Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 20 (January 2023 - February 2023)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 20 (January 2023 - February 2023)
“NATO leadership stand and observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Turkish/Syrian earthquake; NATO headquarters, Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 14, 2023. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted the ninth meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group that brought together 54 countries for continuing discussions on support to Ukraine in its war with Russia” by Chad J. McNeeley of the U.S. Secretary of Defense under CC BY 2.0.
In January 2023, there were indications of potential peace talks between Turkey and Syria. Turkish President Erdogan expressed the possibility of a meeting between the leaders of the two countries to discuss peace. Meanwhile, the UN voted to extend critical aid from Turkey to the rebel-held areas in northern Syria, recognizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
However, concerns were raised about the weaponization of humanitarian aid by countries like China and Russia, who were accused of manipulating relief money for their own strategic interests. Diplomatic efforts were underway, with top officials from Turkey, Syria, and Russia planning to meet soon to address the ongoing situation.
The complexities of Turkey's role in the region were highlighted, with misunderstandings and misconceptions surrounding the country discussed. Human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, documented events in Syria, shedding light on the challenges faced by the Syrian people.
In February 2023, as Russia, Iran, and Arab states provided aid to earthquake-hit Syria, the United States vowed not to engage in talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. While the international community focused on providing aid, questions arose about Russia's motives for staying in Syria. Germany urged Russia to pressure Syria to ensure that the earthquake aid reached those in need.
Frustration grew at the United Nations as a likely row with Russia loomed over the delivery of aid to Syria. Critics blamed Russia for delaying the distribution of earthquake aid. However, a breakthrough occurred when Syria agreed to open two new crossings for the delivery of aid, as announced by the UN.
Despite these developments, some viewed the aid efforts as "too little, too late" for the people of Syria. There were concerns that Syrian President Assad could benefit politically from the aid crossing deal. The situation in Syria was seen as a testing ground for Russia's strategies, with some comparing it to their actions in Chechnya and Ukraine.
At the end of February 2023, a UN Security Council briefing addressed the political and humanitarian situation in Syria. The United States emphasized the need for continued international support and expressed concerns about the ongoing challenges faced by the Syrian people.
Throughout January and February 2023, efforts were made to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria and facilitate peace talks. However, challenges persisted, including concerns about the politicization and delayed distribution of aid. The complex dynamics involving multiple countries, including Russia, Turkey, and Syria, added further complexity to the situation in the region.
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 20 (January 2023 - February 2023):
Leaders of Turkey, Syria could meet for peace - Erdogan - Reuters January 5, 2023
UN votes to extend critical aid from Turkey to Syria’s rebel north - PBS NewsHour January 9, 2023
Top Turkey, Syria, Russia diplomats to meet soon -Turkish official - Reuters January 11, 2023
What Everyone Gets Wrong About Turkey - Foreign Policy January 18, 2023
Syria | Events of 2022 - Human Rights Watch January 20, 2023
Germany says Russia must pressure Syria into ensuring quake aid arrives - Reuters February 7, 2023
Frustration at UN ahead of likely row with Russia on Syria aid - Reuters February 10, 2023
Russia is to blame for holding up earthquake aid to Syria - The New Statesman February 10, 2023
UN says Syria agrees to open 2 new crossings for quake aid - ABC News | AP News February 13, 2023
For Syria, aid is ‘too little, too late’ - POLITICO February 13, 2023
Syria’s Assad could reap rewards from aid crossing deal - AP News February 14, 2023
Syria - Russia's Test Lab? - DW February 15, 2023