Russia supporting Syria to retain foothold in Middle East

TEHRAN, Feb. 12 (MNA) -- The diplomatic row between the West and Russia over Syria at the United Nations Security Council is a clear indication of Syria’s strategic importance for Moscow. By protecting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the former superpower wants to prevent a repeat of the Libyan scenario. The fall of Tripoli was brought about by the relentless NATO onslaught, and with Moscow’s implicit consent, but it did not result in any great gains for Russia at the international level. Due to this, the Russians opposed the draft of the UN Security Council resolution against Syria. The redrafted version of the resolution was also not acceptable for Russia, even though the part calling for the resignation of the Syrian president was removed to placate Moscow. Russian officials were very concerned about the language used in the text of the draft resolution, which would give Western countries the opportunity to perpetually interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and violate the sovereignty of UN member states. This move could also lead to more wars in the Middle East and North Africa region. The historic confrontation between the United States and Russia is of little importance in the current struggle in the Middle East. But the outcome of the Syria dispute will have a long-term effect on all political equations in the region. Western analysts are saying that Russia may become isolated in the international community due to its firm support of the Syrian government. However, the Russians always have many cards up their sleeves and will play them to thwart attempts to isolate the country. Russia has no place in the Western agenda for the Middle East. This is why the Russians are trying to maintain their longstanding strategic ties with Syria and retain their foothold in the Arab world. Moreover, Syria is, by no exaggeration, the most important country in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Russians know this and thus are aware that protecting Syria can increase their bargaining power in the region.