insightsonindia.

com

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2015/10/12/indias-world-russias-gambit-in-syria/

Indias World Russias Gambit in Syria

By INSIGHTS

Indias World Russias gambit in Syria

Summary:
Recently, Russias parliament approved the launching of air strikes in Syria. There is also an allegation that
Russian air strikes are not just aimed at ISIS militants, but also at those opposed to the regime of president
Bashar al Assad. However, Russian foreign minister has clarified that the air strikes were against all terrorists
in Syria, but not against the civilians. The ongoing war in the Middle East is expected to increase the chaos
and disorder in the region. It may also end the existing state system and set in motion a larger global crisis.
Russia has entered into a military alliance with Syria, Iraq, Iran and Hezbollah. There is an allegation that this
effort involves military operations not just against ISIL, but also against the Free Syrian Army and many other
groups.
It is also being said that Russias military intervention in Syria has further complicated the existing problem.
Russian air support will help strengthen the Assad regime, at least in the short run. It may also prolong the war
and increase the suffering of civilians. However, it is also true that Russian move brings an opportunity, which
the United States and its allies should seize, to shift the focus of international concern about Syria away from
the military extinction of Isis towards the protection of those civilians by whatever arrangements that can be
achieved. It is also being said that this intervention may bring military advantage to one contender or another.
Some critics see a parallel between Russias intervention in Ukraine and its new push into Syria.
Russias full-scale use of military force in Syria has heightened tensions between Russia and the US, and the
standoff is becoming increasingly entrenched. Russia has started expanding its military operations against
armed antigovernment forces opposed to the administration of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Russia has
concentrated its airstrikes in western Syria near Tartus, home to Russias only naval port in the Middle East
and a stronghold of the Assad government. Russia claims the objective of its attacks is to wipe out the Islamic
State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) extremist group. However, it is also being said that this move aims to
support the weakened Assad government and protect Russias own national interests. It is a self-serving
action. Turkeys proposals for a no-fly zone over the territories in northern Syria, currently controlled by
moderate Syrian opposition groups, has also lost all relevance due to these areas coming under continual
attacks from Russian airstrikes.
The United States and its allies in Syria are in need of some external help and cooperating with Russia on
finding a combination of military and diplomatic measures that could curb the Islamic State would give civilians
some respite from the violence. This should be the ultimate priority for both the West and Russia.
Copyright (C) INSIGHTS ACTIVE LEARNING