Syria (and Russia) launch attacks on ISIL
In an effort to rehabilitate their images and stabilize the Assad government, Syria and Russia have begun attacks, from the air for now, on ISIL positions near Palmyra. They will present themselves as a potent force against Islamist militancy and attempt to deflect criticism from their own actions – Syria with its barrel bombs, Russia with its Ukraine campaign.
Russia assures Israel on Syria
Seeking Israeli support in stabilizing Syria, Putin has assured PM Netanyahu that Syria is not a threat to Israel. He would like to get Israeli support for a Shia statelet running from Damascus to the Mediterranean coast. Russia has a naval base on the Med at Tartus and is building an airbase at Latakia. Four Russian SU-27s Flankers have been spotted at Latakia. They will soon begin airstrikes on ISIL.
Another US-backed force enters Syria
Seventy-five more US-trained troops have entered Syria. The previous group disintegrated very quickly. US-backed forces are seen by rebel forces as foreign proxies. Well, they’re trained by the US, armed by the US, paid by the US. . . .
Oil prices expected to rise steadily for next five years
Citing hedge funds with large investments in oil, Bloomberg is reporting that oil prices may have bottomed out and are poised to begin to climb. US oil production has peaked and world demand has steadied. Good news for oil exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia. . . .
More on US intelligence manipulation of ISIL bombing campaign
Accurate assessment of the impact of a bombing campaign is a difficult undertaking. Aerial photos tell only so much; ground intelligence is hard to come by. Higher-ups are too eager to show progress, even where there’s little evidence of it. The view here is that the air campaign is taking a toll on ISIL leadership, revenue, convoys, and ground positions. It would be more effective if ground forces were able to force ISIL to concentrate troops, as was the case at the battle of Kobane where Syrian Kurds repelled an ISIL advance.