The Monocle Daily
Can Russia afford another war in Syria?
Dec 4, 2024
Julie Norman, a politics expert from UCL, and Stephen DL, a prominent Russia analyst, dive into Russia's military strategies amid ongoing conflicts in Syria. They discuss whether Russia can sustain its interests while juggling commitments in Ukraine and the implications of rebel advances. The conversation also touches on the escalating U.S.-China trade tensions over semiconductors and the diplomatic efforts led by France and Saudi Arabia in the Israel-Palestine conflict, revealing the complexities of international relations in the region.
37:51
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Quick takeaways
- Russia faces significant challenges in sustaining military support for Assad in Syria while managing resources stretched by other conflicts.
- The escalating US-China trade dispute over semiconductor technology reflects a broader strategy to curb China's advancements and protect American interests.
Deep dives
Russia's Involvement in Syria
Russia's involvement in Syria is becoming increasingly strained as the country's military resources are stretched thin due to ongoing conflicts elsewhere, particularly in Ukraine. Assad's reliance on Russia for support is evident, especially given that his main backers, Iran and Hezbollah, are also facing challenges that limit their effectiveness. Despite these limitations, any assistance, however minor, from Russia is crucial for Assad, who is aware of the need to seek help from all possible allies. The dilemma for Russia lies in balancing its commitments in Syria while maintaining a credible presence, as backing down might jeopardize its global stance and internal stability.
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