By Ghaleb Kandil

February 21, 2014 (TSR) – U.S. bets to initiate Russian pressure on the Syrian delegation at the Geneva Conference, to bring it to change its principled positions have failed. The disappointment of Washington appeared in the results of the tripartite meeting in Geneva on Friday between Russia, the United States and Lakhdar Brahimi. At this meeting, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Gennady Gatilov, showed great firmness in opposing the Americans and the bias international envoy.

The negotiations in Geneva proves the absence of any compromise already agreed, as some political and diplomatic circles believed at the beginning of the conference. It should be clear to all analysts that the relationship between Russia and the Syrian state is built on a strong partnership and alliance, and not on orders, as is the case in the relationship between the Syrian opposition and their American, Arab and Western masters.

The Syrian crisis is the space in which the partnership between Russians and Americans is being formed. In its efforts to regain its place in the international scene, Russia is based on a solid rock: the resistance provided by the Syrian state, the advance of his troops on the ground and broad popular support that even the worst enemies of Syria can no longer deny.

In its efforts to build this new international partnership, Russia is equal with the West, even if at the beginning of the conference, she closed her eyes to the withdrawal of the invitation to Iran and limiting the representation of the Syrian opposition to the only delegation of the National Coalition. The Russians put an end, Friday, to the U.S. illusions, by fully supporting the position of the Syrian government delegation is uncompromising in priorities: the fight against terrorism must come before any other political issue, because it is the pillar of any future inter-Syrian agreement.

Washington is trying to impose the concept developed by Richard Haass of an international partnership… led by the United States! This is what the Americans are trying in Syria. But this attempt goes against the current balance of power on the ground, which allow the Syrian government, which draws its strength from its army and the support of a large part of the population, to put the world before two alternatives: a compromise built on a partnership in the fight against terrorism, supported by strong international resolutions against all states involved in supporting terrorist movements; or a military solution with the own resources of the Syrian state, which would impose a fait accompli on the field.

Through its information and opinion polls, the West knows that the popularity of President Bashar al- Assad is unwavering. The fact that the Syrian president is the target of the United States has only reinforced his popularity and his image of a Syrian popular leader who resists terrorism and defends the independence and sovereignty of his nation.

Russia wanted to send a strong message of solidarity with Syria, its people and its leader, which has attracted the admiration of the free men of the world with his will to resist.

Moscow’s position was helped by an intelligent and courageous management of the negotiations in Geneva by the government delegation. It is no coincidence that demonstrations in support of President Assad, the government delegation in Geneva and the Syrian Arab army, took place in troubled regions of Syria. Images of crowds in Daraa, Deir Ezzor and other cities are eloquent.

Russia is convinced that she is the target of terrorism and takfirists, sponsored by countries moving into the U.S. orbit. It is also subjected to pressure in Ukraine and other regions, which constitute its area of historical influence.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stood up before the American arrogance and against the anti-missile shield, which is a direct threat to the global equilibrium. This project is explicitly directed against Russia and its Iranian ally.

This means that the priority of the Syrian government to combat terrorism means also to defend Syria, the security of its allies and world stability. It is quite natural that the position of Russia in the Geneva conference to support this priority, especially that the Syrian government has taken into account the last three years, and more than one times, the interests of his Russian ally.

The relationship between Russia and Syria is built on an organic and strategic alliance based on credibility, understanding and mutual respect. Syria is a key partner for Russia and not a vassal, as the relationship between the United States and its “allies.”

For all these reasons, the illusion of a Russian-American compromise agreed in advance fell Friday in Geneva … evaporated with the U.S. plans to give priority to the “transfer of power” on the fight against terrorism.

The Syrian Arab army will make sure on the battlefield, to convince those who are still lulled by these illusions.

Source: New Orient News

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