SyriaConflictMonitor retweeted
Syrian Kurds did well and I admire what they achieved; they were betrayed, but this seems somewhat of a starry-eyed description, which ignores many of the complaints against some Kurdish groups including from Kurds as well as Arabs.
“...The Kurds carved out their own little enclave. It was peaceful, it was generally egalitarian, it was feminist, it was a unique thing. Men and women fighting together, co-ruling together. They had hopes that this was going to last.” -@RichardEngel in his own words
SyriaConflictMonitor retweeted
I'm against recent Twitter and governmental censorship but Wladimir can't be considered a "journalist" he's a propagandist and known for his awful attempt to smear Syrian anti-ISIS activists who exposed #YPG human rights violations plus he joined the smear against White Helmets
SyriaConflictMonitor retweeted
Of the various analysts I follow on the Syria-Turkey matters, @aaronstein1 has got things right more than most. Not only in predicting the current mess, but also reflecting back on the more recent history amid some snark revisionist claims xitter.cf/aaronstein1/status/118…
SyriaConflictMonitor retweeted
The eastern Damascus suburb of Ghouta has slipped off the world map. Under siege & regularly bombarded, people are living in misery. Government forces are now gearing up for what looks like a final onslaught. By @leloveluck washingtonpost.com/world/mid…
With the Turkish observation posts in place, basically all pro-regime forces who led the Dec/Jan offensives in S. Aleppo/Idlib are now in Damascus
So a lot of news today, but the fact that we are likely witnessing the start of the final assault on #Ghouta doesnt seem to be getting enough attention
SyriaConflictMonitor retweeted
Kheder Khaddour warns that even after the self-proclaimed Islamic State is defeated in Syria, the country will need a broader political settlement that reflects regional and national realities to bring displaced people home: ceip.org/2mP5YoW
39) Anyway, what do I know? Maybe a few extra $$$ and some great new, but old, policy from DC would help
38) 51st Division and al-Mutassim, reorganized Idlib factions previously expelled from Idlib by JFs/JN, and relegated to northern Aleppo.
37) Jaysh al-Nasr & Jaysh al-Tahrir, well liked, but relegated to small communities n far flung areas of southwest Idlib and northern Hama.
36) Jaysh al-Ezza, mixed reputation and also on a frontline to nowhere, except this one also covered w/ JFS/JN and Jund al-Aqsa.
35) 1st and 2nd Coastal Divisions, relegated to a frontline to nowhere, well liked, but small and harassed by JN/JFS.
34) 46th Div, Al-Furqa al-Wasta, & Sayfullah, made up of tiny village units from S. Idlib/N. Hama collectively no more than 1,000 fighters.
33) & joined Turkish offensive of Jarablus, consequently becoming a Turkish proxy. Sultan Murad, Turkish proxy.
32) Al-Hamza Division, former eastern Aleppo units reorganized as anti-IS. Initially US darling, then defied US directives….
31) of Kafranbel and Marat al-Numan, and relegated to presence in several small communities in Idlib and a neglibile presence in N. Aleppo.
30) Free Idlib Army, always harassed by JFS/JN, as some units made deals with JFS/JN. Ultimately lost influence in their historical hubs…