Oddly enough I was listening to this when your email arrived, so thank you for saving me about an hour of my life!
Re the final point that Lavrov makes, and per Jacques Baud's book where he outlines modern Russian military doctrine, this is important. The Russians (and the Soviets before them) realised that a "limited" nuclear war in Europe disproportionately affects Europe (durr...) and Russia, but not CONUS. So Russian doctrine is to target the USA should such a thing occur.
The USA cannot escape. The USA knows this so might only use nukes on the territory of its allies. Which may or may not include Crimea and the Donbas. MAD indeed. We hope the professionals will keep the amateurs in check.
The Russians are extremely aware of first strike capability and have a use them or lose them approach to WMDs. The fond western view - indeed in DC especially - is that nuclear war can be confined to Europe and would in any event only occur after much escalation. The opposite is almost certainly true. Armageddon could occur quickly and would engulf the USA. No one knows where Russia would draw the line and as such the recent clarification of their doctrine might even be seen as a genuine attempt to de-escalate risk - though was greeted with the opposite reaction.
The almost certain MAD end game is what kept the peace during the Cold War. But back then we had serious people in charge. Not now, as Lavrov alludes. And we must remember that in around 100 wargames run by NATO on similar situations pre-2022, every one escalated and went to MAD. So I remain hopeful but am working my way through the best wine in my cellar.
Yes, I must do the same with my wine as I'm not getting any younger. Meanwhile life goes on in Russia with both happy and serious events occurring today. I find this uplifting, http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/75766
The 'Empire' of the usa may well pretend that it is agreement capable but you can bet that the 'empire' of the uk will immediately undermine and sabotage any such agreement. THIS is the danger of our situation. Goliath has fleas -no, scorpions - in his ear.
Thanks Karl for this interview and your comments. Lavrov dishes out great many historical facts, which many outsiders have no knowledge of, but which are essential for anyone to understand the Ukraine war, and the geopolitics in general.
Unfortunately, the average American or European have no idea what Lavrov is talking about and are not interested - the western propaganda is so pervasive and easy to trickle into the minds, to poison the minds, it is a difficult task to undo the damage.
I was struck by the reminding of the audience about the true perpetrators of Bucha, of Skripals, of Navalny ...
The geo-political fog is clearing a little - the Ukraine and Israel are the central points, and the political/military games of the West seem to win over the Russian new weapon technology. How long will this 'win' last?
it's also clear that some knee-jerk, deem their perspective is the only correct one, and become as bad as those they accuse. IMO, more people than ever highly doubt what they're being told as polling about BigLie Media credibility reveals. The number of viewers of Carlson's interviews with Putin and Lavrov tell a tale in themselves. And it's very important that we remember that they are the most visible members of a vast team that doesn't end with the government and military Yesterday was international Volunteer Day where Putin gives out several awards at a celebration called Мы Вместе--We're Together--to the those considered the best over the past year. Broadly, we have the atomized societies of the West versus the concentrated/coalesced societies of Russia and China, an assessment that extends to their leaders.
I didn't read this as I watched the interview in its entirety. My heart is and has been with Russia throughout. Strangely enough, I had my son and his best friend across for dinner this evening, the latter being half-Russian. Both are interested / considering taking up VVP's offer for foreigners to relocate to Russia, and I am encouraging them both.
I hope they do. I worked in Russia, and it is a wonderful country with wonderful people. It saddens me immensely that we are at loggerheads in a 'proxy war', when in truth we have so much in common. Boy, but I loathe our so-called 'elites' for what they have done fucking up the world and destroying everything in their outrageous pursuit of power and money.
I'm religious. I pray for peace. I believe in humanity while recognizing the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. But sometimes, and maybe more and more, I want Russia to get this over and done with, to end the pain and misery we inflict on the rest of the world.
I'm in the autumn of life, but I think if this goes totally south there's a case for me to buy a ticket to Moscow and go fight for what I believe in. A last ditch effort to stand up for what is right and honorable and proper versus the hideous caricature of civilization we have adopted as normal in the west. Fuck that! I want none of it.
I wanted to go to Russia in the later 1990s to help ease the rapine, but was too poor to pay the fare. The path I then took has treated me well, so I can't complain. I discovered when I began the Gym that many hundreds of lurkers at MoA became my initial cadre of subscribers, which was very surprising as I knew I had a following but never imagined it was so many.
If all this goes nuclear, the US will be finished, never to rise again, for no other reason than there is not enough skilled workers in the population to put the infrastructure back together, especially working in extremely difficult conditions with almost all industry and production destroyed; and no, robots, cad, 3d printers, and aps will not do the job. an old machinist.
rt had a full transcript up yesterday which i read.... i haven't seen the video.. carlson in the transcript sounds like a deer in the headlights some of the time and is just okay in his questions and response to lavrov who is typically very on point... thanks karl!
I saw the RT headline and went to the MFA to read the translated Russian last night as I said. Troll activity at MoA indicates desperation at the avalanche of truth the interview provided.
This morning, I listened to the interview during breakfast, so I didn’t read the transcript. In my opinion, it wasn’t really an interview but more of an in-depth account of the events since 2004. I didn’t hear much new information because, for most of us, much of it is already known.
I believe the main purpose was to calmly present the full story to those who might not be as well-informed. It’s a response to the rhetoric and distortion of facts from Western political leaders—a way to calmly address Trump’s narrative.
One of Lavrov’s great strengths is his ability to present the facts in a calm, detailed manner, putting them into proper context. I read somewhere that he speaks better English than, say, K.Harris (who was that again?).
It was a good, balanced presentation of reality without coming across as too confrontational or aggressive.
Also, thank you for the link. I was surprised to learn that two-thirds of the population in Russia engages in volunteer work, while in the West it’s around 20-25%.
People helping people so that all the people can be as close to one people as possible. I'm instantly reminded of the song "People" from the 1964 Broadway musical "Funny Girl." It's amazing to recall the USA was able to produce such meaningful music while shooting it all full of holes globally. Here're the lyrics:
Watched the interview first before reading this post. Enjoyed both.
Not sure if you intend to report on today's published interview of Sergey Lavrov by an Aljizzeria agent of the west - I mean journo - on RFM site (https://mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1986144/), from Doha. Worth reading IMO given the media war being carried out in Syria and else where. The increased troll activity mentioned by james is probably another aspect, which points to the intensity of the ongoing 'media campaign' of the virtual victory of the empire as it attempts to strike back.
It might well explain the contribution of the obnoxious attention-seeker who describes itself, somewhat disingenuously, as 'difficult to like'.
Tucker Carlson is a man for Trump. Trump is holed up in Mar-a-Lago until the inauguration to stay alive. The "Deep State" wants to unleash hell by that date. Is it outlandish to think that Tucker Carlson was conveying a message from Trump to Putin? For example, that please be patient Moscow until Trump is president.
We have no idea what was said when the cameras and mics were turned off. IMO, as I wrote, the big issue is US credibility--how does Trump earn that back or does he want to?
I assume that was a rhetorical question. But here's my opinion anyway. The problem in the US is systemic. Independent of individuals. That's why the war will continue. Maybe strategies and tactics adjusted. But nothing more.
I'm not giving up all hope. There are many US entrepreneurs and shareholders who want to do business with Russia and China. But I don't know how much influence they can gain against the big oligarchs and dynasties. I'm skeptical about that.
Then there is one more thing that is essential. Capitalism is unrestrained in its greed and while there is perverse wealth on the one hand, private and public debt has risen exorbitantly on the other. This extreme redistribution of wealth from the bottom to the top has resulted in a catastrophic impoverishment of the population and a collapse of social order and infrastructure. In order to stifle any resistance of discontent, we are now in a state of fascism. The WEF's "Great Reset" goes one step further towards feudalism.
I'm so fucking sick of legalities and decorum. NONE of it means anything to US and UK elites. Not one damn word.
Russia and Iran have almost lost Syria. Fight the war in Ukraine and win it as soon as possible! Put forth some goddamn effort! Not finishing it 6 months ago might have cost Syria! Jesus fuckin' christ.
I would not assume that the news we are getting about Syria is necessarily accurate. Assad puts up a good fight and he does still have Russian air support.
Sigh….. Russia needs to learn…. and I think they are slowly getting there…. that talks and agreements with the US, UK, EU, Israel, and Turkey mean nothing! Only violence and money mean anything to any of their elites. War and money….. That is all they respect!
I don’t believe it. Even Russian leaning sites are concluding that, without sudden massive support, it will be over quickly. Finish ukraine! I know it’s possible with not that much more commitment.
You should listen more closely to Lavrov. He makes it very clear that regardless of the murderous intentions of other actors, Russia does not operate like that. Taking full control of Ukraine was never their objective.
It is going to have to be their objective or there will be no peace! You do not understand how desperate US elites are and how bad the breakdown of the economy is here. That’s clear.
I don't see what US economy has to do with Ukraine.
The Covid fiasco destroyed the economy, surely?
The drain of cash to Ukraine was a very poor political choice which depended upon filling the US public with a deceptive narrative. Do Americans still believe that Russia 'invaded'? That they did not reluctantly mount a special action to stop the killing of ethnic Russians by Ukrainian neo-nazis?
I've read the whole exchange below, and regret that we fight each other. We're on the same side, I think....
With reference to SJ's comments above, yeah, I agree. There comes a point, when all the marbles are in play, and that's right now, IMO. The west is so vicious and deviant there is no low to which it will not stoop. They lie, they are treacherous, and they will sell their mothers to slavery if it achieves the goal. For sane folk it's hard to reconcile a mentality where the ends absolutely justify any means.
I also think FL has some truth regarding the overall picture in Syria. We only ever see an orchestrated media take, and lo and behold, the re-branded rebels are winning. But are they winning just like Ukraine has been winning...?
I don't know the answer to that question, but somewhere both in Syria and in Ukraine Russia has to get its finger out of its ass and start swinging, landing some serious punches. What's to lose? IMO, WW3 cometh anyway, so as VVP once said: 'If the fight is inevitable, then throw the first punch'. And I hope Russia does.
That said, the bit that alarms me most is the total lack of intel regarding this sudden breakout from Idlib. Turkish treachery - nah! That's a given, although this time I think Erdogan has shat the bed. No, how can all the Russian / Syrian intel have missed the chatter? Complacency? Possibly. Or, perhaps, did someone(s) in the Syrian military get bought and paid for. No idea. and I have no reason to suspect it either. However, it is suspicious that they were taken so completely by surprise.
I continue to hope and pray for a victory for Russia on all fronts, for an end to the torment of Syria, and ultimately to an end to US military occupation of Syria, Iraq, and so many more. But if there's to be a fight, then I hope the Russian Army gets to lay the US on its arse, bloodied and beaten.
In my humble opinion, it’s not surprising that we are all caught off guard by the events in Syria, especially given Erdogan's sudden shift in policy.
Recently, the U.S. sold 40 F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, a NATO member. Mark Rutte, often seen as a master of political intrigue, was just in Turkey, praising the country for its efforts in the fight against terrorism. He even visited Ataturk’s memorial to flatter and charm Erdogan, who was evidently very sensitive to these gestures. Meanwhile, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with drones to be used on the Syrian battlefield, while satellites have been mapping out the terrain. The U.S. has also subtly encouraged the Kurds to challenge Erdogan, adding to the complexity.
Countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon are focused on their own issues and have kept a low profile. Iran has been primarily concerned with Israel, and Russia is busy with Ukraine. Syrie, enjoying a period of relative peace, neglected to adequately prepare for self-defense. Israel had been carrying out bombing campaigns, and all of this set the stage for the surprise attack.
The goal seems to be to expand Israel's Lebensraum, carve out a piece of the pie for Turkey, strike a blow to Russia, and distract from the humiliation in Ukraine. The U.S. likely needs this for its own geopolitical standing.
Could this be the work of Mossad? It wouldn’t surprise me.
Europe, meanwhile, is left to pick up the pieces, confused and divided. Some are beginning to realize the trap they’ve walked into, while others cling to their beliefs until the very end. It’s a dirty game, and some may even call it a masterstroke. But this is what I can piece together.
Thanks for this link Karl, I just read it, also just read the link to Crook from Uncle Tungsten, very interesting and it clarifies even more. Rent- a Jihad is now more like a purchase or lease contract IMO.
That’s the plan. Why erdogan ordered his dog to go all the way , so Israel can have the excuse it needs to invade as “buffer zone “. They already dividing Syria….
Israeli channel i24News confirms that Israel warned Iran via a third country that it would "ruthlessly" stop any attempt to send Iranian weapons or troops to Syria to fight the Turkish backed rebels….
«The 'Empire' of the usa may well pretend that it is agreement capable»
The claim that the USA government or USA corporations are not agreement capable is just a way for the russian political class to mask their stupidity (or weakness): of course the USA government and corporations are capable of agreements *for as long as they profit from them*. Any deal you make with the USA government or corporation must be structured so that every step must be profitable for them and not just the overall deal.
If the USA government or corporations make an agreement that says "you give us X now and we promise that we will give you Y later" and after giving X the other side really expects to be given Y later (whether X is "east Germany" and Y is "no NATO expansion eastward", or anything else) they are just stupid: the agreement ceased to be profitable for the USA government or corporation when they got X and giving Y after getting X is just a loss. As simple as that.
I guess nobody in Russia knew the phrase "as worthless as an indian treaty".
Oddly enough I was listening to this when your email arrived, so thank you for saving me about an hour of my life!
Re the final point that Lavrov makes, and per Jacques Baud's book where he outlines modern Russian military doctrine, this is important. The Russians (and the Soviets before them) realised that a "limited" nuclear war in Europe disproportionately affects Europe (durr...) and Russia, but not CONUS. So Russian doctrine is to target the USA should such a thing occur.
The USA cannot escape. The USA knows this so might only use nukes on the territory of its allies. Which may or may not include Crimea and the Donbas. MAD indeed. We hope the professionals will keep the amateurs in check.
The Russians are extremely aware of first strike capability and have a use them or lose them approach to WMDs. The fond western view - indeed in DC especially - is that nuclear war can be confined to Europe and would in any event only occur after much escalation. The opposite is almost certainly true. Armageddon could occur quickly and would engulf the USA. No one knows where Russia would draw the line and as such the recent clarification of their doctrine might even be seen as a genuine attempt to de-escalate risk - though was greeted with the opposite reaction.
The almost certain MAD end game is what kept the peace during the Cold War. But back then we had serious people in charge. Not now, as Lavrov alludes. And we must remember that in around 100 wargames run by NATO on similar situations pre-2022, every one escalated and went to MAD. So I remain hopeful but am working my way through the best wine in my cellar.
Yes, I must do the same with my wine as I'm not getting any younger. Meanwhile life goes on in Russia with both happy and serious events occurring today. I find this uplifting, http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/75766
Truly a happy event.
Is there information on volunteers from other countries who applied for the contest?
If you go to the websites that appear when doing a Yandex search with this term, #МыВместе International Prize, with this one being the bests to explore, although you'll need a translator, https://xn--e1aglkf7g.xn--b1agazb5ah1e.xn--p1ai/?ysclid=m4ddw38ybv47227285
The 'Empire' of the usa may well pretend that it is agreement capable but you can bet that the 'empire' of the uk will immediately undermine and sabotage any such agreement. THIS is the danger of our situation. Goliath has fleas -no, scorpions - in his ear.
Alastair Crooke is in good form here: https://strategic-culture.su/news/2024/12/06/erdogan-idlib-shock-shadows-kursk/
Thanks Karl for this interview and your comments. Lavrov dishes out great many historical facts, which many outsiders have no knowledge of, but which are essential for anyone to understand the Ukraine war, and the geopolitics in general.
Unfortunately, the average American or European have no idea what Lavrov is talking about and are not interested - the western propaganda is so pervasive and easy to trickle into the minds, to poison the minds, it is a difficult task to undo the damage.
I was struck by the reminding of the audience about the true perpetrators of Bucha, of Skripals, of Navalny ...
The geo-political fog is clearing a little - the Ukraine and Israel are the central points, and the political/military games of the West seem to win over the Russian new weapon technology. How long will this 'win' last?
it's also clear that some knee-jerk, deem their perspective is the only correct one, and become as bad as those they accuse. IMO, more people than ever highly doubt what they're being told as polling about BigLie Media credibility reveals. The number of viewers of Carlson's interviews with Putin and Lavrov tell a tale in themselves. And it's very important that we remember that they are the most visible members of a vast team that doesn't end with the government and military Yesterday was international Volunteer Day where Putin gives out several awards at a celebration called Мы Вместе--We're Together--to the those considered the best over the past year. Broadly, we have the atomized societies of the West versus the concentrated/coalesced societies of Russia and China, an assessment that extends to their leaders.
Cheers Karl.
I didn't read this as I watched the interview in its entirety. My heart is and has been with Russia throughout. Strangely enough, I had my son and his best friend across for dinner this evening, the latter being half-Russian. Both are interested / considering taking up VVP's offer for foreigners to relocate to Russia, and I am encouraging them both.
I hope they do. I worked in Russia, and it is a wonderful country with wonderful people. It saddens me immensely that we are at loggerheads in a 'proxy war', when in truth we have so much in common. Boy, but I loathe our so-called 'elites' for what they have done fucking up the world and destroying everything in their outrageous pursuit of power and money.
I'm religious. I pray for peace. I believe in humanity while recognizing the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. But sometimes, and maybe more and more, I want Russia to get this over and done with, to end the pain and misery we inflict on the rest of the world.
I'm in the autumn of life, but I think if this goes totally south there's a case for me to buy a ticket to Moscow and go fight for what I believe in. A last ditch effort to stand up for what is right and honorable and proper versus the hideous caricature of civilization we have adopted as normal in the west. Fuck that! I want none of it.
I wanted to go to Russia in the later 1990s to help ease the rapine, but was too poor to pay the fare. The path I then took has treated me well, so I can't complain. I discovered when I began the Gym that many hundreds of lurkers at MoA became my initial cadre of subscribers, which was very surprising as I knew I had a following but never imagined it was so many.
If all this goes nuclear, the US will be finished, never to rise again, for no other reason than there is not enough skilled workers in the population to put the infrastructure back together, especially working in extremely difficult conditions with almost all industry and production destroyed; and no, robots, cad, 3d printers, and aps will not do the job. an old machinist.
rt had a full transcript up yesterday which i read.... i haven't seen the video.. carlson in the transcript sounds like a deer in the headlights some of the time and is just okay in his questions and response to lavrov who is typically very on point... thanks karl!
I saw the RT headline and went to the MFA to read the translated Russian last night as I said. Troll activity at MoA indicates desperation at the avalanche of truth the interview provided.
the troll activity has been a bit intense of late!
Thank you, Karl.
This morning, I listened to the interview during breakfast, so I didn’t read the transcript. In my opinion, it wasn’t really an interview but more of an in-depth account of the events since 2004. I didn’t hear much new information because, for most of us, much of it is already known.
I believe the main purpose was to calmly present the full story to those who might not be as well-informed. It’s a response to the rhetoric and distortion of facts from Western political leaders—a way to calmly address Trump’s narrative.
One of Lavrov’s great strengths is his ability to present the facts in a calm, detailed manner, putting them into proper context. I read somewhere that he speaks better English than, say, K.Harris (who was that again?).
It was a good, balanced presentation of reality without coming across as too confrontational or aggressive.
Also, thank you for the link. I was surprised to learn that two-thirds of the population in Russia engages in volunteer work, while in the West it’s around 20-25%.
People helping people so that all the people can be as close to one people as possible. I'm instantly reminded of the song "People" from the 1964 Broadway musical "Funny Girl." It's amazing to recall the USA was able to produce such meaningful music while shooting it all full of holes globally. Here're the lyrics:
People, people who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world…
We're children, needing other children
And yet letting a grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside
Acting more like children than children
Lovers are very special people
They're the luckiest people in the world
With one person,
Оne very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half now you're whole
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person who needs people
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world...
Thanks for this one, Karl! Great article.
Watched the interview first before reading this post. Enjoyed both.
Not sure if you intend to report on today's published interview of Sergey Lavrov by an Aljizzeria agent of the west - I mean journo - on RFM site (https://mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1986144/), from Doha. Worth reading IMO given the media war being carried out in Syria and else where. The increased troll activity mentioned by james is probably another aspect, which points to the intensity of the ongoing 'media campaign' of the virtual victory of the empire as it attempts to strike back.
It might well explain the contribution of the obnoxious attention-seeker who describes itself, somewhat disingenuously, as 'difficult to like'.
I was going to provide both of Lavrov's events in Doha, but they're now moot given what's occurred as I explain in my current item.
Tucker Carlson is a man for Trump. Trump is holed up in Mar-a-Lago until the inauguration to stay alive. The "Deep State" wants to unleash hell by that date. Is it outlandish to think that Tucker Carlson was conveying a message from Trump to Putin? For example, that please be patient Moscow until Trump is president.
We have no idea what was said when the cameras and mics were turned off. IMO, as I wrote, the big issue is US credibility--how does Trump earn that back or does he want to?
I assume that was a rhetorical question. But here's my opinion anyway. The problem in the US is systemic. Independent of individuals. That's why the war will continue. Maybe strategies and tactics adjusted. But nothing more.
I'm not giving up all hope. There are many US entrepreneurs and shareholders who want to do business with Russia and China. But I don't know how much influence they can gain against the big oligarchs and dynasties. I'm skeptical about that.
Then there is one more thing that is essential. Capitalism is unrestrained in its greed and while there is perverse wealth on the one hand, private and public debt has risen exorbitantly on the other. This extreme redistribution of wealth from the bottom to the top has resulted in a catastrophic impoverishment of the population and a collapse of social order and infrastructure. In order to stifle any resistance of discontent, we are now in a state of fascism. The WEF's "Great Reset" goes one step further towards feudalism.
Thank you Karl for publishing this - TC has obtained another very good RF recap after the VVP interview
He is to be thanked as well
I'm so fucking sick of legalities and decorum. NONE of it means anything to US and UK elites. Not one damn word.
Russia and Iran have almost lost Syria. Fight the war in Ukraine and win it as soon as possible! Put forth some goddamn effort! Not finishing it 6 months ago might have cost Syria! Jesus fuckin' christ.
Absolutely zero sense of urgency. It's good to be deliberate and thorough but there are limits!
I would not assume that the news we are getting about Syria is necessarily accurate. Assad puts up a good fight and he does still have Russian air support.
Sigh….. Russia needs to learn…. and I think they are slowly getting there…. that talks and agreements with the US, UK, EU, Israel, and Turkey mean nothing! Only violence and money mean anything to any of their elites. War and money….. That is all they respect!
I don’t believe it. Even Russian leaning sites are concluding that, without sudden massive support, it will be over quickly. Finish ukraine! I know it’s possible with not that much more commitment.
You should listen more closely to Lavrov. He makes it very clear that regardless of the murderous intentions of other actors, Russia does not operate like that. Taking full control of Ukraine was never their objective.
It is going to have to be their objective or there will be no peace! You do not understand how desperate US elites are and how bad the breakdown of the economy is here. That’s clear.
I don't see what US economy has to do with Ukraine.
The Covid fiasco destroyed the economy, surely?
The drain of cash to Ukraine was a very poor political choice which depended upon filling the US public with a deceptive narrative. Do Americans still believe that Russia 'invaded'? That they did not reluctantly mount a special action to stop the killing of ethnic Russians by Ukrainian neo-nazis?
Comrade Saint please remain calm and hope for the best. Meanwhile read this (and I posted it elsewhere here too) :
https://strategic-culture.su/news/2024/12/06/erdogan-idlib-shock-shadows-kursk/
I too get exasperated but then, when hunting pigs with a knife one needs to hold on tight until all the thrashing and bleeding out is complete.
And I do recommend Marat Khairullin at telegram too: https://t.me/voenkorkhayrullin
You will need to use the translate tool. He is a bit of a heroic romantic but no slouch when it comes to military assessment.
Victory will be achieved, hopefully for the good team ;)
I've read the whole exchange below, and regret that we fight each other. We're on the same side, I think....
With reference to SJ's comments above, yeah, I agree. There comes a point, when all the marbles are in play, and that's right now, IMO. The west is so vicious and deviant there is no low to which it will not stoop. They lie, they are treacherous, and they will sell their mothers to slavery if it achieves the goal. For sane folk it's hard to reconcile a mentality where the ends absolutely justify any means.
I also think FL has some truth regarding the overall picture in Syria. We only ever see an orchestrated media take, and lo and behold, the re-branded rebels are winning. But are they winning just like Ukraine has been winning...?
I don't know the answer to that question, but somewhere both in Syria and in Ukraine Russia has to get its finger out of its ass and start swinging, landing some serious punches. What's to lose? IMO, WW3 cometh anyway, so as VVP once said: 'If the fight is inevitable, then throw the first punch'. And I hope Russia does.
That said, the bit that alarms me most is the total lack of intel regarding this sudden breakout from Idlib. Turkish treachery - nah! That's a given, although this time I think Erdogan has shat the bed. No, how can all the Russian / Syrian intel have missed the chatter? Complacency? Possibly. Or, perhaps, did someone(s) in the Syrian military get bought and paid for. No idea. and I have no reason to suspect it either. However, it is suspicious that they were taken so completely by surprise.
I continue to hope and pray for a victory for Russia on all fronts, for an end to the torment of Syria, and ultimately to an end to US military occupation of Syria, Iraq, and so many more. But if there's to be a fight, then I hope the Russian Army gets to lay the US on its arse, bloodied and beaten.
In my humble opinion, it’s not surprising that we are all caught off guard by the events in Syria, especially given Erdogan's sudden shift in policy.
Recently, the U.S. sold 40 F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, a NATO member. Mark Rutte, often seen as a master of political intrigue, was just in Turkey, praising the country for its efforts in the fight against terrorism. He even visited Ataturk’s memorial to flatter and charm Erdogan, who was evidently very sensitive to these gestures. Meanwhile, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with drones to be used on the Syrian battlefield, while satellites have been mapping out the terrain. The U.S. has also subtly encouraged the Kurds to challenge Erdogan, adding to the complexity.
Countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon are focused on their own issues and have kept a low profile. Iran has been primarily concerned with Israel, and Russia is busy with Ukraine. Syrie, enjoying a period of relative peace, neglected to adequately prepare for self-defense. Israel had been carrying out bombing campaigns, and all of this set the stage for the surprise attack.
The goal seems to be to expand Israel's Lebensraum, carve out a piece of the pie for Turkey, strike a blow to Russia, and distract from the humiliation in Ukraine. The U.S. likely needs this for its own geopolitical standing.
Could this be the work of Mossad? It wouldn’t surprise me.
Europe, meanwhile, is left to pick up the pieces, confused and divided. Some are beginning to realize the trap they’ve walked into, while others cling to their beliefs until the very end. It’s a dirty game, and some may even call it a masterstroke. But this is what I can piece together.
I haven't written about Syria yet, although I did write a lot about it when the war was is full swing. And I have made my opinion known at VK. Pepe Escobar wrote a very harsh critique I agreed with and I see Croke has also just published a report, https://strategic-culture.su/news/2024/12/04/the-syria-riddle-how-it-may-turn-into-the-first-brics-war/
Thanks for this link Karl, I just read it, also just read the link to Crook from Uncle Tungsten, very interesting and it clarifies even more. Rent- a Jihad is now more like a purchase or lease contract IMO.
Well, you won't write much about it in the future because it won't exist!
Just don't fuck up the goddamn war in ukraine!
https://globalsouth.co/2024/12/02/controlled-chaos-the-blueprint-for-redrawing-the-middle-east-west-asia/
https://t.me/AussieCossack/29398
“Old Syria can no longer be saved. The southern provinces have supported the militants”
From Russian war correspondent Alexander Kharchenko
https://t.me/AussieCossack/29413
That’s the plan. Why erdogan ordered his dog to go all the way , so Israel can have the excuse it needs to invade as “buffer zone “. They already dividing Syria….
https://t.me/AussieCossack/29400
Israeli channel i24News confirms that Israel warned Iran via a third country that it would "ruthlessly" stop any attempt to send Iranian weapons or troops to Syria to fight the Turkish backed rebels….
Thanks. I'm old, tired, and grumpy and I've always been a bit too fiery. I'm hard to like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Xkf8sOR90
:)
«The 'Empire' of the usa may well pretend that it is agreement capable»
The claim that the USA government or USA corporations are not agreement capable is just a way for the russian political class to mask their stupidity (or weakness): of course the USA government and corporations are capable of agreements *for as long as they profit from them*. Any deal you make with the USA government or corporation must be structured so that every step must be profitable for them and not just the overall deal.
If the USA government or corporations make an agreement that says "you give us X now and we promise that we will give you Y later" and after giving X the other side really expects to be given Y later (whether X is "east Germany" and Y is "no NATO expansion eastward", or anything else) they are just stupid: the agreement ceased to be profitable for the USA government or corporation when they got X and giving Y after getting X is just a loss. As simple as that.
I guess nobody in Russia knew the phrase "as worthless as an indian treaty".