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.

Afghan massacre suspect on flight to US

An American soldier suspected of shooting 16 civilians in Afghanistan on Sunday is being moved to a military base in Kansas, say US officials.

Assad could be classified as a war criminal – Clinton

By: RT
With the US labeling the Syrian President as a “war criminal” and France calling for his prosecution in the International Criminal Court, the West appears to be ratcheting up its rhetoric against the Syrian government.

US, UK warn Israel against ‘premature’ attack on Iran

Laaska News Feb. 20, 2012.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague. (Reuters / Mike Hutchings) 

The US and Britain have urged Israel not to attack Iran’s nuclear sites. And while the West shares Israel’s unfounded belief that Tehran is developing nukes, top officials say a direct military response would be unwise – at this point in time.

US strike group simulates war with Iran off Florida coast?

Laaska News  Feb. 7, 2012

The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (AFP Photo / US Navy)

The American aircraft carrier USS Enterprise and its strike group are running naval drills off the US East coast ahead of deployment to the Persian Gulf. And the drill scenario seems to indicate potential conflict with Iran.

US closes embassy in Syria, UK recalls ambassador

Laaska News  Feb. 6, 2012

UK foreign secretary William Hague speaking in Parliament on Monday -RT

The United States has shut down its embassy in Syria. The announcement comes amid mounting reports of lethal government attacks. The UK has followed the suit, summoning their ambassador from Damascus.

Clinton concedes to Russian adamance on Syria – RT

Laaska News  Feb. 5, 2012

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. (Reuters / Michaela Rehle) – RT
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US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has acknowledged that an accord with Russia on a Western-drafted UN resolution on Syria is unachievable given both sides’ positions.

UN resolution drops demands for Assad’s resignation, arms embargo – reports

The United Nations Security Council meets on Syria January 31, 2012 at the United Nations in New York. Western powers clashed with Russia as they pushed for a UN resolution ordering the resignation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and an end to what the United States called his “reign of terror.” (AFP Photo / Don Emmert)

Diplomats at the United Nations Security Council have reportedly agreed to drop demands for an arms embargo against Syria and the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. Russia had vocally opposed both points.

Iran ‘definitely’ closing Strait of Hormuz over EU oil embargo

Iranian Navy boats take part in maneuvers during the “Velayat-90″ navy exercises in the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran (AFP Photo / EBRAHIM NOROOZI)

Tensions in the Gulf could reach a breaking point as a senior Iranian official said Iran would “definitely” close the Strait of Hormuz if an EU oil embargo disrupted the export of crude oil, the semi-official Fars news agency reports.

US aircraft carrier sails through Strait of Hormuz + Related Articles

US aircraft carriers to deliver ‘direct message to Iran’

Aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (AFP Photo / US Navy / Rafael Martie / Handout).