AsiaPacificReport.nz Assad vows to ‘retake the whole of Syria’. Video: AFP interview on France 24 OPINION: By Alastair Thompson The news that the Russians (Sergei Lavrov) and Americans (John Kerry) have come to an understanding on the next steps in Syria is confounding the pundits today – and the instinct to cling to the previous narrative (Russians bombing civilians) is something the BBC is struggling with somewhat. This BBC news report for example is being headlined as we speak on the televised news – at the top of bulletins – with the spoken headline “Pressure is mounting on the Russians over their bombing campaign in Syria”. Whereas the real news is that the Americans appear to have turned against their Free Syrian Army allies and decided to throw in their towel with the Russians – which, if for real, is a seismic shift in the conflict. That said, it is also something the political voices in Washington have been hinting at for some time and that European voices have been calling for over months. The lead story on the BBC website hints at the more complex goings on with a rare AFP interview with Assad in which the president says he plans to retake his entire country (most of which is at present outside his control), although he says he does expect it to take some considerable time. Assad talks of there being two tracks, negotiations and fighting terrorists which are proceeding in parallel. Simultaneously (perhaps as a sideshow – but with an element of truth lurking within) a bunch of apocalyptic pundits are talking of WW III breaking out in the region, either between the Turks and the Russians to the north, or between the Saudis, Egyptians and the Russians in the south. Turkey and Saudi will be doubtless livid with the US decision to negotiate with Assad and the Russians and will see this decision for what it is, a massive U-Turn in policy which leaves them both in a rather dangerous and difficult position. Apocalyptic reports Three apocalyptic reports on these developments can be read here:
- Mounting Evidence Putin Will Ignite WWIII
- Limited Nuclear War Within 18 days as Saudis (and Friends) mass 350,000 troops, 20,000 Tanks, 2,450 Planes, 460 Helicopters for Syria Invasion
- Putin Threatening WWIII over Turkey