Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was given first chance to make a government. The deadline will soon be in one week. In the meantime he has presented a proposal to the Blue-White party of Benny Gantz which they have refused. They claim that Netanyahu is only stalling because of his possible indictment which will be finalized in November. These were the conditions Netanyahu gave to Gantz:
Tag: Syria
US and Turkey Agree to Suspend Turkish Operation in Syria
US Vice President Mike Pence said Washington and Ankara have agreed on a 120 hour suspension of Turkish attacks in northeastern Syria. This is necessary to enable the Kurdish militia to leave border areas within five days, and with the assistance of the Americans. Turkey has identified this area as a “safe zone.”
Erdogan: “We Will Never Declare a Ceasefire” Against Kurds
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has unequivocally rejected all US calls for an end to military operations in northern Syria. Instead, the Turkish army has continued bombing Syrian border posts. Forces affiliated with the Syrian army are stationed in the border. Despite the US’ calls for a ceasefire, and sanctions on its ministers, President Erdogan has said he will continue his military operations in northern and eastern Syria. Meanwhile, the Syrian army is said to have been entrusted with Russian support.
Trump Announces ‘Aggressive’ Sanctions Against Turkey for Attacks on Syria
US President Donald Trump, on Monday, announced the imposition of economic sanctions against Turkey for starting military operations in northern Syria. The Turkish invasion has already killed 80 civilians and displaced 160,000 residents. The operation began shortly after the withdrawal of the US military from the region last week.
Turkish Offensive Analysis in Syria
Russian military officials are voicing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Syria due to Turkish involvement. Turkey started an operation against the Kurds on October 9, 2019 under the guise of “counterterrorism.” The Kurdish population of Syria is that country’s largest ethnic minority, comprising between 7% and 10% of the population. Kurds are one of the indigenous peoples of the Mesopotamian plains and the highlands in what is now south-eastern Turkey, north-eastern Syria, northern Iraq, north-western Iran and south-western Armenia.
Russia, Syria Deploy Troops in Defense of Kurds
Syrian troops were dispatched to the border with Turkey Monday, just hours after Kurdish militias, which were allies of the United States, announced an agreement with the Bashar al-Assad regime to help them counter the Turkish offensive in northeastern Syria. Turkey’s invasion began after the withdrawal of American troops from the region.
Netanyahu Indictment Proceeding – Holding Back Progress in Making New Government
Israel is celebrating the holiday of Succot. The holiday begins Monday night and lasts for seven days. During this time, Jews will appear to be camping out eating and living in booths which are temporary dwelling places. On the eighth day of the holiday is Simchat Torah when is completed the reading of the entire five books of Moses. On the holiday of Simchat Torah (translated as the Joy of the Torah), Jews dance with Torah rejoicing in being the chosen people on earth to receive the Torah.
Germany, France Halt Arms Sales to Turkey Over Syria
In reaction to the Turkish offensive in Syria, both France and Germany have decided to immediately halt the selling any military equipment that Ankara may use in its ongoing invasion. Notably, Turkey is the largest buyer of German weapons.
“We Will Not Stop”: Erdogan Continues Syrian Assault Despite Protests
Despite the deaths of dozens, including civilians, and the displacement of about 100,000 people from border towns in northern Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists on continuing his military campaign, “Operation Spring Peace,” against Kurdish fighters. Erdogan said he would continue this “battle until all terrorists go south 32 kilometers away from our border.”
Trump to Turks, Kurds: Let’s Make a Deal!
US President Donald Trump says there are three options to resolve the crisis between Turkey and the Kurds in northeastern Syria, and talked Thursday on the importance of the option of “US mediation” between Ankara and the Kurds. Turkey launched a military attack in northern Syria this week, however, Washington confirmed that at this stage, Turkey did not cross the red line.
Netanyahu Condemns Turkish Aggression in Syria
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first statement regarding the US withdrawal from Syria, strongly condemning the Turkish military action and offering humanitarian assistance to the Kurds. He stated “Israel condemns the Turkish invasion of Kurdish areas in Syria and warns against the ethnic cleansing of the Kurds by Turkey and its proxies. Israel is prepared to extend humanitarian assistance to the gallant Kurdish people.”
Erdogan to the West: Back Off or We’ll Open the Gates
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to send the millions of Syrian refugees in Turkey to Europe if the EU continues showing opposition to the ongoing Turkey’s military offensive in Syria. “Hey EU, wake up. I say it again: if you try to frame our operation there as an invasion, our task is simple: we will open the doors and send 3.6 million migrants to you,” he said in a speech to MPs from his AKP party.
Western Countries Condemn Turkish Invasion— Won’t Pay for “Safe Zone”
As soon as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the start of the military operation in northern Syria, there was a strong Western reaction, with governments demanding a halt. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was among them, condemning the Turkish attack “strongly,” and calling for the European Commission President to stop it.
US Forces Transfer Detained Jihadists From Syria to Iraq– “The Worst of the Worst”
After the start of the Turkish offensive against Kurdish areas in northern Syria, the risk of jihadists detained by the SDF escaping, or being released, has become a reality, prompting Washington to transfer the most dangerous jihadists to Iraq to ensure they are put on trial. A US defense official said on Wednesday night that the US military had taken responsibility for the detention of two Islamic State jihadi fighters previously held by Kurdish forces in Syria, in a decision made in the wake of the Turkish attack on northern Syria.
“Stab in the Back”: Turkey Invades Kurdish Northern Syria
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed Wednesday that Turkey had launched a long-planned military operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria. The move comes two days after the start of the withdrawal of American troops from the region. According to Erdogan, the Turkish army will attack armed groups in the region, such as Daesh (IS) and the People’s Protection Army (YPG). The groups are considered terrorist groups by Ankara.
What Will Happen When the United States Withdraws from Syria?
Up until now, I supported almost everything President Trump has on his agenda upto 2020 when we elect the President of the United States again. He reduced unemployment to a rate we have never seen in the last 50 years. Yes, underemployment is down, as well. However, I never realized that a part of his agenda, we would have the potential to create additional terrorist acts either in the United States or against US interests abroad.
Iran Opposes Possible Turkish Attack on Northeast Syria
Iran has stated that it opposes any possible military operations in Syria, and that the US decision to withdraw its troops from the north should be made sooner. The Foreign Ministry of Iran issued a statement on Tuesday referring to the possibility of Turkish troops entering Syrian territory. Such a move would not only address Turkey’s security concerns but also cause damage, they said. Iran has called US military presence in Syria “illegitimate,” and has insisted that the US decision to withdraw its troops “should have happened much sooner.”
Opponents, Allies Harshly Criticize Trump’s Withdrawal from Syria
The US risks losing the support and trust of its allies. That’s what a section of the critics opine after President Donald Trump’s announcement Sunday that a smaller group of US forces are being withdrawn from northeastern Syria, allowing Turkey to enter the Kurdish-controlled areas at the border. The White House has, however, maintained that the US operation does not support the Turkish operation.
Arab Assassination of Revolutionary Guard Commander Qasem Soleimani Foiled
On Tuesday during an annual leadership meeting by the head of the IRGC Intelligence Organization Hossein Taub Soleimani revealed in a rare interview that an assassination attempt had been made on his life. The identities of the suspects has still not been revealed. The assassination was planned for several years. Through the assassination it was hoped that it would spark an internal Iranian power struggle and trigger a religious war within Iran. The suspects who are Iranian were sent abroad and trained to make the attack.
Syria Demands Withdrawal of US and Turkish Forces
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem called the US and Turkish military presence in northern Turkey illegal and demanded the immediate withdrawal of its troops from its territory. Speaking at the UN General Assembly’s annual summit in New York on Saturday, Waleed Muallem stressed that the US and Turkey’s refusal to withdraw from Syria could trigger a response from Syrian forces.
Ankara Summit Ends With No Solution to Idlib
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted his Russian and Iranian counterparts in Ankara on Monday. They came together for the fifth time since 2017 to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis. As the last major area under Syrian control, Idlib is under the spotlight. All three countries emphasized the need to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis and maintain its territorial integrity. The Ankara summit ended, but to no avail.
Erdogan: Turkey Cannot Receive New Syrian Refugees
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said his country cannot cope with a new wave of migrants from northern Syria. He said Turkey and the United States needed to establish a “safe area” in northern Syria as soon as possible.
Israel Strikes Iraqi Factions Inside Syrian Territory
The Iranian “Al-Quds” Corps fired several rockets from inside Syria towards Israel, in response to an air strike targeting the positions of Iraqi Shiite factions operating under its command in the province of Deir Ezzor. In a rare incident, the Israeli army spotted an attempt to launch several rockets from the vicinity of the Syrian capital, Damascus, toward Tel Aviv yesterday. Israel accused the militias under the command of the Quds Force, led by Qassem Soleimani, of launching the attack.
U.S. and Turkey Begin Patrol of Syrian Safe Zone
In a move that angered the Syrian government, Ankara, and Washington yesterday morning launched their first joint patrols in the area east of the Euphrates River, which is under the control of the Kurds, in implementation of an agreement reached to establish a “safe zone” and prevent the launch of a new and complex military operation. Damascus has promised to bring down the “safe zone.”
Hezbollah Announces Downing of Israeli Drone in Southern Border of Lebanon
Lebanon’s Hezbollah guerrilla group said on Monday it had shot down an Israeli drone as it crossed Lebanon’s southern border, a week after a limited exchange of fire. In light of the tense situation in the region, unknown warplanes targeted the positions of Iranian forces and armed militants loyal to them in the far east of Syria on Monday, killing 18 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Iranian Tanker Reaches Destination, Sells Oil
Iran has revealed that the oil tanker Adrian Darya 1, which was released by Gibraltar and blacklisted by the United States, has reached its destination and sold its oil. The Iranian Foreign Ministry made the announcement yesterday, but did not name a buyer. The tanker had been released from Gibraltar last month.
Israel News Roundup: Netanyahu to Meet Mark Esper and Boris Johnson in London
There is controversy today over a potential meeting between Hassan Rouhani of Iran and President Donald Trump. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented about this potential meeting saying he cannot tell the American president who he can or cannot meet, but the two are in agreement about the issue of the Iran Nuclear deal. In the meantime Iran will announce nuclear steps on Saturday. They have stated that they are poised for faster nuclear centrifuges which will mean the collapse of the nuclear deal. Europe is still trying to save the deal with a French proposal offering a $15 billion line of credit. Netanyahu is meeting with US secretary of defense Mark Esper and Boris Johnson in London concerning the nuclear deal.
Syrian Civil War: Turkey Warns Europe Over Syrian Refugees Entry
Turkey has warned that if Syria does not receive further international support to create a safe zone for Syrian refugees in northern Syria, it can re-open the route for Syrian refugees to enter Europe.
Israel Avoided War With Hezbollah – Ready for War If Necessary
The first confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel ended up without a war. Although Hezbollah said that they do not want a war, by shooting three missiles at military targets in the North and damaging army vehicles there was a risk of a bloodier confrontation. The Israel army vehicles were not manned at the time of the attack. The confrontation ended without war.
US Targets al-Qaeda Headquarters in Idlib Missile Attacks
The US Army Command says it has targeted al-Qaeda’s headquarters in Syria for rocket attacks. The attack took place in an area of Idlib province that is still controlled by opposition and rebels against the government of Bashar al-Assad. Russia, meanwhile, has announced the start of a ceasefire in Idlib on Saturday.
First Confrontation Between Hezbollah and Israel – No Israeli Soldiers Injured
Hassan Nasrallah the head of Hezbollah gave Israel advanced warning that he was going to take revenge for the attack by Israel with drones on the city of Beirut and the people of Lebanon, but he emphasized that he was not looking to start a war. Sunday, at 4:00 Israel time Hezbollah shot three anti-tank missiles at an IDF base and several military vehicles near the Israel settlement of Avivim close to the Lebanese border. Hezbollah claims to have destroyed one army vehicle.
America, Iran Resume Geopolitical Joust over Adrian Darya 1
Almost two weeks after the Iranian oil tanker, Grace 1, was released from Gibraltar, the huge ship has yet to dock. It is still sailing around in the Mediterranean Sea waters, without a clear final destination. The USA nonetheless insists that it is convinced that the ship’s final destination is none other than Syria. Seemingly, Iran is keen on selling the oil on board, but the US is trying to prevent that. The ship is part of escalating geopolitical jousting between Tehran and Washington.
Pompeo: Iranian Tanker is Heading for Syria
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced that the Adrian Darya 1 oil tanker is heading to the port of Tartus in Syria. Announcing the news in a tweet, Pompeo said trusting Zarif was a mistake. Iran assured Britain that it was not going to Syria. The announcement has once again heightened the sensitivity of the removal of the Adrian Darya 1 tanker.
Israel News: Trump and Pence Defend Israel From All Imminent Threats
Two Israeli drones fell on Beirut the same night in which Israel attacked Iranian and Syrian weapon depots near Demascus. One of the drones exploded near a Hezbollah weapons factory. Hezbollah said they were both armed with explosives. Hassan Nasrallah has pledged to take revenge for this attack in the near future but has also said that he is not looking for an all-out war. Israel is taking him seriously and has moved soldiers into strategic locations in the North.
Erdogan: “We Will Never Tolerate a Delay” Over Syrian Safe Zone
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey’s agreement with the United States to establish a “safe zone” in northeast Syria was “a correct step,” and Ankara would not allow Washington to delay the plan, CNN reported on Thursday.
Two Drones Fall in Beirut – Tensions Rise Between Lebanon and Israel
An Israeli drone fell in the Hezbollah dominated suburbs of Beirut and a second exploded near the ground. The Israeli military has yet to take blame for the attacks. The incident took place shortly after Israel had attacked Iranian forces and Shiites militia near Damascus in a large campaign which Israel claimed was preventive. Israel claimed that Iran and Syria had planned to attack at that moment from this location near Damascus in retaliation for the Israeli attack on Iranian weapon depots in Iraq. Israel says Iran was planning to make this attack with drones which were stored in these locations in Syria.
Israel: We Hit the Headquarters of Iranian Quds in Damascus
The Israeli military says its fighters have thwarted attacks by Iranian forces and Shiite militias on the outskirts of Damascus. Although Israeli military troops are not currently in Syria, the government and its military rarely take responsibility for such attacks.
Turkey: We Are Not Removing Our Monitoring Bases in Syria
Russia-Syria joint operation in Idlib has fueled tensions between Moscow and Ankara. The Turkish president, in a phone call with Vladimir Putin, criticized the “ceasefire violation in Idlib.” He called the operation a “national security” threat to Turkey.
Gibraltar Finally Releases Iranian Oil Tanker Held Since July
The Iranian oil supertanker Grace 1, recently renamed ‘Adrian Darya 1,’ finally departed from Gibraltar on Sunday night. The tanker is heading to a destination that is yet to be revealed, the information has been confirmed by shipping data and the local media. This is comes several hours after the British territory rejected a request from the United States to stop the ship from leaving.
Israel News: Mysterious Bombing of Iranian Weapons Storage Depot in Iraq
The Golani Brigade, the pride of Israeli Defense Forces, foiled an attack at the Gaza border fence early this week. Four Palestinians armed with RPGs, assault rifles, and grenades attempted to breach the wall and infiltrate Israel. They were shot dead and only one of the men was able to climb the fence and throw a grenade at the soldiers. Two Israeli soldiers were slightly injured from shrapnel. The body of the terrorist Abu Salah was taken by Israel. Abu Salah is a member of Hamas border patrol.
United States Appeal to Continue Arrest of Iranian Oil Pipeline in Gibraltar
Today, the Supreme Court of Gibraltar is reviewing the Grace-1 oil tanker case. While the government of Gibraltar is expected to release the Iranian oil carrier from custody, the US government has filed a petition to the Supreme Court of Gibraltar to continue the seizure and confiscation.
Syrian Civil War: Bombings and Bloodshed Continues
The Syrian people are being bombed by planes and the UN remains silent. Opposition controlled towns across the southern countryside of Idlib and northern Hama are under fire. People there say they are being bombed into submission but that surrendering is not an option since they have nowhere else to go.
Turkey’s Crackdown on Illegal Migration – The Plight of Syrians
Twenty-four-year-old Bazzill Mohammed arrived in Turkey illegally eight years ago. He managed to get a Turkish ID but when he brought his wife to the hospital to deliver a baby a few years ago he was told the documents were fake. “I don’t have the ID, I’m scared when I’m going to work and going home. My wife and son don’t have Turkish IDs either. When I go to immigration they tell me to go and register in a different city but there aren’t many jobs there,” said Bazzil.
Britain Offers to Release Iranian Oil Tanker – Deescalating Tensions
British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said an Iranian oil tanker being held by the British Royal Navy in the Straits of Gibraltar could be released if the United Kingdom will be guaranteed by Iran that the oil tanker would not go to Syria to deliver its cargo. The minister added that he had a “constructive” telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who informed him of Tehran’s desire to resolve the issue, and not to escalate the situation.
Unrest Around the World – A Country by Country Look
Today following the world news can be seen in a world at unrest. In these countries especially is apparent World Unrest:
Khazakhstan – The world’s largest land locked country and the ninth largest in the world with an area of 2,724,900 square kilometers. It is a democratic secular republic with a diverse heritage. After the elections resulting in the overwhelming victory of interim president Toqaev began wave of protests against the lack of fairness in the elections.
International Roundup: Military-Style, Militias, Ministers
- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces declared victory over the so-called Islamic State on Saturday, and the complete liberation of its territory. The battle for Baghouz, all that remained of Daesh’s once vast territory throughout Iraq and Syria, dragged on for more than ten weeks.
Freedom; The Fourth Crusade
Freedom and democracy today has become a fourth religion in the world. People worship the ideals of freedom and democracy.
International Roundup: Caracas, Catalonia, Kurds, Kings
- SYRIA: The US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces announced Sunday they were engaged in fierce fighting as part of a “final push” against Daesh in Syria. The offensive comes as President Trump announced plans to declare, as early as next week, that all Daesh territory has been recovered.
The Narrow Bridge to World Unity and Peace; Yemen, Venezuela, Syria
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov a Chassidic master who lived from 1772-1810 in the Ukraine taught, The world is a narrow bridge to cross over, most important is not to fear to complete the journey. There is no such thing as hopelessness. The World is in turmoil. With faith in God mankind can cross the river to World Unity and Peace walking on water.
International Roundup: Bombs, Brexit, Beijing, Border Wall
- SYRIA: Israeli fighter planes struck Syrian and Iranian targets late Sunday night and early Monday morning, according to an IDF spokesman. The attack was in retaliation to a missile launched by Iranian forces, which was intercepted by the Iron Dome.
- UNITED KINGDOM: Prime Minister Theresa May will consider amending the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland, as part of her “Plan B” Brexit deal. The plan must be presented to Parliament on Monday.
- GUATEMALA: About 500 Hondurans reached Tecún Umán, on the border of Guatemala and Mexico, as part of a new caravan hoping to reach the U.S. President Trump, meanwhile, continued to demand funding for a wall to keep them out.
- CHINA: Coming as no tremendous surprise to analysts, China announced its economy grew at 6.6% in 2018, the lowest official pace in 28 years. The announcement comes amid Beijing’s ongoing trade dispute with the United States, its largest trading partner.
- CONGO: In a surprise move Thursday, the Southern African Development Community abandoned calls for a recount in the disputed Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidential election. Their decision to back opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi’s victory indicates a delicate balancing act for the 16-member bloc.
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