Russia, U.S. Broker Ceasefire in Syria
Russian and U.S. representatives meet to discuss the situation in Syria
On September 10, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced a Syrian ceasefire that asked both government and opposition forces to step down.
The Assad regime has agreed to honor the ceasefire, which prevents it from using its air force over any region where the opposition forces are present. The ceasefire also calls for the creation of a “joint implementation center” for the U.S. and Russia to cooperate on strikes against the Islamic State (IS). The ceasefire went into effect at sundown on September 12, coinciding with the beginning of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
However, there has already been trouble in maintaining the ceasefire. On September 17, the New York Times reported that U.S. airstrikes may have hit members of the Syrian military stationed in the city of Deir al-Zour. The airstrikes were intended for IS, which currently surrounds the city. The Syrian military reports that as many as 62 soldiers were killed and over a hundred were injured in strikes. The military also claims that the strikes allowed the IS to advance.
Tensions are high following the strikes, with the Assad regime stating that the government obtained “conclusive evidence” that the U.S. supports IS.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin also stated that the “[The U.S.] cannot separate the so-called healthy part of the opposition from the half-criminal and terrorist elements” and cannot honor the ceasefire.
However, the U.S. and opposition groups have their own list of complaints about ceasefire violations. Humanitarian aid convoys have not been permitted to enter the city of Aleppo, which the U.S. blames on interference by the Assad regime while Russia points to the aggressive action by rebel groups.
After a tumultuous first week, it remains to be seen whether the ceasefire will hold any longer. Russia is already pointing the finger at the U.S. for the possible ceasefire collapse, with Russian General Viktor Poznikir stating, "If the American side does not take the necessary measures to carry out its obligations... a breakdown of the ceasefire will be on the United States."