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Mr Assad thanked Russia for "standing up for the unity of Syria and its independence", and said its intervention had "prevented the events in Syria from developing along a more tragic scenario".
Terrorism is a real obstacle to a political solution," said Mr Assad, "and of course the whole (Syrian) people want to take part in deciding the fate of their state, and not just the leadership."
. Having Mr Assad turn up in Moscow shows that there is little doubt that for now at least, President Putin is intent on shoring up Mr Assad's position.
But the trip may also mark a new stage in Russia's efforts to roll out a diplomatic plan alongside its military intervention in Syria; an illustration that Russia deals with Mr Assad, and that for now at least Mr Assad has to be part of any interim solution.
originally posted by: JBRiddle
In 16 months Russia runs out of money. So unless oil goes back up (which I doubt will happen) which represents 45% of all money the government generates. The bear will be running on fumes by the end of next year. So let see what the do in the time they have remaining. Should be interesting.
originally posted by: Chadwickus
a reply to: markosity1973
Are Assad backed suicide bombers standing up for the unity of Syria?
Barrel bombs are ok??
It would seem that Russia's endgame is essentially the same as the US led allies - Assad needs to go. The key difference is that Russia wants to maintain the government, for all it's faults for now because it is the seat of power and order from which change can come.
originally posted by: intrptr
a reply to: markosity1973
It would seem that Russia's endgame is essentially the same as the US led allies - Assad needs to go. The key difference is that Russia wants to maintain the government, for all it's faults for now because it is the seat of power and order from which change can come.
Nice spin. You generate that for western mass consumption? Why would Russia wait so long to bomb its own ally, Syria? At this point its only too obvious Russia is defending Assad, defending the Syrian military with direct air support so they can eradicate the terrorists, et al.
Russian wouldn't be destroying insurgents Syria and meeting with Assad if they wanted him gone, they'd be helping the US.
originally posted by: Chadwickus
a reply to: intrptr
Click the link..
If Assad were toppled right this very moment, who would replace him? There are about 1,000 different rebel groups so I only see the war being bloody and protracted and a total power vacuum in his downfall.
originally posted by: intrptr
a reply to: markosity1973
If Assad were toppled right this very moment, who would replace him? There are about 1,000 different rebel groups so I only see the war being bloody and protracted and a total power vacuum in his downfall.
Like libya. Imo, the desired result. The reason Russia vetoed the US mandate to Libya-ise Syria in the UN Security council, the reason Russia armed Syria, the reason Russia is now defending Syria directly.
Assad must go is the wests mantra, not the Russians.
Again, if Assad was so bad in the beginning why did Russia support him before the US began the insurgency?
Facts on the Assad regime do seem a bit thin on the ground. It seems that he enjoyed popular support from a part of the population while another part opposed him.