The international coalition against Daesh (the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), is operating in two very different theatres as it fights in both Syria and Iraq. And military action in these two states requires very different strategies as in Iraq the coalition is working with the government in a more or less orderly manner, whereas in Syria most members of the coalition are also fighting the Syrian government as they back assorted elements in the opposition as they try to build a cohesive single force.
Russian (more recent) and Iranian (well established) inference in Syria have had a major impact, in part because it has not been matched on the opposition’s side by international action to back the opposition. For example, last week’s collapse of the latest round of Geneva III talks seeking a political solution in Syria has been attributed to the new confidence from the government, thanks to its strong backing from Russian forces which have brought it successive gains on the ground.
It has encouraged Bashar Al Assad to think that he does not need to negotiate at this stage as he can expect to make further gains on the ground without talking to anyone.
This is why it is important that Saudi Arabia has announced that it sending ground troops to support the action in Syria by the coalition against Daesh. The international and regional forces need more backing from the region, and the Saudi move is seen as a further strengthening of Saudi resolve to commit to ending the threat from Daesh. This continues the contribution already made by the UAE when it sent its air force to fight in Syria as well as Iraq.
This all shows the willingness of the Gulf states to support the work of the coalition with more than money and rhetoric, and is a major affirmation of their determination to fight Daesh and all it stands for.
However, in the confused warfare in Syria it is not certain that coalition troops will be able to confine their activities to their declared aim of fighting Daesh and not get tangled up in fighting alongside their allies in the opposition against the regime. The opposition badly needs some strong support to match the firepower and skill that the Russians and Iranians are giving the regime, but for now that will be reserved for fighting Daesh.
