Russia's Anti-Daesh Campaign Offers Real Hope of Resolving Syrian Crisis

Russia's successful counterterrorism campaign in Syria could be the key element that will ultimately lead to Damascus' victory over terrorist groups, which are tearing the Arab country apart along sectarian lines.

Is Moscow's engagement "a game-changer that not only would end the insurgency, but also end the cycle of interpretations of the conflict?" defense expert Guillaume Lagane asked in an article for Atlantico. "This is a real possibility if we take into account the Russian military dynamic and disengagement of the United States."

Analyst Sergey Ermakov echoed this sentiment. The situation in Syria dramatically changed once Russia launched its anti-Daesh operation on September 30, 2015, following a formal request from Damascus.

"If it were not for the Russian aerial campaign, Daesh would have likely bolstered its standing – [the terrorist group] would have built up its muscles, taken more territories under its control, gained access to additional resources," he told Svobodnaya Pressa.

Everyday life of the Russian air group at the Hmeymim airfield in Syria

© Photo : Russian Defence Ministry

One of the latest positive developments in Syria includes the deal on cessation of hostilities between Damascus and opposition groups. The agreement, which was prepared by Russia and the United States, is expected to enter into force on February 27.

The ceasefire deal is a milestone in the Syrian peace process, although its implementation would not be an easy task.

"Evidently, the peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict is problematic, but prospects of regional stability are within view – in particular thanks to Russia and its military might," Ermakov observed.