Civil War in Syria

[Beet]

Normally, Syria being out of the headlines like this (no posts in this thread for nearly two months) would be an indication the government is quieting things down, but that is not the case here. Assad is slowly, but surely, losing the war (although this report suggests differently: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/syria-live/are-we-seeing-bashar-al-assads-second-wind/article11222855/).

If it can be confirmed that Assad will certainly lose (which is far from certain), that strengthens the Saudi Arabian position.

[ingemann]

Stability isn't necessarily a good thing, North Korea is currently a very stable hellhole. I actually think Libya has gotten better even though it has become less stable.

It may be less stable but the difference between the Kims and Daffy versus Assad, are that Assad never really was phrone to erratic behaviour. We simply have no idea what North Korea will do tomorrow, while we have a good idea what Syria will do.

[ingemann]

Normally, Syria being out of the headlines like this (no posts in this thread for nearly two months) would be an indication the government is quieting things down, but that is not the case here. Assad is slowly, but surely, losing the war (although this report suggests differently: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/syria-live/are-we-seeing-bashar-al-assads-second-wind/article11222855/).

If it can be confirmed that Assad will certainly lose (which is far from certain), that strengthens the Saudi Arabian position.

Interesting article but there are one paragraph you should focus on

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That's really bad news for the rebels, because it sign of a regime with long term planning and it also mean that people under the regime's rule are better off than people in rebel territory. That more than anything will make the population side with the regime.

[Mr. Morden]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/britain-france-claim-syria-used-chemical-weapons/2013/04/18/f17a2e7c-a82f-11e2-a8e2-5b98cb59187f_print.html

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[RogueBeaver]

Breaking: Hagel has just announced that US intel confirms chemical weapons use by Assad.

[RogueBeaver]

Sarin, to be precise.

[Silent Hunter]

If this is true, it is time to intervene.

[Blue3]

Looks like the US is going to ask the UN to confirm, to be absolutely sure.

[Beezer]

The plot thickens...

UN's Carla Del Ponte says there is evidence rebels 'used sarin' in Syria


A United Nations inquiry into human rights abuses in Syria has found evidence to suggest that rebel forces may have used chemical weapons, its lead investigator has revealed.

Carla Del Ponte, a member of the UN independent commission of inquiry on Syria, said that testimony gathered from casualties and medical staff indicated that the nerve agent sarin gas was used by rebel fighters.

"Our investigators have been in neighbouring countries interviewing victims, doctors and field hospitals and, according to their report of last week which I have seen, there are strong, concrete suspicions but not yet incontrovertible proof of the use of sarin gas, from the way the victims were treated," Ms Del Ponte said in an interview with Swiss-Italian television, broadcast on Sunday.

"This was used on the part of the opposition, the rebels, not by the government authorities," she added, speaking in Italian.

Ms Del Ponte added that the inquiry has yet to see any direct evidence suggesting that government forces have used chemical weapons, but said further investigation was required before this possibility could be ruled out.

...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/uns-carla-del-ponte-says-there-is-evidence-rebels-used-sarin-in-syria-8604920.html

[bgwah]

I suppose that complicates intervention a bit...

[Beet]

Both sides in this 'war' disgust me.

[Blue3]

It's not like the Rebels are all on the same side... they're quite diverse. Most of the extremist rebels aren't even from Syria.

[Frodo]

Finally, a glimmer of hope:

U.S. and Russia Plan Conference Aimed at Ending Syrian War

By STEVEN LEE MYERS and RICK GLADSTONE
Published: May 7, 2013

MOSCOW — Russia and the United States announced on Tuesday that they would seek to convene an international conference within weeks aimed at ending the civil war in Syria, jointly intensifying their diplomatic pressure on the combatants to peacefully settle a conflict that has taken more than 70,000 lives and left millions displaced and desperate.

(...)

The announcement appeared to signal a strong desire by both countries to halt what has been a dangerous escalation in the conflict, with evidence of chemical weapons use, a surge in the number of civilians fleeing combat, and a refugee crisis that is overwhelming Syria’s neighbors. Israeli aerial attacks this past weekend on suspected munitions sites in Syria heightened and further complicated the tensions in the region.

Mr. Kerry’s visit also came as the Obama administration is facing increasing calls to intervene in the conflict with lethal military aid to the insurgency or perhaps stronger action such as enforcement of a no-fly zone over Syria to protect rebel-held areas. The effort to seek a negotiated solution with the Russians suggested the administration at least wanted to first make a public push in the diplomacy direction.

[Blue3]

That won't go anywhere. Neither Assad nor the rebels want to compromise with the other side.

[dead0man]

4 explosions inside Turkey on the border with Syria, Turkey moving air and ground forces to border.  Link shortly.

link

[dead0man]

better article on the earlier explosions...up to 42 dead now


...seems there's been another explosion...link....I believe that's saying there are 78 dead now

[dead0man]

Turkey arrests 'pro-Damascus' bombers

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[bgwah]

Why would Syria want Turkey in the war? Color me skeptical.

[Mr. Morden]

Why would Syria want Turkey in the war? Color me skeptical.

Pro-Assad bombers doesn't necessarily mean bombers taking orders from Assad.  They could just be members of some pro-Assad militia lashing out at Turkey for aiding the rebels, not really thinking through the geopolitical consequences.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Why would Syria want Turkey in the war? Color me skeptical.

Pro-Assad bombers doesn't necessarily mean bombers taking orders from Assad.  They could just be members of some pro-Assad militia lashing out at Turkey for aiding the rebels, not really thinking through the geopolitical consequences.

Possible, but a false flag operation is also possible,

[dead0man]

Why would Syria want Turkey in the war? Color me skeptical.

Pro-Assad bombers doesn't necessarily mean bombers taking orders from Assad.  They could just be members of some pro-Assad militia lashing out at Turkey for aiding the rebels, not really thinking through the geopolitical consequences.

Possible, but a false flag operation is also possible,

Indeed.

[RogueBeaver]

Russia's sending Assad advanced ASMs.

[Cory]

Russia's sending Assad advanced ASMs.

Doesn't surprise me. Russia can't just allow it's ally to be overtaken because helping them wouldn't be "moral" in the eyes of the West.

[bgwah]

Rebel caught on video eating heart of dead soldier: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22523804 (not a link to the actual video)

Surprised nobody posted it... not.

[njwes]

Rebel caught on video eating heart of dead soldier: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22523804 (not a link to the actual video)

Surprised nobody posted it... not.

But I'm SURE he's just a single bad apple sullying the reputation of otherwise noble rebel forces, right? Right??