Thursday, August 29, 2013
Chemical Weapons in Syria: Cause for Military Action?
Damas accuse l'Occident d'«inventer des scénarios»
Le régime syrien a accusé mercredi les pays occidentaux d'«inventer» des prétextes pour justifier une intervention militaire en Syrie. Il affirme également que l'Occident a encouragé les rebelles à utiliser du gaz sarin à plusieurs reprises.
Le Premier ministre syrien, Waël al-Halqi, «assure (...) que les pays occidentaux, Etats-Unis en tête, inventent des scénarios mensongers et préparent des prétextes fictifs pour intervenir militairement en Syrie», a rapporté la télévision d'Etat syrienne.
De son côté, le vice-ministre syrien des Affaires étrangères Fayçal Meqdad a affirmé que «les groupes terroristes (terme désignant les rebelles dans la terminologie officielle) ont fait usage de gaz sarin dans plusieurs points du pays (...), avec les encouragements américain, britannique et français». » | ats/Newsnet | mercredi 28 août 2013
UK Muslims Divided Over Syria Intervention
British Muslims are in an anguished position over Syria, with profound distrust of western military intervention clashing with a desire to see the demise of President Assad, leaders of the 2.7m strong community said on Wednesday.
"I was in Oldham yesterday talking to a large crowd and people usually think, here we go again, another Muslim nation being attacked," said Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, one of the UK's most senior Muslim politicians. "But here they see it is right for Syria's chemical weapons and air strike capability to be dismantled. People know that there's a real problem and that 100,000 people have been killed. People can see millions of children being moved and being bombed. I have been talking to one charity working in Jordan and they have been dealing with women who have been raped and that is a very sensitive issue."
"On every occasion America has gone to war it has used the same argument that it will be selective," added Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, chairman of the East London Mosque. "It doesn't wash with the Muslim community. By interfering in Syria it is going to antagonise Iran, Russia and China and open a Pandora's box that will take Syria into a darker age that will leave the Muslim world further divided." » | Robert Booth | Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Rush to Judgment on Syria Is a Catastrophic and Deadly Error
It is more than 10 years since Parliament last voted on whether or not to go to war. This was on March 18 2003, when a stirring speech by Tony Blair convinced many sceptical MPs of the case for military action against Iraq.
But Mr Blair’s claim that Britain possessed “extensive, detailed and authoritative” evidence concerning Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction turned out to be nonsense, and we invaded the country on the back of a false prospectus. The consequences were terrible: countless Iraqis were killed in the civil war that followed, along with 179 British soldiers.
The similarities with today’s Commons vote are haunting. The Prime Minister is contemplating an attack on Iraq’s near neighbour Syria, also ruled by a Baathist regime. At the heart of the issue are allegations about weapons of mass destruction. Once again, Britain finds herself in alliance with the United States, and without the authority of the United Nations.
Many of the same voices are cheering us on. Most zealous of all is Tony Blair, while Alastair Campbell, the New Labour propagandist who spread the stories about WMD in Iraq, said yesterday that it would be “irresponsible and incredibly dangerous” not to intervene in Syria.
And many of the same voices are opposed. Hans Blix, the UN chief arms inspector whose investigations were cut short 10 years ago at the insistence of George W Bush, this week warned against rushing to judgment. Dr Blix might just as well have been speaking about Mr Blair when he criticised Mr Cameron on the grounds that he does not seem “to care much about international legality”. Read on and comment » | Peter Oborne | Wednesday, August 28, 2013
My comment:
The Prime Minister and President Obama are decent men, acting for honourable reasons out of horror at the atrocity that took place. – Peter Oborne
Are they? Really? Show me an honourable politician and I'll show you a clean piece of dirt.
Cameron is supposed to be a democratically-elected leader. The people don't want war. They've had enough of war. So where's the democracy in that? And this particular war could end up very nasty indeed. Iran and Russia are allies of Syria. That should say something.
If a major conflagration ensues, who will be held responsible then? – © Mark
This comment appears here too.
Syrian TurmOil: War Panic Sends Black Gold Prices to 2-year High
Syrian Army May Use Kamikaze Pilots Against West, Assad Officer Claims
The Syrian air force is considering using kamikaze pilots against attacks by western forces, a Syrian army officer operating air defences near Damascus has claimed in an interview with the Guardian.
The officer said 13 pilots had signed a pledge this week saying they would form "a crew of suicide martyrs to foil the US warplanes".
The Assad loyalist, in his 30s and serving with the Syrian army's air defence section 10 miles from the capital, said: "If the US and British armies launch a single rocket we will launch three or four, and if their warplanes raid our skies they will face hell fire.
"If we are unable to shoot down their warplanes with artillery, we have military pilots who are ready to attack these foreign warplanes by their own warplanes and blow them up in the air."
The Guardian has been unable to verify the information. The officer has been in contact with the paper on several occasions over the last 12 months during which time he provided reliable information about battles between the troops of Bashar al-Assad and rebel groups. He has declined to provide accounts of events where he has not served.
He claimed: "We have more than 8,000 suicide martyrs within the Syrian army, ready to carry out martyrdom operations at any moment to stop the Americans and the British. I myself am ready to blow myself up against US aircraft carriers to stop them attacking Syria and its people."
Speaking about the chemical attack last week on the outskirts of Damascus, he denied the involvement of government forces and said news of the gassing had come as a shock. » | Mona Mahmood and Robert Booth | Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Syrien-Konflikt: Nato macht Assad für Giftgasangriff verantwortlich
Brüssel - Die Nato kritisiert den Einsatz von Chemiewaffen in Syrien scharf. Der Angriff sei "nicht akzeptabel", er könne "nicht unbeantwortet bleiben", sagte Generalsekretär Anders Fogh Rasmussen am Mittwoch nach einer Sitzung des Nato-Rats in Brüssel. Zahlreiche Quellen deuteten darauf hin, dass die syrische Regierung für den Giftgasangriff vor einer Woche verantwortlich sei. "Die Verantwortlichen müssen zur Rechenschaft gezogen werden", forderte Rasmussen. Der Einsatz von Chemiewaffen gefährde den Frieden in der Welt.
Die Nato-Staaten USA, Großbritannien und Frankreich treiben die Vorbereitung auf einen Militärschlag in Syrien voran. Sie sind davon überzeugt, dass bei dem Angriff vom 21. August bei Damaskus chemische Waffen eingesetzt wurden und die Regierung von Präsident Baschar al-Assad dafür verantwortlich ist.
Die Nato sieht allerdings keine eigene militärische Rolle des Bündnisses im Syrien-Konflikt. Darüber seien sich die Botschafter der 28 Nato-Staaten einig gewesen, sagten Diplomaten. Diese Haltung könne sich lediglich ändern, falls das Bündnismitglied Türkei aus dem benachbarten Syrien heraus angegriffen werde. » | kgp/syd/heb/Reuters/dpa | Mittwoch, 28. August 2013
Attaque chimique en Syrie : où sont les preuves ?
"Nous sommes prêts à y aller." C'est en ces termes que le secrétaire américain à la Défense Chuck Hagel a signifié mardi l'imminence de l'intervention militaire occidentale contre la Syrie, Washington accusant pour la première fois le régime syrien d'être responsable de l'usage d'armes chimiques le 21 août près de Damas. Or, en dépit des multiples déclarations occidentales depuis une semaine, aucune preuve ne vient pour l'heure confirmer sa responsabilité dans le "massacre de la Ghouta".
Pire, les plus grandes interrogations subsistent quant à l'intérêt réel du président syrien à mener un raid chimique d'ampleur, alors qu'il reprenait militairement l'avantage sur la rébellion et que les enquêteurs de l'ONU venaient d'arriver en Syrie. Que sait-on jusqu'ici de l'attaque du mercredi 21 août dernier ? » | Par Armin Arefi | mercredi 28 août 2013
Damas prévient que la Syrie sera "le cimetière des envahisseurs"
Le Premier ministre syrien, Waël al-Halqi, a prévenu mercredi les pays occidentaux que son pays serait le "cimetière des envahisseurs" en cas d'intervention militaire. "La Syrie [...] va surprendre les agresseurs, comme elle les a surpris pendant la guerre (israélo-arabe) d'Octobre (1973) et sera le cimetière des agresseurs", a indiqué le Premier ministre cité par la télévision d'État. » | Source AFP | mercredi 28 aout 2013
Should the UK Pursue Military Action against Syria?
My comment:
What a harsh, piercing voice Cameron has! Difficult to listen to, actually. Between his voice and that twang – oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!
Clearly, Cameron is itching for a fight. The taxpayer will have to fund his vainglory. Nix will be achieved. But there will be even more suffering. Great suffering! Further, whilst it might be Cameron and Obama's intention that the actions are to be short, sharp, and swift, there is no telling what the outcome will be. A major conflagration might well ensue, because the fact is that neither Cameron nor Obama are able to tell how Bashar Al-Assad will react. Nor, for that matter, how Iran will react either. There are too many unknown variables in this equation. Better would it be to keep away from the conflict. Let the Arabs sort it out amongst themselves.
This is a fool's escapade. – © Mark
This comment appears here too.
European Leaders Respond to Syria Conflict
Barnaby Phillips Reports about UK Stand on Syria
Military Missteps: Bomb-first Diplomacy Becomes Habitual to US
Modern Governance: The Vainglorious at Work
The US is on its uppers, as is the UK. Millions of people both in the US and the UK are hurting badly because of the harsh economic climate we are living through. Money cannot be found to make life easier for the people of the US or UK; yet when it comes to war, there is no limit to the billions (of taxpayers' dollars/pounds) that can be found.
It seems that our so-called leaders just like to strut about on the world stage. It seems to make them feel important; they kid themselves. They think it even makes them statesmanlike. Arguably, they are making fools of themselves.
No country will ever be wealthy by waging war all the time. It is a scandalous waste of resources. Compare the rich countries of the world with us! Take Switzerland as a perfect example. The Swiss don't get involved in wars. They use their neutrality for their own ends. And it shows. They have a far, far higher living standard than we have, because they use their riches for the benefit of the Swiss. And that's how it should be. British political clowns prefer to squander money – often, money they don't even have, putting us even further into debt.
Finally, to Syria... Bashar Al-Assad is no angel. That, we know. But maybe, just maybe, he's the best of the bad guys. At least he has led what is by Middle Eastern terms a pretty secular régime which has allowed people of multiple faiths to live their lives. It is said, for example, that the Christians in Syria love him, because he has left them alone. What's going to happen if and when Assad is toppled? I know they say that toppling him is not going to be their objective; but once war is started, who knows what the outcome will be? And where is the proof that Assad used these chemical weapons? So far there has been no such proof. What if it was actually the rebels who used them? What then?
Moreover, there is no mention of the fact that Bashar Al-Assad has been waging an internal battle with Jihadists and Al-Qaeda operatives in the country who are determined to topple him, destroy the régime, and bring in an Iranian-style theocracy. In short, they are fighting for sharia law. Is this going to help the West? And where will that leave the Christians there? Haven't we done enough damage to the ever-declining Christian communities in the Middle East already? Do we really need to pile on the agony for them?
Then there is the fact that we in the West are doing Saudi Arabia's bidding. The Saudis have developed the knack of getting their own way by using their vast oil revenues to fund others to fight their wars for them. Cameron and Obama are Saudi's willing little helpers, Saudi's little marionettes: They do the fooling around; the Saudis pull the strings! – © Mark Alexander
This appears here too.
Inside Story: Syria: The Drums of War?
Die Angst vor dem regionalen Flächenbrand
Es ist der Augenblick für apokalyptische Ausblicke, für «katastrophale Konsequenzen», vor denen beispielsweise Russlands Aussenministerium warnte, sollte Amerika Syrien wirklich angreifen. In der Tat kann ein internationales Eingreifen schwerwiegende Folgen für die Region haben, Kräfteverhältnisse verschieben, Regionalmächte ermutigen, militärische Gruppen provozieren. Der Fallout unter Syriens Nachbarn dürfte sehr viel überschaubarer ausfallen, wenn Washington sich auf zweitägige, eher symbolische Luftschläge beschränkt, ohne die Machtverhältnisse in Syrien entscheidend zu verändern.
Schon jetzt haben Präsident Bashar al-Assad und die Aufständischen inklusive der zahlreichen Jihad-Brigaden das Land praktisch untereinander aufgeteilt – ein dritter Teil gehört den Kurden. Führt Amerika nur «ein bisschen Krieg», kann diese Dreierbeziehung noch sehr lange weiter bestehen, was offenbar ganz im Sinne Washingtons ist. Dennoch ist selbst in diesem Fall nicht ausgeschlossen, dass auf einen ersten Warnschuss weitere folgen, dass der Westen am Ende doch in den syrischen Sumpf gezogen wird, dass jene Dynamik in Gang gesetzt wird, die eine unruhige Region aus den Angeln heben könnte. Aus dem syrischen Aussenministerium heisst es, Syrien werde sich gegen «jeden internationalen Angriff» verteidigen. Ein Militärschlag könnte «Chaos in der ganzen Welt» stiften – vor allem unter den Nachbarn. Weiter lesen und einen Kommentar schreiben » | Von Sonja Zekri | Tages-Anzeiger | Mittwoch, 28. August 2013
ONU: résolution britannique «pour protéger les civils» syriens
Les alliés russe et iranien du régime de Bachar al-Assad ont mis en garde pour leur part contre les risques d'une déstabilisation de l'ensemble de la région en cas de frappe étrangère en Syrie, déchirée depuis près de deux ans et demi par des violences meurtrières.
Sur le terrain, les experts de l'ONU enquêtant sur un éventuel usage d'armes chimiques ont repris leur travail près de Damas, après une suspension de leur mission la veille pour des raisons de sécurité.
«Le Royaume-Uni a rédigé une résolution condamnant l'attaque à l'arme chimique par (le président) Assad et autorisant les mesures nécessaires pour protéger les civils», a annoncé le premier ministre britannique David Cameron sur Twitter. » | Agence France-Presse, Londres, Royaume-Uni | mercredi 28 août 2013
Bloody Split in Israel: Violence Sparks between Secular & Orthodox Israelis
'US Would Use Any UN Chemical Weapons Report to Justify Attack on Syria'
'Saudi in Syria to Weaken Iran, Not for Human Rights' - Ex-IAEA Chief
Farage: UK Government Keenest of All on Syria Intervention, Decision Already Made
From Billionaire's Yacht Blair Urges Syria Attack, But...This War Monger Is the Very Last Man We Should Listen to
He was then whisked to the enormous super-yacht of an American billionaire before visiting two other super-yachts in what was evidently a hectic round of partying and glad-handing. He also managed to squeeze in a few hours in the ‘Eurotrash’ resort of St Tropez on the southern French coast.
Of course, enjoying the hospitality of the super-rich is nothing new for Mr Blair. When he was Prime Minister, and several tens of millions of pounds poorer than he is today, he habitually holidayed with his family in the villas of multi-millionaires.
Despite his busy schedule, Mr Blair has been able to refine his latest thoughts about Syria, which surfaced in yesterday’s Times newspaper. Surprise, surprise, he is strongly in favour of taking action. Since he does not draw any distinction between bombing and invading the country, we may assume he is in favour of both.
Given his record as a warmonger, one might have expected him to tread carefully. He doesn’t.
What is extraordinary is that he does not merely urge what appears to be maximum force. He also sounds eerily like the old Tony Blair, who finagled this country into a disastrous war in Iraq. Read on and comment » | Stephen Glover | Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Washington prêt à frapper, Ban Ki-moon appelle à la paix
Les Etats-Unis sont prêts à frapper la Syrie. Pour préparer le terrain de cette opération armée, Washington a pour la première fois explicitement montré du doigt Damas, le vice-président Joe Biden déclarant que «les responsables de cet usage effroyable d'armes chimiques en Syrie ne font aucun doute: c'est le régime syrien».
«Le président (Barack Obama) pense et je pense que ceux qui utilisent des armes chimiques contre des hommes, des femmes et des enfants sans défense doivent rendre des comptes», a martelé le numéro deux de la Maison Blanche.
Son gouvernement doit rendre publique cette semaine une partie d'un rapport des services de renseignement étayant la responsabilité syrienne. Et la perspective d'une opération militaire s'est faite plus précise.
D'après le secrétaire à la Défense Chuck Hagel, les Etats-Unis ont «positionné des éléments pour être capables de répondre à toute option choisie par le président»: «Nous sommes prêts à y aller».
L'intervention serait limitée à une campagne ponctuelle de quelques jours de tirs de missiles de croisière Tomahawk depuis les quatre destroyers croisant au large de la Syrie, ont affirmé des responsables de l'administration Obama. Toutefois, «le président n'a pas encore pris sa décision» formelle, ont insisté la Maison Blanche et le département d'Etat. » | afp/Newsnet | mercredi 28 août 2013
Tom Jones Embroiled in Row over Israel Boycott
The 73-year-old singer became the latest high-profile act to come under pressure not to perform in Israel after activists in his native Wales used the title of one his most famous songs, "It's Not Unusual", to urge him to cancel the show at Tel Aviv's Nokia Arena on October 27.
The Cardiff Palestine Solidarity Campaign said its petition, "It's Not Unusual To Boycott Apartheid", had attracted more than 1,000 signatures.
It provoked a sharp retort from Israel's consulate in New York, which used the same song as the title of a mass email campaign, "It's Not Unusual To Love Israel". The counter-offensive calls on pro-Israel activists to swamp Sir Tom with encouraging messages on social media to go ahead with the concert. » | Robert Tait, Jerusalem | Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Angela Merkel: Greece Should Never Have Been Allowed in the Euro
The German leader’s outburst came as she attempted to prove to voters she maintains a tough stance on struggling euro countries, just a month before facing key elections.
“Greece shouldn’t have been allowed into the euro,” Ms Merkel told around 1,000 supporters of her Christian Democratic Union in Rendsburg on Tuesday.
“Chancellor Schroeder accepted Greece in [in 2001] and weakened the Stability Pact, and both decisions were fundamentally wrong, and one of the starting points for our current troubles.”
Ms Merkel reiterated her desire to see a strong single currency, but warned that this can only be achieved through reforms in struggling countries such as Greece.
“That [a unified euro area] is such a treasure, such a boon, that we can’t place it in doubt,” she told her supporters. “That’s why the euro is more than a currency. For this reason we’ve shown solidarity, but solidarity always linked to responsibility for reforms in those countries that experience our solidarity.” Read on and comment » | Andrew Trotman | Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Saudi’s Willing Little Helpers
It is as clear as the nose on our face that the power pushing for war here, and pulling the strings, is Saudi Arabia. It should be noted that the Saudi monarchy hates Bashar al-Assad with a vengeance. It should also be noted that Saudis never fight their own battles, wars, they just get others to fight them for them. David Cameron is King Abdullah's willing little helper, as is Barack Obama. It's amazing how powerful oil is; it's amazing how powerful arms contracts are. Have oil aplenty, spend big bucks on arms, and the whole Western world will be willing to do your bidding for you. – © Mark Alexander
This short comment appears here too.
John Kerry Statement on Syria Polarises World Leaders
As the US moves towards military intervention in the Syrian conflict, world leaders have issued a string of belicose statements, with Iran and Russia standing alongside the Assad regime against a western alliance led by the US, UK, France and Australia.
In their toughest terms to date, David Cameron and US secretary of state, John Kerry, spoke of the undeniable and "asbolutely abhorrent" and use of chemical weapons in Syria. In response, the Assad regime and Iran warned that foreign military intervention in Syria would result in a conflict that would engulf the region.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Abbas Araqchi, intimated that Tehran would respond, should the west strike.
"We want to strongly warn against any military attack in Syria. There will definitely be perilous consequences for the region," Araqchi told a news conference. "These complications and consequences will not be restricted to Syria. It will engulf the whole region."
Walid al-Moallem, Syria's foreign minister, also vowed that the regime would defend itself using all means available in the event of a US-led assault.
"I challenge those who accuse our forces of using these weapons to come forward with the evidence," he told reporters at a press conference in Damascus. "We have the means to defend ourselves, and we will surprise everyone."
Shia Iran is Syria's closest ally and has accused an alliance of militant Sunni Islamists, Israel and western powers of trying to use the conflict to take over the region. » | Paul Lewis in Washington, Martin Chulov in Beirut, Julian Borger, Nicholas Watt and agencies | Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Syria's Elite Join Compatriots to Flee Country Fearing Western Air Strike
The border crossing between Syria and Lebanon was frantic on Tuesday, as it had been for many months. But, unusually, amid the hordes of people at passport control on the Lebanese side of the Masnaa crossing were queues of well-heeled Syrians – types not often on the move even well into this third year of war.
Well dressed, with front-of-the-line privileges, for them the crossing was far simpler than for the crowds standing behind.
"Some even use the military lane," said a Lebanese border guard, referring to the fast "no-questions" route open to VIPs, from either side, and to Hezbollah.
Rumours of an imminent air attack launched by Britain, the US, France and even Turkey is all around the Syrian capital, Damascus, those crossing the border said. So too is a sense that this time, Syria's foes are not bluffing.
Among those leaving for the relative safety of Lebanon was Salah Abur Rahman, a businessman from Damascus who had lately done very little trade and feared that the rumble of an approaching attack was not about to change that.
"My family have been in Lebanon for a long time, but it's time for me to go as well," he said. "Whatever is coming is going to do a lot of damage, one way or another."
The Masnaa main crossing has remained open since Syria's troubles began in 2011 and has been one of the few remaining outlets for Damascenes seeking respite in Lebanon or beyond.
Much of the middle class of the Syrian capital has gradually left as the war has ground on. But now it is the elite that is quitting. Several well-known businessmen who crossed the border on Monday said they planned to ride out any air strikes in the Lebanese mountains. » | Martin Chulov in Beirut, and Mona Mahmood | Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Le cabriolet d'Hermann Goering est à vendre...
L'histoire de l'ancienne décapotable du commandant en chef de la Luftwaffe est aujourd'hui connue. Équipée d'une banquette arrière surélevée et d'une plateforme démontable pour permettre au grassouillet Reichsmarschall de défiler devant ses troupes, cette voiture a été saisie par l'armée américaine dans la villa du Führer à Berchtesgaden dans les derniers jours de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
Utilisée comme véhicule personnel du colonel Heintges qui dirigeait la septième division d'infanterie et repeinte en vert olive avec une étoile blanche entourée d'un cercle sur son capot et ses portières, elle fut revendue comme surplus à un sergent américain qui la ramena par bateau aux États-Unis. Propulsé par un moteur de huit cylindres de 160 chevaux capable d'atteindre une vitesse de pointe de 160 km/h, ce sublime "cabrio" a ensuite été acheté par un collectionneur texan de vieilles automobiles qui l'a laissé se dégrader dans son garage pendant près d'un demi-siècle. » | Par le correspondant du Point à Munich, Fréderic Therin | mardi 27 août 2013
Saïf al-Islam Kadhafi sera jugé pour meurtre
Abdel-Qader Radwan a déclaré que le procès commencerait le 19 septembre dans la capitale, Tripoli. » | Esam Mohamed | Associated Press | Tripoli | mardi 27 août 2013
Angoisse à Damas face à l'«imminence» d'une intervention
Un vent d'effroi a soufflé sur la capitale syrienne, place forte du pouvoir, avec la multiplication des signes d'une intervention militaire imminente contre le régime, accusé d'avoir tué des centaines de civils à l'arme chimique le 21 août.
«Ils vont frapper Mazzé, j'en suis sûre, c'est une cible sensible», affirme Jihane, en référence à cet aéroport militaire le plus important de Syrie, utilisé par le président Assad lui-même dans ses rares déplacements à l'intérieur du pays.
L'aéroport est protégé par la redoutable quatrième division de l'armée, chargée de la protection de Damas et de ses environs et dirigée par le frère du président, Maher al-Assad.
La jeune femme a déménagé lundi chez ses proches à Malki, un quartier «plus sûr» au coeur de la capitale, où chacun y va de son pronostic sur les cibles éventuelles.
Dans les rues du centre, la circulation, déjà moindre par rapport à la période de l'avant-guerre, s'est ralentie et les gens assurent qu'ils ne se déplacent que pour les courses urgentes.
«Il y a moins de monde dans les rues. Ma femme ne rend plus visite chaque jour comme à l'accoutumée à sa mère. Elle rentre de son bureau directement à la maison», confie Adel, employé de banque.
«Depuis trois jours, il y a des rumeurs folles qui courent. Ma mère est terrifiée, car nous vivons tout près du siège de l'état-major et ça, c'est une vraie cible», indique Mohammad, 35 ans, dans le quartier huppé d'Abou Roummané, dans le centre de Damas. » | Agence France-Presse, Damas | mardi 27 août 2013
Mutmaßlicher Giftgasangriff: Arabische Liga nennt syrische Führung "Kriegsverbrecher"
Die Arabische Liga hat dem Regime in Damaskus die Schuld an einem mutmaßlichen Giftgasangriff gegeben, bei dem Hunderte Menschen ums Leben gekommen sein sollen. Der Rat der Liga verurteilte am Dienstag in Kairo "dieses abscheuliche Verbrechen". Die Verantwortlichen seien "Kriegsverbrecher" und müssten vor ein internationales Gericht gestellt werden. Gleichzeitig forderte der Rat die Mitglieder des UN-Sicherheitsrates auf, "ihre Differenzen beizulegen, damit eindeutige Maßnahmen ergriffen werden können, die den Menschenrechtsverletzungen und dem Völkermord durch das syrische Regime ein Ende setzen". Der Irak und Algerien meldeten "Bedenken" gegen die Erklärung an. Der Libanon enthielt sich bei der Abstimmung über das Dokument. » | Dienstag, 27. August 2013
Amerika und Syrien: Kein Regimewechsel
Die amerikanische Regierung wirbt jetzt offen für Militärschläge gegen Syrien. Dabei hebt das Weiße Haus hervor, es gehe nicht darum, eine Seite in dem Bürgerkrieg stärker zu unterstützen. Vielmehr planen die Vereinigten Staaten offenbar „begrenzte“ Luftschläge mit Marschflugkörpern, um die syrische Regierung für den ihr unterstellten Einsatz geächteter Chemiewaffen zu bestrafen. „Wenn eine völkerrechtliche Norm gebrochen worden ist“, erläuterte der Sprecher des Präsidialamts Jay Carney am Montagabend, „dann betrifft dieser Vorfall nicht nur Syrien oder die Region, sondern die ganze Welt“. Indem sie bekräftigt, eine Verletzung des Völkerrechts ahnden zu wollen, will die Regierung das rechtliche Grundproblem entschärfen: Wegen Moskaus Unterstützung für Präsident Baschar al Assad wird der UN-Sicherheitsrat keine Militärschläge genehmigen. » | Von Andreas Ross, Washington | Dienstag, 27. August 2013
"Strafexpedition": So plant US- Präsident Obama den Angriff auf Syrien
Laut US- Experten sollten die Angriffe nicht einmal die militärische Balance in Syrien zugunsten der Rebellen kippen. Es sei sozusagen nur eine Art militärische "Strafexpedition" geplant, um Assad und auch dem Rest der Welt zu zeigen, dass der Westen den Einsatz von chemischen Waffen nicht dulde. Und dass das Wort eines US- Präsidenten ernst genommen werden muss. Schließlich hat Barack Obama vor genau einem Jahr erklärt, dass Assad mit dem Einsatz chemischer Waffen eine "rote Linie" überschreiten würde, die von den USA nicht geduldet werden würde. » | Christian Hauenstein, Kronen Zeitung/red/AG | Dienstag, 27. August 2013
Entzugsklinik in Iran eröffnet
Es handle sich um ein Pilotprojekt. Weitere Einrichtungen seien aber geplant. In der Klinik, die in der Hauptstadt Teheran entstehen soll, sollen Alkoholkranke einen Monat lang stationär behandelt werden. » | sda/afp | Sonntag, 25. August 2013
Russie: Un élu veut interdire aux gays de donner leur sang
Un élu à la Douma d'Etat, Mikhaïl Diegtiariov veut interdire aux homosexuels de faire don de leur sang, rapporte lundi l'agence de presse Interfax. Le candidat du parti nationaliste LDPR à la prochaine élection du maire de Moscou a proposé au Parlement russe d'amender le code de la santé en ce sens. » | ats/Newsnet | mardi 27 août 2013
Comfort for Chaos: 'Al-Qaeda Metastasizes in Mid-East Due to US War on Terror'
Netanyahu: Israel Will Hit Hard If Syrian Threat Detected
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday warned Syrian President Bashar Assad that Israel would respond forcefully if any attempt to harm the country is detected.
“The State of Israel is ready for any scenario. We are not part of the civil war in Syria but if we identify any attempt whatsoever to harm us, we will respond and we will respond in strength,” Netanyahu said after a meeting with his security advisers, his second in as many days.
The prime minister’s pointed remarks were the latest in a string of saber-rattling statements issued by Jerusalem and Damascus, with both sides threatening military action if they were struck.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said in a press conference earlier on Tuesday that Syria would fight back in case of a US strike, and Khalaf Muftah, a senior Baath Party official, said Monday that Damascus would consider Israel “behind the [Western] aggression and [it] will therefore come under fire.”
“We have strategic weapons and we’re capable of responding,” Muftah said. “Normally the strategic weapons are aimed at Israel.” » | Times of Israel Staff | Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Zeina Khodr Discusses Syria Crisis from Beirut
Western Strikes against Syria 'Within Days'
Immature Advisers, Moral Indignation and the Folly of Wading into this Bloody Morass
Almost everyone else, however, including the U.S. President, sees a hideously intractable situation in which we meddle at our peril.
Downing Street has told the media that we may expect to see Western cruise missiles launched against Syrian government installations within a matter of days.
Parliament is expected to be recalled to debate the issue today, which presumably means that air strikes may follow soon after.
Downing Street has not, however, indicated what the purpose or expectations of such strikes should be, save to give President Assad a severe whacking. » | Max Hastings | Monday, August 26, 2013
My comment:
America is broke. Britain is broke. America is hated because it acts as policeman to the world, as is Britain for a similar reason. Saudi is stoking conflict and pulling the strings. America and Britain are ready to do the Saudis' bidding. Nothing is to be achieved by military intervention. Nothing will be achieved. America and Britain should stay out of this. If Saudi Arabia feels so strongly something should be done (though only because they hate Assad), then let them send their own military to sort it out. America never wins wars anyway. They just get embroiled in interminable conflicts. If a country does not go to war to win, it should not go to war in the first place. This is a particularly stupid military intervention. It has the potential to end up in a major conflagration, especially with Russia, Iran, and China friends with Syria. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. – © Mark
Assad will sich mit «allen Mitteln» verteidigen
Die amerikanischen und britischen Pläne für einen Militärschlag gegen das syrische Regime stossen bei den Verbündeten Syriens auf Ablehnung. Syrische Oppositionelle befürchten hingegen, dass die Intervention zu wenig heftig ausfallen könnte, um Assad nachhaltig zu schwächen. » | mw/sda/AFP/AP | Dienstag, 27. August 2013
US Ready to Launch Syria Strike, Says Chuck Hagel
"We have moved assets in place to be able to fulfil and comply with whatever option the president wishes to take," Mr Hagel told the BBC.
US Secretary of State John Kerry has said there is "undeniable" proof that Syria had used chemical weapons.
The UK Parliament is to be recalled on Thursday to discuss possible responses.
Britain is considering military responses to the attack.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who has cut short his holiday and returned to London, said MPs would vote on a "clear motion" on the crisis.
Syria's allies, Russia and China, have stepped up their warnings against military intervention in Syria, with Moscow saying any such action would have "catastrophic consequences" for the region.
Meanwhile Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said he rejected "utterly and completely" claims that Syrian forces had used chemical weapons. » | Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Syrie : "Nous disposons de moyens de défense qui vont surprendre"
Le ministre syrien des Affaires étrangères Walid Mouallem a affirmé mardi que son pays se défendrait en cas de frappe militaire occidentale et qu'il disposait de moyens de défense qui surprendraient le monde. "Nous avons deux options : soit nous rendre, soit nous défendre avec les moyens dont nous disposons. La seconde alternative est la meilleure : nous nous défendrons", a-t-il déclaré lors d'une conférence de presse à Damas. "S'en prendre à la Syrie n'est pas une mince affaire. Nous avons des moyens de défense qui vont surprendre", a-t-il ajouté. » | Source AFP | mardi 27 août 2013
Syria, the Saudi Connection: The Prince with Close Ties to Washington at the Heart of the Push for War
Appointed by the Saudi king, his uncle, last year as the head of the Saudi General Intelligence Agency, Prince Bandar has reportedly for months been focused exclusively on garnering international support, including arms and training, for Syrian rebel factions in pursuit of the eventual toppling of President Bashar al-Assad. (+ video) » | David Usborne | Monday, August 26, 2013
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