Trump’s Proposed Syria Safe Zones
by Stephen Lendman
Syrians need all the help they can get, America fully responsible for ravaging the country, together with its rogue allies.
Trump’s safe zones proposal remains unclear, no details forthcoming so far. Russia is amenable to establishing them, likely under UN auspices, as long as Damascus agrees and Syrian sovereignty remains inviolate.
On Sunday, Trump spoke to Saudi King Salman by phone, Washington’s partner in high crimes regionally, especially in Syria and Yemen.
Saudi Arabia supports ISIS, al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups. Its regime wants Assad ousted, replaced by an extremist Wahhabi caliphate like the scourge of the kingdom.
A White House statement said King Salman “agreed to support safe zones in Syria” and Yemen. So did UAE crown prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan in a separate phone conversation with Trump.
He and King Salman also “agreed on the importance of rigorously enforcing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran,” a departure from his earlier position, wanting the nuclear deal rescinded.
On Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem warned against establishing safe zones in his country without government approval. Otherwise they’ll be unsafe and violate Syrian sovereignty, he said.
Separately, al-Moallem urged Syrian refugees in neighboring countries to return home to areas where fighting subsided, promising needed aid will be provided.
Russia alone among foreign countries is providing it – nothing from America, nothing from Britain or other EU countries, nothing from Saudi Arabia and other regional rogue states responsible with Washington for endless regional war and suffering.
On Monday, Syria’s military said 1,142 terrorist fighters and 760 family members were evacuated from Barada Valley northwest of Damascus after agreeing to surrender.
They were bused to terrorist-held Idlib province areas, ending a six-week standoff, resulting in water cut off for Damascus residents.
Some pumping resumed. Work is underway to restore it entirely to areas affected.
At the same time, combating ISIS and al-Nusra continues, Syrian forces greatly aided by Russian airpower – including involvement of long-range Tu-22M3 bombers flying from Russia, able to deliver powerful payloads on terrorist targets.
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.
His new book as editor and contributor is titled “Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III.”
Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.
Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.
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