Saudi Arabia Intends to Maintain Control of the Game

-Russia is very concerned about the conflicts in Syria being transformed into an international issue with expanded dimensions. Naturally, this would make Russia’s presence in Syria more difficult.

-Regarding Saudi Arabia’s decision to dispatch its ground forces to Syria, the most important issue is, which groups would support these forces? Would these groups be considered as terrorists by Russia?

-Russia has not yet accepted to separate the terrorists and the moderate forces; although politically it speaks of their separation, it does not consider any clear line between the opponents of the Assad government in their operations and there are differences of opinion between Russia and other countries about the groups which are attacked by Russia.

-No one can predict the events of the region and perhaps no one could imagine that Russian jetfighters would be attacked by Turkey and the good relations between these two countries would become cold.

-Therefore, it is natural that the presence of new forces in Syria would further increase the possibility of conflict and intensify the crisis.

-Unfortunately, the conditions of the region allow countries to make decisions by themselves without referring to the Security Council as Saudi Arabia did with regard to Yemen and the Security Council did not oppose it either.

-Saudi Arabia does not intend to gain the permission of the Security Council because Russia would certainly veto that. It is neither able to be invited by the Syrian government; hence, this measure would certainly violate international laws.

-Thus, as mentioned before, countries take certain measures themselves. On the other hand, it must be said that the permission given by the Security Council to fight against ISIS could not be used in this case and the government of Syria opposes any dispatch of ground forces by Saudi Arabia because that is interference in the internal affairs of a country.

-The diplomatic path which is now pursued by Russia to resolve the Syrian crisis is not desirable for Saudi Arabia, particularly when the military presence of Russia in Syria has strengthened its position in this country and Saudi Arabia was even forced to accept Iran’s presence in negotiations.

-Saudi Arabia was not in agreement with this path but had to enter negotiations under US pressure. But it has created the most obstacles about the groups which should enter these negotiations.

-Therefore, Saudi Arabia knows that Russia moves step by step and it seems that its initiatives in negotiations and on the scene have succeeded.

-Thus, Saudi Arabia makes efforts to not completely lose control of the game because they believe that Russia has gained total control of Syria which is not desirable for Saudi Arabia. It does not want the balance of power in the scene of operations to be to the benefit of Russia and Iran.