Two million Israelis have already received first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, over 20% of the Israel population. An additional 110,000 have already received the second dose. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that vaccination campaign success will allow Israel to ease restrictions while Europe plans lockdowns well into March and April.
Tag: Syria
Lebanon — Syrian Refugee Camp Set on Fire
Official media reported that a camp for Syrian refugees in northern Lebanon was set on fire on Saturday night, after a quarrel between members of the camp and a local Lebanese family. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees confirmed that a large fire broke out in a camp in the Minya region in the north of the country.
Israel Roundup — Corona Christmas, Lockdowns, Elections
Christians are struggling to celebrate Christmas in Israel, like the rest of the world, because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. The Corona Pandemic has dampened Christmas Joy in Bethlehem and elsewhere. The officials in Bethlehem tried to make the most out of the situation. They remarked, Christmas is a holiday that renews hope in the souls.
Is Germany Hurting its Bid for a Permanent UNSC Seat?
Russia and China believe that Germany will not be able to upgrade to permanent member status on the United Nations Security Council. Furthermore, a Russian diplomat stated that Russia will not miss Germany when its term expires a the end of this month. The comments came on the heels of a scandal that broke out during the UN Security Council meeting.
Russian Looks to Middle East in 2021
Russia has multiple formats pertaining to its own foreign policy. Russia has large ambitions in the Middle East. These interests will be even more clear in 2021. Currently, the Kremlin has three prioritized directions. However, Russia seems to not be as interested in the former Soviet Bloc Asian nations.
Pompeo: Russia Sowing “Chaos” in Mediterranean
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Russia of sowing “chaos, conflict, and division” in countries around the Mediterranean region. Sec. Pompeo said Moscow used a variety of methods to spread disinformation and undermine national sovereignty in countries including Libya and Syria.
Coronavirus — UNICEF Opposes Closing Schools
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announces that the number of children who have been unable to go to classes has risen again, and warns that school closures are the wrong response to the Coronavirus pandemic. UNICEF said that nearly one in five students worldwide were unable to go to school at the beginning of this month.
Israel — Trouble at Home, No Problems with the Neighbors?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to Saudi to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the beginning of the week. The Prime Minister did not inform his partner in the government, Benny Gantz, that he was making this trip abroad.
What is Stopping Erdogan from Meddling in Venezuela?
This week, the Venezuelan leader of the opposition, Juan Guaido, gave an interview regarding the continuation of the US’ bipartisan support of the Venezuelan opposition by the newly-elected US President, Joe Biden, and his administration. However, Venezuela can suffer the same fate as Syria, except the trajectory will differ.
Israel Raids Syrian, Iranian Targets
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.
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.
The US and Iran in Geopolitics
Last week, US President Donald Trump asked his advisers about the possibilities of striking Iranian nuclear facilities. The Wall Street Journal published the information regarding Iran expanding its supply of low-enriched uranium. Trump has been hostile towards Iran since he took office.
Biden and the Future of the US Geopolitical Influence
On November 3rd, American citizens voted to elect the new President of the United States. The winner is Democrat Joe Biden, who has a long history in politics. Many major changes are coming to the US’ national and foreign policies in the new year. Furthermore, for the European Union, it will be a welcome change.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
Causes of Coronavirus Pandemic
The world faces the corona virus epidemic and with the help of God soon will be found medicine and a vaccine which will make Corona virus like other plagues and epidemics past history. The more recent epidemics, to mention The Spanish Flu in 1918, killed millions, the Hong Kong Flu in 1968 killed 1,000,000, HIV Aids which began in the Congo has killed millions.
Coronavirus Forces Turkish, European Leaders to Conference from Home
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s four-day summit with European leaders was scheduled to take place in Istanbul, but was cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Instead, the meeting was held by video conferencing. Heads of state and government discussed ways to send humanitarian aid to Idlib, in northern Syria, and the issue of Syrian refugees.
Demonstrators Flocked to Russian-Turkish Patrols Road in Idlib
Hundreds of protesters flocked to the Aleppo-Lattakia road in Idlib Governorate to protest against the Russian-Turkish patrols on the way. Hundreds of civilians flocked to the international road near Arihah and set tires to prevent the passage of Russian-Turkish joint patrols along the M4. Dozens had been in tents erected three days ago on the road, and there were calls for a demonstration in the area.
EXCLUSIVE: It’s Highly Likely Russia is Using Nika Device Capable of Jamming GPS Signal and Damaging Defense Equipment
On February 7, 2020 the National Interest published an article, sourcing US Military reports, pertaining to Russian electronic warfare equipment deployed in Syria that caused serious damage to two of the most expensive US fighter jets – the F-35 and F-22. The systems of the latter came under powerful electronic influence and, most likely, became completely unusable, since they could not accurately determine the location in the airspace over Syria.
Erdogan Calls for European Support in Syria, EU Refuses to “Succumb to Blackmail”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that resolving the migration crisis requires European support in Syria, as new clashes between refugees and police on the border with Greece began. “If European countries want to resolve the issue, they must support Turkey’s efforts for political and humanitarian solutions in Syria,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara on Wednesday.
Turkey Accuses Greece of Firing on Migrants; One Dead, Several Injured
Tensions between Turkey and Greece remain high after Ankara decided last week to open its borders with Europe. In order to find a solution as soon as possible, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell continues his tour of the Turkish capital.
Who Will Be First to Start Covert Action in Turkey to Remove Erdogan, USA or Russia?
A voluminous 300-page report released last month by the RAND Corporation released titled “Turkey’s Nationalist Path-Implications For The US-Turkish Cooperation Strategy And The US Army” indicates that the Turkish government’s decision to dismiss hundreds of army officers after the failed 2016 coup in Ankara caused widespread discontent in the country’s armed forces.
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