There is No Russian Withdrawal from Syria

[uhnope]

http://warontherocks.com/2016/03/there-is-no-russian-withdrawal-from-syria/?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=im

With characteristic deadpan delivery, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the sudden withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria earlier this week, declaring their campaign a success. Before the day was through, Russian aircraft and crews were already departing from Hmeymim air base in Latakia. Since this announcement, the media has been alight with speculation on the meaning of Russia’s sudden departure, its political and military implications, and the reasons for this seemingly unexpected move. Much of the discussion has thus far missed the mark. There is no Russian withdrawal from Syria, but rather a drawdown of the air contingent present in Latakia. Putin simply moved pieces on the board, without altering the equation.

This maneuver is more about political perceptions than military reality. It constitutes a political reframing of Russia’s intervention in order to normalize Moscow’s military presence in Syria, and make it permanent, while convincing Russians at home that the campaign is over. Putin’s statement is yet another successful effort to achieve a domestic and international publicity coup.

The “withdrawal” announcement is not about how Russia leaves, but about how it stays in Syria. Those who have doubts should watch the actual video of Putin ordering Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to initiate the withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria. He orders that Russia’s existing bases in Tartus and Hmeymim continue to operate at present levels. In addition, Russia’s defense minister is to ensure that they are fully defended from land, sea, and air. The worrisome S-400 long range air defense, along with shorter range systems, will remain in place, a point emphasized in later statement by Vladimir Putin. Russia’s main military bases will continue operations: with naval cover, a ground contingent for force protection, and an unknown number of troops still on the ground to advise Syrian forces.

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[yourpaljoey]

1. Russia is there by invitation from the sovereign nation of Syria

They better NOT leave!

[uhnope]

2. wtf

[yourpaljoey]

3. tell me more, tell me more

[uhnope]

4. wtf is yr point, wtf does Russia's supposed invite to Syria have to do with the fact

that their supposed withdrawal can be seen as malarky

[yourpaljoey]

5. Well, their withdrawl was never advertised as a complete withdrawl

What does it matter if they have 20 fighters or 200 at their Tartus base?

[uhnope]

6. wtf is yr point in rushing in to split hairs

or are you just another Putin apologist

probably

[yourpaljoey]

7. O... I see...