Trump wants to get the U.S. out of Syria’s war, so he asked the Saudi king for $4 billion

In a December phone call with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, President Trump had an idea he thought could hasten a U.S. exit from Syria: Ask the king for $4 billion. By the end of the call, according to U.S. officials, the president believed he had a deal.

The White House wants money from the kingdom and other nations to help rebuild and stabilize the parts of Syria that the U.S. military and its local allies have liberated from the Islamic State. The postwar goal is to prevent Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian partners from claiming the areas, or the Islamic State from regrouping, while U.S. forces finish mopping up the militants.

The Saudis, whose crown prince arrives in Washington on Monday for extensive meetings with the administration, are part of the anti-Islamic State coalition but have largely withdrawn from the fight in Syria in recent years. They are questioning the eye- popping sum even as U.S. officials at one point were drawing up line items totaling $4 billion.

What caused the Arab Spring?

The Alliance of Youth Movement
November 18, 2008, two weeks after Obama was elected president
http://www.adweek.com/digital/facebook-and-the-alliance-of-youth-movements-summit/

Nick O’Neill of Adweek writes: “This morning I had the privilege to sit in on a panel for the Washington, D.C. Economic Partnership, in which everybody in the room was excited about two things: the new administration’s full embrace of technology, and how social technology is transforming the political realm. It is no longer required for a group of people to get together in a room and make change happen.”

“Inspired by this change, “Facebook, Access 360Media, Columbia Law School, Google, Howcast, MTV, YouTube, and the U.S. Department of State are bringing leaders of 17 pioneering organizations from 15 countries together with technology experts next month for the first-ever conclave to empower youth against violence and oppression through the use of the latest online tools. ” The event is called the Alliance of Youth Movements Summit.”

From Breitbart
http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/09/23/hillary-clinton-sponsored-secretive-arab-spring-program-that-destabilized-middle-east/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

Jared Cohen, a Google executive, was a member of the U.S. Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff under the Bush administration and then Obama’s.

Cohen said:

“We are seeing movements across the world use adiverse set of technologies. The simplest is Television, where we are seeing groups that have the means put their videos and images on screen in the form of commercials. But we are seeing a lot of activities using mobile phones and theInternet.”
“With mobile phones, there is a tactic called “smartmobbing,” where mobile phones are used to assemble young people around a cause.On the Internet, we are seeing online social networks like Facebook, MySpace,Bebo, and Orkut serve as important forums for young people to assemble together, build a cause, a mission, and organize events.”

In Cohen’s capacity working for Hillary Clinton when she was Secretary of State, he focused on counter-terrorism, counter-radicalization, Middle East/South Asia, Internet freedom, and fostering opposition in repressive countries. Right before his departure Cohen was one of the participating architects of what was labeled in 2010 as “21stcentury statecraft” along with Richard Boly and several foreign service officers in the Department of State’s Office of eDiplomacy In 2013,Cohen was named by Time Magazine as one of its 100 most influential people.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jared_Cohen

Egypt frees Google manager who became protest hero
February 7, 2011
CAIRO — Egypt on Monday released a Google Inc. executive who became a hero of anti-government protesters after he vanished nearly two weeks ago while taking part in demonstrations calling for the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.

Protesters in Cairo’s central Tahrir Square say Wael Ghonim, amarketing manager for the Internet company, was one of the main youthful organizers of the online campaign that sparked the mass protests on Jan. 25.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/7/egypt-approves-15-raise-government-employees/

Under President Obama we created a CIA program called Timber Sycamore where we trained the youth in the Middle East, gave them weapons, support and money to overthrow their governments. Many of them became ISIS, we knew it and supported them anyway. I use this Wiki reference because when I copied it, it said that the CIA had taught thousands of rebels. The news downplays the numbers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timber_Sycamore

Hillary and the Alliance of Youth Movement Speech
Hillary and Obama use Youtube, Facebook and Twitter to kill people

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcBG7B6sgOk&app=desktop
U.S. Department of State
Published on Oct 16, 2009

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton records a video message for participants of the Alliance of Youth Movements Summit in Mexico City, Mexico October 16, 2009. Go to http://www.state.gov/video for more video and text transcript.

Hillary:
I want to congratulate all of you that have come to Mexico City in person and online to be part of this ground breaking summit. You are the vanguard of a rising generation of citizen activists who are using the latest technological tools to catalyze change, build a movement and transform lives and I hope this conference provides an opportunity for you to learn from each other and discover the tools and techniques that will open new doors for activism and empowerment when you return home.

All over the world young people like you are driving progress. In Columbia two young college graduates fed up with violence in their country used Facebook to organize 14 million people into the largest anti-terrorism demonstration in history. In Iran we saw young people using Twitter and Youtube to communicate with each other and the world. Despite a government crackdown designed to keep them quiet. In India a 14 year old high school student from Mumbai used social networking to link together half a million people that sought solidarity and support in the aftermath of the November 2008 terrorist attack.

You have all traveled … paths to get here today, you come from different cultures and countries and speak different languages but you all share a common commitment to engaging with the world using every tool at your disposal to bring people together to solve problems. And that makes you the kind of leader we need.

As we work to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21century, government can’t do it alone, citizens organizations, businesses, universities everyone with a stake in our shared future must take responsibilities for shaping it. That’s what we call 21st century statecraft. So thank you for being on the front line of progress and I can’t wait to see what all of you do next.

President Obama has created a rebel organization called Organizing for Action. https://www.ofa.us/

Hillary’s rebel organization is called Onward Together.
https://www.onwardtogether.org/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4257384/Hillary-surfaces-three-minute-address-Democrats.html
2/24/2017

Hillary:

“Hello Democrats”
“After the primaries we came together as a primary to write the most progressive platform in history. Ideas we championed are now inspiring leaders and activists across our country. Nearly 66 million votes are fueling grass roots energy and activism and everywhere people are marching, protesting, tweeting, speaking out and working for an America that’s hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted.”

“From the Women’s March to airports where communities are welcoming immigrants, refugees and people of every faith, to town hall meetings where people are speaking up for healthcare, the environment, good jobs and all the other issues that deserve our passionate support.”

We killed 475,000 people in Syria and made many millions of refugees.

Hillary “OMG, did I do that?” WikiLeaks edited for easier reading.
https://wikileaks.org/clinton-emails/emailid/16792

SITUATION REPORT NO. 1 09/14/I

From: Huma Abedin To: Hillary Clinton Date: 2012-09-12 22:21 Subject:

I’m giving you credit for inspiring the “peaceful” protests.

Riot police used tear gas in an atteto disperse demonstrators Egyptian authorities erected large concrete barriers to block the route to the embassy and deployed approximately 4000 security personnel to the area.

Embassy Cairo reported the Muslim Brotherhood cancelled earlier calls for nationwide demonstrations at major mosques, but supported symbolic demonstrations at Tahrir Square.

LIBYA Air traffic in Benghazi was suspended September 13 due to security reasons.

YEMEN Embassy Sana’a reported increased security presence but no apparent protests at the Sheraton hotel.

Yemeni security forces blocked streets surrounding the U.S. Embassy, where approximately 30 protesters gathered.

KUWAIT Around 400 protesters, including parliament members and prominent Sunni Islamists, congregated peacefully for nearly two hours in front of the Embassy September 13. P arrested several youth who tried to jump the compounds outermost perimeter.

Embassy Kuwait City reported another demonstration is planned for 1200 EDT/1900 Kuwait City. The embassy and the government added extra security around the compound and receiv security reinforcements from the government.

Consulate General Lahore reported calls for nationwide protests, including large demonstrations at the consulate’s press club. Authorities deployed riot police to the consulate and limited access to the road. Consulate General Lahore dismissed all employees at 0300 EDT/1200 Lahore.

Embassy Islamabad reported police are preparing to prevent demonstrators from approaching diplomatic enclaves and police reserves are on stand-by. Embassy Islamabad dismissed non-emergency personnel.

Consulate General Peshawar reported two protests were scheduled to take place approximately four kilometers from the consulate. Additional police was assigned to reinforce security.

Consulate General Karachi reported riot police were deployed to the compound, with more on standby.

INDONESIA Embassy Jakarta reported a peaceful demonstration of approximately 300 people.

Over 250 riot police were put on alert ahead of the demonstrations. Indonesian leaders urged calm.

MALAYSIA Police said they are prepared for demonstrations near the U.S. Embassy and mosques in various cities.

Around 30 people gathered peacefully outside the Embassy and submitted a memorandum demanding an apology and action from the U.S. government against the filmmakers.

SUDAN Islamic scholars called for the expulsion of the U.S. and German Ambassadors and for peaceful mass protests at their embassies in Khartoum.

INDIA A small group of protesters gathered peacefully September 13 in Kashmir. The most senior Islamic cleric in Kashmir told U.S. citizens to “immediately leave” the region.

IRAN The Swiss Embassy in Tehran will be closed in anticipation of planned demonstrations.

INTERNATIONAL REACTION Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said the Benghazi attack confirms “the need for the joint efforts of our countries, as well as the global community in combating the evil of terrorism.”

The Arab League condemned the Benghazi attack and called on the U.S. government to take a serious position against the film producers.

The Bahamas, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Panama, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela have also issued condemnations and condolences, bringing to 26 the number of countries in the western hemisphere condemning the attacks in Benghazi.

Libyan Prime Minister Abu Shagour said he will work “vigorously” to improve security by boosting the national police force and army as well as implementing programs to collect and regulate weapon

Yemeni President Hadi apologized for the attack September 13, and ordered an expeditious and thorough investigation.

Saudi women to be allowed to join military for first time
Yet another reform ushered in by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
AXIOS.COM

#Saudi Arabia improves position in #anti-corruption league table https://goo.gl/3iqCQD

Saudi Arabia improves position in anti-corruption league table
LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s position in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has continued to improve with the country jumping...
ARABNEWS.COM

Saudi Arabia’s first Arab Fashion Week is ‘just the beginning’ amid push to support aspiring designers, Princess Noura bint Faisal tells Arab News http://ow.ly/YJ7z30itXG9

Riyadh to host Saudi Arabia’s first Arab Fashion Week
LONDON: Saudi Arabia is set to host its first Arab Fashion Week next month as part of a push to support aspiring Saudi designers and drive growth i...
ARABNEWS.COM

Congratulations on entering the 19th century!

Saudi Women to Start Own Business Without Male Permission
BREITBART.COM

STR also noted that 333 properties are under construction in the wider Middle East region, comprising 105,037 hotel rooms.

Makkah, Riyadh projects to add almost 30,000 rooms in Saudi hotel market
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s focus on tourism as one avenue to diversify the Kingdom away from oil dependence is receiving a boost with a slew of hotel pr...
ARABNEWS.COM

Big plans for the big screen in Saudi Arabia: Cinema chain Vue says it will open 30 branches after restrictions lifted: http://ow.ly/4Yk430ilz5Y

Vue to open 30 cinemas across Saudi Arabia
LONDON: Vue International is set to open up to 30 multiplex cinemas in Saudi Arabia over the next three years after signing a deal with Riyadh-base...
ARABNEWS.COM

Theater comedy in Saudi Arabia delivers laughs — and a place in history: http://ow.ly/q1Pw30ijZx5

Theater comedy in Saudi Arabia delivers laughs — and a place in history
RIYADH: A theater production featuring rising Saudi actors made history on Friday with unaccompanied women in the audience for the first time. The ...
ARABNEWS.COM

An anti-corruption campaign shrouded in secrecy has netted more than $106 billion in financial settlements, Saudi Arabia said.

Saudi Arabia corruption crackdown has brought in $106 billion
NBCNEWS.COM|BY NBC NEWS

Saudi Prince al-Waleed, one of the world’s richest men, is released two months after being detained in a broad anti-corruption crackdown.

Billionaire Saudi Prince al-Waleed Is Released From Detention
Saudi authorities released billionaire Prince al-Waleed bin Talal, people familiar with the matter said, more than two months after he was detained in a widespread…
WSJ.COM

https://wikileaks.org/clinton-emails/emailid/18594 ROGER COHEN From: Hillary Clinton To: Robert Russo Date: 2012-02-29 01:41 Subject: ROGER COHEN UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05794239 Date: 11/30/2015 RELEASE IN FULL From: H Sent: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 8:41 AM To: 'Russorv@state.gov' Subject Fw: Roger Cohen Pls print. From: Sullivan, Jacob J [mailto:Sullivann@state.gov] Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 08:27 AM To: H Subject: Roger Cohen Arm Syria's Rebels By ROGER COHEN LONDON — Here are some home truths about Syria. It's going to get worse before it gets better. Nobody can put this genie back in a bottle. This is the mother of all proxy fights. The remorseless Assad regime is finished, when it dies being the only question. Nations get to freedom from tyranny by different routes. When Communism fell, some glided from the Soviet empire into the West as others agonized. Yugoslavia — a beautiful idea that never worked — is one of several nations being invoked as possible exemplars of Syria's bloody fate; others include Lebanon and Iraq. The ingredients are familiar: Syria is a multiethnic state ruled with an iron fist by one minority — the quasi-Shiite Alawites — and including Christian, Druze and other minorities that between them compose about a quarter of the population. The majority is Sunni. When the iron fist comes off in countries like this, liberty is more readily seen as getting free of each other than uniting in the give-and-take of a new liberal order. So it has proved for a year now in the Syria of Bashar al-Assad who, taking a leaf from his father's book, has attempted to suppress through mass slaughter the quest of a broad uprising to be free of the family stranglehold. Assad is a doctor by training! No doctor ever trampled so brazenly on the Hippocratic Oath. The Assads are a mafia, a minority (the family) within a minority (the Alawites) within a minority (the Mukhabarat secret police). They co-opted others — notably the Sunni merchant class — through imposed stability, but in essence, like every tyrant dislodged in the Arab Spring, they have ruled a nation as if it was their personal fiefdom, a plaything to be passed from father to son for the benefit of cousins and cronies. Well, that's over. Aleppo is the not the new Marrakesh after all. Those lovely tourism posters on London buses have been packed away. Arabs have had it with their Godfathers. I said it's going to get worse before it gets better. The Syrian compact is broken; a new compact under the Assads is inconceivable. Wider interests are in play. Iranian Shiite theocracy, increasingly isolated, is defending the regime against a Free Syrian Army funded in part by Saudi Sunni theocracy: that's the proxy war. UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05794239 Date: 11/30/2015 Vladimir Putin, fearful of Russian Springs in his own neighborhood, has with signature cynicism opted to defend an old ally against U.S. demands that Assad go, an objective not pursued with any coherence until now by the Obama administration. Israel knows Assad, who helps arm Hezbollah but is a predictable and largely passive enemy. It does not know what may lie beyond a security state whose habits it can predict. In short, Syria is dangerous. But that not a reason for passivity or incoherence. As the Bosnian war showed, the basis for any settlement must be a rough equality of forces. So I say step up the efforts, already quietly ongoing, to get weapons to the Free Syrian Army. Train those forces, just as the rebels were trained in Libya. Payback time has come around: The United States warned Assad about allowing Al Qaeda fighters to transit Syria to Iraq. Now materiel and special forces with the ability to train a ragtag army can transit Iraq — and other neighboring states — into Syria. This should be a joint effort of Western and Arab states. At the same time, mount a big U.N.-coordinated humanitarian effort centered on enclaves for refugees in Turkey, Jordan and elsewhere, establishing, where possible, safe corridors to these havens. Push hard to bring Russia and China around: They will not defend Assad beyond the point where that defense looks like a liability for other bigger interests in the United States, the Gulf and Europe. I hear the outcry already: Arming Assad's opponents will only exacerbate the fears of Syria's minorities and unite them, ensure greater bloodshed, and undermine diplomatic efforts now being led by Kofi Annan, a gifted and astute peacemaker. It risks turning a proxy war into a proxy conflagration. There is no policy for Syria at this stage that does not involve significant risk. But the only cease-fire I can see that will not amount to an ephemeral piece of paper is one based on a rough balance of forces. For that, the Free Syrian Army must be armed. In the end, this course will support, not undermine, Annan's diplomacy and perhaps open the way for the sort of transition outlined by the Arab League. In return, the divided Syrian opposition must provide a firm commitment to respect the rights of minorities. The treatment of minorities — like that of women — is one of the many pivotal tests of the Arab Spring. If Assad falls, Iran is critically weakened. Tehran's established conduit to Hezbollah disappears. Choosing between engineering the downfall of Assad and bombing Iran's nuclear facilities is really a no-brainer: The former is smart and doable, the latter is folly. Assad's wife has been buying property in London: Make her use it and make the Syrian people free. You can follow Roger Cohen on Twitter at twitter.corningtimescohen.

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