Balancing Game of Russia, Israel
Moscow is telling Tel Aviv that it must pressurise Washington to be silent on Ukraine issue, or at least make tone of its statements moderate. This is required to guarantee that the understanding which has led Moscow to hold talks results in end of war in Ukraine, according to a roadmap which matches Russia’s objectives. Russia has invaded Ukraine to prevent it from joining NATO, cut its way from the western camp, overthrow the regime and hand over the reins of power to the Ukrainian army.
When attacks on Ukraine started, Israel attacked sensitive positions of the Syrian army in the rural areas of Damascus, in which there were also some elements of the Russian military police. This was an effort to exploit the tension on the Kyiv front and create a balance in approaches towards the war against Ukraine.
To send messages to both Tel Aviv and its allies, Russia launched a joint training programme with the Syrian armed forces near the Golan border. This is to use the Syrian issue to pressurise the Western camp by threatening the borders of the occupied lands. This was a direct message to Tel Aviv that it is not the only one capable of controlling the rules of the game in the region. The controversy over the two issues will give the message to international community that Syria and the eastern Mediterranean in general are open space to settle other issues.
[by Moheeb Al-Rifai in Arab 48]
Bashar and the Problems of Arabs
It has been a long time since the head of the (Syrian) regime, like a middle school teacher, did not give a lecture to his fellow leaders of Arab countries.
Since 2011, this opportunity has not come. It was utilised to talk about the heir president. For the official media, it was like a wedding where the hypocrites and pedants of local journalists and analysts competed to highlight his strengths and influence.
In the opposition also, it is doubtful that any one of them analysed (Bashar) Al-Assad’s words. The Arab leaders, in protocol, were compelled to listen to long speeches at the Arab League summits and shared the silence with the natural, uncompromising Syrians. Perhaps, they thought that sitting in front of the son of Hafez Al-Assad, when he ascends the pulpit, is part of their destiny!
In his meetings with his Iranian, Russian or Chinese visitors, Assad does not speak except for what he is asked. Rather, it is necessary for him to listen well. If he is allowed to speak, as he did in front of his great protector, Vladimir Putin, he praises and appreciates the Russian role, and the roles of others in defending him.
The wise statements of Al-Assad are made only for his Arab visitors, whether from the leftist and nationalist camps, who have been supporting his regime in the face of the global conspiracy.
This system has not and will not change by an Arab or international role. It will remain as it is, a multifaceted global mafia which serves everyone who pays, and sees others as mere servants and fools.
[by Ali Safar in Syria TV]
Compiled and Translated by Faizul Haque