Does The Russian Public Support The War In Syria?

Russian subway

Maria Snegovaya, Huffington Post: Here's What Russians Really Think About the War in Syria

MOSCOW -- Do Russians really support the bombings in Syria? Depends on when you ask them.

They do, if you look at the latest polls. The Public Opinion Foundation reported on Dec. 3 that 70 percent of Russians support the Syria bombings (as opposed to 64 percent in early November). The Russian Public Opinion Research Center reported on Dec. 4 that a majority (62 percent) supported the current intensity or even more active engagement in Syria. On Oct. 29, the Levada Center reported 54 percent of Russians support the Syria bombings, military consultation and arms supplies.

And yet the attitudes towards the military engagement in Syria were the exact opposite a few months ago. In fact, within a month (from September to October 2015) the attitudes toward the military engagement in Syria changed abruptly. In September, 69 percent of Russians opposed direct military help to Syrian President Bashar Assad, while in early October, 72 percent of Russians supported the bombing campaign in Syria. Initial opposition to the engagement was particularly strong due to the lasting memory of the Soviet war in Afghanistan -- the USSR lost about 14,500 soldiers in Afghanistan. Russians did not want another potentially long-term and bloody military engagement in the Middle East. And yet, in early October, 46 percent thought the Syria engagement might lead to "a new Afghanistan" -- but only 11 percent thought so a month later.

WNU Editor: I always laugh at how polls are done in Russia. It is not like in the West .... Russians do not trust polls, and they sure as hell are not going to give their opinion to a stranger. I blame this on Russian history .... and how it has shaped a political culture where most people keep their opinions to themselves. As to how do I get my read on what is the Russian public thinking .... I have a few hundred family members and friends spread throughout Russia .... and I am always asking them on what are they thinking. I also read what people are saying in social media .... and of course .... I also trust my own instincts. On the question .... do Russians support the war in Syria .... I would have to say yes. But this support is conditional .... keep Russian casualties low, and be specific and clear on the mission. For the moment .... everyone understands why Russia is there (i.e. support Assad against his enemies and degrade the Islamic State). But if that changes and/or if Putin and his government try to pull a fast one .... Russian public support for this conflict will quickly change.