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President Vladimir Putin said on Monday "the main part" of Russian armed forces in Syria would start to withdraw, and instructed his diplomats to step up the push for peace as U.N.-mediated talks resumed in Geneva on ending the five-year war.
Syria announced President Bashar al-Assad had agreed on the "reduction" of Russian forces in a telephone call with Putin. Western diplomats urged caution and the anti-Assad opposition expressed bafflement, with a spokesman saying "nobody knows what is in Putin's mind".
Russia's military intervention in Syria in September helped to turn the tide of war in Assad's favor after months of gains in western Syria by rebel fighters, who were aided by foreign military supplies including U.S.-made anti-tank missiles.
No specifics yet but I hear it's only the air group. A presence will be maintained and the SAA will take on yet more of the fight now that things are under control.
Good move? I doubt it, the West still supports the terrorists and no doubt the laws of destruction capitalism apply. There is no profit in peace.
That's a shame I was hoping to see an expansion of Russian military intervention in Syria. I believe that the United States should have worked with the Russian Federation in Syria by sharing intelligence and coordinating missions. It's time this country owns up to our mistake and acknowledge that under past and present U.S. leadership we have destabilized the Middle East.
What are they exactly withdrawing? They don't have combat troops there and I don't believe they are gong to stop the air campaign. I actually think they have achieved very little other than a few villages here and there. Aleppo is the big prize and that is still in rebel hands. Stopping now makes no sense.
I see some people still maintain that Russia's intention in intervening in Syria was to combat ISIS. For the time being at least Russia achieved its actual objective... and ISIS remains as strong as ever there.
That's a shame I was hoping to see an expansion of Russian military intervention in Syria. I believe that the United States should have worked with the Russian Federation in Syria by sharing intelligence and coordinating missions. It's time this country owns up to our mistake and acknowledge that under past and present U.S. leadership we have destabilized the Middle East.
Why would they expand? The accomplished a lot, and still leaving air power there, just withdrawing a lot of it. Assad is much more stable now, and now they are at the table discussing peace terms whereas last year no one would go to the table.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HappyRider
What are they exactly withdrawing? They don't have combat troops there and I don't believe they are gong to stop the air campaign. I actually think they have achieved very little other than a few villages here and there. Aleppo is the big prize and that is still in rebel hands. Stopping now makes no sense.
They have a few thousand troops there. They are withdrawing various air wings and it support and security, and leaving one large air wing there for the time being.
You think they achieved very little? How do you even figure that? The Assad regime is stable and took back a lot. Assad and the numerous rebel groups are at the table discussing peace, and ISIS though still strong, is significantly weaker than last October.
What was the end game the US/West had in mind? To see Assad topple of 60+ rebel groups battle it out to see who becomes in charge?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 5trillion
I see some people still maintain that Russia's intention in intervening in Syria was to combat ISIS. For the time being at least Russia achieved its actual objective... and ISIS remains as strong as ever there.
Their intention was to strengthen the Assad regime, I have never read anything different. ISIS could never be directly confronted as what has stood in between Assad and ISIS has been the 60+ rebel groups. Also, difficult for Assad and Russia to combat against the ISIS if they are being attacked by the rebel groups who were bordering the regime. That does not even make sense to expect Assad and Russia to engage combat against the ISIS, but ignore the rebel groups who were attacking. That is like saying you should ignore the guy beating on your head to go after the guy down the street.
ISIS has had battle lines that border areas controlled by government forces. ISIS had been especially involved in battles with the Syrian government forces around Damascus. They were evacuated back in December and have been in retreat.
Russia is also providing air support for the Kurds in Aleppo province who are fighting ISIS and other rebel groups.
Now, there are two government-allied forces who are approaching Raqqa, the alleged control center for ISIS' operations in Syria.
It remains to be seen how much of ISIS remains in Syria as many fighters were reportedly evacuated to Libya.
Location: When you take flak it means you are on target
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They're just pulling their troops back so they don't get hurt when they Nuke 'em.
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