Russia Blasts US Efforts to Prevent Peace in Syria
by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org – Home – Stephen Lendman)
I’ve explained many times what’s going on in Syria – US aggression for regime change, wanting the country’s sovereign independence destroyed, using ISIS, al-Nusra and other terrorists as imperial foot soldiers, aiming to isolate Iran ahead of targeting its government the same way.
Through its sophisticated intelligence, Russia understands what’s going on from information I have no access to – nor do others except for government officials in a position to know.
Most often, Moscow’s rhetoric stops short of denouncing Washington’s imperial agenda, at times eschewing diplomatic remarks for bluntness.
Al-Nusra is US-supported al-Qaeda in Syria. On Wednesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry called the group anti-Syrian fighters in the hands of countries using the terror group – meaning Washington and its rogue allies without naming names, no naming needed.
It’s clear what’s going on. Washington recruits, arms, funds and directs ISIS, al-Nusra and other terrorist fighters, deploying them where US policymakers want them used.
Russia of course knows this, its Defense Ministry adding al-Nusra fighters “remain the main source of instability in Syria, particularly in the Idlib area.”
“Members of this terror group, who have been receiving weapons and financial support, seek to disrupt the peace process in de-escalation zones…”
They’re used by Washington and its allies. Israel treats their wounded in front line field hospitals, along with supplying them with weapons and other material support.
NATO countries, Riyadh, Qatar, Turkey and Jordan aid them. Russia understands it well, these countries aiming to undermine its conflict resolution agenda, wanting endless war continued.
Russian aerial operations continue combating terrorists these countries support.
Russia’s Defense Ministry spokesman General Igor Konashenkov said al-Nusra terrorists were supplied with MANPADs to be used “not only in Syria and not only against warplanes” and helicopters, adding:
“This confirms our fears that the terrorists of al-Qaeda’s offshoot (al-Nusra) have become an obedient tool in the hands of one or a number of technologically advanced countries that are dissatisfied with Russia’s key role in liberation of Syria from Daesh.”
There’s no ambiguity about which nation is the main culprit. Washington wants endless war and regime change – conflict resolution unattainable as long as it pursues this agenda, together with its rogue allies.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said “the main tasks of (its aerial operations) are monitoring the ceasefire regime in de-escalation zones and assisting the Syrian people in establishing a peaceful life.”
“There is a self-sufficient contingent of the Russian Armed Forces in the Syrian Arab Republic for these purposes.”
Separately, Turkey remains an enemy of the Syrian Arab Republic, Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin saying:
“We have no relations with (its government), and there is no talk about contacts with it.” Opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu called on Erdogan to restore contacts with Damascus.
Kalin said his proposal “does not look realistic within the framework of the political transition in Syria. We do not have this issue on our agenda.”
No political transition exists, none likely following new elections when held. Assad remains overwhelmingly popular. He accused Ankara of aggression in northern Syria for its cross-border incursion.
US/Turkish relations remain strained. Trump’s National Security Advisor HR McMaster will be in Ankara this weekend for talks with his counterparts.
Tillerson scheduled a February 13 visit for talks with Foreign Minister Melvut Cavusoglu and Erdogan.
On Tuesday, Cavusoglu said bilateral trust is “damaged. We have to mend our trust.”
“When Tillerson comes, we will share these ideas with him sincerely. We will share our expectations. The US should understand and meet our concerns.”
“You are cooperating with this terror organization (the YPG) knowingly. And this poses a threat to us.
Erdogan demanded US forces leave Manbij. They remain in place, Washington intending indefinite occupation of northern Syrian territory – a flagrant violation of international law, compounding its war of aggression on the country.
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