Russia's Syria withdrawal: a game changer? (Julien Barnes-Dacey, ECFR)

President Putin’s 14 March announcement that Russia will begin withdrawing its military forces from Syria has provoked feverish speculation as to Russia’s motives. Much as the country’s initial intervention into the country last September thrust a game-changing dynamic into the conflict, securing the regime’s position in the face of significant military setbacks, this proposed drawdown opens up the possibility of a new shift in direction, particularly in terms of the political process unfolding under the auspices of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG).

http://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_russias_syria_withdrawal_a_game_changer6041