Russian Aircraft in Syria “Attacks” US Ego – German Newspaper

Russia’s decisive attack on ISIL positions in Syria compared to four years of US inertness, has dealt a blow to the reputation of the United States, German newspaper Handelsblatt wrote.

Russian President Vladimir Putin damaged the self-esteem of the US government and its allies, while carrying out a more or less efficient military operation in Syria, Handelsblatt reported.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that the West cannot resolve the crisis. In the same way, it could not resolve other conflicts in the region — in Iraq […] or Afghanistan, or in Libya. The [US] intervention rather contributed to the chaos," the article said.

To a large extent, the United States is to be blamed for the deterioration of the Syrian crisis. First, Washington lent military support for the opposition. Second, it responded only with sporadic airstrikes to the ISIL offensive.

Now, the West is again feeling duped by Vladimir Putin. Once again, the Kremlin chief showed that it can act independently and does not need any ‘permission’ of Western countries.

According to the newspaper, it has become increasingly clear that the West cannot resolve the Syrian crisis which has been escalating in the last four years. The current strength of Putin, thus, only reflects the weakness of the US and NATO.

Whether the Kremlin will be able to solve the crisis is, however, unclear. The newspaper argues that military operations and airstrikes would surely not be enough to bring the country to peace.