Putin rolls out a red carpet for Assad in a rare visit by the Syrian oppressor to Moscow
The Russians and Syrians continue to maintain the strategic alliance – meanwhile, the Middle East under Biden seems to be moving away from vital American interests
Syrian President Bashar Assad arrived in Moscow on Tuesday in a rare trip where he is expected to meet with his loyal ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, the next day.
The Kremlin announcement that preceded the Assad-Putin meeting on Wednesday indicated that on the agenda would be “further development of Russian-Syrian cooperation in the political, commercial, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as the prospects for a comprehensive settlement of the situation in and around Syria,” according to TASS.
It was also stated in the message that Wednesday is “The anniversary of the conflict” that began 12 years agoin March 2011 in Syria.
Assad emerged victorious with the help of Russia, in light of the Russian military intervention at the invitation of the Syrian leader in 2015.
Both Damascus and Moscow characterized the conflict as an essential result ofRegime change efforts driven by external parties who are against Assadin the leadThe United States and its allies in the Gulf.
But this year, for the first time, there were frequent visits by representatives from Arab capitals to Damascus
Washington responded of coursewarning its regional allies against welcoming Assad “back from the cold.”– but it seems that few are listening, and now the momentum from the peace and normalization agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia is expected to further distance the region from US interests.
This visit to Moscow will see both Putin and Assad capitalize on this positive momentum in Syria’s favor, once severe US-led sanctions remain in place.
Turkish representatives are expected to be present at events related to Assad’s visit, whenAP news agencyIt details that “the Syrian, Turkish, and Russian deputy foreign ministers, as well as a senior adviser to their Iranian counterpart, are expected to hold talks on Wednesday and Thursday in Moscow to discuss ‘anti-terrorist efforts’ in Syria.”
One of the official reception ceremonies for President al-Assad upon his arrival at Vnukova International Airport, beginning an official visit to the Russian Federation. pic.twitter.com/QwSd02QRZH
— Syrian Presidency (@Presidency_Sy) March 14, 2023
Considering that Assad and the Syrian army have emerged victorious after more than a decade of fighting, which has also seen the US repeatedly bombard government-held cities and areas, including the capital, it seems that even Turkey is open to the idea of rapprochement.
Both sides want American forces to leave northeastern Syria as well.
President Erdogan was particularly outraged by Washington’s training and support given to Syrian Kurdish groups affiliated with the outlawed PKK in Ankara.
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