TODAY’S MESOP SYRIA INSIGHT : LOOKING TOWARD A COMPROMISE – RUSSIA – IRAN & USA ?
That timing is partly why Syria policy is now getting a rethink, in Washington and beyond. The U.S. is assessing a more muscular approach to Syria, to the point of potentially reviving the option of military action; Syria’s delayed delivery of its chemical weapons could become a key point of contention. In alignment with U.S. objectives, Saudi Arabia is consolidating its Syria file under Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the Interior Minister, in a bid to bring extremist rebel groups under control. Meanwhile the Syrian opposition itself is aiming to gain strategic ground, naming a new rebel commander and effectively shifting the focus to Syria’s southern front, to the part of the country that includes Damascus and its key arteries. If the Saudi promise of anti-aircraft weapons gets delivered, it would amplify their punch at Assad’s aerial power.
Christian Militia & Political Dynamics in Syria / Joshua Landis blog
February 23rd, 2014 –By Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi
Introduction – When it comes to news reports on Christians in Syria, the general focus is on the concerns Christian civilians have about their future, if any, in the country. Though such anxieties are not invalid, reports rarely break new ground. Here I intend to explore how Christians play a role on the ground in the civil war, both on the political and military level.
TODAY’S MESOP COMMENTARY – Syria Daily: UN Tells Assad to Allow Aid — Will It Make a Difference?
By Scott Lucas February 23, 2014 15:44 Updated – UPDATE 1630 GMT: The Assad regime has conditionally accepted the United Nations’ non-binding resolution calling for aid to besieged areas.The Foreign Ministry said it would “ready to cooperate”, provided implementation respected “state sovereignty and the role of the state, and principles of neutrality, transparency, and non-politicized assistance”. At the same time, “foreign-backed terrorism” and sanctions against Damascus must be addressed as “root causes” of the humanitarian crisis, the Ministry said.
Iraqi Officials Deny Cizire Delegation’s Reports about Talks in Baghdad
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – GULAN MEDIA- RUDAW & MESOP – 23.2.2014 – The foreign minister of the Cizire Canton, declared in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) last month, says he held positive talks with Iraqi officials about opening the Tel Kocer border crossing, but senior officials in Baghdad denied any knowledge of meetings or the visit itself.
Syrian Rebel Leader thanks Netanyahu
Times of Israel – 21-2-2014 – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits an IDF field hospital for treatment of wounded from the civil war in Syria, in Ramat ha Golan, Northern Israel.
Syria Daily, Feb 22: 96 Killed as Protests Link Assad & “Terrorism”
By Scott Lucas – 23.2.2014 – Syria’s protesters turned the regime’s “terrorism” narrative back on Bashar al-Assad on Friday, linking Damascus to the danger of “extremists”.
The Assad regime has claimed that the priority in Syria is to vanquish insurgent “terrorists”, insisting at last week’s Geneva II peace conference that the issue must be discussed rather than that of a transitional governing authority. – However, demonstrators in Kafranbel, the town in northwest Syria which has become iconic for its protests and posters, used their Friday march to say that the violence and repression of the regime were to blame:
Assad Regime bombs Kurds in Aleppo, YPG fires back
23.2.2014 – Regime bombs Kurds in Sheik Maqsoud wounding several civilians. YPG targeted the regime helicopters with heavy weapons. Three were injured, and one civilian was killed. One of the civilians was brought to Turkey for treatment. – Posted by Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Aldar Xelil interview on recent problems in Rojava & KNC-PYD relations
Important interview with Aldar Xelil on negotiations with KNC, Arta FM issues Asayish in Serikaniye ANHA. – Posted by Wladimir van Wilgenburg
El Ekrad Front Commander: Turkey Pursuing New Intrigues in Syria
The Rojava Report – 23.2.2014 – (SEYİT EVRAN – EFRÎN) – El Ekrad Commander Haci Ahmet El Kurdî has spoken to ANF about recent developments in the Syrian Civil War, including about Turkey’s role in the conflict. Kurdî told ANF that Turkey’s attempt to destroy the gains made by Kurds in Syria that began 7 months ago in partnership with al-Qaeda and the al-Nusra Front has failed.
MUST READ ! – Resource: detailed case study on Aleppo City / Maya Gebeily
MESOP 22-2-2014 – An unparalleled report on Aleppo has just been released, and it might just be the best resource on the city that I’ve found. The guys at Caerus Associates have teamed up with First Mile Geo to create an interactive, detailed case study on Aleppo city, ranging from security conditions, to the humanitarian activities of the city’s civilian councils, to polling on political allegiances. I’ve included some of the most interesting findings below, but I encourage you to check out the full report.
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