Russian Sukhoi Su-27 jet fighters perform during an air show in St. Petersburg
A technicality. Parliamentary approval is required by law. The vote was unanimous to approve the use of military force in Syria. Use of air force only. The last time the parliament did this, Crimea was invaded.
Russian parliament grants Putin right to use military force in Syria
“For Russian forces to operate there legitimately … a law was needed.”
There have some media reports from the Middle East that Russian military jets have already started carrying out air strikes in Syria. The Kremlin has declined to confirm that.
Last week Putin deployed 28 warplanes including SU-27 Flanker fighters for air-to-air combat, 15 military helicopters and SA-22 surface-to-air missiles.
Russian ground forces are already deployed in Syria. Satellite photos show preparation for additional forces at two other bases.
Obama says he would welcome Russian participation in the fight against Islamic State provided Assad eventually departs. Putin says no, Assad will stay. Russia is aligned with Iran in support of keeping Assad in power. Many of the U.S. (so-called) Middle East allies insist it is impossible for them to support any coalition that doesn’t seek to remove Assad.
“If there will be a united coalition which I doubt, or in the end two coalitions — one American and one Russian — they will have to coordinate their actions,” Ivan Konovalov, a military expert, told Reuters.
The inclusion of the air-to-air combat SU-27’s indicate Russia’s intent that other nations will have to coordinate their airstrikes with them.
Obama’s smooth talking served him well for personal ambitions and perhaps he still believes the power of his personality will dominate.
Remarks by President Obama at the Leaders’ Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism
In Syria, as I said yesterday, defeating ISIL requires — I believe — a new leader and an inclusive government that unites the Syrian people in the fight against terrorist groups. This is going to be a complex process. And as I’ve said before, we are prepared to work with all countries, including Russia and Iran, to find a political mechanism in which it is possible to begin a transition process.
Putin is more a man of action. He wants to gain a foothold in the Middle East for Russia and will use Assad as long as he can. Combating ISIL is not really Russia’s prime objective.
UPDATE: Fox reports as an exclusive that Russia told the U.S. to remove warplanes from Syria.
Related: Russia Buildup Seen as Fanning Flames in Syria
Russian jets in Syria mean no-fly zone is ‘out of the question’, warn experts
Recall this? I remember. The only problem was Romney was a LOSER, and never pushed back against the worst president in my lifetime.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/03/01/remember-obama-mocking-romney-over-russia-concerns-the-1980s-are-now-calling-to-ask-for-their-foreign-policy-back/
posted 9/30 1000am Texas[Chickens are Roosting]Time
“…find a political mechanism in which it is possible to begin a transition process.”
Neville couldn’t have said it better. Please transition process (invade) Poland, Crimea, Ukraine, Syria, wherever…. I have a Nobel Peace Prize you know. Bush the war cowboy doesn’t. I’m not doing it, for Oslo! Er, I mean Laslo. Do Vlad and I walk off hand-in-hand now?