Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 11 (August 2017 - October 2017)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 11 (August 2017 - October 2017)
“During a visit to the Resurrection New Jerusalem Monastery. Vladimir Putin with the leader of the public movement "Ukrainian Choice - People's Right" Viktor Medvedchuk (right). During Vladimir Putin's visit to the Resurrection New Jerusalem Monastery, Viktor Medvedchuk, leader of the public movement "Ukrainian Choice is the Right of the People," asked the head of the Russian state to support the proposal for a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and the Donetsk and Luhansk republics” by the Press Service of the President of the Russian Federation via www.kremlin.ru under CC BY 4.0.
In August 2017, the world's attention turned to Russia's involvement in Syria and its military presence in the region. Russian troops from the Caucasus were deployed to Syria, serving a dual purpose. Not only did Russia seek to support the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad, but it also aimed to project its power and influence in the Middle East, enhancing its "eastern" image on the global stage.
The presence of Russian warplanes in Syria further emphasized Moscow's military involvement. CBS News reported on the airstrikes conducted by Russian forces against various targets in Syria, including ISIS positions. These actions showcased Russia's determination to combat terrorism and protect its strategic interests in the region.
Amid the conflict in Syria, discussions arose regarding the rules for reconstruction. The Brookings Institute provided insights into the challenges and considerations involved in rebuilding Syria after years of devastating warfare. This highlighted the complex task of rebuilding a nation torn apart by violence and the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
Tensions between Russia and the United States escalated in September 2017 when the U.S.-backed forces in Syria accused Russia of conducting an airstrike against their positions. Both sides engaged in a blame game, with the U.S. Coalition and The Washington Post reporting the incident, while Russia threatened to retaliate against U.S. forces in Syria. The situation underscored the volatility of the conflict and the potential for direct confrontation between major powers.
In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, the U.S. and Russian forces in Syria established a second communication line for their ground forces. This move, as reported by POLITICO, aimed to prevent accidental clashes and misunderstandings on the battlefield, reducing the risk of direct conflict between the two powers.
Meanwhile, Russian military personnel in Syria sought to showcase their successes and prowess. CBC News highlighted their eagerness to demonstrate Russia's power, emphasizing the military achievements against ISIS and other opposition forces. This was a public relations effort by Russia to bolster its image as a capable and influential player in the Syrian conflict.
However, the conflict in Syria continued to generate casualties and controversy. In September 2017, Russia and U.S. allies traded blame over deaths in the region. RFERL reported the accusations and counter-accusations, further highlighting the complex and volatile nature of the conflict.
While Russia's involvement in Syria was a topic of global interest, Al Jazeera questioned whether the Russian population truly cared about the situation. The article explored the Russian public's sentiments and concerns regarding the Syrian conflict, shedding light on the domestic perspective on the issue.
On the diplomatic front, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz traveled to Russia in October 2017. Reuters reported that oil, investment, and discussions on Syria were on the agenda for the high-level talks. The visit underscored the importance of international diplomacy in resolving the Syrian crisis and the involvement of multiple stakeholders.
The interplay between Syria, Ukraine, and the Kremlin's fight against the opposition became evident when The Washington Post highlighted the potential linkages through Russian captives. The article shed light on the connections between conflicts and the complexities of Russia's geopolitical strategy.
As the conflict unfolded, Newsweek published an article examining how the U.S. lost the war in Syria to Russia and Iran. The piece delved into the geopolitical dynamics and strategic miscalculations that led to Russia and Iran gaining the upper hand in the Syrian theater.
In October 2017, the United Nations Security Council deliberated on extending the Syria chemical weapons inquiry. Human Rights Watch urged Russia not to veto the extension, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth behind chemical attacks in Syria. However, Russia ultimately used its veto power to end the UN investigation into these attacks, as reported by The Guardian. The move drew criticism from the international community and raised concerns about accountability and justice in the Syrian conflict.
From August to October 2017, Russia's involvement in Syria remained a contentious and complex issue. It demonstrated Russia's military capabilities, showcased its power in the region, and raised questions about the prospects for a resolution to the conflict. The events during this period highlighted the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and geopolitical maneuvering that shaped the Syrian theater.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on June 1, 2023
Previous: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 10 (April 2017 - July 2017)
Next: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 12 (November 2017 - December 2017)
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Putin Is A War Criminal
Russia Is A Terrorist State:
Part 1 (1990s)
Part 2 (2000s)
Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Part 4 (2016 - 2019)
Part 5 (2020 - 2021)
Part 6: (2022+)
Sources for Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 11 (August 2017 - October 2017):
Russian warplanes In Syria - CBS News August 2, 2017
Rules for reconstruction in Syria - BROOKINGS August 24, 2017
U.S. Coalition Says Allies Hit By Russian Strike In Syria - RFERL September 16, 2017
U.S.-backed forces in Syria accuse Russia of airstrike - The Washington Post September 16, 2017
Russia threatens to retaliate against US forces in Syria - The Independent September 21, 2017
Russia, U.S. Allies Exchange Blame Over Deaths In Syria - RFERL September 26, 2017
Do Russians care about Syria? - Al Jazeera September 30, 2017
Saudi king heads to Russia, with oil, investment and Syria on agenda - Reuters October 3, 2017
How the U.S. Lost the War in Syria to Russia and Iran - Newsweek October 11, 2017
Russia uses veto to end UN investigation of Syria chemical attacks - The Guardian October 24, 2017