Let's talk about Syria...

[peacetraveler22]

Today, a rare exception in the blog and a search for understanding - politics! I've been closely watching reports about the Russian airstrikes, mostly from RT, which is one of the most anti-Western, Kremlin controlled media outlets. Please explain to me why it's okay for Russia to drop bombs on Syria, but not the U.S.? Do you support this military action? Reading the headlines on RT is enough to make my head spin. Complete glory and hysteria erupting over the great and powerful Russia, everyday tons of posts praising the military action, yet never missing a chance to say something wild and derogatory about the U.S. or Europe in the process. Just a few examples:

-  "Less talk, more action! Russian jets destroy ISIS HQ's, tanks and munitions - all in 1 week!!"
-  "Russia destroys ISIS command, U.S. destroys hospital"
-  "The F-35 death trap!: Pentagon jet's ejection seat could snap pilot's neck"

Russian bombs will not kill innocent civilians? Impossible. I find it scary that Russian and U.S. fighter jets are flying in the same airspace - a disaster waiting to happen?

Last night, I asked one reader how Russians feel about this situation, and his response was interesting: "I'm personally glad because I always want to restore the glory of the Russian Empire and Soviet Union. I was born in a first-class country, a world power, a center of the world, and I cannot live and feel otherwise." How do you feel? From my perspective, all of this joy and enthusiasm over the Russian bombings is hypocritical, especially when so many people constantly climb into my comments shouting "Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan" over and over again, criticizing the U.S. for "dropping bombs" all over the world.

Please help me understand why so many Russians support this military action in Syria. I don't closely follow geopolitical relations, they're not of special interest to me, but it's a very interesting cultural dynamic to explore - the cult of war and militarism. Not in government, but among ordinary citizens of a nation.

I will read all your comments, but please be respectful to each other in the discussion.

Comments

[radonis.livejournal.com]

coz it's the first time for Russia and a few decades for US I guess.
same thing about US mass media. they o nthe opposite say that Russian's bombings are super bad, while american bombings are cute and safe for inccocent people. Bullshit)

Ah... the sweet smell of propoganda...

[2tvlad.livejournal.com]

большинству жителей США - все равно, кого там бомбят, кто там бомбит... это не их бизнес...

[2tvlad.livejournal.com]

Россия в Сирии находится законно. Все остальные там - террористы.

Скажите, а вы правда считаете, что фергюсон дает право России бомбить США?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Why are you talking about Ferguson? I've been there, and will write a report about this city sometime soon.

[dorli87.livejournal.com]

Russians have a big drama in their past - destroying Soviet Union, one of two strongest and powerful empires as they think. Russia returns now her military glory at least.

[janelight.livejournal.com]

Come on. No glory in this. Just empire complexes.

[e-g-o-r-i-u-s.livejournal.com]

Shannon, switch RT off; this will save you a) time, b) spirits. Nothing worth to be known can you hear there.

[a-bishop.livejournal.com]

+100. Just learn a bit more about the background of this "channel".

[perycalypsis.livejournal.com]

All that machinery was perfectly described at the movie Wag the dog.

BTW Russian press wrote favorably about the Tomahawks flying along the street and turning the corner inside Baghdad city limits during the 1st gulf war.

[fox511.livejournal.com]

Because ISIS and other kind of terrorist shit is quite close to the russian bordres. Less than 500 miles from nothern Syria to suothern russian regions.

And because more than 2000 russian citizens are now in ISIS fighting against goverment forces in Syria and other countries. And they can return to Russia with war skills/ Much better to destroy them at Syria right now.

And because officially Chechen war was ended only 6 years ago and most of russian citizens don't forgett what is it.

And - video. Do not watch this video till the end. You need just recognise the terrorist's language.
http://andrey-cruz.livejournal.com/434681.html

[another-frony.livejournal.com]

That's strange. 2000 russian citizens fight against Assad, so we should bomb ISIS and Syrian opposition.

You are saying it again :(

[pin-gwin.livejournal.com]

I stopped watching RT - they are too intense for me. I have Chrome plug-in with their news real time update.
Could you please point me to the exact source, stating that it is wrong to US to bomb IS? I do not see it anywhere. What is commonly said is that US supporting "moderate rebels" is wrong since this hard to distinguish if they are really pro-democratic fighter or just another gang and that mistakes have already happened. I may remind you where Bin Laden came from. Historically I would say that American foreign policy is to quickly leads to military conflicts which are, by my opinion, a complete failure of diplomacy and intelligence. Using the force is much simpler than using brain power.
For me destroying historical artifacts there should have triggered intimidate and broad ground operation from all countries around the world. They are doing irreversible damage.

Re: You are saying it again :(

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I'm speaking about Russian readers who constantly mention Syria in comments to my posts, which have absolutely nothing to do with politics. Today's post is a very rare exception, where I open up comments to discuss such issues. Which historical artifacts have been destroyed? RT - it's the absolute worst! Esp. to read the idiotic comments to the posts, which I'm sure are mostly written by paid Krembots. Everything is a conspiracy theory, evil Jews, evil America....I especially hate the way this news outlet covers the police in the U.S.

[3as7.livejournal.com]

It's all about he division of influence over the Middle East and arms sales.

US is the first in the world by arms sales, and Russia is a close second. Thus it is a big advertisement campaign from the Russian side, mentioning that they would not only sell you weapons,but also support your cause. Moreover, it is their attempt to hurt the US and an attempt to diminish its influence in the region.

By the way, let's not forget certain acts performed by the US that can be classified as aggression. Even the Nobel Pease Prize winner has authorized a few.
Moreover, many of those CIA-backed "moderates" are representatives of such movements, as al-Qaeda.

[vitsky.livejournal.com]

I suppose, both russians and americans (and whoever else) should be glad, that russian army helps the world society to overcome terorist threat. Not that I'm happy about this fact, but I think it's better than to do nothing, just observing how ISIS and other terroris organisations become stronger.

[dmitri-lytov.livejournal.com]

So funny, when I look at your photo, I first thought it was me, only the cat is different (mine is orange).

Concerning Syria, I'd prefer a cat (or another domestic animal) allegory: when a male cat (or a male dog) has no female partner to satisfy his instinct, he may play with a human leg for the same purpose (let's call it sublimation). Syria plays exactly the same role for many Russians who were educated on the examples of the past imperial and Soviet military glory, to start with Alexander Nevsky and Peter the Great (the latter was even proposed by liberals as an alternative cult personality to Lenin a decade ago). The modern world prefers peaceful solutions, but the instincts (or the imprints of the school education) scream, which makes politicians choose the bloodiest possible solutions on many occasions.

[sun-jr.livejournal.com]

Oh boy, you are definitely poking sleeping bear. I afraid bunch of propaganda guys will visit your blog soon and explain you why USA brings war and Russia (with Putin) brings only peace.

[(Anonymous)]

>I find it scary that Russian and U.S. fighter jets are flying in the same airspace - a disaster waiting to happen?
Then GTFO of sky of sovereign state of Syria.
What USSA planes are doing there?

[f-l-o-e.livejournal.com]

Русские очень завидовали Штатам. Они осуждали бомбардировки не потому что сочувствовали кому-то, а потому что завидовали возможности США бомбить разные страны. А теперь, когда когда Россия бомбит кого-то там в Сирии, русские верят, что они встали на один уровень со Штатами.

[alex-laskin.livejournal.com]

Даже больше.Они гордятся тем что США уже давно бомбили ,но не добились таких результатов как российско-карательные войска.

[kir-akot.livejournal.com]

It is human nature, nothing more. No matter whether it Russian or American.

[sergechel.livejournal.com]

This hysteria helps to switch people from the Ukraine related news

[photobus.livejournal.com]

Многим не нравился Башар Асад (демократически избранный) - и вот в Сирии война. Путин тоже многим не нравится... Мы все прекрасно понимаем.

[aborigen72.livejournal.com]

не поддерживаю все эти спектакли

надоел весь этот сумасшедший дом ((((((((((((((

[j1980.livejournal.com]

Лично у меня подозрение, что существование ИГИЛ до поры до времени выгодно США, потому что помогает свергать режимы, вносить дестабилизацию в регион. США не в первый раз выращивают монстра. Взять хотя бы талибов. Пока это было против СССР в Афганистане, всё было окей, Усама Бин Ладен сбивал советские вертолёты, а когда пришло время вскрывать нефтяной регион, все вдруг разглядели, какие же талибы кошмарные и ужасные. Вполне возможно, ИГИЛ для этого же и затевался. Потому и жестокость у них такая - чтоб народ быстро и массово погнать. Впрочем, это всё теории.
США заинтересованы убрать Асада, а Россия заинтересована в его защите. У тех и у других свои шкурные интересы, почему у кого-то они должны быть главней?

[alex-laskin.livejournal.com]

Какие шкурные интересы у России в этом регионе,и почему она не может быть заинтересована в ИГИЛ?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_kamilfo_/]

Well... It is a very complicated talk. First of all, because we live in a different information fields.

Anyway, I'll explain you Russian point of view.

First of all, Iraq, Livia and Siria — countries, where USA used army. Without any approval from goverments of those countries. Just because USA decided to take part in inner life of that countries. Just because USA didn't like Saadam Khusein, Kaddafi or Asad and their way of manegement in their countries. By the way, pay attention that all the countries are from the same region. One-by-one. Make your own conclusion. Also, let's count how many US soldiers are dead, how many civilians are dead throughout these campaigns.

Now, Russia. It is the only and the first campaign, where Russia decided to take part in for many years. Also, Russian participation was asked by the LEGAL government of Siria. Russia has recieved oficial SOS signal from Siria. It is very importaint. What do US crafts do there? Why are they there? It hasn't been discussed even in UN!

All in all US and Russia do almost the same, but Russia does only one week and it legally, and US - coulpe of years and illegaly.

[Макс (from livejournal.com)]

The holy truth!

[Макс (from livejournal.com)]

It simple.. the difference is that Americans bomb good guys (mostly civilians, as we can see) Russians bomb bad guys like al-Qaeda and ISIS and other terrorists.

By the way, if you'd like to speak about politics ask us about Ukraine I bet it'll be huge!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Ukraine? Maybe next week. :) In general, I don't understand anything about the conflict there, or what Russia's objective is. All of it sad - I have many Ukrainian friends.

[yshikalenko.livejournal.com]

In the first: ISIS is an agressor, which wont stop itself. Like a Fashist Germany in 30th years of 20th century. If we wont stop it we will have its agression in future;
In the second: Russia has an agreement with Syria about frendship and assistance. President of Syria asked help against ISIS. If Russia refused it how much will the agreement cost? Why did the aggrement make in this case?
I relly dislike fighting in Syria. But is there an alternative?

[seadevil001.livejournal.com]

Well, it is simple. In one sense. Syria shows Russians that Russian government has principle, power, will and means. That why people support whole affair. Also, people understand arguments and know those are valid because it worked in Russia.
From this side of ocean, you may take look on those two non RT articles:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-a-palermo/the-us-and-russia-syria-and-ukraine-neo-cons-vs-liberal-interventionists_b_8243124.html
http://www.salon.com/2015/10/06/thomas_friedman_read_your_chomsky_the_new_york_times_gets_putinobama_all_wrong_again/

I concur with idea in articles that people in the government here as well as sponsors does not understand Russia and Putin in particular. US is very confrontational against Russia without any good reason except that Heartland theory. So, Russia's ruling elite taked it now on face value - and that meant they think that US is not interested in Russia existence in any form and under any leader. That why Russia will be making best offer in the beginning and if not taken just continue course.

Also, I would like to add that when US and allies started bombing campaign in Syria, it was welcomed by Russia. Why so much fuss now?

[e-d-w.livejournal.com]

See what your politicians are doing, and what your politicians and media say about Russia.

[tvar-esho-ta.livejournal.com]

We, Russians, are different - so we have different reasoning behind supporting Syria military operation. I have a feeling - we sense it is a right thing to do now.
I can only explain my own view of the situation: at the moment only capable military forces available at Syria is Assad military and AlKaeda+ISIL. If secular Asad fail, it will add more resources to ISIL. And they (ISIL and Jihady) already declared themselves enemy of Russia (they do not shy about employing jihadists from Russia and environs and revealing plans of sanding them against Russia later)
So it simple: help Asad now or fight more powerful version of that killers ISIL later on Russian soil. And knowing our pilots destroying homicidal sadistic fanatics is a bonus.
That is “why” I support this operation.

[yacc11.livejournal.com]

>Russian bombs will not kill innocent civilians? Impossible.
It's possible. It depends on accuracy of reconnaissance and target. Russians do not bomb targets inside a towns. Yes, if civilians work on military facility than they may be killed.

>why so many Russians support this military action in Syria. I don't closely follow geopolitical relations, they're not of special interest to me, but it's a very interesting cultural dynamic to explore - the cult of war and militarism.

It's not about a militarism only - look at Europe. How many refuges did US create during its bombin and turn countries into instability?

[kir-akot.livejournal.com]

Кто-нибудь знает что написано на этой фотке под Асадом, Путиным и Бородатым Мужиком?

[verniy-leninetz.livejournal.com]

Слава Украине!, разумеется.

Кстати, бородатый мужик вроде бы Рухани, президент Ирана.