Cato Institute: "U.S. should be grateful to Russia for its interference in the Syrian crisis"

The U.S. Cato Institute think-tank wrote about the reasons why the United States should be grateful to Russia for its interference in the Syrian crisis. Moscow's readiness to support the regime of Bashar al-Assad, as well as the decision to use intelligence data along with Syria, Iran and Iraq, has sparked a wave of indignation in the United States. Some fear that Russia's participation will nullify all the efforts of the American leadership in the fight against ISIS, others have expressed the view that such actions by the Kremlin would weaken US influence in the Middle East, and others are afraid of the strengthening of the authority of the Russian Federation in the international political arena. However, according to some analysts, Obama should be grateful to Russia for offering assistance in resolving the Syrian issue.

Russia's actions benefit the United States for three main reasons. First, the Kremlin's initiative to transfer Syrian chemical weapons under the control of the international community in 2013  kept America from early intervention in the conflict. Then Russia eventually managed to persuade the Syrian leadership not to use chemical weapons. If Obama had then decided to carry out missile attacks on the state, it would inevitably have led to even greater involvement in the Syrian crisis.

Secondly, the US does not have any real strong partner to help in the fight against ISIS. Today ISIS is carrying out offensive movements on the ground, and missile strikes in this case are ineffective without ground support. Of course, the US is not enthusiastic about the partnership with Russia, but the fact remains that Moscow is ready and able to fight ISIS in ways that will benefit the entire world community.

Thirdly, a partnership with the Kremlin would allow the Obama administration to reconsider its foreign policy, which for 14 years of active struggle against terrorism has not brought tangible results. Washington's intervention in the Middle East has given impetus to the growth of radicalism and anti-American sentiment. On the other hand, the attitude towards Russia in the countries of the region compares very favorably. That's why the US has an opportunity to correct mistakes at the expense of the union with Russia.

Some analysts argue that the price of such a union is too great because of the growing influence of the Russian Federation and the fall of the authority of the United States in the Middle East. However, the truth is that America's credibility is too expensive. Almost 7000 thousand people suffered in 2014 due to the presence of Washington in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. The US actions have led to the destruction of the two countries and to strengthening of the influence of ISIS in the world. Given these facts, the only correct move by Obama would be to thank Russia for the timely intervention and assistance in solving the crisis in the Middle East.

The US media resource FOX news reported today that Russia has returned to its status of a superpower. Regardless of the outcome of the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama, one thing is clear: the meeting demonstrates the sudden and shocking to the West return of Russia to the international political arena.

Despite constant criticism from the leaders of the Western countries, Russia has managed to establish itself as a great power, which is ready to intervene to help its allies in addressing the most pressing global and regional crises. Europe and the US are losing their positions and allies due to the recent events in the world, while Russia is gaining strength. The leaders of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE all visited Moscow this year. The Middle Eastern leaders understand that Russia is an ally that is necessary for the stabilization of the region. Russian and Israeli trade relations are estimated to be worth two billion dollars, and Syrian President Bashar Assad is obliged to the Kremlin for the existence of his country.

Thanks to its strong military potential, competent political leadership and the geopolitical situation, Russia is rightfully regaining the title of a superpower, which has taken a course towards the normalization of relations in the world.