Left: Iran has provided military support to Syrian government forces since at least 2012. Credit, RFE/RL file - It has been a slow burn for a while, but the latest incident in northern Israel resulting in the shoot-down of an Israeli F-16 tells us … [Read more...] about Russia responsible for Iran’s behavior in Syria
Lebanon
Iran’s Growing Involvement in the Middle East
"Assad remaining in power Iran's redline" - Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei: Revolutionary Guard's deputy commander, General Hossein Salami, threatened on May 4th: “If the … [Read more...] about Iran’s Growing Involvement in the Middle East
Iran’s Growing Intervention in Syria and the Region (February 14-28, 2016)
Left: Iranian forces in Syria, credit: yalibnan Amidst rumors that Iran is withdrawing its forces from Syria, Debka File reported that "Under cover of the Syrian ceasefire that went into effect Saturday, Feb. 27, and the Russian air umbrella, Iran’s … [Read more...] about Iran’s Growing Intervention in Syria and the Region (February 14-28, 2016)
Syria Ceasefire Will Not Defeat ISIS
The United States and Russia brokered ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and few of the fighting groups is scheduled for February 27, 2016, 00:00 local time. While Washington described the agreement as yet another major diplomatic … [Read more...] about Syria Ceasefire Will Not Defeat ISIS
The Syrian Threat to Israel*
Left: Map of Syrian Civil war/ Global conflict in Syria - liveuamap, February 22, 2016 There are more than two dozen state and non-state actors battling over the prostrate body of what used to be Syria, one of the artificial entities carved out in … [Read more...] about The Syrian Threat to Israel*
The Counter-Terrorist-Financing Farce
Left: The chart on the right shows the intricate money-laundering system the Lebanese Canadian Bank used to divert money to the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, according to United States officials. (The NYT, Dec 13, 2011). And on June 25, 2013, the … [Read more...] about The Counter-Terrorist-Financing Farce
Spotlight on Iran*
Left: On January 31, 2016, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei awarded the ‘Fath’ medal on Commander of the IRGC Navy Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi as well as four others for capturing 2 US Navy patrol boats and 10 US Marines on January 12, … [Read more...] about Spotlight on Iran*
Stupidity is Not a Crime – Funding Terrorism Is
The opaqueness that marks both the Obama administration and Ayatollah Khamenei's regime, makes it difficult to know how many unfrozen billions of dollars are going to the coffers of the Islamic Republic following the lifting of the sanctions. The … [Read more...] about Stupidity is Not a Crime – Funding Terrorism Is
Feeding Iran’s Terrorist Agenda
Left: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif waving [goodbye] to the Peace Dove. (cartoon by Keyvan Varessi, Iranian daily Iranian daily Ghanoon) - The lifting of the sanctions on Iran is significant not only because … [Read more...] about Feeding Iran’s Terrorist Agenda
The Volcano of Islamic Terrorism*
Terrorism has dominated the history of Islam, as demonstrated by the murder of three of the first four caliphs who succeeded the Prophet Muhammad: Umar ibn Abd al-Khattab (644 C.E.), Uthman Ibn Affan (656 C.E.) and Ali ibn Abi Talib (661 C.E.). … [Read more...] about The Volcano of Islamic Terrorism*