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Image before gains

Aug 06,2016 - Last updated at Aug 06,2016

According to the Russian version, the Russian military helicopter that was downed in Idlib was carrying “sweets and chocolates” to the Syrians besieged in Aleppo. 

By the way, Idlib has little to do with the encircled Syrians in Aleppo. 

Then, Russia said that it was the opposition groups that last week deployed chemical weapons against an opposition-controlled town in the north of Syria.

It was the same claim Moscow made when the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its people in a Damascus suburb in 2013, killing close to 1,000 people.

Russia also says that it is in Syria to promote freedom, stability and security in the country. 

Of course, its growing naval and air bases in the Latakia region are there to protect the country from falling apart. 

Since the Russian military intervention in Syria, in the fall of last year, the number of civilians that were killed by Russian warplanes reached several thousands.

The recent wave of aerial attacks on hospitals, clinics and medical facilities in and around of Aleppo was reportedly conducted by Damascus, but on the Soviet forces’ watch.

So much for Russia’s Samaritan objectives and humanitarian goals!

Occasionally Moscow refers to international law, as when it lectured the US about the need to comply with international guidelines before it launches air attacks in Libya, implying that its own indiscriminate air attacks in Syria are in strict compliance with international norms.

Russia is indeed a great country. Its contributions to mankind in science, literature and art are distinguished. Russians are among the friendliest and kindest people.

It is painful to watch Moscow’s behaviour in Syria, so contrary to what the country has stood for, for ages.

During the times of the Soviet Union, peoples across the globe, especially those still living under the yoke of colonialism, looked to Russia for salvation and freedom.

Russian history is full of outstanding accomplishments and of instances when Moscow stood by the oppressed. 

Now, all of a sudden, Russia’s profile changed in a dramatic way. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin is a clever and able leader, and it is expected of him to change his country’s current course in the international arena.

One understands geopolitical considerations, but they should not distort and harm the image of the country, and give the wrong message as to where Moscow stands on issues related to freedom and basic human rights.

The loss of a good image far exceeds any geopolitical gains.

Moscow needs to review its policy on Syria, especially because its current profile goes against everything it ever was among the Arab peoples.

 

The loss of the Arab nation would be a serious strategic loss.

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