Syria

Hollande Urges Syria Opposition to Form Interim Govt., Says Working with Partners on Possible Buffer Zones - Naharnet

SNC Chief: There is no room in the Syrian interim government for those who defect late - As-Safir Newspaper

Kurdish Leader Rejects Interim Government for Syria - Rudaw

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Aleppo archbishop flees to Lebanon: Vatican radio, Archdiocese ransacked by "unidentified groups who want to start a religious war" - Now Lebanon

VIDEO: Lebanese pilgrim kidnapped by Syrian armed rebels released - YouTube

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Visit by Egypt’s Morsi to Iran reflects foreign policy shift - The Washington Post

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Michael Collins

What really scandalizes us is that the Western world is encouraging this rise of sectarian violence just to topple the [al-Assad] regime. Mother Agnes Miriam, Syria

NATO and Saudi supported Free Syrian Army democracy warriors are attacking and killing Christians in Syria. Reports indicate that various Christian denominations are special targets for kidnapping, violence and intimidation. (Image) For example:

"Syrian rebel forces have trapped over 12,000 Greek Catholics in a village near the Lebanese border, causing shortages of food, medicine and other urgent supplies." CNA, August 25

The Greek Catholics in the village of Reblah may suffer the same fate as Christians in Qusair who were forced to seek refuge in Lebanon recently after their village lost supplies for days thanks to the Free Syrian Army (FSA). The residents were told to leave or face annihilation. They chose to leave.

Rebels accuse Assad's forces of massacre in Daraya near Syrian capital - Reuters

VIDEO: Syrian TV extensive report on the Daraya massacre, Interviews with residents who claim rebels perpetrated the massacre - YouTube

VIDEO: Another Report on Daraya Residents Disputing Claim Massacre Carried Out by Syrian Army - Alex Jones' Infowars

VIDEO: Posted by Syrian rebels, The Daraya Massacre - YouTube

More on the Syrian Christians in 2-week blockade by rebel fighters, residents desperate - RT

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Dozens of jihadis to join Syrian rebels within days , Informed sources said that the jihadis will fight with the Free Syrian Army - Egypt Independent

VIDEO: Tunisian Al Qaeda Jihadists in Syria: Al Mayadeen report - YouTube

Security services 'failing' to stop British jihadis heading to Syria - Telegraph

VIDEO: Rebels swear allegiance to Emir of Jubhat al-Nusra - LiveLeak.com

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Egypt defends Syria contact group that includes Iran - AFP

Iran supports Quartet Committee for Syria - Daily News Egypt

Iran's national security chief meets Syria's Assad, top aids - Xinhua | English.news.cn

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VIDEO: Sen. Lugar proposes joint US- Russia takeover of Syria's chemical weapons if Assad's regime falls- firstpost.com

200 elite SAS and SBS troops are in or around Syria hunting for Assad’s weapons of mass destruction - Daily Star

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Turkey and US plan ‘intelligence shield’ and Syria 'after Assad' - RT

PKK Claims: We Have Not Interfered in Syria So Far - As-Safir Newspaper

Russia Will Not Use Military Force to Protect its Tartus Facility in Syria - Novosti

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Arab League to host a meeting of the Syrian opposition groups on the transition plan, SNC threats to boycott - The Guardian

VIDEO: Interview with Sieda, Syrian National Council President - FRANCE 24

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Over 12 thousand Christians "starving" in the village of Rableh subject to a strict blockade by armed opposition groups - Fides Service

VIDEO: UN aid chief Amos on the plight of Christians in Syria - YouTube

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Apparently, Washington Post Liz Sly Writes on Syria Killings Without Supporting Facts - moonofalabama.org

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Iraqis wait to see gains from oil boom

BAGHDAD — Iraq is fast becoming an oil producing powerhouse, but you’d never know that by looking at the faded Unknown Soldier gas station in downtown Baghdad. There’s no repair garage or mini-mart, just a cramped office with tattered vinyl couches. Horns blare as a string of waiting cars backs up into busy Sadoun Street, slowing traffic.

Electricity from the power grid is available only for a few hours a day, so a noisy generator burns through 200 liters (53 gallons) of fuel daily just to keep the lights on and pumps running. That eats into what little profit is left over after government-imposed price caps, says manager Anmar Abdul-Sattar.

Pentagon has plans sending U.S. special forces into Syria to secure chemical arms - latimes.com

U.S. Sends Aircraft Carrier Back to Gulf to Face Iran and Syria - NYTimes.com

Russia: We have Syrian guarantees on chemical arms | Fox News

French defense minister open to Syria buffer zones without UN mandate - Yahoo! News

Cyprus displeased at reports that British bases provide help to Syrian rebels - Xinhua | English.news.cn

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Syrian army retakes Aleppo's Christian areas, Residents took to the streets to celebrate and express their support for the Syrian army - AFP

VIDEO: Aleppo, the FSA and the reality on the ground, Rebel: "It is a shame that no Aleppo resident has joined the fight against Assad" - Al Jazeera

VIDEO: Aleppo Residents Celebrating Cleansing Their Neighborhoods From FSA - YouTube

VIDEO: Exclusive Interview of Lebanese tribe chief holding Syrians hostage, In retaliation for the FSA kidnapping of a tribe member - YouTube

VIDEO: Syrian Rebels Cut the Throats of 16 Civilian Prisoners in Douma - YouTube

VIDEO: Civilians Executed by Radical Terrorists in Al Ghor, Homs Province - YouTube

VIDEO: Al Qaeda Terrorists blow up a mosque and blame the Syrian Security Forces - YouTube

VIDEO: Salafist Insurgents Indoctrinate Children in Idlib - YouTube

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VIDEO: BBC Censors Video Showing Syrian Rebels Using Prisoner as Suicide Bomber - Prison Planet.com

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Sayda: Syria solution will not go through UN, "I believe a no-fly zone has to be created soon" - Kurdpress News Aganecy

SNC: Jamil’s statement on Assad resignation “not worthy of attention” -  Asharq Alawsat Newspaper (English)

Free Syrian Army Military Council Commanders To Formally Request No Fly Zone - PRNewswire-USNewswire

The cost of establishing a  no-fly zone in Syria, While the operation is feasible, mitigating its significant risks would require a major campaign - U.S. Naval Institute

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Syria tells Russia it will not use chemical arms: report - chicagotribune.com

Report: West in cooperation with Arab states bribed Syrian officials to defect - Israel News, Ynetnews

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Syrian rebels' allegiance to anyone with a gun for sale, "You must look a religious Islamic fighter if you want the money or the guns from the Saudis" - The Times

VIDEO: Free Syrian Army uses prisoner for suicide bombing - BBC News

VIDEO: Saudi guy fighting in Syria with the FSA - LiveLeak.com

Former Chechen warlord's son killed in Syria: Report - REUTERS

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Syria Christian refugees in Lebanon fear Islamist rebels - latimes.com

Can Syria's Christians Survive?: Saudi Wahabi Funded Rebels Pouring Into Syria - Babak Darvish

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Syrian False Flag Planned?

by Stephen Lendman

Never bet against Washington's imperial plans. New tactics follow failed ones. Efforts to oust Assad continue. Proxy killers can't do it alone. They're no match against Syria's superior military strength. It's committed to rout them.

Russia and China warns against any unilateral intervention in Syria bypassing the United Nations - The Irish Times

Syrian outcome will affect future conflicts' settlements: Lavrov- RT

Syria ‘ready to discuss’ Assad’s resignation: Deputy PM Jamil - alarabiya

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Syrian rebels fight on for Aleppo despite local wariness, Rebel commander: "Around 70% of Aleppo city is with the regime" - The Guardian

Jihadists on the frontline in Aleppo, How their contribution will change the dynamic of the battle: Interview with The Guardian correspondent in Syria - abc.net.au

VIDEO: Confession of Terrorist in Aleppo: I was paid 50,000 Lira for every Assad supporter beheaded - YouTube

VIDEO (final part of the broadcast): Woman Confesses to Working with Terrorist Groups, Interrogating and Killing Abducted Women - YouTube

VIDEO: Interview with journalist Yara Saleh, rescued hostage of the Free Syrian Army - YouTube

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Chemical weapons would be 'red line' sparking US action in Syria, Obama says - Fox News

Russia: Only UN should decide on force against Syria - Reuters

Saudi enormous support for Syrian rebels shaped by tribal, religious ties (VIDEOS & PHOTOS) - CNN.com

UN Envoy Brahimi: Iran Important Regional Role Player - almanar.com

Turkey suggests need for UN safe haven in Syria - chicagotribune.com

Tunisia: Syrian government supporter narrowly escapes lynching by armed Salafis - World Mathaba

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In Syria, Nusra Front suspected of al-Qaeda links gaining prominence in war to topple Assad - The Washington Post

Rifts weaken unity of rebel groups in Syria - AFP

VIDEO: Nusra Front being very effective against the Assad forces - Liveleak

VIDEO: Divisions emerge among Syrian rebels: A look at Muslim Brotherhood-funded Tawhid Brigade - Al Jazeera

VIDEO: Dead boy comes alive, Fabrication by the Syrian rebels that 'Syrian Soldiers killed him' - YouTube

Syrian Christians under rebel siege - Voice of Russia

VIDEO: Syria: Christian Fears Amid Bloodshed, Patriarch condemns rebels' tactics - Fox News

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Syria National Council asks U.N. envoy to apologize for saying it was too early to ask for Assad exit - Reuters

UN Envoy Brahimi: Syrians must move away from confrontation toward peaceful solutions - AP

Russia proposes Syria ceasefire under the responsibility of international players - The Hindu

VIDEO: Syrian delegation goes to Moscow to call for help - YouTube

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Official: SNC believe the Free Syrian Army able to "overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's government within three months" - Globaltimes.cn

UK and German spies feed intelligence to Syrian rebels: reports - RT

Turkish Newspaper: Al-Qaeda Camps Training Gunmen to Fight in Syria under Turkish Intelligence’s Knowledge - islamicinvitationturkey

Ancient Christian city of Antioch in Turkey now door for jihad - Jihad Watch

VIDEO: Aftermath of suicide bombing: Homs Al Hamidah massacre - YouTube

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Michael Collins

The Syrian regime should be smashed fast.

Mr. Bashar al-Assad doesn't deserve to be on this earth.

Laurent Fabius, French Foreign Minister
Voice of America August 17

What do you expect from a fake socialist government?  French President Francois Hollande joined the Empire Project's histrionic chorus just as soon as he could after taking office. His comrade, Mr. Fabius, announced the nouveau reign of terror policy toward foreign leaders who upset the grand plans of NATO and the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

"Off with their heads!" is the cry.  Hillary Clinton hasn't been quite as explicit as Fabius but her statements are just offensive to the notion of sovereign integrity.

UN Syria envoy Brahimi to firm up role, not urge Assad exit yet - Reuters

VIDEO: Al Jazeera speaks to new UN envoy to Syria - YouTube

Russia against no-fly zone over Syria-Sky News Arabia

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Syria revolt attracts motley foreign jihadi corps, a local FSA coordinator says they are "elite commando troops" - AFP

An Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group threatens Lebanon's Shiites: Revenge ... Soon! - The Arab Digest

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In Syria, role of Kurds divides opposition - The Washington Post

Influential Revolutionary Syrian Sheikh Rejects Kurdish Separation - Rudaw

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Washington sidelines Syrian National Council, reaches out to opposition inside - The Arab American News

SNC complains US failure to keep aid promise - China.org.cn

Free Syrian Army declares a code of conduct pledging no executions and torture - hurriyetdailynews

VIDEO: Syrian rebels dismember and kill pro Assad civilians - Liveleak

VIDEO: Syrian Army saves hostages of Syrian rebels - YouTube

VIDEO: Syrian rebels refine their bombing skills with the help of jihadists  - YouTube

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Syria delegation flies to Moscow asking help for the ailing economy: official - The Daily Star

Syria: UN food agency 'to help 1 million people' - Lebanon Now

Humanitarian workers under attack in Syria, says British Red Cross - ReliefWeb

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KNC See Federalism As Best Solution for Syria, SNC opposes the demand for a politically decentralized rule as “unrealistic” - Rudaw

Erdogan Adviser: Assad Provokes Turkey Through PKK and PYD - Rudaw

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

VIDEO: Dozens killed in Syria's Azaz airstrike -  Al Jazeera

VIDEO: VOA Reporter Witnesses Air Strike in Azaz - VOA

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Syria rebels warn they will turn to Al-Qaeda if West fails them - RT

Ambassador says US Plans No Syria Attack after November Elections - Turkish Weekly

Syrian Rebels State Terms for Freeing Iranians - VOA

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VIDEO: Kidnapped Syrian Journalists Rescued by the Army - YouTube

VIDEO: French journalist Jacquier was killed by Syrian rebels - RT

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PKK: we have not intervened in Syria - AKNEWS.com

VIDEO: Kurdistan Region launches fundraising campaign for Syrian Kurds - Press TV

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Lebanese clan says abducts FSA rebels, Turkish national, in retaliation for the kidnapping in Syria of one of its kinsmen - Al Akhbar

VIDEO: Lebanese clan press interview on the abduction - Press TV

FSA warns of executing Hezbollah members in Syria - Now Lebanon

Hezbollah denies member was captured by FSA rebels, while allegedly on a mission to Syria to fight alongside the regime - THE DAILY STAR

VIDEO: Lebanese tribe kidnaps Syrians in Lebanon - YouTube

VIDEO: FSA Catch "Hezbollah Sniper Sent By Nasrallah to Kill Sunnis" - YouTube

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Bombing in Syria outside U.N. monitors' hotel injures three, FSA took responsibility for the blast targeted at a meeting of military officers   - latimes.com

VIDEO:  Damascus blast aftermath near UN HQ (RT Exclusive) - YouTube

Expert: Jihadists, whether affiliated with Qaeda or not, joining with Syrian rebels - VOA

VIDEO: Interview with a FSA rebel trained in Turkish camps - BBC 

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Russia warns the West against "sabotaging" Syria political transition accord - Press TV

China Blames West for UN Discord on Syrian War - ABC News

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PYD leader says ready to meet with Davutoğlu for talks - todayszaman

Christians at Ease with Kurdish Control of Syrian Kurdistan - Rudaw

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

What Next in Syria?

by Stephen Lendman

A war of words accompanies conflict on the ground. On August 14, Reuters headlined "Assad's rule disintegrating, ex PM says after defecting," saying:

Former prime minister Riad Hijab claims Assad "controls less than a third of Syria and his power is crumbling."

VIDEO: Panetta says Syria No-fly Zone Not On Front Burner - YouTube

Iranian fighters posing as pilgrims among group captured by Syrian rebels, US officials confirm - Fox News

Exclusive: Libyan fighters join Syrian revolt - Reuters

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Some in opposition fear rebels miscalculated in Aleppo, Activists fear that the offensive may lead to a humanitarian crisis that will turn the city against them - latimes.com

Syrian rebels abduct Iran TV journalist in Homs - Al Akhbar English

VIDEO: Old Homs Resident: Terrorists Killed My Wife, Two Sons, Blew up House...asks army to save him - YouTube

VIDEO: Terrorists Sabotaged the Oldest Church in Syria - YouTube

VIDEO: Al-Jazera TV Exclusive Interview: Commander Of Free Syrian Army Praised The Jihad Roles Of Jabhah Nusrah (Qaeda) In Aleppo - prisonerofjoy

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Kurds' ambitions add explosive element to Syria equation - cnn.com

VIDEO: Kurdish voices raised against Syria's armed opposition - Al Jazeera 

VIDEO: Travelling to meet the Kurds in Syria - Al Jazeera Blogs

Turkey conducts fresh military exercise on Syria border - todayszaman

Turkey's main opposition party suggests roadmap for Syrian crisis - todayszaman

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

The news is filled with alarming new threats of attacks on Syria and Iran.  Secretary of State Clinton says the U.S. and Turkey are discussing details for a “No-Fly Zone” over Syria.  We know from the Libyan experience that a “No-Fly Zone” would require massive NATO bombing of Syrian air defenses and huge civilian casualties.  At the same time, State Department spokespeople are targeting Iran and Hezbollah for alleged military support to the Assad government and unsubstantiated terrorist actions.  These claims and increased sanctions are designed to justify increased U.S. intervention.  Israel says Iran is on the verge of developing nuclear weapons.  Israel, whose belligerence was recently rewarded by the U.S. gift of a $680M missile shield (added to the $3.1 billion for military aid this year), has again gone to the airwaves threatening pre-emptive military action against Iran in the near future.

All of this sounds eerily familiar as lead-ups to new wars, when the old ones have not ended.  This is how the public was whipped up and the basis was laid before attacking Iraq and Libya.  Going after Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, and Libya, causing massive loss of life and destruction, could be small potatoes compared to the conflagration we might see following military intervention in Syria, Iran and Lebanon.  This would also prevent achievement of the promise we witnessed with the Arab Spring uprisings.  All of this stemming from a rapacious drive for imperialist domination of resources and power.

War Without Mercy in Syria

by Stephen Lendman

If wars had labels, Syria's conflict would be called Made in America. 

Paul Wolfowitz and other Project for the New American Century (PNAC) ideologues planned it years ago. They also targeted half a dozen or more other countries.

By Michael Collins

Al Jazeera's weekend coverage of the critical battle for Aleppo, Syria reveals a major obstacle for the United States-NATO Empire Project. Hardly anyone in Aleppo is signing up to fight with rebels.

Syrian rebels get limited support in Aleppo, Al Jazeera, August 11

Reporter Anita McNaught: "[The rebels] know they have to win if the revolution is to succeed but Aleppo was slow to demonstrate any widespread support for the opposition." The reticence was due to fear of Syria's intelligence service a local claimed.

McNaught followed up: "Why now, when the Free Syrian Army was so quickly consolidating its hold, were its ranks not being swelled by volunteers from the city?"

One of the rebels (gesturing in image) responded: "They are afraid of the situation now. It's new to them. It's not like the countryside all around here which has had time to get used to the fighting."  Trauma requires practice.

West fears that most support from the Gulf states has been diverted towards extremist Islamic groups in Syria - The Guardian

German daily Die Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung visits Aleppo towns, They are controlled by religiously-inspired mujahideen - Asian Times

VIDEO: Rebel Dark Side: 'Charities' fund the Syrian rebels, mute on atrocity claims - YouTube

VIDEO: Harrowing testimony of a nun about the fear and terror inflicted by Syrian rebels on the civilian population - YouTube

VIDEO: Barbaric massacres by Syrian rebels against abducted civilians in Homs - YouTube

VIDEO: Syrian rebels pledge to release the kidnapped TV crew upon conditions - Friends of Syria

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Syrian rebels claim to have shot down warplane, captured pilot - latimes.com

VIDEO: MIG-23 fighter shot down by Syria rebels, bursting into flames - YouTube

VIDEO: FSA captures pilot of MIG 23 fighter jet - YouTube

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Islamic body agrees to suspend Syria: OIC source - swissinfo

Ahmadinejad opposed to Syria OIC suspension - Al Akhbar English

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

VIDEO: Barbaric Terrorists Throw Alleged Post Office Workers From The Roof in Aleppo - YouTube

Two Syrian journalists killed in Damascus, Bus attacked killing six passengers - Firstpost

VIDEO: Terrorists in Syria Behead an Unarmed Civilian - YouTube

VIDEO: Bodies of Assad Supporters Litter Landscape - YouTube

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CIA polices weapons entry to Syria as spooks invade Turkey - The Australian

Ahmadinejad to visit Saudi Arabia, Invited by Saudi King Abdullah to attend OIC extraordinary summit - irib.ir

Syria's Assad lasting because of popular support: Iran - Reuters

Families of Lebanese abducted pilgrims blame Qatar - Press TV

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VIDEO: Kurds take control in Syria's northeast - al jazeera ‎

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

US, Turkey explore no-fly zones over Syria - NBC World News

Democratic foreign policy figures criticize Obama on Syria, press for safe zones and arms to the rebels - latimes.com

Russian Warships Hold Drills in Mediterranean | RIA Novosti

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Turkey sends the Syrian rebels shoulder-carried, anti-air Stingers - DEBKAfile

Turkey, Iran Show Signs of Deep Division Over Syria - VOA

Maliki blasts Turkey for treating Iraqi Kurdistan 'as independent' - AFP

Qatar offered Syrian ambassador $5.8mn for defection - report - RT

VIDEO: Covert Smuggling Trail Arms Syrian RebelS - voa

VIDEO: Syrian rebels pull guy out of trunk and EXECUTE him!!!!!!!! - LiveLeak.com

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

Unconscionable Media Warmongering

by Stephen Lendman

Washington needs media support to wage wars and plan new ones. Broadcast and print scoundrels oblige. 

Paid liars infest Western media. Managed news misinformation creates enemies. Fear is stoked. War is cheerled, glorified, and sanitized to suppress truths too grim to report.

US officials: al-Qaida gaining foothold in Syria - AP

Islamists fight for space in a post-Assad Syria - Yahoo! News

Syria rebels seize three state TV journalists - Now Lebanon

Families of Abducted Lebanese Pilgrims in Syria Urge Qatar to Cooperate — Naharnet

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Special report: Hundreds of rebel fighters leave Aleppo after relentless shelling by regime forces - The Independent

UK offers body armor, satellite phones, medical supplies to Syria’s opposition, will only supply equipment to those not directly involved in fighting - The Washington Post

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

  New York Times Style Debates

by Stephen Lendman

French moralist/essayist Joseph Joubert (1754 - 1824) said it's "better to debate a question without settling it than settle a question without debating it."

Syrian rebels completely withdraw from Salaheddin ditrict in Aleppo, FSA commander says - Now Lebanon

VIDEO: EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Revolution and Jihad in Aleppo, Religious fervor diffusive among the Syrian insurgents - FRANCE 24

Red Cross says delivers food, medical aid to Aleppo - chicagotribune.com

Iran holds Syria conference, urges dialogue and peace talks to halt the bloodshed - AFP

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PYD Leader Denies Turkish Claims that His Group Works with Syrian Regime, "We want to solve the Kurdish issue in Syria through democratic and peaceful methods" - Rudaw

Davutoğlu says Turkey not against Kurdish autonomy in post-Assad Syria if all groups can agree on it - todayszaman

PYD captures 12 Turkey soldiers in Syria, The rest of the soldiers fled back to Turkey - Kurdpress News Aganecy

Turkey uses ambulances to smuggle weapons into Syria: MP - Press TV

Turkey's Republican People's Party Leader urges Erdogan to respond to the accusations of arming the opposition and sending gunmen to Syria - champress.net

To contact Bartolo email peaceloversingle@gmail.com

  Full-Scale War in Syria

by Stephen Lendman

Former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov calls it "full-scale civil war." It's full-scale but not civil.