At least 3 soldiers died and another was wounded following an air attack by Israel against positions in Syria belonging to the Syrian army forces and the Iranian Quds Force on Tuesday night. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the death toll includes about 10 dead, including three Syrians and other soldiers of foreign origin, presumably Iranian.
Category: Syria
Israel Attacks Military Targets in Syria as Pompeo Visits Israel
Bahrain Foreign Minister Aldulallatif Al-Zayani arrived in Israel to meet with Netanyahu and Mike Pompeo to sign bi-lateral agreements during the visit. This is the first official delegation to Israel. Gabi Ashkenazi Israel foreign minister greeted the delegates from Bahrain at Ben Gurion airport as the two countries look to broaden cooperation after establishing formal ties in September.
Turkey’s Lira Hits Another Low
Following the Coronavirus epidemic, Turkey’s currency has depreciated by a record amount against the dollar due to Turkey’s dispute with its NATO allies. In a recent speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan forged bitter relations with several other countries, including France and the United States.
Russia Carries Out Large Scale Operation in Syria
Russia conducted one of its most powerful attacks on the terrorists in Syria. The Russian military destroyed facilities where foreign private military contractors were training militants. At the same time, it is reported that the Iskander-M complex was used against them for the first time.
Israel Makes Peace With Bahrain
Following an agreement with UAE, a peace treaty with another Arab country Bahrain is a new step in a cherished dream of Israel and America to win recognition of the Jewish State of Israel without having to complete negotiations for the two state solution which has been most difficult considering the objection of the Palestinians to any type of compromise.
Israel Roundup — Trials, Touchdowns, and Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be able to remain in office even when his corruption trial starts in January. This was the decision of Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit on Thursday. This is on the condition that Netanyahu will refrain from interfering with law enforcement appointments and actions.
Russia Expanding its Role in the Mediterranean
Russia is expected to change the policy to reflect the upcoming geopolitical conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean. It should be noted that Russia does not have a traditional or historical attachment to this conflict. However, the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque by Turkey impacted the Russian Orthodox Church and caused a wave of dissatisfaction.
“Iranian-backed Militias” Killed in Israeli Attack on Syria
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 11 people, including seven “Iranian government-affiliated militias,” were killed in an Israeli airstrike south of Damascus. According to the watchdog, which monitors the Syrian civil war, the death toll includes one civilian, three Syrian army soldiers, and seven Iranian-backed militants.
US Vetoes Resolution on Islamic State Militants
The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on the repatriation of ISIS fighters, which could have been crucial to the fate of those involved in terrorist activities. The UN Security Council’s resolution on Islamic State militants was intended to prosecute, and rehabilitate those involved in terrorist acts.
Could Freelance Gigs Be Better for the Arab Economy than Oil?
The inflation rate in the Middle East is now estimated to be 8.8% in 2020. With Egypt, possibly the fastest growing Arab country, growing at only 2%, most oil producing countries in the region are seeing economic contractions. The combination of Covid-19 hitting the local population and the oil decline has severely affected this region.
Arab oil exporters are forecasting oil supply cuts of about 50% in 2020 and 2021, levels that have been approved by OPEC agreements. The combination of significant cuts in production, $42 a barrel for oil, and Covid affecting local marketplaces, will have a significantly negative impact on regional economies.
US Welcomes Conviction in Hariri Assassination
The United States has welcomed the conviction of a Hezbollah member by an international tribunal for the murder of Rafic Hariri. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed satisfaction with the sentencing of Salim Ayyash in absentia, and said that Hezbollah is a terrorist organization serving the sectarian goals of Iran.
Is Turkey on the Verge of Economic Collapse?
Turkey continues to experience tumultuous economic times. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been grandstanding on the world stage without having the funds to back such actions long term. Turkey took on the Syrian and Libyan conflicts. The reasoning is personal ambitions for Erdogan to restore the Ottoman Empire.
Israel Roundup: Deals Commence, Protests Continue
A proposed agreement between Iran and China would lead to a closer military relationship between the two countries, including joint military exercises, research and weapon development. It would increase Chinese investments in Iranian banking, telecommunications, and transportation.
Israel Reinforces Lebanon Border After Threats From Hezbollah
On Monday was reported that Israel had attacked Iranian positions in Syria near Demascus killing several Syrian and Iranian warriors including a member of Hezbollah. Syrian air defense was successful in knocking down several Israeli missiles but the missile attack was successful to destroy weapon storehouses in Syria which were intended to ship to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Syrian newspapers said that Hezbollah will retaliate for the group’s fighter being killed in the attack. Nasrollah had already warned Israel that if they would harm their soldiers in Syria they will face retaliation. Israel replied to Nasrollah that his fighter was killed by accident.
Germany Warns of New Refugee Crisis
German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer called for more cooperation from European countries to better control the EU’s external borders. Without this cooperation, he says, “we may soon see a new wave of asylum seekers entering the European Union, which will be more severe than the 2015 crisis.”
Syria — Russia & China Veto UN Aid Package
Since 2014, the humanitarian assistance provided by the United Nations has provided millions of Syrian people with basic survival supplies. Now, this rescue operation is facing a desperate situation because Russia and China once again used the veto power in the UN Security Council.
Russia, China, Veto UN Aid for Syria
Russia and China have vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution, which jeopardizes humanitarian aid for civilians in northwestern Syria. The draft resolution was prepared by Germany and Belgium, with the 13 other members of the Council giving their approval.
UN Accuses Syria, Russia of Committing War Crimes
The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria has reported that the Assad regime and its Russian allies have committed war crimes by targeting vital civilian facilities in Idlib and its environment. The Commission strongly condemned the attacks on civilians in the northwestern part of Syria in a report released on Tuesday.
UN: World Should Unite Against Coronavirus, Terrorism
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has spoken of the dangers posed by the outbreak of coronavirus disease to world peace. Guterres has expressed concern over the political exploitation by extremist groups around the world, such as al-Qaeda and Daesh, of the outbreak of COVID-19.
UN Accuses All Sides of War Crimes in Idlib
A UN report released today states that numerous war crimes, as well as crimes against humanity, were committed in the province of Idlib, northwest Syria. The crimes were said to have taken place during an offensive by the Bashar al-Assad government in the period between late 2019 and early 2020.
France Sentences Islamist Tyler Vilus to 30 Years
A French court sentenced Tyler Vilus, a Frenchman who converted to Islam and fought for ISIS in Syria, to 30 years in prison. The prosecutor had asked for a life sentence for the defendant. It is France’s first successful prosecution of an Islamist militant for crimes committed in Syria.
Russia Waits as Turkey to Resume Operations in Idlib
According to Russian news outlet avia.pro, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that it is time for Turkey to actively continue its military operations in Syria’s Idlib province. The publication quoted him as saying that the Turkish military will continue to fight all “terrorist organizations” that pose a threat to Turkey’s security, whether inside its borders or outside them.
Israel “Likely Responsible” for Airstrike in Syria
Eastern Syria has once again witnessed an airstrike. AFP reported on Saturday that Lebanon had reported an airstrike on one of the positions of forces affiliated with Bashar al-Assad’s government in eastern Syria. The attack is said to have killed six members of the Syrian army and forces backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Syria — Millions Below Poverty Line, U.S. Tightens Sanctions
United Nations relief agencies warned Friday that Syria is facing an unprecedented food crisis, as more than 9.3 million people lack adequate food. This comes at a time when the outbreak of the Coronavirus may accelerate in the country, although it appears to be under control.
State Says Iran “Foremost Sponsor of Terrorism”
In its annual report, released on Wednesday, the US State Department described the Islamic Republic of Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world. According to the report, “traces of Iran’s support for terrorism can be traced from Gaza to Pakistan.”
World Comes Out Against Israeli Annexation
The State of Israel was established in 1948. The United Nations recognized its independence, but its borders were never secure. The Arab states surrounding Israel— Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria– also gained independence prior to this, after the expiration of British and French mandates, each one with its allocated borders.
Germany Arrests Syrian Doctor for Crimes Against Humanity
A Syrian doctor, who was practicing his profession in Germany and entered the country as a refugee, was arrested on Friday. The suspect, known as Alaa M., is accused of involvement in torture and “crimes against humanity” he committed in his country against detainees in the prisons of the Assad regime.
UN: Nearly 80 Million People Displaced Worldwide
Nearly 80 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes due to war and conflict, fear of terror and violence, as well as economic collapse and poverty. According to a recent report released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday, the number of refugees in the world has reached 79.5 million.
Russia, Turkey, and Libya – What is their Strategy?
On Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu flew to Turkey, and are holding meetings pertaining the situation in Libya. Since the overthrow and killing of the Libyan leader, Muammar al-Gaddafi, in 2011, Libya became a divided state.
Israel Roundup — Return to Normalcy Continues, Annexation on Hold
Israel, in the last two weeks has made an attempt to return to normalcy. Schools have been reopened. The children are required to wear face covers and obey social distancing. Synagogues are active, for the most part, allowing up to 50 congregants again, so long as they wear face masks and obey social distancing.
Protests Against George Floyd’s Death Go Global
Following the brutal murder George Floyd, a 44 year-old African American, by a policeman who knelt on his neck, many demonstrations have since ensued globally in protest against the beastly act. The protests are not only confined to the United States, but have since spread to various parts of the world.
Putin and Erdogan Plays “Syria Game” in Libya
The recent crackdown on rebel leader General Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Libya has made it increasingly clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to take over covert control of the country’s future. Turkey provides military assistance to support of the government in Tripoli, while Gen. Haftar’s army has several thousand Russian “mercenaries.”
Border Police Kill Unarmed Palestinian, Riots Feared
The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by a policeman has caused a severe reaction by the American public. Already, violent demonstrations are taking place in cities throughout America. George Floyd was held down by a policeman who strangled Floyd with his knee on his neck until suffocation.
Russia Expanding Military Bases in Syria – Is Africa Next?
Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an order to the Russian Defense and Foreign ministries to discuss with Syria the transfer of additional real estate and water areas to the Russian military. The Russian government approved the draft Protocol No. 1 to the agreement on the deployment of the Russian aviation group in Syria on August 26, 2015. After reaching an agreement with the Syrian side, the agencies must sign it on behalf of Russia. Changes are allowed to the document that do not have a fundamental character.
Asylum Centers Become Coronavirus Hotspot in Germany
“The situation is very bad,” Farhad, an Afghan refugee, describes the atmosphere at the refugee reception center in Sankt Augustin, western Germany. Since news spread about the infections of 165 people residing in this center, anxiety has become the master of the atmosphere in the center, he says.
The Future of Syria
A peaceful uprising against president of Syria seven years ago has turned into a full-scale civil war. Protesters in Syria demanded the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. The people demanded political and socioeconomic changes, fair election.
The conflict has left more than 350,000 people dead, devastated cities and got other countries sucked into it. The Syrian conflict has created the most humanitarian crisis of our times. Half the country’s pre-war population – more than 11 million people – have been killed or forced to flee their homes.
Israel Roundup — Returning to Normal, Constantly Under Threats
Israel is celebrating Jerusalem Day on Friday, in memory of the day in which Israel took possession of East Jerusalem and the Western Wall during the Six Day War. The State of Israel also observed its 72nd year of independence last month. After three elections, Israel was finally successful in making a united coalition emergency government.
Abdulnasser al-Qirdash, ISIS Leader, Captured
Iraqi intelligence services have arrested one of the top leaders of the Islamic State, Abdulnasser al-Qirdash, a possible successor to the group’s former leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The news of the terrorist leader’s arrest was made public on Wednesday through a brief statement by the Iraqi intelligence.
Syria — Moscow, Damascus “Deliberately Targeted” Civilians
Amnesty International said on Monday that Syrian and Russian forces have targeted schools and hospitals during their air and ground attacks in Syria. The human rights organization said, in a report published yesterday, that the Syrian and Russian forces in the northwest of the war-torn country carried out 18 such attacks between May 2019 and February 2020.
Russia Deployed Rezonans-NE Radar Systems Near Israeli Border
Concern is rising over reports of Russian Armed Forces deployment of Resonans-NE radar systems near the Israeli border. The Resonans-NE radar system is designed for long-range detection, tracking, determination of coordinates and movement parameters of a wide class of modern and promising targets, including cruise and ballistic missiles, hypersonic aircraft, even those manufactured using stealth technology.
Israel Roundup: High Court Affirms Coalition, COVID-19 Cases Decline
After failing to form a coalition government in three elections, it was decided that the two sides— Benny Gantz’s Israel Resilience Party, and Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud— should compromise. The compromise was made in the light of the emergency created by the Coronavirus.
Israel Roundup— Life Returning to Normal, New Government Formed
Bank Hapaolim, a major Israeli bank, agreed to pay $30 million in fines over its involvement in a scandal involving soccer’s world governing body, FIFA. Bank employees agreed to lauder kickbacks and bribes from December 2010-February 2015, which were given in exchange for broadcasting rights for sports marketing executives.
Coronavirus: Syrian Refugee Shot Dead by Turkish Police
A 17-year-old Syrian refugee, who allegedly failed to comply with the country’s coronavirus curfew restrictions, was shot dead by police. Ali el Hemdan was returning home after work on Monday when the police arrested him on a routine check, according to several testimonies collected by a section of the nation’s local media.
Coronavirus: Mossad Delivers More Equipment to Israel
The Israeli intelligence agency, the Mossad, has flown a sizeable consignment of coronavirus equipment into the country. It includes Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) kits, which will boost testing capacity. Israeli healthcare facilities will now be able to carry out over 1,000 coronavirus tests daily.
Israel Roundup: Yom HaShoah Observed Online, Country Begins Easing Restrictions
April 21 is Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, in Israel. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, Remembrance Day was celebrated in Israel from Yad Vashem digitally without attendance. The speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was made live online, without attendance, from the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem.
Israel Roundup: Vaccine to be Tested on Rodents, Citizens Strain Under Restrictions
In February, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Israel Institute of Biological Research to join fight against the coronavirus pandemic. They are making “significant progress,” and are now commencing animal trials, using rodents. The laboratory is located in Nes Ziona, in central Israel, and hopefully positive results will come from these tests.
Russia and Syria Accuse US of Using Coronavirus Aid to Help Rebels
The Kremlin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad‘s government accuse the United States of using humanitarian aid to supply rebels. The interdepartmental coordination headquarters of Russia and Syria said that the US, against the background of the situation with the spread of COVID-19 in the world, plans to transfer cargo to the militants under the guise of humanitarian assistance.
Pompeo Says Russia Killed Dozens of Turkish Soldiers
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed Russia for the death of 34 Turkish soldiers following an airstrike that took out Turkey’s military positions in Idlib last month. He made the following statement about the incident on Tuesday during a news conference with reporters.
Iran Denies the Holocaust in Europe and in Syria
The holocaust in which 6 million Jews died in Nazi work camps is difficult to deny. It happened only eighty years ago and it is all recorded in history and even filmed. Not only that over 40 million people died in World War II which began with Hitler imprisoning Jewish children in Germany and all of Europe. Many countries including Britain ignored the persecution of the Jews before World War II not considering it important.
Israel Roundup: Country in Lockdown, Gantz to Become PM
With the news of a shut down in California, the most highly populated state in America, there is no other way to receive this news in Israel but with shock. Israel and America are partners in the work of building this world to last for another thousand years with peace and health. President Trump began his administration with the goal of reaching global peace but received opposition from the liberal Democrats.
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