Page 6 - Ulpan-Or: e-Tone 03-22-16, Advanced level

E-Tone™: Ulpan-Or Weekly News Digest

Item #1 (Advanced Level)

Russia Pulls Out of Syria

The surprising announcement by Russian President Putin was executed
immediately today in cameras’ view. The Russian forces, which arrived
slowly and discretely into Syria about six months ago, show the world
their departure. Not all of the Russian forces are leaving Syria, but the
Russian departure certainly changes the situation. The first to be alarmed
by this decision was Assad, who was almost able to end the military
campaign, but now, without the Russians, Assad has a problem. The
Syrian press doesn’t even call it a retreat, trying to hide the meaning [lit.
depth] of the Russian decision. Now the question (is) what will the
opposition’s forces do? Assad now remains with the Iranians, who will
surely have to decide whether to increase their presence, take charge, or
bring back some of (their) forces as well. What will Hezbollah do isn’t
clear either. Putin’s step has some advantages to Israel, as well as some
disadvantages. What’s certain is that this move surprised the IDF as well.
Exactly five years after the start of the civil war in Syria, the Russians
move out and leave Syria bleeding. But Syria might continue to bleed, or
maybe a new, less violent, chapter in Syrian history will start here.

Page 6 - Edition 03-22-16

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