Russia Launches Offensive against Islamic State

The approval by the Federation Council’s of the Russian President’s appeal for use of the Russian military contingent abroad — based on generally recognized rules of international law — has concluded the Russian Armed Forces preparation stage for fighting the Islamic State.

There was almost no doubt that Russia would support its old ally. However, as Vladimir Putin had promised, we are not talking of a land operation, which «Russian Spring» has mentioned time and again.

Now, we can assert that Russians have been improving the air base near Latakia to make it ready to accommodate a Russian Air Force Unit, and the deployment of some 500 marines with vehicles and artillery (Pentagon’s information) has made the base an unwinnable fortress.
As is apparent now, the Black Sea naval group has been deployed off the Syrian coast under the guise of maneuvers, and that includes «Moskva» guided-weapon cruiser capable of destroying surface targets at a distances over 500 kilometers.

However, the central events were observed at the ‘diplomatic front’. The negotiations between defense and foreign ministers, Russian and US presidents were focused on Syria. Of course, the White House stated — just not to upset Poroshenko — that the Ukrainian issue took at least half of the meeting agenda between Putin and Obama on September, 28. But in fact they mostly talked about Syria, which the Russian President confirmed later.
Even if the sides have failed to reach a final consensus, the results are obvious: Kerry announced that Assad’s resignation was not essential any more, the Pentagon changed the ‘Russian track’ adviser, and the NATO secretary recognized a positive role of Russia in managing the Syrian crisis. Earlier, Moscow was supported by Tehran and Bagdad. Moreover, China, which has already dispatched its aircraft carrier to the region, may be involved too.
The univocal victories of the Russian foreign policy include establishing channels to share information with USA, Israel, Iran and Iraq, which will ensure no confusions between aircraft of various nations operating in the air. Besides, it seems like consultations with Saudi leaders have resulted in Riyadh’s support of Moscow initiatives.

As for the legitimacy of the Russian operation, it should be noted that Vladimir Putin in New York reiterated there could only be two grounds for a counterterrorist operation in Syria: a UN Security Council resolution or an official request of Syrian authorities.
In the United Nations Headquarters, the Russian draft of the resolution was scarified by the United States and rejected by France. Paris still believes Bashar Assad’s resignation is a prerequisite to launch any UN-led operation. The Syrian leader’s resignation option, which would satisfy France, was clearly demonstrated with Muammar Gaddafi in Libya.

Therefore, we may conclude that it is the case of the ‘second ground’. An official request for assistance from Damascus enables Russia to operate in Syria without a backward glance at the West — yet with due account for its stance.
Two more remarks. First. The actions of Russia in Syria are absolutely legitimate. If somebody claims the opposite then the Saudi operation in Yemen violates the international law as well. The more so as Yemen’s president unlike Assad had fled his country with disgrace, and it took him some time to appeal for assistance and putting him back to power.
Second. Now, it has to be obvious for Mister Poroshenko and Co. that if Russia uses its forces abroad it does not conceal this fact. Maybe Kyiv will finally stop accusing the Russian army of involving in the Donbass conflict.

Alexander Vasiliyev