Russia's Cold-War strategy for Syria

Russia and China opposed a resolution on Saturday in the UN Security Council meant to end the bloody suppression of the Syrian opposition and bring about the resignation of dictator Bashar al-Assad. With this strategy reminiscent of the Cold War era Russia is merely trying to regain its lost power, the conservative daily Le Figaro affirms: "Russia and China are exposing themselves to the criticism that they care more about defending authoritarian regimes than for these countries' populations or their desire for freedom. The Kremlin's alliance with the Syrian regime is a legacy from Soviet times. By aiding the foundering dictatorship, Moscow hopes to secure weapons sales to ensure its warships' access to the Mediterranean harbour of Tartus and to counter Western influence in the Middle East. But such Cold War logic will hardly help Russia regain its superpower status."

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