Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed a “complete victory” has been scored over ISIS forces within Syria, and the faction has been totally driven from both sides of the Euphrates River.
Within Syria, Putin sees the focus now shifting toward the political process, and eventual elections. Russia has advocated substantial political reform within Syria, though with many rebels expecting to be installed outright, they generally oppose any “reform” that stops short of that, or that involves elections which current officials may participate in.
Not that Russia’s troops are going anywhere. The Syrian war is still ongoing further to the west, around the Idlib Province. Russian defense officials are also suggesting they are interested in getting involved in the ISIS war in neighboring Iraq.
With the US estimated 3,000 ISIS fighters remain in Iraq and Syria, Russian First Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Valery Gerasimov is calling for dialogue with the US and joint operations within Iraq to destroy what’s left of ISIS and prevent them returning to Syria.
This is extremely unlikely to happen as a joint operation, with the US extremely averse to any serious cooperation with Russia, and having previously warned Iraq against letting Russia get too involved in the fighting in their country.
They are already there. Joint Intelligence group in Baghdad. Iraq’s humiliating loses, end and new battle plan were the result. The first consequence was Iraq’s decision not to follow US advice was the battle of Fallujah. After that, a different Iraqi army. It is an absolute necessity for Iraq to take full control of the border, to prevent any ressuply of ISIS now essaentially protected in US/Kurdish area. Since US is not getting out of the way in Syria — Iraq can secure border, and it would be mighty obvious thar US is keeping ISIS 2.0 in reserve.es after But without the freedom to resuply— it will sooner or later clash with Syrians, as the pressure to return home intensifies. Millions already came back from Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. US is now going to be short of alliies after Jerusalem move. US is endangering one mire state —
Thay is actually interesting. Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Russia are natural allies in their fight against the US backed jihadis. I don’t see why Iraq wouldn’t want to improve their security situation by kicking the Americans out and allowing Russia access.
What gives the USA the idea, with all evidence to the contrary, that their plans are good, that they should never ally with anyone unless it is a puppet, that so far they have succeeded in defeating the “terrorists” which they are actually supporting?
“warned Iraq against letting Russia get too involved in the fighting”.
It might work and peace could break out.