Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 9 (January 2017 - March 2017)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria - Part 9 (January 2017 - March 2017)
“Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., right, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks with Gen. Hulusi Akar of the Turkish army, center, and Gen. Valery Gerasimov of the Russian army in Antalya, Turkey, March 6, 2017. The three chiefs of defense are discussing their nations’ operations in northern Syria. (Dept. of Defense photo by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dominique A. Pineiro/Released)” by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Department of Defense under CC BY 2.0.
In January 2017, Russia initiated a military withdrawal from Syria, scaling back its armed forces. This move was seen as a significant development in the conflict. Russia's involvement in Syria also brought about an opportunity for the country to learn about Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group active in the region.
The alliance between Syria, Russia, and Turkey continued to reshape world politics. Russia signed a deal for military bases in Syria, while Turkey appeared to accept the rule of President Assad. This shifting dynamic raised questions about the future direction of the conflict.
As the situation evolved, Iran joined forces with Russia and Turkey, further strengthening the alliance. The Center for Strategic & International Studies presented arguments for and against a "realist" strategy in Syria, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
Reports emerged challenging Russia's claims of restraint in its bombing campaign in Syria. It was suggested that Russia and Syria deliberately targeted civilian areas in Aleppo, leading to further criticism and condemnation.
The United Nations faced challenges in addressing the Syrian conflict, as Russia and China blocked Security Council actions regarding the use of chemical weapons in Syria. These vetoes prevented the imposition of sanctions against Syria.
In March 2017, tensions escalated when it was revealed that Russia and Syria had bombed U.S.-backed fighters. The security dilemma of fighting the Islamic State in Syria posed challenges for Russia. Nevertheless, Russia, Hezbollah, and the United States aided Syria in retaking the city of Palmyra.
A U.N. probe concluded that Syria and Russia deliberately "obliterated" civilian areas. The situation remained fluid, with meetings between U.S., Russian, and Turkish generals discussing the ongoing conflict. Reports suggested that Russia planned to build a base in Afrin, as Russian forces found themselves fighting alongside American troops on the same side of Syria's battlefield.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on May 31, 2023
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Next: Profile in Focus | Russia in Syria Part 10 (April 2017 - July 2017)
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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 9 (January 2017 - March 2017):
Russia scales back armed forces in Syria - POLITICO January 6, 2017
Russia begins military withdrawal from Syria - The Guardian January 6, 2017
Russia is Learning About Hezbollah - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace January 11, 2017
Syrian Civil War | Syrian history - Brittanica Jan 20, 2017
Syria deal draws Iran into alliance with Russia and Turkey - The Washington Post January 24, 2017
Report suggests Russia, Syria deliberately targeted civilian areas of Aleppo - CNN February 13, 2017
Russian Defense Minister Says His Military Has Tested 162 Weapons In Syria - NPR February 23, 2017
One question at U.N. Syria talks: What does Russia want? - Reuters February 24, 2017
Syria war: Russia and China veto sanctions - BBC News February 28, 2017
Russia, Syria bombed U.S.-backed fighters in Syria: U.S. general - Reuters March 1, 2017
Russia’s Security Dilemma: To Fight the Islamic State in Syria or Not? - Wilson Center March 2, 2017
Hezbollah, Russia and the U.S. help Syria retake Palmyra - The Washington Post March 2, 2017
U.N. probe says Syria, Russia deliberately "obliterated" civilian areas - CBS News March 2, 2017
Syrian Kurds say Russia to build base in Afrin - Al Jazeera March 20, 2017
Russians Are Fighting Near Americans on Same Side of Syria's Battlefield - NBC News March 28, 2017