Moon of Alabama Brecht quote
December 9, 2024
Syria – Winners And Losers Or Both

Syria has fallen.

It is now highly likely that the country will fall apart. Outside and inside actors will try to capture and/or control as many parts of the cadaver as each of them can.

Years of chaos and strife will follow from that.

Israel is grabbing another large amount of Syrian land. It has taken control of the Syrian city of Quneitra, along with the towns of Al-Qahtaniyah and Al-Hamidiyah in the Quneitra region. It has also advanced into the Syrian Mount Hermon and is now positioned just 30 kilometers from (and above) the Syrian capital.

It is also further demilitarizing Syria by bombing every Syria military storage site in its reach. Air defense positions and heave equipment are its primary targets. For years to come Syria, or whatever may evolve from it, will be completely defenseless against outside attacks.

Israel is for now the big winner in Syria. But with restless Jihadists now right on its border it remains to be seen for how long that will hold.

The U.S. is bombing the central desert of Syria. It claims to strike ISIS but the real target is any local (Arab) resistance which could prevent a connection between the U.S. controlled east of Syria with the Israel controlled south-west. There may well be plans to further build this connection into an Eretz Israel, a Zionist controlled state  "from the river to the sea".

Turkey has had and has a big role in the attack on Syria. It is financing and controlling the 'Syrian National Army' (previously the Free Syrian Army), which it is mainly using to fight Kurdish separatists in Syria.

There are some 3 to 5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey which the wannabe-Sultan Erdogan wants, for domestic political reasons, to return to Syria. The evolving chaos will not permit that.

Turkey had nurtured and pushed the al-Qaeda derived Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to take Aleppo. It did not expect it to go any further. The fall of Syria is now becoming a problem for Turkey as the U.S. is taking control of it. Washington will try to use HTS for its own interests which are, said mildly, not necessary compatible with whatever Turkey may want to do.

A primary target for Turkey are the Kurdish insurgents within Turkey and their support from the Kurds in Syria. Organized as the Syrian Democratic Forces the Kurds are sponsored and controlled by the United States. The SDF are already fighting Erdogan's SNA and any further Turkish intrusion into Syria will be confronted by them.

The SDF, supported by the U.S. occupation of east-Syria, is in control of the major oil, gas and wheat fields in the east of the country. Anyone who wants to rule in Damascus will need access to those resources to be able to finance the state.

Despite having a $10 million award on its head HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Golani is currently played up by western media  as the unifying and tolerant new leader of Syria. But his HTS is itself a coalition of hardline Jihadists from various countries. There is little left to loot in Syria and as soon as those resources run out the fighting within HTS will begin. Will al-Golani be able to control the sectarian urges of the comrades when these start to plunder the Shia and Christian shrines of Damascus?

During the last years Russia was less invested in the Assad government than it seemed. It knew that Assad had become a mostly useless partner. The Russia Mediterranean base in Khmeimim in Latakia province is its springboard into Africa. There will be U.S. pressure on any new leadership in Syria to kick the Russians out. However any new leadership in Syria, if it is smart, will want to keep the Russians in. It is never bad to have an alternative choice should one eventually need one. Russia may well stay in Latakia for years to come.

With the fall of Syria Iran has lost the major link in its axis of resistance against Israel. Its forward defenses, provided by Hizbullah in Lebanon, are now in ruins.

As the former General Wesley Clark reported about a talk he once had in the Pentagon:

"This is a memo that describes how we’re going to take out seven countries in five years, starting with Iraq, and then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and, finishing off, Iran.”

Six of the seven countries mentioned in that famous memo have by now been thrown into chaos. Iran is -so far- the sole survivor of those plans. It will urgently have to further raise its local defenses. It is high time now for it to finally acquire real nuclear weapons.

The incoming Trump administration sees China as its major enemy. By throwing Syria (and Ukraine) into chaos the outgoing Biden administration has guaranteed that Trump will have to stay involved in the Middle East (and eastern Europe).

The massive U.S. 'Pivot to Asia' will again have to wait. This gives China more time to build its sphere of influence. It may well be the only power that has been a winner in this.

Comments

Is there a journalist to ask if the ‘moderate rebels’ will be allowed to bring their Yazidi slaves with them from Idlib?

Posted by: Tom | Dec 9 2024 16:38 utc | 101

Looking back (hindsight is easy), it appears that Assad had made two strategic mistakes:
1. He accepted to become president.
2. He refused the passage of Qatari pipeline thru Syria when it has been offered before the war.
1. Assad wanted to be a doctor and live a peaceful life in London. Had he chosen that, it’s very probable that he would have been much happier.
2. Russia didn’t want competition for its gas at the European markets, so Assad was offered Russian “protection” if he blocked the pipeline from Qatar to the Med. Had Assad ditched Russia and made a deal with the West, it’s entirely possible that the war would not have happened at all. Internal pressure from the MB would have continued, but the West would have probably seen its own interest in a stable Syria and would not have armed the jihadis.
What were Assads motivations to side with Russia? Maybe he was a man of his word and didn’t want to turn against a longtime ally. Maybe he was a patriot and hoped that with Russia’s help he’d be able to snatch the Golan back. Maybe he felt stronger than he actually was and got blinded with a sense of security. Maybe he distrusted the West. Maybe he saw siding with the West as siding with Israel (which it would be) and couldn’t stomach that. Whatever the reason, it appears that he had made a wrong choice. Russia and Iran proved uncapable of protecting Syria and her people suffered terribly for the last 13 years. In a sense, the fact that that agony is over could turn out to be a good thing, providing that the people finally find peace and a relief of the cripling sanctions. Of course this will depend on further developments which cannot be predicted at this moment. It is likely that Syria will be divided, but how exactly, remains to be seen.

Posted by: abc | Dec 9 2024 16:41 utc | 102

I like Ritter. He has a agenda. I like Marandi. Hes designed for me to like him a chubby intellectual in his preppy sweaters. I do genuinly like him. I find their arguments overall to be well reasoned. Theres things these guys cant say as they are spokespeople.
The analyst that nailed this was Kevork. BOOM.
All great powers have now agreed to greater Israel.
My guess is Hizbollah will be offered transport to Iran. They were a Iranian expeditionary force. Yes they integrated into the community in many ways that benefited south Lebanon but their basis was a Iranian Expeditionary force. Hizbollah will not disarm as they are not fools. Perhaps some will do the Alamo thing. It wont be easy with their skills and fortifications. Right now no one is eager to step up to dislodge Hizbollah. We now have two examples of resistance. Gaza and Syria. Who would sign up for this? What family would want that? The premise of Hizbollah is broken. All thats left is their decision whether they go out like a G. They have families. Most will relocate to Iran if offered the chance. The chance will be given. No one wants to corner these guys where they dont have a out.

Posted by: Fred | Dec 9 2024 16:42 utc | 103

Posted by: WilsonK | Dec 9 2024 16:35 utc | 101
Enlighten us on how “Support for Ukraine will be re-invigorated by this event.”
Use objective facts, not feelings. What kind of support?
Moral support? I guess seeing Russia lose something puts an extra jig in their step for a day or two?
Actual material support? The Western printing presses go brrrrr regardless. And Israel looks to have scrapped any good material given today’s developments.
Really a stretch, IMO. If anything, the attention that will need to be paid to keeping Netanyahu from going off the reservation and grabbing too much of Syria will detract from any focus on the souring project Ukraine.

Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Dec 9 2024 16:42 utc | 104

@ Scorpion | Dec 9 2024 16:33 utc | 99
I’m not sure I’d say “Lebanon is next” because its forcible dissolution is already well underway. Sonin this sense Itan is next.

Posted by: malenkov | Dec 9 2024 16:43 utc | 105

Kudos to B. on his opening remarks for this thread. Concise, yet covering all the major developments in the tragedy of the oldest Civilization in the Western world, including the treacherous role played by those who control the Di$trict of Corruption, along with the ongoing “Eretz Yisroel” madness of the Zionist Entity…along with the stand-off roles played by both Russia and Iran, after their long supportive roles in buttressing the Syrian government and its overtaxed president…are all considered by this masterpiece of analysis by the creator and enabler of MoA.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 16:44 utc | 106

@68
I read one analysis that what the Chinese were inferring from all this is that that it’s now even *less* likely that the Chinese will ‘interfere’ in anywhere outside their own ‘sphere of influence’ unless they really can’t avoid it.
After all the Chinese think, the Russians ‘interfered’ in Syrian internal affairs for 10/12 years and where did it get them? The undying enmity of the US and for what? Syria fell in the end anyway, and Russia might end up losing its last naval base there in any case.
So (at least according to this analysis) the Chinese are going to stick to their own part of the world and try and fix their own problems while ignoring the rest of the world even more, from now on, than they have done up until now.

Posted by: Hidari | Dec 9 2024 16:44 utc | 107

It is old home week at MoA with Jackrabbit and Scorpion both showing up…..Thanks again to b for the great commentary and bar!
Below is a repeat of the best comment so far that I have read
######
After a couple days have passed. I think the Russians played it smart. In the geopolitical chess board Syria is a pawn. Its quite obvious to everyone on both sides that the fall happened faster than anyone thought it would. My thinking is that the west leaders thought this would be on going until trump got into office to pit him against Russia and iran. My guess the Russians figured that out from the start of this operation. In return they allowed the fall to happen very quickly to create this quagmire for turkey Isreal and usa. Now you got a situation where the usa has to choose between the kurds and hts. You got the great ottoman empire project vs the greater Isreal project. You have hts who needs the oil and agricultural lands of the east to run a functioning state. No way the 3 countries are going to see eye to eye, Isreal expanded the golan control and sna turkey just kicked the Kurds out of manbij. The new Syrian war started and this time iran and Russia don’t need to be involved. It was pawn to sacrifice since now you have a king queen and rook fighting each other. Just my thoughts
Posted by: Feck | Dec 9 2024 14:31 utc | 20
#######
Russia is going to finish its Ukraine SMO while empire has just put its hand int a bag of snakes in desperation mode.
There is still a month+ to go before changing of the guard in empire and the cracks in empire are growing internally and externally.
The shit show continue until it doesn’t and it is very educational, eh?
We have to keep remembering that we are seeing the levers being moved from the result bottom, not the instantiation top

Posted by: psychohistorian | Dec 9 2024 16:44 utc | 108

@Michael J | Dec 9 2024 16:18 utc | 92

Judo principles, where you use opponent’s strength and momentum against him

Maybe it is wishful thinking, but perhaps the door was swung wide open just as the intruders were gaining momentum to break it open, ending up in an unexpected state.

Posted by: Norwegian | Dec 9 2024 16:46 utc | 109

HTS will consolidate power in the former govt held positions and then attack the SDF in Northeast Syria with Turkish help. It may take a while but that is where I see it going.

Posted by: Christian J Chuba | Dec 9 2024 16:49 utc | 110

So (at least according to this analysis) the Chinese are going to stick to their own part of the world and try and fix their own problems while ignoring the rest of the world even more, from now on, than they have done up until now.
Posted by: Hidari | Dec 9 2024 16:44 utc | 109
______
And China can do just that…to the extent that it doesn’t need oil.

Posted by: malenkov | Dec 9 2024 16:49 utc | 111

Scorpion@1633 Dec 9
Lebanon: Currently, Hezbollah are licking their wounds, most particularly that of the genocidal attacks by the air farces of the Evil Ones upon the Lebanese people. Those sons of the ever-suffering Shia…and even elements of the Sunni and Christian populations in that battered land…are mourning their dead and wounded.
However, it should be considered that the Lebanese resistance is neither disarmed nor totally disorganized by the sad effect of civilian losses, including the horrific demolition of much of Beirut. If the Izzies decide to actually attempt a major all-in ground invasion of that land…they will discover to their chagrin that Hezbollah is anything but dead and buried.
Much will also depend on whether Moscow and or Iran extend anti-aircraft levels of protection against the Izzy bloodhounds. Civilized values insist upon protection from aerial assaults by the “protected” Evil Ones.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 16:52 utc | 112

It’s only a side note, but how Assad escaped could be an interesting story if it comes out in the coming weeks.
There was a false report that his plane crashed on Saturday evening, amplified by stooges in the MSM.
Including flight-aware maps showing a flight path from Damascus south where it left radar. Was that all faked?
Just another false rumor in the fog of war … or deliberate misinformation fed to the stooges in the Western media to throw them off the trail?
We may never know.

Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Dec 9 2024 16:52 utc | 113

@110,
They need to take Northern Syria back. Most of the resources of Syria are in that part of the country. If not, they will be in the same situation as Assad was. That might explain the potential corridor that Israel tries to make to the Kurdish parts of the country.

Posted by: JamesBond | Dec 9 2024 16:52 utc | 114

Re: UNSG Antonio Ghoulterrorist
https://x.com/MarkSleboda/status/1866031164319736095
“After 14 years of brutal war and the fall of the dictatorial regime, today the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future…”

Posted by: John Gilberts | Dec 9 2024 16:54 utc | 115

Maybe it is wishful thinking, but perhaps the door was swung wide open just as the intruders were gaining momentum to break it open, ending up in an unexpected state.
Posted by: Norwegian | Dec 9 2024 16:46 utc | 109
Agree. The only way to win it to stay out of it, if you can.

Posted by: Bemildred | Dec 9 2024 16:54 utc | 116

I think b (and Escobar) are too pessimistic. A key point in one of the linked articles should be emphasized:
“While Jolani is his own man, this operation clearly points to a mastermind behind the scenes,” Khoja remarked.”
Also noteworthy is the joint statement that included Turkey, Russia, Iran, Jordan and others. The content was anodyne, but the participation was telling.

Posted by: Figleaf23 | Dec 9 2024 16:55 utc | 117

Posted by: pretzelattack | Dec 9 2024 16:25 utc | 95
This is my point. Xenophobia is clouding serious political analysis on an important topic.
Who were the Young Turks? Freemasons Turks & Zionists. They don’t represent Turkey anymore than Blinken and the Zionist State department represents mainstream America. a Jewish cabal takes over Russia and slaughters millions of Slavs during the Bolshevik’s era. What’s the difference?

Posted by: Turk 152 | Dec 9 2024 16:56 utc | 118

The cancer is metastasizing. There will probably need to be an Operation. IMO Russia will not leave Syria. After all these years there are now cultural connections. Besides, just staying there will go a LONG way toward dampening Hegemon euphoria.

Posted by: Ralph Conner | Dec 9 2024 16:56 utc | 119

The news of Russia negotiating holding on to bases in Syria is interesting. At this point there’s no desire from the major powers to rip the coast away but this could change at any time.

Posted by: Derrick | Dec 9 2024 16:59 utc | 120

“It would be something if Erdogan conspired with Netanyahu over what’s happening in Syria, only to see backstabber Erdogan hoodwink god’s chosen people, divine backstabbers extraordinaire, into a trap, using Syria as bait. (Russia backing off, staying at arm’s length)
And then Turkey (population sympathetic to Palestinians) follow that up by smashing israel to bits once and for all.”
Yes we can hope, but pigs don’t fly, even if we hope really hard! Sadly. Posted by: g wiltek | Dec 9 2024 16:29 utc

Yes, when was the last time the chosen people were hoodwinked, then backstabbed?

Posted by: spudski | Dec 9 2024 17:05 utc | 121

I totally agree. But Iran must not repeat Russian error – to obtain nuclear weapons but top be afraid to use it.
Posted by: Salmon | Dec 9 2024 14:08 utc | 5
——————————————————————–
The point of having nuclear weapons is to put fear in the hearts of your enemies that you could use if pressed hard enough, but not to use them. The same applies to Russia, the USA, and all nuclear-armed nations: The alternative is just suicide.

Posted by: Ed | Dec 9 2024 17:05 utc | 122

Very interesting analysis. I am not convinced that Nato/Erdogan did not want to go all the way to Damascus. The logic of this attack by sophisticated well armed commandos is to go all the way. Just like the Rwanda Patriotic Front did in 1990-1994.

Posted by: John Philpot | Dec 9 2024 17:06 utc | 123

“Why have US and Israel won?
Because they were ready to launch nukes, because they had no moral or other principles but were limited only by the strength of their will.
Very different form Putin’s strategy of “careful waiting”.
Also, Israel and US managed to create impersonal system of government that assures that their policy shall be pursued no matter the personality of the ruler.”
Posted by: salmon | Dec 9 2024 15:47 utc | 80
The US/Israel have won nothing at all.
They just grabbed ahold of another resource sucking country which will only but hasten the economic and political bankruptcy of the Empire.
Think about 17th century Spain-it was over extended financially desperately holding onto the Netherlands et al selling juros (bonds) to the Jewish bankers to pay for their wars until the bankers balked at 60 year term juros and Spain be went bankrupt their Hegemony gone. .
Same thing is happening to the Anglo/Zionists; the specter of nuclear war is irrelevant -no power will use them- MAD still exists- but the PTB like to “Fear Up The Sheeple” (TM-FUTS)to keep the narrative in the lane they desire.

Posted by: canuck | Dec 9 2024 17:06 utc | 124

Kim Sejrskild | Dec 9 2024 14:19 utc | 8
*** And Putin thinks he is so clever and classless and free
But he is still too unilaterally nationalistic ***
Would that be Israeli “nationalistic”?

Posted by: Cynic | Dec 9 2024 17:09 utc | 125

The fall of Syria was more than predictable, given that the US et al had schlepped up not only the oil but also the more fertile parts of Syria. Then, US sanctions bled out the rest. Not at all surprising that HTS (Al Qaeda, ISIS), rebaptized from “terrorist” to “freedom fighter” with their rag tag band obviouslly supplemented with high level equipment, possible embedded military and augmented with world class comms, Starlink access, as well as AI, satellite and CIA level intelligence. Not surprising, Russia/Iran/Assad and others walked away – not the time for a full on melee, particularly with Russia not taking their eye off the real prize ub the Ukraine – Odessa, taking all the ports in the Ukraine and thwarting access to the Red Sea. A for real prize.
We really don’t know that Larov discussed at the Astana Forum in Doha, but all the West Asian players were included. Resolution 2254 is not “just a piece of paper” but the 2015 roadmap to Syrian independence, which was alluded to when Assad handed over Syria to the Prime Minister, with several months for stabilization, then elections. And HTS head indicated that he ostensibly agreed. Important retained framework for upcoming discussions this week in the Security Council. US/Israel have openly suborned a sovereign country – as is predictable, both Netanyahu and Biden have loudly proclaimed to all media sources that they alone were responsible for the fall of Assad. Also, both countries immediately violated the handover agreements – Israel immediately invaded from the Golan and both the US and Israel started carpet bombing. Although ostensibly addressing military targets (but no indication that HTS and co. left the weapons caches behind in their lightening cross of Syria to Damascus) while also targeting state offices in Damasus while, as is their wont, killing many civilians along the way. Not surprising, the rag tag band of head choppers are out of control, and have been for some time, so executions,looting and physical and sexual violence are rampant but unreported in western media. Also note, the plane which purported to carry Assad and his family appears to have been shot down – a period wherein chatham house and foggy bottom cheered, only for him to appear safely and in good health with full aslyum in Moscow. Heads of Jordan, SA, Turkey and Lebanon took careful note.
As Syria descends into chaos, one might consider the following – the civilian populations of Lebanon, Jordan, SA, Syria, Gaza, West Bank and Egypt have nothing less than white hot rage at the US and Israel which are now international pariahs. Governing populations at this level of intense opposition should provide interesting consequences via assymmetrical warfare and non state actors.

Posted by: abierno | Dec 9 2024 17:11 utc | 126

Yes, when was the last time the chosen people were hoodwinked, then backstabbed?
Posted by: spudski | Dec 9 2024 17:05 utc | 121
There’s always a first time for everything.

Posted by: Nooneuknow | Dec 9 2024 17:12 utc | 127

Cont’d from my #51:
Divide Syria (The Times of Israel’s “The Blogs” section, Zev Farber, December 9, 2024)

Posted by: S | Dec 9 2024 17:17 utc | 128

@abierno | Dec 9 2024 17:11 utc | 126

The fall of Syria was more than predictable

Still, nobody predicted it.

Posted by: Norwegian | Dec 9 2024 17:17 utc | 129

Trump clearly green-lighted this anti-Assad operation, it is in perfect line with his pro-Zionist and pro-“Greater Israel” stance. It also allows him to switch from the Ukraine war (which the US/NATO complex lost) to Iran. The problem is that Trump is an excellent cosplayer and people keep falling for his tricks. MAGA is the most sophisticated political psyop we have ever seen. Trump is definitely a disguised Zionist Neocon.

Posted by: AndC | Dec 9 2024 17:20 utc | 130

putin, either a traitor or a coward, stupid loser..?
but all the putin-lovers here will still believe in their god and cannot understand that he is not the brilliant 5D-chess-superstar..
he is only a bigger dictator than Assad trying to protect his oligarchs in Russia instead of fighting a short and hard war against Ukraine winning within some months to protect his country..

Posted by: joe911 | Dec 9 2024 17:20 utc | 131

pretzelattack | Dec 9 2024 14:51 utc | 32
*** Erdogan is an idiot for joining in this. Greater Israel is not gonna let him reestablish the Ottoman Empire, neither will the US. ***
If he’s really one of theirs, they will.

Posted by: Cynic | Dec 9 2024 17:22 utc | 132

Great summation, B.
“The incoming Trump administration sees China as its major enemy. By throwing Syria (and Ukraine) into chaos the outgoing Biden administration has guaranteed that Trump will have to stay involved in the Middle East (and eastern Europe). The massive U.S. ‘Pivot to Asia’ will again have to wait. This gives China more time to build its sphere of influence. It may well be the only power that has won in this.”
Again, I get the distinct impression that the section of the ruling class that opposes Trump, wishes to exhaust US imperialism in ME and Eastern Europe, so that they will never have to compromise their lucrative China trade. In their minds, I’m sure it’s justified as consolidation of their positions in these bridge heads to China, but in reality, deep down, they know they cannot live without the China trade. They feel compelled to put on a show now and again with some sanctions and balloon gate, but psychologically, they just can’t wrap their mind around the idea of a real open conflict with China.
When it comes to their pet places Israel and Ukraine (their coveted Israel 2) they are full on nuts. But China it seems to sober them up a bit.
Remember these folks rolled out the red carpet to China in the late 90s and early 2000s. They offshored the entire industrial power of the US to China. They may see the ship is sinking for the US and would rather focus on bolstering a few pet projects to which they can flee, continue to trade with China and leave the devoured host the US to rot. It’s clear Ukraine will not be the second home they dreamed of, so all energy has to go into providing greater lebensraum for Israel.

Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Dec 9 2024 17:22 utc | 133

What an astonishing turn of events. The ramifications from the Jewish-American seizure of Syria will be many and all of them bad. If Gaza is a bloodbath we will need another word to describe the future facing the Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians.
Iran too now faces the real prospect of NATO being able to wage a land campaign against her thru Syria,Turkey and Iraq. Trump’s primary mission given him by the Zionists has just been made an awful lot easier

Posted by: TheNorthernChef | Dec 9 2024 17:23 utc | 134

“Kim Sejrskild | Dec 9 2024 14:19 utc | 8
*** And Putin thinks he is so clever and classless and free
But he is still too unilaterally nationalistic ***
Would that be Israeli “nationalistic”?”
Posted by: Cynic | Dec 9 2024 17:09 utc | 125
“Zionists feel so clever, so classless and free,
but they are fucking peasants as far as I can see”

Posted by: canuck | Dec 9 2024 17:25 utc | 135

Russia and Iran backed off from Syria because it was plain to see Assad was falling. He lost the support of the Syrian people.
Letting the US have their way with Syria was the best thing. Now there are many opposing groups dividing up the country, and will soon be fighting with each other. Central government may totally fail. The already poor economy will falter. Poverty will sweep regions of the country. The border will become very porous and corruption will reign. There will be plenty of people willing to take the risk of moving supplies to Hezbollah for monetary gain and put food on the table.
Who is going to police Syria’s leaky borders. USA? Israel? Turkey? This will require manpower and money. Will these nations be able to secure Syria. Or are they being drawn drawn into a deeper shithole. Spending huge amounts to support a large army needed to secure the country.
I point out. War is the greatest driver of Inflation. Inflation is burning hot all over the west. Death by 1000 cuts.
Russia and Iran backed off, Washed their hands and wisely said, No Thanks.

Posted by: golddigger | Dec 9 2024 17:27 utc | 136

Putin cares about his geopolitical position and the Slavs. The Syrians are not Slavs. He cares more about Israel because there are many Russians in Israel. This is inheritantly an unstable position because as soon as the geopolitcs change, Syria doesnt matter anymore. Dont confuse the chess match with caring.

Posted by: Turk 152 | Dec 9 2024 17:28 utc | 137

@ Posted by: ak74 | Dec 9 2024 15:31 utc | 62
Yes, I think we are already in WW III. I think the post by Berletic is accurate, particularly in regard to the Western strategies of trying to overextend Russia and trying to isolate Iran, Russia, and China from each other so that they can be knocked off one at a time.
While the loss of Syria is a defeat in this war, it is only one battle. Russia and Iran are close to signing a partnership treaty that includes defense measures, and Russia has already signed a mutual defense treaty with North Korea. Russia and China are also cooperating closely on defense. And they can all read the signs and understand the situation. They know how to play the long game. So it seems the US Empire will be not able to divide and conquer those four opponents, though it won’t stop trying.
By using Islamists from Al-Qaeda and ISIS to overthrow Syria, the US/Israel/Turkiye group has made a bargain with the devil. The terrorists who overthrew Assad will now have abundant resources of oil money to fund all sorts of mischief.

Posted by: Clever Dog | Dec 9 2024 17:29 utc | 138

Judge Napolitano – Judging Freedom
Alastair Crooke : Turkey Turns on Russia.
Syria’s downfall was caused by Assad turning down helps and warning from Iran and Russia. He wanted to get closer to the gulf states.

Posted by: BD | Dec 9 2024 17:29 utc | 139

Psychohistorian @1644 Dec 9
Thanks for reintroducing Feck’s astute analysis…AND for your insights respecting the snakepit which the perps have created for themselves.
Yes, the moves by Russia and Iran,now considered in the aftermath of the tragedy, were astute and deeply considered. Those who continually personalize the conjoined R.U. strategies as merely personalized on the Image of V.V. Putin do tend to be a bit shortsighted in their assessments.
Ultimately pirates and thieves, particularly in no less than a threeway freeway, inevitably tend to fall out once their initial cooperative goals are achieved.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 17:30 utc | 140

The Northern Chef@1723 Dec 9
A land invasion of Iran by the Evil Ones? Do please consult a topographical map of that Persian landmass and note the fact that most of the country is heavily mountainous. In case you have not delved deeply into military history, mountainous terrain is the second most difficult situation in which to conduct an offensive war…the worst being attempting to conquer a bombed over, massively infrastructure city.
Oh,the bass-turds might commit assaults on their relatively low-lying ports and such…as well as salivating about prospects of leveling Tehran with a nuke. But the cooler heads amongst the Colonel and maybe some non-compromised generals, particularly in their intel people, should have a comprehensive understanding of the power of Iranian missilry…such as the fact that the Persians possess hypersonics while the Evil Ones DO NOT.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 17:37 utc | 141

Al Qaeda Comes Out of the Bottle
https://www.rediff.com/news/column/m-k-bhadrukumar-al-qaeda-genie-is-out-of-the-bottle/20241209.htm
“…And there is no stopping its pan-Islamic agenda, cautions Ambassador MK Bhadrakumar.”

Posted by: John Gilberts | Dec 9 2024 17:39 utc | 142

Trump clearly green-lighted this anti-Assad operation, it is in perfect line with his pro-Zionist and pro-“Greater Israel” stance. It also allows him to switch from the Ukraine war (which the US/NATO complex lost) to Iran. The problem is that Trump is an excellent cosplayer and people keep falling for his tricks. MAGA is the most sophisticated political psyop we have ever seen. Trump is definitely a disguised Zionist Neocon.
Posted by: AndC | Dec 9 2024 17:20 utc | 130
Looking that way to me, but I’m a cynic, especially after being duped a few times over that last decade into false hopes. Let Trump, on day One, execute an executive order banning all dual citizens from any role in American governance–local, state, federal–and I, as a patriotic American, might reconsider the depths of my cynicism.

Posted by: Nooneuknow | Dec 9 2024 17:40 utc | 143

How nice of Golani (used to be spelled al-Julani if anyone wants to dig him up) to have now taken back his real name Ahmad Sharaa so that nobody believes he is actually going to claim the Golan which Master Trump has generously “given” to his buddy Netanyahu.

Posted by: Tom | Dec 9 2024 17:40 utc | 144

For six years, the Salafi terrorists were holed up in a small territory and vulnerable to being annihilated by a reasonably led/equipped army. For six years, Syria dithered and its leader failed to even get rid of a 900-person occupation of its oil lands. The minority govt led by al Assad had lost the people and was not getting them back.
Strategically, from the perspective of Iran and Russia, getting rid of failing partners who can’t pull their own weight and are a permanent drain on resources is smart. A permanently broken and weak Syria was useless to Iran and Russia. It had to go. Hopefully, there have been deals made to protect the minority populations in their homelands and we know Assad and his family have been moved to safety. That’s as much as Iran/Russia could do for Syria at this point.
A strategy of permanent chaos is good for the western Mil-Ind Complex. Whether it’s good for the zionist regime is far more debatable. The Assads, one of Israel’s bases of security in the region (tyrants controlling the populations of Syria, Jordan, and Egypt) has been eliminated. In the long run, would you like to be living next to Libya which is what’s to become of Syria? Jordan is not that far off from chaos either. Israel’s days are still numbered.

Posted by: Caliman | Dec 9 2024 17:44 utc | 145

The trap has been set by the Russians and Iran – keep Israel and US in a quagmire for the next 10-20years.
Who WON is clear. Don’t fall for the easy reasoning and western opinions.
Endless refugees seeking asylum at Europes and Canadas door. Turkey is also the big loser.
Russia and Iran won this battle. Period.

Posted by: MrTurk | Dec 9 2024 17:44 utc | 146

MK Bhadrakumar: AQ Genie is Out of the Bottle
https://www.rediff.com/news/column/m-k-bhadrakumar-al-qaeda-genie-is-out-of-the-bottle/20241209.htm
corrected

Posted by: John Gilberts | Dec 9 2024 17:45 utc | 147

Feck nailed it. Strong comments by KSA already. Egypt knows it is next in line too. Check al Ahram online and compare it with al Jazeera to see my point.
When are we finally going to see some Arab states withdraw their ambassadors from the traitors’ entities?

Posted by: Tom | Dec 9 2024 17:46 utc | 148

“Zionists feel so clever, so classless and free,
but they are fucking peasants as far as I can see”
Posted by: canuck | Dec 9 2024 17:25 utc | 135
RIP John Lennon!

Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Dec 9 2024 17:47 utc | 149

Fred on Hezbollah: total BS. They are southern Lebanese, have been there for 1000 years and before that, when they were not Muslims.

Posted by: Tom | Dec 9 2024 17:48 utc | 150

I also think that there is an assumption that Turkey and Jolani are bad faith actors in this. This maybe true, I think such a conclusion is premature based upon the lack of resistance from the Syrian people themselves, to that inclusion. Turkey certainly has geopolitical interests in the region, but I don’t believe that they are interested in destroying the Syrian people.
The Turks are not bad people, they know the region, they know Israel and they understand military matters, put just a little faith in them.
Posted by: Turk 152 | Dec 9 2024 16:18 utc | 91
No… Erdogan was a prick but yes, wouldn’t be surprised to see him crawling back to putin within a decade when the west attempts to color him once again.
—————-
My guess is Hizbollah will be offered transport to Iran. They were a Iranian expeditionary force.
Posted by: Fred | Dec 9 2024 16:42 utc | 103
Maybe not directly, trying to reinforce the influence in iraq might be the only solid option for iran and hezbolah, later it can even be used to put pressure in jordan, or even better kuwait, with a third of shia and a shit-ton of bedoonsit might be ripe for regime change.
—————
I’m not sure I’d say “Lebanon is next” because its forcible dissolution is already well underway. Sonin this sense Itan is next.
Posted by: malenkov | Dec 9 2024 16:43 utc | 105
Lebanon will be, again, a us (french run) protactorate in all but name
And that’s it
———-
We have to keep remembering that we are seeing the levers being moved from the result bottom, not the instantiation top
Posted by: psychohistorian | Dec 9 2024 16:44 utc | 108
Touché! Interesting that you might think that this was a refused gambit and not an agreement.

Posted by: Newbie | Dec 9 2024 17:49 utc | 151

It is only recently that additional B52s were send to Qatar, supposedly related to Iranian tensions. But this did not make sense because they were in reach of Iranian missiles. Now we know the real reason. All events are carefully planned upfront. Try making sense of the Kursk offensive and the recent long range missiles into Russia? Just consider this in the context of what is happening currently in the middle east.

Posted by: hubert | Dec 9 2024 17:52 utc | 152

Ahenobarbus@1722
What you seem to be inferring is that the puppet regime in the Di$tricf of Corruption is growingly hamstrung.
The level of leadership within the Di$trict is exemplified by the $enile one in the Tainted Hou$e; along with his managers, the dual citizen Blinken, Winken and $tinken and his $habo$ Goy buddy, Jake the Fake $ullivan.
There are NO adults in the room. Meanwhile the Orange One is rapidly counting the days and soon the hours. He has been left with one helluva mess. His AIPAC funders feel that they are in charge of the driver’s seat…judging by his foreign policy appointments. Maybe so, just possibly, though, that independent streak pops up in the weirdest instances. So we don’t know, what we don’t know.
Could be that there will be some huge behind the scenes within the GOP controlled $enate between the MAGA loyalists and the Rinos…the likes of Mi$$ McClellan and Lady Linda Graham…primarily regarding his domestic appointments. The biggest battle will be Kash Patel, targeted to take over the out of control $ecret Police, the heirs of the self-hating drag-queen, J. Edna Hoovervac…the FeeBees, who exist to CREATE criminals as a bureaucratic imperative.
Interesting times, eh?

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 17:52 utc | 153

Posted by: justaman | Dec 9 2024 14:43 utc | 25
Only the weak needs allies, ma’am, strong nations don’t have allies, they only have interests.

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Dec 9 2024 17:53 utc | 154

And then Turkey (population sympathetic to Palestinians) follow that up by smashing israel to bits once and for all.
Posted by: chunga | Dec 9 2024 14:05 utc | 1
That’s some serious wishful thinking.

Posted by: Tichy | Dec 9 2024 17:56 utc | 155

Posted by: hubert | Dec 9 2024 17:52 utc | 152
All those things are loosely or strongly connected BUT you make one wrong assumption: that all plans are made by our side. Nope. The invasion of Ukraine and Oct. 7th were planned by the other side, and our leaders have been reacting to those two moves by the other side.

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Dec 9 2024 17:57 utc | 156

Interesting times, eh?
Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 17:52 utc | 153
I can agree with that much, Aristo. Fascinating.

Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Dec 9 2024 17:57 utc | 157

Posted by: S | Dec 9 2024 15:19 utc | 51
*** It’s funny to read that general trying to rationalize the coming wars as the “hammer-nail” thing while in reality it clearly is the Yinon Plan, or rather, its updated modern version. Why the Americans are going to such lengths to build the Greater Israel, I don’t know. It’s almost like the Israelis are the master race and the Americans are the servant race. Or a golem, to use Jewish folklore.***
The self-appointed “chosen” have chosen and wangled into office alleged ‘leaders’ for the Western countries.
Some are fanatically servile subscribers to the new “Jew” religion which replaced Christianity, but hijacked its name for marketing purposes.
Most others are basically bought crooks and traitors. They will obey.
And many will be blackmailed as well, just in case.
They see or pretend to not see whatever they are instructed to.
That new — increasingly law enforced — religion also serves to ramp up the Zionist Jews’ own megalomania (bad enough without that, since they already worshipped themselves).
As for the general public … well, in today’s so-called “democracy” (mass media indoctrinated, dumbed down, lie-packed and ballot frauded) they simply don’t matter at all.

Posted by: Cynic | Dec 9 2024 17:59 utc | 158

Tom@1740 Dec 9
Now that they have been granted an Eagle’s Nest overlooking Damascus, the Evil Genociders are highly likely to lick their chops over their dreams of “Eretz Yisroel”…the Yanon Plan to engorge all the lands between the Nile and the Euphrates.
In attempting to fulfill their wet dreams, they are highly likely to severiously overplay their hand. There’s not that many devout Zionist expansionists within the Izzy population to both seize and hold that massive chunk of the Muddle East. A few million people cannot possibly pull that one off unless they resort to biological warfare.
Such an undertaking would be rife with probable repercussions.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 17:59 utc | 159

@107
Russia losing its naval presence in the Mediterranean is nothing. The only ocean that Russia can and should be a naval power is the Arctic!
China and DPRK nukes can run the west Pacific, Russia has no gain from the North Atlantic.
Russia should quietly evacuate its Cold War vestigial.
Russia’s future is with MAC Kinder not Mahan.

Posted by: paddy | Dec 9 2024 18:00 utc | 160

No pipelines . It was the dream of Europe (NATO) to get Qatari gas to replace Russian gas . Trans border pipelines are a nightmare . Some examples ;
1. TAPI–Turkmenistan , Afghanistan , Pakistan , India pipeline — proposed in 1994 and nothing done .
2. Peace pipeline — Iran , Pakistan , India . Proposed 2015 — nothing done
3. India –Iran subsea pipeline — nothing done
4. Iran , Pakistan , China pipeline — work stopped because Baluch tribesmen killed the Chinese workers .
5, Even the easiest pipeline ( politically speaking) Russia — China via Mongolia has not worked out .
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altai_gas_pipeline

Posted by: hole in head | Dec 9 2024 18:03 utc | 161

George Galloway was on with Marandi last night. He was on fire with his monologue. Marandi emphasized that Assad had vacillated on accepting help, from both Iran and Russia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_6vER5F-zU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB96v5bGlpM

Posted by: freedom fritos | Dec 9 2024 18:07 utc | 162

There is a trap in Syria. The US, Israel, Turkey and the rest of NATO have bet on a long and expensive war for Russia, Iran and Syria. Instead the Syrian army retreated, so did the Russians and Iranians and Assad elegantly left. The Syrian government was ordered to transfer power and problems… Thus, the US and NATO have different interess on Turkey and Israel.
With the support of the Russians, Iranians and China, Assad will return to power. It’s a matter of time… The US, Turkey and Israel will have to manage the chaos, the massacre of Syrian Christians, the killing of syrian civilians, exodus population with a hostile syrian army and unpredictable Kurds

Posted by: surena | Dec 9 2024 18:09 utc | 163

Abierno@1711 Dec 9
Excellent broadly-scoped analysis of the big picture…obviously the project of a geopolitical prospector. Advise to interested parties to pay close attention.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:10 utc | 164

karlof1 | Dec 9 2024 15:34 utc | 67
*** A commentator at my substack opined that ALL western “leaders” are Zionists, particularly within the Outlaw US Empire. It’s a difficult opinion to refute.***
The self-alleged “chosen” get to choose their servant proxies.
Both regard everyone else, and everything, as mere disposable commodities.

Posted by: Cynic | Dec 9 2024 18:12 utc | 165

” This gives China more time to build its sphere of influence. It may well be the only power that has been a winner in this.
Israel is the clear winner in this. Hezbollah without Iranian support is neutered, Israel is busy destroying Syrian arms and moving into formerly Syrian lands.
Greater Israel is becoming a reality as the ethnic cleansing and genocide continue apace.

Posted by: Perimetr | Dec 9 2024 18:13 utc | 166

Paddy@1800 Dec 9
Potentially useful perspective, worth consideration.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:13 utc | 167

Imo it is Iran that betrayed first Hezbollah and second Asad. The EU has managed to protect its interests in Iran and they might have bargained with the US and Iran that Iran would not attack except through proxys. Having done that, they also betrayed Russia, but since there is more than one government in Iran, the story is not finished yet.

Posted by: Tom | Dec 9 2024 18:14 utc | 168

Humiliating defeat for Russia, Iran and China.
Agree that Syria will be chao like Lybia. But Israel/USA prefer this chaos to the now defunct Axis of Resistance.
Hezbollah will remain and will still get some weapons from Iran. But much much less than before.
Once Trump assumes throne I think Israel will consolidate its power on Syria and Lebanon.
USA boots on the ground will be needed of course.
Once Lebanon and Syria have been subjugated it will be Irans turn. They should be preparing for an all out war if they still have some self respect.

Posted by: Comandante | Dec 9 2024 18:15 utc | 169

GLOBAL WINNERS:
1] CHINA [You’d think 3/4 of DC are on China’s payroll…oh yeah, they are]
2] Nobody
WINNERS:
1] Netanyahu/Genocide/Greater-Israelistan
2] Erdagon/Genocide/Ottoman-Turkistan
3] US/3LAstan & Regime-Change-wars
GLOBAL LOSERS:
1] RUSSIA*
2] Nobody
LOSERS:
1] Palestinians
2] Syrian Good-spirited-Christians
3] Syrian, Good-spirited-Muslims
4] Iran*, Moderates of all stripes
5] US/American Citizens who wanted an end to this madness.
*Russia could reverse some it’s global loss by transferring nuclear weapons, [in quantity], to Iran and then..declaring the deed publicly after the transfer is completed and the weapons are in in place/ready-to-go. But, that would require something the Russian’s have shown themselves incapable of “big-arrow” thinking/risk-taking.

Posted by: S Brennan | Dec 9 2024 18:17 utc | 170

>>By throwing Syria (and Ukraine) into chaos the outgoing Biden administration has guaranteed that Trump will have to stay involved in the Middle East (and eastern Europe). The massive U.S. ‘Pivot to Asia’ will again have to wait.
Well I have no particular need for a larger US presence here in Asia. But is this really so? These past two weeks, it was Russia that looked overstretched–unable to do much of anything further afield because it’s tasked to capacity … clearing the Donetsk suburbs. Now setting priorities and picking your fights may be a good thing. Still, A. Mercouris also makes the point that Washington just has a much, much larger Imperial machine than anything in Moscow. As b notes, it’s not Washington that sees opportunity in Central Syria and mumbles “Slower is better, now is not the time.”
———————-
@Oui | Dec 9 2024 14:21 utc | 10
>>Massive plot twist right inside the venerable Umayyad mosque in Damascus.
>>https://x.com/RealPepeEscobar/status/1866058339282567501
>>The NATO/Israeli-Turk Head-Chopping Army are now promising the Palestinians they are coming to liberate Gaza and Jerusalem.
I’m reminded of that scene from Timbuktu, where the jihadists enter the mosque and the elderly imam says “You are bringing guns into the house of God? This is not right. Jihad you say? We’re already doing jihad–through prayer. Now if you’d please go outside and stop making noise…”
Hm; didn’t the past two weeks show that it’s … premature to take Pepe’s word on anything at face value? Seeing is believing; only slightly more likely than true peace settling in.

Posted by: Ma Laoshi | Dec 9 2024 18:18 utc | 171

Cynic@1812 Dec 9
With the ruling Sanhedrin’s Zioni$t policy of blackmail and bribery having enjoyed immense success amongst the ladder-climbers in he Collective Wa$te; there can be little doubt that (1. control over the central banking $cheme, they have plenty of funds to buy off all those “statesmen” who primarily enter the arena for personal advancement and galloping greed. In the second instance, we have the “shining” example of Epsteinization.
$lam Dunks for several baskets. However, Geopolitics is a long and arduous game and not all contingency plans can be envisioned before the final acts.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:18 utc | 172

“Never reinforce weakness.”
Napoleon
Putin, Iran are just following this simple but essential principle by abandoning Syria at this time.

Posted by: canuck | Dec 9 2024 18:20 utc | 173

Canuck@1706 Dec 9
Dude! You’re on a roll. The historical resonance of the collapse of the Spanish Empire is most astutely interjected into the field of comprehension on a mega-geopolitical basis. Yes, more and more of the astute commenters are coming to the perspective of Izzy Overreach. The ultimate outcome looms prospectively.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:25 utc | 174

paddy | Dec 9 2024 18:00 utc | 160
Contrary to what you write, Russia’s naval presence in the Mediterranean is important to it due to events in Africa overlapping with the changes in its relationship with Syria over the past few years.
So this has led to Russia’s presence in Latakia morphing from the tactical keeping an eye on NATO of the 2016 to 2020 period, to being a supply and transit sea/air interchange base conveniently located to support their growing strategic role in Africa. As this doesn’t affect Erdogan it is plausible that, for a couple of brownie points with Putin, Erdogan could encourage the new Western Syria Government to support it, especially if it could provide some economic benefit to the locals, or put more crudely, cash for local leaders/warlords, a very longstanding local tradition.

Posted by: JohninMK | Dec 9 2024 18:26 utc | 175

If U.S./Israel establishes a land corridor from the Mediterranean Sea to Kurds in north-east Syria, this will signify the start of a major, long-term operation:

  1. Syrian Kurds will declare their own state (“the first Kurdish state, finally!”).
  2. Similar disintegration processes will be launched in Iraq (now that they will have an alternative supply route from the west), Iraqi Kurds will declare their own state, then unite with Syrian Kurds.
  3. War against Iran will be launched on the pretext of liberating Kurds of western Iran (the fact that the majority of Kurds live in Turkey will be silenced in media).
  4. Turkey: I have no idea what they will do.

Of course, it won’t be just about Kurds: as Kurds secede from countries of the region, other divisions will be enforced (Sunni/Shiite in Iraq, Sunni/Alawi/Druze in Syria). But Kurds will be the focal point of the operation. Kurds will be the new Ukrainians. It will probably take a decade to get to point 3.

Posted by: S | Dec 9 2024 18:27 utc | 176

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Dec 9 2024 16:03 utc | 86 “I seem to recall a statement like this a few months before Iran rained down ballistic hell on Tel Aviv.”
When did that happen? After the last Iranian attack on Israel, satellite photos at the two airbase’s Iran said they had targeted, showed most of the Iranian missiles hitting empty desert. And their stated attack on Mossad Headquarters? Maybe you have some satellite photos you want to share?
After that Israel hit Iran.
Iran has the capability to hit and hurt soft targets in Israel but so far they have not done that.

Posted by: Ed4 | Dec 9 2024 18:29 utc | 177

>>Massive plot twist right inside the venerable Umayyad mosque in Damascus.
>>https://x.com/RealPepeEscobar/status/1866058339282567501
>>The NATO/Israeli-Turk Head-Chopping Army are now promising the Palestinians they are coming to liberate Gaza and Jerusalem.
_______
HTS would do no such thing even if it wanted to (and no, it doesn’t), but in my dreams HTS and the Zios would wipe each other out.

Posted by: malenkov | Dec 9 2024 18:29 utc | 178

Commandante@1815 Dec 9
Oh Please! Your ego seems to possess a solid grip on any residues of common sense. War Gaming much?

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:30 utc | 179

So it seems true.
Turkey is not in the pocket of Bibi. Or the Anglos.
Turkey is in it for Turkey and for getting the Kurds.
With a sub-quest, perhaps hidden, to go after Israel and the infidels.
Did Putin know this before-hand? Did Assad?
We condemn Erdogan before thinking this through. Perhaps Turkey is to be the true-administrator par excellence in the MENA.

We have to really think about this: what do we want as westerners for the MENA? Perpetual Shia-Sunni strife a la what the Zionists want?
Or do we want to make concessions for peace? That Iran stays hermetically-sealed, that Turkey and co. go after the Zionists? That Russia backs Turkey when the U.S. gets involved to support the Kurds and Israel?
Strange bed-fellows, indeed.

I bet even Assad saw this writing on the wall.
I would take a caliphate in the MENA. Historically, they have treated Christians far better than the Zionists, and Erdogan likes western money/tourism.

Posted by: NemesisCalling | Dec 9 2024 18:31 utc | 180

S.@1827 /Dec 9
Kurds n’ Whey too much investment, methinks. #’s 1 and 2 are not utterly improbable. Iran would be a stretch, particularly if the wiser Persians influence the regime to grant a decent dose of localized control as a strategy. If t he bullheads in the theocracy fail to go along with such a move, then perhaps your third iteration might materialize.
BTW: Do you happen to have a dog in the fight?

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:36 utc | 181

ed4@1829 Dec 9
Your closet door is wide open. Admit it, you are a Yidi$tani with a dog in the fight.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:38 utc | 182

First, apologies to the group for not proof reading last post.
Re 129 Norwegian. I would amend your statement to: No one re US/UK/IS/EU predicted the rapid take over. I would speculate that Russian intelligence read the situation very clearly; this is one reason for suggesting that Larov discussed considerably more at the recent Astana Forum in Doha than has been publicized as well as pulling in all the West Asian players to the discussion. Framing the situation around Resolution 2254 gives a formal structure for the UN to address the situation: No hope for the security council, but can expect to move to the General Assembly. Feck is correct (excellent analysis) but there are additional players beyond those currently on chessboard. Biden/Bibi and Blinkin would very much like a fulminant World War III prior to Trump’s accession to the presidency to restrict the narrative as well as range of action. The Axis of Resistence is not taking the bait…
Dune may be a meme: The governors of Arrakis were sure the desert was inhabited by only the cognitively impaired, the unwashed and the poor. Gave the Fremen an enlarged strategic opportunity. Does US/UK/NATO/IS make the same mistake?

Posted by: abierno | Dec 9 2024 18:40 utc | 183

Canuck@1706 Dec 9
Dude! You’re on a roll. The historical resonance of the collapse of the Spanish Empire is most astutely interjected into the field of comprehension on a mega-geopolitical basis. Yes, more and more of the astute commenters are coming to the perspective of Izzy Overreach. The ultimate outcome looms prospectively.
Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:25 utc | 174
Some days/weeks ago, I mentioned that a 12 year truce might be in order by the exact same reasons as the original one.
Should have happened last year if I was being picky

Posted by: Newbie | Dec 9 2024 18:40 utc | 184

NemesisCalling@1831 Dec 9
Some sense in your Neo-Ottoman projection. However, such a development would entail a level of inner wisdom to ensure that localized autonomy…as well as religious and cultural…is carefully developed and meticulously guarded.
Somehow, I cannot envision Erdogan as such an enabler.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:42 utc | 185

@Rubiconned | Dec 9 2024 14:51 utc | 33
>>John Helmer is among the numerous commentators not sharing the same optimism about Russia’s 49 year leases being honoured by the new Syrian Govt
If we combine this with
@Petri Krohn | Dec 9 2024 15:01 utc | 38
>>All news of resistance by the Syrian Arab Army was fake news. The only armed resistance to HTS was offered by the Russian Air Force.
, then the two love birds didn’t get off to the best possible start. 🙂 Then again, al-Jolani doesn’t seem the sentimental sort; not sure if Russia can offer something that interests him.
——————–
@Arch Bungle | Dec 9 2024 14:17 utc | 7
>>What the Axis of Resistance has to do is keep the Americans busy.
Wouldn’t the obvious place to start be to contest the American presence in Iraq for real this time? And yet it never happens; seems all the others still implicitly acknowledge that the Dark Throne is top dog, at least in this region. And let’s give it to the Empire, they still know whom to pay off. Who are we anyway to tell Arabs what they “have to do” in their own countries.

Posted by: Ma Laoshi | Dec 9 2024 18:51 utc | 186

spudski@1705 Dec 9
Just a little semantic uptick would be in order: Your intent may be taken wrongly by those who wonder when you post {chosen people}. They might consider you as some kinda terminally deluded “Christian” Zionist, the likes of that fat $lob in Fort Worthless Texas…or the pretty-boy in Colorado who gets oldish widows and divorcees underpants a bit wet.
Personally, I do not consider you are any of that. So my simple advise is to consider semantics, the considered usage of words in context. So next time you use the term it may be the course of wisdom to place quotation marks: “Chosen” people. Then we all can perceive that you are in touch with your higher self.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:51 utc | 187

Turk 152 | Dec 9 2024 17:28 utc | 137
*** Putin cares about his geopolitical position and the Slavs.***
Aye, and maybe his Lubavitch / Oligarch masters won’t want to wait for entire-world imperium to be imposed before getting their cult-promised 2,800 slaves each.
Slavs could serve that purpose — just like their slave-trader kidnapped antecedents did in the Ottoman empire, wherein Jews were somewhat pampered. Therefore, he cannot at present get too many killed.

Posted by: Cynic | Dec 9 2024 18:54 utc | 188

Newbie@1840 Dec 9
The pathway to achievement of higher levels of wisdom is often a long, twisting road of ascension into your higher being. Appears that your self-analysis indicates that you are stepping up that complex but rewarding pathway.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 18:54 utc | 189

Thanks to you for both this article and thread. Your perspectives of this event and its implications are as astute as today’s Bhadrakumar column at Indianpunchline:
https://www.indianpunchline.com/winners-and-losers-in-syria/
You provided the quip from General Wesley Clark. That reminded me of Hillary Clinton’s snide remark about Russia’s getting itself involved in 2017, that Syria changing over to Zionist/Emporium camp is unstoppable. She was a few years off on her prophecy, isn’t she? Bashar Assad and V. Putin are both caught napping in their kumbaya dreams for not crossing the redline of total destructions of the Empire’s remaining force along with homey play with Turkey. I guess Assad and Putin are not bad enough as those who are among their enemies, including Erdogan who are prone to ignore all human considerations to reach their goals!
Agatha Christie was fond of saying women are attracted to bad men. She was right about Hillary.

Posted by: Oriental Voice | Dec 9 2024 18:55 utc | 190

Our own karlof1 has posted a very thought provoking piece on his substack that I recommend to everyone
https://karlof1.substack.com/p/marat-khairullens-counterpoint-essay

Posted by: Tim | Dec 9 2024 18:56 utc | 191

My posting @190 was addressed to b.

Posted by: Oriental Voice | Dec 9 2024 18:56 utc | 192

Syria was ripe for regime change. The U.S. occupies the “fertile land and oil fields” needed for Syria to finance a functioning state. Assad was unable to do that. Now that Al Quada has a new caliphate, Turkey, Israel, Iran and Russia become the losers in this scenario. Turkey loses out because now the Kurds are now magnitudes stronger with a greater geographic depth than they had before. Israel loses out due to the fact that a fanatical Muslim state now directly borders it. This will not bode well for Israel, not at all. Russia loses out because it will eventually loses both the Russian port in Tartus and it’s aerospace base in H …. (lol I have no idea offhand how to spell it). Russia still has access to the Med through the Dardanelles, but that is controlled by Turkey. Iran is going to eventually be another Syria. Iran is beset by domestic unrest, and with the loss of Syria, it loses a key supply hub supporting it’s main proxy Hezbollah. While much stronger than Syria ever was, it cannot contain it’s internal divisions or external meddling forever.
Of course the biggest loser is Syria. There will be continuing strife in the country, it’s people will be terrorized. It will very likely be divided into three parts: a division for Israel in Syria’s south, one for the Kurds in Syria’s northeast and a ‘rump’ Syria of Alawites in the west. Further, Israel will (attempt to) continue it’s march to the Euphrates guaranteeing more strife in the future.
Gaza and the West Bank will be annexed by Israel in the near future. It’s adversaries have been weakened constituting now as the best time for Israel to do this. Bastards.
Does America benefit from all the crap they instigated in ME? That remains to be seen. In the short term they can thump their chest and cry victory, but that victory may well turn out to be pyrrhic. Time will tell.

Posted by: rgl | Dec 9 2024 18:58 utc | 193

@178
Al Golani may be wearing penny loafers.
Do you suppose all his leopards also changed their spots?
Is the way to Caliphate through Jerusalem or Vienna?
The Ugly American on the trail.

Posted by: paddy | Dec 9 2024 19:04 utc | 194

So,why didn’t you all who know everything predict this in another thread at the beginning of last week ?

Posted by: Fíréan | Dec 9 2024 19:04 utc | 195

abierno@1711 Dec9
“…white hot rage” amongst the Ummah in Muslim lands. Those wearing the crowns in those countries have been duly bought off by the minions of the $anhedrin ruled Moneymongers…if not by bribery, then by Epsteinian Blackmail. At the same time, those Crowned Heads are almost axiomatically suffering from nightmares about their restive populations for betraying the Gazans; the people of Al Quds; the folks on the West Bank; the Lebanese and now the people of Syria.
Some of those ruling elites in most Muslim lands, with considerable exceptions in Yemen and Malaysia; may well be assuaging their fears by means of some of the best pharmaceuticals and “illegals” which the wealthy can purchase…that Piano-Dick-Tater in Kiev being the prime exemplar. Being “comfortably numb” will not cut it when their pots boil over. Such an outcome may or may not eventuate in the near future…but it IS inevitable.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 19:07 utc | 196

There is too much binary reaction on this subject. “Winners”, “Losers” and so on. Mostly, the thing is still in play and it is far too soon to be definitive about Turkey, Iran, Russia and Israel.
It does look bad for Turkey (Glory to Kurdistan and good luck with all those refugees). Israel looks like a winner and the Palestinians look like losers but that’s not completely clear. If Shias can sacrifice for Hamas, why not the opposite -in which Sunnis/HT at least permit Hezbollah to strike Israel?
I think Russia should shoot at Israeli attacks and offer some value added infrastructure on the coast. Syria has a lot of nice Soviet weapons that need parts and repair. And there may be lease payments that HT might appreciate.

Posted by: Eighthman | Dec 9 2024 19:09 utc | 197

@176
Turkey wants Kurd suppressed!
Why would U.S. use land routes? C-17 land like C-130, US don’t need no roads!
Could anyone fund the Kurds or let them prosper, when the west want return on investment

Posted by: paddy | Dec 9 2024 19:10 utc | 198

rgl@1858 Dec 9
Your rosy outlook on behalf of the Ruling Elite will appear to be most touching by those “masters” of the Collective Wa$te. However, as Bobby Burns pointed out…”The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley and leave us naught but grief and pain for promised joy”.

Posted by: aristodemos | Dec 9 2024 19:11 utc | 199

@aristodemos #181:

if the wiser Persians influence the regime to grant a decent dose of localized control as a strategy

I initially wrote something to this effect, but then deleted it. Truth is, no matter how much autonomy Iran gives its Kurdish population, the West will just continue with stories of “brutal repression of Kurds” until the Western population accepts and even desires war against Iran.

BTW: Do you happen to have a dog in the fight?

No. I’m Russian.

Posted by: S | Dec 9 2024 19:13 utc | 200