Since the 2011 Syrian uprising, Russia and Iran have been Syria’s most vital political allies.

The United States hopes to unseat president Bashar Al Assad from his regime. However, Russia is making it difficult for the United States by blocking the UN Security Council from passing anything that might injure Assad’s regime. As a result, the US is having “to go around the UN” to do anything regarding Syria. [4] Russia also supports Syria by providing it with a great deal of  military equipment from drones, to armed vehicles, to guns and bombs. Furthermore, Russia provides Syria with gas (energy) as well as different forms of aid. [2] It seems that Russia’s grand presence in Syria is making the President believe that he is able to avoid defeat.

So what are the reasons behind Russia’s apparent support for Syria?

According to Max Fisher, the reasons are as follows: Firstly, Russia has a naval installation in Syria, this is significant and geographically strategic for Russia because it is the first military base since Russia lost its former Soviet military bases and because it is crucial for Russia’s geopolitical calculations. Secondly, following the end of the Cold war Russia has been decidedly insecure. As a result the establishment and stability of a strong alliance, even with allies such as Syria is essential for the Kremlin. Thirdly, international intervention against Syria brings back memories of Western Imperialism and the Cold War which Russia detests and feels threatened by. Lastly, Syria is purchasing Russian military equipment and Russia needs the money. [4]

Iran’s support for Bashar Al Assad’s regime is another fundamental factor in safeguarding the embattled Syrian regime. According to Primoz Manfreda, Iran and Syria’s relationship is based on a unique convergence of interests. [3] Iran and Syria both dislike US involvement in the Middle East, both support Palestinian resistance against Israel, both support Hezbollah, and both shared a common enemy: Saddam Hussein. On the other hand, Iran regards the United States and Israel as potential threats and uses Syria to protect itself by shipping arms through Syria to Hezbollah and Hamas. [3]

Although it may appear that Iran and Syria are unlikely allies, their ideological incompatibility was set aside “by proximity on geopolitical issues that over time grew into a remarkably resilient alliance,” says Primoz Manfreda. [4]

All in all, Iran and Russia’s involvement in Syria seems to serve multiple aims for all parties. As John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said, “Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies.” [1]

Information from:

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johnfkenn114923.html [1]

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/articles/europe/9631-the-story-of-syrian-russian-relations [2]

http://middleeast.about.com/od/iran/tp/Why-Iran-Supports-The-Syrian-Regime.htm (Primoz Manfreda) [3]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/09/05/the-four-reasons-russia-wont-give-up-syria-no-matter-what-obama-does/ (Max Fisher) [4]