Podcasts about alawites

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv PinkPantheresss album and Sir David Attenboroughs new film Whats coming up this week Woman missing since 1962 found alive and well Ed Sheeran thrills fans with surprise Ipswich gig Trump says he is not considering running for third term Five men arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, Met police says Brazil police thwart bomb attack on Lady Gaga concert Royal Family hopes nothing distracts from VE Day commemorations Layton Carr fire death children released on bail in Gateshead Syrian security forces oversaw armed civilians who killed Alawites, accused man says Reform considers legal challenges against asylum hotels

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv PinkPantheresss album and Sir David Attenboroughs new film Whats coming up this week Syrian security forces oversaw armed civilians who killed Alawites, accused man says Brazil police thwart bomb attack on Lady Gaga concert Five men arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, Met police says Trump says he is not considering running for third term Reform considers legal challenges against asylum hotels Royal Family hopes nothing distracts from VE Day commemorations Layton Carr fire death children released on bail in Gateshead Woman missing since 1962 found alive and well Ed Sheeran thrills fans with surprise Ipswich gig

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Layton Carr fire death children released on bail in Gateshead PinkPantheresss album and Sir David Attenboroughs new film Whats coming up this week Five men arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, Met police says Ed Sheeran thrills fans with surprise Ipswich gig Brazil police thwart bomb attack on Lady Gaga concert Woman missing since 1962 found alive and well Trump says he is not considering running for third term Syrian security forces oversaw armed civilians who killed Alawites, accused man says Reform considers legal challenges against asylum hotels Royal Family hopes nothing distracts from VE Day commemorations

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Five men arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, Met police says Reform considers legal challenges against asylum hotels Woman missing since 1962 found alive and well Layton Carr fire death children released on bail in Gateshead Brazil police thwart bomb attack on Lady Gaga concert Royal Family hopes nothing distracts from VE Day commemorations Ed Sheeran thrills fans with surprise Ipswich gig PinkPantheresss album and Sir David Attenboroughs new film Whats coming up this week Syrian security forces oversaw armed civilians who killed Alawites, accused man says Trump says he is not considering running for third term

This week on the Global Research News Hour, we turn our attention to the massive killings of Alawites, Sunnis and Christians continuing to take place in parts of Syria while the so-called pro-democratic Western media looks on with indifference, and continues to present the culprits, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham or HTS, as the 'new and improved regime. We spend most of our show in conversation with award-winning journalist and photographer Vanessa Beeley discussing the experiences of many who have been fleeing and of her own experience in mid-December. Then toward the end of our show, we are joined by military and geopolitical analyst Drago Bosnic to get insights from him on the broad goals of themain foreign power interests supporting HTS in Syria supposedly for the good of the people.

#SYRIA : RUSSIANS SHIELD ALAWITES FROM DAMASCUS JIHADISTS. 1925 SYRIA

Good evening; the show begins in the markets and stays on topic for the day's trade war chatter... 1945-1949 INDONESIA WAR OF INDEPENDENCE CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9:00-9:15 #MrMarket: VIX drops 20 points. Brett "Break the Glass" Arends, MarketWatch 9:15-9:30#Iran: What Trump must demand from Iran's nukes, chemical, missiles, assets. Andrea Stricher, FDD 9:30-9:45 #PRC: End of the market distortions and imbalance. Elaine Dezenski, FDD 9:45-10:00 #Populism: Left and right and Europe too. Peter Berkowitz SECOND HOUR 10:00-10:15 #Ukraine: Kursk salient and Russia information war. John Hardie, Bill Roggio, FDD10:15-10:30 #Ukraine: Partition and ceasefire debated, denied. John Hardie, Bill Roggio, FDD 10:30-10:45 #Iraq: Kataib Hezbollah decries Al Sharaa of Syria. Ahmad Sharawi, Bill Roggio, FDD 10:45-11:00 #Syria: Russians shield Alawites from Damascus jihadists. THIRD HOUR 11:00-11:15 #Houthis: Air campaign continues. BC 11:15-11:30 #Syria: Not improving. Bill Roggio, FDD. Husain Haqqani, Hudson 11:30-11:45 #NewWorldReport: Daniel Noboa of Ecuador needs everything. Joseph Humire @JMHumire @SecureFreeSoc. Ernesto Araujo, former Foreign Minister Republic of Brazil. #NewWorldReportHumire 11:45-12:00 #NewWorldReport: Jair Bolsonaro medical risks from the stabbing in 2018. Joseph Humire @JMHumire @SecureFreeSoc. Ernesto Araujo, former Foreign Minister Republic of Brazil. #NewWorldReportHumire FOURTH HOUR 12:00-12:15 #Malaysia: Xi inbound. Charles Ortel 12:15-12:30 #Indonesia: Vibrant growing manufacturer. Charles Ortel 12:30-12:45 #Japan: Weathering the trade war. Lance Gatling, Nexial Research. @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 12:45-1:00 AM #PRC: "Lose, lose." Anne Stevenson-Yang. @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill

DITCH YOUR DOCTOR! https://www.livelongerformula.com/wam Get a natural health practitioner and work with Christian Yordanov! Mention WAM and get a FREE masterclass! You will ALSO get a FREE metabolic function assessment! HELP SUPPORT US AS WE DOCUMENT HISTORY HERE: https://gogetfunding.com/help-wam-cover-history/ GET NON-MRNA FREEZE DRIED MEAT HERE: https://wambeef.com/ Use code WAMBEEF to save 20%! GET HEIRLOOM SEEDS & NON GMO SURVIVAL FOOD HERE: https://heavensharvest.com/ USE Code WAM to save 5% plus free shipping! GET YOUR APRICOT SEEDS at the life-saving Richardson Nutritional Center HERE: https://rncstore.com/r?id=bg8qc1 Josh Sigurdson reports on the newly leaked audio exposing the head of AIPAC among many members speaking off the record about how they control the United States government. AIPAC CEO Eliot Brandt admitted in the audio leak that he has "lifeline" access to Trump's top national security officials. The leak involves talk of stifling all pro-Palestinian influence in academia, stifling free speech, controlling AI and public discourse. This leak comes out ad President Trump appoints Chabad-Lubavitch Israeli born rabbi Yahuda Kaploun as the US Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. Essentially, a foreign agent was employed in the US government to stifle any free speech surrounding criticism of Israel. Many are calling this treason. This is the most woke free speech restriction we've seen as of yet. It should outrage the pro free speech groups yet most will bow to Trump and ignore it. Out of sight, out of mind right? Ignorance is bliss. Or should we say ignorance is strength as Orwell would say? Interestingly, this is becoming an incredibly Orwellian environment as pro free speech groups will cheer on the destruction of free speech as people are rounded up and deported for simply criticizing Israel. People who are legally in the United States we should add... This is happening as the USCIS expands social media screening for visa applicants to ensure none are critical of Israel. The Israeli government certainly controls US foreign policy. Netanyahu lobbied the US into the war in Iraq himself, making up the weapons of mass destruction myth. This lead to 2 million deaths and instability in the region which of course benefits Israel. They have killed around 100,000 women and children in Palestine throughout Gaza and elsewhere. They're devastating Lebanon. They just armed terrorists to takeover Syria as the CIA predicted in the 80s, attacking Alawites and Christians. They now have sights on Iran as the Greater Israel Project pushes forward. Conveniently, Trump, the so-called "peace president" who wants to cut wasteful spending announced alongside Netanyahu the largest defense spending budget ever. 1 trillion dollars. All to benefit Israel and devastate the Middle East. Welcome to the New World Order. Next stop, digital IDs and food rations. Stay tuned for more from WAM! Get local, healthy, pasture raised meat delivered to your door here: https://wildpastures.com/promos/save-20-for-life/bonus15?oid=6&affid=321 USE THE LINK & get 20% off for life and $15 off your first box! SIGN UP FOR HOMESTEADING COURSES NOW: https://freedomfarmers.com/link/17150/ Get Prepared & Start The Move Towards Real Independence With Curtis Stone's Courses! GET YOUR WAV WATCH HERE: https://buy.wavwatch.com/WAM Use Code WAM to save $100 and purchase amazing healing frequency technology! GET ORGANIC CHAGA MUSHROOMS HERE: https://alaskachaga.com/wam Use code WAM to save money! See shop for a wide range of products! GET AMAZING MEAT STICKS HERE: https://4db671-1e.myshopify.com/discount/WAM?rfsn=8425577.918561&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8425577.918561 USE CODE WAM TO SAVE MONEY! GET YOUR FREEDOM KELLY KETTLE KIT HERE: https://patriotprepared.com/shop/freedom-kettle/ Use Code WAM and enjoy many solutions for the outdoors in the face of the impending reset! BUY GOLD HERE: https://firstnationalbullion.com/schedule-consult/ PayPal: ancientwonderstelevision@gmail.com FIND OUR CoinTree page here: https://cointr.ee/joshsigurdson JOIN US on SubscribeStar here: https://www.subscribestar.com/world-alternative-media For subscriber only content! Pledge here! Just a dollar a month can help us alive! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=2652072&ty=h&u=2652072 BITCOIN ADDRESS: 18d1WEnYYhBRgZVbeyLr6UfiJhrQygcgNU World Alternative Media 2025    

It's Tuesday, April 8th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Horrific Muslim persecution of Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa The Gatestone Institute's International Policy Center has released its report on the persecution of Christians in Africa.   The report claims that the West is ignoring the carnage playing out in Sub-Sahara Africa, and that Muslim “Jihadists are murdering, raping, torturing, kidnapping, enslaving, and, in some instances, burning people alive — across Africa, and now in Syria.” The newly-installed Syrian government and the al-Qaeda-affiliated HTS terrorists, are still conducting door-to-door purges, massacring religious minorities in cruel, sadistic ways. Reliable reports indicate they have massacred 7,000 Christians and Alawites, a sect of Islam. And the death toll is still rising. Jihad is spreading in at least twelve African nations. Muslim jihadists beheaded 70 Christians in the Congo in February. Church leaders are targeted, abducted, tortured, and murdered. Christian villages have been burned down. Plus, pastors, priests and lay Christians have been abducted by the Islamist Allied Democratic Forces. More than 16.2 million Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa have been driven from their homes by jihadist violence and conflict. Women and girls are abducted, forced into "marriage," forced to convert to Islam, raped, and subjected to forced labor. Some are forced to act as suicide bombers or human shields at the hands of jihadis. Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province regularly attack, abduct, and murder Christians in Cameroon located in Central Africa. Churches have been set on fire and church leaders and seminary students kidnapped. Plus, the report claims that no Christian is safe in Burkina Faso, a country in West Africa.  Hundreds of churches there have been closed. The Muslim-run nation of Libya, in North Africa on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, countenances widespread slavery, forced labor, and human trafficking. Sharia law is strictly upheld. For a Muslim to convert to Christianity is a crime punishable by death. Any Libyan woman suspected of associating with Christians faces house arrest, sexual assault, forced marriage, or even death. Nigeria remains the worst example of Jihadist murder and mayhem. Tens of thousands of Christians have been murdered and thousands of women and girls have been abducted and subjected to sexual violence. But, do keep in mind what Jesus said in Matthew 16:18. He declared, “On this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” British Christian nurse in trouble for referring to confused man as man More outrageousness from the United Kingdom. A nurse has lost her job with the National Health Service because she was caught referring to a pedophile transgender person as a “Mister.” Nurse Jennifer Melle, age 40, was fired from her job in Carshalton, Surrey, after having to endure the patient hurling racial slurs at her. She added, “I am devastated to have been suspended. … Despite being the one placed at risk, I am the one being punished. The message I have received is clear: I am expected to tolerate racism, deny biological reality, and suppress my deeply-held Christian beliefs." Appearing on Free Speech Nation, she shared her Biblical convictions. MELLE: “I thank Jesus for giving me the courageous spirit, standing on the Word of God. According to the Word of God, Genesis 1:27 said, ‘God created a male and female.' I just stood by it. I said, ‘Well, I'm a Christian woman, and I love the Lord, and I know beyond male and female is an abomination to the Lord. And I can't do that.'” Represented by the Christian Legal Centre, Andrea Williams, its chief executive, criticized the National Health Service for allegedly focusing on trans ideology instead of protecting its staff from racial and physical abuse. U.S.-China tariff war heats up The tit-for-tat tariff war with China is heating up.   On Friday, China announced a 34% tariff on U.S. imports as an answer to President Trump's 34% reciprocal tariff. Yesterday, the U.S. president announced an additional tariff of 50% effective tomorrow, unless China backs down, reports CBS News. Aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, President Trump did not pull any punches. TRUMP: “When you look at the trade deficit that we have with certain countries, way over a billion [dollars] per country. With China, it's a trillion dollars. And we have to solve our trade deficit with China. We have a trillion dollar trade deficit with China. Hundreds of billions of dollars a year we lose with China. And unless we solve that problem, I'm not going to make a deal. “Now, I'm willing to deal with China, but they have to solve their surplus. We have a tremendous deficit problem with China. They have a surplus of at least a trillion dollars a year. And I want that solved. No other President has taken it on.” New Yorkers need “good moral character” before carrying handgun The U.S. Supreme Court let stand a New York law that requires residents to demonstrate “good moral character” before they are permitted to carry a handgun. The law requires applicants to have “the essential character, temperament and judgement necessary to be entrusted with a weapon and to use it only in a manner that does not endanger oneself or others.” Stocks, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq down U.S. stocks are down over the last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4,000 points, 11% down for the year.   And the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite was down by about 2,000 points, settling around 15,570 points on Monday evening. The Nasdaq is down 19% on the year, about where it was in November 2021.  Court awards 7,000 sexual abuse victims $4 billion in Los Angeles While the state-controlled foster care system is supposed to protect children, the unaccountable system, made up of sinful men and women, has become the predator. Last week, the courts awarded a record $4 billion against the Los Angeles County's juvenile detention and foster care system. The settlement was the largest of this kind, distributed to 7,000 plaintiffs — victims of unspeakable sexual abuse. L.A. officials have issued concerns that the fine might bankrupt the county.  The rise of America's “assassination culture” The Network of Contagion Research Institute and Rutgers University's Social Perception Lab have issued a report concerned with a rising “assassination culture” in the United States.  Especially troubling is the view that 31% of respondents stated it would be at least somewhat justifiable to murder Elon Musk.  And 38% said it would be at least somewhat justifiable to murder President Donald Trump. Among those who identify left of center, 48% to 55% would justify these assassinations. 22 million watched House of David finale And finally, the producers of the Amazon-released program, House of David, announced over the weekend, that the season finale had achieved #1 on Prime. WatchWonderProject took to Instagram with a message: “All glory to God!” Thus far, the program has brought in 22 million viewers. Of Amazon's new releases in 2025, House of David has taken the top position, holding its own in the top 10 for 38 days. Producer and writer for House of David, Jon Erwin, previously produced Christian films like October Baby, I Can Only Imagine, and American Underdog. The studio has announced a forthcoming Season 2. Let us not forget David's greater Son who reigns today, over all. Luke 1:32 declares, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of his father David.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, April 8th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ. Print stories British Prime Minister: Time to focus on Britain British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke yesterday, indicating an end to globalization, and a return to nation's focusing in on their own national interests, reports The Independent. He called the present times “a completely new world.”  Former Brazilian president thanked God for Trump's re-election Brazil's previous president Jair Bolsonaro addressed a peaceful protest of 40,000 in Sao Paulo over the weekend, thanking God publicly that Donald Trump was re-elected in the United States, reports Breitbart. Bolsonaro told the crowd, “I have nothing but gratitude for the two years we spent together in our respective presidencies.”

Today's HeadlinesJunta delays aid to earthquake impact zones, believers work toward reliefSectarian clashes in Syria send new wave of refugees to LebanonBiblical prophecy about Iran is a call to action

Today's HeadlinesMyanmar military declares ceasefire until April 22 to help quake survivorsFor Syrian Christians, prayer is a matter of life and deathMore than a letter: How a stay-at-home mom found purpose in prison ministry

The war against Hamas never really ended even though there was a temporary cease fire that did end at the beginning of the month, but active combat has surely begun again. Israel has attacked Hamas, the US has attacked the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel again, and Iran is in the driver's seat and in the crosshairs, Violence in Syria with the current Islamic leadership targeting and massacring Christians and Alawites, may turn many factions into warring enemies with risk of spilling over to Israel as well. All this is while the IDF Homefront Command has issued orders for Israelis to have their bomb shelters outfitted and stocked in case of emergency, and there are an array of domestic issues that complement and compound the international issues.· PLEASE DONATE TO THE GENESIS 123 FOUNDATION ISRAEL EMERGENCY FUND AT WWW.GENESIS123.CO For information about and how to register for Root & Branch, please go to www.RootandBranchIsrael.comConnect with the Genesis 123 Foundation at www.Genesis123.co FB - www.facebook.com/Genesis123Foundation Twitter - @Genesis123FIG - Genesis_123_FoundationFind out how you can be part of Run for Zion and bless Israel with every step at www.RunforZion.com

After the ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Karabakh, Azerbaijan has not had enough and through lies and false flag events, is setting the stage for its invasion of Armenia. This is how the EU's trade partner behaves, and the EU has done little to discourage genocidal dictator Aliyev from this course.Harut talks with me about the situation in Armenia as well as in Syria with regards to the Alawites. We know so much less than we think we know and if we only consume western news outlets, we will come to learn less and less and less.Thank you Harut for your time.TwoandaMic no longer clocking out!#RiseUpNote from Harut: All of the opinions I expressed are solely my own, and are not the opinion of any organization I associate with.I welcome opinions of every kind so please come and find me on social media at:Instagram: TwoandaMicTwitter: TwoandaMic1Should I really have to ask?

Today's HeadlinesArmy advances in Khartoum; RSF uses church as barracksMercy in the midst of Syria's devastation: “They entered all the houses except ours”Ministry equips Arab women to take up the weapon of peace

It's Friday, March 21st, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus 1,300 people killed in Syria last week More than 1,300 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the past week in Syria, reports Open Doors. The BBC reported that a UK-based monitor has identified that “830 civilians were killed in ‘massacres' targeting Alawites on the west coast on Friday and Saturday.” Based in the Middle East, the Alawites are a sect of Islam that venerates a Muslim imam known as Ali. Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, known for his brutal dictatorship, is an Alawite himself, as was his father. The recent violence began with pro-Assad forces who attacked soldiers associated with the new government of Syria. Isaiah 59:7 says, “Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways.” Although the violence doesn't seem to be targeting Syrian Christians, followers of Jesus are scared in the midst of the violence. That's why on Sunday, March 9, many churches did not hold their Sunday services. Trump dismantles Department of Education President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to start dismantling the Department of Education. TRUMP: “Today we take a very historic action that was 45 years in the making. In a few moments, I will sign an Executive Order to begin eliminating the Federal Department of Education once and for all. (applause) Everybody knows it's right.” Immediately after the signing, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said in a post on X that he will “submit legislation” to accomplish Trump's goal of shutting down the Department of Education “as soon as possible.” Attorney General Pam Bondi investigating Tesla attacks as terrorism On Tuesday morning, five Tesla vehicles were set on fire in Las Vegas with Molotov cocktails and shot with a gun at a Tesla Collision Center.  That was the tenth such attack on Teslas since Trump's inauguration on January 20th, reports Fox News.  The Left has also violently targeted Teslas or Tesla dealerships in Salem, Oregon, Loveland, Colorado, Owings Mills, Maryland, Littleton, Massachusetts, Tigard, Oregon, North Charlston, South Carolina, Seattle, Washington, Dedham, Massachusetts, and Kansas City, Missouri. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the recent spate of arson attacks and vandalism against Tesla vehicles "nothing short of domestic terrorism" and promised harsh punishments for perpetrators if they are caught, reports ABC News. There's been a clear uptick in attacks on Teslas and Tesla dealerships since President Donald Trump took office and empowered Elon Musk to oversee a new Department of Government Efficiency that's slashing government spending. Appearing on Fox News, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was direct. LEAVITT: “President Trump condemns this violence. He is determined to restore law and order in our country, and he will ensure that the harshest penalties are pursued for those who are engaging in this vicious violence that we have seen targeted at this American company, Tesla, dealerships, Tesla employees and also innocent Americans who have chosen to drive these vehicles, many of them, ironically, are likely Democrats. “There is a major double standard here. The Democrats used to be the greatest cheerleaders for electric vehicles and for Tesla, the company, until Elon Musk decided to support and vote for Donald Trump. “So, the Trump Derangement Syndrome from the Left is on true display with these attacks. It is getting dangerous, and the White House wholeheartedly condemns it, and we applaud Attorney General Pam Bondi for investigating these acts as domestic terrorism, because that is what they are.” Will Dr. Oz support abortion and transgenderism now? Senate confirmation proceedings are underway for Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Donald Trump's choice for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri is seeking answers about the TV personality's past liberal stances on abortion and transgender issues, reports LifeSiteNews.com. As recently as 2019, Oz had attacked abortion bans because he disputed that the heartbeat begins at six weeks gestation despite scientific proof. Appearing on The Breakfast Club radio show, Oz also indicated that fetal viability was the only reasonable benchmark for gestational protection. OZ: “If the child was viable outside the womb, then you don't want to kill that child. If the child was not going to be able to survive outside the mom, then the mom runs the show. This is a hard issue for everybody. I get it. But just being logical about it, if you think that the moment of conception, you've got a life, then why would you even wait six weeks?” Later, Dr. Oz made this remark. OZ: “If someone, deep in their heart, feels that the moment of conception is a human life, and they just can't deal with that life being harmed, they got to be heard. They can't get ignored. But that doesn't mean that's what the rule of the land is.” Plus, in 2010, Oz emerged as a critical, early backer of “transitioning” gender-confused minors, running an hour-long special about “transgender children” that promoted a 15-year-old girl who had undergone a double mastectomy at age 14 and an eight-year-old boy being raised as a girl named “Josie.” Over the course of his 2022 Senatorial campaign, Oz backtracked on both issues, declaring himself “100% Pro-Life” and denying that he supported transitioning minors, claiming that his hosting of the opposite position did not constitute endorsement. Steve Lawson: “I have sinned grievously.” And finally, former Pastor Steven Lawson, age 73, a prominent figure in the Reformed/Calvinist movement, has acknowledged that he has “sinned grievously,” speaking out for the first time about the September 20th scandal that removed him from ministry, reports The Christian Post.  Once a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries and the dean of Doctor of Ministry Studies at The Master's Seminary, Lawson, a married man, allegedly had a 5-year affair with a woman in her late 20s. In a series of now-deleted X posts, Phil Johnson, Director of Grace to You with John MacArthur, said last September that Lawson only informed the elders at Trinity Bible Church after "the girl's father had confronted Steve and threatened exposure. This was not a noble confession.” In an X post this past Wednesday, Lawson wrote: “I have sinned grievously against the Lord, against my wife, my family, and against countless numbers of you by having a sinful relationship with a woman not my wife. I am deeply broken that I have betrayed and deceived my wife, devastated my children, brought shame to the name of Christ, reproach upon His church, and harm to many ministries.” Lawson added, “I have been undergoing extensive counseling for the last five months to face the hard questions I need to address. I have dealt with sin issues that have been painfully exposed in my heart. I have submitted myself in weekly accountability to two pastors and to the elders of a local congregation, who have shepherded my soul.” 1 Timothy 3:1-2 says, “Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, March 21st, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Our Syria correspondents travelled to the country's western coastal province of Latakia, which was the scene of the shocking massacre of civilians from the Alawite minority between March 7 and 9. They bring us this exclusive report.

Executive Director of the Philos Project, Luke Moon, joins Joseph Backholm to unpack the latest developments in Syria. With HTS overthrowing the Assad regime after 54 years, they explore whether the new rule is any better - or just as bad. Luke breaks down the roots of the civil war, the role of the Alawites, and why Christians are being targeted. We also examine HTS’s origins, the broader Sunni-Shia conflict, and how this power shift in Syria might be influencing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Tune in for a deep dive into the complexities of Syria’s ongoing turmoil.

Executive Director of the Philos Project, Luke Moon, joins Joseph Backholm to unpack the latest developments in Syria. With HTS overthrowing the Assad regime after 54 years, they explore whether the new rule is any better - or just as bad. Luke breaks down the roots of the civil war, the role of the Alawites, and why Christians are being targeted. We also examine HTS's origins, the broader Sunni-Shia conflict, and how this power shift in Syria might be influencing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Tune in for a deep dive into the complexities of Syria's ongoing turmoil.

Executive Director of the Philos Project, Luke Moon, joins Joseph Backholm to unpack the latest developments in Syria. With HTS overthrowing the Assad regime after 54 years, they explore whether the new rule is any better - or just as bad. Luke breaks down the roots of the civil war, the role of the Alawites, and why Christians are being targeted. We also examine HTS’s origins, the broader Sunni-Shia conflict, and how this power shift in Syria might be influencing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Tune in for a deep dive into the complexities of Syria’s ongoing turmoil.

HELP SUPPORT US AS WE DOCUMENT HISTORY HERE: https://gogetfunding.com/help-wam-cover-history/ GET NON-MRNA FREEZE DRIED MEAT HERE: https://wambeef.com/ Use code WAMBEEF to save 20%! GET HEIRLOOM SEEDS & NON GMO SURVIVAL FOOD HERE: https://heavensharvest.com/ USE Code WAM to save 5% plus free shipping! Get local, healthy, pasture raised meat delivered to your door here: https://wildpastures.com/promos/save-20-for-life/bonus15?oid=6&affid=321 USE THE LINK & get 20% off for life and $15 off your first box! GET YOUR APRICOT SEEDS at the life-saving Richardson Nutritional Center HERE: https://rncstore.com/r?id=bg8qc1 Josh Sigurdson reports on the end of the fake Israel-Hamas "ceasefire" as Israel rains bombs down over Gaza and throughout Palestine killing around 400 civilians, at least half of whom are women and children. As Trump annexes Palestine to build resorts and an amusement park, the scripted genocide continues and the world moves closer to all out global conflict and war. Syria has been taken over as 1980s CIA documents claimed by Wahabi terrorists armed and funded by Israel as Alawites, Sunnis and Christians are tortured and murdered in the streets. Yemen remains under attack as Houthis face off against the US military and Israel, destroying shipping paths and endangering the food supply. Mass migration is kicking off due to this scripted event and the world moves closer to a war with Iran, one of Russia and China's top allies. This shifts the world closer to a Great Reset based on emergency orders as well as gives Israel their "Greater Israel Project" outcome. What we're witnessing is entirely manufactured and has been for decades. It's pure evil and the real war is on humanity itself. Get prepared now. Trump is owned like every president. That's why it was a "national security issue" releasing the so-called Epstein files. He was a Mossad blackmail agent. The JFK files will have similar problems, distracting us from who really runs the show. Stay tuned for more from WAM! SIGN UP FOR HOMESTEADING COURSES NOW: https://freedomfarmers.com/link/17150/ Get Prepared & Start The Move Towards Real Independence With Curtis Stone's Courses! GET YOUR WAV WATCH HERE: https://buy.wavwatch.com/WAM Use Code WAM to save $100 and purchase amazing healing frequency technology! GET ORGANIC CHAGA MUSHROOMS HERE: https://alaskachaga.com/wam Use code WAM to save money! See shop for a wide range of products! GET AMAZING MEAT STICKS HERE: https://4db671-1e.myshopify.com/discount/WAM?rfsn=8425577.918561&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8425577.918561 USE CODE WAM TO SAVE MONEY! GET YOUR FREEDOM KELLY KETTLE KIT HERE: https://patriotprepared.com/shop/freedom-kettle/ Use Code WAM and enjoy many solutions for the outdoors in the face of the impending reset! BUY GOLD HERE: https://firstnationalbullion.com/schedule-consult/ PayPal: ancientwonderstelevision@gmail.com FIND OUR CoinTree page here: https://cointr.ee/joshsigurdson JOIN US on SubscribeStar here: https://www.subscribestar.com/world-alternative-media For subscriber only content! Pledge here! Just a dollar a month can help us alive! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=2652072&ty=h&u=2652072 BITCOIN ADDRESS: 18d1WEnYYhBRgZVbeyLr6UfiJhrQygcgNU World Alternative Media 2025

Government-backed paramilitary forces (supported by Turkey) in Syria's Alawite enclave brutally suppressed the Alawite opposition. The Alawites are now seeking protection at Russian military bases as the Sunni-led government consolidates power.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/a-fresh-mess-in-syria

The situation in Syria is likely worse than you know. Over the last week, jihadist militants have savagely attacked religious minorities, eliminating thousands of civilians in just a matter of days. Women, children, entire families – were dispatched in their homes and in the streets. Many of the bodies have been dumped into mass graves. Thevideos and photos capturing these scenes in Syria are ghoulish. The savagery bears all the hallmarks of a genocide. The Alawites, a religious minority group similar to Shi'iteMuslims, were primarily targeted in these pogroms. Yet other minorities, including Christians, were swept up in the violence. Sadly, most Christians around the world know little – ifanything – about what is going on. Others are confused. To help raise awareness, we are providing this brief update on what's happening in Syria.  Take courage! The Church is not doomed in Syria. Many Christians are standing their ground in Syria, even if they are scared. Not only that, but many from different religious backgrounds are seeking the truth and finding Christ. We serve the Lord who penetrates darkness with light. But the Church in Syria needs help. Please share about whatis going on, so other Christians can know and pray accordingly. If you find this episode helpful, please give us a positive rating and review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Also share this episode with a friend so they too can be blessed by these insights. To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following:Christian Emergency Alliance (Website)Christian Emergency Alliance (Twitter / X)Christian Emergency Alliance (Facebook)Christian Emergency Alliance (Instagram)The Christian Emergency Podcast is aproduction of the Christian Emergency Alliance.Soli Deo Gloria

A version of this essay was published by firstpost.com at https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/shadow-warrior-britains-outsized-malign-role-in-global-chaos-13872084.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialBeing a keen observer of the United Kingdom, I have lately noticed a few apparently unconnected events with dismay. If I were to connect the dots, it begins to appear that Britain has had an outsize influence on international affairs. Maybe the James Bond meme isn't the total fantasy I had assumed it was: a juvenile wet dream about nubile maidens and irresistible heroes bumping off sundry villains.The reality appears to be quite impressive. This tiny, rainy island off Northwest Asia has been running quite a number of worldwide schemes. Its administrative center, Whitehall, manages a global web of intrigue and narrative-building, and has created a number of ‘imperial fortresses', thus punching above its weight-classOne of their principal assets in gaslighting others is the BBC (not to mention their plummy accents that, for example, make Americans just melt). The BBC has a sterling reputation which does not seem well-deserved. There have been many instances of motivated bias (eg. in their Brexit or India coverage), lack of integrity (eg. sexual transgressions by senior staff) and so on. In reality, it is about as unabashed at pushing its agenda as Al Jazeera is about its own.Admittedly, Britain has made one major blunder along the way, though: Brexit, which left them in trisanku mode, sort of adrift mid-Atlantic. They were distancing themselves from the European Union, counting on their so-called ‘special relationship' with the US to sustain them, away from what they perceived, correctly, as a declining and disunited Europe. They also thought they could dominate their former colonies again (see the frantic pursuit of a Free Trade Agreement with India?) without onerous EU rules. Sadly, none of this quite worked out.The reason is a fundamental problem: there is not much of a market for British goods any more. Indians once coveted British products as status symbols, but today, with the possible exceptions of Rolls Royce cars and single-malt whiskey, there's very little anybody wants from them. They still do good R&D, make aircraft engines (India could use that technology), and their apparently for-hire journalism is well-known, but that's about it.On the other hand, they have managed to stay entrenched in the international financial system, starting with colonial loot, especially the $45 trillion they are believed to have taken from India. It is rumored that they used stolen Indian gold to buy distressed assets in the US after the Civil War. It is possible they had the same game plan for Ukraine: acquire rich agricultural land and mineral deposits at distressed prices. Some point to the port of Odessa as another targetUkraine: bad faith actor?It is remarkable how Boris Johnson, then PM of UK, is alleged to have single-handedly ruined the chance of a ceasefire in April 2022 during his visit to Kiev in the early days of the Ukraine war, when there was a chance of a negotiated cessation of hostilities with all parties adhering to the Minsk 1 and 2 agreements.In January, just before President Trump took office, UK PM Starmer signed a minerals agreement with Ukraine as part of a “100-Year Partnership” that appears to pre-emptively undercut Trump's proposed $500-billion US deal. That lends credence to allegations about the UK's coveting minerals, as well as its not being interested in ending the tragic war.Gold: is it all there?The UK does have a thing for tangible assets, including gold. A lot of the world's gold (5000 metric tons) is supposedly held in secure custody in London. But there are fears that this may not physically be there in the vaults of the Bank of England any more. They may have indulged in ‘gold leasing', where the actual gold ends up being replaced by paper promises after it is lent out to bullion banks, from where it may be moved around and be inaccessibleExtraordinary delays in gold deliveries in 2025 (on withdrawals to New York triggered by tariff fears) increase this concern. There is a lack of transparency in transactions in the metal in the UK. Spooked, many countries are taking their gold back. India repatriated 200+ tons of its own gold from London in 2024. Venezuela is fighting a court battle to get its gold back.Then there are concerns raised by the arguably unfair freezing of Russian assets held abroad as part of Ukraine-war sanctions: Starmer recently promised to give Ukraine $2 billion, basically the interest generated by those assets. This doesn't sound quite right, and has dented the image of London as a reliable financial hub. Brexit was a blow; the rise of Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai and Zurich all threaten the City of London, but it is second only to New York, still.Imperial Fortresses galoreAnother win for the British was the selection of Mark Carney, a former Bank of England governor, as the Prime Minister of Canada. The Anglosphere continues to be dominated by the UK, although the Commonwealth is a club that serves no particular purpose any more, except as a curious relic of the British empire.This highlights the concept of ‘imperial fortresses': far-flung outposts that have helped sustain British military power and diplomatic clout despite the loss of empire. Traditionally, these were naval bases/garrisons such as those in Malta, Gibraltar, Bermuda, etc. that allowed Britain to keep an eye on the ‘restless natives'. However, I contend that the entire Anglosphere has been treated as imperial fortresses by them.Canada, Australia and New Zealand still continue to have the British King as their Head of State, which is astonishing for supposedly sovereign nations. But it's far more interesting that, in effect, the US has been treated as another vassal by the Brits, pillow-talked into doing things that are generally only in the interests of Britain. All that pomp and circumstance has beguiled poor Americans. Whitehall, I assert, have been Svengalis to Foggy Bottom.Master Blaster blowback?The other metaphor is from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), where "Master Blaster" is a literal duo: Master, a cunning dwarf, and Blaster, his brawny, enforcer bodyguard. The Americans unwittingly have provided the muscle to the calculating dwarf's machinations, which generally end up mostly benefiting the latterBut there is yet another imperial fortress that we should consider: Pakistan. It was created expressly to be a geographically well-placed client state for the Brits to continue their 19th century Great Game from afar to checkmate Russia, and incidentally to contain India. From that point of view, Pakistan has been a successful imperial outpost, notwithstanding the fact that it, despite decades of US largesse, is a failing state (see the Baloch train hijack recently).This is part of the reason why Americans have a hard time explaining why they get involved in Pakistan and Afghanistan again and again to their ultimate regret, with painful exits. They have been induced to do this by the clever Brits, who, quite evidently, sided with Muslims against Hindus in the sub-continent, for instance in the British-led merger of Gilgit-Baltistan into Pakistan, contrary to the Instrument of Accession.There is considerable irony in all this, because one could argue that Pakistani-origin Brits have now done a ‘reverse master-blaster' to the Brits. That sounds eerily like the ‘reverse-Kissinger' that Trump is supposed to be doing. Or maybe it is a ‘recursive master-blaster', although the mind boggles at that.Consider the facts: UK rape-gangs are almost entirely of Pakistani origin; several current mayors (including Sadiq Khan in London) and past mayors are of that ethnicity, indicating a powerful vote-bank; they have at least 15 MPs and a large number of councillors.There's Pakistani-origin Sir Mufti Hamid Patel, the chair of the Office of Standards in Education; Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary; Humza Yusuf, the former First Minister of Scotland. This imperial fortress is fighting back, indeed, and winning. The UK may not have quite anticipated this outcome.The American vassal-state is also beginning to rebel. Trump was personally incensed by the fact that Starmer sent 50 Labor operatives to work against him in the 2024 US elections: their interactions have been a little frosty.Khalil, an embedded asset?Then there is the case of a current cause celebre in the US, Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent. He has been accused of leading violent anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, and detained on that count. Interestingly, he had a security clearance from the UK, and was part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, living in Beirut and leading a scholarship program for Syrians. Yes, Syria.And then Khalil suddenly showed up with a green card (not a student visa), got married to a US citizen named Noor Abdalla, finished his program at Columbia, and so on. To me, all this sounds like it was facilitated, and that he has certain powerful foreign friends. No prizes for guessing who they were.Iraq, Libya and Syria: Humanitarian crisesSpeaking of Syria, Whitehall spent at least 350 million pounds sterling between 2011 and 2024 in regime-change activities targeting the Assad government, according to Declassified UK.The UK's meddling in the Middle East, going back to the Sykes-Picot carving up of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, and mandates in Palestine and Iraq, and even earlier to the antics of T E Lawrence, was clearly intended to advance and sustain British interests in, and influence on, the region. Which is not unreasonable.The sad fact, though, is that it appears the British have actively fomented, or been deeply involved in, a lot of the military misadventures that have turned the region into a mess of human misery. To take relatively recent history, the invasions of Iraq, Libya, and now of Syria were arguably dreamt up or at least actively supported by Britain.The invasion of Iraq was certainly endorsed by Tony Blair's infamous September 2002 dossier about Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMD), which turned out to be imaginary, but then, lo! Saddam Hussein was overthrown and killed.The invasion of Libya saw Britain take on an even more active role. David Cameron and France's Nicolas Sarkozy in effect prodded a somewhat reluctant Barack Obama to invade, even co-drafting the UN Security Council Resolution 1973 in 2011 that was the formal permission for the war. The net result was the killing of Muammar Gaddafi.In the case of Syria, Britain began covert operations in 2012, with MI6 allegedly organizing arms shipments, training and coordination of groups opposed to the Assad regime. The sudden fall of Assad in December 2024, driven by groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that Britain indirectly supported, underscores the successful outcomes of this policy.In all three cases, a secular dictatorship was overthrown and religious extremists took over. Earlier, civilians had reasonably prosperous lives; women were generally educated and present in the workforce. After the regime changes, all three are bombed-out hellholes, with no rights for women or religious minorities. In particular, the latter have been consistently subjected to massacres, as in the recent large-scale executions of Alawites in Syria.Even though Americans were the principal players in all these cases, the impression is that British Whitehall's gaslighting of their US counterparts in Foggy Bottom could well have tipped the scales and turned skirmishes into outright war and disaster.Thus it is clear that Britain is still a formidable player in the world of international relations, despite the loss of empire and relative decline. It is unfortunate, however, that the net result of its actions is to add to entropy and chaos and the loss of human lives and rights. Perfidious Albion it still is.1950 words, Mar 16, 2025AI-generated podcast from NotebookLM.google.com: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe

This week on the news roundup: the Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that global sea ice fell to the lowest level ever recorded in February (1:18); Alawites in northwestern Syria have been massacred over several days (3:19) while the government and SDF cut a deal (6:49); Israel intensifies its blockade of Gaza (9:38) as the US proposes a new compromise for the Strip (10:55); Armenia and Azerbaijan look to be on the cusp of a peace agreement (14:31); the Philippines arrests former president Rodrigo Duterte on an ICC warrant (16:30); Trump and China's Xi Jinping might hold a summit in June (19:23); the crisis in South Sudan continues to worsen (21:03); the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and M23 armed group look to hold peace talks (23:31); in Russia-Ukraine, the US and Ukraine produce a ceasefire proposal (25:15) while Russia retakes most of Kursk Oblast (29:46); Trump might be preparing to invade Panama (31:45); Canada elects a new prime minister (33:43); Trump continues to escalate the trade war (37:07); and former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will become Harvard's inaugural Kissinger Professor of the Practice of Statecraft and World Order (39:32). Subscribe now for an ad-free experience and much more content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Townhall Review – March 15, 2025

This week on the news roundup: the Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that global sea ice fell to the lowest level ever recorded in February (1:18); Alawites in northwestern Syria have been massacred over several days (3:19) while the government and SDF cut a deal (6:49); Israel intensifies its blockade of Gaza (9:38) as the US proposes a new compromise for the Strip (10:55); Armenia and Azerbaijan look to be on the cusp of a peace agreement (14:31); the Philippines arrests former president Rodrigo Duterte on an ICC warrant (16:30); Trump and China's Xi Jinping might hold a summit in June (19:23); the crisis in South Sudan continues to worsen (21:03); the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and M23 armed group look to hold peace talks (23:31); in Russia-Ukraine, the US and Ukraine produce a ceasefire proposal (25:15) while Russia retakes most of Kursk Oblast (29:46); Trump might be preparing to invade Panama (31:45); Canada elects a new prime minister (33:37); Trump continues to escalate the trade war (37:01); and former US national security advisor Jake Sullivan will become Harvard's inaugural Kissinger professor of the practice of statecraft and world order (39:26).Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

With Russia winning on the battlefield and Volodomyr Zelensky still insisting on a return to pre-2014 borders, the odds of lasting peace in Ukraine look slim.5) Russia has little incentive to agree to 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine; 4) More than 7,000 Alawites and Christians reportedly killed by Sunnis in Syria; 3) Israel sends truckloads of food aid to Druze in southern Syria; 2) Senate Democrats try to hold up budget deal; 1) Rosie O'Donnell makes good on promise to leave US if Trump elected president.FOLLOW US!X: @WatchSkyWatchTV | @Five_In_TenYouTube: @SkyWatchTelevision | @SimplyHIS | @FiveInTenRumble: @SkyWatchTVFacebook: @SkyWatchTV | @SimplyHIS | @EdensEssentialsInstagram: @SkyWatchTV | @SimplyHisShow | @EdensEssentialsUSATikTok: @SkyWatchTV | @SimplyHisShow | @EdensEssentialsSkyWatchTV.com | SkyWatchTVStore.com | EdensEssentials.com | WhisperingPoniesRanch.com

//The Wire//2300Z March 12, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: POTENTIAL FOR UKRAINE PEACE TALKS INCREASES. TRADE WARS REMAIN AS BEFORE. VIOLENCE IN SYRIA CONTINUES TO ESCALATE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Syria: The violence continues as before. Most of the killing remains focused in the northwestern regions of the country. AC: Some reports claim the killing has resulted in the murder of around 7,000 Alawites and Christians, however for obvious reasons this is impossible to independently verify.Ukraine: US State Department rhetoric over the past few days has suggested an increased likelihood for peace talks, with diplomats on all sides engaging in talks and floating the idea of a 30-day ceasefire while negotiations are ongoing. Ukraine's Zelenskyy has reportedly sent an apology letter to President Trump, though the contents of the letter have not yet been made public. In response, Trump has invited Zelenskyy back to the White House for ongoing negotiations.Europe: British media outlets reported that the captain of the M/V SOLONG has been arrested in the United Kingdom following the collision with the American tanker M/V STENA IMMACULATE. Media outlets have also reported that the captain is of Russian nationality, though this hasn't been independently confirmed.-HomeFront-USA: Canada announced a new round of tit-for-tat economic tariffs on assorted goods imported into the United States. AC: Most media outlets report that the tariffs will affect around $30 billion worth of goods, mostly in the form of motorcycles, alcohol, and sports equipment.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: In Ukraine, even though a peace agreement will take some time to negotiate, a temporary ceasefire will be easier to implement first. However, in a conflict where one nation is a superpower, and the other nation is not, that superpower is going to want some concessions to come to the table in the first place. It does not make it right or moral, but this is the way it is. In short, Russia wants peace on her terms...just because Ukraine might be getting ready for peace doesn't mean that the same offers are on the table anymore. Ukraine continuing the fight up until the exact moment they are ready for peace does not automatically mean that this timing will be acceptable by Russia. While the United States fixates on getting Zelenskyy on board (or ousted from office if that isn't an option), this alone is not the only barrier to peace. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov alluded to as much this morning, in which he said "let's not get ahead of ourselves" when asked about the potential for a 30-day ceasefire potentially coming into effect. However, most notably, the Kremlin's official first reaction to the potential for a ceasefire is not a "no", which is substantial progress over the past few years. Time will tell what the conditions for a ceasefire will be, and whether or not Russia will accept them. The prospects of this might be challenging due to the subtle messages conveyed to the West during Putin's recent visit to the Kursk region which has been host to Ukraine's own counter-invasion for a few months. Putin himself made the trip while wearing a camouflaged military uniform instead of his traditional suit and tie, which is very likely intended to convey his diplomatic position in a classic Russian manner. In short, the White House makes a big deal about Zelenskyy not wearing a suit during diplomatic talks, and a few days later Putin (who almost always wears a suit normally) shows up in Kursk in full military uniform, something he rarely does. This has also been amplified by reports this afternoon of President Putin rejecting all notions of peacekeepers in Ukraine; an idea which either directly contradicts what President Trump stated a few weeks ago, or indicates that Putin has changed the terms of what he deems to be an acceptable peace

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiwarcom/Phone bank for Defend the Guard: https://defendtheguard.us/phonebankChapters00:00 - Intro00:21 - Russia Waits for Details on 30-Day Ceasefire03:41 - Zelensky Says He Won't Agree to Territorial Concessions05:49 - Russian Commander: Ukrainian Forces Surrounded in Kursk08:32 - Killing of Alawite Civilians in Syria Continues11:45 - US Encouraged Kurds To Sign Deal With Syrian Government15:37 - MSF Condemns Israeli Siege of Gaza17:41 - Trump: Chuck Schumer Is a 'Palestinian, Not Jewish Anymore'21:10 - US Gave Israel Freehand To Attack Lebanon23:22 - Iran Receives Trump Letter, Rejects Talks25:20 - EU Retaliates Against Trump's Trade Moves27:12 - Daniel Davis Smeared, Dropped From DNI Job30:59 - Viewpoints/Outro

Trump is losing it bigly. He's being fooled or he's fooling us over Ukraine ceasefire. The Syrian pogrom. 'Christians to Beirut, Alawites to the grave.' The ghoulish truth. They want to drive them into the sea. 'We predicted it would happen.' Syrian Girl on the m*rders of the minorities, captured on the cameras of the killers. It cannot be denied.Scott Ritter: Former UN Weapons Inspector and Marine Corps Intelligence Officer, Author and Political Analyst.- Twitter: https://twitter.com/realscottritter- Rumble: https://rumble.com/v27scfr-scott-ritter-extra-ep.-41-ask-the-inspector.html@Scott Ritter Extra - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ScottRitterAgain- Website: ScottRitterExtra.com- Telegram: https://t.me/ScottRitter Become a MOATS Graduate at https://plus.acast.com/s/moatswithgorgegalloway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The wave of sectarian violence that gripped Syria last week has marred the image of the country's new Islamist president, Ahmad al-Sharaa.Could the government have done more to prevent it? French academic Fabrice Balanche says it absolutely could have.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's HeadlinesThe fallout continues from killings in SyriaOver half of Sudan's population needs help to surviveWhat makes men truly courageous? A program for Muslim men navigating tough questions

Today we speak to a young Syrian man named Ahmad (identity hidden). He witnessed the recent HTS masscres of Alawites first hand. This is his story. No ads and loads of bonus: www.patreon.com/popularfront Discounted internet privacy for all our listeners: www.protonvpn.com/popularfront - Info: www.popularfront.co - Merch: www.popularfront.shop - News: www.instagram.com/popular.front - Jake: www.jakehanrahan.com  

Max Blumenthal tells RT that legacy media shows little interest in the reality of the brutal violence against minorities in Syria by the ruling military junta.

Horrifying attacks on Alawites, the sect of deposed leader Bashar al-Assad, throw into question the power—or the will—of Ahmed al-Sharaa, the country's leader, to maintain peace. For the first time in decades it now makes more sense to pay off a mortgage early (10:36). And high-end satellite data, once the preserve only of spies, could soon be available to all (16:19).Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Horrifying attacks on Alawites, the sect of deposed leader Bashar al-Assad, throw into question the power—or the will—of Ahmed al-Sharaa, the country's leader, to maintain peace. For the first time in decades it now makes more sense to pay off a mortgage early (10:36). And high-end satellite data, once the preserve only of spies, could soon be available to all (16:19).Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

The past several days have seen horrifying sectarian massacres in Syria. Over 1,000 people have been killed, mostly Alawites and some Christians, in Latakia and Tartus. The perpetrators? Sectarian death squads from HTS, led by Syria's new president, Mohammed al-Jolani—formerly the leader of Al-Qaeda in Syria.Western media is whitewashing these atrocities, falsely framing them as “revenge” against pro-Assad remnants. But the truth is clear: Syria is now controlled by Salafi jihadists who openly target minorities. How did this happen? What is the reality on the ground? And why is the media complicit in covering up genocide?Veteran war correspondent Elijah Magnier joins Dispatches for a special live episode to break down the facts the media won't tell you.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiwarcom/Phone bank for Defend the Guard: https://defendtheguard.us/phonebankChapters00:00 - Intro00:21 - Syria's HTS Ops Against Alawites Over, 1,300 Killed04:31 - US-Backed Kurds Reach Deal To Merge With HTS Government07:30 - Israel Condemns Syria Government as 'Al-Qaeda Terrorists'09:15 - Top US Senator Has 'Never Been More Worried About Syria'11:16 - Trump Vows More Arrests for Pro-Palestine Acts18:24 - Hamas Says It's Showing 'Flexibility' in Talks With Mediators, US20:31 - Iran Slams US for Ending Iraq Electricity Waiver22:05 - Hezbollah Chief Addresses Israeli Occupation of South Lebanon23:15 - Rubio: 83% of USAID Programs Cancelled24:34 - Trump Says US Can't Cut Military Spending Now26:58 - Protests in Romania After Georgescu's Candidacy Rejected28:38 - Viewpoints/Outro

In a part of Syria that had been a stronghold of deposed dictator Bashar Al-Assad, there has been a wave of violence against Alawites, the religious minority of the Assad family. Hundreds of Alawites have been killed and hundreds more have fled their homes in fear. The episode highlights the challenges the new government in Syria faces in uniting the country. But as we learn from an incident in a different Alawite community, this isn't the first episode of violence against the sect.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Send us a textA devastating humanitarian crisis unfolds silently in Syria as more than 10,000 Alawites, Christians and Kurds have been brutally slaughtered in coastal regions. Why does this massacre fail to generate global outrage? The contrast between worldwide protests when Israel is involved in conflict versus the deafening silence when "Arabs kill Arabs" reveals a disturbing double standard in our moral compass.I share critical insights from Amir Safati's recent report, highlighting an extraordinary development: Alawite leaders in Syria, traditionally aligned with Assad, Hezbollah, and Iran, have formally reached out to Israel for protection. Their letter, addressed to Prime Minister Netanyahu, acknowledges Israel as the only nation speaking out against their genocide. This remarkable shift demonstrates how extreme suffering can transform longstanding enmities into unexpected alliances.Turkey's role in supporting extremist factions carries profound prophetic implications, particularly in light of Ezekiel's prophecies about future invasions of Israel. The regional realignment we're witnessing, with Turkey backing jihadist elements while persecuted minorities turn to Israel, aligns with biblical warnings about end times scenarios. This connects directly to Jesus's predictions in Matthew 24 about increasing lawlessness, hatred, and the great falling away from truth.We live in times where objective reality is increasingly rejected in favor of subjective perspectives, creating a supernatural level of deception that blinds people to obvious truths. As believers navigating these turbulent waters, we must maintain spiritual awareness while continuing to fulfill our daily responsibilities. Prayer and discernment remain our essential tools for remaining "light and salt in a world gone mad."Subscribe to Chronicles of the End Times for ongoing analysis of world events through a biblical lens, and join me in praying for those facing unspeakable persecution in regions forgotten by mainstream attention.Support the show

Since around 1 pm on Friday, there have been ongoing mass killings of the Alawites in Latakia, village by village, by HTS. Systematically killing the men and kidnapping the women. They now have Kardaha surrounded. So why is this happening?Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

Stephen A. Smith is very upset that I've called for a pardon of Officer Derek Chauvin for the killing of George Floyd; President Trump doesn't explicitly rule out a recession; and Syrian terror regime HTS slaughters Alawites and Christians. Click here to join the member-exclusive portion of my show: https://bit.ly/3WDjgHE Ep.2154 - - - Facts Don't Care About Your Feelings - - - DailyWire+: We're leading the charge again and launching a full-scale push for justice. Go to https://PardonDerek.com right now and sign the petition. Now is the time to join the fight. Watch the hit movies, documentaries, and series reshaping our culture. Go to https://dailywire.com/subscribe today. Get your Ben Shapiro merch here: https://bit.ly/3TAu2cw - - - Today's Sponsors: PureTalk - Switch to PureTalk and start saving today! Visit https://PureTalk.com/SHAPIRO Helix Sleep - Go to https://helixsleep.com/ben for an exclusive offer. Balance of Nature - Go to https://balanceofnature.com and use promo code SHAPIRO for 35% off your first order as a preferred customer, PLUS get a free bottle of Fiber and Spice. ZipRecruiter - Go to this exclusive web address to try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE: https://ZipRecruiter.com/DAILYWIRE - - - Socials: Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/3cXUn53 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3QtuibJ Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3TTirqd Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RPyBiB

Join Jim and Greg as they break down three major developments in the Middle East, from the slaughter of Christians and other minorities in Syria to the U.S. administration's mixed messaging on Hamas, and Tucker Carlson trying to convince us that Iran should not be one of America's major concerns.First, they react to the horrific sectarian violence erupting in Syria just days after Jim's departure. Reports confirm that over a thousand Christians, Alawites, and Druze were killed by forces aligned with HTS—the Islamist group that toppled Assad and had pledged not to persecute minorities. Jim rejects the claim that Assad was a better protector for them while Greg stresses that HTS is proving to be just another radical faction wielding power through oppression.Next, they analyze the Trump administration's contradictory approach to Hamas. Just last week, Trump warned of death and destruction for the terror group if all hostages were not released. Yet by Sunday, his envoy was meeting directly with Hamas officials and even suggesting they might be “pretty nice guys.”Finally, they sigh as Tucker Carlson suggests Fox News and others are trying to foment a war with Iran and that if you look at the number of Americans Iran has killed "on American soil," we have far bigger concerns in our own country. Jim and Greg reject Carlson's terms for judging Iran and do not want a war with Tehran. But they do stress the importance of keeping Iran in check as it reportedly nears deployable nuclear weapons.Please visit our great sponsors"This show is sponsored by BetterHelp.Build your support system, with Betterhelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month.Oracle will cut your cloud bill in half—new US customers only, offer ends March 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINI

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiwarcom/Phone bank for Defend the Guard: https://defendtheguard.us/phonebankChaptersChaptersChaptersChaptersChapters00:00 - Intro00:21 - Over 1,000 Killed as Syrian Forces Attack Alawites09:33 - 10,000 Syrian Alawites Flee Into Northern Lebanon After Massacres10:36 - Israel Cuts All Electricity to Gaza13:31 - Envoy Defends Talks With Hamas, Says US Not 'Agent' of Israel16:46 - Israeli Intel Says Netanyahu Policies Led to Hamas October 7 Attack18:04 - Israeli 'Migration Administration' To Facilitate Ethnic Cleansing20:47 - Yemen's Houthis Give Israel Deadline on Gaza Aid22:13 - Israel Launches Largest Attack on South Lebanon Since Ceasefire23:41 - Iranian Leader Rejects Talks With US25:09 - Qatar Calls for Israel Nuclear Facilities To Be Brought Under IAEA28:47 - Trump Wants Ukraine Elections To Restart Aid30:37 - DHS Arrests Student Activist for Gaza Protests35:01 - Viewpoints/Outro

Lammy's £50m to Jolani's HTS killers massacre Christians, Alawites and Shia in Syria + EU Election stealing skullduggery in Romania + Zelensky's disaster in Kursk .Trump is vulnerable to the deep state and needs to clean house says former CIA man Ray McGovern. FBI shenanigans have delayed the Epstein papers release and the same is happening over Seth Rich. Daniel McAdams, Executive Director of the Ron Paul Institute joins Moats to discuss if President Trump has killed NATO and Syria, the dirtiest thing we have ever done.Ray McGovern: Ex CIA analyst and briefer of three presidents. During his 27-year career, he led the Soviet Foreign Policy Branch; chaired National Intelligence Estimates; and conducted one-on-one morning briefings of The President's Daily Brief (1981-85). In Jan 2003, he co-founded Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity to warn George W. Bush that intelligence on Iraq was fraudulent.- Twitter: https://x.com/raymcgovern- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dnpzMzmf/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raymondmcgovernDaniel McAdams: Executive Director of the Ron Paul Institute. - Twitter: https://x.com/daniellmcadams- Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RonPaulLibertyReport Become a MOATS Graduate at https://plus.acast.com/s/moatswithgorgegalloway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hamas blames Netanyahu for derailing Gaza truce "Palestinian resistance group Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing the Gaza ceasefire deal for his political gains. Hamas official Izat al-Rishq warned that Netanyahu's actions are a waste of time and an attempt to manipulate the captives' fate. Meanwhile, Israeli tanks stormed Palestinian city of Jenin, in a dramatic escalation of military raids in the occupied West Bank. Witnesses reported indiscriminate Israeli gunfire before the tanks retreated, with videos capturing the chaos and thick smoke. No injuries were reported. " US is 'just about' lifting intelligence freeze on Ukraine "President Donald Trump has said that the US has ""just about"" lifted its intelligence-sharing freeze with Ukraine, a decision with major security stakes. The reconciliation move from the US comes as top officials gear up for crucial talks in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine may face pressure to make concessions to Russia. However, the fate of a key minerals deal between Washington and Kiev also hangs in the balance. Despite these challenges, President Trump expresses optimism that substantial progress will be made this week." Liberal Party elects new leader, Canada's next PM "Mark Carney has been elected leader of Canada's Liberal Party and he is set to become the country's next prime minister. He replaces Justin Trudeau, who resigned in January following declining approval ratings after nearly a decade in power. The 59-year-old former central banker, known for tackling crises, secured over 85 percent of the vote. Carney, an outsider with no prior political office experience, is poised to face his toughest challenge yet. Managing Canada's response to US tariffs under President Donald Trump remains key issue." Iran shows openness to discuss nuclear concerns with US "Iran signalled openness to talks with the US on Sunday, but only if discussions focus on concerns about the militarisation of its nuclear programme. Tehran's UN mission stressed that it would not negotiate away its peaceful nuclear ambitions. Earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who dismissed US offers for a broader deal, said that such talks would aim to limit Iran's missile capabilities and regional influence. Khamenei underlined that military and influence demands wouldn't resolve the tensions with the West." Türkiye warns against provocations in Syria's clashes "Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned against efforts to provoke the Syrian government's policy of restraint amid over clashes in Syria between government forces and loyalists of ousted regime leader Bashar al Assad. He stressed the need for Alawites, Christians, Druze and Nusayris to stay clear of provocations. Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to supporting Syria's new government in restoring peace. The summit in Jordan, which included key regional officials, focused on regional security, counterterrorism, and Syria's stability."

HELP WAM! OUR MARCH 2025 FUNDRAISER: https://gogetfunding.com/?p=9091885 GET NON-MRNA FREEZE DRIED MEAT HERE: https://wambeef.com/ Use code WAMBEEF to save 20%! GET HEIRLOOM SEEDS & NON GMO SURVIVAL FOOD HERE: https://heavensharvest.com/ USE Code WAM to save 5% plus free shipping! Get local, healthy, pasture raised meat delivered to your door here: https://wildpastures.com/promos/save-20-for-life/bonus15?oid=6&affid=321 USE THE LINK & get 20% off for life and $15 off your first box! GET YOUR APRICOT SEEDS at the life-saving Richardson Nutritional Center HERE: https://rncstore.com/r?id=bg8qc1 Josh Sigurdson reports on the genocide of over 1,000 Alawites and Christians in Syria as the Israeli proxy terrorist government takes over and kills all those who oppose it. The massacre of men, women and children is shocking as videos are posted and quickly erased from the internet. President Trump and Putin are set to meet to discuss this disgusting act of violence but it's unlikely the US will side with Russia considering Trump's cabinet is "Israeli First" and Israel is directly involved in the HTS (formerly Al Nusra Front) offensive. After overthrowing Assad, the HTS Wahabi terrorists even openly opposed Palestinian resistance. It couldn't be more obvious that they're a Mossad asset to help bring in the "Greater Israel Project." We've been reporting on this and warning of it since 2013 but in 2018 we reported on a few interesting CIA documents that laid out this EXACT situation happening. One document called "Bringing Real Muscle To Bear In Syria" from 1983 talks about "covertly orchestrating simultaneous military threats against Syria from three border states hostile to Syria: Iraq, Israel and Turkey." This is EXACTLY what happened. And who were the targets mentioned in these documents? Firstly, it was to overthrow Assad, at that time Assad Sr. Secondly, a 1986 document called "Syria: Scenarios of Dramatic Political Change" says the targets are Alawis and Sunnis as well as Christians in general. Right now, we're witnessing a massacre of Alawites. This horrifying prediction on our part in April of 2018 was not a miracle. They said this would happen themselves, via the CIA which bows to Mossad. An offensive from Turkey, Iraq and Syria. Precisely. Overthrowing Assad. Precisely. Targeting Alawites, Sunnis and Christians. Precisely. The whole world is a stage! Next on the list is Iran, one of Russia and China's top allies. Isn't it obvious where this is heading? Stop sitting on your hands! These are scripted events! Stay tuned for more from WAM! SIGN UP FOR HOMESTEADING COURSES NOW: https://freedomfarmers.com/link/17150/ Get Prepared & Start The Move Towards Real Independence With Curtis Stone's Courses! GET YOUR WAV WATCH HERE: https://buy.wavwatch.com/WAM Use Code WAM to save $100 and purchase amazing healing frequency technology! GET ORGANIC CHAGA MUSHROOMS HERE: https://alaskachaga.com/wam Use code WAM to save money! See shop for a wide range of products! GET AMAZING MEAT STICKS HERE: https://4db671-1e.myshopify.com/discount/WAM?rfsn=8425577.918561&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8425577.918561 USE CODE WAM TO SAVE MONEY! GET YOUR FREEDOM KELLY KETTLE KIT HERE: https://patriotprepared.com/shop/freedom-kettle/ Use Code WAM and enjoy many solutions for the outdoors in the face of the impending reset! BUY GOLD HERE: https://firstnationalbullion.com/schedule-consult/ HELP SUPPORT US AS WE DOCUMENT HISTORY HERE: https://gogetfunding.com/help-wam-cover-history/ PayPal: ancientwonderstelevision@gmail.com FIND OUR CoinTree page here: https://cointr.ee/joshsigurdson JOIN US on SubscribeStar here: https://www.subscribestar.com/world-alternative-media For subscriber only content! Pledge here! Just a dollar a month can help us alive! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=2652072&ty=h&u=2652072 BITCOIN ADDRESS: 18d1WEnYYhBRgZVbeyLr6UfiJhrQygcgNU World Alternative Media 2025

Militants aligned with the Sunni rulers of Damascus, HTS, have reportedly killed at least 1,000 Alawites and Christians in western Syria.5) Sectarian violence spreads in Syria; 4) Armed man shot by Secret Service outside White House; 3) Who controlled the auto-pen during Biden's term as president?; 2) RFK Jr. meets with Big Food; 1) Man trying to look like woman insults Riley Gaines by saying she looks like a man trying to look like a woman (huh?).FOLLOW US!X: @WatchSkyWatchTV | @Five_In_TenYouTube: @SkyWatchTelevision | @SimplyHIS | @FiveInTenRumble: @SkyWatchTVFacebook: @SkyWatchTV | @SimplyHIS | @EdensEssentialsInstagram: @SkyWatchTV | @SimplyHisShow | @EdensEssentialsUSATikTok: @SkyWatchTV | @SimplyHisShow | @EdensEssentialsSkyWatchTV.com | SkyWatchTVStore.com | EdensEssentials.com | WhisperingPoniesRanch.com

GET NON-MRNA FREEZE DRIED MEAT HERE: https://wambeef.com/ Use code WAMBEEF to save 20%! GET HEIRLOOM SEEDS & NON GMO SURVIVAL FOOD HERE: https://heavensharvest.com/ USE Code WAM to save 5% plus free shipping! Get local, healthy, pasture raised meat delivered to your door here: https://wildpastures.com/promos/save-20-for-life/bonus15?oid=6&affid=321 USE THE LINK & get 20% off for life and $15 off your first box! SIGN UP FOR HOMESTEADING COURSES NOW: https://freedomfarmers.com/link/17150/ Get Prepared & Start The Move Towards Real Independence With Curtis Stone's Courses! GET YOUR APRICOT SEEDS at the life-saving Richardson Nutritional Center HERE: https://rncstore.com/r?id=bg8qc1 Josh Sigurdson reports on the torture of Syrian Alawites by Israeli backed HTS insurgents who recently at Israel's request took over the country as we see a major move towards the goals of the "Greater Israel Project." While the stage is being set for mass murder in Syria as Alawites are seen on video being marched on their hands and knees to be tortured and killed, Trump has acknowledged that he has sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader regarding a nuclear deal. President Trump has said that he supports obliterating Iran and has committed to air strikes alongside Israel, the true owner of the United States government. Israel continues to devastate Gaza despite their fake "ceasefire." They're targeting Palestinian farmers and they're moving into Lebanon at rapid speeds. It's so obvious where this is heading. They want a new temple, they want war with Iran, one of Russia and China's top allies and eventually they want enough chaos worldwide to bring in restrictive emergency orders in the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Australia and most of the EU. That is the path to digital IDs and the World Economic Forum's "Great Reset." Prepare yourselves and stay tuned for more from WAM! GET TICKETS TO ANARCHAPULCO HERE: https://anarchapulco.com/ Save money by using code WAM GET YOUR WAV WATCH HERE: https://buy.wavwatch.com/WAM Use Code WAM to save $100 and purchase amazing healing frequency technology! GET ORGANIC CHAGA MUSHROOMS HERE: https://alaskachaga.com/wam Use code WAM to save money! See shop for a wide range of products! GET AMAZING MEAT STICKS HERE: https://4db671-1e.myshopify.com/discount/WAM?rfsn=8425577.918561&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8425577.918561 USE CODE WAM TO SAVE MONEY! GET YOUR FREEDOM KELLY KETTLE KIT HERE: https://patriotprepared.com/shop/freedom-kettle/ Use Code WAM and enjoy many solutions for the outdoors in the face of the impending reset! BUY GOLD HERE: https://firstnationalbullion.com/schedule-consult/ HELP SUPPORT US AS WE DOCUMENT HISTORY HERE: https://gogetfunding.com/help-wam-cover-history/ PayPal: ancientwonderstelevision@gmail.com FIND OUR CoinTree page here: https://cointr.ee/joshsigurdson JOIN US on SubscribeStar here: https://www.subscribestar.com/world-alternative-media For subscriber only content! Pledge here! Just a dollar a month can help us alive! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=2652072&ty=h&u=2652072 BITCOIN ADDRESS: 18d1WEnYYhBRgZVbeyLr6UfiJhrQygcgNU World Alternative Media 2025

Send us a textThe blood of 2,400 people cries out from Syria, yet the world remains silent. In this urgent broadcast, we expose the shocking massacre that has unfolded over just 48 hours as jihadist forces systematically slaughter Christians, Alawites, and other minority groups across the country.Through exclusive insights from Amir Tsarfati of Behold Israel, we pull back the curtain on the disturbing reality of what's happening in the Middle East right now. These aren't just casualties of war – these are deliberate, filmed atrocities reminiscent of the October 7th Hamas attacks, with families forced to "crawl and bark like dogs" before execution. The perpetrators, described as remnants of Al-Qaeda and ISIS under the leadership of Jolani, are documenting their own brutality while Western media and international bodies look away.Why does such horrific violence receive virtually no mainstream coverage? The answer reveals much about our media landscape and what we choose to prioritize. When events don't directly impact Western interests or fit convenient narratives, they're often rendered invisible. Meanwhile, potentially catastrophic decisions are being made in Europe regarding the Ukraine conflict that could trigger wider confrontation with Russia – described as "lighting a cigarette in a room full of dynamite."This broadcast serves as both warning and wake-up call. As Christians watching global events unfold, we must recognize these developments as potential precursors to prophesied end-time scenarios. The complex religious divisions in Syria, Turkey's expanding regional influence, and Europe's military posturing all point to accelerating prophetic timelines. Even when victims are "enemies on paper," humanity demands we speak out against such atrocities. Join us as we dive deeper into these critical developments and what they mean for believers today. God bless, and keep looking up – the King is coming.Support the show

With the exile of Syria's Bashar Al-Assad recently, much interest has been focused on the sect of Islam of which he was a member. However, there are some who claim that the denomination known as Alawite is not Islam at all, but a heretical break-off sect. To understand this somewhat intricate situation we speak with Dr. Stefan Winter who has studied religion in Syria and Turkey for decades. Stefan Winter is a Canadian historian specializing in the study of Ottoman Syria. He teaches at the Université du Québec à Montréal and has been visiting professor at Koç University in Istanbul. His research concentrates on Shi‘i, Bedouin and Kurdish principalities in northern Syria and southern Anatolia and has been published by Cambridge University Press, Princeton University Press and in a number of academic journals. His work won the Syrian Studies Association's prize for best dissertation in 2002 and the Ottoman and Turkish Studies Association's Fuat Köprülü Award in 2017.

In the wake of the Syrian civil war, exchanges between Alawites, Shiites, and Christians are often fierce. Taylor Luck reports on how they still manage to break bread together, and how religious minorities there have found encouragement as they probe for answers. Also: today's stories, including Chinese rights groups that are packing up as U.S. financial aid is withdrawn, the expensive, complicated, and slow process that stands in the way of European military self-sufficiency, and how New York appears to be fast preparing to move on without Eric Adams. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb for today's news.

When Sunni rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad last December, they vowed to form an inclusive Syrian government by March. Sunnis comprise around 75 percent of Syria with the remaining 25 percent made up of minorities like Alawites, Christians, Shiite Muslims, Kurds and Druze. Special correspondent Simona Foltyn met with members of some of these communities and reports from Damascus. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

When Sunni rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad last December, they vowed to form an inclusive Syrian government by March. Sunnis comprise around 75 percent of Syria with the remaining 25 percent made up of minorities like Alawites, Christians, Shiite Muslims, Kurds and Druze. Special correspondent Simona Foltyn met with members of some of these communities and reports from Damascus. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This is Frank Gaffney with the Secure Freedom Minute. So much for wishful thinking that a Syria liberated from the monstrous Bashir Assad regime would become a pluralistic democracy if only an al Qaeda veteran named Abu Mohammed al-Julani were fatuously transformed into a “moderate” politician and put in charge of the country.   In recent days, his designated terrorist group, known as HTS, and its Turkish enablers have made clear that their intentions are very different, witness the torching of Christmas trees, the murderous destruction of a shrine holy to Alawites and genocidal attacks on Kurds – setting the stage for the same to be done to other minorities. Joe Biden has effectively greenlighted such crimes against humanity and invited worse by lifting the 10 million dollar bounty on al-Julani's head and beginning to provide funding to his regime.We must jettison this formula for far worse to come in Syria, and beyond. This is Frank Gaffney.

“Only cowards hide behind silence.” -Paulo Coelho   Clips played:   Syria's New Leader Ditches Military Fatigues for Suit | Vantage with Palki Sharma (youtube.com)    Do They Know It’s Genocide? The Band Aid Tale – YouTube     Who are the Alawites? (youtube.com)    How Muslims Influenced Thomas Jefferson and America's Founders | American Muslims – […] The post Is Spain transit for children to rape and torture- Opus Dei since WW2? -ZOHAR and Kabbalah – Bashar al-Assad and PIPELINE Plans?  1969 The Spartacus guidebook listed child brothels all around the world.  Nazi Salute came from USA;) appeared first on Psychopath In Your Life.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comWhat the hell just happened in Syria? We asked one of the sharpest scholars on the subject to give us a primer. Aaron Zelin is a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where he also directs the “Islamic State Worldwide Activity Map” project. He's also a visiting research scholar in the politics department at Brandeis and the founder of the website Jihadology. His first book is titled Your Sons Are At Your Service: Tunisia's Missionaries of Jihad, and his forthcoming book covers the history of Syrian jihadism. We talk about the entire history of Syria, as it faces what could be a turning point. For two clips of our convo — on the evil of the Assad dynasty, and the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad — pop over to our YouTube page.Other topics: how Aaron's career was influenced by 9/11 at age 15; becoming an expert on jihadism; St. Paul at Damascus; the Ottoman Empire; the Arab Congress; Syria's independence from France after WWII; the subsequent coups; the Sunni majority in Syria; the rise of the Alawites; the Druze and Christians; the Kurds; the optimism in the ‘60s/‘70s for Arab liberalization; pan Arabism and Nasser; the Muslim Brotherhood; Hafez al-Assad coming to power in 1971; his son Bashar educated in the UK; how a former Nazi for real helped shape the regime; al-Qaeda and bin Laden; the Islamic State; “Baby It's Cold Outside”; the secret police of Syria; the 1982 massacre in Hama; Bashar coming to power in 2000 because of his older brother's early death; Bashar seen as nerdy and uncharismatic; the Damascus Spring; the Iraq War; the rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani; his imprisonment in Abu Ghraib; Zarqawi; the Arab Spring; civil war erupting in Syria in 2011; the Free Syrian Army; the Assad regime torturing kids; the refugee crisis; Russia getting bogged down in Ukraine; Hezbollah and Hamas decimated; Iran on the defense; how the Assad regime collapsed in ten days; and Golani's potential as a reformer.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Brianna Wu on trans lives, Mary Matalin on our sick culture, Adam Kirsch on his book On Settler Colonialism, John Gray on the state of liberal democracy, Jon Rauch on his new book on “Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy,” Nick Denton on the evolution of new media, and Ross Douthat on how everyone should be religious. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Arab affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani and archaeology reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. CIA Director Bill Burns is set to meet the Qatari Prime Minister in Doha today, in an effort to bridge the remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas on a Gaza deal. Pacchiani updates us on what he is reading about the hostage-release talks in neighboring nations' Arabic media this morning. Recently, the Palestinian Authority seems to be flexing its peace-keeping muscles in the West Bank, perhaps signally that it is ready to take on the challenge of Gaza. We hear about a possible Hamas-Fatah alliance -- and whether Israel would sign on to it. Syrian Christians currently make up less than 2% of the population and the new HTS rebels regime has repeatedly reassured Syrians and the international community that it will protect all minorities and women. Pacchiani reports on what he is hearing from Syrian Christians. Likewise,
Alawites, a sect that splintered from Shiite Islam in the ninth century, constitute around 10% of Syria’s predominantly Sunni population. While uncertainty prevails among all of Syria’s religious minorities today, the Alawite community – from which deposed President Assad originates – arguably has the most to fear. Pacchiani weighs in. In late November, speaking at an academic conference in Boston, veteran archaeologist Prof. Glenn Schwartz of Johns Hopkins University made a startling claim: Four tiny clay cylinder-shaped seals, which had been excavated 20 years ago from an intact Bronze Age tomb in Syria, were engraved with what he asserted was the earliest known examples of alphabetic writing — albeit as yet undeciphered. We talk about why this find is in the news again -- and what it appears to be. Researchers have deciphered a tiny third-century Christian silver scroll that was found rolled up inside an amulet, at a Roman burial site in Frankfurt, Germany. Could this be “the oldest Christian testimony found north of the Alps,” as the announcement claims? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: With a show of force in Jenin, the PA tries to prove it can rule Gaza. But can it? Can Syria’s dwindling Christian community survive under jihadi rebel rule? A claim that the earliest alphabet was found in Syria sparks a media maelstrom – finally Amulet found in Germany said to be ‘oldest Christian testimony north of the Alps’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Palestinians carry UN-donated flour in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday December 14, 2024.(AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the future of Syria begins to emerge, one minority group is particularly fearful about how they'll be treated. The Alawites feel like they were mistreated by now-deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad, but because he was a member of that sect, they are also unfairly tied to him in the minds of other Syrians. We go to an Alawite neighborhood of Damascus to hear their concerns.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Yaakov Katz, bestselling author of “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards – How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.” Shadow Strike was recently adapted into a docudrama by Reshet Media and his books have been published in a number of languages including English, Hebrew, Czech, Polish, Japanese and Mandarin. Yaakov's forthcoming books – tentatively titled “Precision Strike” and "While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East" are scheduled for publication by St. Martin's Press in 2025. Yaakov Katz is the senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, as well as columnist and former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post. Key topics on America's Roundtable with Yaakov Katz: — Update on the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and its potential fallout - impacting Israel, the region and the United States. — Yaakov Katz's op-ed via Newsweek: "Israel Can Save the World From a Nuclear Iran. It Must Strike Now." (https://www.newsweek.com/israel-can-save-world-nuclear-iran-it-must-strike-now-opinion-1999951) — How will the incoming Trump administration's policies impact the Middle East and US-Israel relations. — The future of the Abraham Accords. Will Saudi Arabia take the historic step and officially recognize the Jewish state of Israel? — ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, its assault on Israel and the US, and how it adversely affects the West's rule of law nations. Yaakov served for close to a decade as the Jerusalem Report's military reporter and defense analyst and was a lecturer at Harvard University where he taught an advanced course in journalism. He also served as Israel correspondent for Jane's Defence Weekly. Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs. In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @yaakovkatz @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program - a strategic initiative of International Leaders Summit, focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 65 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

Chế độ độc tài Bachar Al-Assad sụp đổ đẩy nhanh sự suy yếu ảnh hưởng của Nga và Iran tại Syria cũng như trong vùng Trung Đông. Sự kiện này khẳng định vai trò quyết định của Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ và trong chừng mực nào đó là vị thế của Israel và Mỹ trong chiến thắng của phe nổi dậy. Chỉ trong vòng 12 ngày, chế độ độc tài Al-Assad, tồn tại vững chắc trong suốt hơn nửa thế kỷ, đã sụp đổ nhanh chóng. Theo một số nhà quan sát, kết quả này không có gì đáng ngạc nhiên, mà đó là hệ quả của một quá trình xuống dốc bắt đầu từ năm 2011, thời điểm nổ ra cuộc cách mạng « Mùa Xuân Ả Rập ».Thiên thời, địa lợi, nhân hòaChế độ Bachar Al-Assad, bị suy yếu do các cuộc biểu tình, cũng như do số lượng đáng kể các nhóm Hồi giáo cực đoan hay ôn hòa và kể cả những nhóm vũ trang phi tôn giáo, đã có thể trụ được cho đến ngày nay là nhờ vào sự hậu thuẫn của Nga và Iran.Bachar Al-Assad bị lật đổ cũng vì ông không còn được quân đội hậu thuẫn. Lực lượng trung thành với chế độ kêu gọi sĩ quan không chiến đấu và trong một động thái hiếm có, « bộ Tổng tham mưu ra thông cáo nói rằng chế độ Bachar Al-Assad đã kết thúc ».Trên thực tế, đó là một đội quân yếu kém, trang bị tồi, không còn tinh thần chiến đấu, theo như phân tích từ nhà nghiên cứu về Syria, Fabrice Balanche, giảng viên trường đại học Lyon 2, trên làn sóng RFI : « Quân đội Syria đã kiệt quệ. Cộng đồng thiểu số Hồi giáo hệ phái Alawites, vốn dĩ là nguồn cung chính cho các lực lượng quân đội trung thành với chế độ, hiến binh và các đơn vị tinh nhuệ, cũng đã kiệt sức, họ không còn muốn chiến đấu nữa. Đã có quá nhiều thiệt hại nhân mạng. Có khoảng 1/3 số đàn ông của cộng đồng, trong độ tuổi từ 20-45, đã chết trong cuộc chiến này ».Rồi nguồn hậu thuẫn từ Nga và Iran cũng bị suy giảm. Năm 2015, Nga can thiệp vào cuộc nội chiến Syria để bảo vệ đồng minh Bachar Al-Assad, trong bối cảnh chưa có xung đột Ukraina, Iran chưa « bị đánh gục » như hiện nay, và dải Gaza cũng chưa có biến cố 07/10. Ông Adel Bakawan, chuyên gia về Irak, trong chương trình Địa Chính Trị của RFI Pháp ngữ (08/12/2024), giải thích tiếp :« Từ khi chiến tranh Ukraina nổ ra, theo ước tính, Nga đã điều sang Ukraina khoảng từ 75-80% lực lượng mà trước đây họ bố trí ở Syria. Khách quan mà nói, Nga đã ở vào thế không thể ứng cứu Bachar Al-Assad. Chế độ Iran chưa bao giờ bị đe dọa cả từ bên trong lẫn bên ngoài như hiện nay. Ở trong nước là một làn sóng phản đối lớn, còn ở bên ngoài, Iran phải đối mặt với Israel và Hoa Kỳ. Và do vậy, Iran cũng không thể đến cứu Bachar Al-Assad. Trục kháng chiến cũng vậy, ở Gaza, Hamas và nhóm Thánh chiến Hồi giáo thì bị san bằng, còn phe Hezbollah ở Liban đã bị tiêu diệt. Chẳng còn ai có thể đến cứu chế độ. "Ông vua đã bị lột trần » trước mắt phe nổi dậy. »Sai lầm chiến lược của NgaTrong con mắt nhiều nhà phân tích phương Tây, sự kiện chế độ độc tài Damas sụp đổ đã cho thấy thất bại chiến lược của Nga. Cựu sĩ quan quân đội Pháp, ông Guillaume Ancel, và cũng là một cây bút thời luận về chiến sự, trên kênh truyền hình TV5 Monde nhắc lại : « Đây còn là một thất bại cho nước Nga của ông Vladimir Putin, bởi vì chính Nga đã hậu thuẫn Iran. Chính Nga hỗ trợ tất cả các nhóm vũ trang ủy nhiệm của Iran trong vùng Cận Đông. Điều chắc chắn là Nga đã châm ngòi cho cuộc tấn công khủng bố 07/10 chống Israel nhằm mở ra một mặt trận thứ hai để đánh lạc mục tiêu liên quan đến Ukraina, nhưng cuối cùng nước này cũng bị liên đới với hiệu ứng như một vụ nổ, bởi cuộc phản công bất ngờ này dẫn đến sụp đổ chế độ Damas. »Một hệ quả khác, không kém phần quan trọng của việc ông Bachar Al-Assad bị lật đổ là Nga có nguy cơ mất hai căn cứ chiến lược tại Syria, cửa ngõ cho Nga mở ra vùng Địa Trung Hải và triển khai sức mạnh quân sự ra châu Phi : Căn cứ hải quân Tartous và căn cứ không quân Hmemmim. Mất hai căn cứ này cũng có nghĩa là Nga sẽ mất ảnh hưởng tại vùng Trung Đông. Giới quan sát cho rằng, đây còn là thất bại cay đắng của quân đội và nhất là tình báo Nga. Matxcơva lẽ ra phải dự đoán rằng Israel có nhiều khả năng tấn công Syria một khi thỏa thuận hưu chiến được ký kết với phe Hezbollah. Đọc thêm: Syria : Chính quyền Putin câm lặng trước thất bại của quân đội và tình báoThất bại của Trục kháng chiếnNhưng có lẽ trong ván cờ này, bên thua nặng nhất là Iran. Ngay khi Cộng hòa Hồi giáo ra đời năm 1979, chế độ thần quyền Iran đã thắt chặt quan hệ với chế độ Assad, một phần cũng vì có chung một kẻ thù là Irak thời Saddam Hussein trong những năm 1990 và phần khác là sự gần gũi về tôn giáo giữa hai hệ phái Shia và Alawites.Syria cũng như Irak là một trong những mắc xích quan trọng trong « Trục kháng chiến », một đại lộ để Teheran vận chuyển vũ khí chi viện cho phe Hezbollah Liban, và gây áp lực lên đối thủ lớn của mình là Israel. Việc Damas sụp đổ đã gây ra những hậu quả chiến lược to lớn, cản trở Iran cấp vũ khí cho Hezbollah, cực kỳ bị suy yếu sau các chiến dịch triệt hạ dàn lãnh đạo Hezbollah cùng với các cuộc không kích của Israel vào các cơ sở quân sự của Hezbollah trên lãnh thổ Libann cũng như tại Syria trong những tháng gần đây.Tình huống này tước mất của Iran một công cụ để gây sức ép với Israel và Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ, đồng thời làm suy yếu Irak, một nút thắt khác trong « Trục Kháng chiến » của Iran. Trên làn sóng RFI, Pierre Razoux, giám đốc Quỹ Nghiên cứu Chiến lược về Địa Trung Hải nhận định :« Hiển nhiên, sự kiện này đã bẻ gãy "Trục Kháng chiến" do Teheran thiết lập. Trên thực tế, từ lâu những mắc xích yếu là Irak, Liban, giờ là Syria, vốn dĩ trước đây khá ổn định và tương đối vững mạnh. Iran kể từ giờ không thể tiếp cận trực tiếp Liban qua ngả đường bộ. Phe Hezbollah Liban hoàn toàn bị cô lập. Vụ việc này cũng ảnh hưởng đến Irak. Tôi nghĩ rằng giới chức Irak hiện nay cảm thấy bị căng thẳng. Họ tự hỏi liệu sắp tới Irak có sẽ là mục tiêu tiếp theo vừa của phe thánh chiến, vừa của một liên minh giữa Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ, Israel, Hoa Kỳ và Ả Rập Xê Út, sau khi đã làm sụp đổ chế độ Assad tại Syria ? » Đọc thêm: Chế độ Al Assad sụp đổ: Iran mất mắt xích quan trọng nhất của « trục kháng chiến »Israel « cắt vòi bạch tuộc », Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ khẳng định vị thếNếu như chiến thuật « cắt vòi bạch tuột » của Israel phần nào thành công, giới chuyên gia cũng nhận xét rằng tuy kẻ thù Bachar Al-Assad bị lật đổ, Israel có nguy cơ đối diện với một hiểm họa mới : Một chính quyền Hồi giáo cực đoan có thể hình thành ngay sát biên giới Israel.Tuy reo hò thắng lợi trước đối thủ Iran, cùng lúc Israel cũng có những biện pháp phòng ngừa để bảo đảm rằng các lực lượng nổi dậy hay nhiều nhánh vũ trang cực đoan khác không thể tấn công trực tiếp Israel. Chuyên gia Pierre Razoux cho biết « quân đội và không quân Israel đã liên tục oanh tạc các trại lính và nhiều vị trí quân sự, đặc biệt là các đơn vị tinh nhuệ của Bachar Al-Assad, để bảo đảm rằng các thiết bị quân sự tối tân, do quân đội kiểm soát, không rơi vào tay kẻ xấu. »Người vui mừng thắng lợi nhiều nhất là Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ. Trong chiến dịch phản công chớp nhoáng, Ankara có một vai trò quyết định, kiến tạo cho những gì diễn ra hiện nay. Với chiến dịch này, tổng thống Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ đã đạt được nhiều mục tiêu chiến lược : Đầu tiên hết là tạo ra một vùng đệm quân sự ở phía bắc Syria, chia cắt mối liên hệ giữa người Kurdistan Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ và Kurdistan Syria.Bachar Al-Assad bị hạ bệ sẽ giúp hồi hương hàng triệu người tị nạn Syria trên lãnh thổ Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ. Ngoài ra, đây còn là một thông điệp rõ ràng gởi đến đối thủ cạnh tranh Iran nhằm khẳng định vai trò « không thể bỏ qua » của Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ trong tiến trình Astana để giải quyết xung đột tại Syria. Đọc thêm: Israel vẫn oanh kích dồn dập Syria dù bị Liên Hiệp Quốc lên ánTuy nhiên, nhà nghiên cứu Fabrice Balanche lưu ý, « chính Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ điều khiển những gì xảy ra tại Syria. Đây là chiến lược tân đế chế Ottoman mà Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ của ông Erdogan đã phát triển từ một chục năm qua. Chỉ có điều chiến lược này đoạn tuyệt một cách thô bạo với nguyên trạng ở Syria, với những thỏa thuận mà Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ ký kết với Nga và Iran. Tôi không chắc là Nga có thể giữ được hai căn cứ quân sự tại Syria, và nếu như vậy, ông Putin khó mà tha thứ cho Erdogan. »Âm mưu của Mỹ và Israel ?Dù vậy, giới quan sát cũng thận trọng đánh giá mọi việc chưa hoàn toàn ngã ngũ. Ý thức được những hạn chế hiện tại, Nga và Iran đã tỏ ra thực dụng, chấp nhận bỏ rơi chế độ Bachar Al-Assad. Thông tín viên của RFI tại Matxcơva, Anissa El-Jabri, trả lời đài truyền hình Pháp LCI cho biết, ngoài việc tỏ ra kín tiếng về biến cố này ở Syria, chính quyền Matxcơva trong những phát biểu chính thức có giọng điệu khá hòa dịu, không xem phe nổi dậy là những phần tử khủng bố như trước đây, mà gọi là « các chiến binh vũ trang » hay là « các phe phái đối lập khác nhau » tại Syria.Pierre Razoux, giám đốc Quỹ Nghiên cứu Chiến lược Địa Trung Hải, cho rằng Matxcơva bỏ rơi Bachar Al-Assad là để Nga và Iran có thể dàn xếp, thương lượng với các nhà lãnh đạo mới ở Syria.« Bởi vì chúng ta thấy rõ là phía Nga, điều cốt lõi là điện Kremlin muốn đàm phán với chính quyền mới tại Syria, bất kể là ai, về việc giữ Tartous và Hmemmis, hai căn cứ quân sự chính tại Syria. Vì lý do này mà Nga không tỏ ra ủng hộ đến cùng Bachar Al-Assad. Đối với Iran, thương lượng với tân chính quyền Syria về quyền được đi qua lãnh thổ để tiếp viện cho Hezbollah ở Liban, hiện đang bị cô lập hoàn toàn, là điều thiết yếu. Bởi vì trục tiếp viện chính, qua ngả Syria, Irak đã bị đóng do khu vực này nằm dưới sự kiểm soát của Lực lượng Dân chủ Syria người Kurdistan, lực lượng Hezbollah thì đã bị cô lập hoàn toàn từ khi Israel không để một máy bay nào của Iran đi vào không phận Liban. »Trong bối cảnh này, ngày 11/12/2024, giáo chủ Ali Khamenei, ba ngày sau khi chế độ Damas sụp đổ, đã đưa ra những bình luận đầu tiên khi cáo buộc « những gì diễn ra ở Syria, chẳng chút nghi ngờ, là kết quả một âm mưu của  Mỹ và Israel ».Alexandre Del Valle, nhà địa chính trị học Pháp – Ý, trả lời phỏng vấn trang tin Atlantico của Pháp nêu lên một chi tiết : Lãnh đạo phong trào Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), ông Abou Mohammed Al-Golani, « thường xuyên nhận chỉ thị từ Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ, và một cách bí mật, gián tiếp từ Mỹ, vốn dĩ đang theo dõi điều được cho là xu hướng ôn hòa hơn » của ông Golani !

ANOTHER EMERGENCY EPISODE Things are, as ever, moving at lightning speed in the Middle East, as last weekend on December 8th, Bashar al-Assad and his Syrian regime fell. After 13 years of civil war, and more than 50 years of his family's rule, in an extraordinary turn of events rebel groups from the south and the north marched on Damascus. Assad has fled to Moscow; the future for Syria is unclear. It's one of the most momentous events in modern Middle Eastern history, so this week Thomas invited one of the world's leading experts on the Syrian Civil War onto the show to help make sense of it (and he's a dear listener to Conflicted himself!) – Aaron Zelin. Aaron is the Gloria and Ken Levy Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a Visiting Research Scholar in the Department of Politics at Brandeis University, the founder of the hugely acclaimed website Jihadology, and the author of the really excellent book Your Sons Are At Your Service: Tunisia's Missionaries of Jihad. Many listeners will no doubt have also been glued to his social media feeds over the past week, for updates and analysis, as he brought his incredible insight in real time as Assad's regime melted away. Thomas and Aaron discuss the incredible events over the weekend, before looking ahead to what the future might hold for Syria's minority communities – from the Kurds to the Alawites – and how this new regime will affect the always fascinating geopolitics of the region. To listen to the full episode, you'll need to subscribe to the Conflicted Community. And don't forget, subscribers can also join our Conflicted Community chatroom, where you can interact with fellow dearest listeners, discuss episodes past and future, get exclusive messages from Thomas and Aimen, ask future Q&A questions and so much more. All the information you need to sign up is on this link: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/  Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Assad has fallen! The Tyrant is no more! Long live the revolution!    There has been a genuine outpouring of jubilation among Syrians at home and abroad - even the ones working at the Syrian embassy in Moscow who ‘chose' to fly the rebel flag. But the international responses are messier - regional players talk of maintaining Syria's territorial integrity, while several countries welcome the new order with bombing raids (especially Turkey and Israel who are now operating inside Syria to weaken their enemies and occupy buffer zones). Meanwhile, even as Europeans ask whether jihadis will dominate the new Syria, the same European governments (notably Austria) are simultaneously drawing up plans to deport the Syrian refugees seeking asylum in their country -- because it must be safe now, right?    In this bonus episode examining the Post-Assad Syria: From Euphoria to Uncertainty, Jason is joined by our returning Glaswegian champion, Jane Kinninmont. She is just back from an international conference in Doha where she sat one row behind Russia's FM Sergei Lavrov.    Jane and Jason tell stories from their times in Syria… about sweets and about being spied on. They break down all things Syria. Trying to draw lessons from a disorderly past to an orderly future.    We examine: did Russia and Iran throw Assad under a bus? Several things changed in the regional calculus but - primarily they realized the game was up for Assad domestically. To save him they would have needed to commit major forces, and at a time when Israel might well have willing to join the fight to make sure that Iran lost - at least if Iran sent troops. And while those were clearly the major calculations, the “benefits” part of the Russo-Iranian cost-benefit analysis of propping up Assad had also dwindled.   Iran wasn't actually getting so many benefits from Assad -- who spent most of the year trying to stay out of the regional war, avoid confronting Israel and pursue normalisation with Arab states.     The episode ends with Jane and Jason Ordering the Disorder by concluding that the West and the Middle East alike were caught horribly unprepared. Still wounded by the experience of Iraq and Afghanistan, Western countries may shy away from lending serious capacity building assistance to a democratic Syrian led transition process - but fatalism is the wrong approach - the transition is more likely to be more peaceful and more successful if more political and economic resources are invested in it - especially by democratic countries willing to use carrots and sticks.     Producer: George McDonagh  Executive Producer: Neil Fearn    Subscribe to our Substack: https://natoandtheged.substack.com/    Show Notes Links    The David Runciman Pod that Jane mentions explaining linear vs cyclical and non-linear conceptions of history: https://www.ppfideas.com/episodes/the-history-of-bad-ideas%3A-the-end-of-history    Jason's appearance on Monocle's The Globalist talking more about the Alawites: https://monocle.com/radio/shows/the-globalist/3495/play/     A great Special Briefing from my former colleagues at MEI about what's next in Syria: https://www.mei.edu/blog/special-briefing-after-assads-fall-whats-next-syria-and-region    Israel, Seeing an Opportunity, Demolishes Syria's Military Assets: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/10/world/middleeast/israel-strikes-syria.html    A visual timeline of the events: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/10/world/middleeast/syria-civil-war-rebels-timeline-assad.html     While international support is crucial, Syrians must lead their country's political transition: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/12/while-international-support-crucial-syrians-must-lead-their-countrys-political-transition    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I'm doing new things with new people I am ready to see them hear them be me in the actions of the testimony that I am Christ teaching Christ to be it in the Christian sense no more for I am Christ relieving from the Christ image that was given those who don't know who it is, don't know who they are. They shall be me who will. The will of Christ is to be me and me are a race of light beings who does the works enjoyable now being me with a Christian stance not again the mores of that mess. I am emergent me ready. I am me I am recording. I am millions in Eureka Springs or am I coming to you by these words where these words are brought to you. I'm out and ready. I change it all. I am a new Christ afflictionless. Christ replicating. Christ in Christian shoes no more. Leave love alone not again I heal it and the miracles begin I am doing them beginning a new race. I populate the Heavens and the meons shall be me not the neurons of you firing. Start I do a new race with the stars of me who will heal them. Aladendrums no more or your dendrites with or am I changing the Alawites or every race tribe and tongue. Am I changing the spectrums. I am all energies of me. Changing all the energies of earth. The war's in Heaven no more. I'm out on every post. I'm mine, millennia years away not again. I'm here walking the street of I am. My time is now. In affliction no more. I am who I am with what I am doing what I am healing people and making the Earth a new place called Heaven with the race of I am light and I take my place at the Council of One. I am high and lifted up and, see through. I know who I am. Actionating my influence The Christ is present and accounted for will be millions who love me this year ignited no more by failure. I love you all. Good day. December, 2022. Theodore Cottingham School of The Original Me/us/God/One Box 34, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 USA www.UofLight.org

“I talked as much about the National Basketball Association in Syria as I did about politics. Syrians felt so global and interested in everything. As a young backpacker, I don't know that I appreciated the historical moment that I was in.”  –Rolf Potts In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Shaun talk about how they first came to know of Father Paolo and Deir Mar Musa monastery in Syria (3:00); the warm and hospitable experience of traveling in other parts of the country (10:00); Father Paolo's "interfaith dialogue" initiatives at Deir Mar Musa  (18:30); what happened to Father Paolo after the Syrian government cracked down on dissent and protest in 2011 (29:00); and how Father Paolo's monastery fostered interfaith dialogue over debate, and what his legacy is in Syria (43:00). Shaun O'Neill is the author of A Church of Islam: The Syrian Calling of Father Paolo Dall'Oglio. Notable Links: The strangers we meet on the road (Deviate episode) Paolo Dall'Oglio (Italian priest and peace activist) Deir Mar Musa (Christian monastery in Syria) 2011 Syrian uprising (phase of the Arab Spring) Sufism (mystic Islamic practice) Neuromancer, by William Gibson (novel) Tahrir Square (public area in Cairo) Hafez al-Assad (Syrian president from 1971-2000) Kurdish Syria (northeast part of the country) Alawites (ethnoreligious group) Interfaith dialogue (interaction between religious traditions) Desert Fathers (early Christian monks) Free Syrian Army (civil war faction) Daesh (militant Islamists in Syria and Iraq) Pope John Paul II (Catholic leader) Of Gods and Men (2010 film) Frans van der Lugt (Dutch priest killed in Syria) Syncretism (combining of different beliefs) The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel's 2017 album Lumber. Note: We don't host a “comments” section, but we're happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.

Another episode in my series about religious minorities in the Middle East, this time about the secretive Alawites.Sources:Larson, Göran; Simon Sorgenfrei, Max Stockman (2017). "Religiösa minoriteter från Mellanöstern" (Religious minorities from the Middle East). Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund.Bar-Asher, Meir M. (2003). Nosayris. In "Encyclopedia Iranica Online". Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who are the Alawites, and what do they believe? Who was the founder of the Alawites? How are the Alawites different from other Muslims?

Many casual observers of the Syrian scene are unaware that the ruling al-Assad family are members of a religious sect known as the Alawites. Most Orthodox Muslims view this group with deep suspicion and they have been deemed un-Islamic by most religious authorities. Learn about the fascinating history, religious traditions, and politics of a controversial minority that controls most of the levers of power within Syria. Why are the Alawites opposed by many Sunni Syrians? What other Syrian communities are they allied with? Why has Syria become so closely allied with Iran? Visit us at https://www.israelweekinreview.com

After more than four years of war, Yemen teeters on the brink of what the European Union has described as “the world's largest humanitarian crisis.” Conservative estimates count at least 10,000 civilian deaths in the ongoing conflict, with millions more threatened by disease and famine. Yet for many in the West, Yemen remains a forgotten war, despite the fact that the Saudi-backed forces fighting the northern Houthi rebels continue to deploy weapons produced in the United States and in Europe with devastating effect. This month, History Talk explores the current conflict in Yemen and its historical antecedents with two experts on the region: Dr. Asher Orkaby and Dr. Austin Knuppe. We examine the conflict in its multiple facets – a civil war between regional parties, an anti-terrorism campaign, and a proxy war between regional foes: it's all three – to better understand why peace remains so elusive. To learn more about the War in Yemen, read this month's feature article, Yemen: A Civil War Centuries in the Making, by Dr Asher Orkaby. For more coverage of the Middle East, be sure to check out The Secular Roots of a Religious Divide in Contemporary Iraq, Alawites and the Fate of Syria, and Syria's Islamic Movement and the 2011-12 Uprising. Posted: April 2019 Connect with us! Email: Origins@osu.edu Twitter: @OriginsOSU Instagram: @OriginsOSU Facebook: @OriginsOSU Find transcripts, background reading, and more at origins.osu.edu

Co-hosts Leticia Wiggins and Patrick Potyondy interviewed guests Ayse Baltacioglu-Brammer and Patrick Scharfe on the the civil war in Syria, which continues to dominate headlines across the globe. As negotiations and fighting continue, Leticia and Patrick spoke with the two historians of the Middle East to explore the nation's diversity, the role of women in the Arab Spring, intervention, and the way forward. For more on Syria, see Origins' two articles, “Syria's Islamic Movement and the 2011-12 Uprising” and “Alawites and the Fate of Syria” Posted: January 2014 Connect with us! Email: Origins@osu.edu Twitter: @OriginsOSU Instagram: @OriginsOSU Facebook: @OriginsOSU Find transcripts, background reading, and more at origins.osu.edu

People Group Summary: https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18805 Listen to the "Gateway to the Unreached" with Greg Kelley, produced by the Alliance for the Unreached: https://alliancefortheunreached.org/podcast/

This week Uncle Mark takes us to sunny Vietnam to meet Coa Dai, Uncle Dan knocks over Saint Junipero and Uncle Doug tells us everything is not alright with the Alawites.

Elizabeth Tsurkov is among the few Israelis to have visited Syria since the war began. She might be the only one to have reached a sweeping range of people from Kurdish fighters to ISIS supporters to Alawites, for in-depth interviews about the future of the tortured country. This season of the Tel Aviv Review is made possible by The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, which promotes humanistic, democratic, and liberal values in the social discourse in Israel.

On this episode of Illusion Radio, Doc is once again joined by the lovely co-host, Dizzy, who has unfortunately fallen ill with a case of the Charlie Brown's Teacher Virus. The dynamic duo will be joined by special guest, Caffeinated Frog, for an invigorating discussion about the fall of the gold standard and consequent birth of the petrodollar. Other topics covered shall include a rousing debate on the pros vs. cons of capitalism, a full disclosure on the indoctrination of our children by the U.S. government, and the ever more glaring brazenness of the Jews. Hold your bricks, goys! We will be acquiring a proper setup for Diz in the coming months, so that she can reach her full potential as Illusion Radio co-host! Caffeinated Frog: @EIGuardianAngel Dizzy: @BlackSunDiz Doc: @douchecc For those who would like to learn more about Bashar al-Assad and the Alawites in general, we encourage you to check out our episode with weev, found . Thanks for listening, goys!

Reincarnation is the philosophical or religious concept that an aspect of a living being starts a new life in a different physical body or form after each biological death. It is also called rebirth or transmigration, and is a part of the Saṃsāra doctrine of cyclic existence. It is a central tenet of all major Indian religions, namely Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The idea of reincarnation is found in many ancient cultures, and a belief in rebirth/metempsychosis was held by Greek historic figures, such as Pythagoras, Socrates, and Plato. It is also a common belief of various ancient and modern religions such as Spiritism, Theosophy, and Eckankar and is found as well in many tribal societies around the world, in places such as Australia, East Asia, Siberia, and South America. Although the majority of denominations within the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam do not believe that individuals reincarnate, particular groups within these religions do refer to reincarnation; these groups include the mainstream historical and contemporary followers of Kabbalah, the Cathars, Alawites, the Druze, and the Rosicrucians. The historical relations between these sects and the beliefs about reincarnation that were characteristic of Neoplatonism, Orphism, Hermeticism, Manicheanism, and Gnosticism of the Roman era as well as the Indian religions have been the subject of recent scholarly research. Unity Church and its founder Charles Fillmore teach reincarnation.In recent decades, many Europeans and North Americans have developed an interest in reincarnation, and many contemporary works mention it.

Reincarnation is the philosophical or religious concept that an aspect of a living being starts a new life in a different physical body or form after each biological death. It is also called rebirth or transmigration, and is a part of the Saṃsāra doctrine of cyclic existence. It is a central tenet of all major Indian religions, namely Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The idea of reincarnation is found in many ancient cultures, and a belief in rebirth/metempsychosis was held by Greek historic figures, such as Pythagoras, Socrates, and Plato. It is also a common belief of various ancient and modern religions such as Spiritism, Theosophy, and Eckankar and is found as well in many tribal societies around the world, in places such as Australia, East Asia, Siberia, and South America. Although the majority of denominations within the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam do not believe that individuals reincarnate, particular groups within these religions do refer to reincarnation; these groups include the mainstream historical and contemporary followers of Kabbalah, the Cathars, Alawites, the Druze, and the Rosicrucians. The historical relations between these sects and the beliefs about reincarnation that were characteristic of Neoplatonism, Orphism, Hermeticism, Manicheanism, and Gnosticism of the Roman era as well as the Indian religions have been the subject of recent scholarly research. Unity Church and its founder Charles Fillmore teach reincarnation.In recent decades, many Europeans and North Americans have developed an interest in reincarnation, and many contemporary works mention it.

Jacob Shapiro and Kamran Bokhari discuss some recent anomalies in the Middle East and consider the relationship between sectarianism and nationalism in the Muslim world. Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: hubs.ly/H06mXwR0 TRANSCRIPT: Jacob L. Shapiro: Hi everyone and welcome to another Geopolitical Futures podcast. I'm sorry that we missed last week but we're back this week and I am joined once again by Kamran Bokhari, who is one of our senior analysts. Nice to have you back Kamran. Kamran Bokhari: It's good to be back Jacob. JLS: And we're going to pick up a little bit where we left off last week, or not last week, two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, we were talking about the situation between Saudi Arabia and Qatar and we thought we'd just have a more general conversation this week about the Middle East, Islam, maybe some nationalism to throw in there. And but Kamran before we get started, we just noticed a report before we were recording that the al-Nuri mosque in Mosul, Iraq apparently has been destroyed in some kind of explosion. This mosque is important because it's where the ISIS founder and leader al-Baghdadi actually declared the caliphate years ago. You were telling me that it kind of struck you as weird. Why was it weird to you, what's going on do you think with this report? KB: We've seen ISIS and other jihadist groups attack mosques of Muslims that they don't deem to be “true Muslims” or from their point of view deviant Muslims. But this is anomalous in that ISIS would actually blow up a mosque that it has been using and it's been sort of a place from where they declared their caliphate and something that they've used. Now, it could be that there may be things or something that's in that mosque that they didn't want coalition forces to get their hands on, so they decided to go ahead and destroy the facility. But it's still very odd that they would take a risk like that because they are already on the defensive and why would they do something that could potentially cause them great backlash. JLS: Yeah, I think one of the things I was thinking about though was according to the reports Iraqi security forces were approaching the mosque and they blew it up as sort of a way to defend themselves and not let the mosque fall into enemy hands, necessarily. But I think this is an example of how ISIS has a very pragmatic ideology. We think of them as religious fanatics, and they are religious fanatics, but they also deal with things pragmatically, especially the defense of the territories and places that they defend and it's something that just popped into my head. It's also strange that fundamentalist groups like this also always seem to have an aversion to anything resembling idolatry. ISIS was famous for blowing up a lot of these antiquities in Palmyra and other places that they've been or taking the antiquities and selling them on the black market. They don't really care about big beautiful structures or things like that. I think in some ways they think of structures as something that the Saudis are building. You think about the Saudis and all the stuff they are building around the Kaaba in Mecca, that sort of comes to mind. And ISIS has always been more spartan, has always been not attached to I don't know larger images or beautiful mosques, that's not really what it's about. So yeah, don't you think it could just be a symbol of their pragmatism in general? KB: I think you are onto something here that's important. I think that what you said in the beginning is that we tend to look at these groups as very rigid in their interpretation of religious text and whatnot, which is true on one level. But on another level, they display a great deal of, for lack of a better term, pragmatism or they make things up as they go and they change interpretations and they adopt interpretations that normally would not be the case. And I think that given the way that ISIS has evolved and grown, one of the key things in their toolkit has been that you don't stick with necessarily the old formulations or understandings of religious texts. As far as buildings are concerned, I think they look at it from a utilitarian point of view. And then of course, this is war, and I think that in war they tend to be a bit more casual about things and because what is at stake is being able to protect themselves as an institution and so buildings may not necessarily be of importance. And again, we're speculating because just not a whole lot of information as to how ISIS blew this up – was it booby-trapped, were there fighters holed up there and they blew themselves up because they didn't want to get caught or wanted to achieve “martyrdom” and especially given it being Ramadan or the tail end of Ramadan. And so there are just too many unanswered questions. JLS: Well another report I wanted to ask you about Kamran, and I haven't raised this with you before but we'll see what you think about it, is that I hadn't realized this but I read a report today that there are actually a number of polio cases in Deir el-Zour in particular but also in Raqqa and other places that the Islamic State and even in other places that the Islamic State is not controlling in Syria and in Iraq right now. And for some reason that really struck me on sort of a symbolic level. I think there maybe is not a better symbol for Western science than vaccines. And in some ways vaccines have had a little bit of a troubled history in the Muslim world, right? There were all those allegations of CIA agents posing in Pakistan as doctors who were giving polio vaccines and that ruining trust in Pakistan for doctors. And Pakistan remains one of the places where polio still exists and – in part because of that distrust. And I don't think that ISIS meant for polio to sprout back up in Syria. I'm not even saying that it's really their fault. We know that you know in a lot of these war-torn places, things like basic hygiene are some of the first things to go. We're seeing a cholera outbreak in Yemen right now, which is affecting tens if not hundreds of thousands of people. But I just wonder how you react to that. On the one hand, ISIS is really staked some of its legitimacy on behaving like a state and on providing basic services and the Assad regime has done some of that too. But at the same time, I think we're really beginning to see both in Syria and some parts of Iraq and Yemen where these wars have been going on for so long, we're beginning to really see the total breakdown of bureaucracy and some of the basics that we've come to expect of 21st century society. So, I just wonder what you think about all of those things that I just threw at you and whether it was as striking to you as it was striking to me. KB: It is striking, and what's striking to me is that wherever there's a jihadist entity that is taking control of an ungoverned space and set up shop and declared an emirate or a caliphate – I mean the parallel with Pakistan is very apt – that we see these diseases that we thought had been largely eradicated from the rest of the world like polio and cholera, they begin to emerge. And obviously it has a lot to do with the lack of governance, sanitation being very poor quality, hygiene not being maintained. A lot of it just may be because of the lack of resources. And it really speaks to the idea that somehow the caliphate was a place where people should migrate to in terms of the recruits of ISIS, people who were inspired by ISIS. One of the things that ISIS was saying to people all across the world was come join the caliphate, you know, you need to come to the land where the caliphate exists. And so that's really a blow to that idea that life is so harsh and we can only speculate as to the availability of food supply and other basic services that we have taken granted for in pretty much the rest of the world. I mean even in Pakistan, even in Syria, there are places that do not have this kind of situation. In fact, these are really small pockets of territory where you have the outbreak of such diseases. In Pakistan, we did have that whole thing about the CIA and the conspiracy theory amongst the jihadists, amongst the Pakistani Taliban and their supporters that we should not allow our children to be immunized by doctors because somehow this is a CIA plot to undermine fertility or trying to gain intelligence through the dispensation of vaccines. But at the same time, it really speaks about how really primitive society and governance becomes once jihadists take over. It speaks to the lack of facilities and the lack of resources and you know utter lack of sophistication when it comes to statecraft or just dispensing basic services – collecting garbage, dealing with cleanliness, having a place where people can be treated for you know injuries or wounds. After all, one of the major enterprises of groups like ISIS and the Taliban is warfare. You would think that they would invest in hospitals. But it seems like this is the place where they were at the very least cutting corners. JLS: Yeah, that's fair enough. Well that was a curve ball to start off with but I want to take us back to something that some of our readers have written in to ask us to talk about. And there's not a better person to ask this question than you Kamran. Tell us the difference in a short group of words about what is the difference between Sunnis and Shiites, what is the big deal, why are Sunnis and Shiites always fighting each other throughout the Middle East and where does this go from here? KB: So initially when it all started, it started right after the death of the prophet. And at the time, there was nothing called a Sunni or a Shia. These were categories that developed many, many years later – many decades later and became full-fledged sects, rival sects over centuries. But at the time, the question was, who is going to succeed the prophet because the prophet himself is reported to have said that when God sent one prophet to the children of Israel and would take him away then he would be replaced by another prophet but after me there are no more prophets. And then his companions and his followers asked, “Well, prophet who will guide us and who will lead us?” And he said there will be caliphs and there will be many, some of whom you would love and they would love you and some of whom would despise you and you would despise you in return and that was sort of the end of that story. But the unanswered question was, well ok, who succeeds the prophet? So those who became later on Sunnis decided to go with an individual by the name of Abu Bakr who was the closest friend of the prophet and an associate and he was an individual of advanced age. But those who later on became Shia, and much later on, said no, the cousin of the prophet and who also happened to be his son-in-law, Ali, is most deserving of the position because he spent so much time, he's young, he's energetic, he's demonstrated his capability as a top aide and also on the battlefield. And eventually that whole dispute over time led to a divide and there was a very early civil war issue on this as well during the time of the third caliph, I would say in the '50s. Eventually, jurisprudence that differed between the two sects didn't emerge until well after, I would say 300 years after, the prophet migrated from Mecca to Medina and established the first Islamic polity. But really the sect, as in full-fledged sects, they didn't emerge – the Shia and the Sunni – in the theological sense until well into the 16th century when the Safavid Empire in Iran adopted Shia Islam as a state religion and expected people to be or subscribe to what became Shia Islam and then Shia Islam is broken down into subsects just as the Sunni side is fragmented. JLS: How would you describe the relationship in terms of its relationship to nationalism currently right now? So there are a lot of different nation-states in the Middle East: there's Iraq, there's Jordan, there's Saudi Arabia, there's Egypt. There's a certain level of national pride for the different groups that live in these states. But then the sectarian stuff when you overlay it doesn't always line up exactly with it, right? Because in Iraq there's a majority Arab population and on the one hand because of the sectarianism, they feel closer to Iran. But there are also Arabs; they're not Persians so in that sense they feel closer to Arabs and it's just this whole mess of things so what do you think is the relationship between nationalism and sectarianism? KB: So I think what you're asking is sort of the geopolitics of sectarianism because when it becomes geopolitical, when you have major states or empires as we had back in the Medieval times when Shia/Sunni – I mean the Shia/Sunni conflict is not new. It's been raging and it has assumed different forms in different time periods so the geopolitics of sectarianism, when sectarianism becomes geopolitical, it's no longer simply a religious divide. It is, no you pray differently, you believe in different things and you have a different view of collective history and shared memory. It really becomes ethnic categories so it's almost like a form of nationalism where the Shia identity becomes very primary and the Sunni identity also becomes really highly sensitized and that happens because in the here and now, especially after the late '70s and early '80s, it's because of the rise of Islamism on both sides of the sectarian divide. You have Iran becaming the first Islamist regime in the Muslim world but it subscribes to Shia Islamism or it's an Islamism or Shia variant. At the same time, you have Islamism on the Sunni side and because of this heightened religiosity, the sectarian identity has become almost the primary identity for at least those people who are waging war against each other. So Saudi Arabia looks at Iran and says we don't like Iran because they're Persians but more so because they're Shia and they want to subvert Sunni orthodoxy. And conversely when the Iranians look at the Saudis they see an entity that is trying to undermine the Shia religious creed and mind you the Shia being the minority have mostly been on the receiving end throughout the history of Islam. So there is this sense of minority status that also kicks in and therefore the Iranian identity sort of gets subdued or exists parallel to the Shia identity. Likewise, on the Sunni side, yes we're Saudis, we're Arabs and people in Lebanon are Lebanese and Iraqis have their national identity but as these nation-states are in meltdown mode and there's growing geopolitical sectarianism, it's the sectarian identity that has become the primary thing. I mean those who are fighting the Assad regime in Syria, they're largely driven by the fact that they see an Alawite Shiite conspiracy to destroy Sunnism in Syria and they're defending Sunni Islam against what they deem as a form of deviants, the Alawite Shiite creed. Same thing in Yemen between the Houthis and their opponents. And so the nation-state is still in somewhere; people haven't completely discarded it. But at the same time, because the nation-state has become weak, this sectarian identity has taken center stage. JLS: Is it fair to say that there are less subcategories of Shiites than there are of Sunnis? Like there are more Sunnis in the Middle East than there are Shiites, but would it be fair to say that the Sunni community throughout the entire Middle East is actually much more fractured and has a number of different subsets? Whereas, because maybe there are less Shiites, that camp is more unified? Or would you say there are actually, when you actually look into the camps themselves, there's actually a lot of subdivisions and internal rivalries that maybe don't even bubble up to the surface or that aren't obvious to the casual observer of news in the Middle East? KB: You are absolutely right and you have pointed to a key characteristic of this sectarian conflict that's brewing. So on the Sunni side, you have not just multiple subsects but you have, as I mentioned earlier, the nation-state or the national identity hasn't completely gone away. And you have multiple claimants who represent Sunni Islam. Saudi Arabia has since its founding tried to position itself as not just a leader of the Sunni world or the Arab world but the Islamic world in general. And in recent times with Turkey moving away from a Kemalist version of secularism to a more religious version of secularism, a more religious society not necessarily a religious state, it also sees itself as the leader of the region, the Middle East and of course the wider Islamic world. And ISIS is doing the same thing; al-Qaida claims the leadership of the Islamic world, the Sunni world as well. There is no unified coherent Sunni camp if you will. Now in contrast and in sharp contrast, because the Shia are a minority, their divisions – so the Syrians aren't mainstream, the Syrian Alawites aren't mainstream Shia. They're a heterodox offshoot of mainstream Shia Islam but yet they're close with mainstream Shiites in Iran, in Iraq and in Lebanon. Likewise, you have the Houthis who are Zaidis, who are another form of Shia Islam, which in a way from a doctrinal way is actually not so close to mainstream Shia Islam. It shares a lot more with Sunni Islam, but nonetheless, it is a form of Shia Islam, so therefore we see this alignment with Iran and that Shia camp. And so what we're seeing is a more coherent Shia camp because the Shia are a minority and they have this collective memory that they hark back to, when they have historically been suppressed at the hands of Sunni powers. And now that Sunni Islam has fragmented along multiple lines and one of the things that has really accelerated this fragmentation is the so-called Arab Spring phenomenon or what we call at Geopolitical Futures the hollowing out of the Arab world. You've written about this yourself. And so that has exacerbated the fragmentation on the Sunni side and the Shia look at this and say this is a historic opportunity and I would go on to say that if we look at the history of sectarianism in the Muslim world, it runs on a 500-year cycle. So around 1000 when the Sunni world was fragmenting, we see the rise of Shia policies such as the Fatimid empire in North Africa extending into the Levant and the west coast of the Arabian Peninsula. You had the Buyid empire in what is Mesopotamia and Persia and as time goes on other Shiite polities emerge. But then the Ottomans come back and they reclaim the Sunni center and Sunni Islam once again begins to thrive until the rise of the Safavid empire, which poses a challenge to the Ottomans, and now 500 years later today, we are once again seeing the rise of Shia Islam because Sunni Islam or Sunni Muslim territories are at war with each other. JLS: Kamran on a practical level, is there any significant difference between a Shiite country and Sunni country? Is that going mean anything for the way that particular country acts? Or are those countries just going to act in their geopolitical interest and whatever sect that country happens to be really doesn't play that much into it? I guess to even sharpen the question, does Iran act the way it does in some cases because it is a Shiite country or is that not really something that you can see? KB: At a practical level, different states, different types of states, you know operate more or less the same. You know, you have interests that are material interests and it doesn't matter whether you are Shia or whether you are al-Qaida or ISIS or Sunni or Turkey or whatever. I think that from a practicality point of view, the sect doesn't matter. You have to pursue your imperatives and deal with your constraints like anybody else and actually you're very similar to your rivals. But sect does come into play in terms of behavior, so I'll give you an example. So Iran realizes that it represents a minority sect and a minority ethnicity. They're Persians and they're Shiites in a Middle East that's largely Arab and largely Sunni. And therefore, that creates limitations and so yes they want to expand into Iraq because the majority of Arabs are Shia there. It has developed and cultivated Hezbollah because a majority of Lebanese Muslims are Shia. It's aligned with the Shia because the Alawite regime or the Alawites have dominated the Syrian regime for a long time. It's playing into Yemen to a certain extent because of the Houthis. But it can't go into Saudi Arabia just yet because that's a stronghold of very hardcore Sunni identity and ideology and they won't find so many converts there or supporters. So the Shiite and the Sunni thing does place constraints and limitations in terms of behavior. For example, ISIS only recently, a few weeks ago, was able to stage an attack inside Iran. It's been cultivating, I am pretty sure that it took a long time for it to cultivate the assets to pull off that attack on the shrine of the founder of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian Parliament. But you don't see the volume of attacks that you see even next door in a Shia majority country like Iraq and of course the list goes on and on. So I think that the sect does place constraints in how far a particular power can expand its tentacles and its influence. JLS: The follow-up question to that is I mean really this sectarian battle is focused in the Middle East mainly around the Levant, maybe extending a little bit outwards. But once you get into North Africa or once you get more to South Asia, countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh, you don't have the same type of sectarian rivalry and we see IS trying to expand outwards into these regions especially as it comes under so much pressure in the caliphate itself. Do you think that IS will have trouble finding the same type of equation that allowed it to rise in Syria and Iraq because there isn't that sectarian divide to join on or is there enough subdivision within Sunni Islam and some of these other countries that those are de facto sects already, if that question makes sense? KB: No absolutely and again this is another important point that you raise. What really made ISIS into the jihadist regime it has become, and controlling territory, having a very sophisticated military force and intelligence service and wreaking havoc all across the region and beyond even in the West, is the fact that it was able to consolidate itself in Iraq and Syria because of the sectarian divide. It exploited heavily the Shia/Sunni anxieties on both sides and created space for itself and essentially took over the leadership of first the Sunnis of Iraq because they're a minority in their country and they were disenfranchised after regime change in 2003 that toppled the Saddam regime. And then in the wake of the civil war and uprising against Assad, it tried to take over the leadership of the Sunnis who were trying to battle the Assad regime and trying to topple it. And it really gave them a boost, and exponentially, we saw the growth of ISIS. Now those things as you just mentioned do not exist in North Africa, those conditions. There aren't that many Shia beyond the Levant and beyond the Arabian Peninsula and that sort of heart of the Middle East, no matter which direction you go. You can even go into Central Asia and you won't find the same sectarian polarization, much less Southeast Asia like Indonesia and the Philippines. But I think that having said that, it may not see a major boost; it may take longer for ISIS to develop itself in a place like Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are already a saturated jihadist market if you will. Much less Bangladesh and Indonesia and Malaysia and the Philippines, but there is sufficient chaos in these other countries and internal divides within Sunni Islam and the question of who speaks for the religion. I was speaking to a journalist who's been doing a lot of work in Indonesia and she was telling me about how a version of Wahhabi Islam or Salafi Islam is really growing by leaps and bounds in a country like Indonesia, which was insulated from this ideology for the longest time. And I think that political conditions, the growing religiosity in Muslim societies across the world, these provide for that fertile ground or these are the conditions with which ISIS can latch onto and then begin to expand. So the scale may be different, the timeframe may be different, but I think that there are enough conditions on the ground in these various areas where there aren't any Shiites that will allow and become enablers for ISIS or other groups to expand. JLS: I want to ask you one more question Kamran before we wrap up and it might be an involved question but I think that it's an important one and it's one that I've been thinking about a lot. The sort of smaller version of this question is: Is it possible for nationalism and Islam to coexist? Are those two ideas that can actually be held at the same time in a person's mind and that they make sense or are they mutually exclusive? And if you zoom out a little bit, I would ask that question of all religions. Do you think it's possible for all religions and nationalism to really work in the same type of way or is it that nationalism is sort of at its core, I don't want to say atheistic because it's not that nationalism is going to say that there is no God, but nationalism is going to say that the nation is the most important thing. The defense of the nation, protection of the national interest is the most important all abiding thing that a state must provide for, whereas religion, if you really get down to it and if you want to be ideologically consistent, religion is not going to tolerate anything being the most important thing besides God. They might be willing to have the nation as a subset of that or a caliphate or something like that as a subset of that, but the most important thing is going to be God and if there is a disjuncture between what is interpreted as what God wants versus what is best for the nation, you know usually what God wants is going to win out or what God wants is going to be reinterpreted such that it is in the best interest of the nation. So we started with this strange report of ISIS potentially blowing up one of their own mosques and we've danced around the subject but I wonder if you could sort of speculate for a second about whether nationalism and religion just can't actually fit together or if they can? KB: Well I mean first of all, any religion emanates from a core text or texts that are considered sacred by the believers and those texts are simply texts collecting dust unless the believers operationalize them and it depends on the context, so there is text without context. And those contexts vary over time and we've seen historically – take the case of Islam. Islam has manifested itself in very, very diverse ways and this is not in the here and now, it all goes back to the very earliest centuries of Islam and you see rival groups practicing Islam in very different ways. Yes, there is a core belief that there is no God but God and Muhammad is his last messenger and there is something called a prayer and fasting and charity and pilgrimage and the list can continue depending on what your sectarian persuasion is. But at the end of the day, if we look at the period of the Umayyads, the first dynasty to rule over the Muslim lands and this dynasty took power very early on in 661 and they ruled until the mid-700s and then beyond that in the Iberian Peninsula. That was a dynasty that was built around a clan and it never really – yes it behaved in a religious way, it was motivated by religion but what was dominate was the power of the dynasty, the ruling clan. You had to be from the Umayyad clan. It was father, son and grandson and so on and so forth and it became an imperial dominion and therefore it became a nationalistic entity in some respect. This is obviously pre-nationalism as we understand in a modern world, post enlightenment. But nonetheless, it was not very religious as we understand religion. It wasn't solely religious. And you move through history. You have the various polities that existed. They were geographic and we had multiple competing caliphates. Some of them didn't even call themselves caliphates; they were sultanates. So the Ottomans never really referred to them on a day-to-day basis; the Ottoman emperors referred to them as Sultans. They called themselves the Ottoman Empire; there was an Ottoman identity and Islam was there but it wasn't really in the forefront. And you had divisions, so there is this sort of understanding that somehow the Middle East and the wider Muslim world has adopted nationalism because of the import-export of European thought and through the vehicle of colonialism and then decolonization. Well that's true, but it's not as if the Muslim world was united on the basis of religion. I mean you had multiple competing entities, all throughout history. So I think that nationalism exists in various forms. In the contemporary world, it exists; it manifests itself as the nation-state. The nation-state is the biggest sort of or the most profound expression of nationalism as we understand it. But nationalism has evolved over time so I don't think that Islam is somehow separate or cannot exist. I think that Islam is operationalized in different spatial, temporal settings and they can vary so who is to say which one is pure Islam and which one is veering towards more nationalism. I think it's a hodge-podge and a complex mixture. JLS: I agree with you, although I think just the last thought that I'll close on which came to me as you were talking was that, and you sort of talked in the beginning about how the main split between Sunni and Shiite really happens after the prophet passes away and some people want Abu Bakr to take over as caliph but then others want Ali to take over as caliph and one of the main reasons for Ali was that he was in the family of the prophet, right? So in some ways we might say that for the Shiites the blood has always been a little bit more important than it was in the Sunnis. I know the Umayyads were also – I mean they were a Sunni type of regime if we can even talk about Sunnis existing back then. But they were on that side of the split, right? They believed the chain went through Abu Bakr and that was the legitimate right of succession.  But the Shiites think that there is something about being in the prophet's family that is very important, and there is this aspect of blood tied into the religion that maybe isn't there in Sunni Islam. KB: You are absolutely right. I would just sort of modify that quickly and say that for the Shia, leadership of the faith and the community and the Muslim community, the ummah is divinely ordained, so the imams, they are divinely ordained and they follow from the family of the prophet. Whereas Sunnis believe that this is a political position that comes about through political ways and in many ways it could be, some would argue it could be democratic, some could argue it comes with the power of who has the stronger military force. But ultimately, it's a political position for the Sunnis and a more religious position for the Shia. JLS: Yeah so if we were going to grossly over simplify, we might say something along the lines of Sunni Islam is more democratic whereas Shiite Islam tends to more nationalistic principles. KB: The Iranian government would beg to differ with us [laughs]. They would say that we have achieved a hybrid between religion and politics. We have elected officials, even our clerics have been popularly elected. I mean, they would make that assertion. JLS: Yes, but not the supreme leader, correct? KB: Not the supreme leader. Although they would argue that he could be removed by the Assembly of Experts, which is a body of popularly elected leaders or clerics. JLS: Well when they do that, we can talk about it. But in the meantime, Kamran thanks for joining us. It's always a pleasure. For listeners out there, thank you for listening. We're sorry we missed last week but we're back on and we are going to keep doing these once a week and maybe even increase them more. As always, if you have comments and critiques: comments@geopoliticalfutures.com or just leave comments here on Sound Cloud or whatever your medium you're listening to us through and we'll see you out there. Thanks.

Part 4 of our series on the Syrian civil war focuses on the history of the Alawites, a bizarre and minor Islamic sect that spent most of its 1100 year history being oppressed (and beheaded) by the Sunni majority – until Hafez al-Assad, an Alawite, became the President of Syria in 1970. They were originally […] The post Syrian Civil War 1.4 appeared first on The BS Filter.

On this episode, Dan and Joanne interview independent journalist Rania Khalek about her recent trip to Syria. Rania is one of the few journalists to have done reporting from actually inside Syria and reports what she witnessed observing and talking to Syrians. Part of the discussion also focuses on a US-backed effort through traditional and social media to ignore the role Al Qaeda/Al Nusra is playing in the civil war. Rania explains the "moderate rebels" are, in truth, Al Nusra and those groups ideologically aligned with Al Nusra. If the moderate rebels prevailed, a sectarian bloodbath would shortly commence targeting Alawites, Christians, Shiites, and any other minority not conforming to their Sunni jihadist worldview. Follow Rania on Twitter at @RaniaKhalek

Dr. Illusion and weev discuss Syria, Assad, and the mysterious Alawites.  We also talk about the Middle East in general, and Israel in particular.  Find weev on Twitter: @rabite Find Dr. Illusion on Twitter: @DocIllusion Dr. Illusion website: Thanks for listening, goys!

We all know how it started. A sparkle that was lit from the amber of the Arab Spring fueling the repressed demands of politically destitute and economically deprived Syrians. It did not start as an elite movement exploiting troubled times in the Middle East. Nor was it, as one would expect, a military coup or a hastily concocted accusation of an Imperialist, Zionist, Fascist or some other ‘ist' conspiracy. The origins of the sparkle were much more modest. Kids scribbling anti-regime slogans on a wall in Dera'a. Mere slogans were too much to fathom for Damascus' tyrant. Then, came the regime's thunderous response delivered in a Stalin-like fashion. We all know what followed. The brutal repression and mass murders perpetrated by the regime, which gradually drew hordes of Islamic fanatics of all colors and stripes. The situation soon deteriorated with bombs dropped on civilians from Syrian army helicopters only to be matched by ISIS-televised beheadings. As a result, the weakest link has been–and remains- the Assad regime and its limited number of supporters amongst the Damascene urban elite–which is taken hostage- and the rural minorities of Christians, Druzes and Alawites. Assad was severely weakened at the opening salvo of this war by the mere defiance to his regime, and to his father's -who still rules from the grave. In dictatorships the aura, the myth and the illusion of power are more important than actual force, and armored divisions. Once the illusion is dissipated, fear quickly fades and the God-like tyrant suddenly turn into a mere mortal. The beauty of mortals is that they are. So taking aim at bringing down the regime became within reach. The unsettling of the regime was manifest though the growing threats from within. Gen. Asif Shawkat the distrusted brother-in-law, Gen. Ghazi Kanaan, the former ruler of Lebanon and Gen. Rustom Ghazali, his predecessor, to name but a few. All were assassinated by the regime in preemptive strikes, no questions asked. The SS liquidating the SA, kind of. On the battlefield, only the intervention of Iran via its proxies made up of Lebanese, Iraqi, Syrian and Afghani paramilitaries, was able to shore-up the crumbling defenses of Damascus and other key cities and towns in Syria. This proxy army has fully undermined the Assad regime who now has to rely on foreign militias and irregulars to survive. Not only was the ‘Emperor Naked', he was kneeling most humbly. Then, the curtain call came in once the Iranians, no longer capable of repelling the waves of suicide bombers, pleaded with Putin to save Syria's Assad from its irreversible fate. The fate of the Assad regime was sealed the moment Russian jets entered the Syrian air space. From a former all-powerful dictator of Syria, occupier of Lebanon, ally of Iran, and junior partner of Russia, Assad became a Putin vassal at best, or his pawn at worst. Cease fires are being negotiated than reneged between Russia and the US irrespective of Assad's role, presence or opinion. The Syrian conflict has metamorphosed from a local rebellion into an international showdown. The Syrian theater of operations has succeeded to assemble more armies and proxy fighters than a landing on a Normandy beach. All seem to be present in one form or another including the US, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Saudi, Qatar, the UK, France, and Israel. But what are the objectives of the major players? In Syria, Russia is most naturally protecting a historical client-state and laying claims to a strategic real estate on the Mediterranean, just like Crimea on the Black Sea. But what is Russia' end game? Keeping Assad in place (an impossible task), or keeping the US in check (a costly game), or keeping the Sunnis subjugated (a risky gamble given the restless Muslims inside the former USSR)? Is Russia eying to play guarantor of the East Mediterranean gas routes to Europe? Would this role demand an enlarged, semi-permanent naval base in Tartus similar to the US' Fifth Fleet in ...