[30 Jan 2014] Syrian troops launch major attacks against insurgents in...
Syrian army units in a major push against insurgents across the country. Troops have carried out large-scale operations in several towns and...
Syrian army units in a major push against insurgents across the country. Troops have carried out large-scale operations in several towns and cities.
The mop-up operations covered vast areas in the Idlib and Aleppo countryside and the cities of Dara\'a, Homs and Dayr al-zawr. The Syrian army says scores of foreign-backed militants including Saudi and Tunisian nationals were killed during the offensives. It also adds that a large number of heavy weapons were seized from militant hideouts. Meanwhile, mortar attacks have left over a dozen civilians injured in residential areas in Damascus. The government has blamed the insurgents for the mortar shells.
0m:37s
6567
[31 Jan 2014] Kerry: Syria could face consequences for failing to remove...
The US administration is stepping up criticism of the Syrian government over the removal of its chemical weapons. Secretary of State John Kerry...
The US administration is stepping up criticism of the Syrian government over the removal of its chemical weapons. Secretary of State John Kerry says all options are still on the table and that Syria could face consequences for failing to get rid of its stockpile of chemical weapons.
Over the past two days, the US administration has repeatedly accused Damascus of deliberately stalling the international disarmament deal to remove its chemical weapons. But Russia has rejected Washington\'s charges that the Syrian government is dragging its feet in the effort to eliminate its chemical weapons stockpile. Moscow says a June 30 deadline to destroy Syria\'s arsenal of toxic agents remains viable, despite delays. The Kremlin says the delays are due to security problems on the road to the port of Latakia and insufficient technical support from the outside world.
4m:46s
6011
[02 Feb 2014] The Debate - What is a moderate terrorist? ( Part 1...
What is a moderate terrorist? Perhaps Washington and its allies can be asked this question as on the one hand the United States says it condemns...
What is a moderate terrorist? Perhaps Washington and its allies can be asked this question as on the one hand the United States says it condemns terrorism while at the same time it sends more support to those in Syria who Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled as organ eaters. This, while new footage has surfaced of members of an insurgent group fighting the government in Damascus, cutting off the head of a supporter of the government, while others clap and film it. If this isn\'t terrorism, then what is? We will take a look at the west\'s support for terrorism in Syria on this The Debate.
11m:2s
6075
[02 Feb 2014] The Debate - What is a moderate terrorist? ( Part 2...
What is a moderate terrorist? Perhaps Washington and its allies can be asked this question as on the one hand the United States says it condemns...
What is a moderate terrorist? Perhaps Washington and its allies can be asked this question as on the one hand the United States says it condemns terrorism while at the same time it sends more support to those in Syria who Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled as organ eaters. This, while new footage has surfaced of members of an insurgent group fighting the government in Damascus, cutting off the head of a supporter of the government, while others clap and film it. If this isn\'t terrorism, then what is? We will take a look at the west\'s support for terrorism in Syria on this The Debate.
11m:35s
6099
[08 Feb 2014] Syrian army makes more advances in the eastern city of...
Reports coming out of Syria say fighting has erupted between Syrian forces and several militant groups in different neighborhoods there. Scores of...
Reports coming out of Syria say fighting has erupted between Syrian forces and several militant groups in different neighborhoods there. Scores of insurgents have reportedly been killed during the clashes. The army has intensified its operations in recent months, managing to clear more areas from militants. Damascus blames them for the bloodshed which has gripped Syria since 20-11. It says they\'re being funded and armed by certain countries, mainly Saudi Arabia.
5m:52s
4818
[08 Feb 2014] US concerned about American militants returning from Syria...
The US Homeland Security Chief is concerned about Americans who have fought in Syria and are now back home.
Jeh Johnson says the issue has...
The US Homeland Security Chief is concerned about Americans who have fought in Syria and are now back home.
Jeh Johnson says the issue has become an issue of homeland security. He added that law enforcement and security forces across the world are focused on foreign nationals Heading to Syria including those from the US, Canada and Europe. Western officials are concerned that their nationals fighting the Syrian government become even more radical after joining other insurgents. US authorities have confirmed that militants from some fifty countries are in Syria fighting the government there. Damascus says some western and regional countries are facilitating insurgent infiltration into the country.
2m:50s
6151
[10 Feb 2014] Syria Deputy FM: Confronting terrorists our 1st priority...
Syria\'s deputy foreign minister says the priority to reach a solution to the crisis there, is to stand against terrorism.
Meqdad made the...
Syria\'s deputy foreign minister says the priority to reach a solution to the crisis there, is to stand against terrorism.
Meqdad made the comments at a news conference in Geneva, ahead of the second round of negotiations with foreign-backed opposition there. He also warned that terrorist attacks could spread to the whole region if not countered. Meqdad also said that Western states must stop funding Takfiri terrorists in his country. Regarding the issue of transition, he said Damascus will discuss this whenever appropriate. The Syrian official stressed that his government is serious in pursuing peace and ending the conflict.
4m:55s
5072
[10 Feb 2014] Palestinian factions in Syria make gains against militants...
Syrian-based Palestinians have gained strategic ground in their fight against foreign-backed militants in the Yarmouk refugee camp near the capital...
Syrian-based Palestinians have gained strategic ground in their fight against foreign-backed militants in the Yarmouk refugee camp near the capital Damascus. Their recent victory has forced the insurgents to accept a ceasefire.
2m:15s
4412
[10 Feb 2014] Syria calls for urgent UN condemnation of massacre of...
Syria has demanded a stern and urgent UN condemnation of the massacre of Alawite villagers committed on Sunday by foreign-backed insurgents.
The...
Syria has demanded a stern and urgent UN condemnation of the massacre of Alawite villagers committed on Sunday by foreign-backed insurgents.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has written a letter to the UN secretary general and the chairman of the Security Council detailing the bloodshed. Officials say more than 50 people --including women and children -- were killed in the attack on the village of Ma\'an in Hama province. Damascus has called for the condemnation of both the militants and their international backers. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has also acknowledged that the massacre happened. The tragedy occurred hours before the launch of the second round of peace talks in Geneva. On Monday, the government delegation began the talks with a draft statement on the massacre. Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi said that the foreign-backed opposition should have condemned the incident out of patriotic and moral duty.
1m:2s
5793
[11 Feb 2014] Iran Islamic Revolution has been commemorated in other...
Iran\'s Islamic Revolution has been commemorated in other countries as well. Ceremonies have been held in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria to mark the...
Iran\'s Islamic Revolution has been commemorated in other countries as well. Ceremonies have been held in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria to mark the event.
The ceremony in Iraq\'s Kurdistan region was attended by Iranian clerics and officials including the head of Iran\'s consul in Arbil. Kurdistan\'s regional officials were also present, including members of the region\'s main party, the Kurdistan Democratic Party. Iran\'s Islamic Revolution was also marked in Afghanistan\'s capital Kabul, and the Syrian capital Damascus. Participants hailed Iran\'s revolution and the progress the country has made during the past years.
1m:16s
7166
[12 Feb 2014] The Debate - Syria Situation (P.1) - English
\"As talks continue in Geneva, we\'ll continue to strengthen the moderate opposition\" that was what President Barak Obama said while...
\"As talks continue in Geneva, we\'ll continue to strengthen the moderate opposition\" that was what President Barak Obama said while hosting France in a lavish ceremony in Washington, a stance that was shared by France as well. Why does the US continue to think that arming the opposition will lead to a positive outcome, never mind what they call the moderate opposition? In this edition of the debate, we\'ll discuss the prospects of the Geneva conference, which the Syrian delegation says the focus should be terrorism, not the transitional governing body, and why the prospects of parallel talks between Russia, US and int. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi also look to lead no-where.
Guests:
- Journalist & Political Commentator, Richard Millet (LONDON).
- Author & Historian, Webster Griffin Tarpley (WASHINGTON).
Subjects:
1. The US is adamant in its arming of the opposition, the moderate one: Does the US even know who the moderate opposition is, why this persistence, again, making this announcement again during Geneva talks?
2. Another repeated announcement, by the US: the threat of foreign fighters 7,000 of them from some 50 countries, including Europe, with some American, tied to al-Qaeda, the al-Nusra Front, who aspire to attack the United States
3. This piece of news did not make it to major for a variety of reasons: that the intel. Western intelligence agencies have visited Damascus for talks on combating terrorist groups: Faisal Mekdad told state TV BBC that there was a schism between Western security officials and politicians who are pressing President Bashar al-Assad to step down; the growing numbers of foreign terrorists from Europe means there are common concerns
4. On the Geneva negotiations: the divided SNC: today we presented our main document which includes the steps and principles in transitional process: 22 points: formation of transitional governing body, made by the 2 parties...and some other points. The Syrian delegation response: comprehensive document detailing the horrendous deaths by the hands of these foreign backed insurgents: Why such resistance against first rooting out terrorism inside Syria/
5. Parallel talks seemed like a good idea: Originally a Russian proposal, floated again, to originally include Turkey Saudi Arabia and IRan, along with the US and Russia: now narrowed to the US and Russia, with int. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi, slated for Friday?
6. Get Iran involved in the peace talks: Increase chances for a solution: Geneva track record obviously proves these talks have failed, except for the evacuation of some civilians trapped in Homs: What\'s the hold-up?
7. Reaction: Syria Media advisor: Botheina Sha\'aban: The West and Israel wanted to change regional balance and power to their own benefit: the outcome of the conflict: a proxy war, with Turkey Qatar and Saudi Arabia as the main supporters of the war under western and US influence: Has this failed, or is that still the goal?
11m:0s
8370
[12 Feb 2014] The Debate - Syria Situation (P.2) - English
\"As talks continue in Geneva, we\'ll continue to strengthen the moderate opposition\" that was what President Barak Obama said while...
\"As talks continue in Geneva, we\'ll continue to strengthen the moderate opposition\" that was what President Barak Obama said while hosting France in a lavish ceremony in Washington, a stance that was shared by France as well. Why does the US continue to think that arming the opposition will lead to a positive outcome, never mind what they call the moderate opposition? In this edition of the debate, we\'ll discuss the prospects of the Geneva conference, which the Syrian delegation says the focus should be terrorism, not the transitional governing body, and why the prospects of parallel talks between Russia, US and int. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi also look to lead no-where.
Guests:
- Journalist & Political Commentator, Richard Millet (LONDON).
- Author & Historian, Webster Griffin Tarpley (WASHINGTON).
Subjects:
1. The US is adamant in its arming of the opposition, the moderate one: Does the US even know who the moderate opposition is, why this persistence, again, making this announcement again during Geneva talks?
2. Another repeated announcement, by the US: the threat of foreign fighters 7,000 of them from some 50 countries, including Europe, with some American, tied to al-Qaeda, the al-Nusra Front, who aspire to attack the United States
3. This piece of news did not make it to major for a variety of reasons: that the intel. Western intelligence agencies have visited Damascus for talks on combating terrorist groups: Faisal Mekdad told state TV BBC that there was a schism between Western security officials and politicians who are pressing President Bashar al-Assad to step down; the growing numbers of foreign terrorists from Europe means there are common concerns
4. On the Geneva negotiations: the divided SNC: today we presented our main document which includes the steps and principles in transitional process: 22 points: formation of transitional governing body, made by the 2 parties...and some other points. The Syrian delegation response: comprehensive document detailing the horrendous deaths by the hands of these foreign backed insurgents: Why such resistance against first rooting out terrorism inside Syria/
5. Parallel talks seemed like a good idea: Originally a Russian proposal, floated again, to originally include Turkey Saudi Arabia and IRan, along with the US and Russia: now narrowed to the US and Russia, with int. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi, slated for Friday?
6. Get Iran involved in the peace talks: Increase chances for a solution: Geneva track record obviously proves these talks have failed, except for the evacuation of some civilians trapped in Homs: What\'s the hold-up?
7. Reaction: Syria Media advisor: Botheina Sha\'aban: The West and Israel wanted to change regional balance and power to their own benefit: the outcome of the conflict: a proxy war, with Turkey Qatar and Saudi Arabia as the main supporters of the war under western and US influence: Has this failed, or is that still the goal?
10m:8s
9068
[16 Feb 2014] US accuses Russia of supporting President Assad to stay in...
The US Secretary of State criticizes Russia for what he calls support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
John Kerry has said that with...
The US Secretary of State criticizes Russia for what he calls support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
John Kerry has said that with support from Moscow, Damascus stonewalled the second round of peace talks in Geneva. He added that such support would let the Syrian president continue destroying his own country. Kerry also blamed the Syrian government for the failure of the Geneva talks-- saying the government delegation refused to open up one moment of discussion during the meetings. Kerry made the remarks hours after Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem accused Washington of trying to create a very negative climate for dialog in Geneva.
0m:41s
5081
[16 Feb 2014] Iran deputy FM: Assad govt. ready to hold vote next summer...
A senior Iranian diplomat says the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is ready to hold elections next summer as planned.
Deputy...
A senior Iranian diplomat says the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is ready to hold elections next summer as planned.
Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian says Damascus is keen on holding the elections through internal and local verification mechanisms. He says the vote will go ahead if all conflicting sides show their will to ensure security. Abdollahian stressed that the polls won\'t be held in calm, unless the borders are controlled and the flow of arms into the country is stopped. The deputy Iranian foreign minister in Arab and African Affairs also urged the foreign countries involved in the Syria war to allow Syrians to decide their destiny through the ballot box.
0m:40s
5350
[21 Feb 2014] Syrian opposition hails Netanyahu for visiting wounded...
A Syrian opposition leader has hailed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for expressing support for insurgents wounded during the conflict...
A Syrian opposition leader has hailed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for expressing support for insurgents wounded during the conflict in Syria.
Muhammad Badie said the Syrian opposition is grateful to Netanyahu for his Thursday\'s visit to a field hospital in the occupied Golan Heights. Israeli doctors are treating Syrians, including anti-government militants, there. The Turkey-based leader added that Netanyahu\'s visit sent an important message. During the visit, the Israeli premier said that giving medical care to Syrians shows the true face of Israel. Syria and Israel are virtually at war. Last year, the Israeli military carried out at least three airstrikes against Syria. Damascus accuses Tel Aviv and its Western allies of aiding al-Qaeda-linked insurgent groups.
0m:45s
6651