faz.net
Assad's Impending Fall: A Sign of Russia's Waning Influence in Syria
As reports indicate Assad's regime is nearing collapse, Russia, having supported him since 2015, is now urging its citizens to leave Syria via commercial flights, highlighting a shift in Russia's regional strategy and influence.
- How did Russia's involvement in Syria shape its approach to the conflict in Ukraine?
- Russia supported Assad's branding of all opponents as terrorists, using this to present itself as an effective counter-terrorism force to Western audiences. Putin accepted Assad's gratitude, emphasizing support for Syria's territorial integrity.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of Russia's actions in Syria for its relations with Turkey and the West?
- The recent reports suggesting Assad's imminent fall contrast sharply with Russia's previous rhetoric. Russia's military is now reporting daily "liquidation" of terrorists, echoing the language from the start of its Syrian campaign. However, Russia's embassy in Damascus has urged Russians to leave Syria via commercial flights, signaling a potential withdrawal.
- What is the significance of the apparent imminent fall of Assad's regime for Russia's regional strategy and global image?
- "Attempts by the West to instigate color revolutions are doomed to fail." This was Russia's narrative for the Middle East and North Africa. Moscow's intervention in the Syrian civil war on Assad's side in late September 2015 was framed by Patriarch Kirill as a "holy war" against "terrorists."
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames Russia's involvement in Syria as a strategic move by Putin, highlighting his ambitions and calculations. The headlines and introduction emphasize Putin's actions and interpretations. This framing may downplay the human cost and suffering of the Syrian conflict and other factors driving the conflict's trajectory.
Language Bias
The article uses terms like "terrorists," often in quotations to indicate the Russian government's framing, but this framing itself can be considered loaded language. Alternatives like "armed opposition groups" or specifying the group's name could offer a more neutral description. The use of phrases like "brutal" and "flop" also show a certain tone of judgement rather than neutral reporting.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Russian perspective and actions in Syria, potentially omitting perspectives from other involved nations or groups like the Syrian opposition. The article also doesn't discuss the long-term humanitarian consequences of the conflict, focusing primarily on the political and military aspects. The motivations and perspectives of other key players like Iran and Turkey beyond their immediate political interactions with Russia are largely underdeveloped.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between Russia supporting Assad and the West failing in Syria. It overlooks the complexities of the Syrian civil war and the involvement of numerous actors with diverse motivations and agendas beyond this binary. For example, the role of internal Syrian factions is underplayed, as well as the influence of regional powers beyond Russia and the West.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details Russia's involvement in the Syrian civil war, supporting the Assad regime. This prolonged military intervention, characterized by the targeting of civilians and disregard for international humanitarian law, has exacerbated the conflict, undermined peace and stability, and hindered the establishment of justice and strong institutions in Syria. The support for Assad, even in the face of his potential downfall, further demonstrates a disregard for democratic processes and the will of the Syrian people. The Wagner Group's involvement, with reports of torture and murder, further underscores the negative impact on peace and justice.