Epstein Secrets

rdless of the human cost. The atrocities at Houla merely raised the temperature of that dispute. In the days after the massacre, Russia's President Vladimir Putin made it clear to European counterparts that his opposition to foreign military intervention in Syria was as strong as ever. This has put Russia on

tary for an alliance with Russia to stand up to the U.S. pressure. China's political leadership, for the time being, remains skeptical, and so does Putin. But in Moscow, too, there's a pro-China EFTA00702013 lobby, and Western intervention in Syria could provide the catalyst for a strategic rebalan

mes against humanity, indeed near-genocide, that Vladimir Putin ordered in Chechnya at the turn of the cen

. This is only the latest proof of the failure of the peace plan promoted by Kofi Annan, the special envoy to Syria for the United Nations and the Arab League. All it has done is give Russia, China and some other members of the United Nations Security Council six more weeks to excuse their inaction. On T

tion Good for the Jews? Steven J. Rosen Article 4. The New York Times The Stakes in Congress Editorial Article 5. The Guardian G20 and Syria: Putin's show Editorial Article 6. The National Interest G-20: Long Shadow Hangs Over U.S.-Russia Relations Gerald F. Hyman Article 7. The Washington

r leaders gather in St Petersburg today for the G20 summit, they may find themselves thinking much the same. Over Syria — but also more generally — Vladimir Putin's Russia has proved strong enough to frustrate the US at key moments. But it is too weak to promote anything remotely constructive or widely endorsed

nd, perhaps most significantly, Russian President Vladimir Putin. But the momentum toward U.S. intervention

ace of things, there are few grounds for optimism. Absurdly, Syria is not even formally on the agenda in St Petersburg. Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN and Arab League envoy for Syria, is apparently not even due to attend the meeting. Add to EFTA00678425 that Russia's generally obstructionist approach to interna

r program is also highlighting increased Israeli and U.S. involvement in the Caucasus. Apart from everything else, this has to feed President-elect Vladimir Putin's paranoia about U.S. efforts to become an active player in what Russia considers its own backyard. But, of course, it's the Iranians who are the mo

g else, this has to feed President-elect Vladimir Putin's paranoia about U.S. efforts to become an activ

everything else, this has to feed President-elect Vladimir Putin's paranoia about U.S. efforts to become an

ough, to think through the available military options. (Though I do not favor any just yet, and we should only consider them in the event of strong Arab League and NATO support and participation.) These are three possible types: A punitive naval or air operation to encourage a coup against Assad. These me

principle of the EFTA_R1_00229089 EFTA01842288 world powers geting together and authorizing, under UN auspices, an intervention. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin doesn't feel good about that. If they have to run their country the way they feel that they have to run it, they don't somehow want an authorizati

uspices, an intervention. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin doesn't feel good about that. If they have to ru

der UN auspices, an intervention. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin doesn't feel good about that. If they have

ainst the Libyan government leading to the assassination of Muammar al-Qaddafi. Do you think that's what is motivating the Russians to prevent the Arab League efforts to get a resolution on Syria? Yes. The no-fly zone question was the foot in the door for a NATO intervention that didn't involve any overt

d relations with the new forces in the Arab world. Events in the Middle East may even impinge on Russia's presidential elections, giving a boost to Vladimir Putin's ambitions. Ever since his historic visit to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf in 2007 -- the first ever by a Russian leader -- Putin has claimed to know

a boost to Vladimir Putin's ambitions. Ever since his historic visit to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf in 2007 -- the first ever by a Russian leader -- Putin has claimed to know how to handle Middle East affairs. The situation in Syria is a subject of great preoccupation in Moscow. Deputy Foreign Minist

ussia's presidential elections, giving a boost to Vladimir Putin's ambitions. Ever since his historic visit

epresentative of the Syrian people," Mrs. Clinton said. "And we think it's important to have Syrians represented. And the consensus opinion by the Arab League and all the others who are working and planning this conference is that the S.N.C. is a credible representative." Council members describe oppositi