Tag: Russia -Syria

NOVANEWS By Stephen Lendman Global Research   Russia’s military intervention in Syria at the request of its government began two years ago today – September 30. It dramatically changed the dynamic on the ground, turning sure defeat into eventual triumph.  Thousands of square miles of Syrian territory were liberated from the scourge of US-supported terrorists, defeating Washington’s imperial aims, wanting regime change, the country transformed into another vassal state. Tass reviewed Russian operations over the past two years, saying “victory over terrorism is near.” Its efforts transformed armed opposition conflicting groups into “a common front in the struggle against terrorists.” What began two years ago today “is entering its final phase,” Russian air power enabling Syrian an...

NOVANEWS The Russian army says it has reached a deal with foreign-backed militants in Syria to create a new de-escalation zone in the country’s northern parts of Homs province. Russian military spokesman Igor Konashenkov made the announcement on Thursday, saying that new safe zone will span 84 towns and villages populated by more than 147,000 people in Homs. The official noted that a ceasefire was to take effect in the area at 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Thursday. The zone is the third to be established in Syria under a Russian-led initiative aimed at halting clashes in four key conflict zones between Syrian government forces and anti-Damascus militants. Last Saturday, the warring sides agreed on a deal declaring Eastern Ghouta as a de-escalation zone. Russia, along with Ir...

NOVANEWS By M K Bhadrakumar  There are distinct signs that the discussion regarding the Syrian conflict between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the US President-elect Donald Trump last Monday has been a defining moment. At the very least, it creates a firewall against the present US administration of President Barack Obama creating new facts on the ground that vitiates the climate for US-Russian cooperation in Syria after Trump takes over. The US Defence Secretary Ashton carter had openly stated a week ago that he’d advise the president-elect firmly against taking any cooperation from Russia in addressing the Syrian situation. On the contrary, the remarks in Beirut on Thursday by the Russian presidential envoy on the Middle East and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov suggest t...