Has Russia Helped To Turn The Tide In The Syrian War?

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Martin Matishak, Fiscal Times: Has Putin Turned the Tide in Syria?

WHile Russia’s military intervention in Syria has not yielded substantial progress on the ground for the Assad government, Moscow has succeeded in propping up the embattle regime, according to a new analysis.

An IHS Conflict Monitor estimate released last week shows that between Sept. 29, when the Kremlin launched its military campaign, and Jan. 11, Damascus regained 1.3 percent of territory it had lost to rebel groups.

That marks a major reversal from the first eight months of 2015, when the regime lost 18 percent of its territory as opposition fighters worked their way towards Aleppo, the country’s largest city, and made advances in other areas.

“Russia’s immediate objective in Syria, namely to shore up the Assad government’s position and save it from military defeat at the hands of the Sunni rebels, has largely been achieved,” said Jane’s 360.

Read more ....

Update #1: Putin Says Russian Air Strikes To Continue In Syria As Long As Necessary (RFE)
Update #2: Russia's Only Interest in Syria is in Fighting Terrorism - Putin (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: Too early to tell. But recent Syrian Army successes as recently chronicled by this blog are definitely giving the impression that the momentum has shifted to their side.