Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 2 (September 2015)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 2 (September 2015)
“U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry hosts a meeting on Syria on the sidelines of the 70th Regular Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, New York on September 29, 2015” under public domain by Secretary Kerry Hosts a Meeting on Syria in New York City from the U.S. Department of State.
In September 2015, the world witnessed a significant escalation of events surrounding Russia and Syria. Rumors had been swirling about the presence of Russian troops in Syria, and on September 7, Bellingcat reported that there were indeed Russian troops fighting in the war-torn country. This revelation sparked concerns and raised questions about Russia's involvement in the conflict.
On September 8, CBS News highlighted the presence of giant Russian transport aircraft in Syria, which further fueled speculation about Russia's intentions. The article noted that these aircraft could potentially be used to transport troops or equipment, intensifying worries about Russia's role in the Syrian conflict.
Adding to the tensions, Bulgaria barred Russian flights to Syria on September 8, leading to a diplomatic dispute between Russia and Bulgaria. This development, reported by Military Times and AP News, indicated Russia's determination to maintain its military activities in Syria, despite objections from other countries.
The situation caught the attention of NATO, which expressed concerns about Russia's actions in Syria on September 9. DW reported that NATO feared Russia's intervention could exacerbate the conflict and lead to further destabilization in the region.
As the international community grappled with Russia's involvement, opinions varied on how to perceive Russia's actions. BBC News, in a report on September 10, posed the question of whether to cry or rejoice as Russia stepped up its presence in Syria. The article highlighted the complex dynamics at play and the divergent views on Russia's motives and potential impact.
However, on September 11, INSIDER published an article that claimed Russia's primary focus was not combating ISIS but rather supporting the Syrian regime. This revelation challenged the narrative that Russia's intervention was primarily aimed at fighting terrorism.
The Washington Post, on the same day, delved into the reasons behind Russia's decision to intervene in Syria. It explored various factors, such as geopolitical interests, regional influence, and historical ties, that motivated Russia's involvement in the Syrian conflict.
Amidst these discussions, The Christian Science Monitor, also on September 11, drew parallels between Russia's previous involvement in Afghanistan and its options in Syria. The article suggested that Russia's experiences in Afghanistan might limit its strategic choices and influence its approach to the Syrian conflict.
Further evidence of Russia's military presence in Syria emerged on September 14. Foreign Policy published a satellite image that provided undeniable proof of Russia deploying troops and aircraft in the country. This revelation solidified the understanding that Russia was actively involved in the Syrian conflict.
On September 15, France 24 reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to continue providing military assistance to the Syrian regime. This announcement underscored Russia's commitment to supporting the embattled President Bashar al-Assad.
Meanwhile, The Seattle Times and The Guardian, both on September 15, revealed intriguing details about an ISIS commander who had received training from US special forces. These reports added a layer of complexity to the conflict, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the actors involved.
As the month progressed, Russia's actions in Syria continued to draw attention and analysis. Foreign Affairs, on September 20, cautioned the United States to be wary of Moscow's intentions and strategies in Syria. The article highlighted the potential risks and challenges posed by Russia's military intervention.
By September 21, ABC News reported that Russia had amassed 28 fighter aircraft in Syria. The presence of these aircraft further underscored Russia's significant military build-up in the region.
The global community also began to take note of the types of weaponry Russia had provided to Syria. BuzzFeed News, on September 22, detailed the arsenal that Russia had supplied to the Syrian regime, shedding light on the military support Russia was offering.
On September 23, the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center published an analysis on Putin's plan for Syria, speculating on the potential targets that Russia might bomb in the country. This analysis further deepened the understanding of Russia's objectives and the possible outcomes of its military intervention.
As the situation unfolded, the Center for Strategic & International Studies released a report on September 23, discussing the hybrid political warfare employed by Russia in Syria. The report examined Russia's use of various tactics, including information warfare and proxy support, to advance its interests and maintain influence in the region.
Vox, on September 24, sought to explain Putin's military intervention in Syria. The article highlighted Russia's geopolitical goals, such as protecting its naval base in Tartus and maintaining its influence in the Middle East. It also emphasized the role of Russia's longstanding alliance with the Syrian regime as a crucial factor in its decision to intervene.
NBC News, on September 26, explored why Vladimir Putin stood by President Assad of Syria. The report discussed the historical ties between Russia and Syria, the mutual interests they shared, and the potential consequences if Assad were to fall from power.
On September 28, the Atlantic Council assessed Putin's "Fight Them There Not Here" strategy in Syria. The article analyzed Russia's efforts to prevent the growth of jihadist groups in the region and its broader objectives of ensuring stability and influence in the Middle East.
The military relationship between Russia and Syria was a subject of interest, and C-SPAN covered it on September 28. The segment examined the historical ties between the two countries and the extent of Russia's military assistance to the Syrian regime.
Amidst the unfolding events, RFERL reported on September 29 that most Russians opposed sending troops to Syria, according to a poll. This revelation shed light on the public sentiment in Russia regarding the country's involvement in the Syrian conflict.
Finally, on September 30, Russia launched its first airstrikes in Syria, as reported by various news outlets including Al Jazeera, NPR, Reuters, CNN, The New York Times, and TIME. These airstrikes marked a significant escalation in Russia's military involvement, and they targeted areas in Syria beyond those controlled by ISIS, which raised concerns among some observers.
In summary, September 2015 witnessed a series of significant events surrounding Russia and Syria. Reports emerged confirming the presence of Russian troops, the deployment of aircraft, and the supply of weaponry. The motivations behind Russia's intervention were examined, including geopolitical interests, support for the Syrian regime, and counterterrorism efforts. Analysis and speculation regarding potential targets and Russia's hybrid political warfare tactics added further depth to the understanding of the situation. As the month drew to a close, Russia's airstrikes in Syria marked a pivotal moment, intensifying the ongoing conflict and garnering international attention.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on May 31, 2023
Previous: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 1 (January 2014 - August 2015)
Next: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 3 (October 2015)
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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 2 (September 2015):
Are there Russian troops fighting in Syria? - Bellingcat September 7, 2015
Giant Russian transport aircraft in Syria raise concerns - CBS News September 8, 2015
NATO voices worries about Russia in Syria - DW September 9, 2015
Should we cry or rejoice as Russia steps up in Syria? - BBC News September 10, 2015
Why Russia is in Syria - The Washington Post September 11, 2015
‘Star pupil’: Pied piper of ISIS recruits was trained by U.S. - The Seattle Times September 15, 2015
Russia Now Has 28 Fighter Aircraft in Syria, US Officials Say - ABC News September 21, 2015
Here Are The Things That Go Boom That Russia Gave Syria - BuzzFeed News September 22, 2015
Putin's military intervention in Syria, explained - Vox September 24, 2015
Why Russia's Vladimir Putin Is Standing by Syria's President Assad - NBC News September 26, 2015
Russia and Syria Military Relationship - C-SPAN September 28, 2015
Most Russians Oppose Sending Troops To Syria: Poll - RFERL September 29, 2015
Russia carries out first air strikes in Syria - Al Jazeera September 30, 2015
Russia Begins Airstrikes In Syria After Assad's Request - NPR September 30, 2015
Russia launches first airstrikes in Syria - CNN September 30, 2015
Russians Strike Targets in Syria, but Not ISIS Areas - The New York Times September 30, 2015
U.S.-Russian Air War Begins Over Syria - TIME September 30, 2015