By the Grace of Israel – The Barzani Clan and Kurdish “Independence”

By the Grace of Israel – The Barzani Clan and Kurdish “Independence”

The Kurdish region in Iraq held a “referendum” about splitting off from Iraq to form an independent state. The referendum was highly irregular and the outcome was assured. That such a referendum was held now had more to do with the beleaguered situation of the illegitimate regional president Barzani than with a genuine opportunity to…

Black Hawk Down II? Trump Backs Afghanistan Parody as Mattis Takes Fire

Black Hawk Down II? Trump Backs Afghanistan Parody as Mattis Takes Fire

Don’t laugh or adjust your sets. Donald Trump really is going ahead with a new military campaign in Afghanistan, despite an army of experts telling him it will only worsen matters. All he needs now is a Hollywood scriptwriter and Alec Baldwin. James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis is apparently living up to his namesake. Arriving in…

Hard Times in Deir ez-Zor

Hard Times in Deir ez-Zor

Predictably, the Deir ez-Zor offensive of the Syrian forces is not likely to be a leisurely stroll for the Syrian troops despite the strong Russian air support and involvement of the Iranian IRGC and Hezbollah units in actions. The militants of the terrorist group are putting up tough resistance. The death toll in this latest…

Why Invasion of Iraqi Kurdistan May Result in Collapse of Mid-East

Why Invasion of Iraqi Kurdistan May Result in Collapse of Mid-East

The Iraqi Kurdish issue should be solved only through diplomatic means, Israeli political analyst Avigdor Eskin told Sputnik. According to Eskin, one should take into account both the political and economic interests of regional and global players in the region, as well as the unstoppable Kurdish enthusiasm to gain independence. In case Middle Eastern powers…

Russia’s Stand-Off Capability: The 800 Pound Gorilla in Syria

Russia’s Stand-Off Capability: The 800 Pound Gorilla in Syria

Size does matter and so does range and speed whenever anyone talks about weapons. It seems that there is a great deal of confusion which perpetuates itself in regards to a relatively small Russian military contingent in Syria. The most popular indicator of this confusion is a never ending discussion of a possible American attack…