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Syria News - Nov 24, 2015

By bartolo - Posted on 24 November 2015

A new ABC/Washington Post poll shows that Hillary Clinton is the most trusted 2016 candidate on terrorism. Quoting the Washington Post: "Clinton’s position of strength in the new Post-ABC poll is perhaps more striking given it also found... 57 percent disapproved of his [Obama] handling of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.”

I think is urgent to respond to the recent Clinton national security and Islamic State speech and clarify to the public the dangerous implications of her foreign policy which will furtherly destabilize the Middle East and fuel more war.

On top I would put her anti-Russia and anti-Iran stance: by condemning continuously their actions and by refusing to recognize their legitimate interests and concerns, she makes the prospect of a political and diplomatic solution of the crisis difficult if not impossible to pursue.

Second, I would mention her plan to train and arm the so called “moderate” Syrian rebels who are fighting Assad. This policy has been a total failure with the result that US weapons ended up in the hand of Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front and Islamic state; also many CIA-trainees were fought and defeated or recruited by those terrorist groups. Right now remaining “moderate” Syrian rebels are allied with Nusra Front and other hardline Islamist groups in a coalition known as Army of Conquest.

Third, Clinton no-fly zone in northern Syria may cause a direct military confrontation with Russia, Iran and the Syrian army. The Pentagon assessed the no-fly zone as risky, costly and difficult to implement. Also the local populations, like the Syrian Kurds, oppose it.

Forth, Clinton says: "There is not going to be a successful military effort at this point to overturn Assad. That can only happen through the political process.” By setting the goal of overturning Assad, even if by a political process, she imperils the future peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition. Russia and Iran have repeatedly said that they will not accept Assad ouster as a precondition for the negotiations ending the war.

Fifth, Clinton plans a deployment in Syria of more U.S Special Operations troops "who can contribute to the fight on the ground” and military personnel advising the Iraqis "including embedding in local units.” This will put at risk more lives of American soldiers. The U.S. military shows sign of fatigue after so many wars; soldiers suffer from exhaustion, sleep disorders and mental health problems. No surprise that few Americans in the military have a good impression of Hillary Clinton: in a poll she is seen unfavorably by 81% by active and retired military personnel, including 69% who share a very unfavorable impression of her.

Below is my today’s news research on Syria.

Putin, Khamenei pledge to oppose 'external attempts' to overthrow Assad regime - UPI

VIDEO: Russia’s complex anti-ISIS campaign in Syria would be impossible without Iran: Putin - RT News

Jordan's King Abdullah to discuss war on Syria militants with Putin - Reuters

Сhina considers Russia’s actions important part of international fight against terrorism - TASS

UN Chief Says Russia and U.S. Must Unite to Destroy Islamic State - Breitbart

Former defense chief Hagel: Russia, Iran must join fight against ISIS - Washington Examiner

Russian TV: Russian airstrikes destroy 472 terrorist targets in Syria in 48 hours, 1,000 oil tankers in 5 days (VIDEO) - RT News

Pentagon skeptical of claims Russia hit 1,000 ISIS tankers - Fox News

Backed by Russian airstrikes Syria troops advance in Homs province and Latakia - Daily Mail Online

Syrian army making advances since Russian airstrikes began: Assad - RT News

TRANSCRIPT: Assad interview to Chinese PHOENIX TV Channel - Syrian Arab News Agency