About your point regarding CENTCOM lying about troop numbers. In 2018 while I was a public affairs NCO for First Army I made a video with a sound byte from one of our guys casually mentioning Syria in the list of operations we were supporting. The video was approved and I uploaded it. Not even 20 minutes later my boss got a call from CENTCOM demanding the video be taken down and the reference to Syria removed. We were all baffled, as Army/military presence in Syria wasn't a secret.
Only years later did I piece together why this happened. Trump ordered a significant drawdown of troops, the DOD lied to his face and INCREASED the troop presence. So there was an unwritten, unannounced public affairs policy of just pretending we weren't doing anything in Syria.
To be clear, this was an institution-wide conspiracy to disobey a direct order from the president, and could possibly be construed as treason.
Wow the difference between 900 and 2000 is hardly the basis for conspiracy deep state arguments. Assuming you are not just billeting 900 troops for dress up time the number seems essentially equivalent. You could easily explain it as permanent combat ready troops on station vs in and out support troops tossed in as well., or the need to adjust to say drone or missile threats and such. or forces needed to insure a bug out in safety if the need arouse. An order of magnitude might be a lie - 9000 or say a rounded 10,000. I would imagine you can toss contractors and special CIA types (a few 100s as well but also often just passing through as it were) and still not I think be lying.
Btw, I didn't understand the bit about changing the name of the mosque from Khameini to Ayeesha (RA). AFAIK, naming a Shia mosque after Ayeesha (RA) would certainly create outrage.
I have long thought that playing ‘Baby Shark’ at very high volume on the battlefield with very directional speakers might be a suitable weapon. Personally I would prefer cranking up Falco’s der Kommissar for the same noble purpose🙈🐺
Thanks Tom for the update, really wish for the Syrians to res establish a pluralism based government, the HTS/others should have realized that the Syrian Civil war since 2011 has not been good due to factionalism/tribalism/special interests and other actors playing the Syrian game. No words or details on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission or the setting up of such body which should try/indict the precise/specific people like the Assad clan which killed and murdered Syrians?
There is a growing number of demands from activists (at least in the social media) - not only for pursuit of Assadists, but also their prosecution. Indeed, many are warning 'there will be no peace' as long as those responsible for the mass-murder of Syrians have all been brought to justice.
Knowing what have the same activists managed to do to the HTS in western Idlib, and the scope of Assadist bestialities... well, I guess, the SSG (or, rather: STG... i.e. the 'Syrian Transitional Government') will be better advised to follow such demands, 'instead' of 'making peace with everybody'.
Encouraging is that there are lots of very positive reactions - particularly from the coastal areas - to the behaviour of CMO troops and its police. A number of Assadist generals have been arrested too, the last few days. But, in other cases, armed Assadist gangs are ambushing CMO troops. For example, some 5-6 days ago, they killed 3 and wounded 10-15 others...
Me thinks, this is all 'normal' considering the circumstances, and is not going to change very much unless the economy really ramps up. That's, presently, my biggest worry, too: if people have nothing better to do, they are more likely to 'return to arms'. Seemingly, the STG is understanding this and already taking necessary steps, though.
...if anybody knows how to 'de-extremise' - then the Syrians: they've definitely had enough.
Your comment on justice is important I think. The new government needs to try to bring Assadist to the courtrooms. Some way or another. When hundreds of thousands have been murdered there should be some justice.
Yup. That's the Middle East. We have no reason to trust anybody there, anything at all.
Whereas we have so many reasons to trust all our governments (and the oligarchy bribing them to administer in their interests) the predecessors of which have created that mess nowadays known the Middle East, and then also screwed up our own societies - for little else but personal greed.
Well Tom ,you now about a country can regret a Lot, for recive in the past many middle east refugies, now is controled in part for them, and ruined, with millions of refugies from this proper peoplo
Also, Suni, Shia, these Christian or those Christian and other blabla faith leaders, they often find common language cause they all dream how everybody is religions. But secular Syrians feels they are left behind https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/hundreds-protest-for-democracy-womens-rights-in-syria-7289801 And I've heard such criticism from Syrian refugees in Europe, too.
The entire story to end in two sentences, the second of which is concluding with, 'and then they all lived happily together ever after'...?
This is none of fairy tales by the Brother Grim, but simple reality. And in this regards, Syria is not different to any other country (or if, then right now there are still Türkish, US, and Israeli troops on its soil, there are dozens of armed Assadist and criminal gangs roaming around, and something like a third of country is under the control of two different terrorist organisations). Correspondingly, expect a lots of wrangling for power and influence. And, 'at least occasionally', additional armed clashes.
The good thing about Syria now being closer with Turkey is that Turkey is big in construction. Hopefully they can sign some contracts for rebuilding ruined urban areas.
I for one am glad that your coverage of Syria will continue even sporadically although I am saddened that it will likely be due to the remorselessly contestable behaviour exhibited by many of the parties involved.
" The United States has removed the long-standing $10 million bounty on the de-facto leader of Syria following a high-level US delegation meeting with the former jihadist Friday.
Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, one of three US officials who sat down with Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus, described the “policy decision” as one aligned with the need to work on “critical issues” such as combating terrorism.
Al-Sharaa “committed to this,” Leaf said, “and so based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer that has been in effect for some years.” Al-Sharaa is the leader of the US-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)."
Thank you so much for this series. I understand why you stop there, let’s really hope there is no need for more comments on «Syrian War». It’s not like we lack wars. Still, the necessary sarcasm in place, this was a rather optimistic ending. All said. There is hope here, of course lots of things can go wrong. I honestly think the Western powers will lift the terrorist ban and accept the new government at least because it will enable them to send home Syrian refugees. Oh well. But even though the series has ended I hope you can bring some news once in a while.
Spot on Tom. This is the facts the West wants hidden!
THX!
About your point regarding CENTCOM lying about troop numbers. In 2018 while I was a public affairs NCO for First Army I made a video with a sound byte from one of our guys casually mentioning Syria in the list of operations we were supporting. The video was approved and I uploaded it. Not even 20 minutes later my boss got a call from CENTCOM demanding the video be taken down and the reference to Syria removed. We were all baffled, as Army/military presence in Syria wasn't a secret.
Only years later did I piece together why this happened. Trump ordered a significant drawdown of troops, the DOD lied to his face and INCREASED the troop presence. So there was an unwritten, unannounced public affairs policy of just pretending we weren't doing anything in Syria.
To be clear, this was an institution-wide conspiracy to disobey a direct order from the president, and could possibly be construed as treason.
Oh, come on: it's no treason when the CENTCOM is running the US foreign policy for the Middle East... at least not - if not publicly known. 🤫
That's what people mean by the deep state🤔😂
Well...anyway...Thank you for your service.
-Signed a Vet who has experienced nonsense like this to.
Wow the difference between 900 and 2000 is hardly the basis for conspiracy deep state arguments. Assuming you are not just billeting 900 troops for dress up time the number seems essentially equivalent. You could easily explain it as permanent combat ready troops on station vs in and out support troops tossed in as well., or the need to adjust to say drone or missile threats and such. or forces needed to insure a bug out in safety if the need arouse. An order of magnitude might be a lie - 9000 or say a rounded 10,000. I would imagine you can toss contractors and special CIA types (a few 100s as well but also often just passing through as it were) and still not I think be lying.
"Human rights activists are concerned that executions through forced listening to Christmas songs by Wham and Mariah Carey are to follow as next…"
You joke but yeah 😅 .
Another excellent update, thank you 👍.
I was also going to comment about it. His sense of humor is great.
Btw, I didn't understand the bit about changing the name of the mosque from Khameini to Ayeesha (RA). AFAIK, naming a Shia mosque after Ayeesha (RA) would certainly create outrage.
Comical? Sure! ... but also a serious problem. **LOL**
https://www.reddit.com/r/fakehistoryporn/comments/ylb8wq/schoolchildren_listening_to_mariah_careys_all_i/?rdt=38359
Accurate 🤣
I have long thought that playing ‘Baby Shark’ at very high volume on the battlefield with very directional speakers might be a suitable weapon. Personally I would prefer cranking up Falco’s der Kommissar for the same noble purpose🙈🐺
You monster 😂
So, Turkiye is now cooperating with CMO?
Cooperating or being controlled by ?
Why do you think Jawlani was chauffeuring Ibrahim Kalin around Damascus ?
According to Tom, CMO is not like SNA that is controlled by Turkey.
They've got no serious alternatives: Syria needs any friends it can get. So, although Türkiye is no true friend, it's better than nothing.
What are UAE's interests in Syria?
The same like anywhere else (and very similar to Putin's): prevention of any kind of pluralism.
Thank you
Thanks Tom for the update, really wish for the Syrians to res establish a pluralism based government, the HTS/others should have realized that the Syrian Civil war since 2011 has not been good due to factionalism/tribalism/special interests and other actors playing the Syrian game. No words or details on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission or the setting up of such body which should try/indict the precise/specific people like the Assad clan which killed and murdered Syrians?
There is a growing number of demands from activists (at least in the social media) - not only for pursuit of Assadists, but also their prosecution. Indeed, many are warning 'there will be no peace' as long as those responsible for the mass-murder of Syrians have all been brought to justice.
Knowing what have the same activists managed to do to the HTS in western Idlib, and the scope of Assadist bestialities... well, I guess, the SSG (or, rather: STG... i.e. the 'Syrian Transitional Government') will be better advised to follow such demands, 'instead' of 'making peace with everybody'.
Encouraging is that there are lots of very positive reactions - particularly from the coastal areas - to the behaviour of CMO troops and its police. A number of Assadist generals have been arrested too, the last few days. But, in other cases, armed Assadist gangs are ambushing CMO troops. For example, some 5-6 days ago, they killed 3 and wounded 10-15 others...
Me thinks, this is all 'normal' considering the circumstances, and is not going to change very much unless the economy really ramps up. That's, presently, my biggest worry, too: if people have nothing better to do, they are more likely to 'return to arms'. Seemingly, the STG is understanding this and already taking necessary steps, though.
...if anybody knows how to 'de-extremise' - then the Syrians: they've definitely had enough.
Yes, prosperity must follow peace. This is time for the West to step up, no doubt in order to do so, they must make money in the process.
Yes, the west likes to make money. But if the sanctions are lifted it might be possible for both Syrians and westerners making money in Syria.
Your comment on justice is important I think. The new government needs to try to bring Assadist to the courtrooms. Some way or another. When hundreds of thousands have been murdered there should be some justice.
I admire your optimism and sincerely hope that it's justified, Tom. But I am extremely doubtful: it's the Middle East.
Yup. That's the Middle East. We have no reason to trust anybody there, anything at all.
Whereas we have so many reasons to trust all our governments (and the oligarchy bribing them to administer in their interests) the predecessors of which have created that mess nowadays known the Middle East, and then also screwed up our own societies - for little else but personal greed.
Think, the options are plain obvious..
Well Tom ,you now about a country can regret a Lot, for recive in the past many middle east refugies, now is controled in part for them, and ruined, with millions of refugies from this proper peoplo
The problem is, if new government would be able to suppress extremists, e.g. attack on Greek Orthodox church in Hama https://www.newarab.com/news/syria-police-investigate-attack-greek-orthodox-church-hama
Also, Suni, Shia, these Christian or those Christian and other blabla faith leaders, they often find common language cause they all dream how everybody is religions. But secular Syrians feels they are left behind https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/hundreds-protest-for-democracy-womens-rights-in-syria-7289801 And I've heard such criticism from Syrian refugees in Europe, too.
What else do you expect?
The entire story to end in two sentences, the second of which is concluding with, 'and then they all lived happily together ever after'...?
This is none of fairy tales by the Brother Grim, but simple reality. And in this regards, Syria is not different to any other country (or if, then right now there are still Türkish, US, and Israeli troops on its soil, there are dozens of armed Assadist and criminal gangs roaming around, and something like a third of country is under the control of two different terrorist organisations). Correspondingly, expect a lots of wrangling for power and influence. And, 'at least occasionally', additional armed clashes.
The good thing about Syria now being closer with Turkey is that Turkey is big in construction. Hopefully they can sign some contracts for rebuilding ruined urban areas.
Really? I have my doubts not only because of the eartquakeand February 2023 in Turkey and it's consequences.
Oh, right. Didn't think about the earthquake. Well we will see I suppose.
I for one am glad that your coverage of Syria will continue even sporadically although I am saddened that it will likely be due to the remorselessly contestable behaviour exhibited by many of the parties involved.
Thank you.
A sensible US decision
" The United States has removed the long-standing $10 million bounty on the de-facto leader of Syria following a high-level US delegation meeting with the former jihadist Friday.
Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, one of three US officials who sat down with Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus, described the “policy decision” as one aligned with the need to work on “critical issues” such as combating terrorism.
Al-Sharaa “committed to this,” Leaf said, “and so based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer that has been in effect for some years.” Al-Sharaa is the leader of the US-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)."
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241220-us-removes-10m-bounty-on-hts-leader-following-talks-in-damascus/
" has meanwhile rushed to propose a ‘withdrawal of non-Syrian fighters, including PKK affiliates’ from Syria."
Poor guys have to abort their well-deserved vacation.
"and why did he send the Russian troops to Syria at all? But, that’s Pudding and he knows better"
Training for the three day incursion into Ukraine of course.
Thank you so much for this series. I understand why you stop there, let’s really hope there is no need for more comments on «Syrian War». It’s not like we lack wars. Still, the necessary sarcasm in place, this was a rather optimistic ending. All said. There is hope here, of course lots of things can go wrong. I honestly think the Western powers will lift the terrorist ban and accept the new government at least because it will enable them to send home Syrian refugees. Oh well. But even though the series has ended I hope you can bring some news once in a while.