ISIS War: US Airstrikes Lead to Growing ISIS Support In Syria; Russia Questions Coalition's Policies

The continued U.S.-led airstrike in Syria has prompted anti-Assad forces to forge an alliance or join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria fighters. The Free Syrian Army fighters and other Islamic military groups are reportedly on the move to join ISIS which now controls large swaths of Iraq and Syria. The group's terror campaign in the Middle East has led to the beheading of six hostages from Western countries in the past few months.

Based on a series of interviews conducted by The Guardian, some brigades of anti-Assad fighters have pledged their allegiance to ISIS while other groups formed strategic alliances or enacted a truce. Growing civilian support in some areas have also been observed because of anti-U.S. military action in Syria.

Former Free Syrian Army fighter Abu Talha told The Guardian that ISIS has become like a magnet attracting Muslims in large numbers. Talha is reportedly under negotiations with other groups such as the al-Nusra to defect. Assam Murad, a fighter from a brigade of FSA fighters near Homs, said it would not be possible for them to fight ISIS after the U.S. airstrikes have targeted the group.

Talha also revealed in interviews that civilians were turning to ISIS for support because the group boosts security and implements social measures. In Raqqa, 57 free public restaurants were opened and provided three meals a day. The group provides residents with free fuel as well. Talha said the implementation of Sharia law has led the low crime rate not only in Raqqa but in other cities held by ISIS.

Meanwhile, Russia's preoccupation with Ukraine has been scutinised especially by the West, it still considers itself actively participating in world affairs. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov said in a press conference that Russia has attempted to draw international attention to ISIS and other extremist groups for years, according to Eurasiareview.

Lavrov also said that while the Iraqi government approved the U.S.-led airstrikes against ISIS, the same permission was not sought from Syria which may have led to the anti-U.S. action sentiment in the country. The Russian minister expressed his worries that the coalition forces would not only target ISIS-controlled areas but also forces loyal to the Syrian government to weaken its position in Syria. Following the NATO Wales summit, Lavrov said the U.S.-led coalition might possibly hit the Assad government forces during operations against ISIS in Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his speech at the Valdai Forum in October that certain steps to fight ISIS were not taken and argued that the U.S.-led coalition employed erroneous policies when it granted financial and arms assistance to anti-Syrian forces.

While Russia remains focused in taking care of its economy due to sanctions over Ukraine, it was previously reported that Russia and Iran were planning to establish a joint base operation in Baghdad to help fight ISIS forces. The base will be used as training ground for Russian experts to advise the Iraqi army in handling Russian weapons. In October, Russian officials said Kurds in Erbil were provided with humanitarian aid.