Russian Policy towards Syrian Conflict. Influential Factors and Prospects

Abstract

Since 1970, Syria has become Russia’s major Arab ally in the Middle East. The Russian-Syrian ties were specified by multilevel character. The Soviet Union’s collapse has generated negative implications on Russia — Syria relations. Nevertheless regional and international developments, Damascus remained Russian outpost in the Middle East. The Syrian crisis has become a major challenge for contemporary Russian Mideast politics. Moscow has supported Al-Assad’s regime since the crisis began in March 2011, but unlike Iran did not send its forces to fight in Syria. By the end of 2015, the imminent outcome on the battlefield became apparent and was not in Al-Assad’s favor. A group of influential factors determined Moscow’s decision to involve military in Syria. Russia’s effective diplomatic campaign combined with military efforts played a decisive role in keeping Al-Assad in power and helped Moscow to achieve all its primary goals, securing Russia’s long-term strategic influence in Syria. In 2023–2024, Russia faced new challenges in Syria. Despite Al-Assad’s victory over opposition the fragile stability in Syria hinders the process of political settlement and economic reconstruction. The growing Iranian military presence in Syria contradicts Russian plans to end all military hostilities and securer pullout of foreign troops from Syria. Since Gaza war eruption, Syria turned into an area for Iran Israel military race. The great power competition in the region in view of Ukraine Crisis plays important role in shaping Russian vision of its politics in Syria and Middle East, as well. The above-mentioned questions shape the urgency of presented research paper that investigates most of advanced statements and proves forwarded conclusions. The article defined by its novelty and based on sources in Arabic and Persian languages.

Keywords:

Russia, Syria, Iran, Middle East, International relations