Russia's Proposal on Syrian Crisis Settlement 'Took US by Surprise'

Russia’s policy aimed to support Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and involve him in the settlement of the conflict has taken Washington by surprise and forced the US to change its stance on the situation and they are even considering a joint operation against the Islamic State ( ISIL ) terrorist group, an Argentinian newspaper wrote.

Russia’s commitment to support Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and involve him in the settlement of the conflict has forced the US to change its stance on the situation and they are even considering a joint operation against the Islamic State ( ISIL ) terrorist group.

The decisive strategic maneuver by Russian President Vladimir Putin proved that despite the economic downturn and Western efforts to isolate Russia, the country is capable of conducting an independent policy and is ready to take part in the settlement of conflicts across the world, La Nacion reported.

After the Kremlin recently reaffirmed its stance on the Syrian conflict Washington changed its rhetoric toward Assad. Now, the US is considering his involvement in the peace talks.

Russia, in turn, may have plans to protect Assad or to contribute to the crisis settlement via the territorial division of Syria, with only the western part of the country controlled by the regime, the article assumed.

Whatever goals Russia may pursue in Syria, it is evident that Washington has reached a stalemate on the Syrian conflict and needs Russia to work with them.

For Putin, this would be a chance to show Russia again as one the world’s leading powers, the author wrote.

He also suggested that perhaps in his speech at the UN General Assembly Putin would call for the international community to join forces to defeat ISIL.

It is especially important now when ISIL seems to be undefeatable and poses a serious threat to global security.

Russia’s possible participation in an anti-ISIL operation would be a significant geopolitical maneuver and a game-changer for the situation in the Middle East, according to the article.

Washington’s U-turn towards Russia over the Syrian conflict has brought hope that actions against ISIL militants will grow meaningful and effective. In the long run, they also may result in a decision that would end the war in Syria and dismantle ISIL, the article read.
 [Sputnik]
26/9/15 
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