Syrian President Assad Confident Of Victory In Syria's Civil War

Security personnel loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad hold their weapons as they take positions in Damascus May 27, 2013. Photo by Reuters

Syrian President Assad Says Army 'Has Balance Of Power' -- BBC

The Syrian army has scored "major victories" against rebels and now holds "the balance of power" in the conflict, President Bashar al-Assad has told a Lebanese TV station.

He also suggested Syria may have received the first shipment of an advanced Russian air defence system.

Russia vowed earlier this week to go ahead with sending S-300 missiles.

Meanwhile, the main opposition outside Syria said it would not take part in peace talks while massacres continued.

Speaking in Istanbul where the Syrian National Coalition is meeting, its interim head, George Sabra, said talk of diplomatic conferences was farcical while Syrian government forces backed by the Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah were carrying out heinous crimes.

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More News On Syria's Civil War

Syria Live Blog -- Al Jazeera
Assad vows to stay in power until Syrian people vote him out – as it happened -- The Guardian

Syria's Assad 'confident in victory' in civil war -- AP
Syria's Assad confident in country's civil war -- Detroit Free Press
Syria’s Assad pledges to attend proposed peace talks, says his side is winning war -- Miami Herald/McClatchy News
Assad Touts Military Gain, Russian Arms Support in War -- Bloomberg
Assad Regime Recaptures Air Base, Presses Siege of Syria Border Town -- Voice of America
Syrian rebels plead for help as army bombards strategic Qusair -- Reuters
Battle for Syria’s Qusair Leaves 1,000 Injured Civilians Trapped -- Bloomberg Businessweek
12K Hezbollah Fighters Turning Tide in Syria, Top General Says -- US News and World Report
Syrian rebel chief accuses Hezbollah of 'invading' Syria -- BBC
Syria: Hezbollah triumphs, but loses veterans -- UPI
Hezbollah Escalates Fighting in Syria as Sectarian Tensions Grow in Lebanon -- Heritage Foundation
Turkey returns fire after shots fired from Syria -- CBS/AP
Report: Syrian forces kill American, British citizen accused of fighting alongside rebels -- CNN
U.S. investigates report of American woman killed in Syria -- Reuters
Russia sends arms to Syria as it tries to reassert its role in region -- Washington Post
Russia criticises U.S. refusal to rule out Syria no-fly zone -- Reuters
Syrian National Coalition Won't Participate In Geneva Peace Talks -- AP
Syrian opposition says no to peace talks in Geneva -- Christian Science Monitor
Syrian Opposition Demands Assad Departure Deadline -- Voice of America
Russian, U.S. and U.N. officials to meet on Syria on June 5 -- Reuters
Syrian civil war forces Sunni and Shiite Muslims to pick sides -- Washington Post
McCain insists US weapons would 'help the right people' in Syria war -- NBC
West Debates Whether to Arm Syrian Opposition -- Voice of America
Will Assad Prevail in Syria? -- Council on Foreign Relations
What If al-Assad Prevails? -- Charles Dunne, Special to CNN

Syria's Assad Warns Of War Against Israel

Assad Warns Israel, Claiming a Stockpile of Russian Weapons -- New York Times

BEIRUT, Lebanon — President Bashar al-Assad of Syria displayed a new defiance in a television interview broadcast on Thursday, warning Israel and suggesting that he had secured plenty of weapons from Russia as his opponents falter politically and Hezbollah fighters infuse force into his military campaign.

Mr. Assad spoke in an interview on Al Manar television, which is owned by his ally Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese Shiite militant group, further punctuating his message of growing confidence that he could prevail in a civil war that is now more than two years old and has claimed more than 80,000 lives.

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More News On Syrian President Assad's Warnings Against Israel, And Israel's Response

Assad: Syria will respond to any future Israeli strike -- Haaretz/Reuters
Syria will ‘strategically’ respond to new Israeli strikes – Assad -- RT
Assad: Arab world prepared to join fight against Israel -- Jerusalem Post
Syria’s Assad ‘confident in victory’ in civil war, warns of retaliation against Israel -- Washington Post/AP
Syrian Leader Mocks Foes and Threatens Israel -- Wall Street Journal
Israel airs concerns as Assad says Syria has received advanced missiles from Russia -- AP
Bashar al-Assad dares foes to take him on -- The Telegraph
Syria says it has advanced missiles from Russia, Israeli says new warfare coming -- USA Today
Former Israel Defense Minister: 'Our Air Force Can Deal With' Russian Missiles in Syria -- Weekly Standard
Analysis: Israel could swoop on S-300 missiles in Syria, but with risks -- Reuters
Syria's new anti-aircraft missiles will be game-changing, say defence analysts -- The Guardian
When Assad shells rebels, Israel goes on alert and learns -- Reuters

Russia To Send S-300 Missile Systems To Syria

Report: Assad Claims Delivery of Russian Arms -- Voice of America

Lebanese media say Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has acknowledged receiving a first shipment of a Russian air defense system that could help him to deter foreign military intervention in his conflict with rebels.

The reports say Assad claimed to have received the S-300 air defense shipment while speaking with Lebanese TV station Al-Manar in an interview to be broadcast later Thursday. Al-Manar is run by pro-Assad Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

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More News On Syria Receiving Russia's S-300 Missile Systems

Assad tells Lebanese media Syria has received Russian missile shipment -- Foreign Policy
Syria's president claims Russian arms are already arriving -- Christian Science Monitor
Syria's Assad vague on delivery of Russian missiles -- CBS/AP
Assad Says Russian Missiles Arrive While Analysts Skeptical -- SFGate/Bloomberg
Syria's Assad says Russia will deliver on arms deals -- Reuters
Moscow suggests missiles have yet to reach Assad -- Reuters
Russia suggests it will now sell 'offensive' weapons to Syria -- Christian Science Monitor
Bashar al-Assad vows to complete purchase of advanced Russian S-300 missiles -- Washington Post
What Happens If Syria Gets S-300 Missiles? -- Yaakov Katz, Daily Beast

U.N. Official: Iraq Mayhem 'Ready To Explode'

Iraq Mayhem 'Ready To Explode' Into Wider Conflict, U.N. Official Says -- CNN

(CNN) -- A wave of deadly bombings struck Baghdad on Thursday in an already remarkably lethal week in Iraq, prompting a U.N. official to warn the mayhem is "ready to explode" into a wider conflict.

And violence wasn't limited to Iraq's capital -- Anbar province's governor escaped the latest apparent attempt to assassinate him when bombs exploded Thursday near his convoy in Ramadi and injured four of his bodyguards, police said.

In Baghdad, a car bomb exploded Thursday afternoon outside a university, and three car bombs and a roadside bomb exploded Thursday morning in four neighborhoods, killing at least 10 people and wounding 41 others, police said.

The deaths come as political and sectarian violence rises across Iraq, much of it stemming from discord between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Nearly 400 people have been killed in acts of violence in May, according to a CNN tally. And since Monday alone, at least 120 people have been killed.  

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More News On The Growing Violence In Iraq

Violence claims more than 1,000 since April in Iraq -- Watchlist News/Reuters
Iraq attacks push May death toll past 600 -- DAWN/AFP
Fears grow in Iraq as new bombing wave kills 33, governor escapes assassination attempt -- Washington Post/AP
Surging Violence, Sectarian Fears Haunt Iraq -- Voice of America
Alarm grows as Iraqi forces fail to stem violence -- Newsday/AP
Iraqis Fear Return of ‘Death Squads’ To Baghdad Streets -- Al Monitor
Iraqi Shiite militia warns of sectarian fighting -- Salon
Wave of Iraq Violence Continues -- Voice of America
Iraq violence claims more lives -- Al Jazeera
UN Official Urges Immediate Action For Ending Iraq Violence -- RTT
Fears of Civil War Cripple Baghdad Commerce -- Al Monitor
Is Iraq sliding into civil war? -- Dillon Clancy, New Europe

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- May 30, 2013

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad (R) gestures during an interview with al-Manar TV in Damascus, in this handout photograph distributed by Syria's national news agency SANA, on May 30,2013. REUTERS/SANA/Handout via Reuters

What If al-Assad Prevails? -- Charles Dunne, Special to CNN

Let’s imagine a world in which Bashar al-Assad wins a military victory, remains in power, and defies the world to deal with him. Because, unfortunately, it appears to be an all too plausible scenario.

An influx of Hezbollah fighters from Lebanon, and support from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, has intensified fighting along the strategic corridor from Qusayr to Damascus. Reported use of chemical weapons, most probably by the Syrian government, has crossed a red line that the U.S. government has ignored, and thus sent a clear and discouraging message to the opposition. Hezbollah commander Hassan Nasrallah, for his part, said in a May 26 television address that Hezbollah would beat down al-Assad's opponents and stay in Syria as long as it needed to do it. “We will continue this road until the end, we will take the responsibility and we will make all the sacrifices,” Nasrallah said. “We will be victorious.”

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Assad’s Foolish Boast -- Max Boot, Commentary

Russia sending missiles to Syria; arms from Britain, France could follow as embargo lapses -- Max Ehrenfreund, Washington Post

Syrian arms embargo: Why more weapons to Syria is a mistake -- Anna Macdonald, Special to CNN

What Happens If Syria Gets S-300 Missiles? -- Yaakov Katz, Daily Beast

Assad ups use of chemical weapons in Syria – with impunity -- Daniel Nisman, Christian Science Monitor

Hezbollah's Syrian Adventure -- Mitchell Prothero, Foreign Policy

If the Muslim Brotherhood is Taking Over Tunisia What Hope is there for Anyone Else? -- Barry Rubin, PJMedia

Comfort women: South Korea's survivors of Japanese brothels -- Lucy Williamson BBC News, Seoul

China Is Our Number One National Security Threat -- IBD Editorial

Could Youth Vote Stir Up Next European Elections? -- Voice of America/Reuters

Euro Crisis: Spain Isn't Far Behind Greece in Terms Of Collapse -- Sarah Katz, Policymic

France’s Pointless, Hopeless Battle Against English -- Andrew Roberts, Daily Beast

The fall of the last bastion of free speech in Venezuela -- Juan Nagel, Transitions/Foreign Policy

Colombia and the FARC: The price of peace -- The Economist

Argentine prosecutor accuses Iran of establishing terror network in Latin America -- David Barnett, Long War Journal

The drone enigma -- Khaleej Times editorial

World-class tax evaders need a global response -- Christian Science Monitor editorial

World News Briefs -- May 29, 2013

Besieged Syria Rebels Seek Help, Assad Eyes Missiles -- Reuters

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian rebels under siege near the Lebanese border pleaded for help on Thursday against government troops and their Hezbollah allies as a confident President Bashar al-Assad spoke of having new Russian missiles.

Though Moscow contradicted suggestions he had taken delivery of an entire, long-range S-300 anti-aircraft system which alarms Israel, Russia's plan to send them highlighted the international confrontation brewing over Syria, even as Moscow and Washington work together for a peace conference between the warring sides.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria's Assad 'confident in victory' in civil war.

Syrian president Assad says army 'has balance of power'.

Syria peace talks in jeopardy as both sides entrench positions.

Syria says Assad will remain president until 2014.

Assad vows response to Israeli attack.

Report: Hezbollah orders Hamas out of Lebanon.

Jordanians wary of US force on Syrian border.

Iraq mayhem 'ready to explode' into wider conflict, U.N. official says.

Baghdad bombs kill 25 in Sunni-Shi'te bloodletting.

Israel 'to build' new outposts in Jerusalem.

Saudi Arabia reports 3 more deaths from MERS.

ASIA

Pakistan Taliban withdraws peace talks offer.

Pakistani Taliban vows to avenge death of No. 2 man.

Troops patrol Myanmar city after violence, Muslims hide.

‘US opposes formal North-South peace treaty’ - Pyongyang.

In apparent reversal, Laos turns in North Korean defectors.

Chinese media accuses Japan of attempting to 'encircle' China.

U.N. concerned about North Korean defectors in China.

China reopens North Korean border for tourism.

Khmer Rouge leader shows remorse for killings.

AFRICA

Nigeria: Hezbollah armoury discovered in Kano city. Nigeria arrests Lebanese suspected of Hezbollah ties.

Nigeria sees outside extremist help.

Youth in north city of Gao stage 1st protest against France’s military tactics in Mali.

Kenya attacks raise worries Somalia's Al Shabab are reorganizing.

Egypt fears grow as Ethiopia builds giant Nile dam.

Security Council extends UN Abyei mission, approves more troops.

Rwandans held in Britain on genocide extradition request.

Femen member Amina Tyler on trial in Tunisia.

EUROPE

Crisis states lead way as euro zone's economic mood brightens.

Germans irked as Hollande says EU cannot dictate French reforms.

Who's next? Putin critics worry as Russia clampdown spreads.

Sochi Olympics a 'monstrous scam' - Russian opposition.

UN War Crimes Court acquits two Milosevic allies.

SAS seized terror suspect three years ago: Michael Adebolajo deemed so significant, Special Forces were sent to grab him in Kenya in 2010.

Ministers to meet to review NATO's cyber defenses.

Pussy Riot member 'upbeat' despite hunger strike.

AMERICAS

Obama letter possibly laced with ricin similar to contaminated Bloomberg letters, Secret Service says.

Venezuela furious at Colombia's meeting with opposition leader.

Threatening letters sent to N.Y. mayor may contain ricin -police.

Terror remains for Salvadorans despite gang truce.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has no plans to step aside.

Officials: Man who knew Boston bombing suspect was unarmed when shot. Father of man FBI shot claims his son was executed.

Comey in line to become FBI director, officials say.

Poll: America losing its religion.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Iran set up terrorist networks in Latin America: Argentine prosecutor.

Al Qaeda an evolving threat despite Obama’s boast.

Pakistani Taliban pick new number two after drone strike: sources.

Feds say Iran’s support for terrorism growing.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

How one Irish woman made $22bn for Apple in a year.

China to study possibility of joining US-led trade talks.

Microsoft 'U-turn' sees Start button back on Windows 8.

Editor's Note

Had a major power interruption in my area this morning. Power just came back on right now. Apparently my utility company decided to upgrade the electrical grid in the area (new hydro poles).... they told everyone but me. Blogging will return 18:00 EST.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- May 30, 2013

F-35B IOC To Come ‘Latter Half of 2015,’ Marine Commandant Gen. Amos Says -- Breaking Defense

WASHINGTON: Just two days before the Pentagon is required by Congress to report when the different versions of F-35 will hit Initial Operating Capability, that mark when the services begin to deliver planes that are sort of ready for war missions and serious training, Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos told me that the Marines IOC date will be the “latter half of 2015.” The definition of IOC will be delivery of 10 planes with 10 crews. Full squadrons will comprise 15 planes, he said during an appearance at the Brookings Institution.

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MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Marine Corps Speeds Up F-35B Development -- DoD Buzz

We Have No Idea What The Chinese Could Do To America's Weapons -- Business Insider

China’s Amphibious Game Changer? -- J. Michael Cole, The Diplomat

Britain may begin handover of Afghan prisoners at Camp Bastion to Kabul -- The Guardian

Afghanistan war has cost Britain more than £37bn, new book claims -- The Guardian

Merkel under fire again over Mideast arms sales -- Space Daily/UPI

Thales UK to service British navy sensors -- UPI

Russia to Build New Ships for Arctic -- USNI News

India and Japan boost maritime-security ties -- Al Jazeera

Germany Plans To Buy 16 Armed Drones -- Defense News/AFP

Report: Taiwan To Open New Cyberwar Unit -- Defense News/AFP

U.S. military launches probe into deadly assault in Afghanistan -- Washington Post

Why Pentagon has doubts about no-fly zone over Syria -- Anna Mulrine, Christian Science Monitor

US Army Creates NATO Rapid-Deployment Forces -- Military.com

Odierno: Don't rule out ground wars when cutting Army forces -- Stars and Stripes

The Army’s multibillion dollar ‘money pit’ -- Politico

Navy talks Pacific strategy -- Navy Times

LM, USMC misled public in 2010 -- Eric Palmer Blog

U.S. Navy Details Amphibious Ship Mods Required For F-35 -- Aviation Week

A-10s Move On -- Strategy Page

Radio Wars: General Dynamics Strikes Back -- Breaking Defense

Law Would Require Military to Use U.S.-Made Running Shoes -- Runners World

Yoga classes at Pentagon helping veterans combat PTSD -- CBS

Is Ft. Hood suspect physically fit enough to be his own lawyer? -- Larry Shaughnessy, CNN

Human error led to U.S. Marines' death in mortar mishap: probe -- Reuters

Taliban Strike Exposes Flaw in Proposed Drone Guidelines -- Max Boot, Commentary

'Killer robots' pose threat to peace and should be banned, UN warned -- The Guardian

Speak No Evil: Why Obama shouldn't have given that big drone speech. -- Aaron David Miller, Foreign Policy

Chuck Hagel sailing rather than flailing -- Stephanie Gaskell, Politico

At least 2,092 US military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001 -- AP

U.S. Military Court: It's Illegal For Anyone In The U.S. Military To Make A Sex Tape

Making A Sex Tape A Crime For Troops, Court Rules -- Army Times

Making a sex tape is a crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the military’s highest court has ruled.

While it is perfectly legal for civilians to make videos of themselves having sex, service members are prohibited from doing so because it is “both prejudicial to good order and discipline and service discrediting.”

The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces ruled that making a sex tape — even if it is never distributed and nobody sees it — amounts to having sex in public, according to a decision issued on May 23.

The case stems from the conviction of Staff Sgt. Ivan Goings, an Army medic. A search of his off-post home in Heidelberg, Germany, turned up a video made in 2006 showing him and another man taking turns having consensual sex with an unidentified German woman.

Goings claimed that the 2008 conviction violated his constitutional rights to private sexual activity.

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My Comment: So if your wife or girlfriend is in the mood and wants a sex-tape made .... and you are in the military .... this is a big no-no. Sighhhh .... this makes no sense to me.

Update: A warning from a female soldier on what could be the consequences if you make a personal sex tape that goes public.

Major Defeat For Syrian Rebels In Qusayr

Hezbollah said to control most of Qusayr in major setback for Syria rebels -- McClatchy News

BEIRUT — Hezbollah and Syrian government forces have seized most of the strategically important town of Qusayr near the Lebanese border, fighters on both sides of the conflict said Wednesday, in what would be a huge setback for the rebels fighting to topple the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

A fighter for Hezbollah, the Lebanese group that’s sent troops to Syria to join Assad loyalist forces, said the group had cleared rebels from most of Qusayr. A spokesman for one of the main rebel groups in the area confirmed the assertion.

“We have suffered heavy losses,” said Yazed al Hasan, a spokesman for the rebel Farouq Battalions, which have occupied Qusayr since last year. He also acknowledged that government forces had recaptured the military airport north of the city.

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Update: Syrian army seizes strategic air base near Qusair -- Reuters

My Comment: Helped by thousands of "Hezbollah volunteers", it was only a matter of time before Qusayr fell. What everyone is wondering now is to what extent will Hezbollah commit it's forces to other battles .... will they stay on the border, or will they participate in the bloody of battles of Homs, Aleppo, Damascus, and elsewhere.