The Washington Post casts this story as evidence that President Trump is a pawn of the Russians, which is more of the Left’s ridiculous campaign to portray the 2016 election as having been stolen by Vladimir Putin. But this is the right decision. These “rebels” are mostly jihadis; arming and aiding them is arming and aiding enemies of the United States.
“Trump ends covert CIA program to arm anti-Assad rebels in Syria, a move sought by Moscow,” by Greg Jaffe and Adam Entous, Washington Post, July 19, 2017:
President Trump has decided to end the CIA’s covert program to arm and train moderate Syrian rebels battling the government of Bashar al-Assad, a move long sought by Russia, according to U.S. officials.
The program was a central plank of a policy begun by the Obama administration in 2013 to put pressure on Assad to step aside, but even its backers have questioned its efficacy since Russia deployed forces in Syria two years later.
Officials said the phasing out of the secret program reflects Trump’s interest in finding ways to work with Russia, which saw the anti-Assad program as an assault on its interests. The shuttering of the program is also an acknowledgment of Washington’s limited leverage and desire to remove Assad from power.
Just three months ago, after the United States accused Assad of using chemical weapons, Trump launched retaliatory airstrikes against a Syrian air base. At the time, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, said that “in no way do we see peace in that area with Assad at the head of the Syrian government.”
Officials said Trump made the decision to scrap the CIA program nearly a month ago, after an Oval Office meeting with CIA Director Mike Pompeo and national security adviser H.R. McMaster ahead of a July 7 meeting in Germany with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Spokesmen for the National Security Council and the CIA declined to comment….
mortimer says
Finally, the American weapons provided to so-called ‘moderate’ rebels were often sold to ISIS or simply handed over.
The only reasonable question concerning the Arab states of the middle east is: “Which group is likely to commit fewer atrocities?”
There is no certainty or guarantee that any group in charge will not commit atrocities. They ALL believe in dictatorship. NONE of the Muslim groups believes in pluralism.
The only way to impose dictatorship is through atrocities.
balam says
The Europeans can never understand as to how the Muslim mind ticks. You have to live among them to find out .Their values are completely different from the Western values .Islamic indoctrination completely destroys their conscience .They are like robots .The letter ‘I’ in ISLAM stands for IGNORANCE.INTOLERANCE and INSANITY .The letter ‘S’ stands for SAVAGERY.’L’ for LUST.’A’ for A-MORALITY and ‘M’ for MUTUALITY .They are always ready to gang against the Jews and Christians with innate hatred in their hearts .There is no such thing as a’ moderate Muslim’..
Bill says
It is about time. It was Obama who started arming the Caliphate, as part of his plan to encourage global Jihad. That, along with his phony war against ISIS.
Lee Hicks says
There are no good guys in the Syrian war, and each are avowed enemies to the West, so arming either side was always a bad idea. Pretending that we need to jump into every conflict or war with anything more than humanitarian aid when appropriate is a very bad mindset. Often, it requires siding with one evil over another, and can later create new enemies of our own making. This is a good move, as those who oppose Assad are allied with ISIS.
Daniel Triplett says
Thank God. I believe our President is finally beginning to see the whole forest, from the 3000 mile altitude view.
Sounds like he and Putin may have had a productive meeting of the minds at G-20.
Iran is the problem, not Assad.
If Putin divorces Iran, and Trump divorces Sunni Gulf states, and all Kaffirs condemn Islam, we’ll start making some real progress.
What’s happening now is the biggest story in the history of mankind.
We can either
1. Lay on the beach and do nothing, while the Worldwide Islamic Tsunami destroys us and our offspring forever
Or
2. We can do this:
“Total War: Extinguishing Islam from Earth” @dantriplett
https://medium.com/@dantriplett/islamic-jihad-is-total-war-for-all-marbles-6c858098b76e
These are our only two choices. This is a zero sum conflict.
WorkingClassPost says
Great news from Mr T. I just hope this doesn’t get scuppered like some of his other good initiatives.
Not so sure about your link, though, Dan,
You seem to be advocating fighting WW111 with the same strategies and tactics used in WW11, which is akin to the second War generals going back to the cavalry and trenches of the first War.
I agree it needs to be total war, but that means Total, i.e. military + media, politics, law, education, and whatever else the Jihadis have already got their bloody hands on.
Daniel Triplett says
Describe the “military” component of your non-specific plan.
I agree the strategy must be multifaceted, and I spent a great deal of word space describing the military aspect, among others.
Be careful not to make the arrogant mistake of thinking we’re morally and intellectually superior to our grandfathers. Military officers study successful war history for a reason: Because it works. The principles of winning wars have never changed — only the efficiency of weapons we use. Our WWII grandfathers knew how to win wars. They were brutal and efficient. WWII is the last war the US decisively won. Every war since has failed. So, who are the smart ones in our families?
Do you think if our grandfathers had atomic weapons on 7 DEC 1941, they would’ve waited 3 1/2 years, sacrificing 407,300 of our finest Americans before using them? Of course not, they weren’t stupid.
And when I speak of our “grandfathers,” I speak of both the military AND the American People. The Will to Fight is indispensable from both. Today’s military could also win ANY war in short order. The difference today though is the American People, who don’t have the Will to Fight, and in America, the People control the military (as it should be), not the other way around.
Unless the American People develop the stomach and Will to Fight, at any cost, we’re doomed to lose this war.
My strategy in a nutshell:
1. Form alliances and objectives with Kaffir nuke states
2. To send an overwhelming show of force to the Ummah, and to prevent a catastrophic first strike against us, we vape Raqqa, the Iranian nuke production facilities and existing arsenal, the Pak arsenal, and the N Korean arsenal, all on Day One.
3. Criminalize the practice or promotion of Islam in Kaffir states, with a Worldwide propaganda/education campaign about why we’re doing it.
4. Offer surrender terms to all Dar al-Islam states, which go something like this: Within 72 hours, agree to immediately criminalize the practice and promotion of Islam, as we’ve done in Dar al-Harb, and in return, you will be unharmed, and you’ll keep your power, territory, and resources. If we must force your surrender to our terms, you will face violence on an unprecedented scale, and you will lose your power, territory, and resources.
5. For those Dar al-Islam states who resist the initial Allied terms, we randomly strike 1 Dar al-Islam target every 72 hours until they no longer resist, at which point we reapportion their state through a combination of redrawing territorial boundaries, installing governments of our choice, annexing some or all of their territory to neighboring Apostate states whom didn’t require our force, and using their natural resources for ourselves as spoils of war.
The above strategy is the fastest, least expensive, and safest way to win the war. In fact, it’s the ONLY way to win this war. If you have a better plan, now is the time to articulate it in detail for all Kaffirs to hear.
How specifically do you propose we break 1.7 Billion Muslims’ “Will to Fight?” That, by definition, is when we’ll achieve victory in this war.
WorkingClassPost says
I figure that if we resort to random nuking, then we’ve already lost.
Daniel Triplett says
“Random nuking,” as you put it, is how we brought Japan to its knees, winning the war immediately, saving the lives of at least 1,000,000 American Servicemen, AND at least 2,000,000 Japanese. That’s victory.
Your empty, sanctimonious platitude isn’t a strategy for victory.
You obviously have no strategy.
WorkingClassPost says
Sanctimonious..wtf is that all about?
I tried hard to treat your ideas with respect, despite their obvious shortcomings, but that’s all.
If it bothers you that much, I won’t bother commenting on your suggestions again.
Works for me.
Daniel Triplett says
I figure that if we resort to random nuking, then we’ve already lost.
If you’d like to debate, fine.
You began with a criticism of the strategy I advocate, which I learned in the military. Again, fine.
But, you didn’t offer an alternative strategy really at all. I asked you some specific questions, because I’m sincerely interested in your thoughts. I certainly don’t know everything, and am always looking to learn and improve myself from others’ knowledge and skill.
You answered none of my questions. Nor did you address what you say are the “obvious shortcomings” of my ideas.
I don’t know what you mean at all by: “I figure that if we resort to random nuking, then we’ve already lost.” You didn’t elaborate. So you left me to infer on my own.
I don’t know you except from these few posts here. Your statement came across to me as one of either resignation, or a bleeding-heart attitude such as the lefties would advocate: We Need a World Without Nukes.
If I misunderstood you, I apologize. But can you blame me? I spent time articulating answers to your questions and concerns. I asked you some specific questions in return, which you didn’t answer, instead stating something appearing to be a useless platitude.
If you don’t want to respond to my posts, that’s up to you. I don’t have any problem with you; I would just appreciate your answering my questions too.
Personally, I don’t criticize other people’s ideas unless I have an alternative to offer of my own.
But that’s just me.
Again, if you believe you have a better or different strategy for victory, please, by all means articulate it. I’d like to hear it. Or, at least articulate what you consider to be the “obvious shortcomings” of my ideas.
I know I don’t have all the answers, but I do know from over two decades military experience/education that I propose a successful strategy, and the only possible way for us to win (in my view). Perhaps there’s a better plan I haven’t thought of though. I don’t suffer from “Smartest Guy in the Room Syndrome.”
No hard feelings.
WorkingClassPost says
No offense taken, Dan,
And I’m fine with developing this further but it’s getting late here in UK and I’d like to reread your posts and give them some more thought tomorrow, if that’s ok, either here on the site you linked to above.
In short though, I can’t see military success coming without first winning hearts and minds, not even theirs, necessarily, because I don’t believe our own people will stand for what you suggest until things get significantly worse, which is not the option I would hope for.
Gonna sign off.
Cheers
Daniel Triplett says
I look forward to learning your thoughts when you have time.
The “hearts and minds” that matter belong to Kaffirs. Both the UK and the US (along with the rest of Dar al-Harb) have an uphill climb with that one. The Will to Fight for both the military and the People is indispensable.
Words won’t change the hearts and minds of the Ummah. Nuclear ordnance will.
Cheers Brother.
WorkingClassPost says
“Words won’t change the hearts and minds of the Ummah. Nuclear ordnance will.”
Couldn’t stop myself from smiling at that…
Daniel Triplett says
After more thought, and for those interested, I’ve changed Point #2 to my “Strategy in a Nutshell” above, as follows:
2. To send an overwhelming show of force to the Ummah, and to prevent a catastrophic first strike against us, we vape Raqqa, the Iranian nuke production facilities and existing arsenal, and the Pak arsenal, all on Day One. While the N Korean arsenal remains a grave threat to Liberty, versus a pre-emptive nuke strike, a better plan for N Korea would be a simple assassination, Regime Change, and Re-unification of the peninsula, rendering (N Korean) nukes impotent under the control of a joint US – Sino Alliance.
Unlike the Worldwide Ummah, Fat Boy Kim Jong Un is the only N Korean who is a sincere threat to us. The rest of the N Koreans are all scared to death of that Tyrant. I don’t believe the N Korean People, deep in their souls, really want war with the US or anyone else.
We could end the N Korean conflict today by killing Fat Boy. The N Korean people would likely dance in the streets if we kill their Tyrant. Two to the body and one to the head: We end the 67-year Korean War with $2 worth of bullets. Seoul survives without a scratch.
balam says
It is China ,North Korea and Pakistan , three countries which would be the source of trouble in future .North Korea is financed and supported in every field by China. The loyalty of Pakistan can never be trusted .It is one of the most Anti-Christian country in the world where Christians can’t even breath freely under BLASPHEMY LAWS .If a religion can not stand criticism ,then it is based on falsehood and not worth following.
Daniel Triplett says
We can’t win this war without a Sino Alliance. We must do whatever it takes to make that happen. We have a master negotiator in the Oval.
I agree with your N Korea and Pak assessment.
StacyGirl says
Those powers are external. Our internal demise is the weak willed multicultural pajama boy leadership that gives us leaders like DiBlasio, Rahm Emmanuel and their ilk on a national level. We will never nuke anyone. Our grandchildren are destined to be jannisseries and I don’t see an awakening.
Daniel Triplett says
We will never nuke anyone. Our grandchildren are destined to be jannisseries and I don’t see an awakening.
Not necessarily StacyGirl.
Speak loudly and carry a big stick.
gravenimage says
Unfortunately, Putin loves Iran.
Daniel Triplett says
Well, we don’t know if he loves Iran. We do know he has a relationship with Iran, not unlike, and of possibly lesser strength, than the US relationship with Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, and Jordan.
We train the militaries of all those states, selling them all kinds of advanced weapons. We maintain military bases with US forces in all those states.
So, can you really blame Putin for wanting a countervailing position to balance the scale? Putin doesn’t want to be an enemy of the US; I truly believe that. I believe he’d be quite open to an Alliance, and the type of strategy I repeatedly advocate. If we allow him to Regime Change and annex the Iranian territory for his Russian Empire, he’d remove the Ayatollah in a heartbeat, in my opinion.
Look, I’m not saying Putin is Mr. Rogers. But surely you’ll agree that a World without Islam won’t happen without a Russo — US Alliance. Putin is the man in charge of Russia. So, either we work with him or we don’t. We will not achieve our end game without him. Is it worth it to you to sacrifice the Free World in order to placate past and present animosities and suspicions you may have toward Putin?
I believe this is a zero-sum conflict with the Ummah. We’re not going to win without China and Russia on our side.
Yes, Putin makes appeasement remarks on Islam. Keep in mind though, Netanyahu makes similar remarks. Does anyone really believe Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t grasp the Islamic threat to the World?
Their neighborhoods look far different than ours, with a vastly larger Muslim population. Remarks and actions Putin and Netanyahu make don’t necessarily reflect their true feelings. If either one of them ALONE were to declare war on all Muslims, they’d have an instant existential civil war on their hands, with International Muslims flooding across their borders for the fight.
When the time comes for Kaffirs to declare war on Islam and all Muslims, this must be done with the Kaffir Heads of State standing on a podium, articulating the War Declaration/Terms of Surrender in unison, TOGETHER.
gravenimage says
Daniel, supporting Muslims because others are clueless enough to do so is not ‘balancing the scale’–it is just more suicidal idiocy.
And I’m afraid that Russia and China appease Islam, as well–the foolishness is not all in the West.
Personally, I want to see *all* of Dar-al-Harb cease this dhimmi behavior. Muslims are not our allies.
Daniel Triplett says
“Daniel, supporting Muslims because others are clueless enough to do so is not ‘balancing the scale’–it is just more suicidal idiocy.”
You’re right. I was speculating, and in a failed attempt to be clever, made a poor choice in words.
I don’t know why Putin maintains the Russo — Iranian relationship. I don’t believe he views Trump as his enemy. But look at all the hysterical freaks on Capitol Hill wanting for us to go to war with Russia, because they’re just convinced Russia rigged our election: Virtually every Democrat, and even the RINO idiots John McStain and Lindsey Grahamnesty.
Perhaps Putin has valid concerns and suspicions about the very large contingent of US politicians who harbor vehement animosity toward him and his country. If true, I could then see why he’d be disturbed, suspicious, and defensive about the US relationships with every Sunni state on the Arab peninsula, including Egypt.
But again, I’m just speculating, and see no good reason for him to appease Iran. However, as I said, if in forming a US — Russo Alliance we tell Putin we’ll help him Regime change and annex Iran for Russia, I believe he’d do it.
______________________________________
“And I’m afraid that Russia and China appease Islam, as well–the foolishness is not all in the West.
Personally, I want to see *all* of Dar-al-Harb cease this dhimmi behavior. Muslims are not our allies.”
I agree. The entirety of Dar al-Harb appeases Islam today. This must end ASAP.
ElderlyZionist says
Oh. Hell. Yes.
Strong Aingel says
During the recent UK elections, the islams launched deadly attacks on Children, Women and others at venues that nothing whatsoever to do with anything other Tha attempting to interfere in the Election process .. Apparently Labour support can be increased by murder and mayhem commuted by mohammadans in the name of islam. Of corse, since then, they have gone back to collecting Zakat and the whisper campaign they conduct in neighbourhoods across the Kingdom. .On no occasion has this blatant, Saudi funded campaign been raised in the press. On the contrary the usual excuses have been given, i.e. “we deserved it rhetoric” . Since all mainstream political parties have indulged a weird silence about the massive rise in numbers of moslems and their constitution invading Britain since 1997, it is plain the solution to what can be done to halt the invasion is neither forthcoming or even a focus of political interest. On the contrary, any one with anything truthful to say about what is going on is labelled “right-wing” (whatever that is), visited by the Police and entered onto the “Prevent” program as enemies of the State. Whichever way you look at it minorities of one politic or another are running the UK, and including the current government. The muslim mayor of London directly challenges the will of the Queen. Students fraudulently bolster Jeremy Corbyn’s seditious politics by any means possible. There can only be one result the current course will produce, a hybrid war on British soil, brought about treacherous politics, immoral immigration policies and “gamers” who want to bring what they are addicted to on computer screens, into their neighbourhoods. Even a casual look at a Twitter, FB or Tumbler feed throws up the fact that Western democracies world wide are being destroyed by islamist maneuverings’ in every sphere of democratic culture. Weak, indeed purposely seditious leadership e.g. Merkel, controls every country save Poland, Hungary and virtually no one else. Trump, is a let down ..A puppet, and I clearly where he is to buy time for the enemy. For example, would you not expect Trump, of all People to want the REAL EVENTS of 9/11 to be made Public? .. “Democracy” needs to raise up a champion, one not afraid to take the war to the enemy; ti begin the process of evicting its hybrid armies wherever they are found in democratic nations; a leader capable of hard actions as well as hard talk ..
. The best protection from an Enemy squatting your house, is to Evict them, whichever way it is necessary so to do ..
TL says
Good. We shouldn’t have armed those mujahids in the first place, and maybe this new development in the Trump admin is a segue to prosecuting members of the Obama regime for collusion with terrorists.
Winston says
Making America great again. And the world a safer place.
myworld2 says
So many of us knew what Obama and his ilk were up to when he started this thing with the ‘rebels’ …..Too many things he ‘accomplished’ were hailed as an act of a ‘master’ when in reality it was the act of a ‘monster’– and an enemy of America………..he just fed the fire when he armed the ‘rebels’ …..
Guest says
Considering we trained the man who destroyed the twin towers. I say this is what’s best. Besides Syria needs to sort their problems on there own
Guest says
About those ‘chemical weapons’, didn’t most of us think the pictures/videos looked incredibly fake, and Trump should not have plunged into the battle after being tricked by them?
gravenimage says
Oh, I don’t doubt that Assad would use chemical weapons against his own people–he has attacked them before.
That being said, as appalling as he is, he is not the worst faction in Syria right now.
Thought_Weaver says
“Oh, I don’t doubt that Assad would use chemical weapons against his own people–he has attacked them before.”
All evidences are from phony sources, period. The main issue is, at least under Assad Christians and other minorities are better off. If the US had not unnecessarily intervened and helped the jihadists probably Syria’s stand regarding Israel could also have been resolved over talks. TALKS!…..try that with the Jihadist scumbags.
Donald R Laster Jr says
The real evidence indicates the so-called rebels had them and when they were attacked by the legitimate government, and others supporting the legitimate government, they went off. And I have seen reports that the terrorist have been using civilians as shields and propaganda. And we see that on a regular basis.
gravenimage says
Thought_Weaver wrote:
The main issue is, at least under Assad Christians and other minorities are better off.
…………………..
Well, I agree with this, and have said so many times. That doesn’t mean that we have to pretend that Assad is some model of freedom of democracy, though.
Transmaster says
This is what happens when you turn military operation over to the military leadership in theater. Trump and James Mattis are listening to those field officers.
Daniel Triplett says
Yes, combat decision-making authority must be delegated down-rank, to the Sergeant leading the infantry/recon patrol, or the Tactical Strike Fighter Pilot, or the Tank Commander, etc, etc…to the guys who are there to pull the trigger on the bad guys.
President Trump gets this.
David, Thailand says
Now that Obama’s gone, there’s a chance that American weapons will stop killing Americans.
gravenimage says
Trump ends program to arm anti-Assad jihadis in Syria
…………………..
Under the circumstances, just as well. Years of hopeful searching for “moderate” democratic rebels have revealed none.
Relic says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GArQITJdbRE
Allan Mandrowski says
In fact the majority of these rebels aren’t even Syrians. They’re foreign born (many in the west) jihadis who fight for the caliphate. They don’t care about the Syrians, they want their Islamic state and murder rape and pillage the native Syrians whether they’re muslim, Christian, yazidi or any other affiliation.
Donald R Laster Jr says
When one takes the time to learn the real history the violence in Syria dates from when the Assad family proposed a new Constitution after what were basically peaceful protests. The Islamics did not like it since it protected minorities, women, and other religions. There are apparently translations available for people to read. The Assad family brought peace to the Syria after years of regular bloodbaths – occurring every 3 to 4 years or so for decades prior to the Assad family taking power. This is a case where we should be supporting not fighting. This is a copy I found when doing research on the issue: http://dlaster.com/DOCUMENTS/81771718-Qordoba-Translation-of-the-Syrian-Constitution-Modifications-15-2-2012.pdf
And consider Saddam Hussein would still be in power if he had followed the cease-fire agreement he signed after he was driven out of Kuwait.
Chand says
Agreed, Donal R Laster Jr. I think Assad is preferable to the Sunni Islmaists in Syria. Proper move by Trump. But how will he deal with the Saudis, the source of the poisonous Wahabbism?
Lorensacho says
America’s decision to stop supporting Syrian rebels cedes Syria to Assad, the Russians and Iran. U.S. policy is to get rid of Assad and opposes Iranian expansionism. Both of these policies are being undermined by the withdrawal of support by the only Syrians opposing Assad. This may not signal capitulation to the Russians, but it sure indicates great incompetence at the White House. Mr. Spencer’s accusation that the Syrian rebels are jihadists and not worth supporting is with respect to this important man a deflection from the likelihood that trump made this decision to help the Russians.
gravenimage says
The idea that we should be supporting Jihadists is a *very* questionable proposition.
stevo-k says
who gives a f&$k about “ceding to Russians”. what better message can you send to islamists than to stop funding their wars unless they take a secular approach and jettison their “sharia constitutions”. and Assad is the only secular force in the country. Its the most competent decision the WH has made in years. What you are stating is that Obama got it right. are you freakin serious?
Dacritic says
Why do we even bother listening to what the Left or the MSM say anymore…
I like what Daniel says: “Criminalize the practice or promotion of Islam in Kaffir states, with a Worldwide propaganda/education campaign about why we’re doing it.”
A touch radical, but it’s the only way to really stop this cancer known as Islam.
stevo-k says
about effin time! despite being a dictator, assads the only secular force in the country
common sense guy says
The Russians have tried to tell the Americans that they were supplying, aiding and supporting terrorist posing as rebels. These isis rebels had a hidden agenda to overthrow Assad in order to set up a caliphate. Obama, a muslim sympathizer, continued to support them focusing on Assad as a pretext to do so. Recall, the U.S. also supplied, supported, trained, funded and aided the “rebels” in Afghanistan to defeat the Russians. These rebels turned or to be Al Quaeda and Bin Laden. He thanked the Americans with 911. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. We need to help Russia defeat ISSIS and Terrorism. Russia has been a victim of terrorism as has the West. Seams that Americans will dance with the devil in their obsession with Russia.
DDMisra says
Hope President Trump is able to stick to this decision.