In Syria: Suspected chemical substance dropped from planes but no one broke the worlds red line, so?

Report in Syria: Suspected chemical substance dropped from planes: Videos uploaded by the Qatari news network show casualties having difficulties breathing treated in makeshift hospitals. One video showed a healthcare professional drawing attention to the white foam coming out of an injured man's mouth. 

The issue of possible chemical attacks by President Bashar Assad's government has become a crucial factor that could lead to the United States and other western powers stepping up their involvement in the Syrian civil war. Al-Arabi newspaper published statements by a Lebanese source claiming that Hezbollah is prepared for any military development. According to the source, this is in light of the meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Hezbollah chief. 

 Iran says use of chemical arms by anyone in Syria is Red Line: In calling chemical weapons use a "red line" for Iran, Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi did not indicate what action Tehran - one of Assad's staunchest political and military allies - might take in the case that a poison gas attack by either side in the conflict were to be proven.

"We have always emphasized that the use of chemical weapons on the part of anyone is our red line," Salehi said, according to the ISNA news agency. "Iran is opposed to the use of any kind of weapon of mass destruction, and not just their use but their production, accumulation, and use." Salehi also reiterated calls for the United Nations to investigate assertions by the Syrian government that Syrian insurgents had used chemical weapons.

Wait a minute! You mean Russia is officially allied with Hezbollah a terrorist group when it comes to Syria? What the hell is that?

* Step toward possible military intervention in Syria: The Pentagon is sending about 200 troops to Jordan, the vanguard of a potential U.S. military force of 20,000 or more that could be deployed if the Obama administration decides to intervene in Syria to secure chemical weapons arsenals or to prevent the 2-year-old civil war from spilling into neighboring nations.

For months there have been tit for tat accusations of chemical weapon use. Personally I believe it to be the Assad regime. However you know we are going to end up right in the middle of this. From the beginning of the chaos in Syria we have been saying that Iran more specifically the IRG (Iran Revolutionary Guard) was in Syria helping if not leading the way in trying to quell the uprising along with Hezbollah.

You know Assad's only other regional friend Iran is dictating that this slaughter is a necessity though Syria knows how to brutalize its people all to well. Iran will not allow a Democracy at her doorstep further isolating her.

'Iran building militias in Syria in case Assad falls': The Post quoted a senior Obama administration official as saying that Iran was backing as many as 50,000 militiamen. “The immediate intention seems to be to support the Syrian regime. But it’s important for Iran to have a force in Syria that is reliable and can be counted on,” the official stated.

Now that we know how involved Russia, Iran and Hezbollah are in the slaughtering that is going on around the country that is beginning to look like the beginning of their fight not nearing the end.You have to be very concerned about what is happening in Syria especially.

Russia, China, and Iran are not going to allow Syria to fall to Democracy. What we saw after the voter fraud in Iran was mild compared to what the IRG will do if this movement spreads to Iran. I really wish Bashar would step down but Iran is the elephant in the room any way you look at it. The total middle east breakdown we have written about numerous times is well under way. We can only hope we keep it from erupting into WW3.

By attacking and defeating Iraq we freed Iran up to pursue her version of new middle East order by interfering wherever she could while Bush was doing the same thing with his Middle East Democratization program. I think you can see how successful Bush and Cheney were with chaos creating Middle East Democracy program but you are barely seeing the results they created in Iran and throughout the Middle East.

The goal absolutely is to be the country who decides which direction the new Middle East (dis)order will take. Bush started it by attacking Iraq to get into the middle east to destabilize it and start the new middle east order the idiot said God told him to do now it will be up to Iran and Saudi Arabia at least up front fight it out whether this goes the Iranian Shiite way or the Saudi Arabian Sunni way and do not forget Israel!

*The total middle east breakdown Sunni against Shiite is well under way. Iraq can't afford to help Iran as Iraq is busy blowing itself. I have changed my thought on this and think this developing middle east sectarian war could be a good thing if the United States, Russia, and China can remain on the side lines but it doesn't look like it, so?.

We are told chemical weapons are being moved into Hezbollah's control. If that is true you know they are using them to control the "vermin" 

All world leaders that are controlling this proxy war say that using chemical weapons is a red line but both sides are using them. If the rebel's have them, many are Islamists who will use them.

Now we hear Obama who does not want another war' is moving the line back saying small amounts will not be acted on. We will keep monitoring the situation so larger amounts will not be used.

We are told once again that Russia has the right to continue to fill old weapons contracts.They have since this civil war started supplied millions of weapons and rounds along with advanced missile defense systems and other advanced weapons that must be manned by Russian's who of course will defend their own.

 A civilian Russian aircraft was just fired on by 2 missiles. The plane was missed as the pilot was able to avert them.

No one is safe, we are allowing Syria to be turned into a free fire zone where no one is responsible for doing anything. Russia has been fired on and don't forget they have the submarine base in Tartus they are not going to let go.

Russia has als sold Syria a pretty advanced missile defense system along with numerous varied advance systems manned by Russians who are ordered to defend themselves. Hezbollah and Iran are already openly involved.

It looks like Syria is going to be the excuse for a Iran, United States war that will only fuel this proxy civil war. I still have hopes we can keep this regional and not a world war.

 James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

U.S. Army unit deployed to Jordan to "prepare for a number of scenarios" as Syria is out of control

 Israel military official: Syria has used chemical weapons many times : Brig. Gen. Itai Brun, the head of research and analysis in Israeli military intelligence, said that Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime has used chemical weapons multiple times. 

"Shrunken pupils, foaming at the mouth and other signs indicate, in our view, that lethal chemical weapons were used," he said. He said sarin, a lethal nerve agent, was probably used. He also said the Syrian regime was using less lethal chemical weapons, and that Russia has continued to arm the Syrian military with weapons such as advanced SA-17 air defense missiles.

No coincidence in the timing of that statement. Israel knows we have already announced that the use of chemical weapons was a red line and the west would have to act to remedy the situation and secure the WMD. Israel knows A U.S. Army headquarters element has been deployed to Jordan to, as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel put it, "prepare for a number of scenarios" and help the country defend its border with Syria. I happen to agree but the timing for Israel is perfect for Israel.

*Britain, France claim Syria used chemical weapons: In letters to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the two European powers said soil samples, witness interviews and opposition sources support charges that nerve agents were used in and around the cities of Aleppo, Homs and possibly Damascus, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The European accounts are in part aimed at countering accusations by the Syrian government that opposition forces had fired chemical weapons during fighting in the town of Khan al-Asal near Aleppo on March 19, killing 26 people, including Syrian troops. 

* US Soldiers Deployed To Jordan To Defend Border With Syria: A U.S. Army headquarters element has been deployed to Jordan to, as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel put it, "prepare for a number of scenarios" and help the country defend its border with Syria.Hagel told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he ordered the deployment last week. But he added that U.S. military intervention in Syria's civil war should be an option of last resort: 

“The best outcome for Syria -- and the region -- is a negotiated, political transition.” However, Hagel told the panel, if Syrian president President Bashar al-Assad crosses the red line painted by Obama, things could change:President Obama has made clear that if Assad and those under his command use chemical weapons, or fail to meet their obligations to secure them, there will be consequences, and they will be held accountable. 

* Step toward possible military intervention in Syria: The Pentagon is sending about 200 troops to Jordan, the vanguard of a potential U.S. military force of 20,000 or more that could be deployed if the Obama administration decides to intervene in Syria to secure chemical weapons arsenals or to prevent the 2-year-old civil war from spilling into neighboring nations.

For months there have been tit for tat accusations of chemical weapon use. Personally I believe it to be the Assad regime. However you know we are going to end up right in the middle of this. From the beginning of the chaos in Syria we have been saying that Iran more specifically the IRG (Iran Revolutionary Guard) was in Syria helping if not leading the way in trying to quell the uprising along with Hezbollah.

You know Assad's only other regional friend Iran is dictating that this slaughter is a necessity though Syria knows how to brutalize its people all to well. Iran will not allow a Democracy at her doorstep further isolating her.

'Iran building militias in Syria in case Assad falls': The Post quoted a senior Obama administration official as saying that Iran was backing as many as 50,000 militiamen. “The immediate intention seems to be to support the Syrian regime. But it’s important for Iran to have a force in Syria that is reliable and can be counted on,” the official stated.

Now that we know how involved Russia, Iran and Hezbollah are in the slaughtering that is going on around the country that is beginning to look like the beginning of their fight not nearing the end.You have to be very concerned about what is happening in Syria especially.

Russia, China, and Iran are not going to allow Syria to fall to Democracy. What we saw after the voter fraud in Iran was mild compared to what the IRG will do if this movement spreads to Iran. I really wish Bashar would step down but Iran is the elephant in the room any way you look at it. The total middle east breakdown we have written about numerous times is well under way. We can only hope we keep it from erupting into WW3.

By attacking and defeating Iraq we freed Iran up to pursue her version of new middle East order by interfering wherever she could while Bush was doing the same thing with his Middle East Democratization program. I think you can see how successful Bush and Cheney were with chaos creating Middle East Democracy program but you are barely seeing the results they created in Iran and throughout the Middle East.

The goal absolutely is to be the country who decides which direction the new Middle East (dis)order will take. Bush started it by attacking Iraq to get into the middle east to destabilize it and start the new middle east order the idiot said God told him to do now it will be up to Iran and Saudi Arabia at least up front fight it out whether this goes the Iranian Shiite way or the Saudi Arabian Sunni way and do not forget Israel!

*The total middle east breakdown Sunni against Shiite is well under way. Iraq can't afford to help Iran as Iraq is busy blowing itself. I have changed my thought on this and think this developing middle east sectarian war could be a good thing if the United States, Russia, and China can remain on the side lines but it doesn't look like it, so?.

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Another Step toward military intervention in Syria:

 

 *Britain, France claim Syria used chemical weapons: In letters to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the two European powers said soil samples, witness interviews and opposition sources support charges that nerve agents were used in and around the cities of Aleppo, Homs and possibly Damascus, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The European accounts are in part aimed at countering accusations by the Syrian government that opposition forces had fired chemical weapons during fighting in the town of Khan al-Asal near Aleppo on March 19, killing 26 people, including Syrian troops. 

* US Soldiers Deployed To Jordan To Defend Border With Syria: A U.S. Army headquarters element has been deployed to Jordan to, as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel put it, "prepare for a number of scenarios" and help the country defend its border with Syria.Hagel told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he ordered the deployment last week. But he added that U.S. military intervention in Syria's civil war should be an option of last resort: 

“The best outcome for Syria -- and the region -- is a negotiated, political transition.” However, Hagel told the panel, if Syrian president President Bashar al-Assad crosses the red line painted by Obama, things could change:President Obama has made clear that if Assad and those under his command use chemical weapons, or fail to meet their obligations to secure them, there will be consequences, and they will be held accountable. 

* Step toward possible military intervention in Syria: The Pentagon is sending about 200 troops to Jordan, the vanguard of a potential U.S. military force of 20,000 or more that could be deployed if the Obama administration decides to intervene in Syria to secure chemical weapons arsenals or to prevent the 2-year-old civil war from spilling into neighboring nations.

For months there have been tit for tat accusations of chemical weapon use. Personally I believe it to be the Assad regime. However you know we are going to end up right in the middle of this. From the beginning of the chaos in Syria we have been saying that Iran more specifically the IRG (Iran Revolutionary Guard) was in Syria helping if not leading the way in trying to quell the uprising along with Hezbollah.

You know Assad's only other regional friend Iran is dictating that this slaughter is a necessity though Syria knows how to brutalize its people all to well. Iran will not allow a Democracy at her doorstep further isolating her.

 

'Iran building militias in Syria in case Assad falls': The Post quoted a senior Obama administration official as saying that Iran was backing as many as 50,000 militiamen. “The immediate intention seems to be to support the Syrian regime. But it’s important for Iran to have a force in Syria that is reliable and can be counted on,” the official stated.

Now that we know how involved Russia, Iran and Hezbollah are in the slaughtering that is going on around the country that is beginning to look like the beginning of their fight not nearing the end.You have to be very concerned about what is happening in Syria especially. 

Russia, China, and Iran are not going to allow Syria to fall to Democracy. What we saw after the voter fraud in Iran was mild compared to what the IRG will do if this movement spreads to Iran. I really wish Bashar would step down but Iran is the elephant in the room any way you look at it. The total middle east breakdown we have written about numerous times is well under way. We can only hope we keep it from erupting into WW3.

By attacking and defeating Iraq we freed Iran up to pursue her version of new middle East order by interfering wherever she could while Bush was doing the same thing with his Middle East Democratization program. I think you can see how successful Bush and Cheney were with chaos creating Middle East Democracy program but you are barely seeing the results they created in Iran and throughout the Middle East.

The goal absolutely is to be the country who decides which direction the new Middle East (dis)order will take. Bush started it by attacking Iraq to get into the middle east to destabilize it and start the new middle east order the idiot said God told him to do now it will be up to Iran and Saudi Arabia at least up front fight it out whether this goes the Iranian Shiite way or the Saudi Arabian Sunni way and do not forget Israel!

*The total middle east breakdown Sunni against Shiite is well under way. Iraq can't afford to help Iran as Iraq is busy blowing itself. I have changed my thought on this and think this developing middle east sectarian war could be a good thing if the United States, Russia, and China can remain on the side lines but it doesn't look like it, so?.

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Russia says Assad will not back down first but shouldn't he?

First, Russia knows damn well that Bashar Al-Assad is wantonly slaughtering as many people as they can. They have resorted to daily attacks on cities and citizens including Alawite's Assad's own sect using tanks and fighter jets. They have purposely resorted to strafing bread lines, killing doctors and bombing hospitals. It is ludicrous for Russia to say it is wrong to expect Assad to stop this first and withdraw its troops from the cities..

Assad will not back down first: Russia said Saturday it would be "naive" for outside powers to expect Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to withdraw his troops first from cities and then wait for the opposition to follow suit. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said such a demand on the regime amounted to a call for "capitulation" that Western and Arab nations had no right to make.

"When our partners say that the government must stop first and withdraw all its soldiers and weapons from cities - and only then call on the opposition to do the same - well, this is a completely unworkable scheme," said Lavrov. "Either people are naive or it is some sort of provocation," he noted in answering questions from students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.

On top of that, we knew from day one that if there was to be success for the rebels against Assad who is killing hundreds of his own people every day that almost the entire military would have to defect and take on Assad. As of August 27 the FSA said more than 60,000 of all ranks and all disciplines from the highest ranking General on down have defected with many more waiting for their chance to defect.

Long Wait to Defect From Assads Forces: “We don’t go on patrol any more. We spend the days without leaving the barracks, following the news on TV. We have not fired a single bullet since the beginning of the revolution.” Some have suggested that the Democratic Unionist Party (PYD), the dominant political party among the Kurds of Syria, may have negotiated truce with Bashar Al Assad’s government. Party chairman Salah Muslim has denied to IPS that there has been any agreement.Many within Syria also suggest that Damascus has abandoned this region in an attempt to distance Kurds from the Free Syrian Army forces.

Furat says he has “no problem whatsoever with the PYD.” But he can hardly hide his anxiety. “I tried to flee to Turkey but the Syrian army captured me and I was detained for ten days. Today it would be impossible to get back home due the myriad of checkpoints manned by both rebels and the government. “Many comrades say they will wait at their positions and put down their weapons when the FSA arrives, but nobody knows what will happen when the rebels reach this area. I doubt I’ll get my salary this month, so I’ll try to cross to Turkey or Iraq at the first opportunity.” Another policeman, Dilhar, recalls his recent defection.

Add this to the 23,000 Assad's murderers have already killed along with some 500,000 that have already fled the country and rightly so unless they had the will to stay and fight Assad, plus the knowledge that some 2 1/2 million people need aid aid, food, medicine, and shelter. Don't you think Assad should back off first?

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces had killed 27 people, while 12 soldiers died in the fighting. More than 23,000 people have died since the uprising against Assad began in March 2011, according to the U.K. based observatory. Two explosive devices also rocked an area near a government military unit in Damascus, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported on its website, without saying where it got the information. Al Arabiya television, citing a rebel group, said the bombing targeted the Syrian army’s command.

More than 2.5 million people need aid, protection inside Syria as China says safe zone will not work: "More than two and a half million people, including the refugees from Palestine and Iraq, are now in great need of the assistance and protection inside Syria," Eliasson said. "This is more than double the number (UN) Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos reported to you in March." "The most pressing needs include water and sanitation, food and shelter, blankets and health care," he said. "Less than half of primary health care facilities and hospitals are now fully functional in Syria."

"The destruction of pharmaceutical plants and storage facilities is making drugs and equipment scarce," he said. "At the same time, the number of people in need of medical care increases." "Access to health facilities has become difficult or impossible in some areas due to violence, check points and fuel shortages," he said. "Food prices have tripled in some areas."


Syrian troops take town on refugee flight route: Syrian troops recaptured from rebels Thursday a border town used by refugees to cross to Jordan, activists said, an apparent bid by the regime to stem the flood of Syrians fleeing their country's civil war. Damascus meanwhile accused Cairo of stirring up violence in the country, as Syria lengthens the list of other Arab countries that it blames for its unrest. Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi called this week for Syria's president to step down in an indication of the increasing isolation of Damascus in the Arab world.

In the latest clashes, hundreds of Syrian soldiers backed by 20 tanks assaulted Tel Chehab, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and local activist Mohammed Abu Houran said. Rebels fought back but were pushed out. A Jordanian army officer living just across the border said by telephone that he had heard heavy shelling starting early in the morning, but that it had subsided by midday. "It sounded like the shelling came from tanks and armored vehicles," said the officer, who cannot be identified under standing army regulations. "God help the Syrian people."

This is no way to get the people on your side. Forcing them to stay in the cities without the basic necessities of life so you can eradicate them is not the way to success. Unless Russia comes out in the open to help Assad stay in power, despite Iran's, Russia's, and Hezbollah's help the rebels will persevere. It is what comes after that that is grossly disconcerting not only in rebuilding Syria but in preventing the devolution of the middle east into all out sectarian war and then WW3.



James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Syria's Assad says come home you have nothing to fear. What?

Syrian warplanes kill 32 in one fly by, do you think it is safe to come home?

Syria: 26283 victims in 18 months, 5440 in August alone, 2.5 million need aid, Assad says come home you have nothing to fear. What? Look at the stories and read what you need to.

Syrians urged to come back home : As violence raged in Syria, a government official Monday urged citizens who've fled the nation to come home "immediately," saying they have no reason to fear.What? Look at the slideshow and look at the latest facts, stay away I say!

Syria: 26283 victims in 18 months, 5440 in August alone: (AGI) Beirut - Since the beginning of the Syrian revolt 26283 people died. The breakdown includes 18695 civilians, 1079 deserters fro, Bashar Assad's forces and 6509 loyalists. The escalation is confirmed by last month's toll. August has been the bloodiest month so far with 5440 victims. The stats were provided by the London based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, one of the main organizations opposing the Damascus regime. . .

Another week in the violent, murderous and divided world of Syria: The story depends on where you go in this divided capital. Yesterday, I take another prowl, through the Damascus suburbs; Malayha, Harasta, Zamalka, Bab Shawkeh. Thirty government checkpoints, maybe 40, but in Harasta, the Syrian Arab Republic has no sway. There are dozens of painted green, white and black FSA flags on the walls. "The free people of Harasta are denied their liberty," a slogan informs us. "Assad should go." There's a mosque so packed that the crowds have spilled on to the boiling roadway; a guy in a pick-up tells us it's safe to head for the motorway.

An opposition man. A Syrian soldier in sunglasses waves us back to the autostrade of the Syrian Arab Republic. We drive through the Assad Suburb, government housing, though some home-owners have rented to people from Zabadani – maybe a little security problem? – and just past the Tishreen military hospital (former student, one Bashar al-Assad), there's an explosion and a car with headlights zipping the street dust under its shrieking tyres and a pulverised dead dog lying inside a garage.

Syria Army Kill 144, Some 'Execution Style,' Opposition Says: Opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said government forces killed 144 people yesterday, including 74 in and around the capital, Damascus. Among the dead were 35 people killed in al-Fan, a village in Hama province, according to the Local Coordination Committees, an opposition group. An activist named Thair al- Hamawi told Al-Jazeera television that many of the victims were killed “execution-style” or with knives.

Earlier yesterday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces had killed 27 people, while 12 soldiers died in the fighting. More than 23,000 people have died since the uprising against Assad began in March 2011, according to the U.K. based observatory. Two explosive devices also rocked an area near a government military unit in Damascus, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported on its website, without saying where it got the information. Al Arabiya television, citing a rebel group, said the bombing targeted the Syrian army’s command.

More than 2.5 million people need aid, protection inside Syria as China says safe zone will not work: "More than two and a half million people, including the refugees from Palestine and Iraq, are now in great need of the assistance and protection inside Syria," Eliasson said. "This is more than double the number (UN) Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos reported to you in March." "The most pressing needs include water and sanitation, food and shelter, blankets and health care," he said. "Less than half of primary health care facilities and hospitals are now fully functional in Syria."

"The destruction of pharmaceutical plants and storage facilities is making drugs and equipment scarce," he said. "At the same time, the number of people in need of medical care increases." "Access to health facilities has become difficult or impossible in some areas due to violence, check points and fuel shortages," he said. "Food prices have tripled in some areas."

* Well what do you think is it safe to come home?

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Syria says it will Use Chemical Weapons: opposition and Israeli's ready to protect them

Syria has threatened to use deadly chemical or biological weapons if it is attacked by outside forces

The Free Syrian Army believes that the Assad regime has moved chemical weapons to airports near the country's borders, in what the rebels say is a bid to put "pressure on the region and the international community," according to the Telegraph. Remember Assad says he will only use the chemical weapons on foreign agents and People take that as soothing but remember he thinks foriegn terrorists is doing this to him and are behind the protesters.

Defector: Syria Ready To Use Chemical Weapons: A senior Syrian military defector has said President Bashar al Assad's forces are set to use chemical weapons to "perpetrate a sea of blood". General Mustafa Sheikh, who fled the army in January, said regime forces wanted to "burn the country". "The regime has started moving its chemical stockpile and redistributing it to prepare for its use," he said in an interview with the Reuters news agency.

"They are moving it from warehouses to new locations. They want to burn the country. The regime cannot fall without perpetrating a sea of blood." Western and Israeli officials, concerned that chemical stockpiles could fall into the hands of militants, said a week ago that Syria appeared to be shifting weapons from storage sites. However it was not clear whether the operation was a security precaution or a preparation for deployment. "The coming phase will witness a phase of bloodshed that is unprecedented and the regime will resort to non-conventional weapons. Every action will trigger a bigger reaction."

The United States is closely monitoring Syria's chemical weapons stockpile and is "actively consulting" Damascus's neighbors to stress concerns over the security of those weapons and Syria's responsibility to safeguard them, the White House said on Saturday. "We believe Syria's chemical weapons stockpile remains under Syrian government control," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said. "Given the escalation of violence in Syria and the regime's increasing attacks on their people, we remain very concerned about these weapons."

That was the White House response to a question about a Syrian military defector's claim that Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces were moving chemical weapons across the country for possible use against the opposition in a military retaliation for the killing of four top security officials. The Free Syrian Army is forming a team to secure the country's chemical weapons, an FSA general told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday.

Amid the continuing violence, there were reports that two more Syrian generals have crossed the border into Turkey. Video footage of one of them, Brigadier General Adelnasser Ferzat, showed him speaking in fluent Russian - perhaps under duress - directly to the Russian government, calling on them to stop supporting Mr Assads's regime.

"We ask you, both the authorities and the people, to stand up for our freedom and right cause, for our will," he says in the video. Another senior military defector has claimed Mr Assad's forces are set to use chemical weapons to "perpetrate a sea of blood". General Mustafa Sheikh, who fled the army in January, said regime forces wanted to "burn the country". "The regime has started moving its chemical stockpile and redistributing it to prepare for its use," he said.

Israel fears Syria may hand chemical weapons to Hezbollah, May act to stop Syria arms reaching Hezbollah: Israel said on Friday it would consider military action if needed to ensure Syrian missiles or chemical weapons did not reach President Bashar al-Assad's allies in Lebanon, the Shi'ite Islamist movement Hezbollah.

"I have instructed the military to increase its intelligence preparations and prepare what is needed so that ... (if necessary) ... we will be able to consider carrying out an operation," Defence Minister Ehud Barak said in an interview on Channel 10 television. "We are following ... the possible transfer of advanced munitions systems, mainly anti-aircraft missiles or heavy ground-to-ground missiles, but there could also be a possibility of the transfer of chemical means (weapons) from Syria to Lebanon," said Barak.

Syrian opposition ready to secure chemical weapons': The Free Syrian Army is forming a team to secure the country's chemical weapons, an FSA general told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday. According to the report, the rebel general was once in charge of drafting plans to secure the same sites in his previous role as a general in Syrian President Bashar Assad's army. He came out of retirement to join the opposition earlier this year. "We have a group just to deal with chemical weapons," General Adnan Silou told the Telegraph.

I like much of the world am long convinced that Assad is a mad man. If he is still alive he is getting beyond increasingly desperate. At the very least he will use them on the opposition and in the process sacrifice many of his own supporters.

Syria is largely thought to have the largest stockpile of chemical weapons in the world and the most extensive and deadliest. Yes they are moving them around supposedly to protect them but I would not count on that. One of the General's now in the opposition is making a plan to secure them. Under Assad he was in control of them so he knows where they all are.

Not just that but you know Israel is monitoring their movement and knows where they are. They will do anything to keep them out of the hands of Hezbollah who absolutely would use them on Israel.

Lastly do not discount Iran's ability to get her hands on them "clandestinely of course" and get them into the hands of anyone eager to use them on Israel. This is not a good situation in an already volatile predicament. Not with everyone involved there eager to gain the upper hand in influencing which way the new middle east order goes.

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Aleppo will be the graveyard of the tanks" of the Syrian army

Syria Rebel Commander says Aleppo will be the Graveyard of Syrian tanks

Russia has doubts about Syria president's ability to hold on: "In daily consultations, Assad keeps telling us he is still very much in control," the official said. "We are trying to ascertain for ourselves whether the point of no return has been reached, and frankly we are not so sure either way anymore." The first sign that Russia is abandoning Assad would be a decision to evacuate its citizens, the official said, and that could soon be followed by the Syrian leader's departure.

On Saturday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied that any asylum plans were being made, telling journalists, "We are not even thinking about it."
Russia's objections to the campaign to oust Assad have had little to do with loyalty to a longtime ally or unease over a loss of influence in the Middle East, analysts and officials said. Instead, the Kremlin fears what it sees as a broader pattern of the West using its political and military power to squeeze out leaders friendly to Moscow.

Aleppo, the latest battleground in Syria's 16-month uprising, will be the Syrian army's "graveyard," said Colonel Abdel Jabbar al-Oqaidi, the head of the rebels in the city. Despite the heat and fierce fighting a few hours earlier, the former colonel in President Bashar al-Assad's army appears relaxed and confident that his men will win the battle and bring down the regime. "Aleppo will be the graveyard of the tanks" of the Syrian army, Oqaidi declares after a day in which the rebels claimed to have destroyed "eight tanks and some armored vehicles and killed more than 100 soldiers." "We ask the West for a no-fly zone," he says in order to prevent aerial raids carried out by Assad's forces.

The rebels have so far managed to fend off the assault although the shelling by regime forces continued on Sunday. "We are ready to bring down this regime," He assures that the rebel Free Syrian Army will not withdraw, as it did in Damascus earlier this month, but that it will face the attack. We await the attack," he says, refusing to reveal how many rebels are fighting in Aleppo as these were "military secrets." He said his men were positioned across Aleppo, adding that regime troops faced obstacles when it comes to entering the city. "We are positioned throughout the city and we have arms to defend ourselves against helicopters," "We expect them to commit a very great slaughter, and we urge the international community to intervene to prevent these crimes," the colonel says. "The Syrian army wavers, it is collapsing. It stands for no specific cause,"

The tide seems to have changed against Assad but this is going to be a long dirty tough fight. The climax is building but I like much of the world am long convinced that Assad is a mad man. If he is still alive he is getting beyond increasingly desperate. At the very least he will use chemical weapons on his own people that he calls foreigners and terrorists and in the process sacrifice many of his own supporters.

Syria is largely thought to have the largest stockpile of chemical weapons in the world and the most extensive and deadliest. Yes they are moving them around supposedly to protect them but I would not count on that. One of the General's now in the opposition is making a plan to secure them. Under Assad he was in control of them so he knows where they all are.

Not just that but you know Israel is monitoring their movement and knows where they are. They will do anything to keep them out of the hands of Hezbollah who absolutely would use them on Israel.

Lastly do not discount Iran's ability to get her hands on them "clandestinely of course" and get them into the hands of anyone eager to use them on Israel. This is not a good situation in an already volatile predicament. Not with everyone involved there eager to gain the upper hand in influencing which way the new middle east order goes.

Iran and Russia to top it off are not going to allow a western influenced Government take control of Syria. Russia is not going to give up Tartus or let go of her interests in Syria. This is onl the beginning of the fight to control the direction of the world in the 21st century. Worse is the question of which way China will go, with the US or with Russia?


James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

4th member of Syria's law makers defects amidst an increased crackdown, however?

Highlights: Syrian ambassador to Iraq joins revolt, urges military to turn on murderous Government, In a related development, a member of the Syrian parliament representing the city of Aleppo, Ikhlas al Badawi, Friday became the fourth member to defect. "I crossed the Turkish border and left this tyrannical regime because of the repression and savage torture to which it uses against a nation that calls for minimum rights," Unthinkable a month ago, it was the name of regime's former golden boy Brigadier General Manaf Tlass that was on delegate's lips yesterday as the fractured Syrian opposition met in Qatar to hash out plans for a transitional government.

Unthinkable a month ago, it was the name of regime's former golden boy Brigadier General Manaf Tlass that was on delegate's lips yesterday as the fractured Syrian opposition met in Qatar to hash out plans for a transitional government.

In his first interview since becoming the uprising's most high profile defector so far, the chiselled 48-year-old yesterday put himself forward as the man best placed to bring unity to the multitude of factions hoping to oust his former friend and confidante President Bashar al-Assad. "I left [Syria]… to try to help the best I can to unite the honourable people inside and outside Syria to set out a road map to get Syria out of this crisis," he told the Asharq Alawsat newspaper in Jeddah.

Syrian ambassador to Iraq joins revolt, urges military to turn on murderous Government- CNN: The defection of Nawaf al-Fares, Syria's ambassador to Iraq, follows the defection last week of a brigadier general in protest of the killing of his fellow Sunnis. Al-Fares is the highest-ranking diplomat so far to leave the regime. He also announced his defection from the ruling Baath party, becoming the most senior member to leave.

"To my brothers in the military, your military doctrine is to defend the homeland against external aggression and protect its borders," al-Fares said in a video statement taped in front of a Syrian opposition flag and given to the TV network Al Jazeera Arabic. "So did your fathers, sons, and sisters become the enemies now? And are they the ones who you should fight? Is that what you have learned in your military schools?" Photos: Massacre in Syria

Two more Syrian diplomats defect from Assad regime
Two more Syrian diplomats defect from Assad regime: The United States on Wednesday confirmed the defections of two more senior Syrian diplomats, describing this as further evidence that President Bashar al-Assad's days are "numbered." "We can confirm the defections of Syrian ambassadors to both the UAE and Cyprus," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Earlier, sources had told AFP the two envoys had defected from the regime. Carney said the move showed that "senior officials around the Assad inner circle are fleeing the government because of the heinous actions taken by Assad against his own people, and the recognition that Assad's days are numbered."

Clashes continue as Syrian MP defects: One week after the opening of this new front, the regime's special forces were deployed on the eastern flank of the city and other troops arrived to participated in a massive offensive, according to opposition sources. The United States said on Thursday it was fearing a massacre in Aleppo.

In a related development, a member of the Syrian parliament representing the city of Aleppo, Ikhlas al Badawi, Friday became the fourth member to defect. "I crossed the Turkish border and left this tyrannical regime because of the repression and savage torture to which it uses against a nation that calls for minimum rights," she told Sky News Arabia.

This brings the total of senior diplomats, "law makers" defecting so far to 4! In January, Imad Ghalioun, a member of the parliamentary budget committee, announced he was seeking refuge in Egypt, calling on the opposition to ensure the interest of the Syrian people "who want to achieve freedom". Badawi, a member of Assad's Baath party, is the first member of the parliament elected in May to renounce him, however.

Plus Even as state media reported the suicide attack in Damascus — a notion that would once have been unthinkable in decades of iron-fisted control by the Assad family — the country’s Russian-armed military was reported to have suffered further defections among its top ranks, with two brigadier generals among 600 Syrians who fled to Turkey overnight, Reuters reported.

Their action brought to 20 the number of such high-ranking figures, who include a onetime close associate of Mr. Assad, Gen. Manaf Tlass, the son of a former defense minister.

The tide seems to have changed against Assad but this is going to be a long dirty tough fight. The climax is building but I like much of the world am long convinced that Assad is a mad man. If he is still alive he is getting beyond increasingly desperate. At the very least he will use chemical weapons on his own people that he calls foreigners and terrorists and in the process sacrifice many of his own supporters.

Syria is largely thought to have the largest stockpile of chemical weapons in the world and the most extensive and deadliest. Yes they are moving them around supposedly to protect them but I would not count on that. One of the General's now in the opposition is making a plan to secure them. Under Assad he was in control of them so he knows where they all are.

Not just that but you know Israel is monitoring their movement and knows where they are. They will do anything to keep them out of the hands of Hezbollah who absolutely would use them on Israel.

Lastly do not discount Iran's ability to get her hands on them "clandestinely of course" and get them into the hands of anyone eager to use them on Israel. This is not a good situation in an already volatile predicament. Not with everyone involved there eager to gain the upper hand in influencing which way the new middle east order goes.

Iran and Russia to top it off are not going to allow a western influenced Government take control of Syria. Russia is not going to give up Tartus or let go of her interests in Syria. This is onl the beginning of the fight to control the direction of the world in the 21st century. Worse is the question of which way China will go, with the US or with Russia?


James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Clashes so fierce in Aleppo and morale so low troops running away and defecting on the spot

Syria: Troops and rebels reinforce for big Aleppo battle: Syrian rebels have stepped up their stockpiling of ammunition and medical supplies in preparation for a major battle in Aleppo, a BBC reporter says. The rebels, who are in control large parts of Syria's second city, have set up checkpoints and sniper positions. Activists say columns of government troops and tanks are heading towards the city from other areas. Aleppo is the country's commercial capital, and is key to the battle to control the north of the country. Street battles have been reported throughout Aleppo for almost a week, as rebels try to hold on to seized neighborhoods.

Clashes so fierce in Aleppo and morale so low troops running away and defecting on the spot. Syria crisis: battles in Damascus and Aleppo - live updates:  Israeli has confirmed that its leaders have discussed with US officials how to manage a Syrian government collapse, AP reports.

:A "large number" of troops have been moved from the northwestern province of Idlib to join the fighting in Aleppo, a rebel spokesman told AFP via Skype. Free Syrian Army Colonel Abdel Jabbar al-Oqaidi said he believed the reinforcements were being sent because of the intensity of clashes in Aleppo, where several districts were "liberated" on Monday. "There are clashes right now in Aleppo, so fierce that many of their troops are running away, while dozens of others are defecting on the spot," Oqaidi said. "Their morale is very low." 

Syrian rebels to counterattack regime: Rebel forces were working to gain control of Aleppo neighborhoods, activists said."There is random shelling of the eastern portion of the city as the Syrian Army is trying to force out the FSA (Free Syrian Army). They are hitting civilian homes over and over," one activist told CNN via Skype.CNN's Ivan Watson, who is in northern Syria, said he has noticed the rebels have become better armed in the past few months. Where once they only had shotguns, they now have rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles.

 The increased firepower has helped the rebels successfully attack armored vehicles and force some Syrian forces to take resupply by helicopter. The rebels have also been able to establish growing enclaves in northern Syria and from there try to seize a number of key border crossings. Watson said in the village he was in that hundreds of rebels loaded up with ammunition Monday night and headed to fight in Aleppo. 

Syria crisis: battles in Damascus and Aleppo - live updates: • The European Union has agreed to strengthen its arms embargo and increase sanctions again against the Assad regime, Reuters reports. Speaking after a meeting of foreign minister EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said: These sanctions are important because they will allow ships to be examined to see what cargo they're carrying, and that will prevent, I hope, any arms reaching Syria.

 • Israel has confirmed that its leaders have discussed with US officials how to manage a Syrian government collapse, AP reports. An official said: "You can presume that these sorts of issues came up with American officials when they visited recently in Israel."

 • UN blogger Nabil Abi Saab, claims the Arab League's decision to change Kofi Annan's mission in Syria (see 9.10am) represents the end of the joint envoy's mission. 9.47am: Rebel troops have been filmed capturing a government tank in the Shakour district of Aleppo.

The climax is building but I like much of the world am long convinced that Assad is a mad man. If he is still alive he is getting beyond increasingly desperate. At the very least he will use chemical weapons on his own people that he calls foreigners and terrorists and in the process sacrifice many of his own supporters.
Syria is largely thought to have the largest stockpile of chemical weapons in the world and the most extensive and deadliest. Yes they are moving them around supposedly to protect them but I would not count on that. One of the General's now in the opposition is making a plan to secure them. Under Assad he was in control of them so he knows where they all are.

Not just that but you know Israel is monitoring their movement and knows where they are. They will do anything to keep them out of the hands of Hezbollah who absolutely would use them on Israel.

Lastly do not discount Iran's ability to get her hands on them "clandestinely of course" and get them into the hands of anyone eager to use them on Israel. This is not a good situation in an already volatile predicament. Not with everyone involved there eager to gain the upper hand in influencing which way the new middle east order goes.

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com