Is Russia the Good Guy in the Fight Against ISIS?
The question of who the 'good guys' are in the fight against ISIS is a complex one, especially when considering the actions of Russia in Syria. This essay aims to explore the motivations behind Russia's involvement and determine whether their support for the Assad regime can rightly be considered as aiding a 'good cause.'
Russia's Involvement in Suppressing ISIS
Russia's involvement in the fight against ISIS is often seen as a positive step, given their targeting of ISIS targets in Syria. However, this perspective is flawed. Russia is not fighting ISIS because it shares the same moral or political principles; rather, it is using the fight against ISIS as a means to support the Assad regime, an entity that is far from being a bastion of righteousness.
ISIS, a terrorist organization that seeks to establish a global caliphate, has little in common with the aspirations of the Syrian people. Though some anti-Assad forces in Syria are primarily Sunni, ISIS is not part of this resistance. Instead, its fight in Syria is driven by a desire to expand its territorial control, aligning it more closely with its goals in Iraq.
Russia's Allegiance to the Assad Regime
Russia's true motive in Syria is to support the Assad regime, which represents the Alawites and is a branch of Shia Islam. The Assad regime has a history of human rights abuses and authoritarianism. By supporting this regime, Russia is actively aligning itself with an authoritarian force that is fighting not for the greater good, but for its own survival.
Furthermore, much of the international community, including many Sunnis and groups fighting against ISIS, consider the Assad regime to be part of the problem, not the solution. Therefore, Russia's support for the Assad regime cannot be conflated with supporting the 'good guys' in Syria.
The Concept of 'Good Guys'
The notion of 'good guys' is often a Western construct, used to simplify the complexities of international affairs. However, it is a dangerous oversimplification that can legitimize actions that may not align with global humanitarian goals. The term is frequently employed by powerful entities to justify their actions and delegitimize others, often at the cost of rational analysis.
Alternatives to the 'Good Guys' Narrative
When assessing who the 'good guys' are in a conflict, it is essential to consider more nuanced factors. One such factor is the long-term impact on peace and stability. For instance, the US-led coalition's involvement in Syria is often criticized for contributing to instability rather than alleviating it. This raises questions about whether they are truly fighting for the greater good or simply pursuing their own interests.
Another aspect to consider is adherence to international law and norms. While Russia's intervention may be framed as a response to a lawful attack on the Assad regime, its broader goals and methods are questionable. The fight against ISIS has been used as a cover for other geopolitical objectives, such as challenging Western influence in the region.
Conclusion
The categorization of entities as 'good guys' or 'bad guys' is often a simplification that overlooks the complexities of real-world dynamics. In the case of Russia's involvement in Syria, its support for the Assad regime is more about self-interest and geopolitical calculations than about fighting for justice. The fight against ISIS is a valid concern, but it should not be used to justify actions that may not align with broader humanitarian goals.
Keywords: Russia, ISIS, Good Guys, Syria, Moral Position