLE their Population by 2050, I’ve concluded that the “Greater ISR Plans” have been Shifted into a Higher Gear in the Midst of Changing Events.
The Tribals’ “Future PopProb” stem from Secular Couples birthing an average of 3 Children while the more “Aggressively Procreative” UltraOrthodox birth far more per Couple.
ISR Population will Double by 2050? They may Double Again around 2075(4×Today), Again around 2095(8×Today), and Again around 2115(16×Today).
SYR couldn’t be Collapsed Completely; but USA are Occupying the East to Weaken Assad. LBN are already a De Facto Failed State.
Probably Prudent to Project that LBN, Lower SYR, JOR, and EGY(I’ve recommended peacefully buying out the Sinai) will be Targeted for Expansion.
No Longer My Problem (Ex-Christian, no longer studying Judaism), Not my Wars(Leaving Murica); but these Plans may drag Muricans in somehow.
Kind Regards, Muricans.

Posted by: IronForge | Feb 3 2022 20:44 utc | 37

Who knows if they really killed an ISIS commander. Didn’t they say they killed al Baghadi five times? I don’t believe anything the government or the media says.
I would hope that Russia’s military/tech response to US intransigence about NATO involves pushing the Americans out of Syria, where they are occupying 30% of the country, burning the wheatfields and stealing the oil.
Enough is enough.

Posted by: wagelaborer | Feb 3 2022 21:01 utc | 38

Russia should successfully plant a few hightech landmines along the routes of occupation war criminals in Syria.
More useful…. virtually all USN harbours have shallow, narrow miles long channels between the docks and the sea… The USN is notorious for neglecting mine counter measures….
New bottom mines can be programmed to respond to specific noises for activation… programmed to be active at random, or specified times and dates….
They can be laid by plane, UAV, sub, or speed boat…
They can be non-metallic.
Be careful what you wish for…
INDY

Posted by: George W Oprisko | Feb 3 2022 21:10 utc | 39

Sushi #16

The US response to this public evidence of war crime was to file criminal charges against the journalist reporting the war crime. This journalist is presently reported to be near death while incarcerated in Belmarsh Prison awaiting extradition to the US and a likely 135 year sentence for his execrable immoral conduct.

EXACTLY THAT!
Thank you.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Feb 3 2022 21:10 utc | 40

Those poor people lost their commander. . .So what?. . .The US annually rotated commanders in and out of Afghanistan for twenty years, and one was as bad as the others.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 3 2022 21:10 utc | 41

@41 Don Bacon “So what?”
It creates a headline, at a time when Biden badly needs a headline.
Nothing more. No less.

Posted by: Yeah, Right | Feb 3 2022 21:19 utc | 42

Thanks b, your article should be required reading for all U$A’ins.
Our ally, Saudi Arabia, sorely needs to curtail their ass-kissing of many of the schools that pump the toxic versions of Islam. Especially Wahhabism, which glorifies the killing of “infidels”.
“Religion is the greatest fomenter of hate the world has ever known.”
But, ya’ know the empire’s motto; If it helps us make more $, our “allies” can do as they wish….

Posted by: vetinLA | Feb 3 2022 21:24 utc | 43

Peter AU1 | Feb 3 2022 18:54 utc | 31
This MIRRORS the statement by Donbas that three “sets” of films are going to by produced in Kiev. The actors are supposed to be already engaged. The last one will have people complaining loudly about Rus brutaility and how they would like to live under Zele’s “rule”.
A twist is that Donbas is being heavily shelled, (this morning about 11am) and schools have been evacuated today. (81 schools) because of emailed bomb threats. There IS at least one Pantsir system defending a school (seems to be one against drones).
So, depending on who you believe…… Note that there is obviously more PR from the US side, but the Donbas report was first.
***
Things to keep in mind; Naval; Several large Russian ships have just passed through the Suez canal. (Varyag etc.) (Re; the idea of a reunion of Russian forces in the Med.)
The Russian exercises off Ireland are being “followed” by UK and French ships,
There are Troops (or something?) being flown towards Kiev by 3 US heavy lift planes. (or maybe Rezesow in Poland?)
Business as usual, or setting up another “success?”

Posted by: Stonebird | Feb 3 2022 21:26 utc | 44

What is the US planning with the Minsk Agreements? They publicly re-affirmed them and contradicted Ukraine thereby.
Could they be serious? That they want the whole mess over with?

Posted by: Eighthman | Feb 3 2022 21:26 utc | 45

re: sea mines
. . .from ProPublica 2019
Iran Has Hundreds of Naval Mines. U.S. Navy Minesweepers Find Old Dishwashers and Car Parts
As tensions heat up in the Persian Gulf, the Navy’s minesweeping fleet may once again be called into action, but its sailors say the ships are too old and broken to do the job. “We are essentially the ships that the Navy forgot.” . . .here
And now Iran doesn’t depend upon the Gulf for oil shipments, it has a pipeline to the coast. So mine-laying of their many types of mines delivered by small boats, submarines and aircraft is much simpler.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 3 2022 21:27 utc | 46

Biden: Me heap big commander-in-chief. . .
..from the White House, early today
Statement by President Joe Biden
Last night at my direction, U.S. military forces in the northwest Syria successfully undertook a counterterrorism operation to protect the American people and our Allies, and make the world a safer place. Thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi—the leader of ISIS. All Americans have returned safely from the operation. I will deliver remarks to the American people later this morning. May God protect our troops. . .here
…from the White House, later today
Remarks by President Biden on a Successful Counterterrorism Operation
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Last night, operating on my orders, United States military forces successfully removed a major terrorist threat to the world: the global leader of ISIS, known as Hajji Abdullah.
. . .Our team is still compiling their report, but we do know that as our troops approached to capture the terrorist, in a final act of desperate cowardice, he — with no regard to the lives of his own family or others in the building, he chose to blow himself up — not just with a vest, but to blow up that third floor rather than face justice for the crimes he has committed, taking several members of his family with him just as his predecessor did.
…Once again, today, we continue our unceasing effort to keep the American people safe and to strengthen the security of our Allies and partners around the world.
I want to thank you all. And may God bless you. And may God protect our troops.
I’m heading off to New York right now; I’m late. And I thank you for your time. Appreciate it. . .here

Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 3 2022 21:36 utc | 47

Stonebird
It looks like the last false flag propaganda came out with Biden giving senate/congress a briefing on ‘classified intel’. And that was because they were still arguing over hitting Russians with sanctions straight away or have them ready to use when Russia invaded. They’ve decided on a compromise and are going to sanction Russia for the last few months of anti Russia propaganda put out by the US, plus have more sanctions for when Russia invades.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/senators-worry-russia-will-invade-ukraine-before-they-finalize-sanctions-bill/ar-AATrwRh?ocid=BingNewsSearch
I had thought they had it all sorted. Truly is a case of lunatics running the asylum.

Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 3 2022 21:43 utc | 48

“It’s important that we send a strong signal to Mr. Putin and the world that NATO matters,” said Pentagon spokesman John F. Kirby yesterday. “We are making it clear that we are going to be prepared to defend our NATO allies if it comes to that,” he added. (quote found at wsws).
“NATO matters” is what’s being sold here. curious how Russia always, always equals “Mr. Putin” (same with China and Xi, as Soros twatted out yesterday, they are “Xi’s Olympics”). curious how “allies” are undefined but must ultimately include “the world”. someone’s got to buy all that F35 junk that don’t work.

Posted by: rjb1.5 | Feb 3 2022 21:55 utc | 49

Posted by: robin | Feb 3 2022 18:26 utc | 27
Yes I also noticed the tone of this article was sarcastic in a way that makes the Syrian war look like a bad game of chess.
People often speak about the ongoing conflicts in the world as “the Great Game”, personally I find this repugnant but if we are to be truly honest some countries are treating all of the destruction and mayhem as part of their games.
I do not agree that the US has been unsuccessful. And I think it’s banal to keep insisting that the West is “failing” when they are repeating moves that have worked for them for hundreds of years.
Yes they are failing at humanity but I do not think they are failing in their objectives. The psychopaths do not care about the outcome for humanity, getting Russia to the point of war will be the objective at any cost, and I am certain the Kremlin is 100% aware of this. Winning is irrelevant when your MO is Disaster Capitalism, you win even better when you lose. Especially when you have mindless compliant populations to exploit.
This is why they say that the only winning in a narcissistic relationship is find your own boundaries and walk away. In geopolitical terms surely this can only be achieved in a positive way for humans by more and more countries insisting on International Law and cooperation of Nations while turning their backs on the duplicity and dishonesty of Western Allies.
I am sure that military experts here are correct in stating that Russia is superior, however I am pretty sure that is only ever going to be a positive in the deterrence and diplomacy phase, which is the phase where we must wish that Russia is 100% successful. It is China and Russia’s diplomacy with non Western countries that is paying off.

Posted by: K | Feb 3 2022 21:57 utc | 50

Peter AU1 @ 26
I’m not going back and finding notes for the following, it is all pretty well known. Seek and ye shall find.
The Tsarnaev uncle was an oil oligarch. He married Graham Fuller”s daughter and lived a year in Fuller’s house. The Tsarnaev boys were also seen for extended periods at Fuller’s house. Look any further and you will find just lots of information. Company operation.

Posted by: oldhippie | Feb 3 2022 21:58 utc | 51

gottlieb | 19

The USA has a long history of murdering former allies

Most of these “allies” are just scumbags who are selling out their countries to foreign interests. If they are smart they will stash their loot in London or Delaware and leave before they fall out of imperial favor.

Posted by: Keith McClary | Feb 3 2022 21:58 utc | 52

A great article (“Why Russia-China partnership is effective” M. K. BHADRAKUMAR) on the special and new kind of relations between Russia and China. I urge folks to read it. (https://www.indianpunchline.com/why-russia-china-partnership-is-effective/)
It ends with this:
To be sure, the meeting between Putin and Xi Jinping on Friday will be hugely consequential for world politics. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that “significant time will be spent on exchange of opinions on the international agenda this time. This will include strategic stability in Europe, guarantees of security for Russia, Russia-US and Russia-NATO dialogue, as well as regional problems.”
On December 28, Tass news agency quoted a senior Chinese politician Xia Baolong, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, as saying that “an important political document will be approved” during Putin’s visit.
Ambassador Andrey Denisov, Russia’s veteran envoy in Beijing since 2013, has said that Putin’s visit will be “crucially important for us (Russia), is crucially important for China, and I would say, for the entire world. The leaders of two major countries that have a great impact on global politics are meeting, and they are meeting during rather contradictory times.”

Posted by: daffyDuct | Feb 3 2022 21:59 utc | 53

rjb1.5 | Feb 3 2022 21:55 utc | 49
and as Putin = Russia, Xi = China, etc., so NATO and its allies are all referred to as “democracies.” Not that that’s all bad b/c it’s certainly very misleading to refer to the US as “Biden’s America” (or Trump’s or whoever’s.) as the John Kirby quote shows, it’s the “Pentagon’s America.” Kirby doesn’t even bother to check with the WH (or US and international law) about who ain’t and who ain’t a “NATO ally”.

Posted by: rjb1.5 | Feb 3 2022 21:59 utc | 54

Peter AU1 | Feb 3 2022 21:43 utc | 48
I reckon they are also trying to “find” something that will coincide with the start of the Beijing Olympics.
*
Actually it is worth noting the quantity of telephone calls to Putin in the last week (ie. Macron 3, even Johnson), from the EU. Not only are the inmates of the “Care home (for) europeans as terminally stupids” (CHEATS), getting worried, there is very little they can do except refuse more US occupation.
***
The US are going to need more than sanctions if they want to steal enough “parts of the market” to cover a $30 trillion debt.
Success is not necessarily at the rendezvous.
*******
OT; I’ve been reading a bit about debts being used to destroy sovereign nations (Tsarist Russia and Germany). The US and probably Europe seem well on their way to be “Bankerised” in the near future.
And this; the Fourth Turning and Soros etc. From civil war to wokeism.
https://www.sott.net/article/463966-Fourth-Turning-2022-Bad-Moon-Rising-Part-3
***

Posted by: Stonebird | Feb 3 2022 22:08 utc | 55

propaganda….
ShareAmerica is the U.S. Department of State’s platform for communicating American foreign policy worldwide.
. . .from them, via Georgia:
How Russia conducts false flag operations
“We have information that indicates Russia has already pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct a false flag operation in Eastern Ukraine,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said January 14. “The operatives are trained in urban warfare and in using explosives to carry out acts of sabotage against Russia’s own proxy forces.” . .here
I guess that fake gas attacks, plentiful in Syria, have gone out of style.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 3 2022 22:13 utc | 56

Don Bacon | Feb 3 2022 22:13 utc | 56
from your link:
“In 2008, Russia sent unmarked soldiers to stir unrest in Georgia. When Georgia’s government responded, Russia invaded. And in 2014, Russian special forces entered Ukraine pretending to be local self-defense forces and seized government buildings, leading to Russia’s occupation of Crimea.”
not that the US will survive that long, but kids will be reading this crap in their ‘history’ books.
and from a link at the bottom of the above page at the US embassy in Georgia, imperialism and identity politics fellate each other: along with how much Murka just loves, loves, LOVES black women authors, the more lesbo the better. who knew bell hooks was such a supporter of US global rape and plunder?

Posted by: rjb1.5 | Feb 3 2022 23:00 utc | 57

I couldn’t resist poking around in who the USDOS/Georgia considers a worthy black woman author. well look at this Kirkus review of a “Journal for Jordan”: “Addressed to their son, Canedy’s narrative seeks to capture his father’s essence for him. It includes excerpts from King’s journal, which reveal the soul of a beautiful and decent man. “Always share your gifts with others,” he advises Jordan. “Laughter is great medicine for the soul,” and “sometimes you get lucky and catch a rainbow.” King put his military duty above family, refusing to take leave to attend his son’s birth. Taunted by a commanding officer, he knowingly participated in the recklessly unsafe final mission that killed him because he felt obligated to undergo the same risks as his soldiers.”
thank god for cicadas hassling these state actors. poor fool, dying for such sick turds. what a loathsome mother, for what she’s teaching her son.

Posted by: rjb1.5 | Feb 3 2022 23:18 utc | 58

rjb1.5 | Feb 3 2022 23:18 utc | 58
i shouldn’t say that the mom is loathsome, but “laughter is great medicine” doesn’t seem quite adequate to the personal and social nightmare called the Iraq War.

Posted by: rjb1.5 | Feb 3 2022 23:29 utc | 59

Posted by: K | Feb 3 2022 21:57 utc | 50
Thank you, K. I think that is a good analysis of the situation.

Posted by: juliania | Feb 3 2022 23:41 utc | 60

stonebird @55
your sources are very weak…One doesn’t need to imagine things to discover the inanities thought up by projections of the deluded…No matter their intentions.
Look without self into the conceptual realms of anyone, and it will be clear…For if they do not clearly see without their fundamental prejudices (me,me,me), they will do you no service.

Posted by: donten | Feb 3 2022 23:47 utc | 61

I wonder about anyone who wwould accept the job of terrorist bogey man for the US. The severance package seems less than desirable.

jhill | Feb 3 2022 15:35 utc | 14:
Poverty and a pinch of propaganda have always been the main driving force.

Posted by: Ian2 | Feb 3 2022 23:48 utc | 62

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 3 2022 16:23 utc | 20
A basket of currencies including the ruble (the percentage of which would be variable) so as to regulate the value of Russian currency for the purpose of creating a monetary sweet spot.

Posted by: kral | Feb 3 2022 23:48 utc | 63

My apologies…the internet ate my reply!!

Posted by: donten | Feb 3 2022 23:49 utc | 64

Come on folks, Pentagon puppet mouthpiece John Kirby is right when he says the counter-terrorism mission in NW Syria was successful … it was successful because no US military personnel were killed and, apart from one helicopter having to be killed off later, no significant US military hardware was lost.
At least until maybe news later emerges that, as in the Abbottabad raid over a decade ago (in which a US Navy helicopter also had to be destroyed), a number of US Navy SEALs who participated in that raid in NW Syria end up dying mysteriously in another incident.
Black Hawk down and out: US commandos were forced to BLOW UP MH-60 chopper during ISIS Syria raid because of mechanical issues – decade after losing another helicopter during Bin Laden assault
Whoever participated in that NW Syria mission might have to watch their backs.

Posted by: Jen | Feb 4 2022 0:03 utc | 65

re currencies
In a post-globalization world China has an excess of urban industrialization and capital and the rural regions are still relatively poorer.
But the rural regions have a lot of resources and cultural practices including collectives that could be monetized and developed in an eco-friendly way by using this excess urban liquidity and well organized foreign investment. (Rather that this liquidity go into financial speculation)
China is considering using these national resources (rather than gold) as a peg for the yuan thus reconstituting monetary sovereignty.
This would lead China to have a more powerful internal economy and international trade would serve as a complement to this.
This is possible because the central government recognizes the importance of using its monopolized financial sector for community welfare. (Ten Crises)

Posted by: financial matters | Feb 4 2022 0:26 utc | 66

I rather like the take that The Onion reports:
https://www.theonion.com/pentagon-pleasantly-surprised-to-discover-isis-leader-k-1848475901
Pentagon Pleasantly Surprised To Discover ISIS Leader Killed During Indiscriminate Bombing Of Middle East
“Frankly, we didn’t realize it had happened until we heard some radio chatter that he’d been killed. But, still, we’ll take it.”

Posted by: Yeah, Right | Feb 4 2022 0:58 utc | 67

re: Yeah, Right | Feb 4 2022 0:58 utc | 67
Yes, Pentagon didn’t know at the time that he was visiting his wives and children at the designated target…
“The killing of six children, four women and at least three men during the raid…”
(I am being flippant)

Posted by: tucenz | Feb 4 2022 1:47 utc | 68

I don’t know anybody who WANTS war with Russia.
Or Iran.
Or even supports the civil war against Assad.
None of that matters to the US domestic polity, imo.
Ask an American if they know what just happened.
That’s an American centric approach, but really it doesn’t matter to them (us)
Energy does, and so does computer chips, food, housing, and jobs.
If the empire mouthpieces and organs can tie those things into war, it’s got a chance.
Otherwise, ordinary people are getting pretty sick and tired of the lying, cheating and stealing.

Posted by: Cadence calls | Feb 4 2022 2:11 utc | 69

Another Successful Mission
The US War Department has awarded over $100 million in contracts for biological research to take place in Ukraine. Members of the Ukraine military will be test subjects. US personnel are indemnified for any deaths and injuries caused to the local population.

The DTRA activities in Georgia and Ukraine fall under the protection of special bilateral agreements. According to these agreements, Georgia and Ukraine shall hold harmless, bring no legal proceedings and indemnify the United States and its personnel, contractors and contractors’ personnel, for damage to property, or death or injury to any persons in Georgia and Ukraine, arising out of activities under this Agreement. If DTRA-sponsored scientists cause deaths or injuries to the local population they cannot be held to account.

SOURCE:
https://dilyana.bg/documents-expose-us-biological-experiments-on-allied-soldiers-in-ukraine-and-georgia/
This is a story you would expect to find in the ONION. The US postures on the brink of global war with the alleged intent of protecting the people of Ukraine from Vlad the Impaler and his pending sacking of Kiev. Meanwhile another War Department agency is allocating millions for bio-weapons research that may cause the death of the Ukrainian subjects and/or result in a lab leak affecting all purported European “ällies.”
All Hail Fredonia!

Posted by: Sushi | Feb 4 2022 2:16 utc | 70

Is that true?
https://mobile.twitter.com/AlinejadMasih/status/1488028210105401344?t=NunYoWtevIC2MZwEiT9VBA&s=08

Posted by: Roberto | Feb 4 2022 2:25 utc | 71

Wow! A reporter with the AP actually engaging in adversarial journalism re: alleged Russian “false flag” operation.
https://twitter.com/thehill/status/1489336004637044746?s=21
Barflies should get a kick out of this one!

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Feb 4 2022 2:40 utc | 72

RE: Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Feb 4 2022 2:40 utc | 72
LOL I can’t believe how long this idiot entertained the reporter. Back during Bush they’d have just said “we don’t need to show evidence, we create our own reality.”

Reporter: “It’s an action that you say they have taken, but you have shown no evidence to confirm that. […] This is like – crisis actors? Really? This is like Alex Jones territory you’re getting into now.”
Must-watch exchange between
@APDiploWriter
Matt Lee and
@StateDeptSpox

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Feb 4 2022 2:42 utc | 73

One of the MSM’s even posted the full thing as in transcript. I linked it I think in the open thread. Matt lee gets into from time to time. About the only one ever does.

Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 4 2022 3:04 utc | 74

Posted by: Sushi | Feb 4 2022 2:16 utc | 70 — “The US War Department has awarded over $100 million in contracts for biological research to take place in Ukraine. Members of the Ukraine military will be test subjects. US personnel are indemnified for any deaths and injuries caused to the local population.”
This reminds me of Unit 731, complete with live victims, but updated against Nuremberg-type legal liability with fancy immunity provisions a’la Pfizer.

Posted by: kiwiklown | Feb 4 2022 3:08 utc | 75

Sushi — Just want to thank you for your post @2. Excellent exposition !!! Thanks.

Posted by: kiwiklown | Feb 4 2022 3:14 utc | 76

@Tom 72
I watched that on the conservative treehouse.
There is a tremendous amount of overlap between American conservativism and anti-imperialism.
Bar flies here should keep that in mind.
The growing dissatisfaction with US/NATO/Euro international policy is palpable, across many seemingly oppositional political factions.
Just as all conservatives aren’t nazis, and all liberals aren’t commies, the govt and msm messaging ignores nuance and imposes ideology that just isn’t there.

Posted by: Cadence calls | Feb 4 2022 3:29 utc | 77

Posted by: robin | Feb 3 2022 18:26 utc | 27 — “We should instead deride America because it is failing in making Syria a better place. Because of course, this the kind of thing that America sets out to do: make places better for other people. Build things, grow stuff and generally look out for the little guy. It never seems to get it right though, proof that it must really suck.”
Interesting line of attack against Amedikan duplicity, Robin.
Of course, by design the US never ‘gets it right.’
Their modus operanda is “In Chaos They Trust.”
And Steal. And Rob. And Kill.
And while we study their exploits, they set off on another Project To Make Another Amedikan Century (wink, wink…).

Posted by: kiwiklown | Feb 4 2022 3:50 utc | 78

rjb1.5 #58
I know it might sound incongruous, but I nominate cicadas for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Feb 4 2022 3:50 utc | 79

jhill | Feb 3 2022 15:35 utc | 14: — “I wonder about anyone who wwould accept the job of terrorist bogey man for the US. The severance package seems less than desirable.”
The Guidos & Joshua Wongs & Nalvanys &
Zelenskys of the world better take lesson notes.
Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 3 2022 21:10 utc | 41 — “The US annually rotated commanders in and out of Afghanistan for twenty years, and one was as bad as the others.”
The US anally rotated ISIS commanders too. All of them anal.
Posted by: Malchik Ralf | Feb 3 2022 14:37 utc | 5 — We are forgetting the real enemies of the Syrian people here and the reason for the operation.”
Errrr….. the real enemy of the Syrian people? How’s abouts the Great Satan, the redoubtable USofA?
The very same one who invented ISIS? The one who “takes out” ISIS leaders like trash? And then anally rotates in another anal fool?

Posted by: kiwiklown | Feb 4 2022 3:53 utc | 80

@ 70 Sushi, @75
Those biowarfare contracts remind me of a DARPA contract to collect DNA markers unique to ethnic Russians. It was issued about 2 years ago IIRC

Posted by: Les7 | Feb 4 2022 3:58 utc | 81

Cadence calls #77
Agreed, there is utter revulsion/rejection across the political spectrum by a vast number of USA people. It is a pity that they are trapped in their ‘democratic’ autocracy.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Feb 4 2022 4:01 utc | 82

Posted by: Cadence calls | Feb 4 2022 3:29 utc | 77
Reagan, Bush I and Bush II give recent lie to the notion that (modern) conservatives are anti-imperialists. There are plenty of earlier presidents who ran as conservatives that got into the imperialist stuff a looooong time ago. Same thing as the non-left Democrat Party really. Neocons vs. neolibs. Pick your poison.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Feb 4 2022 4:02 utc | 83

@ 56 Don Bacon
A fake gas attack just N of Debaltseve was foiled when Russian defense called it out – about 3-4 weeks ago. That is why in Sakers conflict scenario he mentions a pre-emptive hit on those organizing it.

Posted by: Les7 | Feb 4 2022 4:04 utc | 84

Les7
Russian intel is exceptionally good. I often wonder if the tools that are to be used for a US provocation simply cease to exist before they can carry out their mission.

Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 4 2022 4:07 utc | 85

@72 Tom_Q_Collins Matt Lee has been doing this for years. Go back through the State Department press briefings and you’ll see him do this time after time after time.
He appears to be the only journalist in Washington who refuses to be a stenographer.
He always asks questions. He just never gets a straight answer.
Never.

Posted by: Yeah, Right | Feb 4 2022 4:15 utc | 86

@Tom 83
True. Though I never voted for any of the names you posted, and won’t deny that their “conservative” values were imperialist
The lies and killing come from both aisles of the US system.
I think more people are learning that it doesn’t matter what party is in power.
Perhaps I’m trying to differentiate conservatives/liberals goals from party affiliation, when I should be focusing on a total revamp of the American system.
I think there is room for everyone in America.
But the world is running out of America’s victims.

Posted by: Cadence calls | Feb 4 2022 4:24 utc | 87

Yeah, Right | Feb 4 2022 4:15 utc | 86
Thanks for posting that. Went back to look at my reply to Collins and saw I had messed it up.

Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 4 2022 4:30 utc | 88

The West’s forces need to be driven out of Iraq and Syria as soon as possible. Like many other barflies, one hopes the ‘military-technical’ response includes this great step too.. After all the lies published by the Western establishment media prior to the Iraq war, they still are able to ply their trade now, producing propaganda and headlines that parrot the NATO/UK/US lies about Russia and Ukraine. In a country like India, the English language media generally tend to swallow whatever comes from sources like AP, AFP, Reuters, NYT etc. So one can imagine the worldview of a great majority of Indian elites.

Posted by: R | Feb 4 2022 4:51 utc | 89

Obviously, the first thing to bear in mind when news of US operations anywhere – especially those involving civilian deaths – is that the US spokeperson uttering noise about successful outcomes will be lying. Suicide vest? Really? I hate The Guardian even more at the moment. Stenographing the Pentagon.
Everything inconvenient for the overlords is outsourced to ‘an inquiry’ and kicked into the long grass and the media accepts even this – when an operation kills civilians – no questions asked just po-faced reportage and total credulity and expectation that mug-public will be grateful for it.

Posted by: steve brown | Feb 4 2022 6:38 utc | 90

Emir of Qatar has replaced prince Salman of KSA as favorite son in Biden’s White House. Brought a gift of $36bn contract to Boeing.
Biden securing his Maidan legacy on a war footing. Replacing Russian gas to Europe with support from delivery Q8 LNG. Qatar and Turkey are one and linked by the Bosnian war in the 90s. AQ foothold in Europe.

Posted by: Oui | Feb 4 2022 8:42 utc | 91

How ISIL came about is well documented …. the Sunni’s were in the leadership under Saddam Hussein … quilty of oppression, murder and torture of the Shia majority. In 2003, CPA Order 1: De-Baathification and disbanding Iraq army. Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi created the Sunni terror group AQI while detained in Camp Bucca FOB, similar to Abu Ghraib an incubator for extremism
Al-Baghdadi became a preacher or Sheikh while in American led camp of torture and deaths. In time, tens of thousands prisoners were freed or escaped after attacks by the group of Sunni insurgents. Terror breeds terror.
Next chapter, new leader IS Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi …
NATO’s Global War on Terror in Iraq-Libya-Syria

German agents documented American torture in Bosnia in 2001 | EuroTrib |

Dutch Gov’t Admits Support for Salafist Jihadists in Syria | Sept. 10, 2018 |
Radicalized in US detention/torture center Camp Bucca
In 2004, he was detained by US forces in Camp Bucca prison in southern Iraq where he met Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. In 2008, while in prison, he served as a willing informant to the US military in Iraq. A US official stated that “He did a number of things to save his own neck, and he had a long record of being hostile — including during interrogation — toward foreigners in Iraq.

Posted by: Oui | Feb 4 2022 8:44 utc | 92

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Feb 4 2022 2:40 utc | 72
The State Dept spox was obviously bluffing, but in his desperation he actually said “if you don’t believe the government of the United States…”
You cannot say that if you want to preserve credibility. You can never countenance the possibility that the emperor has no clothes. You don’t deny it. You must pretend that it is impossible, unthinkable, not worthy of consideration. Once you ask that question, it has become thinkable. And then its just a matter of time.
It strikes me as as indication that we are getting very close…

Posted by: Deltaeus | Feb 4 2022 8:45 utc | 93

Posted by: steve brown | Feb 4 2022 6:38 utc | 90 — “Suicide vest? Really? ”
Yeah, like a warrior will go to bed every night in his suicide vest.
And, yeah, like a warrior would have the time and inclination to put on a suicide vest to face off commandos arriving in helicopters, instead of grabbing his machine gun or RPG.
More likely the commandos blasted everyone in that room, over the dead bodies of women and children used as human shields.
Wait for the leaks to come out in the coming years.
Or for those commandos to die in strange ways.

Posted by: kiwiklown | Feb 4 2022 9:28 utc | 94

I have to say I laughed out loud at this headline at the NYTimes:
“U.S. Exposes What It Says Is Russian Effort to Fabricate Pretext for Invasion”
The sentence contradicts itself i.e. if all we have to go by is “it says” then the USA hasn’t actually “exposed” anything other than its own big mouth.
A less misleading deadline would be:
U.S. Alleges Russian Effort to Fabricate Pretext for Invasion.
That has the virtue of being internally-consistent, as well as being accurate.

Posted by: Yeah, Right | Feb 4 2022 9:54 utc | 95

Jesus, killing for PR business.
Soon, there will be one more IS “leader”, and soon he will be killed again while the real mastermind sits in the White House.

Posted by: Smith | Feb 4 2022 9:54 utc | 96

loved the back and forth between the state department spokesweasle and the reporter. reminded me of how press conferences used to be before 99% plus of reporters were stenographers.

Posted by: pretzelattack | Feb 4 2022 12:11 utc | 97

The Russians are reinforcing their troops in Syria – that is where the ships went to.
The Americans are preparing to leave Syria. They had to get rid of the leaders of ISIS because they know too much.
It is just like a Godfather movie. All inconvenient witnesses must be eliminated.
I suspect that the Turks will also leave – and close the border behind them. The terrorists left behind will be eliminated. The Turks don’t want them in Anatolia. And they are no longer needed in Central Asia.

Posted by: Alfred | Feb 4 2022 12:23 utc | 98

American exceptionalism reminds me of a joke that runs in German academia. Here it is :
God willed that there should be a perfect creature on earth. So he created the University Professor.
The devil felt an awfull jealousy.
He decided to compete with God, and then he created the « dear colleague ».

Posted by: Leuk | Feb 4 2022 12:59 utc | 99

My reading of this week’s events:
1. Essentially the US has capitulated and accepted the Russian demands (or at least for now- they will recover and try again later)
2. One condition is that they must save face – they do this by still technically allowing Ukraine to join NATO and now by a “success” against ISIS
3. The Russians have made it clear that they will target Syria- this is a pretty obvious step because they have the legal right to be there whereas the USA does not. The USA is working out how to get out and save face
4. Two complications in Syria are Turkey and Israel. It remains to be seen how these will sort themselves out. Saudi is I think dealt with and has switched sides or is about to. Qatar (and I guess turkey ) are still to be dealt with.
5. The cohesion of NATO is in pieces. France, Italy and Hungary have left the reservation, Germany is confused. UK is teaming up with Poland and the 3Bs PUKELL
6. The reputation of the UK is in tatters. The one clever “perfidious Albion” is now obviously a standing joke. Novichek was a forerunner but the recent gaffe by their FM is so appalling that few can any longer take them seriously. Clearly UK negotiators are totally ignorant and there cannot even be competent public servants briefing their Ministers. Somehow I think that all the negotiators in 1939 would have actually known that the Baltic states were near the Baltic Sea. My suspicion is that MI6 has had far more influence than recognised, but that influence is now up in smoke.

Posted by: watcher | Feb 4 2022 12:59 utc | 100

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