World
07:37, 13-Dec-2017
What message does Putin want to send by withdrawing troops from Syria?
["other","Middle East"]
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By CGTN's World Insight
I think this is a mission of accomplishment, it's only one of several that have already occurred. I wouldn't expect too much withdrawal of Russian forces. It’s more rotation, as we've seen frequently," said Uday Bhaskar, director of the Society for Policy Studies.
He is a retired commodore who served in the Indian Navy and one of India's leading experts and outspoken critics of security and strategic affairs.
Uday Bhaskar, director of the Society for Policy Studies /CGTN Screenshot
Uday Bhaskar, director of the Society for Policy Studies /CGTN Screenshot
His comments on CGTN’s World Insight came after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria, declaring their work largely done.
Russia's influence in the Middle East has grown in recent years, because the Syria conflict has given Putin the opportunity to cast himself as a leader who can handle diplomacy as well as military force.
Bhaskar said on the one hand this announcement has something to do with Putin running for president again in 2018.
"The statement is for domestic politics, shoring up the presidency, a push for re-election next year," he said.
On the other, he said, the withdrawal order is Putin's way of telling America to pack its bags.
"It is a message to the United States which recently reiterated its intent to remain in eastern Syria indefinitely. It's once again warning them that what figment of legal remit they had to be in Syria is gone with the defeat of ISIL, and they need to pack their bags and get out."
World Insight with Tian Wei is a 45-minute global affairs and debate show on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 10.15 p.m. BJT (1415GMT), with rebroadcasts at 4.15 a.m. BJT (2015GMT).
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