southfront--2020-08-17--IMF and WEF – From Great Lockdown to Great Transformation. The COVID Aftermath

That says it all .
Market fundamentalism must continue come hell or high water .
And if the IMF has its way , it will .
Kristina ’ s three-point program joins closely the WEF approach to the “ new ” economic paradigm , the Great Reset .
A shift from “ capitalism of affluence ’ to a more egalitarian “ Green Capitalism ” .
There is no shift that doesn ’ t shovel assets .
And since the rich will be doing the shoveling , the few remaining assets of the people will be shoveled from below to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point of “ what did we learn from the crisis ” , leads to stocktaking .
Ms. Georgieva points out some of the “ collateral damage ” of the obligatory lockdown – obligatory , because we were and still are fighting a deadly virus .
According to the IMF , by the end of 2020 , “ 170 countries—almost 90 percent of the world—will be worse off with lower per capita income.
” This disastrous and wanton destruction of the world economy has already prompted “ massive fiscal measures—totaling nine trillion dollars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In reality these measures , including the semi-clandestine rescue packages to banks and other financial institutions , plus , to the corporate giants , have in the US alone exceeded 20 trillion ( fiat ) dollars .
Add to this what the rest of the world , especially the EU , via the European Central Bank ( ECB ) , has dished out in so-called rescue money – we are reaching a huge package of “ Quantitative Easing ” – QE – debt-money made out of thin air .
By far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to corporate finance , production and services ; and only a small percentage went to those people in most need .
In the US , millions of unemployed received an extra US $ 600 per week for the past few months .
But this benefit stopped on 31 July 2020 .
This is having dire consequences for millions .
Point two is “ the pathway to recovery ” .
Here , the IMF foresees the great reopening of the economy .
That means a careful approach to “ building a recovery that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerge from this exceptional crisis.
” The WEF calls the transformation ‘ massive reforms.
” Reforms and transformations are key words in the jargon of the Washington Consensus .
They reverberate well in the language of neoliberalism .
A country to be salvaged by the IMF has to “ reform ” , “ transform ” and to “ adjust ” .
WEF and IMF go hand-in-hand .
The process of reopening is now starting across the globe—some 75 percent of countries are reopening .
So says the IMF .
Now is the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The IMF suggests , “ building a recovery that is focused on a Great Transformation as we emerge from this exceptional crisis.
” What precisely the Great Transformation entails , Ms. Georgieva does not explain .
One of the opportunities the IMF sees emerging from this crisis , is “ the digital transformation — a big winner from this crisis ” .
The IMF doesn ’ t say what it means , but it requires foremost digitizing people ’ s identity and digitizing money – total control over people ’ s movements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank accounts and more .
See also this Although , both WEF and IMF recognize that this crisis will bring more debt , higher deficits , higher unemployment and higher levels of poverty , they both want adjustments .
And adjustments usually target the lower income groups , the poor .
“ Adjustments ” is the lingo of the IMF and the World Bank , “ reforming ” public administration , i.e .
firing a large segment of state employees , thereby increasing unemployment , deprivation and despair ; privatizing public assets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assets ) ; giving concessions to foreign corporations to exploit the countries ’ national natural resources – and the carrot is : An IMF or WB loan , or both .
Bravo .
It brings debt and debt service – and foremost more control by the Global North over the Global South .
Which brings us to the Third Point – building a fairer society , the role of the IMF .
It offers another opportunity , going green .
The IMF does not miss its chance to point to the climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man-made climate change which went almost forgotten in the saga and drama of the corona virus .
It has to be revived .
And what better opportunity than looking into the future – and going Green .
This is precisely what the WEF is also propagating – a new Green Agenda or the New Green Deal .
It costs a lot of money .
It means transforming wasteful , polluting industries to green and clean industries – like , among others , electric cars .
It ’ s a visible icon for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the electricity come from for charging the environment-destroying lithium batteries of electric cars ?
In most countries it ’ s still made by combustion of hydrocarbons .
In this case and in many others , the “ transformation ” from “ black energy ” to “ green energy ” uses more black energy than was used before .
See also the remarkable documentary on the subject by Michael Moore , “ Planet of the Humans ” ( full length feature documentary ) The IMF is ready to lend billons for so-called debt-relief and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new investments for the projected transformation .
FA and Debt Relief in the jargon of the IMF is adding new debt to pay off the old debt , and in rare cases , it contains some real relief , or debt forgiveness .
The huge new transformation investments required to go SUSTAINABLY GREEN , may come from private banking , leveraged by World Bank loans and lending from other official and regional lending institutions .
In fact , the IMF has put in place a Covid-19 Financial Assistance and Debt Service Relief Program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is providing FA and debt service relief to member countries facing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic .
For that purpose , the IMF ’ s Executive Board , since late March 2020 , has approved an increase of the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust ( CCRT ) , from US $ 250 billion to US $ 1 trillion .
These funds are made available to IMF members who ask for relief support .
So far ( as of August 10 , 2020 ) , some 80 countries have applied for relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lists of countries by region and the corresponding loans for financial assistance and / or debt service relief per country .
Total FA for 80 countries amounts to US $ 87.8 billion ; Debt Relief for 28 countries amounts to US $ 251.2 million , a fraction of what was transferred from the Global North to the Global South in the form of new debt , new dependence – or to call it what is , new slavehood .
It is interesting to observe that all the FA funds go to developing countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing countries .
But why would FA funds only flow south ?
The industrialized north also incurred huge amounts of covid debt , most probably sums larger by orders of magnitude than those of developing countries .
Yet , these “ developed ” countries manage to survive without help from the IMF or WB .
Why ?
– Because most covid-accumulated debt is local , internal debt and can be managed locally through sovereign national monetary policies .
Why would developing countries not handle their local debt internally ?
– One may just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of arm-twisting or outright threats and corruption going on , for those countries to stay in the orbit of financial predators , of dependence on the west , the Global North .
Many of their currencies are partially or fully dollarized – and using their own sovereign money to manage their internal debt – would require dedollarization which doesn ’ t happen overnight .
And especially not in an emergency .
Examples abound .
Venezuela is a case in point .
That ’ s what ’ s at stake for most developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rich in natural resources .
Dedollarization means regaining their national and monetary sovereignty .
It is a crucial step , if what both the IMF and the WEF profess – more socioeconomic equilibrium , more economic justice – were to become reality .
It ’ s not a question of “ Black ” or “ Green ” – it ’ s a question of justice , justice based on social equality .
Unfortunately , that ’ s not meant with the Great Reset , nor with the Great Transformation .
They are slogans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean a new Great Capitalism – shaded green , as it were , for popularity .
Actions and professed policies of both , WEF and IMF , go into the direction of continued unfettered capitalism .
To become independent again , rather than swelter under continued neo-colonialism , defy WEF and IMF advice and work steadily with perseverance towards political and financial autonomy .
De-dollarize and de-globalize and turn to local production for local consumption with local sovereign money and local public banking , directed by a sovereign local central bank that works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s people , not for the faraway shareholders of a Wall Street or internationally affiliated bank .
The IMF is ready to lend billons for so-called debt-relief and Financial Assistance ( FA ) to allow new investments for the projected transformation .
FA and Debt Relief is jargon of the IMF , for adding new debt to pay off the old debt , and in rare cases , it contains some real relief , or debt forgiveness .
The huge new transformation investments required to go SUSTAINABLY GREEN , may come from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and IMF loans , as well as lending from other official and regional financial institutions .
In fact , the IMF has put in place a Covid-19 Financial Assistance and Debt Service Relief Program Under this plan , the IMF is providing FA and debt service relief to member countries facing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic .
For that purpose , the IMF ’ s Executive Board , late in March 2020 , has approved an increase of the Catastrophe Contain call I am sorryment and Relief Trust ( CCRT ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US $ 1 trillion .
These funds are made available to IMF members who ask for relief support .
So far ( as of August 10 , 2020 ) , some 80 countries have applied for relief under the CCRT .
These charts ( see link below ) provides lists of countries by region and the corresponding loans for financial assistance and / or debt service relief per country Total FA for 80 countries amounts to US $ 87.8 billion ; Debt Relief ( grants ) for 28 countries amounts to US $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was transferred from the Global North to the Global South in the form of new debt , new dependence – or to call it what is , new colonialism .
It is interesting to observe that all the FA funds go to developing countries .
Debt relief is clearly for poor developing countries .
But why would FA funds only flow south ?
The industrialized north also incurred huge amounts of covid debt , most probably sums larger by orders of magnitude than those of developing countries .
Yet , these “ developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the IMF or WB .
Why ?
– Because most covid-accumulated debt is local , internal debt , and can be managed locally through sovereign national monetary policies .
Why would developing countries not handle their local debt internally ?
– One may just guess .
There is very likely a lot of arm-twisting or outright threats and corruption going on , for those countries to stay in the orbit of financial predators , of dependence on the west , also the Global North .
Many of developing countries ’ currencies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own sovereign money to manage their internal debt – would require dedollarization which doesn ’ t happen overnight .
And especially not in an emergency .
It would be fought nail and tooth by the owners of the dollar economy .
Examples abound .
Venezuela is a case in point .
Imagine a country like Ecuador making her own monetary policy .
Ecuador not only is 100 % dollarized but uses the actual US dollar as its currency .
Impossible .
Countries like Peru and Nicaragua are tacitly and partially dollarized , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 90-plus % , respectively .
Most developing countries are to some extent in this predicament .
It ’ s the US Treasury that makes monetary policy of these countries .
Take the weaker and debt-ridden southern countries of the EU ’ s Eurozone .
They can not act independently .
They are euro-ized .
It ’ s not the directly the US Treasury , but the ECB ( and IMF ) that call the shots .
Would Greece have stepped out of the Eurozone in 2008 to 2010 economic crisis , reverting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currency ) , called for a Paris Club renegotiation of their debt , they would be sailing into a much brighter future today .
That ’ s what ’ s at stake for most of the Global South , still rich in natural resources .
Dedollarization means regaining their national and monetary sovereignty .
It is a crucial step , if what both the IMF and the WEF profess – more socioeconomic equilibrium , more economic justice – were to become reality .
It ’ s not a question of “ Black ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a question of justice , justice based on social equality .
Unfortunately , that ’ s not meant with the Great Reset , nor with the Great Transformation .
They are slogans of deception .
In reality , both mean a new Great Capitalism – shaded green , as it were , for popularity .
Actions and professed policies of both , WEF and IMF , go into the direction of continued unfettered capitalism .
To become independent again , rather than swelter under continued neo-colonialism , defy WEF and IMF advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and financial autonomy .
De-dollarize and de-globalize and turn to local production for local consumption with local sovereign money and local public banking , directed by a sovereign local central bank that works for the socioeconomic wellbeing of her country ’ s people , not for the faraway shareholders of a Wall Street or internationally affiliated banks .
Peter Koenig is an economist and geopolitical analyst .
He is also a water resources and environmental specialist .
He worked for over 30 years with the World Bank and the World Health Organization around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and water .
He lectures at universities in the US , Europe and South America .
He writes regularly for Global Research ; ICH ; New Eastern Outlook ( NEO ) ; RT ; Countercurrents , Sputnik ; PressTV ; The 21st Century ; Greanville Post ; Defend Democracy Press ; The Saker Blog , the and other internet sites .
He is the author of Implosion – An Economic Thriller about War , Environmental Destruction and Corporate Greed – fiction based on facts and on 30 years of World Bank experience around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-author of The World Order and Revolution !
– Essays from the Resistance .
Peter is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization .

“What does it tell us that somebody who came from a Communist system now leads the IMF and is invited to address the U.S. Chamber of Commerce? Put simply, it tells us that change for the better is unstoppable.”
That says it all. Market fundamentalism must continue come hell or high water. And if the IMF has its way, it will. Kristina’s three-point program joins closely the WEF approach to the “new” economic paradigm, the Great Reset. A shift from “capitalism of affluence’ to a more egalitarian “Green Capitalism”. There is no shift that doesn’t shovel assets. And since the rich will be doing the shoveling, the few remaining assets of the people will be shoveled from below to the top. The usual.
The first point of “what did we learn from the crisis”, leads to stocktaking. Ms. Georgieva points out some of the “collateral damage” of the obligatory lockdown – obligatory, because we were and still are fighting a deadly virus.
According to the IMF, by the end of 2020,
“170 countries—almost 90 percent of the world—will be worse off with lower per capita income.”
This disastrous and wanton destruction of the world economy has already prompted “massive fiscal measures—totaling nine trillion dollars, globally”, according to the IMF.
In reality these measures, including the semi-clandestine rescue packages to banks and other financial institutions, plus, to the corporate giants, have in the US alone exceeded 20 trillion (fiat) dollars. Add to this what the rest of the world, especially the EU, via the European Central Bank (ECB), has dished out in so-called rescue money – we are reaching a huge package of“Quantitative Easing” – QE – debt-money made out of thin air. By far, most of it went at lenient conditions to corporate finance, production and services; and only a small percentage went to those people in most need. In the US, millions of unemployed received an extra US$ 600 per week for the past few months. But this benefit stopped on 31 July 2020. This is having dire consequences for millions.
Point two is “the pathway to recovery”. Here, the IMF foresees the great reopening of the economy. That means a careful approach to “building a recovery that is focused on a great transformation as we emerge from this exceptional crisis.”
The WEF calls the transformation ‘massive reforms.” Reforms and transformations are key words in the jargon of the Washington Consensus. They reverberate well in the language of neoliberalism. A country to be salvaged by the IMF has to “reform”, “transform” and to “adjust”. WEF and IMF go hand-in-hand.
The Great Transformation
The process of reopening is now starting across the globe—some 75 percent of countries are reopening. So says the IMF. Now is the moment to think carefully about what comes next. The IMF suggests, “building a recovery that is focused on a Great Transformation as we emerge from this exceptional crisis.” What precisely the Great Transformation entails, Ms. Georgieva does not explain.
One of the opportunities the IMF sees emerging from this crisis, is “the digital transformation — a big winner from this crisis”. The IMF doesn’t say what it means, but it requires foremost digitizing people’s identity and digitizing money – total control over people’s movements, health records, cash flow, bank accounts and more. See also this
Although, both WEF and IMF recognize that this crisis will bring more debt, higher deficits, higher unemployment and higher levels of poverty, they both want adjustments. And adjustments usually target the lower income groups, the poor. “Adjustments” is the lingo of the IMF and the World Bank, “reforming” public administration, i.e. firing a large segment of state employees, thereby increasing unemployment, deprivation and despair; privatizing public assets and services (stealing people’s accumulated assets); giving concessions to foreign corporations to exploit the countries’ national natural resources – and the carrot is: An IMF or WB loan, or both. Bravo. It brings debt and debt service – and foremost more control by the Global North over the Global South.
Which brings us to the Third Point – building a fairer society, the role of the IMF. It offers another opportunity, going green. The IMF does not miss its chance to point to the climate change which still looms over us all, man-made climate change which went almost forgotten in the saga and drama of the corona virus. It has to be revived. And what better opportunity than looking into the future – and going Green.
This is precisely what the WEF is also propagating – a new Green Agenda or the New Green Deal. It costs a lot of money. It means transforming wasteful, polluting industries to green and clean industries – like, among others, electric cars. It’s a visible icon for a clean and conscious society.
Where does the electricity come from for charging the environment-destroying lithium batteries of electric cars? In most countries it’s still made by combustion of hydrocarbons. In this case and in many others, the “transformation” from “black energy” to “green energy” uses more black energy than was used before. See also the remarkable documentary on the subject by Michael Moore, “Planet of the Humans” (full length feature documentary)
The IMF is ready to lend billons for so-called debt-relief and Financial Assistance (FA) to allow new investments for the projected transformation.
FA and Debt Relief in the jargon of the IMF is adding new debt to pay off the old debt, and in rare cases, it contains some real relief, or debt forgiveness. The huge new transformation investments required to go SUSTAINABLY GREEN, may come from private banking, leveraged by World Bank loans and lending from other official and regional lending institutions.
In fact, the IMF has put in place a Covid-19 Financial Assistance and Debt Service Relief Program.
Under this plan, the IMF is providing FA and debt service relief to member countries facing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For that purpose, the IMF’s Executive Board, since late March 2020, has approved an increase of the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT), from US$ 250 billion to US$ 1 trillion. These funds are made available to IMF members who ask for relief support. So far (as of August 10, 2020), some 80 countries have applied for relief under the CCRT.
These charts provide lists of countries by region and the corresponding loans for financial assistance and / or debt service relief per country. Total FA for 80 countries amounts to US$ 87.8 billion; Debt Relief for 28 countries amounts to US$ 251.2 million, a fraction of what was transferred from the Global North to the Global South in the form of new debt, new dependence – or to call it what is, new slavehood.
It is interesting to observe that all the FA funds go to developing countries. Debt relief is clearly for poor developing countries. But why would FA funds only flow south? The industrialized north also incurred huge amounts of covid debt, most probably sums larger by orders of magnitude than those of developing countries. Yet, these “developed” countries manage to survive without help from the IMF or WB. Why? – Because most covid-accumulated debt is local, internal debt and can be managed locally through sovereign national monetary policies.
Dedollarization
Why would developing countries not handle their local debt internally? – One may just guess. There is very likely a lot of arm-twisting or outright threats and corruption going on, for those countries to stay in the orbit of financial predators, of dependence on the west, the Global North. Many of their currencies are partially or fully dollarized – and using their own sovereign money to manage their internal debt – would require dedollarization which doesn’t happen overnight. And especially not in an emergency. Examples abound. Venezuela is a case in point.
That’s what’s at stake for most developing countries, and most of them are rich in natural resources. Dedollarization means regaining their national and monetary sovereignty. It is a crucial step, if what both the IMF and the WEF profess – more socioeconomic equilibrium, more economic justice – were to become reality. It’s not a question of “Black” or “Green” – it’s a question of justice, justice based on social equality. Unfortunately, that’s not meant with the Great Reset, nor with the Great Transformation. They are slogans of deception. In reality, both mean a new Great Capitalism – shaded green, as it were, for popularity.
Actions and professed policies of both, WEF and IMF, go into the direction of continued unfettered capitalism. To become independent again, rather than swelter under continued neo-colonialism, defy WEF and IMF advice and work steadily with perseverance towards political and financial autonomy. De-dollarize and de-globalize and turn to local production for local consumption with local sovereign money and local public banking, directed by a sovereign local central bank that works for the socioeconomic development of her country’s people, not for the faraway shareholders of a Wall Street or internationally affiliated bank.
The IMF is ready to lend billons for so-called debt-relief and Financial Assistance (FA) to allow new investments for the projected transformation. FA and Debt Relief is jargon of the IMF, for adding new debt to pay off the old debt, and in rare cases, it contains some real relief, or debt forgiveness. The huge new transformation investments required to go SUSTAINABLY GREEN, may come from private banking, leveraged by World Bank and IMF loans, as well as lending from other official and regional financial institutions.
In fact, the IMF has put in place a Covid-19 Financial Assistance and Debt Service Relief Program Under this plan, the IMF is providing FA and debt service relief to member countries facing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For that purpose, the IMF’s Executive Board, late in March 2020, has approved an increase of the Catastrophe Contain call I am sorryment and Relief Trust (CCRT), from US$ 250 billion to US$ 1 trillion. These funds are made available to IMF members who ask for relief support. So far (as of August 10, 2020), some 80 countries have applied for relief under the CCRT.
These charts (see link below) provides lists of countries by region and the corresponding loans for financial assistance and / or debt service relief per country
Total FA for 80 countries amounts to US$ 87.8 billion; Debt Relief (grants) for 28 countries amounts to US$ 251.2 million, a fraction of what was transferred from the Global North to the Global South in the form of new debt, new dependence – or to call it what is, new colonialism.
It is interesting to observe that all the FA funds go to developing countries. Debt relief is clearly for poor developing countries. But why would FA funds only flow south? The industrialized north also incurred huge amounts of covid debt, most probably sums larger by orders of magnitude than those of developing countries. Yet, these “developed” countries manage to survive without help from the IMF or WB. Why? – Because most covid-accumulated debt is local, internal debt, and can be managed locally through sovereign national monetary policies.
Why would developing countries not handle their local debt internally? – One may just guess.
There is very likely a lot of arm-twisting or outright threats and corruption going on, for those countries to stay in the orbit of financial predators, of dependence on the west, also the Global North. Many of developing countries’ currencies are partially or fully dollarized – and using their own sovereign money to manage their internal debt – would require dedollarization which doesn’t happen overnight. And especially not in an emergency. It would be fought nail and tooth by the owners of the dollar economy. Examples abound. Venezuela is a case in point.
Imagine a country like Ecuador making her own monetary policy. Ecuador not only is 100% dollarized but uses the actual US dollar as its currency. Impossible. Countries like Peru and Nicaragua are tacitly and partially dollarized, to the tune of about 70% and 90-plus%, respectively. Most developing countries are to some extent in this predicament. It’s the US Treasury that makes monetary policy of these countries.
Take the weaker and debt-ridden southern countries of the EU’s Eurozone. They cannot act independently. They are euro-ized. It’s not the directly the US Treasury, but the ECB (and IMF) that call the shots. Would Greece have stepped out of the Eurozone in 2008 to 2010 economic crisis, reverting to a devalued Drachma (their former currency), called for a Paris Club renegotiation of their debt, they would be sailing into a much brighter future today.
That’s what’s at stake for most of the Global South, still rich in natural resources. Dedollarization means regaining their national and monetary sovereignty. It is a crucial step, if what both the IMF and the WEF profess – more socioeconomic equilibrium, more economic justice – were to become reality. It’s not a question of “Black” or “Green” – it’s a question of justice, justice based on social equality. Unfortunately, that’s not meant with the Great Reset, nor with the Great Transformation. They are slogans of deception. In reality, both mean a new Great Capitalism – shaded green, as it were, for popularity.
Actions and professed policies of both, WEF and IMF, go into the direction of continued unfettered capitalism. To become independent again, rather than swelter under continued neo-colonialism, defy WEF and IMF advice and work steadily with perseverance towards political and financial autonomy.
De-dollarize and de-globalize and turn to local production for local consumption with local sovereign money and local public banking, directed by a sovereign local central bank that works for the socioeconomic wellbeing of her country’s people, not for the faraway shareholders of a Wall Street or internationally affiliated banks.
Peter Koenig is an economist and geopolitical analyst. He is also a water resources and environmental specialist. He worked for over 30 years with the World Bank and the World Health Organization around the world in the fields of environment and water. He lectures at universities in the US, Europe and South America. He writes regularly for Global Research; ICH; New Eastern Outlook (NEO); RT; Countercurrents, Sputnik; PressTV; The 21st Century; Greanville Post; Defend Democracy Press; The Saker Blog, the and other internet sites.
He is the author of Implosion – An Economic Thriller about War, Environmental Destruction and Corporate Greed – fiction based on facts and on 30 years of World Bank experience around the globe.
He is also a co-author of The World Order and Revolution! – Essays from the Resistance. Peter is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization.


southfront--2020-08-17--US Attack Helicopter Struck Positions Of Syrian Army In Al-Hasakah Province (Photos)

On August 17 , an attack helicopter ( allegedly AH-64 Apache ) struck positions of the Syrian Army at Tal al-Dhahab , southeast of the city of Qamishli in the province of al-Hasakah .
According to state-run news agency SANA , a soldier was killed and two others were injured .
Pro-government sources claim that the strike became a result of tensions between Syrian forces and the US military in the area .
The Syrian Army and pro-government locals allegedly blocked the US military convoy at the checkpoint and the US-led coalition responded with a strike .
If this version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous precedent .
Over the past months , both the Russian Military Police and the US military have repeatedly blocked each others ’ convoys .
Also , checkpoints of the Syrian Army often became invincible obstacles for US forces .
The decision to use the force in such ‘ games ’ by the US-led coalition may mark the start of a new round of tensions in northeastern Syria .
However , this time these tensions will involve not the Syrian Army and Turkey , but the Syrian Army and the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ And Hezbollah Set Up New Force To Knock Out Israeli Forces In Golan Heights

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UPDATE: The US-led coalition claimed that its patrol returned fire in response to an attack and denied conducting an airstrike.
?On 8/17, @CJTFOIR & @cmoc_sdf, conducting a routine anti-ISIS security patrol near Tal Al-Zahab, encountered a checkpoint occupied by pro-Syrian regime forces…the patrol [was attacked]. Coalition troops returned fire in self-defense. No Coalition casualties. Full Statement ?? pic.twitter.com/3qWFrZh1wR — OIR Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III (@OIRSpox) August 17, 2020
***
On August 17, an attack helicopter (allegedly AH-64 Apache) struck positions of the Syrian Army at Tal al-Dhahab, southeast of the city of Qamishli in the province of al-Hasakah.
According to state-run news agency SANA, a soldier was killed and two others were injured. Pro-government sources claim that the strike became a result of tensions between Syrian forces and the US military in the area. The Syrian Army and pro-government locals allegedly blocked the US military convoy at the checkpoint and the US-led coalition responded with a strike.
If this version is confirmed, this will become a dangerous precedent. Over the past months, both the Russian Military Police and the US military have repeatedly blocked each others’ convoys. Also, checkpoints of the Syrian Army often became invincible obstacles for US forces. The decision to use the force in such ‘games’ by the US-led coalition may mark the start of a new round of tensions in northeastern Syria. However, this time these tensions will involve not the Syrian Army and Turkey, but the Syrian Army and the United States.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-08-17--Svetlana Tikhanovskaya That Fled To Lithuania Claims She Is Ready To Lead The Belarus Nation

On August 16th , the main opposition “ leader ” in Belarus ( fled to Lithuania recently ) – Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said that she was ready to lead the nation in a video published no YouTube .
This is a very obvious forming of a government-in-exile , which has been seen in more than one situation when regime change was the policy of outside players in a country .
“ I did not want to be a politician .
But fate decreed that I ’ d find myself on the frontline of a confrontation against arbitrary rule and injustice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video from exile in Lithuania .
“ I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader during this period.
” “ We all want to get out of this endless circle we found ourselves in 26 years ago , ” Tikhanovskaya said .
The 37-year-old former English teacher said she would release the remaining 2,000 people arrested during the protests and hold “ real , honest , and transparent elections that will be unconditionally accepted by the international community ” .
As mentioned , before quickly rebranding herself as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she decided to pursue a “ political career ” after her husband , a Presidential candidate in opposition of Lukashenko was sent to prison .
Tikhanovskaya called on Belarus ’ s security apparatus to abandon President Alexander Lukashenko and help smooth the grounds for a transition of power .
In presumed response , and in evidence that he has very apparently lost the “ propaganda war ” , Alexander Lukashenko said that he was ready to share power .
Amid increasing demands to quit after the biggest protest against him yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factory he visited in Minsk in front of people chanting “ Step Down ” as he tried to answer their questions .
He said that this sharing of power would happen through constitutional process and not through street actions .
“ Are you talking about unfair elections and want to hold fair ones ?
< … > I am answering this question for you .
We held elections .
Until you kill me , there will be no other elections , ” Lukashenko told the workers .
“ You are working people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported the president , I also know that , ” he added , to which people shouted : “ No !
” .
To this Lukashenka answered them : “ Thank you.
” The strike at MZKT , which is a state-run company is a strong signal , since the plant is the most significant economic establishment in the country , and a symbol of Lukashenko ’ s economic and social policy .
It operates almost entirely thanks to Russian contracts , since it produces chassis for military vehicles .
The strikes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition ’ s propaganda network have made it impossible for Lukashenko to remain in power effectively .
His government ’ s ability is de fact undermined since any attempts to enforce any laws would be met with accusations of repression and accusations of aggression against the citizens .
The failure of the propaganda war is reinforced by the fact that at least a part of workers of the Belarusian state television said that it supported the protests .
At some moment , the BT TV station broadcasted an empty studio .
The walkout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BT , holding banners with slogans such as “ Show people the truth.
” State television news initially ignored the demonstrations and gave Lukashenko ’ s supporters preference in its reporting of the elections , sparking complaints of skewed coverage .
As a result , several prominent state television journalists resigned in protest .
At the same time , President Alexander Lukashenko remains decisive in his efforts to oppose the foreign-funded regime change attempt .
The Lukashenko government has already successfully countered the street riots and is now working to overcome the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it achieves a success in it by finding understanding with the general mass of protestors ( not motivated by foreign funding or strong ideological motivation ) , Lukashenko will be able to stabilize the situation .
The recent promises of reforms and power sharing by the Belarusian leader is an apparent signal of the plan to move in this direction .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • West Offers Poisonous ‘ Hand Of Friendship ’ To Lukashenko Amid Mass Protests Against His Government • Belarus Kicks Off Large-Scale Military Drills Near Poland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Western-backed Opposition

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On August 16th, the main opposition “leader” in Belarus (fled to Lithuania recently) – Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said that she was ready to lead the nation in a video published no YouTube.
This is a very obvious forming of a government-in-exile, which has been seen in more than one situation when regime change was the policy of outside players in a country.
“I did not want to be a politician. But fate decreed that I’d find myself on the frontline of a confrontation against arbitrary rule and injustice,” Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said in a new video from exile in Lithuania. “I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader during this period.” “We all want to get out of this endless circle we found ourselves in 26 years ago,” Tikhanovskaya said.
The 37-year-old former English teacher said she would release the remaining 2,000 people arrested during the protests and hold “real, honest, and transparent elections that will be unconditionally accepted by the international community”.
As mentioned, before quickly rebranding herself as a politician, Tikhanovskaya was an English teacher, she decided to pursue a “political career” after her husband, a Presidential candidate in opposition of Lukashenko was sent to prison.
Tikhanovskaya called on Belarus’s security apparatus to abandon President Alexander Lukashenko and help smooth the grounds for a transition of power.
“Belarusians are fair and generous people who don’t accept violence,” she said. “If you decide not to obey criminal orders and take the side of the people, they will forgive you, support you, and won’t say a word against you in the future.”
In presumed response, and in evidence that he has very apparently lost the “propaganda war”, Alexander Lukashenko said that he was ready to share power.
Amid increasing demands to quit after the biggest protest against him yet, Lukashenko faced heckling from workers at a factory he visited in Minsk in front of people chanting “Step Down” as he tried to answer their questions.
He said that this sharing of power would happen through constitutional process and not through street actions.
“Are you talking about unfair elections and want to hold fair ones? <…> I am answering this question for you. We held elections. Until you kill me, there will be no other elections,” Lukashenko told the workers. “You are working people, you know me. You have always supported the president, I also know that,” he added, to which people shouted: “No! ”. To this Lukashenka answered them: “Thank you.”
The strike at MZKT, which is a state-run company is a strong signal, since the plant is the most significant economic establishment in the country, and a symbol of Lukashenko’s economic and social policy. It operates almost entirely thanks to Russian contracts, since it produces chassis for military vehicles.
The strikes, massive protests and the activity of the opposition’s propaganda network have made it impossible for Lukashenko to remain in power effectively.
His government’s ability is de fact undermined since any attempts to enforce any laws would be met with accusations of repression and accusations of aggression against the citizens.
The failure of the propaganda war is reinforced by the fact that at least a part of workers of the Belarusian state television said that it supported the protests. At some moment, the BT TV station broadcasted an empty studio.
Рабочие БТ(основного гос канала) вышли на страйк. В итоге в эфире просто играла музыка, а в последствии и вообще был выключен свет. Нереальный респект рабочим БТ за их гражданскую позицию. pic.twitter.com/DHENRw1Gpf — РБ головного мозга (@belamova) August 17, 2020
The walkout comes after thousands of people rallied outside BT, holding banners with slogans such as “Show people the truth.” State television news initially ignored the demonstrations and gave Lukashenko’s supporters preference in its reporting of the elections, sparking complaints of skewed coverage. As a result, several prominent state television journalists resigned in protest.
“Like everyone we are demanding free elections and the release of those detained at mass protests,” one employee, Andrei Yaroshevich said.
At the same time, President Alexander Lukashenko remains decisive in his efforts to oppose the foreign-funded regime change attempt.
“Some people have the opinion that the Belarusian power has fallen, but the power will never fall, you just have to be patient,” he said.
The Lukashenko government has already successfully countered the street riots and is now working to overcome the political crisis erupted in the country. If it achieves a success in it by finding understanding with the general mass of protestors (not motivated by foreign funding or strong ideological motivation), Lukashenko will be able to stabilize the situation. The recent promises of reforms and power sharing by the Belarusian leader is an apparent signal of the plan to move in this direction.
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southfront--2020-08-17--Turkey Slams Joe Biden’s “Ignorant” Vows In Support Of Regime Change

In very apparent support of an allied and friendly nation , US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden said that he would seek regime change in Turkey .
He declared that he would work with “ opposition leadership ” in the country to topple Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey ’ s 2023 elections .
“ Do you feel comfortable with the United States still having nuclear weapons in Turkey given Erdogan ’ s behavior ?
” Kathleen Kingsbury , New York Times ’ deputy editorial page editor , asked Biden .
“ The answer is my comfort level is diminished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent a lot of time with Erdogan , ” Biden responded , describing Recep Tayyip Erdogan , Turkey ’ s democratically elected president , as an “ autocrat.
” Biden added that if he is elected this November , his administration will pursue a policy of intervention against Turkey ’ s elected government .
“ I ’ m still of the view that if we were to engage more directly like I was doing with them , that we can support those elements of the Turkish leadership that still exist and get more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to take on and defeat Erdogan .
Not by a coup , not by a coup , but by the electoral process.
” US President Donald Trump “ yielded ” to Turkey , said Biden , adding : “ And the last thing I would ’ ve done is yielded to him with regard to the Kurds .
The absolute last thing.
” Biden ’ s remarks illicitly conflated “ Kurds ” with the terrorist YPG/PKK in northern Syria , a group which attacks Turkish security forces , kidnaps children – including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up a terrorist statelet along Turkey ’ s borders .
He continued : “ They got to understand that we ’ re not going to continue to play with them the way we have .
So I am very concerned .
I am very concerned .
“ I ’ m very concerned about our airfields [ at Incirlik Airbase in Adana , Turkey ] and access to them as well .
“ And I think it takes an awful lot of work for us to be able to get together with our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we isolate his actions in the region , particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean in relating to oil and a whole range of other things which take too long to go into .
But the answer is yes , I ’ m worried.
” In response , Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey rejects the “ ignorant ” remarks by Biden .
He also said it was “ strange ” that a person who has been nominated to lead the US made such “ ignorant comments ” on Turkey , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth about his own country .
Referring to Biden ’ s “ not by a coup ” remark , Cavusoglu said he understood this to mean : “ We tried a coup in the past , it didn ’ t happen .
So now let ’ s change tactics and methods.
” Turkish Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin also said that any attempts to order Turkey were in the past , and that there would be a price to pay for any new undertakings to do so .
Fahrettin Altun , head of Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit back at Biden ’ s remarks , saying the video clip “ reflected the games being played over Turkey and their interventionist attitudes.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkey Resumed Drilling In Eastern Mediterranean , Because “ Greece Didn ’ t Keep Its Promise ” • U.S. Congress “ Quietly ” Blocked All Arms Sales To Turkey : Defense News Report

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In very apparent support of an allied and friendly nation, US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden said that he would seek regime change in Turkey.
He declared that he would work with “opposition leadership” in the country to topple Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey’s 2023 elections.
“Do you feel comfortable with the United States still having nuclear weapons in Turkey given Erdogan’s behavior?” Kathleen Kingsbury, New York Times’ deputy editorial page editor, asked Biden. “The answer is my comfort level is diminished a great deal. I’ve spent a lot of time with Erdogan,” Biden responded, describing Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s democratically elected president, as an “autocrat.”
Biden added that if he is elected this November, his administration will pursue a policy of intervention against Turkey’s elected government.
“What I think we should be doing is taking a very different approach to him [Erdogan] now, making it clear that we support opposition leadership,” said Biden.
He added, suggesting an ultimatum:
“He [Erdogan] has to pay a price. He has to pay a price for whether or not we’re going to continue to sell certain weapons to him.”
Professing “concern,” Biden said:
“I’m still of the view that if we were to engage more directly like I was doing with them, that we can support those elements of the Turkish leadership that still exist and get more from them and embolden them to be able to take on and defeat Erdogan. Not by a coup, not by a coup, but by the electoral process.”
US President Donald Trump “yielded” to Turkey, said Biden, adding:
“And the last thing I would’ve done is yielded to him with regard to the Kurds. The absolute last thing.” Biden’s remarks illicitly conflated “Kurds” with the terrorist YPG/PKK in northern Syria, a group which attacks Turkish security forces, kidnaps children – including many Kurds – and has tried to set up a terrorist statelet along Turkey’s borders. He continued: “They got to understand that we’re not going to continue to play with them the way we have. So I am very concerned. I am very concerned. “I’m very concerned about our airfields [at Incirlik Airbase in Adana, Turkey] and access to them as well. “And I think it takes an awful lot of work for us to be able to get together with our allies in the region and deal with how we isolate his actions in the region, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean in relating to oil and a whole range of other things which take too long to go into. But the answer is yes, I’m worried.”
In response, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey rejects the “ignorant” remarks by Biden.
“We strongly reject such impositions,”Cavusoglu said.
He also said it was “strange” that a person who has been nominated to lead the US made such “ignorant comments” on Turkey, and that he doesn’t know the truth about his own country.
Referring to Biden’s “not by a coup” remark, Cavusoglu said he understood this to mean: “We tried a coup in the past, it didn’t happen. So now let’s change tactics and methods.”
Turkish Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin also said that any attempts to order Turkey were in the past, and that there would be a price to pay for any new undertakings to do so.
The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy. The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price. — Ibrahim Kalin (@ikalin1) August 16, 2020
“The analysis of Turkey by Joe Biden was based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy,” Kalin said on Twitter.
Fahrettin Altun, head of Turkey’s Communications Directorate, had also hit back at Biden’s remarks, saying the video clip “reflected the games being played over Turkey and their interventionist attitudes.”
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southfront--2020-08-17--49 People Shot In Last 72 Hours In New York As City Hits Its “Expiration Date”

The gentrified New York City that made the Big Apple the envy of billionaires , oligarchs , child molesters and money laundering criminals from around the world is no more , and in its place is the hellish New York from the 1970s .
According to Gothamist , between Thursday and Saturday , 49 people were shot in the largest city in the United States , as the uptick in gun violence continues this summer and is rushing to catch up with that other progressive paradise , Chicago .
Putting the surge in context , the number of people shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than the eight who were shot during the same days last year according to the Washington Examiner .
While most of the shooting victims were merely wounded , at least six people were killed by gunshot wounds over the 3-day interval , compared to three homicides that took place during the same time last year .
Year to date , there have been 1,087 shooting victims so far in 888 different incidents throughout the city , roughly double the crime observed in 2019 .
Last year at this time , there had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York City .
Among those murdered was an off-duty corrections officer who worked at Rikers Island .
John Jeff , 28 , had just left a party in Queens at 3 a.m. on Saturday morning when he was shot in the head and chest .
“ Early this morning , the Correction Officers ’ Benevolent Association was notified that New York City Correction Officer John Jeff , assigned to the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island , was found dead in South Jamaica Queens .
He sustained multiple gunshot wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on the job for just over two years with his whole life and career ahead of him .
He was well-liked and highly regarded by his fellow officers , ” Correction Officers Benevolent Association President Benny Boscio Jr. said in a statement .
Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots outside their homes , and sources told ABC 7 the killing appeared to be planned .
“ I heard nine shots , ” resident Raymond Leslie said .
“ You really don ’ t want to come out on these streets at night because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Bill de Blasio , whose actions – or lack thereof – have been blamed by many for triggering a historic exodus among New York residents , denounced the shooting tweeting , “ This is a tragedy.
” “ Chirlane and I are keeping this young man ’ s family , loved ones and brothers and sisters in @ CorrectionNYC in our hearts today .
An investigation into this cowardly attack is ongoing .
If you have any information please contact the NYPD , ” the mayor tweeted .
The scale of New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when one considers that just the start of this month marked more shootings in New York City so far this year than in all of 2019 , a continuation of the violent protests , rioting and looting that was unleashed in New York in recent months .
As the Washington Examiner notes , “ protests , riots , and vandalism sparked by the death of George Floyd have increased the anti-police sentiment in the city at a time when de Blasio has pledged to strip $ 1 billion from the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit .
Hundreds of police officers have filed their retirement papers in recent weeks as tensions between the force and the public become more strained by the increase in crime.
” Meanwhile , as we reported last week , Thousands of New Yorkers have been fleeing the city in recent weeks , citing the uptick in violence as well as coronavirus restrictions .
“ We reached our New York expiration date , ” one New York City mother recently told the “ Things weren ’ t heading in the right direction .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t at all surprising.
” Meanwhile , as people packed their bags one last time for New Jersey , the Hamptons , and other local areas , Democratic Gov .
Andrew Cuomo pleaded that they return to the city , even offering to cook them dinner .
“ I literally talk to people all day long who are now in their Hamptons house who also lived here , or in their Hudson Valley house or in their Connecticut weekend house , and I say , ‘ You got to come back , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo said earlier this month .
“ ‘ We ’ ll go to dinner , I ’ ll buy you a drink , come over , I ’ ll cook.
’ ” Unfortunately , since he can no longer even assure them that they won ’ t be murdered in broad daylight , we doubt anyone will care much for Cuomo ’ s desperate platitudes .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
The gentrified New York City that made the Big Apple the envy of billionaires, oligarchs, child molesters and money laundering criminals from around the world is no more, and in its place is the hellish New York from the 1970s.
According to Gothamist, between Thursday and Saturday, 49 people were shot in the largest city in the United States, as the uptick in gun violence continues this summer and is rushing to catch up with that other progressive paradise, Chicago.
Putting the surge in context, the number of people shot over the three days is five times more than the eight who were shot during the same days last year according to the Washington Examiner. While most of the shooting victims were merely wounded, at least six people were killed by gunshot wounds over the 3-day interval, compared to three homicides that took place during the same time last year.
Year to date, there have been 1,087 shooting victims so far in 888 different incidents throughout the city, roughly double the crime observed in 2019. Last year at this time, there had been 577 shooting victims in 488 incidents in New York City.
Among those murdered was an off-duty corrections officer who worked at Rikers Island. John Jeff, 28, had just left a party in Queens at 3 a.m. on Saturday morning when he was shot in the head and chest.
“Early this morning, the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association was notified that New York City Correction Officer John Jeff, assigned to the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island, was found dead in South Jamaica Queens. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was 28 years old and was on the job for just over two years with his whole life and career ahead of him. He was well-liked and highly regarded by his fellow officers,” Correction Officers Benevolent Association President Benny Boscio Jr. said in a statement.
Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots outside their homes, and sources told ABC 7 the killing appeared to be planned.
“I heard nine shots,” resident Raymond Leslie said. “You really don’t want to come out on these streets at night because it’s getting increasingly dangerous.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose actions – or lack thereof – have been blamed by many for triggering a historic exodus among New York residents, denounced the shooting tweeting, “This is a tragedy.”
“Chirlane and I are keeping this young man’s family, loved ones and brothers and sisters in @CorrectionNYC in our hearts today. An investigation into this cowardly attack is ongoing. If you have any information please contact the NYPD,” the mayor tweeted.
This is a tragedy. Chirlane and I are keeping this young man’s family, loved ones and brothers and sisters in @CorrectionNYC in our hearts today. An investigation into this cowardly attack is ongoing. If you have any information please contact the NYPD. https://t.co/YcQn7DV21q — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 15, 2020
The scale of New York’s shooting problem becomes apparent when one considers that just the start of this month marked more shootings in New York City so far this year than in all of 2019, a continuation of the violent protests, rioting and looting that was unleashed in New York in recent months.
As the Washington Examiner notes, “protests, riots, and vandalism sparked by the death of George Floyd have increased the anti-police sentiment in the city at a time when de Blasio has pledged to strip $1 billion from the city’s police budget and disbanded the plainclothes anti-crime unit. Hundreds of police officers have filed their retirement papers in recent weeks as tensions between the force and the public become more strained by the increase in crime.”
Meanwhile, as we reported last week, Thousands of New Yorkers have been fleeing the city in recent weeks, citing the uptick in violence as well as coronavirus restrictions.
“We reached our New York expiration date,” one New York City mother recently told the New York Post. “Things weren’t heading in the right direction. What we’re seeing now isn’t at all surprising.”
Meanwhile, as people packed their bags one last time for New Jersey, the Hamptons, and other local areas, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo pleaded that they return to the city, even offering to cook them dinner.
“I literally talk to people all day long who are now in their Hamptons house who also lived here, or in their Hudson Valley house or in their Connecticut weekend house, and I say, ‘You got to come back, when are you coming back?’” Cuomo said earlier this month. “‘We’ll go to dinner, I’ll buy you a drink, come over, I’ll cook.’”
Unfortunately, since he can no longer even assure them that they won’t be murdered in broad daylight, we doubt anyone will care much for Cuomo’s desperate platitudes.
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southfront--2020-08-17--Israel Begins Reform Of Its Air Forces, Focused Towards Reinforced Northern Defenses

On August 13th , Israel Defense Forces ( IDF ) published plans for the development of the Israeli Air Force in the coming years .
Air Force Commander , Major General Amikam Norkin , summed up the necessary work to improve the effectiveness of the Air Force and their training for the coming years .
Some of the points of the program are designed for a decade ahead , others are shorter-term .
The coronavirus pandemic , the deteriorating economic situation in Israel and in the world , as well as a general view of the strategic situation in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the program .
As a result , it was decided to accelerate a number of plans for the future and implement them in the coming years .
The common goal of all these steps is to increase combat effectiveness on the one hand , save money and use resources more efficiently on the other .
• Creation of the 7th air wing ( “ Kanaf 7 ” ) – a wing of the Air Force Special Operation Forces .
Officially established on July 12th 2020 at Palmachim Air Force Base .
• The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Block 30 ) at the Ramat David base in October 2020 .
This was announced back in May .
The Air Force is transferring two F- squadrons to this base .
This means that all Barak aircraft of the Air Force ( F-16C / D ) will be concentrated in Ramat David , consisting of 101st ( F-16C Block 40 ) , 105th ( F-16D Block 40 ) and 109- 1st ( F-16D Block 30 ) squadrons .
This step will strengthen the air force in the north of the country , near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also lead to saving funds , since the logistics and maintenance will be focused in one base .
• The Hatzor base will lose all combat aircraft squadrons .
The Air Force is transforming this base into a “ UAV and reconnaissance base ” .
In July 2019 , the 100th Light Transport Squadron was relocated here , one of the main tasks of which is visual reconnaissance .
The 420th squadron of combat aircraft simulators is also located here .
As far as is known , there are no UAV squadrons at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what has been said , it is planned to position them in Hatzor .
The Air Force website emphasizes that already 75 % of the Air Force ’ s operational flight hours are performed by UAVs .
• The 193rd Marine Helicopter Squadron will receive an SH-60F Sea Hawk ( and similar ) helicopters , and will be relocated from Ramat David to Palmachim .
The base already hosts the 123rd and 124th squadrons of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters .
As in the case of the Barak , this step will allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be concentrated in one base .
• The Air Force Aviation School , based at BAHA-21 ( Haifa ) , will move to the south , in connection with the desire of the Air Force to concentrate the training process of the Air Force personnel at one base .
• The air defense went to an all-Israeli continuous mode of operation , with a high level of integration and central control .
The Air Force continues to strengthen its air defense , however , to improve efficiency , it was decided to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the central positions .
• The Air Force Air Traffic Control School was opened on July 19th , 2020 at the Ovda base .
It aims to maximize the concentration of all courses for air controllers and air traffic controllers in one place and relieve the operational units from the need to deal with these issues .
• Improving the training of pilots – the Flight School adopted Lavi ( M-346 ) aircraft , new training methods , and simulators .
At the same time some other changes ( and not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force budget – about 5.5 billion shekels ( $ 1.6 billion ) out of 32 billion ( $ 9.4 billion ) IDF budget ; • Large air force exercises will be held in Germany soon – 2 squadrons of F-16 , as well as tankers and AWACS aircraft , will be deployed in Germany ; a major exercise will be held in Italy in 2021 ; • The choice of a new helicopter to be purchased ( CH-53K or CH-47 ) will be made before the end of the year ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still possible ; • 4 KS-46A tanker aircraft will be purchased , the first will arrive in Israel in 2024 ; • 2 squadrons of new combat aircraft will be purchased – the F-15X squadron ( previously it was the F-15IA plus the modernization of the existing F-15I squadron to this level ) and the third F-35I squadron .
It is reported that already now the Air Force has 6 operational UAV squadrons at 4 different bases and new ones will be created .
So the focus is also heavily moving towards usage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of manned aircraft .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Israel Still Plans To Annex West Bank Despite ‘ Historic ’ UAE Peace Deal

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On August 13th, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) published plans for the development of the Israeli Air Force in the coming years.
Air Force Commander, Major General Amikam Norkin, summed up the necessary work to improve the effectiveness of the Air Force and their training for the coming years.
Some of the points of the program are designed for a decade ahead, others are shorter-term.
The coronavirus pandemic, the deteriorating economic situation in Israel and in the world, as well as a general view of the strategic situation in the Middle East played an important role in the program.
As a result, it was decided to accelerate a number of plans for the future and implement them in the coming years.
The common goal of all these steps is to increase combat effectiveness on the one hand, save money and use resources more efficiently on the other.
The program includes:
Creation of the 7th air wing (“Kanaf 7”) – a wing of the Air Force Special Operation Forces. Officially established on July 12th 2020 at Palmachim Air Force Base. The disbandment of the 117th squadron (F-16C Block 30) at the Ramat David base in October 2020. This was announced back in May. The Air Force is transferring two F- squadrons to this base. This means that all Barak aircraft of the Air Force (F-16C / D) will be concentrated in Ramat David, consisting of 101st (F-16C Block 40), 105th (F-16D Block 40) and 109- 1st (F-16D Block 30) squadrons. This step will strengthen the air force in the north of the country, near the main potential theaters. This will also lead to saving funds, since the logistics and maintenance will be focused in one base. The Hatzor base will lose all combat aircraft squadrons. The Air Force is transforming this base into a “UAV and reconnaissance base”. In July 2019, the 100th Light Transport Squadron was relocated here, one of the main tasks of which is visual reconnaissance. The 420th squadron of combat aircraft simulators is also located here. As far as is known, there are no UAV squadrons at the base yet, but judging by what has been said, it is planned to position them in Hatzor. The Air Force website emphasizes that already 75% of the Air Force’s operational flight hours are performed by UAVs. The 193rd Marine Helicopter Squadron will receive an SH-60F Sea Hawk (and similar) helicopters, and will be relocated from Ramat David to Palmachim. The base already hosts the 123rd and 124th squadrons of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. As in the case of the Barak, this step will allow the logistics and maintenance of the helicopters to be concentrated in one base. The Air Force Aviation School, based at BAHA-21 (Haifa), will move to the south, in connection with the desire of the Air Force to concentrate the training process of the Air Force personnel at one base. The air defense went to an all-Israeli continuous mode of operation, with a high level of integration and central control. The Air Force continues to strengthen its air defense, however, to improve efficiency, it was decided to reduce the deployment of Patriot Defense batteries only at the central positions. The Air Force Air Traffic Control School was opened on July 19th, 2020 at the Ovda base. It aims to maximize the concentration of all courses for air controllers and air traffic controllers in one place and relieve the operational units from the need to deal with these issues. Improving the training of pilots – the Flight School adopted Lavi (M-346) aircraft, new training methods, and simulators.
At the same time some other changes (and not only are being introduced such as:
Air Force budget – about 5.5 billion shekels ($1.6 billion) out of 32 billion ($9.4 billion) IDF budget; Large air force exercises will be held in Germany soon – 2 squadrons of F-16, as well as tankers and AWACS aircraft, will be deployed in Germany; a major exercise will be held in Italy in 2021; The choice of a new helicopter to be purchased (CH-53K or CH-47) will be made before the end of the year; the option of additional purchase of V-22 is still possible; 4 KS-46A tanker aircraft will be purchased, the first will arrive in Israel in 2024; 2 squadrons of new combat aircraft will be purchased – the F-15X squadron (previously it was the F-15IA plus the modernization of the existing F-15I squadron to this level) and the third F-35I squadron.
It is reported that already now the Air Force has 6 operational UAV squadrons at 4 different bases and new ones will be created. So the focus is also heavily moving towards usage of UAVs, despite the expanding fleet of manned aircraft.
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southfront--2020-08-17--Locations Of US Carrier Strike Groups – August 17, 2020

This is the newest update of the ‘ U.S .
Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map ’ exclusive series showing the @ @ @ @ @ Strike Groups .
SouthFront : Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using @ @ @ @ @ No classified information was used in production of the map .
Carrier strike group ( @ @ @ @ @ formation of the United States Navy .
It is centered on an aircraft carrier and @ @ @ @ @ CVW ) of 65 to 70 aircrafts .
It ’ s composed of roughly 7,500 @ @ @ @ @ , at least one cruiser , a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or @ @ @ @ @ group also , on occasion , includes submarines , attached logistics ships and a supply @ @ @ @ @ comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world ’ s oceans .
@ @ @ @ @

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This is the newest update of the ‘U.S. Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map’ exclusive series showing the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups. SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using the available open-source information. No classified information was used in production of the map.
Carrier strike group (CSG) is an operational formation of the United States Navy. It is centered on an aircraft carrier and a carrier air wing (CVW) of 65 to 70 aircrafts. It’s composed of roughly 7,500 personnel, an aircraft carrier, at least one cruiser, a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or frigates. A carrier strike group also, on occasion, includes submarines, attached logistics ships and a supply ship. Carrier strike groups comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world’s oceans.
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southfront--2020-08-17--Join SouthFront In Fighting Back Against Censorship!

SouthFront is facing an increasing agressive censorship and pressure campaign from Euro-Atlantic structures and global corporations .
Over the past months , YouTube and Facebook have contributed extensive efforts to suppress SouthFront work on these platforms .
( LINK , LINK ) Just recently , the US Department of State released an official report calling SouthFront a “ pillar ” of “ Russia ’ s disinformation and propaganda ” simultaneously asking millions of dollars to fight SouthFront .
The requested FY 2021 budget of the US Department of Satate ’ s Global Engagement Center , tasked with preparing fairy tales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is $ 138 million .
This is $ 11,500,000 per month .
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southfront--2020-08-17--U.S. Air Force Begins Using Reconnaissance Microbots On Missions

On August 12th , the US Air Force reported that it had begun using reconnaissance microbots in their missions .
The Throwbot is a throwable microrobot that records and transmits video and audio reconnaissance , indoors or outdoors , to an operator ’ s control unit is now in the 96th Security Forces Squadron ’ s inventory .
A camera on its front allows an operator to see what it sees .
The control unit contains a joystick to guide the device , a video monitor and antennas .
Video can be fed to an external monitor .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 96th Security Forces Squadron .
The new device gives a response team a safe way to assess a situation , make informed decisions and perform tasks that can lead to saving lives and property .
Gray said the squadron would look for ways to incorporate Throwbot into security training exercises , for evaluation and use in potential life-and-death situations .
The robot can withstand landings of up to 30 feet and can crawl over a variety of terrain .
When accessorized , it can carry and tow a combined four pounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was presented at an iSpark meeting July 1st .
Only nine days later , Throwbot was approved and purchased on the same day .
In an active shooter situation , the Throwbot ’ s camera allows an operator to see around corners while clearing a building under threat , locate and identify subjects , confirm presence of hostages and show a room layout .
Other planned security uses include checking under vehicles when conducting commercial vehicle inspections , and when executing random base entry point anti-terrorism measures .
The Throwbot appears to strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game : Rainbow Six Siege .
According to Throwbot manufacturer Recon Robotics , toss-ability is great when you need eyes in an upstairs room that normal ground robots may have trouble accessing in the first place .
The Throwbot is also more versatile than heavier , tank-like drones that can ’ t be carried deep into the middle of a dangerous situation , other SWAT officers said .
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On August 12th, the US Air Force reported that it had begun using reconnaissance microbots in their missions.
The Throwbot is a throwable microrobot that records and transmits video and audio reconnaissance, indoors or outdoors, to an operator’s control unit is now in the 96th Security Forces Squadron’s inventory. A camera on its front allows an operator to see what it sees. The control unit contains a joystick to guide the device, a video monitor and antennas. Video can be fed to an external monitor.
It is being used at Eglin Air Force Base’s 96th Security Forces Squadron.
The new device gives a response team a safe way to assess a situation, make informed decisions and perform tasks that can lead to saving lives and property.
“It took five minutes for me to learn how to use it,” said Leon Gray, 96th SFS, after seeing it demonstrated at trade shows. “It quickly became apparent how our security personnel could utilize this tool in our operations.”
Gray said the squadron would look for ways to incorporate Throwbot into security training exercises, for evaluation and use in potential life-and-death situations.
The robot can withstand landings of up to 30 feet and can crawl over a variety of terrain. When accessorized, it can carry and tow a combined four pounds of equipment.
A Throwbot acquisition plan was presented at an iSpark meeting July 1st. Only nine days later, Throwbot was approved and purchased on the same day.
In an active shooter situation, the Throwbot’s camera allows an operator to see around corners while clearing a building under threat, locate and identify subjects, confirm presence of hostages and show a room layout.
Other planned security uses include checking under vehicles when conducting commercial vehicle inspections, and when executing random base entry point anti-terrorism measures.
“We’re glad to have the Throwbot as another 96th SFS tool to use in our ever-evolving security mission at Eglin,” Gray said. “It will be especially great to have in emergencies, to help us make informed decisions when seconds count.”
The Throwbot appears to strongly resemble a reconnaissance bot from a video game: Rainbow Six Siege.
According to Throwbot manufacturer Recon Robotics, toss-ability is great when you need eyes in an upstairs room that normal ground robots may have trouble accessing in the first place.
“If we had owned the robot back then, we would have breached an upper window and thrown in the robot,” said Sgt. James Evenson, of the Rochester, Minnesota SWAT team, in a product testimonial. “As it was, we ended up deploying gas in the residence, and the cleanup and remediation was a very expensive proposition.”
The Throwbot is also more versatile than heavier, tank-like drones that can’t be carried deep into the middle of a dangerous situation, other SWAT officers said.
“What our team really likes is that it can be easily carried in an entry team backpack and when you need to use it, you can simply grab it, pull the pin and throw in the robot,” said Sgt. Jake King, of the Marietta, Georgia SWAT team, in a testimonial.
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southfront--2020-08-17--Russian-Turkish Patrol In Idlib Hit By Another Attack

On August 17th , a Turkish armored vehicle was hit by an explosive while the Turkish Armed Forces and the Russian Armed Forces were carrying out their patrol along the M4 highway in Idlib .
According to reports it was an IED , but it could have potentially been an RPG shot , since it is unclear from the footage .
The incident took place near Ariha , where almost exactly a month earlier a previous patrol was hit by a car bomb .
Activities to discover and disable IEDs are on-going in Greater Idlib and around Aleppo , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismantled in the days leading up to August 17th .
These attacks are an expected outcome of Turkey ’ s apparent refusal to undertake effective actions to combat terrorism in the area of Idlib .
As long as Hay ’ at Tahrir Al-Sham and others remain in the area , and are the de facto authority in the area , these attacks will continue taking place .
No political solution is possible until the area has been cleansed .
Furthermore , Ankara really has no choice but to , at least partially , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ moderate opposition ” has all but died .
At the same time , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan needs a buffer that would allow Turkey to annex further territories of Syria , such as Hatay Province which used to be under Damascus control in the past .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • In Video : Russian Forces Inspect Villages Shelled By Turkish Forces In Northeast Syria

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On August 17th, a Turkish armored vehicle was hit by an explosive while the Turkish Armed Forces and the Russian Armed Forces were carrying out their patrol along the M4 highway in Idlib.
#Syria: today during a #TSK–#Russia|n patrol on the M4 Highway (S. #Idlib) a Turkish APC (Kirpi) was hit by an IED, damaging the vehicle. pic.twitter.com/LQabNFdszE — Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) August 17, 2020
According to reports it was an IED, but it could have potentially been an RPG shot, since it is unclear from the footage.
Turkish Kirpi vehicles was hit(looks like an IED). pic.twitter.com/XgkX8pEN42 — MapperKrum (@Krummapper) August 17, 2020
The incident took place near Ariha, where almost exactly a month earlier a previous patrol was hit by a car bomb.
#Syria: after an IED was dismantled yesterday by #TSK, today a massive blast targeted the joint #TSK–#Russia|n patrol on M4 Highway. Reports of casualties among Russian forces. pic.twitter.com/e947uPqMgb — Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) July 14, 2020
Activities to discover and disable IEDs are on-going in Greater Idlib and around Aleppo, there were reports that a significant number were dismantled in the days leading up to August 17th.
#Syria: some IEDs recently neutralized in Greater #Idlib (1) & N. #Aleppo (2-4). First 2 were found today. Nails & bolts used to increase nbr of casualties. pic.twitter.com/mm4pL0ET30 — Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) August 16, 2020
These attacks are an expected outcome of Turkey’s apparent refusal to undertake effective actions to combat terrorism in the area of Idlib.
As long as Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and others remain in the area, and are the de facto authority in the area, these attacks will continue taking place.
No political solution is possible until the area has been cleansed.
Furthermore, Ankara really has no choice but to, at least partially, support terrorists, since the myth of a “moderate opposition” has all but died.
At the same time, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan needs a buffer that would allow Turkey to annex further territories of Syria, such as Hatay Province which used to be under Damascus control in the past.
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southfront--2020-08-17--At Least 17 Killed In Somalia In Suicide Attack By Al-Shabab Militants

At least 17 people have been killed and more than a dozen wounded in a gun and bomb attack by the al-Shabab armed group on Sunday at a beachfront hotel in Somalia ’ s capital , officials and witnesses have said .
The siege of the hotel ended after a fierce three-hour gun battle between al-Shabab fighters and security forces which began with a suicide car bombing , government spokesman Ismael Mukhtar Omar told the dpa news agency .
Among the 12 victims were two government employees , three hotel security guards , four civilians and three unidentified people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying by the dpa .
Mukhtar told the Associated Press that all four assailants were killed by security forces .
The attack started in the afternoon with a powerful car bomb blast which blew off the security gates to the hotel .
Then , gunmen ran inside and took hostages , mostly young men and women who were dining there .
Most guests of the four-storey seaside hotel were rescued , but 28 wounded people were taken to hospitals , according to local ambulance services head Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan .
Witnesses confirmed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that people were running from the area as gunfire could be heard from the hotel , which is frequented by government officials , journalists and business people .
Al-Shabab said they carried out the attack , according to a statement translated by the SITE Intelligence Group .
The statement claimed its fighters “ took control over the hotel ” in the “ martyrdom-seeking operation ” .
LINK Somalia plunged into chaos after the 1991 overthrow of then-President Siad Barre ’ s military regime , leading to years of clan warfare before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged and began to restore order in many parts of the troubled country .
The UIC was a group of Sharia courts that united to form a rival administration to the Transitional Federal Government ( TFG ) of Somalia , with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed as their head .
Until the end of 2006 , the UIC controlled most of southern Somalia and the vast majority of its population , including most major cities and the capital Mogadishu .
The confederation of Islamic courts eventually began to consolidate into a form of ‘ proto-government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ethiopian forces invaded in late 2006 .
Following the Ethiopian invasion and ousting of the Union of Islamic Courts , the militant group al-Shabab gained rapidly in strength and began to extend its authority and to administer an extremist version of sharia justice in the regions under its control .
Some members of the UIC went into exile in Eritrea and Djibouti , where they formed the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia in September 2007 .
In the two years following the UIC ’ s ouster from Mogadishu , the hardline Islamists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Somalia , taking over territory formerly controlled by both the TFG and UIC .
In January 2009 , a reconciliation and power-sharing deal was brokered between the Transitional Federal Government ( TFG ) and the Djibouti contingent from the former Islamic Courts Union which resulted in the expansion of the Parliament and the election of Sheik Sharif Ahmed , former leader of the UIC , as President of the Transitional Federal Government .
In early 2009 , Somalia ’ s government announced that it was considering the establishment of sharia for the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islamic leaders .
However , al-Shabab and other insurgents contend that the government , a moderate Western-Islamic hybrid , is unfit to implement Islamic law .
LINK There are reports of foreign fighters travelling to Somalia to fight with al-Shabab , arriving from neighbouring countries as well as from the US and Europe .
The group , which claims to be linked with Al Qaida , is believed to have between 7,000 and 9,000 fighters .
Al-Shabab is reported as advocating the Saudi-inspired Wahhabi version of Islam , while most Somalis are Sufis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremist version of Sharia in areas under its control .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkey is increasing its involvement in conflict Yemen : reports

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At least 17 people have been killed and more than a dozen wounded in a gun and bomb attack by the al-Shabab armed group on Sunday at a beachfront hotel in Somalia’s capital, officials and witnesses have said.
The siege of the hotel ended after a fierce three-hour gun battle between al-Shabab fighters and security forces which began with a suicide car bombing, government spokesman Ismael Mukhtar Omar told the dpa news agency.
Among the 12 victims were two government employees, three hotel security guards, four civilians and three unidentified people, police officer Ahmed Bashane was quoted as saying by the dpa.
Mukhtar told the Associated Press that all four assailants were killed by security forces.
The attack started in the afternoon with a powerful car bomb blast which blew off the security gates to the hotel. Then, gunmen ran inside and took hostages, mostly young men and women who were dining there.
Most guests of the four-storey seaside hotel were rescued, but 28 wounded people were taken to hospitals, according to local ambulance services head Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan.
Witnesses confirmed the attack began with a heavy explosion and reported that people were running from the area as gunfire could be heard from the hotel, which is frequented by government officials, journalists and business people.
Al-Shabab said they carried out the attack, according to a statement translated by the SITE Intelligence Group. The statement claimed its fighters “took control over the hotel” in the “martyrdom-seeking operation”. LINK
Somalia plunged into chaos after the 1991 overthrow of then-President Siad Barre’s military regime, leading to years of clan warfare before the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) emerged and began to restore order in many parts of the troubled country. The UIC was a group of Sharia courts that united to form a rival administration to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed as their head.
Until the end of 2006, the UIC controlled most of southern Somalia and the vast majority of its population, including most major cities and the capital Mogadishu. The confederation of Islamic courts eventually began to consolidate into a form of ‘proto-government’, but that ended abruptly when Ethiopian forces invaded in late 2006. Following the Ethiopian invasion and ousting of the Union of Islamic Courts, the militant group al-Shabab gained rapidly in strength and began to extend its authority and to administer an extremist version of sharia justice in the regions under its control.
Some members of the UIC went into exile in Eritrea and Djibouti, where they formed the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia in September 2007. In the two years following the UIC’s ouster from Mogadishu, the hardline Islamists regrouped in the south and west of Somalia, taking over territory formerly controlled by both the TFG and UIC. In January 2009, a reconciliation and power-sharing deal was brokered between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Djibouti contingent from the former Islamic Courts Union which resulted in the expansion of the Parliament and the election of Sheik Sharif Ahmed, former leader of the UIC, as President of the Transitional Federal Government.
In early 2009, Somalia’s government announced that it was considering the establishment of sharia for the entire country, as called for by pro-government Islamic leaders. However, al-Shabab and other insurgents contend that the government, a moderate Western-Islamic hybrid, is unfit to implement Islamic law. LINK
There are reports of foreign fighters travelling to Somalia to fight with al-Shabab, arriving from neighbouring countries as well as from the US and Europe. The group, which claims to be linked with Al Qaida, is believed to have between 7,000 and 9,000 fighters.
Al-Shabab is reported as advocating the Saudi-inspired Wahhabi version of Islam, while most Somalis are Sufis, and the group has imposed an extremist version of Sharia in areas under its control.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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