"Bashar Assad sends tanks to besieged village" by Ryan Lucas | Associated Press, September 07, 2013
BEIRUT — The Syrian government sent reinforcements, including tanks and armored personnel carriers, to a predominantly Christian village north of Damascus where rebels have battled regime troops this week, a monitoring group said Friday.
And yet this is the first I'm seeing of it in my Globe. It's all been about Obomber's bombing.
Opposition fighters led by an Al Qaeda-linked rebel faction attacked the ancient mountainside sanctuary of Maaloula on Wednesday and briefly entered the village a day later before pulling out in the evening. The assault has spotlighted fears among Syria’s religious minorities about the prominent role of Islamic extremists in the rebel ranks fighting to overthrow President Bashar Assad’s regime.
Nothing about the FACT that they are WESTERN-SUPPORTED, 'eh?
Six Zionist Companies Own 96% of the World's Media
Declassified: Massive Israeli manipulation of US media exposed
Operation Mockingbird
Why Am I No Longer Reading the Newspaper?
I guess that would explain the obfuscations and omissions, yeah.
The government forces sent to Maaloula have taken up positions outside the village, which is still under the control of local pro-regime militias, said Rami Abdul-Rahman, director of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. He added that there were skirmishes Friday around the village, home to two of the oldest surviving monasteries in Syria — Mar Sarkis and Mar Takla.
Related: Syrian Rebels Rebounding
Then why does Obomber have to bomb?
The assault is being spearheaded by Jabhat al-Nusra, one of the most effective rebel factions and a group the United States has deemed a terrorist organization.
Then why are we arming them?
The group includes Syrians as well as foreign fighters from across the Muslim world.
It's mostly Al-CIA-Duh mercenaries, but what's one more deception from a war paper full of them?
Rebels from the Western-backed Free Syrian Army also fought regime soldiers around the Christian village, according to the opposition coalition. Free Syrian Army fighters ‘‘destroyed two regime checkpoints in Maaloula’’ and battled Assad’s troops near the village’s main entrance for two days before withdrawing from the area Thursday, the Turkey-based Syrian National Coalition said in a prepared statement.
Meaning THEY LOST! That's why Obomber needs to bomb.
The Syrian government has tried to emphasize the role of foreigners fighting on the rebel side in the civil war as part of its narrative that the Assad regime is battling a foreign-backed conspiracy.
It's sad when the "enemy" is the one that tells the truth in the jewspaper.
In that vein, Syrian state TV said Friday that the government is offering $2,800 for turning in a foreign fighter, and $1,150 for information about their whereabouts or assistance in their capture.
Civilians have paid the highest price in the conflict that has killed an estimated 100,000 people, displaced more than 4 million within Syria, and forced another 2 million to seek shelter in neighboring Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq.
Oh, yeah, the refugees of attempted regime change and their bases.
Related: Kurds Battle Al-CIA-Duh in Syria
And then it was over.
The prospect of a US-led strike against Syria has raised concerns of potential retaliation from the Assad regime or its allies. The State Department has ordered nonessential US diplomats to leave Lebanon over security concerns and has urged private American citizens to depart as well.
Meaning the attack is coming soon.
The Shi’ite militant group Hezbollah, an Assad ally that has sent fighters into Syria, is based in Lebanon.
Russia’s Interfax news agency reported that Moscow had three naval ships moving toward Syria in the eastern Mediterranean and another en route from the Black Sea.
Obomber still isn't getting the message, and neither are the psychopathic leaders of Israel.
The agency said two amphibious landing crafts and a reconnaissance ship have passed through the Dardanelles, while another landing vessel had left the Black Sea for the eastern Mediterranean with ‘‘special cargo.’’
Kremlin Chief of Staff Sergei Ivanov said Thursday that Russia is boosting its naval presence primarily to organize a possible evacuation of Russians from Syria.
Uh-huh. He's got to say that. We know why they are there.
--more--"
"Syrian regime shelling near Damascus kills 16" by Barbara Surk | Associated Press, September 07, 2013
BEIRUT (AP) — Heavy government shelling of rebel positions near the Syrian capital killed 16 people on Saturday, activists said, as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry lobbied European allies to back Washington’s proposed military action against the ruling regime.
What a jerk!
What a jerk!
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the mortar and artillery fire on the Moldokhiya agricultural area south of Damascus killed 14 rebels. A child and another civilian also died in the shelling, it added.
The group also reported heavy fighting between rebels and troops loyal to President Bashar Assad around the Christian village of Maaloula northeast of Damascus. The rebel advance into the area this week was reportedly spearheaded by al-Qaida-linked fighters, exacerbating fears among Syrians and religious minorities in particular that Islamic extremists are playing an increasingly important role in the rebellion.
Yeah, turns out the Kurds and Christians, as well as most Muslims (despite the Jewish narrative of sectarianism) back Assad because he preserved peace and diversity -- unlike AmeriKa's Al-CIA-Duh backed assassins.
But I TIRE of REPEATING MYSELF DAY after DAY after DAY!
Fighters from the Western-backed Free Syrian Army also have participated in battles around Maaloula, destroying two government checkpoints near the town earlier this week, according to a statement by the main opposition coalition on Friday.
Yeah, turns out the Kurds and Christians, as well as most Muslims (despite the Jewish narrative of sectarianism) back Assad because he preserved peace and diversity -- unlike AmeriKa's Al-CIA-Duh backed assassins.
But I TIRE of REPEATING MYSELF DAY after DAY after DAY!
Fighters from the Western-backed Free Syrian Army also have participated in battles around Maaloula, destroying two government checkpoints near the town earlier this week, according to a statement by the main opposition coalition on Friday.
The fighting comes as President Barack Obama’s administration pressed ahead with efforts to win congressional backing and international support for military strikes against Syria over an alleged chemical attack in August outside Damascus. The U.S. says Assad’s forces fired rockets loaded with the nerve agent sarin on rebel-held areas near the capital before dawn on Aug. 21, killing at least 1,429 people. Other estimates put the death toll from the attack at more than 500.
I'm surprised the AmeriKan war media pointed out John (Kohn) Kerry's death toll inflation.
I'm surprised the AmeriKan war media pointed out John (Kohn) Kerry's death toll inflation.
Obama, back in Washington after a trip to Europe that included a two-day visit to Russia to attend a Group of 20 summit, will intensify his efforts to sell a skeptical Congress and a war-weary American public on a military strike against Syria.
Because this f***er is a slave to Israel. They are the only ones who want Assad out, and are the only ones who benefit. Not even America benefits from his removal, not with Al-CIA-Duh being the lead force. Those insane Islamist assets are nuts.
See:
Syrian Commander Eating Enemy Soldier's Liver!
Brutality of Syrian Rebels Posing Dilemma in West
A $elf-created dilemma, and who benefits?
Because this f***er is a slave to Israel. They are the only ones who want Assad out, and are the only ones who benefit. Not even America benefits from his removal, not with Al-CIA-Duh being the lead force. Those insane Islamist assets are nuts.
See:
Syrian Commander Eating Enemy Soldier's Liver!
Brutality of Syrian Rebels Posing Dilemma in West
A $elf-created dilemma, and who benefits?
A passionate debate is already underway in Congress and the administration’s lobbying campaign culminates Tuesday, the evening before a critical vote on the possible Syria action is expected in the Senate. Obama will address the nation from the White House that night to make his case for military action.
In Lithuania, Kerry met with European leaders, who have been skeptical about whether any military action against Assad’s regime can be effective.
That's odd, because I was led to believe they were supportive in my Sunday Globe.
That's odd, because I was led to believe they were supportive in my Sunday Globe.
In a joint statement Saturday, European foreign ministers agreed with the U.S. that the Aug. 21 alleged chemical attack appears to have been the work of the Syrian regime. But, they added, any potential military attack against Syria should wait for a U.N. inspectors’ report.
EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said that the available intelligence ‘‘seems to indicate strong evidence that the Syrian regime is responsible for the attack.’’
Where did that "intelligence" come from?
The report from the U.N. inspectors, who collected evidence in the suburbs hit by the Aug. 21 attack, is expected later this month, although some European officials are asking the U.N. to speed up the probe or issue an interim report.
Yeah, they didn't get the "intelligence" from the U.N.
Btw, the WHOLE WORLD KNOWS it was the U.S.-SUPPORTED INSURGENTS that CARRIED out the CHEMICAL ATTACKS in Syria -- with help from the SAUDIS!
Where did that "intelligence" come from?
The report from the U.N. inspectors, who collected evidence in the suburbs hit by the Aug. 21 attack, is expected later this month, although some European officials are asking the U.N. to speed up the probe or issue an interim report.
Yeah, they didn't get the "intelligence" from the U.N.
Btw, the WHOLE WORLD KNOWS it was the U.S.-SUPPORTED INSURGENTS that CARRIED out the CHEMICAL ATTACKS in Syria -- with help from the SAUDIS!
The prospect of a U.S.-led strike against Syria has raised concerns of potential retaliation from the Assad regime or its allies. On Friday, the State Department ordered nonessential U.S. diplomats to leave Lebanon over security concerns and urged private American citizens to depart as well.
The Shiite militant group Hezbollah, an Assad ally that has sent fighters into Syria, is based in Lebanon.
Deja vu.
Deja vu.
On Saturday, dozens of people protested outside the U.S. Embassy against military strikes on Syria. Some of the demonstrators carried placards reading ‘‘No War,’’ and ‘‘Hands off Syria.’’
Syrian officials have been trying to capitalize on reluctance in Europe and the U.S., and both the government and state media accuse Obama of ‘‘supporting terrorism.’’
‘‘Any US aggression against Syria has no explanation other than (that it's) supporting terrorism,’’ Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said in an interview with state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV broadcast late Friday. He challenged the international community to present evidence that Syria had used sarin, and said military action against his country would be ‘‘dangerous and might affect America’s friends and the entire world.’’
At the Vatican, an estimated 70,000 people answered Pope Francis’ call for a four-hour Syria peace vigil late Saturday, joining Christians as well as non-Christians in similar vigils around the world.
This new Pope better be careful. Bad things happen when you take on the worldwide war machine.
This new Pope better be careful. Bad things happen when you take on the worldwide war machine.
The turnout in St. Peter’s Square was believed to be one of the largest rallies in the West against proposed U.S.-led military action.
Francis spent most of the vigil in silent prayer, but during his speech he issued a heartfelt plea for peace : ‘‘This evening, I ask the Lord that we Christians, and our brothers and sisters of other religions and every man and woman of good will, cry out forcefully: Violence and war are never the way to peace!’’
Obomber is not listening.
Obomber is not listening.
--more--"
That article above did NOT appear in my printed Globe.
This did:
"Syrian rebels capture village that has Christian majority; Al Qaeda-linked fighters reported looting churches" by Jamal Halaby | Associated Press, September 09, 2013
AMMAN, Jordan — Syrian rebels led by Al Qaeda-linked fighters seized control of a predominantly Christian village northeast of Damascus, sweeping into the mountainside sanctuary in fighting overnight and forcing hundreds to flee, activists and locals said Sunday.
The battle over Maaloula, home to two of the oldest surviving monasteries in Syria, has thrown a spotlight on fears that many of Syria’s religious minorities harbor about Islamist extremists on the rebel side in the civil war against President Bashar Assad’s regime.
The prominence of Al Qaeda-linked fighters has factored into the reluctance of Western powers to provide direct military support to the rebels.
That's such a LIE!
"US intelligence agents have helped funnel arms to rebel groups."
Let's just stop it with the distorted and contorted semantics, 'kay?
The Boston Globe's Invisible Ink: CIA Arming Syrian Rebels
So is Qatar, for a long time now.
That article above did NOT appear in my printed Globe.
This did:
"Syrian rebels capture village that has Christian majority; Al Qaeda-linked fighters reported looting churches" by Jamal Halaby | Associated Press, September 09, 2013
AMMAN, Jordan — Syrian rebels led by Al Qaeda-linked fighters seized control of a predominantly Christian village northeast of Damascus, sweeping into the mountainside sanctuary in fighting overnight and forcing hundreds to flee, activists and locals said Sunday.
The battle over Maaloula, home to two of the oldest surviving monasteries in Syria, has thrown a spotlight on fears that many of Syria’s religious minorities harbor about Islamist extremists on the rebel side in the civil war against President Bashar Assad’s regime.
The prominence of Al Qaeda-linked fighters has factored into the reluctance of Western powers to provide direct military support to the rebels.
That's such a LIE!
"US intelligence agents have helped funnel arms to rebel groups."
"The Obama administration has been reluctant to provide arms to the Syrian rebels"
Which means they are providing.
Which means they are providing.
Let's just stop it with the distorted and contorted semantics, 'kay?
The Boston Globe's Invisible Ink: CIA Arming Syrian Rebels
So is Qatar, for a long time now.
But hey, WHAT IS ONE MORE LIE in a jewspaper FULL of THEM?
The presence of Islamist radicals in the ranks of the opposition has also figured in the debate underway in Congress over whether to launch military strikes against Syria in retaliation for an alleged chemical weapons attack last month.
It is?
The prospect that the civil war in Syria could expand into a regional conflict has been a worry for several of its neighbors, including Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey.
Some are REALLY, REALLY, HOPING it DOES!
See: Obomber Expanding Syrian Strike
But it's going to be limited.
After days of clashes in and around Maaloula, the Syrian rebels captured the village after fierce fighting late Saturday, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group.
Syria’s state news agency provided a different account of the battle, saying the military reported ‘‘progress’’ in its offensive in Maaloula.
You can decide who you want to believe, folks. It's a no-brainer for me.
State-run TV reported that all churches in Maaloula were safe and the army was chasing gunmen in the western hills.
But residents of Maaloula reached by telephone described fierce battles in the streets that forced them and other locals to flee as opposition fighters flooded the village.
One resident said the rebels — many of them wearing beards and shouting, ‘‘God is great!’’ — attacked Christian homes and churches.
Yes, mostly Christian AmeriKa, our guys did that. Assad is PROTECTING the Christians!
Another resident who escaped earlier in the day said Assad’s forces were deployed on the outskirts of the village, while gunmen inside refused to allow anybody in. He said that one of the churches, called Demyanos, had been torched and gunmen stormed into two other churches and robbed them.
A third resident reached by phone said he saw militants forcing some Christian residents to convert to Islam.
The AmeriKan media and their "phone calls." Pffft!
The reports could not be independently verified.
Meaning it's propaganda and bulls***.
--more--"
I'm sure someone has all the answers:
"US can do more for Syrians, regardless of military strike" September 07, 2013
As the United States weighs missile strikes against Syria, nearly 5,000 people are fleeing that country each day. Indeed, as of this week, more than 2 million Syrians have abandoned their homeland, and another 4 million are displaced internally by the civil war, now in its third year, according to the United Nations. It’s a mounting crisis for the Middle East, to be sure, but it’s also an opportunity for the United States to save the lives of Syrian civilians regardless of whether Congress authorizes military action.
The U.S.-created refugee crisis is an opportunity for AmeriKa, huh? How sick! Saving the lives of Syrian civilians(?) as Obomber takes them away soon and creates more refugees?
Btw, the refugees are leaving BECAUSE of the THREAT of BOMBING!
And HOW MUCH is ALL THIS COSTING the AUSTERITY-LADEN TAXPAYERS of America?
To date, American non-military aid in the Syrian conflict has been slow to arrive.
Do I even need to comment?
Top officials from neighboring nations harboring refugees — more than half of whom are children — say they badly need outside help to care for those fleeing the violence. “Syria is hemorrhaging women, children, and men who cross borders often with little more than the clothes on their backs,” the UN report, released on Sept. 3, said.
Will they be living in refugee camps for 70 years like Palestinians?
Consider that the Zaatari Refugee Camp, in the Jordanian desert near the Syrian border, didn’t exist a year ago. Today, it alone houses more than 120,000 people living in tents, making it one of Jordan’s largest cities. In Lebanon and northern Iraq, refugees are flooding into tiny rural villages. Everywhere, conditions are brutal for the displaced, and amid this suffering, these settlements are quickly becoming recruitment grounds for armed groups.
That reminds me, did anyone thank the Syrians for taking in the millions of refugees caused by the Iraq invasion?
The United States has been sending hundreds of millions of dollars annually in relief; the United Nations says it needs billions to provide basic services and protection.
While YOURS are UNDER SEQUESTER and CUT, Americans!!
I suppose it would have been better for Obama to have NOT ATTEMPTED REGIME CHANGE in the FIRST PLACE, huh?
The Obama administration should step up its humanitarian aid and encourage other Western allies to do the same.
Inside Syria, in consideration of possible future use of chemical weapons, the United States needs to distribute gas masks and medical antidotes to help treat the wounded, both now in short supply in opposition-held areas.
Or just tell its insurgent friends to stop it.
In the aftermath of the attack that left more than 1,300 dead and more than 3,000 injured in East Ghouta and other Damascus suburbs, rebel leaders expressed frustration that more than a year of requests to the US government for such chemical-weapons protection gear had gone unanswered out of fear the equipment could get into the wrong hands.
So the Globe is just accepting that inflated and false number put out by John Kerry, huh?
They didn't learn a damn thing from Iraq.
But the Assad regime has gas masks, reportedly supplied by North Korea, and last week also saw Israelis scrambling for government-issued kits. Now it’s Syrian civilians alone who don’t have this protection, and US resistance is no longer tenable.
Once the fighting ends, the United States can help build a more stable Syria through a pledge to investigate and prosecute any criminal acts being committed today.
(Blog editor is astounded at the self-delusion at work in the Boston Globe editorial board room; we can help build a more stable Syria? How is Iraq looking these days?)
Until then, however, the chance to relieve immediate suffering without military intervention shouldn’t be neglected.
Too bad we are the ones that started the road to suffering with attempted regime change, 'eh?
--more--"
