Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 16 (2019)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 16 (2019)
“We are the first reporters inside the al-Hol Camp since Turkish military operations began in northeastern Syria last week. Officials say since the conflict began, the camp, which houses 71,000 people, has become "out of control." Camp officials say in the past week there have been attacks, escape attempts and open calls for a violent uprising in al-Hol Camp in Syria, Oct. 16, 2019 “ from “Syria Camp Housing Hardcore IS Families Spiraling 'Out of Control''‘ under public domain by Y. Boechat of Voice of America.
In January 2019, Russia continued to face numerous challenges in war-ravaged Syria. Russia and Syria sought to restore Syria's membership in the Arab League, with Russia lobbying Tunisia for support. The issue of Syrian reconstruction also gained attention, as Russia aimed to capitalize on the opportunities presented by post-war reconstruction.
The intentions and goals of Russia in Syria were a subject of analysis and speculation. Some experts believed that Putin sought to establish a long-term military presence and expand Russian influence in the region. Meanwhile, a U.S. court ordered Syria to pay $302 million for the targeted murder of journalist Marie Colvin, shedding light on the atrocities committed in the conflict.
The extent of Russian losses in Syria remained obscured after a deadly battle, highlighting the challenges in obtaining accurate information in a complex war zone. Furthermore, Russia's use of propaganda in shaping the narrative of the conflict was exemplified by a "propaganda train" showcasing Syrian war trophies.
The province of Idlib became a focal point as Russia and Turkey prepared for a final battle in the region. The potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria drew attention, with a general suggesting that Russia would benefit from the vacuum created. The complexity of the conflict and the lessons learned from U.S. and Russian operations were examined in terms of collision avoidance.
In April 2019, Russia's attempt to fly military planes into Venezuela via Syria sparked concern, demonstrating Russia's involvement in multiple regions. The situation in Syria drew attention to the limitations of what the United States could achieve with reduced resources. Additionally, the presence of China and Iran in Syria, alongside Russia, underscored the shifting dynamics and multipolar nature of the conflict.
Russia's military intervention in Syria was seen as a successful gamble, allowing Russia to showcase its military capabilities. However, reports of attacks on medical facilities and civilian casualties raised concerns about the disregard for international norms and the suffering endured by civilians.
The relationship between Russia and Iran in Syria was examined, highlighting their cooperation in the conflict. Russia accused the United States of stealing Syria's oil and using the funds to support militant groups, further exacerbating tensions.
In October 2019, the United States' decision to withdraw from northern Syria and abandon Kurdish fighters was met with criticism, with experts warning that it would benefit Russia, Iran, and ISIS. Russia swiftly moved to fill the void left by the U.S. presence, establishing its dominance in the region and patrolling between Turkish and Syrian forces.
As the winners in Syria's conflict emerged, Russia was positioned as a key player in resolving the crisis. A deal between Russia and Turkey carved up northern Syria, solidifying their power in the region. Russia sent additional troops to Syria, while criticizing the U.S. presence as illegal.
Throughout 2019, Russia's actions in Syria demonstrated its determination to maintain influence and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the conflict and its aftermath. The conflict in Syria remained highly complex, with numerous foreign powers involved, and the suffering of civilians continued amidst the shifting dynamics of the war.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on June 1, 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 16 (2019):
Russia Now Juggling Challenges of War-Wracked Syria - VOA News January 4, 2019
Russia And Syria: Policies, Problems, Perspectives | Contributor - Forbes January 11, 2019
Syria profile - Timeline - BBC News January 14, 2019
Syria: What do key foreign powers want? - DW January 23, 2019
Russia Lobbies Tunisia to Support Syria's Arab League Return - Bloomberg January 26, 2019
Russia’s Eye on Syrian Reconstruction - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace January 31, 2019
What Putin Really Wants in Syria - Foreign Policy February 1, 2019
After deadly Syrian battle, evidence of Russian losses was obscured - Reuters February 5, 2019
Aboard Russia's Propaganda Train Of 'Syrian War Trophies' - RFERL February 28, 2019
Idlib: Russia and Turkey dig in for a final Syria battle - Financial Time March 5, 2019
Russia Will Benefit if US Troops Withdraw from Syria, General Says - Military.com March 8, 2019
Russia might regret the US drawdown in Syria - MIT CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES April 14, 2019
Russia’s military gamble in Syria is paying off handsomely - The Economist May 16, 2019
In Syria, Reports Of 19 Medical Facilities Bombed Since April 28 - NPR May 17, 2019
A Twisted Timeline of US-Russian Relations in Syria - Mother Jones June 12, 2019
UN asks Russia for answers about bombed Syria hospitals - Al Jazeera June 26, 2019
Putin's Private Army - CNN August 13, 2019
Naval base in Syria anchors Russia to Mediterranean - NavyTimes | AP News September 26, 2019
How Times Reporters Proved Russia Bombed Syrian Hospitals - The New York Times October 13, 2019
Turkey's Syria offensive forces Russia into balancing act - DW October 14, 2019
Kremlin says Turkey's military operation in Syria must be proportionate - Reuters October 14, 2019
Russian troops rush to fill void left by U.S. troops in northern Syria - CBS News October 15, 2019
In Syria, Russia Is Pleased to Fill an American Void - The New York Times October 15, 2019
Russia moves to fill void left by U.S. in Syria - PBS NewsHour October 15, 2019
Russia finds few fruits to harvest in the scramble for eastern Syria - BROOKINGS October 18, 2019
What Trump Actually Gets Right About Syria - POLITICO October 18, 2019
The Syrian crisis is now Russia's to resolve - Financial Times October 20, 2019
Russia and Turkey: Partners or opponents in Syria? - Al Jazeera October 22, 2019
Russia, Turkey seal power in northeast Syria with new accord - AP News October 22, 2019
Russia steps up its presence in north-east Syria after Turkey deal - The Guardian October 23, 2019
Turkey Syria offensive: Is co-operation with Russia unprecedented? - BBC News October 24, 2019
Russia and Turkey agree to carve up northern Syria - The Economist October 24, 2019
Russia Is the Only Winner in Syria - Foreign Policy October 30, 2019
Syria in the Gray Zone - Center for Strategic & International Studies November 1, 2019
The World’s Worst Game of Risk Is Playing Out in Syria - The Atlantic November 8, 2019
Russia Encroaches on U.S. Stronghold in Syria, Threatening Conflict - U.S. News November 21, 2019
Kurds In Syria Make A Deal With Russia - NPR December 2, 2019
Erdogan Has No Idea What He’s Doing in Syria - Council on Foreign Relations December 3, 2019
Russia Seeks to Build Local Force in Northeast Syria - VOA News December 19, 2019