Capitulation: Kerry Yields to Russian Demand for Assad to Remain in Power
Secretary of State John Kerry formally accepted Russian demands during talks in Moscow this week to keep Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in power.
Tag: Vladimir Putin
Russian Tourism Company Offers ‘Assad Tour’ to Syria
Russian company Megapolis, Ltd. has applied to trademark the phrase “Assad Tour” to sell tourist trips to Syria, which may include visits to battles in the civil war.
‘Progress’: U.S., Russia Agree to Keep Islamic State, Al-Qaeda out of Syria Peace Talks
Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed that al-Qaeda’s al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) should not participate in any Syrian peace talks.
John Kerry Expects ‘Real Progress’ in 20th Meeting This Year with Russian Counterpart
Secretary of State John Kerry landed in Moscow to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin. He placed the Syrian civil war and Ukraine crisis at the top of his list of topics to discuss.
World View: Russian Duma Goes After Protestant Churches as ‘Sects and Cults’
Contents: Russian Duma goes after Protestant churches as ‘sects and cults’; Central African Republic elections may worsen Muslim-Christian violence
Erdogan and the Islamic State Oil Trade: Is Turkey Funding Terrorism?
On Thursday, acting under secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence with the U.S. Treasury Adam Szubin stated that ISIS is selling “some” of its oil to Turkey.
U.S. Official: Assad, Turks Are Major Consumers of Islamic State Oil
A senior U.S. Treasury official claimed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and clients in Turkey are a few who purchase oil from the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL).
Vladimir Putin: ‘I Hope’ Russia Will Not Need Nuclear Weapons in Syria
During a meeting with his defense minister, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he “hoped” Russia does not need to use nuclear warheads against terrorists.
Turkish Troops in Mosul Top Agenda for Kurdish Leader in Ankara
Masoud Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq, is currently in Ankara holding bilateral talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The meeting will cover trade and the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), and follows growing tensions between Turkey and Baghdad.
U.S. Officials: Russia Responsible for Syrian Airstrike Blamed on U.S. Forces
Syria blamed the U.S.-led coalition for the deaths of three soldiers on Sunday night after warplanes attacked their camp. The Pentagon insists Russian forces, however, not Americans, conducted the airstrike. Russia is a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Report: Russian Customs Officials Stopping Turkish Nationals at Airports
Russian customs officials are denying Turkish nationals entry into the nation, reports indicate.
Turkey Summons Envoy as Russian Soldier Wields Rocket Launcher in Bosporus
A Russian soldier crossed Istanbul’s Bosporus aboard a warship, waving around a surface-to-air missile launcher, an action the Turkish government condemned and has branded “provocative.”
World View: Israel Bombs Targets in Syria with Russia’s Tacit Cooperation
Contents: NY Times Page One calls for laws to confiscate some gun owners’ guns; Israel bombs targets in Syria since Russia’s military buildup; Israel receives tacit approval from Russia for Syrian airstrikes
Turkey Deploys 150 Soldiers to Train Allies Against Islamic State in Iraq
The government of Turkey announced Friday that it has deployed 150 soldiers and 20 tanks to Mosul, Iraq, to participate with the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL).
Vladimir Putin: Allah ‘Depriving’ Turkey of ‘Wisdom and Judgment’
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his country that Turkey could face more sanctions as a consequence for its forces shooting down a Russian warplane over Syria on November 24.
As Russia Sanctions Turkey, Ukraine Eyes Business with Ankara
Ukraine is ready to move into the Turkish economic markets after Russia passed numerous sanctions against Turkey for downing one of its warplanes over Syria.
World View: Russia and Turkey Increasingly on War Footing
Contents: Russia and Turkey exchange vitriolic accusations about ISIS oil sales; Russia cancels Turkey gas pipeline, prepares for Bosporus closure; Turkey’s grievances against Russia, and the road to war; San Bernardino mass shootings
Islamic State Threatens New York, Moscow in Post-San Bernardino Video
“France was the beginning, tomorrow will be Washington, it will be New York, and it will be Moscow,” two English-speaking Islamic State (ISIS) jihadists declare in the first video message published by the terror organization since last night’s jihadist massacre in San Bernardino, California.
Erdogan: Russia, Not Turkey, Buys Islamic State Oil
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan now claims he possesses evidence that Russia purchased oil from the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL). His accusations come a day after the Russian government said it had proof Erdoğan’s family benefits from ISIS oil.
House Dem: Obama’s Syria Strategy Has ‘Potential… for Nuclear War’
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), who also happens to be vice-chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, expressed concern that President Barack Obama’s approach to the civil war in Syria may lead to nuclear war during an exchange with Defense Secretary Ashton Carter at a House Armed Services hearing on Tuesday.
Russia Rounds Up, Detains Turkish Nationals Following Downed Plane Incident
Moscow has begun to impose restrictions on Turks living in Russia, following Turkey shooting down a Russian fighter jet last week that had violated Ankara’s air space.
Russia Equips Planes in Syria with Air-to-Air Missiles Following Turkish Attack
Russian warplanes participating in the Kremlin’s military intervention in Syria have been equipped with air-to-air missiles, an official from the country’s Defense Ministry told Russian news agencies.
Erdogan: If Turkey Bought Oil From Islamic State, I Will Resign
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared he would resign if it is proven that Turkey ever purchased oil from the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), following claims by the Russian government that they have found proof of transactions.
China Vows ‘Enhanced Cooperation’ with Russia Against Terrorism
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Monday his nation would work to take on a broader role in the international war against terrorism, promising Russian President Vladimir Putin China would be at his disposal to aid in anti-terror efforts. Russia has deeply involved itself in the Syrian civil war on the side of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
World View: Putin’s Syria Intervention Hobbled by Weak Russian Economy
Contents: France demands that Russia target only ISIS in Syria; Putin’s Syria intervention hobbled by weak Russian economy
