The Syrian conflict has drawn the attention of both the US and Russia. It is the first time the two military super powers are jostling for control of the same country. Interestingly, both the United States and Russia hold sharply divergent views on how the Syrian conflict should be resolved.
Russia backing Syrian government
The Russian Federation has thrown massive support behind the Syrian regime. This is despite the ever increasing call for President bashar al assad to step aside and pave way for the formation of an all-inclusive government. Russia believes Assad should be part of the solution, the view that sharply contradicts the US and other Western powers, who believe that Bashar Al Assad is the problem and should not be part of the solution.
The US particularly wants President Assad out of power. Washington has lumped enormous accusations on Damascus following its alleged deliberate use of chemical weapons on innocent civilians. President Assad, however, has absolved his administration of any wrong doing. Instead he has accused the West of arming rebels seeking to topple his government.
Moscow and Washington: war of words
The ongoing tirade of words from Washington and Moscow on who should be blamed for the recent chemical attack that killed dozens of people has further complicated the situation in the Middle East. The Russian authorities assert that the fumes from a destroyed chemical plant might have killed civilians. The Trump administration, on the other hand, has vehemently discarded that version of the story.
US not likely to invade Syria
Facts critically analyzed indicate that the US will not start another war in the Middle East any time soon. The strategic location of Syria would only give advantage to Russia should a Military Invasion be the only option. The US also lacks the backing of powerful Eastern countries like China and Iran.
The only potential US ally is Turkey but she is currently embroiled in her own internal political squabbles, especially after the controversial vote on increasing President Tayyip Erdogan's powers.
The probability of another war in the Middle East is almost zero. The Syrian conflict is however bound to result in more refugees seeking asylum in Europe and America.
Russia will probably flex more muscle as she takes advantage of the US being so preoccupied with stopping North Korea from advancing her missile technology. President Bashar Al Assad will likely stay put in Damascus with unwavering support from Moscow. More rhetoric will emanate from both Washington and Moscow, but military action is a perilous gamble that US President Donald Trump may not want to take.