Russia’s military intervention in Syria at the request of its
government began two years ago today – September 30.
It dramatically changed the
dynamic on the ground, turning sure defeat into eventual triumph.
Thousands of square miles of
Syrian territory were liberated from the scourge of US-supported terrorists,
defeating Washington’s imperial aims, wanting regime change, the country
transformed into another vassal state.
Tass reviewed
Russian operations over the past two years, saying “victory
over terrorism is near.” Its efforts transformed armed opposition conflicting
groups into “a common front in the struggle against terrorists.”
What began two years ago
today “is entering its final phase,” Russian air power enabling Syrian and
allied forces to regain control over “85% of the country’s territory,” a
remarkable turnaround from conditions before Moscow’s involvement.
Washington didn’t expect it,
intending to eliminate Assad the way it ruthlessly killed Saddam Hussein and
Muammar Gaddafi.
Things didn’t go as planned.
Russia foiled US objectives, achieving them highly unlikely, a significant body
blow to its regional aims, a step closer to defeating them worldwide.
In Syria, Aleppo was
liberated late last year, the country’s pre-war commercial hub. Historic
Palmyra was freed twice, hopefully for good after the second time.
The campaign to liberate Zeir
Ezzor province entirely from US-supported terrorists continues, ISIS’ last
stronghold in the country. Its three-year-long siege of the city was broken,
security sweeps underway to eliminate its remnants in residential and other areas.
“Official forecasts regarding
the chances of a successful completion of the anti-terrorist operation sound
ever more optimistic,” said Tass.
Ahead of the Deir Ezzor
campaign, Akerbat was liberated, “a major transport hub and command center (and
stronghold) of the terrorists in the east of Hama province,” Tass explained.
“With the loss of the city
the terrorists were no longer able to regroup forces, receive ammunition and
supplies, while the Syrian government army gained access to Deir Ezzor.”
During 24 months of combat,
38 Russian military personnel perished, including General Valery Asapov, the
coordinates of his location almost certainly provided ISIS by US forces.
Washington bears responsibility for his death.
Russian and American
objectives in Syria are world’s apart – Moscow combating terrorism, Washington
supporting it. Bilateral relations are dismal on virtually everything except
cooperation in non-military space activities.
Astana peace talks
spearheaded by Russia continue making progress – without significant
breakthroughs so far because Washington wants endless war and regime change,
waging a losing battle, pursuing it anyway.
According to Russia’s
reconciliation center, 2,200 localities joined the ceasefire agreement. More
than 230 armed groups agreed to observe it.
Reconstruction in some areas
began, restoring power, water and other essential infrastructure a vital first
step, along with supplying humanitarian aid – Russia, Iran and Damascus alone
providing it.
Nothing from America. Nothing
from the EU. Nothing from regional Arab countries. Nothing from Israel, of
course. Woefully inadequate UN help, Syrians on their own, dependent on their
government and allies.
Moscow remains firmly
committed to Syrian sovereign independence, its territorial integrity, and
right of its people alone to choose their leadership, free from foreign
interference.
“Both Russian and Syrian
military commanders stress the intention to push ahead with the operation until
the elimination of the last terrorist” nationwide, said Tass.
Reprinted
with permission from Stephen Lendman.
Stephen Lendman [send him
mail] lives in Chicago. Listen to cutting-edge discussions with
distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the
Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and
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Copyright © 2017 Stephen Lendman
