Obama, Putin Need Steady Nerves and Stout Hearts in Syria

Conflict, extremism and a refugee crisis in the Middle East, spurred by autocratic governance and glaring inequalities, challenge the international community. Leaders of the United States, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia are committed to removing the scourge of Islamic State terrorists, but do not agree on a role for the Assad regime: Russia and Iran support the dictator and functioning institutions for governance; the United States and Saudi Arabia suggest that the regime encourages extremism and should go. The leaders resist conducting on-the-ground combat missions, reports M.K. Bhadrakumar for Asia Times. Bhadrakumar also reminds that democracy has produced troublesome leaders in the Middle East, adding that Putin prioritizes sovereignty for Syria and internal controls over Syrian leadership: “The US faces an acute dilemma here insofar as in a democratic election, Assad’s re-election as president still remains a strong possibility, since secular-minded Syrians cutting across religious sects or ethnic divides would still see him as the best bet against an extremist takeover.” Ongoing dialogue may marginalize the issue of Russia’s intervention in Ukraine, though international cooperation with any reports of success could ease far-off tensions and nationalistic tendencies. Reports issued after this article's publication suggest that Russia is targeting rebels fighting the Assad regime. Interventions in a long-running civil war lacking coordination will add to refugees and extremism. – YaleGlobal