Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 10 (April 2017 - July 2017)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 10 (April 2017 - July 2017)
“President Donald Trump receives a briefing on a military strike on Syria from his National Security team, including a video teleconference with Secretary of Defense, Gen. James Mattis, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, on Thursday April 6, 2017, in a secured location at Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, Florida” under public domain by Shealah Craighead of The White House.
In April 2017, the relationship between Russia and the United States in Syria took a dramatic turn. The US launched missile strikes on a Syrian airbase in response to a chemical attack, blaming the Syrian government. Russia, a staunch ally of President Assad, condemned the US strike as an act of aggression and suspended the deconfliction agreement with the US. Tensions escalated as both sides warned of serious consequences.
The aftermath of the strike revealed major damage to the Syrian airbase, attributed to the US attack. Russia vowed to strengthen Syrian air defenses, heightening the risk of a clash between the two superpowers. The US warned Russia ahead of the missile strikes, trying to prevent any inadvertent confrontation.
The complex goals of the US in Syria came under scrutiny. NPR explored the question of what the US hoped to achieve in the conflict-ridden country. Meanwhile, Russia's support for Syria and President Assad sparked debate, with BBC News delving into the reasons behind Russia's unwavering backing.
Efforts at the United Nations to condemn the use of chemical weapons in Syria were repeatedly thwarted by Russia's veto power. The country's involvement in Syria showcased its advanced weaponry and raised concerns about the potential for a nuclear conflict with the US.
The situation in Syria continued to present challenges, with Russia brokering a no-fly zone deal that also restricted US aircraft. The US faced the delicate task of managing the Syrian battlefield in coordination with Russia. Past diplomatic decisions were scrutinized, revealing that the Obama administration had backed off from a plan to address Syria's chemical weapons, possibly to appease Russia.
As tensions mounted, Russia issued warnings to the US, indicating that its aircraft in Syria could be potential targets. The downing of a Syrian warplane by the US triggered further warnings and heightened strategic dilemmas for the US.
In July 2017, a significant development emerged as the US and Russia agreed to a cease-fire in Syria after discussions between Presidents Trump and Putin. The cease-fire aimed to de-escalate the conflict and bring some relief to the war-torn region. Additionally, a separate cease-fire was brokered by the US, Russia, and Jordan for southwest Syria.
However, Russia solidified its long-term military presence in Syria as President Putin signed a deal with the Assad regime, allowing Russia to maintain a military base in the country for the next half-century. This move demonstrated Russia's commitment and strategic interests in the region. In a show of strength, Russia held its first-ever military parade in Syria, underscoring its role and influence in the conflict.
The events from April to July 2017 showcased the complexities, tensions, and shifting dynamics in the relationship between Russia and Syria, as well as their interactions with the United States. The conflict continued to evolve, leaving the world uncertain about its ultimate outcome.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on May 31, 2023
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Part 1 (1990s)
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Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
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Part 5 (2020 - 2021)
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Sources for Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 10 (April 2017 - July 2017):
Russia warns of serious consequences from U.S. strike in Syria - Reuters April 6, 2017
The Trump Administration Warned Russia About the U.S. Missile Attack on Syria - TIME April 6, 2017
Syrian air base suffers major damage due to U.S. strikes - Russia's RIA - Reuters April 7, 2017
Russia vows to beef up Syrian air defence after US attack - The Times April 7, 2017
The US warned the Russians ahead of Syria missile strikes - NBC News April 7, 2017
What Is The U.S. Goal In Syria? - NPR April 8, 2017
Russia warning as US threatens more Syria strikes - Al Jazeera April 8, 2017
Haley escalates rhetoric on Russia over Syria - POLITICO April 9, 2017
Russia needs American help to seal the deal in Syria - Financial Times Apr 10, 2017
Why does Russia support Syria and President Assad? - BBC News April 11, 2017
Could Syria Spark a Nuclear War Between Russia and America? - The National Interest April 12, 2017
8 times Russia blocked a UN Security Council resolution on Syria - CNN April 13, 2017
Russia-brokered Syria no-fly zone deal bans U.S. aircraft, too - CBS News May 5, 2017
Russia’s Involvement In Syria Proves That It's Far Behind The Western World - JALOPNIK May 5, 2017
Why the U.S. wants to manage a complex Syria battlefield with Russia - PBS NewsHour May 19, 2017
Who’s Who in Syria’s Civil War - Council on Foreign Relations May 27, 2017
Russia Appears to Threaten U.S. Aircraft in Syria - Daily Beast June 19, 2017
Russia warns US its fighter jets are now potential target in Syria - The Guardian June 19, 2017
Russia Warns U.S. After Downing of Syrian Warplane - The New York Times June 19, 2017
As Russia launches missiles into Syria, US faces strategic dilemma - Stars and Stripes June 23, 2017
US, Russia announce Syria cease-fire after Trump-Putin talks - AP News July 7, 2017
U.S. and Russia Agree to Cease-Fire in Syria - The Atlantic July 7, 2017
US, Russia and Jordan agree to southwest Syria cease-fire - ABC News July 7, 2017
Russian Military Could Force The U.S. Out of Syria, Army Official Says - Newsweek July 21, 2017
Putin Signs Deal Cementing Russia's Long-Term Military Presence In Syria - RFERL July 27, 2017
Russia holds first ever military parade in Syria - The Independent July 31, 2017