Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 12 (November 2017 - December 2017)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 12 (November 2017 - December 2017)
“Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Russian Khmeimim air base” by the Press Service of the President of the Russian Federation via www.kremlin.ru under CC BY 3.0.
In November 2017, The Economist shed light on the shadowy group known as "Wagner" and its presence in Syria. Wagner, a private military company believed to have ties to the Russian government, played a significant role in the conflict. The article provided insights into the origins and activities of this mysterious group, adding another layer of complexity to Russia's involvement in Syria.
During this period, there were signs of progress in resolving the Syrian civil war. AP News reported that the United States and Russia were nearing an agreement on a potential solution. These developments raised hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough that could bring an end to the protracted conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
The Atlantic Council discussed Russia's "Syrian People's Congress" held in Sochi. The event aimed to gather various Syrian factions and stakeholders to discuss the future of the country. While the congress presented itself as an opportunity for dialogue, some criticized it as an attempt by Russia to exert control over the political process and shape the outcome in its favor.
In November 2017, both Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia's military operation in Syria was nearing its end. The Financial Times reported on their statements, suggesting that the tide of the conflict had turned in favor of the Syrian regime with Russian support.
However, Russia's actions at the international level raised concerns. Following a veto at the United Nations, Reuters reported that Russia moved against the chemical weapons watchdog, further straining relations with the international community.
The same month, President Assad traveled to Russia to meet with President Putin. CNBC and The New York Times reported on their meeting, which demonstrated Russia's pivotal role in shaping the future of Syria. The talks underscored the deepening ties between the two countries and their mutual efforts to bring an end to the Syrian war.
Amidst these developments, The Boston Globe highlighted a decline in expertise at the U.S. State Department. The article discussed the implications of reduced expertise in diplomacy and foreign policy, pointing to the challenges faced by the United States in navigating the complexities of the Syrian conflict.
In December 2017, VICE News reported that former National Security Advisor Mike Flynn stated that the Trump transition team instructed him to contact the Russians during the presidential transition period. This revelation added to the ongoing investigations into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Another notable development was Chechnya's increasing interventionism in Syria, as discussed by PacificStandard. The article explored the motives and implications of Chechnya's involvement in the conflict, shedding light on the complex dynamics of regional power struggles within the broader Syrian context.
In December, Russia declared victory over the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, as reported by VOA News, France 24, and DW. These announcements marked a significant milestone in the conflict, with Russia highlighting its role in defeating the terrorist group.
Furthermore, President Putin announced a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria during his visit to the region, as reported by BBC News, Reuters, and NBC News. This decision was seen as a symbolic gesture, emphasizing Russia's accomplishments in the conflict and its intention to reduce its military presence.
ABC News Australia provided insights into the presence of thousands of Russian private contractors in Syria, shedding light on the extent of Russia's covert involvement in the conflict.
Foreign Affairs analyzed Putin's plan for Syria, discussing Russia's objectives and strategies to end the war. The article explored Russia's political ambitions and its vision for the future of Syria.
While Russia made moves to withdraw its troops, concerns arose regarding its long-term intentions. The Conversation argued that Russia's decision to withdraw was not about how to leave but how to stay, suggesting that Russia sought to maintain its influence and secure its interests in Syria.
The Guardian highlighted the plight of the White Helmets, a volunteer rescue organization in Syria, who became victims of an online propaganda machine. The article exposed the manipulation and disinformation campaigns targeting the humanitarian group and raised awareness of the challenges faced by Syrian civil society actors.
In December 2017, RAND Corporation discussed Russia's predicament in Syria. The report analyzed Russia's long-term commitment to the region and the challenges it faced in extricating itself from the conflict.
CNN reported that the United States accused Russia of intentionally violating a military agreement in Syria, further straining relations between the two powers.
Outside of the Syrian conflict, INSIDER highlighted the enthusiasm of big-money investors in the stock market, noting their high level of confidence since the financial crisis.
Lastly, DW reported that Russia planned to extend its Tartus and Hmeimim bases in Syria. The move indicated Russia's intention to maintain a long-term military presence in the region, solidifying its influence and strategic position.
The events of November and December 2017 reflected the complexities and power dynamics surrounding the Syrian conflict. They showcased Russia's role in shaping the outcome, the challenges faced by international actors, and the humanitarian concerns that persisted despite signs of progress.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on June 1, 2023
Previous: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 11 (August 2017 - October 2017)
Next: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 13 (January 2018 - March 2018)
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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 12 (November 2017 - December 2017):
U.S., Russia nearing agreement on resolving Syrian civil war - AP News November 10, 2017
Russia’s military operation in Syria nears end, say Assad and Putin - Finacial Times Nov 21, 2017
After U.N. veto, Russia moves against chemical weapons watchdog - Reuters November 21, 2017
Syria’s Assad travels to Russia, meets with Putin - CNBC | AP News November 21, 2017
Assad and Putin Meet, as Russia Pushes to End Syrian War - The New York Times November 21, 2017
The end of expertise at the State Department | Opinion - The Boston Globe November 27, 2017
Mike Flynn: Trump transition team told me to contact the Russians - VICE News December 1, 2017
WHAT'S BEHIND CHECHNYA'S INCREASING INTERVENTIONISM IN SYRIA? - PacificStandard December 4, 2017
Russia Says IS Has Been Defeated in Syria - VOA News December 7, 2017
Russia declares Syria 'completely liberated' from IS jihadists - France 24 December 7, 2017
Russia: Syria now 'liberated' from 'Islamic State' - DW December 7, 2017
Putin announces Russian troop withdrawal from Syria during visit - BBC News December 11, 2017
Putin’s Plan for Syria | How Russia Wants to End the War - Foreign Affairs December 13, 2017
Russia Trapped in Syria - RAND Corporation December 20, 2017
US says Russia intentionally violating Syria military agreement - CNN December 21, 2017
Russia to extend Tartus and Hmeimim bases in Syria - DW December 26, 2017