Bulletins and News Discussion from December 16th to December 22nd, 2024 - Assad's Apology
Bulletins and News Discussion from December 16th to December 22nd, 2024 - Assad's Apology
Image is of Assad's presidential palace in 2013. There's more images of it in this article, though the words in it aren't worth reading.
Here is Assad's version of events. I like to imagine he's making one of those Youtuber apology videos where they sigh at the start and talk in a chastised yet somewhat defensive tone of voice.
As terrorism spread across Syria and ultimately reached Damascus on the evening of Saturday 7th December 2024, questions arose about the president's fate and whereabouts. This occurred amidst a flood of misinformation and narratives far removed from the truth, aimed at recasting international terrorism as a liberation revolution for Syria.
At such a critical juncture in the nation’s history, where truth must take precedence, it is essential to address these distortions. Unfortunately, the prevailing circumstances at the time, including a total communication blackout for security reasons, delayed the release of this statement. This does not replace a detailed account of the events that unfolded, which will be provided when the opportunity allows.
First, my departure from Syria was neither planned nor did it occur during the final hours of the battles, as some have claimed. On the contrary, I remained in Damascus, carrying out my duties until the early hours of Sunday 8th December 2024. As terrorist forces infiltrated Damascus, I moved to Latakia in co-ordination with our Russian allies to oversee combat operations. Upon arrival at the Hmeimim airbase that morning, it became clear that our forces had completely withdrawn from all battle lines and that the last army positions had fallen. As the field situation in the area continued to deteriorate, the Russian military base itself came under intensified attack by drone strikes.
With no viable means of leaving the base, Moscow requested that the base’s command arrange an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday 8th December. This took place a day after the fall of Damascus following the collapse of the final military positions and the resulting paralysis of all remaining state institutions.
At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party. The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught.
I reaffirm that the person who, from the very first day of the war, refused to barter the salvation of his nation for personal gain, or to compromise his people in exchange for numerous offers and enticements is the same person who stood alongside the officers and soldiers of the army on the front lines, just metres from terrorists in the most dangerous and intense battlefields. He is the same person who, during the darkest years of the war, did not leave but remained with his family alongside his people, confronting terrorism under bombardment and the recurring threats of terrorist incursions into the capital over 14 years of war. Furthermore, the person who has never abandoned the resistance in Palestine and Lebanon, nor betrayed his allies who stood by him, cannot possibly be the same person who would forsake his own people or betray the army and nation to which he belongs.
I have never sought positions for personal gain but have always considered myself as a custodian of a national project, supported by the faith of the Syrian people, who believed in its vision. I have carried an unwavering conviction in their will and ability to protect the state, defend its institutions, and uphold their choices to the very last moment.
When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position becomes void of purpose, rendering its occupation meaningless. This does not, in any way, diminish my profound sense of belonging to Syria and her people – a bond that remains unshaken by any position or circumstance. It is a belonging filled with hope that Syria will once again be free and independent.
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Israel-Palestine Conflict
Sources on the fighting in Palestine against Israel. In general, CW for footage of battles, explosions, dead people, and so on:
UNRWA reports on Israel's destruction and siege of Gaza and the West Bank.
English-language Palestinian Marxist-Leninist twitter account. Alt here.
English-language twitter account that collates news.
Arab-language twitter account with videos and images of fighting.
English-language (with some Arab retweets) Twitter account based in Lebanon. - Telegram is @IbnRiad.
English-language Palestinian Twitter account which reports on news from the Resistance Axis. - Telegram is @EyesOnSouth.
English-language Twitter account in the same group as the previous two. - Telegram here.
English-language PalestineResist telegram channel.
More telegram channels here for those interested.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Examples of Ukrainian Nazis and fascists
Examples of racism/euro-centrism during the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Sources:
Defense Politics Asia's youtube channel and their map. Their youtube channel has substantially diminished in quality but the map is still useful.
Moon of Alabama, which tends to have interesting analysis. Avoid the comment section.
Understanding War and the Saker: reactionary sources that have occasional insights on the war.
Alexander Mercouris, who does daily videos on the conflict. While he is a reactionary and surrounds himself with likeminded people, his daily update videos are relatively brainworm-free and good if you don't want to follow Russian telegram channels to get news. He also co-hosts The Duran, which is more explicitly conservative, racist, sexist, transphobic, anti-communist, etc when guests are invited on, but is just about tolerable when it's just the two of them if you want a little more analysis.
Simplicius, who publishes on Substack. Like others, his political analysis should be soundly ignored, but his knowledge of weaponry and military strategy is generally quite good.
On the ground: Patrick Lancaster, an independent and very good journalist reporting in the warzone on the separatists' side.
Unedited videos of Russian/Ukrainian press conferences and speeches.
Pro-Russian Telegram Channels:
Again, CW for anti-LGBT and racist, sexist, etc speech, as well as combat footage.
https://t.me/aleksandr_skif ~ DPR's former Defense Minister and Colonel in the DPR's forces. Russian language.
https://t.me/Slavyangrad ~ A few different pro-Russian people gather frequent content for this channel (~100 posts per day), some socialist, but all socially reactionary. If you can only tolerate using one Russian telegram channel, I would recommend this one.
https://t.me/s/levigodman ~ Does daily update posts.
https://t.me/patricklancasternewstoday ~ Patrick Lancaster's telegram channel.
https://t.me/gonzowarr ~ A big Russian commentator.
https://t.me/rybar ~ One of, if not the, biggest Russian telegram channels focussing on the war out there. Actually quite balanced, maybe even pessimistic about Russia. Produces interesting and useful maps.
https://t.me/epoddubny ~ Russian language.
https://t.me/boris_rozhin ~ Russian language.
https://t.me/mod_russia_en ~ Russian Ministry of Defense. Does daily, if rather bland updates on the number of Ukrainians killed, etc. The figures appear to be approximately accurate; if you want, reduce all numbers by 25% as a 'propaganda tax', if you don't believe them. Does not cover everything, for obvious reasons, and virtually never details Russian losses.
https://t.me/UkraineHumanRightsAbuses ~ Pro-Russian, documents abuses that Ukraine commits.
Pro-Ukraine Telegram Channels:
Almost every Western media outlet.
https://discord.gg/projectowl ~ Pro-Ukrainian OSINT Discord.
https://t.me/ice_inii ~ Alleged Ukrainian account with a rather cynical take on the entire thing.
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Massacre in Haiti: At Least 200 Dead in Cite Soleil and Artibonite - Telesur English
Article
At least 200 people have been killed in Haiti since the past weekend, with a significant number of victims in Cite Soleil, one of the poorest and most violent areas of Port-au-Prince.
The office of the Prime Minister of Haiti reported that the attacks, attributed to the gang led by Monel “Mikano” Félix, were unleashed following the illness and subsequent death of his son, whom Félix blamed for witchcraft practiced by elderly members of the community.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated this Thursday that “all those responsible for the massacres will be arrested” and emphasized that the victims deserve justice, reparation, and security. During a press conference, Fils-Aimé indicated that the government is intensifying its efforts to combat insecurity, noting that he, along with his cabinet and leaders of the National Police, are developing strategies to increase the safety of the Haitian population.
“No one should live under these conditions, fearing to go out on the street. The government’s fight is for everyone’s safety,” he emphasized.
Fils-Aimé underscored the importance of holding criminals accountable for their actions and called for unity among citizens to advance this cause. “If we unite, we can build the country we desire,” he stated.
To strengthen the response to violence, the Prime Minister announced that the government will provide comprehensive support to the police and armed forces, especially in technical and financial areas. In this regard, he revealed that starting in December, police salaries will be doubled, referring to them as “national heroes.”
The recent wave of violence has been particularly alarming; in addition to deaths in Cite Soleil, another 20 civilians were killed while sleeping in attacks in the Artibonite department. Fils-Aimé described as “unacceptable” the treatment that armed gangs give to “defenseless populations,” preventing their right to live in peace.
The National Network for Human Rights Defense (RNDDH) reported at least 110 elderly people killed during attacks in Cite Soleil and warned that the total number could be higher. Witnesses recounted that mutilated bodies were burned in the streets. The tragedy began on Thursday and culminated on Saturday afternoon with the child’s death.
Monel “Mikano” Félix is one of Haiti’s most prominent gang leaders and shares criminal leadership with former police officer Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier. It is estimated that his organization has approximately 300 members and has expanded its activities to other areas of Port-au-Prince.
Despite the presence of a police force backed by the UN known as the Multinational Security Support Mission—primarily composed of Kenyan agents—the violence continues to escalate. Last month, three American commercial planes were hit by gunfire while operating at Port-au-Prince International Airport.
In response to this growing crisis, the United States requested that the UN convert its security mission into an official peacekeeping operation to ensure financial resources and permanent personnel. However, this proposal faces resistance from Russia and China in the Security Council.
So far, only 400 troops have been sent to address a situation requiring at least 2,000 troops to effectively respond to armed gangs. Additionally, Dominican President Luis Abinader highlighted that a lack of financial resources compromises the full functioning of the mission.
Previous international interventions have been criticized for failing to address structural issues such as corruption and institutional fragility. Past missions like MINUSTAH did not adequately strengthen Haiti’s National Police enough to ensure public safety.
The current mission recently announced an operational expansion with a new base to deploy international police in more areas. In its statement, it committed to protecting key infrastructures and creating safe conditions for national elections.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on Monday for a UN mission focused on human rights to be authorized quickly in order to restore security amid rising violence caused by gangs since early this year. HRW noted that while there is hope regarding the Multinational Mission backed by the UN led by Kenya, governments have failed to provide sufficient resources for its effective operation.
Fils-Aimé concluded his speech reiterating: “Our commitment is what guides us every day: security, respect for the Constitution, and fair elections.”
is there a way for haiti to pull up and out of this seemingly endless cycle of violence? the violence and assassinations undermine any kind of state building and even if you set aside the longer term play associated with foreign interference, the kenyan police mission seems too small and too mercenary to provide actual security. I understand why china & russia are not a fan of escalating the kenyan mission into a full on UN "peacekeeping" mission and allowing the west to dig in further, but I don't know what the alternative is. violence and natural disasters have just hammered the country to the point where the state has minimal capacity.
The Kenyan Police is actually a Pro-US force there to stop Haiti from getting away from the US sphere of influece. Most of these "gangs" were part of the Far-Right and Left-Wing paramilitaries that fought a small scale conflict during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Haiti elected a left-wing christian socialist/social-democrat after the military dictatorship, who dissolved the armed forces because they were untrustworthy (they work for the Haitian Elite, who are pretty much Pro-France). During the 2000's the Haitian goverment attempt to get their money back from France. That and their connection with Venezuela, made the US and France pissed, they supported a coup in 2004.
I believe the best option is to allow the rebels to take over the country for now, the current regime (which is undemocratic, the previous neoliberal president was killed by far-right Colombian mercenaries with US support because he didn't want to break relations with Venezuela) is extremely corrupt and weak. I hope China, Russia and the rest of LatAm continues to provide aid for Haiti. The US just wants to keep the goverment there because they hate Haitian immigrants and they want a puppet state near Cuba.