Russia, Iran were urged not to intervene militarily in Syria

Türkiye says its embassy in Damascus to open on Saturday (Anadolu Agency)

On the collapse of the Bashar Assad regime earlier this month in the face of rapid anti-regime advances, Fidan said Türkiye “paved the way for this to happen in a bloodless manner” by continuing to pursue talks with “two key actors,” referring to Russia and Iran.

*Fidan said before the latest developments, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was controlling an area where 5 million Syrians were living and highlighted that they have gained experience in providing municipal services, education services, basic services, transportation and many other services in the past 5-6 years. [Idlib]

Related:

New Syria govt won’t recognise PKK/YPG terror group’s authority  — Fidan (TRT)

Read More »

For Want of an Oiler: The Fragile State of America’s Afloat Logistics Fleet

What’s Going On With Shipping?

Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D. – 

The Navy oiler – a tanker designed to refuel other ships while at sea – shuddered from the hit. Almost immediately, water began to flood into the engine room and at least one of the ship’s rudders was out of service. The damage and flow of water proved challenging for the crew. As the only US Navy fuel ship in the area capable of supporting a carrier strike group came to a stop, the vulnerability of the thin lifeline of American afloat logistics became apparent. How would an entire carrier strike group remain operational without fuel for its planes and escorts? With one stroke, the hitting power of a substantial portion of the U.S. Navy was reduced.

For Want of an Oiler: The Fragile State of America’s Afloat Logistics Fleet

Trump’s pick for Sec. Of State Marco Rubio’s love affair with Israel, MKO, Pahlavi’s

Source

Marco Rubio, a Republican foreign policy hawk tapped by Donald Trump to lead the US Department of State in his new administration, is known for his confrontational stance toward Iran and close ties with anti-Iran groups.

Trump’s pick for Sec. Of State Marco Rubio’s love affair with Israel, MKO, Pahlavi’s

Related:

What is Really Behind Iran’s Unrest?

Trump nominates Marco Rubio as Secretary of State + More

PMOI/MKO/MEK

Full text: Xi Jinping’s speech at the 16th BRICS Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on BRICS countries to work for high quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, in a speech addressing the 16th BRICS Summit.

Full text: Xi Jinping’s speech at the 16th BRICS Summit

Related:

“Friends for Peace” Group on the Ukraine Crisis Set up in the United Nations

Meeting with journalists from BRICS countries • President of Russia

Biden confirms that there will be retaliation against Iran as U.S. intelligence leaks reveal Israeli plans.

American officials are trying to determine the source of the leak, which describes military drills and weapons placement, and how damaging it might be.

Leaked U.S. Intelligence Suggests Israel Is Preparing to Strike Iran (archived)

Related:

Pro-Iranian account leaks alleged U.S. intel on Israel’s attack plans

Middle East Spectator on Telegram

First Components of U.S. THAAD Missile Defense System Arrive in Israel, Secret Site 512 Expected to Play Key Role

First Components of U.S. THAAD Missile Defense System Arrive in Israel, Secret Site 512 Expected to Play Key Role

The THAAD system is designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their final phase of flight. Instead of using explosive warheads, THAAD relies on kinetic energy to neutralize incoming missiles by colliding with them at high speeds. The system’s radar and interceptors allow it to detect and destroy threats both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Each THAAD battery typically includes six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors, a radar system, and a command-and-control unit. A crew of approximately 95 U.S. soldiers operates the system.

This deployment follows Iran’s missile attack on Israel on Oct. 1, 2024, during which Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles, including the Fattah-1 hypersonic missile. Unveiled by Iran in 2023, the Fattah-1 can reportedly travel at hypersonic speeds and change trajectory mid-flight. While the U.S. has not yet encountered the Fattah-1 in combat, the THAAD deployment offers a chance to assess whether the system can counter this new Iranian missile.

Read More »

CIA personnel land in Lebanon, ramp up intel gathering to support Israel’s war

The CIA has sent additional agents to Lebanon and has increased its communications with Lebanese military, security, and political officials in an effort to obtain information about Hezbollah, and may have played a role in Israel’s recent attempt to assassinate a Hezbollah political leader, Al-Akhbar reported on 14 October.

CIA personnel land in Lebanon, ramp up intel gathering to support Israel’s war

Related:

Reddit (English translation of Tweet by Al Akhbar): Al-Akhbar: Ibrahim Al-Amin | The U.S. Enters the War: Officers Join the Beirut Station to Undermine the Resistance from Within | Is the CIA Involved in an Assassination Attempt on Wafiq Safa?

Read More »