Netanyahu demanded the complete demilitarization of southern Syria after the overthrow of Assad

 

Israeli tanks in Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the complete demilitarization of most of southern Syria.

This statement may increase the likelihood of conflict between Israel and the new leadership of Syria after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.

In a speech to Israeli cadets on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel would not allow the forces of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that led the overthrow of Assad., — as well as the new Syrian army, which is being formed, "to enter the area south of Damascus.

""We demand the complete demilitarization of southern Syria in the provinces of Quneitra, Deraa and Al-Suwayda from the forces of the new regime," he added. "Similarly, we will not tolerate any threat to the Druze community in southern Syria."

Unexpected Exodus: Assad Family's Departure from Damascus Following Late-Night Visit by Russian Official

 Hafez al-Assad with a diploma and Rector of Moscow State University

Bashar al-Assad's son, Hafez, spoke about the events leading up to the former president's flight from Syria. According to Assad, if the family had wanted to flee, they would have done so earlier, for example, in 2012 or 2013, when "Damascus was practically under siege, subjected to daily bombardments and the constant threat of terrorist infiltration into its center." Thus, Hafez said, none of the presidential family has ever had a plan (even a backup plan) to leave Damascus, let alone Syria. However, everything changed after the arrival of a certain Russian official on the night of December 7-8. 

Hafez explained that he defended his thesis in Moscow at the end of November. His mother Asma (she was in a Moscow hospital after a bone marrow transplant operation) and his sister Zane were also there.

On December 1, Hafez al-Assad flew to Damascus to support his father and brother Karim after the deterioration of the situation. December 7, according to Hafez al-Assad, was an ordinary day. His brother Karim took the mathematics exam at the Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology in Damascus. Zain's sister was due to arrive in Damascus from Moscow soon. The shelling near Damascus, according to Hafez, did not frighten anyone from the Assad family, as it was "a familiar reality that they had become accustomed to since the first years of the war." The army was going to defend the capital of Syria. Even when the alarming news of the army's retreat from Homs appeared, Hafez assures, the Assad family had no preparations for departure and no signs of an imminent departure.

"Everything changed after midnight, when a Russian official arrived at our house in the Al-Malki area," the son of Bashar al—Assad said.

According to Hafez al-Assad, this unknown official arrived at the presidential residence of Bashar al-Assad on the night of December 7-8 and conveyed an urgent request to move to Latakia for a few days to monitor the fighting of government troops against the armed opposition. 

Bashar al—Assad and his two sons were joined by the former president's brother, Maher al-Assad, at the Damascus International Airport. At three o'clock in the morning, they took off on a Russian military plane to the Russian base at Khmeimim airport.

After landing, the Assads were supposed to go to the presidential residence in the Burj Islam area, 40 kilometers from the airport. However, all attempts to contact the residence were unsuccessful, as no one answered the calls. At the same time, Bashar al-Assad began receiving reports of the military retreating from the front line and the fall of the last remaining positions.

"In the afternoon, the command of the Russian base informed us about the seriousness of the situation in the vicinity. They informed us that it was no longer possible to leave the base, as the terrorists had spread throughout the country, the situation had plunged into chaos, and all communication with the military leadership had been lost. After consultations with Moscow, the base command informed us that our transfer to Russia had been requested. Some time later, we boarded a Russian military plane bound for Moscow, where we landed later that evening," Hafez al-Assad said.

United States is in shock: what was considered Russian propaganda, the new director of the US National Intelligence announced at a hearing in the Senate

Tulsi Gabbard

Americans are shocked: the new director of the US National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, announced from the rostrum of the Senate that for many years it was considered a lie by Russian propaganda. For example, corruption in the White House, falsification of evidence for the invasion of Iraq, secret biological laboratories in Ukraine and other parts of the world. Even the terrorists in Syria, whom the Russian Foreign Ministry is now trying to turn into "respected partners," she called extremists and a branch of Al-Qaeda (banned in Russia and recognized as terrorist). When Senator Michael Bennet accused Gabbart of saying that her "statements correspond to Russian propaganda," she replied, "I don't pay attention to Russian propaganda. My goal is to tell the truth, whether you like it or not."

At a Senate hearing, Tulsi Gabbard said that Syria is now controlled by an al-Qaeda affiliate (banned in Russia and recognized as a terrorist) led by jihadist Abu Mohammed al-Julani. As Trump's colleague emphasized, he "danced in the streets" after the September 11 terrorist attack and was responsible for the murder of US Army soldiers.

Gabbard stressed that the Assad regime had "terribly" violated human rights, but the former Syrian president was the "best chance" to prevent terrorists from seizing power.

Earlier, Tulsi Gabbard said that the United States was to blame for the beginning of its war because it had been "provoking" Russia for many years, and Washington's ruling elite "wants to kill as many Russians as possible with the hands of Ukrainians."

At the same time, in the Senate, she called the situation around Russia a "difficult environment" and our country a "strategic competitor.":

"I want to be sure that Russia will in no way have a place in your mind, in your heart, or in any policy recommendations that you may or may not make," Republican Senator Jerry Moran said during the hearing.

"My only obligation and responsibility is for our own nation, our own security, and the interests of the American people," she said.

Gabbard also stated that there are US-funded biolabs in Ukraine.:

"There are more than 25 U.S.-funded biolabs in Ukraine that, if hacked, can release and spread deadly pathogens in the United States and around the world. We must take action right now to prevent a catastrophe. USA/Russia/Ukraine/NATO/UN/EU must immediately impose a ceasefire around these laboratories until they are brought under control and pathogens are eliminated."

In addition to Russia and Ukraine, Tulsi Gabbard shocked Americans by accusing 51 intelligence officials of corruption and criticized Biden and the entire Democratic Party for using intelligence services as weapons.

Biden campaign adviser Tony Blinken encouraged the writing of "letter 51 by a former senior intelligence official," which dismissed Hunter Biden's laptop as disinformation specifically designed to help Biden win the election, Gabbard said.

She noted that for too long, erroneous, insufficient or distorted intelligence information has led to costly failures and undermined national security. The most obvious example is the invasion of Iraq, based on a complete fiction. At the same time, Gabbard herself is a veteran of combat operations in Iraq.

Gabbard served in the Army Reserve for more than two decades and was deployed to several war zones. She also served for eight years on the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Armed Forces.

Tulsi Gabbard used to be a member of the Democratic Party, but left it in October 2022 due to a number of disagreements on key issues, in particular, on support for Ukraine. She became a member of the Republican Party a month before the last US presidential election.

Democratic Party senators accused Gabbard of being a "puppet" of Trump or Putin. In her opening speech, she retorted that she was being criticized for refusing to be a "puppet" of the Democrats.

Unknown details of the evacuation of Bashar al-Assad and his family to Russia

The official media reported that the plane of Assad and his family was shot down and crashed. Everyone on board the plane was killed.

In fact, a secret special operation was carried out to remove the Assad family and their closest associates from Syria with the help of Russian Air Force military transport aircraft.

As for the downed aircraft and the passengers who died in it. This government aircraft was indeed an airplane that was constantly used by Bashar al-Assad. But the passengers on the plane were other people who looked very similar to the Assad couple, children and other relatives and members of the government. Roughly speaking, there were figureheads on board the Syrian government Air Force One. They all died.

This is how the evacuation of Assad and his family to Russia took place. It was not without great sacrifices, but probably there simply were no other ways in the context of the ongoing chaos in Syria.

Zhirinovsky on the fate of Syria, Assad and Russia's real interests in this country

 

Vladimir Volfovich Zhirinovsky. 2017:

"Everything is "mixed" in the Middle East. The greatest interweaving of religions. Muslims include Sunnis, Shiites, and Alawites. There are Kurds and Arabs... Kurds and Turks... Kurds and Persians... Armenians... Christians... There is no such set anywhere. It is very difficult to establish calm there. As for Syria, Turkey will step in. It is beneficial for her to become a regional power again and show herself as a supporter of democracy. She allegedly helps to overthrow dictatorial regimes, at the same time she will try to hit the Kurds who are in northern Syria and Iraq.

And by the summer, the war against Iran will arrive. That is, the Middle East will be restless for the entire 21st century. There is also Israel, the conflict in Jerusalem cannot be resolved, and relations between Israel and the Arabs cannot be resolved. Plus control over oil and gas fields.

The same goes for Central Asia... Afghanistan, as a transit route for energy resources, will also burn. And they will try to drag our Caucasus into the same place.

Now, as for Syria. It is very difficult to do everything here in Syria to the end, because there are dozens of nationalities living in Syria who will never be able to live together. If we decide to do this, then Russia will be reproached again that the Russians did this again. It would be nice to take it and divide it so that everyone lives on their own land, but even this is impossible, because they are all mixed up there. Our task is not to reconcile them all, but to keep a military garrison there at all times and under any government to solve our tasks.

I have been working in the Middle East for 50 years.... I explain to everyone.... if the terrorists had suffered a complete defeat in Syria and Assad had fully controlled the entire territory, then in any case they would have been gathered somewhere in the borderlands of Turkey or Iraq. Any provocative reason would have been found. The goal is to remove Syria as the current state in order to allow Arab gas, mainly from Qatar, to reach the Mediterranean Sea and transfer it to Europe via a gas pipeline from Turkey so that Europe consumes Russian gas as little as possible. This is an economic and political blow to Russia. This is one side.

The second is the control over the Middle East, its reformatting. There is a script, there are directors and there are performers too. Understand, here is the border with Iran (through Iraq). Israel is there. He needs the Arab alliance, which threatens Syria, to strike at Iran. But the problem is that you can't just send terrorists to Iran. Syria is in the way, but getting rid of Syria, you can send terrorists to Iran directly, as if from Syria.

Thus, the Assad regime is overthrown and the grounds for striking Iran appear. But this is not the end yet. Next will be the overthrow of regimes in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. Further after Iran, they have the monarchies of the Gulf."

The Rebels Encircle Damascus: Geopolitical Shifts and International Reactions

Chaos in Syria

The Syrian conflict has reached a critical juncture as rebel forces encircle Damascus, signaling the imminent collapse of the Syrian Arab Republic. The once-formidable army of President Bashar al-Assad has crumbled, demoralized and virtually ceased to exist, leaving the country fragmented and on the brink of disintegration. The rebels, emboldened by their recent victories, continue their offensive, capturing strategically important cities and further isolating the capital.

Hama, a city of significant historical and strategic importance, was taken without resistance, highlighting the disarray within the Syrian military. Dara, symbolic as the birthplace of the civil war, was captured by the rebels, with the local military garrison surrendering without a fight. Al-Suwayda, a crucial transport hub, was also seized, cutting off vital supply routes to Damascus and further isolating the capital. The state's loss of control over these key regions underscores the rapid disintegration of Assad's regime, with rumors suggesting that the president has either fled the country or remains trapped in the encircled capital.

The international reaction to these developments has been swift and multifaceted. Russia, a longstanding ally of the Assad regime, has begun evacuating its military advisers and equipment from Syria. The Kremlin is also expediting the export of S-300 air defense complexes and other weapons from the Khmeimim airbase through the port of Tartus, signaling a strategic retreat. This move marks a significant loss of ground for Russia in Syria and a diminishing influence in the Middle East, a foothold it had secured in 2015.

Iran, another key supporter of the Assad regime, has withdrawn its troops and advisers from Syria. This retreat severs a strategic corridor for the supply of weapons to Hezbollah through Iraq and Syria, significantly weakening Iran's influence in the region. The loss of this supply route reduces Hezbollah's military capabilities and its ability to project power, further shifting the geopolitical landscape.

Turkey, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has openly admitted its support for the rebel forces advancing towards Damascus. Erdogan's actions are driven by Turkey's own strategic interests, including the potential seizure of Kurdish territories in northwestern Syria. This move highlights Turkey's complex role in the conflict, balancing its support for the rebels with its own geopolitical ambitions.

Israel, closely monitoring the situation, has carried out airstrikes on chemical weapons depots to prevent them from falling into the hands of jihadist groups. Additionally, Israel has strengthened its northern border with Syria by transferring troops, preparing for potential escalations. While Israel is considering the possibility of an invasion to create a buffer zone, it has so far acted with restraint, weighing the potential consequences of direct military intervention.

The Kurds have emerged as a significant new force in the region, actively advancing in the province of Deir ez-Zor. Seeking to capitalize on the crisis, the Kurds aim to create an independent state, a long-awaited dream of the Kurdish people. This aspiration is bolstered by the support of the United States, which has provided military and political backing. Turkey, despite its opposition to the creation of Kurdistan, has avoided direct aggression against the Kurds, largely due to the protective presence of American forces.

The geopolitical shifts resulting from the collapse of Syria are profound. The country is likely to be divided into several entities, including a jihadist state based on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, controlled by Sunni forces, and Kurdistan in the east. Additionally, small enclaves under the control of international players or local authorities may emerge, further fragmenting the country.

The capture of Abu Kamal, a key supply route from Iran to Lebanon through Syria, has significantly reduced Iran's influence in the region. This development weakens Hezbollah, Iran's main proxy, and alters the balance of power in the Middle East. Similarly, Russia's loss of military bases in Syria marks the end of its long-term attempt to gain a foothold in the Mediterranean, further diminishing its influence.

For Israel, the situation presents both opportunities and challenges. One possible scenario involves creating a buffer zone by temporarily entering Syria to protect its borders. Another scenario could see Israel negotiating with jihadist forces, who are opponents of Iran. In exchange for cooperation, Israel could provide resources such as water and electricity, fostering a strategic alliance.

In conclusion, the encirclement of Damascus by rebel forces marks a turning point in the geopolitics of the region. The collapse of Syria opens up new opportunities for Kurdistan, changes the balance of power with regard to Iran, and threatens stability on Israel's borders. The United States, Turkey, and Russia are all playing their own games, but it is clear that the old order has been completely destroyed. The future of Syria and the broader region will depend on the ability of all parties to navigate this complex and challenging landscape with wisdom, restraint, and a commitment to peace and stability. The international community must remain engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the complex challenges posed by the conflict, ensuring that the well-being of the people of Syria and the broader region is prioritized.

Israel Prepares for Ground Operation in Syria as Syrian Army Faces Collapse

The Israeli military is waiting for an order

In a significant development, Israel is reportedly preparing for a ground operation in Syria, as the Syrian army faces the possibility of collapse under the onslaught of rapidly advancing rebel forces. The situation in Syria has reached a critical juncture, with the Syrian army's unexpected weakness surprising Israeli military strategists and policymakers. The rapid loss of territory to jihadist-led militants has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation of the conflict.

The report indicates that Israel was taken aback by the swift and decisive advances made by rebel forces against the Syrian army. The Syrian military, once considered a formidable force, has shown surprising vulnerability in the face of the rebel offensive. This weakness has led to a rapid loss of ground, with the Syrian army struggling to maintain control over key territories. The situation has prompted Israel to consider the possibility of a ground operation in Syria, aimed at securing its borders and preventing the spread of instability and violence.

In addition to preparing for a ground operation, Israel has sent a strict warning to Iran not to send weapons to Syria that could fall into the hands of the terrorist group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militant group, has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, providing military support and assistance to the Syrian government. The warning from Israel underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with various actors involved in the conflict and pursuing their own interests and those of its allies.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its support for the Syrian government in the face of the rebel offensive. Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem promised that the Lebanese group would continue to back the Syrian government against what he described as "terrorist groups" trying to sow chaos in the country. This statement underscores Hezbollah's commitment to supporting Assad and its willingness to engage in the conflict to protect its interests and those of its allies.

The situation in Syria has broader implications for the region, particularly for Lebanon and Israel. The intensifying offensive by opposition forces, coupled with the weakness of the Syrian army, has raised concerns about the potential for further destabilization and the spread of violence. Israel's preparation for a ground operation in Syria reflects its determination to secure its borders and maintain regional stability.

Ultimatum to Assad: Geopolitical Tensions and Military Preparations

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is once again in turmoil as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad faces an ultimatum to resign. This dramatic development has set the stage for a potential military intervention, with the United States, Israel, and Turkey preparing for an attack on Damascus. The situation is fraught with complexities and tensions, as various actors maneuver to shape the future of the region.

The ultimatum given to Assad is a clear indication of the international community's growing impatience with his regime. The United States, Israel, and Turkey have been vocal about their concerns over Assad's leadership, accusing him of human rights abuses, war crimes, and destabilizing the region. The ultimatum reflects a concerted effort to pressure Assad into stepping down, hoping to avoid further bloodshed and instability. However, the possibility of Assad ending up like former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was captured and killed after hiding in Libya, looms large. The prospect of Assad seeking refuge in Russia, a longstanding ally, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

The military preparations by the United States, Israel, and Turkey underscore the seriousness of the ultimatum. These countries have been coordinating their efforts, sharing intelligence, and positioning their forces for a potential strike on Damascus. The goal is to remove Assad from power and dismantle his regime, which has been a source of regional instability and conflict. The preparations include airstrikes, ground assaults, and the deployment of special forces, aimed at achieving a swift and decisive victory.

The situation in Syria has broader implications for the region, particularly for Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. Israel, which has long been engaged in conflicts with both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, is comparing the territories to the ground. The Israeli government views the actions of jihadist groups in these areas as a direct threat to its security and stability. The jihadists, who are reporting in Russian, are not seen as helping Lebanon and Gaza but rather as exploiting the situation to further their own agendas. Their actions are aimed at destroying the Assad regime, not protecting Muslim values or the interests of the local populations.

The jihadists' actions have raised concerns about the potential for further destabilization in the region. The use of Russian-speaking jihadists suggests a level of coordination and support from external actors, potentially including Russia. This raises questions about the true motivations of these groups and their long-term goals. The international community has expressed concern about the potential for these groups to fill the power vacuum left by the fall of the Assad regime, leading to further conflict and instability.

In conclusion, the ultimatum to Assad and the military preparations by the United States, Israel, and Turkey highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. The situation in Syria has broader implications for the region, particularly for Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. The actions of jihadist groups raise concerns about the potential for further destabilization and conflict. The international community must remain engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the complex challenges posed by this crisis, ensuring that the future of Syria and the broader region is guided by principles of peace, stability, and human rights. The resolution of this crisis will depend on the ability of all parties to navigate this challenging landscape with wisdom, restraint, and a commitment to the well-being of the people of the Middle East and the broader global community.