@chitowngringa.bsky.social
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Iran has paid a heavy price to maintain its influence in Iraq and Syria, yet its gains have been minimal compared to the costs, Turkey’s Foreign Minister said in an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday.
February 28, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Iran has paid a heavy price to maintain its influence in Iraq and Syria, yet its gains have been minimal compared to the costs, Turkey’s Foreign Minister said in an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday.
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There's no strategic rationale for this. Southern Syria is not about to "become southern Lebanon". Sharaa is not about to invade Israel. The weird right-wing pipe dream about Druze secession is just that, a pipe dream. This does nothing but destabilize. www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Israel attacks area south of Damascus after new Syrian government condemns incursion | The National
'We will not allow southern Syria to become southern Lebanon,' says Israeli Defence Minister Katz's representative
www.thenationalnews.com
February 26, 2025 at 6:04 AM
There's no strategic rationale for this. Southern Syria is not about to "become southern Lebanon". Sharaa is not about to invade Israel. The weird right-wing pipe dream about Druze secession is just that, a pipe dream. This does nothing but destabilize. www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
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Going out on a limb here but I think Israel might have to stop bombing Syria first
Am at an event with Steve Witkoff, who just said Lebanon and maybe even Syria could someday join the Abraham Accords.
February 26, 2025 at 6:51 AM
Going out on a limb here but I think Israel might have to stop bombing Syria first
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Thinking about this tweet a lot this week. Between Trump's acid-trip Gaza video, the fantasies about a Druze statelet and Lapid's Egypt "plan", a lot of people acting like the Middle East is not a real, complex place but an Etch-a-Sketch where they can draw out their delusions
February 26, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Thinking about this tweet a lot this week. Between Trump's acid-trip Gaza video, the fantasies about a Druze statelet and Lapid's Egypt "plan", a lot of people acting like the Middle East is not a real, complex place but an Etch-a-Sketch where they can draw out their delusions
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"For Turkey, a settlement with the PKK is a chance to dismantle Kurdish autonomy in Syria and prevent what policymakers see as a fledgling alliance between Kurdish insurgents and Israel. For Erdogan, peace could also hold the key to another term in power." www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
One of the world’s longest conflicts may be ending
The leader of Turkey’s Kurdish rebels calls on his group to disband
www.economist.com
February 28, 2025 at 6:52 AM
"For Turkey, a settlement with the PKK is a chance to dismantle Kurdish autonomy in Syria and prevent what policymakers see as a fledgling alliance between Kurdish insurgents and Israel. For Erdogan, peace could also hold the key to another term in power." www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
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"While there appeared to be “genuine concern” among Israeli officials that Syria, under its new rulers, could pose a security threat, the rising tide of attacks appeared “counterproductive to any peace and stability,” I told @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Syrians emerging from dictatorship bristle at new threat from Israel
Israeli attacks are angering Syrians and unsettling the country’s new leaders, who are dealing with multiple crises after the end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM
"While there appeared to be “genuine concern” among Israeli officials that Syria, under its new rulers, could pose a security threat, the rising tide of attacks appeared “counterproductive to any peace and stability,” I told @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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You would think this would be a top story in Israel, a cause for celebration, a moment of appreciation for the new emerging Syria.
But it's gotten almost no attention.
www.npr.org/2025/02/27/g...
But it's gotten almost no attention.
www.npr.org/2025/02/27/g...
Syrian Jews return to Damascus for the first time in decades, hoping to build bridges
Thousands of Jews left Syria in 1992, when they were allowed to emigrate. The visit by a small delegation of U.S.-based Syrian Jewish religious figures last week was their first time back since then.
www.npr.org
February 28, 2025 at 8:38 AM
You would think this would be a top story in Israel, a cause for celebration, a moment of appreciation for the new emerging Syria.
But it's gotten almost no attention.
www.npr.org/2025/02/27/g...
But it's gotten almost no attention.
www.npr.org/2025/02/27/g...
Most of the SDF territory isn't Kurdish and Abdi is looking for independence in all but name. He is also allied with Israel on the vile mischief that they are up to in Syria.
Abdi, current SDF commander, likely rejected Ocalan’s call partly because the Syrian interim government has not provided guarantees to the SDF that it would protect the SDF’s Kurdish territory in Syria.
US-backed SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi has rejected a call from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan (imprisoned in Turkey) to disarm & dissolve. Turkey had thought the call to Abdi from Ocalan to dissolve would result in the SDF integrating into the Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS)-led interim Syrian government.
February 28, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Most of the SDF territory isn't Kurdish and Abdi is looking for independence in all but name. He is also allied with Israel on the vile mischief that they are up to in Syria.
They have been coordinating with Israel to cause strife and topple Sharaa and have specifically said they want independence, not the participate in state-building. Why should they be invited?
Commander Abdi is correct. PKK disarmament will not affect the SDF as they are separate organizations.
Also, it makes sense for the Kurds to do their own national dialogue.
A lack of invitation is no excuse to be silent. Be vocal against Turkish propaganda.
#Syria
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Also, it makes sense for the Kurds to do their own national dialogue.
A lack of invitation is no excuse to be silent. Be vocal against Turkish propaganda.
#Syria
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
SDF chief says PKK disarmament call 'not related to us in Syria'
The commander of the Kurdish-led forces that control northeastern Syria said that a call by the leader of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Turkey for the PKK to dissolve did not apply to the group he leads.
www.reuters.com
February 27, 2025 at 11:52 PM
They have been coordinating with Israel to cause strife and topple Sharaa and have specifically said they want independence, not the participate in state-building. Why should they be invited?
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The problem with the PKK fighters in their ranks, especially if Kandil responds positively to the call. Regardless, the call increases the pressure on SDF, which now has a narrower space for manoeuvre in Syria.
In #Syria YPG says PKK leader's call for the group to lay down arms and for "all groups" to dissolve, does not bind them, Turkish medias report. Trouble ahead. YPG was born from PKK ranks but has evolved - now spearhead of SDF forces controlling Kurdish-led enclave. 👇🏼 www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Syrian Kurdish groups influenced by jailed militant Ocalan
Abdullah Ocalan, the Kurdish militant leader jailed by Turkey who called on Thursday for his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to dissolve and all groups to lay down arms, is an influential figure among the main Kurdish groups in northeastern Syria.
www.reuters.com
February 27, 2025 at 5:24 PM
The problem with the PKK fighters in their ranks, especially if Kandil responds positively to the call. Regardless, the call increases the pressure on SDF, which now has a narrower space for manoeuvre in Syria.
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The #UnitedNations, through its spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern on Wednesday regarding #Israel's ongoing violations of #Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as breaches of the 1974 disengagement agreement between the forces.
New York
New York
February 27, 2025 at 9:51 AM
The #UnitedNations, through its spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern on Wednesday regarding #Israel's ongoing violations of #Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as breaches of the 1974 disengagement agreement between the forces.
New York
New York
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People in Sweida I spoke to were more than pleased with the fall of the regime and protests broke out there against Netanyahu’s statements.
Still, from what I understand is there are outstanding concerns about the new government & a lot of stories floating around causing inhibition
Still, from what I understand is there are outstanding concerns about the new government & a lot of stories floating around causing inhibition
February 27, 2025 at 5:05 AM
People in Sweida I spoke to were more than pleased with the fall of the regime and protests broke out there against Netanyahu’s statements.
Still, from what I understand is there are outstanding concerns about the new government & a lot of stories floating around causing inhibition
Still, from what I understand is there are outstanding concerns about the new government & a lot of stories floating around causing inhibition
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Went to Sweida yesterday and spoke to Laith al-Balous, leader of the men of dignity movement.
When I asked him what he thinks about Netanyahu’s statement about protecting Syria’s Druze, he scoffed and said, “protect us from who?”
When I asked him what he thinks about Netanyahu’s statement about protecting Syria’s Druze, he scoffed and said, “protect us from who?”
February 27, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Went to Sweida yesterday and spoke to Laith al-Balous, leader of the men of dignity movement.
When I asked him what he thinks about Netanyahu’s statement about protecting Syria’s Druze, he scoffed and said, “protect us from who?”
When I asked him what he thinks about Netanyahu’s statement about protecting Syria’s Druze, he scoffed and said, “protect us from who?”
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Syrians emerging from dictatorship bristle at new threat from Israel - The Washington Post I don’t blame them. Bibi is a BIG problem
February 26, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Syrians emerging from dictatorship bristle at new threat from Israel - The Washington Post I don’t blame them. Bibi is a BIG problem
Really? So Assad was not part of the Axis of Resistance and was an Israeli ally? Good to know.
And BTW, I do not think Sharaa wants to attack Israel. It will get in the way of the fun he's having as President of Syria.
And BTW, I do not think Sharaa wants to attack Israel. It will get in the way of the fun he's having as President of Syria.
I know you want to do the greatest mental gymnastics of all time and claim that they worked together. You probably think Iran works with Israel and maybe even ISIS.
The truth it that they didn't attack because they feared a counter attack. It was a bare bones state but it was a state.
The truth it that they didn't attack because they feared a counter attack. It was a bare bones state but it was a state.
February 26, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Really? So Assad was not part of the Axis of Resistance and was an Israeli ally? Good to know.
And BTW, I do not think Sharaa wants to attack Israel. It will get in the way of the fun he's having as President of Syria.
And BTW, I do not think Sharaa wants to attack Israel. It will get in the way of the fun he's having as President of Syria.
Let's think about why Bibi wasn't attacking under Assad.
Npt trying to defend Assad but Israel wasn't invading and attacking Syria under him.
They need to fight back or they lose all legitimacy.
If I held Israel in higher regard I'd assume that was one of their goals but they just want to expand and destroy.
They need to fight back or they lose all legitimacy.
If I held Israel in higher regard I'd assume that was one of their goals but they just want to expand and destroy.
February 26, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Let's think about why Bibi wasn't attacking under Assad.
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This is a politicized campaign, as Bibi wants open-ended, if controlled, conflicts everywhere to maintain the veneer that only he can protect Israel. HTS is in no position to threaten Israel and won't be for many years, but these strikes will sink whatever budding pragmatism existed within HTS.
Israel says it is conducting strikes in southern Syria
Israel confirmed it is conducting strikes in southern Syria, as the new Syrian government calls for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory.
abcnews.go.com
February 26, 2025 at 2:13 PM
This is a politicized campaign, as Bibi wants open-ended, if controlled, conflicts everywhere to maintain the veneer that only he can protect Israel. HTS is in no position to threaten Israel and won't be for many years, but these strikes will sink whatever budding pragmatism existed within HTS.
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Arrest of Colonel Abdullah Nazem Karaf, prev. head of Investigation Dept of Palestine Branch (Branch 235) of former regime’s military security.
He is implicated in severe human rights violations, including hundreds of deaths under torture.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/chief-t...
He is implicated in severe human rights violations, including hundreds of deaths under torture.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/chief-t...
Chief 'torturer' of Assad's Palestine Branch arrested in Syria
The head of the notorious Investigation Department of the Palestine Branch of the Assad regime's military security has been arrested,.
www.newarab.com
February 25, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Arrest of Colonel Abdullah Nazem Karaf, prev. head of Investigation Dept of Palestine Branch (Branch 235) of former regime’s military security.
He is implicated in severe human rights violations, including hundreds of deaths under torture.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/chief-t...
He is implicated in severe human rights violations, including hundreds of deaths under torture.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/chief-t...
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Great story, although a little frustrating that it doesn't mention that Kliger and Farritor follow white supremacist accounts. I know it's kind of my thing, but it also seems germane to why they're cutting off payments to Ukraine, Syria, and Africa. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
February 25, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Great story, although a little frustrating that it doesn't mention that Kliger and Farritor follow white supremacist accounts. I know it's kind of my thing, but it also seems germane to why they're cutting off payments to Ukraine, Syria, and Africa. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
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Kyiv welcomes lifting of number of sanctions against Syria, confirms its readiness to provide food and grain #Ukraine
Kyiv welcomes lifting of number of sanctions against Syria, confirms its readiness to provide food and grain
Kyiv has welcomed the suspension of sanctions against Syria in the energy, transport and banking sectors and confirmed its readiness to join the country's post-war reconstruction with an emphasis on ensuring food security.
en.interfax.com.ua
February 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Kyiv welcomes lifting of number of sanctions against Syria, confirms its readiness to provide food and grain #Ukraine
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Interim president al-Sharaa announced the formation of a #transitional justice committee at the #Syrian National Dialogue today. This commitment by the government was long overdue. Now a clear #roadmap is needed and active civil society participation must be ensured. 🔗 bit.ly/3ETpCMe
Syria’s interim leader launches national dialogue on political transition
Talks promoted as crucial milestone towards democratic transition by al-Sharaa but scepticism remains.
bit.ly
February 25, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Interim president al-Sharaa announced the formation of a #transitional justice committee at the #Syrian National Dialogue today. This commitment by the government was long overdue. Now a clear #roadmap is needed and active civil society participation must be ensured. 🔗 bit.ly/3ETpCMe
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Don't know what about you guys, but I'm kinda missing Tony Blinken now.
February 24, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Don't know what about you guys, but I'm kinda missing Tony Blinken now.