War

The Syrian capital Damascus has been without water for five days. Authorities have accused “terrorist groups” of deliberately poisoning water resources and the government cut off water to Damascus on Friday after concerns that rebel groups west of the city had poisoned wells and pipes. While media in the West has blamed the Syrian government for disrupting the water supply, there is evidence that rebels are behind the crisis, with renewed video threats. RT’s Lizzie Phelan reports. Damascus continues to be considered the safest place in Syria.

Submitted by Charles Hugh-Smith via OfTwoMinds blog,

I resolve to acquire skills, not credentials.

Here's a grab-bag of resolutions with something for just about every persuasion.

1. I resolve to never utter or write the word "Trump" in 2017. (Good luck with that...)

What is Henry Kissinger Up To?

Paul Craig Roberts

The English language Russian news agency, Sputnik, reports that former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is advising US president-elect Donald Trump how to “bring the United States and Russia closer together to offset China’s military buildup.” https://sputniknews.com/politics/201612271049024500-kissinger-trump-russia/

In the latest snub of president Obama and the US State Department, on Wednesday Turkey and Russia reached an agreement for a ceasefire in Syria, Turkey's foreign minister said, and according to Anadolu News Agency, will aim to put it into effect by midnight. Anadolu, citing sources, said the two countries have reached a consensus that will be presented to participants in the conflict on expanding the ceasefire that was established in Aleppo earlier this month.

Russian bomb disposal teams are still sweeping the schools and mosques of Aleppo for booby-traps, mines and munitions in previously rebel controlled areas. Some of the explosives that have been recovered come from the US and Germany as well as other parts of the world. RT reports: Since starting their mine-swiping mission in the Syrian city three weeks ago, the sappers have cleared 966 hectares, the Russian Syrian Reconciliation Center reported on Wednesday.