Kremlin leverages Syrian energy crisis to sustain influence
The Kremlin is trying to maintain its influence in Syria by leveraging the energy crisis that worsened following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Russia began supplying oil and gas to support the new regime while refusing to extradite the fugitive dictator, which strains relations with Syria's new authorities, reports The Moscow Times.
The Kremlin aims to use the energy crisis in Syria as an opportunity to maintain its military bases in the country while refusing to hand over the former fugitive dictator, Bashar al-Assad, to the new government. After Assad was overthrown by Islamic rebels supported by Turkey, Syria found itself in an energy crisis, as it lacks access to oil, gas, and diesel, which are crucial for its survival, notes The Moscow Times.
In response to this crisis, Moscow began delivering fuel to Syria to keep its military presence in the region. "Support for the Syrian people — who we regard as our friends — is indeed underway, and we've been instructed to proceed quietly," says a source from the Russian oil industry.
Russia is facing challenges after Assad's overthrow, as many of its allies in Syria have sided with the rebels, altering the political landscape in the region.
All our friends in Syria switched sides on the very day of Assad’s flight and the opposition’s arrival — even on their social media. This created enormous difficulties for our policy, both in Syria and across the Middle East, says a Russian diplomat.
Russia strengthens influence in the Middle East
Nonetheless, the Kremlin does not intend to abandon its interests despite the challenging situation. Russia has made it clear to Syria's new government that it will not hand over Assad, citing the need to preserve Putin's authority and stay true to its core principles.
"Our leader’s [Putin’s] position is that we don’t give up our own, no matter what. Assad had many enemies in the Middle East. But giving him up would tarnish Putin’s authority; it would be seen as a betrayal of our core principles. And the new Syrian authorities would tear him to pieces," said a Russian diplomat.
At the same time, Moscow is striving to strengthen its influence in the Middle East, especially in its rivalry with the USA, Turkey, and Israel.
"Moscow has been displeased with Israel, which has fully occupied the Golan Heights and attacked Syrian military bases and defence industry facilities since Assad’s ouster," notes a Middle East analyst associated with the Kremlin. The Kremlin is now trying to rebuild relations with Syria's new authorities, ensuring that it will not relinquish influence in this region. "After participating in the destruction of Syria, Russia now is ready to take advantage of the vacuum and re-anchor itself on Syria via energy supply," says French diplomat Souhire Medini.
The Kremlin is also working to maintain strategic bases in Syria, which can help balance against American, Turkish, and Israeli forces. "For Syria’s new authorities, the continued presence of Russian military bases could serve as a counterbalance to U.S. forces in the east, Israeli forces in the south and Turkish troops in the north," says independent Middle East expert Ruslan Suleimanov.
Russia continues to supply fuel to Syria and is involved in rebuilding destroyed infrastructure. "The supply of our energy resources was one of the most important topics during the meeting between our negotiators and Syria’s transitional president," says a Russian government official.
