CNN: Russia's Lavrov on Syria targets: 'If it looks like a terrorist, walks like a terrorist ...'
(CNN)Russia's airstrikes in Syria "do not go beyond ISIL (ISIS), al Nusra or other terrorist groups recognized by the United Nations Security Council or Russian law," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday.
Pushed to define "other terrorist groups," Lavrov said: "If it looks like a terrorist, if it acts like a terrorist, if it walks like a terrorist, if it fights like a terrorist, it's a terrorist, right?"
Lavrov was addressing reporters at the U.N. in New York Thursday, on the second day of airstrikes by Russian warplanes in Syria.
WNU Editor: I cannot remember when was the last time that a Russian foreign minister's news conference received so much coverage after a UN meeting. But such is the evolving situation in the Middle East right now.
More News On Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's News Conference on Syria
Live: Russian FM Sergei Lavrov news briefing -- BBC
Russian FM Sergei Lavrov Holds Press Conference Following 70th UNGA Session -- Sputnik
Lavrov says Russia coordinating with Syrian military on targets -- Reuters
Russia does not consider Free Syrian Army a terrorist group, Lavrov says -- Reuters
Lavrov insists Russia and US are fighting same targets in Syria -- Politico
Russia striking IS, Al-Nusra targets in Syria, like US: Lavrov -- AFP
US and Russia Hold Talks to Clear Up Syrian Airspace -- ABC News
Regardless if your pro or anti Rissian it's hard to deny that pr wise they are making the US look bad.
ReplyDeleteThe U.S., John Kerry, President Obama, etc. ... they are making the job easy for the Russians to make them look bad. But I cannot help but feel that this is only going to be temporary, and the roles will reverse soon. Syria is a mess and a terrible quagmire .... Russia is not in a position to change that.
ReplyDeleteWNU,
ReplyDelete" Syria is a mess and a terrible quagmire .... Russia is not in a position to change that." Probably so, but Putin needs (wants) something quick he can present as a victory. That I think would go over well back home. It would also give him more time in Syria and elsewhere.
James, WNU Editor,
ReplyDeleteI have far more confident that Russia can achieve it's goals in Syria thane the so called anti-ISIS Coelition.
For one, all the partners share the same goal, and that goal does not have conflicting aims and outcomes.
It's a publicity stunt. A wildly successful one by its own terms. The only thing I don't like is the possibility some of our people might be sent there to die for it; I don't think it's remotely worth it. But it doesn't look like Putin is trying to start a full-on intervention either; just safeguarding a few locations and doing a few air raids, nothing new for the area.
ReplyDeleteJay,
ReplyDeleteMaybe so, but I still don't think a anti ISIS campaign is really Putin's goal, if it happens all the better, but it's not #1 on the list.
Daniel,
I think you're pretty close to the truth, but Putin is also a inveterate opportunist so it's going to be hard to forecast him.
James,
ReplyDeleteOf course an anti-ISIS program is not first and foremost on the Russian/Iranian/Iraq/Syrian Coelition.
Other than in the Palmira area, in order to engage in the ground with ISIS, the Syrian Arab Army has to remove ISIS's allies, Al Quida et Al who are in blocking positions.
As the U.S. General testified to congress last week, there are only 4 or 5 "moderate" fighters in all of Syria.