Moscow is capable of changing course of Syria war, says Kross
Russia, which has launched an information war on its role in the Syrian war, may be able to change the course of the war, says Estonian MP and security expert Eerik-Niiles Kross.
Moscow is sending mixed signals to mask its actions in Syria, including messages to the moderate forces fighting the Syrian government, telling them that they have been abandoned by their Western allies, Kross said, speaking on ETV's “Välisilm” program.
“The game is very much played around who will be believed and Russia is currently sowing mistrust of the Americans, especially against the Western coalition, and of course they are doing all to show they are the strongest, that they are in control of the situation, that the West is weak and in retreat,” Kross said.
Kross said Russia has sent its air force, modern anti-air defense elements, tanks, armored vehicles, command and reconnaissance elements, and between 2,000-4,000 soldiers to Syria.
“All this does not look like a anti-terrorism operation to battle ISIS, but it looks exactly like what it is, to protect Bashar al-Assad controlled area, to protect the regime and to improve the morale of al-Assad's troops,” he said, adding that the later has already been achieved.
He said he does not agree with opinions saying Russia is too weak in Syria, adding that he believes Russia can alter the course of the war.
Editor: J.M. Laats