Security Council Showdown on Syria

by Stephen Lendman

Slowly things are coming to a head. America, Israel, rogue NATO partners, and regional despot allies are itching for a fight with Syria. Russia and China stand firmly opposed.

On February 3, Reuters headlined, "UN council to vote on Syria resolution Saturday," saying:

Britain's UN mission said the "UN Security Council is set to meet 9:00 a.m. Saturday. Plan is to vote on Syria resolution."

Reuters said "(o)ther missions confirmed the announcement."

On February 3, Deputy Foreign Minister Gannady Gatilov said resolution revisions were "not enough for us to be able to support...."

Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani accepts no further draft resolution changes, saying:

"The version which we have is the minimal which we can accept."

On February 4, Lebanon's Al-Manar satellite TV (Lebanese Media Group Company, Beirut) reported Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov saying:

"If they (the West) want yet another scandal on the Security Council for themselves then we cannot stop them."

At issue is an expected Saturday Security Council vote Russia opposes. Lavrov added:

"The draft does not suit us at all and I hope that is is not put to a vote."

Russia's views are well known. "There can be no doubt about the sense and the objectivity of (its) amendments. I hope that a prejudiced approach does not prevail over common sense," Lavrov stressed.

On February 4, AP headlined, "Russia warns UN vote on Syria will end in scandal," saying:

Interviewed on Russian state television, Lavrov was blunt, saying Russia's prepared to use its veto.

Calling the current Syrian resolution draft unacceptable, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Gatilov said:

"Some of our concerns and the concerns of those who think the same as (we do) have been taken into consideration, but all the same (it's) not enough for us to be able to support it in this form."

At issue is what major media scoundrels ignore - a Western-backed externally generated insurgency responsible for most violence.

Washington plans regime change in Iran and Syria. At issue is replacing current leaders with pro-Western ones. Syria's target one to isolate Iran. Escalated measures against Tehran will follow.

Strategy involves whatever it takes to achieve longstanding objectives, including war. Pressure's building. Expect it perhaps later in 2012.

Meanwhile, conditions in Syria keep deteriorating. Under attack, its currency lost half its value. Ordinary people suffer most. Hunger and severe privation threaten. Escalated violence promises worse, including full-blown Western-backed war.

To achieve unchallenged Middle East hegemony, including control of its oil and gas resources, Washington won't quit until the entire region burns.

In 1970, Richard Nixon ordered making Chile under social democrat Salvador Allende "scream." Seventeen reign of terror Pinochet years followed.

Middle East plans today are worse, including full-blown war for control. Expect it, with or without Security Council help. Hardball Washington tactics don't compromise.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

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