L.A. Times: The fate of millions in doubt as Syria prepares for final showdown with rebels
No one planned for this verdant region in Syria’s northwest to become the site of the rebels’ last stand.
But with the Syrian government preparing for a multi-front offensive it hopes will provide a path for finally ending a grinding civil war, the fate of Idlib province and its 3 million residents is now the subject of diplomatic jockeying among the world powers that have had a hand in the war.
As government forces overpowered opposition enclaves one by one, they offered defeated rebels and their families a choice: Lay down their arms and accept government rule, or go to Idlib, which borders Turkey.
Many chose Idlib, doubling the size of the province and turning it into a dumping ground for opposition militants.
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More News On Syria Preparing For A Final Showdown With Rebels In Their Last Major Stronghold
Forces gather for Syria’s final showdown, with the fate of millions hanging in the balance -- SCMP/AP
Syrian army preparing phased Idlib assault: source -- Reuters
Russia says militants in Syria's Idlib province need liquidating -- Reuters
Russia masses huge force off Syrian coast for final assault on rebels in Idlib -- The Independent
US, Russia engage in war of words as Syria attack looms -- Al Jazeera
Syria, Turkey, Russia and U.S. to Square Off in Idlib With Millions of Civilians in the Crosshairs -- Haaretz
Russia readies for Idlib campaign with fake news and major naval build-up -- Kack Moore, The National
Russia very much involved in this (and we seem indifferent) and THIS EXPLAINS THE MANY RUSSIAN SHIPS IN THE AREA
ReplyDeleteTurkey lays low as long as its soil isn't attacked.
ReplyDeleteIsrael lies low since no dog in that fight.
The US lies low since its forces are far to the east and it doesn't want more entanglements in the ME.
So Idlib is open to the Syrians, Iranians and Russians so long as they don't violate the interests of the above 3. I think they will respect their interest and have a free hand.
I think we're getting over excited about something that even hasn't happened yet. And likely won't - to the degree that everyone here is prognosticating.
ReplyDeleteAnon (4:20PM),
ReplyDeleteWell said. You're pretty much spot on here. Not only do we not need more entanglements we need to extricate ourselves from some of them we are currently in.
I think the next move is up to the "rebels." "Western" leaders did "warn" Assad not to use chemical weapons. Might the "rebels" stage a chemical attack and try and draw us in. We do have some very gullable leaders. They've got nothing to lose by such an action combined with plenty of upside potential. It would've been far better for our leaders to have not opened their mouths.
Russ,
ReplyDeleteYou may be correct. I have hard time seeing just how much more of a fight these "rebels" can put up any longer. That is unless they can draw an outside power in by hook, crook, or however.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Poster. WWI. Trenches dug. Mobility slight. In the end, another cities' population homeless. No intervention by allah, etc. Great job, oh conquering lions of the burning desert sands. What does the opposition expect to accomplish with this last stand? Poor, over-worked virgins. Here comes another busload, dears. Get ready.
The military equivalent of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, except those two are a hoot. This final stand is beyond logic. To me at least. I mean, the dead don't struggle back. Not only are they now militarily useless, they soon stink to high heaven and have to be buried before the plague begins.
Middle east logic. Good grief.