Rex Tillerson and Sergie Lavrov Duel Over Syria

It was an interesting spectacle to see the results of the diplomatic discussion that occurred between Russian Foreign Affairs Minister, Sergie Lavrov and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The much anticipated meeting yielded varying interpretations by the media both on the Russian side as well as the US media. After watching the exchange being translated between Tillerson and Lavrov it would be safe to say that though the Russian Minister dominated speaking time, it seemed that Tillerson took the more aggressive road when he said that relations between the two largest super powers were at an all-time low.

Impressions

To listen to Chris Wallace critique the conference, one would think that Lavrov seemed to be willing to fight and defend the Russian position over a number of different theaters of the world from Afghanistan to Israel from Syria to Ukraine. Believe it or not, it was Lavrov who admitted that the US and Russia had a mutual interest in defeating terrorism in not only Syria but through out the world. Tillerson's posture and calling attention to areas of disagreement centered around the US anticipating the end of the Assad Regime and pointed out that confidence was high that the use of chemical weapons had been well planned and carried out by Syrian forces. However, Lavrov did agree with the US over the denuclearization of North Korea.

Willingness to cooperate

Sergie seemed conciliatory toward re-establishing zones of cooperation over airspace to avoid accidental downing of US or Russian aircraft, but continued to challenge the US for proof that the use of nerve gas by Syrian forces was verified. Lavrov called for an investigation to find out who was responsible for the use of nerve gas while Rex Tillerson accused Syria of at least 50 known such nerve gas attacks without any retribution by the US, Russia, or a UN coalition. Though it has been documented that Russia carried out attacks against US backed rebels fighting Assad, this subject was never brought up, at least, not during the televised conference.

Media diatribe

It was not surprising to hear a Russian correspondent challenge the US Secretary of State in President Trump's characterization of Assad as being an animal for launching nerve gas attacks against his own people. The Russians have continued to refuse to acknowledge their part in attacks that have been launched from Syrian airfields where Russian personnel are present as well as their aircraft. A CBS correspondent asked Rex about the Trump White House's stance against Russia over the Syrian conflict and repeated talking points of the Russian reporter who had previously questioned Tillerson.

Denial

If nothing else, President Trump's authorized attack on Syria with US Navy launched Tomahawk Missiles brought Russia to the negotiating table and opened a dialogue with Premier Putin. It is interesting to note that Sergie Lavrov accused the Obama Administration of causing undue tensions with Russia while claiming that there was no evidence that Russian hacking had occurred within US military and election systems. It could be anticipated that the Russians would deny their part in many points of contention with the US and Rex Tillerson though not there to pick a fight was not backing down over issues that have inflamed diplomatic relations between America and Russia.

Summation

Although it was perceived that Sergie Lavrov dominated the discussion, Rex Tillerson, speaking at a cramped meeting room packed with mostly Russian reporters while having to rely on translations was at a decided disadvantage being on Russian turf. That Lavrov had some Diplomatic intimidation over Tillerson, one would be making a grave error. Rex appeared forceful not tense and Lavrov did appear open to cooperation even if he did deny Russian knowledge or that they were complicit over Syrian aggression against its own people acknowledging the Assad Regime as a legitimate UN member nation. That stance could spell trouble in the near future especially if Syria launches another nerve gas attack.Syrians in America are now hopeful thanks to President Trump's actions in finally opposing President Assad's human rights violations.