southfront--2020-03-16--Militants In Idlib Are Not Complying With The Ceasefire: Russian Foreign Ministry

Large armed groups of terrorists in Idlib , Syria , refuse to recognize the Russian-Turkish agreement , and were able to rearm with external support and take counter-offensive actions , the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Information and Press Department said .
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that “ in the ranks of the jihadists grouped there , there are many ISIS members , including those who were evacuated at one time along the “ security corridors ” from other regions of Syria.
” Meanwhile , sources close to the Syrian Arab Army reported that there was infighting between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over letting Turkey patrol the M4 highway along with Russia .
The first joint Russian-Turkish patrol of a section of the M-4 highway in Syria was cut short due to militant provocations , the Russian Defense Ministry said .
According to the Russian side , the provocations were planned by radical gangs not controlled by Turkey .
To hinder the patrol , the terrorists tried to use civilians , including women and children , as a “ human shield ” , the military department said .
The Ministry of Defense noted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the length of the patrol route to prevent incidents that could cause civilians to suffer .
According to it , “ the Turkish side has been given extra time to take measures to neutralize terrorist groups and ensure the security of joint patrol of the M4 highway.
” Joint patrols should not only ensure the safety of the movement of civilians along the M-4 highway ( Latakia-Aleppo ) , which is important for Syria , but also become a guarantee of preventing the resumption of armed conflict in the region .
So far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Mike Pompeo Congratulates Syria For 9 Years Of Deaths And Chaos • In Video : Al-Qaeda-Linked Militants ‘ Democratically ’ Protest Against Russian-Turkish Patrols Along M4

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Large armed groups of terrorists in Idlib, Syria, refuse to recognize the Russian-Turkish agreement, and were able to rearm with external support and take counter-offensive actions, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Department said.
“In the de-escalation zone in Syrian Idlib, large armed groups of various Islamic groups are concentrated, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and Khurras al-Din, which continue to use the ideological principles and terrorist methods of Al- Qaeda.” The mentioned organizations, incidentally, refused to recognize the latest Russian-Turkish agreements on the introduction of a ceasefire regime in this region,” the Russian foreign ministry told Interfax.
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that “in the ranks of the jihadists grouped there, there are many ISIS members, including those who were evacuated at one time along the “security corridors” from other regions of Syria.”
“The militants of the terrorist groups took advantage of the respite, recovered, reequipped, including thanks to outside support, and are now taking counter-offensive actions,” the Foreign Ministry underlined.
Meanwhile, sources close to the Syrian Arab Army reported that there was infighting between the Jihadist groups in Majdalya in Idlib, over letting Turkey patrol the M4 highway along with Russia.
Infighting between the Jihadis group in Majdalya #Idlib over letting the Turks patrol the M4 with the Russians. The clashes are taking place near a Turkish outpost. — Syrian_MC (@Syrian_MC) March 15, 2020
The first joint Russian-Turkish patrol of a section of the M-4 highway in Syria was cut short due to militant provocations, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
On Sunday, Russia and Turkey set out on their first joint patrol along the security corridor in #Idlib, agreed as part of a ceasefire deal reached by presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan in early March ➡ https://t.co/He3JV6uJEL @MoD_Russia?? #Syria?? pic.twitter.com/YmHXJcR65t — Russia in USA ?? (@RusEmbUSA) March 15, 2020
According to the Russian side, the provocations were planned by radical gangs not controlled by Turkey. To hinder the patrol, the terrorists tried to use civilians, including women and children, as a “human shield”, the military department said.
The Ministry of Defense noted that the joint Russian-Turkish coordination center decided to reduce the length of the patrol route to prevent incidents that could cause civilians to suffer.
According to it, “the Turkish side has been given extra time to take measures to neutralize terrorist groups and ensure the security of joint patrol of the M4 highway.”
Joint patrols should not only ensure the safety of the movement of civilians along the M-4 highway (Latakia-Aleppo), which is important for Syria, but also become a guarantee of preventing the resumption of armed conflict in the region.
So far, it’s not proving effective.
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southfront--2020-03-16--Haftar’s Forces Deployed En Masse Around Tripoli

On March 15th , Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s Libyan National Army ( LNA ) began to mobilize its forces towards Tripoli , reportedly for a heavy , and potentially final , offensive on Tripoli .
Videos and photographs of quite a bit of military vehicles were shared on social media .
It is not announced what specifically the operation would ensue , just that troops are being mobilized .
Meanwhile , the LNA air force carried out heavy air strikes and shelling on Government of National Accord ( GNA ) forces , as well as the Syrian militants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Misrata .
GNA vehicles were also destroyed by the LNA .
Mesmari asserted that the Libyan Armed Forces agreed to the truce but would never accept threats by militias .
The LNA spokesperson stated that Misrata militias attempts to attack the forces in Al Jufra and Sirte using advanced ammunition and drones supplied by Turkey .
The LNA spokesperson also disclosed an attempt by militias to target Al Jufra Airbase by a Turkish-made drone that was downed by the LNA southern Libya .
Mesmari stated that the Turkish spheres of influence in Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that the LNA has spotted all the locations of Turkish troops in Libya .
The LNA spokesperson accused Turkey of transporting 300-400 mercenaries to Libya weekly by civilian aircrafts and ships that are protected by international laws .
A number of those ships carry the flags of certain countries .
For instance , a ship carrying mercenaries was raising the flag of Lebanon .
Mesmari declared that the number of Turkish officers on Libyan soil has reached 1,000 while that of mercenaries has recorded 7,500 .
Mesmari stated that the LNA struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mesmari revealed that the LNA has 85,000 soldiers , and that 7,000 were martyred since the launching operation to capture Tripoli from the enemy was launched in April 2019 .
That is in addition to thousands of injuries .
On the side of the GNA , there appears to be infighting as a video purportedly showed factions within the GNA forces attack each other .
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On March 15th, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) began to mobilize its forces towards Tripoli, reportedly for a heavy, and potentially final, offensive on Tripoli.
Videos and photographs of quite a bit of military vehicles were shared on social media.
It is not announced what specifically the operation would ensue, just that troops are being mobilized.
Meanwhile, the LNA air force carried out heavy air strikes and shelling on Government of National Accord (GNA) forces, as well as the Syrian militants deployed by Turkey in the area of Misrata.
GNA vehicles were also destroyed by the LNA.
Libyan National Army forces
Destroyed a number vehicles belonging to the #terrorist militias and mercenaries , and a number of them were killed in
Ramla axis today .#LNA #Libya #HoR #Tripoli pic.twitter.com/qcOLyEKt2b — M.LNA (@LNA2019M) March 15, 2020
The LNA spokesman, Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mismari, on March 15th, held a press conference.
Mesmari asserted that the Libyan Armed Forces agreed to the truce but would never accept threats by militias. The LNA spokesperson stated that Misrata militias attempts to attack the forces in Al Jufra and Sirte using advanced ammunition and drones supplied by Turkey.
The LNA spokesperson also disclosed an attempt by militias to target Al Jufra Airbase by a Turkish-made drone that was downed by the LNA southern Libya.
Mesmari stated that the Turkish spheres of influence in Libya are Misrata, Tripoli, and Zuwara saying that the LNA has spotted all the locations of Turkish troops in Libya.
The LNA spokesperson accused Turkey of transporting 300-400 mercenaries to Libya weekly by civilian aircrafts and ships that are protected by international laws. A number of those ships carry the flags of certain countries. For instance, a ship carrying mercenaries was raising the flag of Lebanon.
Mesmari declared that the number of Turkish officers on Libyan soil has reached 1,000 while that of mercenaries has recorded 7,500. Mesmari stated that the LNA struck Turkish targets in Mitiga International Airport.
Mesmari revealed that the LNA has 85,000 soldiers, and that 7,000 were martyred since the launching operation to capture Tripoli from the enemy was launched in April 2019. That is in addition to thousands of injuries.
On the side of the GNA, there appears to be infighting as a video purportedly showed factions within the GNA forces attack each other.
Video A citizen lens documents critical moments today in "Al Falah Road – Gypsum Gate" #Tripoli #Libya during a sudden outbreak of clashes between #GNA militants for unknown reasons. Several civilians were reported injured. pic.twitter.com/qOIcTpOMlN — M.LNA (@LNA2019M) March 15, 2020
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southfront--2020-03-16--Russian-Turkish Patrols In Idlib. Planned And Real Routes (Map Update)

so again as happend DOZENS of times before , Turkey WILL not engage them headchoppers ( fucking surprise-sarcasm out ) @ @ @ @ @ ?
?
?
?
?
SAA is “ allowed ” to contniue liberating their own @ @ @ @ @ well why the fuck did the treacherous Zionist pig make this bs Agreement in the @ @ @ @ @ making the “ mistake ” once , or even twice on BAD JUDGMENT , could @ @ @ @ @ making agreemnets with Folks DOZENS of times that will break the agreeemnt each and evry @ @ @ @ @ you still believe this bs than you are a brainwashed Zionist Donkey !
Putin is @ @ @ @ @ russian Military Leadership should HANG Putin , BURN him , and send 50 % of @ @ @ @ @ 50 % to erdogan .

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On March 15, Russian and Turkish forces conducted their first joint patrol in Syria’s southern Idlib. According to the de-escalation agreement reached in Moscow, joint patrols should cover the entire buffer zone area along the M4 highway. However, the March 15 patrol did not cover even its planned limited route because of a constant threat of attacks from Idlib terrorists and provocations by their supporters.
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southfront--2020-03-16--Turkish-backed Militants Looting Properties Belonging To Locals In Northeastern Syria: State Media

Syria ’ s state-run news agency SANA reported on March 14 that Turkish-backed miltiants have been looting properties belonging to locals in northeastern Syria .
Earlier , Turkish-backed forces demonstrated similar approaches in the region of Afrin in Syria ’ s northwest .
Terrorist organizations supported by the Turkish occupation forces continued their criminal practices , stealing locals ’ properties in Ras al-Ayn area in Hasaka northwestern countryside .
Local sources told SANA ’ s reporter in Hasaka that the Turkish occupation ’ s terrorist mercenaries increased their robbery of people ’ s properties in Ras al-Ayn city and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the doors of a number of houses and occupied them , in addition to entering some houses while their owners are still in them and stole all their belongings .
The sources added that the Turkish regime ’ s terrorists set up more checkpoints at the entrance of Ras al-Ayn city and imposed a curfew in the surrounding villages , in addition to sneaking south of the international highway near al-Alia area with the intention of robbing passersby and stealing their possessions and money .
On the other hand , four civilians were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planted by the Turkish regime ’ s terrorist mercenaries near the turnpike of al-Nasseriye village south of Ras al-Ayn .

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Syria’s state-run news agency SANA reported on March 14 that Turkish-backed miltiants have been looting properties belonging to locals in northeastern Syria. Earlier, Turkish-backed forces demonstrated similar approaches in the region of Afrin in Syria’s northwest.
Turkey-backed terrorists continue stealing locals’ properties in Ras al-Ayn area in Hasaka countryside (source):
Terrorist organizations supported by the Turkish occupation forces continued their criminal practices, stealing locals’ properties in Ras al-Ayn area in Hasaka northwestern countryside.
Local sources told SANA ’s reporter in Hasaka that the Turkish occupation’s terrorist mercenaries increased their robbery of people’s properties in Ras al-Ayn city and the surrounding villages, indicating that they removed the doors of a number of houses and occupied them, in addition to entering some houses while their owners are still in them and stole all their belongings.
The sources added that the Turkish regime’s terrorists set up more checkpoints at the entrance of Ras al-Ayn city and imposed a curfew in the surrounding villages, in addition to sneaking south of the international highway near al-Alia area with the intention of robbing passersby and stealing their possessions and money.
On the other hand, four civilians were injured by the explosion of a landmine planted by the Turkish regime’s terrorist mercenaries near the turnpike of al-Nasseriye village south of Ras al-Ayn.
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southfront--2020-03-16--Military Situation In Iraq On March 16, 2020 (Map Update)

The best solusion for the world is more windturbines and solar electricity cells .
We should not invest anything there @ @ @ @ @ over , so shiits killing shiits is next .
None of the like us .
@ @ @ @ @ .
As long as they kill each other and insist , I dont expect they @ @ @ @ @ here .
Let them eliminate human rights among each other .
They are very good @ @ @ @ @ not enough send the drinking water from Basra .
Corona is only 2 % .
@ @ @ @ @ in the tires of my car only .
If any wish to send weapon there @ @ @ @ @ it should be bow and arrow .
Most of them already has stones .

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq:
ISIS released a video report on its recent attacks in the countryside of Kirkuk;
Ausbat al-Thaayirin, a new Iraqi paramilitary group, claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on Camp Taji;
ISIS cells attacked positions of the PMU’s Brigade 56 near Hawija;
A HQ of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba was set on fire in Najaf;
The US continues refusing to withdraw its forces from Iraq despite demands from the Iraqi Parliament.
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southfront--2020-03-16--World In Panic: Crude Oil Prices Drop Further, As Europe Locks Down Against Coronavirus Spread

On March 16th , in total , almost 170,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus across the world and 6,509 have died , with cases and deaths outside China overtaking those in the country where the outbreak began For a while now , Italy has become the country with the most active COVID-19 cases in the world , surpassing China by a large margin .
In total , as of March 16th , Italy has had 24,747 cases , out of them 2,335 people have recovered , and 1,809 have died .
The active cases currently sit at 20,603 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious or critical condition .
Other countries in Europe , such as Spain , Germany , France , Switzerland , UK , Norway , the Netherlands , Belgium , Sweden and Austria have reported upwards of 1,000 cases .
Spain and France have the most fatalities , at 297 and 127 , respectively .
Most European countries announced a lockdown , with borders being closed for foreigners for several weeks , and only groceries , pharmacies , banks and gas stations working .
In the US numbers are growing , as President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that they ’ re “ doing great.
” And urged them not to resort to panic buying .
It should be mentioned that in the locations with a lockdown , cases are likely to increase in the next several days , and then as the results of social distancing become more visible , cases are also likely to drop , as well as recoveries increase , but this will take several weeks , in the best case scenario .
In the Netherlands , the government announced a lockdown which led to massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people attempting to stockpile marijuana , instead of toilet paper as it has become fashionable in the US and Australia .
The situation is such that even ISIS issued a travel advisory to terrorists , telling them not to travel to Europe and carry out attacks , because they could catch coronavirus .
The list , titled “ directives to deal with the epidemic , ” includes tips such as covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing , and washing your hands regularly .
ISIS fighters should also remember that “ illnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a decree from God , ” one of the directives stated .
At the same time , the spreading of the virus has led to a massive reduction in oil demand , and a further reduction in crude oil prices , which Riyadh propagates forward with its aggressive discount policy in its price war with Moscow .
On March 16th , futures in London fell as much as 6 % , after plunging by a quarter in the previous week – the market ’ s biggest weekly drop since 2008 .
Brent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or 5.5 % , to US $ 31.98 a barrel .
Futures fell 25 % in the previous week to US $ 33.85 , the largest weekly drop since December 2008 .
West Texas Intermediate for April delivery dropped 4.8 % to US $ 30.22 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange .
The sharp slow down in activity brought on by the virus is being compounded by a potential flood of supply in April , with top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia pledging to ramp up production .
The Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share by sending a wave of crude to Europe , Russia ’ s traditional market , further dimming the likelihood of a reconciliation .
The concurrent demand supply shocks hitting the oil market appeared to prevail over efforts to shore up the global economy .
The Federal Reserve on Sunday cut its benchmark rate by a full percentage point to near zero and will boost its bond holdings by at least US $ 700 billion ( S $ 989.6 billion ) .
That followed President Donald Trump on March 13th announcing the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic petroleum reserve .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Death Toll From Coronavirus Increasing In Italy .
WHO Provides Insight Into Frightful Numbers • Coronavirus Hysteria Hits Russia As Europe Becomes Center Of Outbreak

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On March 16th, in total, almost 170,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus across the world and 6,509 have died, with cases and deaths outside China overtaking those in the country where the outbreak began
For a while now, Italy has become the country with the most active COVID-19 cases in the world, surpassing China by a large margin.
In total, as of March 16th, Italy has had 24,747 cases, out of them 2,335 people have recovered, and 1,809 have died.
The active cases currently sit at 20,603, out of which 1,672 are in serious or critical condition.
Other countries in Europe, such as Spain, Germany, France, Switzerland, UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Austria have reported upwards of 1,000 cases.
Spain and France have the most fatalities, at 297 and 127, respectively.
Most European countries announced a lockdown, with borders being closed for foreigners for several weeks, and only groceries, pharmacies, banks and gas stations working.
In the US numbers are growing, as President Donald Trump told Americans to “relax” and that they’re “doing great.” And urged them not to resort to panic buying.
“You don’t have to buy so much,” the US president said during a press briefing at the White House on the evening of March 15th, adding that people should “take it easy. Just relax.”
It should be mentioned that in the locations with a lockdown, cases are likely to increase in the next several days, and then as the results of social distancing become more visible, cases are also likely to drop, as well as recoveries increase, but this will take several weeks, in the best case scenario.
In the Netherlands, the government announced a lockdown which led to massive queues in front of coffee shops, with people attempting to stockpile marijuana, instead of toilet paper as it has become fashionable in the US and Australia.
Dutch stockpiling: The queue at the local cannabis coffee shop in The Hague after Netherlands announced they would be shut for 3 weeks over Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/gU5aqflsuE — Charlotte McDonald-Gibson (@cmcdonaldgibson) March 15, 2020
The situation is such that even ISIS issued a travel advisory to terrorists, telling them not to travel to Europe and carry out attacks, because they could catch coronavirus.
It's the thing you've all been waiting for…the Islamic State's advice on dealing with the #CoronavirusPandemic. Full translation here on my blog with explanatory notes: https://t.co/MHeJobS7D0 — Aymenn J Al-Tamimi (@ajaltamimi) March 12, 2020
“Healthy people should refrain from entering virus-hit states, and infected people should not exit them,” a list Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi says was published by ISIS mouthpiece al-Naba newspaper.
The list, titled “directives to deal with the epidemic,” includes tips such as covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, and washing your hands regularly.
ISIS fighters should also remember that “illnesses do not strike by themselves, but by a decree from God,” one of the directives stated.
At the same time, the spreading of the virus has led to a massive reduction in oil demand, and a further reduction in crude oil prices, which Riyadh propagates forward with its aggressive discount policy in its price war with Moscow.
On March 16th, futures in London fell as much as 6%, after plunging by a quarter in the previous week – the market’s biggest weekly drop since 2008.
Brent crude for May slid US$1.87, or 5.5%, to US$31.98 a barrel. Futures fell 25% in the previous week to US$33.85, the largest weekly drop since December 2008. West Texas Intermediate for April delivery dropped 4.8% to US$30.22 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
The sharp slow down in activity brought on by the virus is being compounded by a potential flood of supply in April, with top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia pledging to ramp up production. The Kingdom doubled down on the war for market share by sending a wave of crude to Europe, Russia’s traditional market, further dimming the likelihood of a reconciliation.
The concurrent demand supply shocks hitting the oil market appeared to prevail over efforts to shore up the global economy. The Federal Reserve on Sunday cut its benchmark rate by a full percentage point to near zero and will boost its bond holdings by at least US$700 billion (S$989.6 billion). That followed President Donald Trump on March 13th announcing the US government would buy oil to fill its strategic petroleum reserve.
“The market is trying to weigh up between the Fed rate cut, quantitative easing and the fact that the situation is a lot worse than we all thought,” said David Lennox, Resources Analyst at Fat Prophets by phone. “We’ve seen that huge panic sell-off, so it could be that there is limited downside from here.”
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southfront--2020-03-16--Military Situation In Yemen On March 16, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Tension has intensified @ @ @ @ @ the Saudi-backed Hadi government and the UAE-backed STC seek to take control of the city @ @ @ @ @ the southwest of al-Jawf province .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Nihm area 4 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck Sanaa province 5 times;
Ceasefire violations were reported in al-Hudaydah;
Tension has intensified in Aden as forces of the Saudi-backed Hadi government and the UAE-backed STC seek to take control of the city;
Clashes continue in the southwest of al-Jawf province.
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southfront--2020-03-17--Military Situation In Yemen On March 17, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Clashes between Ansar @ @ @ @ @ in the Yatma area .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Ceasefire violations were reported in al-Hudaydah;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Sarwah area 36 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck Khab and Shaaf areas 4 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Hajjah area 4 times;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the Yatma area.
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southfront--2020-03-17--Serbian President Says European Solidarity Doesn’t Exist, Asks China For Help Against COVID-19

On March 16th , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced a state of emergency in the country , and said he had sent a letter to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping asking for help after the EU imposed limits on exports of medical equipment amid the coronavirus crisis .
“ I sent a letter to President Xi , in which for the first time I officially called him not only a dear friend but also a brother , and not only my personal friend but also a friend and brother of this country , ” Vucic said .
“ As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not even import goods , according to the European Union ’ s decisions , [ European Commission president ] Ursula von der Leyen said this a while ago , we can not import medical equipment from EU countries , ” he added .
He said that he had asked China to send Serbia “ everything ” – “ even to send us doctors , [ because ] our doctors are already tired ” .
On March 16th , Brussels imposed an EU-wide ban on exports of some medical protective equipment in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloc .
Vucic expressed fury that such a decision had been made by EU officials – “ the people who gave us lectures here , [ telling us ] that we should not buy Chinese goods ” .
In Serbia , under the state of emergency measures announced by Vucic , Serbia has banned entrance to all foreigners , except diplomats , people with residence permits , and Chinese citizens “ who we will be begging to come and help us with everything ” .
The EU , in addition to what von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to begin an €37 billion “ Corona Response Investment Initiative ” directed at health care systems , SMEs , labour markets and other vulnerable parts of our economies , and to make a further €28 billion of structural funds fully eligible for meeting these expenditures .
The bans of movement between EU member states is a formal resolution , which most countries in the bloc already implemented regardless , thus Brussels was simply there to acknowledge that it was happening .
The EU ’ s actions are late and seem unneeded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are simply dealing with the coronavirus spreading by themselves .
Serbia is justifiable disappointed in the EU ’ s calls for solidarity when the situation is calm , and the claims by the EU that turned out to be entirely hollow , when it a crisis came round the corner .
The EU currently is showing to be completely incapable , with it taking formal steps , and evidently only allegedly protecting its members ’ interests , but at the same time , even the members inside the bloc are left to fend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • World In Panic : Crude Oil Prices Drop Further , As Europe Locks Down Against Coronavirus Spread • Death Toll From Coronavirus Increasing In Italy .
WHO Provides Insight Into Frightful Numbers • The Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic : The Real Danger is “ Agenda ID2020 ” • Coronavirus Hysteria Hits Russia As Europe Becomes Center Of Outbreak

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On March 16th, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced a state of emergency in the country, and said he had sent a letter to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping asking for help after the EU imposed limits on exports of medical equipment amid the coronavirus crisis.
“I sent a letter to President Xi, in which for the first time I officially called him not only a dear friend but also a brother, and not only my personal friend but also a friend and brother of this country,” Vucic said. “As of today, as you know, we cannot even import goods, according to the European Union’s decisions, [European Commission president] Ursula von der Leyen said this a while ago, we cannot import medical equipment from EU countries,” he added.
He said that he had asked China to send Serbia “everything” – “even to send us doctors, [because] our doctors are already tired”.
On March 16th, Brussels imposed an EU-wide ban on exports of some medical protective equipment in a bid to keep sufficient supplies within the bloc.
“Such medical goods [protective equipment] can only be exported to non-EU countries with the explicit authorisation of the EU governments. This is the right thing to do because we need that equipment for our health care systems,” von der Leyen said in a video message on Twitter.
Vucic expressed fury that such a decision had been made by EU officials – “the people who gave us lectures here, [telling us] that we should not buy Chinese goods”.
The @EU_Commission presents guidelines on border measures & proposes: 1⃣Green lanes/fast lanes giving priority to essential transport to keep the mobility sector going & ensure economic continuity 2⃣Temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU (30 days) pic.twitter.com/9bda9MntF0 — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 16, 2020
#Coronavirus response team videoconference. Today's focus:
▪Repatriation of EU citizens stranded in or outside ??
▪Next steps in procurement of medical equipment
▪Ramping up production of medical devices
▪Implementation of border guidelines
▪Economic measures in view of EUCO pic.twitter.com/caPCZq3UhL — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 17, 2020
In Serbia, under the state of emergency measures announced by Vucic, Serbia has banned entrance to all foreigners, except diplomats, people with residence permits, and Chinese citizens “who we will be begging to come and help us with everything”.
The EU, in addition to what von der Leyen said, the European Commission is to begin an €37 billion “Corona Response Investment Initiative” directed at health care systems, SMEs, labour markets and other vulnerable parts of our economies, and to make a further €28 billion of structural funds fully eligible for meeting these expenditures.
The bans of movement between EU member states is a formal resolution, which most countries in the bloc already implemented regardless, thus Brussels was simply there to acknowledge that it was happening.
The EU’s actions are late and seem unneeded, as of now, since sovereign states are simply dealing with the coronavirus spreading by themselves.
Serbia is justifiable disappointed in the EU’s calls for solidarity when the situation is calm, and the claims by the EU that turned out to be entirely hollow, when it a crisis came round the corner.
The EU currently is showing to be completely incapable, with it taking formal steps, and evidently only allegedly protecting its members’ interests, but at the same time, even the members inside the bloc are left to fend for themselves.
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southfront--2020-03-17--Footage Shows Australian Special Forces Shoot And Kill Unarmed Man In Afghanistan

A video released on March 16th , showed an Australian Special Air Service ( SAS ) shoot an unarmed Afghan man three times in the head and chest while he cowers on the ground .
The video was released by Four Corners .
His death took place within three minutes of the soldiers arriving in the village .
An Australian Defence Force ( ADF ) investigation later ruled the killing was justified because it was in self-defence .
The killing was one of a series of cases uncovered by Four Corners that may constitute war crimes .
A former member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on the 2012 deployment to Afghanistan and has been shown the vision , described the killing to Four Corners as a “ straight-up execution ” .
The video , taken by the helmet camera of the patrol ’ s dog handler , shows the SAS patrol disembarking from one of two Black Hawk helicopters before fanning out near the village of Deh Jawz-e Hasanzai .
The situation in the video takes place in May 2012 , and 3 Squadron SAS is looking for an insurgent bombmaker .
The handler , with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who Four Corners has called Soldier C , through a field towards a mud compound .
The helicopters are guiding them to a person who has been spotted in a wheat field ahead .
The soldiers and the dog stumble upon a bearded man in his 20s , with red prayer beads in his hand , who the dog assaulted .
The dog is called Quake .
Then a conversation takes place , after the soldier keeps the man at gunpoint for about 20 seconds , asking if he should “ drop this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he should kill the man , and an inaudible response follows .
The soldier then shoots the man three times .
The SAS soldier who shot Dad Mohammad claimed the Afghan had been shot because he had been seen with a radio .
The soldier also claimed he fired from 15 to 20 meters away in self-defense .
The dead man ’ s name was Dad Mohammad , and he was thought to be 25 or 26 years old .
Braden Chapman was a signals intelligence officer with 3 Squadron SAS on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witness to the killing .
Four Corners showed him the footage .
He said his son was married , with two daughters .
Abdul Malik was away when Dad Mohammad was killed , and said he returned immediately to bury his son .
There is also a video showing the entire investigative report .
According to Four Corners , the soldier is still serving in the SAS .
The Ministry of Defense refused to answer questions about Dad Mohammad ’ s killing and other allegations of war crimes .
In a statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defence Force was investigating “ whether there is any substance to rumour and allegations ” about possible war crimes committed by Australian special forces in Afghanistan .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • The UK Covered Up War Crimes In Iraq And Afghanistan • American War Crimes in Afghanistan Exposed by WikiLeaks and a New UN Report

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A video released on March 16th, showed an Australian Special Air Service (SAS) shoot an unarmed Afghan man three times in the head and chest while he cowers on the ground.
The video was released by Four Corners.
His death took place within three minutes of the soldiers arriving in the village.
An Australian Defence Force (ADF) investigation later ruled the killing was justified because it was in self-defence. However, the available footage shows that the situation was a straight killing of an unarmed man rather than a self-defense case.
The killing was one of a series of cases uncovered by Four Corners that are apparent war crimes.
A former member of the same SAS squadron, who was on the 2012 deployment to Afghanistan and has been shown the vision, described the killing to Four Corners as a “straight-up execution”.
The video, taken by the helmet camera of the patrol’s dog handler, shows the SAS patrol disembarking from one of two Black Hawk helicopters before fanning out near the village of Deh Jawz-e Hasanzai.
The situation in the video takes place in May 2012, and 3 Squadron SAS is looking for an insurgent bombmaker.
The handler, with his dog, follows the patrol scout, who Four Corners has called Soldier C, through a field towards a mud compound.
The helicopters are guiding them to a person who has been spotted in a wheat field ahead.
The soldiers and the dog stumble upon a bearded man in his 20s, with red prayer beads in his hand, who the dog assaulted. The dog is called Quake.
Then a conversation takes place, after the soldier keeps the man at gunpoint for about 20 seconds, asking if he should “drop this c***.”
He asks the commander if he should kill the man, and an inaudible response follows.
The soldier then shoots the man three times.
The SAS soldier who shot Dad Mohammad claimed the Afghan had been shot because he had been seen with a radio. The soldier also claimed he fired from 15 to 20 meters away in self-defense.
The dead man’s name was Dad Mohammad, and he was thought to be 25 or 26 years old.
Braden Chapman was a signals intelligence officer with 3 Squadron SAS on that 2012 deployment, but was not a witness to the killing.
Four Corners showed him the footage.
“It’s just a straight-up execution really,” he said. “He’s asked someone of a superior rank what he should do, but it comes down to the soldier pulling the trigger. It’s a straight-up execution.”
Four Corners tracked down Dad Mohammad’s father, Abdul Malik.
He said his son was married, with two daughters.
Abdul Malik was away when Dad Mohammad was killed, and said he returned immediately to bury his son.
“His face had wounds. I covered his face and told them to take him to the graveyard,” Abdul Malik said. “After his burial, I came back to see the place. I saw the wheat field where he was killed, the wheat was flattened all around.”
There is also a video showing the entire investigative report.
According to Four Corners, the soldier is still serving in the SAS. The Ministry of Defense refused to answer questions about Dad Mohammad’s killing and other allegations of war crimes.
In a statement, it said the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force was investigating “whether there is any substance to rumour and allegations” about possible war crimes committed by Australian special forces in Afghanistan.
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southfront--2020-03-17--In Video: Idliba Militant Group Dug Giant Trench Across M4 Highway To Sabotage Russian-Turkish Patro

In Video: Idliba Militant Group Dug Giant Trench Across M4 Highway To Sabotage Russian-Turkish Patrols

I ’ d rather not get into specifics .
But it looks like the government is going to escalate the @ @ @ @ @ And if people haven ’ t stocked up on supplies .
They should do so @ @ @ @ @ the people that I ’ ve talked with think that the virus is a contrived @ @ @ @ @ with the way that the government and media are managing it .

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Idlib miltiant groups have created a large roadblock across the key M4 highway near the village of Al-Nayrab in Syria. The trench appeared less than a day after Russia and Turkey launched a first limited joint military patrol along the highway following a ceasefire agreement earlier this month.
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southfront--2020-03-17--Rocket Strike On Yet Another US-Led Coalition Base in Iraq

On March 16th , in the evening , a pair of rockets hit the Besmaya base south of Baghdad , Iraq .
The Iraqi military announced the strike , and mentioning no casualties .
This is the third strike on bases hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops in Iraq in a week .
Spanish forces linked to the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS , as well as NATO training forces , are present in Besmaya .
Earlier in the day , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the US would retaliate “ as necessary ” against any new assaults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the previous day , Pompeo spoke to Iraqi caretaker prime minister Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi , in connection to a rocket attack on March 14th , after three American troops and several Iraqi forces were wounded in the second major rocket attack in the past week on an Iraqi base north of Baghdad , U.S. and Iraqi officials said .
He said Iraq ’ s government should defend the U.S.-led coalition helping it fight Islamic State , according to the statement from State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus .
After the March 14th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Command said 33 Katyusha rockets were launched near a section of the Taji base which houses U.S.-led coalition troops .
It said the military found seven rocket launchers and 24 unused rockets in the nearby Abu Izam area .
Before that attack , the US launched airstrikes against Kata ’ ib Hezbollah , who are part of the Popular Mobilization Units , who are one of the main fighters against ISIS in the Iraqi Armed Forces , following a deadly attack on an Iraqi base housing U.S. troops .
Meanwhile , the US-led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its smaller bases in Iraq , in view of the ramped up attacks on US troops in the country .
“ As a result of the success of Iraqi Security Forces in their fight against ISIS , the Coalition is re-positioning troops from a few smaller bases .
These bases remain under Iraqi control and we will continue our advising partnership for the permanent defeat of Daesh from other Iraqi military bases , ” the US-led coalition said .
“ The Coalition remains in Iraq at the invitation of the Government of Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together , we have liberated more than 55,000 square kilometers and freed millions of Iraqi people from ISIS murderous rule .
Our troops are re-positioning in coordination with the Government of Iraq .
Due to operational security , we will not announce a specific timetable for the troop movements.
” There ’ s also reportedly a new armed group , Ausbat al-Thaayirin , who claimed responsibility for the March 3rd attack that killed 3 US marines and a British military nurse .
According to the statement assuming responsibility , the attack was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Commander of the Iranian Quds Force Maj. Gen. Qassam Soleimani .
It also vowed to continue military actions against US forces .
It is yet unclear if the new attacks were also carried out by Ausbat al-Thaayirin .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
Forces Closing Some Bases In Iraq Following Rocket Attacks On Camp Taji • New Photos Reveal PMU ’ s Heavy Losses In Recent U.S .
Strikes On Iraq

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On March 16th, in the evening, a pair of rockets hit the Besmaya base south of Baghdad, Iraq.
The Iraqi military announced the strike, and mentioning no casualties.
This is the third strike on bases hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops in Iraq in a week.
Spanish forces linked to the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS, as well as NATO training forces, are present in Besmaya.
Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the US would retaliate “as necessary” against any new assaults on Americans after the rocket attacks.
On the previous day, Pompeo spoke to Iraqi caretaker prime minister Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, in connection to a rocket attack on March 14th, after three American troops and several Iraqi forces were wounded in the second major rocket attack in the past week on an Iraqi base north of Baghdad, U.S. and Iraqi officials said.
He said Iraq’s government should defend the U.S.-led coalition helping it fight Islamic State, according to the statement from State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus.
“Secretary Pompeo underscored that the groups responsible for these attacks must be held accountable. Secretary Pompeo noted that America will not tolerate attacks and threats to American lives and will take additional action as necessary in self-defense,” it said.
After the March 14th attack, Iraq’s Joint Operations Command said 33 Katyusha rockets were launched near a section of the Taji base which houses U.S.-led coalition troops. It said the military found seven rocket launchers and 24 unused rockets in the nearby Abu Izam area.
Before that attack, the US launched airstrikes against Kata’ib Hezbollah, who are part of the Popular Mobilization Units, who are one of the main fighters against ISIS in the Iraqi Armed Forces, following a deadly attack on an Iraqi base housing U.S. troops.
Meanwhile, the US-led coalition said that it is vacating some its smaller bases in Iraq, in view of the ramped up attacks on US troops in the country.
“As a result of the success of Iraqi Security Forces in their fight against ISIS, the Coalition is re-positioning troops from a few smaller bases. These bases remain under Iraqi control and we will continue our advising partnership for the permanent defeat of Daesh from other Iraqi military bases,” the US-led coalition said. “The Coalition remains in Iraq at the invitation of the Government of Iraq to defeat ISIS; since 2014, together, we have liberated more than 55,000 square kilometers and freed millions of Iraqi people from ISIS murderous rule. Our troops are re-positioning in coordination with the Government of Iraq. Due to operational security, we will not announce a specific timetable for the troop movements.”
There’s also reportedly a new armed group, Ausbat al-Thaayirin, who claimed responsibility for the March 3rd attack that killed 3 US marines and a British military nurse.
According to the statement assuming responsibility, the attack was in response to the US assassination of Deputy-Commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Commander of the Iranian Quds Force Maj. Gen. Qassam Soleimani. It also vowed to continue military actions against US forces.
It is yet unclear if the new attacks were also carried out by Ausbat al-Thaayirin.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-03-17--The Taliban Scores a Coup

The Taliban Scores a Coup

It threatened to disappear under the viral haze of COVID-19 , but February 29 saw representatives from the US and Taliban , loftily acknowledged as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan , sign the “ Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan ” .
After two decades of conflict , the agreement sets in motion the process that should see American troops leave Afghanistan within 14 months .
Initially , 8,600 troops will leave over a 135-day period ; the balance is set to do so after 9 months .
The Doha ceremony was attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person said by former CIA Operations Officer Douglas London to be of “ little influence or authority ” serving as “ convenient window dressing ” .
The ink from the US side for the signature was supplied by US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad .
Conspicuously absent , and much in recognition of the failings of that institution , was the NATO-backed Afghan government .
Nor was the Taliban present in the joint US-Afghan declaration .
The results of that say much about the sheer will power , not to mention staying power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they who insisted not to be part of any instrument acknowledging the legitimacy of the Afghan government .
In sum , both instruments lay out various steps for the Taliban , US and Afghan government to take .
The Taliban are to prevent their territory from hosting groups or individuals who might threaten the US and their allies ; the US is to draft a timeline for the withdrawal of all US and coalition forces ; the Afghan regime and the Taliban are to commence peace talks at the conclusion of the withdrawal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis for a permanent and comprehensive cease-fire .
Having stolen the show , the Taliban has merely promised to engage in talks with the Afghan government about a lasting peace ; cunningly , even brashly , they have refused to specifically renounce resorting to violence in achieving their aims .
It will be hard to refute the claim that they have their opponents on the run and intend keeping it that way .
The deal will be another etching on the long list of agreements made in the cemetery of imperial failure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of many , including Britain and the Soviet Union .
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani has approved the release of 1,500 Taliban prisoners in exchange of 1,000 government troops .
The decree signed by Ghani noted that the prisoners will be released within 15 days “ with 100 prisoners walking out of Afghan jails everyday.
” The US-Taliban agreement intends for the release of up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners .
The joint US-Afghan declaration , for its part , has the Afghan government promising to “ participate in a US-facilitated discussion with Taliban representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determining the feasibility of releasing significant numbers of prisoners on both sides.
” On March 10 , the UN Security Council gave the US-sponsored resolution supporting the deal their unanimous blessing , deeming it one of the “ significant steps towards ending the war ” and promising to provide “ sustained support ” in negotiations to achieve peace .
It also spoke of “ the willingness of multiple countries to facilitate or convene intra-Afghan negotiations in order to achieve political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive cease-fire.
” But this vote of confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US will still maintain a presence , or that conflict will continue .
The US-Afghan joint declaration , for instance , takes the position that the withdrawal of US forces will eventuate on the “ Taliban ’ s fulfilment of its commitments.
” Those barracking for some continuing US footprint are many , though the years have taken their toll .
Paul D. Miller , formerly of the National Security Staff for both President George W. Bush and Barack Obama , sees inadequacies and threats in the brokered deal .
Tear up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Qaeda is likely to return in force and find a place of , if not hospitality then certainly sanctuary .
“ President Trump and his successor should scrap the deal and increase military pressure until the Taliban publicly denounces al-Qaeda and agreed to verifiably sever links with the group.
” US commitments were “ clear , specific and measurable ” ; those of the Taliban , lacking in detail , means of enforcement and verification .
Miller ’ s view that the US remain is based on a certain contempt for the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the armed forces .
To maintain the imperium , you need to ignore the former , at least to a certain extent , and use the latter .
The troop presence is not large , expensive or costly in terms of casualties .
“ There is no mass anti-war movement .
The American people are not sick of the war : They are hardly even paying attention to it.
” London concurs on most points .
He sees the Taliban with the same conviction that took US forces to Afghanistan in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relieves the Taliban from renouncing [ ties to terrorist groups ] or expelling them outright.
” Others nurse the maybes and the tormenting hypotheticals .
Lawrence J. Korb , who in 2010 was engaged in negotiating efforts on ending the war in Afghanistan , rued the lost chances of the Bush administration in 2002 to annihilate the Taliban .
“ It compounded the problem by simultaneously expanding its objective from defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan to nation-building.
” This train of thought is persistent in US strategic thinking : insurgents are somehow foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; they can be culled , restrained or eliminated altogether .
There is little doubt that the resilient , seemingly indestructible Taliban will take greater heart in the entire process than the cheerleaders for empire .
They have resumed operations against their enemy with enthusiasm .
The unpopular central government is negotiating from a position of profound weakness .
Even Korb , despite lamenting lost opportunities , felt that it was no longer a conflict the US should contend with .
“ Just as America did not make it out better than France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its officials to realize that America will not make it out any better than the British or Soviets in Afghanistan – no matter how long it tries to stay.
” Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
It threatened to disappear under the viral haze of COVID-19, but February 29 saw representatives from the US and Taliban, loftily acknowledged as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, sign the “Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan”. After two decades of conflict, the agreement sets in motion the process that should see American troops leave Afghanistan within 14 months. Initially, 8,600 troops will leave over a 135-day period; the balance is set to do so after 9 months.
The Doha ceremony was attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Baradar, a person said by former CIA Operations Officer Douglas London to be of “little influence or authority” serving as “convenient window dressing”. The ink from the US side for the signature was supplied by US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Conspicuously absent, and much in recognition of the failings of that institution, was the NATO-backed Afghan government. Nor was the Taliban present in the joint US-Afghan declaration. The results of that say much about the sheer will power, not to mention staying power, of Taliban negotiators. It was they who insisted not to be part of any instrument acknowledging the legitimacy of the Afghan government.
In sum, both instruments lay out various steps for the Taliban, US and Afghan government to take. The Taliban are to prevent their territory from hosting groups or individuals who might threaten the US and their allies; the US is to draft a timeline for the withdrawal of all US and coalition forces; the Afghan regime and the Taliban are to commence peace talks at the conclusion of the withdrawal, with the parties ultimately developing the basis for a permanent and comprehensive cease-fire.
Having stolen the show, the Taliban has merely promised to engage in talks with the Afghan government about a lasting peace; cunningly, even brashly, they have refused to specifically renounce resorting to violence in achieving their aims. It will be hard to refute the claim that they have their opponents on the run and intend keeping it that way.
The deal will be another etching on the long list of agreements made in the cemetery of imperial failure. Afghan resistance can rightly claim the scalps of many, including Britain and the Soviet Union. Afghan president Ashraf Ghani has approved the release of 1,500 Taliban prisoners in exchange of 1,000 government troops. The decree signed by Ghani noted that the prisoners will be released within 15 days “with 100 prisoners walking out of Afghan jails everyday.” The US-Taliban agreement intends for the release of up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners.
The joint US-Afghan declaration, for its part, has the Afghan government promising to “participate in a US-facilitated discussion with Taliban representatives on confidence building measures, to include determining the feasibility of releasing significant numbers of prisoners on both sides.”
On March 10, the UN Security Council gave the US-sponsored resolution supporting the deal their unanimous blessing, deeming it one of the “significant steps towards ending the war” and promising to provide “sustained support” in negotiations to achieve peace. It also spoke of “the willingness of multiple countries to facilitate or convene intra-Afghan negotiations in order to achieve political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive cease-fire.”
But this vote of confidence does not detract from the possibility that the US will still maintain a presence, or that conflict will continue. The US-Afghan joint declaration, for instance, takes the position that the withdrawal of US forces will eventuate on the “Taliban’s fulfilment of its commitments.”
Those barracking for some continuing US footprint are many, though the years have taken their toll. Paul D. Miller, formerly of the National Security Staff for both President George W. Bush and Barack Obama, sees inadequacies and threats in the brokered deal. Tear up the agreement, he urges in Lawfare; al-Qaeda is likely to return in force and find a place of, if not hospitality then certainly sanctuary. “President Trump and his successor should scrap the deal and increase military pressure until the Taliban publicly denounces al-Qaeda and agreed to verifiably sever links with the group.” US commitments were “clear, specific and measurable”; those of the Taliban, lacking in detail, means of enforcement and verification.
Miller’s view that the US remain is based on a certain contempt for the US public and, it must be said, the armed forces. To maintain the imperium, you need to ignore the former, at least to a certain extent, and use the latter. The troop presence is not large, expensive or costly in terms of casualties. “There is no mass anti-war movement. The American people are not sick of the war: They are hardly even paying attention to it.”
London concurs on most points. He sees the Taliban with the same conviction that took US forces to Afghanistan in the first place. The agreement “naively relieves the Taliban from renouncing [ties to terrorist groups] or expelling them outright.”
Others nurse the maybes and the tormenting hypotheticals. Lawrence J. Korb, who in 2010 was engaged in negotiating efforts on ending the war in Afghanistan, rued the lost chances of the Bush administration in 2002 to annihilate the Taliban. “It compounded the problem by simultaneously expanding its objective from defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan to nation-building.” This train of thought is persistent in US strategic thinking: insurgents are somehow foreign and not indigenous, lacking local support; they can be culled, restrained or eliminated altogether.
There is little doubt that the resilient, seemingly indestructible Taliban will take greater heart in the entire process than the cheerleaders for empire. They have resumed operations against their enemy with enthusiasm. The unpopular central government is negotiating from a position of profound weakness.
Even Korb, despite lamenting lost opportunities, felt that it was no longer a conflict the US should contend with. “Just as America did not make it out better than France in Vietnam, it is time for its officials to realize that America will not make it out any better than the British or Soviets in Afghanistan – no matter how long it tries to stay.”
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
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southfront--2020-03-17--Netanyahu Gives Himself Broad Phone Tapping Powers To Fight “Invisible Enemy” Coronavirus

Over the weekend we noted with alarm that the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now tapping counter-terror forces and technology to fight the “ invisible enemy ” of the coronavorus – as Netanyahu put it in a Saturday address .
“ We will very soon begin using technology… digital means that we have been using in order to fight terrorism , ” Netanyahu had said .
Among these new “ emergency measures ” include broader domestic phone tapping powers as part of the counter-terror technology initiative , as AP reports : Ironically enough the outbreak scare has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his plan will “ entail a certain degree of violation of privacy.
” This extreme overstep action comes as Israel has reached over 200 confirmed Covid-19 cases and has thousands in mandated quarantine .
The technology , which according to the prime minister has “ never been used on civilians ” – a highly doubtful claim – will help track an infected person ’ s history of past interactions as well as current whereabouts , ensuring they don ’ t break isolation , according to the plan .
“ They are not minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of violation of the privacy of those same people , who we will check to see whom they came into contact with while sick and what preceded that .
This is an effective tool for locating the virus , ” Netanyahu said .
Well at the very least he was honest about taking Israeli society down the road of Orwellian police state in the name of “ protection ” from the pandemic .
However , we would note that it ’ s the first we ’ ve heard of a country openly touting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being used to fight the virus , with the exception of China .
Netanyahu said these are “ means that until today I have refrained from using among the civilian population.
” In a clear understatement , yet deeply disturbing nonetheless , one opposition party leader from Meretz party , Nitzan Horowitz noted that tracking citizens “ using databases and sophisticated technological means are liable to result in a severe violation of privacy and basic civil liberties.
” Meanwhile , former US special forces soldier and now journalist Jack Murphy put it more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your country , and a neighborhood near you .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Over the weekend we noted with alarm that the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now tapping counter-terror forces and technology to fight the “invisible enemy” of the coronavorus – as Netanyahu put it in a Saturday address.
“We will very soon begin using technology… digital means that we have been using in order to fight terrorism,” Netanyahu had said. Among these new “emergency measures” include broader domestic phone tapping powers as part of the counter-terror technology initiative, as AP reports:
Netanyahu’s Cabinet on Sunday authorized the Shin Bet security agency to use its phone-snooping tactics on coronavirus patients, an official confirmed, despite concerns from civil-liberties advocates that the practice would raise serious privacy issues. The official spoke on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement.
Ironically enough the outbreak scare has emboldened Netanyahu to admit that much of his plan will “entail a certain degree of violation of privacy.” This extreme overstep action comes as Israel has reached over 200 confirmed Covid-19 cases and has thousands in mandated quarantine.
The technology, which according to the prime minister has “never been used on civilians” – a highly doubtful claim – will help track an infected person’s history of past interactions as well as current whereabouts, ensuring they don’t break isolation, according to the plan.
“They are not minor measures. They entail a certain degree of violation of the privacy of those same people, who we will check to see whom they came into contact with while sick and what preceded that. This is an effective tool for locating the virus,” Netanyahu said.
Well at the very least he was honest about taking Israeli society down the road of Orwellian police state in the name of “protection” from the pandemic. However, we would note that it’s the first we’ve heard of a country openly touting its counter-terror technology and domestic spying as being used to fight the virus, with the exception of China.
Netanyahu said these are “means that until today I have refrained from using among the civilian population.”
This is not the Purge, but policemen arrest a man who disobeyed to his quarantine orders in Tel Aviv#CoronaVirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/usnUCsliFS — Guy Elster (@guyelster) March 14, 2020
In a clear understatement, yet deeply disturbing nonetheless, one opposition party leader from Meretz party, Nitzan Horowitz noted that tracking citizens “using databases and sophisticated technological means are liable to result in a severe violation of privacy and basic civil liberties.”
Meanwhile, former US special forces soldier and now journalist Jack Murphy put it more bluntly:
Once these “emergency measures” are implemented, they will never ever be repealed.
Likely soon to come to your country, and a neighborhood near you.
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southfront--2020-03-17--Your Support Is Critical To Keep SouthFront Alive!

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southfront--2020-03-17--New Syrian Army Offensive In Idlib Becoming Inevitable As Militants Sabotage Joint Turkish-Russian P

New Syrian Army Offensive In Idlib Becoming Inevitable As Militants Sabotage Joint Turkish-Russian Patrols

On March 15 , Russian and Turkish forces conducted a first joint patrol in Greater Idlib in the framework of the new de-escalation agreement reached in Moscow .
The planned route of the patrol goes along the M4 highway , where a buffer zone was set to be created .
However , in fact the patrol happened just a few km west of the government-controlled town of Saraqib .
The entire buffer zone and a notable area to the south of it , a total of 750km2 , remains in the hands of terrorists .
There were no signs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the area .
The Russian military said that the patrol mission was shortened because of provocations by radicals .
According to the released statement , terrorists used civilians , including women and children , as human shields .
The Russian side added that Turkey was given more time to get rid of the extremists and ensure the safety of further joint missions .
Surprisingly , the Turkish Defense Ministry admitted that there were some measures taken to prevent possible provocations .
Nonetheless , it did not bother itself with explaining what kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the Turkish military column itself faced a hard time moving through supporters of radical groups deployed on the M4 highway .
Radicals and their supporters have been blocking the part of the highway laying in southern Idlib since March 13 .
Earlier in March , Turkish top officials repeatedly vowed to crush any force that would oppose the implementation of the new de-escalation agreement .
The Turkish leadership easily forgot these declarations , when it appeared that the main obstacle to the implementation of the agreement were organizations directly or indirectly supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing new in this behavior .
Over the month , the Erdogan government has showcased itself as a consistent supporter of the seedlings of terrorism remaining in Idlib .
Meanwhile , Idlib armed groups continued undermining efforts of the Turkish media and diplomacy to paint them as a moderate opposition .
On March 15 , media affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham offered a bounty of $ 25,000 to any person that would kill Evgeny Poddubny or Oleg Blokhin .
Both of them are Russian war correspondents currently working on the frontline in Idlib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their Turkish and Western colleagues , they do not turn a blind eye to terrorist ideology and actions of Idlib armed groups .
Later ‘ Idlib democratic activists ’ upped the bounty offering to $ 50,000 for anybody who would kill Poddubny .
The amount of $ 100,000 is proposed for the aforementioned journalist or any member of the Russian patrol mission captured alive .
At the same time , the National Front for Liberation , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other militant organizations intensified their recruiting campaign in northwestern Syria .
Persons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time ” and in good physical condition now can join even Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ’ s special forces unit , the so-called Red Bands .
This fact is another confirmation of the heavy casualties suffered by terrorist groups during the past years of the war .
On top of this , the security situation is once again deteriorating in northern Syria .
According to pro-militant sources , an IED attack hit a military convoy of Turkish-led forces near the town of Ras al-Ayn .
Three militants and two Turkish soldiers were reportedly killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de-escalation agreement allowed to put an end to military hostilities between the Syrian Armed Forces and the Turkish Army .
However , its effect will be temporary and will not last for long if the issue of radicals in Greater Idlib is not solved in the nearest future .

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On March 15, Russian and Turkish forces conducted a first joint patrol in Greater Idlib in the framework of the new de-escalation agreement reached in Moscow. The planned route of the patrol goes along the M4 highway, where a buffer zone was set to be created. However, in fact the patrol happened just a few km west of the government-controlled town of Saraqib. The entire buffer zone and a notable area to the south of it, a total of 750km2, remains in the hands of terrorists. There were no signs of any withdrawal of heavy weapons or militants from the area.
The Russian military said that the patrol mission was shortened because of provocations by radicals. According to the released statement, terrorists used civilians, including women and children, as human shields. The Russian side added that Turkey was given more time to get rid of the extremists and ensure the safety of further joint missions. Surprisingly, the Turkish Defense Ministry admitted that there were some measures taken to prevent possible provocations. Nonetheless, it did not bother itself with explaining what kind of difficulties the sides experienced. Maybe because the Turkish military column itself faced a hard time moving through supporters of radical groups deployed on the M4 highway. Radicals and their supporters have been blocking the part of the highway laying in southern Idlib since March 13.
Earlier in March, Turkish top officials repeatedly vowed to crush any force that would oppose the implementation of the new de-escalation agreement. The Turkish leadership easily forgot these declarations, when it appeared that the main obstacle to the implementation of the agreement were organizations directly or indirectly supported by Ankara. Unfortunately, there is nothing new in this behavior. Over the month, the Erdogan government has showcased itself as a consistent supporter of the seedlings of terrorism remaining in Idlib.
Meanwhile, Idlib armed groups continued undermining efforts of the Turkish media and diplomacy to paint them as a moderate opposition. On March 15, media affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham offered a bounty of $25,000 to any person that would kill Evgeny Poddubny or Oleg Blokhin. Both of them are Russian war correspondents currently working on the frontline in Idlib and covering military developments there. Contrary to their Turkish and Western colleagues, they do not turn a blind eye to terrorist ideology and actions of Idlib armed groups. Later ‘Idlib democratic activists’ upped the bounty offering to $50,000 for anybody who would kill Poddubny. The amount of $100,000 is proposed for the aforementioned journalist or any member of the Russian patrol mission captured alive.
At the same time, the National Front for Liberation, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other militant organizations intensified their recruiting campaign in northwestern Syria. Persons with a large amount of “free time” and in good physical condition now can join even Hayat Tahrir
al-Sham’s special forces unit, the so-called Red Bands. This fact is another confirmation of the heavy casualties suffered by terrorist groups during the past years of the war.
On top of this, the security situation is once again deteriorating in northern Syria. According to pro-militant sources, an IED attack hit a military convoy of Turkish-led forces near the town of Ras al-Ayn. Three militants and two Turkish soldiers were reportedly killed in the attack.
The recent Turkish-Russian de-escalation agreement allowed to put an end to military hostilities between the Syrian Armed Forces and the Turkish Army. However, its effect will be temporary and will not last for long if the issue of radicals in Greater Idlib is not solved in the nearest future.
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southfront--2020-03-17--U.S. Forces Closing Some Bases In Iraq Following Rocket Attacks On Camp Taji

What did I tell you kiddies a few days ago , the Americunts besides being cowardly child killing arseholes , have now united all the resistance forces in the region and had no choice but to cut and run in the middle of the night and leave behind even heavy weaponry .
The Sepah and allied militias have put posters of Ayatollah Khamenei and Sayyed Nasrallah all over the liberated bases .
The most important news is that IRGC and Hezbollah have total control over the Qaim crossing into Syria and are deploying air defences .
As I said before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more tougher and ruthless than the mild soldier diplomat General Soleimani .
Iraq military bases : US pulling out of three key sites in the middle of the night The decision to leave three of its eight bases in Iraq is a sign the US is looking to dramatically reduce its footprint in the country and avoid rising casuatlies at the hands of emboldened Shia militias who have not hesitated to take on the US and NATO forces in Iraq..
It comes amid heightened US tensions with the Iraqi government and Iran , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NATO occupation forces from the region .
At the large al-Qaim base .
where the US has hastily handed over equipment to the Iraqi army to help it ensure security in the area .
However , the Iraqi army is made up of Shia PMU units and the US and NATO equipment including armor and artillery will end up in Kataeb Hezbollah hands .
It will end any US presence along the Iraqi side of the border with Syria and in complete of Iranian allied forces who have started putting up posters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over the Baghdad to Damascus highway .
Outside the sprawling base , roads were plastered with PMF flags and billboards picturing Iran ’ s supreme leader , a man some PMF groups think of as their religious leader and commander .

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The US-led coalition has opted to leave some of its smaller bases in Iraq following the recent series of rocket attacks on its forces. According to the US military, troops will be redeployed to larger facilities, and this will not affect the military mission in the country.
The official explanation claims that the reason is the ‘success’ in the fight against ISIS, but recent casualties from two attacks on Camp Taji seem to be a more realistic version.
“As a result of the success of Iraqi Security Forces in their fight against ISIS, the Coalition is re-positioning troops from a few smaller bases. These bases remain under Iraqi control and we will continue our advising partnership for the permanent defeat of Daesh from other Iraqi military bases,” the US-led coalition said. “The Coalition remains in Iraq at the invitation of the Government of Iraq to defeat ISIS; since 2014, together, we have liberated more than 55,000 square kilometers and freed millions of Iraqi people from ISIS murderous rule. Our troops are re-positioning in coordination with the Government of Iraq. Due to operational security, we will not announce a specific timetable for the troop movements.”
A new Iraqi armed group, Ausbat al-Thaayirin, already claimed responsibility for the March 11 rocket attack that killed three US-led coalition personnel. The group said that the attacks were delivered in response to the US assassination of Deputy-Commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Commander of the Iranian Quds Force Maj. Gen. Qassam Soleimani. It also vowed to continue military actions against US forces.
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southfront--2020-03-17--Orlan-10 Multi-Purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Infographics)

drones change the nature of war—they r now widely used by Russia , China , US , Israel , Turkey @ @ @ @ @ limitations .
In the bombing of Serbia by the amerikans , the Serbs created cardboard @ @ @ @ @ them and adorned them with metal foil…the amerikans believed that cardboard was a tank .
@ @ @ @ @ in farms , etc and used only in combat….the amerikans destroyed nearly none….frustrated , they @ @ @ @ @ 3 Chinese diplomats—amerikan “ smart ” bombs on display

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The Orlan-10 is a medium-range, multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Special Technology Center LLC for the Russian Armed Forces. It is designed for a variety of missions including aerial reconnaissance, observation, search and rescue, combat training, jamming, detection of radio signals, and target tracking. The Russian military is actively employing Orlan-10 UAVs in its operation in Syria.
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southfront--2020-03-17--Global Economy Heads For Major Recession As Central Banks Increase Emergency Measures To Prevent Col

Global Economy Heads For Major Recession As Central Banks Increase Emergency Measures To Prevent Collapse Of Financial System

Am reposting the below ’ cause it was “ detected as spam and they are working on it ” I am an avid board game player .
I ’ m not much for theclassics like chess or go , preferring the more modern ones .
But , regardless , as a person who appreciates the delicate balance betweenstrategy and tactics , I have to say I am impressed with RussianPresident Vladimir Putin ’ s sense of timing .
Because if there was ever a moment where Putin and Russia could inflict maximum pain on the United States via its Achilles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its unquenchable thirst for debt , it was this month just as the coronavirus was reaching its shores .
Like I said , I ’ m a huge game player and I especially love games where there is a delicate balance between player power that has to bemaintained while it ’ s not one ’ s turn .
Attacks have to be thwarted just enough to stop the person from advancing but not so much that they can ’ t help you defend on the next player ’ s turn .
All of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game alive until you find the perfect moment to punch through and achieve victory .
Having watched Putin play this game for the past eight years , I firmly believe there is no one in a position of power today who has a firmer grasp of this than him .
And , I do believe this move to break OPEC+ and then watch Mohammed bin Salman break OPEC was Putin ’ s big judo-style reversal move .
And by doing so in less than a week he has completely shut down the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia told OPEC no .
By Wednesday the 11th The Federal Reserve had already doubled its daily interventions into the repo markets to keep bank liquidity high .
By noon on the 12th the Fed announced $ 1.5 trillion in new repo facilities including three-month repo contracts .
At one point during trading that day the entire U.S. Treasury market went bidless .
There was no one out there making an offer for the most liquid , sought-after financial assets in the world .
Why ?
Prices were so high , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get a massive expansion of the repo interventions by the Fed , but it was for longer duration .
This is a clear sign that the problem is nearly without an end .
Repos longer than three days are in this context a rarity .
The Fed needing to add $ 1 trillion in three-month repos clearly means they understand that they are looking out to the end of the quarter as the next problem and beyond that .
It means , in short , the world financial markets have completely seized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It didn ’ t work .
Stocks continued to slide , gold and other safe-haven assets were hit hard by a reversal of capital outflows from the U.S .
In the first part of the aftermath of Putin ’ s decision the dollar got whacked as European and Japanese investors who had piled into U.S. stocks as a safe-haven sold those positions and brought the capital home .
That lasted a few days before Christine Lagarde put on her dog and pony show at the European Central Bank and told everyone she didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand asset purchases and continue doing what has failed in the past .
This touched off the next phase of the crisis , where the dollar begins to strengthen .
And that is where we are now .
And Putin understands that a world awash in debt is one that can not withstand the currency needed to repay that debt rising sharply .
That puts further pressure on his geopolitical rivals and forces them to focus on their domestic concerns rather than the ones overseas .
For years Putin has been begging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Middle East and across Asia .
He ’ s argued eloquently at the U.N. and in interviews that the unipolar moment is over and that the U.S. can only maintain its status as the world ’ s only super power for so long .
Eventually the debt would undermine its strength and at theright moment would be revealed to be far weaker than it projected .
This doesn ’ t sit well with President Trump who believes in America ’ s exceptionalism .
And will fight for his version of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon at his disposal .
The problem with this ‘ never back down ’ attitude is that it makes him very predictable .
Trump ’ s use of sanctions on Europe to stop the Nord Stream 2 pipelinewas stupid and short-sighted .
It ensured that Russia would be merciless in its response and only delay the project for a few months .
Trump was easy to counter here .
Sign a deal with Ukraine , desperate for the money , and redirect the pipe-laying vessel back to the Baltic to finish the pipeline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe already in the gutter from oversupply and a mild winter , there isn ’ t much time or money lost in theend .
Better to take the world oil price down well below U.S. production costs which ensure that Trump ’ s prized LNG stays off the European market as the myth of U.S. energy self-sufficiency vanishes in a puff of financial derivative smoke .
Now Trump is facing a market meltdown well beyond his capacity to fathom or respond to .
While Russia is in the unique position to drive costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while riding out the shock to the global system with its savings .
Because money flows to where the best returns on it come , high oil and gas prices stifle development of other industries .
Lowering the oil price not only deflates all of the U.S. ’ s inflated financial weapons it also deflates some of the power of the petroleum industry domestically .
This gives Putin the opportunity to continue remaking the Russianeconomy along less focused lines .
Cheap oil and gas means lower return on investment in energy projects which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital to be deployed in other areas of the economy .
Putin just told the world he ’ s not riding his country ’ s oil and gas resources like a cash cow but rather as an important part of a different economic strategy for Russia ’ s development .
It ’ s like watching someone playing the first half of a game implying one strategy and making a critical shift to a different one halfway through , taking advantage of their opponents ’ carelessness .
It rarely works , but when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Game , Set , Match , Putin The above analysis is by Tom Luongo and you can locate him at… .

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Written by Dr. Leon Tressell exclusively for SouthFront
“Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad”
You can taste the fear as global central banks panic and introduce emergency measures to prevent a systemic collapse of the global financial system. On Sunday the U.S. Federal Reserve launched another financial bazooka at stock and bond markets when it announced the start of QE 4. This will involve the purchase of $700 billion of government bonds/mortgage backed securities and a 1% interest rate cut taking them to zero.
Today the ECB has announced another $112 billion to be made available to banks while the Bank of Japan has declared that it will spend trillions more on purchasing bonds and exchange-traded funds.
This gigantic package of stimulus measures comes on top of the panic measures introduced last week as the meltdown in stock and bond markets began to get out of control. Last Thursday, as the bond market melted down and lines of credit were under threat the Fed announced an intervention in the short term debt markets (repo) that will run into April and amounts to over $4.5 trillion.
Last Thursday’s panic measure backfired as the Dow Jones plunged over 2000 points.
Financial analyst Wolf Richter, who has recently shorted the markets with some success, commented:
“This is the Fed’s latest effort to bail out Wall Street, the cherished asset holders that are so essential to the Fed’s “wealth effect,” all repo market participants, the banks, and the Treasury market that suddenly has gone haywire. Lots of things have gone haywire as the Everything Bubble unwinds messily.”
Flash forward to today and markets are reacting badly to the latest panic measure. At the opening of trading today stocks immediately crashed triggering circuit breakers that halted trading. The S&P 500 -9.8% 220 points or 8.1% down while the Dow Jones -10.5% plummeted 2, 250 points or 9.7% down. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq -9.83 dropped 482 points or 6.1% down.
The epic collapse of U.S. stock markets in shown in the chart below from Marketwatch:
This meltdown has been repeated on stock markets around the world. As if this wasn’t bad enough oil prices have fallen below $30 dollars a barrel while the scramble for cash has led haven assets such as gold to tumble in price today. Sven Heinrich of Northman Trader has called this market to perfection and explained how global central banks are responsible for the current financial crisis through their reckless money printing measures since the 2008 economic crisis.. On twitter today he warned: “If they can’t control markets today they should just shut it down until things can get sorted. They’re risking major fund blow ups and irreparable damage with consequences felt for a long time even if coronavirus gets sorted.” The Federal Reserves announcement of QE4 on Sunday illustrates how frightened the central banks are of the major economic recession ahead. Highly respected economist Mohammed El-Arian, Allianz Chief Economic Advisor, has explained the Fed’s decision to launch massive monetary stimulus in simple terms: “The fundamentals went from flashing red to constant red over the weekend.” Market trader Mike O’Rourke , chief market strategist at financial brokerage Jones Trading, rather aptly describes the current market mayhem as “Bearmaggedon”. This refers to a situation when the economy collapses at a time of easy monetary policy with historically low interest rates and paper assets like stocks and bonds are still expensive and over valued. In a note to clients he said ominously, “That combination of events becomes toxic because investors begin to express concern that the [Federal Reserves] monetary policy has become impotent.” O’Rourke puts the failure of central bank intervention into its historical context: “We thought the panic peaked on Thursday, when most of the country started to shut down, but that was eclipsed tonight by the Federal Reserve. All of us have just witnessed a central bank expend all of its conventional and unconventional tools to support an equity market that is less than a month from all time highs.” Howard Gold of Marketwatch sums up why markets across the world continue to collapse: “Bottom line: Investors don’t think the Fed’s moves are enough.” The political and economic elites of the American empire have boxed themselves into a corner and created an economic hurricane that threatens an economic depression similar to the 1930s. Since 2008 the Federal Reserve has presided over a gigantic wealth transfer as its massive money printing led to massive price inflation in paper assets across the board from stocks to bonds. The 1% have raked in massive profits while income levels for the majority have stood still or declined. It has kept interest rates at historically low levels enabling banks, hedge funds and corporations to gorge themselves on cheap debt and engage in a frenzy of stock buybacks to the tune of several trillion dollars. These stock buybacks have artificially inflated the price of stock market shares while insiders sell at high prices. Despite the current turmoil in financial markets the largesse of the Fed knows no bounds as it bails out its corporate masters. The U.S. government which acts on behalf of corporate America, just like the Fed, is bankrupt and has a $23 trillion deficit that is growing exponentially. Trump’s $1 trillion tax giveaway in 2017 that largely benefited the super rich and corporate America has left the U.S. government with annual trillion dollar deficits. Many economists argue that Washington has little room for the massive stimulus needed to combat the impacts of the current pandemic. Howard Gold of Marketwatch sums up the predicament of the American empire in rather sombre terms: “As investors clamor for some kind of certainty — or at least leadership —the Fed is out of ammo, the federal government is fiscally tapped out, and the factionalism Washington and Madison warned about is tearing the country apart. Yes, indeed, the chickens are coming home to roost, but this time they’re infected by a deadly virus.” Buckle up, for we have entered an unprecedented period of turmoil and volatility which will shake the global economy to its foundations. The current panic rates cuts and massive money printing by global central banks and the stimulus measures of governments everywhere are just the beginning of this crisis. Expect bail outs galore as industry after industry screams for government/central bank assistance. It would appear that the solution to $250 trillion of unpayable global debt is to hit the printing presses hard and create a whole load more cash out of thin air. As businesses of all size go bankrupt while job losses and pay cuts rise over the next period I wonder if central banks generosity will extend to ordinary citizens? As the global economy shuts down we will rapidly slide towards a major recession that will shake up geo-politics and lead us into even more uncertain times. The 2020s threaten to be a repeat of the 1930s when international relations broke down and the economic crisis was of such severity it left the major powers with no other recourse but war to try and solve their intractable problems.
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