The Kremlin Is Troubled By Reports Of An American Attack On A Russian Base In Syria

[yota691]

Paris Freezes assets of several companies against Syria's alleged chemical weapons program

- 5/18/2018 12:11:00 AM37 Number of readings

 

 

 

 

Khandan -

France on Friday froze the assets of seven entities in Syria, Lebanon and China for six months for involvement in Syria's alleged chemical weapons program, according to three court rulings published in the official newspaper. 

The decision includes freezing the assets of Al Mahrous Group (Damascus) and has branches in Dubai, Egypt, Sigmatik (Damascus), Technolab (Lebanon) and a trading company based in Guangzhou, China. 

It also includes two Syrians and one person born in 1977 in Lebanon whose nationality has not been determined. 

The verdicts signed by Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Lemerre included the names, addresses and dates of birth of the persons concerned. The assets of these entities and personalities would be frozen for six months from May 18, 2018. 

In January, France froze the assets of 25 entities and officials in Syrian, French, Lebanese and Chinese companies suspected of supporting Syria's chemical weapons program.

Among the targeted institutions are importers and distributors for metals, electronics and lighting systems, and some of these companies have no actual headquarters. 

Some 30 countries are taking part in Friday's meeting in Paris to identify mechanisms to identify and punish those responsible for chemical attacks, especially in Syria. 

The presumed chemical attack near Damascus on April 7 killed at least 40 people, according to aid agencies and led to US, French and British strikes against Syrian army positions, which denies any involvement in the attack.

[dinarham]

Syria shares a 370 mile border with Iraq . If this border is not reasonably secure  the same old thing will happen in Iraq . I have to believe that Trump and Mattis are very aware  of this . I will stick my neck out here by saying that the footage I saw of the latest nerve gas attack was  much less ,compelling compared to the footage of the first attack . Could it be that the real reason is to protect that border ? ,sending the message that the US  is resolved in clearing out isis or others who cross this border.

[yota691]

Washington plans to discuss Iran's withdrawal from Syria with Moscow

Readers

 

 

Washington plans to discuss Iran's withdrawal from Syria with Moscow

 

28-06-2018 03:12 PM

 

The Euphrates -

 

Al-Hayat newspaper quoted an undisclosed Western diplomatic source as saying that the US administration would negotiate Moscow's full withdrawal from Syria. 

The paper said the issue would be a priority for the summit to be held mid-month between US presidents Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

She said US officials knew that Russia would not pay a heavy price for Iran's survival in Syria. 

Sources of 'life' also reported that Washington is open at a later stage to the survival of President Bashar al-Assad, giving him a green light to restore all areas controlled by the opposition. 

The source revealed that the US administration and Russia are determined to strip groups in the south, such as Nasser and Khalid bin Walid of the weapon. 

Fox News reported that a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin would be held in Helsinki. 

Trump said Wednesday that the Finnish capital was a possible venue for the summit but the two countries planned to announce the date and venue of the meeting on Thursday.

[normala rashid]

everything is drama... the citizen will start a protest when the economy becomes weak and currency is worthless. The BIG SUPRISE will be coming in the last September. IMO

[yota691]

Fotil: Iran is trying to expand the area of conflict in the region and this is our position with al-Baghdadi

Readers

 

 

Fotil: Iran is trying to expand the area of conflict in the region and this is our position with al-Baghdadi

 

29-06-2018 02:29 PM

 

The Euphrates -

 

General Joseph Fotill, commander of the US Central Command, said Iran was transferring deadly aid, such as arms and ammunition, to militias in the Middle East to widen its conflict in the region.

"There is no doubt that this was one of the most destabilizing aspects of Iran's activities in the region: supporting terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, which poses a threat to others in the region," he said at a news conference. Iran has transferred deadly aid such as munitions and weapons to these groups, spreading instability and violence in the region and trying to expand the conflict instead of trying to resolve the conflict.

"We consider Iran responsible for transporting advanced missiles to areas such as northwestern Yemen, where the Houthis use them to threaten Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Arabian Peninsula. We therefore call on Iran to play a more positive role in the region and stop supporting those groups that have long supported it and spread instability across the region. This has not been useful to address the threats posed by Zahed and other organizations there, and made the region less stable and more violent than before, and the problem will continue until Iran ceases to do so. ' 
With regard to the fate of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State Organization in Iraq and the Levant or the so-called 'Fadash,' Fotil said: 'I will repeat that we did not declare that he died. "We are still focusing on him, and we will certainly take measures on him if there is an opportunity, but I can not confirm that he was killed." 
"These figures look very high, 140,000, but we are still frankly witnessing Russian activities in Syria to support the regime, so I do not have to confirm or deny," he said, referring to Russia's announcement of the withdrawal of 140,000 soldiers and 13 fighter jets from Syria. ... But I can say that we are still witnessing Russian activities to support the regime across Syria.

[yota691]

The new international deal .. Assad's survival in return for limiting the influence of Iran

Readers

 

 

The new international deal .. Assad's survival in return for limiting the influence of Iran

 

30-06-2018 01:21 PM

 

The Euphrates -

 

"The disastrous war in Syria is continuing, and there is no hope of a diplomatic end to that war," said David Ignatius, an author of the Washington Post.

Agnathios draws his opinion that "there are signs of a US-Russian-Israeli agreement, including the survival of Bashar al-Assad at the head of power, in exchange for Russian commitments to restrict and reduce the Iranian influence in Syria." 

"The Iranian presence in Syria has become the main and sole concern of Trump's administration, after the state organization was the biggest concern, which means that Trump is ready to adopt a policy that will keep Assad, the tyrannical leader who killed his people with chemical gases, Syria, part of which receives American support. " 

"Trump's policies in Syria have been volatile and have not been proven, but what is certain for him is that he did not trust the policies of his military predecessors in the Middle East, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and that he seems to be working for Spoil it '. 

In his view, the summit, which Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is preparing to hold in Finland on July 16, is likely to be a strong presence in Syria. 
"The Syria deal, whose features are beginning to appear on the ground, and whose final details will be discussed at the Finland summit, is the close cooperation between Russia and Israel in order to limit the Iranian presence. The Israelis concluded that Putin is a reliable regional partner," he said. 

According to Israeli, European and American experts, the United States and Israel will accept Assad's stay in power in exchange for concrete Russian measures to limit Iranian influence. He is to keep the Iranian-backed forces at least 80 kilometers from the borders of the occupied territories on the Golan Heights. 

He hinted that "the Israeli forces will have the right to strike a military strike on Iranian targets inside Syria without the need for a Russian permit, as long as the Russian forces will not be harmed, which is already seen for some time, where the Israeli aircraft launched several raids on the bases of the forces Iran in Syria, and also the Lebanese Hezbollah in Syria. ' 

David Ignatius referred to the deal, indicating that it will include strengthening the capabilities of the Assad army, supported by the Russian air force; to impose its control over southwestern Syria, and restore its positions on the Jordanian border. 
Even Jordan, as the writer says, prefers Assad's control over the border crossing with him; it will ensure the resumption of truck traffic, thus boosting Jordan's financial straits. 
"It seems that the Syrian opposition in the south-west of Syria will leave alone to defend itself against the Assad attack that has already begun, leading to thousands of Syrians fleeing towards the closed Jordanian border; 

The Russian military police force, according to the new undeclared deal between Russia, Israel and America, according to the writer, will patrol in areas of southwestern Syria and possibly other areas; in an attempt to stabilize these areas, while the United States will keep its troops at the base of the nose South of Syria to prevent any Iranian progress. 

"Russia and the Assad regime will also expand to areas controlled by Kurdish forces in the north-east of the country, where the Kurds are involved in US war on state regulation. US commanders hope their forces will remain in Syria for 18 months , Despite Trump's demands to quickly withdraw from Syria. 

The Syrian opposition leaders are deeply disappointed by the deal that is now forming, and one of the Syrian opposition leaders was quoted as saying that they feel American betrayal. The price of this betrayal is that it will turn Syria into the largest incubator of the jihadi movements. 

The European countries, formerly a secret and main ally in Syria, have questioned the success of the anti-Iranian plan. France and Britain have already warned of Russia's ability to limit Iranian influence on the ground, Ignatius said. 

"Trump's willingness to join this deal, and to give up hard-won US gains, is troubling many Pentagon officials, but apparently they can not do anything," he said.

[yota691]

Trump gives Putin a victory in Syria in return for curbing Iran's role

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Trump gives Putin a victory in Syria in return for curbing Iran's role

 

03-07-2018 01:23 PM

 

The Euphrates -

 

Russian and US diplomats are drafting an agreement between US leaders Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin during their upcoming summit in Helsinki that could lead to the rehabilitation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in exchange for the Russians taking on the task of phasing out Iranian influence in Syria. 

Trump sees this summit as the summit of consensus, despite heated conflicts that continue to define the dimensions of Russia's relationship with the West. Diplomats in Europe say Brussels fears "the extent of concessions that Trump seems willing to make" at the summit. 

The US president began to make the first concessions, even before the summit, to announce, according to the Kremlin, the exclusion of the discussion of Ukraine and the Crimea with Putin, a crisis that is a strategic dilemma for Europe. 

The two leaders are scheduled to meet on the outskirts of Helsinki on January 16. This will be the first full official meeting between leaders of the two countries not on the sidelines of other conferences and summits. 
A year ago, Putin and Trump met for the first time in Hamburg on the sidelines of the G-20 meeting, and a few months later briefly communicated on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Vietnam. 

The US president said on Friday he would discuss conflicts in Ukraine and Syria in a meeting with his Russian counterpart before the Kremlin denies the crisis in the Crimea. Trump said he would also raise the issue of alleged Russian interference in US elections. 

Trump insists on moving forward in the course of reversing the wishes of influential American institutions that share with other Western circles that Trump would offer Putin concessions that would restore Russia's respect, which the European countries have been treating as an enemy, especially since the attempted assassination of Russian double agent Sergei Scrippal in Britain. Last March. 

But the Syrian file remains the main focus that will reflect Trump's willingness to break away from Western political and diplomatic traditions in dealing with Russia. 

Reports from the Europeans fear that Trump could be handed over to Putin in Syria, leading to Assad's rehabilitation. 

Despite the fact that the entire Western world regards Assad as a dictator who committed crimes against his people and used chemical weapons in some of them, a change of priorities in Washington and other countries may force everyone to remain Assad if Moscow respects those priorities. 

"One of the striking aspects of the Syrian agreement is that close cooperation between Russia and Israel is behind him," says American journalist and writer David Ignatius. "As for Israel's agenda, it resembles the Trump agenda in that it focuses on standing up to Iran. As a result of the fact that Putin is a reliable regional partner in this matter. " 

John Bolton, the US national security adviser, said in an interview with CBS News on Sunday that US officials do not believe "Assad is a strategic problem." 

Bolton stressed that "the strategic problem is Iran." The talk is not only about its ongoing nuclear weapons development program, but also about its continued support for international terrorism as well as for its regular presence in the Middle East. 

Referring to Assad and Putin, the Independent newspaper reported that any agreement between the Russian and US presidents frightens many in the West and leaves them with a comfortable political situation based on portraying Moscow as an "eternal enemy" of the West. 


"It is therefore not surprising that many in the United States and some European countries are hindering the meeting of the two leaders," political analyst Marie Djeevski wrote in the Independent. 

Diplomatic sources in London revealed that Trump might accept Assad's survival according to Russian visions, in exchange for Russia taking away Iranian influence over Syria. 

These sources say that the reactions from Iran reveal Tehran's understanding of the content of this plan, which will come at the expense of its Syrian influence and its Lebanese extensions. 

Iran's reformist doctor Bahruz Benayadi said last week: "We see Assad increasing his harmony with Putin with all brazenness, not only reducing the importance of the presence of martyr martyrs in Syria, but sometimes denying it, and it is not unlikely that these political pidgin will sacrifice us. The slaughterhouse of Netanyahu and Trump. " 

The adviser to Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Khoram had earlier accused Russia of "stabbing his country twice in the back," respectively; the first in Syria, and the second when volunteered to expel them from OPEC oil exports. 

Arab diplomatic sources confirm that the battle of the Syrian south, which Russia is engaged in militarily, confirms that it is based on understandings with Jordan, Israel and the United States. 

Moscow is seeking to reassure Amman, Tel Aviv and Washington that it is capable of curbing Iran's presence and preventing it from expanding into the Jordanian-Israeli border. Moscow's ability to demonstrate that it is able to identify with US priorities on Iran is a condition of any understanding between Trump and Putin on the future of the Syrian settlement. 

The sources pointed out that reporting to Washington, the opposition in southern Syria to lift support for them is a full US settlement to facilitate the Russian mission in that region. 

But observers in Moscow doubt Russia's ability to impose a withdrawal of troops of Tehran, and doubt that Putin did so in the absence of full Western guarantees, especially European, in Syria, as in the complex file of Ukraine. 

They believe the Putin-Trump summit could resemble the Trump summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as it sets the first building blocks for the agreement without a full agreement, but it paves the way for a breakthrough that shatters the cold war clouds of recent months. 

[yota691]

Trump Summit - Putin: Opportunity to correct the situation in Syria

- 3 Hours Ago 

President Trump will have a busy agenda at his summit with Vladimir Putin on Monday. North Korea, Iran and Ukraine / Crimea, and a host of thorny bilateral issues provide little ground for Washington and Moscow to reach a common approach.

Speculation about a possible deal with Russia over Syria is continuing. However, it is necessary to be cautious because it is unlikely that any decision on the course of events in the Middle East in the coming years more than the issue of the duration of US forces in Syria. It is almost certain that any agreement offered by Putin will stop the withdrawal of US forces - which were necessary to destroy the headquarters of the jihadi jurists in Syria. After the terrible civil war in Syria for seven years, it seems to be ending inevitably, in addition to the American campaign to defeat the organization of the "Islamic state", or at least to reverse this stage.

The United States should not be mistaken that small US forces are very important to Washington's friends and enemies alike. With modest sophistication and moderate risks, these forces are of great benefit to the national security of the United States. Carefully integrated into a larger strategy, the presence of limited but effective US forces is a major obstacle to two threats - a resurgence of the "Islamic state" and Iran's efforts to use Syria as a platform to show its influence at the heart of the Arab Middle East and Israel.

America's closest allies in the region have lost faith in the Obama administration because of its apparent lack of engagement in the Middle East. Yet again, perhaps more deeply, there is widespread skepticism about the US commitment to its allies - and towards greater stability and security. Reason? The reluctance of the Trump administration in Syria and the widening gap between its rhetoric and the reality of its policy towards Iran. Re-imposing sanctions on Tehran is easy, but it will not be enough to reverse Iran's gains in battles in the Middle East thanks to the IRGC and its growing army of agents. Indeed, there are growing doubts in the region that the current US administration is not daring to complete the difficult work needed to curb Iran's destabilizing activities.

Syria is the main point of launching these efforts, especially as Tehran accelerates its campaign to build a permanent defense and intelligence architecture there. Iran's goals are directly in conflict with Israel's security, and the IDF has repeatedly taken measures to prevent Syria from becoming a platform for attacks against the Jewish state.

If Iran is left unchecked, its growing involvement in Syria will again fuel Sunni extremism in a civil war that has not yet subsided. The Assad regime's crackdown with Iran's support has had a terrible impact on Iraq, contributing to the emergence of a successor state in two countries, waves of international terrorism, attacks inside the United States and the recruitment of foreign fighters at a pace that has threatened to paralyze police and intelligence services worldwide. Washington can not risk returning those days by withdrawing US troops prematurely.

The "tomb peace" approach pursued by Moscow and Tehran will not contribute to ending Syria's suffering and sorrows - or reducing the likelihood of destabilizing Jordan, Lebanon and Europe because of the influx of refugees fleeing violence. The anarchic brutality of the Assad regime to restore southwestern Syria, with support from the Russian air force and foreign fighters provided by Iran and Hezbollah, is a terrible reminder if needed.

But this is not an inevitable result. Ironically, the United States has stronger allies and Washington has the means to confront the Iranians and their proxies in order to chart a different future for Syria. As a recent Washington Institute study shows , the United States can do this by taking the following steps:

First , to maintain a US military presence - to the required size of the mission, reinforced by a no-fly zone / mechanisms to prevent the rise of the "Islamic state" - to avoid the Iranian-backed forces supporting the faltering Assad regime and preventing Iran from building a "land bridge" to the White Sea Average.

Second , reaching an understanding with Turkey in the north would allow the United States and its allies to extend their control over 40 per cent of Syrian territory, including the richest part of the country.

Third , the targeting of banks - which provide credits to the Assad regime, Iranian support for agents in Syria and Assad's followers who facilitate Iranian investments in Syria - with the help of the Gulf allies of the United States.

Fourth , ask US partners in the Gulf to provide assistance to the north-east of Syria and promote its economic well-being. This not only provides assistance, but also creates alternative markets for oil exports and agriculture in the region.

Fifth , focus on the need to fully implement Security Council Resolution 2254, which paves the way for a political solution in Syria.

Finally , informing Moscow that the United States will support Israeli strikes against Iranian / Shiite militias in Syria, forcing the Russians (and Damascus) to choose between keeping the Assad regime in power or allowing Iran, Hezbollah and other Shiite agents to remain in Syria.

The United States' adoption of a correct strategy in Syria is essential to US national security. It does not require a large US ground force in the long term. Indeed, as in Iraq, the capabilities of US military forces must be tailored to the growing demands of Washington. But the United States must compensate for the delay, since Iran and Russia have preceded it there. Their legacy lies in Syria's devastating landscape and millions of refugees, a situation that could easily trigger a rise of violent extremists. In this context, Syria, which is chaotic and dominated by Iran, has serious repercussions on the region - and the United States - in the absence of any direct US decision to benefit from the papers held by Washington.

James Jeffrey,  Barbara A. Lev,  and Dennis Ross

Washington Institute

 

[yota691]

Dozens of Russian military personnel leave Syria

Release date: 2018/7/17 15:15 • 55 times read

{International: Euphrates News} Russian Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday, the return of 100 military police from southern Syria after the end of their duties to protect shipments of humanitarian aid.

"Military police soldiers of the southern military region have returned home after success in carrying out special missions on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic," the ministry said in a statement. 
"A total of 100 military police personnel were transferred to the Mazdok runway by military transport plane I-76." 
In March 2016, President Putin decided to withdraw most of the Russian space forces' aerospace groups to succeed in carrying out the tasks. At the same time, Russia did not relinquish its obligations to supply the Syrian government with weapons and military equipment and to train military specialists. 
The Hameimim airbase and the technical and technical supply center in Tartous remain operational. In addition, the Russian Center for Reconciliation between the Warring Parties of Syria is working.
The Russian Air Force and naval units in combat operations in Syria, along with the Syrian army, are taking part at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in parallel with Russia's efforts in the diplomatic arena. , Where Russian observers and Russian military police units are involved in maintaining security in those areas

[yota691]

US sanctions affect 5 entities and 8 individuals because of the Syrian chemical

 

 

 Twilight News    
 2 hours ago

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on eight people and five entities that helped set up a procurement network for the Syrian chemical weapons program, officials said.

The move, coordinated with France, is aimed at the procurement network of the Syrian Center for Studies and Research, which the US Treasury Department said was responsible for the development of chemical weapons.

"Syria's terrible use of chemical weapons, including attacks on innocent women and children, is still in our minds," said Sigal Mandler, assistant secretary of state for terrorism and financial intelligence.

"Today we continue our campaign to stop the attacks of Bashar Assad's fierce regime by targeting the procurement networks that supported his chemical weapons program," he said.

France recently renewed its freeze on the assets of 24 entities and individuals from the same network because of its various kinds of support for the center, according to US officials.

Among the entities targeted by the Treasury's sanctions are a company based in Lebanon called "QTR" which has operations in Syria, China, Egypt and France "because it has provided or attempted to provide financial, actual, technological or other support, goods or services to support the Syrian Center for Studies and Research" .

The sanctions also targeted Lebanese company Top Technologies, which specializes in the import and export of electronic components.

Keywords: 

[yota691]

Trump And Putin Agree "Tentatively" On A Peace Plan In Syria

 

 Last updated 17/08/2018  136 

Washington - Conscious follow-up

 

US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed in a telephone conversation on Tuesday to "initial" a peace plan in Syria, US sources said. 

[yota691]

Trump: We will stop supporting Emaar Syria and Saudi Arabia will pay it instead of us

 2018-08-19 11:40:18

US President Donald Trump described Washington's aid to Syria's reconstruction as "weak," adding that rich countries in the region must compensate the money for Washington.

"The United States will stop these meager $ 230 million in annual payments to rebuild Syria, and Saudi Arabia and other rich countries in the Middle East will start pushing instead of Washington," Trump wrote on a cloud in Twitter.

Trump said his decision was essentially aimed at "developing the United States, its forces and the countries that help it."

[KDuesing]

On 5/17/2018 at 9:16 PM, yota691 said:

Obaid said that the American program was full of contradictions and incompetence, pointing out that the "efforts" of the United States failed and did not achieve its objectives, but gave the opposite results.

What did they expect from Obama.

[jg1]

6 hours ago, yota691 said:

Trump: We will stop supporting Emaar Syria and Saudi Arabia will pay it instead of us

 2018-08-19 11:40:18

US President Donald Trump described Washington's aid to Syria's reconstruction as "weak," adding that rich countries in the region must compensate the money for Washington.

"The United States will stop these meager $ 230 million in annual payments to rebuild Syria, and Saudi Arabia and other rich countries in the Middle East will start pushing instead of Washington," Trump wrote on a cloud in Twitter.

Trump said his decision was essentially aimed at "developing the United States, its forces and the countries that help it."

Oh yes and one more thing.... We doubled our debt under the obamma administration from 10 trillion to 20, sooo we can't be giving away America s money when it's already gone. Thanks obamma.

[yota691]

America is preparing with its allies for a new attack on Syria

Posted by Agencies

 

Date: 1:09 PM, August 25

 

 

MOSCOW - There is indirect confirmation that America is preparing with its allies for a new aggressive attack on Syria, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashnikov said Saturday.

He pointed out that a US destroyer arrived in the Gulf, as the bombers prepare "B1 - B" to move from the US base in Qatar to hit targets in Syria, according to the agency «Sputnik».

He noted that the destroyer "USS Sullivan" of the US Navy equipped with 56 cruise missiles, as preparing the strategic bomber "B - 1" to move from the base of many with 24 air - to - ground missiles.

"The actions of Western countries contradict his public statements and aim to create another sharp escalation in the situation in the Middle East and the failure of the peace process in Syria," Konashinkov said. He added that the implementation of the provocative operation with the participation of British intelligence would serve as another pretext for the United States, Britain and France to carry out rocket attacks and air raids on government and economic facilities in Syria.

According to Konashinkov, eight packs of chlorine were sent and transported to a village a few kilometers from Shagur Bridge after it was handed over to the Islamic Turkestan terrorist group to represent the "chemical attack" in the city of Jisr al-Shughour in Idlib province by « The liberation of the Sham ».

He said he planned to share trained gunmen by a British private company «Olive» to represent the role of rescuing victims from the chemical attack they are preparing in Idlib, pointing out that he arrived a group of trained gunmen to the area of Jisr al-Shughour.

The United States, France and Britain launched attacks last April in Syria under the pretext of a chemical attack by Syrian forces in Douma in the eastern Ghouta.

[yota691]

Russia preempts Idleb's battle by accusing the opposition of preparing for a chemical attack

- 1 Hour Ago

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia on Saturday accused Syrian opposition factions of preparing a chemical attack in Idlib to hold Damascus responsible for it and use it as a justification for Western forces to hit government targets in Syria.

Moscow's accusation came after White House national security adviser John Bolton confirmed this week that Washington would respond "strongly" if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime used chemical weapons to restore Idlib, the last remaining province in Syria controlled by opposition factions.

 A spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry Igor Konashinkov said in a statement that the Sham Liberation Organization (former victory) "is another provocation related to the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government forces against the peaceful population of Idlib."

He added that the group sent "eight containers of chlorine" to the town of Jisr al-Shughour in order to "represent" the attack and that these containers were later transferred to a village about eight kilometers away.

According to the statement, a group of armed "trained to deal with toxic substances under the supervision of specialists from the British company Oliva Special Military" arrived in the town the day before.

"The insurgents have the task of simulating a rescue operation for the victims of the chemical attack dressed in the famous white helmets," he said, referring to the civil defense in opposition control areas.

He accused British bodies of "directly engaging" in the "provocation," which would "serve as a new justification for the United States, Britain and France to carry out air strikes against targets belonging to the Syrian government."

In April, Washington, Paris and London carried out joint strikes targeting Syrian regime positions in response to a presumed chemical attack in Duma that killed dozens.

Russia defended the Syrian regime, insisting that the attack was never more than a play by the White Helmets.

In this context, Bolton said from Jerusalem on Wednesday that Washington "is concerned about the possibility of the use of chemical weapons by Assad again."

"To avoid any exaggeration, if the Syrian regime uses chemical weapons, we will respond with all force, so they have to think about it at length" before making any move, he said.

Speculation is mounting that the Syrian government, backed by Moscow, could carry out a process to restore Idlib, one of the "scaling up" areas set up last year by talks between Russia, Turkey and Iran.

During a visit to Moscow on Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mouloud Zhaoshoglu warned that the search for a military solution in Idlib would be "catastrophic".

For his part, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the situation in Idleb "multifaceted" and called for a distinction between the opposition, whose existence is a healthy and terrorist entities.

Damascus still controls southeast Idlib, a province of strategic importance because of its proximity to Lattakia, the stronghold of the Assad family.

More than 350,000 people have been killed and millions displaced since the war broke out in Syria after the regime used violence to quell anti-peaceful protests in 2011.

The Arabs

[10 YEARS LATER]

Chemical Weapons -  let’s just double down on the Insanity that is Syria.

 

Political/ Military agendas & $$$$$ that supplies the human grist for the Mill to grind continues unabated in the Butchers Yard. . . . and the mounds of dead bodies grows still ever higher.

[ChuckFinley]

These guys are just rediculus. 

[yota691]

A US official from al-Shaddadi: We are prepared to stay here until the final elimination of the da'eef

By Rudao two hours ago

A US official from al-Shaddadi: We are prepared to stay here until the final elimination of the da'eef

Roudao - Erbil , 

said the official in the US State Department, William Rubak, during his visit on Saturday, August 25 , 2018, Shaddadi City, Hasaka province , about America 's willingness to stay in the east of the Euphrates until the elimination of the final Daesh. 

The US official's visit to al-Shaddadi came after his visit to the cities of Kubani and Manbaj under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces. 

He is also scheduled to visit areas in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour in the coming days. 

"We are ready to stay here, as President Donald Trump has said clearly to ensure the final elimination of the Islamic state," State Department official William Robak said during a visit to Baghdad. 

"We will continue to focus on the withdrawal of Iranian forces and their agents as well," he added.

Washington has repeatedly criticized Tehran and Lebanese Hezbollah's involvement in the Syrian conflict and their support for the Damascus regime. 

The visit comes as the Democratic Syrian Council, the political representative of Syria's democratic forces, began talks with the Syrian authorities to determine the fate of the lands in which they had established a central administration.

[yota691]

US Syria policy in light of appointing a new special envoy

[yota691]

5 hours ago

A US "stern" threat to Assad of chemical use in Idlib

2018-09-04T20: 54: 48Z

Trump                                                                                                                                                                                                                   The United States warned on Tuesday that the Syrian regime would respond "quickly and appropriately" if chemical weapons were used in the province of Idlib, while preparing for an imminent attack on the province, the United Nations said it could lead to a humanitarian disaster."Let's be clear," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. "Our position remains firm that if President Bashar al-Assad again chooses to use chemical weapons, the United States and its allies will respond quickly and appropriately.""In the province of Idlib, millions of innocent civilians are threatened with an imminent attack by the Assad regime, with the support of Russia and Iran," Sanders said.Earlier on Monday, US President Donald Trump warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of launching a military offensive against Idlib, saying it could lead to a "humanitarian tragedy.""Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should not rashly attack the province of Idlib ... The Russians and the Iranians will commit a grave human error if they take part in this potential humanitarian tragedy," Trump said on Twitter."Hundreds of thousands of people can be killed, do not let this happen," he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[yota691]

Putin, Erdogan and Rohani agree today in Tehran on the fate of Idlib

 

Friday, September 7

 

 

 

Alsumaria News / Baghdad  holds Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian Hassan Rowhani and Turkey 's Recep Tayyip Erdogan , three - way summit on Friday in Tehran , it is expected to decide the fate of the city of Idlib and the operations of the Syrian army to retrieve it .  A Russian military source told Russia's Kommersant newspaper that the details of the expected military operation against terrorists in Idlib province should be agreed upon by the presidents of Russia , Turkey and Iran during their meeting in Tehran on Friday.     The newspaper said that the military operation could begin in the province of Idlib last July, but was postponed because of opposition of Turkey, which has influence on the Syrian opposition forces in the province of Idlib and believes that it is necessary to continue the control of the armed opposition (Syria) on a large part of the province of Idlib .  Turkish President Erdogan promised days ago to make progress on the issue of Idleb during the Tehran summit, which brings together the presidents of Russia, Iran and Turkey.  In July, the Arab media reported that Russia, Turkey and Iran could agree on an Idlib self-determination plan that Syrian authorities would regain control of specific parts of the large Idlib, while Turkey and the armed opposition would continue to sponsor the other parts. As for the West's opposition to the military operation in Idlib, the newspaper said: "If Turkey, Russia and Iran agreed to focus the process on the" victory front "and took a single position, will not find the Western countries in front of them only turn a blind eye to the military operation in Idlib.  The president of the Iranian Shura Council, Ali Larijani, said the final solution to the situation in Idlib could be reached during the tripartite summit in Tehran.  "I hope that the summit in Tehran, in which Mr Putin is participating, will be able to reach a definitive final agreement on the events taking place in Idlib with his counterparts," the Iranian official said during a meeting with the Russian State Duma.  The Syrian city of Idlib is witnessing rapid daily developments, both in terms of operations of the Syrian army there or news related to armed terrorist groups, in addition to the conditions of civilians under the control of these groups on the city and its countryside. Media reports from inside Idlib province reported cases of terrorist and foreign leaders fleeing through the Turkish border, where Turkish border guards were smuggling terrorists.  According to these reports, after the admission of Turkey that the organization of "the Liberation of the Sham" a terrorist and withdraw the cover, Idlib the next day hit more than ten bombings targeted senior leaders in the terrorist organization throughout the province, and after Turkey failed to resolve the "victory Front" The green light of the "Nur al-Din al-Zanki movement" to liquidate "Front Nasra." For its part, considered the tenth Israeli channel, Thursday evening, that the tripartite summit scheduled in Tehran is important and historic because it will discuss the future of the Syrian city of Idlib, and the fate of "terrorists".  Israel and Russia are willing to reach an agreement that will pave the way for the surrender of the "terrorists", while Iran and Russia are running things in Syria, the channel said. They demand Turkish recognition of the legitimacy of President Bashar al-Assad, despite Erdogan's stance towards him.

[yota691]

Syrian IdlebKuwait warns of any military action in Idlib: its consequences are catastrophic © Sputnik. Basel Shartooh
ARAB WORLD
22:02 07.09.2018(Updated 22:18 07.09.2018) Copy the link1 0  0
Kuwait warned of any military action in the Syrian Idlib, and demanded the parties concerned "to abide by the agreement to reduce the escalation in Idlib."

Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Al-Jarallah said that "the situation in Idlib is different from that in Aleppo and the eastern Ghouta and Deraa Idleb, which is inhabited by nearly 3 million people, half of whom are internally displaced, according to Kuwait News Agency .

"If there is a disaster, it will be disastrous and its consequences will be dire for its people if no arrangements are reached between the parties concerned," he warned.
Al-Jarallah stressed that the suffering would be "terrible and very harsh because of the possible military confrontation in Idlib."

The Deputy Foreign Minister expressed the hope that the deliberations in Tehran will lead to results and move the file regarding efforts to contain the situation in Idlib.

And it occurred in a relatively sharp between the presidents of Russia, Turkey and Iran to discuss, on the drafting of the item on the Syrian idleb in the final statement of the trilateral summit hosted by Tehran today. He urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to use the formula of reconciliation in Idlib. "I think that if the formula of" reconciliation "is added, this will support this process," he said.

For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out that Erdogan's proposal is fair, but the warring parties are not participating in the negotiations in Tehran.

"I think that the Turkish president is right in general. This would be good, but we can not speak for them, especially in the name of the terrorists of the Fascist Front or the Da'ash (the banned organizations in Russia and a number of countries), and stop firing," Putin said. Or stop using drones and bombs. "

For his part, Iranian President Hassan Rowhani said that the agreed demand is for the terrorists to lay down their arms. Putin agreed to this formula.

"We call on all terrorists to hand over weapons and to pursue their objectives, if they exist, by peaceful means," Rowhani said.

[ChuckFinley]

Things are reaching a boiling point. 

[Butifldrm]

Putin, Erdogan and Rouhani fail to agree on Idlib ceasefire

#SyriaWar

Russian president insists Assad has the right to take northern province, while his Turkish counterpart urges calm

The three countries agreed to hold their next meeting to discuss Syria in Russia (AFP)

MEE and agencies

Friday 7 September 2018 14:56 UTC

Last update: 

Friday 7 September 2018 22:16 UTC

 

Topics: 

SyriaWar

Tags: 

Idlib, HTS, Erdogan, Putin, Rouhani

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The presidents of Turkey, Iran and Russia on Friday failed to agree on a ceasefire that would forestall a Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held Idlib province which the United Nations fears could cause a humanitarian catastrophe involving tens of thousands of civilians.

Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russia's Vladimir Putin and Iran's Hassan Rouhani, meeting in Tehran for a summit of key foreign players in Syria's war, agreed in a final statement that there could be no military solution to the conflict and it could only end through a negotiated political process.

The Turkish leader said he feared a massacre and Turkey could not accommodate any more refugees flooding over its border.

Damascus has every right to take back all its territory, Russian President Vladimir Putin has told his Iranian and Turkish counterparts.

"The legitimate Syrian government has a right and must eventually take under control of all its national territory," Putin told Erdogan and Rouhani.

The Russian president also said he opposed a ceasefire because the Nusra Front and Islamic State (IS) groups located in Idlib were not part of peace talks.

However, Putin appeared to raise the possibility of peace talks with certain groups.

"We have discussed concrete measures regarding a phased stabilisation in the Idlib de-escalation zone, which stipulate... a possibility of making peace for those ready for dialogue," Putin said.

 

Meanwhile, the Iranian president appeared to back operations against rebel fighters but warned against harming civilians.

Fighting terrorism in Idlib is an unavoidable part of the mission of restoring peace and stability to Syria

- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

"Fighting terrorism in Idlib is an unavoidable part of the mission of restoring peace and stability to Syria," Rouhani told his Russian and Turkish counterparts.

"But this battle must not cause civilians to suffer or lead to a scorched-earth policy."

The three countries agreed to hold their next meeting on Syria in Russia.

Humanitarian disaster

Idlib currently hosts about three million people, including one million children, according to the United Nations, and the expected government plans for an assault on the province have raised fears of a humanitarian disaster.

Over half of the civilians have already been displaced at least once from elsewhere in the country and have nowhere left to go.

Many anti-government groups have fled to Idlib as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has gradually reasserted control over large parts of the country, and the province is the last stronghold for al-Qaeda affiliate Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

There are believed to be up to 30,000 fighters from mutiple armed groups in the province.

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Fear and flight in Idlib as prospect of offensive hangs over new school year

As the conflict approaches its endgame, Iran, Turkey and Russia are seeking to safeguard their own interests after investing heavily militarily and diplomatically in Syria.

Turkish officials told Middle East Eye that Ankara plans to resettle around three million Syrian refugees currently in Turkey to northwest Syria, between Afrin and Jarabulus, which Turkey and the opposition groups it backs currently control after Turkish military operations there.

Ankara fears that if Assad takes back Idlib, all the armed groups and refugees will be taken to that same area, ending Turkey's resettlement plans and creating a potential humanitarian disaster.

If Idlib falls to the government, Ankara also fears possible attempts by Assad and Russia to take Afrin and Jarabulus back.

A Turkish diplomat, who spoke to MEE on condition of anonymity when Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov was in Ankara last month, said: "They [Ankara] don't believe Russia will stop after Idlib, but it will fight against large and small opposition groups that are left.

"They believe the war won't be finished before Russia and the regime hunt all of them down."

Turkish proposal

As a result of its concerns, Turkey was expected to propose at Friday's summit that it conduct a military operation in Idlib itself, according to several Syrian opposition sources on the ground and Turkish security sources who have already started preparations in the province.

As part of the plan, Turkey has added HTS to its list of designated terrorist groups and deployed troops to its border near Idlib, as well as sending reinforcements to its monitoring posts in the province.

Turkey has established 12 monitoring posts in Idlib, since the province was designated as a de-escalation zone by Turkey, Russia and Iran. Russia has ten posts and Iran seven.

According to security sources, each of Turkey's monitoring posts has a battalion of around 100 soldiers and has been strengthened in recent weeks.

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting in Tehran (Reuters)

Turkey plans to unite all armed opposition groups acceptable to Russia against the groups Moscow and Tehran consider "terrorists" and to conduct operations against HTS bases in the province.

Atme Camp, the biggest refugee camp in Idlib, on the border with Turkey, is currently controlled by HTS. Ankara's plan includes "clearing" the camp of the group.

Turkey, Iran and Russia would be able to keep the monitoring posts and the two main roads from Aleppo to Damascus and from Aleppo to Latakia would be left open.

A guarantee would be given to Russia and Iran that the roads will be open to the government and they will be protected by Turks. The security of Russia's Hmeimem air base in Latakia province would also be guaranteed by Turkey.

In the event of the Turkish military plan being rejected by Iran and Russia, a back-up plan will see Ankara seek a buffer zone for armed groups to move to, and also guarantees for the security and immunity of the groups who decide to leave their arms and stay in Idlib.

It was unclear on Friday, to what extent, if any, Russia and Iran had accepted any of the Turkish proposals during the summit talks.

'Air strikes continue'

The summit took place as air strikes hit parts of Idlib province on Friday, according to a UK-based activist group. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said several air strikes hit the southern Idlib countryside in the morning, breaking an overnight period of calm.

Among them were positions of the HTS and Ahrar al-Sham groups, the Observatory said. They destroyed one Ahrar al-Sham post, killing one of its fighters and wounding 14 others in the area of Hobait, it said.

Air strikes hit Idlib province 7 September, 2018. (AFP)

A shepherd was also killed and four other people wounded in the bombardment, the Observatory said, although it was not immediately clear if they were fighters or civilians.

"The aim was to destroy rebel fortifications," said Observatory head Rami Abdurrahman.

Russian warplanes then carried out a second wave of strikes on the same target, preventing rescue workers from extracting victims from the rubble, he said.

Iranian and Russian support for Assad has shored up the Damascus regime, allowing it to regain the upper hand in the seven-year civil war which has claimed some 400,000 lives since 2011.

Additional reporting by Ece Goksedef in Ankara

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/putin-says-assad-has-right-take-back-idlib-erdogan-calls-ceasefire-648726014