Iranian troops retreating from Syria, Western officials say

World Tribune ^ | December 11th, 2015

[SunkenCiv]

With scant few battlefield victories and the deaths of key military leaders, Iran appears ready to cut its losses and withdraw... The failed Russian-initiated offensive to retake Idlib province from anti-Assad rebel... has led to the retreat of large numbers of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) troops... Russia had planned to seize Idlib and other rebel-controlled areas within three months. "It's not going to happen because of the military difficulties," he said, adding that the Idlib offensive looked to be a "failure." Ya'alon attributed the failed offensive to the "incompetence" of Syria's army and "the lack of determination of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps."

The Iranian mullahcracy had been all-in for over four years, but their involvement was very unpopular among Iranians; Iran also committed its Hizbull**** proxy thugs to the fight, and they got in deeper and deeper, and were on the ropes before Russia arrived. For over a year the Iranians have been using press-ganged foreign nationals seeking jobs and relief from terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, shipping them to Syria to do combat. Syria's Alawites have lost a third or so of its military-age men, either through death, injuries, or desertion.

Both Iran and Russia have body bag syndrome, and with Iran pulling out, that's going to get worse for Russia, which is really in the failed state of Syria to commit acts of terror against Turkey and cause chaos. They can't just turn tail now that Iran's out, so they'll have to start to accomplish something against ISIS and al-Qaeda et al. That's not going to happen, and thanks to still-cratering petroleum prices the winter is going to be tough on the budget of the criminal gang running Russia. By summer 2016, short of Russia actually bombing the big pipelines in Arabia, or Iran closing the sea lanes, crude will probably have hit $20 a barrel and stayed there. Meanwhile, there will still be no US troops (not many, anyway, the rumored contingent helping the Kurds was about 50 men) in Iraq, Syria, Kurdistan, or the Arabian peninsula, while back home US consumers will see cheaper food and probably $1 a gallon gas.

Arms sales by the US to the Gulf states have been up, and Russia's been eyeing an expansion to Middle East customers (Egypt doesn't really count, because Egypt doesn't have the money; the way the Egyptians have afforded US arms has been as US aid), with a goal of $50 billion a year in worldwide sales. Large countries looking to join the semi-superpower community (India especially) have been cagey and evaluating bids from many possible suppliers. China's previously been a good customer for Russian arms, but is itself preparing to enter the market, that's bound to have an impact on Russian sales.

[justa-hairyape]

The Iranians killed hundreds of US troops in Iraq with their IEDs. They can literally throw battalions of suicidal islsmists at anyone they want. And they lost generals to sucidal spy attacks. Agree with the other poster. This is not good news for the region. My 2 cents - Order your Iodide tablets now.

[donozark]

Russia flew in many, many airplanes into Erebuni Airport (Yerevan, Armenia) last week. A scant 20KM from border of Turkey. Not good. Putin has something up his sleeve. Not sure what. But he is coming...and boy is he pissed.

[UCANSEE2]

[justa-hairyape]

And they sent more troops to Armenian Turkey border. Quite frankly, this is all blowback from the Arab Spring. And it is just beginning. Good news is, when it is all said and done, we can roast marshmallows on the burning embers of DC. At least until the fallout catches up with us.

[Nuc 1.1]

KI hope you are incorrect about that. If not May God help us all.

[justa-hairyape]

Have had 2 weeks worth of KI tablets since Fukushima melted down. Did not use them, but probably should have. Did take some kelp tablets though. In some respects, Putin is just like Obama. He telegraphs his future moves. Just one week ago he said he hoped he would not have to go nuclear on ISIS. Now we have Iranian troops vacating the area apparently. Russian troops on Armenian border to protect from a counter offensive. You have to really take Putin seriously when he states the situation is no longer tolerable. There is no wiggle room there. Just posting to warn others. Am over the hill myself and heading down. Can leave this place any second. No worries. The KI warning would be for fallout coming around. Putin knows he has free reign on ISIS right now. Turkey, well that is another story.