Washington Times: Obama shifts Syria policy as Russia takes lead role
With President Obama’s Syria policy under new scrutiny as Russia takes a lead role in the conflict, administration officials said Friday that they will now scrap the Pentagon’s still-born program for training a “moderate” Syrian opposition rebel force — an effort that has cost millions over the past year but produced only a handful of combat-ready fighters.
Officials say the administration’s policy is being readjusted to focus instead on equipping, arming and supporting already-established Kurdish and Arab rebel groups in the ground war against the Islamic State, the extremist outfit also known as ISIS and ISIL that continues to control a vast swath of territory spanning the Syria and Iraq border.
MIDDLE EAST
U.S. suspending program to train and equip Syrian rebels. US to abandon training new Syria rebel groups.
Islamic State advances on Aleppo in Syria fighting.
Surprise ISIS attack in Syria, reportedly the biggest in months. ISIS advances on Aleppo after Russian air strikes force other rebels to retreat… and prevent Western jets from bombing Islamic State as they cannot risk coming into contact with Putin’s warplanes.
Russia says air force hit 60 Islamic State targets in Syria: RIA. Russia says kills 300 militants in Syria in most intense raids yet.
France hits ISIS targets in Syria; Iranian military commander dies near Aleppo.
Rare Syria deal falls victim to Russian escalation.
Iranian commander Brigadier General Hossein Hamedani killed by Isis while advising Syrian regime.
Kerry, Lavrov discuss deconfliction in Syria, no tactical decisions made.
Kerry has 'concerns' Russia is defying the U.S. in Syria.
Protester killed in unrest in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
Coalition warplanes bomb Yemen rebels.
Yemeni pro-government forces retake key seaside town.
UN 'disturbed' by Yemen airstrikes that killed 47 civilians.
Israel, Iran trade barbs at U.N. disarmament panel meeting.
Violence between Israelis, Palestinians spreads to Gaza; 7 dead.
Hamas leader in Gaza declares intifada as deadly attacks continue.
Israeli-Palestinian violence soars. Israel on high alert as stabbing attacks continue.
Hajj stampede death toll raised to 1,453.
ASIA
U.S. commander says U.S. must exercise freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific.
China will not allow violations of its territorial waters.
North Korea preps for major military parade.
Moscow, Beijing intend to take relations to new level — Russian deputy prime minister.
Nauru government bans all media visits from country.
Forget Somalia — this is the new sea piracy hot spot.
In a first, Chinese hackers are arrested at the behest of the U.S. government.
One in three young Chinese men will die from smoking, study says.
AFRICA
Seven killed in Mali, Burkina attacks blamed on jihadists.
Mozambique police surround opposition leader's house.
Russia voices concern about U.N. sanctions, spy drones in South Sudan. South Sudan opposes drones for UN peace mission.
South Sudan rebel leader says U.S. must back peace accord.
Burundi demands Belgium replace envoy: diplomat.
Tunisian mediator group wins Nobel Peace Prize for aiding move to democracy.
UN proposes unity government to end Libya conflict. Libya crisis: Doubts over UN unity government proposal.
U.N. council OKs mission against human trafficking off Libya.
At least 15 wounded in pre-election clash in Guinea capital.
Election campaigning begins in Ivory Coast.
Rights groups condemn human rights situation in Angola.
Nigeria probes suspected Ebola case, one year after virus was stopped.
EUROPE
Kremlin: Military strikes in Syria not big financial burden.
UN backs EU military action against migrant smugglers.
Russia says will not allow threats to security from NATO forces.
EU Commission head says relations with Russia ‘must be improved,’ US ‘can’t dictate’. EU must improve Russia ties, says Commission chief Juncker.
Ukraine leader says he hopes 'fragile truce' will hold.
Big rise in German attacks on migrant homes in 2015.
Migrant arrivals in Greece 'surge' to 7,000 daily - IOM.
Bavaria threatens to take German government to court over refugees.
Portuguese leaders make no progress on government talks.
Moldovan opposition threatens authorities with Ukrainian-style Maidan.
Exclusive: Italy paying ransoms in Syria and Somalia. Italian intelligence lied about hostage rescue to hide ransom payment.
AMERICAS
Guatemala landslide toll reaches 253 dead, 374 missing.
Two die in two US university shootings.
All eyes on Ryan amid search for U.S. House speaker.
House expected to pass bill axing U.S. oil export ban, future uncertain.
UN wants another year for Haiti peacekeeping mission.
FBI chief: 'Gaps' remain in screening Syrian refugees.
Brazilian policemen arrested over Sao Paulo shooting spree.
Report: More than 58,000 violent deaths last year in Brazil.
Mexican defense secretary says he's not happy military has to take on law enforcement role. UN agency finds torture in Mexican army case.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
U.S. says it considers violent acts against Israel as terrorism.
In Libya, the Islamic State’s black banner rises by the Mediterranean.
A leaked budget may finally show how ISIS makes its money.
How ISIS' black flag became the symbol of modern jihad.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
How the Dow Jones industrial average fared on Friday.
Central banks need to be courageous on rates, Sentance says.
Russian military operation in Syria bolsters oil market, domestic stocks.
Amazon launches handicraft store.
8 comments:
There are strong rumors that the Turks have brought down a Russian plane, I can't find confirmation. Something has happened though.
Thank you for he headsup James. The wire services are saying nothing right now.
WNU,
This is one I'd prefer being dead embarrassing wrong on and it's a good chance I will be, but something has happened and I'm hearing the strangest things.
I have been checking the BBC, Al Jazeera, RT, Reuters, AFP, and AP .... no news so far. I have to go out for a few hours with the GF, but when I come back in a few hours I am definitely going straight to my computer to verify if this is accurate or not. I have a good source in Moscow .... but it is 2:00 AM over there right now, and he is probably fast asleep. Either way .... if the story is true it will be on all the headlines in the next hour or two.
Couldn't find anything about shooting down a Russian plane on the Turkish sites but this was interesting about US withdrawing Patriot missiles from Turkey.
http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_us-withdraws-patriots-despite-turkeys-appeal-to-keep-them_401117.html
Well it looks very likely that I was wrong, which is just fine with me.
Not hear anything about a plane brought down, could be this event though: http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/09/putins-endgame-in-syria/
Here is a section of the article:
“Turkish officials claimed a third incident on Monday, when an unidentified MiG-29 fighter jet locked its radar for four and a half minutes on eight Turkish F-16 jets that were on patrol on their side of the border, in apparent preparation to open fire.” (“US, NATO step up threats to Russia over Syria“, World Socialist Web Site)“
Would be interesting to hear you'r thoughts?
Rhaegar,
I'll answer your question soon, but I'm busy cleaning a lot of egg off my face. A short answer could be the Russians are essentially saying "we're here, we're not afraid of you are your so called friends, and we're ready to fight".
Post a Comment