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MASADA: Will The Battle For Aleppo Decide The Fate Of Assad ?
27-Jul-2012
While the deemed « civilized » world will be treated at the Olympic Games with it’s share of « bread and circus », I cannot help but think of another far more dramatic spectacle in the making. The Syrian rebels under siege in the city of Aleppo known for it’s ancient archeological sites already heavily bombarded by the troops of Syrian President Assad are about to face their most Deadly challenge yet. (Source: persianrealm.com)
As the siege of Aleppo continues, already dubbed by both sides as « the mother of all battles », I am sadly reminded of all the tragic and desperate acts of resistance against all odds and one in particular that of Masada (72 B.C.) in a region which has witnessed so many others in it’s long history.
Although the brave Syrian rebels are far from suicidal, their desperate situation as a poorly equipped rebellious lot facing a brutally professional killing machine led by Bachar Assad’s henchmen (including his own brother) will definitively be remembered as a tragic bloody milestone in this already year long confict.
As BBC War Correspondent Ian Pannel describes it : « It is almost inconceivable that President Assad could allow his government to lose control of the city, so it is reasonable to expect that they are going to throw everything they possibly can at the city.
And that is what they are preparing for here. One of the neighbourhoods is appealing for more blood supplies. We are hearing reports of hundreds, possibly thousands of families leaving some districts. Everybody is bracing themselves for an intensive campaign.
The way it has worked in other cities is that there is an intensive bombardment by artillery and mortars, and then when it starts to go calm, tanks begin to roll in. This is a very congested heavily populated area, so it will be bloody. » (Seerelated News).
Battle for Aleppo 'crucial' for Syria's future (Daily Telegraph, Jul 23, 2012):
Speaking from a village on the outskirts of Aleppo in Syria, the Telegraph's
Foreign Affairs Correspondent says that the rebels "think they have
nothing to lose" in the battle for the city.
Crac des Chevaliers holds out against Assad troops (AFP, Jul 4, 2012):
The Crac des Chevaliers, Syria's best preserved castle from the Crusades of the Middle Ages, is once again providing shelter for armed forces. The Free Syria Army have been holed up in and around the hilltop the fortress for over a year as they resist the advance of forces loyal the President Assad. An exclusive AFPTV report.
(NOTE : To Watch Double Click Here)
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MASADA’s DO OR DIE :
The Mother of All Battles ?
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The siege of Masada was among the final accords of the First Jewish-Roman War. The long siege by the troops of theRoman Empire led to the mass suicide of the Sicarii rebels and resident Jewish families of the Masada fortress. The siege has become a controversial event in Jewish history, marking radicalism on the one hand and heroic struggle on the other. (More Here) The Siege of Massada:
Documentary revists the myth of Massada in the light of new archeological discoveries
Peter O'Toole and Peter Strauss star in the Emmy Award-winning mini-series about the Romans' siege of the Jewish fortress at Masada. In first century A.D., Flavius Silva (Peter O'Toole), commander in Roman Palestine, leads his forces in combat against the remaining Jewish Zealots who have taken refuge in the seemingly impregnable fortress of Masada. There, the engineering and military might of Rome faces the passion and ingenuity of Eleazar Ben Yair (Peter Strauss) and his people. Based on the novel "The Antagonists" by Ernest K. Gann, this 4-part mini-series was shot on location in Israel.
Retribution :
Masada "The Leaders Meet" :
Generals Meet before Assault :
Recommended Readings:
Conflict threatens Syria's archaeological heritage (France 24) With its ancient fortresses, castles, mosques and markets, Syria bears the imprint of millennia of Middle Eastern history. But the current uprising is threatening some of the world’s most valuable heritage sites.
Profile of the City of Aleppo (bbc)
The Old Quarter of Aleppo is listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site. Its population of two million is made up mainly of Sunni Muslims, most of whom are Arabs but some of whom are Kurds. It also has the largest population of Christians in the country, and along with a mix of other religious and ethnic communities, the city's demographics largely mirror those of the country as a whole.As one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world - along with the capital, Damascus - and coloured with the stories of the many ancient travellers and merchants who passed through on their journeys along the famous Silk Road, Aleppo's beauty is hard to compare.
The medieval citadel and covered souk are two of its famous landmarks - both listed by Unesco as world heritage sites, which said it mirrored the rich and diverse cultures of its successive occupants.
Related Photo Essay:
In pictures : the Battle of Aleppo (bbc)
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Putin's propaganda, or ?
by Rea on Mon Aug 13, 2012 10:15 AM PDTPersonally, don't trust RT (Putin's spokesmen), but have a look.
In fact, it doesn't matter who did it. What matters is the hatred now prevalent in all of Syria.
//www.rt.com/news/syria-aleppo-post-video-476/
Fear and hunger in Aleppo
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Aug 13, 2012 08:00 AM PDTFear and hunger in Aleppo (bbc)
The old man hobbled past a burnt-out tank and slowly crossed the deserted road, calling for help. He was dressed in a full-length galabeya gown, his face worn by many Syrian summers and his head swaddled in a red and white checkered scarf.
Warplane crashes in eastern Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Aug 13, 2012 07:59 AM PDTWarplane crashes in eastern Syria (bbc)
A fighter jet crashes in eastern Syria, with state media blaming "technical problems" and rebels saying they shot down a plane in the area.
Arab League postpones Syria talks
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Aug 12, 2012 02:54 AM PDTArab League postpones Syria talks (bbc)
Foreign ministers of the Arab League postpone a meeting on the Syrian crisis, officials say, as fighting in key cities continues.
Syrian rebels defiant despite retreat from key districts
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 10, 2012 05:18 AM PDTSyrian rebels defiant despite retreat from key districts (france 24)
Syrian observers reported renewed shelling and air strikes in Aleppo on Friday, a day after rebels were driven out of the key district of Salaheddin by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.Syria rebels lose key Aleppo area
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Aug 09, 2012 08:39 AM PDTSyria rebels lose key Aleppo area (bbc)
Syria rebel commanders say they have lost control of the strategic Salah al-Din district in the northern city of Aleppo, as Iran hosts a summit on the crisis.
'New strikes' on Aleppo districts
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Aug 09, 2012 01:08 AM PDT'New strikes' on Aleppo districts (bbc)
Several districts of the Syrian city of Aleppo are hit by fresh bombardments, activists say, as Iran prepares to host its summit on the crisis.
Syria rebels admit clan executions
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 08, 2012 01:21 PM PDTSyria rebels admit clan executions (cnn, Video)
A Syrian rebel group has vowed to respect human rights, but the Tawheed brigade has claimed responsibility for the earlier execution of suspected Berri clan members in Aleppo. Warning: Graphic content.
Syria rebels vow to shun torture, abuse
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 08, 2012 12:46 PM PDTSyria rebels vow to shun torture (cnn)
(CNN) -- The rebel battalions and commanders battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime are signing a "code of conduct" pledging to refrain from torture and other human rights abuses, an opposition group said Wednesday.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Fierce fighting taking place in key Syrian city
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 08, 2012 12:43 PM PDTBattle rages in key Syrian city (bbc)
Fierce fighting is taking place in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, with government forces and rebels both claiming advances in a key district.
Syria crisis: Amnesty concerns over 'bombing' images
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 08, 2012 05:02 AM PDTAmnesty alarm at air strikes (bbc, VIDEO)
New satellite images show an increased use of heavy weapons in and around Syria's city of Aleppo, raising urgent concerns over the welfare of residents, Amnesty International has said.
Both government troops and rebels may be held criminally responsible for failing to protect civilians, Amnesty International warns.
Scott Edwards from the human rights group said whether UN monitors were in Aleppo or not, they had access to satellite imagery and could see what was happening on the ground.
Assad forces claim Aleppo advance
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 08, 2012 05:00 AM PDTAssad forces claim Aleppo advance (bbc)
Syrian state media say government forces have taken full control of a strategic district in the biggest city, Aleppo - a claim denied by the rebels.
Aleppo:'Something bad about to happen' say's Guardian journalist
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 08, 2012 03:18 AM PDTAleppo: 'Something bad about to happen' (bbc, Audio)
Satellite images show increased use of heavy weapons in Aleppo, raising urgent concerns over the welfare of Syrian civilians, Amnesty International says.
Guardian journalist Martin Chulov, who is in the Syrian city, says the streets of Aleppo are eerie and silent.
"It just says something bad is about to happen," he told the Today programme.
"The regime forces have entered en masse just inside the outskirts of the southern half of Aleppo.
"Refuse is teeming up on the streets. Traffic isn't moving. There's no petrol. People are terrified and it's a general sense of foreboding as this decisive battle looms."
Fighting rages in Syria's Aleppo
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 08, 2012 03:00 AM PDTFighting rages in Syria's Aleppo (bbc)
Heavy shelling and clashes between government forces and rebels have been reported in and around Syria's biggest city, Aleppo.
Government tanks have pushed into the strategically important district of Salah al-Din, meeting heavy resistance from rebels, reports say.
Video has emerged of buildings reduced to rubble, said to have been filmed after a bombardment near Aleppo.
The use of heavy weapons has been condemned by Amnesty International.
Jim Muir
BBC News, Beirut
Both government and opposition are reporting more shelling and clashes in Aleppo, where regime forces are trying to drive rebel fighters out of quarters they have taken over.
Activists say more than 40 people were killed in the city on Tuesday, mainly from bombardments by government forces.
Some of the worst-hit areas, especially the Salah al-Din quarter, have been heavily battered for many days now, and the destruction is huge, but armed rebels have managed to cling on there.
State television reported clashes in several areas, with heavy losses inflicted on what it called "armed terrorist groups", and it said government forces had repelled an attack by the rebels on the historic citadel in the old city centre.
Iran says retired Guards among hostages held in Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 08, 2012 02:58 AM PDTEx-Guards among Iranian hostages (bbc)
The Iranian foreign minister says a group of 48 Iranians abducted by rebels in Syria include a number of retired Revolutionary Guards.
Iran claims Syria part of 'axis of resistance'
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Aug 07, 2012 01:31 PM PDTIran claims Syria part of 'axis of resistance' (cnn)
Aleppo, Syria (CNN) -- Tensions spiked in the Middle East Tuesday as Iran extolled its "axis of resistance" with Syria, and the United States warned of proxy and terror activity.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
'State of panic' as bombs fall on Aleppo, Syria rebels say
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Aug 07, 2012 02:52 AM PDTSyria defiant after PM defects
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Aug 07, 2012 02:20 AM PDTSyria defiant after PM defects (bbc)
Syria's new cabinet meets after Prime Minister Riad Hijab defects and Iran steps up diplomatic moves, sending a key figure for talks with President Assad.
Syria 'crumbling' after PM's defection Western Powers say
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Aug 06, 2012 03:37 PM PDTSyria 'crumbling' as PM defects (bbc)
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Syria's prime minister 'defects'
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by Darius Kadivar on Sun Aug 05, 2012 06:17 AM PDTSyrian gunships 'pound rebels' in Aleppo (cnn)
The Syrian regime reportedly deploys artillery and "warplanes" to Aleppo as the war with increasingly bold rebels for control of the city intensifies.
'Fear of big push' in Aleppo
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Aug 05, 2012 03:53 AM PDT'Fear of big push' in Aleppo (bbc, Video)
Military sources in Syria say 20,000 troops are now massed in and around the city of Aleppo, where the army is fighting to drive out rebel forces.
Fighter jets, helicopter gunships, and artillery are already bombarding rebel positions, but the rebels are said to be well dug in.
In Damascus, the army says it has retaken the last rebel stronghold.
The BBC's Jim Muir reports from Beirut.
In pictures: Syrian fighting
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Aug 05, 2012 01:43 AM PDTIn pictures: Syrian fighting (bbc)
Fighting intensifies in Aleppo
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Aug 05, 2012 01:40 AM PDTFighting intensifies in Aleppo (bbc)
Some 20,000 Syrian troops are said to be massed around the northern city of Aleppo, as the government claims to have taken control of all of Damascus.
Turkey 'training Syrian rebels'
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Aug 04, 2012 09:17 AM PDTTurkey 'training Syrian rebels' (bbc, Video)
Just a few months ago, Thwaiba Kanafani was leading a normal life with her husband, six-year-old son and three-year-old daughter in Canada.
An engineer by training, she had been working in the oil industry.
But now she has left all that behind.
50 Iranian pilgrims abducted in Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Aug 04, 2012 09:04 AM PDTIran pilgrims abducted in Syria (bbc) Almost 50 Iranian pilgrims have been kidnapped near a Shia shrine in Syria, reports say, as fresh fighting hits the cities of Damascus and Aleppo.
Kurdish minority to seek regional autonomy in post-Assad Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Aug 04, 2012 04:30 AM PDTKurdish minority to seek regional autonomy in post-Assad Syria ...
Members of Syria's Kurdish minority are planning to set up an independent region in the country's north, a senior figure in the Syrian Kurdish opposition told Haaretz.Syria's 'forgotten Kurds' grab the spotlight
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Aug 04, 2012 04:22 AM PDTSyria's 'forgotten Kurds' grab the spotlight (france 24)
One of the unintended consequences of the Syrian uprising has been the rising political aspirations of Syria's minority Kurds, predominantly based near the Syrian-Turkish border. But across the frontier, Ankara is on high alert.Syria braces for onslaught as UN slams mediation failure
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Aug 04, 2012 04:15 AM PDTSyria braces for onslaught as UN slams mediation failure (France 24)
The UN warned of a major onslaught by the Syrian army on Saturday as troops launched offensives in both Aleppo and Damascus, just hours after Secretary General Kofi Annan quit as peace envoy and the General Assembly slammed failed mediation efforts.