Assad has been president of Syria since 2000. He followed his father who had served under this title for 30 years.
Why did we go into Syria? Why did the CIA arm and train rebels full well knowing it could lead to an 'Islamic State in Iraq and Syria' (ISIS.)
It is not because the U.S. government cares so much about the Syrian people, just like it did not care about the Iraqi people.
It's because Assad said no to the Qatar pipeline crossing Syria. This pipeline would have displaced Russia as the main energy supplier to Europe.
All this death and destruction is so The U.S. government can direct relations in Europe, Russia, the Middle East.
Last I looked America was just a country not an empire. Why does the U.S. government persist in getting us involved in skirmishes since 9/11. Is it because the Council on Foreign Relations really runs the show?
This is a tragedy that historical sites and antiquities are being destroyed but it is more tragic that 1,000,000 plus Iraqis and Syrians are dead because the American people can't be bothered to rein in the terrorists that D.C. houses.
Why did we go into Syria? Why did the CIA arm and train rebels full well knowing it could lead to an 'Islamic State in Iraq and Syria' (ISIS.)
It is not because the U.S. government cares so much about the Syrian people, just like it did not care about the Iraqi people.
It's because Assad said no to the Qatar pipeline crossing Syria. This pipeline would have displaced Russia as the main energy supplier to Europe.
All this death and destruction is so The U.S. government can direct relations in Europe, Russia, the Middle East.
Last I looked America was just a country not an empire. Why does the U.S. government persist in getting us involved in skirmishes since 9/11. Is it because the Council on Foreign Relations really runs the show?
This is a tragedy that historical sites and antiquities are being destroyed but it is more tragic that 1,000,000 plus Iraqis and Syrians are dead because the American people can't be bothered to rein in the terrorists that D.C. houses.
5
Islamic State may be a threat to America's despotic middle-eastern allies, but beyond that (and the threat that threat represents to the world's oil supply and therefore the world price of oil) they and we don't really have any real conflicting strategic interests. The international borders in that part of the middle-east were drawn up by Britain in France in a way that would keep ethnoreligious populations divided, weak, and therefore easier to control. If the Sunni Arabs (the people, not the Western-backed elities) want to erase those vestiges of European imperialism, I say let them! Let the Arabs sort out their problems on their own, without American lives and money. The only beneficiaries from American intervention (and its costs) will be our true enemies: Iran, Russia, and China.
It'd be an awful thing to destroy one authoritarian government, sparking years of violence, and then afterwards leave the people with a government even more violent and arbitrary than the one we toppled.
What a disaster. Greater Iran on the one hand. ISIS on the other. There's no good choice. It'd be nice to walk away but it seems to me that would be deeply irresponsible.
What a disaster. Greater Iran on the one hand. ISIS on the other. There's no good choice. It'd be nice to walk away but it seems to me that would be deeply irresponsible.
1
Unfortunately ISIS seems to have people with strategic brains. It doesn't seem to be as brutish as the Boko Haram, which also controls swaths of land in Nigeria.
The residents in Palmyra have been terrorised and forced by ISIS to watch its enemies being executed. For the moment ISIS is playing a wolf in sheep's clothing, trying to reach out to civilians. It's also a propaganda ploy to impress its supporters in the West and lure more recruits.
The residents in Palmyra have been terrorised and forced by ISIS to watch its enemies being executed. For the moment ISIS is playing a wolf in sheep's clothing, trying to reach out to civilians. It's also a propaganda ploy to impress its supporters in the West and lure more recruits.
1
Unlike Al-Qaeda, ISIL's mission is not just to attack and destabilize the infidels of the West through terrorism. They want to establish a state (caliphate) and govern it. (That is the basis for the idealogical split between the two. It has nothing to do with ISIL being "too violent," as some have erroneously suggested.) So controlling the local population indeed must be done delicately - enough violence to squelch rebellion among the ruling elites, and enough goodies to pacify the masses. The scariest aspect is that the leadership of ISIL wants to usher in the "End of Days" scenario, which, according to the Quaran (yes, Islam, too, has its own 'Armageddon' prophecy) can only be initiated when a caliph is seated.
6
" ... Then, residents say, they set about acting like municipal functionaries. ..."
This is what is the core aim of the IS is, to establish a Caliphate that is also a state.
The IS is NOT just another terrorist band, they are trying to establish a real state with local government, currency, armed forces, social systems and other items.
And this is why the IS is so attractive to Muslims from around the world, it is a state governed by the laws of Allah and not controlled by, as they see it, the corrupt regime of the House of Saud.
This is what is the core aim of the IS is, to establish a Caliphate that is also a state.
The IS is NOT just another terrorist band, they are trying to establish a real state with local government, currency, armed forces, social systems and other items.
And this is why the IS is so attractive to Muslims from around the world, it is a state governed by the laws of Allah and not controlled by, as they see it, the corrupt regime of the House of Saud.
3
This makes the article irrelevant, as well as my previous but yet still unpublished comment.
ISIS has begun to destroy remains.
http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/159537?utm_source=feedburner&u...
ISIS has begun to destroy remains.
http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/159537?utm_source=feedburner&u...
The 'Islamic State in Iraq and Syria' -ISIS, is the creation of U.S. intervention. Judicial Watch, a public interest law firm has a declassified U.S.government document that proves they were aware of the dangers of their funding and training the rebels in Syria and yet they forged ahead.
The citizens of both Iraq and Syria have suffered beyond belief. Continued intervention on the part of the U.S. is only going to take more lives and create more hardships.
We decry ISIS and the destruction of important historical sites yet the U.S. military failed to guard the antiquities in the Iraqi museum. Treasures from the cradle of civilization gone to the public forever as they were stolen and sold into private hands.
At some point we must ask ourselves if the current strategy in the region is working. Bombing ISIS and attempting to destroy the entity we created seems futile. This unending war is very reminiscent of Vietnam. Perhaps we need to withdraw. The more we do in the Middle East the worse it seems to get.
Vietnam is now a trading partner, a vacation destination. Go back and you will find that withdrawing from the region was the far less destructive for both sides of the conflict.
America is a country acting like an empire. We need to stop our government before it destroys more countries, as well as our own.
The citizens of both Iraq and Syria have suffered beyond belief. Continued intervention on the part of the U.S. is only going to take more lives and create more hardships.
We decry ISIS and the destruction of important historical sites yet the U.S. military failed to guard the antiquities in the Iraqi museum. Treasures from the cradle of civilization gone to the public forever as they were stolen and sold into private hands.
At some point we must ask ourselves if the current strategy in the region is working. Bombing ISIS and attempting to destroy the entity we created seems futile. This unending war is very reminiscent of Vietnam. Perhaps we need to withdraw. The more we do in the Middle East the worse it seems to get.
Vietnam is now a trading partner, a vacation destination. Go back and you will find that withdrawing from the region was the far less destructive for both sides of the conflict.
America is a country acting like an empire. We need to stop our government before it destroys more countries, as well as our own.
5
"All that is required for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing". Regardless of the specious argument that Saddam Hussein was better for the people of Iraq than the present government, not providing what assistance we can to combat the beheaders of ISIL simply allows more innocents to die and a longer struggle against a stronger adversary. As well as allowing them to spread their message to home grown terrorists in the West that are encouraged by the lack of resolve by the international community.
It's hard to do what's right, and our vision is often clouded. America hiding across the sea created the two most destructive wars of the 20th Century. Sorry if the present times makes many uncomfortable.
It's hard to do what's right, and our vision is often clouded. America hiding across the sea created the two most destructive wars of the 20th Century. Sorry if the present times makes many uncomfortable.
Let ISIS take Iraq and Syria. Western nations cannot won there. Obviously the people who live there don't all see ISIS as a threat. The US cannot turn the inhabitants of Iraq and Syria against ISIS - who are a group of people who look just like them and on many levels, follow the same religion
If you attempt to deal with the devil he will absorb you after the handshake !
1
ISIL is sending out a signal, "We are Winning!"
(winners can afford to be magnanimous)
(winners can afford to be magnanimous)
1
The west fills saudi treasuries and they fill daesh armories.
One more reason to go full tilt into alternative energy. World peace.
One more reason to go full tilt into alternative energy. World peace.
7
ISIS carries out its terrorist activities not only on the Middle East. Boko Haram has joined ISIS in the beginning of march. Now Boko Haram is some kind of a branch of ISIS in Africa. North cost of Africa is very useful for crossing the Mediterranean - key to Europe.
The strategic goal of Washington was Iraq division Into three parts along confessional lines. Sunni side in this case will come under the power of ISIS. And then the oil-rich Kuwait and the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia.
The strategic goal of Washington was Iraq division Into three parts along confessional lines. Sunni side in this case will come under the power of ISIS. And then the oil-rich Kuwait and the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia.
At the end of World War II, the residents of Berlin were terrorized by brainwashed foreign SS members, who couldn't return to their home countries and had nothing to lose -- Dutch, Norwegians, French, Estonians, etc.
So the foreign fighters of ISIS, many from Central Asia, but also Europe, care little for local Syrians -- they will be terrorized.
So the foreign fighters of ISIS, many from Central Asia, but also Europe, care little for local Syrians -- they will be terrorized.
1
Just repeating myself for them to be defeated it is going to take Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan to resolve their difference with Iran and join in the fight on the ground. Without it it will remain the same.
2
The Purest form of Sunni Islam is ISIS.Its distilled Wahabbism.Anything before Islam is to be destroyed & a way of life based as in 1459 years ago is the life that should be in this world & in the hereafter.Its the perfect life.
The residents of Palmyra need not fear as they are going to experience perfect life under ISIS.
The residents of Saudi Arabia also will be desirous of such a perfectly distilled life.Its so aspirational.They want it,they will get it.
Middle East is getting a choicest movement it desires,from within.
Like in the past the Caliphate can be headquartered in Turkey.
The residents of Palmyra need not fear as they are going to experience perfect life under ISIS.
The residents of Saudi Arabia also will be desirous of such a perfectly distilled life.Its so aspirational.They want it,they will get it.
Middle East is getting a choicest movement it desires,from within.
Like in the past the Caliphate can be headquartered in Turkey.
2
If more would do this we wouldn't have so much bloodshed and foot soldiers for violence.
“Between us, I might become an infidel to all the world’s religions.”
“Between us, I might become an infidel to all the world’s religions.”
Here is my recommendation about ISIS; The Obama administration should give the the neighboring countries a fixed period of time to send into Iraq and Syria enough ground troops to take on ISIS. Otherwise the US should discontinue its air-strikes. If Turkey, Saudi Arbia, Iran. the Sunnis and Shiites of Iraq cannot overcome their mutual hatreds, ISIS will prevail no matter what we do.
3
"Traditional and tribal but not always strictly religious, many mixed easily with the foreign tourists whose business long sustained them."
They best look for another sustaining business, because I doubt that many foreign tourists are going to show up, with Daesh in control. Clearly money from Saudi Arabia and other American 'allies' is supporting ISIL's steady march forward.
They best look for another sustaining business, because I doubt that many foreign tourists are going to show up, with Daesh in control. Clearly money from Saudi Arabia and other American 'allies' is supporting ISIL's steady march forward.
The article comments: “The Islamic State alternates between terrorizing residents and courting them.”
For ISIS this is easy to do. Why ??? ISIS can pursue any policy they want to acquire power on the unarmed population of the region they acquired because they have the guns, armaments and the means to exact the terror of death to exert their power.
ISIS needs to be eliminated. This is an Islamic and Arab problem. But where is the Arab League in all of this ??? Are the members of the Arab League a cowardly and corrupt group of countries just like Iraq is ???
ISIS is a curse and cancer on civilization. But it will be up to the Arab League to mount an army sufficiently strong enough to defeat and eliminate ISIS. The Arab League has the financial resources, manpower and means to mount an offensive campaign against ISIS. But do they have the will to do so ???
For ISIS this is easy to do. Why ??? ISIS can pursue any policy they want to acquire power on the unarmed population of the region they acquired because they have the guns, armaments and the means to exact the terror of death to exert their power.
ISIS needs to be eliminated. This is an Islamic and Arab problem. But where is the Arab League in all of this ??? Are the members of the Arab League a cowardly and corrupt group of countries just like Iraq is ???
ISIS is a curse and cancer on civilization. But it will be up to the Arab League to mount an army sufficiently strong enough to defeat and eliminate ISIS. The Arab League has the financial resources, manpower and means to mount an offensive campaign against ISIS. But do they have the will to do so ???
5
They're learning fast ... and winning.
America, take heed!
"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." ~ MARTIN LUTHER
America, take heed!
"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." ~ MARTIN LUTHER
1
ISIS is learning. I wonder from who.
"Free bread"? Oh there's a great idea. Who pays the farmers who grow the wheat?
Underlying much of the world's unrest today are government policies meant to keep food cheap and people well-fed and passive. Not to mention undermining agriculture, and turning rural areas into breeding grounds for terrorism.
What the West, too, has offered has often been little more than "free bread."
Underlying much of the world's unrest today are government policies meant to keep food cheap and people well-fed and passive. Not to mention undermining agriculture, and turning rural areas into breeding grounds for terrorism.
What the West, too, has offered has often been little more than "free bread."
As cruel as this sounds, it's not our fight. It's a regional or at best a UN issue. We have real problems here- lets get off oil so these guys can't use our money to buy bullets.
Stop using our $100M planes armed with $100k bombs to kill teenagers in beat up Toyota pickups.
Stop using our $100M planes armed with $100k bombs to kill teenagers in beat up Toyota pickups.
3
Once again, the Times has missed the memo: "Secret Pentagon Report Reveals US "Created" ISIS As A "Tool" To Overthrow Syria's President Assad" - so this smokescreen about ISIS and Palmyra is a deflection of attention away from the Great Game strategy that the Neo-Cons in DC have been planning for years.
Zerohedge wrote a year ago, "the purpose behind the Saudi Arabia-funded Islamic State was a simple one: use the Jihadists as the vehicle of choice to achieve a political goal: depose of Syria's president Assad, who for years has stood in the way of a critical Qatari natural gas pipeline, one which could dethrone Russia as Europe's dominant source of energy." Also: "The declassified secret US document obtained by Judicial Watch, shows that Western governments deliberately allied with al-Qaeda to topple Syrian dictator Bashir al-Assad.
According to investigative reporter Nafeez Ahmed in Medium, the "leaked document reveals that in coordination with the Gulf states and Turkey, the West intentionally sponsored violent Islamist groups to destabilize Assad, despite knowing that doing so could lead to the emergence of an ‘Islamic State’ in Iraq and Syria."
The Turkish weapons Ratline from Benghazi to Syria and to ISIS was covered by Seymour Hirsch's exposé, that among other things, dealt the Hillary Brand®'s "what difference does it make" meme the death-blow it deserves. The US is salivating to bomb Syria and using ISIS as the excuse - totally indifferent to the rising body count.
Zerohedge wrote a year ago, "the purpose behind the Saudi Arabia-funded Islamic State was a simple one: use the Jihadists as the vehicle of choice to achieve a political goal: depose of Syria's president Assad, who for years has stood in the way of a critical Qatari natural gas pipeline, one which could dethrone Russia as Europe's dominant source of energy." Also: "The declassified secret US document obtained by Judicial Watch, shows that Western governments deliberately allied with al-Qaeda to topple Syrian dictator Bashir al-Assad.
According to investigative reporter Nafeez Ahmed in Medium, the "leaked document reveals that in coordination with the Gulf states and Turkey, the West intentionally sponsored violent Islamist groups to destabilize Assad, despite knowing that doing so could lead to the emergence of an ‘Islamic State’ in Iraq and Syria."
The Turkish weapons Ratline from Benghazi to Syria and to ISIS was covered by Seymour Hirsch's exposé, that among other things, dealt the Hillary Brand®'s "what difference does it make" meme the death-blow it deserves. The US is salivating to bomb Syria and using ISIS as the excuse - totally indifferent to the rising body count.
1
And, after the media shoves Hillary down our throats, you can look forward to a continuous series of armed incursions by U.S. forces for years to come.
Ron Paul said it first and son Rand continues to spread the message; bring our troops home from the Mid-East, Korea, and other places where we don't belong.
And, to curb Chinese military adventurism, stay out of Walmart and Harbor Freight for six months and you will end that nonsense very rapidly.
Ron Paul said it first and son Rand continues to spread the message; bring our troops home from the Mid-East, Korea, and other places where we don't belong.
And, to curb Chinese military adventurism, stay out of Walmart and Harbor Freight for six months and you will end that nonsense very rapidly.
The increasingly blasé attitude of the commenters toward ISIS is truly astounding. ISIS is helping itself to huge swaths of Iraq and Syria and everyone is treating ISIS's current conquest of Palmyra as though it were no big deal. Am I missing something? Please enlighten me.
1
The public interest law firm, Judicial Watch, obtained a declassified U.S. govt. document that reveals that the U.S. and other Western governments allied with al-Qaeda and other Islamist extremist groups to topple Syrian President Assad full well knowing it could led to an 'Islamic State in Iraq and Syria' (ISIS.)
What every American should be asking themselves is why did the U.S. get involved in this? Assad has been the President of Syria since 2000, taking over after his father's passing, who had served in that capacity for 30 years. Why all of a sudden was it necessary to go into Syria.
Could it be that Assad would not allow the Qatar pipeline to cross Syria. Could it be that the U.S. govt. has no interest in helping the Syrians but are very interested in getting the pipeline through the country. This pipeline would displace Russia as the dominant source of energy for Europe.
I would suggest we pay more attention to our govt.'s agenda than ISIS. Our govt. is $17 trillion dollars in debt due to their desire to play empire. Perhaps you should contact your government and tell them you would prefer they concentrate on America, the country, and stop trying to emulate Rome.
The federal government is out of control. It is under the thumb of the Military-Industrial Complex (MIC.) We all know how things ended for the Roman Empire and that's where we are headed if we don't loosen MIC's grip on the country.
What every American should be asking themselves is why did the U.S. get involved in this? Assad has been the President of Syria since 2000, taking over after his father's passing, who had served in that capacity for 30 years. Why all of a sudden was it necessary to go into Syria.
Could it be that Assad would not allow the Qatar pipeline to cross Syria. Could it be that the U.S. govt. has no interest in helping the Syrians but are very interested in getting the pipeline through the country. This pipeline would displace Russia as the dominant source of energy for Europe.
I would suggest we pay more attention to our govt.'s agenda than ISIS. Our govt. is $17 trillion dollars in debt due to their desire to play empire. Perhaps you should contact your government and tell them you would prefer they concentrate on America, the country, and stop trying to emulate Rome.
The federal government is out of control. It is under the thumb of the Military-Industrial Complex (MIC.) We all know how things ended for the Roman Empire and that's where we are headed if we don't loosen MIC's grip on the country.
5
It's fascinating - these hyperviolent crazies became matadors with red capes to the American Public Bull, as soon as they challenged our TV addicted, non-reading society to pretend they appreciate ancient culture and artifacts. (What they really appreciate is any collective reason to wave a clenched fist at an overseas bogeyman.)
The Gunsmokesque, "send in Marshall Dillon" reaction has been impressive - in a reverse fashion. This is because of course it's absurd to waste American money or weapons saving old buildings.
When Bernie Sanders gets the chance during the debates, he'll explain how and why America military forces should be used and it won't include getting all bent out of shape over ruins. He'd do it with the folksy wisdom I don't possess, my style being too naturally sarcastic.
The Gunsmokesque, "send in Marshall Dillon" reaction has been impressive - in a reverse fashion. This is because of course it's absurd to waste American money or weapons saving old buildings.
When Bernie Sanders gets the chance during the debates, he'll explain how and why America military forces should be used and it won't include getting all bent out of shape over ruins. He'd do it with the folksy wisdom I don't possess, my style being too naturally sarcastic.
1
"The Islamic State alternates between terrorizing residents and courting them."
such is the conundrum for anyone in power, as described centuries earlier by niccolo machiavelli, who was primarily interested in secular power, not godly power.
those with the power should try to decide how to carve the pieces of syria as peacefully and humanely as possible. let allah be merciful, as is so often claimed.
such is the conundrum for anyone in power, as described centuries earlier by niccolo machiavelli, who was primarily interested in secular power, not godly power.
those with the power should try to decide how to carve the pieces of syria as peacefully and humanely as possible. let allah be merciful, as is so often claimed.
• Then, residents say, they set about acting like municipal functionaries. They fixed the power plant, turned on the water pumps, held meetings with local leaders, opened the city’s lone bakery and started distributing free bread. They planted their flag atop Palmyra’s storied ancient ruins, and did not immediately loot and destroy them, as they have done at other archaeological sites.
Do they ever "learn on the fly." Do they ever know the "book" and do they ever play by it!
Do you "get it", America?
Do they ever "learn on the fly." Do they ever know the "book" and do they ever play by it!
Do you "get it", America?
Why doesn't Obama clear ISIS like he did the Libyan government?
1
It’s a very strange article with a kind of existential fatigue; no outrage exhibited and a business-as-usual approach to ISIS terrorism and atrocities.
We will end up building a wall around these lunatics, while letting the reasonable people out. Why spend money over people who turn on us as soon as they have a chance. They should be allowed to spend the next thousand years in a theological discussion based on no logic, no empathy, no forgiveness, no reward, just brutal punishments from a fearsome God.
They are too busy planning the genocide of millions of Alawites and Christians still in Damascus.
There is a verse in the Quran called al'Rum ( Rome) ...
it recalls the affinity that the early adherents felt towards the Roman Christian Empire ( seen as fellow monotheists) and the distaste they felt towards the Persians , seen as polytheistic.
So it would have gone against the grain of its own Islamic history to destroy all traces of Roman history.
This is just an observation bearing in mind that the insurgency has much to do with the historical situation of nomadic tribes and not some religion.
The religion follows the pre-exisiting faultlines i.e Persian Empire vs Nomadic (buffer) tribes that exist in the space between Rome and Persia.
it recalls the affinity that the early adherents felt towards the Roman Christian Empire ( seen as fellow monotheists) and the distaste they felt towards the Persians , seen as polytheistic.
So it would have gone against the grain of its own Islamic history to destroy all traces of Roman history.
This is just an observation bearing in mind that the insurgency has much to do with the historical situation of nomadic tribes and not some religion.
The religion follows the pre-exisiting faultlines i.e Persian Empire vs Nomadic (buffer) tribes that exist in the space between Rome and Persia.
2
Who created ISIS? and who created Osama bin Laden? If Ronald Regan did not fund Afghan militants who fought Soviet occupation is there will be a 9/11? What was the movie 'Charlie Wilson's War" by Director Mike Nichols? And if W did not start Iraq Invasion in the pretax WMD, is there will be an ISIS?
1
Just one more example of the uselessness of the UN!
1
ISIS does not have to destroy the remains in ancient Palmyra. Sooner or later the airstrikes or attacks of Mr. Assad will do that, whether by accident or not and possibly the coalition and US will eventually "miss" and hit them also.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/syria-isil-palmyra-air-strikes-bar...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/11628062/Syri...
The results re the antiquities will be the same, but ISIS yet once again comes out on top.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/syria-isil-palmyra-air-strikes-bar...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/11628062/Syri...
The results re the antiquities will be the same, but ISIS yet once again comes out on top.
2
Destruction of Palmyra would rank among the worst moments in world events during my adult lifetime, probably the worst thing (for me) since 9/11.
Create a monster and then play hide and seek with it, ensuring perennial war profits and much needed resources!
The classic neocon foreign policy manual never ceases to amaze me!
The classic neocon foreign policy manual never ceases to amaze me!
Why, at this late date in the development of this terrorist group, does the New York (also known as NY) Times feel so obligated to add “also known as ISIS or ISIL” to every single article written about or merely obliquely referencing the Islamic State group? Every single article. I am so sick of reading that phrase, and the New York (also known as NY) Times acts like this is the first time it's readers have ever heard of it.
2
We'd have more right to criticize ISIS if we removed "under God" from our pledge of allegiance.
I had read months ago how various people in the U.S. claimed it was Pres. Assad who was supporting ISIS. It has been mainly the U.S. siding with rebels against him that has caused all the current problems there. Until the U.S. can, to some degree, return for now, to accepting Syria's actual government as its legitimate government, the rebels, under the wing of a 'proxy' government the U.S. and certain other nations now recognize ... these problems continue worse than is necessary.
How can Syria achieve peace, or even a cease fire, when some other 'government' claimed to be legitimate can keep objecting to any peace deal, and the U.S., in 'deference' to it, can claim its existence, warrants such a position?
The U.S., Saudi Arabia, Qatar, ... actually ordained and keep supporting it, with covert CIA training and assistance. And they do this with full knowledge of keeping millions more Syrians without homes, or suffering in forced exile, and Syria continually bombarded.
How can getting better government, which would actually not even be so possible, considering how things turned out in Iraq similarly overturning a govt., be worth doing this to a country anyway?
Well, actually the people causing this don't care.
Again, like in the case of Iraq, these are excuses for the public's consumption. It is the warmongering plutocrats doing this, just like happened before: 1933 - 1945 . They want oil pipelines. They would aggravate Russia no end, too, risking even worse war.
How can Syria achieve peace, or even a cease fire, when some other 'government' claimed to be legitimate can keep objecting to any peace deal, and the U.S., in 'deference' to it, can claim its existence, warrants such a position?
The U.S., Saudi Arabia, Qatar, ... actually ordained and keep supporting it, with covert CIA training and assistance. And they do this with full knowledge of keeping millions more Syrians without homes, or suffering in forced exile, and Syria continually bombarded.
How can getting better government, which would actually not even be so possible, considering how things turned out in Iraq similarly overturning a govt., be worth doing this to a country anyway?
Well, actually the people causing this don't care.
Again, like in the case of Iraq, these are excuses for the public's consumption. It is the warmongering plutocrats doing this, just like happened before: 1933 - 1945 . They want oil pipelines. They would aggravate Russia no end, too, risking even worse war.
2
This isn't political, it's humanitarian. Nazi, Pol Pot, Mao. Mass murder takes place before our very eyes, so this time we come together and we just stop it. Evil is evil, and pity the innocents.
1
While I agree with your assertion, there is a common theme and that is that there is an ideological basis.
The last few times this ideology was either Fascism or Communism which are rather easy to analyse and accept or reject.
This time, the ideology is a religion and that seems to become a problem as political correctness has created a situation in which one "does not" criticize a belief for fear of being politically incorrect.
So the world wonders and watches as a group of "believers" follow an ideology that is based on the same principles as the two above but comes in a different shirt.
The last few times this ideology was either Fascism or Communism which are rather easy to analyse and accept or reject.
This time, the ideology is a religion and that seems to become a problem as political correctness has created a situation in which one "does not" criticize a belief for fear of being politically incorrect.
So the world wonders and watches as a group of "believers" follow an ideology that is based on the same principles as the two above but comes in a different shirt.
The problem is that this problem can be solved only by the residents of the region on their own. No one should interfere in the internal disputes of the Middle East because in the end we will get even more conflicts.
7
“I feel sorry for the civilians, they are being used as fuel,” he said. “Between us, I might become an infidel to all the world’s religions.”
That is one of the most beautifully free-minded things I've read in a while. I'm sure I'll never forget it.
That is one of the most beautifully free-minded things I've read in a while. I'm sure I'll never forget it.
7
This event is like one in the history of the Middle Ages. I am rereading a book on that history, and a sixth century chronicler is quoted in a description of the Huns who had no home soil: "Wherver they stuck a sword was home." ISIS is like that. They move into weakly governed areas and take control.
Governed territories depend on stability and order, and deal with each other with protocols. They don't do well against religious fanatics who live for violence. The U.S. destabilized that region, and it's anyone's guess how it can be put back together. I suppose that once they've established their "caliphate", ISIS can be wiped out.
Governed territories depend on stability and order, and deal with each other with protocols. They don't do well against religious fanatics who live for violence. The U.S. destabilized that region, and it's anyone's guess how it can be put back together. I suppose that once they've established their "caliphate", ISIS can be wiped out.
5
Perhaps. Once they are forced to actually govern and provide services, and rule over a territory, ISIL may be more vulnerable as a stationary target. Tragically, it would likely also result in much higher civilian casualties in rooting them out of urban areas. There are parallels to the 6th century, but also the French war in Algeria in the 1950s.
With no love lost for the humanity and its creative heritage the current gestures of the ISIS in the captured ancient Syrian City of Palmyra are nothing but well calculated early moments of image makeover to win native support for its long term plans of consolidating power to achieve its fancied goal of establishing the Islamic Caliphate by holding the flow of time still against the nature, if possible.
7
"Holding the flow of time still against nature," is a nicely written phrase, professor. It's been my experience that the advance of time cannot be stopped, but, if patient, one can wait for it to circle back around.
1
William Park, Agreed, though time remains essentially infinite with continuous flow. Thanks.
Now, all of a sudden, since this death machine barbarians army, ISIS, did not destroy ancient Palmyra does for a few days should not change what they have done and will do (until their extinction).
ISIS can not survive on its own without great help from the US allies, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. There have been reports in local Turkish press on how CIA officers conduct weapons and training to other fractions of Islamist terrorists (Al Nosra, Al Qeda among others). ISIS could have never gotten this far unless the US via its proxies supported their inevitable surge just to topple secular Assad.
The new US doctrine has been managing the Middle East through chaos as long as chaos stays far away from our borders!
Some chaos we have created over the last 5-years.
ISIS can not survive on its own without great help from the US allies, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. There have been reports in local Turkish press on how CIA officers conduct weapons and training to other fractions of Islamist terrorists (Al Nosra, Al Qeda among others). ISIS could have never gotten this far unless the US via its proxies supported their inevitable surge just to topple secular Assad.
The new US doctrine has been managing the Middle East through chaos as long as chaos stays far away from our borders!
Some chaos we have created over the last 5-years.
13
Let us know when you have more reliable sources then the local Turkish press. Until then it's just a conspiracy theory. And with the CIA's track record it's easy to speculate, but proof and speculation are two different things.
First of all, we must realize that this chaos is profitable only for corporations that earn millions of dollars in bloody wars. But this is absolutely not profitable for the country and people. Corporations define the country's foreign policy.
1
Not over the last 7 years. The seeds were sown long ago, even before the last Iraq war.
1
If past behavior is any indication, it would be my guess that this group has found another bargaining chip.
17
ISIS knows that the civilians of Palmyra don't care for the Syrian government. But the people of Palmyra will soon find out that unless they tow the ISIS line they will end up like the soldiers and sympathizers that were immediately slaughtered. Those poor people are going from one brutal regime to another. It doesn't look like there is any type of freedom in their future.
22
You must understand that the ISIS offers more favorable conditions for life than the current government of Iraq and Syria. People can get a job and various allowances. I don't condone ISIS actions but we must remember who is sponsoring and supplying weapons to them.
1
It may sound counterintuitive, but I'd take a long term view of this and work to undermine their authority by getting the people to start questioning their religion. Not to displace it with another version of the same fairy tale (Christianity), but start getting people to think about what if there is no heaven as promised. If there is no God who demands this or that, and the one life you have now is it people may start to question the motives of those in charge. It may take generations, or as in Ireland it may happen quicker. The bombs and bullets approach isn't very productive.
1
It is likely they will hold the ruins for ransom.
19
Ever since ISIS entered into Palmyra, I was worried about the fate of the museum. The fact that ISIS has not unleashed its barbarity there so far, comes as a huge relief.
The present attitude of ISIS in the captured city of Palmyra is astonishing. Probably, they want to do away with the image of ruthlessness with civilians. (It is another matter that they have mercilessly killed soldiers and some government officials at Palmyra). Worldwide, they are seen as blood thirsty savages even by Sunni Muslims. Probably, they have understood that unless they gain popularity and support from the locals, they cannot sustain their rule in the long run.
Just because ISIS appears to have softened in their approach in Palmyra, that would not make them angels. They are devils to the core and it is the duty of every citizen of this world to clear them off this planet. ISIS is a huge shame to mankind.
The present attitude of ISIS in the captured city of Palmyra is astonishing. Probably, they want to do away with the image of ruthlessness with civilians. (It is another matter that they have mercilessly killed soldiers and some government officials at Palmyra). Worldwide, they are seen as blood thirsty savages even by Sunni Muslims. Probably, they have understood that unless they gain popularity and support from the locals, they cannot sustain their rule in the long run.
Just because ISIS appears to have softened in their approach in Palmyra, that would not make them angels. They are devils to the core and it is the duty of every citizen of this world to clear them off this planet. ISIS is a huge shame to mankind.
12
And ISIS version of "compassionate conservatism" and "a kinder, gentler nation".
16
I guess the ISIS folks don't want to discourage foreigners from visiting their caliphate's tourist sites. "Don't lose your head, we're open for business"...
17
Only Stu Freeman can find humor in another murderous rampage by ISIS. Maybe Mel Brooks can turn this into a musical--he'll probably call it Springtime for ISIS,
Not "only Stu Freeman:"- also 16 recommends. Plus Mel Brooks. Not bad company to be in. Horrific situations lend themselves to absurdist humor.
Clearly ISIS has learned the art of public relations in dealing with the ruins. As for everything else it would appear than an iron curtain has descended on those cities that they control. No doubt an initial reign of terror has created an ominous silence and then people get used to it and to keeping their heads to the ground. How Mosul and other cities will be loosened from these fanatics is going to be a long process and not helped by Iran's Shia brigades who are likely to carry out their own massacres when they "liberate" these centers.
9
Oh but Israel has all its water needs taken care of. Well, then all is well.