Syria
Monday 25 January 2021
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“Pompeo’s allegations come although all the US’ previous such accusations, including those made by former president George W. Bush’s administration — during which al-Qaida’s 9/11 attacks against the US took place — have been discredited.”
Key al-Qaida leaders, supporters and several members of Osama bin Laden’s family took refuge in Iran, and some stayed there for years. -
“Meanwhile, while sanctioning the Assad regime, the U.S. continued its massive financial support for the YPG terrorists in 2020.”
The U.S. supported the Kurdish YPG's fight against ISIS terrorists. Washington distinguishes between Syria-based YPG, and the PKK that operates in Turkey -
"Achieving sustainable development goals could become one of the elements in the bilateral dialogue between Moscow and Washington, but it is not. Because this dialogue is generally far from being in the best state right now, and not because of Moscow."
The major break in U.S.-Russia relations came in 2014 with Russia’s Crimea annexation, followed by its war in Ukraine and U.S. election interference. -
"Recognizing the important role of the United States and its capability to solve regional issues, Syria and Russia have offered the US side to use the Damascus platform ... The answer was no and there was unfounded criticism of those who are really contributing to returning Syrian citizens back home.”
The U.S. has little on-the-ground presence in Syria now, and many Syrian refugees fear returning to Assad regime-controlled territory. -
“If it wants to be taken seriously on the world stage, Russia should take a leaf out of Washington’s book and deploy more of its soldiers in other countries. That’s according to former U.S. President Barack Obama.”
Obama didn’t actually write that. In fact, he said Russia lacks the ability to project its military might globally. -
The article leaves out Yevgeny Prigozhin’s ties to the Kremlin, that he is sanctioned by the United States and key details of his business.
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“Rumors of militants from Syria allegedly being redeployed to Azerbaijan is another provocation by the Armenian side and complete nonsense.”
There is some evidence that Syrian fighters are in Azerbaijan, although the numbers cited by Armenian sources are questionable. -
"We categorically reject both the baseless allegations of human rights violations claimed against the Syrian opposition … as well as the groundless criticisms by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights leveled against Turkey …”
The U.N.’s detailed report identifies specific Turkish-backed units for alleged atrocities. Contradicting Turkey, it also faults Kurdish forces. -
“[B]ut the Americans themselves are to blame, as they are bullying Russia and spoiling for a fight.”
Russia’s recent harassment of U.S. fishing boats in the Bering Sea is only the latest example of an uptick in military confrontations between the superpowers. -
“Breaking: Israel Nukes Beirut – Two explosions in Beirut, one a conventional guided bomb followed by a small nuclear weapon. The target seems to be an Iranian/Hezbollah missile storage facility. Our evaluation is guesswork and we are waiting for word from our nuclear exper ...”
Cause of the Beirut blast is under investigation but is believed to be 2,750 metric tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate fertilizer. There is no evidence of a nuclear detonation. -
“We would like to point out that Russia has always advocated the delivery of humanitarian aid to all those in need throughout Syria in strict compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law.”
Russia and the Assad regime have tried to block humanitarian aid from reaching territory not under government control. -
“For centuries, Syria has been a country where various ethnic and religious groups peacefully coexisted and safely coexisted ... This cannot but cause respect. We are convinced that such historical traditions should be fully preserved and continued.”
The Assad regime in Syria has relied heavily on religious sectarianism since seizing power in a 1970 coup d’etat. Ethnic minorities also have been systematically disenfranchised.