Israel’s massive air strikes against Syria are, beyond argument, illegal. There is no provision in international law that enables you to bomb another country because that country is in internal chaos. Yet the reporting on the BBC, and indeed throughout the mainstream media, makes no mention of their illegality, and makes no mention of the people killed. Contrast this to the condemnatory tone of BBC reporting of North Korean ballistic missile tests, or of Iran’s civil uranium enrichment programme, both of which I view as neither wise nor desirable, but both of which are undoubtedly quite legal.
I have previously noted that Israel does not want the Syrian regime to fall. Tel Aviv has looked long and hard at the likely result, and decided that the risks are too great; an Israel-friendly Sunni strongman could yet be engineered, but a jihadist influenced government is a very real danger for them. This Israeli coolness is the major reason that the Obama government have stepped back from stoking directly the flames of war, although they continue to do so through their Saudi, Qatar and other allies.
But a Syria tearing itself to pieces is, so long as it lasts, pretty acceptable to Netanyahu. He can step in when he wants and destroy Syria’s military infrastructure, such as the defensive installations just wiped out in massive strikes around Damascus. This is very helpful to Israel’s long term military domination. Normally the scale of this devastating Israeli attack on Syria’s ability to defend itself against Israel air strikes would have brought the most profound world condemnation, but suddenly it is “humanitarian intervention” – and nobody in the western media has even felt the need to justify the narrative that Damascus’ air defences were a humanitarian threat to rebel populations.
In the meantime, a clear statement from the United Nations that the evidence points to rebels, not the government, using the chemical weapon Sarin in Syria, does appear on the BBC website but I have not heard it broadcast, and it does not figure in western media with a hundredth of the prominence given to the unsubstantiated claims of Assad forces using Sarin.
I am in no sense a supporter of Assad. I should dearly love to see his regime overthrown and a democratic government representing the Syrian people installed instead. But the attempt to subvert Syria and influence the country towards the installation of a US and House of Saud backed puppet regime, backed by an extraordinary barrage of distorted propaganda to fool western populations over the course and meaning of events, is sickening.
The defector Col. may just be the new Chalabi or ‘Curveball’. Good sourcing, guys. Your MO doesn’t change.
“On a recent day, Col. Abduljabbar Aqidi, an army defector who heads the newly formed Aleppo Military Council, drove into the city with a small convoy. It felt a bit like a political campaign as he grabbed a Kalashnikov rifle, thanked rebels for their duty and posed with them for photos. At one point, in the Bab al-Hadid neighborhood, Aqidi stood on top of a fallen poster of Assad as he shook hands with children.”
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/aug/09/world/la-fg-aleppo-battle-20120810
MarkU
I think you will find it very hard to justify the legality (or morality) of all of Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel – I have no problem whatsoever in accepting the illegality of much of what Israel has done in Lebanon. But I’m afraid the same logic applies to Syria, Iran and Hezbollah – do you agree?
“Of course anyone whose brain fired on more than one cylinder should have questioned why in the hell the Syrian government would use in such a limited and militarily insignificant way the one weapon it knew would likely bring on a US and NATO Libya-style intervention. It made no sense at all for the Syrian government to use “just a little” sarin — not enough to do more than kill a few people, nothing to alter the course of the war — knowing about “red lines” and a US/Saudi/Qatari/Israeli/Turk bloodlust to invade.
On the other hand, it made all the sense in the world for the insurgents to release some sarin here and there, make some videos of the victims, and email the links to some very willing Israeli generals and McCainian rabid warhawks in the US and their absurd poodles in the UK and France.”
http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/137223.html
@Andy
“The long list of lies produced by enemies of the Syrian government in the last few years have been quite staggering.”
Yes – daresay there has been quite a few lies – so lets just stick to the one basis underlying truth i.e. that the human rights record of the Assad family is disgusting and is in clear breach of international law and any moral code accepted by decent human beings.
RD 4:28:
so lets just stick to the one basis underlying truth i.e. that the human rights record of the Assad family is disgusting and is in clear breach of international law and any moral code accepted by decent human beings
The ‘decent human beings’ that comprise the ruling elites of say, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and the UK’s other feudal allies do you mean? – oh, and lets not forget that other bastion of ‘decent human governance’ – Israel – with over 7,000 political prisoners and a litany of gross abuses of its Arab populations and neighbours that would shame the Devil himself.
By their Standards, Syria is a model of moderation. Christians used to feel safe there but not any longer.
You should consider changing your handle to ‘Resident Official Narrative Apologist’
Already OT; Does anyone have some personal experience with this?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22417334
Average household earnings in 2011 were about £37,000, according to the most recently available data from the Office for National Statistics.
Among the group who used savings or credit to pay for food:
Eight out of 10 (82%) worried about food prices
More than half (55%) said they were likely to cut back on food spending in the next few months
Nearly six out of 10 (57%) said they found it difficult to cope on their current income
A third (32%) borrowed money from friends and family in April
BBC now reporting the Carla Del Ponte claims of use of sarin by rebels on News Channel. She is the “controversial Carla Del Ponte” though according to BBC. Al Jazeera also reporting her claims while trying to debunk her at the same time. Neither BBC nor AJ running it as a lead story.
RT Moscow running with it as lead story. They are not attacking Del Ponte though.
Resident Dissident: The crimes I suspect Assad has committed are extremely serious , although it’s generally agreed that his father was much worse. I’d happily see him answer those charges in a court of law. The same should apply to anyone responsible for the ethnic cleansing of Palestine and the brutalisation and degradation inflicted on those people. When it comes to human rights and international law, Israel will face more questions than any nation.
The news in Oz of the Israeli attack on Syrian targets, coincides with reports of anti-semitic protests in Hungary and the awarding of the first honorary citizenship to Raul Wallenberg who rescued J*ws in Nazi-occupied Hungary. So don’t expect any cries of outrage from Oz against the state of Israel.
I am, however, curious about the timing of the attack with reports of “new” anti-semitism (what happened to the old one?) and awarding a long-presumed dead hero an honorary citizenship. Call me a cynic, but I don’t believe these kinds of things happen coincidentally.
A dead man becomes a citizen of a country he never visited – hooray!
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/raoul-wallenberg-our-first-honourary-citizen/story-e6frg6nf-1226635985973
Will New Anti-Semitism go the way of New Coke?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_antisemitism#Criticism_of_Israel_is_not_always_antisemitism
R2D2 attempts to defend the indefensible by throwing up chaff. As teacher says, ‘must try harder’.
Try this for size:
I see that we abstained, as usual, in 1982 on the Sabra Shatila atrocity. Carrington was the Foreign Sec until April 1982 then followed by Francis Pym for a year, then Howe. Thatcher moved her chess pieces around didn’t she.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982_Lebanon_War
Investigation into violation of International Law
See also: Sabra and Shatila massacre, section MacBride commission report
On 16 December 1982, the United Nations General Assembly condemned the Sabra and Shatila massacre and declared it to be an act of genocide.[90] The voting record[91][92][93] on section D of Resolution 37/123, which “resolves that the massacre was an act of genocide”, was: yes: 123; no: 0; abstentions: 22; non-voting: 12. The abstentions were: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany (Federal Republic), Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom, U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Côte d’Ivoire, Papua New Guinea, Barbados and Dominican Republic. Some delegates disputed the claim that the massacre constituted genocide.
In 1982, an international commission investigated into reported violations of International Law by Israel during its invasion of the Lebanon. Chairman was Seán MacBride, the other members were Richard Falk, Kader Asmal, Brian Bercusson, Géraud de la Pradelle, and Stefan Wild. The commission’s report[94] concluded that “the government of Israel has committed acts of aggression contrary to international law”, that the government of Israel had no valid reasons under international law for its invasion of Lebanon, and that the Israeli authorities or forces were directly or indirectly responsible for the massacres and killings, which have been reported to have been carried out by Lebanese militiamen in the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila in the Beirut area between 16 and 18 September.[94]
~~~~
A diversion
I believe that this is the brother of the man who sadly died in the speedboat accident yesterday. He is a photographer and produced a book about Lebanon and previous ones on Ghana and Peru. His name is Max Milligan and he was speaking at a press conference earlier today about his deceased brother and niece and the four other members of the family in hospital, struggling all the while to contain his emotions.
He speaks (in English) on this video. He loves Lebanon and describes it as a beautiful country with which he fell in love.
Max Milligan Lebanon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR9_YwimS9M
The book on Ghana http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghana-A-Portrait-Max-Milligan/dp/0954587626 Reviews all good.
and his photos of Scotland http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/9497667/The-Soul-of-Scotland-photographs-by-Max-Milligan.html
Resident dissident
It is a pleasant surprise to get a reasonable response to my comment, I feel that you deserve a similarly reasonable response to your enquiry.
I dislike arguing morality in this sort of context so I will focus on legality. My starting position is that all parties should obey international law, if that had been done from the outset then the world, and the middle east in particular, would be a happier and more peaceful place. The fact that Israel is in breach of international law on many counts is not in dispute, but many of the accusations leveled at Iran, Syria and Hezbollah appear to be simply that (ie accusations)
If you could give me some examples of the aforementioned countries/organisations breaches of international law then I would be prepared to comment on them. However I will not accept allegations as evidence, particularly allegations made by their enemies.
There is another question worth asking, which is whether entities which are in breach of the law are entitled to its protection. And what of those people who are palpably not getting justice under the law. The illegal Israeli occupation and settlement of occupied lands have been ongoing for decades, yet nothing has been done about it. If international law is to mean anything, then it must be applied impartially to all.
A few decades ago there was a series of UN resolutions, tabled by the USSR if I recall correctly, calling upon all states to obey international law. All were vetoed by the US. That said it all really.
Israel …. again.
White Slaughter in Black Africa: Genocide and Denialism
Dr. Gerald Caplan and the Rwanda Genocide Cranks
by Keith Harmon Snow / May 3rd, 2013
War and plunder continue to rip apart great swathes of Africa. The perpetrators are known, and many have been named and exposed. The Pentagon, NATO countries and Israel continue to foment covert international guerrilla wars, while their proxy regimes continue to persecute and defraud their own people, even (at this
writing) engaged in genocide. Meanwhile, leading white (and some black) apologists whitewashing war crimes and genocide in Africa continue to squeal about anyone who does not tout the racist white power establishment line they worship and profit from.
/..
http://www.consciousbeingalliance.com/2013/05/white-slaughter-in-black-africa-the-politics-of-genocide-denialism/
Scroll down and you can see the variety of articles Keith Harmon Snow. He is particularly well informed on Central Africa and knows the names of all the players.
I think what the West,Israel and Qatar are looking for is a Muslim Brotherhood government, who I believe have made a secret agreement with Israel.
The Israelis seem to hold Aquidi in some esteem
http://friday-lunch-club.blogspot.ca/2013/05/aipac-winep-to-host-israeli-minister.html
resident dissident
6 May, 2013 – 4:03 pm
@Doug Scourgie
“Good to see that the old witch dunking test lives on. Now what do you say nothing about Mr Scourgie?”
“Do you believe that the human rights record of the Assad regime amounts to a breach of human rights law?”
Yes I do.
“Do you believe that any of the attacks on Israel amount to a breach of international law?”
Yes I do.
Resident dissident
6 May, 2013 – 4:28 pm
@Andy
“…the human rights record of the Assad family is disgusting and is in clear breach of international law and any moral code accepted by decent human beings.”
Ditto Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE…
Ruth
6 May, 2013 – 6:52 pm
“I think what the West, Israel and Qatar are looking for is a Muslim Brotherhood government, who I believe have made a secret agreement with Israel.”
What makes you believe that, Ruth?
Ms Del Ponte is being hung out to dry.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22428496#
On WATO they had a Lord Williams on. At the beginning after the ‘news’.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s7yw1
This is the Lord Williams now a ‘Distinguished Visiting Fellow’ of Chatham House. He wants diplomatic action. As if that will happen. He is persuaded by Israel that they only took action to prevent weapons going into the wrong hands. He disparaged Ms Del Ponte’s report on the use of sarin by the rebels.
http://www.chathamhouse.org/media/news/view/179153
Note Caroline Wyatt, Defence Correspondent BBC in this list.
http://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/patron-presidents-council-and-directors
John Goss writes :
“powerless against a nation state like Israel (Banker to the world).”
—————
I suppose that Mr Goss is also a firm believer in the authenticity of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
Resident Dissident – splendid to see you back and in good form!
I notice, by the way, that you managed to get an admission or two out of Doug Scorgie.
As I did, on a related subject, I believe, some time ago.
You will however have noticed that Dougie always has to be pushed into admitting propositions like “Assad is a tyrant who violates human rights “; he will never volonteer such a thought.
And even when he does make the admission he does so with bad grace (clue : “what about Saudi Arabia, UEA, Bahrain…etc”).
————-
Now it looks as if Carla del Ponte is being marginalised. Having “our” guys use nerve gas clearly doesn’t fit the correct narrative. As Assad’s forces gain the upper hand, the campaign to get “us” involved has gone into overdrive.
The Syrian army are fighting to keep Syria as a functioning, unitary state, and from what I’ve read I think the majority of Syrians know this. They know that NATO and Saudi/Qatar are behind al Nusra, and they don’t want that kind of murderous liberation. They see what happened in Libya. Speaking of which, where’s big Johnny Simpson on the road to Ras Lanuf, telling us how the country has been shattered into rival fiefdoms? Again, that’s off-script, so don’t tune in for that. Still, Libya is our kind of chaos, rather than another chapter in the Arab Spring. Job done. In the same way as Iraq is now a beacon of democracy, and Maliki is of course nothing like Saddam and has no fondness for torturing and imprisoning opponents. And don’t dare imply that he has! Thanks John. The knighthood’s in the post.
Thank Christ for Robert Fisk, the corporate media’s single saving fucking grace.
HEY, April Showers/mary – wake up, please !!!!!
There’s a very interesting question, very politely expressed, waiting for an answer from you (see below).
Please do not disappoint us.
“And given that the BBC/Amnesty/HRW is out of bounds – could you please let us know where we should go for up to date information about the human rights situation in Iran, Syria, Russia, North Korea etc. etc and the interference of countries other than the UK, US and Israel in the affairs of others. The sources you suggest appear to be a little short of information in those areas.”
Does the continued comatose state of Sharon mean he is not wanted in Hell either?!! What happens to his 72 ladyboys, promised to all chosen evil doers upon entry into Hell, in the Talmud?
“In the meantime, a clear statement from the United Nations that the evidence points to rebels, not the government, using the chemical weapon Sarin in Syria, does appear on the BBC website but I have not heard it broadcast”
It was repeatedly broadcast on BBC Radio Wales news as the headline item for most of Monday morning.
*this is not a defence of the BBC, just an observation.*
As Chomsky always points out, we are responsible for what our country does, because that’s the only vote we have. I’m ashamed of the UK’s Foreign Policy, and my (hopefully) adopted country Australia’s is little, if any better. There seems to be an acceptance in certain circles that dictators, who are bad people, can be removed by the west – who are presumably Good People – because that’s the right thing to do. Bluntly, a 6th Former would fail his History exam with those arguments. The desire to rid Syria of Assad is fair enough, but the consequences have to be considered. But they never are.
I should note, the ‘Israeli’ foreign policy is probably no more supported by actual Israeli’s than ours is supported by UK citizens. I’m told the debate is quite vigorous within Israel, and consiencious objectors have support. I wonder if we should begin to use other terms than specifically nation state terms. Words are important. So, it’s not the ‘UK’ or ‘Israel’ but ‘Nu Lab’ or ‘Likud’. Or perhaps just ‘elite decision makers in [insert country].’ There’s never been a referendum on war, after all.
Brendan; That’s an important point. Is there really that much difference between a republic and a dictatorship?
@ the market;
Sir/Madam, would you like a paper bag or plastic?
Choices and voter influence !!!
“White House “highly skeptical” Syrian rebels used chemical weapons”
http://uk.reuters.com/video/2013/05/06/white-house-highly-skeptical-syrian-rebe?videoId=242649400&videoChannel=1
What’s interesting here is not the ever mendacious nature of the American junta, but their difficulty in holding their narrative together.
There’s much chatter too about Obama’s dithering and failure to lead. Let’s hope that’s an observation about structure rather something more personal in nature.
Herbie @ 11:37
Not defending Obama in the Big Pic, but in this instance, he and Hagel have been skeptical about the Syrian adventure. (see my links above) Both were skeptical about Iraq, and don’t want any deja vu messing up their legacies. They don’t want to be associated with the Bush Regime, other than Guantanamo and Dronz, that is.
Invoking ‘the Assad family’ is media newspeak – my blood father was a ‘bar-steward’ – I am not.
American propaganda in Iraq has taught the FSA terrorists well.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/9293620/BBC-News-uses-Iraq-photo-to-illustrate-Syrian-massacre.html
The so-called “Massacre of Homs” or “Blood Night in Syria” is unverified and still unconfirmed, just like most Western main stream reports on the situation and events in Syria. As Doug Scorgie tells us the Western media still relies on the questionable “Syrian Observatory for Human Rights”, based in London.
Pure hysteria. The western media were falling over themselves with lurid reports of a massacre by the Syrian army in the city of Homs just before the UNSC vote. CNN showed a tank firing in Homs (all the other tanks, according to AL had withdrawn – how? and that tank flew the green/white/black rebel flag – Doh!
Abandoned/obsolete base taken over by rebels [propaganda]:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQUcas0kIUQ
I appreciate differences in opinion here with relish however we have now witnessed the slaughter of Syrian soldiers and civilians by an illegal preemptive strike, by a foreign government too boot, who is/was under no real threat whatsoever.
And the UN buries it’s head in sand.
I have trustworthy and dependable information, a known good intelligence source in/out of Syria. Be assured, guaranteed foreign fighters in Syria will murder, will rape, will cut babies throats and will blow kids heads off for dollars. This is ‘human being’ remote killing; with this blood money flowing who needs drones for extrajudicial murder to enact regime change in Syria and install a corrupt western puppet; a monarchical thug who will further smash the infrastructure, encourage slaughter by divide, accept bribes and communicate cipher with western intelligence.