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Russia Tells Iraq It's "Ready" to Support Fight Against ISIS; But Russia Must Take "Direct Action" in Iraq and Syria for the Sake of Its Own Security
Posted on September 26, 2014 by greatcharlie
Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin greets members of Directorate "A" of the FSB Special Purpose Center (Alpha Group). Russia has pledged to support Iraq and Syria in the fight against ISIS and other Islamic militant groups. However, the threat to Russian security posed by Russian citizens in those groups makes action by Putin in those countries imperative.
According to a September 26, 2014 NBCNews.com report entitled, "Russia Tells Iraq It's 'Ready' to Support Fight Against ISIS", Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the pledge to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York that Russia would help support Iraqi in the fight against ISIS. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated through the Itar-Tass state-run news agency that "During the meeting, Lavrov confirmed Russia's support for Iraq's independence, territory integrity, and sovereignty." The Russian Foreign Ministry further stated "Moscow is ready to continue supporting Iraq in its efforts in fighting the terrorist threat, and, first of all, the one from the Islamic State." On September 19th, Ilya Rogachev, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for New Challenges and Threats, told the Interfax news agency that Russia still declines to participate in the US-led effort against Islamic militant groups in Iraq or Syria. However, Russia pledges to continue its aid to Iraq, Syria, and other nations that are fighting terrorists. Indeed, in the form of a sillitude he explained, "The anti-ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq in the Levant used interchangeably with the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS)] coalition is not a club party—we do not expect any invitations and we are not going to buy tickets." Apparently, the Russian government has not amended its position even though the first round of US-led airstrikes on Islamic militant groups that began on September 23rd obviated its contention that the air strikes would be used as a pretext to attack the armed forces or any other elements of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The air strikes actually hit a range of target including leaders, command and control centers, communications facilities, training camps, and supply depots of the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria, the Al-Qaeda linked Khorasan Group, and its parent organization, the Al-Nusra Front. While the US executed the majority of the strikes from bombers, fighters, cruise missiles, and drones, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Qatar in the second and third wave of attacks in the strike formation and through reconnaissance flights. The US began air strikes against ISIS in Iraq on August 8th.
The Khorasan Group, a collection of seasoned Al-Qaeda operatives, that the West feels poses a direct threat to targets in Europe and the US, should be of particular interest to Russia. Its members include several fighters from Chechnya, as well as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Yemen are included among its members. Khorasan's leader, Muhsin al-Fadhli, fought against Russian forces in Chechnya and was trained there in the use of firearms, anti-aircraft weapons, and explosive.
Since the initial days of the Syrian conflict, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin made it clear that he had no plans to intervene on the ground in Syria with Russian forces. At the same time, he made it clear last year that he was following the movement of Russians and Europeans to Syria very closely, and was concerned about their capabilities and possibilities for action against Russia. Surely, the conscience of the Russian people has been struck while watching the Islamic militants move through Syria as well as Iraq. Some may recall the ruthlessness of Nazi forces in the rear areas as they moved through Russia during World War II. Unlike some Western countries, Putin has not been compelled to respond with force to the anguish and outrage of Russian citizens, after witnessing a public execution of a Russian citizen by extremist Islamic militants in Syria or Iraq. Putin wants Russia to look strong, but sitting on the sidelines and relying on the US to manage the entire situation does not allow Russia to look strong. Interestingly, standing aside practically amounts to a conceit that US leadership and support for countries, militarily, financially, or politically can ensure positive things are accomplished internationally, and that the importance of the US is unmatched on the world stage. That is precisely the perspective of the US that Putin has tried so hard to knock down in speeches and published statements. It is also a gamble. ISIS, the Al-Nusra Front, and its off-shoot, Khorasan pose a genuine threat to the Russian homeland. They have declared that. Only force will have a sustained impact and strong educational effect on these groups. Some of Putin's advisers may counsel that using force in Iraq and Syria would prove ineffective and pointless. Others may reject the idea fearing Western condemnation and retribution over unilateral intervention by Russia. Yet, if a search and destroy operation by Russian military or other security organizations against Russian elements in Islamic militant groups in Iraq and Syria will make Russia more secure, it should be undertaken. Virtus tentamine gaudet! (Strength welcomes the challenge!)
Russia and Islamic Militant Groups
Putin has been continuously engaged in an effective fight against Islamic militant groups in Russia. Counter-terrorism has been a key aspect of Russia's national security policy for many years due in great part to longstanding security problems the government has faced from the Islamic insurgency near the Caucasus Mountains. The insurgency, organized into a loose alliance of rebel groups known as Imarat Kavkaz (Caucasus Emirate), has been simmering more than a decade after it drove separatists from power in the North Caucasus province of Chechnya during Putin's first term. They seek to carve an Islamic state out known as the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria from a swath of southern Russia. That group posed the greatest threat to the Olympic Games in Sochi.
The possibility that Russian fighters from these groups that have fought in Iraq and Syria may return home to engage in terrorist activities remains one of Putin's greatest concerns. Back in June 21, 2013, at a conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, Putin made the claim that 600 Russians and Europeans were within the Syrian opposition fighters' ranks. While the US and European intelligence services expressed concern over the viability of vetting Syrian opposition fighters to discover who among them are Islamic militants, the Russian intelligence service apparently already possessed files on the identities of a considerable number of Syrian opposition fighters. The London-based International Centre for the Study of Radicalization estimates that the number of Russian fighters in Islamic militant groups in Iraq and Syria, including those in the field now and those that have returned home, is around 800. Putin has not provided any new estimates publicly.
In his September 11, 2013 New York Times Op-Ed, Putin discussed the danger posed to international peace and security by Islamic militant groups in Syria. Putin explained, "There are few champions of democracy in Syria. But there are more than enough Qaeda fighters and extremists of all stripes battling the government. The United States State Department has designated Al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, fighting with the opposition, as terrorist organizations. This internal conflict, fueled by foreign weapons supplied to the opposition, is one of the bloodiest in the world. Mercenaries from Arab countries fighting there, and hundreds of militants from Western countries and even Russia, are an issue of our deep concern. Might they not return to our countries with experience acquired in Syria? After all, after fighting in Libya, extremists moved on to Mali. This threatens us all."
Assad and Abadi would most likely give their consent for Russia to conduct operations in their countries and provide Russia valuable support in its efforts. Finding Russian citizens in Iraq and Syria among reportedly over 30,000 fighters of ISIS may be akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Yet again, the potential benefit of thwarting potential attacks in Russia by extremists Islamic militants underscores the efficacy of such an undertaking. Given the degree of difficulty involved, Russia should use special forces units from the Federal'naya sluzhba bezopasnosti Rossiyskoy Federatsi (Federal Security Service) or FSB, Directorate "A" of the FSB Special Purpose Center (Alpha Group) and Directorate V of the FSB Special Purpose Center (Vympel) groups. Russia could also employ Zaslon (Barrier), a special services group of the Sluzhba Vneshney Razvedki (Foreign Intelligence Service) or SVR. Of the many special service groups established in Russia, Alpha Group and Vympel are the most well-known and respected. Alpha Group, an elite stand alone sub unit of Russia's special services, is a dedicated counter-terrorism task force of the FSB. It primarily prevents and responds to violent acts in public transportation and buildings. Vympel is officially tasked with protecting Russia's strategic installations, however it is also available for extended police duties, paramilitary applications, and covert operations in Russia or abroad. The profile and capabilities of both units have increased, and they have taken over and consolidated roles and personnel from other organizations. Over many years, Alpha Group has acquired a reputation for using ruthless methods in response to terrorist acts. Zaslon has not been publicly recognized by the Russian government. Zaslon personnel are said to be former spetsnaz troops and serve under the sole command of Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) headquarters in Yasenevo, on the outskirts of Moscow. In his book Russian Security and Paramilitary Forces Since 1991 (Osprey, 2013), Mark Galeotti, of NYU's Center for Global Affairs, explains that Zaslon has been linked with everything from assassinations abroad to gathering up documents and technology that the Russian government did not want the US to seize when Baghdad fell. In Syria, Galeotti suspects Zaslon may be providing additional support for Russian military and diplomatic personnel, and is likely already earmarked to extract people, documents, or technologies Russia would not want to share if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime began to collapse.
Air strikes should continue to disperse ISIS fighters as they try to avoid certain death from US bombs and cruise missiles. Perhaps operating as mixed "combined special groups" (svodnye spetsialnye gruppy (mixed special groups) or SSGs, Russian special operations forces could go into ISIS and Al-Nusra Front controlled areas and kill Russian elements or when the opportunity presents itself, collect prisoners. If ordered by Putin to present a plan for such an operation, senior Russian special services' planners will more than likely produce something that displays a high level of acumen and creativity, utilizing advanced technologies in a manner that neither analysts nor the potential opponent could foresee. In Syria, for example, Russia special services' efforts might entail some of the following steps. Russian special services should exploit all of its intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to assist in locating rouge Russian elements on the ground in Syria. FSB and other Russian intelligence and security services apparently already possessed files on the identities of Russians who have traveled to Syria. Support from FSB operating in areas of Russia from which the suspected nationals originate will also support Alpha Group, Vympel, and Zaslon operations. With assistance from the Syrian military intelligence services, Mukhabarat, Russian special services could interact with Syrian citizens to collect granular information on the Islamic militant groups including the size of specific units, the locations of its fighters, the backgrounds of individual fighters and commanders, unit capabilities, and its combat and nonlethal resources. Russian special services may benefit from liasing with elements of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps' Quds Force. From that work, an effective operational plan can be developed. Russian special reconnaissance and electronic surveillance means would be used to monitor the locations, daily movements, and activities of the hostile Islamic militant groups. Leaders, arms, supply lines and depots, and financial support would be targeted. All entry points of Islamic militants could be identified and placed under special reconnaissance and electronic surveillance. Penetrating the Islamic militant groups, if Russia's SVR has not already done so, would unlikely be helpful and would place any assets engaged in that effort at risk, especially once direct action is taken against those groups. All of that would be done while trying not to cross paths with US-led air assets.
Eventual strikes against Russian targets in the Islamic militant groups must be executed swiftly and covertly. Retired US General Stanley McChrystal, former commander of the US Joint Special Operations Command, has offered hints on how to exploit situational awareness which were summarized in the January 7, 2014 greatcharlie.com post entitled, "Obama, Putin discuss Olympics Security in Call; Putin Has Got It Covered and He Will Keep His Promise to the Terrorists, Too!" When striking at a terrorist group's network, the goal is to paralyze its nervous system. Hitting it intermittently, or every other night, allows the opponent to become stronger, having become accustomed to resurrecting itself. However, McChrystal explains that if you strike at enough targets simultaneously, taking down key leaders, the group will be thrown into chaos and confusion and have a difficult time "regenerating." That will allow for decisive effects.
Units also can be better utilized as a result of excellent situational awareness. As McChrystal explained "Traditionally, if we did a raid and we thought we were going to need 20 commandos, to actually be on the target, we might take 120, because we had to put security around the site to protect it from enemy reinforcements, and we might have to put a support section and a command and control section there because you need all those things to account for the unexpected. But when you have very good situational awareness and good communications, you only send the 20, because your security comes from being able to see, and then you can maneuver forces if you need them. So suddenly, the 120 commandos aren't doing one raid; their doing six raids, simultaneously, and you start to get the ability to do 300 raids a month."
To speed the process and achieve a high level of success, the Russians could adapt a form of "find, fix, finish, exploit, and analyze" (F3EA) developed by McChrystal. Under the concept, security forces would understand who or what is a target, locate it, capture or kill it, take what intelligence one can from people and documents, analyze that, then go back out execute the same cycle again. If Russian security services want to act at a speed as fast as US special operators in Iraq under McChrystal 's command, decision-making would need to be de-centralized because of the high number of raids. Subordinate elements must be allowed to operate quickly. It is very likely that FSB has been using sophisticated technical means to monitor the movements and activities of individuals and groups, likely to engage in terrorist acts, has been on-going. Such surveillance efforts could also be used to develop leads for the operation.
On September 11, 2014, US Secretary of State John Kerry stated on a Voice of America radio broadcast that the administration of US President Barack Obama was disappointed by Russia's initial reaction to the president's speech on ISIS, which indicated the group represented a direct threat to Russia itself. Kerry explained in his view Russia must join the international fight against ISIS. Prompting by the Obama administration will unlikely cause Putin change his position and join the multinational effort against Islamic militants groups in Iraq and Syria. Indeed, it would more likely cause him to turn away from it. Yet, clear headed, practical choices must be made on Iraq and Syria in the Kremlin. As a result of US-led air strikes, there are opportunities being created for Russia in Iraq and Syria to enhance its security. Putin, his military commanders, and senior security officials know the capabilities of specific individuals and units in Russia, the effectiveness of their weapons systems, and what the real possibility for success of any given operation would be. They must also recognize the real possibility for success in enhancing Russia's security if Russian special services acted in Iraq and Syria against Russian targets.
Of course, if Putin targeted Russian members of Islamic militant groups in Iraq and Syria, he would be contributing immensely to the international effort against those groups. Indeed, in addition to the Chechen members of Khorasan, a number of the senior leaders of ISIS are Chechen. An ethnic Chechen named Omar al-Shishani is one of ISIS' most prominent commanders and at one point was the face of the group. Putin demands that Russia should be recognized as a world power, but Russia also must act in a manner consistent with that title. While he has shown a willingness to intervene in the former Soviet republics bordering Russia, Putin has certainly not had Russian forces gallivanting outside of its region, attempting to secure Russian interests. Taking action in Iraq and Syria as proposed here would be more about establishing Russia's security than posturing. Yet, as result of the action, Putin would demonstrate not only to the Russian people, but to the world, he is a leader who is able to respond effectively to security issues. Putin would be able to show the Russian people and the world, that Russia is a global power.
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Chechen in Syria a Rising Star in Extremist Group; US Must Act in Iraq Now to Eclipse Such Stars!
Posted on July 9, 2014 by greatcharlie
Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria military commander, Omar al-Shishani, is an ethnic Chechen and one of the many Russians and Europeans fighters that Russian President Vladimir Putin warned in 2013 were going into Syria and becoming part of a dangerous, internationalized Islamic militant group.
According to a July 2, 2014, Washington Post article entitled, "Chechen in Syria a Rising Star in Extremist Group, " a young, red-bearded ethnic Chechen named Omar al-Shishani has rapidly become one of the most prominent commanders and was the face of the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), the Al-Qaeda linked group as it recently overwhelmed Iraqi security forces and took control of large swaths of Iraq. Al-Shishani, whose real name is Tarkhan Batirashvili, is an ethnic Chechen from the Caucasus nation of Georgia, specifically from the Pankisi Valley, a center of Georgia's Chechen community and a stronghold for militants. He is also one of the hundreds of Chechens who have been among the toughest jihadi fighters in Syria, hardened from years of wars with Russia in the Caucasus region.
Al-Shishani has been the group's military commander in Syria, leading it on an offensive to take over a broad stretch of territory leading to the Iraq border. Al-Shishani surfaced in Syria in 2013 with his nom de guerre, which means "Omar the Chechen" in Arabic, leading an Al-Qaeda-inspired group called "The Army of Emigrants and Partisans," which included a large number of fighters from the former Soviet Union. A meeting was soon organized with al-Baghdadi in which al-Shishani pledged loyalty to him, according to Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper, which follows jihadi groups. He first showed his battlefield prowess in August 2013, when his fighters proved pivotal in taking the Syrian military's Managh air base in the north of the country. Rebels had been trying for months to take the base, but it fell soon after al-Shishani joined the battle, said an activist from the region, Abu al-Hassan Maraee. He may have risen to become the group's overall military chief, a post that has been vacant after the Iraqi militant who once held it—known as Abu Abdul-Rahman al-Bilawi al-Anbari—was killed in the Iraqi city of Mosul in early June. ISIS began as Al-Qaeda's branch in Iraq, and many of its top leaders are Iraqi. But after it intervened in Syria's civil war last year, it drew hundreds of foreign fighters into its operations in Syria. Now with victories on the two sides of the border, the two branches are swapping fighters, equipment and weapons to an even greater extent than before, becoming a more integrated organization. Its declaration of the caliphate—aspiring to be a state for all Muslims—could mean an even greater internationalization of its ranks. Interestingly enough, in June 2013, at conference in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly stated 600 Russians and Europeans were within the Syrian opposition fighters' ranks. While the US and European intelligence services expressed concern over the viability of vetting Syrian opposition fighters to discover who among them are Islamic militants, the Russian intelligence service apparently already possessed files on the identities of a considerable number of Syrian opposition fighters.
US power is not only measured by its size, but its moral behavior in the world. The virtues of the US have stood out in the world in the presence of vice. While grave errors in foreign policy decision making during the administration of former US President George W. Bush have been very apparent, the history of US foreign policy did not begin and end in those eight years. There is a greater history of success in US foreign and defense policy and decision making which must not be forgotten. For years as a leader in world affairs, the US has set the standard for performance in international affairs. Its behavior on the world stage manifested US values and principles. Discussion of the ability of the US to meet that standard does mean waxing nostalgically of the past. If it put its mind to it, the administration of US President Barack Obama could very well meet that standard today. What has been promoted instead is a type of international philanthropy proffered by the current administration that scoffs at military power, without realistic alternative options. In speeches, press conferences, and interviews of Obama and administration officials, the discourse on foreign policy appears more as form of pastoral guidance, helping the US public understand and accept a new, less active role of the US in the world. For some in the US public, less desirous of military intervention overseas given the Iraq and Afghanistan experiences, expressions of a reformed approach to foreign policy has been seductive and caused some satisfaction. This approach has also helped to guide the establishment of the defense posture, by providing a further rationale for dramatic cuts in the US military and its capabilities. However, the notion that the US can remain dominant in world affairs by doing nothing is false. In the long run that would require reaching agreements with evil maniacs or turning a blind-eye toward their acts to maintain peace. Lately, when US interests or the interest of an ally or partner have been threatened, questions over the availability of the military means to limit that behavior usually arise. That has been the case regarding ISIS in Iraq. Superficial discussions of facts, use of sensationalism, sophistic arguments on military power, and intellectualized explanations of recent events veiled the growing problem of ISIS in Iraq as well as Syria. The Obama administration has taken the US down a path, requiring it to respond or tolerate Iraq's unraveling and the emergence of ISIS. Obama has explained that the US isis still the world's leader. However, the US must act in a manner consistent with that title if the administration wishes to retain it
Managing News on the Islamic Militant Problem in Syria
The situation in Syria was presented as urgent issue by Obama administration officials, yet manageable. Once the anti-regime movement in Syria became an armed struggle, the US considered various ways to support the opposition. Multilateral approaches were taken toward organizing opposition political groups as well as their fighters on the ground Among steps taken was the establishment of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the umbrella group for the multitude of different opposition fighting units. Its leadership was placed under the Supreme Military Council. As a possible military response in support of policy goals, the idea of the US launching kinetic strikes against targets in Syria was bandied about. However, there was an understanding established that such strikes would be impeded by the lack of intelligence from the ground, and there was the risk of civilian causalities and US losses. Indeed, the idea of "boots on the ground" was soundly rejected from the start. Eventually, it was reasoned that the FSA, with US supplied arms and training would advance against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and pressure him into stepping down at the negotiation table. Pressing this issue with US Congress, the Obama administration sent it senior foreign and defense policy officials to Capitol Hill to promote the matter with relevant committees. Yet, Members of Congress were skeptical of the feasibility of that approach. US Secretary of State John Kerry reportedly told Congress on September 3, 2013, that "the opposition is getting stronger by the day." However, Representative Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, challenged Kerry's assertions at the House Foreign Affairs Committee on September 4, 2013. McCaul asked Kerry: "Who are the rebel forces? Who are they? I ask that in my briefings all the time." McCaul then explained, "And every time I get briefed on this it gets worse and worse, because the majority now of these rebel forces—and I say majority now—are radical Islamists pouring in from all over the world." Kerry replied: "I just don't agree that a majority are al-Qaida and the bad guys. That's not true. There are about 70,000 to 100,000 oppositionists . . . Maybe 15 percent to 25 percent might be in one group or another who are what we would deem to be bad guys."
The administration's public assessments were captivating and satisfying enough for those who chose not to look deeply and those who chose simple answers. Yet, evidence of the true nature of the situation in Syria was being presented from other sources (i.e., nongovernment policy analysts, journalists, as well as pundits). That information, while not rejected by the administration, was never confirmed. Instead, the administration stated the realities about the Islamic militant presence and growing strength was said to be unavailable. Administration officials proffered the idea that it could not gain a full picture of what was happening on the ground. For the US public, this was a pleasant and unchallenging fantasy. For whatever reasons, perhaps the national elections for the presidency and the Congress were among them, the conscience of the US public appears to have been deemed too delicate for the reality of the situation. There apparently was some fear that a type of upheaval within the US public over Syria would have occurred. However, the truth was not inaudible to the public's ears. The perpetuation of the inaccuracy that the situation was under control would lead to disappointment for the US public. Indeed, the truth would eventually overwhelm the superficial assessments being offered.
It is now accepted that unlike the secular groups and moderate Islamists in the Syrian opposition, Islamic militant groups as ISIS never intended to cease their struggle with the Assad regime under any peace agreement. The Islamic militants' goals were never compatible with the concepts and intent of the Syrian opposition's leadership. While mainstream FSA forces have been directed toward creating the basis for a transition to a democratic style government in Damascus for all Syrians, ISIS and other rogue Islamic militant groups have only wanted to create a separate Islamic state on Syrian territory, under Sharia law. Indeed, before the new Islamic Caliphate was established, in towns and villages of rather large segments of Syria that ISIS and rogue Islamic militant groups control, they have imposed a strict form of Sharia law on inhabitants. Infractions of that law have resulted in merciless abuses and gruesome murders of Syrian citizens. Syrian military personnel and regime supporters are rarely spared by the rogue Islamic fighters. ISIS, while still viewed as part of opposition forces, began regularly attacking more moderate Islamic militant groups and secular units. As the FSA was not truly successful at all on the ground, the added pressure of an additional struggle with ISIS helped to derail the Syria effort of the administration of US President Barack Obama. The US effort in Syria hinged on how it would respond to the Islamic militant presence. The Obama administration needed to see this truth early on. Yet, the administration seemingly closed its eyes to this fact. Without military action, US policy could not be advanced. The administration appeared willing to let the entire Syrian situation fall into stalemate while continuing a small, ineffective assistance effort, projecting toughness through legal maneuvers and military exercise, avoiding military action, and allowing Assad to remain in power.
Sensationalism: The Threat to the Homeland From Syria
Soon enough there was a shift in perspective from the administration. The presence of ISIS and other Islamic militant groups in Syria was recognized as a danger, but far beyond the Middle East. At a US Senate Intelligence Committee hearing held on January 29, 2014, Committee Chairman, Senator Dianne Feinstein, stated: "Because large swaths of the country . . . of Syria are beyond the regime's control or that of the moderate opposition, this leads to the major concern of the establishment of a safe haven and the real prospect that Syria could become a launching point or way station for terrorists seeking to attack the United States or other nations. Not only are fighters being drawn to Syria, but so are technologies and techniques that pose particular problems to our defenses." Matthew Olsen, director of the National Counterterrorism Center testified the same day to Senator Feinstein's committee that "a permissive environment, extremist groups like Al-Nusra and the number of foreign fighters combine to make Syria a place that we are very concerned about—in particular, the potential for terrorist attacks emanating from Syria to the West." The National Director for Intelligence, James Clapper, in his testimony that day explained succinctly, "What's going on in there [Syria], and the attraction of these foreign fighters is very, very, worrisome." Given such grim assessments from senior US officials, a decision to take action in Syria would seem inevitable.
These synoptic assessments of potential attacks on the US came from the same sources that had minimized the capabilities and possibilities of the Islamic militants only a few short months before. Evidence of the problem was not being rejected by Obama administration officials, it was, to some extent, being sensationalized. Alerts to threats from Islamic militant groups, even those that were Al-Qaeda linked, no longer create real urgency in the US public. Such alerts came so regularly during the Bush administration that to some degree the US public became desensitized to them. Moreover, for many in the US public, media reports of such threats came as interesting stories or amusements. Interest was heightened, only to be doused by the next things that came along. In January 2014, the "next things" were events surrounding Super Bowl XLVIII, the Winter Olympics in Sochi, and pop singer Miley Cyrus.
Wielding US Power in the Middle East
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, at one point gravely concerned over the course the P5+1 nuclear negotiations with Iran, lamented about the Obama administration's handling of US foreign policy. He explained that without US engagement, the world would find "major crises left to themselves," and "a strategic void could be created in the Middle East," with widespread perception of "Western indecision" in a world less multipolar than "zero-polar." Fabius was disappointed and discouraged by "the non-response by strikes to the use of chemical weapons by the Damascus regime, whatever the red lines set a year earlier." Fabius stated a redirection of US interests may be a manifestation of the "heavy trauma of the interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan" and his perception of a "rather isolationist tendency" in US public opinion. Yet, despite such pleas from close allies as the French regarding his administration's approach to foreign policy, Obama confirmed the worst assumptions made by Fabius in his May 28, 2014 Commencement Address at West Point. Obama explained: "For the foreseeable future, the most direct threat to America, at home and abroad, remains terrorism, but a strategy that involves invading every country that harbors terrorist networks is naive and unsustainable. I believe we must shift our counterterrorism strategy, drawing on the successes and shortcomings of our experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, to more effectively partner with countries where terrorist networks seek a foothold." Obama further explained that there was a need for: "a new strategy reflects the fact that today's principal threat no longer comes from a centralized Al-Qaeda leadership. Instead it comes from decentralized Al-Qaeda affiliates and extremists, many with agendas focused in the countries where they operate. And this lessens the possibility of large-scale 9/11-style attacks against the homeland, but it heightens the danger of US personnel overseas being attacked, as we saw in Benghazi. It heightens the danger to less defensible targets, as we saw in a shopping mall in Nairobi. So we have to develop a strategy that matches this diffuse threat, one that expands our reach without sending forces that stretch our military too thin or stir up local resentments."
Through this mellifluous speech about multilateral approaches to threat to peace and stability and terrorism in particular, Obama presented a world where problems could be handled through cooperation. This is not a new idea. Regional alliances such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, Central Treaty Organization, and the Organization of American States were created to bring resources of nations together to cope with the "Communist threat." Even on terrorism, multilateral approaches were viewed as required when modern-era counterterrorism was established during the administration of former US President Ronald Reagan. Yet, the idea that the US can today rely upon multilateral solutions requiring joint action with allies and partners who themselves face drastic military cuts and economic difficulties is unwise. No Western European state with real military capabilities will go into Iraq now, to take on risks while fighting ISIS, especially when its political leaders feel that issue does not fall within their interests. Obama spoke of a hesitancy of the US to act militarily, yet assumes others in the region possessing far less capabilities than the US would subordinate their own interests. concerns, and limitations, to support and defend others. Most states are aware that warfare lately has been asymmetric and not set piece engagements to win quickly. Obama presents this notion of multilateralism to a US public confused about the contrast between the certitude with which Obama speaks, and regular breakdowns in administration foreign policy initiatives that they witness.
The US must look strong. In past cases, what others have thought about the US has deterred them from hostile action. Relative peace was maintained through strength. US diplomacy has been supported in many cases by the credible threat of force. The failure of Obama administration to project authentic US strength globally is not subject to rationalization by its officials. ISIS is unconcerned with US military power and possible US intervention. Among such unenlightened, uncivilized, violent men, reason has little place. Hoping that they might eventually establish some concordance with the government to work toward peace and stability in Iraq and obey international law is absurd. Only the use of force will have a strong educational effect upon them. Given that, the administration's approach is questionable.
Intellectualization of the Iraq Crisis
ISIS and other insurgent groups have rapidly advanced through the mostly Sunni areas of Iraq. In a matter of days, they have captured several cities including Mosul, Tikrit, Tal Afar, and are driving on Baghdad from two directions. It has declared the captured territory the Islamic Caliphate. The leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, recently appeared in public to make that declaration. As for US airstrikes to reduce ISIS controlled territory, military experts have explained that they would be impeded by the lack of intelligence from the ground. The idea of multilateral action was dead from the start.
Although Obama explained that the goal is to prevent ISIS from achieving a permanent foothold in either Iraq or Syria, for that matter, he proffered that the issue goes beyond security assistance. Confronted with this unacceptable situation, Obama has rationalized that part of the challenge is the lack of representation of Sunni, Shi'a and Kurds in the Iraqi government. Obama blames divisions for Iraq's inability to cope with ISIS. Administration officials, at least publicly, have focused not on the ISIS assault, but rather on the idea that from the chaos, they can cobble together a new, more inclusive government in Baghdad. In Obama's view the formation of a new government will be an opportunity to begin a genuine dialogue and forge a government that represents the legitimate interests of all Iraqis. Obama believes leaders who can govern with an inclusive agenda will be able to truly bring the Iraqi people together and help them through this crisis. It is difficult to understand why the Obama would believe the type of representative government he seeks for Iraq could be designed at the point of an ISIS gun. The majority of Sunnis, Shi'as, and Kurds would never genuinely subsume their interests to satisfy the US regardless of the circumstances. The fact that Maliki came to power evinces the limited US understanding of Iraq's political situation.
Obama has been pilloried with scathing criticisms from his Republican Members of Congress and other political rivals over his handling of Syria, Iraq, and the crisis with ISIS. Many of Obama's harshest critics are former officials from the Bush administration who were themselves directly responsible for plunging the US, unprepared and off-balance, into the Middle East. Polls on the US public's satisfaction with the Obama administration's handling of foreign policy rely on snap judgments of a sample of the population. It is easy to say things. Yet, a mature examination of the innermost feelings of the US public would likely yield that there is great disappointment over the handling of US foreign policy.
Obama does not want the US military to intervene on the ground in the Syria. However, the conscience of the US public has been struck by news media reports that ISIS fighters have moved en mass with near impunity through Iraq, a country in which the US, for over eight years, invested so much blood and treasure. Watching reports on mass executions and the establishment of a terrorist state in the heart of the Middle East, many are left with a vapid, noncommittal sadness. Hearing the Obama administration claim that there is little the US can do just makes things worse. Leaving the Iraqis to their own devices against what has appeared as an unstoppable blitzkrieg will somehow return to haunt the US. There is a sense of "Minatur innocentibus qui parcit nocentibus" (He threatens the innocent who spares the guilty). In the long-run, the US public will not concede to this situation. The US public seeks to meet the fullness of its humanity. Where there is a need to act in the name of humanity to defend civilization against darkness, they expect action. That is how the US, as the world's leader, is expected to behave.
Posted in 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Afghanistan, Al-Nusra Front, Baghdad, Central Treaty Organization, Communist threat, Director of National Intelliigence James Clapper, Director of the Natonal Counterterrorism Center Matthew Olsen, France, Free Syrian Army, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, French Foreign Ministry, FSA, George W. Bush, God, House Foreign Affairs Committee, House Intelligence Committee, Iran, Iraq, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Iraqi Shi'a militia, ISIL, ISIS, Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham, Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra, Kerry, kinetic strikes, Kurds, Laurent Fabius, Maliki, Matthew Olsen, NATO, News Syria, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, North Caucasus Federal District, Obama, P5+1, pundit, Putin, Representative Michael McCaul, Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Shi'a, Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, Syria, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, US Congress, US House of Representatives, US Military Academy, US President Barack Obama, US President George W. Bush, US President Ronald Reagan, US Secretary of State, Washington Post, West Point	| Leave a reply
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You are currently viewing Archived reports for the week of 6 July-12 July 2011.
Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo reported that explosions from the pit crater located on the E flank of Etna's SE Crater cone were heard on the morning of 4 July. Incandescence was observed later that evening. Small Strombolian eruptions were recorded by a camera during 5-6 July.
On 7 July Strombolian activity gradually increased along with volcanic tremor amplitude. Small pyroclastic cones began to grow on the crater floor. During the next morning, volcanic tremor amplitude clearly increased. Shortly thereafter it abruptly decreased and the Strombolian activity completely ceased. During the morning of 9 July, Strombolian activity resumed and volcanic tremor amplitude rose rapidly. Around noon lava overflowed the E rim of the crater and followed the path of lava flows from the previous eruption, into the upper W part of the Valle del Bove. Later that day Strombolian explosions turned into a continuous lava fountain. A dense eruptive plume rose several kilometers high and drifted S and SE, causing ash and lapilli fall in populated areas including Trecastagni, Viagrande, and Acireale towards the SE, and between Nicolosi and Catania towards the S, forcing the closure of the Fontanarossa international airport in Catania. A few hours later volcanic tremor amplitude dropped to very low levels and all eruptive activity ceased.
Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 6-7 July ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km NW.
KVERT reported that during 1-8 July moderate seismic activity continued at Karymsky and possible ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. Satellite imagery showed a thermal anomaly on the volcano during 2 and 4-5 June, and ash plumes that drifted 14 km NW and 38 km N on 2 and 5 July, respectively. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.
Based on information from Yelizovo Airport (UHPP), the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 12 July an ash plume rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW.
HVO reported that two lava lakes at Kilauea were active during 6-12 July. The level of the summit lava lake fluctuated deep in the vent inset within the E wall of Halema'uma'u Crater and circulated with various patterns. Spattering occurred at locations along the W edge of the lake. Periodic measurements indicated that the gas plume from the vent continued to deposit variable amounts of ash nearby. At Pu'u 'O'o, lava from vents near the NE edge and, to a lesser degree, along the W edge of the perched lava lake in the center of the crater floor continued to fill the lake. The lake level fluctuated and flowed through rim breaches, sending lava onto the Pu'u 'O'o crater floor. The near-vertical rim of the perched pond, which was elevated about 5 m higher than the surrounding sub-horizontal crater floor on the E side, continued to be uplifted; the crater floor and perched lake rims formed a nearly-continuous ramp sloping away from the lake.
KVERT reported moderate seismic activity at Shiveluch during 1-8 July. Seismic data indicated that possible ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. on 4 and 6 July. Satellite imagery showed a thermal anomaly on the lava dome during 2-5 July and gas-and-ash plumes that drifted 78 km NE during 4-5 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.


text:
Robert PIRÈS 2001-2005 & 2007-2010
Both sets created by Milos with suggestions from gurkenjoe93
Name: Robert Emmanuel Pirès
Nickname: "Le Canard", "L'oursin", "SuperBobby"
Club: Arsenal FC
Position: *SMF, AMF, SS
P03 - Trickster
P09 – Cut Back Pass
S02 – Passer
S05 – 1-Touch Play
S15 – Shoulder Feint Skills
S20 – Flicking Skills
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Dribbling - Tactical Dribble - Passing - Scoring – Side - 1-Touch Pass
Nickname: "Le Canard", "L'oursin"
Position: *AMF, SMF, CMF, SS
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Dribbling - Tactical Dribble - Playmaking - Passing - 1-Touch Pass
Born in Reims, Pires first started playing for the local youth team in 1988, when he was 15 years old. After 4 years here, he was spotted by FC Metz and invited to play for the Metz Youth academy for one year, before being taken to the senior squad. His senior debut came just 1 year after he joined Metz' youth club, against Olympique Lyon.
Despite not getting a lot of matches in his first season as a professional soccer player, Pires would soon become an important player for Metz' first squad. His attacking prowess earned him a goal tally of 43 goals in the 162 league appearances for Metz and in 1996, his debut in the France national team.
With France's impressive performance at the 1998 World Cup, where Pires had a major contribution in winning the trophy, he was bought by Olympique Marseille where Pires would spend 2 years with mixed performances. In his first season, Marseille was in the run to win the league during the entire season, but unfortunately for the soccer player, Pires and his team was just 1 point short to win it at the end.
His second season with the Marseille club saw the Frenchman suffer several annoying injuries that kept him off the pitch for over a quarter of his club's games, but by winning the European Championship with France in the summer of 2000, he became a priority for many big European clubs, including Real Madrid, Juventus Torino and Arsenal London. It was the latter who won the bid.
Leaving France, Robert Pires would have to fill some big shoes at Arsenal, since he was brought on to replace Marc Overmars, who had just left the London club for FC Barcelona. He was also a World and European champion with France, so that made fans expect even more from him, although the physicality of English soccer was tough on the Frenchman.
With his first season being an unimpressive one, mostly due to the fact that he needed some time to adapt to the new playing style, Pires eventually gained his good form back in the 2001-2002 season, helping Arsenal win the Premier League.In his next 4 seasons for the Gunners, Pires would become an indispensable first team member, helping them win the league again in 2003/2004, the FA Cup thrice in 2002, 2003 and 2005 and reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2006, a final that Arsenal eventually lost to FC Barcelona.Unfortunately, that would be the last game Robert Pires would play for Arsenal and he was substituted early on with goalkeeper Almunia, after Jens Lehman was sent off in the beginning of that match. Following that disappointment and a silken squabble with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Robert Pires decided to leave the team for Spanish club Villareal.
Last edited by 27DONI72 on Tue Dec 24, 2013 5:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Robert PIRÈS 2001-2005
The Era could reach to 2006?
27DONI72
El Capo Del Cartel wrote:
Yes, updated.
I see his agi in high green values.
In yellow is a bit too much for him
This is actually a very good set from this sandorkocsis user.
Yes is it.
He just looks more stiff in his movements.
Re: Robert PIRÈS 2001-2005 & 2007-2010

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Boys and girls may participate in a four-to six-month program that leads to receiving the God and Country Award. This award is not a Scouting award. It is an award earned through the Church and can be conferred on either a Boy or a Girl Scout by his/her religious leader.
Purpose: Encourages children to become best friends with Jesus and tell their story of "God and Me" together.
Eligibility: Youths in first through third grade.
Purpose: Help youth understand the importance of family and God's role in a healthy family.
Requirements: Designed to be completed in six to seven sessions.
In God's Family we're Loved No Matter What! Because we're Loved, we Follow Rules.
Being in God's Family Helps Us When Things Are Tough. In God's Family, we Share as a Response to God's Love.
Purpose: Gives youth an opportunity to understand the church's structure and objectives, and to participate in service projects that will give them a better understanding of the mission of the church.
Requirements: Designed to take three to five months to complete.
Purpose: Teaches youth to study the lives of men and women in the Bible, discovering what their lives teach them about God, and challenging them to integrate the faith of those in the Bible into their daily lives.
Eligibility: Youths who are in ninth through twelfth grades and who do not necessarily have to belong to a Boy Scout troop.
How God calls all kinds of people.
God doesn't expect us to do it on our own.
Each of us must make a personal response to the call of God.
God gives us strength to face adversities.
God can accomplish great things through those who are willing to do God's will.
Purpose: Acknowledge distinguished volunteer service by adults in ministry to young people by service through the church and the Boy/Girl Scouts of America.
Purpose: Recognizes adult leaders who have given exceptional service in the use and promotion of scouting programs for young people or who have served children and youth through the United Methodist Church.


text:
CDMG Is Offering Custom Metal Building Kits And Fabrication Services In Pennsylvania
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CDMG is the leading supplier of steel buildings and metal buildings in Pennsylvania. The company's pre-engineered metal buildings can be used for a wide range of purposes, including crane buildings, aircraft hangars, industrial buildings for the chemical, metals, and oil & gas industries, distribution centers, metal warehouses, recreational metal sports facilities, metal medical buildings, metal server farms, data centers, automotive manufacturing facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, and buildings in an industry, like steel mills, that needs quality steel buildings designed to meet its specific requirements.
A spokesperson for the company talks about the metal building services it offers by saying, "When you are looking to construct a steel building on schedule, and within budget, you need the knowledge and guiding hand of experts who are well versed in the space and have already solved the structural and manufacturing challenges that accompany such an endeavor. We are the premier metal building company that you can rely on in Pennsylvania to provide you with those exact services. We have the experience and expertise necessary to design and supply pre-engineered metal building kits that are the ideal solution for your business. We can customize our steel buildings to help you create a solution that specifically caters to your industry's needs. The mix of custom solutions paired with an established and mature production and fabrication pipeline means that we can provide you with what you need, have you move into your new space, and start serving customers before other companies in this space even finish planning their proposal. The speed and cost-saving benefits of CDMG's services make us the ideal partner to help you grow and thrive now and in the future. So call us today and engage with us to find out how we can help solve your business's hardest engineering problems."
CDMG, Pennsylvania's leading steel building supplier, delivers buildings built of American-made, recyclable steel through its partnership with leading metal building manufacturer Nucor. Nucor provides high-quality steel that is also environmentally friendly. Nucor Building Systems metal buildings are manufactured from 90% recycled steel. CDMG assures its clients that they are going to get a sustainable, durable, prefabricated metal building that is eco-friendly and satisfies the exact needs of their business due to its choice to use Nucor steel in the construction of its custom steel buildings.
CDMG also makes use of BIM (Building Information Modeling), a custom 3D building & modeling software, to design buildings for its clients. The company's engineers use BIM to create a virtual model of what the final metal structure commissioned by the client will look like once it is completed. BIM can also help uncover any potential dangers in the design structure of the building, preventing problems before the construction phase begins and reducing costly downtime. BIM is a massive digital advantage as it offers design flexibility allowing the clients' metal buildings to meet their exact industry requirements and building codes.
For readers who are still not convinced about the benefits of CDMG's solutions, its spokesperson further explains the benefits of its steel buildings by saying, "Our buildings are amazingly durable, have better energy efficiency than traditional building materials, and are cost-effective at industry-low prices. The buildings are also very versatile as they allow for future expansion and accommodate a wide range of metal building sizes. Also, since our buildings system team uses optimal processes in the design, your commercial steel buildings will be erected in a significantly reduced time, enabling you to hit the ground running. Working with CDMG, one of the leading metal building supply companies with over 30 years of experience in the metal building industry, you will have a partner that can help you avoid costly construction delays while also lowering your project costs."
Readers can find out more about the company's metal building services in Pennsylvania by heading over to its website at the link: https://www.cdmg.com/metal-building-pa.
For more information about CDMG Metal Buildings, contact the company here:
CDMG Metal Buildings
Thomas M. Corry
info@cdmg.com
Southpointe Industrial Park