Russia Begins Operations in Syria: End Game for the US Empire?

US President Barack Obama has warned Russia against its “aggressive” military build-up in northern Europe.

Obama warns Russia against military build-up in N Europe
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/05/13/465443/US-Russia-Obama

Obama made the remarks on Friday after meeting with Nordic leaders from Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark at the White House.

"We are united in our concern about Russia's growing aggressive military presence and posture in the Baltic-Nordic region,” he said.

Earlier, Obama said the US and Nordic countries agreed on the need for a peaceful European order.

"We believe that our citizens have the right to live in freedom and security, free from terrorism, and a Europe where smaller nations are not bullied by larger nations,” he said.

However, Obama said Washington would be prepared to counter any perceived Russian aggression.

"We will be maintaining ongoing dialogue and seek cooperation with Russia but we also want to make sure that we are prepared and strong and we want to encourage Russia to keep its military activities in full compliance with international obligations," he said.

Meanwhile, Denmark, Norway reportedly agreed to contribute to “enhanced allied forward presence” with the North Atlantic Organization Treaty (NATO).

The United States on Thursday activated a land-based missile system in Romania, despite Russia’s warning against a systematically increasing US-led arms deployment near its borders.

The missiles’ activation marked the penultimate step in the completion of a missile shield, which Washington proposed nearly a decade ago.

Senior American and NATO officials attended the activation ceremony in Deveselu, southern Romania.

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly criticized the deployment of the US missile system near his country, and vowed to neutralize any threats against Russia.

"Now that these anti-missile elements have been installed we will be forced to consider putting an end to the threats emerging in relation to Russia's security," Putin said during a meeting with military officials.

He also stressed that Moscow is doing its best to sustain strategic balance of power.


The US Department of Defense has warned China against employing “coercive tactics” in pursuing its maritime interests, accusing Beijing of reclaiming and weaponizing lands in the South China Sea.

China using ‘coercive tactics’ in South China Sea: Pentagon
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/05/14/465458/South-China-Sea-Pentagon-Spratly

In its most recent and detailed assessment of China’s island-building program in the disputed waters, the Pentagon said Friday that China has reclaimed more than 3,200 acres of land in the southeastern South China Sea.

The report added that three of the land features in the Spratly Islands now have nearly 3km (10,000ft) of runways and large ports under construction, as part of China’s plan to create man-made islands on the archipelago.

“This would improve China’s ability to detect and challenge activities by rival claimants or third parties, widen the range of capabilities available to China, and reduce the time required to deploy them,” read the report.

“China is using coercive tactics short of armed conflict, such as the use of law enforcement vessels to enforce maritime claims, to advance their interests in ways that are calculated to fall below the threshold of provoking conflict,” it added.

The Pentagon further accused China of reclamation of land in the Paracel Islands, including the Woody Island where China has deployed anti-aircraft missiles.

China claims sovereignty over most of the sea, which serves as a crossing for more than $5 trillion in maritime trade. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also lay claim to some parts of the sea.

The Pentagon concluded the report by warning that China’s land building was designed to walk right up to – but not cross – “the threshold of provoking the United States, its allies and partners, or others in the Asia-Pacific region into open conflict”.

Aside from challenging China's sovereignty claims politically, the US has on numerous occasions sent warships near Chinese artificial islands in the South China Sea.

The latest instance of such measures occurred on Tuesday, when the USS William P. Lawrence navigated to within 12 nautical miles of a land feature in the sea known as Fiery Cross Reef.

In response, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Washington needs to put an end to its military patrols near the Spratly Islands.

“As the US seeks cooperation with China, it ought to respect China’s core interests and important matters of concern,” the top Chinese diplomat said.


Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly criticized the deployment of US missile system in Eastern Europe near Russia, and vowed to neutralize any threats by the complex against his country’s security.

Russia will put end to US missile system threat: Putin
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/05/13/465414/Russia-Putin-US-shield

"Now that these anti-missile elements have been installed we will be forced to consider putting an end to the threats emerging in relation to Russia's security," Putin said during a meeting with military officials on Friday.

He also stressed that Moscow is doing its best to sustain strategic balance of power.

"Of course, we are doing everything needed from our side so as to provide for the maintenance of this strategic balance of power that is the most reliable guarantee against the appearance of large-scale military conflicts," Putin said.

However, he noted that his country will not be involved in any arms race.

The Russian president also described the US deployment of the missile system as an attempt by Washington to increase its nuclear potential, adding that the complex deployed in Poland near Russia may be easily used for firing short- and mid-range missiles.

He also condemned the deployment as a clear violation of arms treaties signed between Russia and the US, adding that it would escalate international tensions.

Putin also criticized Washington for ignoring Russia's concerns and rejecting Moscow’s calls for cooperation on the issue.

"All our proposals were rejected, we are invited not to jointly work, but to discuss this issue, nothing concrete. Everything is done unilaterally, without taking into account our concerns."

On Thursday, officials from the US and the Western military alliance of NATO declared the missile system based in southern Romania operational. The missiles’ activation marked the penultimate step in the completion of a so-called missile shield, which Washington proposed nearly a decade ago.

The United States will break ground on the final site in Poland on Friday. Upon completion in late 2018, the umbrella would be stretching from Greenland to the Azores region in western Portugal.


A dozen members of the US House of Representatives have introduced a new bill proposing the creation of an entire agency meant to 'counter Chinese and Russian propaganda', The Washington Examiner reported.

US Congress Wants New Federal Agency to Fight Russian, Chinese 'Propaganda'
http://sputniknews.com/us/20160512/1039489483/us-new-information-agency-fight-russia-china.html

The 'Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act', the political news publication explained, would create a new federal agency reporting to the State Department called the Center for Information Analysis and Response.

The center, The Washington Examiner added, "would analyze 'government information warfare' and 'disinformation efforts', and work to 'expose and counter' those operations when they are directed against US national security."

The legislation, a bipartisan effort coauthored by Congressmen Adam Kinzinger and Ted Lieu, claims that Russia and China are "us[ing] disinformation and other propaganda tools" to undermine US initiatives around the globe.

"As Russia continues to spew its disinformation and false narratives, they undermine the United States and its interests in places like Ukraine, while also breeding further instability in these countries," Kinzinger said, introducing the bill to Congress on Wednesday.

For his part, Congressman Lieu added that "from Ukraine to the South China Sea, foreign disinformation campaigns do more than spread anti-Western sentiments – they manipulate public perception to change the facts on the ground, subvert democracy and undermine US interests. In short, they make the world less safe."

Kinzinger emphasized that a new federal agency to fight this threat would give Washington "a unique opportunity to respond to further manipulation by encouraging the free flow of truthful information," which "can prevent conflict and ensure future stability."

If the bill is approved and the agency is created, the Center for Information Analysis and Response will see US 'information officers' dispatched to promote an "independent press" in countries "deemed vulnerable to foreign propaganda and disinformation campaigns." The agency will also be tasked with 'exposing' and countering information operations directed against US interests by creating an alternative narrative.

It's unknown how exactly the new agency will be able to help Washington's global propaganda and counter-propaganda effort. The Broadcasting Board of Governors already receives over $750 million annually for funding of broadcasters including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and other media across the Middle East and Latin America. (By comparison, the overall budget for the Russian state media group that owns the Sputnik news agency, which broadcasts in 30 languages, amounts to 6 billion rubles, about $92.6 million US.) When taking account of additional contributions from private individuals including George Soros and his Open Democracy Foundations initiatives, it's unclear how much more the State Department can really squeeze out of its anti-Russian and anti-Chinese propaganda machine.
 
angelburst29 said:
itellsya said:
[...]
Germany is going to dramatically expand the Bundeswehr, the German Federal Armed Defence Forces. The question is, why?


Thanks Itellsya for Posting the additional information on Germany expanding the Bundeswehr and Joseph P Farrell's video, including France teaming up with Germany, creating Europe’s biggest maker of ground armaments. Sounds like some serious decisions are being made to expand Germany's Defense Forces.

Back a page, on Post #1593 - this link was Posted describing the Dutch merging their Army and Navy with Germany and the Czech Republic considering the same.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/662472/EU-federal-europe-European-army-merging-German-Dutch-forces

Apr 20, 2016 - The plan is for the two countries to create a nucleus of an EU armed forces to fulfill the long term goal spelt out by German defense minister last year of having an EU army.

And it has also emerged that the Czech Republic has also started talks to have its army become part of the Germany’s army.

Last month the Dutch 43rd Mechanized Brigade came under German command as part of its German 1st Armoured Division.

This followed the Dutch 11th Airmobile Brigade coming under German command in 2015.

Very interesting, thanks for bringing that to my attention angelburst29, i had missed that. Since we've seen how Putin uses these forces for good, one probably shouldn't dismiss that possibility; problem is, it seems a rarity in Europe nowadays so i lean towards that they're just defending their own ill gotten gains.
 
itellsya said:
Very interesting, thanks for bringing that to my attention angelburst29, i had missed that. Since we've seen how Putin uses these forces for good, one probably shouldn't dismiss that possibility; problem is, it seems a rarity in Europe nowadays so i lean towards that they're just defending their own ill gotten gains.

Joseph P Farrell always brings some interesting ideas and observations to the table, so to speak and he does produce some really good video's. In this one, he mainly discusses Germany building up and expanding the Bundeswehr which will be a separate entity, to that of NATO forces.

Looking at the Bundeswehr Military build up, Merkel is behind it now but she is set to run for a fourth term in 2017 and a Rival has just emerged on the scene. Merkel's approval ratings keep going up and down but many are dissatisfied with her refugee policy, so a 4th term may be in question. If a Rival gets in, "what direction or what use" will be applied with an additional build up of Military Power?

Merkel Threatened With Rival Bid for Power From Sister Party in 2017 Vote
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160511/1039429540/merkel-election-csu-rivalry.html

Merkel's approval ratings improve
http://www.dw.com/en/merkels-approval-ratings-improve/a-19083943

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's approval ratings have risen, however, an increasing number of Germans are dissatisfied with her refugee policy, according to a survey conducted by the ARD broadcasting network.

Despite her rise in popularity, Merkel's handling of the refugee crisis has fewer admirers in Germany. Fifty-nine percent of the survey respondents are not satisfied with the government's migrant policy, in comparison to 39 percent who are satisfied or very satisfied.

***

Farrell mainly focused on Germany's position and the French merger, in a defense company creating Europe’s biggest maker of ground armaments.

Consider Putin's possible position - U.S. and NATO (Israel mixed in) Militarily building up on Russian Borders, along with a Missile Defense System just assembled in Romania. Poland is working with Ukraine, U.S. and NATO. At the request of the U.S. led coalition, Belgium has been sending jets into Syria, bombing targets without the Syrian Governments permission. Add, Israeli jets just breeched Syrian Borders again, killing the top Hezbollah Commander, Mustafa Badreddine who has been active in working with Assad's Syrian Military. Now add, Germany building up a separate Bundeswehr Military force with other Countries merging their Army and Navy's. If you look at the War in Syria, it's main principle, is to remove Assad so the combined forces of NATO, U.S., U.K., and Israel have another assess point at Russia's Border. ( Anyway, that's the way I'm viewing it, as a layman? )

So, you have NATO forces knocking on Russia's door to get in. What's the Bundeswehr main purpose? Just as a line of self defense or something more, since Germany wants to expand militarily? Does that mean, eventually knocking on Russia's door, for a take over?
 
Syrian intelligence forces announced that they have captured a haul of medical supplies near Aleppo that came from Turkey and was destined for ISIL Takfiri terrorists in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

Syrian Soldiers Seize Turkish Aid Cargo near Aleppo Heading to ISIL Takfiri in Iraq
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950225000537

In a video released by Russia's RT television network on Friday, Hussein al-Omar, a colonel in Syria’s Military Intelligence Directorate, said that the lorry, loaded with some 25 tons of medicine and hospital supplies, including a number of dialysis machines, had entered Syria from Turkey’s Bab al-Hawa international border crossing, located on Syria's northwestern border with Turkey.

He added that the lorry was planned to reach Mosul, ISIL's de facto capital in Iraq, through the towns of Afrin, A'zaz, and Manbij in Aleppo province. According to Omar, the lorry, loaded in Turkey, bore a Syrian number plate and was driven by two militants from al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front Takfiri terrorist group, who had received the cargo in the Bab al-Hawa border crossing.

“Through an intelligence operation, we lured them from Afrin to Nubl, arrested them, and brought them here. All of this proves that Turkey is supporting the terrorists, especially Daesh, with meds and all supplies, even with weapons,” the Syrian official further said.

The much-needed aid would be delivered to Aleppo’s local maternity hospital, which sustained damage in a recent shelling attack launched by the Takfiri terrorists, he added.

Turkey has time and again been accused of aiding and abetting militant groups operating in Syria with reports saying that Ankara actively trains and arms the Takfiri militants there, and facilitates their safe passage into the Arab country. Ankara has also been accused of buying smuggled oil from ISIL.

Last year, Russia released satellite images showing long lines of trucks carrying oil from Syria’s ISIL-controlled parts into Turkey. Ankara, however, has rejected the allegations.


Police in the Russian republic of Dagestan engaged in clashes with militants today during which two officers and four rebels were killed. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police Killed in Clash With Deash Militants in Russian Dagestan
http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160514/1039626189/police-killed-clash-daesh-militants-dagestan.html

Police received reports that a senior officer was wounded and held hostage in the town of Derbant in the southern region. Police raided the apartment building and a shootout commenced.

"Law enforcers have finished a special operation to destroy the rebels," a police source told the Interfax news agency. "At least four rebels have been annihilated."

The officer who had been held hostage was reported as dead along with another officer who was killed during the gunfight. Another 15 were wounded.

A number of terrorists in Dagestan, which borders Chechnya, have sworn allegiance to Islamic State.


The Syrian government forces stormed the ISIL positions in the Eastern part of Homs province and forced the ISIL to withdraw from a key Tank Base the terrorists captured two days ago, military sources confirmed Saturday.

Syrian Army's Tank Base Freed from ISIL in Gov't Forces' Offensive East of Homs
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950225000754

"The Muhajarah Tank Base is now under the full control of the 18th tank division of the Syrian Army," the sources underlined, adding, "The ISIL could not resists against the heavy attacks of the Syrian army troops and the National Defense Forces and pulled back the remaining pockets of its members from the strategic base."

"The ISIL suffered a heavy death toll in the attacks," the sources said.

"With the Syrian government forces' control over the Muhajarah Tank Base and the nearby Tiyas airbase (T4), the Syrian Armed Forces can focus on cleansing of more territories from the ISIL in the Eastern part of Homs province.

In relevant developments in the Central province on Friday, the Syrian military forces, backed up by the Russian fighter jets, hit badly the ISIL concentration centers and gatherings in the Eastern part of Homs and drove the terrorists back from more territories in the Northern side of Homs-Palmyra highway.


NATO has not yet made clear the strategic intentions of its new missile defense shield in Europe. However, if NATO finally admits that the new missile defense is aimed against Russia it could prevent confrontation and start dialogue between the alliance and Moscow, an article in Le Temps read.

NATO Should Admit its European Missile Defenses 'Aimed Against Russia'
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160514/1039619286/nato-missile-defense-europe.html

"NATO is building a missile shield in Europe. Why not just say that it is aimed against Russia?" journalist Frederic Koller suggested.

In his article for the Swiss media outlet Le Temps he underscored that building a missile defense system in Eastern Europe would result in an "escalation of tensions with Russia."

"The missile defenses NATO is now deploying to Romania and Poland under technical guidance from Washington would strengthen the confidence of ex-socialist nations whose traumatic memories have revived due to the surge of Russian nationalism," the author wrote.

"But will the alliance be able to convince Moscow that now there is a line that no one should cross? No. Instead, Moscow considers this a new provocation or an attack against its sovereignty," he added.

According to the journalist, Moscow considers the new facilities in Romania and Poland "new pawns" the US is using to "encircle" Russia.


The land-based US Aegis missile defense system being deployed this week in Romania and to Poland by 2018 are unlikely to even work in their basic goal of intercepting incoming ballistic threats, experts told Sputnik.

Costly US Missile Defense Systems in Romania, Poland Unlikely to Work
http://sputniknews.com/analysis/20160513/1039540866/costly-us-defense-shield-romania.html

Earlier on Thursday, the US Aegis Ashore missile defense system was officially inaugurated at a military base in Romania, and the construction of a similar complex will begin in Poland on Friday due to be completed by 2018.

"It will mostly make the United States, and to a lesser extent the European Union, poorer, as the missile defense systems are wildly cost-inefficient, of dubious effectiveness, and unlikely to ever be actually used," Antiwar.com senior analyst Jason Ditz said.

Far from defending Poland, the Aegis battery would put the country in greater danger in the event of any outbreak of war, because alarmed Russian military planners would respond to the perceived threat by countering the move with more missiles of their own, Ditz predicted.

"The only real security impact will be to provoke a reaction from Russia, which will likely deploy more missiles into Kaliningrad to negate any putative shift in strategic balance the system might create."

Russia could counter the Aegis strategic buildup cost-effectively at far less effort than Pentagon planners had exerted to deploy it in the first place, Ditz explained.

Russia could counter the Aegis strategic buildup cost-effectively at far less effort than Pentagon planners had exerted to deploy it in the first place, Ditz explained.

Historian and leading US military tactician, retired Army Colonel Doug Macgregor said the deployment of the Aegis system, while infuriating Russian leaders, was unlikely to improve any kind of effective deterrent at all because it was unlikely to prove effective against Russian systems.


Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani deplored the efforts by certain western and regional countries to misname the Persian Gulf.

Parliament Speaker Describes Using False Name for Persian Gulf as "Childish"
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950225001375

"Some are trying to eliminate the word Persian from the Persian Gulf; this is a childish act and they should admit that the Iranian nation has a glorious civilization," Larijani said, addressing the closing ceremony of the 29th International Tehran Book Fair on Saturday.

Earlier this month, the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a protest note to the Swiss Embassy - that protects the US interests - in Tehran deplored Washington's interfering remarks against Iran as unacceptable and slammed the US for misnaming the Persian Gulf in a draft resolution.

The foreign ministry strongly condemned the United Sates for meddling in the security of the Persian Gulf region, and said that Iran will adopt any action that it deems necessary for restoring security, peace and stability to the Persian Gulf region.

The protest note was delivered to the Swiss Embassy in charge of the US interest section in Iran.

The foreign ministry's protest note came after the US officials made interfering remarks against Iran's drills in the Persian Gulf, and used a fake name instead of the Persian Gulf in a draft of a resolution.

Iranian officials say the US has maintained its hostile policies toward Tehran despite the nuclear agreement.


El Salvador’s President Salvador Sanchez Ceren announced on Saturday it does not recognize Brazil’s interim President Michel Temer and asked the Salvadoran envoy to return to the country, local media reported Saturday.

El Salvador Withdraws Envoy to Brazil in Support of Rousseff
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160514/1039626084/salvador-brazil-envoy-withdrawal.html

Sanchez Ceren said that the suspension of Dilma Rousseff this week is a blow to democracy in the world, something that, as quoted by La Pagina daily, "in the past was known as coup and was done by the military."

The president said he held an emergency meeting with Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez, who decided to ask the ambassador to Brazil, Diana Vanegas, to return to El Salvador.

Temer replaced Rousseff for the 180-day impeachment procedures amid Brazil’s struggling economy and a major corruption scandal in Petrobras.
 
The Pentagon, not to be up-staged by Russian secret "thing-a-ma-jigs" ... decided it would reveal one of it's secret "what-cha-ma-call-it's?

'Colorado secret space facility to help fight against Daesh'
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/05/14/465569/US-Daesh-military-campaign-Colorado-space-center

The Pentagon is reportedly seeking to use its new secretive space facility in the military campaign against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group in Iraq and Syria.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Thursday that he wants the new Joint Interagency Combined Space Operations Center (JICSpOC) to join the fight, according to The Washington Post.

The installation is a secret space facility located within Schriever Air Force Base in the state of Colorado.

It has been operating since October last year, and includes officials from the National Reconnaissance Office, which operates US spy satellites and works with intelligence agencies such as the NSA and the CIA.

“I have instructed our space community to join the fight [against Daesh], to figure out what we can do to contribute,” the Post quoted Carter as saying after he paid a visit to the center.

“We need them to work right now on problems of space’s role in conflict, first of all, because we are in conflicts today,” he added.

The US along with some of its regional allies has been engaged in a military campaign against Daesh since September 2014.

Carter said last week that the battle against Daesh “is far from over.” He said the US-led coalition had to do a lot more to curb the terror group.

This is while, Colonel Steve Warren, a US spokesman for the so-called anti-Daesh forces said the group has “not gained an inch” in Iraq.

He told the Pentagon press corps on Friday that Daesh terrorists “are showing resilience… that’s to be expected. It’s a war, they’re going to fight.”

Daesh terrorists, who were initially trained by the CIA in Jordan in 2012 to destabilize the Syrian government, control parts of the country and also overran neighboring Iraq in 2014.

The US-led coalition stands accused of having done little to stop Daesh's advances in parts of Syria and in Iraq.
 
An RC-135V surveillance aircraft of the US Air Force came close to the Russian border, over the Baltic Sea, RIA Novosti reported citing Baltic Watch.

US Surveillance Plane Reportedly Approaches Russian Border Over Baltic Sea
http://sputniknews.com/world/20160515/1039650658/us-surveillance-plane-russia.html

The aircraft, side number 64-14844 and call sign ELGIN33, took off from the Mildenhall airbase in Britain and flew to the southern part of the Baltic Sea.

According to the report, a Su-27 jet was scrambled to intercept the US plane.

​The Sunday flyover is the latest in a series of incidents with the RC-135 aircraft and Russian warplanes in the Baltic Sea in the past few weeks.

Earlier this week, a USAF reconnaissance aircraft also flew over the Baltic Sea, near the Russian border.

The RC-135W US surveillance plane was tracked down flying over the southern area of the Baltic Sea near the Russian border. The plane's tail number, 62-4131, was tracked as it flew over the territory of the United States less than 24 hours ago, according to the website planefinder.net.

The aircraft reportedly conducted a 10-hour observation flight at an altitude of more than 10,000 meters.


The International Syria Support Group (ISSG) will most likely make concrete decisions on the composition of the Syrian transitional governing body at the upcoming meeting in Vienna on Tuesday, a source at Syrian peace talks told Sputnik on Sunday.

ISSG to Decide on Syrian Transitional Gov't Composition at Next Meeting
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160515/1039654207/issg-syria-government.html

The International Syria Support Group, an international format aimed to resolve the Syrian issues, was formed in November 2015 shortly after the beginning of the Syrian talks in Vienna.

The format currently involves Russia, the Arab League countries, the European Union and some of its member states, China, Iran, Turkey, the United Nations and the United States.

"The ISSG meeting will most likely result in the real decisions on the political transition and composition of the transitional governing body, as well as on the humanitarian and ceasefire issues. [UN Special Envoy Staffan] de Mistura will be given certain powers, a mandate, to voice these proposals to the participants of the intra-Syrian talks, thus giving them a push to break the deadlock," the source said.


Board games are not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when one considers the Pentagon's priorities, yet the US Department of Defense is taking a closer look at war-gaming in a bid to counter Russia and China, Michael Peck wrote for the National Interest.

Time to Play: Pentagon Turns to War Games to 'Beat Russia and China'
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160515/1039650251/pentagon-russia-war-games.html

"What games and war have in common – and what makes war-gaming so valuable – is that they are a competition of wits in which the participants use every last bit of cunning to beat their opponent," he said.

Peck's logic is the following: "Mathematical models may be fine for estimating how many F-35s or aircraft carriers America needs. However, a conflict in the South China Sea or eastern Europe will be instigated by humans and waged by humans, and therefore should be gamed by humans too."

This initiative, championed by US Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work, is part of the Third Offset Strategy. The Third Offset focuses on developing innovative capabilities to counterbalance a potential opponent.

War-gaming, according to Peck, is meant to offer insights into what the US Armed Forces might need to be able to win the wars of the future and what these conflicts would look like. This is particularly valuable at a time when developing and manufacturing next-generation military hardware costs billions.

"What the Pentagon wants is analytical war games to explore how conflicts might be waged, what weapons an adversary might unleash and what technology the United States needs," Peck explained.

Defense war-gaming, he added, is about "telling us what we don't want to hear, so that we can be better prepared for when real life doesn’t turn out the way we expect. We ignore those lessons at our peril."


Damascus, SANA_ Health Ministry said that an armed group of ISIS terrorist organization stormed into al-Assad Hospital in Deir Ezzor city and committed heinous massacre against the hospital’s cadre after taking medical staff hostage.

Health Ministry: ISIS terrorists commit horrific massacre at Deir Ezzor-based al-Assad Hospital
http://sana.sy/en/?p=77319

The ministry issued a statement in which it condemned the horrific massacre and offered condolences to the families of the martyrs who refused to leave the positions of their work despite the bad circumstances in which the besieged city is passing through due to the siege imposed by the terrorists on it for more than a year.

The ministry renewed its appeal to the United Nations health organizations and the rest of human and international organizations to pay attention to the enormity of what the takfiri terrorism is perpetrating in Syria, demanding them to take serious stand and put pressure on effective powers in the region for the immediate cessation of this takfiri terrorism.

The statement stressed the ministry’s keenness to continue to supply Deir Ezzor with medical tools and supplies to meet the citizens’ health needs, underlining that such brutal acts of terror will enhance the ministry determination to continue its humanitarian role with more determination and enthusiasm.

A field source told SANA that units of the army and armed forces wiped out a group of ISIS terrorists who infiltrated into al-Assad Hospital in Deir Ezzor and detained a number of doctors, patients and civilians.

Earlier, the armed terrorist organizations also targeted the privately owned al-Dhabeet Hospital in al-Mouhafaza neighborhood in Aleppo city, killing 3 women and injured 17 other women and children.


Aleppo, SANA- A civilian was killed when terrorist groups targeted with rocket shells al-Hamadaniyeh neighborhood in Aleppo city and Ifreen city in the northwestern countryside of Aleppo on Saturday.

Civilian killed, several injured including TV reporter in terrorist rocket attacks on Aleppo
http://sana.sy/en/?p=77227

neighborhood in Aleppo city and Ifreen city in the northwestern countryside of Aleppo on Saturday.

A source at Aleppo police command told SANA reporter that terrorists fired a rocket shell on the locals’ houses in al-Hamadaniyeh neighborhood in Aleppo, killing a civilian and causing material damage to properties.

Late, the source said that terrorists fired a rocket shell at al-Faidd neighborhood in the afternoon, injuring one civilian and causing material damage to al-Bash gas station.

Later still, Syrian Satellite Channel correspondent in Aleppo Shadi Hilwe was injured when terrorist fired a rocket shell at the Radio and TV Center in the city as Hilwe was exiting it.

SANA’s correspondent in Aleppo stated that the cameraman accompanying Hilwe Sharif Abse and technician Ahmad Morli were also injured in the attack, and that the three were hospitalized, adding that Hilwe was admitted into an operating room for treatment from the shrapnel injuries he sustained due to the attack.

SANA’s correspondent reported later that Hilwe underwent a successful surgical procedure and that he’s stable, and that Abse and Morli are also stable, while driver Somar Wassouf who sustained severe injuries in the attack is still receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, local sources in Ifreen told SANA reporter that terrorist groups fired on Saturday afternoon five rocket shells on residential neighborhoods in the city, causing massive damage to locals’ houses and public and private properties.

On Friday, a woman was killed and two other civilians were injured when terrorists fired rocket shells on Sallah-Eddin neighborhood in Aleppo city.
 
angelburst29 said:
Health Ministry: ISIS terrorists commit horrific massacre at Deir Ezzor-based al-Assad Hospital
http://sana.sy/en/?p=77319


Syrian Army, Popular Forces Take back Al-Assad Hospital from ISIL in Deir Ezzur

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950226000362

"The ISIL terrorists, who stormed the hospital on Saturday and captured part of it, were attacked by the Syrian soldiers and their tribal allies," the sources said, adding, "The entire ISIL members were killed right on the spot."

"The hospital is under the full control of the Syrian government forces," the sources said.

"A number of physicians and medical staff, taken hostages by the ISIL, were freed in the army attack," they added.

"The ISIL terrorists executed brutally some of the hostages before the army's attack," the sources went on to say.

Reports said on Saturday that the Syrian army laid siege on a group of ISIL terrorists in the surrounding areas of al-Assad Hospital in the suburbs of Deir Ezzur city as militants were trying to capture the hospital.

Heavy clashes occurred between the Syrian army and the ISIL terrorists near al-Assad Hospital in al-Baqaliyeh region in the Western suburbs of Deir Ezzur city.

Meantime, the Syrian fighter jets hit hard the ISIL's military positions and gathering centers in the surrounding areas of Deir Ezzur airbase.


Over 400 Terrorists Enter Aleppo via Turkish Borders

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950226000453

"300 members of Nouriddeen al-Zinki movement and 100 fighters of Jeish al-Mujahedeen entered the Syrian territories from Bab al-Salama passage and moved towards the town of Kilis in the Northeastern side of the city of Azaz," the sources said.

Last week, over 100 more members of al-Nusra Front terrorist group arrived in Aleppo to join fight against the Syrian government and people.

According to the residents of Kafar Hamra village in Aleppo, the terrorists entered the region through the bordering areas with Turkey.

Also, informed sources said that tens of other terrorists crossed the Turkish border with Syria's Northern province of Aleppo to join their al-Nusra Front comrades.

"A 70-member-group of terrorists, trained and supplied in Turkey, have entered Anadan in the territories of Northern Aleppo in groups to join the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front," Syria's Peace Coordination Center in Hmeimim said, adding, "The fresh terrorists have brought with themselves three vehicles loaded with ammunition and weapons."

"Al-Nusra Front's terrorists' artillery units continued to shell two neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and al-Ameriyeh and the airport of al-Neireb," the center said, adding, "Handarat refugee camp also came under the mortar shelling of al-Nusra Front."


Moderate Rebels? Militant Fights Near Syria's Damascus Kill Over 300

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160516/1039660079/militant-fighting-syria-300.html

Violent clashes between rival militant groups over control of a crucial stronghold near Syria's Damascus have caused hundreds of deaths among civilians and fighters in last couple of weeks.

According to London-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the Saudi-backed Jaish al-Islam group has been battling with al-Nusra Front-led groups Faylaq al-Rahman and Jaish al-Fustat since April 28.

The bloody fights erupted to the east of the Syrian Capital, in an area called Eastern Ghouta. It is a densely populated cluster of towns and villages that has been a battlefield since 2011, when the civilian war began.

SOHR, which is said to gain infromation from sources on the ground in Syria, reported that the escalation of the conflict began after members of Faylaq al-Rahman group attacked Jaish al-Islam’s stronghold.
Local residents and officials tried to prevent bloodshed, calling the sides to start talks in a series of protests. Despite that, battling sides continued to fight, constructing fortifications and blocking roads, the monitoring group added.

"More than 300 fighters have been killed as Islamist rebel factions battle for influence in Eastern Ghouta," SOHR director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, specifying that most of casualties befell Jaish al-Islam and al-Nusra factions.

Rahman added that clashes claimed the lives of ten civilians, including a child and a doctor. The doctor, Nabil al-Daas, was the last gynecologist working in the area.

Jaish al-Islam is considered the major rebel faction in the area. One of its leaders, Mohammad Alloush, has presented rebels in Geneva talks on Syrian ceasefire, despite the legitimate government labeling him a terrorist.


LIH militants tried to seize the heights near Palmyra

http://www.interfax.ru/world/508411

Moscow. May 15. INTERFAX.RU - Militants of the terrorist organization LIH (prohibited by a court in the Russian Federation) in during the past days several times attempted to seize the commanding heights in the vicinity of settlements and Tifor Palmyra, informs the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

"In the area of ​​human settlements and Palmyra Tifor government forces thwarted repeated attempts LIH detachments to seize the commanding heights," - said in the newsletter posted on the website of the Defense Ministry on Sunday. In addition, we added the Defense Ministry resumed the attack groups controlled by terrorists "Dzhabhat en-Nusra", near the village of Karamanli Latakia province.

The Defense Ministry stressed that the grouping of the international terrorist organization "Dzhabhat en-Nusra" continue action aimed at disrupting the cessation of hostilities.

Total in Syria over the past day ceasefire was broken seven times, according to the Defense Ministry. The number of settlements in Syria, declared a truce reached 101.


ISIS retreats north of Palmyra amid Syrian Army counteroffensive – Map update

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-retreats-north-palmyra-amid-syrian-army-counteroffensive-map-update/

With the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) liberation of Palmyra in late March, ISIS was served a major symbolic blow which many expected to have a domino-effect, eventually spelling the demise of the Islamic State caliphate itself.

However, ISIS launched a large-scale offensive 15 days ago northwest of Palmyra which subsequently resulted in Islamist forces overrunning the SAA at several points, most notably the al-Sha’ar oil and gas fields.

However, in the past 72 hours government forces have gone on the counteroffensive, thereby securing the al-Mahl oil field, recapturing the Muhajarah Tank Base and taking several hills from ISIS en route to the al-Sha’ar oil and gas fields.

The latter fields represent a major energy supplier to the Syrian Government which is already heavily burdened financially due to its ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.

The SAA’s recent advances are largely due to the deployment of the Tiger Forces and the Russian made T-90A tank, as well Russian air support.

Remarkably, if the SAA can recapture al-Sha’ar gas field, Major General Suheil al-Hassan will be presented an opportunity to strike a salient north towards the government controlled Ithriya, a small town along the Aleppo supply route.

In turn, such a military manuever would sever the jihadist supply line to dozens of ISIS-held villages in eastern Homs and Hama, an area often refered to as ‘the triangle of death’.

Although arguably wishful thinking, this frontline scenario should not be ruled out; just 6 months ago, commander-in-chief Suheil al-Hassan deployed a similar plan to eastern Aleppo which resulted in the previously unthinkable liberation of Kuweiris Airbase, a military site which had otherwise been besieged by ISIS for years.


Russian Marines Conduct Joint Military Operation Against ISIS in East Homs

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/05/russian-marines-conduct-joint-military.html

Fort Russ - 15th May, 2016

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-marines-participate-east-homs-battle/

Russian Marines were deployed to Syria in early October 2015; and since then, they have acted solely in an advisory role.

However, this would change on Saturday, when the Russian Marines carried out their first joint operation with the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) near the T-4 Military Airport.

For nearly two weeks, the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) was on the offensive in the east Homs countryside, targeting important sites like the Al-Sha’ar Gas Fields and the T-4 Military Airport.

ISIS seized the Al-Sha’ar Gas Fields from the Syrian Armed Forces last week, paving the way for their recent offensive to capture the Syrian government’s primary airport in east Homs.

The Syrian Arab Army’s 525th Regiment of the 18th Tank Division was under heavy attack near the T-4 Airport; this prompted a direct military intervention from their Russian advisers.

In just two days, the Russian Marines helped the Syrian Armed Forces recapture the initiative in east Homs, while also recovering several points near the Al-Sha’ar Gas Fields and T-4 Military Airport.

Now, with the Syrian Arab Army’s “Tiger Forces” pushing south towards the Al-Sha’ar Gas Fields, Russian Marines can go back to their original role, which includes advising the Syrian Armed Forces.


Syrian, Russian fighter jets pound southern Idlib

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-russian-fighter-jets-pound-southern-idlib/

The Syrian and Russian air forces carried out a series of airstrikes over the southern countryside of the Idlib Governorate on Sunday, targeting the jihadist rebels at the villages of Khan Sheikhoun, Sukeek, and Al-Taman’ah near the Hama border.

According to a source at the Hama Military Airport, the Syrian and Russian air forces conducted two dozen airstrikes over the southern Idlib countryside, killing several enemy combatants from the Syrian Al-Qaeda groups “Jund Al-Aqsa” and “Jabhat Al-Nusra.”

Recently, Jund Al-Aqsa has intensified their assault against the Syrian government forces along the free commerce road in southern Idlib; this has resulted in an increase in aerial activity inside this province.


Turkish-Funded Jihadists Take Aim at US-Backed Democratic Syrian Forces

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160516/1039668132/syria-turkey-pyd-fight.html

Two Syrian militant groups, which are supported by Turkey, fight against the Democratic Syrian Forces that are countering Daesh terrorist group.

VIENNA (Sputnik) — Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam militant groups, active in Syria, are supported by Turkey and fighting against the Democratic Syrian Forces that are countering Daesh terrorist group, Salih Muslim, co-chairman of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), told Sputnik on Monday.

"Mentioned groups [Ahrar ash-Sham and Jaish al-Islam] are supported by Turkey and are fighting against the Democratic Syrian Forces (DSF). They are jihadist, but presented like Free Syrian Army," Salih Muslim, co-chairman of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), said.

The DSF are the Syrian ground troops, consisting of Kurdish, Arabic and Turkmen forces and fighting jointly against the IS in Syria.

On May 12, the UN Security Council rejected the proposal of Russia to include Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam in the UN list of terrorist organizations. Sanctioning the two groups would allow airstrikes against them, as terrorist organizations are not included in the ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia and the United States in late February.


Investing in Terror: Al-Qaeda Decides to Create a Permanent Base in Syria

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160516/1039670240/syria-terrorists-qaeda-hq.html

The leadership of al-Qaeda terrorist group made a decision to increase its presence in Syria and create a permanent headquarters in the Middle Eastern nation, US media reported.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The New York Times reported Sunday, citing US and European intelligence and counterterrorism officials that al-Qaeda reconsidered the importance of Syria for the group and relocated a number of "most seasoned veterans" there from Pakistan to create an alternate headquarters.

The newspaper added that al-Qaeda would use the resources and the potential of the Nusra Front, the group's affiliate in Syria, to increase its presence in the country.

According to the newspaper, the headquarters in Syria would allow al-Qaeda to have a base near the European borders, but also to recruit new fighters from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the army loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting several opposition factions and militant groups, Nusra Front, which is banned in many countries including Russia.


Damascus Orphanage Receives 1.5 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160516/1039661571/damascus-orphanage-humanitarian-aid.html

An orphanage in Syria's Damascus has received 1.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid, an information bulletin of the Russian reconciliation center said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27, but it does not apply to terrorist organizations active in the country.

"In the city of Damascus, the orphanage "Children of the fallen" has received 1,5 tons of humanitarian aid," the bulletin published Sunday on the Russian Defense Ministry's website read.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.
 
4.4 magnitude earthquake hits north of Palmyra
http://sana.sy/en/?p=77385

Damascus, SANA – An earthquake estimated at 4.4 degrees on the Richter scale on Monday hit Palmyra outskirts, 18 km to the north of the archeological city.

In a statement, the National Center for Earthquakes said that the quake hit at 12:14 pm local time and was centered at a depth of 10 km at the longitude 38.28 and latitude 34.72.


The United Nations expects the humanitarian aid convoys to reach Syria's cities of Daraya and Moadamyeh before the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting in Vienna.

UN Hopes Aid Convoys to Reach Syria’s Daraya, Moadamyeh Before ISSG Meeting
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160516/1039686775/un-syria-aid-issg.html

The United Nations expects that the humanitarian aid convoys manage to reach Syria's cities of Daraya and Moadamyeh prior to the May 17 International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting in Vienna, Jan Egeland, the humanitarian adviser to UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, told Sputnik on Monday.

"The idea was to deliver aid before Vienna [meeting of ISSG], but it has not happened. It has to happen today or tomorrow early morning. If not, there will be only negative reports [from the UN side on the humanitarian access issue] to the ISSG in Vienna," Egeland said.

The United Nations expects that the ISSG will put pressure on the Syrian government and the opposition in case humanitarian convoys are not given access to certain areas, the adviser added.

"In case of Daraya, it [pressure] should be on Damascus, as they are the ones who have blocked it. But we also have problems with an assessment mission to Foah and Kefraya. They also did not have access, and that was because of the opposition groups," he said.


Russia will abide by the UN Security Council resolutions on the Golan Heights, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

Russia's Stance on Golan Heights Status Unchanged - Kremlin
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160516/1039687127/russia-israel-syria-golan.html

Moscow's stance on the Golan Heights status is unchanged and is based on international law and the UN Security Council resolutions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

In April, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a government meeting in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. He stressed that the decision to hold the meeting there had been taken to show that Israel does not intend to give up the territory, adding that the international community should recognize it as part of Israel.

"Our stance has not changed anyhow. In this case we adhere to international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Russia's position has not changed," Peskov said, answering a request to comment on the statements of the Israeli leadership on the region's territorial belonging.


Russia and Belarus are concerned about NATO fueling confrontation and expanding toward the east, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday following talks with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei.

Russia, Belarus Concerned About NATO Moving East, US Air Defense
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160516/1039677482/russia-belarus-nato-talks.html

Russia and Belarus are concerned about NATO fueling confrontation and expanding toward the east, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday following talks with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei.

"In regard to European security, we share a concern regarding our colleagues from NATO countries trying to drag us into confrontation, moving their infrastructure to the east, close to our borders. Neither Russia nor Belarus favor such a confrontational line," Lavrov told reporters.

Moreover, Belarus and Russia have agreed to jointly develop "adequate response measures" to the deployment of US missile defense systems in Europe, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said Monday

Belarusian and Russian Foreign Ministers discussed on Monday issues concerning European security.


The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) will participate in US-Indian Malabar naval drills in mid-June, Japanese media reported Monday.

Japan, India, US to Conduct Joint Naval Exercises June
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160516/1039681790/china-japan-russia-drills.html

The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) will participate in US-Indian Malabar naval drills in mid-June, Japanese media reported Monday.

The aims of the naval maneuvers are to boost the interoperability of the navy forces as well as to reaffirm the participating countries' military presence in the region in the face of China's expanding maritime activities in the East and South China seas, Japanese Kyodo news agency quotes its source in the government as saying.

The MSDF will join initially bilateral Indian-US exercises held since 1992 for the third consecutive year.

Japan and China have rival claims to the Tokyo-controlled Senkaku islands, which comprises nearly 2.7 square miles and are rich in natural gas. The conflict became aggravated in 2012 when China sent warships to the waters around the islands after Japan claimed to have purchased them from private owners.


Norway's royal family has traditionally enjoyed popular support, but calls for its abolition have been heard every now and then ever since the 60s and "flower people"; leftists are particularly opposed to the throne. Last week, an editorial in Stavanger Aftenblad called for a "constitutional evolution" to put an end to Norway's monarchy.

Peerage Pressure: Norwegian Left Calls for Abolition of Monarchy
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160516/1039672747/norway-monarchy-abolition.html

"Norway should have a principled debate on whether the monarchy is needed at all and not just sweep the issue under the rug because "we have such a cozy little royal family," argued the newspaper.

According to the newspaper, despite the fact that several proposals to amend Norway's current form of government have failed over the years, a new generation of younger MPs who desire change is emerging.

"The reality is that there is a generation of young MPs who regard all this as a matter of principle. They believe it is time for Norway to have a head of state who does not actually inherit the title," the newspaper wrote.

The newspaper's editorial board said that the next proposal to amend the constitution should be followed up by a special committee summoned to present an outline of the Norwegian republic, "how the president should be elected, which powers she should have and so on."

Remarkably, the call to end the monarchy came just shortly before Norway celebrated National Day on May 17. Stavanger Aftenblad said that future observances of the holiday should not be in danger, at the same time arguing that "the sun is now setting on the monarchy."

In April, Norwegian MP Hadia Tajik raised a media storm and became a target of racist critics after admitting she agreed with 80 percent of her fellow young Labor Party MPs that Norway's monarchy should be abolished in favor of a republic.

Last year, lawyer and writer Anne Holt stated that the monarchy was a golden prison for the royal family and asked that they be freed from captivity, Aftenbladet reported.

However, recent figures show that the majority of Norwegians are loyal to their king, cementing Norway's reputation as a successful example of a popular monarchy in Europe. Earlier this year, a survey on monarchy TNS Gallup performed for the television channel TV2 indicated that the monarchy is strong in Norway. Two out of three asked (or 67.1 percent) were in favor of preserving the monarchy, while 32.9 percent answered that they would opt for a republican form of government.

Norway is unique in that it is both a relatively young country, having gained independence from Sweden in 1905, and a constitutional monarchy.
 
Syrian Opposition Meets Lavrov to Discuss Political Transition Process

http://sputniknews.com/world/20160516/1039710462/syrian-opposition-lavrov.html

Qadri Jamil, one of the leaders of Moscow-Cairo opposition group, said that representatives of the Syrian opposition met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday to discuss ways to find consensus on political transition at the intra-Syrian talks.

VIENNA (Sputnik) – Representatives of the Syrian opposition met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday to discuss ways to find consensus on political transition at the intra-Syrian talks, Qadri Jamil, one of the leaders of Moscow-Cairo opposition group, told Sputnik.

"We spoke about how to speed up Geneva process and find ways of reaching consensus on the political transition and primarily composition of the transitional governing body," Jamil said after the meeting.

Jamil, the leader of Astana platform in Moscow-Cairo group, Randa Kassis, representative of Hmeimim group Ilian Masaad and European representative of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) Khaled Issa held the talks with Lavrov ahead of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

On Sunday, a source at the intra-Syrian talks told Sputnik, the ISSG would most likely make concrete decisions on the composition of the Syrian transitional governing body at the upcoming meeting in Vienna.


RT visits blood-chilling mass grave of ISIS victims (EXCLUSIVE)

https://www.rt.com/news/343195-mass-grave-syria-isis/

An RT Arabic crew has travelled to a gorge just 50 kilometers north of Islamic State’s Syrian stronghold, Raqqa, to examine a mass grave where scores of victims were executed.

Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) militants, which controlled the town of Suluk, before Kurdish YPG forces liberated it last year, threw the bodies of the victims off a ravine, a local Kurdish commander told RT.

Just after we arrived to liberate the area, we met with Kurds and Arabs, and asked them about Daesh's [Arabic acronym for Islamic State] crimes. We discovered thousands of bodies of innocent victims in the ravine,” Mohamed Jirkis said.

IS reportedly carried out mass executions. RT met a witness, who shared horrific details of the atrocities.

They would bring those still alive to the precipice, blindfold them and shoot above their heads to scare them. People would then start running and fall over the edge. They'd bring the bodies of others, covered in blankets, and throw them off,” local resident Abdel Halif Al-Jasim said.

The proof is these bones and the blood that’s there. Nobody knows how deep the gorge is,” he added.

It is very hard to assess how many died in the ravine.

It is not the first time that grim evidence IS crimes in the region has been discovered. In April, the Syrian Army found a mass grave with dozens of corpses, women and children among them, in Palmyra.

Examination of the bodies showed some of the victims had been beheaded before their deaths, and others brutally tortured.

IS also gets rid of their own fighters in a brutal fashion: it has emerged that IS buried alive dozens of its own militants, after the jihadists had fled the battlefield in the face of the Iraqi government’s push in the Nineveh province.


Six civilians killed in Deir-Ezzor .. A woman killed in Qamishli

http://sana.sy/en/?p=77430

Deir-Ezzor and Hasaka, SANA- Three children and a woman were killed in air raids by US-led coalition on Bukamal city in the eastern countryside of Deir-Ezzor on Monday.

Media and local sources said that aircrafts of the US- led coalition launched raids on Bukamal city on the western bank of the Euphrates near the Iraqi borders, killing three children and a woman and causing huge material damage to locals’ houses.

Three other civilians including a girl child were killed and 14 others were injured when ISIS terrorists targeted with shells al-Qusour and al-Joura neighborhoods in Deir-ezzor.

Meanwhile, local sources in Qamishli city in Hasaka province said that a woman was killed when a mortar shell fell on her house in Tai neighborhood coming from the Turkish territories while the members of her family were injured.

On January 16, the Us acknowledged that civilians were killed in coalition air raids against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Ras al-Ain city, 80 kilometers to the west of Hasaka on the Syrian- Turkish borders, members of the Turkish border guards opened fire on a girl near her house, injuring her.


Civilians Injured in Militant Fire at Syria’s Aleppo

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160516/1039712909/syria-militant-fire.html

Several people in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo were injured Monday in artillery fire by militants, a local source told Sputnik.

DAMASCUS (Sputnik) – Three people were injured when shells fell on a maternity hospital in the Muhafaza neighborhood, less than a week after it was targeted for another attack.

Mortar fire was also directed at Sheikh Maqsoud and Maidan districts, injuring several more civilians.

Last week, the Russian military accused the Daesh and al-Qaeda linked Nusra Front groups of launching attacks at Aleppo as well as in Syria’s Homs province.

A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27, but it does not apply to terrorist organizations active in the country, such as Nusra Front, which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia.
 
The Sky's No Limit: Russia to Restore Early Warning Radar Station in Crimea

http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160517/1039725572/russia-crimea-radar-station.html

Russia will modernize an early warning radar station located near Sevastopol in Crimea to detect possible missile launches from the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, according to the newspaper Izvestia.

The Russian Defense Ministry plans to restore and modernize the Dnepr early warning radar station near Sevastopol, Crimea, the newspaper Izvestia quoted a source in the military-industrial complex as saying on Tuesday.

When restored, the station will be capable of tracking down hypersonic, cruise and ballistic missiles launched from ships in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea at ranges of up to 3,000 kilometers.

The source said that the Dnepr station's equipment will operate in the super-high frequency band, which is expected to increase the effectiveness of the Russian radar station in the city of Armavir, which operates in the ultra-high frequency band.

Izvestia quoted military expert Vadim Kozyulin as saying that the Dnepr radar station will help provide Russia with all-round defense against sophisticated missile attacks.

" For example, it takes a US Tomahawk cruise missile about two hours to reach Moscow, and duly detecting such a missile will be precisely the task of the new Russian radar station near Sevastopol," Kozyulin said.

The Dnepr early warning radar was built in 1968 and was used to monitor the Black Sea, Southern and Central Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 it was transferred to Ukrainian sovereignty, but continued to provide data for the Russian military under lease.

In 2009, Russia canceled the deal due to the fact that the Dnepr radar's coverage could be substituted by a new Voronezh radar station in Armavir.


Russian Eastern Military District Troops Take Part in Counterterror Drills

http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160517/1039726112/military-drills-russia-counterterror.html

Servicemen of Russia’s Eastern Military District eliminated simulated terrorists and extinguished a fire in a military building during exercises in Khabarovsk, acting spokesman for the district Vadim Astafyev said Tuesday.

KHABAROVSK (Sputnik) – According to the official, smoke bombs, simulation tools and blank ammunition were used during the exercises.

"Servicemen of the counterterrorist unit blocked and destroyed a simulated illegal armed group which had taken over the military unit. Then the fire extinguishing unit… eliminated the simulated fire in the building," Astafyev told reporters.


Russian Troops Deliver 4.5 Tonnes of Aid to Village in Syria's Homs

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160517/1039720425/russia-deliver-homs-aid.html

The Russian reconciliation center said that the Russian servicemen delivered 4.5 metric tons (5 US tons) of humanitarian aid to the settlement of Qanaqiyah in the Syrian province of Homs.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Russian servicemen delivered 4.5 metric tons (5 US tons) of humanitarian aid to the settlement of Qanaqiyah in the Syrian province of Homs, the Russian reconciliation center said in a bulletin.

"As many as 4.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid were delivered to the Qanaqiyah settlement in the province of Homs. Medical aid was administered to 47 locals, including 12 children," the statement, published by the Russian Defense Ministry on Monday, read.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.

A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27, but it does not apply to terrorist organizations active in the country.


NATO High Readiness Exercises Kick Off in Poland

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160517/1039725126/nato-high-readiness-poland-exercises.html

Some 1,500 NATO servicemen will participate in the Very High Readiness exercises in Poland.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Some 1,500 NATO servicemen will participate in the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) exercises in Poland on May 17-27.

The Brilliant Jump drills will bring together servicemen from Spain, the United Kingdom and other countries.

According to the alliance, the exercise is designed to practice planning, coordination and execution of the deployment.

Brilliant Jump 2016 is the third in a series of exercises held in Poland this year, which will be concluded by the Anaconda exercise in June.

The Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, also known as a new Spearhead Force, is a new force built according to the NATO Wales summit’s resolution.


Foreign ministers of Syria Support Group to meet in Vienna on May 17

http://tass.ru/en/world/876077

Foreign ministers of the Syria International Support Group will discuss ceasefire process and political settlement

VIENNA, May 17. /TASS/. Foreign ministers of the countries making up the Syria International Support Group will meet in Vienna on Tuesday to resolve two main tasks - to ensure the ceasefire in the much-suffering country and to assist the political settlement process that is prone to getting into a deadlock a yet another time after two rounds of pan-Syrian talks.

Russia will be represented at the meeting by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The Syria Support Group had the first meeting on October 30, 2015. Russia and the US co-chair the group, the efforts of which made it possible to achieve a range of important breakthroughs in the Syrian peace settlement.

On February 11, 2016, the parties to the Syria International Support Group coordinated the parameters of ceasefire that went into effect as of February 27. They also set up two special-purpose groups, one for monitoring observance of the ceasefire and the other, for humanitarian issues.

Russia and the US supported declaration of the so-called ‘silence regime’ in the areas of Aleppo, Latakia and Damascus. Moscow and Washington also issued a statement spelling out the main problems in the sphere of maintenance of ceasefire and the ways of their solution.


Aleppo to be One of Key Issues at Syria's Support Group Meeting in Vienna

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160517/1039728271/syria-aleppo-meeting-vienna.html

One of the topics for the discussion at the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting in Vienna will be the settlement of the situation around Aleppo, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Tuesday.

VIENNA (Sputnik) — The International Syria Support Group meeting has begun in Austria’s capital of Vienna.

"Today we will focus on how to guarantee the ceasefire conditions. And this concerns not only the city of Aleppo, but the whole area around it," Steinmeier told reporters.

There was a relatively slack period in past three months in Syria, he noted.

"We have seen that in the regions that were completely cut-off from supplies, once again the possibility to send special transport reemerged. However, not all of the territories have been made available for humanitarian missions [access]," Steinmeier added.

The ISSG, co-chaired by Moscow and Washington, was formed in November 2015, shortly after the beginning of the Syria peace talks, as a panel of countries seeking to end bloodshed in Syria. The European Union, the Arab League, China, Iran, Turkey, and the United Nations are also members of the group.


Lavrov holds talks with Iranian foreign minister in Vienna

http://tass.ru/en/politics/876095

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a bilateral meeting with his Iranian colleague Javad Zarif in Vienna

VIENNA, May 17. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a bilateral meeting with his Iranian colleague Javad Zarif in the Austrian capital on Tuesday.

Ahead of the consultations, the foreign ministers warmly greeted each other. Zarif asked Lavrov about his schedule. The Russian foreign minister said that he arrived in Vienna from Minsk, Belarus, on Monday.
Lavrov also said that he held a meeting on Monday with US Secretary of State John Kerry in the run-up to Tuesday’s meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG).

According to the Russian foreign minister, he has met representatives of the Syrian opposition and attended a meeting on Nagorno-Karabakh for which the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Serzh Sargsyan and Ilkham Aliyev, arrived in Vienna.

An international meeting on Syria will start in Vienna soon. The meeting participants will substantively discuss the possible parameters of a political settlement.

Lavrov’ meeting with Zarif continued behind closed doors.


Zarif: Vienna Conference should focus on fighting terrorists, preventing them from exploiting cessation of hostilities

http://sana.sy/en/?p=77467

Tehran, SANA- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed that Vienna Conference on Syria must focus on fighting the terrorist organizations which constitute a danger facing Syria, the region and the international community.

Zarif, upon arrival in Vienna to participate in the meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), called for not allowing the terrorist organizations to exploit the cessation of hostilities to launch terrorist attacks against the Syrian people.

He said that Vienna Conference is also a suitable opportunity to underline the necessity of solving the crisis in Syria politically, and to affirm that there is no military solution to it contrary to what some of the terrorist groups and their regional and international backers seek to reach as they must accept the track of the political solution.

The ministerial-level ISSG new meeting is set to be held in Vienna Today.

Earlier, Zarif held talks with UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura on means of settling the crisis in Syria.


Syrian Kurds Absent From Geneva Talks, Not Bound by Peace Decisions

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160517/1039727377/kurds-syria-talks-decision.html

Syrian Kurds will not consider themselves obligated to follow the decisions made at the intra-Syria talks in Geneva if they are not included in the process, Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party representative in France Khaled Issa told Sputnik.

CAIRO (Sputnik) — While the Kurds are the largest ethnic minority in Syria, none of their representatives have been invited to the Geneva proximity talks in the past.

"We, as the Democratic Union Party, which is part of democratic autonomy, state that we shall not be obliged to comply with any decision taken in our absence or in preparation of which we did not participate," Issa said.

The Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party claims that its participation in the intra-Syrian talks was blocked by Ankara because of its assumed links to the pro-independence Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant movement, which is active in southeastern Turkey.

Issa also told Sputnik that the Syrian Kurdish diplomatic mission will officially begin its operations in France on May 23.

"The official opening of the Rojava [Syrian Kurdistan] mission to France will take place on May 23," Issa said.

In February, a diplomatic mission of Syria's Rojava Autonomous Region opened in Moscow.

In March, Syrian Kurds announced the creation of a federal region in country's north — the so-called Federal Democratic System of Rojava and Northern Syria. The Syrian government responded by saying that the Kurds’ unilateral decision had no legal power.

In January, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the intra-Syrian reconciliation talks would fail to reach a political settlement unless the Syrian Kurds were allowed to participate in the process.


Ministerial Meeting on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks Postponed

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160517/1039728036/meeting-middle-east-talks.html

The ministerial meeting scheduled for May 30 on the peace process in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine will be postponed, French President Francois Hollande said Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Last month, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault announced that ministers of 20 countries would take part in a meeting in Paris on May 30 aiming to relaunch the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Neither Israeli nor Palestinian officials will be attending the event.

"The ministerial meeting, which was scheduled on the 30th of this month on the peace process in the Middle East between the Israelis and Palestinians will be postponed, but it will happen soon," Hollande said in an interview with Europe 1 radio station.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault called the French-proposed international conference on Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation the "only alternative" to the deadly stabbings and retaliatory attacks that escalated in the fall of 2015 and continue to date.

Palestinians seek diplomatic recognition of their independent state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, partially occupied by Israel, and the Gaza Strip. Israel has been building settlements on the occupied territories, despite objection from the United Nations.

The State of Palestine is recognized by 137 countries, including Russia, according to the Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations.
 
For Obama, an Unexpected Legacy of Two Full Terms at War
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/15/us/politics/obama-as-wartime-president-has-wrestled-with-protecting-nation-and-troops.html

President Obama came into office seven years ago pledging to end the wars of his predecessor, George W. Bush. On May 6, with eight months left before he vacates the White House, Mr. Obama passed a somber, little-noticed milestone: He has now been at war longer than Mr. Bush, or any other American president.

If the United States remains in combat in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria until the end of Mr. Obama’s term — a near-certainty given the president’s recent announcement that he will send 250 additional Special Operations forces to Syria — he will leave behind an improbable legacy as the only president in American history to serve two complete terms with the nation at war.

Mr. Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 and spent his years in the White House trying to fulfill the promises he made as an antiwar candidate, would have a longer tour of duty as a wartime president than Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon or his hero Abraham Lincoln.

Granted, Mr. Obama is leaving far fewer soldiers in harm’s way — at least 4,087 in Iraq and 9,800 in Afghanistan — than the 200,000 troops he inherited from Mr. Bush in the two countries. But Mr. Obama has also approved strikes against terrorist groups in Libya, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, for a total of seven countries where his administration has taken military action.

[...] Mr. Obama has wrestled with this immutable reality from his first year in the White House, when he went for a walk among the tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery before giving the order to send 30,000 additional troops into Afghanistan.

His closest advisers say he has relied so heavily on limited covert operations and drone strikes because he is mindful of the dangers of escalation and has long been skeptical that American military interventions work.

[...] But Mr. Obama has found those conflicts maddeningly hard to end. On Oct. 21, 2011, he announced that the last combat soldier would leave Iraq by the end of that year, drawing that eight-year war to a close. “Our troops will definitely be home for the holidays,” Mr. Obama said at the White House.

Less than three years later, he told a national television audience that he would send 475 military advisers back to Iraq to help in the battle against the Islamic State, the brutal terrorist group that swept into the security vacuum left by the absent Americans. By last month, more than 5,000 American troops were in Iraq.

A furious firefight this month between Islamic State fighters and Navy SEALs in northern Iraq, in which Special Warfare Operator First Class Charles Keating IV became the third American to die since the campaign against the Islamic State began, harked back to the bloodiest days of the Iraq war. It also made the administration’s argument that the Americans were only advising and assisting Iraqi forces seem ever less plausible.

Afghanistan followed a similar cycle of hope and disappointment. In May 2014, Mr. Obama announced that the United States would withdraw the last combat soldier from the country by the end of 2016.

Seventeen months later, Mr. Obama halted the withdrawal, telling Americans that he planned to leave more than 5,000 troops in Afghanistan until early 2017 the end of his presidency. By then, the Taliban controlled more territory in the country than at any time since 2001.

[...] More so than Mr. Bush or President Bill Clinton, Mr. Obama has fought a multifront war against militants. Officials at the Pentagon referred to the situation as “the new normal.” But for those who worked in the Obama administration, it made for an unrelenting experience.

“As the Middle East coordinator, I certainly felt like it was a wartime pace,” said Philip H. Gordon, who worked in the White House from 2013 to 2015.

Still, Mr. Gordon and other former officials drew a distinction between the wars of the 21st century and those of the 20th century. For one, Congress has not specifically authorized any of Mr. Obama’s military campaigns, let alone issued a declaration of war — something that it has not done since World War II.

“War doesn’t exist anymore, in our official vocabulary,” Mr. Gordon said.


Bust of Hillary Clinton to be erected in Albanian town
http://federalnewsradio.com/government-news/2016/05/bust-of-hillary-clinton-to-be-erected-in-albanian-town/

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The southern Albanian town of Saranda is erecting a bust of U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to mark her contribution in the international arena for the Albanian nation.

Town hall spokesman Thoma Nika said the city council unanimously decided a day earlier to display the sculpture of the former U.S. Secretary of State on the main boulevard along the shore, due to her “dimension as a woman in politics, as a representative of the old Albania-U.S. friendship, for her contribution to the Albanian nation in different historical moments.”

The bust has already been produced by Albanian sculptor Idriz Balani.

Nika insisted this week’s decision was not linked to the U.S. presidential process.

Saranda is a tourist town close to the ancient Roman archaeological spot of Butrint.


The Russian military is constructing a new army base in the central Syrian town of Palmyra, within the protected zone that holds the archaeological site listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site and without asking for permission from relevant authorities, an American heritage organization and a top Syrian archaeologist said Tuesday.

Russians building army base at Syria's Palmyra site
http://www.mail.com/scitech/news/4349514-russians-building-army-base-syrias-palmyra-site.html#.7518-stage-hero1-4

The American School of Oriental Research's Cultural Heritage Initiative posted pictures from the satellite imagery and analytics company DigitalGlobe that show the construction on the edge of the ancient site that was damaged by the Islamic State group, which held Palmyra for 10 months.

A UNESCO official said it was unclear whether the encampment was in a buffer zone to the archaeological site but said it does not form a threat to the historic area. Syrian troops backed by Russian airstrikes captured Palmyra in March and fighting continues miles away until this day. In recent weeks, IS fighters launched a fresh offensive in which they captured a nearby gas field that brought them close to the town.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported fighting between government forces and IS fighters in the village of Ameriyeh, near Palmyra. An IS-linked page on Instagram said IS fighters captured three positions near the Jazal gas field northwest of Palmyra and killed a number of troops. Jazal is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) northwest of the historic town.

Russian demining experts have detonated hundreds of bombs left behind by IS at and near the site since the town was captured. A top Syrian archaeologist said the presence of Syrian and Russian troops in Palmyra is important to prevent IS from coming back.

Maamoun Abdulkarim, head of the Antiquities and Museums Department in Damascus, told The Associated Press that the Russians are building small barracks that includes offices and clinics. Abdulkarim said his organization was not asked for permission but added that IS is close to the town and the presence of Russian and Syrian troops is important to ensure that the site remains in government hands.

"We refuse to give permission even if it was for a small room to be built inside the site whether it is for the Syrian army, Russian army or anyone else," Abdulkarim said by telephone from Damascus. "We will never give such permission because this will be in violation of the archaeology law."

A UNESCO official who visited the archaeological site in Palmyra late last month said if the encampment were in the buffer zone to the site, it would be in contravention to international treaties protecting historic zones. Syria is a signatory to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

"We're going to look at the satellite pictures to see if it is inside the buffer zone," the official said on condition of anonymity for safety reasons. The official said the Russian troops are conducting demining operations in the area.

"The base of the Russians is a temporary base," the official said. "They are in the middle of nothing." Speaking about threats to the site, the official said: "Daesh is not far away and they are coming back so the danger is always there," using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group.

Since Russia began launching airstrikes in Syria in September 2015, Moscow has tipped the balance of power in favor of President Bashar Assad's forces. Earlier this year Russia said it was scaling back its presence in Syria.

Before IS captured the town in May 2015, the Syrian army was known to have minor military presence inside the site. During the Islamic State group's 10 months in Palmyra, the militants destroyed the Temple of Bel, which dated back to A.D. 32, the Temple of Baalshamin, which was several stories high and fronted by six towering columns, and the Arch of Triumph, which was built under the Roman emperor Septimius Severus between A.D. 193 and A.D. 211.

"During the time of war, sometimes archaeological authorities don't have a say but security decisions dictate the orders," AbdulKarim said. "Once the situation improves and peace is reached, then we will openly call for removing" the barracks.

Osama al-Khatib, a Syrian opposition activist from Palmyra who currently lives in Turkey, said the Russians are setting up prefabricated homes and tents on the northern edge of the archaeological site. He added that the site where the Russians are now based is hundreds of meters (yards) from the temples and the Arch of Triumph.

He said there are also some historical graves near where the Russians are setting up their barracks.


According to Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, Russian Defense Ministry categorically denied on Tuesday reports of construction of a new Russian military base in the historical part of Syria's ancient city of Palmyra.

Russian Military Denies Reports of New Base in Syria's Palmyra
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160517/1039772004/russia-syria-palmyra-base.html

The Russian Defense Ministry categorically denied on Tuesday reports of construction of a new Russian military base in the historical part of Syria's ancient city of Palmyra, saying a temporary camp hosting Russian sappers had been set up in the area upon approval by Syrian authorities.

"There are no 'new Russian bases' in Syria's Palmyra. Satellite pictures of the area, allegedly provided by UNESCO and circulated by the Associated Press news agency, show a temporary camp hosting sappers from the Russian mine-clearing center, who have been involved in the demining of the historical part of Palmyra, and who are currently continue mine-clearing operation in the rest of the city," the ministry's spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said.

According to Konashenkov, the placement of this temporary camp until the end of the mine-clearing mission has been coordinated with the Syrian authorities.


China’s military underwent a major restructuring last year in a bid to prepare its military for conflict, the Pentagon said in its latest annual assessment of the Communist Party-controlled People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Pentagon: China Restructures for War (Photos)
http://freebeacon.com/national-security/pentagon-china-restructures-war/

The armed forces were reformed with new military regions, a new command structure, and updated strategies to better fight regional, high technology warfare, the 145-page report to Congress says.

“These reforms aim to strengthen the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) control over the military, enhance the PLA’s ability to conduct joint operations, and improve its ability to fight short-duration, high-intensity regional conflicts at greater distances from the Chinese mainland,” the report said.

Abraham Denmark, deputy assistant defense secretary for East Asia, told reporters the military reforms “are intended to enhance the PLA’s ability to conduct joint operations by replacing the old military regions with new geographic commands.”

“Our approach focuses on reducing risk, expanding common ground, and maintaining our military superiority,” Denmark said.

As part of its military strategy, China continued to expand its building of new islands in the South China Sea where military forces can be used to control the strategic waterway linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

From some of the 3,200 acres of new islands, “China will be able to use them as persistent civil-military bases to enhance its long-term presence in the South China Sea significantly,” the report said.

China also is asserting sovereignty over Japan’s Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Beijing has been careful to avoid a confrontation with the United States over the maritime disputes and used “coercive tactics short of armed conflict” in pressing its policies, the report said.

The PLA continued a major build up of military forces across the range of weapons and troops, including large numbers of new missiles, warships, aircraft, along with cyber warfare capabilities and space weaponry.

The report said among the challenges for the Chinese military is widespread corruption that ensnared more than 40 senior PLA officers in illegal activities since 2012, including the PLA’s most senior officer. (Article continues.)


President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Vietnam next week for the first time in his two-term administration. The trip offers the latest sign of tightening economic and security ties between the U.S. and Vietnam — one of Asia’s fastest growing economies and an increasingly pivotal player in regional politics.

Obama Asia Trip 2016: President Obama’s Vietnam Visit Signals Tighter Economic Ties With Former Wartime Foe (Photos)
http://www.ibtimes.com/obama-asia-trip-2016-president-obamas-vietnam-visit-signals-tighter-economic-ties-2369899?utm_medium=email&utm_source=US-Vietnam-Unite-Against-China&utm_campaign=pulse_email_newsletter

Obama will arrive just months after the U.S., Vietnam and 10 other nations signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a massive international trade pact designed in part to give American companies more access to Asia-Pacific markets. The president’s trip also comes as Vietnamese leaders seek to improve U.S. relations as a hedge against China’s more assertive foreign policy.

Tensions with Beijing have helped push Vietnam toward the United States, its former wartime foe, at the same time that Obama has strived to expand U.S. influence in the region. The White House is likely to end a ban on arms sales to Vietnam ahead of Obama’s visit, Foreign Policy reported last week. The move would allow Hanoi to buy sophisticated American military hardware, such as radar or surveillance aircraft, to monitor contested waters in the South China Sea.

Vietnam, meanwhile, has enjoyed steady economic growth in recent years thanks to a vast expansion in manufacturing and construction, rising domestic demand and a surge in foreign direct investment, including from U.S. investors. The Southeast Asian nation’s gross domestic product rose 6.7 percent last year — its strongest performance in seven years, the Asian Development Bank reported.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who was sworn into office in April, is tasked with sustaining that growth over the next five years. Under the Communist Party’s new socioeconomic plan for 2016 to 2020, the nation will target as much as 7 percent average annual expansion over that period.

Yet the challenge to meet that target this year has increased during the last few months. The collapse in global crude oil prices shrank the state’s income, while drought and saltwater intrusion battered production of rice and other agricultural staples.

[...] Within a few years, however, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, could deliver a sustained boost to Vietnam’s economy by drastically reducing the tariffs it pays to export cell phones, textiles and other consumer goods. The Peterson Institute in Washington recently estimated the American-led trade pact could increase Vietnam’s GDP by 8.1 percent by 2030, making the nation one of the deal’s biggest winners.

TPP participants still need to finalize and ratify the free-trade agreement, a process that could require years of tough negotiations. In the U.S., members of Congress and 2016 presidential candidates have expressed strong opposition, threatening to derail the deal. Critics of the TPP say the plan would allow nations to relax standards on human rights, environmental protection, labor unions and internet privacy in exchange for creating more favorable business conditions abroad.

Obama’s visit to Hanoi next week is part of a broader Asian trip from May 21 to 28, which includes the G7 summit in Japan and a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.


As the government continues to suppress the entire 6,700-page Senate Torture Report, the CIA inspector general’s office recently admitted to “mistakenly” destroying their only copy of the classified report. Although CIA Director John Brennan possesses another copy of the torture report, he refuses to send a replacement to the internal watchdog’s office.

CIA “Accidentally” Deleted and Destroyed Its Only Copy of Senate Torture Investigation
http://www.activistpost.com/2016/05/cia-accidentally-deleted-and-destroyed-its-only-copy-of-senate-torture-investigation.html

Last summer, the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Justice Department were privately informed that CIA employees at the inspector general’s office had both destroyed the disk and deleted the file containing the full Senate Torture Report. Despite the fact that the Justice Department ordered all copies of the classified document to be preserved, acting CIA Inspector General Christopher Sharpley was unable to locate another copy and eventually informed the Senate Intelligence Committee that his officers has mistakenly ruined their only copies.

On November 9, 2005, CIA Director of National Clandestine Service Jose Rodriguez Jr. authorized the burning of 92 videotapes depicting the harsh interrogations of Abu Zubaydah and Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri. In response to the destruction of those tapes, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence voted to review the CIA’s Rendition, Detention and Interrogation program on March 5, 2009. With access to over six million pages of CIA documents, the Committee merely provided a superficial summary without bothering to interview any participants or victims of the RDI program.

After CIA employees were caught hacking into computers belonging to members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, CIA Director Brennan falsely accused the oversight committee of stealing classified files. Refusing to publicly apologize for his false accusations, Brennan later privately apologized to then-Chairperson of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

[...] Instead of releasing the entire 6,700-page Senate Torture Report, Sen. Feinstein disclosed a roughly 500-page executive summary chronicling the CIA’s kidnapping, torture, and blatant deception towards Congress and the American public. While referencing multiple human rights abuses, including waterboarding, forced rectal rehydration, and the murder of Gul Rahman, the summary neglected to mention the deaths of Abdul Wali and Manadel al-Jamadi under separate CIA interrogations or the rendition and torture of an Egyptian cleric named Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr.

Ordered to preserve the document while not reading it, the CIA inspector general’s office instead uploaded the file onto its internal classified computer system before destroying the disk and “mistakenly” deleting their only copy of the file. On Friday, Feinstein wrote a letter asking CIA Director Brennan to give the inspector general’s office a new copy of the Senate Torture Report.
 
Al-Qaeda Vows to Fight Daesh for Place Under the Syrian Sun

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160517/1039735726/syria-al-qaeda-vs-daesh.html

US and European intelligence and counterterror officials have confirmed to the New York Times that Al-Qaeda's top leadership has dispatched over a dozen seasoned veterans to Syria, in an effort to spruce up its Nusra Front franchise there and reengage in competition with Daesh (ISIL) for the leadership of the global Islamist terrorist movement.

Paraphrasing Western officials, NYT reported that "the movement of senior Qaeda jihadists [into Syria] reflects Syria's growing importance to the terrorist organization and most likely foreshadows an escalation of the group's bloody rivalry with the Islamic State."

Al-Qaeda operatives are believed to have begun the establishment of an "alternate headquarters" in the country, with terrorist group leader Ayman al-Zawahiri calling for the establishment of a 'new caliphate' in the territories under Nusra Front's control.

Earlier this month, al-Zawahiri issued a 10-minute audio recording talking about a new Syrian caliphate, and saying that it would have nothing to do with the "renegades and extremists" from Daesh. The two Wahhabist terrorist splintered off from one another in 2013, with periodic political infighting going back to the mid-2000s.

According to sources cited by NYT, al-Qaeda's establishment of a firmer presence in war-torn Syria "would present the group with an invaluable opportunity."

"A Syria-based Qaeda state would not only be within closer striking distance of Europe but also benefit from the recruiting and logistical support of fighters from Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon," NYT warned.

The Importance of the Brand

Earlier this month, Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, wrote in Foreign Policy that the establishment of a self-proclaimed caliphate, combined with "a revitalized Al Qaeda central leadership" in Syria, "would represent a confidence boost for the jihadi organization's global brand."

The terror group "would present itself as a smart, methodical and persistent jihadi movement [which], in contrast to the Islamic State, had adopted a strategy more aligned with everyday Sunni Muslims," Lister added.

'Get 'Em All, Let God Sort 'Em Out…'

Speaking to Russia's Izvestia newspaper, Vyacheslav Tetekin, a member of the Russian parliament's Defense Committee, said that there is no need to dramatize the situation around Al-Qaeda's apparent plans.

"In Syria there aren't just two fronts, or two caliphates. Each terrorist organization participating in the hostilities thinks itself to be the master. In addition to al-Qaeda [through Nusra Front] and Daesh, there are plenty of other groups of bandits. However, each of them is under the direct or indirect control of Western intelligence agencies. Therefore, I would not talk about any fundamental changes."

In any case, Izvestia wrote, "whatever happens, al-Qaeda should hardly expect to find a warm welcome in Syria. And it's not even so much about Syrian government forces' readiness to destroy extremists of all stripes, so much as the reluctance on the part of their fellow terrorists to see competitors in the occupied territories. This is particularly true of Daesh. It's worth recalling that this group, which was initially called 'Al-Qaeda in Iraq', was subordinate, as the name suggests, to al-Zawahiri."

Recalling the history of Al-Qaeda's presence in Syria through its Nusra Front franchise, the Russian newspaper recalled that "in the early stages of the Syrian conflict, militants from the organization fought shoulder to shoulder with Daesh terrorists, although soon, armed clashes began on a regular basis, claiming the lives of several thousand fighters on both sides. As a result, in January 2014, al-Zawahiri released an audio address in which he called Islamists 'to stop the fratricidal infighting'. In early February, when it became clear that the armed conflicts had not subsided, al-Qaeda's high command announced the severance of relations with Daesh."

Speaking to Izvestia, Lev Korolkov, a veteran of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) emphasized that ultimately, al-Qaeda's primarily goal "is not to lose face. Furthermore, its leaders understand that the key to a terrorist organization's future existence is funding; it allows the group to purchase weapons and recruit fighters. Obviously, the militant group has faced problems, and because of this its leader is attempting to draw attention to himself and to restore al-Qaeda's former standing," among the adherents of jihadi terrorists, anyway.


300 insurgents killed in eastern Damascus as rebel groups attack each other

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/300-insurgents-killed-eastern-damascus-rebel-groups-attack/

During the morning hours, insurgents loyal to Jaish al-Islam (Army of Islam) attacked a checkpoint held by Faylaq Al-Rahman (Al-Rahman Legion) inside Madyara, a town in the East Ghouta region of Damascus.

During the attacks, one Faylaq Al-Rahman militant was killed with 3 others injured; in turn, Jaish al-Islam was able to establish control of approximately half of the town.

A Jaish al-Islam commander said his units had lost no fighters during the morning offensive which was spearheaded by a captured T-72 tank.

The Jaish al-Islam attack was likely retaliation for Faylaq al-Rahman attacking the neighbouring town of Mesraba 9 days ago.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), rebel infighting in East Ghouta has led to the death of 300 fighters in the past few weeks.

Faylaq Al-Rahman commanders have accused Jaish al-Islam of corruption, saying the Islamist group was unwilling to share war booty and donations from foreign countries.

Not long ago, a video tape was leaked depicting the deceased Jaish al-Islam leader in a heated debate with the leaders hipof supposedly allied rebel groups in eastern Damascus.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has advanced in the southern pocket of East Ghouta, capturing several villages and farms from rebels in the past few days.


Syrian Army Captures Daesh Commander Near Palmyra

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160517/1039770593/daesh-syrian-army-palmyra.html

According to reports, Syrian army captured a Daesh jihadist group commander during a raid southeast of Palmyra.

BEIRUT (Sputnik) – The Syrian army captured a Daesh jihadist group commander during a raid southeast of Palmyra, a source told Sputnik on Tuesday.

"One of the Daesh commanders has been captured. Documents with Daesh seals identify him as Ahmad Murshid al-Iraqi [were found at the scene]. He was wounded in the leg," the source said

During the course of the raid near Palmyra, scores of terrorists have been killed, including five people from the Caucasus, two Turkish nationals, as well as citizens of Tunisia and Iraq, the source added.

On March 27, forces loyal to Damascus, supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces, liberated the city of Palmyra from Daesh, 10 months after its capture. The terrorist group, outlawed in many countries including Russia, has destroyed a significant part of Palmyra's historic ruins, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Earlier this month, Daesh jihadists captured the major Shaer gas reservoir, near Palmyra, however, on Tuesday the Syrian military managed to cut off a major supply route to the militants there.


VIDEO: Syrian Army captures U.S. manufactured TOW-missiles

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-captures-u-s-manufactured-tow-missiles/

During a raid in the eastern countryside of Daraa, the Syrian Armed Forces seized 2 American supplied TOW-missiles, 32 Israeli manufactured mines and other improvised weaponry from a truck driver who was arrested during the confiscation.

Since the beginning of the war, the TOW-missile has been utilized very effectively by rebels to take out hundreds of Syrian Arab Army (SAA) tanks. Some MENA analysts have even argued the anti-tank guided missile has “kept the revolution alive”.

Although it is unclear if the CIA supplies the TOW-missile directly to Syrian rebels, a Saudi Arabian official said the Gulf Kingdom had given 500 TOW-missiles to rebel forces last summer, while Qatar is also believed to be a major supplier.

Footage from the bust can be seen here:

_https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8Gx8j6RCOc


Syrian Opposition HNC Says Violated Ceasefire in 'Self-Defense'

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160517/1039766170/syria-opposition-violence-defense.html

Spokesman for the Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) Riyad Naasan Agha told Sputnik Tuesday that the opposition violated the Syrian ceasefire in self-defense.

DUBAI (Sputnik) – Earlier in the day, the International Syria Support Group said in a statement that all parties to the Syrian conflict should adhere to the provisions stipulated in the deal on cessation of hostilities.

"The opposition used the right to defend itself after numerous violations of the ceasefire by the government forces," he said.

"We demand an end to constant shelling, especially of civilians, and urge to adhere to the truce," the spokesman added.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups, such as Daesh and Nusra Front.

A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27. Daesh and Nusra Front, both outlawed in Russia, were not part of the deal.


Russia, US Ready to Investigate Syrian Ceasefire Violations - German FM

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160517/1039747955/russia-us-investigate-syria-ceasefire-violations.html

Russia and the United States have announced their readiness to conduct a technical investigation to reveal those responsible for recent violations of the Syrian ceasefire, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Tuesday.

VIENNA (Sputnik) — On Tuesday, foreign ministers of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) convened for the fifth time in Vienna.

"Russia and the United States have expressed readiness for progressing on a technical level for revealing the side responsible for violating the ceasefire," Steinmeier told reporters at the close of the meeting.

Aссording to the minister, all sides to the Syrian conflict are willing to invite UN special envoy for Syria to restart the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva "as soon as possible," Steinmeier said.

"The sides have contradictions, different views on the situation in Syria <…> and we have to overcome these contradictions to move closer to a political solution. This is what we discussed today, essentially studying the weak points, in order to return to the talks in Geneva," Steinmeier told reporters.

"There is a willingness from all the sides to support this path, and to invite UN special representative to Geneva as soon as possible for the continuation of the negotiations," the German minister added.

Tuesday’s "constructive" debates allowed the sides to study the contentious points should once again be raised in Geneva," Steinmeier outlined.


Moscow concerned Jabhat al-Nusra is percieved as deterrent to Damascus — FM

http://tass.ru/en/politics/876260

Russia's foreign minister says anti-terror measures are priority number one for Russia, but progress should be maintained along all guidelines that concern ceasefire and the political process

VIENNA, May 17. /TASS/. The terrorist group Jabhat al-Nusra should not be regarded as a deterrent against President Bashar Assad and his government, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after a meeting of the International Syria Support Group.

"Priorities are to be selected," he said. "Many ISSG members claimed that a choice will have to be made between the regime and the struggle against terrorism. I believe this is utterly wrong to say that as soon as Assad goes everything will get normal at once and we will achieve victory over the Islamic State, Jabhat al-Nusra and all other terrorist groups."

Lavrov recalled that the UN Security Council had repeatedly adopted resolutions saying that there could be no excuses for the evil of terrorism and any terrorist act.

"Saying ‘Either Assad or we will not combat terrorism’ is a crude violation of this fundamental, universal principle," he said.

Lavrov recalled that at Tuesday’s meeting of the ISSG, when Russia asked why it was impossible to distinguish between normal opposition and Jabhat al-Nusra in order to ensure there should be no pretext for taking a mild line towards terrorists and to crack down on Jabhat al-Nusra without hearing any complaints from some, a counterpart of ours said: "Ok, once we’ve bombed it out of existence, who will take its positions on the ground?"

"That’s a Freudian slip of the tongue," Lavrov said. "It means that these people’s train of thought is incompatible with the approach of the UN Security Council. It turns out that Jabhat al-Nusra is seen as a deterrent of the current regime. This is a dangerous turn of events. I believe we will be able to discuss this them with the US partners and other ISSG members.".

Struggle against terrorism in Syria is Russia’s priority

According to the minister, struggle against terrorism in Syria is Russia’s priority, but settlement efforts should proceed along all guidelines simultaneously.

"Priorities must be seen," Lavrov said. "Anti-terror measures are priority number one for us, but progress should be maintained along all guidelines that concern ceasefire and the political process. Compromises are to be looked for. It would be wrong to leave everything as it is, but it is impermissible to ruin government institutions, either."

"We don’t support [Syrian President Bashar] Assad, we support anti-terrorism efforts," he said. "We see no real force ‘on the ground’ that could be more efficient than the Syrian army, given all its weak points."

Assad is in no way ignoring advice

Syrian President Bashar Assad is in no way ignoring advice on the settlement in his country, Lavrov added.

"As for whether Assad is ignoring our efforts or not, he knows and remembers that he has undertaken a liability to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254," he said.

The Russian minister said he means the formation at the transition stage of a joint transitional mechanism between the government and the entire spectrum of the Syrian opposition. This mechanism is essential to elaborate a new constitution and hold early presidential and parliamentary elections on its basis.

"As we have agreed, this will take about 18 months," Lavrov said. "And President Assad has confirmed these liabilities during contacts with our president."

Syrian government army is most efficient force ‘on ground’

Lavrov stressed that the Syrian government army is the most efficient force ‘on the ground.’

"We don’t support [Syrian President Bashar] Assad, we support anti-terrorism efforts," he said. "We see no real force ‘on the ground’ that could be more efficient than the Syrian army, given all its weak points, and those opposition groups we have established dialogue with via our base in Hmeimim."

"Several dozens of opposition groups have already signed ceasefire agreements, more than 100 settlements have announced their joining this process," Lavrov noted. "And we will continue this work."

"We are defending not a particular person, we are defending the state which is a member of the United Nations, at the request from the government of this sovereign state and we all have undertaken to respect and ensure the territorial integrity and political independence of this state in our documents and United Nations Security Council resolutions," the Russian top diplomat stressed.

Progress in settlement

According to the minister, the Syrian Support Group has noted progress in settlement in Syria.

"In all three directions (halting combat actions, humanitarian aid and political process) we have registered progress," Lavrov said. "Our common goal is to do so that all this is fulfilled in specific steps on the ground," he said, adding: "We will actively seek this."

"The major advantage of our collective position is that it encompasses all the key directions of work," Lavrov said, adding that this is halting combat actions with the focus on immediate ceasefire across the country, broadening humanitarian access and political process.

Lavrov said the violence level has significantly decreased since late February when the ceasefire in Syria brokered by Russia and the US was announced. "Humanitarian access has improved although a lot need to be done here."

Lavrov said Moscow hopes that all sides will be committed to distancing Syria’s opposition from Jabhat al-Nusra.

The minister expressed concerns that the terrorism threat is growing in the region and particularly in Syria. "Here the problem of Jabhat al-Nusra is already becoming persistent."

The terrorist group is assuming different disguises. "It joins some separatist alliances with different groups which appear to have signed the ceasefire agreements but withdraw from them for some time when it is convenient for them and then come back," Lavrov said.

"We expect that the commitments that the United States and other countries undertook concerning the need to ensure that the normal and non-extremist opposition distances itself from Jabhat al-Nusra (should be implemented -TASS) including in geographic terms," Lavrov said.

"We should not forget that our common stance that was approved by the UN Security Council envisages an inclusive nature of the intra-Syrian negotiations," the minister said.

"We think it wrong to exclude anyone, in particular, the opposition Kurdish Democratic Union Party, from the Geneva talks," Lavrov stressed. "We hope those who oppose involvement of the Democratic Union Party into the negotiating process in Geneva will soon drop their objections, there more so as there are only a couple of such countries."


The Fate of Bashar Al-Assad Is Not Mentioned in the Final ISSG Document

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/05/the-fate-of-bashar-al-assad-is-not.html

Translated by Ollie Richardson for Fort Russ
17th May, 2016


http://kommersant.ru/doc/2989272

The final document to be adopted following the meeting of the International Syrian Support Group (ISSG) in Vienna will outline measures to maintain the cessation of hostilities throughout the territory of Syria and humanitarian access issues, reports "RIA Novosti" with reference to a diplomatic source in one of the delegations.

"Following the meeting of the ISSG, a document will be represented. It sets out measures to maintain the cessation of hostilities throughout the territory of Syria, as well as issues of humanitarian access," said the agency's interlocutor. According to him, the fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is not mentioned in the text.

Earlier, Russia and the United States issued a joint appeal on Syria. The document discussed the most acute problems that impede the establishment of peace in the country. In particular, countries agreed to identify the territory controlled by the Islamic State and "Jabhat al-Nusra", and "to consider decisive action" against them. In addition, Russia and the United States promised to "exert pressure" on the parties to the conflict to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance in some isolated areas. These proposals were assessed as "positive" at the meeting of the "Friends of Syria Group".


Lavrov: Turkey should prove at UN it is not backing terrorists in Syria

http://tass.ru/en/politics/876277

The Turkish side considers the allegations "nonsense"

VIENNA, May 17. /TASS/. Ankara, instead of mere denial, needs to prove at the UN Security Council that it is not supporting terrorists in Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday after a meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) in Vienna.

"There is a section of the border in Syria, just over 90 km, which is controlled form the Syrian side by militants of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) and from the other side is controlled by Turkey," the Russian foreign minister said. "There are two Turkish enclaves there. And Turkey says periodically that if the Kurds begin to oust IS from that border section, then Ankara will not tolerate this - the junction of forces of two Kurdish enclaves."

"But somebody should combat this terrorist group in this area," Lavrov said. "This section is full of holes, providing the routes for the smuggling of arms to the militants. Now it (smuggling scale) has considerably reduced." "However, this testifies to a very serious extensive network which was created by the Turkish side in order to continue and mask these supplies," the minister said.

"We circulated at the UNSC an unofficial document some time ago that gathered facts from open sources confirming the unflattering and unacceptable activity (support of gunmen in Syria)," Lavrov said. "Our Turkish neighbors in the UNSC said all this was nonsense," he said. The document had names of settlements and Turkish organizations involved in this activity and many other facts, he said. "That’s why instead of denial without proof it would be better to explain at the UN why this is not true," Lavrov said.

"And today the Turkish minister, when I reminded him of this, confirmed that they flatly deny everything that is written there," Lavrov added. "We are not trying to deride (Turkey) over this, not trying to take revenge on anybody," the minister said. "We want to settle the Syrian crisis problem by peaceful political means. Everything we do is aimed exactly at this," Lavrov said.

The ceasefire brokered by Russia and the United States officially came into effect in Syria on February 27. This does not cover terrorist groups such as Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra, both outlawed in Russia, and other groups recognized as terrorist by the United Nations Security Council.


Russia considers unilateral sanctions on Libya, Yemen wrong — FM

http://tass.ru/en/politics/876280

Acording to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, sanctions really worsen the humanitarian situation of civilians

VIENNA, May 17. /TASS/. Moscow believes that the introduction of unilateral sanctions against Libya and Yemen is a big mistake, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, adding that sanctions really worsen the humanitarian situation of civilians.

"The sanctions that were introduced as a so-called political lever, really worsen the humanitarian situation of civilians," the minister said. "And, by the way, unilateral sanctions in a situation in which something goes wrong with the establishment of a political dialogue, are already being introduced against separate persons in Yemen and in Libya. We believe it is a big mistake, undermining the efforts aimed at ensuring national conciliation - both in Syria an in any other internal conflict situation," Lavrov said.


US assistant secretary Nuland arrives in Moscow — embassy

http://tass.ru/en/world/876236

US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland will stay in Moscow till Wednesday when she is to meet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov

MOSCOW, May 17. /TASS/. US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland has arrived in Moscow, a source at the U.S. embassy in Moscow said on Tuesday.

"Yes, Nuland has arrived in Moscow," he confirmed.

Earlier, a diplomatic source said that Nuland would stay in Moscow till Wednesday when she is to meet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.

According to the US embassy, Nuland is going to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine, further steps to implement the Minsk agreements and support the efforts of the "Normandy four" group and the Trilateral Contact Group at talks with high-ranking Russian officials. A wide range of bilateral and regional issues will also be part of agenda.

After Russia, Nuland will head for Brussels to join a US delegation led by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
 
The International Syria Support Group reaffirms that political transition in Syria must be led and owned by Syria, the ISSG said in a statement Tuesday.

Syrian Political Transition Must be 'Syrian-Owned,' 'Syrian-Led' - ISSG
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160517/1039757323/syria-declaration-political-transition.html

The International Syria Support Group reaffirms that political transition in Syria must be led and owned by Syria, the ISSG said in a statement Tuesday.

"All ISSG members reaffirmed that political transition in Syria must be Syrian-owned and Syrian-led, and expressed their unequivocal and united commitment to facilitating the start of political transition in Syria by consistent with resolution 2254 (2015) and previous ISSG statements of October 30 and November 14, 2015, and February 11, 2016," the statement issued after the ISSG meeting reads.

ISS also insists that all parties to the Syrian conflict should adhere to the provisions stipulated in the deal on cessation of hostilities.


America’s cyberwarfare defense begins with placing the word ‘ethical’ in front of actions barred under international law.

US Military Trains Soldiers to ‘Ethically Hack’ Foreign Governments
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160518/1039787575/military-navy-hacker-obama-pentagon.html

The US Navy posted a training solicitation last week, calling for interested personnel to sign-up for a ‘Certified Ethical Hacker’ program, a five-day course from June 6-10, in San Diego, California. The training represents the latest step by the US military to respond to an increase in global cyberwarfare.

According to the Navy, a 'certified ethical hacker' "is a skilled professional who understands and knows how to look for the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in networks and/or computer systems and uses the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker upon request from an organization."

A 'certified ethical hacker' differs from a black-hat hacker in no discernible way, except for being ordered to engage in hacking attacks at the behest of a government.

Even that, however, is insufficient to be deemed an ethical hacker – these professionals are ordered specifically by the US government, unlike purportedly unethical Chinese, Iranian, and Russian hackers.

The move by the US Navy comes after the military and intelligence community continue to lose talented cybersecurity experts who opt to go professional in the private sector, or lease their services to the government, as a high-priced consultant.

Notably, the US Navy job-function specifications for their new cadre of hackers does not specify whether they will engage in offensive action against foreign governments. The guidelines also do not expressly limit their function to a more ‘ethical’ role, including engaging in limited hacking attacks against US government systems to determine holes in the security apparatus.

Another military branch, the US Air Force, gave up entirely on attempting to recruit and train hackers and IT professionals, opting instead to outsource the work to consulting firms and freelance operatives.


In today’s edition of the government knows everything about your life unless you live off-the-grid in the mountains of Montana, federal agencies are now allowed to snoop through your social media accounts.

Feds Take to Twitter and Facebook to Spy in the Name of National Security
http://sputniknews.com/news/20160518/1039784760/twitter-facebook-cia-nsa-spy.html

The US government may soon explore social media postings when conducting background checks for security clearances, but they won’t be able to use fake accounts to do it – or at least that is what they tell you until you read the last sentence of the government’s policy relating to social media.

Last week, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper approved a new policy that, for the first time, authorized government investigators to consider public postings on social media – those posts that can be viewed by unrelated internet users – when conducting background checks.

The policy contains a critical exclusion that protects the privacy interests of drunken college students with aspirations for government service. The policy expressly prohibits government investigators from creating accounts or use existing accounts "for the purpose of connecting ('friending' or 'following') to a specific person, or asking an existing connection to help them access an individual’s private posts."

[...] But, the policy closes with an exception that devours the rule – the provisions do not apply in instances related to "national security" or "criminal reporting requirements" meaning that the government can actually spy on you on social media using fake accounts and they just wanted to get your guard down.


The Federal Bureau of Investigations may be looking to break into Tor, the Internet browser that hides user’s locations, by trying to subpoena one of Tor’s primary software developers, and instead of complying, she has fled the country.

Developer of Online Anonymity Tool Tor Flees US to Escape FBI ‘Harassment’
http://sputniknews.com/us/20160518/1039782853/tor-developer-flees-fbi-harassment.html

The FBI wants the cryptographer, who goes by Isis Agora Lovecruft, to testify in a criminal hacking investigation, but privacy advocates — as well as Lovecruft herself — believe the Bureau will attempt to coerce her into helping them crack the system.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the leading nonprofit organization defending electronic civil liberties, has also taken on the case.

“The FBI needs to open up and tell Isis what it is they want before she can decide if she will meet with them,” EFF Senior Staff Attorney Nate Cardozo told Sputnik. “They've said she isn't under investigation, but there are still too many unanswered questions. Isis has a right to know what's going on instead of playing this strange guessing game as she's pursued by federal agents.”

[...] Lovecruft, and those who support her, believe that the FBI could be seeking her out to serve her with a secret warrant — potentially to insert a backdoor into Tor, which many believe would do significant harm to innocent users of the system.


Syrian Democratic Council Co-President Elham Ahmed said that Syrian Kurds are worried that al-Qaeda is transforming parts of northern Aleppo into a center of operations.

Kurds Fear Aleppo Turning Into Al-Qaeda Center
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160518/1039781394/kurds-fear-aleppo-al-qaeda.html

Syrian Kurds are worried that al-Qaeda is transforming parts of northern Aleppo into a center of operations amid reports that the terrorist group wants to create a headquarters there, Syrian Democratic Council Co-President Elham Ahmed told Sputnik.

"Azaz in Aleppo…. is becoming an al-Qaeda center," Ahmed said on Tuesday. "We [Syrian Kurds] are concerned about that."

The New York Times reported earlier this week, citing US and European intelligence officials, that al-Qaeda has relocated a number of seasoned veterans from Pakistan to Syria where it plans to establish an alternate headquarters.

The terrorist organization, Ahmed noted, has actually had a presence on the ground in Syria since the uprising against the government erupted in 2011.

On Monday, US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby said the United States is taking reports about al-Qaeda setting up a headquarters in Syria seriously.

Kirby noted, however, that al-Qaeda has had a de facto presence in Syria through its offshoot group — al-Nusra Front.
 
"Dzhabhat en-Nusra" continued fighting in the region of Aleppo

http://www.interfax.ru/world/508807

Moscow. On 17 May. INTERFAX.RU - Militants of the terrorist group "Dzhabhat en-Nusra" (banned in Russia) in the past day were fighting in the city of Aleppo in Syria region, in the provinces of Hama, Latakia and Damascus, said Tuesday the site of the Ministry of Defense.

"The groups of the international terrorist organization" Dzhabhat en-Nusra "continue fighting. During the day were being fired from multiple rocket launchers and mortars quarterly Ashraf, Sheikh Maqsood and Salah al-Din, the city of Aleppo, also came under fire from multiple rocket launchers communities Handrat points, Haylala, Braydzh al-Rich "- said in a bulletin of the Russian center for reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria.

Total in Syria in the past day 5 recorded violations of the ceasefire regime, said Tuesday the site of the Ministry of Defense. Up to 105 increased the number of localities that have joined the ceasefire.

"Russian Air Force and videoconferencing Syria opposition militias, have declared a cessation of hostilities and to report to the Russian or American centers reconciliation information about their location, strikes are not applied," - said in the bulletin of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria.


Rebel defenses in East Ghouta collapse amid Syrian Army offensive – Map update

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-defenses-east-ghouta-collapse-amid-syrian-army-offensive-map-update/

Around noon Tuesday, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launched a new attack in the southern East Ghouta (Damascus) pocket, subsequently capturing half of Bazinah village.

Furthermore, the SAA’s Republican Guard – reinforced by a Hezbollah unit – managed to fully capture the Bazinah farms during the evening, thereby establishing a new launching pad for attacks on the village.

On the defending side of the battle, rebel fighters of Jabhat al-Nusra and Faylaq Al-Rahman suffered 11 deaths, while 5 surrendered to Syrian government troops.

No airstrikes aided the advance; however, the Republican Guard and Hezbollah relied heavily upon artillery prior to their mopping-up operations.

Meanwhile, the insurgent factions of East Ghouta have been clashing internally with one another despite ongoing advancements by the Syrian Armed Forces.

Since the 1st of May, the SAA has captured several areas in southeastern Damascus; these include Rikabiyah village (1st of May), the Rikabiyah farms (11th of May), Nolah village (12th of May), Hawsh All Hatib village (14th of May), while operations are ongoing to capture Zebdeen and Deir al-Asafir, two highly treasured rebel strongholds.

In the months prior to these advancements, the SAA carried out a strategic pincer manuever by capturing Bala Al-Kadhim and Marj al-Sultan, thus greatly restricting rebel supplies and reinforcements from reaching the newly captured villages.


Syrian Army advances in the West Ghouta: video

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-west-ghouta-video/

The Syrian Arab Army’s Special Forces – backed by the National Defense Forces (NDF) and Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) – imposed full control over Medicinal Factory inside the strategic town of Khan Al-Sheih this morning after a violent battle with Jabhat Al-Nusra (Syrian Al-Qaeda group).

In addition to capturing the Medicinal Factory, the Syrian Armed Forces also seized the Al-Kassarat area of Khan Al-Sheih after expelling Jabhat Al-Nusra and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) from this part of the West Ghouta (collection of farms in rural Damascus).

Last week, Jabhat Al-Nusra attempted to capture the Regiment 137 Base inside Khan Al-Sheih; however, they were ultimately repelled by the Syrian Armed Forces before making any significant progress.

Video footage of the Syrian Army’s advance:

_https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9hJr0Aygv4


Updated- The Army advances around al-Shaer gas field, destroys terrorist positions in other areas

http://sana.sy/en/?p=77487

Provinces, SANA_ The Syrian Army Air Force on Tuesday launched air strikes against ISIS positions, destroying their gatherings and vehicles in a number of province.

Deir Ezzor

Vehicles and positions for the ISIS terrorists were destroyed in sorties against their gatherings in Deir Ezzor.

A military source told SANA that the army air force carried out airstrikes against gatherings and fortified positions of the ISIS terrorists in al-Sinaa neighborhood and to the west of Deir Ezzor airport.

The source added that mortar launchers, an artillery, positions and vehicles belonging to the Takfiri terrorists were destroyed in the sorties and a number of terrorists were killed.

Homs

In the central province of Homs, the military source affirmed that vehicles and gatherings were destroyed during continuous army strikes against terrorists in the countryside of Palmyra in the eastern part of the province.

The source explained that the Syrian army’s air force conducted early Tuesday sorties over Palmyra countryside where it destroyed ISIS terrorists’ vehicles in the vicinity of al-Shaer gas field and in the northern countryside of Palmyra.

Later the source announced that an army unit, in cooperation with the popular defense groups, established control over al-Sawan Hill which overlooks the the road linking al-Eqeirbat junction with al-Shaer field.

In the northern countryside of Homs, an army unit clashed with terrorist groups that attacked military points, killing a number of their members, including the so called “Abu Sanad” and “Abu Aseel” who are identified as military leaders operating within “Ahrar al-Sham Islamic Movement” and Jabhat al-Nusra.

Damascus Countryside

Army units carried out special operations against gatherings and dens of Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organization and other terrorist groups affiliated to it in Khan al-Sheeh town in southwestern Damascus Countryside.

A source on the ground said in a statement to SANA that an army unit engaged in fierce clashes with Jabhat al-Nusra and “al-Fatiheen brigade” terrorist group in the area between al-Khamara, Saloum villa, and the pharmaceuticals factory to the west of Khan al-Sheeh town.

The clashes resulted in killing a number of terrorists, injuring others, and destroying two vehicles equipped with heavy machineguns, the source added.


Hezbollah, Syrian Army overwhelm Nusra to enter Serghaya village in west Syria

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/hezbollah-overwhelms-nusra-along-syria-lebanon-border/

Hezbollah carried out a powerful assault against the jihadist rebels of Jabhat Al-Nusra (Al-Qaeda group) on Tuesday, targeting the aforementioned terrorist group’s positions along the Syria-Lebanon border.

According to a Syrian Arab Army (SAA) source in Damascus City, Hezbollah – backed by the Syrian Arab Army’s 43rd Brigade of the 4th Mechanized Division – infiltrated Jabhat Al-Nusra’s defenses at Serghaya village after a violent battle with Jabhat Al-Nusra on Tuesday evening.

Currently, Hezbollah and the Syrian Army are striking Jabhat Al-Nusra’s positions inside of Serghaya, while the Syrian Arab Air Force (SAAF) targets the terrorist groups at the Jaroud Jarajeer and Jaroud Qarah border-crossings.

Serghaya is located just north of Al-Zabadani and was originally part of the 4 month long ceasefire deal that was brokered by Turkey and Iran in August.

However, Jabhat Al-Nusra and their rebel allies have taken advantage of the ceasefire by swelling their numbers along the Syria-Lebanon border.
 
US Secretary of State John Kerry is in Saudi Arabia for talks on the conflicts in Syria, Libya and Yemen ahead of larger meetings on those crises in Europe this week.

Kerry in Saudi for talks on Syria, Libya, Yemen
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/0/216841/World/0/Kerry-in-Saudi-for-talks-on-Syria,-Libya,-Yemen.aspx

Kerry meets Sunday in Jeddah with Saudi King Salman, the crown prince, deputy crown prince and foreign minister. His visit comes at a critical time in efforts to rein in fighting and encourage political dialogue in all three countries that have been wracked by violence for years.

Kerry travels later Sunday to Vienna where he will co-host group talks on Libya with Italy's foreign minister and then on Syria with his Russian counterpart. He will then visit Brussels for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers before flying on to Asia to meet President Barack Obama in Vietnam.


As a meeting on Syria, co-chaired by the US secretary of state and Russian foreign minister has wrapped up in Vienna, a London-based pan-Arab daily gives its reasons why the US is no longer a key player in the settlement of the conflict, pointing out that for whatever reason, John Kerry first rushed to Saudi Arabia and only then came to Vienna.

Why the US is No Longer a Key Player in Settling the Syrian Conflict
http://sputniknews.com/world/20160518/1039825602/us-middle-east-player.html

A meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), attended by the US, Russia, European and Middle East powers, wrapped up in Vienna on Tuesday.

The powers called for a full cessation of hostilities and access for aid but failed to agree on a new date to resume the Syrian peace talks.

Meanwhile, the London-based pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat gave its reasons why the US is no longer a key player in the settlement of the conflict.

The author, George Saaman, pointed out that US Secretary of State John Kerry, who co-chaired the meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, had made a pit stop in Saudi Arabia before travelling to Vienna.


Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said on Tuesday that if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad did not abide with efforts to establish a truce across Syria country, alternatives would need to be looked at.

Saudi Arabia says time may be coming for 'Plan B' on Syria
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/217039/World/Region/Saudi-Arabia-says-time-may-be-coming-for-Plan-B-on.aspx

"We believe we should have moved to a 'Plan B' a long time ago," Adel al-Jubeir told reporters after a meeting of foreign governments in Vienna.

"The choice about moving to an alternative plan, the choice about intensifying the military support (to the opposition) is entirely with the Bashar regime. If they do not respond to the treaties of the international community...then we will have to see what else can be done."


World power talks on ending the Syrian conflict broke up with no clear breakthrough Tuesday as new faction-fighting erupted and the death toll continued to mount

No breakthrough at Syria talks as violence rages
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/217041/World/Region/No-breakthrough-at-Syria-talks-as-violence-rages.aspx

US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov said the Syria contact group they co-chair had agreed to bolster a shaky ceasefire.

But underlying disagreements between Washington and Moscow on how to handle the crisis were on plain display, and the United Nations failed to name a date for new peace talks.

Meanwhile, human rights monitors said fierce new clashes between the rebel Jaish al-Islam and Al-Qaeda-backed factions had left 50 fighters and two civilians dead.

And United Nations envoy Staffan de Mistura said he could not invite Bashar al-Assad's regime and the Syrian opposition back to peace talks until there was a "credible" ceasefire.

Kerry said the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) had agreed there would be consequences for parties breaching the truce and vowed to maintain pressure on Assad.

But Lavrov restated the Russian position that Assad's army is the best placed local faction to fight the Islamic State "terrorist" group and that Moscow would support it.

The evident divisions between Russia and the United States have cast a pall on efforts to agree a framework under which Syria would "transition" away from Assad's rule.

And Kerry admitted the August 1 date set by the UN Security Council for agreement on the political framework was a "target" not a deadline, apparently softening the US stance.


A US military surveillance plane made "illegal entry" into Venezuela's airspace last week, President Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday, accusing America of trying to meddle in his beleaguered country.

US military plane made 'illegal entry' over Venezuela: Maduro
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/217050/World/International/US-military-plane-made-illegal-entry-over-Venezuel.aspx

Maduro said his air force had detected two incursions by a US E-3 Sentry plane -- a modified Boeing 707 with a radar unit on its back -- on May 11 and May 13. He added that his government would lodge a formal protest.


Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a 60-day state of emergency on Friday due to what he called plots from within the OPEC country and the United States to topple his leftist government.

Venezuela president declares emergency, cites US, domestic 'threats'
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/0/216778/World/0/Venezuela-president-declares-emergency,-cites-US,-.aspx

Earlier on Friday, U.S. intelligence officials told reporters they were increasingly worried about the potential for an economic and political meltdown in Venezuela and predicted Maduro was not likely to complete his term.

"Washington is activating measures at the request of Venezuela's fascist right, who are emboldened by the coup in Brazil," Maduro said during a Friday night broadcast on state television.

Washington has had an acrimonious relationship with Caracas for years, especially following U.S. support for a short-lived 2002 coup against late leader Hugo Chavez.

Venezuela's ruling Socialist Party has long been a strong ally of Rousseff's Workers Party, however, and her departure adds to Maduro's isolation in Latin America.

Flanked by his ministers and a statue of Chavez, Maduro signed a state of emergency and extend a state of economic emergency to protect the country from foreign and domestic "threats," without providing details.

Venezuela's opposition, which scoffs at Maduro's accusations of coups-mongering, quickly condemned the measure.
 

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