The Geopolitical Dance: Russian and Israeli Interests in Syria

Understanding the intricate relationship between Russia and Israel in the context of Syria involves a deep dive into both historical and contemporary geopolitical factors. This article explores the complex dynamics that have shaped their interactions and the reasons behind Russia's strong interest in Syria, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations.

The Historical Context: Joes and Russian Economy

In the early years of Putin's presidency, Russia faced significant challenges, particularly in the wake of the financial crisis. During this period, a wave of Jewish individuals, referred to as Joes, left Russia with billions of dollars. Many of these individuals have since found success and influence in other countries, such as the United States and Israel. Putin has been reported to have a personal interest in protecting the remaining Jewish billionaires who play a crucial role in the Russian economy. This protective stance towards the Jewish community, known as Joes, reflects a broader Russian geopolitical strategy to retain influence and support within the Jewish diaspora.

Syria: A Hub of Interest

Syria presents a unique case where Russia's strategic interests extend far beyond mere economic or cultural ties. Despite not having formal diplomatic relations with Syria, Russia holds a significant stake in the country's stability and future. This interest is motivated by a combination of military, economic, and diplomatic factors.

Military Bases and Strategic Alliances

Russia's primary interest in Syria lies in its strategic military bases in the country. The Syrian coastline provides a critical Bolshevik facility for Russia’s advanced military capabilities, including the naval port of Tartus. Russia's naval presence in Tartus allows it to project power into the Mediterranean and the wider Middle East. Additionally, Russia has played a key role in supporting the Syrian government, particularly through the deployment of advanced Russian weaponry, which has helped the regime maintain its control over various regions.

Economic Interests and Energy

Economic interests further fuel Russia’s engagement in Syria. Russia has invested heavily in the Syrian economy, primarily in infrastructure projects and natural resource exploitation. The country's vast energy reserves, particularly in oil and gas, are seen as a valuable asset for Russia’s energy strategy. Furthermore, Russia aims to secure pipelines and other transportation routes that can facilitate the export of these resources to European markets, thus enhancing its energy security and economic influence.

Geopolitical Influence and Regional Stability

Geopolitically, Russia sees Syria as a key ally in its broader Middle East strategy. Syria provides Russia with a platform for projecting its influence in the region, countering the United States and other Western powers. The support for the Syrian regime also aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of countering extremist organizations like ISIS, which threaten Russia’s neighbors, including Turkey and Georgia.

Navigating Complex Relationships: Russia and Israel

The relationship between Russia and Israel is complex and multifaceted. While both countries share certain interests, particularly in Syria, their relations are often fraught with tension due to conflicting priorities and geopolitical strategies.

Israel and Russia: Shared Interests and Tensions

Israel is home to a significant community of Russian-speaking Jews, which adds a layer of cultural and even economic interest for Russia. The Jewish diaspora in Israel represents a potential voting bloc and strengthens ties between the two countries. However, when it comes to Syria, the interests of Israel and Russia diverge. Israel is more concerned with the rise of Hezbollah and Iranian influence in Syria, which could threaten its national security. Therefore, while there are certain areas where Russia and Israel can cooperate, their overall relationship is one of wary alliance and occasional conflict.

Orthodox Connections and Religious Alliances

The religious influence on the relationship between Russia and Israel is significant. The Russian Orthodox Church supports the Syrian regime, and this alignment also influences Israel's stance to some extent. The Orthodox Church has deep ties to the Palestinian Authority, which further complicates the relationship between Israel and Russia. For instance, the support for the church of nativity and the church of the resurrection by the Palestinian Authority aligns with Russia's interests in Syria and the broader Levant region. Similarly, the protection of Al Aqsa mosque by Israel aligns with Russian strategic interests in the region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the relationship between Russia and Israel in the context of Syria is a tale of complex interests, both cooperative and contentious. While Russia’s strategic investments in Syria align with its broader geopolitical goals, its interactions with Israel are marked by a delicate balance of shared interests and competing priorities. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for navigating the intricate web of Middle Eastern geopolitics.