History repeats itself

Owing to its special and strategic position in the region, Syria proper has currently been the center of a power struggle between various major states which compete against each other to shape the outcome according to their agenda by use of their internal proxies and to sustain strategic advantage in the Mediterranean and the Fertile Crescent, where more than 50% of the world’s oil reserves are situated.

One of the main objectives of the US and its allies is to establish Western geo-political influence and ensure the security of “Israel” by defeating an important ally of Iran in the region. Thus, they plan to split Syrian territories into autonomous states: A state for the Sunnis, a state for the Alawites, a state for the Druzes, and a state for the Kurds.  If they succeed, a new political order would be formed that relieves “Israel” and threatens the security of Iran, the most important ally of Russia in the region. On the other hand, Russia doesn’t want a unilateral Western influence in Syria. Russia has economic, diplomatic and cultural connections with Syria. Moreover, like the USA, Russia has geo-strategic interests in the Mediterranean that comprise its energy routes, export markets and traditional naval policy. Russia’s presence toward the strategic waters of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean is crucial to maintain its shipping, naval and navy activities for its permanent geo-politic and strategic interests opposite to the Western interests. Thus, Russia aims to change the balance of power in the Middle East and to maintain its naval presence in the deep-water port of Tartus. So far Russia has managed to restore Moscow’s international profile as a world power, to re-establish its powerful presence in the region, to promote the image of a peace broker, and to enhance its credibility as a security guarantor in the fight against terrorism.

… To be continued

Understanding SSNP’s Role in Syria’s Anti-Terror Efforts