Doc's Talk: Syrian Opposition Liaison Group

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Syrian Opposition Liaison Group

Antakya, Hatay Province Turkey

Humanitarian Trip Report

Participants:Paul Vallely, Mike Stephens and James Benjamin

Limited Distribution –For Publishing

By Scott W. Winchell - SUA Editor

Last June, Paul E. Vallely (MG US Army, ret.) and SUA staff members undertook their first humanitarian fact finding trip to the war torn region of the Syria/Turkey border. The purpose was to meet with leaders of the Free Syrian Army and the leaders/commanders of the opposition forces to the Bashar al Assad Regime. On that trip, Paul Vallely and his team learned a great deal about the conflict and cemented a relationship forged earlier by SUA's Middle East Adviser, regional sources, and trusted contacts.

Since that time, the bond grew in many areas, especially in terms of mutual respect, loyalty, and trust; so much so that SUA has been in virtual constant contact with the leadership of the Free Syrian Army and other factions conducting the operations of the freedom seeking Syrian people. During these communications, the opposition leadership invited the General and his team back to the region to observe the situation more closely, to talk face to face with those who know, and to examine the humanitarian needs of the rebels and the civilian population suffering so greatly.

During the last few months, it was also learned from these communications that the real story of the opposition and the suffering of the civilian population was not getting to western leaders properly, or in most cases, at all, at least factually. Aid to the civilians has been flowing to the country, but more often than not, it has been falling into the wrong hands, and those truly in need have been left in want and forced to fend for themselves with whatever they could.

The greedy and those with nefarious motives thrive because of this and use it as bludgeon or as a negotiating tool to increase their strength and numbers. United Nations and other efforts have been abysmal failures and the opposition has had only one real friend in the west; Paul Vallely and his SUA team.

The confusion of information emanating from the region and other political capitols often conflicts wildly with the truth on the ground, and more-so, is only propaganda from the regime and its supporters - all major impediments to the opposition. Many reports have been aired by SUA in conjunction with these contacts, but it seems few have taken notice that a very real connection exists and must be utilized to end the mayhem and help the Syrian people rise from the ruins and pools of blood to form a new, promising future.

It soon became clear in these communications that a formal relationship was needed so that a conduit could be created where trusted information could be transmitted in a well vetted fashion. The free Syrian forces and political structure have been in contact with regional relationships but no real communication exists with the west except through SUA, something they know is key to their success in joining the community of nations down the road.

Therefore, SUA announces the formation the Syrian Opposition Liaison Group (SOLG). This conduit to the west was requested by the opposition and is the only one they trust, and the only way they will move forward due in large measure to the dis-satisfactory efforts from formal governmental entities.

The SUA team took them up on their invitation and again traveled to the region at the end of October and has just now returned to the west. During their visit, many meetings took place with hundreds of official leaders and much information was gathered. Many more bonds were created, not only with the military and political leadership, but also with the medical and humanitarian efforts being conducted by the opposition itself.

There is no doubt that the regime will completely fail, the only question is when and at what further price. Over the next days and weeks, SUA will produce many reports from this latest humanitarian trip - some for the general public, and much more to aid the policy decisions that must be made in the coming weeks and months. To begin, the first of these reports is included below as compiled by the team in the field:

Editor's Note - Many names have been shortened or given one letter designations to protect those involved on the team and in the region. After the report below is information that you can use to be of aid yourself to these efforts. Please consider donating to this cause. Currently, all efforts have been privately funded by SUA members and principles and will only continue as long as funds are available.

_______________________________________

Syrian Opposition Liaison Group Report (SOLG)

Medical/Humanitarian Needs Report October 29-Nov 4, 2012

The following interview was conducted in Antakya, Hatay Province, Turkey, by Paul Vallely, Mike S., and Chip B. while on the SUA - SOLG Humanitarian Mission to assess the overall medical/humanitarian situation of non-combatant victims within Syria.

GENERAL SITUATION — Camps and secret medical safe houses within Syria are overflowing with wounded civilians desperate for medical assistance and food. Doctors and children are being specifically targeted as a genocide tactic to crush the resistance by the Free Syrian Army (FSA). This is a clear violation of the rules of international law and the Geneva Conventions to specifically target civilians and medical doctors who are non-combatants. In the case of children and specifically teenagers, the Canadian doctors gave specific information about treating children as young as 5 years of age for gunshot and shrapnel wounds. Dr. M stated that he was told that the intent of the Assad Regime was to permanently cripple the young by shooting them in the thighs and hips.

In one day, Doctors M and J performed 61 amputations of limbs without anesthesia and very little morphine. The rate of post-op infection is as high as 70%, resulting in a high mortality rate. The poor conditions force the doctors to perform surgical procedures in an extremely primitive and unsanitary environment. They are overwhelmed in performing triage and treating all casualties.

TARGETING CHILDREN — As stated, the doctors related that an overwhelming number of children have gunshot trauma to the knees, hips, and femurs. This causes the fathers serving in the Free Syrian Army (FSA), causing the Opposition fighters to abandon the cause and return home to care for the children. There is little chance for orthopedic procedures to save a limb because of the number of casualties and lack of supplies. Due to the lack of effective antibiotics, many of them develop infections. Numerous children arrive at the medical facilities with bandages on their wounds that have not been changed in several days.

TARGETING MEDICAL DOCTORS — Doctors M and J have stated that they are reluctant to wear clothing identifying them as doctors, such as scrubs or white coats because they have been the recipient of direct hostile fire specifically targeting them. They have been told by the refugees that doctors will be killed.

NEED FOR SF TRAINED COMBAT MEDICS — Doctors M and J stated there was a desperate need for U.S. trained medics who are graduates of U.S. Special Forces advanced combat medical training. They have the ability to triage patients, give primary treatment to patients with gunshot wounds, treat other injuries, and stabilize them until surgery can be performed.

MEDICINE AND SUPPLIES NEEDED — All medicines and certain medical instruments are in very short supply. The doctors specifically requested: morphine, propophol, fentanyl, ketamine, cipro, keflex, flagyl, GE hand-held ultrasound units, King airways, and other medicines and instruments. They also specifically requested “Sked Sleds”. A Sked Sled is a folding, compact litter that can be used to transport casualties. It was specifically designed by Special Forces medics to be light and portable in a combat zone.

RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF FEMALES — Numerous females have been raped and otherwise sexually abused by Assad’s soldiers. They have no protection since the male members of their families are fighting with FSA Opposition Forces. This is also a clear violation of international law.

Confirmation of rape and sexual abuse can be verified by contacting the office of Faten Ajjan in Antakya, Turkey. She is a Syrian Opposition activist, Skype contact: "bestay5".

Mrs. Ajjan only speaks Arabic and she is the only woman within the Syrian revolution in charge of treating rape victims. Help is urgently needed.

CONCLUSIONS — We know the casualty rate is higher than reported. This information was obtained by interviews with doctors, FSA commanders, and human rights journalists. A conservative estimate would be in the area of seventy thousand with more expected, especially in the end days. The Doctors’ and the FSA commanders’ biggest fears are the future use of chemical weapons by the Assad Regime. There are many reports of symptomatic serious skin irritations on many fighters. This must be addressed before there is a repeat of what happened in Iraq. The SOLG team wants to thank the Turkish government for the opportunity to allow them access within the country to conduct these interviews and evaluations.

THIS IS A TIME CRITICAL SITUATION. The attacks by air, armor, and artillery continue on the civilian population, including children. The attacks are prohibited by International Law and the Geneva Convention. These atrocities are comparable to any past and historic genocide. NO government, legitimately recognized or not, can legally target and kill civilians and medical doctors in any conflict. Again, it is a SERIOUS violation of human rights and the rules of land warfare. Critical supplies and financial support are needed to alleviate the situation.

Donations can be made through: www.standupamericaus.org - a specific donation category will be added today to earmark your donation to the SUA-SOLG effort.

Email to any of the following addresses:

Paul E. Vallely MG, US Army (ret)

Chairman – Stand Up America

Standupamericausa1@gmail.com

www.standupamericaus.org

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The IDF’s Minorities in Numbers and Pictures

In honor of IDF Diversity Week, we present diversity through numbers and pictures. Each year, more and more Muslims, Christians, Druze, Bedouin and immigrants from around the world take on the responsibility of defending Israel.

MUSLIMS:

Muslim Arab Israelis are not required to draft in the IDF, but there are many who volunteer. In 2013, there were over 200 Muslims serving in the IDF and over 300 in the reserves.

Bedouins:

Bedouins are nomadic Muslims who were in Israel when modern borders were set in place and are now considered Israeli citizens. They are not required to draft but a growing number choose to enlist. In 2012, there were over 1,400 Bedouin Muslim soldiers doing regular IDF service and almost 1,500 in the reserves.

Read more:http://www.idfblog.com/2014/02/27/truth-idf-numbers-pictures/#more-34027

Are you aware that in 2013, Middle class taxes go up-significantly?

In January of next year, the federal income tax rate for middle-class taxpayers is scheduled to rise from 25 percent to 28 percent, and the payroll tax is scheduled to rise from 13.3 percent to 15.3 percent… This drives the marginal tax rate based on the aforementioned three taxes to 48.12 percent. Add in state and local property, corporate, excise, and other state and local taxes, and the percentage of each additional dollar that is taxed hovers around 50 percent… When half of each additional dollar earned is taxed away, taxpayers experience a disincentive to start businesses or expand existing ones. This leads to fewer jobs being created.

Why is HAMAS Inside Tampa Schools?

Clare Lopez

Kelly Miliziano, who teaches history classes at Steinbrenner High School in the Tampa, Florida area apparently thinks it’s perfectly OK to invite a senior official of a HAMAS-affiliated organization into her classroom to discuss Islam with her students. According to local media reports, not only has this been going on for years, but in spite of the civil and criminal proceedings that could result from such reckless negligence, the Hillsborough County school superintendent, Mary Ellen Elia, and the chairman of the school board, Candy Olson, also expressed approval for students under their responsibility to be exposed repeatedly to guest speaker, Hassan Shibly, who is the Executive Director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in the Tampa area.
More...

Did You Know... Ignoring the Call to Islam will Bring Jihad

‘Conquest through Da’wa [proselytizing] that is what we hope for. We will conquer Europe, we will conquer America! Not through sword but through Da’wa.’
-- Yousef al-Qaradawi , Muslim Brotherhood spiritual leader The Arabic word ‘Da’wa’ means the “call to Islam.” But do not think that Da’wa is the same thing as an invitation to an optional holiday event. The classical Islamic doctrine of jihad mandates that enemies must be given the opportunity to convert to Islam or pay the jizya tax before it is permissible to attack them.
Clare M. Lopez

Who is being discriminated-facts tell the truth

Religious bias

Hate crimes motivated by religious bias accounted for 1,409 offenses reported by law enforcement. A breakdown of the bias motivation of religious-bias offenses showed:

65.4 percent were anti-Jewish.
13.2 percent were anti-Islamic.
9.5 percent were anti-other religion, i.e., those not specified.
4.3 percent were anti-Catholic.
3.8 percent were anti-multiple religions, group.
3.3 percent were anti-Protestant.
0.5 percent were anti-Atheism/Agnosticism/etc.

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/hate-crime/2010/narratives/hate-crime-2010-incidents-and-offenses.

On March 31, 1977, the Dutch newspaper Trouw published an interview

with PLO executive committee member Zahir Muhsein. Here's what he said:

"The Palestinian people does not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity. In reality today there is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people, since Arab national interests demand that we posit the existence of a distinct "Palestinian people" to oppose Zionism.

For tactical reasons, Jordan, which is a sovereign state with defined borders, cannot raise claims to Haifa and Jaffa, while as a Palestinian, I can undoubtedly demand Haifa, Jaffa, Beer-Sheva and Jerusalem. However, the moment we reclaim our right to all of Palestine, we will not wait even a minute to unite Palestine and Jordan."

In March 1977, Zahir Muhsein, a PLO executive, said:

"The Palestinian people does not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity. In reality today there is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people, since Arab national interests demand that we posit the existence of a distinct Palestinian people to oppose Zionism."

"For tactical reasons, Jordan, which is a sovereign state with defined borders, cannot raise claims to Haifa and Jaffa, while as a Palestinian, I can undoubtedly demand Haifa, Jaffa, Beer-Sheva and Jerusalem. However, the moment we reclaim our right to all of Palestine, we will not wait even a minute to unite Palestine and Jordan."

The Arab Apartheid

Ben-Dror Yemini
In 1948, the Arab countries refused to accept the UN partition proposal and they launched a war of annihilation against the State of Israel which had barely been established. All precedents in this matter showed that the party that starts the war - and with a declaration of annihilation, yet - pays a price for it. Between 550,000 and 710,000 Arabs fled because of the war and a larger number of 850,000 Jews were expelled or fled from Arab countries (the "Jewish nakba").
Population exchanges and expulsions were the norm at that time, occurring in dozens of other conflict points and affecting about 52 million people. In all the population exchange precedents that occurred during or at the end of an armed conflict, there was no return of refugees to the previous region, which had turned into a new national state.
Only the Arab states acted completely differently from the rest of the world. Instead of assimilating the refugees, they crushed them despite the fact that they were their coreligionists and members of the Arab nation - instituting a regime of apartheid. So the "nakba" was not caused by the actual dispossession, which had also been experienced by tens of millions of others. The "nakba" is the story of the apartheid, oppression, abuse and denial of rights suffered by the Arab refugees at the hands of the Arab countries. (Maariv)

International Law and Military Operations in Practice - Col. Richard Kemp

"Islamist fighting groups study the international laws of armed conflict carefully and they understand it well. They know that a British or Israeli commander and his men are bound by international law and the rules of engagement that flow from it. They then do their utmost to exploit what they view as one of their enemy's main weaknesses. Their very modus operandi is built on the correct assumption that Western armies will normally abide by the rules, while these insurgents employ a deliberate policy of operating consistently outside international law. "

Lost Historical Moments

What Rabin’s last Knesset speech really said:repudiation of a Palestinian state

Rabin ruled out a fully sovereign Palestinian state :

“We view the permanent solution in the framework of State of Israel which will include most of the area of the Land of Israel as it was under the rule of the British Mandate, and alongside it a Palestinian entity which will be a home to most of the Palestinian residents living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. We would like this to be an entity which is less than a state, and which will independently run the lives of the Palestinians under its authority.”

Rabin ruled out a total withdrawal from Judea and Samaria and thus a return to the pre-June 1967 borders :

“The borders of the State of Israel, during the permanent solution, will be beyond the lines which existed before the Six Day War. We will not return to the 4 June 1967 lines.”

Rabin ruled out withdrawing form the Jordan Valley:

“The security border of the State of Israel will be located in the Jordan Valley, in the broadest meaning of that term.”

Rabin ruled out uprooting settlement blocs, like the Gush Katif bloc in Gaza (which was subsequently uprooted by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon):

“The establishment of blocs of settlements in Judea and Samaria, like the one in Gush Katif.

AND

Rabin ruled out removing any settlement before coming to a full peace agreement with the Palestinians:

“I want to remind you: we committed ourselves, that is, we came to an agreement, and committed ourselves before the Knesset, not to uproot a single settlement in the framework of the interim agreement, and not to hinder building for natural growth.”

Rabin insisted on Israel retaining full security control of the borders with Egypt and Jordan, contrary to Israel’s relinquishment of the Philadelphia Corridor on the border with Egypt:

“The responsibility for external security along the borders with Egypt and Jordan, as well as control over the airspace above all of the territories and Gaza Strip maritime zone, remains in our hands.”

Correcting Oslo Myths-Part 2

3) Kuttab laments that the post-1993 Oslo process resulted in a Palestinian Authority "whose ministers and legislators are not guaranteed passage between Gaza and the West Bank ...."

Before free passage or other perquisites, PA leaders were obligated, among other things, to eliminate the terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, end anti-Israeli, antisemitic incitement in schools, mosques, and communications media, and resolve all outstanding issues through peaceful negotiations. They met none of these commitments, sometimes bolstering terrorism and greatly increasing incitement.

4) Kuttab complains that under Oslo the PA got "lightly armed police ---- but no real sovereignty over the land or contiguity between our communities in Gaza and the West Bank."

Oslo agreements repeatedly were revised, regardless of Palestinian non-compliance, until the authorized number of police grew from 8,000 to 40,000. Though they were to be the only armed forces in the territories, Israeli estimates early in the second intifada put the number of gunmen - police, "security services," terrorists, and armed gangs - at 85,000. Their armament reportedly included not only heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, but also anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.

Sovereignty was to be negotiated in the envisioned 1998 "final status" talks - after a five-year period of confidence-building. Palestinian leadership chronically undermined the process. Palestinian terrorism made the 1993 - 1998 Oslo period more deadly for Israelis than the 15 years preceding it.

The United States doesn't have contiguity between the lower 48 states and Alaska and Hawaii; territorial contiguity between the West Bank and Gaza Strip - that is, through the 20 miles of Israeli territory between them - was never promised and would destroy Israeli contiguity.

5) "Palestinians have been made to endure hundreds of checkpoints in the West Bank, an eight-foot wall deep in our territories, and tight Israeli control over borders."

The security barrier is not "deep in Palestinian territories," but rather encompasses less than 8 percent of Judea and Samaria, and is mostly a fence, rarely a wall; the land in question is not "our [Palestinian] territories" but disputed territory to which, according to the authors of U.N. Security Council Resolution 242, Jews as well as Arabs have claims; and there are no international borders, only the 1949 armistice lines with Jordan. Under 242, borders remain to be negotiated. As for checkpoints - like the security barrier and "tight Israeli control" - Palestinian Arabs precipitated these measures themselves. No terrorism and there would be no fence or tight Israeli control and few checkpoints - like before the first intifada.

Correcting Some Oslo Myths

1) In Oslo "Israeli, Palestinian and other world leaders promised that ... Palestinian sovereignty would be solidified."

No, they didn't. The 1993 Declaration of Principles and subsequent Oslo agreements outlined a process by which final status negotiations about the West Bank and Gaza Strip would be reached. The process required an end to anti-Israel terrorism and incitement and a commitment to peaceful negotiations. The PA, Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and other terrorist groups, sabotaged the process from the start.

2) "The reality is that, in defiance of U.N. Security Council Resolution 242, which states that it is inadmissible to occupy land by force, Palestinian territories are still under foreign military occupation."
Wrong again. Resolution 242 (1967) does note "the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war." It also affirms the right of every state in the area "to live in peace with secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force." There were no "Palestinian territories." Jordan occupied the West Bank, Egypt controlled Gaza. Israel did not have "secure and recognized boundaries," so retention of some of those territories was possible under 242. Israel is not a "foreign" military occupier in the West Bank but, pending final negotiations, the lawful military administrator as a result of a successful war of self-defense.

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