by Gordon Duff, VT Sr. Editor, … with New Eastern Outlook, Moscow

– First published … March 02, 2018 –

For the second time in a month, combined Syrian and Russian forces came under air attack. February 2018 is a turning point in US policy as Trump policies, “stated policies,” such as cooperation with Russia against terrorism and respect for Syria’s territorial integrity, have fallen away.

With Syria firing missiles at US planes for the first time in response to an unprovoked US attack on a Syrian Arab Army base near Deir Ezzor, we see only the beginning. Next, the New York Times has accused Syria of working with North Korea to build poison gas producing facilities, an outrageous charge.

This, of course, is timed to coincide with staged chlorine gas attacks in the Ghouta pocket outside Damascus as Russia threatens to retaliate against an artillery attack from US backed forces there. This points to the Russian Embassy in Damascus.

Sighting for such a target would require access to US military satellite systems and specialized artillery shells available only through the US or NATO partners.

The question of course is why Trump is allowing the military a free hand or is he behind it? Secretary of Defense Mattis and Secretary of State Tillerson are nowhere to be seen, “disappeared” as it were, no longer part of the equation. America’s Congress is fully engaged in a blame game, Russia, the “liberal,” or gun manufacturers, anything but governing.

Then again, America had another mass school shooting and Americans have learned that local police sat outside a school while a demented killer, who had announced for months exactly what he planned, murdered 17 students and teachers.

The police who sat on their “fat behinds” worked for a local sheriff who had a long history as a Trump “asset.” Sheriff Scott Israel of Broward County, Florida was assisted in his campaign in 2014 by famed Trump “dirty trickster” Roger Stone.

Trump blamed the FBI. The “fake news” blames the US Secret Service. The real seeming culprit, the corrupt local sheriff, a regular visitor at Mara Lago and other Trump properties, co-owned with gang boss Felix Sater, is being lauded a national hero, while Americans stand by aghast.

According to reports, Sheriff Israel ignored dozens of reports warning of the school shooting and ordered his deputies to stand down, allowing the shooting to continue, then allowed the shooter to escape, passing right past his deputies, to be later arrested by the town police of sleepy Coral Gables, a nearby retirement community.

These incidents, happening at a staccato rate, have finally alerted the American public that their government might well have a hand in such things, something once easily pushed aside under the broad use of the term “conspiracy theory.” That protection for government game playing, also known as “false flag terrorism,” is no longer working in America.

The question today is this, can America continue fabricating stories of Syrian government “atrocities,” as they did with Saddam and the debunked “baby and incubator” stories from Kuwait from 1990 that led to the Desert Storm debacle and three decades of war?

The next question is simply this, who is behind Trump? Who rigged the election?

It is safe to assume, for political insiders at least, that all American elections are rigged to some extent. “Ballot box stuffing” has been a long tradition in America. Moreover, the American Constitution was written to limit democracy, not encourage it. Nobody really knows what the “electoral college” does or why states with no population can have more US Senators than residents.

Then in 2005, the US Supreme Court, in a case commonly called “Citizens United v. the United States,” legalized corporate bribery of US officials, tearing the heart out of the American political system and allowing world organized crime a free hand.

With the media and many in government focusing on Russia and election meddling, while Trump and his cohorts seem to be pushing for a war with Russia, or North Korea or China or bullying smaller nations like Cuba or Venezuela or Iraq, just part of a seemingly endless list of targets we clearly note an unseen hand at work.

Deeply involved as well is the United Nations. With its Human Rights Council, dominated by Saudi Arabia and the statements condemning real terrorism falling on deaf ears, with the US veto protecting not only Israel’s attacks on its own “citizens,” the 6 million “gulag” prisoners, the Palestinian people, with Israel’s continual attacks on its neighbors, Lebanon and Syria, that organization has proven less than useless, more complicit than helpful.

A recent statement by a military spokesman in Washington decrying the threat of Russian Aerospace forces is a telling one. According to the Pentagon, the US is entitled, if that word could ever apply, to maintain “global aerospace dominance” in order to support what is termed “US global policy.” What is that policy?

With Russian air defense systems the best in the world, and Russian aircraft, including the now deployed in Syria Su 57 5th generation stealth fighters, the equal or better of their American counterparts, the history of carpet bombing the world into submission that began in Vietnam is threatened.

American bombing campaigns in Afghanistan using B52 heavy bombers at high altitude are unreported, a daily occurrence, just like the Nixon “mad bomber” operation of 1970 that led to a public uprising against the government that ended, temporarily, the idea of “permanent war” to stimulate America’s flagging economic regime.

Perhaps we need to assess global events and the idea of permanent war as it exists, an economic tool to enslave. What is the endgame here? The analysis is inexorable, permanent war, total surveillance, a world “police state” and a capability to reduce world population in support of a broader agenda.

What we now recognize is that Trump, as with so many other politicians around the “free world,” has “handlers” and serves an agenda. That agenda clearly threatens human survival. Who profits by this?

Gordon Duff is a Marine combat veteran of the Vietnam War that has worked on veterans and POW issues for decades and consulted with governments challenged by security issues. He’s a senior editor and chairman of the board of Veterans Today, especially for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook.”

via Southfront

On March 1, President Vladimir Putin gave his annual state-of-the-nation address to Russia’s Federal Assembly unvealing the country’s priorities and state of the art weapon systems.

Kinzhal high-precision hypersonic aircraft missile system

Countries with high research potential and advanced technology are known to be actively developing so-called hypersonic weapons. The speed of sound is usually measured in Mach numbers in honour of Austrian scientist Ernst Mach who is known for his research in this field. One Mach is equal to 1,062 kilometres per hour at an altitude of 11 kilometres. The speed of sound is Mach 1, speeds between Mach 1 and Mach 5 is called supersonic, and hypersonic is above Mach 5. Of course, this kind of weapon provides substantial advantages in an armed conflict. Military experts believe that it would be extremely powerful, and that its speed makes it invulnerable to current missile and air defence systems, since interceptor missiles are, simply put, not fast enough. In this regard, it is quite understandable why the leading armies of the world seek to possess such an ideal weapon.

Friends, Russia already has such a weapon.

The most important stage in the development of modern weapons systems was the creation of a high-precision hypersonic aircraft missile system; as you already know for sure, it is the only one of its kind in the world. Its tests have been successfully completed, and, moreover, on December 1 of last year, these systems began their trial service at the airfields of the Southern Military District.

The unique flight characteristics of the high-speed carrier aircraft allow the missile to be delivered to the point of discharge within minutes. The missile flying at a hypersonic speed, 10 times faster than the speed of sound, can also manoeuvre at all phases of its flight trajectory, which also allows it to overcome all existing and, I think, prospective anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence systems, delivering nuclear and conventional warheads in a range of over 2,000 kilometres. We called this system Kinzhal (Dagger).

Avangard strategic hypersonic missile system

A real technological breakthrough is the development of a strategic missile system with fundamentally new combat equipment – a gliding wing unit, which has also been successfully tested.

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Unlike existing types of combat equipment, this system is capable of intercontinental flight at supersonic speeds in excess of Mach 20.

As I said in 2004, in moving to its target, the missile’s gliding cruise bloc engages in intensive manoeuvring – both lateral (by several thousand km) and vertical. This is what makes it absolutely invulnerable to any air or missile defence system. The use of new composite materials has made it possible to enable the gliding cruise bloc to make a long-distance guided flight practically in conditions of plasma formation. It flies to its target like a meteorite, like a ball of fire. The temperature on its surface reaches 1,600–2,000 degrees Celsius but the cruise bloc is reliably guided.

….

For obvious reasons we cannot show the outer appearance of this system here. This is still very important. I hope everyone understands this. But let me assure you that we have all this and it is working well. Moreover, Russian industrial enterprises have embarked on the development of another new type of strategic weapon. We called it the Avangard.

X-101 air-launched missile carrying a nuclear warhead

Russia’s advanced arms are based on the cutting-edge, unique achievements of our scientists, designers and engineers. One of them is a small-scale heavy-duty nuclear energy unit that can be installed in a missile like our latest X-101 air-launched missile or the American Tomahawk missile – a similar type but with a range dozens of times longer, dozens, basically an unlimited range. It is a low-flying stealth missile carrying a nuclear warhead, with almost an unlimited range, unpredictable trajectory and ability to bypass interception boundaries. It is invincible against all existing and prospective missile defence and counter-air defence systems. I will repeat this several times today.

In late 2017, Russia successfully launched its latest nuclear-powered missile at the Central training ground. During its flight, the nuclear-powered engine reached its design capacity and provided the necessary propulsion.

Now that the missile launch and ground tests were successful, we can begin developing a completely new type of weapon, a strategic nuclear weapons system with a nuclear-powered missile.

Nuclear unmanned underwater vehicle

“Now, we all know that the design and development of unmanned weapon systems is another common trend in the world. As concerns Russia, we have developed unmanned submersible vehicles that can move at great depths (I would say extreme depths) intercontinentally, at a speed multiple times higher than the speed of submarines, cutting-edge torpedoes and all kinds of surface vessels, including some of the fastest. It is really fantastic. They are quiet, highly manoeuvrable and have hardly any vulnerabilities for the enemy to exploit. There is simply nothing in the world capable of withstanding them.

Unmanned underwater vehicles can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads, which enables them to engage various targets, including aircraft groups, coastal fortifications and infrastructure.

In December 2017, an innovative nuclear power unit for this unmanned underwater vehicle completed a test cycle that lasted many years. The nuclear power unit is unique for its small size while offering an amazing power-weight ratio. It is a hundred times smaller than the units that power modern submarines, but is still more powerful and can switch into combat mode, that is to say, reach maximum capacity, 200 times faster.

The tests that were conducted enabled us to begin developing a new type of strategic weapon that would carry massive nuclear ordnance.”

Sarmat ICBM

In addition, we have embarked on the development of the next generation of missiles. For example, the Defence Ministry and enterprises of the missile and aerospace industry are in the active phase of testing a new missile system with a heavy intercontinental missile. We called it Sarmat.

Sarmat will replace the Voevoda system made in the USSR. Its immense power was universally recognized. Our foreign colleagues even gave it a fairly threatening name.

That said, the capabilities of the Sarmat missile are much higher. Weighing over 200 tonnes, it has a short boost phase, which makes it more difficult to intercept for missile defence systems. The range of the new heavy missile, the number and power of its combat blocs is bigger than Voevoda’s. Sarmat will be equipped with a broad range of powerful nuclear warheads, including hypersonic, and the most modern means of evading missile defence. The high degree of protection of missile launchers and significant energy capabilities the system offers will make it possible to use it in any conditions.

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Voevoda’s range is 11,000 km while Sarmat has practically no range restrictions.

As the video clips show, it can attack targets both via the North and South poles.

Sarmat is a formidable missile and, owing to its characteristics, is untroubled by even the most advanced missile defence systems.

Laser weapons

We are well aware that a number of other countries are developing advanced weapons with new physical properties. We have every reason to believe that we are one step ahead there as well – at any rate, in the most essential areas.

We have achieved significant progress in laser weapons. It is not just a concept or a plan any more. It is not even in the early production stages. Since last year, our troops have been armed with laser weapons.

I do not want to reveal more details. It is not the time yet. But experts will understand that with such weaponry, Russia’s defence capacity has multiplied.

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Those interested in military equipment are welcome to suggest a name for this new weaponry, this cutting-edge system.

Of course, we will be refining this state-of-the-art technology. Obviously, there is far more in development than I have mentioned today. But this is enough for now.

© Sputnik/ Michael Klimentyev

On March 1, President Vladimir Putin gave his annual state-of-the-nation address to the bicameral parliament, the Federal Assembly, in which he outlined the country’s domestic and foreign policy priorities. Here are the highlights of his speech: from missile defense to artificial intelligence and beyond.

Russia ‘Has Long Persuaded US Not to Violate ABM Treaty, Everything Was in Vain’

President Putin announced that Russia was creating new defense systems in response to the United States’ deployment of anti-missile defense systems “both in the US and outside its borders.” He proceeded to say that all of Russia’s suggestions on joint work have been rejected by the US, explaining that Moscow has tried to convince Washington not to violate the anti-missile defense treaty, but all this has been in vain.

© SPUTNIK/ GRIGORIY SISOEV
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall

According to Putin, the US military build-up will eventually render Russia’s nuclear arsenal pointless unless Moscow acts, specifying that all agreements under the New Start Treaty are gradually being undermined and devalued.

“The implementation of plans on global missile defense system, which is currently ongoing, nullify all agreements within the framework of the SNV-III treaty [New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, START signed in 2009] since together with the reduction of number of warheads and their carriers one of the parties, the United States, is increasing the number of interceptors, improving their characteristics, creating new positioning spots, which, if we do not take action, will lead to full nullification of Russia’s nuclear potential, [all missiles] will be intercepted.”

“A uniform radar location field for a missile attack alert system has been deployed along the perimeter of Russia’s borders, which is very important. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, large holes had emerged in it, but everything has now been fixed,” Putin said.

‘Nobody Listened to Russia Before We Created New Weapons Systems, They Will Listen Now’

“We have started development of new strategic arms that do not use ballistic flight paths, while moving to targets, which means that the missile defense systems are useless in struggle against them.”

In late 2017, Russia successfully tested a completely new type of armament “unmatched in the world” — a nuclear-powered missile, Putin said. Following this announcement, Putin declared the beginning of the active phase of SARMAT missile system tests, saying that the new weapons would be invulnerable to interception as its capabilities allow it to bypass any missile defense. SARMAT will be equipped with nuclear warheads. Moreover, Russia is developing a nuclear warhead small enough to be carried by cruise missiles. In addition, Moscow has developed underwater drones capable of operating at enormous depths and intercontinenal distances, as well as creating hypersonic weapons.

“No one listened to Russia before we created new armament systems, so listen to Russia now,” said President Putin, saying that the country is one step ahead of other states.

Putin underscored that he hadn’t revealed all the weapons Russia was working on, but this was “enough” for one day.

At the same time, the president clarified that all the work to enhance Russia’s defense capability has been conducted within the framework of international agreements, and does not violate any deals. Putin noted that the country was not threatening anyone and had no intention of attacking anyone despite the creation of a new array of arms, including high-precision strategic weapons, which purely serve Russia’s defensive needs.

Russian Operation in Syria Showed Russian Army’s Increased Capabilities

The Russian anti-terrorist operation in Syria has demonstrated the Russian Armed Forces’ enhanced capacities, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

Putin also noted the “enormous work” in strengthening the Russian army and fleet, which had been conducted over the past several years.

“The whole world now knows the names of Russia’s modern weapons,” he stated.

Russia Cannot Avoid Lagging Behind in Development of Modern Technology, AI

According to the President, the next few years will be crucial for technological changes in Russia, regardless of who wins the upcoming presidential election.

“The world is accumulating enormous technological potential which allows us to make a huge breakthroughs in improving people’s standard of living, modernization of economy, infrastructure and state governance… The efficiency of how we use the great potential of the technological revolution… depends on us only. In this context, the next few years will be decisive for the future of the country,” Putin said.

Having stressed that lagging behind was a serious problem that should be overcome, President Putin stated that Russia was ready for a technological breakthrough.

Putin called for removing all barriers hindering the development of robotics and artificial intelligence in Russia, adding that the legal framework for the work of foreign scientists and IT specialists should be formed in the country.

“Russia should become not only a key logistics hub of the planet, but, let me stress, one of the global centers of storage, processing, transmitting and protecting large information blocks, the so-called big data,” Putin stated, underscoring the urgent need to take into consideration global technological changes when developing the country’s infrastructure, the importance of adding such solutions as digital navigation, drones, artificial intelligence.

Russia Should Increase Life Expectancy From 73 to 80+ by End of Next Decade

Among the key issues of Russia’s internal policy, the president highlighted the need to improve the quality of people’s lives, boost the financing of maternal welfare and young families, as well as cuting in half the “unacceptable” poverty rate within six years.

He gradually went on to address demographic problems, saying that Russia should take measures to support elderly people and increase life expectancy, with a big screen behind him showing graphs to accrue to his words.

© SPUTNIK/ GRIGORIY SISOEV
Russian President Putin Annual Address to Federal Assembly (VIDEO)

“The life expectancy has risen by more than seven years [since 2000] and amounts to 73 years but this is not enough. Today we must set a principally new goal: by the end of the next decade Russia must enter the 80+ group of states where life expectancy exceeds 80 years,” Putin said.

“We have to respond to [demographic] challenges and in the next decade ensure sustainable growth of the Russian population… Overall we have to allocate at least 3.4 trillion rubles to protect maternity and childhood in the next six years,” Putin said in his annual state-of-the-nation speech.

Russian Economy’s Growth Rate Should Exceed Pace of World Economy Development

“Russia should not only to shore up a position in the top five largest economies of the world, but increase the GDP per capita by 1.5 times by the middle of the next decade. It is a very complex issue. I am sure that we are ready to resolve this issue.”

“New technologies are to be introduced in the production, storage and transfer of energy. In the coming six years, it is planned to attract a total of 1.5 trillion rubles in private investment for the renewal of the power industry,” Putin said in his address to the Federal Assembly.said.

Also, Putin elaborated that Russia’s economy should boost its growth rate above the average world level, which, in his own words, was a complicated task and a key issue for the new government, insisting that the low inflation rate gave the country additional incentive for economic development. In addition, he noted that the growth of labor efficiency should be no less than 5% a year, in order to be at the level of the leading world economies in 10 years.

The 2018 address of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Federal Assembly, country’s parliament, has broken record in terms of duration and lasted for one hour and 57 minutes.

Via Debka

A Russian promise on Monday, Feb. 26 to set an evacuation route for civilians to leave besieged Eastern Ghouta has sparked deep forebodings in Israel. This promise accompanied an announcement by Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu that President Vladimir Putin had ordered a daily five-hour “humanitarian pause” in the fighting, which has left hundreds dead. It is estimated in Israel that between 50,000 and a quarter of a million inhabitants of the embattled enclave near Damascus may be directed through this evacuation route to Quneitra opposite the Israeli Golan.

Israeli authorities are fearful on two counts: In the absence of Syrian facilities, Israel will be confronted with the sudden responsibility to supply their basic needs for food, water, medicines and shelter; but, most of all, the certainty that hostile entities will exploit this mass exodus to disguise the infiltration of terrorist networks right up to Israel’s northern doorstep. Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan are already contending with these threats to their security.

The Russian evacuation route will initially serve to bring urgent food and medical assistance to the 400,000 inhabitants of Eastern Ghouta, who have been besieged for weeks under savage Syrian government, Iranian and Hizballah bombardment. But the evacuation will equally serve the Assad regime for distancing a large Sunni population away from Damascus. And so, rather than allowing the refugees to reach such population centers as Homs or Hama, they will be permitted to exit through a single door, one heading south to Quneitra.

DEBKAfile reports that the Russian truce-cum-evacuation initiative was prompted by more than humanitarian concerns. It was based on the positive start in the truce negotiations that the Assad regime has secretly launched with the two main rebel groups fighting in Eastern Ghouta. They are the Faylaq al-Rahman organization, which is linked to the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, and Jaish al-Islam, a collection of Sunni Muslim Salafi extremists. Both groups have committed to evicting from the enclave the fighters of Saryat al Tahrir, most of whose members are affiliated to Al Qaeda.
However, seen from Israel, the immediate consequence of a Russian-guaranteed truce of this kind will be the opening of the floodgates for a new peril to reach its northern border. As matters stand now, there is nothing much Israel can do except hold on and hope for the best.