Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 1 (January 2014 - August 2015)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 1 (January 2014 - August 2015)
“With President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi” by The Presidential Press and Information Office via kremlin.ru under CC BY 3.0 and CC BY 4.0.
Between January 2014 and August 2015, Russia's involvement in Syria intensified, significantly impacting the ongoing conflict. In January 2014, reports emerged indicating that Russia was increasing its military support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This move solidified Russia's commitment to bolstering the Assad regime.
During this period, human rights organizations shed light on the unlawful demolition of neighborhoods in Syria, leading to the displacement of thousands of people. Reports from Human Rights Watch in January 2014 highlighted the extensive destruction of entire neighborhoods through satellite imagery, exposing the gravity of the situation.
The proxy war dynamics in Syria became a topic of concern. Brookings Institution published an op-ed in February 2014, emphasizing the complex nature of the conflict, with various international actors supporting different factions. This further complicated the efforts to find a peaceful resolution.
The international community attempted to address the human rights violations in Syria by referring the country to the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, a resolution seeking this referral failed in May 2014 due to Russia and China exercising their veto power at the United Nations Security Council.
Throughout 2014 and 2015, Russia continued to assert its interests in Syria. It maintained its position that any air strikes in Syria without a United Nations vote would be considered acts of aggression. This stance reflected Russia's commitment to upholding the international legal framework.
Russia's involvement in Syria also expanded diplomatically. In February 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed their commitment to fighting terrorism together, indicating Russia's growing influence in the region.
By mid-2015, Russia found itself navigating a diplomatic vacuum in Syria, taking on a more prominent role. Russia's promises of aid to Syria were articulated during a visit by a Syrian minister to Moscow in June 2015. This demonstrated Russia's willingness to support the Assad regime.
Throughout this period, Russia's support for the Assad regime remained consistent. In August 2015, reports surfaced indicating that Assad was confident in Russia's backing. Meanwhile, the U.S. envoy for Syria held meetings with Russian officials in Moscow, highlighting the ongoing engagement between the two countries regarding the Syrian conflict.
Throughout 2014 and 2015 Russia's involvement in Syria evolved from providing military support to asserting diplomatic influence. These developments had significant implications for the Syrian conflict and the efforts to find a resolution amidst a complex web of regional and international interests.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on May 17, 2023
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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 1 (January 2014 - August 2015):
Exclusive: Russia steps up military lifeline to Syria's Assad - sources - Reuters January 17, 2014
The Proxy War Problem in Syria | OP-ED - BROOKINGS February 4, 2014
Letting Syria Starve While Sochi Shines - Foreign Policy February 12, 2014
Analyzing Russia's Support for Syria's Bashar al-Assad - ABC News February 15, 2014
Tuesday on FRONTLINE: “Battle Zones: Ukraine & Syria” - PBS FRONTLINE May 22, 2014
Russia and China veto UN move to refer Syria to ICC - BBC News May 22, 2014
Russia’s Interests in Syria - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace June 9, 2014
Russia's Putin, Egypt's Sisi say committed to fighting terrorism - Reuters February 10, 2015
In Moscow, Syrian minister says Russia promises aid - Reuters June 29, 2015
Assad 'confident' of Russian support for Syria regime - The Guardian August 26, 2015
U.S. envoy for Syria meets with Russian officials in Moscow - UPI August 28, 2015