In a move that is raising eyebrows worldwide, Russia has abruptly ordered the withdrawals of all military personnel present in Syria, fueling speculations that the Syria situation is in its 'death spiral'.
In addition, Russia's ship has left the strategic Tartus port, citing a deteriorating picture, and lack of safety for its troops.
The raging civil war, which is now engulfing neighboring Lebanon, has taken a downturn. In addition, the western community has pledged in different form renewed aid to the rebels. Just yesterday, Saudi Arabia got in the mix, pledging aid and arms for the rebels.
The Russians have not denied the withdrawal. It has even taken pains to state that "Today, the Russian defence ministry does not have a single military or official person in Syria."
This however, sends a very loud signal to those who are planning to bolster the rebel cause, that Russia is 'abandoning ship' and is leaving the territory open to attacks internally or from abroad, since one of the factors that deterred foreign intervention was the presence of Russian military or personnel, who if stricken by foreign fire, could precipitate a wider conflict between Russia and the nation responsible for the strikes. If the Russian military is weary of the deteriorating circumstances enough to leave, then the situation might be much worse than is known.
Without this 'cover' Assad will have much less security.
However, the Russian agency did say that there are some non military personnel on the ground to assist in training. This too, could be a minor deterrent from foreign nations' attacks, since Russia has warned about any Russian casualties from the Syrian civil war arising from foreign intervention, but it is a much smaller deterrent than engaging either military forces from Russia stationed there, or attacking military vessels or installations.
source : France 24/ 6.26.13
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