Washington Post: Four Reasons Russia Protects Syria

As Al Jazeera streams its dialogue about Russia's participation and stance on Syria's civil war (which can be watched here: http://stream.aljazeera.com/), I decided it is imperative we clearly understand the reasons Russia backs Syria's dictator Bashar al-Assad. Those the AJ journalists interviewed have provided several repeated reasons, namely, for strategic interest and for the Russian naval base situated in Syria.

Keep in mind: Moscow blocks the United Nation Security Council from interfering with Syrian regime developments. Under international law, if America were to take military action against Syria it would be illegal. Because of Moscow's guardianship, they can transport arms to the Assad regime without disruption. Sending massive amounts of weaponry to Syria is an affluent source of revenue for Russia. Russia likes the revenue.

According to the Washington Post, the four most prevalent reasons President Putin supports Assad's battalion are:

1. Russia's naval base in Syria is strategically important and happens to be the last foreign military installation outside the former Soviet Union.

2. What political scientists care calling "Cold War mentality". Along with a sense of national insecurity, Russia holds firmly to the ideals of maintaining one of its last military alliances.

3. Russia believes in domestic responsibilty and consequence. They refute the concept of "international intervention", especially against countries like Syria, because they view this as reminiscent of the Western imperialism which dominated during the Cold War. This threat makes Syria's protection all the more appealing to Putin.

4. As I stated earlier: revenue. They like money; they need money.






Hope that helps. Cheers.

Morality and Mayhem: Syria

At this point in time it may not be hasty to assume that most of the global population has become aware of the nearly-irreparable barbaric and chaotic political and social unrest that has become the Middle East.

Syria is found in Tweets daily, Obama delivered his political statement regarding America's standing in the quest against Assad in Syria's rebel defence, Britain is getting blasted for its ongoing discussion about the maintenance of their non-intervention, Egypt's Morsi supporters and Brotherhood opposition are in constant destruction, the Pakistinian-Israeli hate continues...

So, what I've found among the tweets and headlines and Facebook postings, is that it's been difficult to keep track about which countries have decided to intervene, which have stayed aloof, which countries oppose each other and what they're all fighting for.

I will now provide you with several sources I have found to be extraordinarily helpful during this time of chaos and confusion which has trickled into the conversations of millions of people in the Western world.

This site will explain, in a succinct coherence and relatively objective manner, the brief history which led to the instability, upheaval and sheer violence in the Arab nations:

Everything You Need to Know About the Syrian Civil War

And for those who have an affinity for visual learning will find this superbly informative. A diagram which clearly outlines the countries who are allies, opposition and undecided.

The Middle East, explained in one (terrifying) chart

Understand America's plan of action after Obama's statement on Syria

USA Today: Obama on Syria:

Britain's parties' conflicted standings re: intervention in Syria

Britain's Rejection of Involvement

Britain's "New Mood"

I hope this helps; it helped me immensely.