southfront--2020-10-21--Turkish Drone Strike, Intense Shelling Targeted Civilians In Northeastern Syria (Videos)

On October 20 , a Turkish drone strike targeted the outskirt of the northeastern Syrian town of Al-Malikiyah , which is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) .
According to the SDF ’ s security forces , Asayish , the strike claimed the lives of Two civilians , who were passing near the village of Mazrah .
The identity of the two victims was not revealed by the Kurdish-led group .
A few hours after the drone strike on al-Malikiyah , Turkish-backed militants launched a large attack on the town of Ain Issa in the northern Raqqa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the town ’ s center was the subject of intense shelling by Turkish forces .
A number of people were reportedly injured as a result of the shelling .
Last week , a 13-year old child was killed as a result of Turkish forces shelling on Ain Issa and its vicinity .
U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey condemned the shelling .
The repeated Turkish attacks on northeastern Syria violate two agreements Ankara signed last year with both Moscow and Washington .
These provocations may soon lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Armored Vehicle Ran Over Two Children , Killing One , Near Syria ’ s Afrin

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On October 20, a Turkish drone strike targeted the outskirt of the northeastern Syrian town of Al-Malikiyah, which is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
According to the SDF’s security forces, Asayish, the strike claimed the lives of Two civilians, who were passing near the village of Mazrah. The identity of the two victims was not revealed by the Kurdish-led group.
“Many drones of Turkish occupation forces have been flying over the cities of northern and northeastern Syria for a while now,” the Asayish said in a statement, “they target civilians and civilian facilities every once in a while.”
A few hours after the drone strike on al-Malikiyah, Turkish-backed militants launched a large attack on the town of Ain Issa in the northern Raqqa countryside.
No ground advance was reported. However, the town’s center was the subject of intense shelling by Turkish forces. A number of people were reportedly injured as a result of the shelling.
#Exclusive video of #North_Press shows indiscriminate target of #Ain_Issa populated city by Turkish-backed opposition groups last night. pic.twitter.com/vh6laZt0Zq — NORTH PRESS AGENCY – ENGLISH (@NPA_English) October 21, 2020
Last week, a 13-year old child was killed as a result of Turkish forces shelling on Ain Issa and its vicinity. U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey condemned the shelling.
The repeated Turkish attacks on northeastern Syria violate two agreements Ankara signed last year with both Moscow and Washington. These provocations may soon lead to a new escalation in the region.
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southfront--2020-10-21--Israeli Strike Hits School In Syria’s Al-Quneitra

Early on October 21 , the Israeli Defense Forces targeted a school in the southern Syrian governorate of al-Quneitra .
The Syrian Arab News Agency said the school , which is located in the town of al-Hurriyah , was struck with a single missile .
The strike resulted in material losses only , according to the state-run channel .
During an interview with the Kan TV , Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz hinted that Israel was indeed behind the strike on al-Quneitra .
“ I won ’ t go into who fired what last night .
We won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to set up on the Golan Heights border and we will do what is necessary to drive them out of there , ” the minister said .
Several Syrian pro-opposition sources claimed that the Israeli strike on al-Hurriyah targeted a military post manned by Iranian forces .
Last week , a Channel 12 report revealed that Israeli Special Forces destroyed two Syrian military posts in al-Golan Height buffer zone in a cross-border operation .
Israel is determined to prevent Iranian forces from establishing a foothold in southern Syria .
Tel Aviv claims that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Hezbollah are planning to launch attacks on its northern front from the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Armored Vehicle Ran Over Two Children , Killing One , Near Syria ’ s Afrin

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Early on October 21, the Israeli Defense Forces targeted a school in the southern Syrian governorate of al-Quneitra.
The Syrian Arab News Agency said the school, which is located in the town of al-Hurriyah, was struck with a single missile. The strike resulted in material losses only, according to the state-run channel.
During an interview with the Kan TV, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz hinted that Israel was indeed behind the strike on al-Quneitra.
“I won’t go into who fired what last night. We won’t allow terrorist operatives from Hezbollah or Iran to set up on the Golan Heights border and we will do what is necessary to drive them out of there,” the minister said.
Several Syrian pro-opposition sources claimed that the Israeli strike on al-Hurriyah targeted a military post manned by Iranian forces.
Last week, a Channel 12 report revealed that Israeli Special Forces destroyed two Syrian military posts in al-Golan Height buffer zone in a cross-border operation.
Israel is determined to prevent Iranian forces from establishing a foothold in southern Syria. Tel Aviv claims that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Lebanon’s Hezbollah are planning to launch attacks on its northern front from the region.
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southfront--2020-10-22--More Than 30 Killed In Fierce Battle With ISIS In Syria’s Eastern Hama

A fierce battle between the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and ISIS terrorists is reportedly taking place in the eastern Hama countryside .
Clashes erupted late on October 21 .
Some opposition sources said the terrorist group launched a large-scale attack on the SAA and its allies in Ithriyah and other parts of the region .
However , other sources claimed that government forces started a security operation there .
Syrian and Russian warplanes and attack helicopters are reportedly providing Syrian troops in eastern Hama with close air support and bombing ISIS positions in the region .
“ 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were killed , while [ only ] 13 ISIS members were killed , ” the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a report , “ the number of casualties will likely rise as many of the wounded are in a critical condition.
” In the last few months , the Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa triangle in central Syria saw a number of battles between the SAA and ISIS .
Hundreds of fighters from both sides were killed or injured .
Hundreds of terrorists are taking shelter in the Homs desert , which is located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Damascus desert in the south .
ISIS terrorists are attempting to expand their influence in the central region .
The terrorists are reportedly relying on the support of U.S.-backed fighters based in the southeastern area of al-Tanaf .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Syrian Army , SDF Repelled Another Turkish Attack On Ain Issa In Northern Raqqa ( Videos )

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A fierce battle between the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and ISIS terrorists is reportedly taking place in the eastern Hama countryside.
Clashes erupted late on October 21. Some opposition sources said the terrorist group launched a large-scale attack on the SAA and its allies in Ithriyah and other parts of the region. However, other sources claimed that government forces started a security operation there.
Syrian and Russian warplanes and attack helicopters are reportedly providing Syrian troops in eastern Hama with close air support and bombing ISIS positions in the region.
“21 personnel of regime forces and their militias were killed, while [only] 13 ISIS members were killed,” the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a report, “the number of casualties will likely rise as many of the wounded are in a critical condition.”
In the last few months, the Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa triangle in central Syria saw a number of battles between the SAA and ISIS. Hundreds of fighters from both sides were killed or injured.
Hundreds of terrorists are taking shelter in the Homs desert, which is located between the triangle to the north and the Damascus desert in the south.
ISIS terrorists are attempting to expand their influence in the central region. The terrorists are reportedly relying on the support of U.S.-backed fighters based in the southeastern area of al-Tanaf.
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southfront--2020-10-22--Tarnished Crown: Finding the Thorns of a Gambling Empire

The Crown Resorts Annual General Meeting last year , held inside the company ’ s now flagging flagship Melbourne casino , was an ill-tempered matter .
Members of the board were in no mood to please shareholders , many of whom have occupied the barricades of activism .
Crown executive chairman John Alexander had little time for those who had been muddying the good name of Australia ’ s foremost gambling brand .
“ There have been a number of sensationalist and unproven claims made , with many focused on allegations from over five years ago .
Let me be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal activity by its employees or its patrons.
” At the same gathering , former government minister and current Crown Resorts chairman Helen Coonan also took issue with those “ unsubstantiated and unproven allegations that have been made against Crown , ” all of which had “ been deeply distressing to all of us.
” The meeting was conducted in conditions hostile to transparency .
It lacked a monitoring webcam .
There were no pictures or recordings .
One shareholder activist , the continuously plucky Stephen Mayne , daringly asked if there would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” fumed Alexander .
Mayne has been a shareholder warrior over the years , and the reply from Alexander would have come as no surprise .
He suggested to those in attendance that a “ crisis ” was afoot .
“ When are you going to address the concerns your own shareholders are expressing here to the tune of AU $ 1.5 billion worth of stock , or is this just going to be ignored or dismissed like everything else at Crown ?
” The organisation is suffering from a surfeit of attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are breathing heavily down neck and body for a range of alleged irregularities from money laundering to old fashioned corruption .
A name long associated with James Packer , who still retains a 36 % stake in the company , has truly tarnished .
In August 2019 , the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity thought the claims serious enough to launch Operation Angove , an investigation into allegations of corruption between staff at the Department of Home Affairs regarding the provision of visas for Crown VIPs ; possible corruption between Australian Border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those VIPs at the Australian border ; and whether one ABF member “ engaged in corrupt conduct while employed by a VIP junket operator.
” Last month , the findings of Operation Angove were published .
While it promised exposing many smells in the relationship between Crown and Australian government authorities , officials in the ABF and Home Affairs could rest easy .
“ Our investigation did not find evidence of corrupt conduct by Home Affairs or ABF staff in relation to any of the three corruption issues which we investigated.
” No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but certainly some looming ethical questions .
The ACLEI noted that “ too much weight ” had been given by Home Affairs officials to Crown ’ s visa applications , effectively granting the organisation a special form of access for their high roller clients .
While “ face to passport checks ” for the passengers did take place on chartered flights , the inquiry was “ provided with insufficient information to comment on baggage checks , other than it appears that they were conducted rarely.
” The New South Wales Independent Liquor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving evidence into alleged breaches of the company ’ s Sydney license .
Interest was sparked by the sale of a 19.9 % stake in Crown Resorts to Lawrence Ho ’ s Hong Kong-based casino operation Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited .
This was problematic , largely because the issuing of a licence to Crown in 2013 by the New South Wales state government had been made on the proviso that the company not involve itself with various companies run by Stanley Ho , Lawrence Ho ’ s billionaire father long suspected of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lawrence might well be furiously clean , but Great Respect Ltd. , a company with links to his father , is on the NSW prohibited list and claims a stake in Melco .
Stanley would have seen the fun in this , having been previously frustrated by licensing regulators in Australia , Canada and the United States from expanding his casino imperium .
Coonan , in giving evidence to the inquiry on October 20 , was asked about Crown ’ s relationship with SunCity , a Macau-based outfit notorious for recruiting batteries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For doing so , the company had private rooms at various casino operators , including Crown , enabling millions to be frittered away in blissful , unscrutinised seclusion .
The activities piqued the interest of regulators given allegations of SunCity ’ s links to organised crime made last year by , and .
Senior counsel assisting the inquiry , Naomi Sharp , asked Coonan why the private function room for SunCity had not been shut down despite evidence of money laundering .
“ Isn ’ t it a quintessential example of Crown Resorts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money laundering occurring at its casino ?
” Coonan ’ s response was all fudge and qualification .
“ It may have been ineptitude or a lack of attention , I don ’ t think it was deliberately turning a blind eye , I do think it ’ s a different adjectival conclusion .
The last five years have been a bit too colourful , even by the standards of most casinos .
But it conforms to a pattern , where hubris eventually meets nemesis .
Crown ’ s Macau operations received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detained 19 Crown employees .
This was precipitated , in no small part , by the company ’ s “ whaling ” efforts that eventually caught the attention of the ACLEI : the program of recruiting wealthy Chinese gamblers on Australian trips , largely to cover revenue shortfalls from Beijing ’ s anti-corruption campaign .
This was a risky circumvention , given that Chinese law criminalises the practice of organising groups of more than 10 to gamble offshore .
Crown ’ s unconvincing argument was that it did not operate casinos , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had already been fired by Chinese authorities in their June 2015 arrest of thirteen South Korean casino managers , accused of “ enticing ” Chinese nationals to gamble in their casino .
The sweeteners were extensive : gratis tours , free accommodation and sexual services .
Convictions for the 19 Crown employees followed .
Packer decided to exit the once lucrative Macau scene .
The latest round of probing to be added to the dishonour board comes from the anti-money laundering government agency AUSTRAC ( Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were areas of alleged “ non-compliance ” including “ concerns in relation to ongoing customer due diligence , and adopting , maintaining and complying with an anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing program.
” The concerns surfaced during a compliance assessment commencing in September 2019 , with a focus on “ Crown Melbourne ’ s management of customers identified as high risk and politically exposed persons.
” As with much in the field of gambling and regulations , the regulators themselves can prove , if not inattentive , then unwilling to sink their teeth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporation to manage and self-regulate , filing reports on suspicious conduct .
AUSTRAC had already warned Crown in June 2017 that SunCity ’ s Macau-based executive Alvin Chau was a “ foreign PEP ” , otherwise known as a politically exposed person .
“ It is not acceptable , ” AUSTRAC CEO Nicole Rose explained to an Australian Senate hearing , “ for the entities to simply report and not to manage the risks.
” Much , then , to talk about for the shareholders at the October 22 Annual General Meeting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com MORE ON THE TOPIC : • ‘ City Management Innovations ’ : Moscow Authorities Plan To Track Every Citizen ’ s Movement Via QR Code • A Return to Containment : Kennan and the Responsible Use of Power – Part 2

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
The Crown Resorts Annual General Meeting last year, held inside the company’s now flagging flagship Melbourne casino, was an ill-tempered matter. Members of the board were in no mood to please shareholders, many of whom have occupied the barricades of activism.
Crown executive chairman John Alexander had little time for those who had been muddying the good name of Australia’s foremost gambling brand. “There have been a number of sensationalist and unproven claims made, with many focused on allegations from over five years ago. Let me be clear – Crown does not tolerate any illegal activity by its employees or its patrons.”
At the same gathering, former government minister and current Crown Resorts chairman Helen Coonan also took issue with those “unsubstantiated and unproven allegations that have been made against Crown,” all of which had “been deeply distressing to all of us.”
The meeting was conducted in conditions hostile to transparency. It lacked a monitoring webcam. There were no pictures or recordings. One shareholder activist, the continuously plucky Stephen Mayne, daringly asked if there would be a transcript. “No,” fumed Alexander.
Mayne has been a shareholder warrior over the years, and the reply from Alexander would have come as no surprise. He suggested to those in attendance that a “crisis” was afoot. “When are you going to address the concerns your own shareholders are expressing here to the tune of AU$1.5 billion worth of stock, or is this just going to be ignored or dismissed like everything else at Crown?”
The organisation is suffering from a surfeit of attention, and for good reason. Regulators are breathing heavily down neck and body for a range of alleged irregularities from money laundering to old fashioned corruption. A name long associated with James Packer, who still retains a 36% stake in the company, has truly tarnished.
In August 2019, the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity thought the claims serious enough to launch Operation Angove, an investigation into allegations of corruption between staff at the Department of Home Affairs regarding the provision of visas for Crown VIPs; possible corruption between Australian Border Force (ABF) staff regarding clearing those VIPs at the Australian border; and whether one ABF member “engaged in corrupt conduct while employed by a VIP junket operator.”
Last month, the findings of Operation Angove were published. While it promised exposing many smells in the relationship between Crown and Australian government authorities, officials in the ABF and Home Affairs could rest easy. “Our investigation did not find evidence of corrupt conduct by Home Affairs or ABF staff in relation to any of the three corruption issues which we investigated.” No concrete instances of corruption, perhaps, but certainly some looming ethical questions. The ACLEI noted that “too much weight” had been given by Home Affairs officials to Crown’s visa applications, effectively granting the organisation a special form of access for their high roller clients. While “face to passport checks” for the passengers did take place on chartered flights, the inquiry was “provided with insufficient information to comment on baggage checks, other than it appears that they were conducted rarely.”
The New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has also been busying itself receiving evidence into alleged breaches of the company’s Sydney license. Interest was sparked by the sale of a 19.9% stake in Crown Resorts to Lawrence Ho’s Hong Kong-based casino operation Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited. This was problematic, largely because the issuing of a licence to Crown in 2013 by the New South Wales state government had been made on the proviso that the company not involve itself with various companies run by Stanley Ho, Lawrence Ho’s billionaire father long suspected of being linked to organised crime in Macau. Lawrence might well be furiously clean, but Great Respect Ltd., a company with links to his father, is on the NSW prohibited list and claims a stake in Melco. Stanley would have seen the fun in this, having been previously frustrated by licensing regulators in Australia, Canada and the United States from expanding his casino imperium.
Coonan, in giving evidence to the inquiry on October 20, was asked about Crown’s relationship with SunCity, a Macau-based outfit notorious for recruiting batteries of heavily cashed gamblers from China. For doing so, the company had private rooms at various casino operators, including Crown, enabling millions to be frittered away in blissful, unscrutinised seclusion. The activities piqued the interest of regulators given allegations of SunCity’s links to organised crime made last year by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and 60 Minutes.
Senior counsel assisting the inquiry, Naomi Sharp, asked Coonan why the private function room for SunCity had not been shut down despite evidence of money laundering. “Isn’t it a quintessential example of Crown Resorts turning a blind eye to the prospects of money laundering occurring at its casino?” Coonan’s response was all fudge and qualification. “It may have been ineptitude or a lack of attention, I don’t think it was deliberately turning a blind eye, I do think it’s a different adjectival conclusion.
The last five years have been a bit too colourful, even by the standards of most casinos. But it conforms to a pattern, where hubris eventually meets nemesis. Crown’s Macau operations received a shudder in 2016 when Chinese authorities detained 19 Crown employees. This was precipitated, in no small part, by the company’s “whaling” efforts that eventually caught the attention of the ACLEI: the program of recruiting wealthy Chinese gamblers on Australian trips, largely to cover revenue shortfalls from Beijing’s anti-corruption campaign. This was a risky circumvention, given that Chinese law criminalises the practice of organising groups of more than 10 to gamble offshore. Crown’s unconvincing argument was that it did not operate casinos, more “integrated resorts”.
A warning had already been fired by Chinese authorities in their June 2015 arrest of thirteen South Korean casino managers, accused of “enticing” Chinese nationals to gamble in their casino. The sweeteners were extensive: gratis tours, free accommodation and sexual services. Convictions for the 19 Crown employees followed. Packer decided to exit the once lucrative Macau scene.
The latest round of probing to be added to the dishonour board comes from the anti-money laundering government agency AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre). According to a statement from Crown, there were areas of alleged “non-compliance” including “concerns in relation to ongoing customer due diligence, and adopting, maintaining and complying with an anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing program.” The concerns surfaced during a compliance assessment commencing in September 2019, with a focus on “Crown Melbourne’s management of customers identified as high risk and politically exposed persons.”
As with much in the field of gambling and regulations, the regulators themselves can prove, if not inattentive, then unwilling to sink their teeth in. The onus is left to the corporation to manage and self-regulate, filing reports on suspicious conduct. AUSTRAC had already warned Crown in June 2017 that SunCity’s Macau-based executive Alvin Chau was a “foreign PEP”, otherwise known as a politically exposed person. “It is not acceptable,” AUSTRAC CEO Nicole Rose explained to an Australian Senate hearing, “for the entities to simply report and not to manage the risks.” Much, then, to talk about for the shareholders at the October 22 Annual General Meeting.
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--2020-10-22--Azerbaijani-Armenian War Map: Military Situation In Nagorno-Karabakh Region On October 22, 2020

Click to see the full-size image The Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region has been ongoing since September 27 .
@ @ @ @ @ announced that Azerbaijani forces took control of 23 new villages in the south of Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ and Armenian forces continue in areas near Iran ’ s border ; • According to @ @ @ @ @ military launched 3 ballistic missiles on the Siyazan region , 2 – on the Gabala @ @ @ @ @ on the Kurdamir region .
Armenia denies this ; • Azerbaiajni forces shot down 2 @ @ @ @ @ area and another one in the Terter area .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • @ @ @ @ @ The South And Iranian Factor

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The Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region has been ongoing since September 27.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that Azerbaijani forces took control of 23 new villages in the south of Karabakh;
Armenian artillery reportedly shelled the Tartar areas;
Azerbaijan artillery reportedly shelled the Martuni area;
Clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenian forces continue in areas near Iran’s border;
According to Aerbaijan MoD, the Armenian military launched 3 ballistic missiles on the Siyazan region, 2 – on the Gabala region, and 1 – on the Kurdamir region. Armenia denies this;
Azerbaiajni forces shot down 2 Armenian UAVs in the Fizuli area and another one in the Terter area.
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southfront--2020-10-22--Azerbaijani Military Destroyed Armenian S-125 Air-Defense System With Loitering Munition (Video)

The Azerbaijani military has destroyed the fire control radar of an Armenian S-125 “ Pechora ” short-range air-defense system .
On October 22 , the Caliber AZ channel on YouTube shared a video showing a loitering munition targeting the SNR-125 “ Low Blow ” radar .
The targeted system was allegedly located within the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The SNR-125 , the heart of the S-125 system , is a 250 kW I/D-band tracking , fire control and guidance radar with a range of 40 to 80 km .
The Armenian Air Defense Force operates a number of S-125 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Pechora-M and 2M standers .
The one attacked by the Azerbaijani military appeared to be a basic soviet version .
LINK The S-125 radar was likely struck with an Israeli-made IAI Harop loitering munition , which was equipped with an anti-radar homing system and an optical sensor .
Its munition range is up to 1,000 km .
The Azerbaijani military has so far destroyed dozens of Armenian air-defense systems , including radars and launchers of a S-300 system .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Azerbaijan Captures More Positions And Equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Ukraine Is Becoming Logistical Hub For Turkish Weapon Supplies To Azerbaijan

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The Azerbaijani military has destroyed the fire control radar of an Armenian S-125 “Pechora” short-range air-defense system.
On October 22, the Caliber AZ channel on YouTube shared a video showing a loitering munition targeting the SNR-125 “Low Blow” radar. The targeted system was allegedly located within the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The SNR-125, the heart of the S-125 system, is a 250 kW I/D-band tracking, fire control and guidance radar with a range of 40 to 80 km.
The Armenian Air Defense Force operates a number of S-125 systems, some of which were upgraded to the Pechora-M and 2M standers. The one attacked by the Azerbaijani military appeared to be a basic soviet version. LINK
The S-125 radar was likely struck with an Israeli-made IAI Harop loitering munition, which was equipped with an anti-radar homing system and an optical sensor. Its munition range is up to 1,000 km.
The Azerbaijani military has so far destroyed dozens of Armenian air-defense systems, including radars and launchers of a S-300 system.
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southfront--2020-10-22--Syrian Army, SDF Repelled Another Turkish Attack On Ain Issa In Northern Raqqa (Videos)

Late on October 21 , Turkish-backed militants renewed their attack on the town of Ain Issa in the northern Raqqa countryside .
The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) and the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) , that maintains several positions around Ain Issa , repelled the attack .
According to the Hawar News Agency , SDF forces destroyed a Turkish position near Ain Issa as a response to the attack .
From its side , the SAA shelled enemy positions to the north of the town with artillery and rocket launchers .
After the failure of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Ain Issa and nearby areas .
No casualties were reported , however .
A day earlier , a similar attack on Ain Issa was repelled by the SDF .
Nevertheless , Turkish shelling on the town injured a number of people .
The repeated attacks by Turkish-backed militants on Ain Issa indicate that Ankara is planning to escalate the situation in northern Raqqa .
The Russian Military Police maintains a base in the town , which will likely prevent Turkish forces from making any serious moves there .
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Late on October 21, Turkish-backed militants renewed their attack on the town of Ain Issa in the northern Raqqa countryside.
The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), that maintains several positions around Ain Issa, repelled the attack.
According to the Hawar News Agency, SDF forces destroyed a Turkish position near Ain Issa as a response to the attack. From its side, the SAA shelled enemy positions to the north of the town with artillery and rocket launchers.
The SDF alongside the SAA are shelling TFSA positions north of Ayn Issa with rockets and artillery in response to attempts to advance and shelling on SDF/SAA positions pic.twitter.com/3YVkTt1Pzg — Woofers (@NotWoofers) October 21, 2020
After the failure of their attack, Turkish-backed militants intensified their shelling on Ain Issa and nearby areas. No casualties were reported, however.
A day earlier, a similar attack on Ain Issa was repelled by the SDF. Nevertheless, Turkish shelling on the town injured a number of people.
The repeated attacks by Turkish-backed militants on Ain Issa indicate that Ankara is planning to escalate the situation in northern Raqqa. The Russian Military Police maintains a base in the town, which will likely prevent Turkish forces from making any serious moves there.
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southfront--2020-10-22--Israeli Desires And Instability In Middle East And South Caucasus

On October 15th , the Reut Group released its analysis titled “ Middle Eastern Game of Thrones ” , which looks into the competition for regional hegemony and primarily Israel ’ s part in it .
It is authored by Eran Shyshon , Adi Levy , Alex Grinberg .
The entire report can be found here [ pdf ] .
The Reut Group is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2004 by Gidi Grinstein as the Reut Institute to become a leadership , strategy , and impact organization .
Reut creates and scales innovative models that tackle critical challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society and the Jewish world .
It is extremely Israeli biased , as can be expected .
From the analysis presented by Reut Group one significant conclusion can be reached from simply an initial glance – Israel is quite interested and is , to a very large degree , behind the instability in both the Middle East , as well as in South Caucasus .
Despite it all , the report splits the Middle East into four “ factions , ” neither of which Israel officially is a part of : • pro-Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia , the United Arab Emirates , and Egypt ; • jihadism , most identified with the Islamic State , which is witnessing a downward trend .
Iran is , of course the largest threat to Israel .
How Iran specifically threatens Israel is summarized below : The factions that compete for hegemony are not specifically presented as what corresponds to reality , but what Israel would like to see reality as , it is very apparent .
A big issue for Israel is Russia , since it is an ally , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even that .
Two points make that more than clear , Tel ’ Aviv needs to be wary of Moscow and suitable measures need to be in place in case of an issue .
Separately , Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood appear a threat , even though Turkey also appears to be providing a sort of guise for Israeli weapon sales to Azerbaijan , but more on that later on .
After all , Turkey is a strong supporter of Palestinian rights , opposes the annexations Israel undertakes .
Additionally , a much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ regionalization ” of a possible conflict .
Tel ’ Aviv would struggle in an open conflict with Hamas from Gaza , and Hezbollah from Lebanon , but there is a much worse scenario .
As such , several things can be concluded from the document .
According to the Reut Group , a big war in the Middle East is rather inevitable , and Israel needs to take contingency measures .
If it ’ s passive , it will receive two fronts – from Hamas and Hezbollah , and even worse – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tacit consent of Russia .
This could potentially be avoided by pitting Iran against Turkey due to behind-the-scenes actions .
However , Turkey and Iran have effective mechanisms for communicating , and support for the Palestinians in Gaza is also a big common interest .
The goals of each faction and more can be tracked in the table below , also part of the analysis .
Regardless , with war essentially unavoidable , it is advisable to act as long as possible with the instruments of intelligence , soft power and diplomacy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political assassinations , compromising evidence , and more .
However , strikes against the primary targets must be taken , but only when there ’ s no threat of heavy retaliation .
The most stable allies according to the Reut Group for Israel in a regional conflict is the Moderate Axis .
Iran is , essentially , the boogeyman in this scenario , and it could push them to further cooperate with Israel , more openly and not behind the scenes as it is now .
According to Reut Group , Russia is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which means it is the easiest to influence .
Turkey is the strongest , and when it comes to Ankara , Tel ’ Aviv can only play for time , and that ’ s about it , according to the authors of the report .
Most notably , furthermore , Reut Group believes that the United States need to somehow be persuaded to not withdraw from the region , but also deploy even more forces , in order to increase its influence to levels suitable to Israel .
The issue with the Palestinians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It could potentially turn Turkey into a permanent adversary , but it appears that the Arab States are partially “ fed up ” with it .
“ Arab states seem to be fed up with the Palestinian issue .
It is no longer viewed as an issue supported by political capital and legitimacy for the rulers of some Arab nations .
The refusal of the Arab League to condemn the United Arab Emirates following its peace agreement with Israel , when compared to the expulsion of Egypt from the Arab League for several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , testifies to how great the change has been regarding the Palestinian issue.
” “ The Palestinian ball may permanently land in Turkey ’ s court .
While Hamas has long enjoyed the support of both Iran and Turkey , the PLO and the Palestinian Authority have seen the natural “ home ” of the Palestinian issue among other Arab states .
However , the Palestinian feeling of abandonment by the Arab League following Israel ’ s peace agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain , may lead the PLO to align @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian issue , consequently hastening Palestinian reconciliation efforts .
These developments may have significant implications on the conflict.
” All of this aside , when the winds of war start blowing , the best outcome for Israel in the next round of war would be the dismantling of the Iranian “ regime.
” This would be followed by the transformation of Iran into a secular state with incessant civil conflicts on its territory .
Another positive for Tel ’ Aviv would be active confrontation between Turkey and Russia , both in the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black Sea region , which will weaken both sides .
The ideal scenario for this would be a sort of alliance between Turkey and the UK , as well as for the US and Ukraine .
It is not so surprising , since it ’ s almost entirely a reality , at this point .
Any reduction of the Arab population of Palestine is also always a positive .
The report provides somtimes contradictory , but a relatively clear pro-Israeli vision of the situation in the Greater Middle East , or at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This explains also the recent activity of Jewish structures in Ukraine and Russia .
They support the disruptive and destructive agenda followed by the Kiev government , as well as support the negative tendencies and the pro-Western elites that cause instability in Russia , which on its own supports Israel ’ s interests , by simply causing Russia to be less active .
An intermediate tactical activity that appears to be taking place is Israeli support for Azerbaijan in the war against Armenia .
This is seen not noyl in some separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in more direct actions like weapon supplies ( for example the using of Ukraine as a sort of logistical hub to keep the weapons coming to Azerbaijan ) .
There are regular flights now that transport arms to Azerbaijan .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is happy to accommodate , since this could potentially also curb Russia ’ s influence in the region , if it ’ s too late in responding adequately in one way , or another , in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Zelensky is also Jewish and integrated in the Israeli-linked part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t hide it and it is unlikely that he ’ s entirely unsupportive of the agenda .
Somehow also an Israeli court concluded that there is no conclusive evidence that Israeli weapons are even used in Nagorno-Karabakh , which is nonsense since there ’ s quite a bit of footage of loitering weapons such as the HAROP and the LORA missile being used in many occasions .
Turkey is slated as Azerbaijan ’ s biggest ally , but it is likely that Israeli-made weapons are much more commonly used in Azerbaijan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of instability in Southern Caucasus is the fact that Armenia appears to be receiving much less support than in expected .
The ‘ Armenian Lobby ’ in the US failed to achieve any progress for its cause .
It was blocked by other , undisclosed structures .
It is also no secret that the Trump administration continuously seeks further integration with Israel ’ s leadership , connecting the two things is not difficult , nor a too big stretch of the imagination .
In the hostilities , Azerbaijan uses Israeli LORAs , Harops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also recently claimed that it has been developing its own UAV systems , for a while .
It strongly resembles the Orbiter 1K , which is an Israeli-made system .
The Orbiter 2M and the Aerostar are also in service in Azerbaijan .
The Azerbaijan-made drone is called “ Iti Qovan ” which means “ We are chasing them like dogs ” .
The Iti Qovan and the Orbiter 1K can be compared , they ’ re essentially the same unit , they ’ re just renamed and produced under an Israeli license @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Israel has deeply integrated itself in the Azerbaijani offensive on Nagorno-Karabakh and is stoking the fire .
In the vision of Israel , the impending conflict in the Middle East appears all but certain , and Israel is reaching far and wide in attempts to position all pieces on the board in its advantage in order to guarantee its victory .
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On October 15th, the Reut Group released its analysis titled “Middle Eastern Game of Thrones”, which looks into the competition for regional hegemony and primarily Israel’s part in it. It is authored by Eran Shyshon, Adi Levy, Alex Grinberg.
The entire report can be found here [pdf].
The Reut Group is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2004 by Gidi Grinstein as the Reut Institute to become a leadership, strategy, and impact organization. Reut creates and scales innovative models that tackle critical challenges facing the State of Israel, Israeli society and the Jewish world.
It is extremely Israeli biased, as can be expected.
From the analysis presented by Reut Group one significant conclusion can be reached from simply an initial glance – Israel is quite interested and is, to a very large degree, behind the instability in both the Middle East, as well as in South Caucasus.
Despite it all, the report splits the Middle East into four “factions,” neither of which Israel officially is a part of:
Iran and the Shia Axis; Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood Axis; pro-Western Sunni Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt; jihadism, most identified with the Islamic State, which is witnessing a downward trend.
Iran is, of course the largest threat to Israel.
How Iran specifically threatens Israel is summarized below:
“The attempt to conceptualize the Iranian war plan against Israel, which we will refer to as a “borderless open war”, raises the following principles: The firing of tens of thousands of missiles from a geographical area that stretches from Iran and Yemen to the Gaza Strip and through Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, over several months, during which Israel is unable to end or contain the situation, or even defend itself against so many high quality targets located over such an expansive area.
The “ring of fire” is intended to, first and foremost, enable Iran to deliver a conventional “second strike” in the event its nuclear program is attacked.
Nevertheless, the “ring of fire” infrastructure also provides Iran with the option of a conventional “first strike”, which Iran believes could lead to Israel’s collapse. The acquisition of nuclear weaponry would provide Iran immunity from a significant, external attack and would also theoretically prevent Israel from using such weapons in response to an attack orchestrated by Iran. In the eyes of the Iranians, the combination of damage to the home front and the country’s functional continuity in the long term would ultimately lead to immigration and Israel’s collapse.”
The factions that compete for hegemony are not specifically presented as what corresponds to reality, but what Israel would like to see reality as, it is very apparent.
A big issue for Israel is Russia, since it is an ally, but a conditional one, and sometimes not even that.
Two points make that more than clear, Tel’Aviv needs to be wary of Moscow and suitable measures need to be in place in case of an issue.
“10. Despite the image of Russian strength, Moscow has limited influence in the region. Russia is taking advantage of the United States’ withdrawal to better establish itself in the region, but it lacks the capabilities (and intention) to effectively replace the American presence. Russia has no natural allies in the region and even its influence on the Assad regime is limited. Nevertheless, Russia has managed to become a key player and even a mediator in Syria and, and to a lesser extent, in Libya. 11.Russian interests continually conflict not only with those of Israel, but also with the interests of Turkey and Iran. Russia usually tries to avoid confrontations with Israel, but the potential for friction is high due to Israel’s military efforts against Iranian entrenchment in Syria, which hampers Russian ambitions to lead the economic and military reconstruction of the country.”
Separately, Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood appear a threat, even though Turkey also appears to be providing a sort of guise for Israeli weapon sales to Azerbaijan, but more on that later on.
After all, Turkey is a strong supporter of Palestinian rights, opposes the annexations Israel undertakes.
“This document warns that, in the next significant round of fighting between Israel and Hamas, the danger of an unprecedented escalation and clash between Israel and Turkey is likely. Turkey has altered its approach in recent years. The country is currently intervening militarily in the conflicts across the region, most notably in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Turkey seeks to uphold the banner of the Palestinian struggle and even granted Turkish citizenship to exiled Hamas leaders. It is not certain at all that Turkey will be satisfied with its heretofore rhetorical opposition to Israel during next rounds of fighting with Hamas.”
Additionally, a much more worrisome event for Israel would be “regionalization” of a possible conflict. Tel’Aviv would struggle in an open conflict with Hamas from Gaza, and Hezbollah from Lebanon, but there is a much worse scenario.
“Israel also faces the threat of “regionalization” of the conflict. It seems that the most likely ultimate threat scenario for Israel would be a fight on two fronts, one against Hamas in Gaza and the other against Hezbollah in Lebanon. In fact, however, a more threatening scenario is for the Gaza front to become a regional front with the active involvement of two claimants to the regional throne – Iran and Turkey – and their cooperation with one another.”
As such, several things can be concluded from the document.
According to the Reut Group, a big war in the Middle East is rather inevitable, and Israel needs to take contingency measures.
If it’s passive, it will receive two fronts – from Hamas and Hezbollah, and even worse – a united Iran-Turkey coalition with the likely tacit consent of Russia.
This could potentially be avoided by pitting Iran against Turkey due to behind-the-scenes actions.
“Turkey and Iran’s pursuit for hegemony has created ongoing friction and tension between them. Their activities in Iraq and Syria and, more recently, that of Turkey in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, have resulted in nearly direct contact with one another. All of this must be understood within the historical context of the hostility between Sunni Islam, represented by Turkey, and Shia Islam, represented by Iran.”
However, Turkey and Iran have effective mechanisms for communicating, and support for the Palestinians in Gaza is also a big common interest.
The goals of each faction and more can be tracked in the table below, also part of the analysis.
Regardless, with war essentially unavoidable, it is advisable to act as long as possible with the instruments of intelligence, soft power and diplomacy, that is, bribery, blackmail, political assassinations, compromising evidence, and more. However, strikes against the primary targets must be taken, but only when there’s no threat of heavy retaliation.
The most stable allies according to the Reut Group for Israel in a regional conflict is the Moderate Axis.
Iran is, essentially, the boogeyman in this scenario, and it could push them to further cooperate with Israel, more openly and not behind the scenes as it is now.
“The fear of Iran led to a cooperation of Israel with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf nations over a decade ago. This cooperation has paved the way for the latest political developments and agreements. Israel’s steadfast position towards Iran, exemplified by the Jewish state’s operations against Iran’s nuclear ambitions and aspirations in Syria, have led to the rapprochement between Israel and the Gulf states. The United States disengagement from the region has created the need for the Gulf states to update and upgrade their ties with Israel. Normalization with Arab countries has broken long-standing taboos that have prevented Israel’s economic and social integration in the region. Thus, it is possible that Israel is on the cusp of a new era in the Middle East.”
According to Reut Group, Russia is the weakest player in the region, which means it is the easiest to influence.
Turkey is the strongest, and when it comes to Ankara, Tel’Aviv can only play for time, and that’s about it, according to the authors of the report.
Most notably, furthermore, Reut Group believes that the United States need to somehow be persuaded to not withdraw from the region, but also deploy even more forces, in order to increase its influence to levels suitable to Israel.
The issue with the Palestinians is at a sort of standstill. It could potentially turn Turkey into a permanent adversary, but it appears that the Arab States are partially “fed up” with it.
“Arab states seem to be fed up with the Palestinian issue. It is no longer viewed as an issue supported by political capital and legitimacy for the rulers of some Arab nations. The refusal of the Arab League to condemn the United Arab Emirates following its peace agreement with Israel, when compared to the expulsion of Egypt from the Arab League for several years following its historic 1979 peace agreement, testifies to how great the change has been regarding the Palestinian issue.” “The Palestinian ball may permanently land in Turkey’s court. While Hamas has long enjoyed the support of both Iran and Turkey, the PLO and the Palestinian Authority have seen the natural “home” of the Palestinian issue among other Arab states. However, the Palestinian feeling of abandonment by the Arab League following Israel’s peace agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, may lead the PLO to align with Hamas regarding Turkish patronage on the Palestinian issue, consequently hastening Palestinian reconciliation efforts. These developments may have significant implications on the conflict.”
All of this aside, when the winds of war start blowing, the best outcome for Israel in the next round of war would be the dismantling of the Iranian “regime.” This would be followed by the transformation of Iran into a secular state with incessant civil conflicts on its territory.
Another positive for Tel’Aviv would be active confrontation between Turkey and Russia, both in the Middle Eastern region and in the Caucasus and the Black Sea region, which will weaken both sides.
The ideal scenario for this would be a sort of alliance between Turkey and the UK, as well as for the US and Ukraine. It is not so surprising, since it’s almost entirely a reality, at this point.
Any reduction of the Arab population of Palestine is also always a positive.
The report provides somtimes contradictory, but a relatively clear pro-Israeli vision of the situation in the Greater Middle East, or at least how Israel wants to see it. This explains also the recent activity of Jewish structures in Ukraine and Russia. They support the disruptive and destructive agenda followed by the Kiev government, as well as support the negative tendencies and the pro-Western elites that cause instability in Russia, which on its own supports Israel’s interests, by simply causing Russia to be less active.
An intermediate tactical activity that appears to be taking place is Israeli support for Azerbaijan in the war against Armenia.
This is seen not noyl in some separate events in the public sphere but also in more direct actions like weapon supplies (for example the using of Ukraine as a sort of logistical hub to keep the weapons coming to Azerbaijan). There are regular flights now that transport arms to Azerbaijan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is happy to accommodate, since this could potentially also curb Russia’s influence in the region, if it’s too late in responding adequately in one way, or another, in Nagorno-Karabakh. Zelensky is also Jewish and integrated in the Israeli-linked part of the Ukrainian elites. He doesn’t hide it and it is unlikely that he’s entirely unsupportive of the agenda.
Somehow also an Israeli court concluded that there is no conclusive evidence that Israeli weapons are even used in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is nonsense since there’s quite a bit of footage of loitering weapons such as the HAROP and the LORA missile being used in many occasions.
Turkey is slated as Azerbaijan’s biggest ally, but it is likely that Israeli-made weapons are much more commonly used in Azerbaijan’s offensive than Turkish ones.
Another point of instability in Southern Caucasus is the fact that Armenia appears to be receiving much less support than in expected.
The ‘Armenian Lobby’ in the US failed to achieve any progress for its cause. It was blocked by other, undisclosed structures.
It is also no secret that the Trump administration continuously seeks further integration with Israel’s leadership, connecting the two things is not difficult, nor a too big stretch of the imagination.
In the hostilities, Azerbaijan uses Israeli LORAs, Harops and the Cardom mortar system.
Azerbaijan also recently claimed that it has been developing its own UAV systems, for a while. It strongly resembles the Orbiter 1K, which is an Israeli-made system. The Orbiter 2M and the Aerostar are also in service in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijan-made drone is called “Iti Qovan” which means “We are chasing them like dogs”. The Iti Qovan and the Orbiter 1K can be compared, they’re essentially the same unit, they’re just renamed and produced under an Israeli license.
As such, it is obvious that Israel has deeply integrated itself in the Azerbaijani offensive on Nagorno-Karabakh and is stoking the fire. In the vision of Israel, the impending conflict in the Middle East appears all but certain, and Israel is reaching far and wide in attempts to position all pieces on the board in its advantage in order to guarantee its victory.
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southfront--2020-10-22--Joe Biden Insists Son Never Profited Off Family Name; Except Hunter And Ex-President Of Poland Say H

Joe Biden Insists Son Never Profited Off Family Name; Except Hunter And Ex-President Of Poland Say He Did

In a Tuesday interview , former Vice President Joe Biden claimed that there was no basis “ whatsoever ” to claims that his son , Hunter , profited off the family name .
When asked local Wisconsin TV station if there was any legitimacy to comments by Sen. Ron Johnson ( R-WI ) that Hunter “ together with other Biden family members , profited off the Biden name , ” the former Vice President replied “ None whatsoever , ” adding ( without finishing the sentence ) “ This is the same garbage Rudy Giuliani , Trump ’ s henchman… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ditch effort in this desperate campaign to smear me and my family.
” Except , Hunter admitted he profited off his family name !
“ If your last name wasn ’ t Biden , do you think you would ’ ve been asked to be on the board of Burisma ?
” asked ‘ Amy Robach in an October 15 , 2019 interview .
“ I don ’ t know .
I don ’ t know .
Probably not , in retrospect , ” said Hunter .
“ I don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things that would have happened in my life if my last name wasn ’ t Biden , ” he added , “ because my dad was Vice President of the United States.
” “ There ’ s literally nothing , as a young man or as a full-grown adult that — my father in some way hasn ’ t had influence over .
What ’ s more , the former President of Poland and Burisma board member Aleksander Kwasniewski said last November that Hunter was picked to sit on the company ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I understand that if someone asks me to be part of some project it ’ s not only because I ’ m so good , it ’ s also because I am Kwasniewski and I am a former president of Poland .
… Being Biden is not bad .
It ’ s a good name , ” he said .
Let ’ s also not glaze over the fact that both Joe and Hunter said that Joe had ‘ no knowledge ’ of Hunter ’ s international business dealings , while recently released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Hunter ‘ introduced ’ Joe to a top Burisma executive – a meeting Biden ’ s camp says never happened .
Joe also met with a CCP-linked delegation of Chinese investors arranged by Hunter and his business partners , according to emails released by imprisoned ex-Hunter business associate , Bevan Cooney .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
In a Tuesday interview, former Vice President Joe Biden claimed that there was no basis “whatsoever” to claims that his son, Hunter, profited off the family name.
When asked local Wisconsin TV station WISN if there was any legitimacy to comments by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) that Hunter “together with other Biden family members, profited off the Biden name,” the former Vice President replied “None whatsoever,” adding (without finishing the sentence) “This is the same garbage Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s henchman…”
“It’s the last ditch effort in this desperate campaign to smear me and my family.”
Except, Hunter admitted he profited off his family name!
“If your last name wasn’t Biden, do you think you would’ve been asked to be on the board of Burisma?” asked ABC News‘ Amy Robach in an October 15, 2019 interview.
“I don’t know. I don’t know. Probably not, in retrospect,” said Hunter. “I don’t think that there’s a lot of things that would have happened in my life if my last name wasn’t Biden,” he added, “because my dad was Vice President of the United States.”
“There’s literally nothing, as a young man or as a full-grown adult that — my father in some way hasn’t had influence over.
What’s more, the former President of Poland and Burisma board member Aleksander Kwasniewski said last November that Hunter was picked to sit on the company’s board because of his name.
“I understand that if someone asks me to be part of some project it’s not only because I’m so good, it’s also because I am Kwasniewski and I am a former president of Poland. … Being Biden is not bad. It’s a good name,” he said.
Let’s also not glaze over the fact that both Joe and Hunter said that Joe had ‘no knowledge’ of Hunter’s international business dealings, while recently released emails from Hunter’s laptop prove that Hunter ‘introduced’ Joe to a top Burisma executive – a meeting Biden’s camp says never happened. Joe also met with a CCP-linked delegation of Chinese investors arranged by Hunter and his business partners, according to emails released by imprisoned ex-Hunter business associate, Bevan Cooney.
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southfront--2020-10-22--Military Situation In Syria On October 22, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • Turkish-backed forces artillery @ @ @ @ @ village of Dar al-Kabira ; • Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) artillery shelled Turkish-backed @ @ @ @ @ of Safuhin , Barah and Fatira ; • The Russian Military Police conducted a patrol @ @ @ @ @ Tamar ; • A large-scale explosion took place in the city Raqqah .
No casualties @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Turkish-backed forces artillery shelled SAA positons in the village of Dar al-Kabira;
Syrian Arab Army (SAA) artillery shelled Turkish-backed forces positons in the villages of Safuhin, Barah and Fatira;
The Russian Military Police conducted a patrol in the vicinity of Tal Tamar;
Russian warplanes struck positions of militants near Rami village;
A Turkish military convoy entered Syria’s Idlib via the Kafar Lusin crossing;
Turkish-backed forces artillery shelled SDF positons near the Shehba dam;
A large-scale explosion took place in the city Raqqah. No casualties were reported.
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southfront--2020-10-22--‘City Management Innovations’: Moscow Authorities Plan To Track Every Citizen’s Movement Via QR Code

On October 19th , it became clear that in Moscow , the system that utilizes QR codes to track the movements of the population could be extended to other establishments and not only nightlife establishments .
If its successful in the implementation , it would likely enter beauty salons , non-food stores , and restaurants .
This assumption was expressed by the head of the department of trade and services in Moscow Alexei Nemeryuk in an interview with Dmitry Levitsky , co-founder of the Profsoyuz bar association .
Nemeryuk also noted that the Moscow authorities began to talk with business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which , in his opinion , are “ a kind of alternative to complete closure.
” Moreover , he called this system “ humane , because , thanks to identification , people will be able to determine whether something threatens their lives or not , ” and to begin treatment faster if suddenly they also become infected .
The QR code system began being implemented for visitors of night clubs on October 19th .
Entertainment institutions in Moscow that work from 00:00 to 06:00 and do not use QR codes to organize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be fined for violating anti-epidemic standards .
He clarified that fines for institutions for lack of QR codes at the entrance will amount to up to 500 thousand rubles , according to the current decree of the mayor of Moscow .
Essentially , back in the spring lockdown , people simply needed a permit to go outside the house for an errand , and they could , potentially , visit another place on the way .
With this new system introduced , people are free to do as they please ( and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unaware they ’ re infected ) , but City Hall will be aware of everything they ’ re doing – entering a restaurant , getting a haircut , buying a hammer or a new table .
There appears to not be the slightest sliver of doubt that codes will soon be extended to all social transactions .
And the only consolation is that the usual implementation of such systems is accompanied by a massive lack of professionalism of those putting it in place .
The system will initially barely work , as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the electronic school , which collapsed on the very first day of the distance learning system for high school students .
It will , eventually , work at 100 % and it will continue for a while if the situation can be presented as deteriorating .
This is an innovation introduced by Moscow a sort of ‘ creative contribution to the world experience of city management ’ .
Meanwhile , Russian President Vladimir Putin gave some insight into why there ’ s been increased number of lethality due to COVID-19 in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia , the number of deaths from coronavirus infection is growing , but this is partly due to a more thorough fixation of the causes of death from the disease , Putin said at a meeting with board members of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs ( RSPP ) .
According to the head of state , he discussed this topic with experts on the morning of October 21st .
At the same time , “ the overall mortality rate has fallen by almost half compared to the spring , ” Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is still the main indicator of the state of the health care system.
” Despite the increase in the incidence , no tough restrictions are planned yet , Putin said at the meeting .
According to him , now doctors have already learned how to deal with the disease and medicines have appeared for this .
At this stage , to fight the disease , it is necessary to focus on expanding testing , strengthening the health system , as well as adherence to preventive measures and vaccinations , the president said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , but those are up to the local Moscow authorities who appear to be pushing forward an entirely different agenda .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Authorities Introduce Digital Tracking To Curb COVID-19 , But Citizens Can Go As They Please

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On October 19th, it became clear that in Moscow, the system that utilizes QR codes to track the movements of the population could be extended to other establishments and not only nightlife establishments.
If its successful in the implementation, it would likely enter beauty salons, non-food stores, and restaurants.
This assumption was expressed by the head of the department of trade and services in Moscow Alexei Nemeryuk in an interview with Dmitry Levitsky, co-founder of the Profsoyuz bar association.
“If the [check-in] system works, it is quite possible that other industries will join it, the same beauty salons, non-food stores, for example, or restaurateurs,” Nemeryuk said in an interview posted on Levitsky’s Instagram page.
Nemeryuk also noted that the Moscow authorities began to talk with business about the possibility of introducing checkins, which, in his opinion, are “a kind of alternative to complete closure.”
Moreover, he called this system “humane, because, thanks to identification, people will be able to determine whether something threatens their lives or not,” and to begin treatment faster if suddenly they also become infected.
The QR code system began being implemented for visitors of night clubs on October 19th.
“The system [for identifying visitors to night bars] will start working on October 19 <…> In general, according to the mayor’s decree, various penalties are envisaged. Therefore, if someone does not comply, this will be carried out in relation to these organizations, including “, said Nemeryuk on October 15th.
Entertainment institutions in Moscow that work from 00:00 to 06:00 and do not use QR codes to organize the entrance of visitors after October 19, will be fined for violating anti-epidemic standards.
He clarified that fines for institutions for lack of QR codes at the entrance will amount to up to 500 thousand rubles, according to the current decree of the mayor of Moscow.
Essentially, back in the spring lockdown, people simply needed a permit to go outside the house for an errand, and they could, potentially, visit another place on the way.
With this new system introduced, people are free to do as they please (and spread COVID-19 in case they’re unaware they’re infected), but City Hall will be aware of everything they’re doing – entering a restaurant, getting a haircut, buying a hammer or a new table.
There appears to not be the slightest sliver of doubt that codes will soon be extended to all social transactions.
And the only consolation is that the usual implementation of such systems is accompanied by a massive lack of professionalism of those putting it in place.
The system will initially barely work, as it did with electronic passes and as happened with the electronic school, which collapsed on the very first day of the distance learning system for high school students.
It will, eventually, work at 100% and it will continue for a while if the situation can be presented as deteriorating.
This is an innovation introduced by Moscow a sort of ‘creative contribution to the world experience of city management’.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave some insight into why there’s been increased number of lethality due to COVID-19 in Russia over the past few weeks.
In Russia, the number of deaths from coronavirus infection is growing, but this is partly due to a more thorough fixation of the causes of death from the disease, Putin said at a meeting with board members of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP).
According to the head of state, he discussed this topic with experts on the morning of October 21st.
“Mortality in our country, unfortunately, has grown from covid compared to spring, but experts say that this is also due to the fact that they began to more carefully record the causes of death,” Putin said.
At the same time, “the overall mortality rate has fallen by almost half compared to the spring,” Putin said. According to him, “this is still the main indicator of the state of the health care system.”
Despite the increase in the incidence, no tough restrictions are planned yet, Putin said at the meeting. According to him, now doctors have already learned how to deal with the disease and medicines have appeared for this. At this stage, to fight the disease, it is necessary to focus on expanding testing, strengthening the health system, as well as adherence to preventive measures and vaccinations, the president said.
Apart from the Moscow ones, of course, but those are up to the local Moscow authorities who appear to be pushing forward an entirely different agenda.
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southfront--2020-10-22--Satellite Images Suggest Russia Is Preparing Novaya Zemlya For Burevestnik Nuclear Cruise Missile Te

Satellite Images Suggest Russia Is Preparing Novaya Zemlya For Burevestnik Nuclear Cruise Missile Tests

On October 20th , CNN reported that it had analyzed satellite images of Novaya Zemlya , Russia , which allegedly show that preparations are being made to test the 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed cruise missile .
The missile is claimed to have virtually unlimited range .
The images , captured by Planet Labs in September , show high levels of activity at a site known as Pankovo , previously used by Russia to test its Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile , according to Michael Duitsman and Jeffrey Lewis , researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies .
Russia appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , when it dismantled the launch site but “ the new satellite photographs indicate that the pause is over , ” they added .
According to experts , nuclear-powered cruise missiles development is a way Russia can avoid the New START prohibitions and achieve intercontinental range that can threaten any spot on the planet .
This is according to Vipin Narang , a nuclear proliferation expert and associate professor at MIT .
They are also highly controversial “ because it ’ s crazy to put an unshielded nuclear reactor on a missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , noting that the consequences of testing this type of weapon can be catastrophic if something goes wrong .
Also , yes , he was cited as having said “ intergalactic ” .
Russia has previously stated that its nuclear-powered cruise missile is not covered by the New START treaty , failure to extend the agreement could lead to the emergence of an arms race between the two countries , according to Lewis .
“ The arms control framework that secured the post-Cold War has completely disintegrated .
If and when the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there will be no limits on US and Russian nuclear forces for the first time in fifty years .
In its place is a burgeoning arms race as Russia develops one doomsday weapon after another to defeat US missile defenses , ” he said .
“ The United States and Russia seem to be stumbling into a new arms race .
This is one of a number of dangerous and destabilizing weapons right out of science fiction that Russia is developing to defeat US missile defenses , ” Lewis added .
None @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian side .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia Suggests Renewing New With No Further Demands , How Desperate Is Trump For A ‘ Win ’ ?
• Putin Wants “ Clear Answer ” From US On Nuclear Arms Treaty , Offers 1-Year Extension

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On October 20th, CNN reported that it had analyzed satellite images of Novaya Zemlya, Russia, which allegedly show that preparations are being made to test the 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed cruise missile.
The missile is claimed to have virtually unlimited range.
The images, captured by Planet Labs in September, show high levels of activity at a site known as Pankovo, previously used by Russia to test its Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, according to Michael Duitsman and Jeffrey Lewis, researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
Russia appeared to pause testing of the missile after 2018, when it dismantled the launch site but “the new satellite photographs indicate that the pause is over,” they added.
“The activity and new construction are consistent with a resumption of test flights of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile,” Lewis and Duitsman wrote in a new report, noting that the images show Russia has rebuilt the site’s launch pad and reveal “large numbers of shipping containers at two support areas, including the probable missile checkout building.”
Oh, also: @DuitsyWasHere and I say images from @planetlabs show Russia moving to resume tests of its nuclear-powered cruise missile. https://t.co/lnZltyTlrh — Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) October 20, 2020
According to experts, nuclear-powered cruise missiles development is a way Russia can avoid the New START prohibitions and achieve intercontinental range that can threaten any spot on the planet.
This is according to Vipin Narang, a nuclear proliferation expert and associate professor at MIT.
“A nuclear-powered cruise missile gives a low-flying, radar-evading, nuclear-capable missile intergalactic range that can pose a challenge to national missile defenses,” he said, adding that indications Russia may be preparing another test show “how much our missile defenses drive their developments and how scared they are of them, not today, but tomorrow.”
They are also highly controversial “because it’s crazy to put an unshielded nuclear reactor on a missile to power it,” Narang added, noting that the consequences of testing this type of weapon can be catastrophic if something goes wrong.
Also, yes, he was cited as having said “intergalactic”.
Russia has previously stated that its nuclear-powered cruise missile is not covered by the New START treaty, failure to extend the agreement could lead to the emergence of an arms race between the two countries, according to Lewis.
“The arms control framework that secured the post-Cold War has completely disintegrated. If and when the New START treaty expires in a few months, there will be no limits on US and Russian nuclear forces for the first time in fifty years. In its place is a burgeoning arms race as Russia develops one doomsday weapon after another to defeat US missile defenses,” he said. “The United States and Russia seem to be stumbling into a new arms race. This is one of a number of dangerous and destabilizing weapons right out of science fiction that Russia is developing to defeat US missile defenses,” Lewis added.
None of this has been confirmed by the Russian side.
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southfront--2020-10-22--Azerbaijan Captures More Positions And Equipment, Armenia Hopes For A Russian Miracle

On October 21st , Azerbaijan reported that it downed 3 Armenian UAVs .
The two UAVs were destroyed in the Fizuli direction , and one in the Terter direction of the front .
It also said that more equipment was either destroyed or simply abandoned by the Armenian side on the battlefield , releasing the video above to prove the claims .
According to Azerbaijan ’ s MoD , fighting continues along the entire front , and their forces have the upper hand , controlling the operation .
During the day on October 21 and on the night of October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aghdere-Aghdam , Fizuli-Jabrayil , and Zangilan-Gubadli directions continued with varying intensity .
The Armenian armed forces fired at Azerbaijan ’ s positions using small arms , mortars , and howitzers .
On the morning of October 22nd , the Armenian forces began shelling Azerbaijani positions , no casualties have been reported .
Also , on October 22 in the morning , the territory of Azerbaijan was exposed to ballistic missiles fired using an operational-tactical missile complex from the territory Armenia .
Around the same time , according to the Armenian side , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the direction of Martuni and surrounding villages .
There is no information about injuries or damages .
The situation in the Artsakh-Azerbaijani contact line remained relatively stable but tense during the night .
Artillery duels continued in some areas .
At the moment , localised battles are taking place in all sectors of the front line .
In addition to fierce battles , the enemy also carried out subversive incursions in the central direction , which were successfully prevented by the Defence Army .
In addition to the evidence of the Artsakh Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Czech artillery installation DANA ( 152-mm ) by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces during the hostilities , there is also video footage of these installations on the front line by Azerbaijani journalists .
Additionally , a new recording was released purportedly proving the presence of Syrian mercenaries in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Turkey expressed its readiness to officially enter the conflict , as per Vice President Fuat Oktay : Separately , Armenian President Armen Sarkissian told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that a peaceful settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh is possible if the alliance member Turkey stops interfering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrap Mnatsakanyan met with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov .
• As a continuation of the telephone conversations of Russian President Vladimir Putin with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan and the proceedings on the cessation of hostilities in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the mediation of Russia , RA Minister for Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met with Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov on October 21 in Moscow .
• The agenda of the meeting included issues related to the operational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict and the implementation of the ceasefire agreements .
• Having highly appreciated the efforts of Russia and specifically of President Putin in obtaining agreements on a ceasefire , Minister Mnatsakanyan stated that the agreements reached remain on paper due to the treacherous manner of Azerbaijan and its steps aimed at destabilizing the situation .
• Minister Mnatsakanyan reaffirmed Armenia ’ s commitment to the obligations taken by Armenia in the joint Moscow ceasefire statements of 10th and 17th of October .
He highlighted as a top priority the establishment of a stable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Armenia appears to be hoping for Russia to step in more assertively , even though in recent years it ’ s policy has been almost exclusively anti-Russian .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Ukraine Is Becoming Logistical Hub For Turkish Weapon Supplies To Azerbaijan • Azerbaijani-Armenian War : Counter-Offensive In The South And Iranian Factor

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On October 21st, Azerbaijan reported that it downed 3 Armenian UAVs.
The two UAVs were destroyed in the Fizuli direction, and one in the Terter direction of the front.
It also said that more equipment was either destroyed or simply abandoned by the Armenian side on the battlefield, releasing the video above to prove the claims.
According to Azerbaijan’s MoD, fighting continues along the entire front, and their forces have the upper hand, controlling the operation.
During the day on October 21 and on the night of October 22, the combat operations in the Aghdere-Aghdam, Fizuli-Jabrayil, and Zangilan-Gubadli directions continued with varying intensity.
The Armenian armed forces fired at Azerbaijan’s positions using small arms, mortars, and howitzers.
“As a result of the operation carried out by the Azerbaijan Army in the Gubadli direction, the defending units of the Armenian Armed Forces were forced to withdraw from important high grounds and a number of positions, losing personnel and military vehicles,” the MoD claimed.
On the morning of October 22nd, the Armenian forces began shelling Azerbaijani positions, no casualties have been reported.
Also, on October 22 in the morning, the territory of Azerbaijan was exposed to ballistic missiles fired using an operational-tactical missile complex from the territory Armenia.
“The enemy fired 3 missiles in the direction of the Siyazan region at about 07.00, 2 missiles in the direction of the Gabala region, and 1 missile in the direction of the Kurdamir region at about 09.00.”
The report was immediately rebuffed:
“The statement of the Azerbaijani side that Armenia launched ballistic missiles in the direction of Gabala and Kurdamir is complete nonsense, a cynical lie. No missiles were fired from the territory of the Republic of Armenia towards Azerbaijan,” Armenian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan said.
Around the same time, according to the Armenian side, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces were firing artillery in the direction of Martuni and surrounding villages. There is no information about injuries or damages.
The situation in the Artsakh-Azerbaijani contact line remained relatively stable but tense during the night. Artillery duels continued in some areas.
At the moment, localised battles are taking place in all sectors of the front line. In addition to fierce battles, the enemy also carried out subversive incursions in the central direction, which were successfully prevented by the Defence Army.
“Forces of the Defence Army continue to foil the adversary’s intentions of changing the tactical situation in their favour, and continue to fulfill the combat task set before them,” the Armenian MoD reported.
In addition to the evidence of the Artsakh Ministry of Defense about the use of the Czech artillery installation DANA (152-mm) by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces during the hostilities, there is also video footage of these installations on the front line by Azerbaijani journalists.
Additionally, a new recording was released purportedly proving the presence of Syrian mercenaries in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"Take us out of this swamp," a mercenary fighting for the Azerbaijani army says in a call to someone in #Turkey. This recording is further evidence of the presence of mercenaries recruited from Syria by #Azerbaijan and the direct involvement of #Turkey #ArmeniaAgainstTerrorism pic.twitter.com/hq8mDszM4P — Armenian Unified Infocenter (@ArmenianUnified) October 22, 2020
Turkey expressed its readiness to officially enter the conflict, as per Vice President Fuat Oktay:
“If Baku turns to us, we are ready to send troops to Azerbaijan. Russia failed to resolve the crisis in Artsakh, and the problem cannot be solved without Turkey.”
Separately, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that a peaceful settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh is possible if the alliance member Turkey stops interfering in the conflict.
In Moscow, Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrap Mnatsakanyan met with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov.
The key discussed points included:
As a continuation of the telephone conversations of Russian President Vladimir Putin with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan and the proceedings on the cessation of hostilities in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the mediation of Russia, RA Minister for Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met with Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov on October 21 in Moscow.
The agenda of the meeting included issues related to the operational situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the implementation of the ceasefire agreements.
Having highly appreciated the efforts of Russia and specifically of President Putin in obtaining agreements on a ceasefire, Minister Mnatsakanyan stated that the agreements reached remain on paper due to the treacherous manner of Azerbaijan and its steps aimed at destabilizing the situation.
Minister Mnatsakanyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to the obligations taken by Armenia in the joint Moscow ceasefire statements of 10th and 17th of October. He highlighted as a top priority the establishment of a stable truce backed by verification mechanisms.
Essentially, Armenia appears to be hoping for Russia to step in more assertively, even though in recent years it’s policy has been almost exclusively anti-Russian.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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