The Student Room Group

Who's bombing who in Syria and why ?

Who is Assad killing ?

Who is Russia killing ?

Who is the United States and European countries killing ?

Who are ISIS killing ?

Who has the moral high ground ?

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Who is Assad killing ?

Anyone who opposes him. Civil war so other Syrians and ISIS.
Who is Russia killing ?
Anyone who opposes Assad. Mostly Strian opposition.
Who is the United States and European countries killing ?
ISIS
Who are ISIS killing ?
Wheoever they can.

Who has the moral high ground ?

They all claim to have it.
In a nutshell:

The Assad regime are targeting rebel Syrian fighters and ISIS.
Russia are backing the Assad regime and fighting ISIS.
The US and the rest of the west are targeting ISIS.
ISIS are effectively fighting everyone.
Moral high ground? That's going to go down as being opinion to be honest. Better not to get into that.
Reply 3
Original post by Therec00
Who is Assad killing ?

Who is Russia killing ?

Who is the United States and European countries killing ?

Who are ISIS killing ?

Who has the moral high ground ?


Assad initially was at war with everybody who disliked him and for that there are credible reasons why one could consider for the genocide of his own people. Over time however the original rebels have splintered and terrorist groups have poured in to take advantage. He is currently at war with everybody but the Kurds however they may come to blows when the Kurds refuse to give back the territory they have gained.

Russia is basically acting as Assad's air force and crushing both the rebels and terrorist groups.

The west generally dislikes Assad and has done him no favours however their primary target is ISIS. It should be noted that in 2013 we were prepared to attack Assad but parliament overruled Cameron (an action Miliband has said he was wrong to do in hindsight). Generally speaking the west is working with the Kurds to defeat ISIS.

*Worth noting that Turkey is bombing the Kurds because they've taken territory on the border and the US seems somewhat divided in who it supports.

ISIS is killing everybody with numerous terrorist groups allied to it and the desire for a global caliphate. We've driven them back though.

..

With regards to the moral high ground there are two main questions to ask..

1) Who will win in the Assad vs rebels battle - Assad almost certainly now wins however half his population has left the country so the war will slowly die down over time though he may never strike a truly winning blow.

2) Who wins in what is a borderline proxy war between the west and Russia? This is somewhat unclear right now with the west still cold on Assad and probably willing to defend the Kurds when Russia attempts to take territory for Assad from them.

Generally, it's a mess. Unfortunately the left wanted to see the US step back from proper action and what we've seen is the result. The biggest death toll since Rwanda and a war which shows little sign of stopping while Russia has strengthened its position.
Reply 4
Original post by Rakas21
Assad initially was at war with everybody who disliked him and for that there are credible reasons why one could consider for the genocide of his own people. Over time however the original rebels have splintered and terrorist groups have poured in to take advantage. He is currently at war with everybody but the Kurds however they may come to blows when the Kurds refuse to give back the territory they have gained.

Russia is basically acting as Assad's air force and crushing both the rebels and terrorist groups.

The west generally dislikes Assad and has done him no favours however their primary target is ISIS. It should be noted that in 2013 we were prepared to attack Assad but parliament overruled Cameron (an action Miliband has said he was wrong to do in hindsight). Generally speaking the west is working with the Kurds to defeat ISIS.

*Worth noting that Turkey is bombing the Kurds because they've taken territory on the border and the US seems somewhat divided in who it supports.

ISIS is killing everybody with numerous terrorist groups allied to it and the desire for a global caliphate. We've driven them back though.

..

With regards to the moral high ground there are two main questions to ask..

1) Who will win in the Assad vs rebels battle - Assad almost certainly now wins however half his population has left the country so the war will slowly die down over time though he may never strike a truly winning blow.

2) Who wins in what is a borderline proxy war between the west and Russia? This is somewhat unclear right now with the west still cold on Assad and probably willing to defend the Kurds when Russia attempts to take territory for Assad from them.

Generally, it's a mess. Unfortunately the left wanted to see the US step back from proper action and what we've seen is the result. The biggest death toll since Rwanda and a war which shows little sign of stopping while Russia has strengthened its position.



Interesting responses.

Who is Iran supporting ?

Isn't there a chance we attack Russian forces or the Syrian government forces, even if by accident ?
Reply 5
Original post by Therec00
Interesting responses.

Who is Iran supporting ?

Isn't there a chance we attack Russian forces or the Syrian government forces, even if by accident ?


Iran supports Assad because Syria is a majority Sunni country (as are most rebels) and the Iranians/Shia's are engaged in a more or less open war with the Sunni's (though it's hard to say who's worse) globally.

We've bombed government assets before. There's a minimal risk of firing on a Russian strikecraft.
Original post by Therec00
Who is Assad killing ?

Who is Russia killing ?

Who is the United States and European countries killing ?

Who are ISIS killing ?

Who has the moral high ground ?


Assad is fighting against everyone who opposes him. That includes rebel groups like Nusra/JFS, Ahrar al Sham, FSA affiliated groups and many others. They also fight against ISIS.

There have been clashes with the Kurdish forces in Qamishli and Hassakeh but that's not all out war, though it's something to watch for the future. The Kurds and government have largely avoided fighting each other.

Russia is backing the Assad government by bombing ISIS and non-ISIS rebel groups. They leave the Kurdish YPG/SDF alone.

The US and coalition are bombing ISIS targets, mainly in support of the YPG/SDF and some Turkish backed rebel groups fighting ISIS. They've occasionally targeted individual Nusra/JFS commanders, but are not bombing them regularly like they are with ISIS.

ISIS kill every side who opposes them, including rival jihadist groups when they get the chance.

As for moral high ground, that's more of a matter of opinion.
Reply 7
Original post by RF_PineMarten
Assad is fighting against everyone who opposes him. That includes rebel groups like Nusra/JFS, Ahrar al Sham, FSA affiliated groups and many others. They also fight against ISIS.

There have been clashes with the Kurdish forces in Qamishli and Hassakeh but that's not all out war, though it's something to watch for the future. The Kurds and government have largely avoided fighting each other.
.


Original post by Rakas21
Iran supports Assad because Syria is a majority Sunni country (as are most rebels) and the Iranians/Shia's are engaged in a more or less open war with the Sunni's (though it's hard to say who's worse) globally.

.



2 more questions, then I will stop, I promise.

Why would the United States and Europe want to bomb Assad and remove him ??

Do we have permission from Assad to bomb ISIS in his country ?
Original post by Therec00
2 more questions, then I will stop, I promise.

Why would the United States and Europe want to bomb Assad and remove him ??

Do we have permission from Assad to bomb ISIS in his country ?


The US and Europe generally oppose the Assad government. It goes back to the Assad government's suppression of protests in the initial 2011 uprising, among other things. But they're not going to bomb and remove him - the closest they came to this was in August-September 2013 after a chemical attack, but that was "solved" through diplomacy and a chemical weapons deal.

We don't have permission from Assad to bomb ISIS in Syria. International law is a bit unclear here - we were invited into Iraq by the Iraqi government, and ISIS operates across both countries, and what happens in Syria will of course affect what happens in Iraq - e.g. ISIS will send fighters from their Syrian territory to their Iraqi territory. The argument used by western countries is that the government in Syria is unable to combat ISIS in those areas of Syria, which would give them the legal right to extend their bombing campaign to Syria. But that is of course questionable.
Reply 9
Original post by Therec00
2 more questions, then I will stop, I promise.

Why would the United States and Europe want to bomb Assad and remove him ??

Do we have permission from Assad to bomb ISIS in his country ?


As per the poster above, the west backed the rebels when it became clear that Assad was prepared to butcher his own people.

Well it's questionable whether he even can be said to control half the country but the answer is no. That said, one questions why we could ever respect the position of his government.
Wow I've just learnt so much
Reply 11
They paint the same picture of Assad as they did gadaffi, when Assad is opposing the west. Don't believe everything is msm. These are lies to suit their own agenda. See what you can find about Kissinger and Assad senior - you will find this has been going on for decades
I don't think any country wish is not invited in Assad's war will bone Syria bc wen the us tried to invade Syria air space the Syrian president openly said he did not call or need the any help for the us that the only government he called was Rusia. Then the us wanted ignor it before Moscow reated by saying : any country that will invade the Syrian airspace without an approval he will respond military agains them to protect the integrity of the Syrian people
Original post by aerofanatic

The US and the rest of the west are targeting ISIS.
ISIS are effectively fighting everyone.
.


You seem to be forgetting about one important factor: The Kurds.
The Kurds are effective force fighting ISIS, but they are targeted by Turkey who hates them, being afraid of own integrity, and making oil deals with ISIS. The US pretends they don't see it.

Original post by Therec00


Who is Iran supporting ?


Iran cooperates with Russia. They need to for purely political reasons, but since the ISIS is sunni i, and Iran is shia, Iran probably hates the ISIS.

Original post by Therec00

Isn't there a chance we attack Russian forces or the Syrian government forces, even if by accident ?


This has already happened or... actually flight parameters of Turkish F-16s that shot down a russian bomber suggest it was an ambush and they shot the Russian aircraft on purpose to stop the Russians from attacking ISIS, which makes the Kurds stronger. The Russians are not stupid so they don't want go into open war with west, so they decided not to pay too much attention to this incident.

Though the man may be not the best in many areas, election of Donald Trump gives us a chance to repair relationship with Russia. The Russia has more to offer in many areas than Turkey, so with improved relations, NATO may be able to push Turkey a little bit, and stop it from falling into religious radicalism and to stop persecution of Kurds.

Original post by RF_PineMarten
the closest they came to this was in August-September 2013 after a chemical attack, but that was "solved" through diplomacy and a chemical weapons deal.


It had to be, since Assad's removal after this would a complete scandal comparable to the bombardmen of the Libyan army.
The chemical attack turned out to be an "accident" of rebels with american chemical weapons which had get there from Israel. (I wonder why in Earth's sake).
The Asad is not a biggest idiot in a world to launch a chemical attack, just a couple of kilometers next to international mission, and after Obama's warning.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by PTMalewski
The chemical attack turned out to be an "accident" of rebels with american chemical weapons which had get there from Israel. (I wonder why in Earth's sake).
The Asad is not a biggest idiot in a world to launch a chemical attack, just a couple of kilometers next to international mission, and after Obama's warning.


There is no credible evidence for those theories. Especially not for the ridiculous ones involving Israel and/or the US. Even if it was the rebels who did it, which is highly questionable, the only place they could have got it from would be Syrian army stocks that were captured. The evidence about who the culprit was is inconclusive.
Original post by RF_PineMarten
There is no credible evidence for those theories. Especially not for the ridiculous ones involving Israel and/or the US. Even if it was the rebels who did it, which is highly questionable, the only place they could have got it from would be Syrian army stocks that were captured. The evidence about who the culprit was is inconclusive.


Seems you're right (my memory fault). I don't know why I though there was some credible info.
Anyway, use of such weapon by Asad's regime in that moment would be an extremely stupid decision.
Original post by RF_PineMarten

International law is a bit unclear here - we were invited into Iraq by the Iraqi government, and ISIS operates across both countries, and what happens in Syria will of course affect what happens in Iraq - e.g. ISIS will send fighters from their Syrian territory to their Iraqi territory. The argument used by western countries is that the government in Syria is unable to combat ISIS in those areas of Syria, which would give them the legal right to extend their bombing campaign to Syria. But that is of course questionable.

It isn't "unclear" or "questionable". It is pretty clear. Is there a UNSCR authorising an intervention?
It's quite simple actually, Assad was democratically elected by the majority of Syrians to become Syria's leader, the minority however didn't want this and started a civil war.

Assad is accused ( and probably accurate) of being a Russian puppet, as the Russians want access to the countries vital resources (i.e oil)

The west decided to plan and execute a coup against Assad by supplying the rebels, which led Russia to arm the Syrian government and army to fight back. While both have been fighting each other, ISIS emerged and these terrorists with other terrorist groups ( e.g Al Qaeda) infiltrated and took over the west backed rebels. They want the resources to carry on and extend their holy war or jihad.

The West continues to back the now terrorist rebels to topple Assad, while Assad and Russia are now trying to (unsuccessfully) destroy ISIS and the terrorists.

IT WILL END LIKE AL THE OTHER TIMES THE WEST INTERFERED IN TOPPLING DICTATORS AND REGIMES THAT GO AGAINST WESTERN IDEOLOGY ( E.G AFGHANISTAN, LIBYA, IRAQ ETC.)
Original post by tomywomy
It's quite simple actually, Assad was democratically elected by the majority of Syrians to become Syria's leader, the minority however didn't want this and started a civil war.

Assad is accused ( and probably accurate) of being a Russian puppet, as the Russians want access to the countries vital resources (i.e oil)

The west decided to plan and execute a coup against Assad by supplying the rebels, which led Russia to arm the Syrian government and army to fight back. While both have been fighting each other, ISIS emerged and these terrorists with other terrorist groups ( e.g Al Qaeda) infiltrated and took over the west backed rebels. They want the resources to carry on and extend their holy war or jihad.

The West continues to back the now terrorist rebels to topple Assad, while Assad and Russia are now trying to (unsuccessfully) destroy ISIS and the terrorists.

IT WILL END LIKE AL THE OTHER TIMES THE WEST INTERFERED IN TOPPLING DICTATORS AND REGIMES THAT GO AGAINST WESTERN IDEOLOGY ( E.G AFGHANISTAN, LIBYA, IRAQ ETC.)


Assad was not in any way democratically elected. His father took over in a military coup, and he took over when his father died.

There was an election in 2014, 2 or 3 years AFTER the war had started. An election with only government approved candidates who basically told everyone to vote for Assad. That election was not free and fair, it was a complete sham.

The war started with anti-Assad protests which escalated into civil war when soldiers started defecting and civilians began taking up arms. Not with any western plot or coup.

And Afghanistan was an intervention oust the Taliban from power because they were sheltering Al Qaeda who had just carried out a major terrorist attack. An entirely legitimate intervention and Afghanistan is probably better off because of it.
Original post by rf_pinemarten
assad was not in any way democratically elected. His father took over in a military coup, and he took over when his father died.

There was an election in 2014, 2 or 3 years after the war had started. An election with only government approved candidates who basically told everyone to vote for assad. That election was not free and fair, it was a complete sham.

The war started with anti-assad protests which escalated into civil war when soldiers started defecting and civilians began taking up arms. Not with any western plot or coup.

And afghanistan was an intervention oust the taliban from power because they were sheltering al qaeda who had just carried out a major terrorist attack. An entirely legitimate intervention and afghanistan is probably better off because of it.
proof please

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