Israel Threatens Russia

by Stephen Lendman

Arizona’s John McCain: an egomaniac interloper and warmongering chauvinist that has been petulantly fouling American politics for decades. The kind of politician that makes the world hell for everyone, and the inevitable offshoot of a reactionary state, media support, and brute plutocratic power.

Israel gives chutzpah new meaning. War on humanity defines its agenda. It’s partnered with Washington’s war on Syria.  It’s heading perhaps toward greater intervention. It warned Russia about supplying Syria with sophisticated defensive anti-aircraft missiles. It said Israel will react in response. More on that below.

A previous article discussed Russian S-300 launch systems and other defensive missile sales to Syria. Vladimir Putin said existing contracts will be honored.  Netanyahu tried to dissuade him. They met face-to-face. Perhaps Israel’s early May aggression convinced him they’re urgently needed. 

A May 26 London Sunday Times article suggested otherwise. It headlined “Putin axes Syria missile deal to aid Israel.”  Israeli media highlighted the report. It claimed Putin agreed to halt S-300 sales in return for Israel pledging no more Syrian strikes. Israeli officials denied the report. They told Israeli radio that Russia intends to fulfill its commitment. They’re unclear on timing or whether shipments already arrived.

On May 27, Russia Today quoted Syria’s Russian ambassador. Riyad Haddad told Interfax that agreements between both countries “are being implemented without any changes.” He referred to S-300s.  On May 28, Lebanon’s Al-Manar television’s web site headlined  “Moscow Insists S-300 Prevents Intervention in Syria, Zionists Warn.”

According to Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabknov:

“(S)upplying Syria with the air defense systems S-300 maintains stability and prevents the intervention of the foreign forces in the Syrian crisis.”  Both countries contractually agreed to do so. Deal terms were finalized five years ago. “These rockets cannot be used by the militants in the battlefield,” Ryabkhov explained.

In response, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon warned “that if Russia delivers the(se) air defense systems to Syria, we know how to act.”  He called supplying them “a threat as far as we’re concerned.” He believes they haven’t been shipped. He hopes they won’t be.

“If they do arrive in Syria, God forbid,” he said, “we’ll know what to do.” Saying so implies more air strikes or other type intervention. It suggests escalating Syria’s conflict further.  Days earlier, Israeli General Amir Eshel said S-300s were shipped. Assad “invested millions in purchasing anti-aircraft missiles such as SA-24, SA-22, SA-17, and the S-300 that is on its way.”  Israel, Washington, and key NATO partners want Syria deprived of weapons, munitions, and defensive missiles. They’re needed to counter Western-initiated aggression.

At the same time, Washington and key NATO partners want increased supplies sent to their proxy foot soldiers. They’re terrorists. They’re US-enlisted death squads.  They massacre noncombatant civilians. Their atrocities are well known. Washington offers full support. On the one hand, John Kerry and other US officials urge diplomatic conflict resolution.  At the same time, they support greater escalation than already. Double standard duplicity defines Washington’s agenda. It prioritizes war. It deplores peace.  It wants Assad ousted. Expect whatever it takes to do so. Whether it’s possible remains to be seen. Most Syrians want no part of Washington’s agenda.

They value their sovereign rights. They want no outside dominance. They’re willing to fight to prevent it.  On May 28, acting deputy State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell praised EU nations’ willingness to escalate conflict in Syria. They’ll do so by supplying anti-Assad elements more arms than already.

Lifting the so-called embargo doesn’t wash. Since conflict began in early 2011, arms flowed freely. America, key NATO partners, and regional allies are directly involved. Expect increased weapons and munitions supplies sent. Perhaps more lethal ones are planned. Ventrell said doing so give EU states more “flexibility.” They’ll be able to “accelerate (their) assistance to the opposition.” He stopped short of explaining Washington’s direct involvement. It’s orchestrating what’s going on.

At the same time, Ventrell “condemn(ed) the continue supply of Russian weapons to (Syria), and this includes all class of weapons, and we’ve been clear throughout and very direct with the Russian government about that.”

In other words, do what we say, not what we do. Washington operates that way. He continued with a litany of lies. He accused Assad of massacring his people. He claimed US-enlisted death squads are “defending themselves.”

He and other US officials repeat these claims ad nauseam. They’re directly involved in recruiting, funding, arming, training and directing foreign fighters.  The more vicious and ruthless the better. Al Qaeda and its affiliate Al Nusra are key. They’re recruited and sent to Syria. They reflect Washington’s death squad strategy. It’s longstanding.

Terrorists are US-enlisted foot soldiers. They’re committing monstrous atrocities. They’re waging lawless aggression. They’re trained to do so. They’re targeting a nonbelligerent country. At the same time, Ventrell condemned increased “Hezbollah activity” in Syria. They’re defending Syrian sovereignty. He called their involvement “destabilizing.”  He duplicitously said Washington wants diplomatic conflict resolution. He and other US officials want Syrians to have no say.  He and White House spokesman Jay Carney defended John McCain’s meeting with anti-Assad terrorist leaders. He did so inside Syria.

He crossed the border lawlessly. He met with Lebanese pilgrim kidnappers. They committed numerous other crimes. He praised them. He twittered: “Important visit with brave fighters in Syria who are risking their lives for freedom and need our help.”

Assad must go remains US policy. No nation may interfere in the internal affairs of others. It’s standard US practice. Doing so violates international law. Waging aggressive war does so flagrantly.  Ventrell calls it “work(ing) toward a new, free Syria.” Perhaps he has one like Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya in mind. They’ve been ravaged and destroyed. Conflicts continue. Violence is widespread. Human suffering and misery are appalling. America bears full responsibility. Imperial priorities matter most.

Syrians understand. They’re in the eye of the storm. Expect much worse ahead. Reports said Obama ordered the Pentagon to prepare no-fly zone plans. No Security Council authorization permits one. It has sole authority to do so. Unilateral action is lawless. Implementing one declares full-scale war. US-led NATO would enforce it. Doing so means Libya 2.0. An unnamed administration official said:

“The White House is still in contemplation mode, but the planning is moving forward and it’s more advanced than it’s ever been.”

Perhaps direct US-led NATO intervention looms. Israel borders on Syria. It’s already involved. It may participate more directly and/or covertly. It’s a de facto NATO partner. Escalating its actions may be planned. It’s too early to know for sure. Stepped up US-aggression looks likely. Perhaps it’ll follow Geneva II. It’s weeks away. Washington’s conflict resolution strategy is full-scale war. Waging it could come any time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached atlendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. His new book is titled “Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity.”

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

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.  Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.  It airs Fridays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.  http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour