New US-Led Airstrikes in Syria Could Lead to Direct Standoff With Russia

© REUTERS / Rodi SaidA US fighter, who is fighting alongside with Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), carries his national flag as he stands with SDF fighters in northern province of Raqqa, Syria May 27, 2016
A US fighter, who is fighting alongside with Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), carries his national flag as he stands with SDF fighters in northern province of Raqqa, Syria May 27, 2016 - Sputnik International
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On Friday, US President Obama will decide on whether the US should enhance its military involvement in Syria and carry out direct airstrikes.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (R) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov walk into their meeting room in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the crisis in Syria, September 9, 2016 - Sputnik International
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President Barack Obama and his advisors will consider further military options in Syria this week. A corresponding decision will be made during a meeting on Friday, a government official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

According to German newspaper DWN, one of the options that the US could consider in this regard is carrying out airstrikes on Syrian military bases, air defense bases and ammunition depots.

"However, this move would be dangerous as [the airstrikes] could hit the Syrian ally, Russia, which Obama wants to avoid direct confrontation with," the newspaper wrote.

Another alternative could be to equip the US-backed "moderate rebels" with modern weapons, but this would lead to a new dilemma: if the US provides the fighters with air defense missiles, there is a risk they can use them to shoot down the aircraft of the Western Alliance, the newspaper wrote.

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Ever since the Kerry-Lavrov ceasefire in Syria failed last month, Russia and its Syrian ally have stepped up the offensive to fully capture the key city of Aleppo. The US decided to suspend contacts with Russia on Syria following the launch of the airstrikes near the city.

According to Reuters, the Washington government has given up the hope of winning the battle for Aleppo. At the same time, DWN noted that Obama might not make any final decision on Friday and "use the option of another round of negotiations with Russia."

"Talks are crucial. All the parties involved understand that talks are the only way to reach a compromise on Syria. But resuming of cooperation wouldn't make the Syrian Army stop fighting terrorists, particularly in Aleppo. It took much efforts and resources to kick terrorists out of the city," Russian Senator Vladimir Jabarov told the Russian newspaper Izvestia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his American counterpart are expected meet in Lausanne, Switzerland on October 15. This will be their first talks since Washington announced October 3 the suspension of cooperation on Syria with Moscow.

"I hope that the parties have made certain conclusions from the recent events and the upcoming talks will result in dialogue on the Syrian settlement," the expert concluded.

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