On at least three occasions I tried to dispel the notion that the US/NATO could attack Russia or Russian forces in the Ukraine (see here, here and here). I tried to show that geography, over-reach and politics made a conventional attack impossible and I tried to show that a nuclear attack, whether tactical or strategic, could not succeed. There is a new theory which is apparently going around now which goes something like this: the Ukraine will re-arm and re-organize with the technical and financial help of the AngloZionist Empire, and then it will attack Crimea, possibly with the support of NATO airpower. Sounds scary, but the good news is that it is just as implausible as the other theories. Today, I want to explain why.
First and foremost, from a military point of view there can be no such thing as an "attack in Crimea" separate form a full-scale attack on Russia itself. Crimea is not a distant island in the middle of nowhere (like the Malvinas) and it will soon be fully integrated into the Russian defense system. Second, being a peninsula, Crimea is extremely hard to attack as the British and the Germans have found out. So no matter how you try to package it, from a purely military point of view, to have any chance of success an attack on Crimea would have to include a full scale attack on Russia.
And let me immediately put to rest the argument about NATO airpower: not only did it miserably fail in Bosnia, it did not even have what it takes to attack Syria, nevermind Iran. The USAF is flying either very good old aircraft or very bad modern aircraft whose attrition rate trying to deal with both the Russian Air Force and the Russian Air Defense Network, especially around Crimea, would be huge. Bombing an almost defenseless Serbia for 78 days (for pathetic results!)
is one thing, trying to bomb Crimea and Russia proper is harder by
several orders of magnitude. As for US/NATO ground forces, they would have a hard time even getting anywhere near Crimea. Which leaves the US Navy.
Unlike the US Army and Air Force, the USN is in much better shape and far more powerful than the Russian Navy. But to meaningfully participate in an attack on Crimea it would have to act from the eastern Mediterranean as entering the Black Sea would be not only suicidal, but even impossible for US Aircraft Carriers (not to mention completely contrary to US Naval doctrine). In reality, the USN could inflict far more devastating attacks on Russia in the Pacific, the Kola Peninsula or even the Baltic Sea than in southern Russia.
Which leave a hypothetical "future Ukrainian military" (the current one is unable to take Slaviansk or Kramatorsk, and could not even hold on to Krasnyi Liman). We can hypothesize all we want about how motivated this future Ukrainian military would be, but I personally cannot imagine what would motivate a future Ukrainian soldier to go and fight Russia, even for Crimea. But even if we assume a tremendous motivation, the fact is that the most the Ukraine can hope for in the next 1-10 years is to put a lot of men under arms and use outdated military hardware augmented with modern electronics, communication gear, targeting systems, command and control networks, etc. But even this relatively modernized Ukrainian military would face the very same problem which defeated the Swedes, the Crusaders, Napoleon and Hitler: no, not the "General Winter" canard, but Russia's strategic depth. Let me give just one example.
One of the most formidable weapons in the Russian military arsenal is the new Su-34 figher-bomber whose combat radius is estimated at over 1'000km but who already flew 6'000km with 2 mid-air refuellings. In a combat mission, such Su-34s could be protected by advanced Su-35S' who have a very similar combat range. In practical terms, this means that the Russian Air Force could strike Ukrainian units practically from anywhere west of the Urals. And did I mention that Russia has 28 AWACs while the Ukraine has none? This is just one small example, but it illustrates the different kind of importance strategic depth can in modern warfare.
I could go on for hours giving further examples, but I think that the point is clear: the Ukrainian military, even with the benefit of western financial and technical aid, and even with motivated soldiers, simply has no chance at all to re-take Crimea, nevermind prevail in a conflict against Russia.
So the only real risk is that the AngloZionists would order their Gauleiter in Kiev (whether Poroshenko or any other) to provoke a conflict with Russia not with the aim to prevail, but with the aim to create a crisis and force Russia to use her military power. Alas, the Ukraine will always have enough military power to attack Crimea and get many people killed. The attack will fail, but a crisis will be triggered.
Whatever may be the case, the Russian military has already announced a major effort to strengthen the defenses of the Crimean Peninsula and the Black Sea (including new bombers, submarines, air defense systems, naval infantry, etc.). In fact, all the signs are that Russia will make the Crimean Peninsula the key node of her entire southwestern defense posture.
I sincerely believe that while such theories make for good headlines, an attack by anybody on Russia is extremely unlikely and that it is unhelpful to spend too much time on such far-fetched possibilities. Senseless terrorist attacks and the subversion of the Crimean Tatars minority are far more likely threats than a conventional military attack.
The Saker
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
June 28th IRAQ SITREP by Mindfriedo
28th June: A leader of the Naqshabandi order, Khalid Ibrahim, has been killed in the north east of Baqouba. He was killed along with five associates by SWAT, a Special Forces group.
28th June: Daash has destroyed three Shia mosques: Husseniyeh, AhlulBayt, and Al-Hakim mosques and three mausoleums/shrines: Khader Elias, Imam Saad bin Aqeel, Ar Mamut shrine in Tal Afar. Daash has made announcements that shrines and mausoleums within its territory will be destroyed.
28th June: The army, augmented by Shia militias, is now making a concerted push north towards Tikrit. Helicopter Gunships have attacked rebel positions in advance of the army’s assault. Lt Gen Sabah Fatawi: “Isis fighters now have two choices: flee or be killed.”
28th June: The Kurdish leadership has told Kerry that they want to see Maliki go. Kerry is insisting on a political solution followed by a military attack on Daash and its rebel allies.
28th June: A mortar attack has struck north Baghdad injuring six people.
28th June: UNESCO and Iraqi authorities are concerned that over 1800 sites in Mosul and 250 ancient monuments in Ninaveh under Daash rule are in danger of being obliterated. Hatra, Nimrud and other archeological sites, some dating back thousands of years are in danger of being destroyed. There is also the looting of artifacts and archeological finds that are at risk of being looted.
28th June: Admiral John Kirby, the spokesperson of the US Department of Defense has stated that the United States is in a position to deploy 30000 troops to Iraq if the need arises and the President so decides.
28th June: Qassim Atta, the spokesperson for the Iraqi army claims that Russian made Sukhoi aircraft will be supporting army operations in the next few hours.
28th June: Claimed Kills by Security Services:
Five Daash fighters killed by security forces in Fallujah
Twenty vehicles belonging to rebels destroyed near Samarra in air strikes
A fighter belonging to Daash is killed in Muqdadiya, 35 km north of Baqouba. Two police personnel are left injured in clashes.
Clashes between Daash and Security Services are ongoing in Sadiya district 80 km north east of Baqouba.
Abu Abdul Hadi, a security official within Daash, and 29 other fighters are reported killed in Tikrit.
28th June: The Iraqi army is claiming full control of Tikrit. It plans to advance on Baiji next. 28th June: The southern Jordanian town of Tafilah sees anti monarchy protests.
28th June: Daash has destroyed three Shia mosques: Husseniyeh, AhlulBayt, and Al-Hakim mosques and three mausoleums/shrines: Khader Elias, Imam Saad bin Aqeel, Ar Mamut shrine in Tal Afar. Daash has made announcements that shrines and mausoleums within its territory will be destroyed.
28th June: The army, augmented by Shia militias, is now making a concerted push north towards Tikrit. Helicopter Gunships have attacked rebel positions in advance of the army’s assault. Lt Gen Sabah Fatawi: “Isis fighters now have two choices: flee or be killed.”
28th June: The Kurdish leadership has told Kerry that they want to see Maliki go. Kerry is insisting on a political solution followed by a military attack on Daash and its rebel allies.
28th June: A mortar attack has struck north Baghdad injuring six people.
28th June: UNESCO and Iraqi authorities are concerned that over 1800 sites in Mosul and 250 ancient monuments in Ninaveh under Daash rule are in danger of being obliterated. Hatra, Nimrud and other archeological sites, some dating back thousands of years are in danger of being destroyed. There is also the looting of artifacts and archeological finds that are at risk of being looted.
28th June: Admiral John Kirby, the spokesperson of the US Department of Defense has stated that the United States is in a position to deploy 30000 troops to Iraq if the need arises and the President so decides.
28th June: Qassim Atta, the spokesperson for the Iraqi army claims that Russian made Sukhoi aircraft will be supporting army operations in the next few hours.
28th June: Claimed Kills by Security Services:
Five Daash fighters killed by security forces in Fallujah
Twenty vehicles belonging to rebels destroyed near Samarra in air strikes
A fighter belonging to Daash is killed in Muqdadiya, 35 km north of Baqouba. Two police personnel are left injured in clashes.
Clashes between Daash and Security Services are ongoing in Sadiya district 80 km north east of Baqouba.
Abu Abdul Hadi, a security official within Daash, and 29 other fighters are reported killed in Tikrit.
28th June: The Iraqi army is claiming full control of Tikrit. It plans to advance on Baiji next. 28th June: The southern Jordanian town of Tafilah sees anti monarchy protests.
Strelkov Interview & Statement
Strelkov & Militia Briefings, June 27, 2014
Combined for June 27, 2014
Translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov
Report on the OSCE Mission Visit to Slavyansk, June 27, 2014
Original: Strelkov Info
On June 26, 2014, OSCE personnel visited and inspected the ruins of Slavyansk.
Pursuant to the attendance, [OSCE] will prepare a report, which will be provided to Kiev.
According to a member of the OSCE monitoring group, Victor Likhachev:
“This attendance by OSCE personnel in Slavyansk will enable [the organization] to compile an objective overview of the conditions in the city. Following the visit, a report will be generate that will assist in tomorrow’s peace talks.
The diplomat further commented:
“The picture is grim, there is a lot of destruction. Experts can see evidence of mortar attacks, destroyed residential buildings/homes and infrastructure. I saw Slavyansk a month ago – it was completely different.”
According to Likhachev, the foremost task of the OSCE personnel is to gather information and specific facts concerning the state of affairs in the city and in the vicinity, as well as to evaluate the humanitarian situation. It is expected that the information collected by the [OSCE] mission about the destruction [in Slavyansk] will be provided to Kiev.
En route to Slavyansk, the personnel of the organization stopped over in Kramatorsk, where they were met by one of the Militia commanders, Alexander Mozhaev, more commonly know by his nickname “Babay”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx4LW_pUBxE
Video of OSCE's Visit to Slavyansk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj7XRvPoCpo
Video of OSCE's Visit to Kramatorsk
Note: in a later statement broadcast on Lifenews.ru, a representative of DPR stated that militiamen were forced to save OSCE personnel from mortar fire en route to Slavyansk and that it was the witnessing by OSCE officials of the devastation wrought upon Slavyansk that compelled Poroshenko to extend the ceasefire by 72 hours.
Briefing from Igor Strelkov, June 26, 2014, 13:05
Original: Icorpus.ru
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqUOD2EIQR0
Note: an entire platoon of NazGuard [National Guard] was completely routed by Igor Strelkov's unit at the Mirniy checkpoint on June 27, 2014. The video of the aftermath is embedded above.
Yesterday evening we attacked a checkpoint of the enemy near the Mirniy settlement. At first, the enemy troops put up fierce resistance, defending with grenade launchers, but ultimately fled anyways. At the very conclusion of the battle, Ukies were hit by their own artillery units, who were ordered to fire upon any checkpoint or position penetrated by the Militia.
Our loses include one 200th [KIA – killed in action] and two 300th [WIA – wounded in action]. Both [of our] tanks that took part in the battle were hit with grenade launchers, but received no damage. The garrison of the enemy was completely routed. Two BTR-80 APCs burned down, the third was captured [by the Militia] and sent back to our rear, fully functional.
In addition, the following [trophies] were taken: 1 functional mortar “Vasilyok”, with a full set of ammunition, 1 PTURS “Fagot” system with several charges, 3 functional AGS-17 “Plamya” grenade launchers with a large set of ammunition, several automatic rifles, an enormous amount of ammunition, grenades, etc., a lot of documentation, flags, and so on.
At 04:00, the enemy launched sixteen 240mm shells at the city, aiming at wide areas.
As of this morning, intermittent shelling with the use of heavy artillery continues.
Note: video of the interview with Igor Strelkov can be found here.
Statement by Igor Strelkov, June 27, 2014, 16:36
Original: Strelkov Info
Commentary by Igor Strelkov with respect to Poroshenko’s extension of ceasefire by 72 hours.
Column after column is pushing its way toward us from Izyum – numerous! So, it’ll take them just about three days to concentrate their forces [and prepare] for attack. If we let them, of course. So, we will not be complying with any ceasefire in these circumstances. Our conditions remain unchanged – withdrawal of forces to a distance of at least 10 kilometres, cessation of artillery shelling, unblocking of communication routes.
Information from the Special Correspondent of Komsomolskaya Pravda, Dmitry Steshin, June 27, 2014, 11:22
Original: @kp_steshin Tweet #1 & Tweet #2
Two days ago, the only lifeline path into Slavyansk was cut off with a Ukie checkpoint. Today militiamen broke through the blockade. Two tanks were used in the assault. Several nights in a row I could hear them being repaired. … “Rovno” and “Lvov” tankists should start prepping for [corrective eye surgery].
Briefing from the Militia, June 27, 2013, 03:30
Original: Strelkov Info
The military base in Donetsk was captured without losses on either side. All [those inside] were [regular] conscripts. We will be calling their mothers so they can take their sons home. All the officers have been placed under arrest.
Briefing from Fyodor Berezin, June 27, 2014, 10:54
Original: Strelkov Info
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRb8WOStrvE
Lifenews Interview with Fyodor Berezin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HywNIZ4tXg
Fyodor Berezin's Interview (ENG-subbed)
I accepted the capitulation of the Ukrainian military base.
For two days prior [to the capitulation], we cut off the base from water supplies. Last night, the People’s Militia assaulted this military base, which is situated on the territory of Donetsk. Specifically, the attack was conducted by the “Kalmius” detachment ([Kalmius] is a river that flows through both Donetsk and Mariupol).
As the end of the many hours of battle, we were victorious. Let’s say this – it was a definitive victory. Both sides used automatic weapons, light and heavy machine guns, under-slung grenades, and grenade launchers. On our side we also had armour, albeit a single vehicle.
The “Kalmius” assault group penetrated into the territory of the military base. They captured the command personnel. Having virtually exhausted their ammunition, the Ukrainian military base was forced to surrender to the mercy of the victors.
All three companies were disarmed. There were no 200th [KIA – killed in action]. Only a small number of 300th [WIA – wounded in action]. Trophies and the military banner of the base were captured. The personnel was taken prisoner and, by 03:00, was removed from the territory [of the base].
And, so to say, something to whet your appetite. And I was there, and drank honey and beer … [Note 1]. Simply put, bullets whistled past and squished nearby. Of all different calibres. A ton of impressions.
Note 1: Berezin is roughly quoting Alexander Pushkin’s poem “Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights.”
Videos of the Assault on the Ukrainian Military Base
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqMdpMgReWs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7fx1VOHZXE
Report from Fyodor Berezin, June 27, 2014
Original: Slavyansk2014 & DPR Press Twitter (@dnrpress)
According to the Donetsk People’s Republic Deputy Minister of Defence, Fyodor Berezin, militiamen have disrupted the production of several parts for Ukrainian military helicopters.
“In the city of Snezhnoye we have blockaded the factory that manufactures helicopter blades/airfoils and supplies them to “Motor-Sich”. These are the very helicopters that are [used] to bomb us.
“Motor-Sich” is one of the largest enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, and is the largest manufacturer of engines for airplanes and helicopters in the country.”
Note: the Motor Sich Public Joint Stock Company (Ukrainian: ВАТ «Мотор Січ») in Zaporizhia is among the largest engine manufacturers for airplanes and helicopters. See Wikipedia and Motor Sich Corporate Website.
Commentary from Igor Strelkov, June 27, 2014, 18:30
Original: Strelkov Info
We collected these documents on the battlefield – there was no opportunity to determine which belonged to those alive, and which – to the dead.
Photographs of the trophy documents and IDs can be found here.
Unfortunately, the enemy has retaken the checkpoint. Our fighters were forced to abandon it because of harsh howitzer fire (we have one wounded [as a result]) –the position was mediocre defence-wise, and we did not have the time to entrench ourselves properly. They took it over with an “armada” – they threw 4 tanks and 8 APCs with infantry at it. Well, and we immediately lobbed 80 mortar shells there … to make sure the fresh Ukie-warriors don’t think life is all honey.
We [also] shelled the checkpoint at Krasniy Liman with one mortar when [their] column was passing through. Only 8 mines in total, and maybe got them once. In return, en entire company, 12 mortars, opened fire! A sign of respect …
Briefing from Igor Strelkov, June 27, 2014, 18:50
Original: Icorpus.ru
By 15:00, following intense howitzer shelling, the enemy took back the checkpost near the Mirniy settlement, with forces that included 4 tanks and 8 APCs. The Militia avoided the engagement, due to unfavourable location of the checkpoint, and withdrew to original positions. One fighter was wounded with shrapnel.
As soon as the enemy took up the checkpoint, it was struck with a volley from our battery of 120mm mortars. The enemy suffered casualties.
Mortar exchanges continue near the settlement of Semyonovka.
Our intelligence indicates that there is a continuous transfer of detachments and units of the Ukrainian armed forces and the NazGuard [National Guard] from Izyum to Slavyansk. Their numbers, as well as their equipment, indicate that a new assault on Slavyansk and a massive shelling [campaign] are being readied.
The Militia also has information about the enemy’s readiness to use chemical weapons of so-called non-lethal character in order to render the Militia fighters inactive in advance of an actual assault on the city.
Interview with Igor Strelkov, June 27, 2014, 19:20
Original: Strelkov Info
- with respect to the situation in Seversk:
Igor Strelkov: The concrete bridge across the Severskiy Donets [river] was blown up. The wooden bridge is functional. For now, Seversk is firmly in our control, but the enemy force, looming over us, has not disappeared – their superiority over the Militia is enormous.
- with respect to the extension of the ceasefire to June 30:
Igor Strelkov: Once again, they forgot to give us warning … We will comply only if they at least stop the movement [of their forces] in a 10-kilometre radius [around the city]. That, of course, will never happen – they are gathering forces for an assault.
- Igor Ivanovich, are there young men among the Militia? Under 30 years old? Every time they show someone on TV, the men in the camera’s eye are middle-aged.
Igor Strelkov: Yes, there are, but, alas, not too many. The “failed Pepsi generation” and those who came after them are massively among the refugees … It’s not only in Russia that the “society of unapologetic consumption” with corresponding ideals (i.e. – “Yes, I am a bastard! But, at least, I am alive and rich!) was bred and groomed.
- with respect to the “unfairly” arrested Slavyansk blogger
Igor Strelkov: They don’t even know yet that this “blogger from Enakievo” is to be put before a military tribunal by my order. The hearings will be held tomorrow. As it turns out, he did not confine himself to “defending the freedom of speech” … And he did far more than “defend.” It was not his anti-russian blog in Ostrov.ua that resulted in him being in the “penal battalion,” it was because, despite being a professional anesthesiologist, he refused to treat a woman from Kramatorsk, who was brought in with a wound. His excuse was that he refused to “help a separatist.” And these freaks dare talk to me about honour?
Information from the Militia, June 27, 2014, 14:59
Original: Strelkov Info
Militiamen continued attacking the NazGuard checkpoint near the border crossing of Krasniy Partizan-Gukovo until midday. The result – Ukies lost 1 APC.
Information from the DPR Press Service, June 27, 2014
Original: Strelkov Info
The fighters of the DPR militia have broken through the NazGuard positions near Seversk and entered the city.
Combined for June 27, 2014
Translated from Russian by Gleb Bazov
Report on the OSCE Mission Visit to Slavyansk, June 27, 2014
Original: Strelkov Info
On June 26, 2014, OSCE personnel visited and inspected the ruins of Slavyansk.
Pursuant to the attendance, [OSCE] will prepare a report, which will be provided to Kiev.
According to a member of the OSCE monitoring group, Victor Likhachev:
“This attendance by OSCE personnel in Slavyansk will enable [the organization] to compile an objective overview of the conditions in the city. Following the visit, a report will be generate that will assist in tomorrow’s peace talks.
The diplomat further commented:
“The picture is grim, there is a lot of destruction. Experts can see evidence of mortar attacks, destroyed residential buildings/homes and infrastructure. I saw Slavyansk a month ago – it was completely different.”
According to Likhachev, the foremost task of the OSCE personnel is to gather information and specific facts concerning the state of affairs in the city and in the vicinity, as well as to evaluate the humanitarian situation. It is expected that the information collected by the [OSCE] mission about the destruction [in Slavyansk] will be provided to Kiev.
En route to Slavyansk, the personnel of the organization stopped over in Kramatorsk, where they were met by one of the Militia commanders, Alexander Mozhaev, more commonly know by his nickname “Babay”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx4LW_pUBxE
Video of OSCE's Visit to Slavyansk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj7XRvPoCpo
Video of OSCE's Visit to Kramatorsk
Note: in a later statement broadcast on Lifenews.ru, a representative of DPR stated that militiamen were forced to save OSCE personnel from mortar fire en route to Slavyansk and that it was the witnessing by OSCE officials of the devastation wrought upon Slavyansk that compelled Poroshenko to extend the ceasefire by 72 hours.
Briefing from Igor Strelkov, June 26, 2014, 13:05
Original: Icorpus.ru
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqUOD2EIQR0
Note: an entire platoon of NazGuard [National Guard] was completely routed by Igor Strelkov's unit at the Mirniy checkpoint on June 27, 2014. The video of the aftermath is embedded above.
Yesterday evening we attacked a checkpoint of the enemy near the Mirniy settlement. At first, the enemy troops put up fierce resistance, defending with grenade launchers, but ultimately fled anyways. At the very conclusion of the battle, Ukies were hit by their own artillery units, who were ordered to fire upon any checkpoint or position penetrated by the Militia.
Our loses include one 200th [KIA – killed in action] and two 300th [WIA – wounded in action]. Both [of our] tanks that took part in the battle were hit with grenade launchers, but received no damage. The garrison of the enemy was completely routed. Two BTR-80 APCs burned down, the third was captured [by the Militia] and sent back to our rear, fully functional.
In addition, the following [trophies] were taken: 1 functional mortar “Vasilyok”, with a full set of ammunition, 1 PTURS “Fagot” system with several charges, 3 functional AGS-17 “Plamya” grenade launchers with a large set of ammunition, several automatic rifles, an enormous amount of ammunition, grenades, etc., a lot of documentation, flags, and so on.
At 04:00, the enemy launched sixteen 240mm shells at the city, aiming at wide areas.
As of this morning, intermittent shelling with the use of heavy artillery continues.
Note: video of the interview with Igor Strelkov can be found here.
Statement by Igor Strelkov, June 27, 2014, 16:36
Original: Strelkov Info
Commentary by Igor Strelkov with respect to Poroshenko’s extension of ceasefire by 72 hours.
Column after column is pushing its way toward us from Izyum – numerous! So, it’ll take them just about three days to concentrate their forces [and prepare] for attack. If we let them, of course. So, we will not be complying with any ceasefire in these circumstances. Our conditions remain unchanged – withdrawal of forces to a distance of at least 10 kilometres, cessation of artillery shelling, unblocking of communication routes.
Information from the Special Correspondent of Komsomolskaya Pravda, Dmitry Steshin, June 27, 2014, 11:22
Original: @kp_steshin Tweet #1 & Tweet #2
Two days ago, the only lifeline path into Slavyansk was cut off with a Ukie checkpoint. Today militiamen broke through the blockade. Two tanks were used in the assault. Several nights in a row I could hear them being repaired. … “Rovno” and “Lvov” tankists should start prepping for [corrective eye surgery].
Briefing from the Militia, June 27, 2013, 03:30
Original: Strelkov Info
The military base in Donetsk was captured without losses on either side. All [those inside] were [regular] conscripts. We will be calling their mothers so they can take their sons home. All the officers have been placed under arrest.
Briefing from Fyodor Berezin, June 27, 2014, 10:54
Original: Strelkov Info
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRb8WOStrvE
Lifenews Interview with Fyodor Berezin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HywNIZ4tXg
Fyodor Berezin's Interview (ENG-subbed)
I accepted the capitulation of the Ukrainian military base.
For two days prior [to the capitulation], we cut off the base from water supplies. Last night, the People’s Militia assaulted this military base, which is situated on the territory of Donetsk. Specifically, the attack was conducted by the “Kalmius” detachment ([Kalmius] is a river that flows through both Donetsk and Mariupol).
As the end of the many hours of battle, we were victorious. Let’s say this – it was a definitive victory. Both sides used automatic weapons, light and heavy machine guns, under-slung grenades, and grenade launchers. On our side we also had armour, albeit a single vehicle.
The “Kalmius” assault group penetrated into the territory of the military base. They captured the command personnel. Having virtually exhausted their ammunition, the Ukrainian military base was forced to surrender to the mercy of the victors.
All three companies were disarmed. There were no 200th [KIA – killed in action]. Only a small number of 300th [WIA – wounded in action]. Trophies and the military banner of the base were captured. The personnel was taken prisoner and, by 03:00, was removed from the territory [of the base].
And, so to say, something to whet your appetite. And I was there, and drank honey and beer … [Note 1]. Simply put, bullets whistled past and squished nearby. Of all different calibres. A ton of impressions.
Note 1: Berezin is roughly quoting Alexander Pushkin’s poem “Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights.”
Videos of the Assault on the Ukrainian Military Base
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqMdpMgReWs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7fx1VOHZXE
Report from Fyodor Berezin, June 27, 2014
Original: Slavyansk2014 & DPR Press Twitter (@dnrpress)
According to the Donetsk People’s Republic Deputy Minister of Defence, Fyodor Berezin, militiamen have disrupted the production of several parts for Ukrainian military helicopters.
“In the city of Snezhnoye we have blockaded the factory that manufactures helicopter blades/airfoils and supplies them to “Motor-Sich”. These are the very helicopters that are [used] to bomb us.
“Motor-Sich” is one of the largest enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, and is the largest manufacturer of engines for airplanes and helicopters in the country.”
Note: the Motor Sich Public Joint Stock Company (Ukrainian: ВАТ «Мотор Січ») in Zaporizhia is among the largest engine manufacturers for airplanes and helicopters. See Wikipedia and Motor Sich Corporate Website.
Commentary from Igor Strelkov, June 27, 2014, 18:30
Original: Strelkov Info
We collected these documents on the battlefield – there was no opportunity to determine which belonged to those alive, and which – to the dead.
Photographs of the trophy documents and IDs can be found here.
Unfortunately, the enemy has retaken the checkpoint. Our fighters were forced to abandon it because of harsh howitzer fire (we have one wounded [as a result]) –the position was mediocre defence-wise, and we did not have the time to entrench ourselves properly. They took it over with an “armada” – they threw 4 tanks and 8 APCs with infantry at it. Well, and we immediately lobbed 80 mortar shells there … to make sure the fresh Ukie-warriors don’t think life is all honey.
We [also] shelled the checkpoint at Krasniy Liman with one mortar when [their] column was passing through. Only 8 mines in total, and maybe got them once. In return, en entire company, 12 mortars, opened fire! A sign of respect …
Briefing from Igor Strelkov, June 27, 2014, 18:50
Original: Icorpus.ru
By 15:00, following intense howitzer shelling, the enemy took back the checkpost near the Mirniy settlement, with forces that included 4 tanks and 8 APCs. The Militia avoided the engagement, due to unfavourable location of the checkpoint, and withdrew to original positions. One fighter was wounded with shrapnel.
As soon as the enemy took up the checkpoint, it was struck with a volley from our battery of 120mm mortars. The enemy suffered casualties.
Mortar exchanges continue near the settlement of Semyonovka.
Our intelligence indicates that there is a continuous transfer of detachments and units of the Ukrainian armed forces and the NazGuard [National Guard] from Izyum to Slavyansk. Their numbers, as well as their equipment, indicate that a new assault on Slavyansk and a massive shelling [campaign] are being readied.
The Militia also has information about the enemy’s readiness to use chemical weapons of so-called non-lethal character in order to render the Militia fighters inactive in advance of an actual assault on the city.
Interview with Igor Strelkov, June 27, 2014, 19:20
Original: Strelkov Info
- with respect to the situation in Seversk:
Igor Strelkov: The concrete bridge across the Severskiy Donets [river] was blown up. The wooden bridge is functional. For now, Seversk is firmly in our control, but the enemy force, looming over us, has not disappeared – their superiority over the Militia is enormous.
- with respect to the extension of the ceasefire to June 30:
Igor Strelkov: Once again, they forgot to give us warning … We will comply only if they at least stop the movement [of their forces] in a 10-kilometre radius [around the city]. That, of course, will never happen – they are gathering forces for an assault.
- Igor Ivanovich, are there young men among the Militia? Under 30 years old? Every time they show someone on TV, the men in the camera’s eye are middle-aged.
Igor Strelkov: Yes, there are, but, alas, not too many. The “failed Pepsi generation” and those who came after them are massively among the refugees … It’s not only in Russia that the “society of unapologetic consumption” with corresponding ideals (i.e. – “Yes, I am a bastard! But, at least, I am alive and rich!) was bred and groomed.
- with respect to the “unfairly” arrested Slavyansk blogger
Igor Strelkov: They don’t even know yet that this “blogger from Enakievo” is to be put before a military tribunal by my order. The hearings will be held tomorrow. As it turns out, he did not confine himself to “defending the freedom of speech” … And he did far more than “defend.” It was not his anti-russian blog in Ostrov.ua that resulted in him being in the “penal battalion,” it was because, despite being a professional anesthesiologist, he refused to treat a woman from Kramatorsk, who was brought in with a wound. His excuse was that he refused to “help a separatist.” And these freaks dare talk to me about honour?
Information from the Militia, June 27, 2014, 14:59
Original: Strelkov Info
Militiamen continued attacking the NazGuard checkpoint near the border crossing of Krasniy Partizan-Gukovo until midday. The result – Ukies lost 1 APC.
Information from the DPR Press Service, June 27, 2014
Original: Strelkov Info
The fighters of the DPR militia have broken through the NazGuard positions near Seversk and entered the city.
Two short/long analyses by Mindfriedo
Two short/long analyses in one:
Was the fall of Mosul good for the Shia militias?
and
Are the Sunnis/Wahabi tougher than the Shia?
Till early 2014, the Americans were putting pressure on Maliki to reign in Shia militias. The argument was that they could destabilize his government, they were proxies of Iran, and were getting combat experience in Syria. The Iraqi government formed brigades like the Wolf (Being led by Abu Al Walid, the commander fighting in Tal Afar), Tiger and Scorpion to counter the threat these militias could pose and primarily as a tool to keep Sunnis in check. Other measures included closing the Iraqi border with Syria and suspending direct flights. Both these measures at the time seemed to target Sunni Jihadist but were in fact meant to restrict the flow of Shia fighters. Maliki was also half hearted in his attempts. And the latter was a token gesture on the part of the Iraqi government as flights between Iran and Damascus were ongoing. The American threat to create a no fly zone over Syria was meant to stop these flights. The current surveillance flights over Iraq and the taking over of Iraq -Syria land border by Jihadist is also meant to stop this flow of Shia fighters.
The deployment of the Americans to Iraq after Mosul fell is mostly for monitoring the Shia, more than the Sunni. The Americans have checked Sunni revolutions in the past; they know how to turn the tap off. They have relations with Sunni elders and ex Ba’athist they can use to curb any Sunni insurgency. It’s the Shias they cannot control. It’s what you cannot control that frightens you.
The US was also interested in using moderate Shia clerics like Sistani to contain the allure of the Shia Jihadist groups. But this has now changed to some extent. Sistani’s call to arms has been the best recruiting drive the militias could have hoped for. He specified that it’s the army the youth should join. But the youth have a mind of their own. They know who kicks ass.
The Iraqi government is now relying on these militias to contain Daash. The Iraqi government will for the moment not restrict the training of fighters in Iran or their free flow between Syria and Iraq and will oppose any US pressure to stop the same. This can be seen in Maliki praising Syrian airstrikes on Iraq that normally any Prime Minister should oppose. Unlike the Sunni fighters of Daash (Chechens, Afghans, Saudis, Moroccans, Europeans etc) the Shia fighters are mostly Arab, from Iraq and the Levant that Daash so covets. The Sunni Arabs and tribes are on the side of Daash on account of a sense of being left out, part propaganda, part genuine frustration. But this is a problem they have to learn to live with. The power they once wielded is now gone. It is never coming back. The more they fight, the more Baghdad will become a Shia city and the more their frustration will grow. Some will eventually realize this but some will get radicalized by Saudi propaganda.
In the meanwhile, the militias will become the new Fremen against the Empire’s (Anglo Zionist) Sadukar (Daash) waiting for their Muad'Dib (Mahdi). It is the harsh environment of Iraq and the threat posed against them that will keep them on their toes, at the ready and well trained, growing stronger day by day, learning valuable combat lessons and outclassing Daash in skill, professionalism and morale.
Are the Shia militias tougher than the Sunnis (Wahhabi)?
There is an old colonial joke. The British wanted to raise a Muslim company. They asked the Muslims, who are your fiercest people? The Muslims partly misunderstanding what the Tommy’s were asking for said that our butchers (Kassabs) are the fiercest. So a company of butchers was hired. When the fighting started the butchers were not advancing beyond the trenches. The Tommy commander asked them, why don’t you advance? Go fight!
The Butchers replied: “buddy tie them up and bring them, we’ll do the slaughtering!”
This is what the fighters of Daash are: Butchers that the lambs flee.
I was watching some Jihadi videos last night. Not something very pleasant, but necessary.
First, professionalism:
Every single Shia militia fighting in Syria is organized militarily. They have brigades. These brigades have battalions of rocket troops, mortar firing, and assault. Each militia has proper uniforms and insignia. There is the ability to work within a command structure, under the Syrian army at times. Weapons being used are almost identical. AKMs, AMDs, PMKs, SVDs, hand held mortar launchers and RPGs. This is almost identical.
Sunni/Wahabbi militants are fierce but operate without any noticeable military organization, no uniform, no standard military equipment. The FSA in Syria is more professional with its army background. But Jihadists lack professionalism. This is also evident from Daash’s insistence to control its own allies, infighting over minor issues, its inability to curb its fighters from carrying out atrocities (but this is also a tactic employed), and its inability to fight in a sustained manner in any confrontation.
Propaganda:
This may not seem obvious to all. But Shia fighters are drawn to the fight out of love of something that they hold dear, i.e., the AhlulBayt. The Wahabbis on the other hand, from almost every single message, are driven by hatred, of Western values, saints, Shias, Christianity, Jews, everything they assume is corruption.
Jihadist propaganda is based on a puritan message. It requires Sunnis to give up belief systems that have held on for generations (however many Sunnis seem to be dropping earlier concepts of Walis and Wasilah faster than a stripper her “modest” clothing). The Shias on the other hand are being asked to act on something they have always believed in.
Age group:
Most Jihadists are young men. Most die young as well. But a quick research on the internet will show you that the starting age of a Daash fighter is upward of 10. For the Shia, except in the case of Khomeini’s human waves, it is much higher than 18. On an average it is 22.
Funding:
Here is where the Shias have been unlucky from the nascent stages of Islam. The Sunnis kept wealth to themselves and marginalized Shias throughout. Iraq may eventually change this balance. The oil wealthy of Shia Iraq and Iran may soon dwarf Saudi Arabia. But for now, the Sunnis have it good. The sanctions on Iran keep it poor.
Propaganda:
It is strange that the videos of Daash are almost always horrendous. And that the same videos that are used by Daash or Al Qaida for recruitment are used by their detractors (rational human beings) as counter propaganda. Shia militia videos are never of atrocities. They are almost always centered on the cult of martyrdom. The Americans try to highlight the alleged atrocities of Shia militias as counter propaganda but fail as most Shia distrust authority.
Two recent examples of combat effectiveness:
One was Hezballah’s takeover of Beirut in May 2008. Hariri’s thugs were no match. But I agree Beirut is not Tripoli. Mosul could be a counter example. But Beirut is more of a mixed city and Mosul more of a Sunni Ba’athist city. Moreover Beirut was military style takeover, while Mosul was a planned betrayal and collusion.
The other was Qusayr in 2013. Entrenched Jihadis with the full backing of the Arab states, Turkey and the West broke ranks and fled. The price Hizballah paid was high and Syria did pulverize most of Qusayr, but the fact remains that the Jihadist literally fled for their lives. Compare this to Bint Jabil in 2006 and it becomes clearer. The same odds, or higher if you consider the arsenal at Israel’s disposal, stacked against Hizballah and Hizballah humiliates Israel. When Israel leaves a path for escape, more fighters join the fight. Also the assessment Hezbollah gave of their performance. They were critical of two of their commanders being present at the same place at the same time. Qusayr has frightened the Anglo Zionist Empire. Mosul’s fall is going to petrify them.
Was the fall of Mosul good for the Shia militias?
and
Are the Sunnis/Wahabi tougher than the Shia?
Till early 2014, the Americans were putting pressure on Maliki to reign in Shia militias. The argument was that they could destabilize his government, they were proxies of Iran, and were getting combat experience in Syria. The Iraqi government formed brigades like the Wolf (Being led by Abu Al Walid, the commander fighting in Tal Afar), Tiger and Scorpion to counter the threat these militias could pose and primarily as a tool to keep Sunnis in check. Other measures included closing the Iraqi border with Syria and suspending direct flights. Both these measures at the time seemed to target Sunni Jihadist but were in fact meant to restrict the flow of Shia fighters. Maliki was also half hearted in his attempts. And the latter was a token gesture on the part of the Iraqi government as flights between Iran and Damascus were ongoing. The American threat to create a no fly zone over Syria was meant to stop these flights. The current surveillance flights over Iraq and the taking over of Iraq -Syria land border by Jihadist is also meant to stop this flow of Shia fighters.
The deployment of the Americans to Iraq after Mosul fell is mostly for monitoring the Shia, more than the Sunni. The Americans have checked Sunni revolutions in the past; they know how to turn the tap off. They have relations with Sunni elders and ex Ba’athist they can use to curb any Sunni insurgency. It’s the Shias they cannot control. It’s what you cannot control that frightens you.
The US was also interested in using moderate Shia clerics like Sistani to contain the allure of the Shia Jihadist groups. But this has now changed to some extent. Sistani’s call to arms has been the best recruiting drive the militias could have hoped for. He specified that it’s the army the youth should join. But the youth have a mind of their own. They know who kicks ass.
The Iraqi government is now relying on these militias to contain Daash. The Iraqi government will for the moment not restrict the training of fighters in Iran or their free flow between Syria and Iraq and will oppose any US pressure to stop the same. This can be seen in Maliki praising Syrian airstrikes on Iraq that normally any Prime Minister should oppose. Unlike the Sunni fighters of Daash (Chechens, Afghans, Saudis, Moroccans, Europeans etc) the Shia fighters are mostly Arab, from Iraq and the Levant that Daash so covets. The Sunni Arabs and tribes are on the side of Daash on account of a sense of being left out, part propaganda, part genuine frustration. But this is a problem they have to learn to live with. The power they once wielded is now gone. It is never coming back. The more they fight, the more Baghdad will become a Shia city and the more their frustration will grow. Some will eventually realize this but some will get radicalized by Saudi propaganda.
In the meanwhile, the militias will become the new Fremen against the Empire’s (Anglo Zionist) Sadukar (Daash) waiting for their Muad'Dib (Mahdi). It is the harsh environment of Iraq and the threat posed against them that will keep them on their toes, at the ready and well trained, growing stronger day by day, learning valuable combat lessons and outclassing Daash in skill, professionalism and morale.
Are the Shia militias tougher than the Sunnis (Wahhabi)?
There is an old colonial joke. The British wanted to raise a Muslim company. They asked the Muslims, who are your fiercest people? The Muslims partly misunderstanding what the Tommy’s were asking for said that our butchers (Kassabs) are the fiercest. So a company of butchers was hired. When the fighting started the butchers were not advancing beyond the trenches. The Tommy commander asked them, why don’t you advance? Go fight!
The Butchers replied: “buddy tie them up and bring them, we’ll do the slaughtering!”
This is what the fighters of Daash are: Butchers that the lambs flee.
I was watching some Jihadi videos last night. Not something very pleasant, but necessary.
First, professionalism:
Every single Shia militia fighting in Syria is organized militarily. They have brigades. These brigades have battalions of rocket troops, mortar firing, and assault. Each militia has proper uniforms and insignia. There is the ability to work within a command structure, under the Syrian army at times. Weapons being used are almost identical. AKMs, AMDs, PMKs, SVDs, hand held mortar launchers and RPGs. This is almost identical.
Sunni/Wahabbi militants are fierce but operate without any noticeable military organization, no uniform, no standard military equipment. The FSA in Syria is more professional with its army background. But Jihadists lack professionalism. This is also evident from Daash’s insistence to control its own allies, infighting over minor issues, its inability to curb its fighters from carrying out atrocities (but this is also a tactic employed), and its inability to fight in a sustained manner in any confrontation.
Propaganda:
This may not seem obvious to all. But Shia fighters are drawn to the fight out of love of something that they hold dear, i.e., the AhlulBayt. The Wahabbis on the other hand, from almost every single message, are driven by hatred, of Western values, saints, Shias, Christianity, Jews, everything they assume is corruption.
Jihadist propaganda is based on a puritan message. It requires Sunnis to give up belief systems that have held on for generations (however many Sunnis seem to be dropping earlier concepts of Walis and Wasilah faster than a stripper her “modest” clothing). The Shias on the other hand are being asked to act on something they have always believed in.
Age group:
Most Jihadists are young men. Most die young as well. But a quick research on the internet will show you that the starting age of a Daash fighter is upward of 10. For the Shia, except in the case of Khomeini’s human waves, it is much higher than 18. On an average it is 22.
Funding:
Here is where the Shias have been unlucky from the nascent stages of Islam. The Sunnis kept wealth to themselves and marginalized Shias throughout. Iraq may eventually change this balance. The oil wealthy of Shia Iraq and Iran may soon dwarf Saudi Arabia. But for now, the Sunnis have it good. The sanctions on Iran keep it poor.
Propaganda:
It is strange that the videos of Daash are almost always horrendous. And that the same videos that are used by Daash or Al Qaida for recruitment are used by their detractors (rational human beings) as counter propaganda. Shia militia videos are never of atrocities. They are almost always centered on the cult of martyrdom. The Americans try to highlight the alleged atrocities of Shia militias as counter propaganda but fail as most Shia distrust authority.
Two recent examples of combat effectiveness:
One was Hezballah’s takeover of Beirut in May 2008. Hariri’s thugs were no match. But I agree Beirut is not Tripoli. Mosul could be a counter example. But Beirut is more of a mixed city and Mosul more of a Sunni Ba’athist city. Moreover Beirut was military style takeover, while Mosul was a planned betrayal and collusion.
The other was Qusayr in 2013. Entrenched Jihadis with the full backing of the Arab states, Turkey and the West broke ranks and fled. The price Hizballah paid was high and Syria did pulverize most of Qusayr, but the fact remains that the Jihadist literally fled for their lives. Compare this to Bint Jabil in 2006 and it becomes clearer. The same odds, or higher if you consider the arsenal at Israel’s disposal, stacked against Hizballah and Hizballah humiliates Israel. When Israel leaves a path for escape, more fighters join the fight. Also the assessment Hezbollah gave of their performance. They were critical of two of their commanders being present at the same place at the same time. Qusayr has frightened the Anglo Zionist Empire. Mosul’s fall is going to petrify them.
Russia's western frontier has become a desert
Warning: the following is not an analysis, it is a "cri du coeur" !
Looking at the photo of the three stooges oh so proud of having "prevailed" over that evil Russia I have very mixed feelings. On one that, I have a sense of immense disgust. No, not for the the Eurobureaucrats or for Poroshenko - they are true to character. No, my disgust is directed at that sorry pseudo-ethnicity called "the Ukrainians" and which now has fractured into two mutually exclusive groups: the real "Ukrainians" - the Russians from "core Russia" (which is the real meaning of the expressions "Malorossia" or "Small Russia") who live on Russia's western frontier (the real meaning of the word "u-krainy") and the pseudo-Ukrainian ex-homo sovieticus (I call them Ukies) who mutated into pseudo-Europeans and who now fancy themselves as "Europeans" just because they volunteered to become the next AngloZionist colony. These are the folks who traded a 1000-year old history for the (imaginary) prize which the capitalists have been dangling in front of their collective noses like a carrot before a donkey. Two things characterize these folks: they are phenomenally ignorant of pretty much everything, but especially of their own history, and their credulity is quite literally infinite. In other words - they are terminally stupid. As for their spiritual or cultural values, they don't extend beyond what is shown on a typical commercial on TV.
It is at this point my thinking that I move from disgust to relief. Relief that modern Russia will not have to deal with such a morally degenerate and spiritually corrupt population.
I am Russian. My family roots go far back into the Russian middle-ages and for me each phase in Russian history - whether good or bad - has its own spiritual significance. From the birth of Russia at the baptism of Saint Vladimir, to the heroic resistance of Saint Alexander Nevsky, to the gradual formation of a new Russia under Ivan III, to the tragic period of Ivan IV, the Stoglav, the tragic Old Rite Schism, the spiritual desert of the reign of Peter I, to the rebirth of Russia through the times of Alexander II and Alexander III and to the martyrdom and final transition form an earthly empire to a spiritual reality under the Czar-Martyr Nicholas II - each of these moments in history can only be understood through spiritual eyes and not by means of materialistic categories. And even though modern Russia is still spiritually sick, very sick, I clearly perceive the signs of a spiritual revival, or a gradual shedding of the materialistic delusions which had been imposed upon the Russian people during the 20th century.
What some (correctly) call a "clash of civilizations" between Russia and the West is a reality. Likewise, when the Ukrainian propaganda speaks of a "civilizational choice" it is inadvertently expressing a profound spiritual truth. Russia is barely standing up, still shaking and in many ways confused, but already it is resisting the capitalist rot which is corroding the western civilization and Russia is already (correctly) perceived as a threat by the western plutocracy. If this is what a weak and still confused Russia is capable of, just imagine what it could do if it fully recovered its true spiritual and cultural identity and strength!
So this for me is a crucial question: does the slowly healing Russia really need to live under the same cultural/civilizational roof with the kind of folks which brought Iatseniuk or Poroshenko to power? I say let Europe deal with them! In fact, the Ukies and the EU richly *deserve* each other.
Yes, I know, Kiev is the cradle of the entire Russian civilization, but did Christ Himself not say "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." (Matt. 5:29). I don't want Russia to perish for the Ukraine, much less for for the pseudo-Ukraine I call "Banderastan".
The Pope's Crusaders came from the West. Napoleon's Masons came from the West. The German and Austro-Hungarian imperialists came from the West. Then the Nazis came from the West. Now the AngloZionists are coming from the West. In the past, each time the "outer-Russians" (the correct translation of "Grand Russians") came and saved the Ukraine from these invaders and they did that a a huge cost for Russia. But at least in the past the real Ukrainians never confused the occupier and the liberator. Nowadays this has changed. In fact, the modern "Ukrainians" think that they are feeling a deep kinship with the invader, they even identify with him. I think that Russia should stop pretending that this is not happening and that these two are "brother" nations. Okay, maybe they were brothers in the past, but now all they share is the brotherhood of Cain and Abel.
There is no continuity between Saint Vladimir and Poroshenko and what we are observing in Kiev today is what the Scripture call the "the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place". And the Ukies like it that way. They have no use for holiness. I say let them have it!
Yes, of course, there is Novorussia which Russia cannot and will not abandon. And Crimea will forever remain part of Russia. And there are still real Russians in Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Mariupol, Nikolaev, Odessa and even in Kiev. But these Russians either cannot or don't want to fight to free their land from the current western occupier and they need to live with the consequences of this choice.
As for the rest of Russia, I hope to see it turn to the North and the East were its real future lies. Let the EU deal with Banderastan, let Banderastan deal with the EU and let them jointly enjoy their role as faithful servants of the plutocratic elite which administers the European AngloZionist protectorate on behalf of the USA. Let the Ukies, the Balts and the East-Europeans all race each other to see who will get the title of "employee of the month" from Uncle Sam. Let them bask in their newfound pride to have finally become full members of the civilization of Walmart and McDonalds. And let them keep on digging a deep trench all along the Russian-Ukrainian border. While it is, of course, militarily useless (what in the world are the Ukie generals thinking?!) is a a fantastic symbol of what the ex-Ukraine now "EU-associated Banderastan has become". Russian kids should be bussed in from their schools and shown this trench while their teachers explain to them what kind of people dug this trench and why.
Russia's western frontier has become a desert. It is high time for Russia to accept this reality and act on it.
The Saker
Looking at the photo of the three stooges oh so proud of having "prevailed" over that evil Russia I have very mixed feelings. On one that, I have a sense of immense disgust. No, not for the the Eurobureaucrats or for Poroshenko - they are true to character. No, my disgust is directed at that sorry pseudo-ethnicity called "the Ukrainians" and which now has fractured into two mutually exclusive groups: the real "Ukrainians" - the Russians from "core Russia" (which is the real meaning of the expressions "Malorossia" or "Small Russia") who live on Russia's western frontier (the real meaning of the word "u-krainy") and the pseudo-Ukrainian ex-homo sovieticus (I call them Ukies) who mutated into pseudo-Europeans and who now fancy themselves as "Europeans" just because they volunteered to become the next AngloZionist colony. These are the folks who traded a 1000-year old history for the (imaginary) prize which the capitalists have been dangling in front of their collective noses like a carrot before a donkey. Two things characterize these folks: they are phenomenally ignorant of pretty much everything, but especially of their own history, and their credulity is quite literally infinite. In other words - they are terminally stupid. As for their spiritual or cultural values, they don't extend beyond what is shown on a typical commercial on TV.
It is at this point my thinking that I move from disgust to relief. Relief that modern Russia will not have to deal with such a morally degenerate and spiritually corrupt population.
I am Russian. My family roots go far back into the Russian middle-ages and for me each phase in Russian history - whether good or bad - has its own spiritual significance. From the birth of Russia at the baptism of Saint Vladimir, to the heroic resistance of Saint Alexander Nevsky, to the gradual formation of a new Russia under Ivan III, to the tragic period of Ivan IV, the Stoglav, the tragic Old Rite Schism, the spiritual desert of the reign of Peter I, to the rebirth of Russia through the times of Alexander II and Alexander III and to the martyrdom and final transition form an earthly empire to a spiritual reality under the Czar-Martyr Nicholas II - each of these moments in history can only be understood through spiritual eyes and not by means of materialistic categories. And even though modern Russia is still spiritually sick, very sick, I clearly perceive the signs of a spiritual revival, or a gradual shedding of the materialistic delusions which had been imposed upon the Russian people during the 20th century.
What some (correctly) call a "clash of civilizations" between Russia and the West is a reality. Likewise, when the Ukrainian propaganda speaks of a "civilizational choice" it is inadvertently expressing a profound spiritual truth. Russia is barely standing up, still shaking and in many ways confused, but already it is resisting the capitalist rot which is corroding the western civilization and Russia is already (correctly) perceived as a threat by the western plutocracy. If this is what a weak and still confused Russia is capable of, just imagine what it could do if it fully recovered its true spiritual and cultural identity and strength!
So this for me is a crucial question: does the slowly healing Russia really need to live under the same cultural/civilizational roof with the kind of folks which brought Iatseniuk or Poroshenko to power? I say let Europe deal with them! In fact, the Ukies and the EU richly *deserve* each other.
Yes, I know, Kiev is the cradle of the entire Russian civilization, but did Christ Himself not say "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." (Matt. 5:29). I don't want Russia to perish for the Ukraine, much less for for the pseudo-Ukraine I call "Banderastan".
The Pope's Crusaders came from the West. Napoleon's Masons came from the West. The German and Austro-Hungarian imperialists came from the West. Then the Nazis came from the West. Now the AngloZionists are coming from the West. In the past, each time the "outer-Russians" (the correct translation of "Grand Russians") came and saved the Ukraine from these invaders and they did that a a huge cost for Russia. But at least in the past the real Ukrainians never confused the occupier and the liberator. Nowadays this has changed. In fact, the modern "Ukrainians" think that they are feeling a deep kinship with the invader, they even identify with him. I think that Russia should stop pretending that this is not happening and that these two are "brother" nations. Okay, maybe they were brothers in the past, but now all they share is the brotherhood of Cain and Abel.
There is no continuity between Saint Vladimir and Poroshenko and what we are observing in Kiev today is what the Scripture call the "the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place". And the Ukies like it that way. They have no use for holiness. I say let them have it!
Yes, of course, there is Novorussia which Russia cannot and will not abandon. And Crimea will forever remain part of Russia. And there are still real Russians in Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Mariupol, Nikolaev, Odessa and even in Kiev. But these Russians either cannot or don't want to fight to free their land from the current western occupier and they need to live with the consequences of this choice.
As for the rest of Russia, I hope to see it turn to the North and the East were its real future lies. Let the EU deal with Banderastan, let Banderastan deal with the EU and let them jointly enjoy their role as faithful servants of the plutocratic elite which administers the European AngloZionist protectorate on behalf of the USA. Let the Ukies, the Balts and the East-Europeans all race each other to see who will get the title of "employee of the month" from Uncle Sam. Let them bask in their newfound pride to have finally become full members of the civilization of Walmart and McDonalds. And let them keep on digging a deep trench all along the Russian-Ukrainian border. While it is, of course, militarily useless (what in the world are the Ukie generals thinking?!) is a a fantastic symbol of what the ex-Ukraine now "EU-associated Banderastan has become". Russian kids should be bussed in from their schools and shown this trench while their teachers explain to them what kind of people dug this trench and why.
Russia's western frontier has become a desert. It is high time for Russia to accept this reality and act on it.
The Saker
June 27th IRAQ SITREP by Mindfriedo
26th June: Another 50 US advisors arrive in Baghdad taking the tally up to 180, of the legendary 300 promised. Hope they don’t face the same fate as the Spartans.
26th June: Main backers of the Sunni insurgency meet with their Godfather in Paris: http://jordantimes.com/jordan-takes-part-in-four-way-meeting-on-iraq-syria-in-paris
27th June: The Iraqi government releases a video showing Baiji refinery in government hands. Army spokesperson Qassim Atta: “ISIL militants who tried to approach the Baiji refinery were crushed. We assure that the refinery has become a graveyard for ISIL coward terrorists.”
27th June: The Iraqi government is trying to wrest control of Tikrit. Airborne commando raids were carried out on Tikrit University on Thursday. Low flying helicopters carrying elite forces landed in a stadium opposite the university. One was reportedly shot down by insurgents.
27th June: Sunni residents of Tikrit claim that there are no militants in Tikrit. Daash had taken Tikrit on the 11th and 12th of June and executed 190 Shia army recruits. Daash militants are reported to have fled towards Kirkuk in anticipation of government strikes.
27th June: The government claims to have gained control of Alam district in Western district (I’m not familiar with Tikrit but the only Alam district seems to be east of the city on the other side of the river)
27th June: The government forces have gained control of the main highway from Tikrit to Samarra. Spiker military base is also now in government hands.
27th June: Daash claims responsibility for the suicide bombing that took place in Beirut yesterday.
27th June: Iran denies repatriating 130 fighter aircraft to Iraq. The Iranian spokeswoman, Marzieh Afkham, said “The news has been denied by the Iraqi authorities, and we have nothing to add about these unfounded allegations but to deny them."
27th June: Maliki has ordered military aircraft from the Russians which he expects will be delivered in two to three days. It remains a mystery who will fly these planes, Iraqis, Syrians, Russians, Iranians, US Advisors. Regarding the purchase of US aircraft Maliki stated "I'll be frank and say that we were deluded when we signed the contract [with the US]”.
27th June: Sistani has asked in his Friday sermon that key government ministries be decided before parliamentarians meet on Tuesday. His statement reads “What is required of the political blocs is to agree on the three presidencies within the remaining days to this date.”
27th June: The government of Baghdad is citing a human rights group that is claiming human right violations and genocide in the Shia village of Bashir. Daash fighters (a coalition of Sunni Tribes, Ba’athist, and disenfranchised Sunnis along with foreign fighters if people wish to call them) entered the village on the outskirts of Kirkuk on the 12th and 13th of June. There they are reported to have recorded the raping of women, crucifying those they killed, and beheading children.
27th June: Kerry clarifies that the US did not ask for an emergency government. Maliki had earlier dismissed any national emergency unity government. Iyad Allawi had made the call earlier for an emergency government.
27th June: Militia members from local provinces have arrived at a crossing in Nukhaib west of Karbala to hold it against Daash infiltration of the south of Iraq. They fear Daash getting through from Anbar province.
Further reading:
Baghdad’s Fifth Column:
This is an interesting article by the Guardian, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/20/baghdad-sunni-fighters-we-are-ready-for-zero-hour
It talks about Sunni young men in Baghdad waiting for Daash’s advance on the capital to begin. They claim to have sleeper cells waiting to join the insurgency.
I wanted to cover these topics today, but will write about them tomorrow as a short analysis
Forget what to call ISIS or ISIL, Who to call Daash?
Are the Sunnis tougher than the Shia?
Iraqi Towns, their size and taking/holding them
26th June: Main backers of the Sunni insurgency meet with their Godfather in Paris: http://jordantimes.com/jordan-takes-part-in-four-way-meeting-on-iraq-syria-in-paris
27th June: The Iraqi government releases a video showing Baiji refinery in government hands. Army spokesperson Qassim Atta: “ISIL militants who tried to approach the Baiji refinery were crushed. We assure that the refinery has become a graveyard for ISIL coward terrorists.”
27th June: The Iraqi government is trying to wrest control of Tikrit. Airborne commando raids were carried out on Tikrit University on Thursday. Low flying helicopters carrying elite forces landed in a stadium opposite the university. One was reportedly shot down by insurgents.
27th June: Sunni residents of Tikrit claim that there are no militants in Tikrit. Daash had taken Tikrit on the 11th and 12th of June and executed 190 Shia army recruits. Daash militants are reported to have fled towards Kirkuk in anticipation of government strikes.
27th June: The government claims to have gained control of Alam district in Western district (I’m not familiar with Tikrit but the only Alam district seems to be east of the city on the other side of the river)
27th June: The government forces have gained control of the main highway from Tikrit to Samarra. Spiker military base is also now in government hands.
27th June: Daash claims responsibility for the suicide bombing that took place in Beirut yesterday.
27th June: Iran denies repatriating 130 fighter aircraft to Iraq. The Iranian spokeswoman, Marzieh Afkham, said “The news has been denied by the Iraqi authorities, and we have nothing to add about these unfounded allegations but to deny them."
27th June: Maliki has ordered military aircraft from the Russians which he expects will be delivered in two to three days. It remains a mystery who will fly these planes, Iraqis, Syrians, Russians, Iranians, US Advisors. Regarding the purchase of US aircraft Maliki stated "I'll be frank and say that we were deluded when we signed the contract [with the US]”.
27th June: Sistani has asked in his Friday sermon that key government ministries be decided before parliamentarians meet on Tuesday. His statement reads “What is required of the political blocs is to agree on the three presidencies within the remaining days to this date.”
27th June: The government of Baghdad is citing a human rights group that is claiming human right violations and genocide in the Shia village of Bashir. Daash fighters (a coalition of Sunni Tribes, Ba’athist, and disenfranchised Sunnis along with foreign fighters if people wish to call them) entered the village on the outskirts of Kirkuk on the 12th and 13th of June. There they are reported to have recorded the raping of women, crucifying those they killed, and beheading children.
27th June: Kerry clarifies that the US did not ask for an emergency government. Maliki had earlier dismissed any national emergency unity government. Iyad Allawi had made the call earlier for an emergency government.
27th June: Militia members from local provinces have arrived at a crossing in Nukhaib west of Karbala to hold it against Daash infiltration of the south of Iraq. They fear Daash getting through from Anbar province.
Further reading:
Baghdad’s Fifth Column:
This is an interesting article by the Guardian, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/20/baghdad-sunni-fighters-we-are-ready-for-zero-hour
It talks about Sunni young men in Baghdad waiting for Daash’s advance on the capital to begin. They claim to have sleeper cells waiting to join the insurgency.
I wanted to cover these topics today, but will write about them tomorrow as a short analysis
Forget what to call ISIS or ISIL, Who to call Daash?
Are the Sunnis tougher than the Shia?
Iraqi Towns, their size and taking/holding them
Friday, June 27, 2014
Open Thread June 27th
I will be gone for the full day, so I leave you with an open thread (and *please* spare me the Nazi apologetics at least for today!) and this "wonderful" photo. Kind regards,
The Saker
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The Saker
-------
 |
| EU signs association with a Nazi regime. Bravo! |
A telling illustration about the real nature of the US-EU relationship
Dear friends,
Very little is really know about the inner workings of the US-EU relationship and the corporate media only serves us the official and completely meaningless propaganda line. During the war in Korea, General MacArthur's insane threats to use nuclear weapons did trigger something of an European revolt (unlike the US, Europe was well within reach of Soviet bombers, including those with nuclear weapons). Could the absolute insanity of what is taking place in the Ukraine also trigger a European awakening? Could the European elites ever find it in themselves to stand up to the almighty Uncle Sam?
Check out the short article below which, I think, is an amazing illustration of the real nature of the US-EU relationship.
This article was translated from French into English by the same wonderful people who are the editors of vineyardsaker.fr, the French-language "mirror+" ("plus" because it has more than just translations of what is posted here). To them, yet again, I owe a big "merci les amis!".
Kind regards,
The Saker
-------
The following information refers to the way in which the TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) is being negotiated between Brussels and Washington. We use the term “Brussels” because indeed, it is being negotiated between the European Commission and the United States, not between the member states and the United States. The latter is currently imposing a non-disclosure of the proposition negotiations to the member states, under the pretense that the federal government of the United States does not disclose the European propositions to the individual governments of its federated states.
The only way by which the European Commission has shared these propositions with its member states has been inacceptable: through “documents reserve rooms” where individuals can consult the American files, on the payment of a fee and within a strict set of regulations: no copying, photography, or writing instruments are allowed in the room. Only two individuals are allowed in the reserve room at once, and for a limited time.
Under these conditions, the administrative services of the member states will not have the capacity to analyze the American proposition: despite a maximum capacity to “screen” the information made available, one administration at a time, too many of the weak links will remain overlooked: no one is immune from missing the important lines, placed where they are least expected it or purposefully hidden, which may produce serious risks for either our exportation practices, or in terms of importation.
Up to now it was assumed that, even if individual citizens could not participate in the negotiation processes, the interests of each member state would be defended through the analytical work of each ministry on their particular register of issues. The rigidity of the US on the question of confidentiality leaves all decision taking to the European Commission; when one looks upon the results on display in Canada, it’s very concerning.
Besides, the operative argument shows that the United States have not understood the structure of the European Union: how can we negotiate under such conditions, when they are projecting their institutional reality upon us?
We need to alert the general public about these procedures of negotiations, which are much more serious than the non-communication of the mandate (which was negotiated by the member states after an analysis by the services of each state).
Europeans have no idea to what extent they are being colonized, in the strict sense of the word, by the United States. This information should be disseminated as broadly as possible, as it is eye-opening. Even if it is probably already too late...
Jean-Paul Baquiast
www.europesolidaire.eu
Very little is really know about the inner workings of the US-EU relationship and the corporate media only serves us the official and completely meaningless propaganda line. During the war in Korea, General MacArthur's insane threats to use nuclear weapons did trigger something of an European revolt (unlike the US, Europe was well within reach of Soviet bombers, including those with nuclear weapons). Could the absolute insanity of what is taking place in the Ukraine also trigger a European awakening? Could the European elites ever find it in themselves to stand up to the almighty Uncle Sam?
Check out the short article below which, I think, is an amazing illustration of the real nature of the US-EU relationship.
This article was translated from French into English by the same wonderful people who are the editors of vineyardsaker.fr, the French-language "mirror+" ("plus" because it has more than just translations of what is posted here). To them, yet again, I owe a big "merci les amis!".
Kind regards,
The Saker
-------
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: negotiations between Brussels and Washington
The following information refers to the way in which the TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) is being negotiated between Brussels and Washington. We use the term “Brussels” because indeed, it is being negotiated between the European Commission and the United States, not between the member states and the United States. The latter is currently imposing a non-disclosure of the proposition negotiations to the member states, under the pretense that the federal government of the United States does not disclose the European propositions to the individual governments of its federated states.
The only way by which the European Commission has shared these propositions with its member states has been inacceptable: through “documents reserve rooms” where individuals can consult the American files, on the payment of a fee and within a strict set of regulations: no copying, photography, or writing instruments are allowed in the room. Only two individuals are allowed in the reserve room at once, and for a limited time.
Under these conditions, the administrative services of the member states will not have the capacity to analyze the American proposition: despite a maximum capacity to “screen” the information made available, one administration at a time, too many of the weak links will remain overlooked: no one is immune from missing the important lines, placed where they are least expected it or purposefully hidden, which may produce serious risks for either our exportation practices, or in terms of importation.
Up to now it was assumed that, even if individual citizens could not participate in the negotiation processes, the interests of each member state would be defended through the analytical work of each ministry on their particular register of issues. The rigidity of the US on the question of confidentiality leaves all decision taking to the European Commission; when one looks upon the results on display in Canada, it’s very concerning.
Besides, the operative argument shows that the United States have not understood the structure of the European Union: how can we negotiate under such conditions, when they are projecting their institutional reality upon us?
We need to alert the general public about these procedures of negotiations, which are much more serious than the non-communication of the mandate (which was negotiated by the member states after an analysis by the services of each state).
Europeans have no idea to what extent they are being colonized, in the strict sense of the word, by the United States. This information should be disseminated as broadly as possible, as it is eye-opening. Even if it is probably already too late...
Jean-Paul Baquiast
www.europesolidaire.eu
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Got something possibly interesting in my mailbox
Dear friends,
Today I want to share with you the contents of three emails which I got over the past couple of days. My correspondent does not insist that this is a true story, only that it is potentially explosive and very interesting. I would add that considering Sweden's amazingly anti-Russian stance, that could be one possible explanation for it.
I pass you the info "as is" with tons of caveats around it. As we say in Russian: "I am selling it to you at the same price I bought it". Those of you in the media might want to follow up on this story.
Kind regards,
The Saker
-------
The Swedish paper Expressen has uncovered a mysterious Ukrainian gas deal. Unknown owners in taxhavens control a Swedish company that has made a secret deal with Ukraine. The deal, signed on 25 February 2011, will be secret until 2036. The company gets control of 110 wells in 26 gas fields in Ukraine. That means it controls about half the gas in the country, the paper says. The unknown owners use front men in Sweden and Norway. The owners may live in any country, including Ukraine.
I hope people in Ukraine will investigate this matter and start making a lot of noise.
In Russian or Ukrainian:
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/--3/
In Swedish. I can't translate it. Use Google Translate or perhaps Yandex.
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/expressen-avslojar/svenska-bolaget-har-ukrainas-gastillgangar/
Important documents:
http://extra.expressen.se/ukrainadokument.pdf
A conservative paper, svd.se, says Expressens information is not entirely correct. The company does not control that much gas, it says. A company spokesman is quoted. We will see. There is still the matter of the secret deal and the secret owners. The articles are still up on Expressen 20 minutes before midnight in Sweden, long after the Svd article was published. Tomorrow I may have more.
Expressen and Svd [Svenska Dagbladet] are two of the four biggest papers in the country. They have a reputation to defend. Svd does not mention the secret owners. Expressen very seldom translates articles into foreign languages, so the reporters must believe in what they write. Now I know a Ukrainian, not Russian, translation was made.
Expressens articles affected the stock market big time. Trading in the
company was stopped:
http://www.svd.se/naringsliv/branscher/energi-och-ravaror/misen-rusade-pa-borsen-efter-felaktiga-uppgifter_3689158.svd
Expressen has not backtracked yet. Now the paper says Dmytro Firtasj and
Semjon Mogilevitj are secret owners of the company. There is also a video on the page and it starts automatically, unfortunately. Somebody speaks Ukrainian or Russian in the end:
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/expressen-avslojar/ryska-maffian-bakom-det-svenska-gaskopet/
In Ukrainian:
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/expressen-avslojar/--/
More information:
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/oljebolaget-misen-handelsstoppades/
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/forre-finansiaren-om-misen-inte-forvanad/
A pressrelease from the company is expected soon.
The information, if true, is sensational. Secret owners and secret deals. However, I wonder how information like this comes to the surface. Is one oligarch fighting another? Is this about the US going after Firtasj?
Today I want to share with you the contents of three emails which I got over the past couple of days. My correspondent does not insist that this is a true story, only that it is potentially explosive and very interesting. I would add that considering Sweden's amazingly anti-Russian stance, that could be one possible explanation for it.
I pass you the info "as is" with tons of caveats around it. As we say in Russian: "I am selling it to you at the same price I bought it". Those of you in the media might want to follow up on this story.
Kind regards,
The Saker
-------
The Swedish paper Expressen has uncovered a mysterious Ukrainian gas deal. Unknown owners in taxhavens control a Swedish company that has made a secret deal with Ukraine. The deal, signed on 25 February 2011, will be secret until 2036. The company gets control of 110 wells in 26 gas fields in Ukraine. That means it controls about half the gas in the country, the paper says. The unknown owners use front men in Sweden and Norway. The owners may live in any country, including Ukraine.
I hope people in Ukraine will investigate this matter and start making a lot of noise.
In Russian or Ukrainian:
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/--3/
In Swedish. I can't translate it. Use Google Translate or perhaps Yandex.
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/expressen-avslojar/svenska-bolaget-har-ukrainas-gastillgangar/
Important documents:
http://extra.expressen.se/ukrainadokument.pdf
A conservative paper, svd.se, says Expressens information is not entirely correct. The company does not control that much gas, it says. A company spokesman is quoted. We will see. There is still the matter of the secret deal and the secret owners. The articles are still up on Expressen 20 minutes before midnight in Sweden, long after the Svd article was published. Tomorrow I may have more.
Expressen and Svd [Svenska Dagbladet] are two of the four biggest papers in the country. They have a reputation to defend. Svd does not mention the secret owners. Expressen very seldom translates articles into foreign languages, so the reporters must believe in what they write. Now I know a Ukrainian, not Russian, translation was made.
Expressens articles affected the stock market big time. Trading in the
company was stopped:
http://www.svd.se/naringsliv/branscher/energi-och-ravaror/misen-rusade-pa-borsen-efter-felaktiga-uppgifter_3689158.svd
Expressen has not backtracked yet. Now the paper says Dmytro Firtasj and
Semjon Mogilevitj are secret owners of the company. There is also a video on the page and it starts automatically, unfortunately. Somebody speaks Ukrainian or Russian in the end:
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/expressen-avslojar/ryska-maffian-bakom-det-svenska-gaskopet/
In Ukrainian:
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/expressen-avslojar/--/
More information:
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/oljebolaget-misen-handelsstoppades/
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/forre-finansiaren-om-misen-inte-forvanad/
A pressrelease from the company is expected soon.
The information, if true, is sensational. Secret owners and secret deals. However, I wonder how information like this comes to the surface. Is one oligarch fighting another? Is this about the US going after Firtasj?
June 26th IRAQ SITREP by Mindfriedo
22nd June: Umaya Naji Jbara, the advisor to the governor of Tikrit was killed by a Daash sniper. She was holding a RPG at the time of death and had killed three fighters of Daash before she was martyred.
25th June: The airstrikes carried out on rebel positions around the town of Qaim were by the Syrian air force. Nouri al Maliki in an interview to the BBC stated that even though the air strikes were not requested by his government, but they were welcome. The Iraqi had first claimed that US drones had carried out the strikes, which the latter had denied.
25th June: The Iranian foreign Ministry has denied that General Qassem Soleimani is in Iraq. The Iranians insist that Iraq has not asked for assistance, when it does, they will consider the request.
25th June: Daash, or if people prefer to call them a coalition of Sunni Muslim Iraqi tribes, have burnt 11 churches, and destroyed/desecrated the grave of Prophet Yunus(Jonah[as]) and the grave of prophet Shayth (Seth[as]) in Mosul. There is a twitter photograph of a Daash fighter taking a sledge hammer to the grave of Prophet Yunus (as). http://mawtani.al-shorfa.com/en_GB/articles/iii/features/2014/06/25/feature-02, http://en.shiapost.com/2014/06/26/isis-terrorists-destroyed-the-grave-of-prophet-younus/
26th June: Kerry has warned other nations from meddling. (Pot calling the Kettle black)
26thJune: Iran is reportedly shelling the positions of an Iranian Kurdish opposition group, PJAK, inside Iraq.
26th June: A fresh offensive by Daash against Christian villages in the north has seen villagers fleeing to Kurdish areas for refuge.
26th June: Shia refuges from the village of Tuz Khurmato and Bashir outside of Kirkuk who had fled to Kurdish areas for protection are describing a massacre by Daash. The Kirkuk deputy police chief, Gen. Turhan Abdel-Rahman, has confirmation of 40 bodies shot at point blank range from three villages. More bodies remain in Bashir. Peshmerga snipers cover the village to check the advance of Daash. Those killed were Turkoman Shias.
A Shia man has narrated how his father, a septuagenarian, was gunned down by Daash. He now says, with tears in his eyes, that he will kill the militants with his bare hands.
26th June: The weapons that Iran is airlifting to Baghdad include rockets, heavy machine guns and multiple rocket launchers.
26th June: The former Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq and Kurdish politician, Barham Salih, “We need to empower the moderate Sunnis to take on Isis”.
26th June: Moqtada Al Sadr from Najaf “We will shake the ground under the feet of ignorance and extremism.” Sadr had been critical of Maliki seeking a third term. He has asked for the formation of a unity government that includes Sunnis. Sadr has been critical of allowing American “advisors” back into Iraq.
26th June: The Iraqis are reorganizing the armed forces.
26th June: John Kerry is expected to visit Saudi Arabia.
26th June: William Hague, the British Foreign Secretary, is in Baghdad for talks. He will be travelling to Iraqi Kurdistan to meet Kurdish leaders too.
26th June: Iyad Allawi, Former Prime Minister of Iraq and head of the United Coalition that is also a part of the ruling United Alliance, has been meeting, Kurdish, Arab Sunni, and Iraqi leaders to find a solution for Iraq’s future.
26th June: A Saudi suicide bomber blew himself up in a hotel in Beirut when Security Services were raiding it. They were acting on intelligence and were trying to apprehend a terrorist cell.
26th June: Members of the National Alliance, which includes Maliki’s coalition, have met in Baghdad to discuss future government formation. Maliki is insisting on being made Prime Minister for a third term.
26th June: The government has repelled another assault on Samarra. Six Daash militants were killed and weapons including a sniper rifle seized.
26th June: Daash just got richer. Daash militants have robbed a Government bank in Central Baghdad of 6 billion Iraqi Dinars equivalent to 6 million USD. For a militia with sublime aims, they sure know how to rob banks.
26th June: Violence reported from different parts of Iraq:
The government security forces are claiming to have killed a Daash commander north of Tikrit with the aid of air support.
Qassim Atta (spokesperson of the Iraqi Army) has announced the killing of 22 Daash fighters and the destruction of 8 vehicles by the Security Services in Anbar province.
A car bomb explodes in Kirkuk. Kurdish security personnel and local police tried to clear the crowd in anticipation of a follow up attack. A man being beaten by the locals is arrested and taken away.
Mortar attacks on the Shia suburb of Mahmoudiya in Baghdad have resulted in 58 fatalities.
A shop selling alcohol is attacked in Eastern Baghdad by unidentified gunmen. Five people are reported dead.
Tribal fighters have killed 7 Daash fighters north of Baqouba, Diyala.
Iraqi army helicopters bomb Saddam’s palace in Tikrit.
Further reading:
These are two articles by Bhadrakumar, in the first one he talks about Iran snubbing the Americans on cooperation in Iraq, and in the other, he talks of possible cooperation.
http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2014/06/17/iran-wont-bite-american-bullet-in-iraq/
http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2014/06/25/no-more-iranian-barbs-against-us-over-iraq/
Somebody had posted the first link when I had mentioned possible cooperation in an earlier SITREP. Nothing seems constant in Iraq’s shifting sands.
An old article by Seymour Hersh that touches on US and Israeli support of anti Iranian Kurdish groups:
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/11/27/061127fa_fact
An anti Daash page
http://www.veooz.com/media/wHHgqhE/gallery
A Short Analysis:
If I were an Iraqi Shia: I would want to have Sunnis on board, Kurds on Board, but since the majority is Shia, Shias on top. I would want federalism as opposed to autonomy. Seeing that my shrines are in danger, I would arm against Daash.
If I were an Iraqi Sunni: I would want what the Kurds have, autonomy from any Shia government, share in the pie. A nationalist government at the centre. Seeing that none of this is possible, I would not fight against Daash.
If I were a Kurdish Iraqi: Autonomy to continue if not independence. The government in the centre to fight with Daash, it is a mess they created. A greater Kurdish region or at least borders where my people can move freely. I would be forced to arm myself against Daash.
If I were an Iraqi Christian: There is no region I can go to. An urban people spread out with Daash as crazy and the rest uninterested. Might as well leave for my children’s sake.
Now these are the only people who should actually matter. But the pressure from without will make Iraq look like the Lebanese civil war on a country scale. The Iraqi army is being reorganized. What this probably means that it is becoming a Shia army. The Shia leadership won’t trust Sunni officers after Mosul. Maybe what they can aim for is for Sunni cities to have a Sunni police force even if the army goes all Shia.
The cooperation between the United States and Iraq/Iran is bound to fail. The Iranians will gain, the US will realize later, but still play the game.
25th June: The airstrikes carried out on rebel positions around the town of Qaim were by the Syrian air force. Nouri al Maliki in an interview to the BBC stated that even though the air strikes were not requested by his government, but they were welcome. The Iraqi had first claimed that US drones had carried out the strikes, which the latter had denied.
25th June: The Iranian foreign Ministry has denied that General Qassem Soleimani is in Iraq. The Iranians insist that Iraq has not asked for assistance, when it does, they will consider the request.
25th June: Daash, or if people prefer to call them a coalition of Sunni Muslim Iraqi tribes, have burnt 11 churches, and destroyed/desecrated the grave of Prophet Yunus(Jonah[as]) and the grave of prophet Shayth (Seth[as]) in Mosul. There is a twitter photograph of a Daash fighter taking a sledge hammer to the grave of Prophet Yunus (as). http://mawtani.al-shorfa.com/en_GB/articles/iii/features/2014/06/25/feature-02, http://en.shiapost.com/2014/06/26/isis-terrorists-destroyed-the-grave-of-prophet-younus/
26th June: Kerry has warned other nations from meddling. (Pot calling the Kettle black)
26thJune: Iran is reportedly shelling the positions of an Iranian Kurdish opposition group, PJAK, inside Iraq.
26th June: A fresh offensive by Daash against Christian villages in the north has seen villagers fleeing to Kurdish areas for refuge.
26th June: Shia refuges from the village of Tuz Khurmato and Bashir outside of Kirkuk who had fled to Kurdish areas for protection are describing a massacre by Daash. The Kirkuk deputy police chief, Gen. Turhan Abdel-Rahman, has confirmation of 40 bodies shot at point blank range from three villages. More bodies remain in Bashir. Peshmerga snipers cover the village to check the advance of Daash. Those killed were Turkoman Shias.
A Shia man has narrated how his father, a septuagenarian, was gunned down by Daash. He now says, with tears in his eyes, that he will kill the militants with his bare hands.
26th June: The weapons that Iran is airlifting to Baghdad include rockets, heavy machine guns and multiple rocket launchers.
26th June: The former Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq and Kurdish politician, Barham Salih, “We need to empower the moderate Sunnis to take on Isis”.
26th June: Moqtada Al Sadr from Najaf “We will shake the ground under the feet of ignorance and extremism.” Sadr had been critical of Maliki seeking a third term. He has asked for the formation of a unity government that includes Sunnis. Sadr has been critical of allowing American “advisors” back into Iraq.
26th June: The Iraqis are reorganizing the armed forces.
26th June: John Kerry is expected to visit Saudi Arabia.
26th June: William Hague, the British Foreign Secretary, is in Baghdad for talks. He will be travelling to Iraqi Kurdistan to meet Kurdish leaders too.
26th June: Iyad Allawi, Former Prime Minister of Iraq and head of the United Coalition that is also a part of the ruling United Alliance, has been meeting, Kurdish, Arab Sunni, and Iraqi leaders to find a solution for Iraq’s future.
26th June: A Saudi suicide bomber blew himself up in a hotel in Beirut when Security Services were raiding it. They were acting on intelligence and were trying to apprehend a terrorist cell.
26th June: Members of the National Alliance, which includes Maliki’s coalition, have met in Baghdad to discuss future government formation. Maliki is insisting on being made Prime Minister for a third term.
26th June: The government has repelled another assault on Samarra. Six Daash militants were killed and weapons including a sniper rifle seized.
26th June: Daash just got richer. Daash militants have robbed a Government bank in Central Baghdad of 6 billion Iraqi Dinars equivalent to 6 million USD. For a militia with sublime aims, they sure know how to rob banks.
26th June: Violence reported from different parts of Iraq:
The government security forces are claiming to have killed a Daash commander north of Tikrit with the aid of air support.
Qassim Atta (spokesperson of the Iraqi Army) has announced the killing of 22 Daash fighters and the destruction of 8 vehicles by the Security Services in Anbar province.
A car bomb explodes in Kirkuk. Kurdish security personnel and local police tried to clear the crowd in anticipation of a follow up attack. A man being beaten by the locals is arrested and taken away.
Mortar attacks on the Shia suburb of Mahmoudiya in Baghdad have resulted in 58 fatalities.
A shop selling alcohol is attacked in Eastern Baghdad by unidentified gunmen. Five people are reported dead.
Tribal fighters have killed 7 Daash fighters north of Baqouba, Diyala.
Iraqi army helicopters bomb Saddam’s palace in Tikrit.
Further reading:
These are two articles by Bhadrakumar, in the first one he talks about Iran snubbing the Americans on cooperation in Iraq, and in the other, he talks of possible cooperation.
http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2014/06/17/iran-wont-bite-american-bullet-in-iraq/
http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2014/06/25/no-more-iranian-barbs-against-us-over-iraq/
Somebody had posted the first link when I had mentioned possible cooperation in an earlier SITREP. Nothing seems constant in Iraq’s shifting sands.
An old article by Seymour Hersh that touches on US and Israeli support of anti Iranian Kurdish groups:
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/11/27/061127fa_fact
An anti Daash page
http://www.veooz.com/media/wHHgqhE/gallery
A Short Analysis:
If I were an Iraqi Shia: I would want to have Sunnis on board, Kurds on Board, but since the majority is Shia, Shias on top. I would want federalism as opposed to autonomy. Seeing that my shrines are in danger, I would arm against Daash.
If I were an Iraqi Sunni: I would want what the Kurds have, autonomy from any Shia government, share in the pie. A nationalist government at the centre. Seeing that none of this is possible, I would not fight against Daash.
If I were a Kurdish Iraqi: Autonomy to continue if not independence. The government in the centre to fight with Daash, it is a mess they created. A greater Kurdish region or at least borders where my people can move freely. I would be forced to arm myself against Daash.
If I were an Iraqi Christian: There is no region I can go to. An urban people spread out with Daash as crazy and the rest uninterested. Might as well leave for my children’s sake.
Now these are the only people who should actually matter. But the pressure from without will make Iraq look like the Lebanese civil war on a country scale. The Iraqi army is being reorganized. What this probably means that it is becoming a Shia army. The Shia leadership won’t trust Sunni officers after Mosul. Maybe what they can aim for is for Sunni cities to have a Sunni police force even if the army goes all Shia.
The cooperation between the United States and Iraq/Iran is bound to fail. The Iranians will gain, the US will realize later, but still play the game.
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