Topic: Russia retreats from Syria - page 2. (Read 3315 times)

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As many times before, Putin openly pre-announced Russian objectives in Syria and said that once they have been achieved, Russia will withdraw. It appears the West was under a complete impression Putin was lying. No wonder: that’s how they themselves behave, and they expect the same behavior from others. Their feeble minds can’t fathom that there are few out there who actually tell the truth.

What were Russia’s main objectives? Let’s hear it directly from the horse’s mouth. This special talk show ‘Evening with Vladimir Soloviev’ of March 15, 2016, dedicated to Russian withdrawal from Syria (Beчep c Bлaдимиpoм Coлoвьeвым. Cпeцвыпycк oт 15.03.16), includes an excerpt from the televised October 2015 host, Vladimir Soloviev’s (S), interview with President Putin (P). Incidentally, Evening with Vladimir Soloviev  is my top recommended Russian political talk show.

I have translated the interview snippet. Soloviev (S), President Putin (P).

On this video, the October 2015 Putin interview recording starts 23:12 and ends at 24:50:

S: What are our real goals in Syria and what are the criteria of our success?

P: First, let me re-confirm what is already a well-known fact: we have warned and advised in advance our American partners and many other partners, as well as the countries in the region, of our plans and intentions. Some say we did it too late, but let me remind that no one ever warns or advises us of their plans or actions in operations of this kind. Yet, we did it.

S: Show of good will?

P: Yes, out of good will, together with common sense. But also to show that we are open to cooperation.

S: Syrian army began advancing. What are their chances of success?

P:  This primarily depends on the Syrian army and Syrian leadership. We can’t assume any excessive responsibility upon ourselves, and we never did. I said from the start that the active phase of our Syrian operation will be limited in time by the term of the advancement of this same Syrian army. To return to your first question: our goal is specifically to stabilize the legitimate power in Syria and to create the conditions for the political dialogue and compromise.

That was said in October 2015. The whole Russian plan, timeframe and intentions were laid out clearly, for all world to hear.
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Putin, at least there is one statesman in the world leadership who is practical and who involves the United Nations and its principles fairly religiously and who limits his military involvements only to true Russian national interests.

Most military campaigns aren´t just random. there are some objectives and plans and corresponding forces. Once those objectives have been reached those forces are removed from theater, all or part of them. it´s standard procedure and has been forever I guess.

Putin has said a lot of things but is not that he always sticks to that. Things are not that simple, when it comes to him there is always a background.

Putin has a reason, Putin does that, Putin wants to send a message... I know, this may be shocking, but he does that because it was planned to do so. Yep, it was declared right at the beginning of operation that troops won't stay there for long and will be withdrawn in the middle of spring. Anybody with a tiny amount of memory is able to remember official MoD statements.

Normally, there is nothing strange in doing something if it was originally declared. Your boss won't be surprised to see you at your working place tomorrow, for example.

Putin has several reason for that: to retreat while he stil can, to avoid Afghan scenario and to send the message to Asad. We'll see how it will end.

wow people so naive...
i do not know why Mr. Putin declared retreat from Syria , or is it ?
my assumption is some one like the US or European gave Russia some incentive in the form of money , how much ? who know.
what is definitely this is not a retreat , is a pretending of and yes might be Russia stopped the fighting in Syria but sure not evacuated the 2 main Russian bases in Syria : The Russian naval facility in Tartus and Khmeimim airbase in Latakia.
So Mr. Putin and the world media want to paint a pretty picture of ending The war in Syria , peace is right around the corner...Yeah right

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_naval_facility_in_Tartus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmeimim_airbase
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/03/15/analysis-russian-withdrawal-aims-pressure-assad-seek-peace-syria/81805610/

Putin has several reason for that: to retreat while he stil can, to avoid Afghan scenario and to send the message to Asad.

Putin-pooty declare victory and ran home with his tail between his legs, He learned this from Nixon's 'secret plan' for victory in Vietnam.