Russia’s Brittle Strategic Pillars in Syria

With unreliable allies and a lack of experience with local power dynamics, Russia’s influence in Syria is built on fragile foundations.

• Primary Source

Chatham House: Expert Comment, 12.05.17: Putin’s ‘Safe Zones’ in Syria Are Nothing of the Kind http://www.europeansources.info/record/putins-safe-zones-in-syria-are-nothing-of-the-kind/

Reuters, 15.12.17: In Syria, Russia securing position as Assad presses war https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-analysis/in-syria-russia-securing-position-as-assad-presses-war-idUSKBN1E91UU

Deutsche Welle, 13.12.17: In Syria, Russia's Vladimir Putin must 'win the peace,' says UN mediator http://p.dw.com/p/2pKtJ

The Conversation, 15.12.17: Russia’s decision to withdraw from Syria isn’t about how to leave, but how to stay https://theconversation.com/russias-decision-to-withdraw-from-syria-isnt-about-how-to-leave-but-how-to-stay-89095

BBC News, 13.12.17: Syria war: Putin's Russian mission accomplished http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-42330551

The Guardian, 12.12.17: [Editorial]: The Guardian view on Putin in Syria: victory and desolation https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/12/the-guardian-view-on-putin-in-syria-victory-and-desolation

ECFR: Commentary, 15.12.17: Russia’s military victory masks diplomatic impotence in Syria http://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_russias_military_victory_masks_diplomatic_impotence_in_syria

ICG: Op-Ed, 26.02.18: Russia a Reluctant Driver in the Syrian War https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/eastern-mediterranean/syria/russia-reluctant-driver-syrian-war

ICG: Commentary, 08.03.18: Russia Should Go Beyond Humanitarian Corridors in Syria https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/eastern-mediterranean/syria/russia-should-go-beyond-humanitarian-corridors-syria

---