re: The Official Thread: Russia invades Ukraine

Russia’s Strategic Success in Syria and the Future of Moscow’s Middle East Policy

lawfare



Russian troops on parade during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Khmeimim air base. Photo credit: Press office of the Russian President

Key to the operation’s success was its limited aims, which were focused to avoid the Soviet Union’s Afghanistan-like scenario of overextension.

The cost was low in terms of blood, not only treasure. The only public high-casualty incident was a brief and murky battle in February 2018-U.S. forces acting in self-defense killed a number of Russian contractors.

The intervention was a low-cost strategic success. Moscow established control of western and central Syrian airspace and an agreement granting it a permanent military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean for at least the next 49 years.

Tens of thousands of Russian military personnel have rotated through Syria over the years and received valuable training and experience, which will bolster the Russian military’s performance globally.

A frozen conflict scenario may not be ideal for Moscow, but it is one that it can live with for a long time—especially because it will help make the argument for the need for Russia’s continued presence.

Many similarities to the Ukraine Special Operation.

Not likely that lawfare is pro Putin, Don't shoot the messenger.