CIA-backed Syrian rebel factions in southeastern Syria have been formally told by the CIA to end all fighting and retreat across the border into Jordan. The “request” has also been endorsed by Jordan and Saudi Arabia, two other backers of the fighters.
This comes amid a Syrian Army push into the nation’s southeast, which is primarily focused on attacking ISIS fighters. Though the US previously appeared to be eager to fight to keep Syrian forces out of this area, that no longer seems to be the case.
This includes the rebel base at al-Tanf, on the three-way border between Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. The US had troops operating out of this base in the past, but presumably won’t keep them there if they want the rebels in Jordan.
The rebels don’t appear to be interested in withdrawing so far, as they believe being sent to Jordan is tantamount to being told to end the war. It’s also possible they’re simply being sent to Jordan to get new CIA orders for a change in strategy.
It’s not clear how much control the CIA ever had over these groups though, and especially now that they’ve stopped arming them, it’s really uncertain that they can successfully call them off like this. Rebel leaders say they intend to fight to the last man.
It’s hard to see what pretext the United States could use to go to war against Syria to prevent the Assad government from retaking its own territory- because that’s what it would mean to keep Americans and American-backed rebels in that corner of Syria.
But I’m sure Israel will come up with a good solution.
The rebels have little choice. Syrian Army took control of most of the border with Jordan, so a space has been left for them to exit. However, the mysterious rebels are hardly to becfound, as Syrian Amy ran into ISIS. While inexplicably US blocked Syrian Amy pursuit of ISIS past Al-Tanf — claiming support of some unidentifiable “rebels”. Since CIA stopped funding a while ago, it is utterly unclear why would US prevent pursuit of ISIS. This is now making sense in the context of Russian intelligence reporting helicopters evacuating ISIS. Whoever was evacuated — it was for the sake of not getting captured by Syrian forces. Now, Lebanon has sealed its border, Turkey did a while ago, Jordan border almost clear. The Golan Heights in Syria cleared of militants.
What remains is Iraq’s border. Portions are already controlled by Syrian and Iraqi forces.
Iraq is in a position to help. After Al-Tanf obstacle removed, another ISIS route to Iraq will be closed off. SDF forces have been losing their Arab component, due to few prominent defections. Kurds are bogged down stillbin Raqqa and Hassakah, and the neocon excitement aboutbimpeding Kurdish offensive into Drir Azzor province to prevent Syrian Army from moving across Euphrates — is hampered. I am of opinion that the craziness of neocons has no boundary — and that all out pressure will be applied to hold Syria back. But Kurds are more focused on establishing authority over Arab territories they want to include into their Rojava. That means implementing new school curriculum including Kurdish language. In Hassakah there are rebelions. In Raqqa they are after disobedient population, calling it fight against ISIS. US needs to decide just how big a chunk of nationbuilding is on the agenda. Turkey and Iraq are set against any independence. So, if Kurds are not having the manpower to occupy Deir Azzor province, and US has no other imaginary friends to protect there, it will be cheaper to let Syria and the tribal militias that workvwith Damascus finish the job. There are small pockets of ISIS, isolated and surrounded.
Plan is being developed for establishing a deconflict zone in Idlib. Sergei Lavrov has been making rounds in the Middle East — indicating that something is afoot. Today he met with Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs and the King of Saudi Arabia. The joint conclusion is indication of changing times. Kingdom supports the deescalatiin zones, and is looking forward to ending the Syrian crisis. Remarkable words. And now ghat CIA favorite, Mihammed bin Najaf is no longer Crown Prince, and releived id all of his duties — it is clear that the rumors of the King suffering from Alzheimer’s, were just that. Rumors, that were to hasten the transition of Kingdom to favorite, Najaf.
Now, he is meeting with diplomats, and it looks like he will travel to Moscow later this month. Lavrov is meeting next with Jordanian Foreign Minister and the King of Jordan. One of the topics is the representation of opposition in diaspora, and the objective to have a unified diaspora group: combining groups from Saudi Arabia, Cairo and Moscow.
Clearly, it will be pointless to have the obstinent Saudi Group torpedo any negotiation.
It looks like Saudi Arabia may be on board, as end game is nearing. Astana meeting at the end of month will move forward on Idlib front.
This is all great news. Despite Trump’s hawkish facade, which he must temporarily maintain to appease the globalist neocons who want him deposed, the non-interventionist President has, in practice if not in word, lived up to his promise of peace in Syria under Assad’s leadership. Don’t be fooled by Trump’s coded actions. He is fooling the deep state while cooperating with Putin, a tough strategy.
I hope you are right because Trump sometimes fools me too . like when he bombed Assad’s air base .
I think the Tomahawk strike on Assad’s Shayrat air base, in retaliation for his alleged chemical weapons attack, was a coded warning to Assad not to strike back against israel for shooting down Assad’s fighter jets. Trump later used the “chemical weapons” accusation again to stop Assad from retaliating against Israel for missile strikes from the Golan Heights. Assad got the message and left Israel alone. Meanwhile, Trump was working the Israel end to keep them from attacking Syria. He’s trying to prevent a war between Israel and Syria. But he has to look like he opposes Assad. It’s a tricky business. But my theory has so far borne out.
But if they stay in Syria will the US defend them against the Syrian army as they have done previously?