🇸🇾 It's too early to say the Syria crisis is close to an end – pundit

"Chaos and a struggle for power will begin in Syria now. Therefore, it is at least premature to say that the crisis is close to an end," Nikolay Surkov, senior researcher at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), told Sputnik.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, following negotiations with participants of the conflict, resigned from the presidency and left Syria, instructing a peaceful transfer of power, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Meanwhile, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali announced on December 8 that he had established contact with the jihadi forces that entered Damascus after beginning their advance on November 27.

"After the [2023] earthquake, the Syrian economy went into a tailspin," Surkov said, commenting on the reasons for the defeat of Syrian government forces. "The government didn't even have the money to properly maintain the armed forces."

The war-torn nation has been under enormous pressure for years:

▪️The 2019 Caesar Act blocked imports of essential goods like food, energy, and basic medical supplies to Syria;

▪️The US and allied forces occupied Syria's oil fields;

▪️The US smuggled grain from illegally occupied Syrian regions.

In addition, Israel seemed to be interested in the armed opposition’s advance, seeking to close the corridor to Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement and undermining Iran's Axis of Resistance, according to the pundit.

Moscow made it clear it would work with any government chosen by the Syrian people.

"Russia cannot be more Syrian than the Syrians themselves," Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in 2015.

"Syria has long been divided. Now the government in central Syria has changed. Earlier it was the Syrian government that relied on Iran and Russia, now it will be the Islamists," Surkov said.

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🗣Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Syrian border and stated that the change in government in Damascus was "a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah."

He added that the shift in power in Syria creates new opportunities for Israel.

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💸Fully committed or on the fence? What do Trump, Putin, and others say about cryptocurrency?

Bitcoin has been on a streak of all-time highs since the US presidential election, with its price reaching $100,000 for first time ever on December 4. Cryptocurrencies in general have rallied on expectations the incoming Donald Trump administration will be more “crypto-friendly.”

Trump on crypto:

🪙 Trump increasingly embraced Bitcoin and crypto currency throughout his 2024 presidential campaign. “I’m laying out my plan to ensure that the United States will be the crypto capital of the planet and the Bitcoin superpower of the World... if Bitcoin is going to the Moon – as we say – I want America to be the nation that leads the way,” Trump said at a July rally.

🪙 When asked about the future of crypto, Trump floated the idea of using it to pay off the staggering US national debt. “I think crypto has a great future, it really does… Maybe we will pay off the $35 trillion with it.”

🪙After Bitcoin notched up to reach a six-figure milestone Trump went on his Truth Social platform to claim credit, writing: “CONGRATULATIONS BITCOINERS!!! $100,000!!! YOU’RE WELCOME!!! Together, we will Make America Great Again!”

Putin on crypto:

🪙 “Who can prohibit Bitcoin? No one!” the Russian president said at the recent Russia Calling! investment forum.

🪙 Russia is “one of the world leaders in terms of the mining of cryptocurrencies and Bitcoins,” Putin said at the Eastern Economic Forum’s plenary session in September. “As for digital currencies and digital rubles specifically, the decision is already taken by the Central Bank of Russia and right now we are simply ramping up those volumes,” he added.

What have others said about it?

🪙Robert F. Kennedy put most of his wealth into Bitcoin when he returned from the Bitcoin Conference 2023, he claimed in July. “I’m a huge supporter of Bitcoin … I’m fully committed.”

🪙Bitcoin President Michael Saylor took to X saying “Dump your gold and buy bitcoin,” adding that Bitcoin is “emerging as the world’s reserve capital network.”

🪙Elon Musk noted that cryptocurrency is an “interesting and probably valuable bulwark against centralized control.” The billionaire, whose own loyalty lies with the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, Dogecoin (DOGE), added that “crypto by its very nature helps with individual freedom.”

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❗️❗️❗️Sources from the Syrian armed opposition told Sputnik that they:

🔸 Are committed to refraining from attacks on embassies and diplomatic missions in Damascus;

🔸 Aim to form a national government that represents all sections of the Syrian populace, which will work on establishing diplomatic relations with other countries;

🔸 Have established communication channels with the Russian government.

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🛩 🇷🇺Fast and furious: Unveiling Russia’s fleet of MiG fighter jets

December 8 marks the 85th anniversary of the legendary Mikoyan Design Bureau, now part of the consolidated Russian United Aircraft Corporation (RSK MiG). Its first design, the MiG-1 single-engine interceptor, flew in 1940, with “MiG” being an acronym derived from the names "Mikoyan" and "Gurevich."

Here are some of MiG’s most impressive offspring:

🔸 MiG-21: Lightweight, supersonic interceptor from 1958, widely used in 49 countries for its maneuverability.

🔸 MiG-23: Third-generation fighter from 1972, featuring a variable-sweep wing and look-down/shoot-down radar. It became the most produced variable-geometry fighter.

🔸 MiG-25: Twin-engine interceptor introduced in 1970, with a top speed of 3,000 km/h (Mach 2.83) and an operational ceiling of over 24,400 m (approximately 80,000 feet), ideal for reconnaissance.

🔸 MiG-27: A MiG-23 variant with an armored cockpit, increased weapons capacity, and optimized for air-to-ground attacks. It supports missiles, precision-guided munitions, and specialized navigation systems.

🔸 MiG-29: Fourth-generation fighter, entering service in 1983, designed to counter the US F-15. Powered by two RD-33 engines, it has a top speed of Mach 2.25 (2,390 km/h) and excels in close combat. Upgraded models can carry laser-guided bombs, electro-optical bombs, and air-to-surface missiles.

🔸 MiG-31: Supersonic, all-weather, two-seat interceptor known for its top speed of 3,000 km/h (Mach 2.83) at 21,500 m (approx. 70,500 feet). Powered by D-30F6 engines, it features advanced radar and missile systems for day/night operations in any weather. It supports the hypersonic Kinzhal missile, reaching speeds of 8-10 times the speed of sound. The MiG-31 can operate in the stratosphere, reaching altitudes over 11,000 m (approx. 36,000 feet).

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📹Trump did not rule out the possibility of the US leaving NATO, stating he would stay only if other member states start paying their fair share and agree to revise trade deals he believes are unfair to the US.

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📹Government buildings in the Syrian capital Damascus, including customs and intelligence offices, were set on fire by Israeli airstrikes, media reports said.

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💰Mali takes control of its national wealth: Western gold miners must pay the bill

Mali has issued an arrest warrant for Canadian mining firm Barrick Gold Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow over money laundering.

The case is related to control of the country's vast gold reserves, estimated at 800 tonnes – the largest in West Africa after Ghana.

What's behind Mali's spat with the mining company?

⚪️The demands followed Mali's audit of mining contracts with major Western companies in 2023, along with a push to renegotiate those agreements under the 2023 Mining Code to yield greater revenues for the nation.

⚪️The 2023 audit revealed that Barrick Gold owes $512 million in taxes, fines and unpaid dividends to Mali, coinciding with the introduction of a new mining code that increases the state's interest from 20% to 35%.

⚪️Major Western miners involved in the dispute include Barrick, Bing2Gold and Allied Gold, as well as Australia's Resolute Mining.

⚪️According to Bloomberg, Mali is discussing the transfer of $840 million to the state by those firms following the audit and changes to mining laws.

⚪️Reportedly, Barrick is the only company that has yet to strike a new deal with the Malian government. Others have begun to settle the dispute.

⚪️In November, Resolute CEO Terry Holohan and his colleagues were arrested in Mali and only released after the firm paid $160 million it owed the government.

⚪️Mali has been reviewing its deals with the West over the past few years to gain more control over national resources and strengthen its sovereignty.

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🗣Russia has called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting over the situation in Syria – United Nations source

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⚔️Syrian crisis: Russia’s litany of calls for Syrian-led, UN-facilitated dialogue and peace

Russia has consistently called for a Syrian-led, UN-facilitated political solution, emphasizing Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On November 29 opposition militants launched an offensive from northern Idlib. Moscow called for restraint and assisted Syria in repelling the attack. After negotiations, president Bashar al-Assad chose to step down and ordered a peaceful transfer of power. Russia was not involved in the talks but continues to support a political resolution.

Moscow maintains contact with all Syrian opposition factions, urging an end to violence and a process based on UN Resolution 2254, while condemning outside actors for fueling the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the need to restore stability through the Astana process, involving Russia, Turkiye and Iran.

Since 2011, Russia has supported Syria’s government in its fight against opposition militants, advocating for dialogue and a political settlement:

⚪️At a 2015 Valdai Discussion Club session, Putin stated that Syria’s future should be decided by its people, with respectful international assistance.

⚪️“It is the Syrians who must decide their own fate,” he said. “With the respectful assistance of the international community, and not under external pressure through ultimatums, blackmail and threats.”

⚪️He also stressed Russia’s continued military support until the Syrian leadership believed negotiations were necessary, underlining Russia’s commitment to respecting Syria's autonomy.

⚪️In September 2019, Putin, alongside leaders if Iran and Turkiye, reaffirmed that only a political solution could end the conflict, insisting that the Astana Process must prioritize Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

⚪️“It is our common opinion that only the Syrians themselves should determine the future of their country,” Putin noted.

⚪️A joint 2022 statement by Russia, Iran and Turkiye echoed those words, stressing the need for a Syrian-led, UN-facilitated peace process, and highlighting the need to maintain calm in the Idlib de-escalation zone. “There could be no military solution to the Syrian conflict,” the statement said.

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⚡️Bashar Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow, where Russia has granted them asylum, a source in the Kremlin reported.

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🇷🇺🇧🇾A quarter-century of unity

On December 8, 1999, the treaty establishing the Union State between Russia and Belarus was signed.

Since then, the two neighboring countries have built a shared future, working together on strategic development, confronting external challenges and defending their sovereignty.

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💬 How does the world react to the crisis in Syria?

The jihadi advance that started on November 27 ended with militants seizing Damascus and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad leaving the country. How has the world reacted to developments?

Western and regional governments who sought to carry out regime change in Syria since 2011, armed and trained jihadists and put draconian sanctions on Syria reacted with glee.

🗣"Assad is gone. He has fled his country," wrote US president-elect Donald Trump, who slapped Syria with the Caesar Act in 2019, prohibiting imports of essential goods to the nation.

🗣"The barbaric state has fallen. At last," French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted.

🗣"The end of Assad's rule in Syria is good news," echoed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

🗣"The Assad regime is a central link in Iran’s axis of evil — and this regime has fallen," crowed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as his brutal war against Gazans rages on.

Countries who worked to keep order in the region and repeatedly brought warring parties to the negotiating table warned against further bloodshed.

🗣"The Islamic Republic of Iran supports international mechanisms based on UN Resolution 2254 for pursuing the political process in Syria,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated.

🗣"We urge all parties to respect the opinions of all ethnic and religious groups in Syrian society. Russian military bases in Syria are on high alert," tweeted the Russian Foreign Ministry.

🗣Saudi Arabia has reiterated support for the Syrian people and their sovereignty, urging the international community to avoid meddling in Syria’s internal affairs. The Foreign Ministry advocates for cooperation to help resolve the crisis and preserve Syria’s territorial integrity.

🗣Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed "the necessity of preserving national institutions and the unity of the state to prevent it from descending into chaos."

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💬 Why are Israel and the US salivating over Syria’s break-up?

The situation in Syria remains complex but recent developments point to potential future scenarios, Stanislav Tarasov, a political analyst and expert on the Middle East and Caucasus region, told Sputnik.

Why did regime change happen so quickly?

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has peacefully transferred power to the opposition in line with the Doha agreement days after the militants launched their advance.

"An internal conspiracy was likely brewing within the Syrian leadership and military personnel," Tarasov suggested.

Who will govern Syria?

It is still unclear which opposition group will dominate. Tarasov argued that if the secular opposition prevails, Syria will have a secular government. Conversely, if Islamist factions take control, the country may see a Taliban*-style leadership.

Why are Israel and the US interested in balkanizing Syria?

Tarasov believes the odds of Syria's fragmentation are high, with potential scenarios including:

⚪️Turkiye taking control of Aleppo and Idlib

⚪️The Kurds establishing their own state with backing from Israel and the US

⚪️The rest of the country being divided into various enclaves

According to Tarasov, the US and Israel have already started implementing their plan for Syria's fragmentation, as shown by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Regional ambitions and possible risks

Tarasov claims that Israel may be planning to annex Gaza and the West Bank and to fragment Lebanon in order to weaken Lebanese Islamic resistance movement Hezbollah.

Right now, Israel "doesn't care who will rule" in Syria, believing it can expand its influence at Syria's expense. But Tarasov warns that the emergence of new entities in Syria could pose challenges to neighboring countries, stressing the Kurdish threat to Turkiye.

*under UN sanctions for terrorist activities

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🔸 It's too early to say the Syria crisis is close to an end

🔸 Why are Israel and the US salivating over Syria’s break-up?

🔸 Mali takes control of its national wealth: Western gold miners must pay the bill

🔸 Fast and furious: Unveiling Russia’s fleet of MiG fighter jets

🔸 What do Trump, Putin, and others say about cryptocurrency?

🔸 A quarter-century of the Union State between Russia and Belarus

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🇸🇾 What is known about the Syrian crisis so far?

◼️ Syrian President Bashar al-Assad left Syria after negotiations with parties to the conflict and gave instructions for a peaceful transfer of power, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry

◼️ Assad's location was unknown until he and his family safely landed in Moscow, after Russia granted him political asylum, according to a Kremlin source

◼️ Syrian media reported that a curfew has been declared in Damascus from 16:00 to 05:00 local time

◼️ Damascus International Airport is temporarily closed, and all flights are canceled

◼️ Israeli Defense Minister said its troops had occupied the buffer zone with Syria in the Golan Heights to protect Israeli settlers there after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the termination of the 1974 Golan disengagement agreement

◼️ Syrian media said the presidential palace and the Central Bank of Syria in Damascus were looted and destroyed

◼️ The building of the Damascus Immigration Directorate has burned down after being bombed by Israeli aircraft

◼️ The Syrian armed opposition says that it is seeking to form a national government that will include representatives of all sections of the Syrian populace and establish diplomatic relations with other countries

◼️ The militants have established channels of communication with the Russian government

◼️ Opposition forces have entered the city of Tartus on the Mediterranean coast along with most villages and towns on the coast, and have begun meeting with political figures and the people of those areas

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