Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Buhari Needs To Borrow ₦50trn & Develop Nigeria ‘Overnight’, Says Ben Bruce.


Ben Murray-Bruce, a senator from Bayelsa state and proprietor of Silverbird Entertainment, has prompted President Muhammadu not to jump when borrowingif the procedure will prompt the development of Nigeria “overnight”. Murray-Bruce, who was making his contribution to the open debate on Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), on Wednesday, contended that Nigeria’s “piecemeal” borrowing would not achieve the required development.


He encouraged the legislature to acquire any amount of cash to develop Nigeria quickly.




After the debate on the framework, Senate President Bukola Saraki referred it to the committees on finance and appropriations, and directed them to submit their report next Tuesday. Meanwhile, the senate confirmed the appointment of Babatunde Fowler as chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).




#BenBruce

Despite OPEC Price Falling To $35 Per Barrel, Ekweremadu Insists On $40 Benchmark.


Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, has asked the senate to review upward the crude oil benchmark for the 2016 budget.
Ekweremadu was making his argument hours after crude oil prices in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) basket fell to an all-year low of $35.30.
Leading the debate on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the deputy senate president, argued that the $38 oil benchmark projected for the 2016 budget by the federal government was ” conservative”.

EXCLUSIVE: ‘New PIB’ Strips President Of Discretionary Power To Allocate Oil Blocks.

The new draft of the controversial petroleum industry bill (PIB) strips the president of the discretionary powers to allocate oil blocks, TheCable understands.
The bill now confers the power to allocate petroleum exploration and production leases and licences to the Nigeria Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NPRC) which shall be established under the act.
The final draft of the new bill, “Petroleum industry governance and institutional framework bill 2015”, available to TheCable, which was concluded on December 2, 2015, limits the power of the president to appoint members of the board of the regulatory commission.

Nigeria Has No Control Over Its Oil —Akinjide

NIGERIA’S foremost legal luminary and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide, CON, SAN, has disclosed that Nigeria has no oil because its has no control over the resources.
Chief Akinjide made this statement on Tuesday, while delivering a lecture on the topic “Nigeria beyond oil” in continuation of 2015 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, held at the Dapo Aderogba hall, Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The former Minister of Justice and Attorney General said “Nigeria knows little or nothing about oil and gas. By now, all our universities should have departments in oil and gas. If you have oil and gas and you do not control it, your economy is not in your hand. Nigeria’s economy is in the hands of foreigners.

Fuel Scarcity: Federal Government Approves ₦407bn For Subsidy


The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has confirmed the installment of N407.07 billion for subsidy claims to oil marketers to end the waiting fuel circumstance in the nation. Mrs Adeosun said President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that installments made instantly with a specific end goal to convey to a quick end to the waiting fuel crisis which has brought about incredible enduring to Nigerian families and organizations. She likewise said that in spite of dwindling revenues, the Federal government is focused on guaranteeing nonstop availability of fuel to Nigerians.


The installments incorporate unfulfilled obligations from the 2014 money current year and in addition installments for the present year. It is normal that the beneficiaries would guarantee sufficient supply of fuel to end the diligent fuel deficiency in the country. The Minister entreated the real oil marketers to respond the activity by doing everything they can to convey the fuel scarcity to an end and guaranteed to distribute the approved installments under the subsidy plan in the national dailies.



#FuelScarcity, #NewsNigeria

My Life In Danger – Anyim


• Petitions Buhari over online publication’s story
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, has raised the alarm over a perceived threat to his life and property. He has asked President Muhammadu Buhari for extra security.
In a petition over a publication by Sahara Reporters, in which the online medium on December 2, stated that Anyim was under investigation over allegations that he is funding pro-Biafra protests, the former SGF linked it to a sustained media attack on his person.

Nigeria Wouldn’t Have Survived If Jonathan Had Won – Soyinka


Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, says he does not regret supporting President Muhammadu Buhari during the electioneering, adding that Nigeria would not have survived four more years of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s rule.
Soyinka added that the revelation of stolen loot such as the arms purchase fraud justified his position that Nigeria was being run aground by the last administration.

Malpractices In Kogi, Bayelsa Elections Unfortunate, Says Buhari


President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday lamented that despite government’s efforts aimed at ensuring the conduct of credible elections, some malpractices were witnessed in the recent governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.
He called on Nigerians to support all necessary measures aimed at ensuring free, fair and credible elections in the country, including the use of card readers and permanent voter cards.
A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted the President as saying this while receiving the new members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council Executive Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Dissolves VIO, Sacks All Officers


The Kaduna State Government on Tuesday announced the dissolution of the state’s Vehicle Inspection Office.
A statement by Samuel Aruwan, the spokesman to the governor, disclosed that the closure of the VIO was due to the corruption and indiscipline of the personnel, and their lack of respect for the public.
The statement also said an Executive Order giving immediate effect to this decision had been signed by the Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

There Is A Link Between Boko Haram, Cattle Rustlers – Katsina Gov

Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has said that there is a strong linkage between Boko Haram and cattle rustlers that are terrorising the northern parts of the country.
Masari stated this during the opening ceremony of Two-day Cattle Breeders/Dealers Stakeholders Meeting in Katsina on Tuesday.
He said it was because of the linkage that President Muhammadu Buhari directed all security chiefs to join hands with the governors of eight states in the north-west zone to tackle the menace of rustling.
The governor said Boko Haram insurgents and the cattle rustlers have similar modes of operation by killing people and destroying their property.

Online Publishers Kick Against ‘Anti-Social Media Bill’, Say Senators Are Idle.


The Online Publishers Association (OPA) says the bill for an “Act to Prohibit Frivolous Petitions and other matters connected therewith” is evidence that the senate is idle.
The association condemned the motivation, process and purpose of the bill, which passed its second reading at the senate in a record eight days and is now set for a public hearing.
In statement signed by Olufemi Awoyemi, its president, OPA restated its stance with the Nigerian people against the will of the senate.

Fresh Trouble For Dokpesi As EFCC Traces More Funds Nearing N10bn Paid To Him.


The dilemma of the former Chairman and founder of DAAR Communications, Raymond Dokpesi seems to have widened with more discoveries by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), There were hints last night that the EFCC had discovered that Dokpesi will have to account for about N10 billion votes for publicity. A source said: ”We have been trying to reconcile records with Dokpesi and he has about N10 billion to account for.”

Fashola Plans ‘Little’ Toll On Federal Highways.

Babatunde Fashola, minister of power, works and housing, has revealed plans of the federal government to reintroduce highway tolling to raise additional funds to finance road infrastructure and ensure efficient road maintenance.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during his first news conference tagged ‘Setting the Agenda for Delivering Change’, Fashola said that adequate funding of the nation’s road infrastructure would generate job opportunities and reduce unemployment in the country.
“Maintenance would be our watchword. We are setting up a robust maintenance regime to keep our highways in good shape,” he said.

AngloZionist Empire's Puppet, Pirated Radio Biafra’s Nnamdi Kanu Begs Court For Bail.

Nnamdi Kanu, director of Radio Biafra, has asked Adeniyi Ademola, justice of the federal high court, Abuja, to set aside an ex parte order procured by the Department of State Services (DSS) to keep him in detention, and also grant him bail.
Making his brief, Vincent Obetta, Kanu’s counsel, urged the court to grant him three reliefs.
One of the reliefs was that the court admit his client to bail, and that it should strike out the charge of terrorism against him.

PDP To Buhari: You’re Inflicting Hardship On Nigerians



The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told President Muhammadu Buhari that his policies and apparent lack of viable economic initiatives are currently inflicting hardship on Nigerians.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Tuesday said it is disheartening that the Buhari administration had remained insensitive and unresponsive to the groaning of Nigerians occasioned by the apparent lack of competent hands in the management of the economy.

Muslim Americans Beg Donald Trump To Stop Accusations


Muslim Americans are pleading with Donald Trump to stop encouraging violence in demanding a “complete” halt to Muslim immigration after a New York shopkeeper was beaten in a possible hate crime.
Republican presidential frontrunner Trump’s inflammatory call is part of what activists have described as an unprecedented anti-Muslim backlash following the Paris attacks and the shooting in California by a couple believed to have turned extremist.

Fuel Subsidy Removal: Now Is Best Time To Act, World Bank Tells Buhari

The World Bank has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to act now if he is seriously considering the removal of fuel subsidy. The World Bank’s Lead Economist, John Litwack, said Tuesday the best time to take such decision is now.

Anti-Social Media Bill: Protesters Take Grievance To National Assembly

 The anti social media protest was Tuesday morning taken to the National Assembly by protesters against the ongoing law to gag the online platform by the nation’s lawmakers.
Protesters with placards reading, “Social Media Bill is anti-people” were chorusing “we no go gree o” in obvious angst, asking the lawmakers to stop further actions on the bill. They were however stopped at the first gate by heavily armed Policemen who insisted they would not be allowed to enter the National Assembly.

Yoruba People Are Honest And Have Integrity – Osinbajo


The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has identified honesty, integrity, and hard work as integral attribute that are inherent in among Yoruba people.
He made this assertion in Ile-Ife on Monday during the coronation of the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, as the 51st traditional ruler of the ancient town.
Describing events such as the coronation as rare and very historic in all ramifications, particularly to the people of Ile-Ife and the entire Yoruba race, the Vice President brought to the attention of the new Ooni the great responsibilities lying ahead of him.

Dasuki Begs Court To Stop Moves To Revoke His Bail

ABUJA – The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has deferred the trial of the erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, till January 20, 2016.
The matter which was originally scheduled for hearing Tuesday, was stalled by a preliminary objection Dasuki raised through his team of lawyers led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. J.B. Daudu, SAN.

No Boko Haram Sponsor ’ll Go Unpunished — FG


ABUJA— President Muhammadu Buhari administration will not spare Boko Haram sponsors, in the fight to rid the nation of terrorists and their backers, the Minister of Informational and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said.
Addressing a press conference on the successes recorded by the Nigerian military and other security agencies in the anti-Boko Haram war, in Abuja, yesterday, he said due process would be followed in bringing those behind the terrorists to book.


Yoruba Leaders Task Buhari On Constitutional Reforms


LEADERS under the auspices of Yoruba Summit met in Akure, the Ondo State capital yesterday and asked the Federal Government to look critically into causes of separatist feelings and initiate constitutional reforms to give sense of belonging to all constituent units of the country.
Conveners of the sum- mit include Chairman of the Yoruba Unity Forum, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chairman of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Oodua Peoples Congress, Otunba Gani Adams, Chairman of Yoruba Council of Elders, Gen Adeyinka Adebayo (retd), Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, Dr. Kunle Olajide and Agbekoya.

Resign As Petroleum Minister Now, Ezeife Tells Buhari


Former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign as petroleum minister now against the backdrop of the lingering fuel scarcity across the country.
The works of a petroleum minister, Ezeife said are many and, “too challenging to be combined with the numerous and complex jobs of President and Commander-in-Chief at a critical time like this.”
Ezeife said the results of such multiple jobs would be lack of focus and inefficiency and pointed out that these have already been bringing untold hardship on the citizenry.

Biafra: IPOB, MASSOB Declare Ceasefire On Protests


•Kanu asks court to quash detention order
Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of a Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), have announced a ceasefire on protest in the South-East and some parts of the South-South.
The groups were masterminds of series of protests, which rocked the South-East recently.
In a joint statement made available to newsmen in Enugu yesterday, the groups announced resolve to halt demonstrations and protests to pave way for what they called the much-published dialogue on Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

Dasuki, Dokpesi, Others Charged With Money Maundering

ABUJA — The Federal Government, yesterday, slammed 43-count charge on former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd); former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda; former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa and his son, Sagir.
Others charged with them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on behalf of the Federal Government are: High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Daar Communications Plc and Daar Investment and Holdings Limited; former Finance Director in the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu and Aminu Baba Kusa.

Benin Republic To Send 800 Soldiers To Nigeria

Meanwhile, President of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Boni Yayi, has pledged to send 800 soldiers to fight alongside Nigerian troops.
Yayi’s disclosure came on a day President Buhari also charged him to ensure that he conducted a credible election that would herald his exit from office next year.
The visiting President. who addressed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with his host at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, stated that the soldiers were battle ready.
According to him, Benin Republic would always stand by the government of President Buhari to ensure he succeeds in office.

Your Anti-Corruption War Cannot Solve All Our Problems – Mimiko, Yoruba Leaders Tell Buhari


Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko and some leaders of Yoruba, today said President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war would do little in solving Nigeria’s challenges, unless the federation is restructured.

Mimiko and the leaders spoke at the second edition of Yoruba Summit held in Akure, the Ondo State Capital with the theme, “Economic Downturn and Unemployment in Yorubaland.”
Yoruba leaders in attendance included Afenifere leader, Pa. Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi (rtd), Ambassador Yemi Farohunbi, Otunba Gani Adams, and Sehinde Arogbofa.

Bill To Make Presidents Appoint Ministers In Two Months Passes Second Reading

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, read for the second time, a Bill for an Act to provide for timely composition of cabinet with portfolios attached by the President of Nigeria.
The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama (Edo-PDP), said it stipulates eight weeks for the President to form his cabinet, upon the announcement of nominees.

Pastor Kumuyi Visits Ooni Of Ife, Tells Him Not To Miss Heaven [PHOTO]


The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Williams Folorunsho kumuyi, otherwise known as WF Kumuyi recently paid a courtesy visit to the newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Kumuyi, who is famous for his sermons on salvation and holiness reportedly told the monarch to make God his pillar while he oversees the Yoruba traditional stool.
The former university don, who was accompanied by some pastors of his ministry also reminded the monarch that he should try as much as possible to reign with Christ when he returns.
The king who concluded a 21-day ritual conducted by Ogboni cultists thanked the Man of God for the visit despite his tight schedule.

$2b Arms Deals: All Set For Dasuki’s, Dokpesi’s Trial


EFCC charges ex-NSA, AIT chair, Bafarawa, others to court
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday filed money laundering charges, among others, against businessman Dr. Raymond Dokpesi.
Also charged before the Federal High Court are: Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki, former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, former Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda and former Director of Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), Shaibu Salisu.

Fed Govt Plans 2,000mw In 15 Months, Says Fashola


•Lagos-Ibadan road, Second Niger Bridge priority projects 
•Toll gates to return •Massive construction of houses
The Federal Government plans to generate 2,000 megawatts within the next 15 months to boost electricity supply, it was announced yesterday.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge linking the West to the East will get priority attention in next year’s budget, which will allocate more cash to infrastructure provision.
But tolling will likely be reintroduced on federal roads to generate cash for maintenance.
These are part of the government’s plan, which Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola unfolded yesterday.

Dialogue With Pro-Biafra Agitators, APC Support Group Tells Buhari



The South-South chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Coalition Support Group, has appealed to the federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari to dialogue with the Biafra agitators to ensure peace reigns in South-East.
Mr Isaac Obasogu, National Vice Chairman of the group, made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja in an interview with NAN.
“At this juncture, let me call on the federal government to dialogue with those agitating for Biafra, we must not treat the call for the renewal of Biafra with an iron fist.

Coalition Of Political Parties Back Buhari’s Corruption Fight


The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has thrown its weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war. IPAC described as mind-boggling, revelations of the past weeks on corruption cases involving some former public office holders.

I’m Not The Owner Of Stolen N310m, Says Saraki


Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has dismissed claims by online news medium, SaharaReporters, that he was the owner of the N310m said to have been stolen during a robbery operation involving some military and State Security Service (SSS) officials.
In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said the stolen money did not belong to Saraki and that he did not know the owner, who is said to be a Bureau De Change operator.
“The Senate President was in Paris attending the Globe COP 21 Conference for Legislators on the Climate Change when we read the Sahara Reporters version of the report on a statement issued by the spokesperson of the SSS.

Niger To Transfer 500 Boko Haram Prisoners To Nigeria

Niger has agreed to transfer hundreds of prisoners from the militant Islamist group Boko Haram back to their home country of Nigeria to reduce pressure on its crammed prisons, judicial sources said on Tuesday.
Boko Haram militants mostly operate in northeastern Nigeria but have also stepped up their insurgency within Niger’s southern region
of Diffa in recent months, carrying out dozens of attacks.
Niger has declared a state of emergency there in an effort to improve security and has made hundreds of arrests.

How I Will Solve Power, Roads, Housing Problems – Fashola


Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Power, Works and Housing has outlined how he intends to tackle the problem of power, roads and housing in Nigeria.
The former Lagos governor, who recognised the Permanent Secretaries under his ministry as key players to the success of his plans, urged Nigerians to support him in achieving his goals.
Read his full statement below:

“SETTING THE AGENDA FOR DELIVERING CHANGE” BEING TEXT OF THE INAUGURAL MEDIA BRIEFING OF THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF POWER, WORKS AND HOUSING.

It is no longer news that the Federal Executive Council, the highest executive decision making organ of the Federal Government of Nigeria has now been inaugurated.

Lai: Military Has ‘Largely’ Crushed Boko Haram.


The federal government says the military has “largely” met the December deadline fixed by President Muhammadu Buhari for the annihilation of Boko Haram.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, said that the “military had sufficiently degraded the capacity of Boko Haram to launch spectacular attacks while also retaking most of the territories seized by the terrorists”.

‘PDP Needs To Change Its Name’

What do you make of the Kogi State governorship election logjam?
It is purely lack of political understanding with respect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) stand. On the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I don't think I have much to say because they played their role well. Now that the issue has come, it is an unfortunate situation because of the death of Prince Abubakar Audu. Even the law has not envisaged something like this.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is insisting that its governorship candidate in Kogi, Captain Idris Wada is the winner of the election, arguing that Yahaya Bello of the APC can’t be winner. Will you say the PDP has a case?

Yoruba Leaders Calls For Restructuring Of Nigeria


Prominent Yoruba leaders yesterday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently consider restructuring of the country as a way out of its lingering national crisis.
The leaders also urged the president to roll out a comprehensive economic plan to rebuild the country infrastructure, reflate the economy,create massive jobs and raise the standard of education in the country.

Troops Intercept Fleeing Boko Haram Members, Kill 100 In Pulka


Scores of Boko Haram fighters, who were on the run after the bombardment of their hideouts in Sambisa forest, were yesterday gunned down by soldiers manning their secret escape route in Pulka village near Gwoza town, army officials said.
After three weeks of strategic mapping of the areas occupied by Boko Haram fighters, the military had, on Sunday night, embarked on rapid bombardment of the insurgents’ enclaves by attacking, simultaneously, from air and ground.

Syrian High Command Confirms Western Coalition Attacking Government Forces

The Syrian General Staff has provided information revealing Western coalition strikes against Syrian troop positions in Deir ez-Zor on December 6, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Syrian General Staff information shows strikes against Syrian troop positions in Deir ez-Zor on December 6 were carried out by western coalition, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.     

video: Russia Releases Video of First-Ever Submarine Launch of Kalibr Missiles



The Russian submarine Rostov-on-Don fired a salvo of Kalibr cruise missiles from the Mediterranean Sea against Daesh targets in Syria.

Ahead of the Game: Russia Moving  pretty Faster in Syria Than US Media Can Report 


While trying to foresee Russia’s further moves in Syria, US strategy master Robert Farley has advanced what he considers “Russia’s five next big moves in Syria”,Syria”, which are set to come in the closest days or weeks; then again, for reasons unknown, the initial four are now already very active on the ground.


See the top five list after the jump break.



1.The Arrival of the Su-25 Grach (NATO Reporting Name “Frogfoot”)


“The shootdown of the Su-24 Fencer near Turkish territory demonstrated the vulnerability of the unescorted attack aircraft to modern jet fighters,” reads Farley’s article for The National Interest magazine.



  ​​The best way to protect the Russian air fleet in Syria, the author says, is to bring in “a tough, heavy attack plane like the Su-25 Frogfoot, which can have an immediate impact on the battlefield. “





​“With some indication that Russia is about to massively step up its air campaign in Syria, we can be sure that additional attack aircraft, like the Frogfoot, will soon appear in the skies over rebel held territory,” the author says.






Su-25 jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria


In any case, Russia as of now has as much as 12 of the most recent Su-25 ground assault planes in Syria, 12 considerably all the more capable Su-34 (NATO reporting name Flanker-C) strike contenders and up to 16 Su-30 (NATO reporting name Flanker-C) supermaneuverable fighter aircraft, aside from its current arrangement of Su-24s and Su-27s.


From November 20, the size of the Russian air armada in Syria was expanded to 69 airplane.



2) Deployment of S-400 Surface-to-Air Missile System

“[…] in political terms the S-400 offers the Assad regime insurance against either a Western no-fly zone or an anti-Assad air campaign. This means, in effect, that ISIS (also known as ISIL and Daesh) and other Syrian rebels will need to defeat Assad (and Russia) on their own, without the direct kinetic support of any of their allies,” the article reads.




​“The S-400 gives Russia a practical veto over any Western action against Assad.”


russian s-400




  Russia deploys S-400 air defence missile system in Syria


The writer however recognized that the S-400 Triumf (NATO codename SA-21 Growler), a hostile to flying machine and against rocket framework, which is equipped for capturing a wide range of cutting edge air weaponry, including fifth-era warplanes, and also ballistic and cruise  missiles at a most extreme scope of about 250 miles, has as of now been “delivered, deployed and put on air defense combat duty at Russia’s Hmeymim airbase in Syria.”





3. Diplomacy


“The most important weapon that Russia can use to save the Assad regime is its diplomatic corps,” the author claims neglecting to mention that Russia has been using this “tool” since the very start of the conflict in Syria.




Among its most recent proposition is a Russia-started counter-terrorism revelation effectively received by the foreign ministers of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Belgrade earlier in December.


Russian President Vladimir Putin has since a long time ago called for the creation of a international coalition in the battle against terrorism, especially targeted on Daesh. Putin global on the requirement for global anti-terrorism endeavors, led withinf a legitimate system, at the UN General Assembly in September.





4.Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance


The author somewhat laments that “Russia does not now, and has never had the kinds of ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) assets that the United States takes for granted.”



However “Russian assets in this regard include not only recon aircraft and drones, but also electronic warfare units that can analyze rebel communications,” he acknowledges.


Earlier in October the very same magazine made a special report on “Russia’s electronic spies which have become a key part of Moscow’s surge into Syria.”



5.Spetsnaz (Russian Special Forces)


“Russia has a lot of war left to fight in Syria,” the author predicts. “The first weeks of US intervention in Afghanistan, and of NATO intervention in Libya, showed few obvious fruits of progress. In both cases air attacks had weakened and fragmented the resistance, however, eventually allowing major ground offensives to roll up the country.”


“Two or three months from now, the international community could be celebrating the successful efforts of the Russian military to defeat ISIS, and the Assad regime could be cheering the destruction of rebel factions in the west of the country.,” he therefore suggests.


However he fails to mention that Russian authorities, including President Putin, repeatedly ruled out any possible military presence on the ground in Syria.


 



#Russia, #Syria

Erdogan: the Trojan Horse of Terror

by Ghassan Kadi

Love him or hate him, Erdogan has been a survivor; a hero for some, and a stick in the mud that would not go away for many more others. He has thus far managed to dodge many serious decisive moments, the last of which was the recent parliamentary elections that he won with flying colours despite the predictions of many analysts, including myself, that he was destined to lose abysmally.

Even though the November elections did not give Erdogan the 66% majority that would enable him to change the constitution, after being in power for more than a decade, his initial domestic financial successes, one would imagine, became plagued by his failed regional gambles in Syria, however, the November elections came to give Erdogan a new lifeline that he himself perhaps did not believe he was going to achieve.