Syria

by Stephen Lendman

Since WW II, America lost every war it waged. Its only success was destroying nations and murdering millions.

Imagine that legacy for current and future historians to address. Imagine how few will do it accurately and honorably.

Imagine a nation glorifying wars in the name of peace. Historians Charles Beard and Gore Vidal called them "perpetual war(s) for perpetual peace."

Historian Harry Elmer Barnes addressed the same issue, saying:

"If trends continue....we shall soon reach this point of no return, and can only anticipate interminable wars, disguised as noble gestures for peace."

"Such an era could only culminate in a third world war which might well, as Arnold J. Toynbee has suggested, leave only the pygmies in remote jungles, or even the apes and ants, to carry on 'the cultural traditions' of mankind."

Wars to end all future ones is popular fiction. Woodrow Wilson wanted war and got it. So did Roosevelt, Truman, and other US presidents.

Wars and violence define America. They're normal, commonplace, and unending. Peace, tranquility, and security are illusions. So are democratic values and rule of law principles.

Pacifism in America is considered sissy and unpatriotic. Wars of aggression are called liberating ones. Patriotism means supporting them. It's also about advancing the nation's imperium at the expense of vital homeland needs and security.

Imagine what's coming if this madness isn't stopped. Nothing in prospect looks promising. Media scoundrels promote war. They cheerlead it. They glorify what they should condemn.

Syria now is ground zero. Washington planned war years ago. At issue is establishing another vassal state. America wants unchallenged global hegemony.

New World Order strategy set the tone. One nation after another is ravaged. War profiteers cash in hugely. The longer conflicts rage, the fatter their bottom lines.

Their business model depends on death and destruction. Imagine making a living that way. Profits rise with body counts.

Dozens die daily in Syria. Western death squads target civilians. Thousands of foreign killers show no mercy. America fights all its direct and proxy wars this way. Down and dirty define them.

Aleppo is Syria's ground zero. The "mother of all battles" continues. Washington wants the city transformed into Syria's Benghazi. State security forces are prevailing. They foiled America's best laid plans.

On July 31, SANA state media headlined "Infiltration Attempts from Lebanon and Jordan failed, Authorities Hunt Terrorists in Aleppo, Damascus Countryside, Homs, Deir Ezzor and Idleb," saying:

Terrorists trying to enter Syria were routed. Scores were killed or injured. Heavy losses were inflicted in other areas. Security forces are prevailing in Aleppo.

On July 30, Mossad-connected DEBKAfile (DF) headlined "The bid for Syria's first safe haven in Aleppo region is thwarted," saying:

Washington's grand scheme failed. "Assad forces were again rooting out and liquidating rebel forces in Aleppo as they did in Damascus days earlier."

It's taking longer because efforts are made to protect architectural and historic sites. Minimizing civilian casualties is also prioritized.

Aleppo is Syria's largest city and commercial hub. It's also noted for its beauty. Its history goes back thousands of years. Militant held areas were retaken. Fighting continues in parts of the city and surrounding areas.

On July 30, "Saudi and Qatari intelligence officers (were) forced to admit" defeat. Security forces "smashed their plan for a safe haven in the Aleppo area."

Militant leaders expressed frustration. They called for international intervention. They're no match for Syrian military superiority.

Plans were for establishing a transitional government. At issue was replicating Benghazi. Days earlier, Hillary Clinton boasted about "more and more territory being taken. It will eventually result in a safe haven inside Syria."

Plans A and B failed. DF's Washington sources say Obama officials now weigh more direct involvement. Perhaps they plan shock and awe and sending in marines. It's doubtful Obama will go that far pre-election. Anything is possible later on no matter which party prevails.

DF said mainly "splinter rebel group" fighters battle in Aleppo. Col. Abdel Jabbar al-Okaidi leads them. They're a "radical Islamic militia calling itself 'Banner of Islam.' " They're largely Al Qaeda-connected. They're from Iraq and Libya.

Syria's Foreign Ministry sent identical letters to current Security Council president (Colombia's) Nestor Osorio Londono and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

It said foreign terrorists are murdering civilians, "particularly in Damascus and Aleppo." Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey admit supplying weapons.

Gangs infest neighborhoods. Civilians are used as human shields. People are forced from their homes at gunpoint. Assad loyalists are murdered.

Nations claiming concern about ending bloodshed "never made any calls for terrorist groups to end their armed operations and join the political process requested by the UN and approved by Syria...."

Hypocritical Washington, Paris, London, Berlin, Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh voices grow louder. They accuse Syria for death squad crimes.

UN Charter principles were trashed. Majority Security Council members want war, not peace. Syria is committed to diplomatic and political solutions. Its pleas fall on deaf ears.

Conflict persists. Body counts mount. Civilians suffer most. Washington bears most responsibility. Turkey's Hurriyat daily headlined "US and Turkey to 'accelerate' Syria transition: White House," saying:

Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed by phone. A statement followed saying this "would include (Assad's) departure....and be responsive to the legitimate demands of the Syrian people."

Imperial arrogance ignores their interests, needs and welfare. Most Syrians support Assad. International law prohibits interfering in the internal affairs of other nations. Washington spurns it repeatedly.

On July 31, Voice of Russia (VOR) headlined "US green-lights more supplies to Syrian opposition," saying:

US officials stopped of admitting involvement in supplying weapons and munitions. Items mentioned included communications equipment and other non-lethal supplies.

At the same time, Russia Today headlined "Panetta and Israel to discuss war plans against Iran?" saying:

Israeli officials denied reports about Washington "provid(ing) them with a contingency plan in case of a showdown with Iran."

US National Security Advisor Tom Donilon "briefed Israeli authorities on an American-penned contingency plan earlier this month."

On July 30, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta began a week-long Middle East tour. Syria and Iran top his agenda. Enlisting greater support for Washington's imperium is prioritized.

Toppling Assad comes first. Saber rattling against Iran continues. The usual "all options are on the table" are repeated.

On August 1, Panetta meets with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. Imperial warlords will discuss their next moves. War tops their agenda. Both countries prioritize it. Together they threaten humanity.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book is titled "How Wall Street Fleeces America: Privatized Banking, Government Collusion and Class War"

http://www.claritypress.com/Lendman.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.