New Fears Over Russia’s Role In Syria

[Purveyor]

Is policy reassessment imminent?
03/01/16
Joshua Mitnick
Contributing Editor

Tel Aviv — The Quneitra Overlook rest stop at the eastern edge of the Golan Heights border with Syria offers a front-row-seat look into a country decimated by five years of civil war.

One recent morning, the Syrian side of the border seemed normal and quiet. But it’s a calm that belies the changing tide of the fighting that has seen Russia’s military intervention give a major boost to President Bashar Assad and his alliance with Iran and Hezbollah.

Now, as a fragile cease-fire went into effect this week reflecting Russia’s tip in the power balance, will the new geopolitical dynamics at play prompt a rethinking of Israel’s five-year policy of keeping out of the civil war?

“There are worries that the Russian involvement will bring Assad back to life in a way that he will rule the country again under the supervision of Iran,” said Alon Liel, a former director general of the Israeli foreign ministry. “I don’t think Israel is enthusiastic about that.”

Read more at http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/israel-news/new-fears-over-russias-role-syria#vT4UcOjFgCSxAxTx.99

[bemildred]

1. Yes, but what are they going to do about it?

Not much, is my guess. I imagine Hezbollah would love the opportunity. Bibi seems to have chosen to stay out of it, not often I agree with Bibi. It's been clear since September that the IDFs freedom of action is going to be curtailed.