Iran in Syria | M.N.: Does Putin or any other foreign entity (possibly masking as Putin) influence the cabinet appointments? And many other similar questions... | "How is Putin still getting these talking points to Trump?"
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Before the start of business, Just Security provides a curated summary of up-to-the-minute developments at home and abroad. Here’s today’s news.
IRAN
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday warned Iran against launching satellites over the coming months, saying in a statement that the U.S. “will not stand by and watch the Iranian regime’s destructive policies place international stability and security at risk” and that Tehran should “reconsider these provocative launches and cease all activities related to ballistic missiles in order to avoid deeper economic and diplomatic isolation.” Rebecca Kheel reports at the Hill.
Pompeo claimed that the Iranian spacecraft launches would be in violation of the U.N. Security Council Resolution that enshrined the 2015 nuclear deal and “calls upon” Iran not to test ballistic missiles. Carol Morello reports at the Washington Post.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif hit back at Pompeo’s statement, arguing that the launch of space vehicles is not in violation of the U.N. Security Council resolution and that the U.S. itself “is in material breach” of the resolution and “as such it is in no position to lecture anyone on it.” David E. Sanger and William J. Broad report at the New York Times.
Iran’s navy will send warships to the Atlantic from March this year, a top commander said today. Reuters reports.
President Trump’s comments at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting that Iran “can do what they want” in Syria stood in stark contrast to the position held by his national security adviser John Bolton, who has sought to advance a plan of pushing back against Iran through the Syrian battleground. Missy Ryan and John Hudson explain at the Washington Post.
U.S.-RUSSIA RELATIONS
The U.S. citizen Paul Whelan – who has been detained in Russia on charges of espionage – also holds British citizenship, according to a representative at the British embassy in Moscow. Georgi Kantchev reports at the Wall Street Journal.
“Individuals should not be used as pawns of diplomatic leverage [or] being used in diplomatic chess games,” the British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said today in response to Russia’s detention of Whelan, adding that Whelan has been offered consular assistance. Reuters reports.
Whelan has “become the latest pawn between Russia and the United States as rising tensions take on the cast of the Cold War years,” and his detention follows the U.S. arrest of the Russian citizen Maria Butina, who pleaded guilty last month to conspiracy to act as a foreign agent and agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. Julian E. Barnes and Neil MacFarquhar report at the New York Times.
Whelan’s Russian lawyer, Vladimir Zherebenkov, has stated that his goal is to arrange an exchange and bring home “at least one Russian soul” – widely believed to be Butina. Anna Nemtsova and Betsy Woodruff report at The Daily Beast.
Whelan has a deep interest in Russia and was a U.S. Marine, but former intelligence officials say his interesting résumé suggests he would be a highly unlikely choice as an intelligence official. Shane Harris, Paul Sonne and Amie Ferris-Rotman explain at the Washington Post.
AFGHANISTAN
The U.S. Army’s chief of staff Gen. Mark A. Milley made a surprise visit to Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul yesterday to discuss opportunities for ending the 17-year war with President Ashraf Ghani. Ellen Mitchell reports at the Hill.
“After the invasion by the Soviet Union, all presidents of America not only denounced this invasion but remained supporters of this holy jihad of the Afghans,” President Ghani said in a statement in response to President Trump’s comments at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting that the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 was “because terrorists were going to Russia.” Other top Afghan officials also disputed Trump’s account of the war, Alan Yuhas reports at the New York Times.
India’s Congress has condemned President Trump’s characterization of its role in Afghanistan, countering Trump’s claim that India has not offered significant help with reconstruction of the war-torn country. Krishna N. Das reports at Reuters.
President Trump’s comments about Afghanistan’s history and the role of other nation’s fighting alongside U.S. troops “will be criticized heavily, and deservedly so,” the Wall Street Journal editorial board writes.
SYRIA
U.S. forces have intensified airstrikes against the Islamic State group in the eastern part of Syria since President Trump announcement last month that he would withdraw the 2,000 U.S. troops stationed in the country, according to a joint investigation by Al Jazeera and The Intercept. Ali Younes and Trevor Aaronson report at Al Jazeera.
Top Senate Republicans yesterday proposed a bill imposing new sanctions on Syria and to increase security cooperation with Israel and Jordan following Trump’s announcement to withdraw U.S. troops, pushing back against the president’s decision; signaling their view that the U.S. should maintain a strong presence in the Middle East and that Congress should have a greater role in matters of national security. Josh Lederman reports at NBC News.
The dominant Washington narrative about Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria doesn’t fit the reality: the State Department and Pentagon had been tasked in March 2018 with planning for eventual withdrawal, so had not been caught by surprise by the president’s announcement. Mark Perry writes at Foreign Policy.
U.S.-led airstrikes continue. U.S. and coalition forces carried out 208 airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria between Dec. 9 and Dec. 15. [Central Command]
YEMEN
The U.N. envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, plans to hold meetings this weekend in the Yemeni capital to discuss ways to end the civil war, the AP reports.
Saudi Arabia has been trying to win over locals in Yemen through redevelopment and reconstruction, but many have reacted negatively due to distrust over the kingdom’s intentions. Sune Engel Rasmussen and Saleh al-Batati explain at the Wall Street Journal.
The KOREAN PENINSULA
There has been increasing speculation that the acting North Korean ambassador to Italy, Jo Song-gil, has defected after a South Korean lawmaker said yesterday that Jo had gone into hiding. Frances D’Emilio and Kim Tong-Hyung report at the AP.
A breakdown of other high-profile defections from North Korea is provided by Kim Tong-Hyung at the AP.
President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have indicated a willingness to meet, and a second summit could deliver progress if both sides approach with realistic expectations and an ability to compromise. Josh Doyle writes at Al Jazeera.
TRUMP-RUSSIA
House Democrats yesterday introduced a bill to protect special counsel Robert Mueller from being fired by President Trump, aiming to codify existing Justice Department regulations and stipulate that the special counsel must be given written notice of their removal and an opportunity to challenge the decision in court. However, the Republian-controlled Senate is unlikely to take up the bill, Morgan Chalfant reports at the Hill.
“There remains a real possibility that Mueller will come up empty, at least in connection with President Donald Trump, his family, and high-level advisers,” Andrew Coan writes at CNN, analyzing the potential consequences of such a finding.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
Congressional leaders and President Trump will meet today in a bid to end the partial government shutdown, however progress is unlikely as the president is adamant on the inclusion of $5bn for a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, and Democrats are equally insistent that they will not support funding for the wall. Scott Detrow reports at NPR.
Hackers have today leaked the personal details of hundreds of German politicians, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, with the true extent of the mass hack attack not yet known. The BBCreports.
The trial taking place in Saudi Arabia in relation to the killing of U.S. resident and Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi is “not sufficient,” the U.N. human rights office said today. Reuters reports.
The U.S. has stopped responding to official complaints from U.N. special rapporteurs, prompting concerns about human rights violations within the country and the message this action sends to authoritarian regimes across the world. Ed Pilkington reveals at the Guardian.
Jim Webb is being considered to be the next defense secretary, according to three officials. Webb’s views, a former Democratic senator and Reagan-era secretary of the Navy, appear to align closely with Trump’s issues such as troop withdrawal in the Middle East and the U.S. approach to China. Thomas Gibbons-Neff and Maggie Haberman report at the New York Times.
The U.S. State Department has called on Congo’s government to release accurate results of its presidential elections and has warned of potential U.S. sanctions against those who have undermined the democratic process. The AP reports.
The U.S. has warned its citizens to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to China and has stated that U.S.-Chinese dual nationals are at particular risk of so-called exit bans, which can be used to prevent them from leaving China. The BBC reports.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe intends to advance plans for a World War Two peace treaty with Russia when he meets with President Vladimir Putin later this month, telling a news conference today that there had been “absolutely no progress” on the issue for more than 70 years, which has been hindered by a dispute over territory. Elaine Lies reports at Reuters.
Britain’s Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson revealed that the U.K. is considering establishing new military bases in Asia, raising the possibility of a British base in the South China Sea – an area of high tension due to various territorial claims and China’s expansionism. Brad Lendon provides an analysis at CNN.
An interview with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi, which includes discussion of political prisoners and his country’s cooperation with Israel, and which the Egyptian government asked not to be aired, is available on CBS.
The recent protests in Sudan bear resemblance to the Arab Spring and the turmoil may bring down President Omar al-Bashir, who has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. The Financial Times editorial board writes.
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Trump's Withdrawal of US Troops From Syria Will Boost Iran's Fortunes
TIME-3 hours ago
It was not Syria that was the focus of this new strategy; it was Iran. While former President Barack Obama had pursued a softer approach to Iran ...
'They can do what they want': Trump's Iran comments defy the position ...
International-Washington Post-14 hours ago
International-Washington Post-14 hours ago
Iran 'Can Do What They Want' in Syria, Trump Says
Haaretz-Jan 3, 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that as far as he's concerned, Iran"can do what they want" in Syria.
Israeli official 'in shock' as Trump says Iran 'can do what they want' in ...
The Times of Israel-Jan 3, 2019
The Times of Israel-Jan 3, 2019
Why Trump's withdrawal from Syria is bad news for Israel — and good ...
International-Vox-Jan 3, 2019
International-Vox-Jan 3, 2019
Trump's plan for our troops is opaque. He owes the country a better ...
Opinion-Washington Post-Jan 2, 2019
Opinion-Washington Post-Jan 2, 2019
Trump Gave Iran Carte Blanche in Syria. Israel Should Be Worried
Haaretz-13 hours ago
The Turkish Justice Ministry was very busy in 2018. According to data published by the Interior Ministry, some 45,000 social media users ...
Israel acts at 'military level' amid US sanctions on Iran: Netanyahu
International-PRESSTV-6 hours ago
International-PRESSTV-6 hours ago
Rubio, top GOP senators hit back at Trump's Syria pullout with ...
International-<a href="http://NBCNews.com" rel="nofollow">NBCNews.com</a>-15 hours ago
International-<a href="http://NBCNews.com" rel="nofollow">NBCNews.com</a>-15 hours ago
Pompeo Says Cooperation with Israel Over Syria, Iran to Continue
Voice of America-Jan 1, 2019
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that the United States would continue to cooperate with Israel over Syria and in countering ...
Pompeo: America Won't Abandon Israel to Face Iran in Syria
The Jewish Press - <a href="http://JewishPress.com" rel="nofollow">JewishPress.com</a>-Jan 1, 2019
The Jewish Press - <a href="http://JewishPress.com" rel="nofollow">JewishPress.com</a>-Jan 1, 2019
Israel to intensify fight against Iran in Syria following US withdrawal ...
Globalnews.ca-Dec 20, 2018
JERUSALEM — Israel will escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country, Prime ...
What the US withdrawal from Syria means for ISIS, Iran, and Kurdish ...
Brookings Institution (blog)-Dec 21, 2018
Brookings Institution (blog)-Dec 21, 2018
Trump's withdrawal from Syria is victory for Iran and Russia, experts say
International-<a href="http://NBCNews.com" rel="nofollow">NBCNews.com</a>-Dec 20, 2018
International-<a href="http://NBCNews.com" rel="nofollow">NBCNews.com</a>-Dec 20, 2018
“Fake News”: Trump lashes out at criticism over his decision to pull ...
International-Vox-Dec 20, 2018
International-Vox-Dec 20, 2018
Iran to reap rewards in Syria's reconstruction, says Syria economy ...
The National-Dec 31, 2018
Iran is asserting its dominance in Syria's post-war reconstruction drive, at a time when Gulf states are pushing for the reinstatement of ...
Iran, Syria explore facilitation of bilateral banking transactions
International-Tehran Times-Dec 31, 2018
International-Tehran Times-Dec 31, 2018
Trump: Iran is different place than before I was president
CNBC-Jan 2, 2019
President Trump gives comments on the government shutdown, Iran, Syria and the U.S.-Mexico border wall during the cabinet meeting.
Iran Showed Signs of Slowing Down Its Syria Activity. Then New ...
Haaretz-Dec 30, 2018
Israel resumed its airstrikes on Syria this week, according to foreign reports. The reason was provided Wednesday night by a senior Israeli ...
What Trump's Syria Withdrawal Means for the Middle East
International-The National Interest Online-Dec 28, 2018
International-The National Interest Online-Dec 28, 2018
Pompeo on Tehran rockets: US 'won't stand by' as Iran threatens ...
The Times of Israel-19 hours ago
Pompeo's statement comes a day after US President Donald Trump said Iranian forces in Syria “can do what they want there, frankly,” and ...
US wants Iranians to 'have better lives' with sanctions: Pompeo
PRESSTV-2 hours ago
"The sanctions on Iran have this ultimate goal: creating an outcome where the ... will meet with Turkish officials next week "to talk about Syria.”.
Iran's Hardliners and Reformists and the Syria Gambit
LobeLog-Jan 3, 2019
President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) certainly hurt the reformists; but it was Iran's Syria ...
Syria needs to be rebuilt and its people helped – but Assad's shameful ...
The Independent-Jan 2, 2019
Assad will get away with all the carnage and bloodshed that he and his Russian and Iranian allies have imposed on the Syrian people.
After America leaves Syria, what next?
The Economist-21 hours ago
The Syrian regime, along with its Russian and Iranian allies, rejoiced. Arab states hurried to make up with Syria's leader, Bashar al-Assad.
Why Eastern Syria Matters to Everyone in the Middle East
Middle East Forum-6 hours ago
Eastern Syria is a large and strategic area sandwiched between Turkey and ... One alliance is led by Iran and includes the Syrian government, ...
Report: New IDF head wanted Assad assassinated
The Jerusalem Post-Jan 1, 2019
“The Iranian plan is to control the Middle East by means of two Shi'ite crescents,” Eisenkot said, “the first being from Iran through Iraq to Syria ...
Report: After US exits Syria, Iran removes military advisors from Iraq
The Jerusalem Post-Dec 29, 2018
Iran's Ambassador to Iraq, Erg Masjedi, claimed Friday that Iran has withdrawn all of its military advisors from Iraq, after the declaration of victory ...
Syria: Assad has decisively won his brutal battle
The Guardian-Dec 30, 2018
Trump's sudden decision has ended that problem: Assad and Iran no longer face the threat of an indefinite American presence in eastern Syria.
Ahval
Donald Trump claims Russia is 'not happy' US troops are leaving Syria ...
PolitiFact-Dec 21, 2018
Russia, Iran, Syria & many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says, because now they will have to fight ...
Suspicious Iranian cargo plane made 72 flights since September
The Jerusalem Post-21 hours ago
An Iranian cargo plane that has been flagged as flying suspicious cargo ... Israel said earlier this year that it struck 200 Iranian targets in Syria in ...
Turkey, Iran vow to work closer on Syria after US announcement
<a href="http://Aljazeera.com" rel="nofollow">Aljazeera.com</a>-Dec 20, 2018
"The fate of Syria should be determined only by the people of Syria. Everyone should respect Syria'sterritorial integrity and we (Iran and ...
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M.N.: Does Putin or any other foreign entity (possibly masking as Putin) influence the cabinet appointments? And many other similar questions... | "How is Putin still getting these talking points to Trump?" - 7:50 AM 1/4/2019
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Who is "The Whisperer In Chief"?
"How is Putin still getting these talking points to Trump?"
M.N.: Does Putin or any other foreign entity (possibly masking as Putin) influence the cabinet appointments? And many other similar questions...
"So who’s the go-between these days?"
Does Melanie whisper sweet somethings into the Donald's willing and attentive big ears?! That might be the answer that every one is so gingerly avoiding. - M.N.
Or is Jared Kushner "The Whisperer In Chief"?
Is Jared Kushner the De Facto President of the USA?
Is Jared Kushner "The Whisperer In Chief"?
is Jared Kushner "The Whisperer In Chief"? - Google Search
is Jared Kushner "The Whisperer In Chief"? - Google Search
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