National Council of Syria

LINES OF COMMUNICATION

2012-02-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Free Syrian Army, Feb 13, 2012
Material Supply Routes for the Resistance
AMMAN--Al Qaeda has now vowed to join the fight against the Syrian dictator, Bashar Assad. The Arab League has announced it will support the opposition and urged it to unite into an organized front.

Currently, that resistance boils down to the National Council of Syria, other ad-hoc opposition groups and the loosely defined "Free Syrian Army", a hodgepodge of defectors, deserters, volunteers under a loose command with headquarters in a refugee camp in Turkey.

Several tactical considerations need to be examined.

First, there a a number of Arab League member states that have opted out of the initial Syrian missions; Iraq and Lebanon in particular.
Second, Turkey is in NATO and not in the Arab League.
Contiguous borders dictate the supply lines that are available to assist the resistance in its field operations.

If this is the case, then Iraq and Lebanon might refuse to allow material assistance across its borders. Turkey would not allow it as its position in NATO might be compromised. The only other border is Jordan. Israel is out of the question completely. That leaves the Mediterranean.

This tactical problem needs to be addressed immediately.

IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ON SYRIA

2012-02-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

‘Military intervention in Syria will set off regional conflagration’

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has said that a military intervention in Syria will engulf the entire region.

“Military intervention in Syria will trigger an explosion in the entire region and is a dangerous plot for the future of the region,” Salehi told Lebanon’s Al-Manar television in an interview aired on Saturday night.

“Russian and China are aware of the Westerners’ plot for the future of the region and are acting vigilantly in the case,” he added.

Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution against Syria on Saturday.

The Iranian foreign minister also expressed dismay at the Arab League’s decision to refer the Syria case to the Security Council.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also said on Saturday that the vetoing by Russia and China of the UN resolution shows that hasty measures meant to destabilize Syria will get nowhere.
Speaking to the Persian Service of the Fars News Agency, Amir-Abdollahian said that certain Western and Arab countries are exerting pressure on Syria and are seeking to destabilize and plunge it into turmoil because the situation in the country has improved.

According to the report released by the Arab League’s mission on Syria, the situation in the country has improved, he said, adding that Assad has taken the measures necessary to implement reforms and fulfill public demands.

The Syrian nation and government will determinedly go down the path of reform and will continue opposing foreign interference, Amir-Abdollahian stated.

SYRIA: US AMBASSADOR ON THE RUN

2012-02-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

US closes embassy in Syria, pulls out diplomats

‎

Fox News - 3 hours ago

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration closed the US Embassy in Damascus on Monday and pulled all American diplomats out of violence-wracked Syria as the US ...

International: US suspends operations at Embassy in Syria‎ Day Press News
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Day Press News

US closes embassy in Syria

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Herald Sun - 7 minutes ago

THE Obama administration has closed the US Embassy in Damascus and pulled all American diplomats out of Syria. Officials say Ambassador Robert Ford and ...

US closes Syrian embassy and presses Assad to go days after UN ...

‎

Newser - 8 minutes ago

By BASSEM MROUE AP 2 minutes ago in The US closed its Syrian embassy Monday and Britain recalled its ambassador to Damascus in a dramatic escalation of

US EMBASSY SYRIA: OFFICIAL STATEMENT

2012-02-06T09:40:00.001-08:00

06 February 2012

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
February 6, 2012

STATEMENT BY VICTORIA NULAND, SPOKESPERSON

Suspending Embassy Operations in Syria

The United States has suspended operations of our Embassy in Damascus as of February 6. Ambassador Ford and all American personnel have now departed the country.

The recent surge in violence, including bombings in Damascus on December 23 and January 6, has raised serious concerns that our Embassy is not sufficiently protected from armed attack. We, along with several other diplomatic missions, conveyed our security concerns to the Syrian government but the regime failed to respond adequately.

Ambassador Ford has left Damascus but he remains the United States Ambassador to Syria and its people. As the President’s representative, he will continue his work and engagement with the Syrian people as head of our Syria team in Washington. Together with other senior U.S. officials, Ambassador Ford will maintain contacts with the Syrian opposition and continue our efforts to support the peaceful political transition which the Syrian people have so bravely sought.

As the Secretary told the Security Council on January 31, we continue to be gravely concerned by the escalation of violence in Syria caused by the regime's blatant defiance of its commitments to the action plan it agreed to with the Arab League. The deteriorating security situation that led to the suspension of our diplomatic operations makes clear once more the dangerous path Assad has chosen and the regime’s inability to fully control Syria. It also underscores the urgent need for the international community to act without delay to support the Arab League’s transition plan before the regime’s escalating violence puts a political solution out of reach and further jeopardizes regional peace and security.

HILLARY DESERTS, TO FORM COALITION ARMY

2012-02-05T13:48:00.001-08:00

Syria crisis: Hillary Clinton calls UN veto travesty'‎
BBC News - 6 hours ago
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has described as a "travesty" Russia and China's veto of a UN resolution condemning Syria's crackdown against ...
+Video: Clinton: Vetoed UN Syria Resolution 'travesty' The Associated Press
Hillary Clinton: UN Syria Resolution Veto A 'Travesty'‎ Huffington PostHillary Clinton Decries UN's Syrian 'Travesty'‎ The Atlantic WireSydney Morning Herald - The Guardian all 7898 news articles »

The Guardian
Clinton calls for 'friends of democratic Syria' to unite against ...‎
The Guardian - 6 hours ago
Hillary Clinton has called for "friends of democratic Syria" to unite against President Bashar al-Assad following China and Russia's veto of a tougher UN ...Clinton Calls for 'Immense Pressure' on Syria's Assad Following ...‎ BloombergHillary calls on 'friends of democratic Syria' to unite against ...‎ New York Daily NewsClinton Seeks Anti-Assad Coalition‎ Voice of Americaall 473 news articles »

The Guardian

HILLARY DECLARES WAR ON BASHAR

2012-02-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

National Council of Syria, Feb 05, 2012

Calls for "Friends of a Democratic Syria" Coalition
SOFIA--US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Bulgaria, "disgusted" along with the US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice, at the no-nerve method of the United Nations Security Council to strong-arm Russia and China into compliance with a resolution to ouster the Syrian dictator Bashar Assad from power, will be taking the fight to the Syrian regime herself.

She is calling upon nations to stand up in a renegade coalition to halt any and all support to the Assad regime by whatever means is at her disposal. There is no confirmation that her boss in Washington is on equal terms with the coalition arrangement. In fact, such a notion during an election year, is exactly what the Republicans in America are looking for, fractures in the US administration that would fuel foreign policy debate.

Not surprising is the outspoken approach that has of late swept across the White House team. Defense Dept. honcho Leon Panetta has his own ideas on the standown of the Afghan war, and the CIA's officers have been compromised on opinions of Israel's readiness to attack Iran.

Just exactly who will comprise this coalition remains to be seen,whether outright flagged countries or dubious entities such as the Free Syrian Army, itself called into the office on its refusal to stand down amid demands by the NCS and the US State Dept. to not provoke the brutal Assad military machine.

Nonetheless, without any guidelines from NATO, the Arab League, the European Union or the Security Council itself, any efforts by Hillary, acting alone, might prove embarrassing for the Obama team out to get the boss his job secured for the next four years.

UNSC CIRQUE DE SOLEIL

2012-02-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

National Council of Syria, Feb 05, 2012

NEW YORK--Once again the UN Security Council has brought a resolution to the table on Syria, and once again the Russians and Chinese have vetoed it.

The two permanent members have given Assad what he wants in two ways: First, the veto has allowed him and his regime to retain power. But second and as important,it keeps the world powers at odds with each other in this security council infighting circus.

This carefully orchestrated failure to come to terms with a Middle East menace comes on the heels of the Arab League's Barnum and Bailey act which proved an equally disastrous piece of statesmanship even though the crowd in the bleachers was awed by the spectacular performance.

The reviews coming in for both shows are terrible. US Secretary of State Clinton has all but thrown out the UNSC Cirque de Soleil. But for all of her fussing, she has achieved absolutely nothing but add more rhetoric to fuel the negativity of the show. Her Western counterparts, bloated on buttered popcorn and soda, add very little to improve the performances.

As for Syria, the show must go on in spite of the lowered expectations for a resolution in the international arena. In a phrase, like a circus, unfortunately for the people of Syria, it is "The Greatest Show on Earth."

NATO: THE ARGUMENT FOR INTERVENTION

2012-02-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

National Council of Syria, Feb 05, 2012

BRUSSELS--NATO's effectiveness can only be measured by its willingness to act alone to defend the Syrian population, without the support of a United Nations Security Council resolution.

Since it has not done so in the matters of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo or Libya, it is assumed there is no precedent established that allows it to act unilaterally. The problem then is to find a way to allow NATO to act without the consent of the United Nations.

It is certainly within the realm of consideration that NATO member Turkey is threatened by the destabilization currently underway in Syria. It might also be considered that UNIFIL forces in Lebanon, although not under NATO command, can be considered in a precarious position as well, which might require additional forces from NATO countries should conditions deteriorate further in Syria.

Western nations would have no other alternative but to defend their interests in the region, which include military positions. In spite of all the condemnations and accusations by Russia and China, neither is in a position either from a military standpoint, or even a diplomatic one, to prevent military intervention by NATO in Syria.

The Syrian defense forces, despite the recent shows of force in so-called war-games, would be no match for the West and the sooner Western military objectives are exercised in the region, the less time Syria and its alleged allies will have to respond.

One other item: Iran's increased hostility and threats concerning the Strait of Hormuz, its willingness to boast about involvement in war in the Middle East, serves the West well in finding the necessary rationalization to stabilize whatever and wherever it can in the region.

1999: NATO AND KOSOVO: UNILATERAL ACTION

2012-02-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

National Council of Syria, Feb 05, 2012
Kosovo War in Retrospect:

BELGRADE--From mid-March to early June, 1999, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) launched an air campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia aimed at suppression of ethnic cleansing activities against Albanians in Kosovo.
The instigators were a shadow group of armed insurrectionists known as the "Kosovo Liberation Army", the KLA.

The justification for the aerial bombardment of the Yugoslav army originated in a dubious call-to-arms known as the "Rambouillet Accord" signed in Paris by the KLA, the United States and others but remained unsigned by the Yugoslavian president, Slobodan Milosevic. Here is what Peter Schwarz reported on February 26, 1999:

"The Rambouillet conference came about as a result of military threats. On January 15, massacre victims were discovered in the Kosovan village of Racak. NATO threatened the conflicting parties with air attacks if they did not attend the negotiations starting February 6, and reach a settlement by February 20. During the talks, the military pressure was increased. Some 430 aircraft were placed on combat alert, including German Tornadoes, American Stealth bombers and B-52s; a flotilla of warships armed with cruise missiles stood off the Yugoslavian coast.

"Russia was strictly opposed to any military intervention and made clear that it would regard any attack by NATO as a serious affront directed against its own interests. The Russian Foreign Minister even warned that an attack on Serbia could lead to a 'Vietnam in the Balkans'."

Certainly, the Kosovo War did not implode into the quagmire Russia had hoped for but, following the NATO bombing campaign, it actually committed to the effort when the United Nations signed on in June with Resolution 1244.

In review, NATO had indeed acted unilaterally without approval of the UN Security Council and the end justified the means, as witnessed today as Kosovo is under the United Nations mandate "United Nations Mission in Kosovo",or UNMIK.

TUNISIA BOOTS SYRIAN AMBASSADOR

2012-02-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

Tunisia "to withdraw recognition" of Syria gov't‎
NewsDay - 2 hours ago
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AFP
Cut ties with Syria, urges Tunisia PM‎
AFP - 3 hours ago
MUNICH, Germany — Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali called Sunday on all countries to cut off diplomatic relations with Syria over the violence there.Tunisian Baath Party Condemns Tunisian President's Decision to ...‎ Tunisia LiveTunisian prime minister urges all countries to cut ties with ...‎ Al-ArabiyaTunisian PM Calls on Other Nations to Expel Syrian Ambassadors‎ CRIENGLISH.comHerald Sun all 34 news articles »

EMBASSIES UNDER SIEGE!!

2012-02-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

Protesters storm seven Syrian embassies

Sydney Morning Herald - 4 hours ago

AP Demonstrators have stormed seven Syrian embassies in Australia, Europe and the Middle East over the reported killing of than 200 people by Syrian forces ...

Video: Angry activists attack Syrian embassy in London

AFP

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NEWS.com.au

Dissidents storm Syrian embassy in Berlin

The Local.de - 17 hours ago

A group of Syrian dissidents vandalised the Syrian embassy in Berlin on Friday, destroying furniture and defacing pictures of President Bashar al-Assad.

International: Syrian Embassy in Berlin attacked The Voice of Russia
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The Local.de

UNSC RESOLUTION--

2012-01-31T10:38:00.001-08:00

UN draft resolution on Syria
The Guardian - ‎3 hours ago‎
The security council, pp1 Recalling its presidential statement of 3 August 2011, pp2 Recalling general assembly resolution A/Res/66/176 of 19 December, as well as human rights council resolutions S/16-1, S/17-1 and S/18-1, pp3 Noting the League of Arab ...
Turtle Bay: Exclusive: Leaked Syria observers' report details failings of mission
Foreign Policy (blog) - ‎53 minutes ago‎
Still, the findings have become the focus of a diplomatic feud between Russia and the Security Council's main European powers -- which are set to debate taking more forceful position on Syria today. On Monday, Jan. 30, Russia's deputy foreign minister, ...

New Syria Draft With Track Changes Shows Impact of Observers Leaving
Inner City Press - ‎1 hour ago‎
In the run up to the arrival of ministers at the UN for today's Security Council meeting on Syria, on Monday night the 15 Council members met until 9 pm at what's called the experts' level. Inner City Press staked-out the meeting and exclusively ...
A Look at the Arab League
Voice of America (blog) - ‎1 hour ago‎
-The League of Arab States, or Arab League, is an association of 22 Arab states, based in Cairo. -It was founded on March 22, 1945 in Cairo, with the aim of strengthening the relationships between member states through political, cultural and economic ...
Lahoud Denounces Enemies of Arab Nation, some Arabs who Run to ...
Syrian Arab News Agency - ‎5 hours ago‎
BEIRUT, (SANA) – Former Lebanese President, Emil Lahoud, denounced on Tuesday the endeavor of the enemies of the Arab Nation and some Arabs and the Secretary-General of the Arab League who run to internationalize the crisis in Syria, stressing that ...

DOING BATTLE IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL

2012-01-30T17:33:00.001-08:00

Russia says Syria willing to talk, but clashes continue‎
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Indian Express - 1 minute ago
Russia, a UN Security Council member and one of Syria's few allies, said Assad's government had agreed to talks in Moscow to end the Syrian crisis, ...
'Syria will foil Western efforts to sow chaos'‎
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Jerusalem Post - 10 minutes ago
By REUTERS 01/31/2012 03:22 Forces retake Damascus suburbs as Syria dismisses ... are seeking a UN Security Council resolution calling for him to go.
Syria forces retake Damascus suburbs; showdown at UN‎
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Reuters - 16 minutes ago
Events on the ground are difficult to confirm, as the Syrian government restricts most access by journalists. The Arab League wants the Security Council to ...

Globe and Mail
UN to consider call for Syrian president to step down‎
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WJXT Jacksonville - 18 minutes ago
The UN Security Council this week will take up a draft resolution proposed by Morocco that calls on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down and ...

Globe and Mail
Living in hell: the battle for Damascus‎
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The Australian - 18 minutes ago
Video Image Clinton heading to UN to condemn Syria THE whoosh and bang of a ... off moves at the United Nations Security Council today where the Arab League ...

Globe and Mail
Saving Syria requires Russia's cooperation‎
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Washington Post - 20 minutes ago
... plan to mount a major diplomatic offensive at the United Nations on Tuesday in the hope of breaking a deadlock in the Security Council on Syria.

RUSSIA IS UNSC BAD BOY

2012-01-30T12:04:00.001-08:00

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Russia toys with Syrian peace plan‎
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The Age - 1 minute ago
Arab League monitors are awaiting further orders in Syria, as UN prepares to take up Syria amid Russian objections. 31/01/12 Up next.
Fears abound that conflict is turning into a broader civil war‎
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gulfnews.com - 2 minutes ago
About 2000 Syrian troops backed by tanks launched an assault to retake Damascus suburbs from revolutionaries. Aleppo/Beirut: As a crowd of hundreds gathered ...
Clinton heading to UN on Tuesday to send message of support to ...‎
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Washington Post - 3 minutes ago
WASHINGTON — With the violence in Syria soaring, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday she will join the French and British foreign ...

Telegraph.co.uk
Clinton to attend UN meeting on Syria‎
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Washington Post - 4 minutes ago
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the escalation of Syrian government attacks on opposition ...
Syria Crisis: Hillary Clinton Says Violence Must End Ahead Of UN Vote‎
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Huffington Post - 4 minutes ago
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby and Qatar's prime minister are due to plead with the council to back the plan for Syrian President Bashar ...
Syrian Kurds Divided on International Intervention‎
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Naharnet - 6 minutes ago
by Naharnet Newsdesk 30 January 2012, 15:22 Representatives of Syria's Kurdish community are divided on the issue of seeking a foreign military intervention ...

Naharnet
Russia invites Syrians for talks‎
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The Hindu - 6 minutes ago
Russia has invited Syria's government and opposition leaders to Moscow for urgent talks on ending violence. The Russian Foreign Ministry said it had called ...
What Canada Can Do to Thwart Iranian Threat‎
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Huffington Post Canada (blog) - 7 minutes ago
Second, we need to do more to stop the bloodshed in Syria. ... Syria is Iran's greatest regional ally and strategic asset, and the collapse of the al-Assad ...
High Tide: From Suspending Monitors To New Vatican Rules‎
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Wall Street Journal (blog) - 7 minutes ago
(AP) Citing unabated violence despite their presence, Arab League monitors suspended their work in Syria. They were supposed to be overseeing the ...
Arab League halts observer mission‎
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Castanet.net - 7 minutes ago
9, 2012 file photo, a Syrian woman, left, speaks with an Arab league observer, right, who attends with other observers a mass prayer for the people and army ...

Castanet.net

LATEST NEWS--JAN 30, 2012

2012-01-30T10:20:00.001-08:00

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West ups pressure for UN action on Syria‎
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Jakarta Globe - 2 minutes ago
Western governments prepared to send their top diplomats to lobby for a UN resolution condemning the Syrian regime's deadly crackdown as Russia said on ...

Jakarta Globe
Syrian capital under siege as rebels clash with Assad government ...‎
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National Post - 3 minutes ago
By Khaled Yacoub Oweis Street battles raged at the gates of the Syrian capital on Monday as President Bashar al-Assad's troops sought to consolidate their ...

National Post
30 Years After The Massacre At Sabra-Shatilla Lebanese Politicians ...‎
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CounterCurrents.org - 3 minutes ago
In the US, it would not be a difficult task to find even more revolting and groveling intellectual “half-men” to borrow a phrase from Syria's beleaguered ...
SC Syria resolution must urge compromise – Moscow‎
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The Voice of Russia - 3 minutes ago
Russia believes any Security Council resolution on Syria must contain calls for the Syrians to end violence and start up a dialogue between the government ...
Two Lebanese go missing in Syria‎
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NOW LEBANON - 4 minutes ago
Two Lebanese nationals and their Syrian friend went missing in Syria after entering the strife-stricken country a week ago, AFP reported Monday.
Gatilov: Arab-Western Draft Resolution Unacceptable‎
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Syrian Arab News Agency - 4 minutes ago
... resolution submitted by the Arab League and the Western countries to the UN Security Council on Syria is unacceptable in its current form for Russia.

SECURITY COUNCIL

2012-01-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

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Assad troops fight back against Syria rebels ‎
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Reuters - 2 hours ago
Russia, a UN Security Council and one of Syria's few allies, said President Bashar al-Assad's government agreed to talks in Moscow to end the Syrian crisis, ...In-Depth: Syrian army returns to Damascus suburbs‎ BBC NewsLive Updating: Syria: Army retakes Damascus suburbs - live updates‎ The Guardian (blog)Syria Troops Fight Rebels Outside Damascus Before UN Meeting‎ San Francisco ChronicleVoice of America - Kuwait News Agency all 2820 news articles »

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Syria violence kills 37, UN Security Council to meet‎
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Reuters - 3 days ago
The UN Security Council was to meet later in the day to discuss Syria before a possible vote next week on a new Western-Arab draft resolution aimed at ...
Video: Russia rebukes Arab League over Syria Al Jazeera
In-Depth: Violence surges in Syria as UN Security Council meets‎ Washington PostBlog: Violence in Syria as UN Security Council to hold talks‎ CNN (blog)Xinhua - San Francisco Chronicle all 6464 news articles »

AFP
German foreign minister calls on Security Council to end Syria ...‎
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Deutsche Welle - 8 hours ago
"I think the latest decision of the Arab League is a good reason for other partners at the Security Council to change their own positions and not to be ...German minister urges Russia to support Arab solution in Syria‎ Bikya MasrJordan- Germany voices support for reform process‎ Middle East North Africa Financial Networkall 17 news articles »

Ammon News
Disquiet over Libyan 'win' Syria's loss‎
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The Australian - 3 hours ago
Now, 10 months later, the Security Council is paralysed over Syria, unable to agree not only on the extreme step of military force, but even on lesser ...
French diplomat: Arab League bid for Security Council resolution ...‎
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Newsday - 20 minutes ago
Click here French diplomat: Arab League bid for Security Council resolution on Syria has 10-plus backers Published: January 30, 2012 10:40 AM By The ...

EUROPEAN UNION

2012-01-30T08:10:00.000-08:00

Former European MP Kieza denounces EU sanctions against Syria‎
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Syrian Radio & TV Online - 6 hours ago
Italian journalist and former member of the European Parliament Julietto Kieza on ... acts and the sanctions imposed by the European Union against Syria, ...
EU Names Iran, Syria Sanctions Targets‎
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Wall Street Journal (blog) - 5 days ago
By Samuel Rubenfeld Though the European Union agreed on Monday to sanctions against Iran and Syria, some targets of those sanctions were not published — and ...Opinion: What to do about Syria?‎ Khaleej TimesIn-Depth: As Nations Line Up Against Syrian Government, Russia Sides Firmly ...‎ New York TimesEU tightens sanctions on Syria‎ XinhuaRT - Tehran Times all 6464 news articles »

RT
EU expands sanctions against Syria‎
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Reuters - Jan 23, 2012
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU foreign ministers tightened sanctions against Syria on Monday, adding 22 people and eight entities to a list of banned people and ...International: New EU Sanctions on Syria‎ Day Press NewsIn-Depth: Syria Rejects Arab League Plan for Unity Government Talks‎ BusinessWeekBlog: Global Briefing, Jan. 23 2012: Syria, Sendai and Sarkozy‎ TIME (blog)RTT News - Khaleej Times all 4341 news articles »

Day Press News
Syria Troops Fight Rebels Outside Damascus Before UN Meeting‎
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San Francisco Chronicle - 38 minutes ago
30 (Bloomberg) -- Syrian troops battled for control of rebel-held suburbs of ... Eleven months into the unrest, the European Union and the US have yet to ...
Video: 'Assad should tell West to go to hell' RT
International: Russia calls for more AL Observers into Syria‎ Day Press NewsIn-Depth: Arab League Suspends Syria Mission‎ WCVB-TVGlobalPost - Bloomberg all 2810 news articles »

Bloomberg
EU Says Syria Spyware Ban Covers E-Mail Probes, Remote Infection‎
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Bloomberg - Jan 19, 2012
The European Union's ban on exports of surveillance technology to Syria includes equipment that can peer into the contents of e-mail or intercept telephone ...

Day Press News
HOW SYRIA'S RULING APPARATUS BECAME ITS ALBATROSS‎
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Huffington Post (blog) - 29 minutes ago
It was strongly suggested by close top officials in the Syrian government ... The AL decision to turn to the UN with the support of the US and the EU at the ...

Christian Science Monitor

NATO UPDATES:

2012-01-30T08:01:00.000-08:00

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'The Syrian Situation Could Hardly be More Hopeless'‎
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Spiegel Online - 54 minutes ago
"Libya's revolt against Gadhafi began almost exactly one year ago and NATO intervened after just a few weeks. Syria's revolt against Assad also started ...International: UNSC prepare for Syria “Resolution”‎ Day Press NewsIn-Depth: What is the GCC up to in Syria?‎ Asia Times OnlineBlog: Russia asserting itself against West, this time over Syria regime ...‎ Washington Post (blog)World Socialist Web Site - Jerusalem Post all 2794 news articles »

Spiegel Online
Canadian trainers staying in Afghanistan until 2014: MacKay‎
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Vancouver Sun - 1 hour ago
The controversial French decision, which threatens to divide NATO over the ... in Syria or in case a war involving Iran erupts over its nuclear program.

Nanaimo Daily News
Where do Palestinians stand on Syria and intervention?‎
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Alternative Information Center (AIC) - 32 minutes ago
“I believe 99% of Palestinians are against the NATO intervention in Syria . The 50% supports the change in the Syrian regime and [hopes to see it] turn into ...

Alternative Information Center (AIC)
Syria: NATO intervention next?‎
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World War 4 Report - 4 days ago
We want NATO intervention like in Libya, and anyone in the opposition who isn't openly asking for it does not represent the citizens of Syria.Opinion: Syria merits a political solution‎ gulfnews.comIn-Depth: Putin's Russia set against regime change in Syria‎ ReutersBlog: Roundup: Gulf states quit Syria mission‎ CNN (blog)OpEdNews all 6464 news articles »

gulfnews.com
NATO deaths a blow to Iran, Syria logjam‎
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UPI.com - Jan 20, 2012
That scenario leaves little prospect of the French becoming involved with any new NATO effort to mount a Libya-style regime change in Syria or to respond ...In-Depth: Escaping Afghanistan, the graveyard of empires‎ The Japan Times10 NATO troops killed in Afghan attack, helicopter crash‎ Washington PostEditorial: Talk is Cheaper‎ St. Louis Jewish Lightall 3697 news articles »

CTV.ca
Proxy War in Syria Threatens Catastrophe for the Middle East‎
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Center for Research on Globalization - 4 hours ago
[Syrian] opposition figures held a secret meeting with Saudi and Qatar officials ... extremists that NATO admits it used to attack the Libyan government.

ARAB LEAGUE UPDATES

2012-01-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

End of Arab League observer mission to Syria opens door to renewed ...‎
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Christian Science Monitor - 2 hours ago
The Arab League's observer mission in Syria was suspended yesterday, and violence seems to be climbing once again as the United Nations attempts to take ...Opinion: Russia's Syrian Power Play‎ New York TimesIn-Depth: Arab League Suspends Syria Mission‎ WCVB-TVArab League suspends Syria mission amid violence‎ CNNReuters - Seattle Post Intelligencer all 2790 news articles »

Christian Science Monitor
Arab League chief heads to UN over Syria‎
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Reuters - 1 day ago
By Ayman Samir CAIRO (Reuters) - Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby headed to New York on Sunday hoping to win support from the UN Security Council for a ...
Video: Russia rebukes Arab League over Syria Al Jazeera
Opinion: Arab League mission in Syria sets precedent for future action‎ Boston GlobeBlog: Russia Criticizes Arab League Mission Suspension in Syria‎ Voice of America (blog)Bloomberg - Daily Democrat all 6464 news articles »

CTV.ca
Arab League delegation to Iraq to prepare for summit‎
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Al-Masry Al-Youm - 6 hours ago
An Arab League delegation left for Baghdad Monday on a four-day visit to prepare for the league's 23rd summit, which the Iraqi capital will host in late ...International: AL's ass't SG in Baghdad to discuss Arab Summit‎ Aswat Al IraqArab League official arrives in Baghdad‎ Kuwait News AgencyArab League Meeting to Discuss Exploratory Talks Re-Scheduled ...‎ WAFA - Palestine News Agencyall 6 news articles »
France's Juppe to push Arab League plan at UN‎
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Ynetnews - 2 hours ago
France's Foreign Minister Alain Juppe will address the UN Security Council in New York on Tuesday in an effort to push through an Arab League resolution for ...
French diplomat: Arab League bid for Security Council resolution ...‎
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Newsday - 3 minutes ago
Click here French diplomat: Arab League bid for Security Council resolution on Syria has 10-plus backers Published: January 30, 2012 10:40 AM By The ...
German foreign minister calls on Security Council to end Syria ...‎
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Deutsche Welle - 7 hours ago
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Sunday supported the Arab League's decision to withdraw its monitors from Syria, implicitly urging China and ...German minister urges Russia to support Arab solution in Syria‎ Bikya Masrall 17 news articles »

MOSCOW TALKS

2012-01-30T07:40:00.001-08:00

Russia Says Syrian Govt Agrees to Moscow Talks With Opposition
Voice of America - ‎10 minutes ago‎
January 30, 2012 Russia Says Syrian Govt Agrees to Moscow Talks With Opposition VOA News Russia says the Syrian government has agreed to send a delegation to Moscow for proposed talks with Syrian opposition activists on resolving the Arab nation's ...
Syria army digs in after retaking Damascus suburbs
The Guardian - ‎11 minutes ago‎
Syrian forces remain heavily deployed in parts of Damascus that were controlled by rebel forces over the weekend after launching a counterattack to reinforce the increasingly vulnerable capital. Opposition groups, spearheaded by the irregular forces of ...
Syria troops push back in fight on Damascus edges
The Associated Press - ‎45 minutes ago‎
BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian forces heavily shelled the restive city of Homs on Monday and troops pushed back dissident troops from some suburbs on the outskirts of Damascus in an offensive trying to regain control of the capital's eastern doorstep, ...
Ministers Seek UN Resolution on Syria
TIME - ‎46 minutes ago‎
By AP / DAVID STRINGER and JAMEY KEATEN Monday, Jan. 30, 2012 (LONDON) — British and French foreign ministers are heading to New York on Monday to bolster Arab League efforts to press for a United Nations resolution aimed at halting Syria's violent ...
Assad troops fight back against Syria rebels
Reuters - ‎2 hours ago‎
By Khaled Yacoub Oweis AMMAN (Reuters) - Street battles raged at the gates of the Syrian capital on Monday as President Bashar al-Assad's troops sought to consolidate their grip on suburbs that rebel fighters had taken only a few miles from the ...
UN to consider call for Assad to step down
CNN - ‎1 hour ago‎
By the CNN Wire Staff United Nations (CNN) -- The UN Security Council will take up a draft resolution this week that calls on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down and transfer power. The move follows news that the Arab League suspended a ...
Britain warns Russia not to block UN effort over Syria
Telegraph.co.uk - ‎1 hour ago‎
Downing Street warned Russia on Monday not to block efforts at the United Nations to bring a peaceful resolution to unrest in Syria. Foreign Secretary William Hague was on Monday flying to New York to lend Britain's support to an Arab-backed draft ...
Syria opposition member says no talks with government
Reuters - ‎1 hour ago‎
CAIRO (Reuters) - A senior member of the Syrian opposition said Monday that the Syrian National Council had not received any formal invitation to attend talks with Syria's authorities in Russia, and would decline if one arrived.
Syrian authorities agree to Moscow talks: Russia
Reuters - ‎1 hour ago‎
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Syrian authorities have agreed to take part in talks in Moscow mediated by Russia, and Russia hopes the Syrian opposition will also agree take part, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Syrian army returns to Damascus suburbs
BBC News - ‎2 hours ago‎
The Syrian army has regained control of some Damascus suburbs recently held by rebel forces, reports say. Huge deployments of troops and tanks were used, and the suburb of Saqba is still under bombardment, activists say. Opposition groups say six ...

syria updates: jan 30, 2012

2012-01-29T19:51:00.000-08:00

Syria Targets Rebels Based in Suburbs of Damascus‎
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New York Times - 1 hour ago
DAMASCUS, Syria — Facing a growing threat on the doorstep of its capital city, the Syrian government struck out at its opponents in the rebellious eastern ...
Video: Arab League suspends Syria mission Al Jazeera
Blog: Syrian Troops Defend Damascus, Storm Sububs‎ Voice of America (blog)Syrian army cracks down on protests in Damascus suburbs‎ Los Angeles TimesFox News - Washington Post all 1362 news articles »

Los Angeles Times
Syrian army launches offensive near Damascus‎
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Times of India - 14 hours ago
BEIRUT: The Syrian military launched an offensive to regain control of suburbs on the eastern edge of Damascus on Sunday, storming neighborhoods and ...
Video: Russia rebukes Arab League over Syria Al Jazeera
Opinion: Arab League mission in Syria sets precedent for future action‎ Boston GlobeIn-Depth: Arab League Suspends Syrian Mission‎ BloombergReuters all 6464 news articles »

CTV.ca
Hamas Leader Takes Rare Trip to Jordan as Group Distances Itself ...‎
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New York Times - 33 minutes ago
Hamas, likewise, is eager to distance itself from the increasingly bloodstained government of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, but does not want to ...International: Hamas quietly left Syria‎ Day Press NewsJordan signals thaw with Hamas as group appears ready to leave Syria‎ Minneapolis Star TribuneHamas leader Khaled Meshaal returns for Jordan visit‎ BBC NewsJerusalem Post - News24 all 248 news articles »

Day Press News
Syria accuses activists of Cairo embassy attack‎
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Boston Globe - 2 hours ago
By Aya Batrawy AP A Syrian embassy employee peeked out after the facility in Cairo was stormed late Friday. CAIRO - Syria's ambassador to Egypt has ...Blog: Protesters Storm Syria's Embassy in Cairo‎ New York Times (blog)Syrian ambassador to Egypt accuses Gulf-backed opposition ...‎ Washington Postall 168 news articles »

Boston Globe
Syria uprising: Religion overshadowing the democratic push‎
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Christian Science Monitor - 8 hours ago
The fighting in Syria risks being defined less as a popular uprising against a secular democracy and more as an armed sectarian conflict.
Video: Fighting intensifies in Syrian city of Homs TelegraphTV
Demonstrations erupt in Syria's 2nd city, 10 killed‎ ReutersSyria Uprising: Children In Body Bags Reportedly Photographed In ...‎ Huffington PostGlobalPost all 41 news articles »

FRANCE: THE ECONOMY AND SARKOZY

2012-01-29T17:04:00.001-08:00

Benghazi Post, Jan 30, 2012
French Prez on the Economy

PARIS (Reprinted from Reuters)--Sarkozy, who is running far behind Socialist challenger Francois Hollande in opinion polls for the election, said he would raise the VAT rate to 21.2 percent from 19.6 percent from October to fund a reduction in social charges on companies.

The move, which Sarkozy first alluded to in a New Year's speech, is aimed at narrowing a competitiveness gap with Germany that is weighing on French growth, but it risks angering voters.

Among other measures, Sarkozy said he would set up an industrial investment bank in February with a billion euros in capital that will lend to small and medium-sized businesses struggling to obtain financing in today's climate.

He also said companies with more than 250 employees would be obliged to take on interns to the level of 5 percent of total staff, as a way of helping reduce chronic youth unemployment.

Sarkozy said he had a duty as president to hold off announcing his re-election bid until as late as possible.

Yet his interview, broadcast live across eight TV channels, seemed timed to respond to a series of TV appearances and speeches last week by Hollande, who is campaigning at full throttle for the two-round election on April 22 and May 6.

"We have to protect employment, we have to defend it, value it," said Sarkozy, who has thrown his focus onto growth and jobs since it became clear late last year that his deficit-cutting efforts could not save France from a credit rating downgrade.

"I am convinced this decision will save jobs and that it's the only credible way to stop outsourcing," he said of his so-called "Social VAT" plan to ease firms' social contributions.

Sarkozy, who turned 57 on Saturday, said a financial transaction tax he is planning for August would set a tax of 0.1 percent on transactions in French securities.

He gave no detail on the tax, which France wants to be adopted across the European Union, but a government source later said it would target shares, not bonds, and could raise a billion euros annually.

Separately, Sarkozy announced a rise in taxes on individuals' financial income such as interest and dividends.

UPS AND DOWNS

Sarkozy has worked hard in recent months to present a more austere and presidential demeanor following criticism of his informal and sometimes brash manner, and he stuck to a highly technical discourse on Sunday. He referred frequently to Germany as an economic model that France should be copying.

Setting the stage for what aides say will be an "honest" campaign that admits past mistakes yet seeks to show he is the safest pair of hands to steer France out of economic gloom, Sarkozy sounded a note of humility about his years in office.

"I accept the criticism," he said, adding that there had been "ups and downs" and things he regretted.

Opinion polls show Sarkozy could lose a runoff against Hollande by 10 percentage points, and some in his UMP party believe he is suffering from his decision to leave launching his campaign until close to a March 16 deadline.

Hollande put in an able performance last week in a TV debate against Alain Juppe, Sarkozy's foreign minister and one of the most talented politicians in his team, and he also unveiled a weighty and fiscally responsible economic plan.

In an attempt at one-upmanship, Sarkozy said France's public deficit for 2011 could come in as low as 5.4 or 5.3 percent of gross domestic product, well below a target of 5.7 percent.

Yet illustrating the economic challenge ahead, the source said that the government will soon revise down its 1.0 percent forecast for 2012 growth.

Both Hollande and Sarkozy are seizing on the euro zone crisis and what many fear is a descent into recession in France as their key focus for the 2012 election.

While Hollande blames France's woes on more than a decade of conservative leadership, Sarkozy is playing on his experience next to a man who has never been a government minister.

An Ifop poll published on Sunday showed, however, that many see Hollande as the best candidate to tackle debt reduction and unemployment, which is running at a more than 12-year high.

The poll found 46 percent of respondents trusted Hollande most to fight unemployment, versus 22 percent for Sarkozy, and 34 percent chose Hollande as the best to handle the public debt, versus 32 percent for Sarkozy.

Underlining a belief that Hollande could defeat Sarkozy, Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party said on Saturday that the German Chancellor plans to actively back Sarkozy in his campaign by making joint appearances with him.

2012: ROMNEY ROASTS PORK IN FLORIDA

2012-01-29T16:41:00.001-08:00

27th Marines, Jan 29, 2012
Mitt Serves Up Roast Pig

HIALEAH--Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney received a warm, Cuban-American welcome -- complete with the requisite lechón -- Sunday afternoon in Hialeah, Miami-Dade County's most heavily Hispanic, Republican stronghold.
Speaking to a crowd of a couple hundred outside Casa Marin, a traditional Hialeah political spot, Romney spoke about his love for his family, the military, freedom and the United States, repeating important themes for older, Cuban-American voters that form the base of Miami-Dade's Hispanic Republican electorate.
"Gifts to people who are fundamentally evil are always accepted and never returned," Romney said, criticizing President Barack Obama's policy toward Cuba, which allowed for more remittances and travel to the island.
The president is full of "excuses" for the stalled economy, Romney said -- and accused his chief GOP primary rival, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, of relying on "excuses" to justify his apparently slowing momentum in Florida.
"The reason you find it hard to connect to the speaker is you know the past 15 years he's been working in Washington," Romney said. "You want someone who is not part of Washington."
Before his 10-minute speech, Romney was introduced by his wife, Ann, who spoke about the importance of family, and their youngest son, Craig, who has appeared with Romney all week, speaking Spanish to the Hispanic crowds. "My father doesn't speak Spanish," Craig Romney said in Spanish. "But he does speak the language of the economy."
After the speech, Romney stepped into the packed Casa Marin restaurant, where another hundred people or so waited. As he entered the restaurant, several older gentlemen played their guitars and sang Guantanamera.
Romney was invited to carve a slow-roasted, suckling pig -- Cuban lechón -- which he did, with a knife and tongs. He posed for photos next to the pig and gave a bite to U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Then Romney signed autographs and worked the room, where folks could not be persuaded to remain seated. He blew a kiss to a woman who blew one at him first. Another woman carried an "Arriba con Mitt" (Up with Mitt) sign. A third woman said it was "unfair" when Romney did not come to her table.
Romney had been welcomed by a gaggle of Hialeah Republicans, including Mayor Carlos Hernandez, most city council members and former state Sen. Rudy Garcia. Also on stage with Romney: Ros-Lehtinen, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Reps. Connie Mack and Mary Bono Mack.
Lincoln Diaz-Balart told reporters before Romney's speech that Hispanics who favored Romney's rival, John McCain, in 2008 would this time cast their ballots for Romney. "People have gotten to know him. They know that he is our friend," he said. "They trust Ileana, Mario and me. They know that he is listening to us."

SYRIA: CBS NEWS--BOOTS ON THE GROUND!!

2012-01-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

Arab League Observer, Jan 14, 2012
RIDING SHOTGUN WITH THE ARAB LEAGUE:

DAMASCUS--After a 6 month wait, CBS News was granted a visa by the government of Syria. London correspondent Elizabeth Palmer, no stranger to danger, was given the assignment to accompany observers for the Arab League as they patrol the strreets looking for signs of human rights violations. The video above is the first aired by CBS.

SYRIA: RUNNING FROM DANGER

2012-01-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Des déserteurs de la mission de la Ligue arabe d'observation

Arab League Observer, Jan 12, 2012
Week of January 07, 2012:
"All present and accounted for, except:"
Anwar Malek, Algeria
Unnamed Observer #1, Sudan
Unnamed Observer #2, Iraq
Unnamed Observer #3, Iraq
Unnamed Observer #4, Iraq
Unnamed Observer #5, Iraq
Unnamed Observer #6, Iraq
Unnamed Observer #7, Iraq
Unnamed Observer #8, Iraq
Unnamed Observer #9, Kuwait
Unnamed Observer #10, Kuwait
Unnamed Observer #11, UAE
Unnamed Observer #12, UAE

THE SHAME OF ALGERIAN ANWAR MALEK

2012-01-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

Sick Bay Commando

Now Lebanon, Jan 12, 2012
DAMASCUS--Two Arab League monitors in Syria have quit, officials said on Thursday, as the head of the operation accused an Algerian observer, who resigned, of making unfounded claims about the operation.

"Two monitors have excused themselves, an Algerian and a Sudanese," Syria operations chief Adnan Khodeir said at Arab League headquarters in Cairo.

He said that the Algerian monitor quit "for health reasons," while the Sudanese "was returning to his country for personal reasons."

Malek was bedridden throughout his assignment in Homs and his accusations were unfounded.

According to Dabi, the Algerian monitor requested leave for medical treatment in Paris but departed before waiting for the green light.

SYRIA: BOOTS ON THE GROUND

2012-01-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

Arab League Observer, Jan 09, 2012
Mission Continued

CAIRO--The Arab League Observer Mission in Syria has been given the go-ahead from the League's commission to continue its investigation into the "crackdown" by Syrian forces against protest movements and street demonstrations in the nation's major cities.

Although the mission has received its fair share of criticism from the outset; first, by questioning the leadership assignment given to Sudanese General al-Dabi; second, being characterized as "toothless" by upper-echelon opposition leadership; the League feels justified to press forward with the task.

Thus far, the observers have found themselves welcomed in-country by a Damascus double-bomb blast on their arrival that killed scores of people; have been led down one-way streets to nowhere, some have reported ghost snipers peering from rooftops, others have been escorted into large opposition rallies that only served to make their jobs more difficult; and still others have been given fake stories by government shills.

Currently, the team total hovers just above 150 observers, far below the agreed 500 and if anything, everybody can agree on one thing: Nobody envies their job.

SYRIA: OBSERVERS GET GREEN LIGHT

2012-01-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

GREEN LIGHT!!
Arab League Observer, Jan 09, 2012

Mission Gets Go Ahead

CAIRO--The Arab League Observer Mission in Syria has been given the go-ahead from the League's commission to continue its investigation into the "crackdown" by Syrian forces against protest movements and street demonstrations in the nation's major cities.

Although the mission has received its fair share of criticism from the outset; first, by questioning the leadership assignment given to Sudanese General al-Dabi; second, being characterized as "toothless" by upper-echelon opposition leadership; the League feels justified to press forward with the task.

Thus far, the observers have found themselves welcomed in-country by a Damascus double-bomb blast on their arrival that killed scores of people; have been led down one-way streets to nowhere, some have reported ghost snipers peering from rooftops, others have been escorted into large opposition rallies that only served to make their jobs more difficult; and still others have been given fake stories by government shills.

Currently, the team total hovers just above 150 observers, far below the agreed 500 and if anything, everybody can agree on one thing: Nobody envies their job.

AL-DABI FILES HIS REPORT:

2012-01-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

Arab League Secretary-General Nabeel Al Arabi (centre), Sudanese General Mohammad Al Dabi (left), head of the Arab League observer mission in Syria, and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaikh Hamad Bin Jasem Al Thani, meet in Cairo on Sunday. (AFP via Gulf News)

(Republished from) Gulf News, Jan 08, 2012

"Too Early to Tell"
CAIRO--
The meeting, chaired by Qatari Prime Minister Shaikh Hamad Bin Jasem Al Thani, will discuss the monitors' first report, which will contain "pictures, maps and information of the events witnessed by the monitors on the ground", Arab League Assistant Secretary General Ahmad Bin Hilli said.

The report "assesses the situation on the ground in Syria and looks at the steps that can be taken in the coming phase", he told reporters before the meeting.

A team of Arab League monitors has been in Syria since December 26, trying to assess whether President Bashar Al Assad's regime is complying with a peace accord aimed at ending its deadly crackdown on dissent.

Critics say it has been completely outmanoeuvred by the government and has failed to make any progress towards stemming the crackdown. They have called for the mission to pull out.

General Al Dabi said it was too early to judge the mission. "This is the first time that the Arab League has carried out such a mission," he told Britain's Observer newspaper. "But it has only just started, so I have not had enough time to form a view."

SYRIA: ALEPPO ON ALERT!!

2012-01-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

No definite date given as to when the
big blast in Aleppo is supposed to happen.

ALEPPO ON ALERT!!

Al Arabiya, Jan 08, 2011

Qurabi Says City in for Big Blast

ALEPPO--Ammar Qurabi, head of the National Organization for Human Rights in Syria:

"The Syrian regime is plotting for a massive blast in the Syrian city of Aleppo, just to terrorize the people."

"Why such explosions usually take place only on Fridays and why they always target civilian neighborhoods and not military camps."

"Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal is 'part of the Iranian-Hezbollah convoy' that supports Assads regime. "

"He had talked to one of the Arab observers in Homs Anwar Malik, the Algerian journalist--the mission has failed. He talked about huge violations and told me that the main goal of the Arab mission was to be a cover for the bloodshed in Syria."

"Iran does not only support the Syrian regime, but it also provides it with weapons and technology."

SYRIA: KIDNAPPED MAPNA WORKERS 002

2011-12-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

IRNA, Dec 29, 2011
Appeal Made in Writing

TEHRAN--In a letter to United Nations Resident Coordinator Consuelo Vidal, Mapna Managing-Director Mohammad Ibrahim Mosalla said that five Iranian technicians Sajjad Amirian, Ahmad Sohrabi Kertabad, Hassan Hassani, Majid Ganbari Bidromi, Kioumars Gobadi working for Zagros industrial company, a subsidiary to Mapna, were kidnapped on their way to Jondar power plant in the Syrian province of Homs on Tuesday morning December 20.

Mosalla said that a day later another engineer Pejman Bouyeri from Parsian Post company, a contractor to Mapna and Abdul Khaleq Sahneh, Health and Safety Executive, were also kidnapped when they were looking for their colleagues.

He said that Tehran-based Mapna has been the main contractor of the project adding that the company is a reputable power plant executive which has been placed on the United Nations Vendor list.
Mosalla said that Mapna has also undertaken to implement another power plant in Tishrin.

APPEAL:

SYRIA: KIDNAPPED MAPNA WORKERS 001

2011-12-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

Tehran Times, Dec 30, 2011
Abducted Iranian Engineers Identified:

TEHRAN--Five Iranian electrical engineers and technicians were abducted on December 20 in the restive Syrian city of Homs by unknown armed gunmen. The engineers were kidnapped on their way to a power plant.

Two other Iranian engineers were also abducted in the same city a day later.

The five engineers who have been building the city's Jandar power plant for the past two years are: electrical engineer and caretaker of electrical equipment testing group Sajad Amirian; technician and the workshop caretaker Ahmad Sohrabi; technician and electrical equipment installer Hassan Hassani; technician and installer of testing equipment of electrical equipment Majid Ghanbari; and technician and electrical equipment installer Qumars Ghobadi.

The two other Iranian experts - electrical engineer Pejman Boyeri and MAPNA employee Abdolkhalegh Sahne - who were trying to clarify the destiny of the five engineers, were also kidnapped and there has been no valid report on their whereabouts.

COMPLETE ACCOUNT:

KIDNAPPED!!

2011-12-24T18:25:00.000-08:00

Naharnet, Dec 21, 2011

On Their Way To Work

HOMS-- Five Iranian technicians working on a power plant project in Syria were abducted on Tuesday by an unidentified group of people, the Iranian embassy in Damascus said Thursday.

Earlier, Iran's Mehr news agency said the kidnap took place on Wednesday.

"Unknown persons kidnapped on Tuesday morning five Iranian engineers and technicians as they were on their way to work at the Jandar power plant project in Homs," a statement said.

The embassy said it had taken "every step, in coordination with the relevant Syrian authorities, to investigate the situation of the engineers ... who are providing useful services to the Syrian people."

It demanded their "immediate release" and called on the "brotherly Syrian government to take serious and urgent steps to identify the kidnappers" and free the hostages.

Asked about the incident, the Syrian foreign ministry would say only that "an investigation is underway."

MAPNA IN SYRIA

2011-12-24T18:24:00.000-08:00

Mapna Group, April 10, 2011

Jandar Power Plant

HOMS-- Mapna (Iran) is already engaged in the construction of two power plant projects in Syria and for that purpose has set up a representative office in that country.

Abdel Halim Ghasem (Syrian ministry of electricity) stated:

Iranian companies have implemented projects or supplied equipment worth US$ 1 billion to Syria in recent years, a figure which is anticipated to exceed US$ 2 billion in the near future.

He further made reference to the construction of Teshrin power plant project in the vicinity of Damascus and the ongoing Jandar power plant project in Hames (Homs) city by Mapna and expressed the hope that this Iranian Company will be able to engage in the plan for the development of electricity and energy infrastructure in Syria as well.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

SYRIAN INVESTMENT AGENCY

2011-12-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

Now Lebanon, Dec 21, 2011

Eight Engineers Missing

HOMS--
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the people who went missing work at Jandar Power Generation Plant, near the Industrial City of Hasya in the countryside of Homs province in central Syria. In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry said the engineers were in a microbus on their way to work at the plant as communication with them was cut off.

Syrian Investment Agency, Date: (n/a)

Industrial City/Hasya

LOCATION-- The industrial city is located to the south southern of Homs city, approximately 47km away of it.The city enjoys an excellent location in the central of Syria and has direct access to the domestic, regional and international roads, where it is 110 km away from Damascus the Syrian capital.

Investors include Iran, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Palestine and Tunisia.

INVESTORS/PROJECTS:

IRAN-SYRIA JOINT VENTURES

2011-12-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

Congressional Research Service, April 28, 2011

REPORT FOR CONGRESS

By JEREMY M. SHARP

WASHINGTON-- Reliable information on the extent of Iranian economic influence in Syria is difficult to quantify.Nevertheless, there have been several reports of increased Iranian investment and trade with Syria. In the financial sector, Iran has stated its intention to establish a joint Iranian-Syrian bank,possibly involving Bank Saderat and the Commercial Bank of Syria two entities which havebeen sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department.

In the manufacturing and industrial sectors,the Iran Khodro Industrial Group has established a car assembly plant in Syria through a jointventure known as the Syrian-Iranian Motor Company (Siamco). Another joint venture, the Syrian-Iranian Vehicle Company (Siveco), assembles Iranian cars in Syria. Its chief stakeholder is the Iranian company Saipa. Iranian companies also have invested in concrete production, power generation, and urban transportation. In the energy sector, Syria, Iran, Venezuela and Malaysia jointly established a petroleum refinery in Homs, Syria. In addition, Iran and Syria reached anatural gas deal that would allow Iran to export gas to Syria via Iraq (Persian Pipeline). Despite increased Iranian investments, the overall volume of Iranian-Syrian trade remains low. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, bilateral trade may total between $160 and $400 million. Ironically, the total volume of U.S. trade with Syria exceeds that of Iran-Syria.

FULL REPORT:

RECOGNITION:

2011-12-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

TUNISIA TO RECOGNIZE COUNCIL:

Tunisia-Live, Dec 19, 2011

3-Day Sumit Ends on Positive Note

GAMMARTH-- Syrian National Council chairman, Burhan Ghalioun, announced today that the Tunisian government will officially recognize the Council. According to the chairman, Tunisian recognition will be given as a result of the Syrian National Councils reassurances to the Tunisian government regarding the authenticity of the organizations democratic intentions.

During todays session, Ghalioun clarified the Councils objectives and its vision for Syrias future. Throughout the conference Ghalioun emphasized the necessity to protect Syrian civilians while maintaining a strict policy of non-violence.

FULL REPORT:

COALITION IN TUNISIA

2011-12-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

TUNISIA SUMMIT:

Vatican Radio, Dec 17, 2011

GAMMARTH--

A coalition of groups opposed to Syrias embattled President Bashar al-Assad, calling itself the Syrian National Council, is holding its first congress in Tunisia. The umbrella group of Assad opponents chose a symbolic site for its first congress, a three-day, closed-door session that opened Friday at a hotel north of Tunis. Tunisia is credited with triggering the Arab Spring after the fall nearly a year ago of strongman Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. Official estimates say that Syrian security forces have killed more than 5,000 people since protests began in the country began nine months ago. At least 15 new deaths were reported Friday.

GAMMARTH 2011

2011-12-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

GHALIOUN @ GAMMARTH:

Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, Dec 16, 2011

Marzouki calls for committment

GAMMARTH-- President of the Republic, Mohamed Moncef Marzouki, called in his speech Friday to the participants at the first congress of the Syrian National Council (opposition) to be careful not to deviate from the path peaceful revolution "his strong point" that will mobilize more supporters in the world and increase the pressure on the regime.

Mr. Marzouki warned at the opening of this congress, which began its work Friday night in Tunis, against risks of community conflict that could lead to "a civil war costly in lives and resources," noting in this context the need to take advantage of the pressure on the regime to take root more in the street and not to demand foreign intervention.

FULL STORY:

GHALIOUN ON REGIME CHANGE: 2006

2011-12-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Shift to Democarcy

"There is no general theory for shifting to democracy; and sometimes one may bet on pushing towards democracy through strong pulsations in case there is a minimum of communication between the power elite and the people. However, when such communication is deficient as we see in several Arab countries, then talking about the step by step option is just a waste of time. Yet, it is the own nature of the democratic forces and its capacities that finally decide what would be the style of change. In the Arab world, ostensibly there is a great difficulty to push the current regimes to move towards a democratic shift even on a gradual scale. This is a cause of fear from future big social explosions which would not be necessarily a granted way to positive democratic mutations. The result may be as well more chaos and infighting. The point here must be the necessary focalisation on the build up of democratic forces in all cases and probabilities. For these forces are the guarantee for any change, whatever, as they are the guarantee against the dangers of unpredicted explosions." Burhan Ghalion,

(Hichem Karoui interview for Middle East Online, 2006)

IRAQ STUDY GROUP: SYRIA

2011-12-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

IRAQ STUDY GROUP REPORT:

US Institute of Peace, Dec 2006

Report in relation to Syria

CAPITOL HILL--(The report was chaired by James Baker and Lee Hamilton and the committee included current Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta.)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Study Group recognizes that U.S. relationships with Iran and Syria involve difficult issues that must be resolved. Diplomatic talks should be extensive and substantive, and they will require a balancing of interests. The United States has diplomatic, economic, and military disincentives available in approaches to both Iran and Syria. However, the United States should
also consider incentives to try to engage them constructively, much as it did successfully with
Libya.

Some of the possible incentives to Iran, Syria, or both include:

i. An Iraq that does not disintegrate and destabilize its neighbors and the region.

ii. The continuing role of the United States in preventing the Taliban from destabilizing
Afghanistan.

iii. Accession to international organizations, including the World Trade Organization.

iv. Prospects for enhanced diplomatic relations with the United States.

v. The prospect of a U.S. policy that emphasizes political and economic reforms instead of (as
Iran now perceives it) advocating regime change.

vi. Prospects for a real, complete, and secure peace to be negotiated between Israel and Syria,with U.S. involvement as part of a broader initiative on Arab-Israeli peace as outlined below.

IN ADDITION, THE REPORT STATED THE FOLLOWING:

RECOMMENDATION 15: Concerning Syria, some elements of that negotiated peace should be:

Syrias full adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 of August 2006, which
provides the framework for Lebanon to regain sovereign control over its territory.

Syrias full cooperation with all investigations into political assassinations in Lebanon,
especially those of Rafik Hariri and Pierre Gemayel.

A verifiable cessation of Syrian aid to Hezbollah and the use of Syrian territory for
transshipment of Iranian weapons and aid to Hezbollah. (This step would do much to solve
Israels problem with Hezbollah.)

Syrias use of its influence with Hamas and Hezbollah for the release of the captured Israeli
Defense Force soldiers.

A verifiable cessation of Syrian efforts to undermine the democratically elected government of
Lebanon.

A verifiable cessation of arms shipments from or transiting through Syria for Hamas and other
radical Palestinian groups.

A Syrian commitment to help obtain from Hamas an acknowledgment of Israels right to
exist.

Greater Syrian efforts to seal its border with Iraq.

RECOMMENDATION 16: In exchange for these actions and in the context of a full and secure
peace agreement, the Israelis should return the Golan Heights, with a U.S. security guarantee for
Israel that could include an international force on the border, including U.S. troops if requested
by both parties.

STUDY GROUP REPORT:

POWELL VS GINGRICH: 2003

2011-12-21T09:40:00.000-08:00

RHETORIC WAR

(Colin Powell seen here in a photo during his VietNam tour of duty--
photo: achievement.org)

The Free Lance-Star, , May 05, 2003

Powell Rebuts Gingrich Over Syria

By WILLIAM C. MANN, AP Writer

WASHINGTON--Secretary of State Colin Powell yesterday defended his trip to Syria against criticism from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, saying it was a necessary trip ordered by President Bush. Gingrich had called the trip ludicrous. If so, Powell said, he's calling the president ludicrous, too.

Also yesterday, defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld denied that Gingrich was speaking for him when he blasted Powell in an April 22 speech to the conservative American Enterprise Institute. In that speech, Gingrich lambasted the State Department, saying its Middle East policy "will clearly throw away all the fruits of hard won victory" in the Iraq war.

Powell returned Saturday from a trip to the region that included a three-hour meeting in Damascus with President Bashar Assad. The Georgia Republican said that to meet "with a terrorist-supporting, secret police wielding dictator is ludicrous."

Powell fired back: "He's accusing the president of a ludicrous act," he said.

"Mr. Gingrich was taking a broad swipe and a shot at the policies of the president of the United States," he said. "He was allegedly doing it because he has some dissatisfaction with the way the State Department runs. But he missed the State Department and hit the president."

"We all agreed as a team that it was in the interest of the United States, as we moved forward in this new strategic environment, to have a straight, candid conversation with the president of Syria, " Powell said.

"Now if you don't like the decision, don't blame the secretary, blame the president."

GINGRICH AND GOLAN

2011-12-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

GINGRICH AND GOLAN

Daily News, , Jan 27, 1995

House Speaker Wants U.S. Troops to Patrol.

WASHINGTON--Peace between Israel and Syria is still months off, if it ever occurs, and yet a furious fight is under way whether U.S. troops should be used to guarantee an agreement. In negotiations with Syria the Israelis are demanding that the terms of peace include a five-year phase-out of their forces on the strategic heights overlooking northern Israel and a phase-in of multi-national peacekeepers, so that U.S. troops would not appear until the peace agreement has been tested for at least three years.

During a visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin last November, President Clinton said that the issue of U.S. troops hadn't been discussed by Syria and Israel yet, but he indicated he would support their introduction.

The opposition in the U.S. is led by Frank Gaffney, an energetic former Reagan administration defense official who runs a small think tank, the Center for Security Policy. The other key center of opposition is Israel's right-wing Likud Party, formerly headed by Prime Ministers Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir and now led by the telegenic Benjamin Natenyahu. The Likud opposition campaign has picked up support from the New York Times columnists Abe Rosenthal and William Safire.

In Congress, Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, opposes a Syrian-Israeli deal and the use of U.S. troops, but last year when former Sen. Malcolm Wallop, R-Wyo., proposed an amendment barring U.S. forces, it was trounced 67-3.

Likud has quietly sent representatives to the United States to lobby members of Congress, and Natenyahu is on his way this winter. So far, however, top congressional Republicans such as House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole are believed to be amenable to the use of U.S. troops under favorable conditions.

BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY

2011-12-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

"By All Means Necessary!"

Individual and Command Responsibility for Crimes against Humanity

GENEVA--Since the beginning of anti-government protests in March 2011, Syrian security forces have
killed more than 4,000 protesters, injured many more, and arbitrarily arrested tens of
thousands across the country, subjecting many of them to torture in detention. These
abuses, extensively documented by Human Rights Watch based on statements of hundreds
of victims and witnesses, were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack
against the civilian population and thus constitute crimes against humanity.

FULL REPORT:

UNIT COMMANDERS:

HOF ON SYRIA

2011-12-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

Hof: "Assad is dead man walking"

CAPITOL HILL--House Foreign Relations Committee--The special envoy forgets his own analysis (previous post) on Iraq six years ago as he testifies to the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday. The last thing Syria needs without a civil-transition plan in place is for the government, no matter how corrupt and brutal, to implode and leave chaos and anarchy in the streets.

There is no indication yet that the external opposition group(s) are fit to govern and as Hof put it in the above essay: "'regime change' could be had quickly and at minimal cost" cannot be guaranteed at all. In Egypt, the nation is still under military control and in Libya, there is yet to emerge a bonafide government, after enduring nearly a year of bloody insurrection.

The United States needs to tread lightly on the Syrian uprising and the Foreign Affairs committee needs to reread Hof on exactly what the outcome of a rapid disposal of Assad could lead to; such as another Sunni and Kurd uprising, as in Iraq, that took years to put down.

HOF ON REGIME CHANGE

2011-12-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

Fred C. Hof on "Regime Change"

Lebanon Wire, Oct 11, 2005

Excerpts from George W. Bush and the World (2035)

By FREDERIC C. HOF

DAMASCUS--Still, underpinning principled readiness for war (with or without UN endorsement) was the belief that "regime change" could be had quickly and at minimal cost. Here the role of Iraqi exiles was critical. They assured the administration that the Iraqi people would welcome American forces as liberators and that the transition to democracy would be rapid. These assurances complemented the "transformational" initiative of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to create light, lethal and rapidly deployable expeditionary forces, for which Iraq could provide an early test. The post-Vietnam "Powell Doctrine" of employing "overwhelming force" was set aside. But public confidence in Secretary of State Colin Powell was critical to the president's efforts to persuade Congress and the public that Saddam's WMD posed a gathering threat and that war was the best course of action. In the end, American forces took Baghdad quickly, but without a stabilization plan and without enough troops to impose order.

ENDORSEMENT

2011-12-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

NCS ENDORSES OBAMA; MATTHEWS CALLS NEWT OUT

(Official White House photo)

Opposition calls for re-election of American president.

LOCATION: (Undisclosed)--The Syrian opposition has formally endorsed President Barack Obama as its candidate of choice in the next U.S. general election.

"There are several reasons for this," a spokesperson for the NCS noted from an undisclosed location on condition of anonymity.

"First, having recently watched Chris Matthews on NBC's 'Hardball' equate Republican frontrunner Newt Gingrich to a crazy Mideast dictator because of his incendiary rhetoric, made the council realize we didn't need one in the White House also."

"Certainly," the spokesperson continued, "Gingrich hasn't yet relegated anybody to 'The Dustbin of History', as Libya's ex-strongman Gadaffi was constantly doing; nor has Gingrich threatened a 'Mother of All Battles', like Hussein of Iraq."

"And, surely," the spokesperson added, "there has yet to be any mention by Gingrich of setting the Middle East on fire, like Syria's Assad; but with his finger on the nuclear button, he might just do that."

Therefore, the spokesperson affirmed, it is in the best interests of the Council to endorse the current U.S. President, Barack Obama, and "may Allah be with him next November."

NBC "Hardball" Host calls Gingrich "Crazy Mideast Dictator"

WASHINGTON-- And no wonder, considering the way the GOP frontrunner has conducted his head-on collision political style that dates back to before he became Speaker of the House.

Photo courtesy Chris Matthews show)

Consider, for instance, the 1984 HOUSE CSPAN SCANDAL that placed Gingrich squarely at odds with then Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, that in the end, drew a reprimand for O'Neill instead of Gingrich. Just one in many episodes that ultimately placed Gingrich in O'Neill's job, probably more to the credit of Reagan than Gingrich.

Was Chris Matthews justified in comparing Gingrich to Hussein, Gadaffi, or even Assad? Of the three, Assad has the coolest head, and still does for that matter. The only other one left whose sanity might be questioned along with that of Gingrich, is the Iranian Ahmadinejad; who has rejected the Holocaust as a fabrication and formed a strategic nuclear alliance with North Korea.

And if Chris Matthews didn't believe Newt would fumble the ball so "close to the goal", his guests on the Tuesday, December 13 program were certain he would.

.

CHICKENHAWK

2011-12-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

ORIGIN OF "CHICKENHAWK"

(Note: The term as recently applied appears to have been used in the following news article:)

The Telegraph-Herald, March 31, 1991

Who Should Lead (the Democrats)

By JOSEPH SPEAR, Newspaper Enterprise Association

WASHINGTON--The Democrats seem to have three basic problems:

1.) They are spooked by George Bush's popularity.

2.) They don't know how to respond to Republican charges that they are appeasement-before-country liberals,

3.) They can't make up their minds what they stand for.

(Advice): First...

Second, you should mount a counterattack to the outrageous charges of disloyalty...

Or you could opt for The Curmudgeon's choice: A campaign pointing out that the primitives who are making the charges, Rep. Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., and Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas, are craven chicken hawks who chose college over Vietnam ..

GHALIOUN @ GAMMARTH

2011-12-16T17:41:00.001-08:00

TELEGRAPH-HERALD CARTOON: 1991

2011-12-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

CLARISSA

2011-12-14T14:45:00.001-08:00

CBS "INSIDE SYRIA": REAL OR FAKE?

Is Clarissa's secret mission the real McCoy or is she a paid phony?

NCS/HQ (Undisclosed Location)--Dec 07, 2011--As seen in reports coming out of Syria all week, first about Air Force intelligence installations being attacked, then reports about Russian Yakhont missiles being "airlifted" into Syria (DEBKAFILE), the latest news exclusive comes from CBS and involves reporter Clarissa Ward.

One video of Clarissa's dangerous journey through darkened streets while blindfolded shows no indication at all she is even in Damascus, but rather a backstreet in Beirut. Soon, she is seen in a room with masked gunmen in an assortment of fatigues who present themselves as members of the Free Syrian Army. Whether they are actually connected to the Colonel operating out of a tent in a refugee camp in Hatay, Turkey, or just another band of self-styled army deserters out to "protect" the citizens from the goon squads is up to the viewer to decide.

Clarissa reports on "the growing legions of former soldiers" but could only find nine of them to pose with her on her clandestine mission.

CBS has been known to fake news reports and with the latest scandal involving Rupert Murdoch, without any way to corroborate her report, Clarissa's dangerous mission might well be considered nothing more than a put on.

.

COMMISSION//IMPLOSION:

2011-12-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

JOINT COMMISSION:

THE HATAY SUMMIT:

The France-based president of the Syrian National Council, Galioun (4th from R), the Turkey-based Syrian army defector and the leader of self-proclaimed Free Syrian Army, Col al-Asaad (2nd from L) and other Syrian dissidents hold a secretive meeting in the southern Turkish city of Hatay.

CEASE FIRE

Hurriyet, Nov 30, 2011

HATAY, Turkey--Both parties have decided that the Free Syrian Army will not organize any assault against the Syrian regime anymore, and will resort to armed resistance only for defensive reasons.
The leader of the Free Syrian Army, Col. Riad al-Asaad, has agreed that the movement in Syria will stay as civilian. [The army] will be responsible for protecting civilians during protests, SNC Executive Committee member Ahmed Ramadan, one of the attendees at the secret meeting, told the Daily News on the sidelines of the
Turkish-Arab Media Forum
in Istanbul yesterday.

HURRIYET: FULL REPORT:

(Photo: Ahmed Ramadan (R) speaks to Hürriyet Daily News reporter Ipek Yezdani. Courtesy of Hurriyet News)

CEASEFIRE IMPLOSION

SPECIAL FROM COMMAND--Depending on which source is credible, an attack on yet another AF intelligence center has been carried out, by renegade components that may or may not be attached to or detached from the Free Syrian Army.

Just days after the incommunicado high-level summit in Hatay province of Turkey between ranking elements of the National Council of Syria and the Free Syrian Army, where it was agreed that no tactical offensive ops were to be pursued, a sapper mission resulted in several casualties at the intel center.

Various reports indicate the attack was in the city of Idlib, in the province of Idlib, in the port city of Latakia and/or on the highway between the two cities.

Further details of this ceasefire breach will be forwarded as made available.

MEDIA

2011-12-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Hurriyet)

Hurriyet, Nov 30, 2011

Turkish-Arab Media Forum

ISTANBUL--The theme of the forum taking place in the Conrad Hotel was media, new opportunities and possibilities in the axis of change and continuity, with the Arab Spring influencing much of the agenda.

"It is our wish to see brotherly Arab countries change in the direction of justice and to enjoy an atmosphere of peace and tranquility instead of chaos," Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arnç said in his opening address.

HURRIYET: FULL STORY

As reported by:

Asli Sözbilir --asli.sozbilir@tdn.com.tr

COMMAND

2011-12-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

SYRIA: MILITARY COMMAND

Foreign Affairs, May 3, 2011

Will the Army Break With the Regime?

By AHED AL HENDI

(Location Undisclosed)-- Syria has four security directorates: Military Intelligence, Air Force Intelligence, State Security, and Political Security. The heads of Military Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence -- Abdulfatah Qudsiah and Jamil Hasan, respectively -- are both Alawites. Meanwhile, Ali Mamlouk, the head of State Security, and Deeb Zaitoun, head of Political Security, are both Sunni, likely appointed over Alawites to help the regime diffuse tensions with the general populace, who interact most often with the security chiefs. These four directorates operate under the umbrella of the National Security Council headed by General Hisham Ikhtiyar, who reports directly to Assad.

FULL REPORT:

ON THE RUN

2011-12-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

OUT OF SYRIA

Current Refugee Status:

Turkey: 19,000 refugees estimated. Camps established by Turkish government have allowed militias and opposition groups to organize resistance in them.

Lebanon: Est. 5,000;
Several politicians over the Eid Al-Adha week have called for the establishment of a place near the Lebanese-Syrian border to accommodate Syrians who have fled unrest in their home country. (Daily Star)

Jordan: The number of Syrian refugees in Jordan is close to 5,000, living in border towns and in the capital Amman. Most refugees have come from Deraa. King Abdullah of Jordan said this week that his country will open its doors to all refugees for humanitarian reasons.(Xinhua report)

Iraq: n/a

Israel: Syrian refugees attempting to escape and seek political asylum in Israel are expected to receive temporary shelter in Israel, Ynet reported.

STORM FRONT

2011-12-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

STORM FRONT OVER SYRIA

The cloud represents a partial list of key personnel in the most current European Union sanctions list for individuals and their respective positions. For a complete list, see:

SANCTIONS

EIB SYRIA

2011-12-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

EIB suspends all existing loans with Syria

eib.org, Nov 28, 2011

BRUSSELS--On 14 November 2011, the Council of the European Union prohibited the EIB to make any disbursement or payment under or in connection with existing loan agreements with Syria and suspended all existing technical assistance service contracts for sovereign projects located in Syria in view of the continued repression and violation of human rights by the countrys government.

EIB Shareholders

eib.org, Nov 28, 2011

The shareholders of the European Investment Bank are the 27 Member States of the European Union.

The EU Member States are fully eligible for Bank financing operations, without any geographical or sectoral quotas being applied.

Each Member States share in the Banks capital is based on its economic weight within the European Union (expressed in GDP) at the time of
its accession.

Under its Statute, the Bank is authorised to have maximum loans outstanding equivalent to two and a half times its capital.

At 1 April 2010, the Banks subscribed capital amounted to more than EUR 232bn.

SYRIA TRADE PARTNERS

SNAFU 1941

2011-12-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

U.S.-FRANCE SNAFU ON SYRIA: 1941

The Prescott Evening Courier, Oct 4, 1941

Treaty Privileges Clarification

By LLOYD LEHRBAS
WASHINGTON (AP)--The United States will serve formal notice that it reserves all its treaty rights in Syria, it was learned today, pending clarification of the diplomatic tangle resulting from Free French action in declaring that mandated territory to be an independent republic.

On September 16, General Georges Catroux, civil administrator of Syria since British and Free French forces defeated the Vichy French forces there, declared it a republic and installed Sheikh Tajeddine Hansani as president.

Upon dissolution of the Turkish empire Syria was made an independent state by the treaty of Sevres in 1920, and its administration was handed over to France under a mandate by the council of the League of Nations. Syria was not French territory, or a French colony, but was to achieve an independent status, with the league's approval, when its people were deemed capable of self-government.
However, Syria's independence was declared, not by the recognized government of France, which held the mandate, but by a general of the Free French council, which is not recognized by the United States or by any of the nations which are members of the League of Nations, and the league--which is now inoperative--has not approved termination of the mandate.

The United States was not a member of the league but signed a separate treaty with France which provided that the American government would be consulted before any modification was made in the mandate, and that it would have a voice in determining Syria's status when the mandate was terminated.

The United States has not been consulted by France, the Free French or anyone else, and was given no voice in determining the establishment of the new government.
During its administration of the mandate France experienced almost constant difficulties, including two serious armed rebellions.
A "Syrian republic" was established in 1936, but President Hachem Bey Al Atassi resigned in July, 1939, in protest against France's failure to grant actual independence.

A French high-commissioner ruled Syria from that time until, after German planes used Syrian air fields to attack the British in Iraq, an Anglo-Free French force invaded and occupied the country.
The Free French further complicated matters by declaring only a portion of the mandated territory to be independent.
Syria is divided into four sections known as Syria, Lebanon, Latakia and Jebel Druse. The independence proclamation mentioned only the first and made no reference to the future status of Lebanon, Latakia and Jebel Druse, the smaller and least populated sections, in which live unruly tribesmen.

FEMIP SYRIA

2011-12-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

FEMIP

Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership:

Financing operations in Syria:

EIB (European Investment Bank) financing in Syria since 1978 has been spread between the key sectors of energy,
transport, telecommunications, the environment,
health, industry and support for small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):

Energy: This sector is the largest beneficiary
of EIB loans in Syria, with over EUR
890 million of financing provided for the
upgrading and modernisation of the electricity
transmission and distribution systems
and construction of three power
plants, Deir Ali I and II and Deir Azzour.

Transport and telecommunications:
EUR 173 million has gone to support the
transport and telecommunications sector,
including EUR 35 million for the modernisation
of the port of Tartous.

Water, the environment and urban infrastructure:
The Bank has provided over EUR
186 million for a number of water, irrigation
and municipal infrastructure projects.

Health: EUR 230 million has been provided
for the modernisation of hospitals.

(Pie-chart courtesy of European Investment Bank)

THE BORDER

2011-12-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

Jordan-Syria
Border Crossings:

NASIB: (N32, 31', 7.68")(E36, 11', 26.88")

RAMTHA: (N32, 34', 35.04")(E36, 02', 22.56")

KHIRBET AWWAD: (N32, 19', 27.84")(E36, 42, 33,12")

BRITISH-FRENCH LEVANT: 1941

2011-12-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

TRADE PARTNERS:

2011-12-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

SYRIA AND EU-- TRADE PARTNERS:

Graphs to the left (courtesy BBC), clearly show just how dependent the EU is on Syrian imports/exports. Although the Arab League might consider it reasonable to squeeze the Syrian regime economically, to what degree the European Union can comply is debatable.

Lebanon and Iraq have already opted out of the Arab League sanctions as a solution that is not viable and probably does not pose a great enough threat, maybe for the Syrian people but certainly not for the regime, to make them a success.

The European Union now faces the prospect of bankrupting its own economy and going down with the Assad ship.

EU SANCTIONS:

2011-12-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

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ECONOMIC WARFARE:

reconpresseusa, Nov 29, 2011

European Union To Pay the Price

BRUSSELS--Now that the Arab League has paved the way to attempt to bankrupt the Assad regime, it may be worth a little reflection on the next move.

The European Union now proposes to follow up with its own list of sanctions which would presumably include an oil embargo and some hardware and software sales to Syria.

The United States has already initiated its own sanctions such as the usual asset freezes. But the EU, considering its fragile across-the-board economic condition with a number of member states teetering on default, can ill-afford to refrain from buying and selling to every Middle East dictator that comes along and creates humanitarian chaos for their citizens.

REAL OR FAKE?

2011-12-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

MILITARY EXERCISE:
GENUINE PROPAGANDA?

War Games in Northeastern Province: 12/04/2011

ALEPPO-It has been reported by many news agencies, quoting the official Syrian news outlet, SANA, that military exercises were held in the northeast to test the combat readiness of the national armed forces.

Sources reported that live ammunition was used along with the possible launch of a SCUD missile. Other reports state that aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing, were included in the one day operation.

However, because of the strict limits of not allowing foreign journalists into Syria, into the region where the purported military exercise was held, there is no way to verify the report and it could be assumed that no military exercises were held at all and stock photos were issued by the Syrian news agency.

MISSILES TO DAMASCUS

2011-12-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

MISSILES TO DAMASCUS:
TRUTH OR FICTION?

NICOSIA--Reports from a number of sources have indicated that Syrian Defenses have been bolstered by the arrival of at least 70 Russian cruise missiles known as "Yakhont". These particular missiles can be launched from a mobile platform and the range is about 300 kilometers.

The map to the left shows that if the mobile platforms were utilized to beef up coastal defenses, the missile, travelling at Mach speeds, can hit targets on Cyprus and reach Beirut, Lebanon as well, if launched from the northern port city of Latakia (r1 on map. Tartus, Syria is further south along the coast and provides range to strike the UNIFIL command at the southern coastal border of Lebanon.

In addition, the mobile system can strike targets in Amman, Jordan if launched from Damascus (r2 0n map); and the missile can reach Jerusalem if fired from the Syrian southern border (r3 on map).

COINCIDENCE:

2011-12-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

A SYRIAN COINCIDENCE

The curious connection between the Barbara Walters interview and the return of the US ambassador

DAMASCUS--Dec 08, 2011--With the Assad government getting thumbs down from the Arab League and the UN singling out his regime for the latest human rights violations, the Syrian president played one card nobody expected, he turned to the United States for help.

The Barbara Walters interview was, "after Assad canceled one get-together two weeks ago, presumably because it was to happen around the time the Arab League was condemning Syria. Then word came that Assad was willing to talk," according to ABC.

The transcripts reveal that Walters was in Damascus for two days before the interview was given at the Presidential Palace on Monday, Dec 5.

This was nearly the same time the US State Dept. announced that US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford had "completed his consultations" in Washington, DC and was to return to Damascus on Tuesday, the day after the interview.

This leads to the questions, did the US government have access to the transcripts? Did this weigh in the decision to send the ambassador back to the embassy?

Certainly, by reading the transcript thoroughly, one can conclude that there is a qualitative shortage of accurate news concerning the ongoing violence, at least from the standpoint as Assad sees it, and how it is portrayed in the West. He was adamant about this and Walters could not shake him from his position.

Most of the casualty reports are coming from a London based Syrian human rights committee and these have been quoted extensively in Western media, accurate or not, verified or not.

It remains to be seen if there is a direct link between the interview and the return of the ambassador.

ASSAD CALLS THE MEDIA

2011-12-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

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ASSAD CALLS THE MEDIA:

(Page 5 of the transcript):

Walters:
Can outside foreign reporters come, they have not been allowed?

Assad:
No, they were allowed and you are here.

Walters:
I am here and I have a correspondent here, but in-

Assad:
But you have been here for two days now did anyone tell you where to go or where not to go nobody you are free to go wherever you want.

Walters:
I am appreciative that I have been allowed here and that you've granted an interview, can other foreign correspondents, American and others come into this country now?

Assad:
Yeah, exactly.

Walters:
We have not heard this, you will say yes?

Assad:
You have to hear; to hear the truth, you have to look for the truth, the truth--

Walters:
Well I'm, I'm asking you now.

Assad:
But that doesn't mean they can come without a visa. We are a country where they have to take visa. We give visa to people, maybe we don't give visa to-- we are like any other country against our sovereignty.

Walters:
OK, but in--

Assad:
That doesn't mean anyone can come any time and do whatever they do.

Walters:
I grant you but as soon as you say visa it means this one can't come, that, in general now can foreign correspondents come to this country.

Assad:
Of course. Yes, and we have been receiving the delegations from Europe, from the United States, from the rest of the world.

CIVIL WAR DEFINITION:

2011-12-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

CIVIL WAR STATUS:

The Geneva Conventions do not specifically define the term "civil war". They do, however, describe the criteria for acts qualifying as "armed conflict not of an international character", which includes civil wars. Among the conditions listed are four requirements:

The party in revolt must be in possession of a part of the national territory.

The insurgent civil authority must exercise de facto authority over the population within the determinate portion of the national territory.

The insurgents must have some amount of recognition as a belligerent.
The legal Government is "obliged to have recourse to the regular military forces against insurgents organized as military."

TERRITORIAL WATERS:

2011-12-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

TERRITORIAL WATERS:

fao.org

The Syrian Arab Republic claims a 35-mile territorial sea which does not fit with international law as reflected in the LOSC (Law of the Sea Convention, 1982). It is not clear, however, whether the Syrian Arab Republic enforces rights beyond 12 miles.

earthtrends.wri.org

Coastline: 212 km

% population within 100 km coastline: 34%

Area of continental shelf: 852 km2

Territorial Sea (12 miles): 3866 km2

PILAR & TONER: CIVIL WAR OR NOT?

2011-12-14T14:04:00.000-08:00

CIVIL WAR OR NOT?

Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:

"We are placing the (death toll) figure at 4,000 but really the reliable information coming to us is that it's much more than that," Pillay said in Geneva.

"As soon as there were more and more defectors threatening to take up arms, I said this in August before the Security Council, that there's going to be a civil war," she added. "And at the moment, that's how I am characterizing this."

Mark Toner, US State Dept.:

"The overwhelming use of force has been taken by Assad and his regime," Toner told reporters. "So there's no kind of equanimity here."

Toner said Assad's government has taken Syria down a dangerous path, and that "the regime's bloody repression of the protests has not surprisingly led to this kind of reaction that we've seen with the Free Syrian Army."

(Quotes from CSM, Dec 01, 2011)

HILLARY AND THE OPPOSITION

2011-12-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hillary Meets the Opposition

Day Press, Dec 06, 2011

US State & NCS Hold Talks

GENEVA- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton held a rare meeting on Tuesday with Syrian opposition figures as President Obama administration returned its top envoy to Damascus after he was recalled six weeks ago because of security concerns and worsening violence.

U.S. State Department identified the six opposition members as the Syrian National Councils president, Burhan Ghalioun, and SNC members Abdulahad Astepho, Najib Ghadbian, Bassma Kodmani, Wael Merza and Abdulbaset Sieda.

FULL REPORT:

SYRIA SANCTIONS TAG CLOUD #002

2011-12-08T13:26:00.001-08:00

SYRIA SANCTIONS TAG CLOUD

2011-12-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

created at TagCrowd.com

EUROPEAN UNION SANCTIONS LIST: SYRIA

2011-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

STORM FRONT OVER SYRIA

2011-12-08T11:56:00.001-08:00

All names, connections derived from the European Union sanctions list:

SYRIA: MILITARY STRUCTURE

2011-12-08T07:38:00.001-08:00

NCS & FSA: HATAY SUMMIT 2011

2011-12-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

NCS + FSA: HATAY SUMMIT 2011

2011-12-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

SYRIA-EU TRADE PARTNERS

2011-11-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

(graphs courtesy BBC)

LEBANON-SYRIA REFUGEE POINTS

2011-11-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

UNIFIL MAP: 2011

2011-11-24T12:41:00.001-08:00

JORDAN-SYRIA: KHIRBET AWWAD CROSSING

2011-11-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

JORDAN-SYRIA BORDER CROSSINGS:

2011-11-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

AL BASSA DUMPSITE: LATAKIA

2011-11-23T19:57:00.000-08:00

SYRIA STRAIGHT BASELINE MAP: 1973

2011-11-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

SYRIAN REFUGEE ZONES:

2011-11-23T17:31:00.001-08:00

SYRIA INDEPENDENCE SNAFU: 1941

2011-11-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

The Prescott Evening Courier, Oct 4, 1941
Treaty Privileges Clarification
By LLOYD LEHRBAS
WASHINGTON (AP)--The United States will serve formal notice that it reserves all its treaty rights in Syria, it was learned today, pending clarification of the diplomatic tangle resulting from Free French action in declaring that mandated territory to be an independent republic.

On September 16, General Georges Catroux, civil administrator of Syria since British and Free French forces defeated the Vichy French forces there, declared it a republic and installed Sheikh Tajeddine Hansani as president.
Upon dissolution of the Turkish empire Syria was made an independent state by the treaty of Sevres in 1920, and its administration was handed over to France under a mandate by the council of the League of Nations. Syria was not French territory, or a French colony, but was to achieve an independent status, with the league's approval, when its people were deemed capable of self-government.
However, Syria's independence was declared, not by the recognized government of France, which held the mandate, but by a general of the Free French council, which is not recognized by the United States or by any of the nations which are members of the League of Nations, and the league--which is now inoperative--has not approved termination of the mandate.

The United States was not a member of the league but signed a separate treaty with France which provided that the American government would be consulted before any modification was made in the mandate, and that it would have a voice in determining Syria's status when the mandate was terminated.

The United States has not been consulted by France, the Free French or anyone else, and was given no voice in determining the establishment of the new government.
During its administration of the mandate France experienced almost constant difficulties, including two serious armed rebellions.
A "Syrian republic" was established in 1936, but President Hachem Bey Al Atassi resigned in July, 1939, in protest against France's failure to grant actual independence.

A French high-commissioner ruled Syria from that time until, after German planes used Syrian air fields to attack the British in Iraq, an Anglo-Free French force invaded and occupied the country.
The Free French further complicated matters by declaring only a portion of the mandated territory to be independent.
Syria is divided into four sections known as Syria, Lebanon, Latakia and Jebel Druse. The independence proclamation mentioned only the first and made no reference to the future status of Lebanon, Latakia and Jebel Druse, the smaller and least populated sections, in which live unruly tribesmen.

NAZIS AT LATAKIA: 1941

2011-11-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

The Vancouver Sun, June 2, 1941
NAZIS LAND AT LATAKIA
By EDWARD BEATTIE, British United Press
ANKARA, Turkey--German motorized infantry was landed by coastal freighters at the Syrian port of Latakia, May 29, it was learned today on high authority.
The first Nazi detachments to reach northern Syria by ship were reported to be equipped with lorries, armored cars and mobile field guns.
The German transports are believed to have hugged the coast en route from the Dodecanese Islands, escaping detection by the British naval craft operating from Cyprus by halting in daylight hours.
Latakia is due east of the eastern tip of Cyprus.

The Edmonton Sun, June 2, 1941
Transports Fly Swastika Flags
ANKARA, Turkey--(Delayed)--Sailing from the German-occupied port of Constanta on the Black Sea, the ships were expected to stop briefly at Rhodes, in the Italian Dodecanese Islands, and continue by night to Latakia and Tripoli in an effort to thwart the British blockade. The whole trip was expected to take less than a week.

INVASION OF SYRIA: 1941

2011-11-23T09:19:00.001-08:00

The Evening Independent, June 9, 1941
British, Free French March on Levant
BEIRUT--Altogether the separate mandated territories of Syria, Lebanon, Latakia and Jebel ed Druz comprise 57,900 square miles, roughly the size of the state of Michigan and have a population of 3,630,000, slightly more than the state of Indiana.
Despite its repeated history as a battleground in the clashes of the faiths and of the powers of the eastern and western world, the Levant afford hard going for the armies and puts modern mechanized warfare under a handicap.

Along the eastern Mediterranean coast, winding close to the sea, a few reasonably good roads lead north from Palestine through Lebanon and south from Turkey through Latakia. Beyond these, however, mountain ranges with peaks rising as high as 10,000 feet guard inland Syria and Jebel ed Druz.
Between British Trans-Jordan, east of Palestine, and Damascus rise the volcanic mountains of Jebel ed Druz from whose little known wastelands the French have recruited several battalions of the warlike Druses who once revolted against French rule.

TURKEY: NATO INSTALLATIONS 2011

2011-11-03T13:48:00.001-07:00

LEBANON: UNIFIL

2011-11-03T10:47:00.001-07:00

SOUEID ESPIONAGE CASE:

2011-10-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Loudon Daily Monitor, Oct 12, 2011
Syria Spies on US
LEESBURG, VA--An investigation conducted by the FBIs Washington Field Office with assistance from the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office led to the arrest of Mohamad Anas Haitham Soueid, 47, a resident of Leesburg, Va.

The charges were announced by Neil MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and James McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office.

Soueid was arrested on Oct. 11, 2011, and will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa C. Buchanan today at 2:00 p.m.
FULL STORY

Haytham Faraj, Soueid Defense Counsel
Haytham Faraj is a criminal defense attorney with extensive litigation experience practicing from the Detroit MI, Washington DC and San Diego CA areas. Mr. Faraj served 22 years in the United States Marine Corps culminating his career in the position of senior military defense counsel at Camp Pendleton, CA, the busiest court-martial office in the entire U.S. Armed Forces. He also served in several non-legal billets including Company executive officer and commanding officer, Middle East Foreign Area Officer and infantry officer. He is fluent in Arabic and has extensive international leadership experience.

FULL RESUME:

EMBASSY OF SYRIA: DC

2011-10-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Chancery: 2215 WYOMING AVENUE, NW 20008
(EMBASSY 202-232-6313) (FAX 202-234-9548)
HIS EXCELLENCY DR. IMAD MOUSTAPHA; MRS. RAFIF AL SAYED
AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY & PLENIPOTENTIARY
MR. ZOUHEIR JABBOUR; MRS. IBTIHAL ALSEIFI
MINISTER (DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION)
MR. MOUNIR KOUDMANI; MRS. ABIR FAHEL
COUNSELOR & CONSUL
MR. BASSAM BARABANDI; MRS. RIHAM ARYAN
FIRST SECRETARY
MR. KHALED SHARAF; MRS. ANGELA SUSANA ASSED*
FIRST SECRETARY
MS. ENASS KHANSA
THIRD SECRETARY
MR. BASHAR DARKAZNLY
ATTACHE (ACCOUNTANT & FINANCIAL)
MRS. ROUA SHURBAJI; MR. ANAS DEEB
ATTACHE
MR. HASHEM YAZIJI; MRS. WAFAA SHEHAB
ATTACHE
(From State Dept. Foreign Diplomats List)

(NOTE: Link at the Syrian Embassy website for "Embassy Staff" redirects back to index page)

OTHER NAMES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SYRIAN EMBASSY IN DC:
(from whitepages.com)
"Embassy of Syria, in Washington DC
Welcome Note. About the Ambassador. Mr. Zouheir Jabbour, Mr. Mounir Koudmani, Mr. Khaled Sharaf. Mr. Bassam Barabandi. Ms. Nedaa Sousi. Ms. Enass Khansa. Mr. Bashar Darkaznly. Ms. Lina Kawakibi. Mrs. Ghonwa Hamdan. Ms. Arwa Terkmani. Mr. Moawia Tayyarah.
Mr. Samir Bashour. Mr. Khaled Sharaf. Ms. Nedaa Sousi. Ms. Enass Khansa. Ms. Manal Kaddoura. Mrs. Ghonwa Hamdan. Ms. Lina Kawakibi. Mr. Nahed Laktineh. Mr. Raed Hamdan. Mr. Moawia Tayyarah. Mr. Ahmed Salkini ...
syrembassy.net

SYRIAN ESPIONAGE: STATE DEPT.

2011-10-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

US State Department Briefing:
Oct 5, 2011; Victoria Nuland, Spokesperson
QUESTION: Yeah. Ms. Nuland, my name is Mohamed Ouafi. Im with France 24, and this will be my first question to you.
MS. NULAND: Welcome, Mohamed.
QUESTION: Thank you. Regarding some suspicious espionage activity from the Syrian Embassy in Washington, DC, as
MS. NULAND: Mohamed, before we go there, let me just we generally try to do things thematically here. So let me just make sure there are no more questions on this (a previous) subject. Please.
MS. NULAND: Okay. Anything else on that?
Back to Mohamed. Go ahead.
QUESTION: Well, suspicious espionage activities as alleged by some Syrian Americans, activists in the Syrian opposition in Washington, DC. Im now working on a report, and theyve had some of them on camera I can state names if you want asking the U.S. intervention to protect their families back there.
Yesterday, France, England issued a state department obviously the foreign affair ministers on both countries issued statements condemning that and warning the Syrian Government if such activity keeps going. What is the I know that U.S. had a position on this, but I just want you to remind us on your official position concerning these activities and if there is anything illegal going on on this matter.
MS. NULAND: Thank you, Mohamed. Again, we first encountered this issue in a serious way over the summer. We had reports from Syrians in the United States that they were being harassed, that their family at home was being harassed. At that time, our head of diplomatic security, Eric Boswell, called in the Syrian Ambassador, Ambassador Moustapha, and lodged a complaint, and we referred this matter to the FBI, who has taken it up. So with regard to legal issues ongoing now, Im going to send you to the FBI on that one, but we remain concerned about this extremely unethical practice of the Syrian Government.
QUESTION: When you say you send the issue to the FBI, would the FBI be competent to investigate such issue when one of the parties is a diplomatic immunity part? I mean, we know that the Syrian Embassy is under the Syrian jurisdictions in their territories. And how did you how is your deal with his diplomatic immunity issue?
MS. NULAND: If there are violations of U.S. law, it is for the FBI to investigate. And if they make some conclusions, it comes back to us to deal with the government in question. So the FBI review is ongoing. Thats my understanding.
QUESTION: Have you had any answers yet?
MS. NULAND: My understanding is this remains with the FBI.

SOUEID MEETS ASSAD:

2011-10-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

(AP photo via LA Times)

"There has never ever been a private meeting between President Assad and Mr. Soueid. This ludicrous accusation is a reflection of the poor quality of the whole set of allegations."

Cleveland.com, Oct 19, 2011

"Soueid's lawyer, Haytham Faraj, told a Monday detention hearing that Soueid is not a spy and visited Syria this summer as part of a fact-finding mission led by Kucinich. According to the Associated Press, Faraj said the purpose of the trip was 'to speak to Mr. Assad about the negative consequences of the Syrian government's actions.' "
SYRIAN EMBASSY PRESS RELEASE:

Oct, 12, 2011 Responding to the US Department of Justice alleged charges against Mohamad Soueid
Regarding the US Department of Justice alleged charges against the Syrian-born naturalized U.S. citizen Mohamad Soueid, the Embassy of Syria in the United States wishes to clarify the following:

1. Neither Mr. Soueid nor any other citizen of the U.S. is an agent of the Syrian Government.
2. The accusation that a U.S. citizen is working with the Syrian Government to intimidate U.S. citizens is absolutely baseless and totally unacceptable.
3. Contrary to the statement of the Department of Justice, Mr. Soueid is not an agent of any Syrian institution; he never worked under directions or control of any Syrian official.
4. Contrary to the statement of the Department of Justice, the Syrian Government has never paid Mr. Soueid travel expenses to Syria or any amount of money for any other services. We challenge the Department of Justice to provide a single shred of evidence to prove that Mr. Soueid has ever been paid by the Syrian Government.
6. Contrary to the statement of the Department of Justice, Mr. Soueid has never provided any individual at the Syrian Embassy in the U.S. with any information regarding U.S. protesters or otherwise. This is a flagrant effort to defame the Embassy of Syria based on sheer lies and fabrications.
7. The Syrian Embassy in the U.S. has never recruited the services of any individual to inform on any sort of activities. We challenge the Department of Justice to provide a single evidence to the contrary.
Finally we hope that a thorough and comprehensive investigation will prove the veracity of our statement and expose the nature of those allegations for what they truly are: a campaign of distortion and fabrications against the Embassy of Syria in the U.S.

SOUEID: WASHINGTON, DC

2011-10-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

19852 Somercote Lane, Leesburg, Virginia 20175
Address listed above can be found on various realtor pages but also at the US government Dept. of Transportation page for "AHS Group International" and in particular, "AHS Transport", with a US DOT # 1797728 and a business telephone number listed as: (703) 898-5226 .

Further investigation into the phone number registered to the address reveals another domain: WASHINGTONVIPSERVICES.COM
from Aug 19, 2011 showing the owner of the domain to be "soueid, haitham" with the e-mail address as "ahsoueid@gmail.com" and an address as "40092 thomas mill rd, leesburg, Virginia 20175."

Entering "washingtonvipservices.com" into browser address box redirects to "washingtontvs.com." The local phone number for this page is listed as (202) 705-8308.

SOUEID: INDICTMENT EXCERPT #001

2011-10-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

US DISTRICT COURT/ALEXANDRIA:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MOHAMAD ANAS HAITHAM SOUEID
B. On or about July 11,2011, within the Eastern District of Virginia, defendant
MOHAMAD ANAS HAITHAM SOUEID, in connection with the acquisition of a Beretta,
Model 96-Al, .40 caliber pistol bearing serial number A41380M purchased from Sharpshooters
Small Arms Range Inc., in Lorton, Virginia, a licensed dealer of firearms within the meaning of
Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code, did unlawfully and knowingly make a false and
fictitious written statement on a Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives Fonn 4473, Fireanns Transaction Record, to wit, that the defendant's current
residence address was 19852 Somercote Lane, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, said statement intended
and likely to deceive Sharpshooters Small Arms Range Inc. as to a fact material to the lawfulness
of such sale of the Beretta firearm to the defendant under Chapter 44 of Title 18, in that the
defendant represented a false current residence address.

REGIONAL ASSESSMENT:

2011-10-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

There is a genuine degradation of security across the Middle East, North and Central Africa that requires immediate examination. This is all in context with the unravelling crisis in Syria, which plays a pivotal role in this degradation.

Before any type of "legitimate" solution to the existing government in Syria can be considered, the role of a new "national council" to replace the existing Syrian government has to be reviewed in context with overall security concerns not just in Syria, but in the region as well.

Currently, there are a number of deteriorating conditions:

TURKEY: The PKK/Kurdish crisis has spilled over from Iraq into both Syria and Turkey resulting in violent clashes in Syria and direct armed retaliation by the Turk military.

LIBYA: There is still no indication that the newly formed government can sustain its grip on power following the ouster of the dictator, Muammer Gadhaffi.

EGYPT: Violent flareups in Cairo have indicated that this nation is far from stable following the stepping down of Hosni Mubarak.

LEBANON: The refugee influx from the instability in Syria has caused incursions by the Syrian military to be a bone of contention between the two nations.

KENYA: Recent violence in Somalia directly related to its neighbor has caused yet another cross-border military intervention by the Kenyan defense forces. Arguing it has the right to self-defense under United Nations mandates, Kenya acted unilaterally in this invasion without allowing advance notice to Western concerns that have their own security concerns in the region.

All of these issues need to be directly addressed by any newly formed "council" that intends to replace the Syrian government and not just internal strife.

As a result, this site is being expanded to explore just what is currently going on in these volatile regions and what needs to be done.

James C. L'Angelle, Website Director

nationalcouncilofsyria.com

DC SYRIAN EMBASSY SPY RING

2011-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

LATAKIA, SYRIA: SAM MISSILE SITE #4

2011-10-03T20:32:00.000-07:00