6 Months Of Combat, And No Victor In Syria's Biggest City- NPR

Some six months after Syria's rebels tried to storm the country's largest city, they can claim the eastern part of Aleppo and perhaps 60 percent overall. In the west, the government army has the remaining 40 percent of the city.

 

The line dividing these two areas is supposedly the front line in Aleppo's war. But lately the front has gone cold, as people here say in Arabic.

 

You can still hear shots. But peering through a tiny little hole in a stone wall separating the two sides, this particular part of government-held Aleppo looks like a no man's land. There's a lot of trash, abandoned buildings, a mosque that looks like it's been abandoned.

 

The shots are from a government sniper, posted on top of one of those abandoned buildings. Although there's not much fighting here anymore, government soldiers sometimes try to pick off rebel fighters or civilians who cross from one side to another.

http://www.npr.org/2013/01/14/169305322/status-report-on-fighting-in-aleppo-syria

Al-Shihabi: We Have Decisive Evidence on Turkey's Involvement in Robbing Factories in Aleppo- SANA

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Head of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Industry, Eng. Fares Shihabi, stressed that Aleppo Industry Chamber has decisive evidence on the involvement of the Turkish government in stealing production lines and machines from hundreds of factories in Aleppo city and smuggling them into the Turkish territories in clear breach of the international laws.

 

In a statement to SANA, al-Shihabi said that robbing factories and facilities in Aleppo aims at destroying the Syrian economy, causing damage to the Syrian industry, the competitor to the Turkish products, and creating a gap between the national business sector and the state in Syria.

 

He added that the industrials in Aleppo accuse the Turkish government of practicing terrorism, criminality and robbery in a deliberate and methodical way against the Syrian industry and they call for forming a neutral international committee to investigate the reality of robbing factories in Aleppo.

 

Al-Shihabi called upon the current Turkish government to compensate for damage caused to the industry sector in Aleppo since it facilitated the passage of terrorist gunmen through its borders to Syria and harbored them and they are the same ones who stole and smuggled the machines and production lines in Syrian factories.

 

He said that the terrorists robbed around 1,000 factories with all their equipment and machines in Aleppo city, indicating that the initial estimate of damage caused to industrial facilities and factories in Aleppo due to the terrorist acts exceeded SYP 200 billion.

 

http://www.sana-syria.com/eng/24/2013/01/16/462220.htm

Halep'teki terörist saldırıda ölü sayısı 82'ye yükseldi- YDH

YDH- Suriye'nin Halep şehrinde bugün meydana gelen bombalı saldırıda ölü sayısının 82'ye yaralı sayısının ise 160'a yükseldiği bildirildi.

 Breaking News''in haberine göre Halep Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi ve üniversite öğrenci yurdunun yakınında meydana gelen bombalı saldırıda ölü sayısı 82'ye yükseldi.

 Halep valisi Muhammed Vahid Akkad, çoğunluğu öğrencilerden olmak üzere saldırıda ölü sayısının 82'ye yaralı sayısının ise 160'a yükseldiğini söyledi.

 SANA haber ajansı, öğle saatlerinde meydana gelen patlamaya, el-Yarmun bölgesindeki silahlı grupların fırlattığı füzenin yol açtığını bildirdi.

 Bombalı saldırı üzerine üniversite yönetimi, 16-17 Ocak tarihlerinde yapılması planlanan sınavları, ileri bir tarihe ertelediğini ilan etti.

 Saldırının sorumluluğunu üstlenen henüz olmazken Suriye Ordusu'nun bölgedeki güvenlik tedbirlerini artırdığı öğrenildi.

 

http://www.ydh.com.tr/HD11348_halep-teki-terorist-saldirida-olu-sayisi-82-ye-yukseldi.html

Terrorists Fire Rocket Shells on Aleppo University and Bani Zaid Area, Causing Casualties- SANA

ALEPPO, (SANA) – A terrorist group on Tuesday fired two rocket shells from al-Lairamoun area on Aleppo University, causing casualties and material damage.

 

An official source told SANA that the rocket shells caused the death and the injury of a number of students on the first day of exams.

 

It added that there were also causalities among displaced people whose areas were affected by the terrorist acts and who are staying at the University dormitory.

 

In a relevant context, SANA reporter was informed that terrorists fired two rocket shells on Bani Zaid area in the city, with the initial information indicating victims and injuries among the citizens.

 

Minister of Higher Education: President al-Assad Gives Drectives to Rehabilitate Damaged Areas in Aleppo University

Minister of Higher Education Mohammad Yahya Mu'ala said that President Bashar al-Assad gave directives to rehabilitate, as soon as possible,  what has been destroyed in Aleppo university at the hands of the terrorist killers today.

Mu'ala added that the President gave his instructions to rehabilitate what has been destroyed in Aleppo University as soon as possible to ensure the process of the education and exams at the university, and rehabilitate all universities and institutions affected and damaged at the hands of terrorism which targets Syria and its people.

 

Exams Suspended on Wednesday

"The Ministry issued a decision to suspend study and exams at the Syrian universities on Wednesday to mourn the souls of the students martyrs of Aleppo university who were assassinated at the hands of low terrorists today," Mu'ala added.

Austria, Denmark, Ireland and Slovenia propose Taking Syria to the ICC (Michel Chossudovsky- Global Research)

A new media disinformation campaign with regard to Syria, together with a political initiative is in the making.

The foreign ministers of four small seemingly “neutral” EU countries are now proposing to take president Bashar Al Assad to the the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, for alleged crimes committed against his own people.

The text of this proposal is entitled Time to refer Syria crisis to ICC. The authors are Michael Spindelegger, Karl Erjavec, Eamon Gilmore and Villy Søvndal, respectively the foreign ministers of Austria, Slovenia, Ireland and Denmark.

The text, published as an “Oped” by CNN, is apparently being put forth by these four distinguished statesmen who are freely expressing their views in a “personal capacity”. One would expect, however, given the position that they hold within their respective governments, that this proposal has the support of Austria, Slovenia, Ireland and Denmark.

The proposal in itself is highly convoluted. Realities are turned upside down.The Syrian government is identified as responsible for committing atrocities, when in fact the killings of civilians including extrajudicial assassinations have in large part been conducted by foreign supported death squads.

The existence of “opposition” terror brigades integrated by mercenaries and funded by NATO, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia is not mentioned. Nor is the existence of the Al Nusra Front, affiliated to al Qaeda in Iraq, supported covertly by the CIA.

The text is largely based on the report of the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria, under the auspices of the UN Human Rights Council...

http://www.globalresearch.ca/austria-denmark-ireland-and-slovenia-propose-taking-syria-to-the-icc/5318626

“Merkez ülke” paradigmasının çöküşü (Alptekin Dursunoğlu- YDH)

Erdoğan yönetiminin krizlerde üstlendiği arabuluculuk rolleri, “sıfır sorun” vizyonuyla Türkiye’ye bölge hamisi bir “merkez ülke” pozisyonu değil, müttefiki olduğu uluslar arası takımda en aktif “pivot ülke” pozisyonu kazandırdı.

Bölgeyle karşılıklı bağımlılık üretebilecek hiçbir nesnel planlama içermemesine rağmen 2011 yılı ortalarına kadar bölgede büyük heyecan yaratan “komşularla sıfır sorun” söyleminin, artık mazide kalan “bir hoş seda” değeri bile taşımadığı kabullenilmiş gözüküyor.

Halbuki başlıca hedef AB üyeliği olarak konulsa da “komşularla sıfır sorun”, Ankara’nın yakın vadede bölgesiyle “azami işbirliğini”, uzun vadede ise “entegrasyonu”[1] öngören “yeni” dış politika stratejisinin mottosuydu.

Bir zaman dillerden düşürülmeyen ve hem içeride hem de dışarıda büyük kabul gören bu sloganın şimdilerde ağza dahi alınamayacak hale gelmesi öngörülen hedefin hayalciliğiyle değil, planlama ve uygulamanın fırsatçılık temelinde yönetilmesiyle ilgili gözüküyor.

Türkiye’ye bölgesinin hamisi merkez ülke pozisyonu kazandırmayı hedefleyen “komşularla sıfır sorun” vizyonunun, bölgeyle karşılıklı bağımlılık ilişkisi kurmaya dönük bir uzun vadeli planlama ve takvim üzerine değil, krizlerde arabuluculuk dinamiği üzerine kurulduğuna işaret eden birçok veri söz konusu.

Krizlerde arabuluculuğun bölgede “sıfır sorun” hedefine ulaşmadaki güven oluşturucu etkisi elbette inkar edilemez; ancak Ankara’nın bölgesel merkez olma adına arabuluculuk rolü üstlendiği konuların ve bu rolün niteliğinin bölgede sadece kuşkulu bir iyimserlik algısı yaratmaktan öteye gitmediği de görülüyordu...

http://www.ydh.com.tr/YD348_merkez-ulke-paradigmasinin-cokusu.html

Inside Syria - Making heads or tails of Bashar al-Assad- Youtube

News Round Up (13 January 2013)- Syria Comment

Syrian foreign ministry in a letter to UN claims that more than 1000 factories have been dismantled in Aleppo and sold to Turkey by rebels and gunmen. I have asked an Aleppine factory owner if this is true. His answer:

“I don’t know about the numbers, but many factories have been stripped and sold. Of course, Assad is responsible for this by not offering to step aside and setting in place a process for a smooth transfer of power.” My own factory has not been stripped, but the safe box with all operating expenses was taken by the local militia commander. My foreman negotiated with him and he has since protected the factory building. It is closed and all employees have been dismissed. A factory near to mine, which is owned by a Christian who was known to be close to the regime, has been stripped...

http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/?p=17394

The Endgame in Syria: Strategic Stage in the Pentagon’s Covert War on Iran (Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya- Voltaire.net)

The ultimate goal in Syria, this pundit argues, is not regime change per se, but to do whatever it takes that will result in Iran’s isolation in the region. Believing that they have succeeded in neutralizing Tehran’s allies in the Levant: Syria, Hezbollah, and Hamas, the opponents of Iran will be concentrating now on subduing her supporters in Iraq. Revealing the endgame behind the plans for Syria, an Israeli intelligence report has signaled that Iran can now be attacked without coordinating a regional response. Meanwhile, there is a clock ticking in Washington which may be chiming a different tune.

http://www.voltairenet.org/article177107.html

Suriye Başbakanı İran'a gidiyor- Sol Haber

AA'nın haberine göre, İran'ın resmi haber ajansı IRNA, el-Halaki'nin çeşitli temaslarda bulunmak üzere yarın Tahran'a geleceğini duyurdu.

İran Cumhurbaşkanı Yardımcısı Muhammed Rıza Rahimi'nin daveti üzerine gerçekleşecek ziyarette ağırlıklı olarak iki ülke arasındaki ekonomik ilişkilerin daha da geliştirilmesi konularının ele alınacağı belirtildi.

İki ülkeden ekonomi heyetinin bugün Tahran'da yaptıkları toplantıda da ekonomik ilişkileri güçlendirmek için atılacak adımları görüştükleri kaydedildi.

http://haber.sol.org.tr/dunyadan/suriye-basbakani-irana-gidiyor-haberi-66155

Nusra Cephesi: el-Faruk Tugayı komutanını biz öldürmedik- YDH

YDH- Suriye Ordusu'na karşı silahlı eylemler düzenleyen Nusra Cephesi, el-Faruk Tugayı komutanlarından Sair Vakkas'ın öldürülmesiyle bir alakalarının olmadığını açıkladı.

Önceki gün Reuters haber ajansının yerel kaynaklara dayanarak yayınladığı el-Faruk Tugayı komutanlarından Sair Vakkas'ın öldürülmesiyle ilgili haber, Nusra Cephesi tarafından yalanlandı.

http://www.ydh.com.tr/HD11339_nusra-cephesi--el-faruk-tugayi-komutanini-biz-oldurmedik.html

Turf war feared after Syrian rebel leader killed- Reuters

(Reuters) - The killing of a senior Islamist rebel commander near Syria's border with Turkey could indicate a turf war between armed groups that will hamper their struggle to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, sources told Reuters.

Thaer al-Waqqas, northern commander of al-Farouq Brigades, one of Syria's largest rebel groups, was shot dead at a rebel-held position in the town of Sermin, a few kilometres from Turkey, early on Wednesday morning, rebel sources said.

Al-Waqqas, they said, had been suspected of involvement in the killing four months ago of Firas al-Absi, a main jihadist leader in al Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front, which Washington dubbed a terrorist organization in December.

In addition to chronic supply problems and a shortage of financing and heavy weapons, the lack of unity among Syria's rebels has held back their efforts to dislodge Assad's forces.

"The assassins came in a white car, disembarked and riddled Waqqas with bullets as he was at a food supply depot," one of the rebels said.

He said suspicion immediately turned on Nusra.

"Absi's brother is a commander in (the city of) Homs. He vowed revenge for Firas, and it seems that he has carried out his promise," the rebel said.

"Farouq is in a period of mourning now. But it seems a matter of time before the clashes with Nusra erupt in Bab al-Hawa," he added, referring to the rebel-held border crossing with Turkey where Absi was killed.

The crossing is controlled by Farouq and its Sham Hawks Brigade ally. Nusra fighters are also present in the area, along with Muhajireen al-Sham, another rebel brigade allied with Nusra, according to rebels and opposition activists on the border...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/11/us-syria-crisis-assassination-idUSBRE90A07N20130111

Heavy Snow Falling in Damascus- SANA

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Damascus is witnessing heavy snow on Wednesday as the country is influenced by polar low pressure.

 

http://www.sana-syria.com/eng/21/2013/01/09/460971.htm

Syria: Rebels Reportedly Free 48 Iranians Held Captive Since August- Huffington Post

DAMASCUS, Syria — A group of 48 Iranians freed by Syrian rebels after months in captivity have arrived at a Damascus hotel.

 

Officials say they were released after President Bashar Assad's regime promised to free hundreds of detainees in the first major prisoner swap of the country's civil war.

 

The men arrived Wednesday at the Sheraton hotel in several vans escorted by Syrian security forces.

Iran's ambassador in Damascus Mohammad Riza Shibani greeted them with flowers.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/09/syria-rebels-iranian-prisoners_n_2438223.html

Terrorists Assassinate Lawyer Hatem Deeb in His Office in Damascus- SANA

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – In the framework of targeting national cadres, an armed terrorist group on Tuesday night assassinated Lawyer Hatem Deeb in Damascus.

 

A source at Damascus Police Command said that the terrorists opened fire on Deeb while he was at his office in Ein al-Kirsh area.

 

http://www.sana-syria.com/eng/337/2013/01/09/460977.htm

Suriye’nin Muhtelif Bölgeleri Kar Yağışlarına Tanık Oluyor- SANA Türkçe

ŞAM – Vatanın muhtelif bölgeleri son 24 saat içerisinde kar yağışlarına tanık oldu. Şam Kırsalının Arneh bölgesinde kar kalınlığı bir metreye ulaşırken Suveyda’da 15 cm Lazkiye’nin Slunfah bölgesinde 12 cm ulaştı.   

 
http://www.sana-syria.com/tur/236/2013/01/09/460993.htm

Esedleşen Beşşar'ın Şam Kriterleri (Fehim Taştekin- Radikal)

http://www.radikal.com.tr/Radikal.aspx?aType=RadikalYazar&ArticleID=1115693&Yazar=FEHIM-TASTEKIN&CategoryID=100

Vatan Herkesindir, Herkes Elinden Geldiğince Onu Savunmalıdır- SANA Türkçe

ŞAM – Cumhurbaşkanı Beşşar el-Esad bugün Şam’daki Opera Merkezinde Suriye ve tüm bölgenin gündemini ele alan bir konuşma yaptı.

 

Konuşmasında Cumhurbaşkanı el-Esad; tüm bu acının kara bir bulut gibi vatanın üstünde dolaşması halince tüm önemiyle vicdani durumun tek başına sevdiklerimizi kaybetme acısını telafi etme, vatan güvenliğini sağlama ve her yerinde vatandaşların ihtiyaçlarını sağlamak için yeterli olmadığını belirtti.

http://www.sana-syria.com/tur/236/2013/01/06/460537.htm

President al-Assad : Out of Womb of Pain, Hope Should Be Begotten, from Suffering Important Solutions Rise- SANA

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday said if pain is pervading like a dark cloud over the country, the emotional state only, with its sublimity, is not enough to compensate the loss of the loved ones or the restoration of security and peace to the country or providing bread, water, fuel and medicine nationwide.

 

Delivering a speech on the latest developments in Syria and the region at the Opera House in Damascus, President al-Assad added "out of the womb of pain, hope should be begotten and from the bottom of suffering the most important solutions rise, as the dark cloud in the sky conceals the sun light, but it also carries in its layers rain, purity and hope of welfare and giving."

 

President al-Assad said "These feelings of agony, sadness, challenge and intention are huge energy that will not get Syria out of its crisis unless it turns this energy into a comprehensive national move that saves the homeland from the unprecedented campaign hatched against it."

 

"This national move is the only balm for the deep wounds which affected our society and were about to divide it as it is the only way that is able to keep Syria geographically and making it politically stronger," the President added.

 

"At the beginning they wanted it a fake revolution but the Syrian people rebelled against them, then they tried to impose it by money, media and arms secretly and when they failed, they moved to the second phase through dropping the masks of a "peaceful revolution" and unveiled the cover of the weapons they were using secretly to use them openly starting their attempts to occupy cities as to pounce upon other cities," President al-Assad said, adding that "their brutal behaviors didn't deter our people, thanks to their awareness and steadfastness, to unveil their lies and reject them. Therefore they decided to take revenge on the people through spreading terrorism everywhere."

 

The President stressed that the Takfiries were working at the back rows through bombings mass killing leaving the armed gangs at the front line but the unity of the Syrian people and army obliged them to move for fighting at the front lines where they led the rudder of the blood, killing and mutilation ship.

 

"Each citizen is responsible and able to provide something even if it is tiny or limited as he/she may consider, because the homeland is for everyone; we all defend it each with his/her capacity and capability, because the thought is a way of defense, the stance is a way of defense, construction is a way of defense and protecting people's properties is a way of defense," President al-Assad added.

 

"Since the attack is launched against the homeland with all its human and material components, the mindful citizen has certainly known that passivity, waiting for time or others to solve the problem is a sort of pushing the country towards the abyss, and not participating in solutions is a kind of taking the homeland backwards with no progress towards overcoming what the home is going through...

http://www.sana-syria.com/eng/21/2013/01/06/460536.htm

Assad Speech – December 6, 2012- Syria Comment

http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/?p=17351