French media: Russian Prove Himself As Key Players in the Middle East

Russia has shown that it plays an important role in the Middle East with military operations in Syria. Thus the French experts argue. The evaluation of the experts quoted by the French publication L'Express.Analyzing the Russian president's decision on withdrawal of the Russian Air Force from Syria, political scientists have tried to find answers to the purpose of the decision.First, as published in L'Express, Moscow proves the importance of Russia's role in the international arena. Russia managed to retain the power of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, "Russia shows that he is a key player in the Middle East," said Syria expert at the same time political analyst Ziad Majed."Russia wants to show that he is not only a regional power, like what was said Barack Obama. Moscow managed to demonstrate its military capability, to prove to the West that the balance of power has changed, "said the Russian foreign policy expert who also joined the Foundation for Strategic Research Paris Isabelle Facon.As stated by Majed, the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria is likely to have a symbolic tone, as Putin announced on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the uprising in Syria, as well as on the resumption of negotiations in Geneva. According to other observers, Putin showed that he is a partner wise, who are ready to engage in dialogue with all parties: from Iran to Israel.Second, the withdrawal of Syrian troops does not mean defeat for the Russian forces. Instead, Russia wants to show his desire to not continue to use the weapons, Russia can strengthen its position among European citizens who want to continue the dialogue with Moscow. Thus Facon argued.Third, with the withdrawal of Syrian troops, Russia sends a signal to the Syrian leader of his intention contrary to the purposes of the Kremlin. In that article, it is written that when Assad announced his intention to regain control over Syria, the Russian ambassador to the UN Viltaly Churkin disagreed with the position of the Syrian president. Moreover, as reminded again by Majed, related to the first Russian reaction to the announcement conveyed by Assad regarding the parliamentary elections, Russia said that parliamentary elections should be held after the signing of the agreement between the regime and the opposition during the transition period.Fourth, according to analysts, the Russian troop withdrawal decision may be due to internal reasons. Support for operations in Syria for more than five months clearly has affected the Russian budget significantly.However, the French newspaper reported that the explanation of this decision is unclear. Russia, of course, will maintain its presence at the military base in Tartus and Hmeimim Air Base, and still put the S-400 missile system in Syria. But until now, it is unclear whether Russia will continue to operate or not.

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