Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — The Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah has begun its first combat operations in Syria, the opposition said. Opposition sources said Hizbullah fighters launched Russian-origin BM-21 Grad rockets toward civilian protesters on Jan. 16. The sources said the Hizbullah rocket attack took place near Damascus amid Iranian threats to increase intervention in Syria. “The […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Qatar has become the first to call for foreign troop deployment in Syria. Qatar, deemed the leading supporter of the revolt against President Bashar Assad, has demanded that Arab League forces arrive in Syria to stop the bloodshed. Qatar’s Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani said the Arab League must […]
Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — Syria’s rebel army, based in Turkey, has reported shortages in weapons and funds. The Free Syrian Army has urged Arab and other opponents of the regime of President Bashar Assad to rush aid to the rebel force. “If the FSA had greater capabilities the situation on the ground would be […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ANKARA — Turkey has reported the first seizure of an Iranian weapons shipment to Syria in 2012. Officials said four trucks loaded with Iranian military equipment were stopped and impounded in the border province of Kilis on Jan. 10. They said the equipment, destined for neighboring Syria, was sent to Turkish authorities […]
John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — Though it’s the birthplace of Christianity in ancient times, the modern Middle East is increasingly hostile to Christianity as civil conflict, Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism grow in scope and strength. Although most regional states have a small but successful Christian minority ranging from Egypt to Iraq, only Lebanon, Israel […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Jordan has been urged to establish a buffer zone along the kingdom’s border with Syria. Syrian opposition sources said the Hashemite kingdom has been considering a series of moves to help the revolt against President Bashar Assad. They said the most feasible proposal was for a safe haven zone for […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Fariborz Saremi, FreePressers.com Iraq is facing a very uncertain future now that the Americans, worn down by the military (4,500 dead) and financial costs (over $1 trillion) have withdrawn their military forces. The tide of sectarian conflict is rising, driven in part by Iranian ambition and Saudi Arabian fears. The Shi’ite […]
Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — The Russian Navy has sent warships to Syria. The Russian Navy has sent at least three ships led by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier to the Syrian port of Tartous. The naval delegation was led by Cmdr. Yakushin Vladimir Anatolievich in what was reported to have been a non-combat mission […]
Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — The regime of President Bashar Assad has again been struck by a mass-casualty suicide strike. The Assad regime has acknowledged that a police bus was bombed by a suicide attacker in Damascus on Jan. 6. Officials reported 26 dead and 63 injured in the attack in downtown Damascus. “The type […]
Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — Rebels are preparing for a major offensive against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The Free Syrian Army said it was planning a major offensive against Assad that could begin as early as Jan. 8. FSA, based in Turkey and which claims a force of 20,000, said its unilateral […]