Iraq

[angelburst29]

Who might be behind shooting at both police and protestors?

Iraq says no Iraqi government forces fired directly at protesters during unrest
No Iraqi government forces fired directly at protesters during protests, the spokesman for Iraq's Interior Ministry Major General Saad Maan said on Sunday in a news conference broadcast on state television

Iran cleric says U.S., Israel behind Iraq unrest to disrupt Shi'ite pilgrimage there
A senior Iranian cleric on Friday accused the United States and Israel of stoking unrest in Iraq to disrupt a major annual Shi'ite Muslim pilgrimage planned to be held there later this month, the semi-official news agency Tasnim reported.

Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric urges protesters, security forces not to use violence
Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric on Friday urged security forces and protesters not to use violence, and criticized Iraqi leaders for failing to eradicate corruption, blaming lawmakers in particular.

104 people killed in Iraq unrest, 6,000 wounded: Interior Ministry

At least 104 people have been killed and more than 6,000 wounded in less than a week of unrest in Iraq, Interior Ministry spokesman Major General Saad Maan said on Sunday on state TV.

Explainer: Deadly civil unrest - what is happening in Iraq?

Dozens of Iraqis have died in recent days in clashes between protesters and the security forces during street demonstrations that caught the authorities by surprise.

Deadly clashes break out again in Iraq, 11 killed in capital

Clashes between police and protesters killed 11 people in Baghdad on Saturday in a new flare-up of anti-government unrest, as security forces deployed in their hundreds to keep demonstrations away from central squares in the Iraqi capital.

Powerful cleric urges Iraq government to quit as protests rage

One of Iraq's most influential clerics called on Friday for the government to resign as the death toll rose to 65 in three days of violent national protests against official corruption.

Iraqi populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr calls for government resignation, snap election with international monitors: statement
Iraqi populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr calls on Friday for the government to resign and a snap election to be held monitored by international experts, a statement from his office said.

 

[angelburst29]

A question that keeps filtering through my mind, "Is the Pentagon's slow withdrawal of Troops from War Zone's, including Iraq and Syria and side-stepping Trump's orders "to bring them home" - based on a fear - the Pentagon would lose dominate control over them and the power swing would be in Trump's hands? What would be the effects, other then lowering our footprint overseas, if Trump brought home half the Troops, roughly 100,000, back to bases in the United States? Thinking in line of a failed Coup against Trump and now, the words "impeachment" heavily promoted by the hawks and neo-con's in Washington, if there was a substantial increase of Troops back home, would it in effect - give Trump "added protection" against another aggressive Coup attempt by the Pentagon, et all?

Another way of envisioning it ... a small amount of Regimes occupy Military bases in the U.S., mainly for entry level training camps and their supervisors, staffed mainly with clerical workers and Administrations offices. The bulk of "seasoned Military Officers and recruits" are stationed "outside of the U.S."? I suspect, that's by design - to keep Trump unprotected by his OWN Military and isolate him?

Iraq says U.S. forces withdrawing from Syria have no approval to stay

U.S. forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a pull-out from Syria do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday.

U.S aim is for troops pulling out of Syria to leave Iraq eventually: Pentagon chief

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Tuesday that Washington aimed to bring U.S. troops withdrawing from Syria back to the United States, and not for them to stay in Iraq indefinitely.

 

[goyacobol]

if Trump brought home half the Troops, roughly 100,000, back to bases in the United States? Thinking in line of a failed Coup against Trump and now, the words "impeachment" heavily promoted by the hawks and neo-con's in Washington, if there was a substantial increase of Troops back home, would it in effect - give Trump "added protection" against another aggressive Coup attempt by the Pentagon, et all?

Another way of envisioning it ... a small amount of Regimes occupy Military bases in the U.S., mainly for entry level training camps and their supervisors, staffed mainly with clerical workers and Administrations offices. The bulk of "seasoned Military Officers and recruits" are stationed "outside of the U.S."? I suspect, that's by design - to keep Trump unprotected by his OWN Military and isolate him?

I think that is a very likely possibility that many/most (at least lower ranking) troops could very possibly align with Trump if he needed them. The PTB have been preparing for martial law I believe but they need a president who will do their bidding. Since Trump is not going with their agenda for the most part I would think they would want to keep the military power base out of the U.S.

Also there have been reports at different times of seeing UN troops stationed here in the U.S.. This kind of foreign military is much easier to control in a martial law situation. Firing at ones own countrymen is not as easy as firing at civilians of another country.

About 4 years ago there were some reports on these UN troops but not so much lately. UN finances are supposedly in trouble so hopefully that could weaken their resolve.

 

[SOTTREADER]

On the ground perspective from Northern Iraq - Iraqi Kurdistan. A travellers perspective

Main takeaways from the video

- Seems more affluent than you'd originally imagine
- In general people seem normal, again driving home the notion that mass conflicts are driven by a minority for their benefit at the cost of the welfare of the majority.

 

[angelburst29]

Political turmoil in Iraqi with the Prime Minister stepping down and now the Iraqi President, also stepping back due to a Political deadlock in appointing an Iranian-backed nominee. Young protesters are fueling the situation since October 1st, having seized an oil field and shut down production. A U.S. civilian contractor on an Iraqi airbase has died in a rocket attack.

Iraqi president threatens to quit in defiance of Iran's allies in parliament

Iraqi President Barham Salih refused on Thursday to designate the nominee of an Iran-backed parliamentary bloc for prime minister, saying he would rather resign than appoint someone to the position who would be rejected by protesters.

The Bina bloc, led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, had nominated Basra Governor Asaad al-Edani to be the next prime minister following weeks of political deadlock.

But Salih said in a statement that appointing Edani would not placate protesters demanding an independent prime minister with no party affiliation or help calm the unrest that has rocked the country.

He said that because the constitution does not give him the right to reject nominees for the premiership, he was ready to quit.

“Out of my desire to stop blood and maintain peace, and with due respect to Asaad al-Edani, I refuse to nominate him,” Salih said. “Therefore I put my willingness to resign the post of president to members of parliament so that they decide as representatives of the people what they see fit.”

Salih’s resignation may only complicate the deadlock, as lawmakers must first choose a replacement for him, and that person must then nominate a premier. According to the constitution, the speaker of parliament will first resume the presidency on an interim basis.

Mass protests have gripped Iraq since Oct. 1 and the mostly young protesters are demanding an overhaul of a system they see as profoundly corrupt and as keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned last month as the protests continued but has remained in office in a caretaker capacity.


U.S. civilian contractor killed in Iraq base rocket attack: officials
Dec. 27, 2019 - A U.S. civilian contractor was killed in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base near the oil-rich city of Kirkuk
on Friday, U.S. officials said.

Iraqi protesters shut down southern Nassiriya oilfield
Protesters broke into Iraq's southern Nassiriya oilfield on Saturday and forced employees to cut off electricity from its control station,
taking the field offline until further notice, a security source and two oil sources said.

 

[angelburst29]

These "three Official Clowns" are the primary instigators for the recent unrest, bombings, death and destruction in Iraq, as well as in Syria, under the claim it's "against an Iran-backed militia group"?

One air strike killed several Iraqi militia at their headquarters in western Qaim district on the border with Syria.

The Iraqi Prime Minister, Russia, Iran, and Lebanon have condemned the U.S. air strikes, while Iraqi's Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has stated that he is willing to work with Iran's militia - to get U.S. Troops out of Iraq.

Trump aides call U.S. strikes on Iraq and Syria 'successful,' warn of potential further action

U.S. officials said on Sunday that air strikes in Iraq and Syria against an Iran-backed militia group were successful but warned that "additional actions" may still be taken in the region to defend U.S. interests.

Iraqi militiamen killed in air strike on headquarters: sources
Several Iraqi militia fighters were killed on Sunday in an air strike on their headquarters near the western Qaim district on the border with Syria, military sources and militia commanders told Reuters.

Trump briefed by top aides on 'successful' U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, Syria
('Excuse Please'? ... you mean - "after" the fact? Was Trump "briefed" before hand? NO ... of course NOT ... naughty-naughty-boy's!)
U.S. President Donald Trump was briefed by his top national security advisers (Clowns) on Sunday on U.S. airstrikes against what U.S. officials said was an Iran-sponsored group in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

Iraq condemns U.S. air strikes as unacceptable and dangerous

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned U.S. air strikes on Iranian-backed Iraqi militia bases, a move that could plunge Iraq further into the heart of a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran.

U.S. air strikes will have "dangerous consequences", Iraqi PM says

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned air strikes by the United States on several bases belonging to an Iranian-backed militia group in Iraq and said the attack would have consequences.

Factbox: Iran-backed paramilitary forces in Iraq under focus after U.S. strikes

U.S. air strikes in Iraq and Syria against the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia group have brought a threat of reprisal.

Russia says U.S. strikes on Iraq and Syria are unacceptable
Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that U.S. air strikes on Iraq and Syria were unacceptable and counterproductive, and urged all sides to avoid fuelling tensions in the region.

Iran condemns U.S. attacks on Iranian-allied militia in Iraq
Iran on Monday condemned U.S. air strikes in Iraq and Syria against the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia.

Lebanon's Hezbollah condemns U.S. air strikes in Iraq: statement
Lebanon's powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah condemned on Monday U.S. air strikes in Iraq and Syria targeting the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia, calling them a blatant attack on Iraqi sovereignty, security, and stability.

Bahrain expresses support for U.S. strikes on Kataib Hizbollah facilities in Iraq, Syria: statement
Bahrain expressed support for strikes conducted by the United States targeting Kataib Hezbollah facilities in Iraq and Syria, Bahrain's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

Iraq's Sadr says he is willing to work with Iran-backed rivals to oust U.S. troops

Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said on Monday he was willing to work with Iran-backed militia groups - his political rivals - to end the United States military presence in Iraq through political and legal means.

Iraq to reconsider working with U.S.-led coalition after air strikes: statement
Iraq said on Monday that United States military air strikes targeting Iraqi paramilitary groups will force it to reconsider its relationship and work with the U.S.-led international anti-Islamic State coalition stationed there.

 

[Nienna]

These "three Official Clowns" are the primary instigators for the recent unrest, bombings, death and destruction in Iraq, as well as in Syria, under the claim it's "against an Iran-backed militia group"?

Yeah, the US has to keep the death and destruction - as well as arms sales - going. What a bunch of disgusting cretins!

 

[angelburst29]

Yeah, the US has to keep the death and destruction - as well as arms sales - going. What a bunch of disgusting cretins!

What other excuse is there for NATO's existence? It's operational costs take up more then half of the yearly Military budget!

ALL for Is-ra-el! Wouldn't it be wiser and more energy efficient - to initiate some real "Climate Change" and neutralize the para-SITE that's the main instigator ... to greener pastures? How about a real nice deep abyss - like the one - we are all trying to crawl out of because of these "continued and never ending DAM WARS!" Seven Generations couldn't pay off our current and standing U.S. deficit.

 

[angelburst29]

Something feels really off ... with this "protester" situation developing at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad?

For one, it's less then an hour (here in the U.S.) before the New Year rings in and within the last 15 minutes, Reuters News Agency "spammed" their own news website with 14 articles on this U.S. Embassy situation? There is conflicting reports, stating, "The U.S. Ambassador and other Staff have been evacuated from the Embassy in the Iraqi Capital, Baghdad" - while the U.S. denies the claim?
And, of course, Iran is being blamed for involvement - giving the Pentagon an excuse to send in 750 more American Troops?

Protesters burn security post at U.S. Embassy in Iraq; Pentagon sending additional troops to region

Protesters angry about U.S. air strikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East.

Two militiamen wounded by stun grenades outside U.S. embassy in Baghdad: witness
Two Iraqi militiamen were wounded on Tuesday outside the U.S. embassy in Baghdad after stun grenades were thrown, apparently from inside the embassy compound, to force protesters to disperse, a Reuters witness said.

Iraqi security forces fire teargas to disperse protesters outside U.S. embassy
Iraqi security forces fired teargas on Tuesday outside the U.S. embassy to disperse protesters who had gathered to condemn American air strikes in Iraq.

U.S. Baghdad ambassador evacuated from embassy amid protests: Iraqi officials
The U.S. ambassador and other staff have been evacuated from the embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad as protests rage outside, two Iraqi Foreign Ministry officials told Reuters on Tuesday.

U.S. has no plan to evacuate embassy in Baghdad, more forces being sent to compound
The United States has no plans to evacuate its embassy in Baghdad and additional forces are being sent following violent demonstrations outside the compound by protesters and militia fighters enraged by American air strikes, U.S officials said on Tuesday.

U.S. deploying 750 soldiers after protest at U.S. Embassy in Iraq: Pentagon chief

The United States is immediately deploying about 750 soldiers to the Middle East in response to the violent protests at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Tuesday.

Iran denies role in U.S. embassy violence, warns against retaliation
Iran denied it was behind violent protests at the U.S. embassy in Iraq on Tuesday and warned against any retaliation, after President Donald Trump blamed Tehran for an attack on the mission and said it would be held responsible.

Trump says he does not want, nor foresee, war with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran, after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Iraqi president Salih condemns attempt to breach U.S. embassy

Iraqi President Barham Salih rejected on Tuesday attempts to breach the United States embassy in Baghdad, saying they were a violation of binding international agreements to protect foreign missions that the Iraqi government is signatory to.

Iraqi leaders assure Americans' safety in call with Pompeo: State Dept
Iraqi leaders guaranteed the safety of American personnel and property on Tuesday in a telephone call with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the State Department said after protesters attacked the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

Iraq's prime minister warns against aggression toward foreign embassies

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi warned on Tuesday against any aggression towards foreign embassies and representations in Baghdad, asking protesters outside the U.S. embassy to leave.

 

[Debra]

@angelburst29 , you wrote " Something feels really off ... with this "protester" situation developing at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad?"
I agree, and from the article below, this quote by Esper is probably what it's all about,:

"The United States will protect our people and interests anywhere they are found around the world," Esper added.

As many as 4,000 U.S. troops are reportedly on standby for possible deployment to Kuwait after demonstrators, including members of an Iranian-backed militia, breached the walls of the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad.

US readies 4,000 troops for deployment to Middle East amid Baghdad unrest: report

As many as 4,000 U.S. troops are reportedly on standby for possible deployment to Kuwait after demonstrators, including members of an Iranian-backed militia, breached the walls of the U.S…

thehill.com

 

[aragorn]

This Iraq incident has in my opinion the hallmarks of a classic 'black op' to cause different parties to hate each other, with the aim of starting violence, battle and even full scale war. I'm currently reading the book 'Hidden History: The Secret Origins of the First World War' and I'm struck by the many similarities of tactics used back then by the 'Secret Elite' and what we've seen in the recent years...well, actually also the whole last century.

It's still unclear to me who started this incident, but claiming as Tulsi Gabbard that "it's all Trump's fault" is too simple and naive. I'm sure there are multiple forces at work here, and the zionists and the 'deep state' are surely one of them. My guess is that someone wants to force Trump's hand to do a stupid move by starting a large scale war. And as I've learned from the book mentioned above, these psychopaths want and need war, that's their greatest desire! Keeping my fingers crossed that they fail...

 

[angelburst29]

This Iraq incident has in my opinion the hallmarks of a classic 'black op' to cause different parties to hate each other, with the aim of starting violence, battle and even full scale war. I'm currently reading the book 'Hidden History: The Secret Origins of the First World War' and I'm struck by the many similarities of tactics used back then by the 'Secret Elite' and what we've seen in the recent years...well, actually also the whole last century.

It's still unclear to me who started this incident, ...

... "three Official Clowns" are the primary instigators for the recent unrest, bombings, death and destruction in Iraq, as well as in Syria, under the claim it's "against an Iran-backed militia group"?
Trump aides call U.S. strikes on Iraq and Syria 'successful,' warn of potential further action

I have little doubt that Pompeo, U.S. Army General Mark Milley and U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper are directly behind this U.S. Embassy fiasco? I think your right, Aragorn - it does look like a classic "black op" the more I look at the situation surrounding the protests.

For one, the U.S. controls that Embassy in Bagdad, plus - the U.S. has 12 Military bases in Iraq - *two of which are near the Embassy.

US Military Bases in Iraq | 12 Bases | Military Bases

*Forward Operating Base Abu Ghraib is one of the first military bases established by the United States of America in Iraq. The base is located in Abu Ghraib, in the Anbar province. It is only 32 km away from the Baghdad downtown and just 15 km from the international airport of the Iraqi capital.

*Camp Victory is the most important component of the Victory Complex in Iraq. The complex is a military base run by the United States forces after the invasion of Iraq. This area represented one of the essential spots on the Iraqi map. The complex consists of 10 different bases. They are placed around the international airport.

This is the U.S. Embassy Baghdad Tweeter account ... https://twitter.com/USEmbBaghdad?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

Demonstrations have been on-going prior to 2019 but in this 10-24-2019 statement below, notice - "with the exception of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region." The U.S. protects "the Kurds" who they help with security in the oil/gas fields. Through out the account, Iraq is lumped in with Syria, in which the Kurds also occupy the areas of oil/gas wells.

Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq, October 24, 2019
Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq, October 24, 2019 | U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Iraq
Location: Baghdad and other major cities, with the exception of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
Event: According to reports, large-scale demonstrations are expected to take place on Friday, October 25, 2019, beginning after Friday prayers. U.S. citizens may see a heavy police presence. As with prior demonstrations, road closures throughout major cities, including the Baghdad International Zone, are likely.

U.S. Marines‏Verified account @USMC 31 Dec 2019
Send the Marines @SPMAGTF_CR_CC deploys from Kuwait to Iraq to bolster security at the US Embassy and ensure the safety of American citizens there, Dec. 31. @StateDept

Department of State‏Verified account @StateDept 1d1 day ago
.@SecPompeo on @FoxNews: There are no plans to remove embassy staff or U.S. troops from Baghdad. https://go.usa.gov/xpMnT

Morgan Ortagus‏Verified account @statedeptspox 31 Dec 2019
.@SecPompeo spoke with Prime Minister Mahdi and Presient Salih and reinforced their responsibility to protect our diplomatic facilities. We will respond if our people are harmed, and we continue to support an independent Iraq.

Department of State‏Verified account @StateDept 30 Dec 2019
.@SecPompeo on yesterday's airstrikes: This was a defensive action designed to protect American forces and American citizens in Iraq... This was an Iranian-backed rogue militia acting to deny the Iraqi people their basic sovereignty… They took a strike at an American facility.

OIR Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III‏Verified account @OIRSpox 29 Dec 2019
“In response to repeated Kata'ib Hizbollah attacks on Iraqi bases that host @CJTFOIR forces, U.S. forces conducted precision defensive strikes against 5 KH facilities in Iraq & Syria [to] degrade KH's ability to conduct future attacks against @coalition forces.” ~@ChiefPentSpox

Secretary of State Pompeo postpones Ukraine trip to focus on Iraq

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday postponed a trip to Ukraine so he could focus on the situation in Iraq after demonstrators attacked the U.S. embassy.

U.S. embassy suspends consular operations
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said on Wednesday that all public consular operations were suspended, a day after Iran-backed militias and their supporters stormed its outer perimeter, setting fires, throwing rocks and smashing surveillance cameras.

All protesters withdraw from U.S. embassy perimeter: Iraqi military
All members of paramilitary groups and their supporters who have been protesting against U.S. air strikes in Iraq have withdrawn from the perimeter of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday, the Iraqi military said.

Rock-throwing Iraqi militias quit U.S. Embassy after protests
Supporters of Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary groups who stormed the U.S. Embassy's perimeter and hurled rocks in two days of protests withdrew on Wednesday after Washington dispatched extra troops and threatened reprisals against Tehran.

So, with all the U.S. bases and x-amount of Military, why do they need to send in another 750 Troops? Pompeo is the one who first proposed - it was Iran-backed Iraqi supporters who attacked the Bagdad Embassy, while standing along side Esper and Milley And it's Pompeo who is controlling the narrative in the press? Those three Clowns are up to no good - so ... what's going on?

Is it possible - they are building up forces to storm Syria?

 

[sToRmR1dR]

I have little doubt that Pompeo, U.S. Army General Mark Milley and U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper are directly behind this U.S. Embassy fiasco? I think your right, Aragorn - it does look like a classic "black op" the more I look at the situation surrounding the protests.

For one, the U.S. controls that Embassy in Bagdad, plus - the U.S. has 12 Military bases in Iraq - *two of which are near the Embassy.

[..]

So, with all the U.S. bases and x-amount of Military, why do they need to send in another 750 Troops? Pompeo is the one who first proposed - it was Iran-backed Iraqi supporters who attacked the Bagdad Embassy, while standing along side Esper and Milley And it's Pompeo who is controlling the narrative in the press? Those three Clowns are up to no good - so ... what's going on?

Is it possible - they are building up forces to storm Syria?

Not just Syria, but Iran too.

Kataeb Hezbollah Blasts US for Turning Iraq into Ground for Avenging Iran
Dec 31, 2019

"When the US wants to target a group in Iraq, it attributes them to Iran. The Americans label the Iraqi sons who have confronted the ISIL as affiliated to Iran," Spokesman of Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah Mohammed Mohei told the Arabic-language service of RT on Tuesday.

He added that the strategic agreements signed between Baghdad and Washington do not allow the US to establish permanent bases in Iraq, use Iraq's land as a platform against other countries or attack any Iraqi groups.

 

[angelburst29]

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday that there were indications Iran or the forces it backs may be planning additional attacks and said it was possible the United States might have to take preemptive action to protect American lives.


U.S. sees signs Iran or its allies may be planning attacks: Pentagon chief

Iran not heading to war but not afraid of conflict: military commander
A top Iranian commander said on Thursday that Iran was not moving toward a war but was not afraid of any conflict, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported after U.S. President Donald Trump said Tehran was behind anti-U.S. protests in Iraq.

 

[angelburst29]

I would like to explore some of the events surrounding this assassination of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani. My personal opinion, Netanyahu is behind the planning, timing and execution of this Military operation? After ten years of wielding absolute power
as Israeli's Prime Minister, his brutal and bloody rein of terror is slowly coming to an end. After two Israeli elections produced no clear winner, a third is drawing near - with even less prospects for Netanyahu coming out the winner. He's facing three graft charges which carry serious "jail time" but Court proceedings have been scheduled and rescheduled several times - now he's trying (illegally) to get "immunity" from prosecution.

Many major events have occurred prior or immediately after a prominent Jewish Holiday/Celebration called Purim. It's used as "a marker", of sorts. Just like "911" - many important events in history have happened on that date. It's a marker. January 1st, 2020 marks New Year's Day in many cultures but it's also the date celebrated by many African American's called Kwanzaa - an annual celebration in African-American culture held from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast of faith, called Karamu Ya Imani.

Why Kwanzaa might be significant "as a marker" may only seem like a coincidence but on January 1st, Netanyahu was in Greece for scheduled talks involving Turkey's troop deployment to Libya - a north African Country. I surmise, Netanyahu's visit provided "cover" - like a decoy - to distance himself from any involvement in the scheme? It's easier to point the finger "at Trump" who's undergoing character assassination (again), this time - false allegations leading to Impeachment. Netanyahu has Trump "cornered and wrapped around his little finger!" The three guard dogs are Pompeo, Esper and Milley. Trump has faced the possibility of an assassination attempt, ever since he was sworn in as U.S. President. Under present circumstances, I would imagine, if Trump "didn't tow-the-line" in playing "his part" in denouncing Iran, "THEY" would go after Trump, next? This escalation in events, puts other prominent Political figures in a dangerous security position, not only Iran's Supreme Leader but Russian President Putin, Sergey Lavrov and China's Xi! Iraq's President Sahih might also be in imminent danger - due to condemning the U.S. strike and calls from other Government figures in wanting the U.S. "once and for all - out of Iraq"!

This event began with protesters throwing stones and starting a fire on the outer perimeter of the U.S. Embassy on New Year's Day. The following Day (Thursday), Iran's Soleimani was assassinated, along with some of Iraq's elite Military. That same Thursday morning,
there were two other Military events. A Military Black Hawk helicopter crash in Taiwan killing a top Military Commander and a Military transport plane in Sudan that crashed minutes after take off, killing sever prominent Judges. (Details below).

Iran's Soleimani and Iraq's Muhandis killed in air strike: militia spokesman

Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed late on Thursday in an air strike on their convoy in Baghdad airport, an Iraqi militia spokesman told Reuters.

Soleimani was Iran's celebrity soldier, spearhead in Middle East
Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, the top commander of the elite Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards, helped Iran fight proxy wars across the Middle East by inspiring militias on the battlefield and negotiating with political leaders.

Iraqi paramilitary groups: five members, two 'guests' killed in Baghdad airport attack
Iraqi paramilitary groups said five of their members and two "guests" were killed in an air strike on their vehicles inside Baghdad International Airport, militia sources reported on early Friday, after Iraq's Security Media Cell announced that three katyusha rockets had targeted Baghdad Airport.

Pentagon says Iranian commander Soleimani was developing plans to attack Americans
A U.S. strike killed Iran Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani, the Pentagon said on Thursday, adding that Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack Americans in Iraq and the Middle East.

Former Iran Guards chief vows 'vigorous revenge against America' for Soleimani killing
A former commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Mohsen Rezaei, on Friday vowed "vigorous revenge against America" for the killing of Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force.

Lebanon's Hezbollah to continue path of Iranian commander after U.S. strike: TV
Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday his powerful Shi'ite militia group would continue the path of Iran's Major-General Qassem Soleimani after his death in a U.S. air strike, broadcaster Al Manar reported.

U.S. killing of Iranian commander will raise Middle East tension: Russia
Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. air strike would increase tensions in the Middle East, RIA news agency reported.

Syria condemns killing of Iran's Soleimani: state news agency
Syria strongly condemns the "treacherous, criminal American aggression" that led to the killing of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, state news agency SANA cited a foreign ministry source as saying on Friday.

Reactions to the killing of Iranian general in a U.S. air strike

IRAQI PRIME MINISTER ADEL ABDUL MAHDI - - - The air strike on Baghdad airport is an act of aggression on Iraq and a breach of its sovereignty that will lead to war in Iraq, the region, and the world, Abdul Mahdi said in a statement.

The strike also violated the conditions of U.S. military presence in Iraq and should be met with legislation that safeguards Iraq’s security and sovereignty, he added.

Iraq president condemns U.S. strike, urges restraint

Iraqi President Barham Salih condemned on Friday the U.S. air strike on Baghdad airport that killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran's elite Quds force, and urged restraint from all parties.

Iraqi militia commander orders fighters to prepare for battle: local TV
Iran-backed Iraqi militia commander Qais al-Khazali ordered on Friday his fighters to be on high alert for an upcoming battle and said that U.S. military presence in Iraq would end soon.

Iran names deputy Quds Force commander to replace Soleimani after killing

Iran's supreme leader appointed the deputy commander of the Quds Force, Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, as the replacement
for Qassem Soleimani, the former head of the elite force who was killed in a U.S. air strike on Friday, state media reported.

Iraqi militia commander Amiri calls for expelling foreign troops: state TV
Iraqi militia commander Hadi al-Amiri called on all Iraqi factions to unite and expel foreign troops, hours after the U.S. killed Iranian Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in an air strike on Baghdad airport.

U.S. embassy urges citizens to depart Iraq immediately: statement
The United States embassy in Baghdad urged on Friday all citizens to depart Iraq immediately, hours after the U.S. killed Iranian Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in an air strike.

Dozens of U.S. oil workers prepare to leave Iraq after air strike
Dozens of U.S. citizens working for foreign oil companies in the southern Iraqi oil city of Basra were preparing to leave the country on Friday, Iraq's Oil Ministry said after a U.S. air strike killed a top Iranian commander in Iraq.

UK military has increased security at Middle East bases after Soleimani killing: Sky News
Britain has increased its security and readiness at military bases in the Middle East after the United States killed Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, Sky News reported on Friday without citing sources.

Funeral for militiamen killed in U.S. air strike to be held on Saturday: Iraqi militias
Formal funeral processions for militiamen killed in a U.S. air strike on Baghdad airport will take place on Saturday, Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces umbrella grouping of militia groups said in a statement on Friday.

***
Israel's Netanyahu to cut short trip to Greece after Soleimani strike: political source

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to cut short his trip to Greece following the assassination of Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran's Quds Force, said an official in Netanyahu's office.

* Israel's Netanyahu says he will seek immunity in graft cases

* Greece, Israel and Cyprus call Turkey's planned Libya deployment 'dangerous escalation'
Turkey's bill allowing troop deployment in Libya marks a dangerous escalation in the North African country's civil war and severely threatens stability in the region, a joint statement by Greece, Israel and Cyprus said late on Thursday.

* Israel puts military on heightened alert after U.S. killing of Iranian commander
Israel put its military on heightened alert on Friday and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut short a trip abroad after the U.S. killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani drew promises of revenge from Iran.

Netanyahu says U.S. had right to self-defense in killing Soleimani: statement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that the United States had the right to defend itself by killing senior Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.

***
* Taiwan's military chief among eight dead in helicopter crash
Taiwan's top military official was among eight people killed on Thursday, after a helicopter carrying them to visit soldiers crashed in a mountainous area near the capital Taipei, the defense ministry said.

Taiwan's military chief among eight dead in helicopter crash
The main portion of the helicopter lay in a northern forest wreathed in mist, its blades shattered, as dozens of rescuers combed the wreck for survivors, pictures released by emergency authorities showed. The reasons for the crash, in the wake of a forced landing, were unknown, the military said in a statement, adding that the chief of general staff, Air Force General Shen Yi-ming, had died, while five of the 13 aboard survived.

The helicopter involved in Thursday's incident was one of 60 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters the United States sold to Taiwan in 2010, the official Central News Agency said. Although the Unites States has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it is the island's strongest international backer and main arms supplier.

The de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan expressed its condolences, saying it stood ready to assist in the aftermath of the tragedy, but without detailing what such help might entail. The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, issued a statement describing the crash as an accident and offering of condolences on behalf of the U.S. military for the "tragic loss" of General Shen and the seven others.

* Military plane crash in Sudan's West Darfur leaves 18 dead
A military transport plane crashed on Thursday after taking off from an airport in Sudan's West Darfur, killing 18 people on board, according to the military.

The Antonov 12 plane crashed five minutes after taking off from El-Geneina, killing its crew of seven as well as three judges and eight other civilians, including four children, the statement said. The cause of the crash is being investigated.