Alexandr Margarov: Certain contradictions observed in Russian approaches
Russian involvement in the Syrian conflict solved several issues, political scientist Alexandr Margarov told the reports at a press conference.
According to the speaker, Russia strengthened Syrian President Bashar al-Assad position, thus the international community had to accept Russia’s presence into account, to acknowledge its potential involvement in the region, additionally, Russia turned into a player who might be cooperated with on the Syrian issue.
The political scientist emphasized that certain contradictions are observed in Russia’s approaches to Syria.
“From one hand Russia announces that it will prolong its involvement in the Syrian conflict until the Islamic State terrorist organization remains on the ground, on the other hand, it announces the withdrawal of its forces from Syria,” Margarov said adding that Putin’s latest move is interpreted differently by various political circles.
Margarov noted those who supported Russia assured that due to Russian military campaign, costing 2,5 ml USD daily, about 10k hectares of area, 200 settlements were liberated, and now Russia is ready to take a pause to further the Geneva talks. People justifying Russia’s presence in Syria claim Syria remained a united state thanks to Russia which at the same demonstrated to the international community its leverage and role in the struggle against terrorism in the Middle East.
According to Margarov, those who reacted negatively to the Russian activities and opposed to President Putin, presented differing interpretations based on the same facts.
“Russia is unable to continue the military operations on two fronts - in Syria and Ukraine. Western sanctions cost much to Russia and it retreats from the adopted policy in Syria with the next step to be seen in Ukraine,” the others said.
Margarov said the truth rests on between these two approaches, adding however, that Russia has withdrawn only part of its forces from Syria, and thus the question of expanding its military presence remains to be a matter of time.