Russian Pacific Fleet enters the Mediterranean in challenge to West

Russian Pacific Fleet enters the Mediterranean in challenge to West

Special to WorldTribune.com Compiled by Miles Yu, Geostrategy-Direct.com For the first time in a decade, a large combat fleet from Russia’s Pacific Fleet based in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East is joining other Russian warships in the Mediterranean on a combat patrol. The mission was apparently prompted by Russia’s determined desire to sustain the […]

Creative diplomacy needed as conflict in Syria threatens its neighbors

Creative diplomacy needed as conflict in Syria threatens its neighbors

John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — Decrying a rising death toll and an escalation of violence, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly called yet again for progress towards a political transition to defuse Syria’s civil war, now in its third year. Though the resolution strongly condemns the Syrian government of Bashar Assad for its increased use […]

Syria launches air attack on rebel strongholds

Syria launches air attack on rebel strongholds

Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — The regime of President Bashar Assad has launched another counter-offensive against Sunni rebels in Syria. Officials said the Assad regime has directed the Syrian Army and Air Force to intensify attacks on rebel strongholds around Damascus and other major cities. They said the latest regime campaign was meant to roll […]

After Arab Spring, Easter hope but mainly fear

After Arab Spring, Easter hope but mainly fear

John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — The winds of change continue to swirl throughout the Middle East as the region enters the third year of the socio/political phenomenon optimistically dubbed as the Arab Spring. While political scientists debate the ebb and flow of freedoms and anarchy in the region ranging from Egypt to Libya and […]

Syria’s future: Israel favors fragmentation while Saudis want reliable counter to Iran

Syria’s future: Israel favors fragmentation while Saudis want reliable counter to Iran

Special to WorldTribune.com By Brian M Downing The Syrian rebellion is bringing new security concerns to many countries, especially Israel. Under the Assads, Syria had been cowed by Israeli military superiority. Syria’s future, its intentions and capabilities, are in doubt. Israel cannot determine the outcome of events there – no state or group of states […]

Droning on and on: Why Kim Jong-Un and Syria’s Assad are buddies

Droning on and on: Why Kim Jong-Un and Syria’s Assad are buddies

Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk, East-Asia-Intel.com When Kim Jong-Un and the North Korean propaganda machine hint they’ve got startling new weapons for striking terror into Americans thousands of miles away, they may not be talking about just their long-range missiles. How about drones, possibly the most talked about new death-dealer in the inventory of […]

Report: Syrian complex struck by Israel was built by North Korea

Report: Syrian complex struck by Israel was built by North Korea

Special to WorldTribune.com TEL AVIV — North Korea played a major role in the construction of a chemical weapons facility targeted by Israel on Jan. 30, a report said. Israel Defense magazine reported that North Korea helped design and build the Jamariya facility outside Damascus. Israel has not formally claimed responsibility for the Jan. 30 […]

Russian flotilla heads for Mediterranean to counter NATO role in Syria

Russian flotilla heads for Mediterranean to counter NATO role in Syria

Special to WorldTribune.com Compiled by Miles Yu, Geostrategy-Direct.com Over 300 Russian Marines are onboard a flotilla of at least five warships from Russia’s Baltic Fleet and the Black Sea Fleet en route to the Syrian coast in the Mediterranean, both Russian and Israeli sources have confirmed. Moscow had earlier stated that the purpose of sending […]

Addressing global terrorism on a day when it was everywhere

Addressing global terrorism on a day when it was everywhere

John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — The Hydra-headed challenge of global terrorism continues as the multi-faceted threat changes and mutates in response to increasingly effective counter-measures. Few countries have been in the cross hairs of violence as has been Pakistan, so it should come as no surprise that in the Security Council’s urgent meeting to […]

Sunni protesters block Iraq’s trade routes to Jordan, Syria

Sunni protesters block Iraq’s trade routes to Jordan, Syria

Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — The Sunni minority has launched protests that hampered relations with neighboring Jordan. Sunni demonstrators have been blocking roads in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. The protesters blocked a highway to Jordan and Syria, which halted trade and passengers to and from Iraq. “The [Iraqi] Defense Ministry has ordered the […]