The Syrian National Coalition, which styles itself as the political leadership of the Syrian rebellion, today declared that they don’t believe that there is any political solution to the Syrian Civil War, and that rather the focus must be on defeating “Russian aggression.”
The National Coalition was originally designed to solicit western funding for the rebellion, and also served as the nominal leadership of the Free Syrian Army (FSA). This didn’t last long, however, as FSA forces quickly started defecting around to various other groups, while keeping the FSA name. Either way, the coalition was never able to exert much of any control over the fighters.
While today’s comments are in keeping with much of the recent rebel narrative about the post-ceasefire situation being all Russia’s fault and proof that the rebellion needs to stay the course, an admission from an explicitly political group that they don’t believe in politics as a viable avenue of discussion makes them even less meaningful than they already were.
Syria’s various would-be rebel figurehead groups have struggled to get off the ground, starting with the Syrian National Council, which was replaced by the Coalition for Opposition Forces Reconciliation, and finally the Syrian National Coalition. Such groups have never played a serious role in official peace talks, and have mostly only been around to attend Western-hosted fundraising efforts. When peace talks have been attempted, the combatant forces have quickly formed rival factions like the High Negotiation Committee.
“Political solution no Longer viable” – Langley, Virginia
Where’s my last post???
Is the leader of this latest ex-pat Syrian opposition political group the same used-car dealer from Dallas who led the first ex-pat group, or some lesser-known figure? It is interesting to recall that during the five-year span of our (US) Government’s attempts to achieve “regime change” and bring the blessings of democracy to the Syrian people, there has been essentially ZERO discussion in our media of the actual number of Syrians who support forcible “regime change” in their country. One would think that if democracy in Syria were our Government’s true goal, there would have been some serious discussion of the political views of Syrians by now.
We knew something was in the wind and was coming soon. The intensity of the Putin demonization was increase noticably about a week ago.
Amusing last sentence! And gotta love your bravado where you say that the US should go ahead and take a chance that Russia (Putin) will back down. Or at least you’re sort of betting on it staying a regional war far away from America’s shores!
Thing is Eagle, you’re in the vast majority and you’re pretty much talking for your fellow Americans too.
I have never seen anyone support the terrorist groups as much as you do. Who exactly do you think should win in Syria? People do not count for anything. Lavrov was right — it is an emotional meltdown that US exhibited — quite immature I would say. And they complain about Trump’s temperament!
When you are supporting Al-Qaeda, and you cannot even do it right, then you support “Free” Syrian Army — that defected to anybody who would pay them — from ISIS to Al-Qaeda. Now, they all keep on renaming themselves, but it is clear that bulk of Free Syrian army groups (about two thousand of them) is now joyfully joining Turkey. And those same allies — when joined by US special ops assigned to Turkish offensive, showed exactly how they feel about US in Syria. A show of force by these groups had US special ops running away in their vehicles faster then the speeding bullet — and seek protection by Turkish Army. Turkey did not protest, nor reprimand those newly allied Syrians.
It is a mess — a giant, unbelievable mess. Now, openly supporting terrorist groups, and seeking a no fly zone to PROTECT both ISIS and Al-Qaeda. It is a corner that we put ourselves, it is not Russia’s fault. If we wanted to fight terrorists — we had ample opportunity to do so. But by wasting six months in deliberating who is “good” or “bad” terrorist, we have become responsible for dragging the conflict..
If anything, Russia offered many face-saving opportunities. Getting legitimate opposition to stop fighting and respect cease fire, while isolating terrorists — should have resulted in terrorists being defeated by a combined US and Russian efforts long, long time ago. And with a political transition to be agreed upon, followed by internationally supervised election — a good way out of the mess. But the arrogance prevails. For as long as the well paid terrorists of Al-Qaeda continue fighting by keeping civilians as hostages in east Aleppo, it is possible to just make it more difficult to arrive at an agreed upon peace.
But this will end once Turkey consolidates its position vs Kurds. Then, if US remains defiant, and insists that Kurds should go onto Raqqa — and claim territory as a prize, Turkey will go on Aleppo. And we know what will happen. The last of the supply routes for Al-Qaeda or pockets of ISISI will be closed. And everyone and their uncle will claim to be Free Syrian Army, and join Turkish forces. Their calculation would be good one — after the conflict, Turkey can at least give them a clean bill of health, so they can get back to civilian life without being hunted by authorities. Those that have EXCELLED at killing civilians will probably find the way to Turkish refugee camps, and a ticket to one of the Western countries. Because in Syria, everybody knows who were the ruthless ones, by name. But like in WWII refugee camps where many Nazis changed identities and got Red Cross passport, the same will be the case with Red Crescent. After all, Turkey does not want them in their country no more then Syria.
By being arrogant, now there is really NO good option. And many other players will now have to speak up — from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan or Qatar, to India and China. And they will urge US to lower the decibels. Narrowing the space for maneuver.
If not, US will lose, outright. Just like the losses in Pivot to Pacific — or various plans for gas pipelines. Just like trying to convince Japan to keep away from cooperating with Russia — and not succeeding. And very likely in Iraq as well.
Will US risk a nuclear war with Russia? Perhaps — being shielded by a few large oceans makes one feel much more safe, but that is not the case of anyone else US considers an ally. Are they dispensable? What will they do should they start thinking that US is an irresponsible power, willing to risk everybody’s interest but her own? The shift in thinking will occur, and that is already happening. US insists on supporting terrorists in Syria, and destroyed Libya using their Islamists as well. Now, Europe is inundated with refugees, destroying their economies, and the peace of mind for the citizens of all European countries. How much longer do you think will go on. It is not Russia that destroyed Middle East and North Africa. The entire world knows this. So, what do you think is the verdict. Will the world still encourage us to support the terrorists in East Aleppo who are holding population hostages? And not letting them leave, although safe corridors have been established — corridors that are not subject to military action or bombing to insure safe passage. Yet, they are not allowed — that is the real dirty story of East Aleppo, and we may as well deal with it. Our elite would do anything to cover up their bad judgment Anything, And are we going to be the stupid enablers?
Look Bianca the only source of influence in the region that Russia has in the middle East is in Syria there not there fight terrorists there really there to protect it’s influence the only naval base it has outside of Russia because there not financially and honestly militarily capable of the type of influence it takes in the world to be a real superpower.Now I know you want the USA to fail and you bring up all these cherry picked lies about what a monster America is but until your being fair and can state why Russia seizes the richest man in Russia oil company and makes it a part of it’s countries assets why they lied about shooting down MH17 in Eastern Ukraine and why they make outside journalist register as foreign operatives a new law they just passed to keep our conflicting narratives of what they’re doing from being read by its people maybe you’ll have a tad bit of credibility…Tell me what other base does Russia have in the middle East??? None right??? Point made.