Syria

Reports: Israel special forces operating in Syria

Dec. 28, 2012 - Credible sources report that Israeli special forces are on the ground in Syria,, trying to monitor its chemical weapons stockpile.

On Thursday, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya’alon said that American forces were also gearing up for possible intervention in Syria should the embattled regime of dictator Bashar Assad employ chemical weapons against rebels.

Source: WND

Prophetic Significance of Syria

US preparing attack option in Syria, top minister implies

Dec. 27, 2012 -

The US is gearing up for the option of military involvement in Syria if embattled President Bashar Assad uses chemical weapons against opposition fighters, a senior member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet implied on Thursday.

Source: Times of Israel

Report: Netanyahu met Jordan king for secret talks on Syria chemical weapons

Dec. 26, 2012 - According to a report in the London-based Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper (not yet confirmed by Israeli officials), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a secret meeting in Jordan with King Abdullah II to discuss the possible need to attack chemical weapon facilities in Syria.

Arab media outlets recently reported that the Jordanian army has declared a state of emergency, and that its troops have been issued gas masks in anticipation of chemical weapons being employed by the Syrian regime near the border.

Israel could attack without Jordan's permission, but they would prefer to have their approval. The report said that Jordan felt that it was not yet the right time for the move.

Source: Haaretz

Syria crisis: Military police chief al-Shalal defects - BBC

Al Qaeda grows powerful in Syria as endgame nears

Dec. 20, 2012 - One reason Western powers are reluctant to support the rebels in Syria who are fighting to remove President Bashar al-Assad is the rising influence of Al Qaeda there. The al-Nusra Front was designated a terrorist organization last week by the United States.

Inside Syria, the group is exploiting a widening sectarian rift to recruit Sunnis who saw themselves as disenfranchised by Assad's Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam that dominates Syria's power and security structures.

Conservatives in Syria are concerned about the group because it wants to revive an Islamic Caliphate and impose Taliban-style rule.

Source: NDTV

Assad’s deadly agenda: First, chemicals, next, Iskander 9K720

Dec. 19, 2012 - Hours after American, Dutch and German Patriot missiles landed in Turkey on Dec. 5, three Russian warships entered Syria's Tartus port to deliver 24 "fearsome weapons" to Assad's forces. This "game changer" is the Iskander 9K720 cruise missile system. The missiles were set up opposite Turkey, Jordan and Israel. All of them pointed at US military targets.

The West and Israel have no answer for the Iskander’s hypersonic speed of more than 1.3 miles per second with a 280 mile-range and a 1,500-pound warhead which destroys targets with pinpoint accuracy. It is also nuclear-capable.

This is the escalation that Iran’s chief of staff Gen. Hassan Firouzabadi warned about on Dec. 15th when he said that placing Patriot missiles in Turkey would cause a world war.

This is a very serious situation, and a breach of Russian President Vladimir Putin's promise to both George W. Bush and Barack Obama, not to let the Iskander reach the hands of Syria or Iran. It is likely that these weapons will also be acquired by Iran. They would stop or limit a preemptive strike by Israel against Iran's nuclear facilities.

Source: DEBKAfile

Other major developments in Syria:

UN confirms Hezbollah fighting for Assad in Syria - Jerusalem Post

Intel reveals Iran's payback for supporting Assad regime For a year Iran has re-supplied Syria's military by commercial and unmarked airplanes. It is now known that they return to Iran loaded with Russian S-300 missile defense systems. This will greatly affect Israel's military strategy. - Fox Video

U.S. to send troops, Patriot missiles to Turkey

Dec. 14, 2012 - Syria has been accused of using Scud missiles against rebels near the border of Turkey. The United States is sending assistance to protect Turkey and the Incirlik U.S. Air force Base there.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta signed the order while en route to Turkey to send two Patriot missile batteries and 400 U.S. troops to operate them.

Source: CNN

Patriot missiles in Turkey threaten "world war:" Iran army chief - DEBKAfile

US recognizes Syria's main rebel group, Obama says

Dec. 12, 2012 - President Obama said that The Syrian Opposition Council is recognized by the U.S. as the sole "legitimate representative" of its country's people. He urged the organization...

"To make sure that they organize themselves effectively, that they are representative of all the parties, that they commit themselves to a political transition that respects women's rights and minority rights."

Source: Fox

National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces - Wikipedia

Islamist groups gaining prominence in Syria fight - USA Today

Syria government 'losing control' - Russian official - BBC

Syria mixes chemical weapons for potential use in bombs, US source says

Dec. 5, 2012 - MNC News cited soruces that said President Bashar Assad's forces have mixed chemicals for the deadly nerve-gas sarin, and have filled fracturable aerosol canisters with the substance. These canisters may be loaded onto planes, and presumably be used against Syria's own people.

In Brussels earlier Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated concerns that "an increasingly desperate Assad regime might turn to chemical weapons" or lose control of them to militant groups.

Source: Fox

US, allies said to be prepared to ‘rapidly’ intervene if Assad utilizes chemical weapons - Times of Israel

US: Sarin bombs ready for Assad’s “go” order. Israel's odd silence/
USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier arrives off Syrian shore - DEBKAfile

Update: Dec. 7, 2012 - Assad is already using chemical weapons, Syrian opposition claims - Times of Israel

Is Bashar al-Assad, cornered and frightened, considering using chemical weapons against the Syrian people?

Dec. 4, 2012 -

Observers report the movement of key chemical components for weapons of mass destruction in Syria. There is concern that Syrian President Assad could be considering the use of these weapons. President Obama warned Syria that doing so would be a “tragic mistake” for which “there will be consequences and you will be held accountable”.

It is thought that Assad would only use chemical WMDs as a last resort if he thinks his downfall is inevitable.

On the other hand, if he did choose to gas his enemies, that would be certain to trigger a US-led intervention that would seal his fate anyway. So rationality dictates that he should not use these weapons under any circumstances.

Source: Telegraph - UK

Israel Asked Jordan for Approval to Bomb Syrian WMD Sites - The Atlantic

Unusual activity at Syrian chemical weapons sites amid rumors Assad is dead or fled

Dec. 2, 2012 - Rebel forces in Syria have recently gained ground in their civil war battle with the government of Bashar Assad. Observers are seeing new signs of activity at Syrian chemical weapons sites, and rumors are circulating that Assad has died or fled from the country. There is no confirmation that either story is true.

Since the Syrian uprising erupted against his regime last year, Assad has often declared he would fight his enemies to the end and threatened ... he would rather set the entire Middle East on fire than surrender.

Source: DEBKAfile

Russia rumored to be backing plans for Assad replacement - Albawaba

Syrian jets bomb rebels, Internet down for third day

Dec. 1, 2012 - In an effort to break the hold that Syrian rebels have on the outskirts of Damascus, Syrian jets held bombing raids in the suburbs of Kafar Souseh and Darraya. In addition, this is the third day of a countrywide Internet blackout. The government and the rebels blame each other for the blackout. Rebels say that at least 40,000 people have been killed during the 20-month-old uprising.

The mostly Sunni Muslim rebels battling Assad, who is from Syria's Alawite minority linked to Shi'ite Islam, have been making gains across Syria by overrunning military bases and have been ramping up attacks on Damascus, his seat of power.

Source: Reuters

Beirut Blast Fans Fears Syria War Spreading

Oct. 19, 2012 -

Lebanon's capital was rattled Friday by its most destructive bombing in nearly four years, killing an intelligence chief who has been a longtime adversary of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The explosion was apparently caused by a parked car with more than 60 pounds of explosives. It was detonated as Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan's car passed by in a predominantly Christian neighborhood. A least eight people were killed including Hassan, and 78 others were wounded by the blast.

General Hassan was the head of the intelligence unit of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces and an ally of Lebanon's main anti-Assad political coalition. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but many in Lebanon are calling it an assassination by Syria.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Cease-fire in Syria? Support from Iran and Turkey boosts UN envoy's bid

Oct. 18, 2012 -

A fresh cease-fire proposal for Syria received a much-needed boost today when Iran and Turkey, two regional powers who back opposite sides in the Syrian conflict, declared their support for the plan being shopped around by United Nations special envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi.

The cease-fire would take place later this month during the three-day Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. It is hoped that the break could mark the beninnings of a dialogue between the government and the rebels. Rebel leaders say they will observe the cease-fire if the government halts the fighting first.

Source: Christian Science Monitor

Daybreak: Syrian Civil War Reaches Damascus - Tablet Magazine

Syria conflict 'could set whole region ablaze' - Telegraph - UK

Syria crisis: US concerned weapons reaching jihadis

Oct. 16, 2012 - Rebel fighters in Syria have surrounded the Wadi al-Daif army base just east of the town of Maarat al-Numan. They have been shelling the military base with all kinds of aircraft for the past seven days, and attempts to more reinforcements to the base have been blocked.

US analysts are also concerned about the possibility of Syrian weapons falling into the hands of Jihadists.

Source: Guardian

Arms for Syrian rebels go mostly to jihadists – report - RT (Russia Today)

Turkey returns fire at Syria for fifth day

Oct. 8, 2012 - After a Syrian shell landed inside Turkey, near the border town of Akcakale, Turkey's military returned fire with at least eight shells aimed at Turkish soil The response was in keeping with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's warning Saturday that Ankara would respond forcefully to each Syrian shell that lands on Turkish soil.

Once close allies, Turkey and Syria have become fierce foes since the uprising against Assad began in March last year. Ankara became one of the harshest critics of Assad's crackdown while Syria accused Turkey of aiding rebels.

Source: Fox

Days of Ottoman Empire are gone, Syria warns Turkey - Times of Israel

UN Security Council Condemns Syrian Attack

Oct. 5, 2012 - On Thursday, the U.N. Security Council condemned the attack on the Turkish city of Akcakale by Syrians. The Turkish parliament then authorized military operations outside its borders if necessary.

The Council said the incident "highlighted the grave impact the crisis in Syria has on the security of its neighbors and on regional peace and stability."

Source: Voice of America

Turkish parliament approves military intervention in Syria

Oct. 4, 2012 - After a cross-border attack that killed five Turkish civilians, the Turkish government approved a government proposal to use military force against Syria. The bill they approved called for ...

“...a one-year-long permission to make the necessary arrangements for sending the Turkish Armed Forces” into Syria in light of the “negative impact of the ongoing crisis in Syria on our national security, as well as on regional stability and security.”

Source: Times of Israel

Syria 'moving chemical weapons to safety' - Panetta

Sept. 30, 2012 - US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta told a Pentagon news conference that the Syrian government has moved some of its chemical weapons, presumably to keep rebels from obtaining them.

Syria, which has not signed the Chemical Weapons Convention, is believed to possess mustard gas and sarin, a highly toxic nerve agent.

The CIA has said those weapons "can be delivered by aircraft, ballistic missile, and artillery rockets".

Source: BBC

Israelis are prepared -- or not -- for an Iran attack - NBC

More than 40 killed in Syria fighting as Aleppo burns

Sept. 29, 2012 -

Hundreds of shops were burning in the ancient covered market of the Old City of Aleppo on Saturday as fighting between rebels and state forces in Syria's largest city threatened to destroy a UNESCO world heritage site.

The 18-month-old uprising in Syria, which has become a full civil war, claimed the lives of at least 40 more people today. The death total stands at more than 30,000 now.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Egyptian attack on 'oppressive' Syria sparks walkout

Aug. 30, 2012 - New Egyptian president Mohammed Mursi visited Iran to participate in a summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (Nam). It was the first visit to Iran by an Egyptian leader since the revolution there in 1979.

He used his speech to tell delegates of the 120-member body: "Our solidarity with the struggle of the Syrian people against an oppressive regime that has lost its legitimacy is an ethical duty, as it is a political and strategic necessity."

The Syrian delegation walked out of the meeting after his remarks.

Source: BBC

Free Syrian Army rejects claim that it bombed UN observers' Damascus hotel

Aug. 15, 2012 - The Free Syrian Army's spokesperson, Abu al-Noor, told Al Jazeera that the group was responsible for a massive explosion in downtown Damascus near a hotel that United Nations observers have been using. However, he said that the blast was not meant to target UN observers. Instead, it was intended to strike a daily meeting of some 150 high ranking officials at a military headquarters near the hotel.

Noor also described the details of the attack, and claimed that the FSA had bribed Syrian officials to enable the attack. "Eight explosive canisters were planted inside the armed forces staff headquarters."

It is not yet known what effect the explosion had on the military leaders.

Source: Christian Science Monitor

US, Turkey plan for worst-case scenarios in Syria, including Assad use of chemical weapons

Aug. 11, 2012 -

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Turkey’s foreign minister said Saturday that their countries are creating a formal structure to plan for worst-case scenarios in Syria, including a possible chemical weapons attack on regime opponents,

Source: Times of Israel

Syria's embattled Assad appears on TV for first time in two weeks

Aug. 8, 2012 - Rumors that Syrian President Bashar Assad was ill or dead were dispelled yesterday when he appeared on Syrian state TV. He was meeting with Saeed Jalili, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

"Iran will not allow the axis of resistance, of which it considers Syria to be an essential part, to be broken in any way," Syrian television quoted Jalili as saying.

The "axis of resistance" describes Iran's anti-Israel alliance with Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran and Hezbollah are primarily Shiite in belief and Syrian leaders belong to the Alawite faith which is an offshoot of Shiite Islam.

Source: NBC

Syria's Prime Minister Defects, Flees to Jordan

Aug. 6, 2012 - yrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab and his family have fled to Jordan.

"I announce today my defection from the killing and terrorist regime and I announce that I have joined the ranks of the freedom and dignity revolution," Hijab said in a statement read in his name on Al Jazeera television.

Source: Voice of America

Iran warns Syria conflict could engulf Israel

Aug. 5, 2012 - Iran Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani claimed that, "The fire that has been ignited in Syria will take the fearful (Israelis) with it."

Larijani accused the United States and regional countries he did not name of providing military support to rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad, a key Arab ally of Iran.

Larijani is said to be a moderate conservative, a fierce critic of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and a likely presidential candidate in 2013.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Syria's Muslim Brotherhood waiting in the wings

July 30, 2012 - As fighting intensifies in Syria, President Bashar Assad is losing his grip on power. Starting a weeklong trip to the Middle East and North Africa, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said,

"If they continue this kind of tragic attack on their own people in Aleppo, I think it ultimately will be a nail in Assad's own coffin... It's no longer a question of whether he's coming to an end, it's when."

If and when Bashar does fall, the question arises, "Who will assume the leadership of the country." Syria's Muslim Brotherhood is a likely contender to assume power. It holds the largest number of seats in the Syrian National Council(SNC), which has led the revolution. Mulhem al-Droubi, a spokesman for the group told the AFP news agency, "We have plans for the economy, the courts, politics."

Source: DW - Germany

Syria conflict: UN says 200,000 have fled Aleppo battle

July 30, 2012 - UN humanitarian chief Baroness Valerie Amos said that intense fighting in the Syrian city of Aleppo has caused some 200,000 people to flee, and others were trapped as the government launched a ground assault against rebels.

Fighting has focused on the Salah al-Din neighbourhood in Aleppo's south-west, where the rebels had embedded themselves.

Residents are facing food shortages and power cuts. Government forces have used fighter jets, but reporters say that the rebels are fighting an effective guerrilla war in the streets, have captured a key checkpoint at Anadan, north of the city, and have seized government armored vehicles.

Source: BBC

In Aleppo, rebels brace for full force of Syria's Assad regime

July 26, 2012 - A major battle is brewing over the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. Thousands of residents are fleeing as President Bashar al-Assad's forces prepare to attack. Aleppo is the largest city in the country and the commercial capital.

Mr. Assad’s forces have stepped up their use of firepower, with reports of helicopters and fighter jets attacking opposition targets on the ground in the city of 3 million, according to the Associated Press.

Source: CSMonitor

'Israel won't allow chemical weapons to reach Hezbollah,' PM says

July 24, 2012 - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he believes the Assad regime in Syria will be overthrown. When that happens the greatest concern will be the control of Syria's weapons of mass destruction.

Netanyahu said Israel hasn't considered specifically trying to cross the border to seize the weapons. "There are other possibilities," he said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday

Source: Israel Hayom

Two hours for Syrian chemical weapons to reach Lebanon. Four armies prepared - The Israli Defense Forces, the Turkish and Jordanian armies and US Middle East forces have switched to preparedness mode in the last few hours in case the Syrian chemical weapons arsenal starts moving west toward Lebanon. - DEBKAfile

'Syria may use chemical arms in external attack'

July 23, 2012 - Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi said that the country's weapons of mass destruction were safely stored by the armed forces and would not be used against their own people.

"The ministry wants to re-affirm the stance of the Syrian Arab Republic that any chemical or bacterial weapon will never be used - and I repeat will never be used - during the crisis in Syria regardless of the developments," Makdissi said.

Makdissi added that these weapons could be used against an external aggression.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Syrian rebels say fight for country's largest city has begun - Fox

Israel fears Syria's chemical weapons could be seized by Hezbollah or al-Qaida

July 22, 2012 -

Senior Israeli defense official Amos Gilad said Sunday that Syria remains in control of its chemical weapons arsenals, even as the Israel Defense Forces considers a possible attack meant to prevent those arms and advanced Syrian missiles from falling into militant hands.

Source: Haaretz

“It wants to burn Syria": Desperate dictator's regime 'prepares for a chemical strike' - Mirror UK

Washington Begins to Plan for Collapse of Syrian Government - NY Times

Syria moves chemical weapons before wider offensive: defector - Reuters

Barak: Israel may seize advanced weapons in Syria

July 20, 2012 - During a television interview Friday Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak revealed that Israel might act to prevent the transfer of weapons from Syria to Hezbollah if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad starts to fall from power.

"I have instructed the military to increase its intelligence preparations and prepare what is needed so that ... (if necessary) ... we will be able to consider carrying out an operation."

Israel is concerned about the possible transfer of anti-aircraft missiles, heavy ground-to-ground missiles, or chemical weapons of mass destruction.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Analysis: Syria's implosion worries neighbors - Yahoo

'Damascus a Ruinous Heap?' Christians Point to Isaiah 17:1 as Syria Conflict Rages - Nicola Menzie - Christian Post

Top Syrian officials killed in major blow to al-Assad's regime

July 18, 2012 - After several days of violence in Syria's capital of Damascus, and the death of at least 189 people in the country, high- level officials were killed in an attack at the national security building.

The officials killed were Defense Minister Dawood Rajiha; Deputy Defense Minister Assef Shawkat -- al-Assad's brother-in-law; and Hasan Turkmani, al-Assad's security adviser and assistant vice president, state TV reported.

Source: CNN

Syrian official: Israel aided assassination - WND

Assad receives last warning to stop moving his WMD: Top generals defect

July 17, 2012 - Three top Syrian generals have defected from Bashar Assad's regime and have fled to Turkey, taking several other generals with them. Meanwhile, western powers have warned Assad to stop moving his weapons of mass destruction

[T]he Syrian ruler was given a “last warning” through intelligence channels in the West to leave the warheads and shells loaded with mustard gas, sarin and cyanide where they are.

Assad was told that if he did move them they would be destroyed from the air.

Source: DEBKAfile

'If cornered, Assad could use chemical weapons' - Israel Hayom

Clashes Continue in Damascus - Voice of America

Does Bible Prophecy Foretell The Destruction Of Damascus?

June 28, 2012 - Joel Rosenberg explains that Damascus is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, but two passages of Scripture say it will be totally destroyed and never again inhabited. They are Isaiah 17:1-3 and Jeremiah 49:23-27.

The context of Isaiah 17 and Jeremiah 49 are a series of End Times prophecies dealing with God’s judgments on Israel’s neighbors and enemies leading up to — and through — the Tribulation.

Source: Joel Rosenberg Blog

Turkey threatens Syria with military retaliation over downed jet

June 26, 2012 - Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, warned Syria that the shooting down of a reconnaissance plane on Friday was a hostile act that would not go unanswered. Syrians also shot at a Turkish search-and-rescue plane looking for survivors from the downed jet.

He said the rules of engagement for Turkish forces along the Syrian border had been changed so they would respond more forcefully to threats coming from Syria.

Source:Guardian - UK

Putin arrives in Israel to discuss Iran, Syria

June 26, 2012 -

With the Muslim Brotherhood now in charge in Egypt and Syria in flames, Russian President Vladimir Putin makes his first visit to the volatile region on Monday since becoming president again in May, with a quick two-day journey to Israel and Jordan.

Putin will meet with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and then with a larger gathering of staff and other ministers. He will attend the dedication of a monument to the Red Army for its victory over Nazi Germany, join President Shimon Peres for a state dinner, and visit Bethlehem while he is in the country.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Israel President Says Russia Can Help Mideast Peace - RiaNovosti

Official: Syrian MiG pilot defects to Jordan

June 21, 2012 - Syrian air force pilot Colonel Hassan Hamada defected from Syria during a training flight. He landed his MiG-21 jet fighter at King Hussein Airbase and asked Jordan for political asylum.

A Jordanian official... described the defection as "difficult to handle", referring to Amman's nervousness over a possible Syrian military reaction after months of border tension between the two countries, ignited by thousands of Syrians fleeing a crackdown on the revolt to Jordan.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Britain stops Russian ship carrying attack helicopters for Syria

June 20, ,2012 - The British government has effectively stopped a Russian ship that is believed to be carrying helicopters and missiles for Syria. The ship, the MV Alaed, was apparently headed for the Syrian port of Tartous. British security officials caused the ship's insurance to be cancelled because the shipment was likely to be a breach of European Union sanctions against the Syrian regime.

Russia also announced it was preparing to send an elite unit of marines to Tartous, a move which a Western defence source said was intended as a powerful signal that Russia would not tolerate foreign military intervention.

Source: Telegraph - UK

'Iran, Russia, China, Syria plan 'largest' war game'

June 19, 2012 - Iranian and Syrian news outlets are reporting that the largest war games exercise ever conducted in the Middle East will take place soon, and will include their two countries, Russia and China! The operation will employ 90,000 troops from the four countries, plus 400 aircraft, 1,000 tanks and "hundreds of rockets."

The report appears to have originated on Arabic language Syrian media outlet ShamLife, which said the war-games were scheduled in less than a month's time.

The information was re-broadcast by Iran's semi-official Fars News Outlet, also quoting "informed sources" claiming that the exercises will involve ground troops, air forces and naval forces.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Russia warns war is coming

June 14, 2012 - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton accused Russia of sending helicopter gunships to Syria for use in crackdowns on rebel positions across Syria. Now Russia apparently has warned Syrian President Assad that he must quell the opposition in the next 4-6 weeks or they should be prepared for a war.

Source: WMD

Stay out of Syria - Daniel Pipes- Washington Post

US official: Russia sends troops to Syria as peace hopes fade - MSNBC

US military intervention in Syria – “Not if but when” - DEBKAfile

Obama speeds up limited air strike, no-fly zones preparations for Syria

June 12, 2012 - Russian officials are saying that Moscow will support the departure of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad if that is what the Syrian people want. This has apparently prompted President Obama to order the US Navy and Air Force to accelerate preparations for a limited air offensive against the Assad regime and the imposition of no-fly zones over Syria. This would presumably give rebel forces (or even the Syrian army itself) the ability to force Assad to accept exile.

Source: DEBKAfile

Syria is expelling Western diplomats, foreign ministry says

June 5, 2012 - An uprising in Syria against their President Bashar Assad that began in March of last year reached a climax last week with the so-called Houla massacre of more than 100 people in a cluster of small villages. In Response many Western nations expelled Syrian diplomats. Now Syria has expelled ambassadors from the U.S., Britain, Turkey, Switzerland, France, Italy and Spain. Some German, Canadian, Bulgarian and Belgian diplomats were also asked to leave.

Syria is struggling to crush an increasingly deadly uprising against Assad's rule, but the regime's deadly crackdown on dissent has brought widespread condemnation.

Source: Fox

China, Russia United Against Intervention in Syria - Voice of America

Kissinger: Syrian Intervention Will Upset World Order - Atlantic Sentinel

Clinton Slams Russia on Syria

May 31, 2012 - Speaking in Copenhagen, Denmark, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton accused Russia of making it hard for other nations to put together an international coalition against President Assad's violent treatment of demonstrators in Syria.

Clinton says the continuing slaughter of innocent people by the military, by pro-government militia and by government opponents could become civil war...She says that could quickly become a regional proxy war.

Source: Voice of America

Netanyahu: Iran, Hezbollah are inseparable part of atrocities in Syria

May 29, 2012 - Syrians suffered a massacre in the city of Houla over the weekend. More than 100 people were killed, including 32 children. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Iran and Hezbollah are involved in these atrocities. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak agreed and called on world leaders to stop the killings.

Source: Times of Israel

Syrian diplomats around the world expelled - Telegraph - UK

Most of 108 killed in Syria were executed - Fox

Russia condemns ally Syria over massacre of 108 - CBS

'Atrocities' could trigger military intervention in Syria, Joint Chiefs chairman warns - Fox

Iran preparing for 'the Last Six Months'

April 26, 2012 - While Iran publicly claims it has not yet decided to make nuclear weapons, the UN indicates that they already have enough enriched uranium for six bombs. A former undercover CIA agent in Iran's Revolutionary Guard, who goes by the pseudonym Reza Kahlili, claims that the country appears to be in the last six months of preparation for an all-out war, which they believe will usher in the return of their messiah, the Mahdi (or 12th Imam) to destroy all of Islam's enemies.

Mahdi will only reappear, Shiites believe, when Israel is destroyed and the U.S. is brought to its knees; [and] two-thirds of the world’s population will die in a nuclear exchange.

Nine years ago Kahlili wrote a book, The Last Six Months. It describes the conditions that Iran's leaders believe will lead to Mahdi's return. The 9/11 attacks and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq are preludes to even greater signs: Attacks on Syria and then on Iran itself. Current conditions make both of these events plausible today.

Source: WND

Israel's top general says Iran unlikely to make bomb - Reuters

China steps back from supporting Assad, parts ways with Russia

April 24, 2012 - The Chinese government has evidently told the Obama administration that they have decided to no longer back Syrian President Assad against the uprising in his country.

The latest message received in the latter half of last week said: China will no longer be a problem for America in dealing with Assad. That leaves only Russia.

Source: DEBKAfile

'Syria vows to withdraw all military troops from towns by April 10'

Apr. 3, 2012 - Kofi Annan is the special envoy of both the United Nations and the Arab league in the matter of Syria's violence.

The Syrian government has informed international mediator Kofi Annan that it is implementing a plan to withdraw all military units from towns by April 10, Annan's spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said on Monday.

Fawzi also said that Syria has already begun withdrawal of its forces from the cities, and this process should be completed by April. 10. He then expects both sides will cease hostilities within 48 hours.

Source: Haaretz

Blasts as Baghdad opens Arab summit on Syria peace plan

Mar. 29, 2012 - A UN-backed peace plan begins today in Baghdad. It is highly significant in two ways. It is the first international summit to be hosted by Iran in decades, and if it is successful, the UN-Arab League plan would see a monitored end to the bloody internal struggle in Syria.

Source: BBC

Panetta caught in one-world scheme

Mar. 9, ,2012 - U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has been involved in various organizations that promote world government, including Citizens for Global Solutions and its parent organization, the World Federalist Movement. At a congressional hearing this week he said that the US would need to obtain “international permission” to launch an international military campaign against Syria. He was asked if that meant that the U.S. could "act without Congress and initiate a No Fly Zone in Syria, without congressional approval.”

Panetta replied: “Again, our goal would be to seek international permission and we would come to the Congress and inform you and determine how best to approach this.”

Source: WND

Conflict between Muslim sects on the rise

Feb. 23, 2012 - The Syrian civil war is a focus of the division between the two major branches of Islam (Sunni and Shia) and the developing alliances with other nations on both sides of that division. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is an Alawite, whose tribe is an offshoot of the Shia branch. The Opposition is led by Sunni factions.

Elliott Abrams, who was George Bush's Middle East adviser on the National Security Council described the conflict:

“The question now, really, is who is going to win – the Russian, Chinese, Iranian side backing Hezbollah, backing Assad? Or the other side, which includes the Saudis, the Turks, the Europeans, the Arab League, the GCC and us?”

Unfortunately for the United States, to support the opposition in Syria is to side with The Muslim Brotherhood and al-Qaeda. And it will probably make matters worse in the new cold war relationship between the U.S. and Russia.

Source: WND

What Is the Difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims? - Prophecy Central's Islam Section

Syria: For Three Sins, Yea Even for Four - Crosswalk

Syria Violence ‘Intolerable’ as Turkey Calls for Broad Coalition

Feb. 8, 2012 - Violence in Syria had led to 5, 400 deaths since March. Russia and China vetoed a United Nations resolution that called for an end to the violence. Now Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that the situation is heading toward an “intolerable point,” and called for an international coalition to stop President Bashar al-Assad’s deadly crackdown.

Source:Bloomberg Businessweek

Christians Targeted in Syria's Violence - Crosswalk

Russia, China veto UN resolution on Syria; US 'disgusted'

Feb. 4, 2012 - After 11 months of protesting in Syria and hundreds of citizens killed by government forces, the United Nations Security Council had the chance to pass a resolution calling for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down. The resolution had enough votes but Russia and China vetoed it.

US Ambassador Susan Rice said her country was "disgusted" by the vote, adding "any further bloodshed that flows will be on their (Russia's and China's) hands."

Source: YNet News

Impasse at UN Security Council debate on Syria violence

Feb. 1, 2012 - The United Nations Security Council heard arguments for and against the Arab League's plan to ask Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to stand down. The meeting ended without agreement. Russia and China were especially opposed to the plan. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said,

"Yes, we condemn strongly the use of force by government forces against civilians. But we condemn in the same strong way the activities of the armed extremist groups who attack government positions."

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said that efforts will continue to adopt a Security Council resolution that sends a message to President Assad and his regime.

Source: BBC

UN resolution could spur Syria civil war, Russia warns

Jan. 31, 2012 - As the insurgency continues in Syria, Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi plans to ask the UN Security Council to back the league's call for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to resign. Russia has already threatened to veto any such resolution. Russia's deputy foreign minister Gennady Gatilov said that a UN resolution on Syria would be a "path to civil war."

Source: BBC

Arab League Suspends Mission in Syria Amid Violence

Jan. 29, 2012 - Arab League representatives have been in Syria to monitor and hopefully to moderate the violence there. However, the mission was aborted after this week-end's upsurge, during which rebel forces took control of three Damascus suburbs, and security forces killed at least 98 people.

According to the U.N., over 5,000 people have been killed since protests against the government began last March.

Source: Christian Post

Russia backs Assad, last friend in Arab world

Jan. 29, 2012 - Russia continues to protect Assad regime in Syria from United Nations sanctions even though most other nations are witholding aid to Syria.

But Moscow’s relations with Washington are already strained amid controversy over US missile defense plans and other disputes. And Prime Minister Vladimir Putin seems eager to defy the US as he campaigns to reclaim the presidency in March elections.

Source: Arab News

'Half of Damascus falls to rebels' as breakaway army slowly seize control of capital from Assad regime

Jan. 28, 2012 -

Two days of bloody carnage in which at least 74 people have died has come as the rebel force - the Syrian Free Army - steps up its mission to take control of the streets from government forces.

Source: Daily Mail

Update: Syrian army returns to Damascus suburbs - BBC

Syria's Increasing Role in Prophecy
Hal Lindsey

Mar. 11, 2011 - The bombing of Syria's nuclear facilities by Israel gave the world a wake-up call about future conflict between the two countries. Hal Lindsey says that Syria is believed to have other nuclear development facilities, and that the prophecies of Isaiah 17 and Psalm 83 could be fulfilled by a Syrian attack against Israel and a nuclear response that would virtually eliminate Damascus.

Source: YouTube Video

'Israel will attack Iran on its own'

Dec. 21, 2007 - According to Bruce Riedel, a former CIA official and senior adviser to three US presidents, Israel will attack Iranian nuclear sites even if the U.S. does not join in the effort. Interviewed for an article in Newsweek magazine, Riedel said that the Israeli attack on a Syrian nuclear site was a test run of their capabilities and a warning to Iran.

Riedel told the magazine his impression that Israel would venture a strike on Iran on its own was formed before the publication of the joint US intelligence agencies' report, the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE).

Source: Jerusalem Post

What Will Israel Do? - Michael Hirsch - Newsweek

Israeli attack on Syrian nuclear reactor

Sept. 6, 2007 - Operation Orchard was an Israeli airstrike on a nuclear reactor in the Deir ez-Zor region of Syria carried out just after midnight.

Source: Wikipedia

Russian Navy to operate from Syria

Aug. 7, 2007 -

For the first time since the fall of the Iron Curtain, Russia plans to re-operate the Tartus and Latakia ports in Syria as permanent bases for the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean basin, according to recent western media reports.

Russian Navy commander, Admiral Vladimir Masorin said, "Being present in the Mediterranean is very important for our Navy in the Black Sea." During the past year Russia and Syria signed a large arms agreement, which included the use of its ports.

Source: YNet