Trend Middle East Desk commentator Ulviyya Sadikhova.
Despite attempts of Washington and Europe to restore relations with the Syrian Government, the success of negotiations with Damascus resembles blue dream. Despite the fact the Arabic, Iranian, and Christian way of life merged together in Syria, Iran's factor is still dominant there.
The union of Islamic Republic of Iran and Syria, which was established after the Iranian revolution in the late 1970s, changed the relations of two states in the relationship between the two peoples. The Syrians did not separate the Iranians from the indigenous population. In developing countries the Syrians have more confidence and hope to Iran's aid, as in the development of economy and in foreign policy than in connection with the Western countries. And even the knowledge of the Persian language among the population is considered to be a simple preference.
The large number of Iranian population has led to Shiism in Sunni Syria has become one of the elements of social and religious life. Religion and politics has never suppressed in Syria: the ruling officials belong to Alavizm sect and Shiites, despite the dominance of the Sunni population, owned most of the internal and external trade.
Strengthening of relations with Iran beneficial to the Syrian economy, which feels the lack of oil and gas, and water shortages for agricultural development. In addition, political support for Tehran's help to preserve Syria's uncompromising in the conflict with Israel and to establish relations with the West. Damascus was ready for dialogue with Europe and the United States, but at the same time refusing to any of the conditions of rupture ties with Iran and the Lebanese party Hezbollah, whose members Syrians see as national heroes of Arabs, hanging photographs of President Assad Bashshar next to living and dead leaders of the party and the yellow-blue ensign - the flag of the organization.
Iran and Hezbollah have become an integral part of Syrian life. And even when Damascus has restored relations with Beirut, where more than half of the politicians opposed to the influence of Tehran, and sets up communication with Washington, with a long-time friend to be above all.
Syria does not want to lose its stable position in the Middle East, where it has thanks to the support of the Iranian government and relations with Hezbollah. The reason may be that Damascus understands: as though the United States and Europe do not affect the regional policy. Iran and its ally Hezbollah order music overt the past five years, which have established state within a state in Lebanon and become the sole military power in the country capable of resisting the Israeli army.
That is why Europe and the United States will have to look for alternative ways to improve relations with the Assad government, because the pressure and economic sanctions only reinforce Syrian-Iranian-Shiite alliance.
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