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World War Three

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Dutch Josh View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 12 2019 at 7:47pm
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-blocks-us-military-convoy-from-passing-qamishli-airport-video/;
While the U.S. military continues to carry out patrols in the Al-Hasakah Governorate, the Syrian Army has become more aggressive in their approach when dealing with American troops in the region.
DJ-Under international law Syria could ask the U.S. to "hand over" the military goods "lost on their way" to sort things out. The U.S. troops ware not invited by the Syrian government. Certainly when the U.S. does:

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-govt-says-us-evacuated-over-300-family-members-of-isis-fighters-to-iraq/

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/escobar-what-really-happened-iran :
In fact “maximum counter-pressure” is reaching a whole new level.

Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi confirmed that Iran will hold joint naval drills with Russia and China in the Indian Ocean in late December.

That came out of quite a significant meeting in Tehran, between Khanzadi and the deputy chief of the Chinese Joint Staff Department, Major General Shao Yuanming.

So welcome to Maritime Security Belt. In effect from December 27th. Smack on the Indian Ocean – the alleged privileged territory of Washington’s Indo-Pacific policy. And uniting the three key nodes of Eurasia integration: Russia, China and Iran.
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/irans-irgc-allegedly-surrounds-us-aircraft-carrier-near-strait-of-hormuz-photo/

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2019/12/the-us-campaign-to-weaken-irans-axis-of-resistance-is-failing.html;Well, here it is: “For a long time it looked like the spread of Iranian influence across the Middle East was unstoppable. Now, the entire Iran-hegemony enterprise is at risk. Protests have been going on in Iraq and Lebanon for weeks, bringing their economies to a near standstill, and forcing their Iran-approved prime ministers to step down. There’s no end in sight to the protests …”.
And hence, the Israeli push – led by the newly-appointed Defence Minister, Bennet, that now – precisely – is the moment for the US to act against Iran. This is the narrative for war.

So the idea is that the current turmoils in the 'axis of resistance' countries - Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Iran - has weakened Iran so much that it can be attacked.
-
So while Iran and its allies are under stress they are certainly not in danger of collapsing. The Israeli war narrative is fraudulent.

Netanyahoo may want a war, if only to stay out of jail. But war is not popular in the U.S. and Trump will not start one during an election year.

What Trump needs is an off-ramp from his failing aggression against Iran. He needs talks with Iran but the country insists that he must first lift the sanctions.

I expect him to do that only after his reelection.

DJ-Basicly protests in Lebanon, Iraq, Iran are NOT pro U.S. protests.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/china-mass-producing-special-mission-aircraft/;
China is mass-producing special mission aircraft, including anti-submarine aircraft, early warning aircraft, surveillance aircraft and electronic warfare aircraft, a genre of warplanes that experts said will help create a full information system that allows the Chinese military to recognize hostile movement and even sabotage enemy communications.

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2019/12/some-truth-about-the-war-on-afghanistan.html
DJ-Of course the main goal of wars is to sell weapons and steal oil/gas.

DJ-With the conservatives winning the UK election the UK may turn more US and give room for the EU to turn for EurAsian integration.
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 29 2019 at 10:24pm
DJ-Very serious developments in Syria and Iraq.

https://southfront.org/u-s-announces-strikes-against-iranian-backed-forces-in-iraq-syria/;Earlier this year, the PMU vowed to respond to any attack by U.S. or Israel on its troops using “advanced weapons.” A threat that may turn into a reality in the few upcoming days.

DJ-The US is moving more close to the Netanyahu/Israel anti-Iran position. Blaming Iran for any anti US action in the Middle East is "blind" and stupid. https://www.rt.com/news/court-bush-blair-iraq-043/
Tony Blair George Bush (jr) for Malaysia are now seen as war criminals.

https://www.rt.com/news/476983-russia-china-iran-drills/

and

https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2019/29-december-tonight-near-ayn-issa-saw-much-fighting-between

DJ-The US attacks during Russian-Iranian-Chinese navy drills is no coincidence. Also an increase in fighting between Turkey (most by proxy) and Syria in northern Syria at this moment is coincidence.

Iraq wants the US out of their country, so does Syria. When talking does not work other means will be used.

Russia (and China, Iran) may loose patience with Erdogan. Turkey is not working for peace in Syria. Turkish troops, airlifting jihadi's from Syria to Libya by Turkey (to fight agains Russian backed forces) is also asking for problems.

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/us-attacks-hezbollah-in-iraq-iran-proxies-fire-rockets-at-us-base-in-iraq-pompeo-and-esper-fly-to-mar-a-lago-to-brief-president-time-to-hit-iran-directly
DJ-A direct US attack on Iran is unacceptable for Russia and China. They will do everything they can to limit the effects of such a US attack (from the start, monitor US positions, early warning, maybe even try to shoot missiles/aircraft/drones down) in return expect Iran to "limit its reactions". (Iran has influence on some Shia-forces-but the (US) idea that "Iran is behind all ant US/Israel actions" is way to simple !)

From Hal Turner-site;UPDATE 6:40 PM EST --

USS Truman carrier strike force has moved into the Gulf region. US Navy anti-fastboat exercise just concluded, Lots of land-based assets in the region too. Locking & loading?

DJ-Russia-Iran-China are having their Navy exercises in the same area....

(DJ-I was thinking of a post on Libya-I do not expect Libya becoming Syria-2. The Turks are supporting a "government" that only has very limited control, mainly around Tripoli. Russia, Egypt, the EU do not want another major war. Russia is "able to deal (= kill them all) with imported jihadi's from Syria (either by Turkey or the cia)" and will most likely do so on the short term if needed. Jordan was used both by Israel and the US for attacks against "Iran proxies" in Syria/Iraq. Could see some consequences.)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 30 2019 at 9:24am
DJ-Good article on how damaging the US airstrikes against targets in Iraq and Syria are for the U.S.

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2019/12/after-us-strike-on-iraqi-forces-its-troops-will-again-have-to-leave.html;
On Friday a volley of some 30 107mm Katyusha rockets hit the K1 base which houses Iraqi and U.S. troops near Kirkuk, Iraq. One U.S. mercenary/contractor died, two Iraqi and four U.S. soldiers were wounded. Instead of finding the real culprits - ISIS remnants, disgruntled locals, Kurds who want to regain control over Kirkuk - the U.S. decided that Kata'ib Hizbullah was the group guilty of the attack.

Kata'ib Hizbullah is a mostly Shia group with some relations to Iran. It is part of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) which were founded and trained by Iran to stop and defeat the Islamic State (ISIS) when it occupied nearly a third of Iraq and Syria. KH is like all PMU units now under command and control of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.

To take revenge for the death of one of its mercenaries the U.S. air force attacked five camps where Kata'ib Hizbullah and other Iraqi forces were stationed.

DJ-In fact the U.S. attacked Iraqi forces. https://iraq.liveuamap.com/en/2019/30-december-prominent-shia-cleric-muqtada-alsadr-asks-allthe political parties to unite to expel the US forces through legal procedures. if failed "then I'm ready for other options"

https://southfront.org/us-conducts-airstrikes-on-iran-backed-force-in-iraq-and-syria-after-us-contractor-killed/

DJ-US bases come under (some form of) attack a lot of time-blaming Iran for that without any proof is "unwise".

https://www.rt.com/news/477091-iran-expand-naval-exercise/

DJ-India is a main investor in Iran, China buys a lot of oil from Iran.

https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/12/30/614958/IRGC-PMU-Iraq-Iran-US-Hashd-al-Sha%E2%80%99abi-Anbar, https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/12/30/614922/Iran-Rouhani-sanctions-pressure-United-States

DJ-The US may forget getting wider support for anti-Iran actions. https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-may-expel-us-troops-from-incirlik-airbase-over-sanctions/

Turkey does not want to get pulled in a war between the US and Iran.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 02 2020 at 10:33pm
DJ-Killing the top military general of Iran on Bagdad airport by the U.S. is a decleration of war by the U.S. against Iran. https://www.debka.com/mivzak/tehran-soleimanis-death-at-us-hands-is-a-declaration-of-war/

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/urgent-message-to-americans-in-middle-east-leave-immediately, https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/u-s-air-strikes-kill-top-iran-quds-force-general

DJ-Also killing several Iraqi militia leaders makes https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/what-will-the-trump-administration-do-when-iraq-asks-us-troops-to-leave.html not a question. Iraq will tell the U.S. "to go home" most likely the U. S. will try to "take over Iraq".

https://www.rt.com/news/477355-iran-international-terrorism-us-strike/

DJ-Most likely Iran will have talks with Russia, China, Iraq, Syria, Turkey. An Iranian reaction to this U.S. (stupid) escalation will cause another U.S. response.
U.S. relations with Russia, China are also "at a low point". Still blocking the flow of oil may damage Iran allies more than U.S. allies.

https://www.defconwarningsystem.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13754&start=80
DJ-There most likely will be an Iranian reaction. There will also be reactions from pro-Iran groups in Iraq and Syria.
Hezbollah (part of the Lebanon army) may fire rockets into Israel. Yemen forces may strike Saudi targets.
For the moment it is speculation-what we do know is that the U.S. will consider any action by pro-Iran groups as an action of Iran itself.

How the U.S. responds on pro-Iranian reactions may make clear how Russia, China, Turkey etc. responds.
https://www.debka.com/mivzak/israel-greece-and-cyprus-sign-historic-subsea-gas-pipeline-project/ goes against Turkish/Libyan plans.

We will see more news today-bad news...

HAL TURNER COMMENTARY

This appears on its face to be a "Franz Ferdinand Moment" for all of us in 2020.   The intentional targeting and killing of this Iranian General is HIGHLY LIKELY to cause direct war with Iran.

He was Khameni's right hand. Killing Soleimani is as close to killing Khameini himself as they could get. This won't go answered lightly at all.

He was the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Quds Force (IRGC-QF). Comparable to the U.S. CIA/Delta Force. Throughout the duration of the U.S. presence in Iraq, his organization has backed the bomb makers and those that fired Explosively Formed Penetrators into innumerable American vehicles. I've lost comrades due to that *****; I do not mourn his death.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2020 at 9:17pm
DJ-Some toughts over why the U.S. is acting the way it is (and what is wrong with it).

-The murder of leading Iran military in Bagdad shortly after ending of Russia-Iran-China navy drills is NO coincidence.

-Iran, Iraq, Syria are part of the China New Silk Road AND Russiaś jump south to get a link with the Indian Ocean.

-https://southfront.org/new-wave-of-airstrikes-hits-iraq-capital-prominent-pmu-commander-purportedly-killed-photos/, https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-us-airstrike-targeted-hashd-al-shaabi-convoy-north-of-baghdad-iraq-tv/
Attacking PMU-pro Iran forces in Iraq-that did beat IS-just like Soleimani/Iran makes the US even more part of a struggle between Sunni and Shia-Islam. If there is anything you should stay out of as a foreign power it is a religious (fanatics) war.

-Stupid articles like this one https://www.zerohedge.com/economics/iran-will-respond-here-are-some-thoughts-how reflect utter stupidity;
-The regime in Iran is not that unpopular that they would join US backed MEK to get the Shah back (US plan since 1979)
-Not all Shia forces are Iranian controlled forces-the US does not recognize internal processes in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen
-The western support for Saudi wahabism/salafism is support for IS (wich again will get very active-backed by the CIA-now also in Iran-based partly on mercenaries. partly on the few Sunni extremists in the region.

Since the US is moving into a religious conflict in Islam it will be seen by the Muslim world as a US attack on Islam. Stay out of it !!!!

In short the US has been attacking;
- the Shia groups in the Middle East claiming they are all Iran controlled
- China's interests in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America (from Huawei/5G to oil/south china sea)
- Russian oil and weapon export all over the globe

The US is expecting NATO support for these actions;
-The EU did not step out of the Iran-deal
-Turkey (Erdogan) wants good relations with Russia and Iran
-The EU is still dealing with a very major refugeecrisis (caused by the US)
-Almost all NATO partners (maybe except the UK) have very serious doubts on what the US is doing.

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/iran-our-response-will-shock-america-to-its-core

DJ-The problem is that for Iran, but also Russia, China the question is if there is any point in talking with the US ?

The US wants to stay the "only superpower" telling even Russia and China what to do. This attitude is already unacceptable for the EU let alone Russia, China.

There is a major conflict between the US and Russia, China. With the US actions against Iran the US is saying the US wants to go to military conflict to get its way.

War between not only the US and Iran but also between the US and Russia, China (North Korea etc) is only a matter of time. The only way to avoid that is to "enslave" oneself to the US.

The US attitude is the basic problem.

DJ-If Russia and China (NK etc) see it that way (while the US does not recognize Russia-China strategic partnership, the importance of Iran both for Russia and China-the US believes it can deal with country (Bolivia, Brazil, Honduras. Ukraine, failed in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan) after country) a very major conflict is on the horizon.

Embedded western media give a false perspective-it is now not only the US versus Iran. https://thesaker.is/, https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/us-will-come-to-regret-its-assassination-of-qassim-soleimani/comments/page/2/#comments give a wider view.

DJ-I think Iran may be having talks with Russia, Turkey, China right now on how to react.

A worst case scenario might be a joined attack to disable the US military-with a minimum of damage to get "better working relations after that".
The best case scenario would be "new talks" between Iran and the US with the EU, Switzerland as mediators.
Both scenario's are not very likely.

Iran is part of the Astana group (with Turkey and Iran), future member of the SCO. To stand a chance in a conflict with the US Iran will do "a lot".
(Opening ports for Russia/China navy, join a SCO-NATO ?)

Putin knows how "to choose his battles"-do not start a war that you can not win at that moment.

What the US claims are Iran proxies will react, are not under Iran control. The US wants war and will get war in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and elsewere.

If this insanity is the result of a US powerfight to get rid of Trump the world will have to pay a price that is totally unacceptable. If this is what "US democracy" brings there is little hope for democracy left.

https://theduran.com/suleimani-assassination-trap-set-for-iran-war-video/ (first 30 minutes on who Suleimani was-also an Iran diplomat invited by Iraq-travelling in the open-and than killed (with also Iraqi officials) by the US. min 39 both Russia and China condemn this murder-were the story comes from Suleimani was behind the dead of 1000ś of US soldiers is vague-the uprising in Iraq was Sunni, Suleimani was not a major figure at that time. Outcome of the US attacking Shia militia is that Iraq-2/3=Shia is moving towards Iran.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SCPBDYU7RM Israeli News Live
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 04 2020 at 11:11pm
Some sites to follow;

https://www.facebook.com/pepe.escobar.77377

https://twitter.com/intelcrab

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/

A few US sites (with often a very limited perspective)

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/

https://www.defconwarningsystem.com/phpBB3/

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/the-revenge-for-the-assassination-of-qassem-soleimani.html After the US shot down an Iranian airbus july 1988 Iran (via Libya ?) did bring down a PanAm flight at Lockerbie in december 1988.

Trump is now trying to limit the damage of his stupidity a.o. via Qatar (lifting of sanctions when Iran does not revenge etc.)

DJ-Most likely Trump can forget getting reelected. His voters wanted the US moving out of the Middle East NOT starting an even bigger war with Iran, restarting a war with Iraq etc.

DJ-Both Russia and China condemned the US murder of gen.Soleimani. Both must see it as a US attempt to stop Russia's planned link to the Indian Ocean and China's link to the EU/Africa (both via Iran).

In that way the US indirectly attacked also Russia and China. They will deal with that (go for "facts-policy", real-politik-if the US goes for regime change they can do that even better-Mexico ???)-there is no point in talking with someone out for a fight. If the US wants war it can get war.

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/news-nation/iran-hacked-the-federal-depository-website-posted-a-warning-prelude-to-false-flag-bank-collapse
It is easy to blame Iran for any anti-US actions-it does not solve anything. The US is bankrupt-the world is dumping the US$ and major US companies may leave the US or go bankrupt.

(Boeing is very dependent on US military orders-still those orders may not save that company for software errors in the 737-MAX. Airbus took over the #1 position in civil aviation.)

DJ-The end goal of the Russia-Iran-China coalition, (and with that the SCO, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Economic_Union etc.) may become to "unable" the US to stay in a global leading position much longer. "Make the US a Brazil+".

Putin and Xi know how to get their goals without going for all out war. (The US does not seem to know what diplomacy is.)

Both the US and Iran will try to avoid an open-major-war. The US-Iran conflict started in 1979 (one can say the US-China conflict started in 1949, the US-Russia conflict started even before 1917-a.o. due to Russian America/Alaska). The US want puppets in every country doing what the US tells them to do.

This total lack of respect can also cause a break in EU-US relations. Already there are conflicts over Northstream, the Iran-deal, the Iraq-war, climate, EU-cars and steel etc. At a certain point the gap gets to wide-Asia to tempting. The US murder of Soleimani (even without informing the UK-one of the US closest allies) is yet another push that will make the EU more interested in doing deals with Russia, China, Iran etc.

Israel/Netanyahu may get desperate-he needs "his war"with Iran to stay out of prison. Some groups in the US will keep pushing for all out war with Iran. Most likely the Pentagon will stop such a war as "to risky" most likely far worse than Viet Nam.

For the moment the only wise thing the US now can do is get their troops out of the Middle East a.s.a.p. (or are they waiting for Russian forces to provide protection of US forces in Iraq, Syria ???)
Several Iraqi groups are now out for a kill in Iraq and Syria. The US has no chance of a "peacefull outcome".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 05 2020 at 12:42pm
https://southfront.org/we-need-to-get-out-of-iraq-and-syria-now-tulsi-gabbard/ DJ-Since the US is not serious in getting US forces out of Iraq and Syria those forces most likely will be attacked in the short term.

The US claim they fight IS is false IS is a US creation as an excuse to steal oil and put pressure on Russia China. https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/iraqi-parliament-expels-foreign-militaries-from-iraq.html

https://www.rt.com/news/477028-pompeo-visit-kazakhstan-geopolitical-reasons/ The US is looking for alternatives in Asia for US bases. (Most likely the US will be less welcome because of how the US behaved in Iraq.)

https://www.zerohedge.com/economics/why-us-wants-lower-germans-real-wages and https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/europeans-havent-been-helpful-after-suleimani-killing-pompeo-slams-allies-not
DJ-The US is loosing its European allies.

DJ-Most likely Iran is in talks with Russia and China on "oil-for-weapons"deals. Both Russia and China will give advice on how to deal with the present crisis.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 05 2020 at 9:32pm
https://southfront.org/iraqi-prime-minister-soleimani-arrived-in-baghdad-to-receive-de-escalation-proposal-from-saudi-arabia-trump-supported-initiative/;
On January 5, Iraqi Prime MinisterAdil Abdul-Mahdi reportedly provided additional details into the US assassination of the commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Qods Force, Qassem Soleimani.
According to the available data, the Iranian commander arrived in Baghdad under an official request from Iraq. He was set to receive de-escalation proposals that Saudi Arabia sent to Iran via Iraq. US President Donald Trump allegedly supported this idea during a phone call with the Iraqi Prime Minister.

Therefore, the US supposedly used this initiative to set a trap for the Iranian military commander and assasinate him.

HINT:. President Donald Trump spoke over phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on December 31 after demonstrators stormed the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/insight-into-cancellation-of-my-radio-show-caller-revealed-us-treachery-with-general-soleimani-death (DJ-Hal Turner is very pro-Trump, when even he calls this act treachery-how low did the US go ?)

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/rockets-mortars-landing-near-us-embassy-in-baghdad-now-multiple-explosions,
https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/u-s-satellites-and-spy-planes-see-fueled-missiles-on-iran-coast-launch-imminent

DJ-Trump would attack 52 Iran targets-when he does Iran would https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/iran-commander-says-they-will-level-tel-aviv-and-haifa

https://www.rt.com/news/477539-iraq-sanctions-base-withdrawl/
Iraq should brace itself for sanctions that'll make the ones placed on Iran look pale in comparison if it kicks out the US troops without first covering the costs the US spent on its airbase there, US President Donald Trump said.
“We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that’s there. It cost billions of dollars to build, long before my time. We’re not leaving unless they pay us back for it," Trump told reporters on board of the Air Force One on Sunday.

The punitive measures that the US is ready to slap on its supposed ally in the fight against the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) will be even harsher than the crippling sanctions already in effect against Tehran, the US leader said.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/trump-says-us-will-not-leave-iraq-unless-billions-air-base-are-repaid
DJ-If the US does not leave Iraq how do they plan to stay there ? Sending an occupation force of over a 100.000 US soldiers under constant attack and without (major) help from any ally ? When Saudi Arabia would send some forces north over the Iraq-KSA border Saudi Arabia would be under attack both from Yemen AND Iraq-stupidity rules !

DJ-Iraq did not ask for the 2003 invasion. Saddam Hussein was an US ally in the 1980-1988 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Iraq_War
(Saudi Arabia did pay Iraq to develop Weapons of Mass Destruction against Iran. Those WMD would be used as an excuse for the 2003 US(led) invasion. No WMD were found-Iraq did destroy them earlier after the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War (The US told Iraq it was OK when they invaded Kuwait (for oil/gas dispute-to pay for debts caused by the Iran-Iraq War the US wanted in reaction to the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran)

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/meet-qassem-soleimanis-replacement-esmail-ghaani-irans-new-top-military-leader;
"That Qaani survived at such high ranks in the (Guard), and remained Soleimani’s deputy for so long, says a lot about the trust both Khamenei and Soleimani had in him," said Afshon Ostovar, the author of a book on the Guard. "I suspect he’ll have little difficulty filling Soleimani’s shoes when it comes to operations and strategy."
(DJ-The US killed a Iran general/diplomat to see him replaced with someone equal-what was the point of this Soleimani-murder ?)

It is somehow ironic that the U.S. has spent lots of lives and money to "spread democracy" in Iraq only to be kicked out through an Iraqi parliament vote.

There is a clear danger in this act. The Trump administration is now likely to see Iraq as completely in the Iranian camp. That never was and never will be true but that is how it will be seen. The U.S. may therefore again start to pay (with Saudi money?) Sunni extremists, i.e. ISIS, to change the current situation to its advantage.

That is one reason why I recommend to Iraq to invite Russia to train its army.
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/iraqi-parliament-expels-foreign-militaries-from-iraq.html
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 06 2020 at 9:59pm
First https://iraq.liveuamap.com/en/2020/6-january-three-new-cases-of-h1n1-flu-recorded-in-akre-- DJ-There is (H1N1) flu in northern Iraq. War has always been a "super spreader of disease". Many pandemics can be related to major wars. The latest major pandemic-Spanish Flu-had everything to do with World War 1. May have killed up to 5% of the global population between 1917-1923.

https://www.asiatimes.com/2020/01/article/financial-n-option-will-settle-trumps-oil-war/;
For all the rumble surrounding Iraqi commitment to expel US troops and the Iranian pledge to react to the Soleimani assassination at a time of its choosing, there’s no way to make the imperial masters listen without a financial hit.

Enter the world derivatives market, which every major player knows is a financial WMD.

The derivatives are used to drain a trillion dollars a year out of the market in manipulated profits. These profits, of course, are protected under the “too big to prosecute” doctrine.
-
If Tehran ever decided to shut down the Strait of Hormuz – call it the nuclear option – that would trigger a world depression as trillions of dollars of derivatives imploded.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) counts about $600 billion in total derivatives. Not really. Swiss sources say there are at least 1.2 quadrillion with some placing it at 2.5 quadrillion. That would imply a derivatives market 28 times the world’s GDP.

On Hormuz, the shortage of 22% of the world oil supply simply could not be papered over. It would detonate a collapse and cause a market crash infinitely worse than 1933 Weimar Germany.

The Pentagon gamed every possible scenario of a war on Iran – and the results are grim. Sound generals – yes, there are some – know the US Navy would not be able to keep the Strait of Hormuz open: it would have to leave immediately or, as sitting ducks, face total annihilation.

DJ-Soleimani was supposed to visit Iraq PM to have talks on Saudi deescalation deals. Saudi Arabia does want to have good relations with Russia and China (just like Israel). Killing Soleimani did stop Saudi Arabia being able to find some kind of deal with Iran.

Also "chaos" in Iraq (and Syria) is meant to stop China's New Silk road.

The US want to control energy-oil and gas-to keep the US$ "alive".

https://southfront.org/how-many-forces-does-united-states-have-in-middle-east-to-strike-iran/ DJ-Iran has over 80 million people-a war on land and sea/air between (only) the US and Iran most likely would need a few hundred thousend US forces ?

Iran has over 200.000 missiles-any country in the region would have to deal with that if they would allow the US to use it as a base for attack.

https://southfront.org/erdogan-iran-cannot-leave-assassination-of-soleimani-unanswered/ DJ-In name NATO is still behind the US. When it comes to real war even the UK is clear-a war with Iran is not in the interest of the UK.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/us-slams-russia-china-blocking-un-statement-baghdad-embassy-attack

DJ-Again the US should-now-pull back its forces from Iraq and Syria or face the consequences. Local militia are "out of control" (not only if they ever were of Iran control, PMU is part of Iraq Army and was attacked by the US) and are out for a kill.

Iran for the moment will wait and see how the US stupidity does do its damage.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/terrorist-attack-against-eurasian-integration:
Putin and Xi Jinping face tough days ahead, trying to council Iran in avoiding an excessive response that would give Washington the perfect excuse for a war against Iran.

The prospects of a region without terrorism, with a reinvigorated Shia Crescent, led by Iran at the regional level and accompanied by China and Russia at the economic (Belt and Road Initiative) and military level, offer little hope to Riyadh, Tel Aviv and Washington of being able to influence events in the region and this is likely going to be the top argument that Putin and Xi Jinping will use to try to deter any Iranian overt response.

Deciding to kill the leader of the Quds Force in Iraq proves only one thing: that the options available to Trump and his regional allies are rapidly shrinking, and that the regional trends over the next decade appear irreversible. Their only hope is for Tehran and her allies to lash out at the latest provocation, thereby justifying the regional war that would only serve to benefit Washington by slowing down regional unification under Iranian leadership.

We must remember that whenever the US finds itself in a situation where it cannot control a country or a region, its tendency is to create chaos and ultimately destroy it.

By killing General Soleimani, the US hopes to wreak havoc in the region so as to slow down or altogether scupper any prospect of integration. Fortunately, China, Russia and Iran are well aware that any conflict would not be in any of their own interests.

No drone-launched missiles will be enough to save the US from decades of foreign-policy errors and their associated horrors; nor will they be enough to extinguish the memory of a hero’s tireless struggle against imperialism and terrorism.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carbon20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 06 2020 at 11:33pm
Chump has always said,that he wouldn't use ground troops.....

He will bomb Iran back to the 5 century,(where they want To be)

This would make Chump ,unbeatable at the next election,

As his power base loves the fact,

American is Greatest most powerful nation on Earth,with BIG BOMBS..........

how else would he distract the people from

Impeachment....!!!!!

You can fool some of the people some of the time!!!!!!!!!!

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.🖖

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Technophobe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 07 2020 at 3:42am



Sadly, those institutions who police "war crimes" and similar unpleasant acts, have all the power of a newborn, premature kitten! Trump's threat to "bomb cultural sites" may be illegal, but nothing will be done if he does it.

'And, yes, why would he?

Ever seen the film "Wag The Dog"? Well this time it is the tongue that is dragging the dog around.

I am no lover of the Iranian regime. But those sites are world heritage ones. This was once Persia and part of Sumaria - the birthplace of civilization! Everyone loses if they go.

The loss of life (Iranian and American) is a horror I don't want to contemplate, but it will follow this act of assasination. The only question remaining is how large that loss will be.

There is no doubt that Sulimani was, in effect, a mass murderer. Sometimes however (and you have to be really grown up to recognise this) that is the lesser evil. That is why both Bush and Obama left him there. It was not that they did not care for those who died at his hands, but because they knew with reasonable certainty, that things would be worse without him.

Trump has done several things I despise, and a few that I laud, but overall he has messed-up more than he mended in my opinion. If he handles this with real care and withdraws from the cliff edge,I will admit I was wrong about him and he is presidential after all.

But I suspect that after Iran finds its way of exacting revenge, he will strike back again and things will continue to escalate (as the advisers whom his predecessors listened to, but whom he does not, fail to haul him back from war) and I do predict war!

Obviously the USA will win hands-down! But the cost will be huge - although not to Trump himself; this is a superb distraction from impeachment and who wants to vote against a man whom cries: "Make America Great Again!" in wartime?   -   Not patriots obviously!
How do you tell if a politician is lying?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WillobyBrat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 07 2020 at 3:51am
Judaeism, Christianity, Hinduism, Jainism and Islam all came from the destruction of Sumar by (wait for it) global warming and sea-level rise. My religion and the Gods and Goddesses that I worship, were those that Sumar worshiped in their orthodoxy.

Anyone that destroys what is left of the worlds greatest civilization is my enemy. However, if your President was to wipe the present Iranian invaders and their Persian predecessors from the lands that once were Sumar, I would personally pray to Innana to help him.

Go for it Trump!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 07 2020 at 9:59pm
Technophobe, I agree whit most you write. On top of destroying cultural heritage is a warcrime it is also not a #1 military priority-a US war with Iran will be a very major event. It can very easy get out of control.

Trying to get some info on latest developments;
https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/iran-attack-alert-sent-via-us-state-dept-text-system
DJ-HT on US over 70 killed may be incorrect.

https://twitter.com/intelcrab
-US bases saw missiles coming-most troops in shelter (so no US casulties)
-Ukrain Boeing leaving Tehran may have been hit by Iran AAA (Anti-Aircraft Aritillery)

background

DJ-https://southfront.org/us-scrambled-warplanes-from-uae-air-base-for-supposed-strike-on-iran-after-missiles-hit-us-facilities-in-iraq/, https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-to-meet-about-forming-united-front-against-us-military-report/ etc.
DJ-It look likes the US may be attacking Iran targets from UAE, Turkey (a.o.)-Iraqi forces may be preparing further attacks against US forces.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russia-offers-iraq-s-400-air-defense-system-to-protect-airspace/ and https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-vladimir-putin-travels-to-syria-to-meet-with-syrian-president/

DJ-Russia will try to get some grip on developments.
https://www.rt.com/news/477695-putin-turkey-erdogan-meeting/
https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/fbi-faa-air-force-investigate-armies-unidentified-drones-appearing-over-3-states-night

to be updated -maybe with new posting
DJ-Putin only was a short time in Syria.

DJ;

https://www.defconwarningsystem.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13781&start=40
https://www.debka.com/iran-35-missiles-strike-us-ain-al-assad-and-irbil-bases-in-iraq-us-mid-east-troops-idf-on-top-alert/

DJ-Also UK forces at Ain-al-Assad Air base. The number of (+)80 US military KIA (killed in action) most likely is Iran propaganda.

Most likely;
-US planes were in the air after attack but US has not decided on reaction
-This Iran attack may be part of a larger Iran plan, very likely local militia will "do their own thing".
-The US is very likely to get out of Iraq-and thus Syria-move its troops to Kuwait/KSA
-Israel may seek escalation by (prevention) bombing (Hizbollah=part of Lebanon Army) targets.

DJ-I did not expect Iran to attack US bases in Iraq. I expected Iran to "wait and see" how the international reaction on the US attack on a Iran general https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/the-axis-of-resistance-announces-the-project-that-will-avenge-qassem-soleimani.html# with whom the US did work two times in an US ally-Iraq, killing also Iraqi part-of-Iraqi-army top military would work out.

Iran is still working within the Iran-deal and could use the US actions to push the EU to make up its mind. "Is the EU behind the Iran-deal-and therefor also willing to buy Iran-oil-or not ?"

Trump getting out of the Iran-deal, getting ever closer to Netanyahu/Israel is a main cause of problems.

On the background; control over global energy is control over the globe. The struggle is between Russia-Iran-China (RIC) and the US. RIC is winning-with even Saudi Arabia/Gulf States;
-looking for some kind of agreement with Iran
-trying to do deals with China

_If Iran wants a nuclear bomb they may get it from North Korea or maybe even Pakistan. They do not need to develop such a WMD themselves-Israel (over 60 nuclear bombs) will not give them room for that.

We may have seen chapter 1 of the Iran-revenge "book"-it is far from over.
The US has limited capability to protect its forces in Iraq and Syria. Their position was already very fragile, now it is becoming impossible. A build-up of (new) US forces in Iraq is unacceptable for Iraq.

The position of countries housing US airbases is a big ? Will Turkey, Qatar, UAE accept becoming a US bases for war with Iran ? I do not think so.

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/b2-s-depart-whiteman-air-force-base, https://southfront.org/completely-coincidental-52-f-35a-jets-took-part-in-elephant-walk-drill-after-trump-says-us-chose-52-iranian-targets-to-strike/, https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/01/08/report-b-52s-deploy-to-diego-garcia-amid-iran-tensions/

DJ-The US build-up for further US military action against Iran goes on.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2020 at 4:20am
DJ-I see this as a problem. If the propaganda is allowed to go unanswered, then over the days Iran is going to start believing their own garbage and think the US is weak. (From https://www.defconwarningsystem.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13781&start=40,

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/news-nation/iran-attacks-us-troops-with-missile-barrages-war-is-now-upon-us-all

https://www.rt.com/news/477717-iran-kicking-us-troops-out/

https://www.moonofalabama.org/;https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/irans-missile-launch-against-two-us-bases-in-iraq-calls-trumps-bluff.html

Iran's Missile Launch Against Two U.S. Bases in Iraq Calls Trump's Bluff
Last night Iran fired 22 Qiam missiles towards two U.S. bases in Iraq. Between 1:45 and 2:15 local time (~22:00 UTC) seventeen missiles hit the Ain al Asad airbase west of Ramadi. Five missiles were aimed at Erbil airport in the northern Kurdish region of Iraq. There were no casualties.

The Swiss embassy in Tehran, which represents the U.S., was warned at least one hour before the attack happened. Around 0:00 UTC the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) which prohibited civil U.S. flights over Iraq, Iran, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

This attack was the "open" and "proportional" response for the U.S. assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani which Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had promised. It will certainly not be the only response but represents the opening shot of a long and much more silent campaign to kick the U.S. out of the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to destroy 52 targets in Iran including cultural sites if Iran would take any revenge, seems to have understood that this attack was intentionally limited to avoid a larger war.
-
The Iranian military revenge was less intensive then I had expected. But it was also a clear sign that Iran is capable and willing to openly attack U.S. bases in the larger area. The missile attack came despite Donald Trump's threats to Iran. It called his bluff.

Further reactions will depend on the U.S. reactions to the demand of the Iraqi parliament that all foreign forces leave Iraq. Should the U.S. leave Iraq peacefully all will be well. Should it insist to stay U.S. soldiers will die.

DJ-My estimate is that there is a real chance of the US attacking the launch-sites from last nights attack in Iran. If so-further escalation.

The EU,Russia, China may be able to "limit the damage" (by giving Iran guarantees and consessions). The US is most likely very limited in bases from were they can attack Iran.

(And when they do-Russia/China may jump in to offer air defense etc.)

DJ-A further US attack would be "unwise" but so was killing Soleimani. Trump shows he is able doing stupid things quite often....

https://southfront.org/u-s-political-military-leadership-is-in-deep-crisis-over-escalation-with-iran/;
Some sources claim that the US did not react because the Iranian missile strike was just a symbolic move: no US troops were allegedly killed and there are indications that US forces may have known in advance of the attack.

However, even if this is true, the entire situation (when some nation delivers missile strike on US forces and there is no response) is unprecedented. This demonstrates both the crisis within the US military political leadership and the weakening US position in the Middle East. Just recently, the Pentagon was forced to denounce the US-led coalition announcement of the troop withdrawal from Iraq.

In any case, Iran publicly slapped the United States in the face.

https://southfront.org/iranian-supreme-leader-says-missile-strikes-on-us-bases-were-only-the-first-step/,

https://southfront.org/us-coalition-allies-fleeing-iraq-as-region-braces-for-possible-iran-us-war/

DJ-No one with some brains want an US-Iran war. "Not looking weak" may be a stupid reason to further escalate...

https://www.facebook.com/pepe.escobar.77377
Qatar mediation to avoid a war ?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Technophobe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2020 at 3:39pm
PRESIDENTIAL TRUMP - WELL DONE!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2020 at 9:59pm
https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/news-nation/no-u-s-military-response-to-iran-attacks

DJ-Four reasons why the US did not (yet) respond on the Iran missile strikes against US bases in Iraq yesterday;
-lack of regional support (out of fear for Iranian reaction-lack of US protection)
-lack of international support (most NATO) allies were not informed of plans to kill Soleimani
-strong warnings from Russia, China (and maybe also Pakistan, Muslim-world-a war against Iran would be seen as a "new western crusade against Islam")
-Fear of the US itself, Iran may bring down most missiles (like the US/UK/France FUKUS strike against Syria)

Outcome on the longer term;

-NATO split up in CanEur and US
-US losing (all) credebility in Middle East North Africa (MENA)

https://twitter.com/intelcrab, / https://twitter.com/thewarzonewire/status/1215006427179143168
First B52ś on Diego Garcia

DJ-If the US wants further attacks on Iran they may send bombers from the UK ? Indian Ocean ? The US is very limited in what it can do. Pulling back the (6000 US some NATO, contractors) forces out of Iraq, Syria may be hard to avoid.

https://twitter.com/IntelTweet/status/1215103416466399232;
Iraqi Shiite militia spokesman: "I assure you, brothers, that the response of the resistance factions will be very harsh and the coming days will be full of surprises."

Some more links;
https://www.rt.com/op-ed/477759-iran-missiles-subdued-us-strike/

https://www.rt.com/news/477779-state-department-sanctions-india-s400/

https://www.rt.com/business/477772-turkstream-national-energy-security-matter/

https://www.rt.com/op-ed/477756-ukrainian-plane-crash-questions-iran/

https://www.rt.com/usa/477762-general-iran-strikes-intended-kill/

https://www.rt.com/news/477773-satellite-iran-attack-damage/

DJ-The US goes on telling countries like Turkey, India they can not buy weapons were they want. The US goes on telling Turkey, Germany they can not buy energy were they want. (The EU should buy US LNG at double the cost of Russian/Arab/Iran energy)

Over 70 Canadians died in the Tehran planecrash yesterday.

Iran did warn US before attacking US bases in Iraq.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 09 2020 at 12:10pm
Enjoy the silence, storm is on its way....

https://www.debka.com/mivzak/irans-attack-on-us-bases-in-iraq-is-just-the-start// https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/harsher-revenge-revolutionary-guards-commander-vows-it-s-not-over-after-iranian-missile-strikes-on-us-forces-in-iraq

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/iran-source-video-of-missile-hitting-ukraine-plane-over-tehran and
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/pentagon-accuses-iran-of-shooting-down-a-ukrainian-plane-but-its-evidence-is-flimsy.html
(DJ-Since the passengers came from Canada, Sweden, UK, Germany-the US hopes more support for their agression)

https://www.rt.com/news/477780-pakistan-peace-war-iran-us/

DJ-When I am correct the US did not bomb/attack Iran because they were not able to do so-not because they did not want to do it.

From https://www.facebook.com/pepe.escobar.77377:
REALLY HARDCORE ALLEGED INJURED US SOLDIERS UPDATE - INCLUDING US CENSORSHIP

The IRGC is adamant: NONE of their missiles was intercepted by the US. They all precisely hit their targets.

Compare it with the US version: no casualties, and the bases sustained “only minimal damage.”

Al Mayadeen TV has reported that the Americans PREVENTED IRAQI SOLDIERS AND INTEL FORCES FROM APPROACHING THE TARGETED AIR BASE.

Iraqi lawmaker Naim al-Aboudi, of the Fatah (Conquest) alliance, told Al Mayadeen that THE AMERICAN-RUN SECTION OF AIN AL-ASSAD HAD BEEN COMPLETELY DEMOLISHED BY THE IRANIAN MISSILE STRIKE.

Another Iraqi lawmaker, Hassan Salem, of the al-Sadiqoun bloc, told the Al Forat TV network, that Iran's missile attack was LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE ON the US base and, YES, did cause fatalities.

Once again: he also confirmed that the bodies of the slain American personnel HAD BEEN FLOWN TO TEL AVIV.

DJ-In Iraq Shia-militia will keep pushing US forces-the US will keep blaming Iran for it. Netanyahu wants war with Iran (like Trump facing impeachement). https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/rockets-reportedly-hit-near-us-base-north-baghdad-again:
Just hours ago it was reported that 90% of American advisors withdraw from Balad Air Force Base in Salah al-Din Governorate, including staff of Lockheed Martin, which specialize in operating F-16s, after recent threats in Iraq.
As a reminder, contrary to the carefully built narrative that the US and Iran have become nothing short of BFFs, the risk for re-escalation remains huge. As Stratfor noted this week, Iraq, in particular, could present a theater for action, as Iranian-allied Iraqi militias have also been galvanized by the recent U.S. strikes and likely will be keen to seek retribution.

If an attack by those militias kills a U.S. soldier or contractor in Iraq or Syria, the risks of escalation to a direct military exchange between the United States and Iran would again climb. After all, the United States will hold Iran responsible for the actions of some of its allied militias, especially the mostly Shiite Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq.

As such, contrary to the desires of bullish daytraders, the existence of these triggers for potential escalation and the atmosphere of tension that will linger between the two adversaries keeps the long-term risk of a military confrontation alive, even if their current face-off goes no further.

(DJ-Most likely-Russia, China, will be talking with Iran on weapon transfers/port facilities, airbases etc. The 3-country-navy drill ended just before the US murdered Soleimani. Russia could use-for a short while-Iran air base for actions in Syria. China will be interested in "weapons-for-oil". Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline speed up ?)

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/iraq-reopens-negotiations-purchase-russian-s-300-air-defense-systems

https://southfront.org/united-states-war-with-iran-simulated/
The United States and Iran are balancing on the edge of a fully-fledged open military conflict, with many claiming that President Donald Trump had to respond militarily to the Iranian retaliatory missile strike on US military bases in Iraq. However, they have forgotten that in 2002 the Pentagon already ran a colossal wargame designed to simulate a war with Iran – and the US lost heavily.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 09 2020 at 9:57pm
DJ Good video describing what the US did: killing a general of a country they are not at war with in a country that is an ally. The general killed was supposed to visit the PM of that allied country. Not only did the US kill that general-but also several high ranking ALLIED officers.
The US is not at war still with Iran, Iraqis an ally !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KwWa4J7fi4

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/powerful-blasts-rock-syria-iraq-border-after-warplanes-strike-iranian-forces/DJ-Most likely Israel bombed another weapons-transport on the Iraq-Syria border.

https://southfront.org/rocket-lands-near-base-housing-u-s-troops-in-northern-iraq/ DJ-Most likely local militia shooting at an US base.

https://www.rt.com/op-ed/477875-iran-plane-crash-media-narrative/
DJ-Propaganda war on the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 crash near Tehran-Iran. For the moment it is just as likely a US drone brought down the plane as the claim Iran AAA did it. No proof. What the US does not want is further questions on the safety of Boeing 737-the plane was 3,5 years old. If there are safetyconcers on this plane as well it would be the end for Boeing-a main US defense manufacturer.

https://sputniknews.com/analysis/202001101077990840-cool-heads-prevailed-in-us--iran-but-new-strikes-may-ignite-full-scale-retaliation-ops---observers/

DJ-What can deescalate the Middle East now ? Low profile of US/NATO forces in Iraq/Syria, no further Israel airstrikes. Very limited build up of US forces in Kuwait/KSA and a whole lot of diplomacy involving also Turkey, Russia, China, Pakistan.

Both Iran and the US know a major war will bring very severe damage to both and the region.

The US can offer lifting of (some) sanctions when Iran "limits its activity".

https://ejmagnier.com/2020/01/09/a-new-middle-east-made-in-iran-is-about-to-be-born/?fbclid=IwAR3-8XCsofni03XFil6i7xQDKo0Sq66WfH8S-NIYDN87UdftkDgiPusXb6w;
Trump is doing everything possible to undermine and degrade US hegemony in the world. He doesn’t need any help in this endeavour, but his advisors and cabinet members share his talent for mismanaging foreign policy and national security affairs. With this bad advice US relations around the world, and particularly in the Middle East, have been run as if by a businessman, used to negotiating and intimidating with little subtlety and altogether lacking diplomatic skills.

(DJ-The get cynical-what is the worst Trump can do ? He is likely to do it.)

https://theduran.com/soleimanis-successor-is-failing/
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2020 at 8:48am
Some background;

https://wearechange.org/obama-ordered-cia-to-train-isis-jihadists-declassified-documents/?fbclid=IwAR0UOVaJ08Xt9OUxYYprLJz2yfq6lE_KtGz_qCSJ10vYYhfnppBMjiZ7Lx0

https://www.globalresearch.ca/putin-hour/5699822

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/risk-nuclear-war-growing

LYIN'N CHEATIN', BABE - THAT'S MY THANG

Malignant manatee Consul Pompeus "We Lied, We Cheated, We Stole" Minimus, now swearing an Iranian missile downed the Ukrainian jet, is the same gangster who was fed concocted intel to convince Trump to assassinate Soleimani.

Massive psyops in effect all across the West - to deflect from the massive humiliation to the "greatest military in the history of the galaxy" and their "beautiful weapons" incapable of intercepting even a beer can.
From https://www.facebook.com/pepe.escobar.77377

DJ-Both embedded press and politicians around "the west" copying the same blah-blah.
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/plane-was-designed-clowns-shocking-boeing-emails-reveal-contempt-management-faa DJ-Goes for more Boeing 737's ?

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pompeo-allegedly-convinced-trump-to-assassinate-soleimani/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-pm-asks-us-to-begin-withdrawal-process-in-iraq/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/natos-missile-defense-system-in-romania-monitored-irans-attack-sec-gen/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/unknown-warplanes-targeted-iranian-forces-in-syria-from-iraq-media/
(DJ-US forces keep attacking Iran forces in Iraq)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2020 at 9:21pm
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/unknown-warplanes-targeted-iranian-forces-in-syria-from-iraq-media/,
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/update-on-the-ukrainian-plane-incident-near-tehran.html,
https://www.rt.com/news/477996-rouhani-identify-prosecute-plane/,
https://southfront.org/whats-behind-boeing-crash-in-iran/
(This article was prior to Iran admits shooting down the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800)

https://www.rt.com/news/477989-sultan-oman-qaboos-said-dies/

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/in-iraq-the-us-is-again-an-occupation-force-as-it-rejects-to-leave-as-demanded.html;
Shorter Pompeo: "Our troops will stay and you better do what we say."

A foreign force that is asked to leave a country and does not do so is an occupation force. It must and will be opposed.

The murder of the 31 security forces and the assassination of al-Mahandes have still not been avenged. The PMU will do their moral duty and fight the foreign occupation forces until they leave.
-
The U.S. will need to pay better Iraqi 'activists' if it wants them to demand what Donald Trump wishes.

As the Iraqi Prime Minister explained (also here):

After my return from China, Trump called me and asked me to cancel the agreement, so I still refused, and he threatened me with massive demonstrations that would topple me. Indeed, the demonstrations started and then Trump called, threatening to escalate in the event I did not cooperate and do as he asked…
Iraq is again negotiating with Russia to acquire S-300 air defense systems. It will need them as the U.S. will have to leave and leave it will. The only choice for its soldiers is between leaving horizontally or vertically, dead or alive.

https://www.debka.com/irans-attack-on-us-airbase-in-iraq-finds-israel-vulnerable-to-same-kind-of-ballistic-missile-strike/

DJ-Iran has demonstrated it is willing to attack ANY power it considers a risk in the region. For the first time the US did not react in a military way-because they could not do so (without paying a very high price for it-Iran blocking strait of Hormuz would damage the west that much the US did not want to risk it.)
The US will have to leave Syria, Iraq (Afghanistan) and with that loose some control over the global energy market (and petro-dollar).
When the US does not leave Iraq, Iraq may ask other countries for the moment to increase their forces (to push the US out-not by war but making the US unable to do much-electronic warfare could stop US cars and communication etc.)

Iran will have to pay compensation for the Ukrainian plane victims-but still the Russia-Iran-China coalition did get more control over the Middle East.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 11 2020 at 11:20pm
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/iranian-armed-forces-say-they-inadvertently-shot-down-the-ukrainian-plane.html, https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iran-arrests-british-ambassador-over-inciting-and-directing-anti-govt-protests/ and https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-forces-remain-on-high-alert-for-potential-us-attack-report/

DJ-In Iran public unrest after Iran admits shooting down Ukrainian Boeing 737-800. Part of the public unrest may be "foreign organized". Since the unrest in part is caused by US economic sanctions others should do more to keep the Iran-economy going. (DJ-Also political reforms may be needed-but there is a big gap between the US sponsored MEK-that want a return of the Sjah and most Iranians.)

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-russian-sponsored-ceasefires-begin-in-libya-and-syria/

https://www.rt.com/news/478025-putin-merkel-iran-nuclear-deal/ and https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/putin-merkel-urge-all-parties-back-iran-deal-must-be-preserved-all-means
DJ-The EU seem to see the Iran-deal as a way to de-escalate. Since the US broke that deal it should be the EU to make the Iran-deal work (by buying Iranian oil). The lack of a clear choice by the EU is one of the problems for the Iran-crisis.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/if-us-does-itll-lose-iraq-forever-trump-threatened-cut-baghdads-access-its-ny-fed-cash
DJ-By using the US$ as a weapon more and more countries drop the US$.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 12 2020 at 10:56pm
DJ-Some questions on was Iran behind the downing of the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 ?

From https://www.facebook.com/pepe.escobar.77377;

VERY IMPORTANT UKRO-BOEING UPDATE

It’s quite depressing to see that a lot of readers of this global forum don't have a f*****g clue on what investigative journalism is all about.

I am NOT convinced about the simplistic, official - Iranian – story on the ”human error” re: the tragedy of the Ukro-Boeing. I am interested in WHAT INDUCED THAT HUMAN ERROR. That’s where the story does not hold. So I’ll keep digging.

The IRGC did ask for a “no fly zone”. It was denied. Why? The Rouhani government owes everyone an explanation.

The flight data of the Ukro-Boeing was abruptly cut off while it was climbing.

Flight data includes crucial TRANSPONDER signals.

So the plane was off course, with NO transponder, and trying to return to the airport – thus the U-turn maneuver by the pilot.

In this case, it is easy to understand why the flight was mis-identified.

What did the Ukrainians say about this? They said the plane had just been under maintenance.

So “something” might have been done in maintenance to allow or cause the flight data to be abruptly cut off. By whom – and under whose orders? Why the Ukrainians are not being investigated?

Then there’s the cell phone video.

Why the hell would someone be filming the sky in the middle of the night with his smart phone?

Are we expected to believe that one of the soldiers at the Iranian launch site really was playing with a smart phone instead of manning his station?

And how did the US and other usual suspects know, within MINUTES, that a missile had hit the Ukro-Boeing?

These are just a few extra questions.

And I’m not even wading into the “Israel did it” swamp.

Veterans Today has an explosive report stating, outright, that the whole thing was due to an automation or software error, not human.

Facebook won't allow me to show the link. Orwellian tactics. Find it for yourselves, it's easy.

Veterans Today goes for the jugular:

“This was an Israeli cyber terrorist attack that triggered Russian-made Iranian anti-aircraft missile system to misfire against a friendly civilian target by a Unit 8200 backdoor into the “Friend or Foe” ID code conduited to Israel via Russian technology relations.”

This ongoing investigation is FAR from over.

(DJ-I seem not to be able to put links to Veterans Today ???? On their site more-new-info)

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/was-the-shootdown-of-the-ukrainian-airplane-near-tehran-really-a-mistake.html
Basicly Iran considered itself at war with the US-expected attacks, did not want to show fear so civil aviation went on. The Thor-missile was not part of a network-the operator could not get radiocontact with an HQ to find out if it could be a civil flight. (DJ-In my view he should not have fired the missile-shooting down a civil flight would do more damage than a cruise missile would-under these circumstances I-DJ-disagree with MoA)

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/ron-paul-us-wants-own-iran-it-did-when-shah-was-power
DJ-The US needs to control global energy to remain the only superpower-but it is getting much to expensive.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/atoms-peace-vs-atoms-war-only-fix-iran-us-relations Over 70 years ago the idea came up of Iran going for nuclear energy.

https://www.debka.com/iran-hizballah-gird-up-for-guerilla-rocket-attacks-on-us-forces-in-iraq-rockets-against-israel/, https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/heres-why-trump-tipped-israel-soleimani-strike-they-helped-intel

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/downing-ps-752-already-being-used-smear-mh-17-skeptics;
Oddly enough, Ukrainian International Airlines is partly owned by the infamous Ukrainian-Israeli oligarch, politician and energy tycoon Igor Kolomoisky, who was notably one of the biggest financiers of the anti-Russian, pro-EU coup d’etat which overthrew the democratically elected government of Viktor Yanukovych in 2014.

Kolomoisky is also a principal backer of current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whose dubious phone call with Trump resulted in the 45th U.S. president’s impeachment last month.

In another astounding coincidence, Kolomoisky’s Privat Group is believed to control Burisma Holdings, the Cypress-based company whose executive board 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden’s son Hunter was appointed to following the Maidan junta.

The former Vice President admitted that he bribed Ukraine into firing its top prosecutor who was looking into his son’s corruption by threatening to withhold $1 billion in loan guarantees.
-
From the get-go, the Obama administration was adamant that the missile which shot down the Boeing 777 came from separatist rebel territory.

However, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad denounced the charges brought against the Russian and Ukrainian nationals indicted in the NATO-led investigation, dismissing the entire probe as a politically motivated effort predetermined to scapegoat Moscow and exclude Malaysian participation in the inquiry from the very beginning.

Mohamad is featured in the excellent documentary MH17: Call for Justice made by a team of independent journalists which contests the NATO-scripted narrative and reveals that the Buk missile was more likely launched from Ukrainian Army-controlled territory than the DPR. One of Kolomoisky’s hired guns could also have been responsible.

Shamefully, Iran’s admission of guilt in the PS752 downing is already being used by establishment propagandists to discredit skeptics and conflated with similar contested past events like MH17 in order to intimidate dissenting voices from speaking up in the future.

DJ-The MH17 dossier is used by the US (etc) to keep a gap between Russia and the EU.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 14 2020 at 10:42pm
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-new-missile-strikes-reported-at-iraqi-military-base-hosting-us-forces/,https://southfront.org/another-base-hosting-us-troops-in-iraq-comes-under-rocket-attack/
DJ-The pressure to push out US forces out of Iraq will grow https://iraq.liveuamap.com/en/2020/14-january-muqtada-alsadr-from-iran-calls-for-millionstrongprotest to condemn "the US presence and its violations," in Iraq. Says the move will be followed by other popular, political and parliamentary moves to protect "Iraq's dignity and sovereignty."

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/the-long-planned-us-assassinations-in-iraq-will-increase-the-political-chaos.html

On the Iran-deal https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/trumps-eu-poodles-germany-britain-and-france-obey-his-order-to-kill-the-nuclear-deal-with-iran.html DJ If the EU wanted to save the Iran-deal they should have done much more much faster.

DJ-Trump may get his way in the sense that there may come another Iran-deal than the Obama-deal, most likely worse for the US and Israel.

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/us-imposes-additional-sanctions-on-north-korea
DJ-One of the recent lessons from history is that deals do not work when one party dumps deals like it is not the result of hard work, long talks and a lot of compromise.

The US keeps forgetting they are no longer "the only boss". Russia and China now will make their own deals without the US and-if the EU does not wake up-without the EU. Asia has over 4 billion people-more than halve the global population, most of the natural resources-land linked.

US (political) sanctions will damage the US more than the countries that are meant to be sanctioned. (For instance the EU stopped exporting fruit, vegetables to Russia after Crimea-now Russia grows those products themselves or imports them from Turkey etc. EU farmers have to change their products and lost a major market.)

A new China-US trade deal will be-at best-very limited. China wants to be treated as equal with the US, respected-the Trump government seems to be unable to understand that.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 16 2020 at 11:25pm
https://www.debka.com/us-forces-withdraw-from-nato-march-drill-in-norway-due-to-mid-east-tension/;
DEBKAfile’s military sources report that US planners, by withdrawing from the NATO exercise scheduled for March, are clearly preparing for a drawn-out engagement with Iran and its allied Iraqi militias, which are bent on extended revenge for the assassinations by the US of leading general Qassem Soleimani and senior Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Most of the forthcoming clashes are expected by intelligence sources to be concentrated in Iraq, with local militias staging guerrilla operations against US forces and bases.

The stream of military equipment and weaponry from Iran to Iraq has accelerated in the last few days. Tons of IED roadside bombs are included in the consignments.

https://www.debka.com/mivzak/putin-to-cut-short-his-israel-visit-new-government-in-moscow/,


https://www.debka.com/mivzak/at-least-3-pro-iranian-militiamen-reported-killed-in-t-4-raid/;
A missile attack on Tuesday night, attributed by Syrian officials to Israel, is said to have killed at least three pro-Iranian militiamen at the T-4 air base outside Homs. It reportedly targeted an Iranian arms depot and another building. Soon after the attack, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had held a productive conversation with PM Binyamin Netanyahu about “developments in the region.”

https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2020/16-january-reports-of-unidentified-aircraft-bombing-the-locationsof the Iranian militia in the vicinity of Albukamal city east of Deir Ezzor, and some reports that the bombing targeted trucks parked at the Albukamal border crossing

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-allegedly-tried-and-failed-to-kill-irgc-commander-in-yemen/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iran-may-purchase-chinas-j-10-fighter-jet-to-boost-air-force-report/;
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:30 A.M.) – The Iranian Ministry of Defense is mulling the purchase of China’s J-10 multi-role fighter jet, the Sina News Agency reported on Wednesday.

According to the Sina report, Qatar has provided Iran with $3 billion (U.S.) in financial assistance after the accidental downing of the Ukrainian airliner by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The report said Iran will give the families of the victims approximately $1.5 billion, which is roughly $850,000/victim.

The remaining sum from the financial assistance will be reportedly used to boost Iran’s air force, as many of their aircraft are outdated.
-
The J-10, which is one of China’s domestically-made fighter jets, and Russia’s S-30 are being seriously considered to replace their aging aircraft.

“The J-10C is a typical multi-purpose fighter and can be replaced at the same time. These models help to simplify logistics. At the same time, the Russian Su-30 fighter is also a potential purchase target. The Su-30 fighter has a large range and a large amount of ammunition, which can just replace the F14 heavy fighter,” they added.

DJ-With Moqtada al Sadr getting his over 100.000 men army together, Iran sending reinforcements to Iraq, a new Iraq war is on its way. That war will effect the Syria-war. When it crosses the Iran border it will also cross the Israel border.

More and more this war becomes a war of "the west" against the Arab/Muslim world. (With Trump/Netanyahu as its leaders).

Since SW Asia is vital for Russia and China they will do everything they can to get more control.
(DJ-Maybe government-changes in Russia should be seen as the formation of a war-cabinet. The only way to avoid that war would be talks-since the EU faillure to play a serious role there is limited capability for mediation/talks.)

A likely scenario will be a major strike
-US attacking pro-Iran forces
or
-pro-Iran forces attacking NATO forces
both parties are preparing for such strikes.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 17 2020 at 9:20am
Two views;

https://www.voltairenet.org/article208858.html;

Iran quickly announced that it no longer respected the 5+1 agreement, while pro-Iranian Iraqi MPs demanded the departure of US troops from their country. Contrary to what the Western media were led to believe, these two decisions were not competitive bids, but offers of peace. The 5+1 agreement no longer exists since the US withdrawal. Iran acknowledged this after having tried in vain to save it. The departure of US troops not only from Iraq, but from the entire Middle East is a commitment made by Donald Trump during his presidential campaign. He could not make it come true given the opposition of his administration. Iran sided with him.
-
It goes without saying that the US will not give up anything without compensation. Its military withdrawal will only be done in coordination with the Iranian military withdrawal. General Qassem Soleimani embodied precisely the Iranian military deployment. It is this double withdrawal that is currently being negotiated. We are already seeing a US withdrawal from Syria and Iraq to Kuwait. The episode of the letter sent, then cancelled, by General William Sheely III announcing the departure of US troops from Iraq is proof that these negotiations are indeed underway.


https://www.globalresearch.ca/did-trump-just-give-middle-east-china-russia/5700660

Chinese involvement with Iraqi oil development and other infrastructure projects, though large, was significantly disrupted by the ISIS occupation of some one third of Iraqi territory. In September, 2019 Washington demanded that Iraq pay for completion of key infrastructure projects destroyed by the ISIS war– a war where Washington as well as Ankara, Israel and Saudi Arabia played the key hidden role—by giving the US government 50% of Iraqi oil revenues, an outrageous demand to put it politely.
-
It was only a matter of days after the Beijing talks of Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi that nationwide protests against Iraqi government corruption and economic policies broke out, led by opposition cries that Abdul-Mahdi resign. Reuters witnessed snipers carefully fanning the violent protest firing on the protesters giving the impression of government repression much as the CIA did in Maidan in Kiev in February 2014 or in Cairo in 2011.

There is now strong evidence that the China talks and the timing of the spontaneous October 2019 protests against the Abdul-Mahdi government were connected. The Trump Administration is the link.
-
Iran’s Vice President, Eshaq Jahangiri has announced that Iran signed a contract with China to implement a project to electrify the main 900 kilometer railway connecting Tehran to the north-eastern city of Mashhad near the border to Turkmenistan and to Afghanistan. Jahangiri added that there are also plans to establish a Tehran-Qom-Isfahan high-speed train line and to extend this up to the north-west through Tabriz. OilPrice notes, “Tabriz, home to a number of key sites relating to oil, gas, and petrochemicals, and the starting point for the Tabriz-Ankara gas pipeline, will be a pivot point of the 2,300 kilometre New Silk Road that links Urumqi (the capital of China’s western Xinjiang Province) to Tehran, and connecting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan along the way, and then via Turkey into Europe. Once the plans for this are making substantial progress then China will extend the transport links into Iraq to the West.”

Additionally, according to Iraq’s Electricity Minister Louay al-Khateeb, “China is our primary option as a strategic partner in the long run…We started with a US$10 billion financial framework for a limited quantity of oil to finance some infrastructure projects…[but] Chinese funding tends to increase with the growing Iraqi oil production.” That is, the more Iraqi oil China extracts the more Iraqi projects it can finance. Today Iraq is dependent on Iran for gas to serve its electric generators owing to lack of gas infrastructure. China says it will change that.

Further the oil industry source states that Russia and China are quietly preparing the ground to relaunch the Iran-Iraq-Syria gas pipeline from Iran’s huge Persian Gulf South Pars gas field it shares with Qatar. A US-backed proxy war began against Syria’s Bashar al-Assad in 2011 just after he signed a deal with Iran and Iraq to build the pipeline, rejecting an earlier Qatar proposal for an alternative route. Turkey and Saudi Arabia and Qatar poured billions of covert funds to finance terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and later ISIS in a vain effort to topple Assad.

https://www.globalresearch.ca/washington-continues-war-buildup-against-iran/5700928
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 18 2020 at 12:43am
On the risk of nuclear war in the Middle East,

From https://www.globalresearch.ca/washington-continues-war-buildup-against-iran/5700928;
Arkin cites previously classified information that in 2016, before Trump’s inauguration, the US military carried out an exercise dubbed “Global Thunder 17” that simulated a US nuclear response against Iran in retaliation for the sinking of an American aircraft carrier and the use of chemical weapons against US troops. He cites a government contractor who helped write the war scenario as saying that it was chosen because it “allowed the greatest integration of nuclear weapons, conventional military, missile defense, cyber, and space into what nuclear strategists call ‘21st Century deterrence.’”

Since those war games, Arkin writes, the Pentagon “has deployed a new nuclear weapon which increases the prospects for nuclear war. The new nuclear weapon, called the W76–2, is a ‘low yield’ missile warhead intended for exactly the type of Iran scenario that played out in the last days of the Obama administration.”

These weapons, deliverable by Trident II missiles fired from submarines, are considered a more “credible deterrent” because they are more “usable” than larger warheads.

https://community.defconwarningsystem.com/threads/united-arab-emirates-is-set-to-bring-the-first-of-four-nuclear-reactors.13807/;
This week, the world learned that after years of delays, the United Arab Emirates is set to bring the first of four nuclear reactors in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi online by the end of March.

A recent report by Paul Dorfman, chair of the non-profit Nuclear Consulting Group, titled Gulf Nuclear Ambition: New Reactors in the United Arab Emirates, highlights myriad risks inherent in Barakah's design.

Among the most prominent reds flags is the firm that won the contract to build Barakah - Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), which clinched the deal with a bid that was "spectacularly low, about 30% lower than the next cheapest bid," the report says.

That bargain-basement price was made possible, the report notes, thanks to a lack of "key improved safety design features" normally expected on new European reactors but missing from those built by KEPCO.

Such features include a so-called "core catcher" to prevent the nuclear reactor core from breaching the containment building in the event of a meltdown and other defences to guard against a significant radiation release in the event of an accident or deliberate attack on the facility.

Further compounding these omissions, says the report, is "the discovery of cracking in all 4 reactor containment buildings" and the installation of faulty valves - all of which cast doubt over the UAE's ability to provide "adequate nuclear regulation

https://www.voltairenet.org/article208813.html
DJ-The war in Libya is-just like the other regional wars in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen-caused by western/NATO intervention to keeo control over oil.

In Libya Turkish backed fighters/IS are facing Egyptian and Russian troops. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Dabaa_Nuclear_Power_Plant

Yemen fighters already tried to damage the UAE nuclear plants (they were under construction at that time in 2019). The Egyptian plants will open in 2026.

https://southfront.org/in-video-russian-reinforcements-pass-through-u-s-checkpoint-in-northeast-syria/

https://southfront.org/syrian-war-report-january-15-17-2020-offensive-operations-in-southern-idlib-resumed/
DJ-In the Syria war already Russia, US, Israel, Iran, Turkey, (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, China) are involved. With also fighters from Lebanon, Afghanistan and under the "rebels" a.o. Chinese Uyghurs.

The US-under Trump-is moving ever closer to Netanyahu-Israel in its anti-Iran strategy. (Again) Russia wants to move south-via Iran-to the Indian Ocean, China wants to move west to the EU/Africa-both want influence in Iran.

The risk of further escalation (with the EU giving in to US blackmail) grows when there is no "neutral party" to arange talks.

Egypt was fighting (KSA etc financed) IS groups in (a.o.) the Sinaï. Now is facing a war in Libya.

Mali, Niger are in between Libya and Nigeria (with "boko haram" as part of the Saudi IS group).

The US has been transporting IS fighters from Libya to Syria, Afghanistan. Also intending to use these "fighters" against Russia-Iran-China. (Afghanistan is in the middle of thes countries).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Cooperation_Organisation#Membership Turkey, Iran (a.o.) are future SCO-members. Russia is selling weapons now all around the Middle East (including KSA).

The conflicts in the Middle East are "East-West-conflicts" and are still escalating. The US idea of reinforcing troops in Iraq is asking for more problems/further escalation.

The US may move to a conflict with most of the Arab world. The US as largest oil-producer in the world did change its position in the Middle East.
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 18 2020 at 9:18pm
DJ-Incidents like this can get out of control;

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-forces-block-russian-military-convoy-from-passing-checkpoint-in-syria/ and more info from
https://southfront.org/u-s-forces-block-russian-patrol-in-northeast-syria-videos/;

On January 18, U.S. forces blocked a convoy of the Russian Military Police in the northeastern countryside of Syria’s al-Hasakah.

The Hawar News Agency (ANHA) said that Russian forces were conducting a “routine patrol” near the city of Rmelan when they were intercepted by a U.S. unit that blocked the road with at least two armored vehicles.

“Russian patrols usually take dirt roads in the area north of the district of Karakiye [Rmelan] along the Turkish border, but because of the rain and the closure of dirt roads, the Russian patrol was forced to take the main road between Karaky and Dirk, However, an American patrol intercepted its path and prevented it from moving on, which halted the traffic on the public road,” the ANHA’s reporter said, explaining the causes of the incident.

Officials of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) allegedly intervened to prevent any tension and de-escalated the situation. The Russian patrol returned to the city of Qamishli, while U.S. forces reopened the road.

Poor coordination between the two sides was apparently behind the incident. A day earlier, a Russian convoy passed through a U.S. checkpoint in northern al-Hasakah without any problems.

Russia and the U.S. maintain a communication channel to prevent any contact between their forces in Syria. However, the coordination between the two side remains very limited as for now, mainly due to political reasons.

DJ-For India the Iran-link to Europe is as important as it is for China.
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/escobar-exposes-americas-existential-battle-stop-eurasian-integration;

What’s on the horizon is, in fact, a sub-sect of Belt & Road in Southwest Asia. Iran is a key node of Belt & Road; China will be heavily involved in the rebuilding of Syria; and Beijing-Baghdad signed multiple deals and set up an Iraqi-Chinese Reconstruction Fund (income from 300,000 barrels of oil a day in exchange for Chinese credit for Chinese companies rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure).

A quick look at the map reveals the “secret” of the US refusing to pack up and leave Iraq, as demanded by the Iraqi Parliament and Prime Minister: to prevent the emergence of this corridor by any means necessary. Especially when we see that all the roads that China is building across Central Asia – I navigated many of them in November and December – ultimately link China with Iran.
-
As much as Gwadar port in the Arabian Sea is an essential node of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and part of China’s multi-pronged “escape from Malacca” strategy, India also courted Iran to match Gwadar via the port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman.

So as much as Beijing wants to connect the Arabian Sea with Xinjiang, via the economic corridor, India wants to connect with Afghanistan and Central Asia via Iran.

Yet India’s investments in Chabahar may come to nothing, with New Delhi still mulling whether to become an active part of the US “Indo-Pacific” strategy, which would imply dropping Tehran.
-
Imperial policymakers won’t bother to understand how and why Belt & Road is setting a new global paradigm. The NATO summit in London last month offered a few pointers. NATO uncritically adopted three US priorities: even more aggressive policy towards Russia; containment of China (including military surveillance); and militarization of space – a spin-off from the 2002 Full Spectrum Dominance doctrine.

So NATO will be drawn into the “Indo-Pacific” strategy – which means containment of China. And as NATO is the EU’s weaponized arm, that implies the US interfering on how Europe does business with China – at every level.
-
For the US, this is indeed an existential battle – against the whole Eurasia integration process, the New Silk Roads, the Russia-China strategic partnership, those Russian hypersonic weapons mixed with supple diplomacy, the profound disgust and revolt against US policies all across the Global South, the nearly inevitable collapse of the US dollar. What’s certain is that the Empire won’t go quietly into the night. We should all be ready for the battle of the ages.

DJ-Europe tries to find its own way,
https://www.voltairenet.org/article208739.html

The new European Commission has clearly stated its project in the era of US withdrawal: to restore Western Europe’s dominance over the rest of the world from the 16th to the 19th century. To achieve this, it is adopting a trumped-up ideology that uses the vocabulary of its philosophers in the wrong way. This posture would be laughable if it could not lead to war.
(DJ-As always the EU is divided. Maybe a bit less after the Brexit. One reason why the EU does what the US tells us is that at least there EU politicians do not have to find answers.

From the article :The fight against the human cause of global warming is first and foremost a policy aimed at regenerating the automotive industry at the end of the cycle: switching from petrol engines to electric motors.
DJ-The EU gave up on the Iran deal if the US would not put tarifs on EU cars.

Just as in most western countries politics in the EU have become "un-linked" from the population they claim to represent. This "gap" in the West may cause a collapse of the state from inside out.)

https://www.rt.com/news/478610-russia-fight-history-distortion-putin/;Moscow is to create the most extensive collection of WWII documents, open to all persons anywhere, to once and for all “shut the filthy mouth” of those seeking to rewrite history for short-term gains, the Russian president said.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 19 2020 at 3:00am
Some internet rumours;

https://medium.com/@rainershea612/americas-internet-is-being-closed-off-in-preparation-for-a-total-war-scenario-1089fb2814b5

https://www.fort-russ.com/2020/01/lavrov-at-least-6-us-f-35s-detected-on-irans-borders-at-the-time-of-ukrainian-plane-crash/

https://www.veteranstodaynetwork.com/2020/01/18/lunatic-pompeo-threatens-putin-with-drone-assassination/?fbclid=IwAR0mRfXYJ63RDYix7RIxSnX4oad57UponiWkMVGkz9nEMTxZMLh_SfCdTC4
The US Secretary of State made an unexpected statement, from which it follows that Washington is ready to “attack Russia” in the same way as it did with Iran when it “liquidated” General Kassem Suleimani.

“The destruction of Suleymani is an example of a new US strategy aimed at deterring its opponents. This applies equally to Iran, China, and Russia,” Reuters quoted Pompeo as saying.

“The states are now realizing the possibilities of the strongest position that we have ever had with regard to Iran. We are just holding it back for now. But in order to truly protect freedom, it is important to restrain all enemies. That’s the whole point of President Trump’s work. That’s why he is trying so hard to make our army the strongest it has ever been, “says the US Secretary-General.

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/the-murder-of-qassem-soleimani-will-deter-no-one.html

Russia and China already had not doubt that the U.S. is immoral and willing to commit war crimes. And while 'western' media avoid that characterization for the assassination of Soleimani there is no doubt that it was one.

In a letter to the New York Times the now 100 years old chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials, Benjamin B. Ferencz, warned of the larger effects of such deeds when he writes:

The administration recently announced that, on orders of the president, the United States had “taken out” (which really means “murdered”) an important military leader of a country with which we were not at war. As a Harvard Law School graduate who has written extensively on the subject, I view such immoral action as a clear violation of national and international law.
The public is entitled to know the truth. The United Nations Charter, the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice in The Hague are all being bypassed. In this cyberspace world, young people everywhere are in mortal danger unless we change the hearts and minds of those who seem to prefer war to law.

The killing of a Soleimani will also only have a short term effect when it comes to general deterrence. It was a onetime shot to which others will react. Groups and people who work against 'U.S. interests' will now do so less publicly. Countries will seek asymmetric advantages to prevent such U.S. action against themselves. By committing the crime the U.S. and Trump made the global situation for themselves more complicate.

https://www.sott.net/article/427303-Was-Iranian-Missile-Operator-Tricked-Into-Shooting-Down-The-Ukrainian-Airlines-Plane-Over-Tehran?fbclid=IwAR1d8efpCoJ7sZY_gskXrgxjnQola9gb4j_DyJyrYZz3IpXaYQ_VrPIlEEI
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 19 2020 at 11:54pm
https://www.debka.com/russian-sources-moscow-gave-iran-the-high-precision-tech-for-missiles-that-struck-us-bases-in-iraq/;

DEBKAfile’s military sources report that the accuracy of impact amazed US and Israel intelligence, which had not been aware of this Iranian capacity. Its significance is such that – whether provided by Russia or self-made – Iran’s short- and medium-range missiles can reach any point in the Middle East that is unprotected by effective anti-missile systems within a 700km radius.

Still defending Russia’s (DJ-???) downing of the Ukrainian airliner, killing all 176 people aboard, hours after the Iranian attacks on US bases in Iraq, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed there were “at least six F-35 fighters in the air in the Iranian border area at the time” when Iranian forces “were braced for some kind of US military retaliation.” Lavrov did not say whether the planes belonged to the US air force or Israel.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/us-forces-tense-showdown-russian-convoy-blocked-syrian-highway;

Though not precisely clear which convoy was the aggressor side from the video — or which caused the blockage — needless to say it was a tense and potentially explosive encounter given Moscow sees US presence in Syria as illegal and as an act of military aggression, while Washington in turn sees Russian troops as enemies bolstering Assad and Iran in the Middle East.

Other regional outlets, for example in Turkish media, also blamed the US side for maneuvering to block the Russian troops' advance. Anadolu reports the Russian patrol was blocked from going near a key oil field in the area:

According to information Anadolu Agency obtained from reliable local sources, U.S. soldiers blocked a Russian military patrol en route to the oil field.

Tension occurred between the two groups, when U.S. soldiers asked Russian soldiers to return to the Amuda district in the northwest of Hasakah.
-
Meanwhile, Russia-based military analyst Mark Sleboda pointed out just how many things could have gone wrong in the tense encounter.

"Imagine how close this was to an international incident between nuclear armed great powers involving uniformed soldiers coming home in body bags," he commented on Twitter.

https://www.debka.com/mivzak/massive-security-for-47-world-leaders-coming-for-auschwitz-memorial-in-jerusalem/;
The guest list includes US Vice President Mike Pence, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zolenskyy, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, Britain’s Prince Charles, the Kings of Spain, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg as well as prime ministers and other leaders from Romania, Greece, Cyprus, Albania, Croatia, Georgia, Bulgaria, Sweden, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Finland, Bosnia, Iceland, Armenia, Australia and, Canada.

https://www.fort-russ.com/2020/01/security-expert-us-relocating-isis-terrorists-to-iraq-in-an-attempt-to-nullify-iraqi-parliaments-pull-out-decision/;

“The US Army troops are preparing and training the ISIS militants in al-Qadaf and Wadi al-Houran regions of Al-Anbar province with the aim of carrying out terrorist attacks and restarting insecurity in Iraq,” al-Ma’aloumeh quoted Kazim al-Haaj, an Iraqi security expert, as saying.

DJ-The cooperation of US and (Gulf States sponsored) IS to provide an excuse "to fight terror" most likely will be stopped by Russia and Iran-since they are the most likely to have to fight IS in their borders.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2020 at 2:06am
Some good background info on the US wars;
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/52868.htm

(DJ-Tulsi Gabbard is a sign of hope-some form of democracy may win, survive)

https://sputniknews.com/business/202001161078000377-world-economy-would-collapse-if-city-of-london-stopped-laundering-money-says-hsbc-whistleblower/?fbclid=IwAR134aqaaDh8BXQdS4ac0dJIBsaphOD3_jZ4Lk6qcA07nbW606ovgj_qELo

https://www.globalresearch.ca/truth-trump-economy/5701074

(DJ-The idea that privatazation is in the public interest is one of the biggest lies of the 20th century. Competition will not bring down the price of a product enough to compensate for profit, high wages for a few, advertising)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2020 at 11:24pm
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/20/business/boeing-737-accidents.html?action=click&module=News&pgtype=Homepage

How Boeing’s Responsibility in a Deadly Crash ‘Got Buried’

After a Boeing 737 crashed near Amsterdam more than a decade ago, the Dutch investigators focused blame on the pilots for failing to react properly when an automated system malfunctioned and caused the plane to plummet into a field, killing nine people.

The fault was hardly the crew’s alone, however. Decisions by Boeing, including risky design choices and faulty safety assessments, also contributed to the accident on the Turkish Airlines flight. But the Dutch Safety Board either excluded or played down criticisms of the manufacturer in its final report after pushback from a team of Americans that included Boeing and federal safety officials, documents and interviews show.

The crash, in February 2009, involved a predecessor to Boeing’s 737 Max, the plane that was grounded last year after accidents in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people and hurled the company into the worst crisis in its history.
-
Dr. Dekker’s study accused Boeing of trying to deflect attention from its own “design shortcomings” and other mistakes with “hardly credible” statements that admonished pilots to be more vigilant, according to a copy reviewed by The Times.

The study was never made public. The Dutch board backed away from plans to publish it, according to Dr. Dekker and another person with knowledge of its handling. A spokeswoman for the Dutch board said it was not common to publish expert studies and the decision on Dr. Dekker’s was made solely by the board.

At the same time, the Dutch board deleted or amended findings in its own accident report about issues with the plane when the same American team weighed in. The board also inserted statements, some nearly verbatim and without attribution, written by the Americans, who said that certain pilot errors had not been “properly emphasized.”

The muted criticism of Boeing after the 2009 accident fits within a broader pattern, brought to light since the Max tragedies, of the company benefiting from a light-touch approach by safety officials.

DJ-Dutch government giving in to US demands-what does that say of the MH-17 case ?

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/01/iran-counters-eu-threat-of-snapback-sanctions.html

U.S. President Donald Trump wants to destroy the nuclear agreement with Iran. He has threatened the EU-3 poodles in Germany, Britain and France with a 25% tariff on their car exports to the U.S. unless they end their role in the JCPOA deal.

In their usual gutlessness the Europeans gave in to the blackmail. They triggered the Dispute Resolution Mechanism of the deal. The mechanism foresees two 15 day periods of negotiations and a five day decision period after which any of the involved countries can escalate the issues to the UN Security Council. The reference to the UNSC would then lead to an automatic reactivation or "snapback" of those UN sanction against Iran that existed before the nuclear deal was signed.

Iran is now countering the European move. Its Foreign Minister Javad Zarif announced that Iran may leave the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) if any of the European countries escalates the issue to the UNSC.
-
Leaving the IAEA and ending its inspection role in Iran would then become a separate step the country could still take.

Trump would probably like it if Iran would end its NPT commitments. It would be used to allege that Iran was doing so to build nuclear weapons even if that were not the case.

If Iran were to leave the NPT it would no longer have any obligation to not build a nuclear weapon. But that does not mean at all that it would start to make nuclear bombs. Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a fatwa, a binding religious verdict, that prohibits the production or use of any weapon of mass destruction by Iran:

Khamenei.ir @khamenei_ir - 12:49 · Feb 26, 2015
'We consider the use of WMDs as Haraam.'
Ayatollah Khamenei's fatwa on 4/17/2010
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Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had a personal invitation to speak at the the World Economic Forum in Davos. But when Trump announced that he would come to Davos the planned event with Zarif was modified in a way that led to his cancellation of the event:

Zarif had been scheduled to attend the gathering after receiving a personal invitation, his ministry said.
"They changed the original program they had for him, the program that had been agreed upon, and came up with something else," said spokesman Abbas Mousavi.

"Either way, this trip unfortunately will not happen," he told a news conference in Tehran.
...
In a tweet published later on Monday, Mousavi suggested that the change in program by the organizers of the Davos forum was “perhaps geared to have only one outcome,” and called Zarif’s absence a “missed opportunity for dialogue.”

It is likely that Trump demanded the WEF to take that step.

In another petty measure the Asian Football Confederation stripped Iranian football teams of their right to host their own international matches:

The Asian Football Confederation has reportedly banned Iran from hosting international matches based on safety fears over the current tensions in the region. Iranian club sides have responded by planning to withdraw from the AFC Asian Champions League. The clubs have said Iran is “safe”, while Iranian media and fans have claimed that politics, rather than security, is behind the AFC’s decision.
Iran are one of the top nations in the Asian Champions League, and have some of the best supported clubs in Asia. Iranian clubs had a poor campaign last year, but the year before that, Persepolis reached the final of the competition. They, along with Esteghlal, Sepahan and Shahr Khodro, will withdraw from the competition should the AFC’s fixture ban not be reversed.

Iran suspects that Saudi Arabia pushed the ACL to take that step.
-
There is no chance at all that Iran will ever give up its 'indelible right' to nuclear enrichment or the missile program on which its strategic security is based. These unfulfillable demands the Trump administration makes are not designed to reach an agreement but to lead to a deeper conflict.

DJ-Iran is to big a deal for Russia, China-in some ways India, Turkey to "give up". With his sabotage-tactics Trump may destroy-at the end-even the UN. He does not win anything by doing so-other than hate and disgust.

https://www.rt.com/news/478754-opcw-whistleblower-un-douma/
DJ-Another organization manipulated by the US to lie and cheat.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-unknown-rockets-target-area-near-us-embassy-in-baghdad/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraq-sends-officials-to-russia-china-discuss-buying-air-defense-systems/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-forces-block-syrian-russian-troops-from-access-to-key-highway-photos/
(DJ-US troops illegally in Syria blocking Syrian army....)

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/watch-russian-air-defenses-take-down-enemy-aircraft-in-northwest-syria/

DJ-Pompeo is believed to have claimed the US has a right to kill Erdogan, Russian, Chinese generals just like the US had a right to kill Iranian generals.

The US attitude is a danger for global peace and is getting unacceptable.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 21 2020 at 11:25pm
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-forces-block-2-russian-military-convoys-in-northeastern-syria-as-tensions-increase/;

The U.S. Armed Forces have become more aggressive in northeastern Syria, as they once again blocked two Russian military convoys from bypassing their checkpoints.

According to reports, the first Russian convoy was blocked by the U.S. forces at the Tal Baydar Junction, which is located in northern Al-Hasakah, close to the city of Al-Qamishli, the Rojava Network reported.

The second Russian convoy was blocked by the U.S. Armed Forces near the border-city of Al-Malikiyah; this is the same area where the American troops blocked the Russians last week.

Since the start of the new year, the U.S. Armed Forces have become increasingly hostile towards the Russian and Syrian armies in northeastern Syria; they have blocked the International Highway (M-4) and forced the later forces to reroute to get their destinations.

While the reason for the U.S. troops blocking the Russian and Syrian armies has not been stated, it could have to do with the latter’s attempts to obstruct the American forces from the areas of the highway under their control.

DJ-This can get out of control. "One party could send proxies to deal with the other party", Electronic warfare shutting down communications etc.

The US is in Syria and Iraq to form a (western) front against Iran-that strategy is a disaster.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-fighters-abandon-libyan-war-flee-towards-italy-report/
(DJ-Turkey now sending refugees they do not want to the EU via Libya ?)

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/netanyahu-compares-iran-to-nazis-vows-israel-will-never-be-defenseless-in-face-of-enemies/
DJ-Just like Trump Netanyahu is facing legal problems. This week Israel will host a lot of global leaders in memory of the (Russian) liberation of Auschwitz 75 years ago. Netanyahu may try to use that event to unite "the world" against Iran.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 02 2020 at 11:20pm
DJ-It looks like Syria and Turkey are shooting at each other in Idlib.
https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2020/3-february-syrian-observatory-six-syrian-soldiers-were-killed

https://community.defconwarningsystem.com/threads/syria-possible-turkey-operation.13834/

(very limited reporting but could be important development)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 04 2020 at 8:05am
https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2020/4-february-turkish-artillery-targeting-area-of-russian-base

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-forces-block-russian-military-vehicles-near-northeast-syria-oil-field-photo/

https://southfront.org/in-video-turkish-observation-post-south-of-maarat-al-numan-is-besieged-by-syrian-army/

https://southfront.org/white-helmets-preparing-a-false-flag-chemical-attack-near-aleppo-russian-reconciliation-center/

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/02/syrian-army-progress-leads-to-new-scuffle-between-turkey-and-russia.html;

One wonders if the U.S. has convinced Turkey to act in Idleb even without Russian agreement:

US Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters, commander of the US European Command and NATO’s supreme allied commander-Europe, visited Ankara on Jan. 30 for talks that focused on Syria. Sources in Ankara note that Wolters’ talks with Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and Chief of General Staff Yasar Guler covered the west of the Euphrates as much as the east of the Euphrates, where the US military presence is concentrated.
It seems clear that the Russian military does not agree with Erdogan's plans and that Russia will act to dissuade him from further mischief. It is now time for another phone call between Putin and Erdogan. The Russian president will remind his Turkish colleague that the Turkish economy is lagging and that there is some serious money at risk:

Ragıp Soylu @ragipsoylu - 10:17 UTC · Feb 3, 2020
Turkish reliance on Russia:
• Tourism: 7 million Russians visited Turkey, top of the chart
• Nuclear cooperation: Akkuyu nuclear reactor built by Russians
• Turkish stream pipeline
• Turkish exports reaching to $3 billion
• Turkey imports 40% of its gas from Russia

The Syrian operation to liberate the economically important highways to Aleppo will continue.

DJ-Both in Syria and Iraq Turkey-as a NATO partner-may move towards US goals (as long as the Turks can also remain anti-Kurdish).
The US does want to split up Iraq in a Sunni, Kurdish and Shia part. Turkey is supporting Sunni (extremism) in Iraq and Syria.

The US is willing to work with Erdogan as long as Erdogan fits in US plans. Erdogan is hoping (just like Netanyahu) to "use" both the US and Russia.

Turkey did transport thousends of "rebels" from Syria to Libya. Turkey was a partner with Iran against (most) Kurds.

DJ-That the nCov, H1N1, H5N8, African Swine Flu (etc ?) is hitting China does "fit"in US plans to "limit" China. But this does not mean the US is in a "bio-weapon-war"with China. https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/world/breaking-news-electromagnetic-weaponry-unleashed-in-middle-east
Both Russia and the US use Syria as a testing ground for new weapons. Russia would like to have "working relations" with the US and accepts US blocking Russian forces in Syria-for the moment.

DJ-One possible scenario is SAA/Assad taking over Idlib/NW Syria-Turkey taking over SDF held zones in NE Syria (and pushing out US forces to steal Syrian oil (for the Erdogan-clan ?). Erdogan can not expect the US will support him-so he can not drop Russia/Iran. When Erdogan drops Russia/Iran the CIA will support another military coup and "deal" with Erdogan.

DJ-Since there is a China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor (CPEC) why no nCov-cases in Pakistan ?

https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2020/3-february-turkey-has-hit-54-assad-forces-positions-and-killed76 soldiers, Turkish Defense Minister Akar says. Akar says that Turkey had informed Russian authorities on the Turkish reinforcements for two times on Sunday, 4:13pm and 22:27pm.

DJ-Since Russia is in control of Syrian airspace and they did not notice (or allow) any Turkish attack on S.A.A. (Syrian Arab Army=Assad government forces) positions most likely Turkey is bluffing.
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dutch Josh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 12 2020 at 9:59pm
DJ-Turkish forces, the Turkish Army, did invade NW Syria and is calling for NATO-help in the fight against Assad (and Russia, Iran). The US seems to be willing to help Turkey.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-will-drive-syrian-forces-beyond-observation-posts-in-idlib-erdogan/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russia-condemns-israeli-strikes-on-syrias-damascus/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/lebanese-army-opens-fire-on-israeli-drone-in-southern-lebanon/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/moment-residents-of-syrian-town-open-fire-on-us-patrol-video/

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-air-force-did-not-bomb-syrian-military-near-qamishli-source/

https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2020/12-february-turkish-ministry-of-defense-55-proassad-forcesfighters were neutralized in Idlib region today

https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2020/12-february-minister-of-national-defense-akar-met-with-usDefense Minister Mark Esper, emphasized the importance of both USA and NATO making more concrete contributions to help Turkey with latest developments in Idlib.

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202002131078299696-us-jet-caught-on-video-after-allegedly-pounding-syrian-army-positions-in-qamishli/

https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/02/12/618504/Erdogan-threats-of-military-force-against-Syria-hollow,-made-by-someone-detached-from-reality:-Official

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2020/02/syria-turkey-invades-idleb-but-its-bluff-will-be-called.html

DJ-Turkey/Erdogan may not go all the way to end up in a war with Syria, Iran, Russia. Others, the US, Israel, may try to push Turkey over a red line so Turkey ends up in a major war.

For the US it would provide;
-regaining control over Turkey
-start a war with Iran (from Turkey)
-push back Russia
-end Assad in Syria (and push Iran, Russia out of Syria)

Syria is becoming more and more "explosive". The chances of US forces fighting Russian or Iran forces inside Syria is growing.
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein
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