Syria - Raam op Rusland

Russia’s Violent Theatre and Theatrical Violence

There are signs that the monopoly on violence in Russia is being shared with thugs. Is it possible to hire tough guys to rough up demonstrators? According to security specialist Mark Galeotti, it is more about the 'theatre of violence', creating an environment to make people think twice to take part in protests.

by Mark Galeotti
With Pax Russica in Middle East Putin inherits all its problems

With smart tactical improvisation and an intelligent strategy, Putin has put together a house of cards in Syria. With its current success, Russia also inherits many problems, writes ex-diplomat and arabist Marcel Kurpershoek.

by Marcel Kurpershoek
As Trump leaves Syria, Putin becomes the region's power broker

The decision of president Trump to withdraw the American military from northern Syria clears the way for Russia to become the referee in Syria and the wider region. Russia must feel excited that it has finally returned to the world stage as a major recognized force, argues Maxim Trudolyubov, senior fellow at the Kennan Institute.

by Maxim Trudolyubov
Is minister of Defense Shoigu applying for post-Putin?

Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu gave a lenghty interview in which he spoke about the reform of the army, the victories in Syria and Russia's successful defence against the West's hybrid warfare. According to our columnist Mark Galeotti, it looks like the application letter for the presidency after Putin's current term ends in 2024. But there are competitors.

by Mark Galeotti
Aboard Russia's Propaganda Train Of 'Syrian War Trophies'

Trophies from the Russian military campaign in Syria are making their way back to Russia. In an article for
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Footprints of the Russian Military Intelligence Agency GRU are everywhere

The Russian GRU is back in charge. Be it in the Mueller indictment, the annexation of Crimea, the Skripal case, the downing of MH17,
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Russia’s alienation from the West: who is to blame?

In a
Russia will stand strong and rely on itself

On May 18 Dmitri Trenin, director of think tank Carnegie Moscow, presented his views on the tensions between Russia
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Moscow's balancing act in Syria: reigning in both Iran and Israel

Russia has been in the spotlight, as the escalation between Israel and Iran on Syrian soil risks dragging Moscow into a new
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Can Russia Save Iran From Itself?

The survival of the Assad regime lies entirely in the hands of its two main supporters: Russia and Iran. Therefore Netanyahu was in
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Russian losses in Syria give Putin headaches

The American bombardment of Russian mercenaries in Syria has made it clear that the Russian intervention in Syria is not over,
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U.S.-Russian relations: back to square one - Part I

A mere two and a half months after his inauguration Donald Trump acknowledged that ‘we’re not getting along with Russia at all, we
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Een megadeal? Nee, bedankt

De relatie Moskou-Washington kan alle kanten op gaan. Escalatie is denkbaar of verder overleg. Maar een doorbraak zit er niet in.
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Nuclear arms race returns as if Cold War never ended

Many statements of Donald Trump may be contradictory, his plan to 'rebuild the US military into the strongest on earth' has been
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Russische vloot begint terugtocht uit Middellandse Zee

Rusland begint de omvang van zijn strijdkrachten in Syrië terug te schroeven. Het vliegdekschip Admiraal Koeznetsov en enkele andere
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Russian boots on the ground in Aleppo

Aleppo. Pictures
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Rusland is nieuwe vijand nummer één in Arabische wereld

Door de verovering van Aleppo heeft Rusland de Verenigde Staten verdrongen als grootmacht in het Midden-Oosten. De Russische burgers
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Will Trump Become the Kremlin’s Icebreaker?

Before the elections the Russian leadership was praising Donald Trump. After his victory the Kremlin should worry about mercurial
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First thoughts about surviving the 'Trumpocalypse'

Perhaps we should have been warned by the American predilection for zombie apocalypse dramas, that it was a precautionary signal
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Putin and Erdogan, despite Assad, against the West

Russia and Turkey have surprisingly quickly found each other again in their mutual aversion against the West, which in their opinion
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No reason for Moscow to cheer a Turkish solo

The meeting between Russia’s president Vladimir Putin and his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan on August 10 did not turn into
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Turkey, Russia and NATO: a reset of relations

5 augustus 2016

The failed military coup against president Erdogan will affect the foreign policy of Turkey. The military
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Aleppo. Pictures