Russia and France become allies after plane bombing and Islamic State attacks

Russia announced on Tuesday that it has started working with the French military in an effort to address the Islamic State situation in Syria. The two countries will be working side by side to ratchet attacks in areas specifically with strong ISIS ties. Russia is not only reportedly cooperating with France but also with other countries to intensify anti-terror campaigns worldwide.

According to The New York Times, the Kremlin's announcement on Tuesday suggested that the country is also taking advantage of the timing to help address and improve relations with the West. The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President François Hollande spoke on the phone and agreed to coordinate military operations in Syria.

The two leaders will also convene in Moscow on Nov. 26. Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced in a televised military briefing that Russia already released long-range bombers, warplanes and cruise missiles in concerned regions.

“A massive airstrike is targeting ISIL sites in Syrian territory,” said Shoigu. “The number of sorties has been doubled, which makes it possible to deliver powerful pinpoint strikes upon ISIL fighters all throughout the Syrian territory.”

Russia appears to be capitalising on emphasising its role in the anti-Islamic State campaign following confirmation that one of its planes over Egypt was bombed down. Russia reiterated its role saying that no campaign can succeed without its participation, according to Reuters. Russia's recent moves are also giving hope to other concerned countries about creating a united front against terror attacks. It is also an indication that Western parties can now convince Putin to look more closely and address the causes of extremism in Syria.

U.S. President Barack Obama is also seeing Russia's decisions in a positive light.

“The problem has been in their initial military incursion into Syria, they have been more focused on propping up President Assad,” said Obama in a press conference while in Manila.

“If in fact he shifts his focus and the focus of his military, to what is the principal threat, which is ISIL, then that is what we want to see.”

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