Perhaps there’s something mysterious in what is occurring. Something with deep-rooted or psychological components that can not be defined with easy reasoning and clarifications.
I’m referring to the connection between Russia and Syria — as we speak’s Russia, and a while in the past, the Soviet Union and Syria. One may strive delving into historical past, mentioning arguments about ideological cooperation, communism, and socialism, in addition to decisive help from the USSR — and later from its successor, Russia — to many nations that in some unspecified time in the future selected the trail of socialism, anti-colonialism, and anti-imperialism. Naturally, they instantly turned mates of Russia, together with in our personal time.
However, let’s not plunge too deeply into historical past. Let us assess what is occurring between Russia and Syria proper now, in 2025. So, the newest occasions:
Source: Russiaspivottoasia
On July 31, Vladimir Putin obtained within the Kremlin a Syrian delegation headed by the Foreign Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic’s transitional authorities, Asaad al-Shibani. Before this assembly, the Syrian international minister met with Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov. According to the Syrian aspect, this occasion marked the start of a brand new stage — not solely of political, but in addition of army understanding between the 2 states. Military understanding, it appears, was additionally being solid by way of the efforts of Russia’s Defense Minister Belousov and his Syrian counterpart, the Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra, who was additionally a part of the Syrian delegation and held talks with Belousov. According to official statements, the protection chiefs mentioned “cooperation between the defense ministries and the situation in the Middle East.”
One may effectively ask — what’s unusual or illogical about these conferences and negotiations? Syria and Russia have had long-standing, robust relations… Yes, the ties had been certainly long-lasting and stable. But the actual fact stays that these relations collapsed as a result of Russia’s long-time good friend and the chief of Syria — pleasant to Russia — Bashar al-Assad, was overthrown. And he was overthrown by the very individuals who now lead Syria and who got here to Moscow to satisfy with Russia’s president, protection minister, and international minister. Moreover, Bashar al-Assad was not solely deposed by these present guests however needed to conceal from them, receiving asylum in Russia in order that they’d not execute or imprison him.
You will agree that this mix of circumstances seems considerably ambiguous. And naturally, one is inclined to consider probably the most logical explanations — specifically, pragmatism and the pursuit of advantages, on either side.
Source: iiss
Indeed, allow us to suppose that the present Syrian authorities are keen to show a blind eye to the truth that Russia, for a few years and with billions of {dollars} in army help, supported Assad, who used this Russian help to crush the opposition of the time — the exact same opposition that’s now in energy. Let us additional suppose that this former opposition is not going to demand that Russia hand over Assad. This would imply, for Russia, to start with, eradicating a severe headache in interstate relations and in Russia’s worldwide coverage. Secondly, it might be an open window of alternative for Russia — a possibility to revive its positions in Syria, together with securing some optimistic consequence for the destiny of its army bases on Syrian territory, which it had obtained from Assad and from which it was being pushed out. And in fact, it might be an opportunity for Russia to as soon as once more change into an element influencing the general scenario within the Middle East, within the present local weather of confrontation between Israel and Syria, Gaza, and Iran. Judging by appearances, this final level is of appreciable significance for Russia.
This follows from one of many Syrian Foreign Ministry’s statements about these talks: “…President Putin stressed Russia’s absolute rejection of any Israeli intervention or attempts to divide Syria.” And right here we must always add one other reality: on July 4, Putin had a phone dialog with Benjamin Netanyahu. The particulars haven’t been disclosed, however the mere incontrovertible fact that the dialog passed off proper after the go to of the present Syrian management’s representatives to Russia speaks volumes.
It appears that in opposition to the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Syria — between Druze and Bedouins and different native teams — and Israel’s energetic involvement in these conflicts, the present Syrian regime wants any help from any helper with a view to keep energy and counter Israel. And then it turns into clear why Assad’s opponents got here to Assad’s mates to begin befriending them. Accordingly, they themselves are able to make concessions — probably together with permitting Russia to proceed its army presence in Syria. And it’s apparent that there will likely be an effort to seek out each attainable avenue of cooperation — each as a continuation of what existed beneath Assad, and thru new preparations.
Source: Lorientlejour
In explicit, on account of this go to, either side — with Russia’s place voiced by Sergey Lavrov — acknowledged: “…We have agreed to carry out an inventory of all existing agreements. This topic has already been touched upon, there have been some contacts, but today we decided that this process should be put on a regular basis.”
And additional, one other assertion by Mr. Lavrov that sheds mild on the positions of either side concerning any cooperation: “…Russia regards Syria as a friendly country, aiming to strengthen relations with it regardless of the political situation and changes of government. Moscow is ready to provide support in the post-conflict reconstruction of the country.”
So there you might have it — “…regardless of changes of government.” In different phrases, it doesn’t matter in any respect what authorities Syria has or what coverage it pursues. And additionally it is fascinating that “…Moscow is ready to provide support in the post-conflict reconstruction” of Syria. This is undoubtedly humane. The solely query is — when will this “post-conflict” time come? And will it come in any respect, given the historical past and period of conflicts within the Middle East…
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