he called for president assad's regime to be overthrown by military means the former high ranking army official who defected to the opposition has claimed the government was lying when it said the violence was caused by gangs aided from abroad to political analyst professor hisham told me earlier that he thinks the bomb attack is a sign the gangs have been active for a long time in a bid to destabilize the country. from the start the demonstrations were not truly peaceful but there were many incidents of. gangs perpetrating crimes against the army against the security forces against the civilians and of course there were denying it the so-called opposition denying it for a long time but now everything has become clear these terrorist acts these shameful terrorist acts are a clear indication that there are armed gangs and there are terrorists working in syria to disrupt life in syria they are not aiming their aggression only against

their regime but against the whole syrian people against the whole syrian obviously what we are witnessing in syria is not that evolution but actually it is a very ugly conflict to dismantle not only the syrian regime but the whole area it has nothing to do with democracy and freedom and that there are certain forces international forces and local forces as well which are actually trying to change the situation in the area for geopolitical reasons. respective of the costs that will actually be imposed on the syrian people on the whole area let's get some other analysis on the latest syrian violence author and middle east expert ali believes the opposition is responsible for the attack and that they're laying the ground for foreign intervention. some of the opposition are saying there he said the regime organized this last themselves but i think it's unlikely the fact

is that the national coordination committee in istanbul which is being coordinated itself to a certain extent by nato. is not in control of all the forces on the ground so i think it's quite likely that the suicide bombing was carried out by an opposition force and western governments like france saying that even if they did it the conditions had been created for them to do it something they never say about suicide bombs in. israel or concrete is which they are supported so i think the indications are that the bombing was carried out by the opposition to create havoc and to create reprisals and a response we tried make foreign intervention more possible i think there any calls for nato in under whatever disguise occupying syrian airspace i don't really on

justified in shouldn't be supported by anyone we've seen what the six month bombing of the of libya has done on the ground the figures being touted now between twenty five and thirty thousand libyan people died in both bombing raids we do not want the same thing to happen in syria where we've been following developments in syria since the very first sparks of uprising ten months ago and we'll keep you up to date on all the details of that suicide blast in the capital is emerging you can also follow our twitter feed and artie's facebook page for the very latest.

the u.s. military president obama has announced that america's focus will now be on a stab at superiority across asia and the pacific ambitious plans call for a shift to power with improved surveillance. capabilities at the expense of ground forces. reports there are still plenty of questions. the new strategy is to move away from ground wars from long term stability operations to mobile wars where the u.s. can as we don't put out a put it shift and deploy forces to fight any enemy anywhere they said they're going to invest heavily in new capabilities seen drones in space technology is to give the u.s. military this whole new shape which is the defense secretary said it will be nothing like the cold war or the post cold war military meaning they're moving away from ground wars told words air wars toward the intelligence war so to speak the

u.s. is pull troops out of iraq would still thousands of contractors behind president obama said it was draw all day for u.s. forces in afghanistan which is due in twenty fourteen but winding down the decade of being conclusive wars in iraq and afghanistan won't necessarily mean less wars but rather wars of a different shape the u.s. is already fighting this new kind of warfare on multiple fronts in different countries with the use of air force with the use of drones levy as one example the whole country was destroyed mainly from air pakistan is another example not not a successful one though people in pakistan are infuriated by u.s. strikes which end up killing many civilians and as it happened recently their own pakistani soldiers although washington said the strike was a tragic mistake the u.s. will have to do a lot of damage control work to help the pakistani leadership overcome the humiliation so although the u.s. administration looks at the old strategy of ground wars is passe and irrelevant in

this day and age yet it's not clear what results the new strategy will bring. a vision to you know what european states is to some of its members as your use of the bridges took some of those three countries in the group of financial crises to what a future in the euro zone might mean. the birth of an ambitious project a common currency celebrated with no less than the big bang. theory the beginning of a strong europe there you know. the better to do all the better to the world. here ten years down the road the euro is not in the best of shape. a spiralling sovereign debt crisis credit downgrades rising interest rates tens of millions unemployed budget cuts and violent protests. the euro's growing

undergoing the worst crisis it has ever been and obviously the founders of the euro did not hope that this would happen for what began as a step towards a united europe has become a race against time with the leaders scrambling to keep it together. euro skeptics have long argued that the euro was flawed from the start pursuing a political dream above all else well they say lumping together polar opposite economies like that of greece and germany into a monetary union could never work economic rationalism has been thrown out of the window in the pursuit of this goal and when they are reaping the consequences of a couple that with internal squabbles and deadlocks there has to be a sign from somewhere that some economic entity that is credible is going to back every euro zone and there are only two or three entities that can do that what

is european central bank. the other is basically the german government and neither of them right now are willing to do it but this exhibit shows the journey of the european union and the creation of the single currency with documented events in history that explain why it would have been appealing to decision makers at the time so much so that crux of the fundamentals may have been overlooked or ignored which brings us to this point ten years after the creation of the euro its appeal has waned and despite last ditch efforts to save it its future is still uncertain in the spirit of the new year we asked for some predictions but one can be sure of is that this crisis is going to be a long and bumpy road however if you would ask me do you think that the euro would still exist in ten years time my answer would be yes they can't bring themselves to admit that it was a mistake and so i'm afraid we risk the very thing they purport to fear which is a disorderly breakup of the euro caused by having tried to keep it together for too long downgrades almost certainly i think you'll see

a french downgrade i still think this is solvable if the political will is shown in certain member states to allow for what is called solidarity in europe. and if not if not we are in for a huge huge recession in europe sitting my prediction that at least greece will leave the euro in the next year and what happens beyond that is unpredictable euro watchers may have divergent views of the single currencies future but it seems whichever way the euro goes it won't be painless does or cilia r.t. brussels. the us is moving thousands of its troops to israel for a planned a joint exercise it comes against the backdrop of increasing tensions in the persian gulf over iran's threat to block the crucial strait some analysts voice fears it could be part of a build up to a military strike on iran. who's in jerusalem is following developments. well

certainly people here are concerned by the latest developments they come at a particularly sensitive time in the region as the american president barack obama has signed into law sanctions that will make it very difficult for countries to buy oil from iran and what we're hearing from the israeli military is that it will reportedly be holding its biggest military drill ever with the united states and what's important to note is if we're not talking here of only a military exercise we're talking about the deployment of thousands of american troops into israel what we're hearing from both sides is if they will be testing various missile systems against rockets and against missiles what we're hearing though from the iranian officials is that they believe that this is the latest and most blatant sign that israel is planning to attack iran and attack at some time soon the israelis of course denying this their announcement comes just ten days after the rain ians held a military exercise near the crucial strait of hormuz but the israelis say that

this announcement that they'll be holding this joint exercise with the americans is unrelated to the iranian exercise tensions certainly are running high here in the region what we're hearing from tehran is that they believe that the european union is waging an economic war against it and this is in light of the e.u. constituting imposing sanctions against iranian oil export exports and indeed if this goes ahead it could be implemented by the end of january what we're hearing from iran is a threat that they in turn will close and block the oil trade through the crucial for more straight and they've also warned the american naval presence in and around the persian gulf certainly tehran is feeling the pinch of these sanctions that the international community has imposed and looking to impose against it the currency dropped to a record low after the american president signed into law those sanctions so what

we're hearing. and it's also that it's comparing its own naval exercises that these exercises will go ahead soon a part of a series that has been dubbed the great prophet so certainly that has people both here in the region and in the international community concerned. and jamaal of the of the national iranian american council in washington claims the actions of america and israel indicate that they are preparing for war against iran which could descend into a massive middle east conflict we're getting closer and closer to war with iran. anybody who argues that this you know kind of extraordinary confluence of events planned exercises by the u.s. and israel the exercises that iran was doing in the in the persian gulf we have sanctions in place with no diplomacy the only way that that is through confrontation back in september the u.s. actually provided is well within advanced radar and for the first time actually deployed. permanently deployed u.s.

troops to israel that was a small contingent of couple hundred troops what we see now though is this much larger exercise not unprecedented but definitely something that is going to have an impact right now as we see this sort of tit for tat in confrontation between the u.s. and iran the idea is that were there to be a massive war in the middle east presumably with iran that we would be ready to have a set of command within israel and actually have israel set up a command center in europe at the u.s. european command iranian officials have said this they're going to consider any strike by israel a strike by the united states. orthodox christians are all around the world celebrating christmas at the moment more than thirty thousand churches cathedrals across russia holding religious says this feast central to the christian. marks thirteen days off the western christmas in the cold with the julian calendar he was

in moscow outside cross to save the cathedral on the banks of the moscow river for an overnight which will. join them. along with a stick christmas in the old church is one of the biggest celebrations of the calendar year now this year being no different are saying a large service being being celebrated just behind me in christ say because the main cathedral for russia has been presided over by the patriarch of moscow and all russia kid. around five thousand people have inside the church right now for that service some also trying to get advantage point wherever they can round. the actual church just to try and hear the bells that have been ringing the not very right now but as part of this this service they they do ring and also

a lot of bells and hear them china and we of course this is a service that does go on for a long time. around three hours and. of course in an old church one of the questions a lot of people are asking is why are we celebrating christmas at the beginning of january now this is due to the julian calendar which is followed by the russian orthodox church which differ from the calendar followed by western branches of christianity meaning that christmas day in the russian orthodox church according to the calendar they follow falls on the seventh of january the twenty fifth of december which is why this is happening right now this is one of the biggest nights in the state. two evenings of celebration this vigil mass marking the birth of jesus christ all the docs followers from all around the world coming together states not just here in moscow but from all over the world to celebrate the birth of jesus. peter one of i will be back with the summary news stories for

about ten minutes from now in the meantime we head to italy to see what footprint russian artists and public figures have left on the country's culture through the ages stay with us for that that's next.

hello and welcome to the program from architecture to music russians have been fascinated with italian culture for centuries and today they come here in the tens of thousands in search of everything from fabulous fashion to the world of italian cuisine so joining lots of andrews as we explore various locations and landmarks connected with russia one of the most historic and peaceful cities in the world right. because scene is one of the main symbols of the roman empire it stands proud in the city after almost two thousand years actually called the fluffy an empty state or it was given the name of the colossal statue of nero that was later destroyed beneath the hundreds of tourists from all over the world including my. the russian's. history architecture through the climate are all reasons why where mr popular especially with modern day muscovites. of. things in common. street. full of history.

it's really an internal city. of architecture. nation with which and then. and many russians are very much into history they like to study it and that's why they like rome so much i was born and grew up in most cases and when i first came to all more than ten years ago i had culture shock i was so impressed with its magnificence and its history over the. country. and culture. and both countries creative flourish.

moving on and to the onion shaped domes of the church of st catherine of alexandria the history of the compound goes back to the nineteenth century when the proposals put forward to building an orthodox church in the italian capital there are only a few russian orthodox cathedrals to route italy and this is the largest and most traditional looking church in. the russian cathedral abroad is not just a church it's a russian house in a way people come here not just for reasons but also to spend time together and communicate in their native. which is something that you miss a lot in a foreign country. inside you can see jerry speak for icons and works by tell you a machine must just from the inside you'd never realize that the building is brand new. this church opened in two thousand and nine located on the

hill not far from st pete is its mobile designs and bright interior is a striking to say the least as a new place of worship in rome hundreds of russians from the nearby areas come to various religious services here and the building also acts as a social outlet for the community. the outdoor space above the chapel offers a magnificent view of the city. it is also home to a large selection of bells and whenever rang the sensational sounds can be heard around the city. next location now and welcome to hotel door to see a glittering five star hotel. is

impressively situated between. everything. from. having enjoyed. the hotel the hotel and the elegant. tradition despite some one hundred twenty two rooms. suites. and impeccable standards. on here. situated on the sixth and top.

of the popular. car. business or pleasure. also has several conference rooms and banquet several of which such as. the roman. whose and to find out more about the russian connection with the stunning hunt let's meet this week's guest great to meet you great to meet you in this wonderful hotel tell me where did the name come about well being. in the nineteenth century. called. because many of ash when they moved to b.c. room were staying in these. so we we kept the name of the sea in.

a very very popular place. very much. very much so and. growing year by year and i hear very popular with. celebrities and politicians and hollywood a listers as well very much so very much many both russian and the local hollywood celebrities have chosen to come to the scene since since the. very beginning when we opened in two thousand we hosted all the movie from the ocean and we. stayed here with. well i thank you so much for the time thank you. thank you very much. to the jury now you can see why the use of popular with hollywood has.

been yours in the seventeenth century now is the celebrated meeting point for the high profile guests in the restaurant basically put in the garden summer months. in the bush is i wouldn't be surprised to the secret to. back. in every possible way no one. is popular with russia. even the. outside here is if you can afford it no press. moving on and there are many russian influences and connections in rome collection of russian icons has been put on display and one of the main sites of rome. the exhibition consists of almost fifty icons which were hand-picked by italian

organizers from the collection a private moscow museum showcasing religious art on the splay represent an icon painting fifteenth the twentieth century. seventy six the venue to see many celebrities as its guests use autographs. displayed at the café international artistic often came to the venue including. such as. it's right in the google especially like the cafe and spent a lot of time there writing his famous dead souls. the jerry thomas speakeasy project is a secret location in central. special russian themed cocktails are created in a very italian atmosphere of the bar you can find quite surprising drinks. by russia the team has created a special cocktail menu called twist on

a classic number three from russia with love. with such cocktails as the kremlin flip. in italian and said petersburg delight. wondering around the city site should be surprised what you might. bump in safety in the park available gazey a situated two monuments that were erected to on a russian right is the statue is of right at nikolai google the second is dedicated to alexander pushkin that was in belgium the year two thousand. created by a russian sculptor yuri or a cough it was presented to the villa borghese the state by the moscow government as a gesture highlighting cultural achievements. as one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world as a popular tourist destination it's clear why millions come here trevi fountain here for example office the perfect photo opportunity but it's quite often it's the

small influences and nuances that make up a substantial soul and roots of the city and with the cultural connections italy has to russia it only helps create a culture and of creativity elegance and style. was an incredible city full of fortunately that for the time we have left on this week's program i'll see you again at the same time next week and sell them for me and the rest of the crew from the magnificent trevi fountain here in rome bye bye bye now.

if you just very welcome this is all to life stories now past the series interior minister says twenty six have been killed after a suicide bomb attack targeting a police rips through a residential part of damascus comes amid growing opposition calls for the overthrow of president assad by military means. and israel is preparing for joint exercise with the u.s. but the troop movement involves a sponsor concern of a possible buildup to a military strike on iran plus. the celebration of christmas with churches and cathedrals across russia holding all

night. coverage here in the russian capital. the same. so that brings up to date for them i'm not see it for me is very my colleague sean thomas will be here as the news continues here on r.t. throughout the night and the next day and coming up we now look back at the form of the u.s. assault. felonies guess discuss what went wrong and whether the soviet union could have been saved that's next on alt.