Tory MP Urges US to Pull Back from Attack on Syria

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Our poll results show the public supports the decision of MPs to pull back from an attack on Syria. Here senior Tory backbencher John Redwood urges US legislators to do the same » | Saturday, September 07, 2013

Tony Blair Attacks Islam as “Fundamentally Extremist” Religion

PRESS TV: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has shamelessly attacked Islam as a “fundamentally extremist” religion, which could threaten future security of the UK.

In an interview with the BBC, Tony Blair lashed out at opposition Labour Party chief Ed Miliband for opposing the coalition government’s push for launching an invasion against Syria, moaning that the country “could become a potent source of extremists”.

The former head of the Labour party, who engineered the March 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq together with former U.S. president George W. Bush on the pretext of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), acknowledged that the true reason western warmongers are spearheading wars in the Middle East region was fighting Islam.

There is a “fundamental battle about religion and politics within Islam, which has vast consequences for our future security”, Tony Blair claimed.

“The truth is, the reason why Iraq makes us hesitant is because Iraq showed that when you intervene in the circumstances, where you have this radical Islamist issue, both on the Shia side and the Sunni side, you are going to face a very difficult, tough conflict”, the warmonger former premier added. » | MOL/HE | Friday, September 06, 2013

Turks Rally Against Syria Intervention

Turkish government supports American-led missile strike against Syria, but the public does not agree.

'Attack on Syria to Change Balance in Region, Not Just One Régime'

The Syria issue has come to dominate talks between the world's 20 largest economies. Day one of the summit saw around half the leaders make it clear they do not support America's intervention plans. Washington accuses Damascus of using chemical weapons last month - but the evidence offered so far, has left many unconvinced.

'G20 Marks End of Washington's Era of Dominance'

The US Secretary of State's on a fresh bid to woo European ministers, in a last-minute effort to drum up support for a unilateral strike on Syria. This, after the international chorus of voices against the move grew louder at the G20 summit in St. Petersburg. Even France, which earlier backed unconditional US action, now says it will wait for the results of the UN's probe into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria. Political commentator John Wight joins RT to discuss this issue.

Catherine Ashton Calls for a Strong Response on Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria

Catherine Ashton, the UN's foreign policy chief, says there is strong evidence that Bashar al-Assad's regime perpetrated the chemical attack in Damascus on August 21st. At a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Vilnius, Lithuania on Saturday Ashton also called for a 'clear and strong response' to the use of chemical weapons in Syria

Syria: Pope Warns Barack Obama That Military Strike Would Be 'Futile'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Pope has warned US president Barack Obama that targeting Syria with military strikes would be a "futile pursuit".

In a sharply-worded intervention in the debate on the Syrian conflict, Pope Francis also accused world leaders of having stood by and allowed a "senseless massacre" to unfold in the country.

The Pope wrote in a letter, delivered to Vladimir Putin but addressed to all the G20 leaders meeting: "To the leaders present, to each and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution."

He added: "Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and determination, a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation of the parties, unanimously supported by the international community.

"Moreover, all governments have the moral duty to do everything possible to ensure humanitarian assistance to those suffering because of the conflict, both within and beyond the country's borders." » | Tom Kington, Vatican City | Thursday, September 05, 2013

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Barack Obama: US cannot turn 'blind eye' to Syria: President Obama says the US has presented a "powerful case" that the Syrian government was responsible for a chemical weapons attack in Damascus last month. (+ video) » | Saturday, 07, 2013

China Sends Warships to Coast of Syria

Stop The War in Syria! Send This Video to Congress

Syria Chemical Attack Is 'Rebels' Provocation in Hope of Intervention' - Putin

US President Barack Obama is struggling to gather international support for strikes against Syria. The issue has divided world leaders at the G20 summit - which has just drawn to a close in St. Petersburg. RT's Rory Suchet is in our G20 studio in St. Petersburg with the latest updates on what's been happening at the summit.

Syria: Russia Will Stand by Assad over Any US Strikes, Warns Putin

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Russia would help Syria respond to any military intervention by the US over chemical weapons attacks, Vladimir Putin has warned.

The Russian president said his country would stand with the Assad regime in Syria if the US launches airstrikes.

The apparent threat came as the G20 summit ended with a public split, 11 of its members issuing a statement hinting at the need for US action against the Assad regime of its alleged use of chemical weapons.

Russia already supplies military aid to Syria, but the hint of more Russian backing in the event of a confrontation with the US sent jitters through financial markets worldwide.

Mr Putin also mocked Western leaders like US President Barack Obama considering intervening in Syria, suggesting that the majority of their electorates opposed any military action - including Prime Minister David Cameron for failing to persuade the Commons to back British involvement.

Mr Obama, meanwhile, compared the Syrian crisis to World War II, likening his country’s debate over intervention to the eventual American decision to support Britain against Nazi Germany.

The provocative remarks came at the end of a tense summit in St Petersburg where world leaders failed to narrow their differences over the Syrian crisis. » | James Kirkup in St Petersburg | Friday, September 06, 2013

Alan Grayson: Syria 'Is Not Our Responsibility'

The congressional debate to get involved in Syria continued on Capitol Hill on Thursday, and while President Obama is at the G-20 summit in Russia, lawmakers from both sides showed their support for and against the proposed efforts. The motion to implement strikes on the Syrian regime for allegedly using chemical weapons on its own people moved forward on Wednesday when the United States Senate of Foreign Relations Committee authorized involvement in the Middle Eastern country. But Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) said he will do his best to influence other lawmakers that this isn't our problem. He joins us now to explain his position.

Tell Congress: Don’t Attack Syria »

'Obama to Attack Syria Regardless How Congress Votes'

America's envoy to the United Nations singled out Russia for criticism - for its outspoken opposition to strikes. And that's as the UN chief himself ruled out a military solution to the Syrian crisis - warning that a strike would have tragic consequences and fuel sectarian violence in the region. Investigative journalist Charlie McGrath has commented on the U.S. envoy's statements - saying international trust in Washington's words has all but eroded.

Wide Awake News »

Tony Blair on Syria: Not to Act Is 'Dangerous'

BBC: As arguments for and against military action in Syria continue to dominate the G20 summit in St. Petersburg and proceedings on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tony Blair has explained why he believes intervention is necessary.

Mr Blair, Middle East envoy for the quartet of the United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia, said: "It's pretty clear frankly who is responsible for [the chemical attack], and not to act is dangerous.

"You're sending a signal that such a use of chemical weapons can take place, without the international community having a robust, and proper, response." Listen to BBC audio » | Friday, September 06, 2013

Syria Crisis: Barack Obama Faces Growing Opposition to Airstrikes as He Arrives for G20

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: President Barack Obama is facing growing international opposition to military intervention in Syria as China, the European Union and the Pope all warned against attacks on the Assad regime.

Mr Obama arrived [at] St Petersburg for a tense G20 summit amid signs that Russia's opposition to US airstrikes was gaining significant international support.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, welcomed Mr Obama to his home town in an encounter that laid bare the increasingly difficult relationship between the two men.

After exchanging a stiff handshake and stern looks, Mr Obama and Mr Putin offered fixed smiles for the cameras before entering the Konstantinovsky Palace.

In the summit room, diplomats said the two men were seated well aware [sic: away] from each other and did not speak to one another directly during opening talks about the world economy.

The awkward initial encounter came after some other leaders arriving in St Petersburg pointedly sided with Russia in its opposition to US-led military action.

Intervention would damage the global economy by pushing up oil prices, China said. Syria is not a significant oil exporter, but the prospect of conflict in the Middle East often pushes up oil prices.

"Military action would have a negative impact on the global economy, especially on the oil price - it will cause a hike in the oil price," said Zhu Guangyao, the Chinese Vice Finance Minister.

Brazil, India and South Africa also worry that intervention would do economic harm, according to Mr Putin's officials.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian president, said the leaders of the large emerging economies spoke before the St Petersburg summit and agreed that Syrian intervention would have an "extremely negative effect" on the global economy." » | James Kirkup, Political Editor in St Petersburg | Thursday, September 05, 2013

Pre-paid Strike: Arab States Ready to Pick Up US Tab for Syria Attack

Meanwhile the US is rallying support for a military intervention in Syria at home and abroad. Secretary of State John Kerry has said some Arab nations have offered to bear the cost of a US-led campaign. He made the comment when briefing American lawmakers on plans to strike the war-torn country.

Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Set for Collision over Syria at G20 Summit

THE GUARDIAN: Russian president signals he will take action if America strikes at Assad as US counterpart admits relations have hit a wall

World leaders will gather in St Petersburg on Thursday for what has transformed into an international showdown with Vladimir Putin threatening to send a missile shield to Syria if the US launches an attack without the authority of the United Nations.

The G20 summit, hosted by Putin, had been expected to focus on the world economy and growth, but will now be dominated by the Middle East crisis, even if the formal agenda remains fixed on the slowdown of growth in emerging markets.

Barack Obama, speaking during a stopover in Sweden before the summit, denied his political credibility was at stake but admitted relations with Russia had hit a wall. He insisted he had not set the red lines requiring a military response if the Syrian government deployed chemical weapons.

"The world set a red line when governments representing 98% of the world's population said the use of chemical weapons was abhorrent and passed a treaty forbidding their use even when countries are engaged in war," he said. "That was not something I just kind of made up, I did not pluck it out of thin air."

He added: "My credibility is not on the line. The international community's credibility is on the line because we give lip service to the notion that these international norms are important. » | Patrick Wintour and Dan Roberts in Washington | Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Senate Sanctions Syria Strike: 'Jihadists to Thrive in Case of Attack'

Russia has released expert findings showing that a chemical attack in Syria was apparently conducted by the rebels, and not the regime; while in US, Obama's push for a strike on Syria has passed the first hurdle - after the Senate committee voted in favor of the resolution. The US Secretary of State also pitched the case to the House of representatives. One reason for an attack that Kerry cited, was to prevent US allies in the Gulf states from increasing their support to Al-Qaeda cells within the Syrian opposition, which they might do in desperation to topple Assad. Defense analyst and author Ivan Eland says this rhetoric does not stand up to scrutiny.

Syria Crisis: Pope Tells Vladimir Putin World Leaders Have Allowed 'Senseless Massacre'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Pope Francis has written to Vladimir Putin criticising world leaders for standing by while a "senseless massacre" unfolded in Syria.

In a letter sent on Sept 4 to Mr Putin in his role of host of the G20 conference, and published on Thursday, Francis wrote: "It is regrettable that, from the very beginning of the conflict in Syria, one-sided interests have prevailed and in fact hindered the search for a solution that would have avoided the senseless massacre now unfolding."

Through Mr Putin, Francis appealed to the G20 leaders gathering in Russia: "The leaders of the G20 cannot remain indifferent to the dramatic situation of the beloved Syrian people which has lasted far too long, and even risks bringing greater suffering to a region bitterly tested by strife and needful of peace.

"To the leaders present, to each and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution."

He added: "Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and determination, a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation of the parties, unanimously supported by the international community. Moreover, all governments have the moral duty to do everything possible to ensure humanitarian assistance to those suffering because of the conflict, both within and beyond the country's borders." » | Tom Kington, Vatican City | Thursday, September 05, 2013

My comment:

The vainglorious Obama is going to find himself increasingly isolated in this rush to war with Syria. And inasmuch as he will isolate himself, he will isolate America too. People are weary of all these wars, especially so because they achieve nothing. They are not decisive. Wars should only ever be fought when absolutely necessary, when all else fails. This is not the case here.

Not everyone is convinced that it was Bashar Al-Assad who perpetrated the chemical attack on his people. In fact, many are convinced that it was the rebels who perpetrated it, in the hope of dragging the West, especially the US into the war in order to topple Bashar Al-Assad.

In any case, if America and France go in there and bomb Damascus to smithereens, what will be achieved, except more killing and suffering? Haven't the poor Syrians suffered enough already?

More than two million Syrians have been turned into refugees. And Bashar Al-Assad cannot be held totally responsible for this calamity, either. Barack Obama's talk of an assault on Damascus will surely have frightened very many Syrians into a decision to leave their country for safer havens. So how humanitarian is that?

We need to ask ourselves some fundamental questions here: What is to be achieved by military action? How much more suffering will military action cause? What are the risks of turning this civil war into a regional conflict? And what are the chances of a regional conflict turning into a world war? World wars have been started by far less in the past. And what can we expect to happen in Syria if Bashar Al-Assad is toppled? Won't it be worse for the Syrians? An Islamic theocracy might well be the ultimate outcome of such a military intervention.

And isn't it true to say that Obama wants to show his 'tough credentials' here? Isn't he trying to get this military action started for his own self-image? I wouldn't trust the man or his judgement.

It must be remembered that even if it was Bashar Al-Assad who perpetrated this crime against the Syrian people, military action will only make matters worse, and certainly won't stop the ongoing suffering; on the contrary, it will add to it.

And where is the money going to come from to wage this war? And what about the cost of the necessary beefed-up security back home in the US if hostilities break out? Where's the money for that going to come from? Moreover, if Obama really does want to keep his countrymen safe, it would be better for him not to entice bomb attacks on his homeland by rogues who will be hell-bent on seeking revenge.

That part of the world is a hornets' nest. It will be easily upset. And God only knows what will ensue. May God protect us all! – © Mark

This comment appears here too.

Lien en relation avec l’article »

Possible Strike On Syria Scares Jordanians

Amid talks of a military strike against the Assad regime, people in neighbouring Jordan grow more concerned.