By: Robert D. Onley
Without even a complete picture of exactly what transpired yesterday with regard to Israeli strikes in the Syria-Lebanon border region, Russia has unsurprisingly picked sides by today publicly condemning the Israeli strike. In doing so, Russia further entrenches its position as one of the world's lonely allies of the murderous Assad regime in Syria, and as an implicit ally to Iran's Hezbollah terrorist group proxy in Lebanon.
It is duplicitous and hypocritical for Russia to condemn what was likely a surgical strike on illegal Syrian weapons shipments to Syria, while turning an ignorantly blind eye to Assad's slaughter of his own people.
Russia should be cautioned that if the roles were reversed -- with Russia facing potential chemical weapons transfers to its avowed enemy and a terrorist organization (i.e. Hezbollah), situated a mere 100km north of it's capital Moscow -- Russia would too conduct identical surgical strikes without hesitation and without fear of condemnation.
It is patently absurd that the Russian government -- with all of its undoubted intellectual might -- repeatedly releases these prototypical anti-Israeli condemnations, denouncing the slightest move of self-defence, while plainly dismissing the ruthless, lethal reality on the ground in this region. To the astute denizens of the Russian foreign ministry: for shame.
That the Russian government is on this path is to be expected at this point. After propping up the Assad regime, and publicly backing Iran's march toward nuclear weapons capability (despite Russia's support for UNSC sanctions), Putin must feel honour-bound to repeat and solidify his anti-Western agenda, even if it will eventually blow back in his face. And it will.
Even with the potential to lose their strategic naval port in Tartus, Russia's unequivocal, reactive support for Assad will only increase the probability that the eventual new Syrian regime will immediately depose Russian interests from Syria -- forever.
Make no mistake -- Russian support for the murderous regimes in Syria and Iran will be seen as a grave marker in the pages of human history. For Putin et al have chosen to side with the forces of evil, despair and darkness at this crucial time, and their pronouncements for revenge and punitive measures against Israel will not be forgotten. Indeed, the Israelis, of all people, are more than prepared for the wars that are most assuredly fast approaching.
We must pray for the peace of Jerusalem. - R.O.
More headlines:
Mr. Lavrov could consider smiling more, and maybe signing up for some ballet lessons-- anything to lighten up a little. The IDF probably has no plans to attack Russia, and Israel's recent little foray into the suburbs of Damascus should not be seen by Mother Russia as anything other than F-16 practice exercises for its anti-Hizballah sayeret.
ReplyDelete