Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 18 (2021)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 18 (2021)
“U.S. Soldiers, with 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, conduct area reconnaissance in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, Jan. 28, 2021. The Soldiers are in Syria to support the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) mission. The CJTF remains committed to working by, with, and through our partners to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh” photo under public domain by Spc. Jensen Guillory of the U.S. Army.
In 2021, the ongoing conflict in Syria continued to be influenced by Russia's involvement. The United States maintained its complex relationship with Syria, while Russia conducted airstrikes against ISIS positions in the desert region. The peace process in Syria involved the roles of both Russia and the United States, with ongoing discussions about how Russia could help the US withdraw from the 10-year war.
As the Syrian civil war reached its 10-year mark, the situation remained a living nightmare for the Syrian people. The involvement of Russian mercenaries in a gruesome killing sparked a legal case against them. There were concerns about Russia's actions in Syria, with claims of war crimes and human rights abuses. The proxy conflict between the US and Russia in Syria was explored, highlighting the complex dynamics at play.
Russia expanded its military facilities in Syria and staked its claim to Syrian oil. Both Iran and Russia vied for influence and the spoils of war after backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russia deployed nuclear-capable bombers to Syria for training purposes, raising tensions in the region. The small town of Sarmada became a gateway to the world for Syria, with significant implications for trade and connectivity.
While Russia provided aid to Syria, questions were raised about its reliability as a partner. The United Nations faced challenges in reauthorizing crucial humanitarian aid from neighboring countries, with a Russian veto potentially shutting down the last aid lifeline. The Biden-Putin summit presented an opportunity to kickstart a deal on Syria, and discussions were held to find a way forward.
Tensions between Russia and Syria's neighbors, particularly Israel, increased as they found themselves on a potential collision course in Syria. Russian troops patrolled the birthplace of the Syrian uprising, indicating a shift in the situation on the ground. Russia escalated strikes in northwest Syria, leading Turkey to send reinforcements ahead of a summit.
Analysis focused on whether Russia was reneging on its reconciliation agreements in Syria, and the evolving cooperation between Russia and Iran in the country was examined. Overall, Russia's involvement in Syria remained a significant factor in the ongoing conflict, with complex dynamics and challenges that needed to be addressed for a lasting solution to be found.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on June 1, 2023
Previous: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 17 (2020)
Next: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 19 (2022)
Return to Start: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria
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 18 (2021):
U.S. Relations With Syria - U.S. Department of State January 20, 2021
Syria war: Russian jets 'bomb IS positions in desert region' - BBC News February 14, 2021
Analysis: Syria’s peace process and the Russian and US roles - Al Jazeera February 28, 2021
Can Russia Help Joe Biden Get the U.S. Out of Syria's 10-Year War? - Newsweek March 15, 2021
Syria's Civil War Started A Decade Ago. Here's Where It Stands - NPR March 15, 2021
Why Syria's civil war is still a "living nightmare" after 10 years - CBS News March 15, 2021
How Putin Is Starving Syria — and What Biden Can Do | Opinion - POLITICO March 24, 2021
Rights groups in Russia condemn Moscow's role in Syria war crimes - The Guardian April 2, 2021
Russian Rights Groups Condemn Moscow's Role In Abuses In Syria - RFERL April 2, 2021
Russia Expands Military Facilities in Syria - VOA News May 12, 2021
Putin’s Shadow Warriors Stake Claim to Syria’s Oil - Foreign Policy May 17, 2021
Russia deploys nuclear-capable bombers to Syria for training - AP News May 25, 2021
Biden-Putin summit can kickstart a deal on Syria - CHATHAM HOUSE JUNE 14, 2021
Russia says 'non-starter' to allow Syria aid through Iraq - Reuters June 30, 2021
Russia and Israel may be on a collision course in Syria - INSIDER August 5, 2021
Russian troops patrol birthplace of Syria uprising as fighting abates - NBC News September 1, 2021