War Against ISIS

[ngatimozart]

Some utu (reciprocity) against Daesh by an Iraqi woman, Wahida Mohamed Al-Jumaily, after Daesh killed her two husbands and her sons. She has her own militia and is armed and supplied with vehicles by the Iraqi Army. “I fought them, I beheaded them, I cooked their heads, I burned their bodies,” she told CNN. She's pretty high on the Daesh hit list, above the Iraqi Prime Minister. Apparently the Daesh fighters live in fear of her.

Bravo Zulu Wahida Mohamed Al-Jumaily.

 

[John Fedup]

Some utu (reciprocity) against Daesh by an Iraqi woman, Wahida Mohamed Al-Jumaily, after Daesh killed her two husbands and her sons. She has her own militia and is armed and supplied with vehicles by the Iraqi Army. “I fought them, I beheaded them, I cooked their heads, I burned their bodies,” she told CNN. She's pretty high on the Daesh hit list, above the Iraqi Prime Minister. Apparently the Daesh fighters live in fear of her.

Bravo Zulu Wahida Mohamed Al-Jumaily.

Gives renewed meaning to the expression "payback is a bitch and then you die". A fitting end to the Daesh.

 

[gazzzwp]

Gives renewed meaning to the expression "payback is a bitch and then you die". A fitting end to the Daesh.

As an observation, the US media seems highly indifferent to the conflict now; even sadly the current devastation occurring in Aleppo. The US (and western media in general) seems to be content to know that the war is being contained and the majority of the losses and financial cost is being borne by others, namely Russia and Iran. Of course with the election looming that is where American minds are right now.

On the other hand the Russian government seems to be highly on the defensive, some days reporting no other news (see RT) and is totally consumed with the war.

I believe this says a very great deal.

 

[John Fedup]

@gazzzwp While the election is first and foremost in the media I think the media is aware that after 15 years of combat in the ME most Americans don't want to read or hear anything further about this region. Considering the results and massive expense, sort of understandable.

 

[Waylander]

In Germany the topic is heavily present and discussed in the media and even more so since the Russians and SAA intensified their bombardement of Aleppo.

 

[gazzzwp]

I think I'll leave this here. Gazzwp please take note what he says about the nature of the fighting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfyDgDTu0Go

Interesting clip and good to see another other side to the story. Once again we are left with the question of what is the real true situation? Are all of the anti-Syrian forces in the pocket terrorists? Has the line between the genuine anti-Assad forces and the known terrorist organisations really blurred? Are the civilians really being compelled to stay at the point of a gun or are they just reluctant to leave their home city?

 

[gazzzwp]

In Germany the topic is heavily present and discussed in the media and even more so since the Russians and SAA intensified their bombardement of Aleppo.

Interesting. Not so in UK or US media.

 

[Toblerone]

@gazzzwp
What makes you think the US expenses are less than Russia's :hehe

Also, there is military progress so it's been reported heavily to prove it's not a quagmire. What is the US media going to write about? How many more articles to convince you about the "current" devastation and how much Russia is spending, how many more fake tears about killed children and bombings? From the US of A no less.

People are sick and tired of this stuff and the refugee crisis and terror attacks on Europe, which are connected to the global jihadism (with an actual jihadist "state"!) that was created immediately after the US intervention in Iraq and elsewhere. Britain is leaving the EU after a referendum that showed bitterness and fear for the future, there is a rise of the far-right in Europe because of demographics changing, there is a rise of the alt-right and panic votes to Trump in the USA, racial tension etc.

And you are worried about the diminishing role of the USA as the global cop/superpower and the propaganda games of "he said, she said" between Washington and Kremlin.

Don't take this as an attack, I just try to portray things from my prism and it's a little abrasive. :

EDIT:
http://www.janes.com/article/59374/us-arms-shipment-to-syrian-rebels-detailed
This bloody war is perpetuated by the USA (among others)

 

[gazzzwp]

What makes you think the US expenses are less than Russia's :hehe

It's not the comparative cost that matters but rather the cost compared to GDP. To the US the effort is nothing. I doubt that the cost is insignificant to Russia at the present time with what we know about it's low reserves and the cost of commodities at the present time.

Also, there is military progress so it's been reported heavily to prove it's not a quagmire. What is the US media going to write about? How many more articles to convince you about the "current" devastation and how much Russia is spending, how many more fake tears about killed children and bombings? From the US of A no less.

I really don't think it is just western media that is reporting the carnage. The UN is too. Just a quick google will tell as much. Besides I'm not aware that the US has ever carried out such an intensive bombing campaign within and around a surrounded city. Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan. Please correct me if I am wrong on this.

People are sick and tired of this stuff and the refugee crisis and terror attacks on Europe, which are connected to the global jihadism (with an actual jihadist "state"!) that was created immediately after the US intervention in Iraq and elsewhere.

The US has made some terrible mistakes and I agree with your point here. One must not forget however the mess that the Ukraine is currently in that still to this day despite hearing spades of conspiracy theories I find no convincing evidence that the US was responsible. Given a choice of US supremacy versus Russia's or China's I know exactly who I would elect. As I have said before I see the US to be a reforming power. Reforming of it's own past mistakes that is. Everyone is free to make up their own mind but at least you can enjoy unrestricted internet in the US. Not so with China. I see Russia and China currently performing exactly same heavy handed tactics that got the US into so much trouble over the last 30 years.

Britain is leaving the EU after a referendum that showed bitterness and fear for the future, there is a rise of the far-right in Europe because of demographics changing, there is a rise of the alt-right and panic votes to Trump in the USA, racial tension etc.

I'm not sure what you are getting at here. The UK to my knowledge took the leave vote mainly because people were afraid of the EU's totally liberal stance on border control. The large Islamic community is a fate accompli and has been for decades. What has totally shocked the Brits is how the country has so rapidly become overcrowded by the huge influx of Eastern Europeans. I'm, not sure that this has any relationship to the ME or past wars?

And you are worried about the diminishing role of the USA as the global cop/superpower and the propaganda games of "he said, she said" between Washington and Kremlin.

Yes because of who or what may fill the vaccuum. I see no consolation in the world becoming as Lavrov gloats "A Multi-Polar World". I see the alliance of Russia, China and Iran as extremely alarming to the point where the world is as I see it in deep peril. Also I see the Russian involvement as nothing more than sending a message to the US. I see little sincerity in what they are doing. Reasons are everything.

Don't take this as an attack, I just try to portray things from my prism and it's a little abrasive. :

Not at all. I value your opinion as I do with others here. You all seem to know what you are talking about and I do (whether I show it or not) learn much from being here.

 

[STURM]

I see the alliance of Russia, China and Iran as extremely alarming to the point where the world is as I see it in deep peril.

Ever considered how Iran might view things? There's a Western military presence in the Middle East and the West is chums with several Gulf Arab countries who are in deep competition with Iran. Is Iran feeling threatened and concerned part of the narrative? If Assad falls and Syria descends into further chaos, with the jihadis fighting the ''moderates'' [the ones who are supposed to be the good chaps]; things will spiral out of control and will affect Iran. From the perspective of Iran, China and Russia; Western policy in the region can also be viewed as ''alarming''? Are Iran and Russia expected to just keep quiet, do nothing and let the West and the Gulf states sort out Syria?

Also I see the Russian involvement as nothing more than sending a message to the US. I see little sincerity in what they are doing. Reasons are everything.

You seriously think that Russia has got so involved in Syria just to send ''a message to the US''? Just like everyone else, Russia has its own national interests to watch for. If one wants to question Russian motives; one can also ask : what is the U.S. really hoping to achieve in Syria? Who really benefits if Assad falls? And what do U.S. allies like Saudi and Qatar hope to achieve? Their involvement is certainly not driven by deep concern over the well being of ordinary Syrians.

 

[swerve]

Yeah, but that's largely the choice of the Iranian leadership & certain vested interests in Iran which benefit from hostility, regardless of the cost to the country as a whole. Most western countries would probably be much more comfortable dealing with a friendly Iran than they are with Saudi Arabia, because they'd find its society more congenial. But how can one be friendly with a state which calls you "the great satan"?

 

[STURM]

True but it works both ways. We're constantly reminded about the ''threat'' that Iran poses and its support for terrorism, etc, etc. The biggest irony is that when it comes to Iraq and Syria; it's Iran and not traditional Western allies like Saudi, the U.A.E. and Qatar who are assisting in defeating IS. The biggest problem for Iran is internally; the leadership can't be seen to be in a rush to fully normalise ties with the West as the hardliners and mullahs still have lots of influence.

 

[Toblerone]

@gazzzwp

Muslim immigration and generally africans and middle easters are the main fear that led to Brexit, not eastern europeans! Where have you been these last few years of islamic terrorism and unprecedented influx of muslims into Europe? I don't live in the UK so maybe I am wrong but it seems amazing that you would say that it is about eastern europeans and you can't see what it has to do with the Middle East. I am in disbelief at your view of the european immigration problem. You have not figured out that the millions of muslims are the deep fear of the native people?

The Russia/China/Iran relationship is not a real alliance, just a mutual understanding and cooperation. The reason is the monumentally overwhelming military superiority of the USA and their intrusions on so many regional crises, elevating them to world wide issues, while declaring the importance of them for the strategic interests of the US. Most of the globe seems to be crucial to the US interests somehow, or for their allies, who are numerous and everywhere.

Russia and China have raised their heads and want to play a serious role in specific regions that are crucial to their interests, too. Something has to give and a balance be struck. The good old idea of zones of influence and minding your own business.

 

[Feanor]

Update.

The SAA and their allies continue to push into Aleppo. The rebels inside attempted a counter-attack but took heavy losses, and given that they have no resupply, it was probably ill-advised. The SAA has also retaken al-Kindi hospital. Interesting enough some media sources claimed that the hospital was destroyed by government bombings. Apparently it was destroyed by a terrorist attack in 2013, following which it's remains were used as a rebel strong-point.

Hezbollah and SAA teams continue to push in central Aleppo, around the Citadel.

Штурм Ðлеппо 02.10.2016 - Colonel Cassad
Ðль-Кинди оÑвобожденный - Colonel Cassad
https://aftershock.news/?q=node/440895

Antique A-19 cannons still seeing action in Syria.

Пушка Ð-19 - 85 лет в боÑÑ… и походах - ÐÑ€Ñ‚Ð¸Ð»Ð»ÐµÑ€Ð¸Ñ - бог войны

Fox News is not the most reliable source, but they claim Russian S-300V4 systems (SA-23) are being deployed to Syria.

РоÑÑÐ¸Ñ Ð½Ð°Ð¿Ñ€Ð°Ð²Ð¸Ð»Ð° в Сирию зенитную ракетную ÑиÑтему С-300Ð’4 - bmpd

There are reports that the looting of Palmyra continues under Assad, with Russian military personnel as well as the SAA implicated in bribery.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Ðàçãðàáëåíèå ñîêðîâèù Ïàëüìèðû ïðîäîëæàåòñÿ - òåïåðü ïîä êîíòðîëåì ðóññêèõ, óòâåðæäàþò ñèðèéñêèå ó÷åíûå

A Russian General-Major, official representative of the General Staff, said that Russia knows where in Syria US specialists operate among the rebels and direct their actions, claiming that they're also in Aleppo.

https://aftershock.news/?q=node/440392

 

[gazzzwp]

@gazzzwp

Muslim immigration and generally africans and middle easters are the main fear that led to Brexit, not eastern europeans! Where have you been these last few years of islamic terrorism and unprecedented influx of muslims into Europe? I don't live in the UK so maybe I am wrong but it seems amazing that you would say that it is about eastern europeans and you can't see what it has to do with the Middle East. I am in disbelief at your view of the european immigration problem. You have not figured out that the millions of muslims are the deep fear of the native people?

The Russia/China/Iran relationship is not a real alliance, just a mutual understanding and cooperation. The reason is the monumentally overwhelming military superiority of the USA and their intrusions on so many regional crises, elevating them to world wide issues, while declaring the importance of them for the strategic interests of the US. Most of the globe seems to be crucial to the US interests somehow, or for their allies, who are numerous and everywhere.

Russia and China have raised their heads and want to play a serious role in specific regions that are crucial to their interests, too. Something has to give and a balance be struck. The good old idea of zones of influence and minding your own business.

Not to dwell to long on this because it is off topic. I'm not saying that the Brits are in any way happy about the scale of the Islamic minorities in the country but it has become a fait accomplis. It's been occurring since the 60's and 70's and relatively slowly. The scale of the European invasion was seen as too rapid and excessive. Not that locals dislike the Eastern Europeans. It's not that at all. They work hard and contribute. The truth is the nation is now overcrowded. It's a problem of small land mass and too many people.

I take your point about the Russia and China 'alliance' though.

 

[gazzzwp]

Fox News is not the most reliable source, but they claim Russian S-300V4 systems (SA-23) are being deployed to Syria.

No confirmation from Moscow so far. I presume this is an updated version of the system shipped to Iran and that Syria already have? Presumably this is sending a message to the US to keep out should they be considering a strike on Assad's forces? Who else can it be a warning to?

https://sputniknews.com/military/20161004/1045972985/s-300-syria-russia.html

 

[STURM]

It's not that at all. They work hard and contribute. The truth is the nation is now overcrowded.

Quite a number of British Muslims [some of whom came over as far back as the 1950's and 60's] also work hard and contribute. It's not as if most of them rely on the dole; whilst the others harbour thoughts of becoming terrorists and complain why Britain's not like Pakistan. I remember flying into Heathtrow once and there was a Pole being questioned by a immigration officer. The Pole was annoyed that the immigration officer was going through his work permit and said ''I'm European'' and you're not''; to which the immigration officer replied : ''I'm British and my parents came here in the early 1960's'' ... The main difference between Eastern Europeans [I was the there in the 1990's when they started coming in large numbers] and newly arrived Muslim immigrants from places such as Iraq or Afghanistan is that Eastern Europeans find it easier to blend in. Granted some Muslim immigrants refuse to blend in [for me they then should go back to where they originally came from] but many make genuine efforts to blend in and be part of society.

An apology from Francois Hollande won't absolve France of its responsibility for Arab Harkis | The Independent

[Why Syria's Bashar al-Assad Is Still In Power]
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/syria-bashar-al-assad-power-160904081138141.html

 

[gazzzwp]

A very interesting article about the current state of the conflict and the possible Russian overall objectives and possible next move by the US.

Syria Is the Thread That Russia Is Pulling to Unravel International Order - Defense One

It seems to be suggesting that Russia is using the conflict to 'unravel the world order' set by the US and it's allies just after WW2. Specifically it seems to be referring to the Geneva convention, war crimes etc and asserting that Russia is trying to force the world into accepting that no longer should a Government be held accountable for such atrocities.

It is also recommending that the time is now for a US response. My guess is that that is exactly what is being discussed now. I have little doubt that were the election not about to move up a gear the US would already have made such a response.

I personally cannot see the US standing back watching this unfold before their eyes. What do others think?

 

[John Fedup]

Civil wars are the ugliest form of warfare. This has been a fact for centuries. Like it or not, Assad will probably survive. If the opposition wins, the outcome for the Syrian people wouldn't be any better, just two cheeks forming the same A-hole.

As for drawing the line against Russian adventurism, Syria isn't it. More blood and treasure being squandered in the ME is a political loser for Western governments. The $hit will hit the fan in Eastern Europe.

 

[Toblerone]

A very interesting article about the current state of the conflict and the possible Russian overall objectives and possible next move by the US.

Syria Is the Thread That Russia Is Pulling to Unravel International Order - Defense One

It seems to be suggesting that Russia is using the conflict to 'unravel the world order' set by the US and it's allies just after WW2. Specifically it seems to be referring to the Geneva convention, war crimes etc and asserting that Russia is trying to force the world into accepting that no longer should a Government be held accountable for such atrocities.

It is also recommending that the time is now for a US response. My guess is that that is exactly what is being discussed now. I have little doubt that were the election not about to move up a gear the US would already have made such a response.

I personally cannot see the US standing back watching this unfold before their eyes. What do others think?

The article ends with this statement.

Ignoring its responsibilities in Syria—and opening the door for Russia to pound away at the foundations of the international order—hurts not only Syrians but the entire world. Perhaps, finally, Assad and his backers have gone far enough to provoke an American defense of that indispensable order that America helped construct

America 's indispensable order? That the russian intervention upset a year ago, huh?

This is an insult to any reader's intellect. From the same article:

But the crisis in Syria presents the most acute test yet, and demands of the United States an active, robust, and strategic response that reinforces its commitment to the architecture of global governance—a system threatened by spoiler powers like Russia and ideological attacks from nativists, the right-wing fringe, and other domestic extremists in the West.

Commitment to the architecture of global governance by the USA? Excuse me? Is this some edgy way to bury the concept of countries' sovereignty?