Israel Lobbies Us to Keep Russian Bases in Weak Syria
Israel is lobbying the United States to keep Russia's military presence in Syria weak and decentralized, including by letting Russia keep its military bases there to counter Turkey's growing influence in the country. Israel supports Russia's military presence in Syria, as it sees Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's alliance with Syria's new Islamist rulers as a threat to Israel's borders. The lobbying points to a concerted Israeli campaign to influence U.S. policy at a critical juncture for Syria.
- This move highlights the intricate web of interests and alliances in the Middle East, where regional powers like Turkey, Russia, and Israel are navigating competing visions for Syria's future.
- Will the ultimate outcome of this lobbying effort be determined by the conflicting priorities of these major players, or will a new path emerge that balances their competing interests?