Kremlin maneuvers to retain Syrian foothold amidst energy strife
The Kremlin is attempting to maintain its influence in Syria by taking advantage of the energy crisis, which deepened following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Russia began supplying oil and gas to support the new regime, while refusing to hand over the fugitive dictator, which has intensified tensions with Syria's new authorities, reports The Moscow Times.
The Kremlin seeks to use the energy crisis in Syria as an opportunity to sustain 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 essential for its survival - notes The Moscow Times.
In response to this crisis, Moscow began fuel deliveries to Syria to maintain 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 struggling with difficulties after Assad's overthrow, as many of Russia's allies in Syria have sided with the rebels, changing 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
Nevertheless, the Kremlin does not intend to abandon its interests despite the difficult situation. Russia has made it clear to Syria's new government that it will not hand over Assad, as it stems from the desire to preserve Putin's authority and not betray 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.
Now, its future influence depends heavily on relations with Turkey, the U.S. and Israel, a Kremlin-linked Middle East - we read.
- 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 attempting 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 trying to maintain strategic bases in Syria, which can help maintain balance with 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.
