Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 8
By Azer Ahmadbayli – Trend:
The US is turning war-torn Syria into a heavy burden for Russia and Iran, trying to make Russia share its areas of interest, while pressuring the latter to give up its influence over the country.
Without having a direct leverage on the situation, Washington arms the Kurdish PYD/YPG forces, dragging Turkey into heavy fighting and creating a new spiral of chaos.
It doesn’t matter which side Washington sympathizes with, and who will succeed - any possible outcome serves the US interests.
The military actions in Northern Syria are delaying the denouement of the bloody Syrian drama, preventing any political settlement.
Who is interested in the appeasement of all parties in the current situation? It has been Iran with its so-far-winning position. How can the US oppose that in the current conditions? By resuming the fighting and creating uncertainty. If we look at the events in the North of Syria through this prism, it becomes clear why Iran has made several strong requests for Turkey to quickly halt the ‘Olive branch’ operation, thus trying to maintain the status quo.
Russia, as well as Iran, is a beneficiary in Syria, and is also interested in transition to political solution in the country. Nevertheless, Russia removed its troops from the fighting zone in agreement with Turkey, allowing it to go ahead, itself taking the wait-and-see position.
Washington has stated several times that it would not leave Syria, and is believed to get its piece of the cake some way or another.
Russia can’t help realizing that there will be no peace in Syria without participation of the US in the process. Maybe, it would be reasonable to listen to mutual proposals – what if they turn out to be agreeable for both?
The post-war Syria also can turn into a strong headache for Russia, if it fully remains under its control.
Millions of Syrian refugees, who would have returned home from neighboring countries, will be waiting with hope for the Syrian government to provide funds for the reconstruction of their homes, construction of schools, roads and new factories.
Russia, which is subject to sanctions, does not have such huge financial resources at the time being, to solve the problem alone. The U.S. allies – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and others do have those funds.
So, he, who invests to rebuild the post-war Syria, will have good chance to win the allegiance of Syrians and affect further distribution of power and decision-making. This is also food for thoughts.
So far the interested parties are trying to strengthen their positions, while trying to weaken the position of competitors.
What about Syrians? No big deal. They can wait a little longer.