What to do in Syria? Western military intervention looks fraught with difficulties, but the situation on the ground is a humanitarian nightmare and is producing greater instability by the week. A recent trip to Turkey and Russia has persuaded me that there might be a path forward. The pressures on Bashar Assad's regime are real and mounting; it is running out of cash and now faces real military pressures from Turkey. These pressures could be heightened and combined with smart diplomacy, and they could push Assad out of power. But that would mean trying to work with the Russian government rather than attacking it.
The U.S. has been bashing Russia for shielding Assad, coddling an ally at the cost of human lives and arming the Syrian military. Some of this is true, some false, and much is exaggeration. But all is unhelpful if the goal is to oust Assad. Unless the U.S. intends to ask Iran for help, Russia is the only country with any influence with the Syrian regime.
 |
Post by: |
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
I am wondering if it is only locally Syria but part of a wider/expanding problem. One sees an increasing sequence of bomb attacks in Iraq as well. So the question I have, given the well known fact that Saudi and other gulf ( Sunni ) states are arming and funding the rebels with Turkish assistence, is this not morphing into other countries with sectarian divides such as Iraq. After all – perhaps the Saudis want the Shiite governance of Iraq gone as well?
Well put, Bob. Those are my thoughts exactly.
Yes, it's most unfortunate that this Shia-Sunni divide gives rise to some many conflicts and instability.
Ruslan Aliev, the head of information at the well-connected Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) in Moscow said, the West got it all wrong in portraying Tartus and arms sales to Syria as a major reason why Russia is standing by the Assad regime. No, it was about nostalgia for former Soviet power, he said. In a report being circulated to Russian defence chiefs, the CAST argued that Russia doesn't actually have a major strategic stake in Syria, and that its support for Assad is based more on emotion than logic.
if russia , china, iran, iraq and even hasb ullah were supporting assad regime naturally saudi and turkey would.
i beleive in the end only russia will loose in this
All these explosions and killings are probably perpetrated by either the government or the rebels themselves to bring attention to their pitiful situation.
Why so gullible.....its another cold war to test military hardware
Not gullible, just being a realist.
you are brilliant!
It's the terrorists the United States government are funding.
What have we gained when the U.S made a Shiite regime in Iraq?! U.S. 4,500 troops killed . U.S. 30,000 troops wounded, permanent disabilities, mental illness . 5 trillion lost to the U.S for the Shi'ite regime in Iraq! Shiite opposition in Iraq lied to the U.S when they told the Bush administration, "Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction."
Where weapons of mass destruction in Iraq ???!!!
They lied to us to in order to gain power in Iraq!! Alawites who rule Syria were supporting al-Qaeda in Iraq against the U.S. military. I think that the minorities in the Middle East like mosquitoes, especially the Shiites and Alawites .
It was not about you Johan.
It was an attempt at allowing the Shia to emancipate without Sunni involvement.
Agreed . Shiites are a bunch of villains. We lost our troops and our money for them in Iraq ! Alawites are murderers and terrorists. They are supporting terrorist groups in the Middle East . Shiite Iran wants to manufacture nuclear weapons to wipe Israel off the map .
Wow, look at all of this war propaganda. It is pretty impressive I must say.
I agree with John. I am lebanese christian, and i can assure you that minorities (christians included) do not deserve the sacrifices of the brave american men and women. in this corner of the world it's only the "me, myself and i" that reigns and we always find a way to backstab the people who help us most...
Johan, the Shias and other minorities have been persecuted by the Saudi promoted wahabi/salafi ideology for years, and is still going on in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Check out the news on bombings in these countries and you'll see most of the victims are Shias. Also, please read "the devil we know" by Robert Baer with special attention to his recommendations for the US government and policy makers.
Arif, Iran too is killing minorities and distabilizing the region, arming a terrorist group in lebanon (hezbollah), kidnapping and killing americans (weren't the shi3a the first to massive kill americans in beirut? and aren't they still proud about it?) and minorities in iran and lebanon and elsewhere... Most of the times Iran uses sunnis for their terrorist missions. By using sunnis, the shiaas show the world that the sunnis are the terrorist,that they are the victim and at the same time they get to kill some "infidels"... i think the big devil is Iran.
the syrian people were totally ignored in this delimma, the opposition is a punch of people that care about nothing but to grab the power out of the Alassad hand , they do not care about the people or the chaotic situation or syria it self ,mostly live outside and sending kids to fight in syria. just a punch of gangs with the help of the saudis , the qataries and our US government.
The majority, yes. I agree with you. The issue is, what do the minority, that will be in power, want?
You see, in 1970s, the average iranian simply wanted, and were promised, a simple democracy.
But, they did not know that the top ppl were religious fanactics that wanted to control Iran and the ppl.
And most agree that the shah was MUCH better than what is there now.
The armed rebel movement started as a result of Arab spring movement, it has nothing to do with USA or any other country. You have no right to kill your people and ask int'l community to watch without ac(Bosnia, Kosovo, Libiya, Yamen, Rwanda, Sudan, Iraq, etc...). Simply the syria gov. decided to use power against peacefull demonstration in Deraa and the snow ball started with a dummy act by Assad regime. They used Sunni terrorist propoganda to gain support from minroity (shiaa, alawi and christian, druz) and international countries however Mubarak, Salah & Kazafi did the same and did not survive and Asaad will not too. Time is against Asaad and the earlier he goes the less bloods the Syrian people pays.
America shouldn't has a hand in the situation. everything will be ok,the history has proved that what i said is true.
If America interfere in the situaton,Syrian have to live a miserable life.
However, Syria has a horrible life now.
News show that more and more men are having naughty together to relieve the pressure.
Well said, Bob. I totally agree.
Indeed that is part of it. However I also think the US is too paranoid re Iran which should be included in a negotiated peace plan. Israel would lose out badly were a Militant Sunni regime supported be al-Qaeda assume power.
At this time, I suspect that we are training a number of Syrian rebel leaders how to fight and equipping them. But, I am wondering if we are doing the same for Iranian Rebels? It seems like it would be smart to continue that work in helping Iranian gov. to fall.
Heaven forbid that Sunni & Shia ever unite forces. If that were to EVER happen they would be a force to be reckoned with. One that would certainly go after states like Israel but would also go after the US as well and more than likely here at home. They want a 24-40 lattidude world block and if you look at a globe sometime you'll see that they've almost got it.
The Sunni and Shia are going to attack two countries armed with nuclear weapons? Are you serious?
Never forget that Christian nations control 90% of the worlds military forces and equipment. Judged by history so called Christian nations have never ever not been invading someone somewhere-even each other's countries. Nothing can compare to the death and destruction of Christian nations in their 20th century wars.
Bob, while I agree with you with your question. Don't go there....leave it and them alone.
You are correct but Iran will prevail in Iraq.
Turkey is not quite the same Turkey it used to be and its NATO allies want to remember. It is a new Pakistan: all nice and appetizing on the surface but staffed with muslim brotherhood and disgusting terrorists...
What did you just said?! You can't compare Turkey with Pakistan nor Iran, nor Iraq and you know that. You might see on the "surface" the ruling party, but Turkish people are the same. In times as this, in Turkey there is no Party, no Religion, no Gender, simply all Turks in preserving it's territories and dignity for the generations to come.
Bob,can you spell I-R-A-N?
The Problem and reason why Russia won't coaperate is that once Syria changes leadership it will no longer belong to Iran or Russia, there for the cooparation from Iran or Russia cannot be expected– they will loose Syria and that they will opposed til the death of Syria that is...but they are willing to put up a fight before letting that happen any ways..
what does it mean to them having a Syria not dominated by Iran or Russia? it mean they Iran and Russia will have nothing left of influence on the middle east politics or future that is the scenario they are comtemplating.
EXACTLY Virginia! That is why it is in America's interest to NOT negotiate with Vlad Putin and to support the Syrian protesters/rebels.
Yes the Sunnis are interested in disposing a shia-ally Assad. And they would love top cut of the "snakes head" Khameni. But the bigger question is – Assad regime being good for their people and is the Muslim B-hood which is a better alternative?
Yep. The wider problem is the march of islam. The dictators in Egypt, Libya and Syria are far preferable to the likes of islamic extremism that will replace them. And our dear leader Barack Hussein Obama is helping the extremists elements. We have fallen a great deal when we have idiots suggesting we should "ask Iran for help". Good grief.
My hair is on fire trying to tell people that this is a religious war between the Sunni and Shi'ia factions of Islam. Muslim Brotherhood and Al Queda are Sunni (along with the Taliban and Wahabi) and the Shi'ia include the Druze and Alawite.
Best advice to "localize" this conflict. The West STAYS OUT!
Read my blogs on the Mid-East. http://www.where-eagles-soar.com Click on DDBlog
Bob, that is exactly what is going on and America is coordinating this.
Yes saudi Monarchy wants the iraqi government to be dissolved and what is happening in Syria now is the beginning of a wider conflict. Algeria had problems with hard core muslim rebels for the last 20 years. These rebels have not accomplished any political or military gain, the reason is they don't have a major supporter. The rebels in Syria are having massive financial, intelligence and weapon support from the gulf states. I see iraq al over with finger prints of Al Qaeda and a clandestine group similar to black water who's only job is to flame the sectarian issue and leave a trail of dead people behind.
Fareed Zakaria never fails to disappoint me. He was a supporter for the Iraq War and that ended up being a disaster. He is an opponent against intervention in Syria, and the casualties continue to mount into a Humanitarian catastrophe. Why are we constantly forced to listen to people (like Mr Zakaria) who have never stepped foot in Syria? Mr. Zakaria's whole goal is to get a Yemen like transition in Syria. Why? So the Alawite establishment that is left can continue to murder Sunni Arabs in mass? No! What we need is a Libyan style intervention with Arab/Turkish boots on the ground to wipe Mr Assad away. Thank God the Pentagon doesn't make its plans in conjunction with Mr. Zakarias deranged opinion.
If you do not like Mr. Z then do not read what he writes.
Simple!
genesis, what a stupid thing to say
You are not being "forced" to listen to Mr Zakaria!
no, but we all live in a world where zakaria has the ability to influence people. People that disagree with him have a right to read about it and post about it. How lame would this forum be if only people that agreed with him were allowed to post. Pretty lame, Matty... think a bit first!
I totally doubt that you know syria, as sunnis we are agiant this kind of escallation , you do not care as you live abroad... the country doesn't need your intellegnece or mr. zakaria's one, no Yamani ( which happend to be for yemen) no Libian ( which happend to be for lybia) it's a syrian sollution , both sides are deadly wrong, killing is not the answer, they have to set to the table, with no previous conditions, they set with the israeli while the war was around , that's why they call it negotiations..
You want them to set on the table with a KIller like Asad,he is much worse than Israel,and Syria is not his,it is for the people of Syria.They have the right to remove hi, and put him in Jail for these crimes.Negotiating does not work now.It is too late.
agreed .
Check this out:
The all knowledgeable (!!!) Mr. Zakaria said Syria was a LANDLOCKED country.
Ref: Zakaria: Arming the Syrian Opposition is Risky CNN GPS Feb 10th 2012.
Mr. Amit Patel. Do you know? The biggest threat to Indian Muslims in India and aboard is from Saffron terrorist. They are also spread in western countries and working with other hateful elements in slandering Muslims generally, but targeting Indian Muslims. Wiki leaks interview with Rahul Gandhi revealed this story and India arrested many saffron terrorist. You are obsessed to prove Mr. Zakaria wrong and being who you are, you somehow fuel the conversation to religion bashing.
No more war. The US government and it's minions are the architects behind most of this.
Do you also believe the conspiracy theory that the US government was behind the terrorist attacks of 9-11? I agree tho that we should stay away from the Syrian problem. It would be great if there was no more war, but don't count on it. Let's just worry about the troubles this country is facing.
I partly agree with you on the Libyan Style solution being better ,but it seems to be unimplementable because Obama is not willing to,so.we are left with the yemen's style solution that can be accomplished sooner and takes most of the power from the Asad Family.
To: AMERICAN OF SYRIAN DESCENT: Absolutely correct. STAY OUT!
Who are we Americans to decide whether Bashar al-Assad stays or goes? First of all, this needs to be decided by the Syrians themselves and nobody else. If the politicians in Washington are so adamant of ridding Syria of Bashar al-Assad, the let the French do it instead of us and then let them sort it out!!!!!!
Why the French?
"who are we americans"?
We are the superpower that every people looks up when they suffer at the hands of their own leadership. We are the only power that cares about this stuff at all and the only country that can do something about it.
Truth is, even we can't stop Arabs from killing each other. All we can do is stick our noses in, get shot in the crossfire, and then be blamed and bankrupt. Maybe after 30 years of killing eachother in the mideast, people there will finally have the sort of renaissance that Europe had after WWII and end up with a peaceful coalition of states. Eventually it will happen, but we just can't force it to keep them from inflicting pain on themselves without getting severely burned ourselves.
It was alse "we Americans" who bombed the Amriya air raid shelter in the heart of Baghdad on Feb.13, 1991, slaughtering more than 414 civilians during the first Gulf war, trk. We have a moral obligation to stop using those ungodly drones, hurling 500lb. bombs on defenseless people in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen. Moreover trk, just who jumped into Vietnam in the 1960's where we had no business?
I'm not so sure "circling the wagons" (a defensive tactic) applies here.
We get what you are trying to say though. 8)
and the best point made goes to heavyhand... a technical point:)
US, Turkey and Gulf forces are on alert to move into Syria in 2 days starting this Saturday. Brisith special forces already in Syrias capitol. http://www.debka.com/newsupdatepopup/1517/
Isiah chapter 17 = destruction of Damascus syria after Syria attacks Israel with chemical weapons. Israel destroys Damacus with nuclear weapon.
So funny. You are not believable silly muslim.
if he reads Debka, he is probably not muslim.
Are you saying that muslims know nothing about being a Christian.
US has been bashing Russia for its position regarding US rockets in Europe: they showed total disrespect allowing themselves direct intervention in Russian internal affairs. All the rest just follows...
And who now wants the regime change in Syria anyway! Even al Qaeda is not particularly interested: too much to do in Lybia and Egypt right now. They do not have enough time and resource to assimilate Syria in their new-won empire! So give it a break!
Pakistan is too far from new al Qaeda centre of operations: Turkey takes over the role with its relatively new and not so pro-western rulers. And OMG it is a NATO member at the same time and nearly a part of EU!
Leave Russia alone: don't you want some time for themselves to try to sort out your own mess?
WOAH THERE Brian.. You're sounding like a WACK JOB there.. This isn't the end of the world.. It is a humanitarian disaster that the World must deal with.. The only reason it isn't already OVER is because all of the countries involved need to be able to agree on a course of action TOGETHER. Syria won't be attacking Israel, and even if they did, it would NOT require a NUKE to wpie out the Assad regime. The US and Russia will agree on how to deal with this and get it done without any kind of chemical or nuclear exchange. C'mon now, don't be an alarmist.
Guys,
I am from Syria; Everything you read here are lies, Fanatic muslims are destroying the country, relocating, killing Christians and destroying churches.
Why everyone is arming the gangs or Fanatic (sure not rebels, if 50% are not from Syria)
God bless Syria,
I agree that many of the insurgency there are no angels and many are murderers, but that does not make Assad any less complicit in his actions. Not many good choices there.
Syrian – Is Al Qaida in Syria? Are they causing some of this violence there?
If you follow the news on daily basis you will be naive if you don't see Alqaeda over there.
I don't support the regime but I don't want to see Muslim brotherhood in Control; I'd ruther give an educated gent like Bashar to fix the outsider created issues.
If you want i can send you youtubes to show that AlQaeda already there
I have friend and family overthere and I know what I talk about Dude........
islam killing christians? no way, that never happens. Islam is the most tolerate religion. Just look at how nicely sunni and shiite treat eachother. It really puts their complaints against Israel in perspective.
Trk, you must be kidding. I am Iranian and Muslim, the only reason I am Muslim is because they kill me if I exit. When clergymen took over Iran, they have executed over 1/2 million and still kill whoever they do no like or disagree with them, do a bit research and find out why millions of Iranian fled the country and is counting, there is no one Iranian that one of his/her family not been killed or jailed by Iran Islamic gov. BTW, based on united nation report, Iran with 70 M has second highest execution rate after China with over Bs. Let speak facts.
Dear Sir, whats going on there, that was totally U S tactics.
Just as I wondered about when helping Libya, not helping Mubarak. Who exactly are the west helping to get in charge? If it's muslim fundamentalists, al queda supporters or worse then it probably makes no sense helping either side as either winner will hate the west anyway. So until it's 100% clear then I'm not sure it's any of our business nor a good idea to butt in. Let the people over there sort it out.
We wanted Gaddafi dead. So we helped Libya.
'Humanitarian' military action is just a thin excuse for some ulterior political/economic motives to get stupid people behind war efforts.
...You think a couple hundred cruise missiles might influence things?
Russia has no incentive to topple the Syrian regime, so I doubt there is any chance of support from Putin. I cannot see any reasonable offer the United States could make in order to gain this support.
Sadam Hosain wasn't as brutal as Assad is. Why nobody cares about Syria?
Sadam hussain was like hitler but 4 the christians assad on the other hand ,,, Is protecting minority...
because the world became furious with america for "intervening" in iraq and condemned it. then america voted in an anti-war president. thats why!
Circling the Wagons on Syria...look I think it's great that the Saudis largely own CNN and that it's number one annalyst...ain't from around here...but you circle the wagons in a defensive posture, not an offensive posture.
Syria isn't attacking anyone, if anyone had reason or cause to circle wagons it would be the Syrians.
Try to treat Americans with a little more respect in the propaganda wars and chose words better.
Thanks war mongerers.
We can thank Russia (Dictator Putin) and China for allowing this terrible situation to continue in Syria.
China and Russia bear responsibility for the suffering and death of these people in Syria.
not too long ago, Romney was laughed at for implying that Russia was a geopolitical rival. Guess he was right:). Russia make most of its revenue from selling oil to the West, and some of its revenue from selling weapons to the East. The autocracy there doesnt care about anything except self-preservation.
Guy... what do you think is gonna happen if we bomb the Assad regime back to the stone age? Pure and total chaos, and the humanitarian situation will deteriorate 100 fold.
Bill, If the US announced that NATO and it's Allies were going to take the Assad Regime OUT, what do you think the Russian reaction would be? I'm asking you because you seem like a smart guy and I'm not being cute.. I just feel like ultimately, Putin doesn't want to pick a fight here.. Russia sure was quick to turn the ship carrying weapons right around back to port.. Think that maybe it's all wind noise and no real substance from Russia in this.. THEY KNOW that the behavior of the Assad Regime in both deplorable and indefensible.. Just don't see them stopping anyone from taking that regime out.. I feel like if push comes to shove the Russians will back off of their defense of Assad.. What do you think?
They might back off defense of Assad, and then demand something in return from the West in the geopolitical standoff thats been going on for 70+years.
As a citizen of Turkiye, as well as US, I am totally against Turkiye's support on Syria's rebel army. This is a disgusting thing for a neighbor to do.
I support it. Arabs need to be really sick of fighting if there is ever to be peace there in the middle east. Its much better if they resolve this on themselves than on the West.
As a citizen of Iran, as well as US, I am totally against Iran's support on Syria's army. This is a disgusting thing for a neighbor to do.
If it was just rebels, I might agree, but soldiers in the Army, including Generals refuse to kill civilians in Syria. Turkie should continue to support the opposition by providing them and civilians a place of safety. It's very possible the next leaders of Syria are living in Turkie right now. This is one thing Turkey is doing right!
I have said it before and I will say again: if you Americans want to pick another fight for whatever reason – go ahead and do it! Please do not pretend that Russia or China or anybody else will go out of their way to stop you! You did it in Iraq (lookind for some made up WMD) and in Afghanistan (to capture bin Laden), you did that in Lybia ("no flight zone to protect civilians" – ha!): so that will not be the first time. So please just stop dragging everybody else into this nonsense! It is all well beyong that stupid game!
Go out and declare a war or just attack without any declaration: nobody will be shocked! Or even surprised...
That is all just a mascara and everybody know that!
I really hope that you are not living in America Audrey. If you are, feel free to go back to whatever third world country you came from. As a proud American citizen, born and raised in this country, let me just say that the whole world has counted on American assistance throughout history. Personally I think it is time for us to stop and lets see how the rest of the world fares then. I hope that we stay out of this Syrian conflict and believe we should have stayed out of Iraq and Afghanistan so those people could have stayed under a brutal regime because they do not appreciate what this has cost Americans in terms of lives lost and financial stability.
So you are saying that "the whole world has counted on American assistance throughout history" with exception of the people that you have recently "helped". They probably do not appreciate you because they are mean, stupid and mean... and did not exactly ask for your help in the first place. And you came into their countries not exactly help them, as I remember. There were some claims of WMD and al Qaeda and the "War on Terror" etc.
I am not going to argue with you because your belief seems so strong that it defies reality. So it is sort of beyond arguing. If it helps you feel better... You are not calling for blood and war and anything – so I totally fine with that.
For the very first time, I am hearing Mr. Zakaria praising the Russians.
Sure........it must have Islamic overtones, and yes, it does. The Russians are supporting Assad a die-hard supporter of the radical MB, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Mullahs in Iran all of whom Mr.Zakariaconsiders as moderate and the Americans the perennial evil anti-Islamic force!
No wonder Mr. Zakaria is on the Russian's side !!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr. Amit Patel. Do you know? The biggest threat to Indian Muslims in India and aboard is from Saffron terrorist. They are also spread in western countries and working with other hateful elements in slandering Muslims generally, but targeting Indian Muslims. Wiki leaks interview with Rahul Gandhi revealed this story and India arrested many saffron terrorist.
Iran, Russia, China and Syria are planning to hold the largest war games exercise in the Middle East in less than a month, Iran’s Fars media reported Tuesday.Citing “informed sources,” the report said that 90,000 soldiers from the four countries are to take part.
The massive war games drill will include air defense and missile units as well as ground, air and naval forces. It is scheduled for early July.
A total of 400 planes and 1,000 tanks are said to be taking part, among them “12 Chinese warships… Russian atomic submarines and warships, aircraft carriers and mine-clearing destroyers as well as Iranian battleships and submarines.”
All of the above are to arrive shortly in Syria, according to the report.”
http://www.israelnationalnews.com – 6/19/12
Israeli have no respect for Americans: they must think them brainless dummies they can manipulate any way they want.
That sure makes them wonderful friends!
WW3 is coming,dear........whether we like it or not.
the latest movie: "dumb, dumber and andrey". probably a flop because "dumb and dumber" are funny, andrey is just stupid.
You are jealous because Israel and the USA are friends.
I agree with the other posters on this one...where u from andrey?
Please provide the ship name and number of any Russian, Chinese or Iranian Aircraft Carrier or Battleship.
sounds like the ones being circled are preparing
Sunni Saudi Arabia is running the show. They hate the Alawite Assad. They want a Sunni lead Iraq and a Sunni lead Syria. What the Saudi sheikh wants, the Saudi sheikh gets. Want the price of gas to go down? You got it, but the US has to get involved in the overthrow of Assad. The Sunni Saudi sheikhs hate the Shiites of Iran. Iran is next.
Neither NATO or the US or UN wants to be drawn into a Sunni/Shiite conflict. No one wants to put troops on the ground in Syria. The Saudi's do not run US policy. It should be clear that no one is interested in intervening in Syria militarily except through proxies.
Eventually Assad's government will collapse from within, or be overthrown by the opposition. The only problem with waiting is the loss of human life. But even if outsiders intervened there would be loss of life.
A serious International effort needs to be put into persuading the militants as well as the Syrian government to lay down their arms and negotiate. The Saudis need to be some how controlled re their fanatical antipathy towards non Sunni.
I doubt if the latter is going to happen any time soon.
I think that if Us withdrew the support for the terrorists, we would all see that this is not a shia sunni conflict at all but an invasion in disguise, Libya style.But thsione went wrong, because the Russian insisted that Americans behave in a civilized manner.
The part that Fareed has right is that we need someone who has some influence in Syria. the part he doesn't get is that Russia and China are not going to abandon their oil interest in the region, which are in direct antagonism with the interests of the US. If we are going to bring somebody that will maintain the Russian interests intact. Why not keep Assad? Prevents a lot of bloodshed.
Russia does not have oil interest in the region. That is why CNN had to come up with some naval base explanation: like there is a naval base there which did not see ship for more than 10 years, but has got some sentimental value for Russia...
First it was al-qaida in Afghanistan, then it was WMD's in Iraq, then it was Ghaddaffi in Libya, now it's Assad in Syria...Do you all see a pattern here? Looks like Nazi Germany in the late 30's.
I will need more concrete examples.
I too see the same pattern, AngryAmerican. The problem here is that Washington has been overtaken by the M.I.C.(military-industrial-complex) who now own both the White House and 90% of Congress. This is what Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower warned us about back in Feb. 1969!
Very true!
Sorry AngryAmerican for the missprint above. I meant Feb, 1959, not 1969. My apologies here and thank you again for your intelligent post above. I'm sick and tired of all these ignorant warmongers posting their stupidity here!
As a matter of fact, I am not sorry.
Muslims will rule the world one day and you will be my slaves.
Get used to it!
Well said!!!! The CIA already admitted to funding and training rebels in Syria while Obama is setting up restrictions on Syria. This is a war crime!
Resarch does not validate your statement.
Are you a CIA operative?
WAKE UP TO THE WAR PROPAGANDA
WAKE UP TO THE PROPAGANDA
Please AngryAmerican, no more of that posting of yours! People may read them and start losing their ignorance and quit believing in these wars planned by the right-wing thugs in Washington!!! We don't want that, do we???????
The so-called experts on Islam seem to almost concur on some link between Islam and violence. Though its hard to exonerate any of those experts from a political agenda or sometimes a pure hatred for Islam and/or Muslims, it still remains a valid question that every Muslim should be able to answer for himself or herself and for others.
Does Islam condone violence? Is Islam to blame for the rise of terrorist activities? Even if we are able to clear the name of Islam, clearing Muslims from it is another challenge.
Hello everyone, you are all welcome to visit – thestarofkaduri.com
we always talk about other countrys but never never about africa and her problems with war lords(gangs) it would be no problem for america to do away with these war lords
The US, like all countries, acts to further its own best interests. That is one of the main role of national governments. It would be a nice thing for African's for a short time until more thugs replaced them, but what would be the US interest in defeating a few low-life thugs? That's all you should expect from governments in a cold world. But why expect the US to do it anyway? European countries ruined much of the continent... they have an ethical obligation that far exceeds what the US should do.
rick, I agree 100%. This is why our rationonalization of involving ourselves so profoundly in the ME because of "human rights violations" no longer flys. Everyone in the World knows that we will use ANY excuse to try to control the ME. (the game is over. The World knows what we are doing)
Fareed, excellent insight. I might add that America is interested in controling Syria and Russia and Iran know this. Obama, Putin AND the Iranian leaders must meet in Moscow
I think Syria is going to be the turning point in exposing and constricting America's practice of geo-expansionism (at least in the ME). The world knows what America is doing and how we work and our rationalization of "human rights violations" has lost its salesmanship effectiveness
Mr Fareed Zakaria write some thing about your home country India especially myth of shining india
zain, you sound like you are from India. Yes, 80% of India's population rot in poverty. But India is progressing. Perhaps you can expand on what you think would help India
Fareed is way too busy doing his handlers bidding. But that's what you get when you take part in Bilderberg meetings and carry the UN agenda on your back for CNN.
I'm all for one world government. Then we have only one government left to rebel against and destroy.
Hope everyone involved in the al-Assad murder gets killed.
It will probably take a long time to track them all down.
Amerika ist ein kleinlicher Rachsucht Polizeistaat, der ausländischen Politikern ermordet.
Heil Bimmler !
You mean Hiel Killer O'Bama, don't you? He's killing a lot of people with those godless drones and the idiots here are eating it up!!!! It's great to see people here as dumb as I am!!!!!!!!!!
Zakaria,,,you better go write about Tora Bora,,you are so damn stupid
For more insightful information than this article read the novels - king of Bat'ha - and the sequel - Tales from the East: Return of Ivanhoe by Ivanhoe. You will learn more about the Middle East affairs.
Mr Fareed ,
The US does not need to send boots on the ground ,all they need to do is just a show of force like sending a US carrier near Syria,that will skare Asad and encourage his generals to defect.
That is right! Give Syria to al Qaeda and let it fester for a couple of years: and US will send troops there just to recover Syrian chemical weapons from terrorists – if not anything else.
But US will have to start another war there anyway just based on what has already passed to happen. So no worry!
Just do it! Please stop dragging everybody else into it! It all may sound very dumb, but if Americans like the idea they still can afford simply going in and making it happen.
Why don't you recommend another project for Americans: Lets call it "Eternal Freedom", and it is about installing Democracy in Pakistan. At first, Pakistan has about 150 million people, about 30 million of whom are Pashtuns and about half of those are Taliban, and most of those are al Qaeda lovers. Picture this: US assembles Army of 5 million Marines, takes it over, installs democracy, and protects civilians there for another 30 years or something.
...Syria is kind of small and not ambitious enough.
Dictatorship spreading fast.
You got that right, thanks to the right-wing thugs in Washington! Soon, if it has it's way, the M.I.C. will control more than half the world which will be a gigantic nightmare for mankind!
You are an ignorant Alex Jones troll. If you look at the trajectory of history, leaders are getting less powerful, "the people" are getting more powerful and independent. Technology is the reason. Anarchy is the future. One world government is a delusion.
Zakaria, pure pathetic dream! Are you watching Egypt? The Middle-East is changing if you noticed, News of dying Saudi Arabia king is out there. And maybe that of Qatar to come soon for all the children they killed in Syria.
Let's hope so, Adam. The Middle East needs to throw off the yoke of the Western Powers who wish to control it indefinately through the ruling Islam Elitists!
Wise Patrick-2, I can sense. Too bad many of our though-full elite are just not getting it right. Fifty years from now we in the US will be saying wish we knew! We could be a proud leader in the world to help globalize true democracies but we need to help our selves first and pass the test of what our founding fathers built. We are at this time in human life not showing role model.
ZAKARIA IS A NOOB
the heck with syria what about africa
the heck with africa what about america
America gets what it deserves. You can't run around bullying every nation and expect people to be pleased with you. As a Canadian I see the BS your country deals out and mine gets lumped into it as well. Meanwhile you guys are screwing us over as well.
Fareed has this right. The only way forward is to separate Iran from Russia with regard to Assad. Russia's primary concern is it's naval base. If a new leader from the resistance can work with Russia and Turkey and the West in the best interests of the Syrian people, a positive outcome could occur.
Understand that now that the old order is being thrown off through violence, rule of law is being undermined, along with the economy. There will be a lot of problems for any new authority, The world should be ready with aid in the way of food, clothing and temporary shelters.
Politically, no one knows what is possible or what the Syrian people would choose if given the chance. If the outside parties could stop the flow of arms, they'd run out of ammunition and have to talk. I think it is in the best interest of the Syrian people to decide with their votes rather than guns. If any government is imposed and fails to do a good job, it will be thrown out too.
I feel sad about Syrian or Arabs, why? They are Muslims, but they are divided into Sunni, Shiah and many other small groups, and the saddest thing is these groups can not live under the same sky. It means that only a dictator can handle this situation, if not, there will be a chaos. Now the opposition are mainly Sunni ,I'm sure when they get the power they will treat the shiah like the shiah treat the sunni.what's happening in Syrian is just the conflict between them nothing more. About the massacre I have to say the opposition should be concerned more because they definitely have the purpose and motives 'cause they want to mess the situations up which are good for them. I hope the real media can find out who is the real monster there. Now I support Assad because he gets stronger power which can take everything under control in the shortest time and least casualties if the international society supports him. If not there will be a real civil war
It's got the makings of a world war.
nuke it
Such is to be expected with someone like you with your obvious limitations, Total non Sense. You sound like a simple minded Tea Partier! Are you one by any chance?
America is spent force let face the truth and reality with broken economy and rusty military toys which been in war for ten years what else left dr zakaria?they have one policy over syria ask russia dear dr ?,plus been in graveyard we called afghanistan closer to russia dear dr american can be choke any time by russian remember 1979-1989 so what options they have except ask russia?
One way to keep the west out of the Syrian conflict is to stop showing bloody dead children every day. The idea of women and children being slaughtered will push dyed-in-the-wool anti-war people to demand troop deployment.
After consulting various globes, maps, atlases and GPS coordinates I've determined that Syria is in the middle east (western Asia to be more specific) and therefore not a crisis that demands the US tax payer underwrite the solving of.
I could have checked on Google and I did but I thought I might try really hard to be marked by a vulgar display of lies and impress people and sound really smart.
Working, yes? noooooooooooooo?
didnt he say that those who make under $250,000 would not see their taxes raised one dime?
god he's a detestable liar....
There is no need now of worrying about what Obama says.He gave the voting public plenty of hints he would twist the truth if needed.He has not stopped.He is protecting crooks in our justice dept.Elect him again if you think he is the man you need.It is,after all, it is a free country,right?
WE WILL elect him again, you idiots! The 'tax' would only be on those who CHOOSE to not get insurance, not on everybody. Don't you understand? If you have insurance, don't worry about the 'tax'!
After the embarrassment Russia suffered over NATO's bombing of it's allay Serbia when their objections were so easily dismissed, now the tables are turned! It's not that Russia is so much in love with Syria and Iran as much as they want respect and not to be perceived as a push-over any longer.
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND!
You can not get respect by acting like an S.O.B.We had plenty of experience during, and after WW2 to know them very well.
You might be right there: that is why US is not getting much respect lately!
In '99 Russia was a democratic country already and there was no reason to treat them like chum.
To a man who is fixed for life, on your dime, Obama has nothing to lose but an election.He cares not about your plight. Getting elected is the goal. He can give you everything you want but someone has to pay for it.With our economy going West the chance is slim you will ever live to see a dime of what he is promising.
....and Romney is NOT 'fixed for life'? The pioneer in outsourcing jobs has plenty of our money! Maybe he will give you a ride on his car's elevator in his new home after the election (which he will lose).
SO WE FUND THE REBELS AND THAN WHEN ASSAD KILLS THEM , THEY SAY ITS A HUMANITARIAN PROBLEM.................................
The British found out very quickly what our goal was,I suspect it differs very little from any country wanting power.
The dust cloud is rising from the South.
Before passing judgment on another country ,and its leaders, think of how differently your government would handle the same situation. You young people,don't get carried away by what you have been taught in the liberal education system. Read history first.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8677637.stm
shame on u cnn....why not reporting what's going on in Congo http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8677637.stm
You keep that up and I am going to b i t ch slap you right back to Africa.
Get my drift?
why would anyone looked to russia. are we still afraid of them. americans should be more decisive especially when human rights are violated and innocent are being brutally murdered. the leading powers in this standoff with syria weights on political and financial imbalance. you answer yourself – what’s more important.
Let them keep killing each other, like they have always done in the ME, for as long as they want. The world doesn't need another Islamic theocracy.
and how did come up to this conclusion? briliant
Leave them alone and let them sort it out. I know it's not politically correct to say so, but Arabs have been killing each other through tribal warfare for thousdands of years, so why intervene now?
Another article from Captain Obvious.
"the situation on the ground is a humanitarian nightmare "
Is he kidding? Its a walk in the park compared to the death and destruction caused by the US invasion of Iraq.
Fareed was for the Iraq invasion before he was against it.
Only Fareed could find a way to make Russia's support of Syria our fault.
Zakaria cannot resist getting a shot in on the USA as/per usual.We are always somehow "guilty " of something.We over react and make things worse or we under react and make things worse. Evidently God put the USA on this Planet just to vex the other Nations eh fellow haters ?
Russia is more responsible for the killings than Assad right now.
are you kidding Zakaria ? USA is the main responsible for the Russian way of thinking toward Syria , USA prevented the Gulf countries from supporting the Free Syrian Army with money and weapons , the USA is afraid from the revolution there in Syria , and they tried all the ways with their alliances to destroy the revolution because it will end up with something unpredictable for them , in the first glance i thought that you are smart enough to know all these things but it seems that you are naive . you should know one thing the end of the revolution will be the start of new era , the start of jews end in the middle east , the start of the american end , the start of the Caliphate .
Jaser, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are publicly providing money and weapons to some of the anti-regime groups in Syria. Strange that you, probably a Salafist takfiri, as evidenced by your "start of the Caliphate" remark, would care a whit for the Free Syrian Army, definitely NOT supported by the takfiriin like Al Qa'ida. You are right that Fareed Zakariya is naive. He seems out of touch with the situation because he might be so busy writing the next article, that he probably doesn't do much research anymore. The unrest in Syria is a serious danger to regional neighbours, especially Lebanon, as evidenced by sectarian fighting in the streets of Tripoli, and US leaders are concerned over these events in Syria flaring into a huge transnational conflagration. Your words about the end state of this "revolution" marking the start of the end of Israel, and America, are threatening, because they hint at the takfiri "takeover" of the Syrian opposition, which was about freedom over tyranny, not conquering the world.
I am so glad russia has decided to take military intervention against syria, we're sure they will fix this problem for everyone. Be sure we get water to the front for the russian soldiers if we can
in the last 15 months Bashar al-Assad killed more Al-Qaeda than the nato killed in the last 10 years.
The mercenaries "I cannot called them rebels" are killing all minorities; is this the kind of freedom we want.
Syria will live better with Al-Assad than Muslim brotherhood.
A couple of problems in the middle east.
1. The uneducated masses have 7th century thought processes and culture with 21st century weapons.
2. Islam is a violent religion. It's just another mythology like Christianity, or HInduism or Buddhism etc. except it is a particularily violent one.
THAT IS NOT RIGHT. BASHIR IS WRONG AND SYRIANS ARE WRONG
Other than denouncing the Assad regime, I believe America should take a back seat to it all. Let the Europeans take the lead, if they want. Besides, the middle east miasma was primarily their creation following WWI and their earlier colonial shenanigans.
Europe take the lead on Syria, not a chance in hel l. They will wring their hands and blame the US for not getting invovled, but to actually take action on their own, ain't ever gonna happen. With the US sitting on their hands at least until after the election nothing of substance will happen, except for the other countries whining about the US not taking action.
Interesting talk and opinions, but the simple fact is that the US will do NOTHING, certainly if they are going to do anything it will wait until after the election. While the US may call Russia out for 'blocking' action, I am pretty certain that the US is secretly happy that Russia is being obstructionist.
Interestingly, why do you think that US is happy about Russian blocking? Is it merely about "escaping responsibility"?
I have impression at this point US people are settled on two things:
1. Assad is evil, butcher of Syria or his own people, whatever name you pick...
In reality it is not proven, because war is war, and some killing and destruction is considered legitimate, while other is not. Clearly, the massacres of Homs and Hulla are beyond of what is acceptable by rules of war, however it is not proven who its responsible. Sec. Clinton squarely blames the regime and breaks all diplomatic relationships. Other countries follow. However, it was done so quickly that no meaningful investigation could be complete, which means only one thing: Sec. Clinton and others act on political agenda of removing Assad just for the sake of removing Assad.
2. Most American people do not want US participation in another war simply because they are already fed up with two wars and feel wasted. This is not about high principles, or humanitarian values - these ideas no not seem to excite anyone any more.
This basically means that Sec. Clinton is playing with fire: she is escalating war of words, but actually she does not have a plan what to do.
Get the entire Tea-party and the NRA, give them one of their favored AK-47s each and parachute them all in to Damascus at night. Now that would be an humanitarian act for the US as well.
TOTALLY agree tony, the only thing that scares me more than Assad and Vlad Putin is the Tea Party.
Fareed Zakaria is having delusional ideations again... two haldol and a benedryl
No kidding Zarkaria – Russia has influence with Syria. Learn that in college , son?
You think people are dying now in Syria Fareed? Wait until the Shiites rule, that very lartge Christian population in Syria (of which cnn never mentions and you certainly never mention) will suffer a great deal under Fundamentalist Islamic rule – then again you really could care less (along with CNN) about the Christian population anywhere (especially in this country). Never mention the plight of the Coptic Christians in Egypt since your beloed Facebook Revolution took place there. You will never admit that your "Arab Sprilg" is in reality a Muslim Borotherhood Winter.
This is what makes me sick of pinheads and pseudo intellectuals like Fareed and some of the other human garbage that CNN touts as experts.
Zarkaria is , in fact, and apologist for Muslim extermeism. He can call himself American but the fact is he hates America – and that is in strict keeping with the CNN editorial policy. Perhaps that is why no one watches CNN anynmore.
Misguided idea. Russia has it's own reasons for not wanting any change from the status quo in Syria. It doesn't matter what approach we take. None of them will work. Making nice certainly won't with a strongman like Putin. His type only respond to power. He assesses things as "Am I stronger than you or are you stronger than me?" and if he assesses it as "You are stronger than me" then his fallback approach is to put some "fear, uncertainty and doubt" into your mind so that you are not sure who is stronger. That's his perspective and approach. To him Obama is weaker and he'll just stay right where he is without budging. The ONLY possible way to solve the Syria problem is to get Russia and China completely out of the equation. Failing that there is no good solution coming.
no kidding genius
how is this guy even a reporter?
Don't trust Russia.
Russia is a money -w h o r e-. I've been there. You can't walk a block without someone (even children) trying to swindle you.
Russia is not a democracy. It will sellout to the highest bitter. If you want their help, show them the money.
To Russia Money talks but B S doesn't walk.
Once again, Fareed manages to state the obvious.
Mr Zakaria, your posts on the Syrian problem reminds me of those who were trying to appease Hitler, or even those communist sympathizers in the U.S. and the west in the 1950s who thought communism is not "so bad" after all. In Syria there is a crime against humanity perpetrated, executed by the regime of Assad and his criminals. He is the one issuing the orders, the one deciding that today it is Douma's turn, tomorrow it is Houlah's turn.. you get the idea. And you are asking the west to kiss the hand of Russia to put him out of job the Russian are applauding and "helping" him to do on an hourly basis through their advisers and planners on the ground and in Russia. I am not asking that the west go into a world war with Russia over Syria, I frankly don't think we can afford or do that. I am just saying that your devious methods of appeasing a madman and his enablers are sickening !
I am thoroughly disgusted by your islamic ideations.
Go back to your cave.
I have to agree... may on slightly different underlying ideas, but the conclusion is the same: go back to your cave.
I firmly believe that Russia can be dislodge by nature or force to cooperate with the international body (friends of opposition) if the opposition openly or secretly augmented (until the win) by the internation body as what we observed during the civil war in libya. This does not mean that thier direct interest will be hampered by the body.
And who is the so-called "international body"?
As for Libya, it seems that it is not over yet. Besides, the most bizarre event during last week is that new Libyan regime is seeking contract with Russia to repair/upgrade weapons they inherited from Gaddaffi. Guess what? Lucrative weapons trade never dies.
My thoughts exactly! Well said!
More propagander from the Indian Muslim Zakaria. Het Fareed, why don't you go to Syria and fight with your Muslim brothers since you are such a staunch supporter of them.
Fareed, re ur [sic Syria] "...now faces real military pressures from Turkey. These pressures could be heightened and combined with smart diplomacy, and they could push Assad out of power. "
What pressures? Turkey is the one feeling the pressure. Turkey does not want western countries of NATO and EU to make the "Problem in Syria" it's responsibility. Turkey hosts most of the opposition's political and military control groups, and allows weapons, money, and foreign volunteers transit rights via Turkey to Syria, probably under the proviso that the weapons and money only go into Syria. Why, because they are afraid some of this support will be diverted to their own insurgency problem, the PKK. Turkey feels the pressure, because the Syrian regime may well choose to reverse this chain of extremist facilitation, and provide support to the PKK in Syria for vastly increased cross border guerrilla operations in Turkey, hence the huge deployment of additional Turkish military forces along its 550-mile common border with Syria in recent days. This is a huge cost for Turkey at a time it can ill-afford extra expenses.
Good to see Zakaria has actually been doing some research. Russia's involvement with Syria has been observed and written about for decades. The again, Zakaria's head as been shoved so far up his 4th point of contact for so long, I'm surprised he even had time to mention it.......
Russia is our enemy, we need to treat them like that. We need to start a boycott against them with the rest of the world. boycott Russia like we do Syria.
Does that mean, we are Russia's enemy too? BTW, why are you dragging the rest of the world into this? You mean, Russia is an enemy to the rest of the world, all the while the rest of the world is our friend?
You have got to shave that beard big boy, it looks like crap on you. You could be so handsome!
Mark, I have good news for you: you have never actually stopped treating Russia as your enemy. So you can say whatever you like, but you can not really treat it any worse than you always did! And if you believe that you can make the world to boycott Russia together with you – you are just delusional! Europe will hardly survive the winter without Russian natural gas, will loose greatly from stopping its exports to Russia, and China and India will feast on the opportunity to get greater share of Russian natural resource!
And being your enemy, whoever you are, might be not such a bad idea as it stands now!
So sweet dreams to you!
You did not get it, Andrew: technology is to high, and food is genetically modified. And so do brains of many american peple: hatred to Russia is hardwired into their mentality. It has been around for so many years and nothing you can do about. It is not like flashing BIOS of a computer: there is no simple reset here and never be.
Good lack with your boycott!
U.S.A. is no longer within the first 10 among Russia trade partners, and the overall fraction of trade wit US is currently shrinking. Mostly due to the fact that Russia's agriculture is back to normal state, and the country does not require so much import. Guess what? Soviet Union was the largest grain buyer from the US. Today Russia is net exporter of grain; same applies to many other agricultural products, and to industrial as well. It is no longer functions as "oil/gas out, everything else in" economy. Go to WTO web page ans see what are the sticky points in the negotiations and while Russia rejected all the condition set by WTO.
So good lack and best wishes.
P.S.: Dig out Sens. Jackson and Vanik, and say hi to them on my behalf.
"How to avoid a wider war in Syria "
A. Birth Control.
I have been saying for years that everyone, all over the world, should practice birth control.
We should only be having the babies we can raise properly–love, food, home, education...
This is an easy one for the U.S. Don't get involved. Wow, that really was easy. Your welcome U.S.
If we (US) go inside Syria , Syria will fall within hours, but that is not what we want because there might be a lot of civilian casualties.
Zakaria doesn't seem to understand that radicalization of a country can take place anytime. So many experts are spouting democracy as a solution when it isn't for these people. Just because he offers that as a solution for Syria doesn't mean it will work. According to an Israeli article I read recently, democracy has made things worse in a country that hasn't grown into it. Just look at the Palestinian experiment.......... they elected a terrorist group to be their leaders!! Zakaria is just a screwed up in his opinions as this US administration is lying about the exaggerations about the Russia involvement. It is the pot calling the kettle black. Let them have their civil war..... it will probably get radicalized sooner or later.
Dear Fareed,
Whats your point? You went to Turkey and Russia and now you have the answer to Syrian issues. I thought your boss learned from Tienanmen squire 23 years ago that you can't find solution through CNN. When is the last time CNN visited Walter Reed . Non violent saves lives also topple regimes.
Let us just make sure it does not widen to include the US.
Mr Zakaria, You are absolutely correct. We ignored Russia way more than they deserve to be ignored. Even if we are successful in finding a solution in Syria without Russia help will hurt our relationship in long run with Russia and China. We need to work with Russia and China in finding a solution or leave them to the region or the people of Syria. Eventually they will overcome brutal Asaad. Asaad will never be able to put this history behind him no matter how many innocent lives he take.
I have been following his crisis very closely for many months. The terror tactics the Al Assad regime has been using are Stalinistic in nature, they were taught by the Assad regime by the Russians. In fact, in a very real way the entire Syriam at,y is an extension of the Red Army... All Russian equipment and ammunition, and for the most part Russian trained. Russia is directly culpable for the literally psychopathic torturing and murdering of thousands of men woman and children, that's right, they are directly responsible for YORTURING AMD MURDURING CHILDREN, if you don't think so, then why are they vetoing U.N. intervention? The United Stated has a policy of not negotiating with terrorists; well, in this matter, Vlad Putin is absolutely acting as a terrorist and the U.S.A. must not negotiate with him; rather, we must take a courageous uncompromising stance against him. The U.S. will be energy independent within 10 years, we do not need to kiss Russia's ass, they need us more than we need them and that shall increasingly be the case. Again, Syria is a pawn of Russia, Russia is directly responsible for the atrocities being committed. Russia must be consequenced. The U.S.A. and our allies must show strength to Russia and see too it that their utterly reprehensible actions are consequenced. This will set a precedent and ultimately save lives.
Hooley did you puke all this crap? You have only demonstrated what following CNN closely for months made to your brain! Hooley did you do it?
"Hooliey" sounds like an obscenity in Russian by the way. Hooley do you use such a nickname?
Personally, I appreciate reading your analysis.
I have always felt uneasy about any alliance with the current Russian government.
People, in memory of Rodney King, can we ...get along??? Just NUKE trouble makers, leave everyone else alone.
An interesting fruitful idea... However, the most difficult part is identifying the troublemakers first.
That's why it was beyond stupid to shoot down the Turkish jet. It still boggles my mind that the Syrians did such a ridiculous thing.
They shot down the jet because they are totally paranoid. Maybe they thought it was the beginning of an attack. Whichever way it goes, a regime change is necessary.
What is needed is a secular government worried about roads, health, education, preservation of all artifacts.
may be they were paranoid, or may be not. May be they did not have time to think because the have to decide it very fast. In fact, we do not know, and probably will never know. The the best way we can do about this incident is simply IGNORE it as in never happened.
...Besides Assad is the most secular government imaginable in that region. Any alternative would be more into some branch of Islam.
The problem with Russia-bashing is that our top diplomats are ideologically driven morons. Susan "2-bit brain" Rice in the UN does little but froth and threaten, alienating any neutral country and creating ill-will for the US. Hillary Clinton is not exactly a bright light, and her immortal non-diplomatic comment "...our bond with Israel is unshakable." didn't exactly sound impartial to Arab minds.
Back in Dubya's days at least they had no pretense about what (and for whom) the US stood for.
I agree.
If you followed the conflict from the first demonstrations, and the Assad regime crackdown thereon, it is obvious that this is not a sectarian conflict, as Alawite, Christian, Sunni, Kurds, and Shia are not siding with their sectarian interests, but rather taking a stand for freedom. Basically, they will never submit to tyranny—to being shot, detained, tortured and bombarded merely for speaking their truth. That is what is happening.
Free Syria is about freedom. Stop parroting the Assadist regime's lies that this is about sectarianism, or a super-power proxy war, and stand up for freedom, like the heroes of Free Syria are doing.
Do you still believe in Santa, the tooth fairy?
I normally like Fareed Zakaria's articles, I think he is a good ,am who means well; however, I must say that this article is an OUTRAGE! Rissia is directly responsible for this whole crisis. They are behind the Assad regime first coming power and they are behind the terror tactics of torturing and murdering non-violent, innocent protesters, including TORTURING AND MIRDURING CHILDREN. The U.S.A must honor the lives of those innocent Syrian protesters by assuring that Russia loses its port in Suria and loses major influence in Syria when the time comes, and it will, when Bashar has been executed and Syria forges a new Democracy. The Islamic brotherhood is not nearly as bad as people think, they at least have a strong sense of morality and they would be much better, even from a Western point of view, than the current regime, which is literally evil, and a pawn of Russia and Syria, whose governments are also more or less evil. The United States must lead with courage and have a courageous, uncompromising stance towards Russia. We must show strength to Russia, not offer cowardly appeasement. When Russia loses its port and influence in Syria, it will set a precedent which will ultimately save lives.
Hooley you sound like raving moron... I would be concerned if you liked anything about me. But I do not think there would be any reason to worry. I am Russian, you know: for sure you would like me dead. That is OK: I do not like you neither.
Well, I am muslim first then Russian next.
The only thing is you cannot ask me why I cannot live in Russia anymore.
Well, it must have hurt: so somebody went out of his/her way to post this crap here using my name! I do not see it that often here. So it shows that my posting was not in vain and somebody was paying attention! It feels good!
One hopes that after Syria has experienced sectarian warfare Alawite/Shiite versus Sunni, after support given Hezbollah by the Ba'ath Party, the al-Assad family, and the Iranian Ayatollahs against the Maronite Christians of Lebanon, after decades of hostilitiy to the Palestinian Jews (who became Israelis in self-defense), there would be some moderating of this endless violence. People have to learn at some point.
Its truly amazing how foolish we as a people have become. In my country, there's a funny thing that can happen. If an hungry person steals a dough nut, he's gonna go to jail for 15 years. A politician steals a billion dollars and he may actually walk free or tops get 3 years in jail. Bankers in your countries are robbing you dry, and yet they are walking free, and actually gets bailed out too... those same people are sponsoring wars through your military across the world in the name of democracy, killing and destroying families.. and you guys are here talking about sunni and shia age old wars. who are arming the parties? drone strikes in countries suspected of harboring terrorists, killing innocent people and yet clinton is talking about blood on who's hands? look guys, make your leaders responsible, stop them from spending all the money on weapons and use some to take care of your obviously suffering society. believe me, no body is interesting in harming america. its your war machine that is destroying everyone's lives; and yours as well. most people just want to live their lives on their own terms. you are been lied to everyday and obviously you have still not gotten smart enough wake up you dumb fuks!!!
Headline: How to avoid a wider war in Syria
Simple: bribe Russia. This country is a money w h o r e, not a democracy, and will sell to the highest bidder.
If you want to stop the Syrian crisis, show Russia the money.
To them money talks but B S doesn't walk.
US is a country known for making enemies and buying friends.
Why would not they try to do something different for once.
For some reason they believe it is the smart thing to do.
Makes me sad.
The US should stop trying to be the world's hall monitor and start cooperating with other countries on resolutions to these humanitarian issues. What happened in iraq, with us going in alone, should never happen again. It is not right for the US to shoulder everything- the costs, the blame, the loss of human life.
agree 100% ..... for the very reasons you said. also it would help for us to remove the deeply entrenched career politicians from washington that seem to get us involved in global crap because of some corporate interests ...by way of term limits...remove lobbyists ..IF we did this maybe we could focus on our own country- and people for a change.
The problem of Syria is that USA do not like Assad and it wants to remove Assad.It is sad that so many people are dieing only to fulfill the desire of US people.
because Assad is Dictator and a criminal against humanity .
the US isnt involved, at all...and it should stay that way. I like how people blame us for everything....take some responibility for your own actions for once...leave us out of it!!!
Its time that the world takes care of its self...... Its not up to the US to topple anyone..... Russia and China (and the World) are alway critical of the US and its actions.....time to see how THEY do on the world stage....or will they leave it to us because no one else can take the garanteed firestorm of criticism that will always follow.
I and preety sure 95% of americans are bloody tired of being dragged into every conflict on the globe, either by our own self serving leaders or a world that sits on its hands waiting for 'someone else' to step in because their re afraid of being wrong.
They will leave it to you: because they do not have the ambition to police the world. There is nothing outside that makes you do it: it is all inside your head.
already many around the world are wondering why we are sitting idle 'letting this happen'.
the US is alway damned we do. and damned if we dont.... all in our heads? I wish......
Yes Matt, that is what your "free press" tells you.
I don't know Syria from Lebanon, but I'm familiar with American politics. If the conflict in Syria is anywhere as toxic as US partisan politics, I say stay clear, I wouldn't touch that third rail with an army of 10-foot Poles! In defense of Mr. Zakaria, I must say that his essays are usually intelligent and reasonable.
Just because Zakaria sounds reasonable doesn't mean we need to get involved. The UN is meddling is something it shouldn't. I agree with the Russians on this one. The Syrian issues is their problem. It is what Cilvil wars are about. The people want change and the leadership doesn't. I am seeing a pattern here and it is the UN meddling in sovereign countries problems. Are we really going to have a new world order? If the UN keeps this up, I bet we will.
Fareed, you are super brilliant. But I believe it is none of our business who wins this civil war in Syria (Russia and China also believes this) It is only the West who wishes to pick a side.
We should give weapons and supplies to a bunch of Muslims. I mean worked out last time didn't it?
You are so right, muslims already have guns but just like their pikes they are toooo smallll.
Lets give them big ones.
You know what, we have ever increasing umemployment in this country, resulting in a continuation of an unstable economy and threatening to lower our hard-earned standard of living that we as Americans have come to expect for ourselves and our children and we are concerning ourselves with Syria?!!! Stay the hell out of it! Bring our soldiers home and put all this ridiculous military funding into massive civilian projects to build up our nfrastructure. We need jobs on American soil for American people!
Blog mediators do not join in the conversation.
Go back to your mullah or imam and tell him you are a miserable failure.
Maybe your next assignment should be as a suicide bomber.
India has become too big to govern or create any value for western countries or even for its own population. We have invested a lot of resources in India over the past two decades and given a lot of aid to prop it up. There has been no investment on this return. Instead India has squandered all the resources in building nuclear weapons while poverty remains rampant in the country. We need to revisit our relationship with India. American taxpayers will not tolerate this anymore. We need to take care of our own populace going forward. We cannot be exporting jobs to India or giving it financial or technical handouts.
The thesis is that smaller independent states will generate tremendous economic demand for western nations.
We subscribe to the school of thought that these G2/8/20 etc, IMF, World Bank, superpowers and UN et al have lived their utility and should be undone. Syria is the latest example of why. Syrians are being massacred while everyone is watching. Helpless...powerless...pathetic.
An elected world government should emerge based on democratic principles of one person one vote. There will be no veto powers. The center of seat will be based in developing countries
We agree with Global Democratic Government Inc._ GDG © premise that an elected world government should emerge based on democratic principles of one person one vote. There will be no veto powers. The center of seat will be based in developing countries. This will be in lieu of G2/8/20 etc, IMF, World Bank, superpowers and UN.
GET RID OF HILLARY CLINTON
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i'm glad to convey that I've a very good uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I such a lot without a doubt will make sure to do not fail to remember this site and provides it a glance on a relentless basis.
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I in finding It really useful & it helped me out much. I'm hoping to provide something back and help others like you helped me.