political writings
Syria
An article by Babich Dmitry
The belligerent "friends" of Syria in Istanbul
2 April 2012 | The decision of the United States and several Persian Gulf monarchies to create a fund that would pay “salaries” to opposition fighters in Syria and provide the rebels with Western “communication equipment” removes the last remnants of legality from the foreign involvement in Syria.
The belligerent "friends" of Syria in Istanbul
2 April 2012 | The decision of the United States and several Persian Gulf monarchies to create a fund that would pay “salaries” to opposition fighters in Syria and provide the rebels with Western “communication equipment” removes the last remnants of legality from the foreign involvement in Syria.
’Friends of Syria’ threaten Assad with ’consequences’, pledge sanctions
1 April 2012 | The 70-nation “Friends of Syria” have gathered in Turkey to hammer out further support for the armed Syrian opposition. The group is going to set up a ‘sanction the Assad regime committee’ while the US threatens Damascus with “serious consequences”.
1 April 2012 | The 70-nation “Friends of Syria” have gathered in Turkey to hammer out further support for the armed Syrian opposition. The group is going to set up a ‘sanction the Assad regime committee’ while the US threatens Damascus with “serious consequences”.
Syrian government: Peace first, then troop withdrawal
31 March 2012 | The Syrian government has said that it will not withdraw its troops from towns and cities across the conflict-torn country until “peace and security prevail.” Officials maintain that security forces are there to uphold security and protect civilians.
31 March 2012 | The Syrian government has said that it will not withdraw its troops from towns and cities across the conflict-torn country until “peace and security prevail.” Officials maintain that security forces are there to uphold security and protect civilians.
BRICS: Foreign interference in Syria ’unacceptable’
30 March 2012 | The world’s five leading emerging economies, represented by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have released a statement that condemns foreign interference in Syria.
30 March 2012 | The world’s five leading emerging economies, represented by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have released a statement that condemns foreign interference in Syria.
Bifront Saudi Arabia: Mediaeval freedoms for export
27 March 2012 | Saudi Arabia, the most conservative country in the world, prepares to welcome US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is traveling to Riyadh this week to discuss with King Abdullah how best to deal with the Syrian crisis.
27 March 2012 | Saudi Arabia, the most conservative country in the world, prepares to welcome US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is traveling to Riyadh this week to discuss with King Abdullah how best to deal with the Syrian crisis.Syria
UN Security Council backs Annan peace plan
22 March 2012 | After months of deadlock, the UN Security Council has adopted a non-binding statement on Syria. The move endorses special envoy Kofi Annan’s peace plan, calling on both sides to agree to a ceasefire and to secure humanitarian access to the country.
UN Security Council backs Annan peace plan
22 March 2012 | After months of deadlock, the UN Security Council has adopted a non-binding statement on Syria. The move endorses special envoy Kofi Annan’s peace plan, calling on both sides to agree to a ceasefire and to secure humanitarian access to the country.
Syrian UN envoy: ’Opposition gets instruction from abroad’
21 March 2012 | The Syrian opposition is acting with instructions from “decision makers” abroad, Syrian Ambassador to the UN Bashar Ja’afari claims in exclusive interview with Russia Today.
21 March 2012 | The Syrian opposition is acting with instructions from “decision makers” abroad, Syrian Ambassador to the UN Bashar Ja’afari claims in exclusive interview with Russia Today.US-NATO subversion in Syria
Saudi Arabia Is Arming Syrian "Opposition" As Twin Car Bombs Kill 27 In Damascus
18 March 2012 | Within hours of a twin car-bomb attack in the Syrian capital that left at least 27 dead and 100 injured, a senior Arab diplomatic source has confirmed that Saudi Arabia is arming anti-government factions. It has been long suspected that Saudi Arabia and other pro-Western Gulf Arab states, including Qatar, are actively fuelling the conflict in Syria over the past year.
Saudi Arabia Is Arming Syrian "Opposition" As Twin Car Bombs Kill 27 In Damascus
18 March 2012 | Within hours of a twin car-bomb attack in the Syrian capital that left at least 27 dead and 100 injured, a senior Arab diplomatic source has confirmed that Saudi Arabia is arming anti-government factions. It has been long suspected that Saudi Arabia and other pro-Western Gulf Arab states, including Qatar, are actively fuelling the conflict in Syria over the past year.
Pro-Assad rally in Damascus decries ‘one-year conspiracy’
15 March 2012 | Thousands have taken to the streets of the Syrian capital Damascus to support the country’s embattled leader Bashar al-Assad. The demonstration comes on the year anniversary of the anti-Assad uprising that has left scores dead and injured.
15 March 2012 | Thousands have taken to the streets of the Syrian capital Damascus to support the country’s embattled leader Bashar al-Assad. The demonstration comes on the year anniversary of the anti-Assad uprising that has left scores dead and injured.
Lavrov: Russia not taking sides in Syrian conflict
10 March 2012 | Russia adheres to the principle of non-interference when it comes to the situation in Syria, said the country`s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the session of the Arab League nations in Cairo on Saturday.
10 March 2012 | Russia adheres to the principle of non-interference when it comes to the situation in Syria, said the country`s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the session of the Arab League nations in Cairo on Saturday.An article by Alastair Crooke
Syria: Straining credulity?
8 March 2012 | The UN Secretary General was reported on March 3 saying that he had received "grisly reports" that Syrian government forces were arbitrarily executing, imprisoning and torturing people in Homs after retaking control of the Baba Amr district from insurgents. Did he really believe this; or was he just "saying it"?
Syria: Straining credulity?
8 March 2012 | The UN Secretary General was reported on March 3 saying that he had received "grisly reports" that Syrian government forces were arbitrarily executing, imprisoning and torturing people in Homs after retaking control of the Baba Amr district from insurgents. Did he really believe this; or was he just "saying it"?
Stratfor Leaks: NATO Commandos in Illegal Special Ops in Syria
7 March 2012 | Undercover NATO troops are already in Syria despite denials from their parent governments, according to a leaked brief from a highly-placed analyst.
7 March 2012 | Undercover NATO troops are already in Syria despite denials from their parent governments, according to a leaked brief from a highly-placed analyst.
Syrian elections: Baath of most resistance
6 March 2012 | With Syria mired in street violence and ongoing opposition rallies, its political life gears towards another historic change. With parliamentary elections now scheduled, opposition parties plan to compete seem to be in a state of disarray.
6 March 2012 | With Syria mired in street violence and ongoing opposition rallies, its political life gears towards another historic change. With parliamentary elections now scheduled, opposition parties plan to compete seem to be in a state of disarray.
Israel offers to send humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians is a provocation
5 March 2012 | Israel contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross and suggested that it help transfer Israeli humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians
5 March 2012 | Israel contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross and suggested that it help transfer Israeli humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians
Gunmen executing people in the streets – Homs eyewitness
2 March 2012 | People have been left without water or electricity as rebels destroy water pumps and power converters. Civilians are forced to stay inside as snipers shoot from the rooftops.
2 March 2012 | People have been left without water or electricity as rebels destroy water pumps and power converters. Civilians are forced to stay inside as snipers shoot from the rooftops.
Syrian opponent Mamoun Al-Homsi’s Israel connection
27 February 2012 | The Arab Digest had previously reported on Syrian Opposition member, Mamoun Al-Homsi, and his call for ethnic cleansing of minorities in Syria. Well, new questions emerge on his politics and suspicious ties with Israel.
27 February 2012 | The Arab Digest had previously reported on Syrian Opposition member, Mamoun Al-Homsi, and his call for ethnic cleansing of minorities in Syria. Well, new questions emerge on his politics and suspicious ties with Israel.
Syrians vote in referendum as clashes continue
27 February 2012 | Millions of Syrians voted on a referendum for a new constitution on Sunday amid continuing violence in the country. Voting in the capital Damascus was extended until 10pm following a late rush, according to Al-Akhbar correspondents in the city.
27 February 2012 | Millions of Syrians voted on a referendum for a new constitution on Sunday amid continuing violence in the country. Voting in the capital Damascus was extended until 10pm following a late rush, according to Al-Akhbar correspondents in the city.An article by Boris Dolgov
The Syrian Crisis and World Politics
25 February 2012 | The Syrian situation further exacerbated and political activities of world powers and regional leaders – Turkey, Iran, Israel, the Arab League - intensified during the first months of 2012.
The Syrian Crisis and World Politics
25 February 2012 | The Syrian situation further exacerbated and political activities of world powers and regional leaders – Turkey, Iran, Israel, the Arab League - intensified during the first months of 2012.An article by M. K. Bhadrakumar
Moscow stirs itself on Syria
23 February 2012 | With the "Friends of Syria" (FOS) grouping sponsored by the Western powers and their Arab allies scheduled to hold its first meeting in Tunis on Friday, Russian diplomacy has shifted gear into a proactive mode. The Kremlin was a beehive of diplomatic activity on Wednesday.
Moscow stirs itself on Syria
23 February 2012 | With the "Friends of Syria" (FOS) grouping sponsored by the Western powers and their Arab allies scheduled to hold its first meeting in Tunis on Friday, Russian diplomacy has shifted gear into a proactive mode. The Kremlin was a beehive of diplomatic activity on Wednesday.
Two journalists killed in Homs
22 February 2012 | A Frenchman and an American woman have been killed in the Syrian city of Homs as the clashes between the government forces and the rebels continue. A spokeswoman from the French government identified the two journalists as French photographer Remy Ochlik and American Marie Colvin.
22 February 2012 | A Frenchman and an American woman have been killed in the Syrian city of Homs as the clashes between the government forces and the rebels continue. A spokeswoman from the French government identified the two journalists as French photographer Remy Ochlik and American Marie Colvin.An article by Saeed Naqvi
Assad’s troops close in on foreign mercenaries
20 February 2012 | A feature of the Syrian crisis, which must please those ostensibly seeking the regime’s ouster, is that it is turning out to be a long drawn one. So long drawn, in fact, that the world is beginning to develop an amnesia about the Palestinian issue. This must be a happy enough state of affairs for some.
Assad’s troops close in on foreign mercenaries
20 February 2012 | A feature of the Syrian crisis, which must please those ostensibly seeking the regime’s ouster, is that it is turning out to be a long drawn one. So long drawn, in fact, that the world is beginning to develop an amnesia about the Palestinian issue. This must be a happy enough state of affairs for some.
An article by Jeremy Salt
Scoundrel Time: The Situation in Syria
17 February 2012 | Even though we are used to double standards, the moral posturing over Syria in recent weeks has been quite a spectacle. At the UN Security Council, Susan Rice bellows her disgust at the use of the veto by Russia and China, when the US has used the veto more than 60 times, mostly to protect Israel. Horror at the violence is sounded by the delegates of the same powers that have dismantled Libya and ended the lives of an estimated two million Iraqis through warfare and sanctions since 1991.
Scoundrel Time: The Situation in Syria
17 February 2012 | Even though we are used to double standards, the moral posturing over Syria in recent weeks has been quite a spectacle. At the UN Security Council, Susan Rice bellows her disgust at the use of the veto by Russia and China, when the US has used the veto more than 60 times, mostly to protect Israel. Horror at the violence is sounded by the delegates of the same powers that have dismantled Libya and ended the lives of an estimated two million Iraqis through warfare and sanctions since 1991.UN General Assembly
Envoy to UN: "Syria would not send troops to protect protesters at Occupy Wall Street"
14 February 2012 | UN is applying double standards towards Syria, the country’s envoy stated while addressing the General Assembly. He said that his country, like any sovereign state, has exclusive responsibility for maintaining security on its national territory.
Envoy to UN: "Syria would not send troops to protect protesters at Occupy Wall Street"
14 February 2012 | UN is applying double standards towards Syria, the country’s envoy stated while addressing the General Assembly. He said that his country, like any sovereign state, has exclusive responsibility for maintaining security on its national territory.Syria
Arab League is ‘under Western petrodollar influence’
13 February 2012 | The Arab League is lobbying for a UN peacekeeping initiative in Syria. Tony Gosling, an investigative journalist, says the organization is heavily influenced by the West, which is moving towards conflict.
Arab League is ‘under Western petrodollar influence’
13 February 2012 | The Arab League is lobbying for a UN peacekeeping initiative in Syria. Tony Gosling, an investigative journalist, says the organization is heavily influenced by the West, which is moving towards conflict.An article by Pepe Escobar
Syria, the new Libya
13 February 2012 | A Kalashnikov in Iraq, until recently, sold for US$100. Now it’s at least $1,000, and most probably $1,500 (those were the days when Sunnis joining the resistance in 2003 could buy a fake Kalashnikov made in Romenia for $20). Destination of choice of the $1,500 Kalashnikov in 2012: Syria. Network: al-Qaeda in the Land of the Two Rivers, also known as AQI. Recipients: infiltrated jihadis operating side-by-side with the Free Syrian Army (FSA).
Syria, the new Libya
13 February 2012 | A Kalashnikov in Iraq, until recently, sold for US$100. Now it’s at least $1,000, and most probably $1,500 (those were the days when Sunnis joining the resistance in 2003 could buy a fake Kalashnikov made in Romenia for $20). Destination of choice of the $1,500 Kalashnikov in 2012: Syria. Network: al-Qaeda in the Land of the Two Rivers, also known as AQI. Recipients: infiltrated jihadis operating side-by-side with the Free Syrian Army (FSA).
’New Arab League anti-Syria scheme reflects body’s confusion’
13 February 2012 | The Syrian ambassador to Egypt says a new Arab League proposal to send UN troops into Syria shows the “hysteria and confusion” of the Arab member states.
13 February 2012 | The Syrian ambassador to Egypt says a new Arab League proposal to send UN troops into Syria shows the “hysteria and confusion” of the Arab member states.An article by M. K. Bhadrakumar
Run-up to proxy war over Syria
8 February 2012 | If a date needs to fixed marking the end of "post-Soviet era" in world politics, it might fall on February 4, 2012. Russia and China’s double veto of the Arab League resolution on Syria in the United Nations Security Council constitutes a watershed event.
Run-up to proxy war over Syria
8 February 2012 | If a date needs to fixed marking the end of "post-Soviet era" in world politics, it might fall on February 4, 2012. Russia and China’s double veto of the Arab League resolution on Syria in the United Nations Security Council constitutes a watershed event.An article by Pepe Escobar
Syria and those ’disgusting’ BRICS
8 February 2012 | A Greek choir of the "disgusted" and the "outraged" predictably greeted BRICS members Russia and China double veto to the United Nations Security Council resolution imposing regime change in Syria. The resolution was backed by that haven of democracy, the GCC League, the organization controlled by the six monarchies/emirates of the Gulf Cooperation Council formerly known as the Arab League.
Syria and those ’disgusting’ BRICS
8 February 2012 | A Greek choir of the "disgusted" and the "outraged" predictably greeted BRICS members Russia and China double veto to the United Nations Security Council resolution imposing regime change in Syria. The resolution was backed by that haven of democracy, the GCC League, the organization controlled by the six monarchies/emirates of the Gulf Cooperation Council formerly known as the Arab League.