THE KILLING OF GENERAL HASSAN SHATERI.

Okay, first off it's absolutely ridiculous referred to this individual as someone in charge of "construction" efforts is absolutely ludicrous!

The true depiction of Shateri is actually mentioned by the Iranians when they refer to him as someone who is just as important as the now deceased  Mugniyah.

The other issue that was absolutely predictable was linking this general's death to "Zionist guns for hire"!

You see, it's far easier to blame once again the Zionist and their backers than to come to the realization that an Iranian special operations general was killed on Syrian soil by Sunni Arabs in a civil war with Shia Persian backed Arabs.

Once we get past the ridiculous story of why this individual was in Syria, we need to recognize what this event could actually lead to.

The embarrassment to the Iranian leadership will quickly give way to the anger of Suleimani!

This guy is the real deal!

For him to be notified that one of his loyal generals has been gunned down inside of Syria is an issue he will not take lightly and more than likely you will not let go unpunished.

If anyone has forgotten, Suleimani is undoubtedly the person that is actually calling the shots in the Syrian conflict.

How these general was found and targeted was surely the priority question he asked of his staff.

If there is one redeeming factor to this event from the standpoint of escalation, it's the fact that this individual was killed on Syrian soil and not inside Lebanon.

Which direction Shateri was traveling when he was killed is insignificant.

Is damaging to the Iranians as it might be that he was killed on Syrian soil and the image that portrays to the rest of the world, things would have been far worse if this event would have taken place inside Lebanon.

Putting all of these issues aside, this event strikes yet another chapter in the Syrian conflict.

It is common knowledge the Iranians have been heavily involved inside of Syria from the beginning of this conflict, but the death of one of their senior military leaders who is not retired on how "pilgrimage" to some site in Syria is more than an ominous sign.

Iran has little to deny and it seems that almost unwilling to make up even an acceptable story as to why this individual would be on Syrian soil.

Simply put, it appears the Iranians no longer are concerned about the world's opinion of Koran functioning inside of Syria in support of Assad!

If there's anything to take away from the story, it's the way the Iranian leadership addressed the event in the open press.

Comparing Shateri three slaying Hezbollah hero is more than a hint that Iran no longer is willing to hide their open support for Assad!

Finally, this event will not go unpunished and the level of the reprisal will give us a very good indication of how comfortable the Iranians are with openly supporting Assad.

http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=303371

NOBODY IN EGYPT LOVES HAMAS ANYMORE???

Sometimes, governments send messages, in this case the Egyptian military, in ways that can't be overlooked if you're not paying attention.

The flooding of the Gaza Strip tunnels has an impact on the population inside Gaza, but the real message is to Hamas!

The denial of Hamas headquarters in Cairo is also a message from the Egyptian military.

So, let me ask a simple question.

Do these two events signal that the Egyptian military is one, not on the side of the Muslim brotherhood, and more importantly not in favor of supporting Hamas?

You see, it appears Egyptian military is actually sent to messages.

One is to the West and the second, in my opinion more importantly, to the brotherhood; "we still call the shots in Egypt"!

Make no mistake, these two rather remarkable yet apparently overlooked events seem to be sending a clear signal from Egypt's military.

Over the course of the last several weeks I've heard many individuals asked the question as to why the United States continues to send arms to the Egyptian military.

Could it be that the US government know something most others simply don't grasp?

Could the delivery of arms to the Egyptian military be taking place because the West understands the Egyptian military is still on "their side"?

One thing is for sure, Hamas in very short order is come to realize where they stand with the Egyptian military.

Quite honestly, there is a price for Hamas to pay for supporting terrorist operations in the Sinai and the loss of Egyptian military lives did not go unnoticed.

So what will become of the tunnel operations in the Gaza?

It appears not all the tunnels have been affected and quite honestly this event is probably nothing more than "messaging".

Denying Hamas headquarters in Cairo is also nothing more than "messaging"!

You can rest assured that both of these events did not go unnoticed by Iran and the brotherhood!

It also did not go unnoticed by the Israeli government.

The dynamics of Egypt became evident several weeks ago has its military appeared slow to react to the protest against the current government.

These two new events are further indications that all is not lost in the struggle for control of Egypt.

The Muslim brotherhood realizes today more than it did yesterday just how difficult it is to "rule".

I have spoken the past about the relationships that have developed between the IDF and the Egyptian military over the past 30 years and how these relationships cannot be overlooked.

None of these actions equate into smooth waters for Egypt, but they do give a clear indication of just how difficult certain organizations can make day-to-day life for the Muslim brotherhood.

I'm anxious to see the reactions of Hamas's leadership over these two events and I would have loved to been a fly on the wall when the phones began to ring between Hamas and the Muslim brotherhood.

http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=303168

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=303159

ISLAMIC JIHAD... JUST LIKE I SAID!!!

A few days ago, I commented on the dangers of Hamas and Fatah not reconciling their differences and how the more radical elements in the movement would rise to the forefront even to the point of circumventing both of them.

Today when I read this article, it became even clear to me that my theory is right on track.

The pressure that Islamic Jihad is placing upon Hamas is nothing new and yet the danger of this movement rising to the forefront grows with each passing day.

Concept of violent overthrow becoming the norm in the region and that will only embolden the Islamic Jihad to continue in uncompromising path.

Internal infighting for power and prestige keeps some of the organizations such as this one off balance, but that will not last forever and that will not prevent them are those like them from continuing to pressure Hamas and Fatah.

Now, it seems outrageous a conversation could be held in which Hamas is painted is somewhat of a rational operation!

As I said before, I in no way condone the actions are the tactics of Hamas, but the simple fact of the matter is their operations in organizations that feel even Hamas is too forgiving and too compromising.

This may be a confusing concept in the West, but it is not to the Israelis or the Arab leaders in the region.

Groups like Islamic Jihad continued to provide the rest of us an excellent measuring point as to just how dire events are becoming.

I would be interested to see the recruiting process inside Islamic Jihad and to obtain what their growth has been in the past 12 months.

When radical extremist organizations become the "flavor of the day" in Syria, then the popularity and prestige of joining groups like Islamic Jihad can only grow.

Okay, make this as simple as we can.

If those organizations that have the ability to "negotiate" cannot find a way to come to some level of understanding, then chaos is not far behind them!

The other dire problems of the region will face is the inability of all parties involved to admit our work towards a nonviolent partnership for the Palestinian cause.

It is and it will remain virtually impossible to convince the Israeli government a relationship between Fatah and Hamas will bring anything positive to the table.

Unfortunately, I probably agree with them!

The difference between Hamas and Islamic Jihad and those like Islamic Jihad is defined in terms insignificant most outsiders.

The drive for power and prestige and yes...... wealth is the real motivation behind all of these groups.

There is absolutely no reason why groups such as Islamic Jihad will do anything to support any type of peaceful movement and the Palestinian cause and in reality it will most likely do everything in her power to prevent.

The future of the Palestinian statehood issue continues to be dark and most likely has no concept of a light at the end of the tunnel.

A youth movement that is truly seeking justice and equality for all of the Palestinians is nowhere to be seen and even if it could be seen it is not armed and is not nearly as determined as the violent actors of Hamas and Islamic Jihad and all the others!

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/islamic-jihad-join-plo.html

SO.. JUST HOW IMPORTANT IS A DAM???

So, what does the loss of the Taqba Dam mean to Assad?

To put it simply, it's huge!

It's a given that this Dam was probably highly protected and its loss produced a virtual stockpile of weapons and munitions for the rebels.

Yet, weapons cache was captured is not even 1/10 of the story at the strategic level.

There's been a saying in the Middle East for centuries; "he who controls the water controls the land"!

I can just imagine the conversation inside Iraq when word came at the rebels had captured this strategic location on Euphrates River.

Although this Dam is not critical in the production of electricity, it's the simple flow of water in the psychological damage of its loss that will impact what is left of the Syrian governments confidence, not to mention leadership of Iraq and Iran.

Some are already pondering, how hard with the Syrian government try to regain this facility?

Let me explain to you just how difficult a task this could prove to be.

Once the rebels occupied the control room for the locks in the dam itself the Syrian government was forced to contemplate a virtual man on man conflict in any attempt to regain the dam.

You see, you cannot use artillery, you cannot use helicopters, at least not at her full potential and you cannot use fighter aircraft even with precision munitions without destroying the physical facility you are trying to retake.

The psychological damage of losing such a strategic facility is perhaps the largest prize of  all for the rebels.

The water from Euphrates is every bit as important to the people of Iraq as it is the people of Syria.

Why the rebels chose this target speaks to their ability to comprehend strategic value versus tactical value or targets of simple opportunity.

This was a story that was easily overlooked today!

This is also a story that I can promise you provides us with one of the best indicators yet of Assad's future.

The battle for Damascus continues in the long run that truly is more important than the capture of the largest dam in Syria on Euphrates River, but this event, in my opinion, was overlooked to quickly today.

I can assure you it was not overlooked by Assad or his Bosses in Tehran.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/02/2013211154422865528.html

THE BATTLE FOR DAMASCUS AND IRAN'S PLAN!

Several times over the course of the past year and a half, I have commented on the possibilities of the random planning for continued actions on Syrian soil even after the fall of Assad!

I believe it is now a commonly accepted viewpoint that Iran has determined their ability to operate and support Hezbollah from inside Syria is an achievable an acceptable goal.

The rumors of training camps run by the Iranians have been spoken of for months now.

Logic would have it these militias would provide Iran the opportunity to maintain some acceptable control.

Having said that, Assad must be thinking twice about what the real intentions of these militias might be.

Are they there to prop him up and support him, or are they there simply to run Syria, what is left of it, after the fall the government?

Personally, I believe this theory is spot on.

Indications of  Assad's  demise are about as hard to determine as they could possibly be.

Nevertheless, in the past few days coordinated actions around the city of Damascus appeared to have an ominous tone for the Syrian government.

Close order combat inside the city of Damascus renders weapons such as fighter aircraft and long-range artillery virtually useless.

The Syrian military can ill afford to abandon the city for the simple purpose of leveling it given the fact that the last of their supporters are inside of the same city.

Could Damascus become the modern day Beirut?

Could battle lines be drawn virtually dividing the city as they did in the Lebanese Civil War,

With Iranian militias holding small pockets of territory and a unorganized divided rebel movement that is much better destroying operations than they are developing them or maintaining them is a formulary for sustaining conflict.

It's so it appears the ingredients for a stalemate and a divided and virtually nonexistent nation-state that was once called Syria have all come together.

Another unfortunate risk now returns to the forefront!

Assad's option of using WMDs is most likely predicated on his anticipated loss of Damascus.

For quite some time now I have stated the Iranians truly hold the trigger on Syria's WMDs.

I'm afraid the close enough in the timeline of such an event that my theory may be put to test.

Unfortunately these militias and the Islamic fundamentalist radical groups in Syria mixed with the concerns of unaccounted for weapons of mass destruction also creates a cocktail the Israelis will undoubtedly be unwilling to drink!

By the time the president United States visits Israel, there is a real possibility the topic will not be Palestinian statehood or even the Iranian nuclear weapons program.

There is even the possibility that by the time this meeting takes place in the region will simply be too "hot" for the presence travel.

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=302818

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/02/201321019911209655.html

HAMAS AND FATAH.. FAIL AGAIN... BIG SURPRISE!!!

Well, or at least the eighth time that I can remember, the so-called reconciliation of Hamas and Fatah is come to a grinding halt!

Now, quite frankly, is anyone really surprised?

I wouldn't go as far as saying these reconciliation talks are a joke, but I would say they're getting close.

A year ago, the potential glue to make this bond take place was the new government in Egypt.

It's very apparent now the new government in Egypt has far greater issues at hand!

Obviously the "grand plan of the Muslim brotherhood" is in serious trouble, at least in side of the mothership........... Egypt!

As I stated before, some of us realize what the real issue is between Hamas and Fatah; power and prestige.

From the standpoint of Hamas, giving up the lucrative business of the tunnel operations in Gaza is simply a bridge too far, even in the name of "reunification".

So what now?

How long before the next great announcement of a significant meeting between the two parties once again forecasting the great merger?

One thing is for sure, the Muslim brotherhood in Egypt is far too occupied to continue any further proactive planning for the Palestinian movement.

On the surface, a lack of unification could be interpreted is music to the ears of the Israelis and others.

As I stated two nights ago, I'm not sure the consistent failure of Hamas and Fatah is going to lead to "business as usual"!

The radical elements within the Gaza Strip and now even parts of the West Bank could easily see this failure of unification as their Golden opportunity to try and further the Palestinian cause their way!

So before everyone begins to cheer become optimistic over this stalemate between the two Palestinian movements, we need to consider what the alternative might be.

If the egos that run these two groups actually seem to be the stumbling points, and the Palestinian people may need to take action against both leaders.

Perhaps the Palestinian people should call for an election soon were both these parties and their leaders are cast aside.

If that sounds unrealistic, I would caution you not to underestimate the frustration and the determination of many young Palestinians.

What we are witnessing today in Cairo is the youth movement of Egypt, who were overrun by the Muslim brotherhood, beginning to get their feet underneath them and place true demands on their current government.

Don't believe for a minute that this mindset cannot become contagious to those in the Palestinian community who are tired of the interactions of Hamas and Fatah.

http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=302695

THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE.. HOW MANY LEVELS ARE THERE?

Last week I failed to comment on the rather obvious move by Khaled Mashaal to try to out maneuver Abbas and Fatah.

When Mashaal stated he may run for President of the PA, I am sure Abbas was not amused.

So, what is the storyline here?

For all the talk of all the hard work taking place to "reconcile" Hamas and Fatah, it's all just hot air!!!!

The Palestinian cause suffers from the same issue it has suffered from for decades.......everyone wants to be the one in charge!!!

Nobody is really in this struggle for the true purpose of justice or homeland rights.

People like Mashaal and Abbas are like no different then all the rest.

Power... prestige and ego... 

In my opinion, the last person who really spoke from the standpoint of placing the Palestinian  people first was Hanan Mikhail Ashrawi.. and we all know what the zealots of Hamas and the more radical groups think of a "female" Spokesperson!!1

So, as the sideshow of " unity" continues in Cairo, a place that is a little preoccupied with their own " unity" issues right now, lets take a quick at what is lurking in the shadows of Gaza and the surrounding area.

The article below is an excellent read on the more radical elements hanging around the fringes of the whole PA movement.

I must admit, as I was reading this today, I couldn't help but be amazed just how many in the West are totally clueless on what is going on in the Middle East.

To think you could walk the streets of Gaza right now and see group after group proclaiming that Hamas is too liberal and too compromising is simply amazing.

Groups like Jaljalat would love nothing more than to toss out Hamas and then attack Fatah for the purpose of turning the Palestinian movement into an armed conflict with no talk whatsoever of compromise.

Yet, here in the West, we see one  beard on TV and we are ready to place everyone into the same bucket!!

Ok, disclaimer here... I don't believe for a single second Hamas is a legitimate organization; although some of us hope someday they might give it a try.... Just ask Jerry Adams and the IRA....

The problem is this; if the more rational groups such as Fatah and members of Hamas can't get to the same sheet of music, internally, then how does anyone rationally believe the whole movement is going to move forward anytime soon??????

I'm afraid the real concern needs to be the radical elements of the movement overtaking the somewhat rational members and plunging the region into a crisis.

Simply put, if Hamas and Fatah can't figure out how to show a unified front to the rest of the world, then those groups snipping at their feet are going to pull them down and the entire movement will be lost, perhaps for ever.

Keeping your "enemy" confused and off balance is a sound tactical practice, but that concept doesn't last forever and often it runs the risk of leading to a complete meltdown that becomes uncontrollable.

Abbas and Mashaal better get their collective acts together soon or the young Wolves at their doorstep are going to blow their house down!!!!

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/palestine-salafist-jihadists-bet.html

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=302514