Russia condemned Syria’s new leaders in a UN briefing, warning of rising jihadist threats and drawing comparisons to the Rwandan genocide amid recent sectarian violence and criticism of public sector layoffs. Moscow aims to navigate its military interests while promoting a unified and inclusive political transition in Syria.
In a recent closed United Nations briefing, Russia sharply criticized Syria’s new leadership, warning against the rising influence of jihadist factions and drawing parallels with the Rwandan genocide concerning the sectarian killings of Alawites. These remarks came as Moscow seeks to maintain its military presence in Syria while navigating the complexities of its relationship with the new Islamist government, particularly following recent violent incidents affecting the Alawite minority.
The violence erupted after an attack on the newly established security forces, attributed to loyalists of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad. The aftermath saw widespread slaughter of Alawites, incited by factions believed to be linked to the current regime. Despite the Kremlin’s call for unity and ongoing discussions with various nations, its intense veiled criticism during the briefing revealed a strategic maneuver to reaffirm its influence over Syria’s direction.
Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia, during the session, highlighted the severity of the situation by equating the ongoing sectarian violence to the tragic events of the Rwandan genocide, pointing out that “no one” intervened to stop the bloodshed. This private discourse contrasts sharply with the more diplomatic public statements from Russia regarding its engagement in Syria, suggesting a calculated approach to hedge its bets.
Moreover, Nebenzia expressed concerns over the potential repetition of the “Iraq scenario”—a reference to the aftermath of the Iraq War, where sectarian violence engulfed the country following the dismantling of its state institutions. He criticized the new rulers for disbanding the army and slashing public employment, which critics argue disproportionately affects Alawites, hinting at increased instability.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has asserted a commitment to avoiding sectarian favoritism in government appointments, expressing hopes for an inclusive administration that maintains strong ties with Moscow. Russia’s remarks during the briefing reflected apprehensions that the newly appointed leaders may be fostering a divisive political climate, marked by hostility towards foreign elements involved in the conflict.
As the broader international community observes, the UN Security Council is currently deliberating on a statement to condemn the violence and call for protective measures for all Syrian citizens regardless of their ethnic or religious identities. The consensus-driven process is crucial as the fate of Syria’s political transition hangs in balance, with emphasis on inclusivity of its ethnically diverse population during this pivotal period.
In summary, Russia’s recent closed-door criticisms of Syria’s leadership reveal significant concerns over sectarian violence and foreign involvement in the ongoing conflict. By comparing the situation to historical atrocities, Moscow attempts to assert its influence in a rapidly evolving political landscape while urging inclusivity in governance. As the UN Security Council considers a unified response, the international community’s engagement with Syria remains contingent upon the progress of its political transition.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
