Russian-backed Syrian troops reportedly massacre 82 civilians

Reports of Syrian troops murdering civilians are coming from Aleppo.

According to a story by CNN staffers Angela Dawn, Euan McKirdy and Joe Sterling, dated December 13, 2016 titled "Russia: Syria establishes control over eastern Aleppo,"things have taken a turn for the tragic in Syria. There are reports that 82 people have been brutally murdered by the Russian-backed regime of the Syrian Government. Among those murdered by Syrian Government forces were women and children.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power leveled blame directly at Syria and Russia. Power said, referring to the two governments, "Are you truly incapable of shame? Is there nothing you will not lie about?"

Power said of yesterday's Syrian Government attack on civilians: "Your barrel bombs and airstrikes...it is your noose." Until yesterday, rebels held eastern Aleppo for more than four years, dating back to the Arab Spring Uprising. Sources inside Aleppo have stated that any civilians with family links to any suspected rebels were being hunted down. "Every hour, butcheries are carried out," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Aleppo's residents flee as Syria hunts down the family members of rebels

The massacre at Aleppo has not been confirmed, as of yet, by the Syrian Government or its state-run media. Meanwhile, CNN has not yet been able to confirm the murders through official sources. Still, Power spoke assertively on the issue in no uncertain terms. She directly blamed both Russia and Syria for the murders.

Meanwhile, Russia's Ambassador to the UN informed the UN Security Council Vitaly Churkin today that "over the last hour we've received information that all military activities in east Aleppo have stopped." Churkin stated that, with the Syrian Government firmly in control of east Aleppo, it sets the stage for "practical humanitarian initiatives." However, Churkin refused to comment about the conduct of the massacre or his country's or Syria's involvement in the civilian murders.

For the full CNN story about recent events at Aleppo click HERE.

For a summary of the entire four-year battle at Aleppo, click HERE.

Duterte signals possible end to defense pact with U.S.

By JIM PURCELL

 Rodrigo Duterte

According to a Reuters report filed by Kiyoshi Takenaka and Linda Sieg published in the Huffington Post, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly assured Japanese Government officials that he will remain on Tokyo's side relative to the ongoing South China Sea controversy with China.

This is despite the fact that, last week, he signaled a new ideological re-alignment between Manila and Beijing that was announced from the Great Hall, in Beijing. During the announcement, he stated that he is not allied with the interests of Washington anymore, especially militarily and diplomatically. However, he later qualified that, while he will not be antagonizing the U.S. on either front, he has removed Philippine and American interests from being the same internationally.

Shinzo Abe

Duterte went on to say that he might very well enter into an agreement with Russia, which would put "Russia, the Philippines and China against the world."

U.S. diplomats have remain quiet about Duterte's recent proclamations, despite the fact that, during his Japanese visit, he added that he might end defense treaties between the U.S. and the Philippines.

According to the reportShinzo Abe, who has tightened his ties with the U.S. recently, is left at a loss, as he is also attempting to build bridges with the Philippines.In characterizing Japan as a "special friend who is closer than a brother," Duterte said he would work side-by-side with Tokyo on regional issues, including the South China Sea controversy.

Philippine Prez Breaks Off Alliance with the U.S.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reviews the troops in China.

Feature Story

By JIM PURCELL

On Oct. 20, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made it clear during a Beijing press conference that he is aligning his country with China. In a published CNN report by staffers Katie Hunt, Matt Rivers and Catherine E. Shoichet, it is reported that Duterte announced Philippine economic and military separation from the United States.

He is reported to have said, "America has lost now. I've realigned myself in your ideological flow," referring to Red China's world view. 

The Philippine president added that "maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to Putin and tell him there are three of us against the world: China, Philippines and Russia."

Of Duterte's latest announcement, Deputy White House Press Secretary Eric Shultz said there has been no request made by the Phillippines to change existing alliances. 

Meanwhile, Chinese diplomats have reportedly said they are ready to start a "new chapter" with the Philippines. 

Recently, relations between the Philippines and China had been troubled with an ongoing territorial dispute and rights of navigation issue in the South China Sea. Duterte seems to have pushed that to the background in his new initiative with China.

Of U.S. President Obama, Duterte, 71, said, "I am no American puppet. I am the president of a soverign country. I am not answerable to anyone except the Filipino people ... [Expletive Deleted], I will swear at you."

President Duterte has harsh words of criticism for the U.S. 

In a report written by Wall Street Journal staffer Trefor Moss, it was reported that Duterte felt he was offended by President Obama over a perceived slight. This occurred last month during a regional summit in Laos. 

Duterte's sister, Jocellyn Duterte is quoted as saying the Philippine president "expected more respect from Obama." 

During Duterte's press conference two days ago, which took place in Beijing's Great Hall, Duterte explained his understanding of  "separation" as not breaking off ties with the United States altogether, but certainly he plans on charting a foreign policy that may or may not align with that of the United States.

Duterte's regime has been in power in the Philippines for only a few months. However, according to a Washington Post report by Ishaan Tharoor, he has repeatedly made vulgar comments about America's president and envoy in Manila. He has regularly threatened to force U.S. Speacial Forces out of his country, where that unit has a long history of operating. 

As Duterte goes about breaking off some ties with the United States, he still remains very popular in the Philippines, according to published reports. Still, in 2015, 92 percent of Filipinos responded they had a favorable view of the United States, while only 54 percent held a favorable view of China. 

Just how Duterte's actions will influence U.S.-Philippine relations in the long run is unclear, and U.S. State Department officials have remained surprisingly quiet thus far during the ongoing global drama surrounding Duterte.