Monday, September 22, 2014

Iraq / Syria Regional War ( September 22 - 23 , 2014 ) Updates , news and views .....US & Arab Partner Nations ( UAE , audis , Bahrain & Jordan ) Begin Airstrikes In Syria --- Pentagon statement on strikes inside #Syria, targeting the Islamic State, Jabhat a-Nusra and Khorasan.

http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/09/battle-for-perpetual-war-is-victorious.html

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 2:58 PM


Battle for Perpetual War is Won; US Admits Attacks on ISIS Could Last Years; Expect an Accident


Victory Announced in Battle "for" Perpetual War

The warmonger dream of perpetual war has been won: US says Attacks on Isis Could Last Years. 
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No Permission, No Coordination, From "Natural Allies"

Syrian president Assad is fighting ISIS so is the US. Please consider Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister: We're 'Fighting the Same Enemy' 

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Obama Threatens Assad if US Planes Downed

Ready to Talk? The US is not ready to talk.  Why talk when the battle for perpetual war has been won?

Instead Obama Threatens Assad if US Planes Downed in Syrian Airspace. 

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Expect an Accident
  1. Assad has no interest in downing a US aircraft. Syria even offered cooperation (not that Syria had much to cooperate with - but at least the position of Assad towards ISIS is credible).
  2. The US responded with a credible threat to flatten Syria's air defense system.
  3. The only group happier than the warmongers with that prospect would be ISIS.
  4. Thus, the top priority of ISIS is now clear. Shoot down any US military aircraft.
  5. If ISIS can succeed or if something (even a friendly fire accident) happens to cause a US pilot to eject, the US will flatten Syria’s air defense system.

Anyone smell an accident coming up?








http://rt.com/news/189804-us-isis-syria-airstrikes/


The US-led coalition is conducting airstrike assault on positions of the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) organization on the territory of Syria. The strikes reportedly involve a mix of fighter, bomber and tomahawk land-attack missiles.

Tuesday, September 23

09:21 GMT:
Syria will not stop fighting against Islamic State militants, the country’s Foreign Ministry said, adding that cooperation between Syria and Iraq in combating terrorists remains “at the highest possible level.”
09:20 GMT:
If not agreed with the Syrian government in Damascus, any airstrikes against Islamic State militants in the country will only fuel tensions in the region, the Foreign Ministry said in its statement.
"Any such action can be carried out only in accordance with international law. That implies not a formal, one-sided ‘notification’ of airstrikes but the presence of explicit consent from the government of Syria or the approval of a corresponding UN Security Council decision," the statement said, adding that attempts to violate the sovereignty of countries in the Middle East to achieve Washington’s own geopolitical goals “only exacerbates tensions and further destabilizes the situation."
The Syrian government has issued a statement, expressing its readiness to cooperate with any international effort fighting terrorism.
09:20 GMT:
NATO is not involved in any airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria, the alliance said from its headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday. "There is no NATO involvement," an alliance official said in response to a question from
08:47 GMT:


The organizers of the unilateral approaches that rely on force would bear international statutory responsibility for the consequences, commented Russia’s Foreign Ministry on the airstrikes launched by the US-led coalition against the militants of the Islamic State in Syria.

View image on Twitter
Durruti Column @zbahs
official Bayan Radio tweets what it claims is first photo of damage in Raqqa, , in US airstrikes
12:32 AM - 23 Sep 2014




07:42 GMT:
IS militants claim that a US drone has crashed into a communications tower near the Syrian city of Raqqa.
A Syrian man rides his bike past a communications tower that was destroyed after a US drone crashed into it, according to fighters with the Islamic State group, in the Syrian city of Raqqa early on September 23, 2014. (AFP Photo/Str)
A Syrian man rides his bike past a communications tower that was destroyed after a US drone crashed into it, according to fighters with the Islamic State group, in the Syrian city of Raqqa early on September 23, 2014. (AFP Photo/Str)

07:37 GMT:
The US Central Command has said in an official statement that it conducted strikes from warships in international waters in Red Sea and North Arabian Gulf.
07:37 GMT:
An Islamic State fighter in Syria told Reuters that the radical group will respond to the US-led attacks and blamed Saudi Arabia for letting them take place.
07:36 GMT:
US Central Command has issued a statement saying that the US and its “partner nations,” including Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates "undertook military action" against IS in Syria, using "a mix of fighter, bomber, remotely-piloted aircraft and Tomahawk land attack missiles" to carry out 14 airstrikes.
07:11 GMT:
The Israeli military have confirmed they shot down a Syrian military aircraft flying in the IDF-controlled airspace above the Golan Heights.

Tweets related to Syria air strikes...


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Obama says he isn’t coordinating with Assad on strikes in Syria. So who is his go-between?








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US air strikes against Isis and Khorasan in Syria – live updates
















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airstrikes on in violate Syria’s sovereignty, destabilize situation in region-Russian Foreign Ministry











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U.S. told Syrian diplomat about strikes, Assad's government says











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US military official: Khorasan group in Syria was hit because it was "nearing the execution phase" of a planned attack on US or Europe.






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In addition to combat aircraft & drone strikes in , 2 US vessels in Red Sea & Gulf launched ~50 cruise missiles





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Decision to attack will have an adverse effect on rebel ranks, will exacerbate internal conflict, only winner?=Assad




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BREAKING: Observatory: U.S.-led air strikes kill 50 Front militants in -





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Result airstrikes on in eastern : 's airforce now focus its airstrikes on "moderate rebels" in rest of country







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Syrian FM received letter via Iraq from Kerry ahead of strikes: state TV





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Pentagon statement on strikes inside , targeting the Islamic State, Jabhat a-Nusra and Khorasan.






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Syria: 400,000 refugees expected to flee to Turkey








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Attacks against open the possibility of a new alliance btwn this group & ,no Syrian group could oppose them militarily








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IS anticipated the airstrikes,everybody knows much of static facilities were evacuated a while back.JaN clearly didn't anticipate it.





Zero Hedge .....


US & Arab Partner Nations Begin Airstrikes In Syria - Live Feed

Tyler Durden's picture
Submitted by Tyler Durden on 09/22/2014 21:46 -0400



Share8
As the broad coalition crumbled, it appears Washington decided there was no time to waste:
  • *U.S., PARTNER NATIONS STRIKING ISIS IN SYRIA: PENTAGON
  • *U.S. USING FIGHTERS, BOMBERS, TOMAHAWKS TO ATTACK ISIS

NBC News reports the attack includes drones and is expecting to hit up to 20 targets. FOX is reporting Qatar is among the arab nation coalition (along with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Bahrain), according to Lt. Col. Oliver North, which is rather surprising given their rather well-known support for Al-Nusra.

Richard Engel        ✔ @RichardEngel
The bombing of isis was always the easy part. Who takes over was never made clear. And the devil is in the details, always
10:33 PM - 22 Sep 2014


Richard Engel        ✔ @RichardEngel
Clever to do strikes during un gen assembly. World leaders have to accept to deny. Isis strikes.
10:13 PM - 22 Sep 2014


Richard Engel        ✔ @RichardEngel
Told Isis had time to move into civilian areas. Hide weapons. Now theyre on move. Expect followup from all sides
10:22 PM - 22 Sep 2014


The United States launched airstrikes in Syria against ISIS targets, sources tell NBC News.  


The U.S. military plans to strike up to 20 targets — logistics, fuel and weapons depots; training sites; troop encampments; command and control sites; and headquarters for the Sunni fighters.

The U.S. military will deploy manned and unmanned air assets, including F-22s, B-1 bombers, F-16s, F-15s and F/A-18s.

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush is at the ready in the Persian Gulf, and the USS Arleigh Burke, a guided missile destroyer that fires Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs), is in the Red Sea.
*  *  *
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby
TAMPA, Fla. – The Department of Defense released the following statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby today:

“I can confirm that U.S. military and partner nation forces are undertaking military action against ISIL terrorists in Syria using a mix of fighter, bomber and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles.”

“Given that these operations are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide additional details at this time.

The decision to conduct theses strikes was made earlier today by the U.S. Central Command commander under authorization granted him by the commander in chief.

We will provide more details later as operationally appropriate.”
*  *  *
Sen. John McCain today called for the United States to begin air strikes against the government of Syria, but the Obama administration indicated it did not agree with his strategy.

“Foreign capitals across the world are looking to the United States to lead, especially now that the situation in Syria has become an armed conflict,” the Republican from Arizona said on the Senate floor. “But what they see is an administration still hedging its bets — on the one hand, insisting that Assad’s fall is inevitable, but on the other, unwilling even to threaten more assertive actions that could make it so.”

But a senior Obama administration official indicated to ABC News that the president and his advisers did not agree with the Republican senator.

“We share his concern and outrage about what’s taking place,” the official said. “We’re also concerned that further military intervention will accelerate the conflict on the ground and worsen the humanitarian situation without stopping the violence the Syrian regime is committing against its own people.”

The official said the U.S. “wants to keep putting pressure on the Assad regime.”

The official noted that the Syrian situation is very different from Libya in many key technical ways, that make them question how effective airstrikes against the Syrian regime would be.
*  *  *
Summarizing in under 140 characters...

zerohedge @zerohedge
U.S., PARTNER NATIONS STRIKING ISIS IN SYRIA: PENTAGON. Translation: Qatar bombing the Assad regime to clear way for its natgas pipeline
9:34 PM - 22 Sep 2014
View image on Twitter
Zaid Benjamin @zaidbenjamin
Ar-Raqqah under attack earlier
10:44 PM - 22 Sep 2014
View image on Twitter
CBS News        ✔ @CBSNews
"The US has launched nearly 200 strikes against ISIS targets in Iraq." New strikes in Syria: http://cbsn.ws/1rjGxJ2 
10:39 PM - 22 Sep 2014

Zaid Benjamin @zaidbenjamin
: instructs its fighters to leave its in ar-Raqqah to the rural areas - Activists
10:14 PM - 22 Sep 2014
View image on Twitter
Zaid Benjamin @zaidbenjamin
: 4 US missiles fall on Kafrdayan near Sarmada - Activists
10:12 PM - 22 Sep 2014


View image on Twitter
Zaid Benjamin @zaidbenjamin
: The palace of ar-Raqqah governor in destroyed in airstrikes - Activists
10:06 PM - 22 Sep 2014
As we have noted previously, Russia is entirely against a U.S. intervention in Syria which targets essentially the Assad regime for the simple reason that all such an action would do is fast track Qatar's pipeline to Europe and leave Gazprom, pardon the pun, in the cold...(via Maria Dubovikova of Al-Arabiya)
U.S. President Barak Obama addressed the nation on Wednesday, saying that the U.S. is going to expand the air campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). He said he would not hesitate to authorize direct strikes against the militant group and its fighters in Syrian territory.

This decision, despite the demonstrated enthusiasm and assertiveness of the U.S. president, is very unlikely to be effective and could even worsen the crisis, pushing the situation to the point of no-return.

First of all, the Syrian government sustainably strikes the positions of the rebels, including ISIS, with relative success. Thus it is quite evident that airstrikes are not effective in fighting ISIS. According to the fighters’revelations, they know where to hide in the case of airstrikes as they have gained experience in the years they have been fighting against Assad’s forces. This is common for both moderate Syrian opposition fighters and ISIS. Despite the will not to put boots on the ground, the U.S. has no other option if they intend to lead the international coalition. Moreover, it’s impossible to create an effective coalition and battlefront if Iran and Syria are not to be included.

No clear strategy

Obama has no clear strategy to fight ISIS and the terrorist group does not consider him a threat. It took a long time for Obama to admit that ISIS is a terrorist organization and a true threat. It took the beheading of American citizens to make Obama publically realize this. 

There are deep concerns that the U.S. will bomb not only ISIS positions in Syria, but also the Syrian government forces

It appeared to be a strong enough argument to start thinking about what should be done to stop the threat. For a rather long time, ISIS fighters were opportune terrorists as they were fighting against Damascus. The policy of dividing the terrorists into good terrorists and bad terrorists seems like a bad joke by the White House.

The decision announced by the U.S. president cannot be taken out context of America’s intense tensions with Russia. Russia was the third country to criticize the U.S. decision to bomb ISIS terrorists on Syrian territory, after the Syrian and Iranian governments. It’s not the best company to keep when opposing Obama’s decision in terms of international prestige and perception, however, it was to be expected.

The criticism came both from Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin and from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Alexander Lukashevich.

The criticism is based on one key point: without the Syrian government’s agreement and a UNSC mandate, the U.S. strikes in Syria would be a gross violation of international law and should be considered an act of aggression. Moreover, Moscow didn’t pass over in silence the double standard approach of Washington, as while helping Iraq to fight the terrorists on its territory, the U.S. president called for approval for more funding of the so-called armed opposition in Syria. Also, recent revelations by fighters in the pages of the Western press purport that the moderates in Syria are absolutely demoralized, weak and their ranks thinned out as the fighters join ISIS. In light of such reports, it is not clear which party Obama is going assist in this case and how his calls correspond to the real situation on the ground.

Heightened U.S. awareness

In general, Russia welcomes heightened U.S. awareness of the crisis – it is better late than never. Minister of Foreign Affairs Serguei Lavrov even criticized the U.S. on September 10 over its supposed double standard approach, saying that “the Americans are bombing them (ISIS) on Iraqi territory, but they do nothing with them in Syria.” Russia would even approve the U.S. strikes against ISIS fighters in case of Washington’s cooperation with Damascus on the matter.

But now there are deep concerns that the U.S. will bomb not only ISIS positions in Syria, but also the Syrian government forces. These concerns can be explained by the fact that evidently the strikes against ISIS could play into hands of Damascus and this doesn’t correspond with the U.S. interests. Taking into account that during all these years of the Syrian war the U.S. could have been trying to realize its plans to bomb Syria, they could take advantage of this situation.

If the U.S. bombs the positions of government forces, by mistake or with malicious intent, this would have doubly unpredictable consequences, both at the international and regional levels.

For sure, this will trigger a new crisis with Russia. The crisis of credibility in bilateral relations will reach the highest point. Russia will ultimately respond to the possible aggression. But how? It’s a big question with a difficult to predict answer. Moreover, possible strikes against Damascus’ forces will blow up the remains of credibility of international law, international systems and institutions. After the meeting over Iraq in Paris on Monday, Russia’s foreign minister stressed that the international community should build common action “on a solid foundation of the United Nations Charter and U.N. counter-terrorist instrument and mechanisms.”  The call to respect the U.N. Charter is clear and logical, however its solidness, as well as that of the U.N. system in general, is already in doubt. Any further violations of international law and U.N. principles will definitely be the last straw, leading to international chaos.

Regional level

On the regional level, the U.S.’s possible bombing of Damascus’ forces could strengthen ISIS. Relations with Iran could become more exacerbated, that could worsen the cooperation with it on other vital issues such as its nuclear program. The Iranian rejection of cooperating with the U.S. against ISIS is already an unpleasant turn,  mostly conditioned by already an committed mistake – Iran was not invited to the international conference on Iraq in Paris.

If the U.S. only strikes ISIS positions on Syrian territory and refrains from bombing Syrian government forces – this would be better for stability and be more predictable in terms of consequences, however it would never resolve the ISIS problem. Airstrikes are inefficient. A full-scale intense ground operation is needed. A true strategy is required, not a strategy of clichés, useless declarations and beautiful words for the ears of American citizens.

Moreover, it should be remembered that ISIS is primarily an idea, an idea making even Europeans and Americans leave their homes and join the group. Ideas cannot be defeated by bombs, actually, bombs make them stronger.

U.S. involvement in the anti- ISIS drive is indispensable, both in Syria and Iraq, especially taking into account its military capabilities. However, it is only positive as part of a sophisticated strategy approved by the international community. It is time the international community elaborate on the strategy to deal with ISIS.
*  *  *
...In other words, expect a Russian response shortly...










Anti War.....


As ISIS Nears Key Syrian Kurdish Town, a Refugee Exodus

100,000 Flee to Turkey, Number Expected to Grow

by Jason Ditz, September 21, 2014
Having taken scores of Kurdish villages in the surrounding area, ISIS fighters are increasingly surrounding the key Kurdish city of Ayn al-Arab, along the Syrian-Turkish border.
Border crossings are always a prize for militants, and ISIS has tried to take Ayn al-Arab repeatedly, leading the various Kurdish militias to mobilize large “calls to arms” to defend the city.
Locals aren’t willing to bet that’s going to work again this time, however, and they are fleeing en masse into neighboring Turkey. An estimated 100,000 civilians have fled Ayn al-Arab already.
That number is expected to rise as ISIS continues to near the city itself, and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) continues to urge Kurds in southeastern Turkey to take up arms to defend the city.



Hezbollah Kills 23 al-Qaeda Fighters in West Syria Drone Strikes

Drone Strikes Were Followed by Ground Offensive

by Jason Ditz, September 21, 2014
In a move that could have far-reaching implications, Hezbollah has launched its first ever drone strikes today against several western Syrian bases belonging to al-Qaeda faction Jabhat al-Nusra, killing 23 fighters.
The strikes targeted bases near the Lebanese border town of Arsal, which has been contested by Nusra, ISIS, and other Syrian Islamist factions off and on in recent months. The strikes were reportedly followed by a ground offensive in which Hezbollah captured several additional fighters.
The capture of the fighters opens up the possibility of Hezbollah negotiating the release of kidnapped Lebanese soldiers held by the Islamist factions, which would go a long way toward improving public opinion of their involvement in the Syrian War in Lebanon.
Hezbollah has been known to have drone technology for awhile, but in the past has only used it for surveillance flights. The move toward drone strikes opens up the possibility of them using drones increasingly in the Syrian War, as well as in future wars with Israel.



Siege at Army Base Ongoing; 175 Killed, 102 Wounded Across Iraq
by , September 21, 2014
At least 175 people were killed across Iraq, and 102 more were wounded. Baghdad suffered a series of bombings again, but an army base in Anbar province is where most of the action is probably occurring today. Also, the Islamic State militants are causing tremendous upheaval across the border in a Kurdish area of Syria.
Syria:
The number of refugees fleeing from Syria into Turkey may now be over 100,000since the border opened to them on Friday. Another 50,000 may be internally displaced, because Islamic State militants are advancing toward Ain al-Arab(Kobanê in Kurdish) in Syria. Many of the refugees are also from surrounding villages.
Turkish security forces are allowing the refugees to cross, but they were forced to alsobattle protestors who had gathered near the border. In doing so, Turkey may be trying to keep fighters from entering Syria, particularly those associated with Kurdish guerilla group, the Kurdistan Workers Party or P.K.K.
The accounts from the Syrian witnesses are similar to those reported in Iraq when militants attacked Yazidi and Christian towns in the north. The militants appear to be slaughtering many people. There are also reports of missing or kidnapped Kurds. Although the Kurds are predominantly Sunni, ISIS/DAASH still considers them apostates, and a Kurdish politician from Turkey called the attacks "genocide." ThePeshmerga Ministry has promised to help, but their members are locked in fighting ISIS/DAASH back in Iraq.
Anbar Province:
Security operations were launched to help trapped troops at a besieged army base inal-Sijr near Saqlawiya, but Baghdad lost contact with some of the soldiers after at least five suicide bombers attacked. The base was running low on ammunition and supplies, including water and reinforcements were being sent to aide them. Multiple forces arrived in the last day, including volunteer units. Military spokesman Qassem Atta said the troops were being supported with U.S. airstrikes. One strike killed at least 13 militants. At least seven more were killed in another. After reinforcementsopened a route for the soldiers, small groups attempted to retreat. Some of these men may be missing. At least four soldiers were killed and 20 more were wounded.
Elsewhere:
U.S. airstrikes are taking place in the Tikrit region. North of there at Camp Speicher, U.S. cargo planes were seen delivering supplies. The camp is beingrepurposed as a forward operating base. Seven women and children were killed in a rocket attack. Clashes left seven volunteers dead and three wounded. Thirteen militants were killed near the university.
In Baghdad, mortars killed six people, including a 12-year-old boy, and wounded 17 more in the suburb of Sabaa al-Bour. A bomb in Shabb killed four and wounded 11 more. Three people were killed and seven more were wounded by a blast in Bayaa. Gunmen killed a policeman.
A roadside bomb wounded three family members in Tuz. A rocket attack wounded six security personnel.
Militants chased people from the homes in Ishaqi.
In Kirkuk, militants kidnapped 10 men who were former policemen or Sahwa members.
In Jurf al-Sakhar, 25 militants were killed.
Eighteen militants were killed in the Hamrin area.
Airstrikes and security forces killed 15 militants in Ain Layla.
U.S. airstrikes in Sinjar killed a number of militants.


Tweets......



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New on MoA: Concealed By U.S. Airstrikes Israel Opens Nusra Path To Lebanon -





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US navy video: Missiles targeting in Syria launched from ship



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AFAIK the US and coalition air campaign in Iraq/ and Syria doesn't yet have an operation name, right?



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Operation Iraqi Rerun? (Receding) Tide of War? Desert Redux?





JUST IN: U.S. military operations over Syria have begun. - Fox News





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Breaking: Huge explosions shook the city in what might be the beginning of US airstrikes on ISIS HQs in Raqqa




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Turkish newspaper says 50 ISIS hostages, some children, held by Liwa al-Tawhid were swapped for 49 Turkish hostages.








 Pinned Tweet
 · Sep 15
MAP UPDATE: the situation in Syria as of 15/09/2014, bigger at




 · 6h
BREAKING: Jordanian press confirms clashes at the Naseeb border crossing, claims to be jn control of 90%














 · 6h
Vice President Nujafi repeats claim that 300 soldiers killed at army base in Saqlawiya Anbar















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Airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria should not be conducted without consent of Syrian government - Putin





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ISIS spokesman Adnani's message to Kurds via








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