Russian Incursion in Syria
Recently, two critical stories have
been badgered into the American public on the twenty-four hour news cycle:
Russian aggression and the Syria civil war.
To make these subjects easier for the American public to understand,
Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to make them one story with his
recent actions, increasing the number of Russian troops, supplies and military
equipment going to his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad. Although one could argue that Russian intervention
would resolve this conflict, ending half a decade’s worth of bloodshed and
heartache, one needs to look at who benefits in this scenario.
Al-Assad has become infamous for
being brutal and apathetic to civilian casualties throughout the course of this
conflict, going so far as to use chemical weapons on his own people. This is the regime that the Russians are
arming.
One could argue that a nation united
behind al-Assad would lead to the removal of the extremist group, ISIS. However, the type of weaponry entering Syria
leads one to a different conclusion.
Russia has brought in tanks, aircraft and surface to air missiles. While tanks and aircraft could be used to go on the offensive against ISIS, the last type of
weapon going to the war-stricken nation should cause alarm. If ISIS does not have access to aircraft, why
would the Assad regime need surface to air missiles? The most likely reason is that the Russians
are bolstering Assad in the event that the United States or a Jordanian-led
Arab taskforce imposes a no fly zone over Syria.
What security advantages does Russia
gain from its relationship with the Assad regime? First, Russia is fearful of extremist gains
in Syria, especially since they are dealing with extremist insurgencies in
their Caucasus region. Second, it hopes
to maintain influence in the Middle East.
Currently, Assad’s Syria and Iran are the only nations in the region
accepting of Russian influence.
Although the actions of Russia in
Syria will have a minimal effect at this point and are unlikely to sway the outcome of the
civil war, the relationship between these nations should be closely watched,
lest a trend develop.
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