Media ship-storm over Russian vessels ‘bound for Syria’ – RT

The MV Alaed, a multipurpose twin-deck cargo vessel was stopped by the UK-based marine insurer the Standard Club (Image from femco.com)

A Russian cargo ship stopped near Scotland has been forced to turn back to home shores as the UK-based insurer withdrew the vessel’s cover. Western media are mired in speculation over alleged Russian supplies to Syria.

Warships en route to Syria to protect Russian nationals – reports

Naval infantry equipment being loaded onto Russia’s Black Sea Fleet military ship Cesar Kunikov on July 20, 2011 (RIA Novosti / Sergey Pyatakov).

It is being reported that large Russian amphibious naval ships are steaming toward the Syrian port of Tartus, where Russian civilians and naval infrastructure are under threat from ongoing civil disorder.

Syria: Setback for US interests, UN mission in muddy waters (Op-Ed)

Just in time for the G-20 Summit in Mexico, where the most critical topic will be Syria, clashes in Syria have calmed down after the last 10 days of heavy military campaign by the army against terrorist strongholds.

Increasing bloodshed leads to suspension of UN observer mission in Syria

Russian ships on standby – RT

AFP Photo / HO / Sana

UN observers in Syria have suspended their patrols and activities. The mission chief cites escalating violence in the Arab country, where both opposition and regime forces are striving for military gains rather than a peaceful resolution.

Kenya – PM Odinga seeks US help in Kismayu battle

Somalia: Who Owns What? 1963
Somalia: Blood on the Horn – 1964 (“Irish of Africa”).

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has asked the EU and United States to help the African Union forces in Somalia to wrest the port of Kismayu from Al-Shabaab.
.

Mr Odinga said liberating Al-Shabaab’s last bastion would entail an “operation by land, sea and air”.

Assad forcing Syrians to seek international help – SNC leader

The new president of the Syrian National Council  Leader – Interview – By:RT

 

The new president of the Syrian National Council Abdulbaset Sieda speaks during a news conference in Istanbul June 10, 2012 (Reuters/Osman Orsa)

The Syrian National Council’s new leader has announced that the opposition group in exile is “not looking for intervention,” but the actions of the Assad government are “forcing” Syrians to demand international help.

RT:Annan plan ‘only chance for peace’ but stalled by intervention supporters – Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister  - Sergey Lavrov (Reuters/Denis Sinyakov).

External players are goading opposition in Syria to military action; this may lead to a Libyan scenario, the Russian Foreign Minister says. Moscow is calling for an international conference “under the UN umbrella” to implement the Annan plan.

Russia and China pull together to counter US Asia drive – RT

Chinese sailors march pass the Russian destroyer Admiral Vinogradov berthed at a naval base in Qingdao, northeastern China on April 23, 2012 (China Out/AFP Photo).

President Vladimir Putin has said Russia will cement its military alliance with China, including an increase in joint exercises in the Asia-Pacific. The move follows a US pledge to step up its naval presence in Asia in a bid to extend its influence.

Tanks, militia encircle Tripoli airport – RT

Tripoli International Airport (Reuters / Ismail Zitouny)-RT

A Libyan militia has encircled Tripoli’s international airport, forcing flights to be rerouted to a nearby military airport, a security official reports. Tanks have been deployed to the airport as the standoff remains tense.

N. Korean army to mark 80th anniversary

North Korea’s People’s Army is to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its foundation on Wednesday.

The nation’s leader, Kim Jong Un, is expected to declare at an anniversary ceremony that he will maintain the military-first policy of his late father.