The Road to Syria Runs Through Moscow

{
  "authors": [
    "Matthew Rojansky"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
    "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center",
    "Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center"
  ],
  "collections": [],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "ctw",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "russia",
  "programs": [
    "Russia and Eurasia"
  ],
  "projects": [
    "Eurasia in Transition"
  ],
  "regions": [
    "Middle East",
    "Syria",
    "Caucasus",
    "Russia"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Security",
    "Foreign Policy"
  ]
}

In The Media

The Road to Syria Runs Through Moscow

The fact that the Red Cross has appealed to Putin for authorization to provide humanitarian relief to Syria proves that Russia has become an indispensable player in dealing with the Assad regime.

By Matthew Rojansky

Published on Mar 18, 2012

Source: BBC World Service Radio

In an interview with BBC World Service Radio, Carnegie’s Matthew Rojansky suggested that Vladimir Putin will ultimately “authorize support” for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to enter Syria to provide humanitarian relief. Russia’s major concern, he noted, is whether the ICRC mission is “purely humanitarian” or merely a “shield for a Western intelligence operation.”

In the end, Rojansky concluded, Putin’s non-intervention strategy toward Syria has proven successful. The fact that the ICRC is appealing to Moscow has made Russia the “indispensable player” and “linchpin for communicating with the Assad regime,” he said.

About the Author

Matthew Rojansky

Former Deputy Director, Russia and Eurasia Program

Rojansky, formerly executive director of the Partnership for a Secure America, is an expert on U.S. and Russian national security and nuclear-weapon policies.

Recent Work

Paper
An Opportunity for Ambition: Ukraine’s OSCE Chairmanship
- Matthew Rojansky
In The Media
Presiding Over the OSCE: Challenges and Opportunities
- Matthew Rojansky

Security Foreign Policy Middle East Syria Caucasus Russia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Commentary
Carnegie Politika
Lukashenko’s Bromance With Trump Has a Sell-By Date
Lukashenko is willing to make big sacrifices for an invitation to Mar-a-Lago or the White House. He also knows that the clock is ticking: he must squeeze as much out of the Trump administration as he can before congressional elections in November leave Trump hamstrung or distracted.
Artyom Shraibman
Commentary
Carnegie Politika
What the Russian Energy Sector Stands to Gain From War in the Middle East
The future trajectory of the U.S.-Iran war remains uncertain, but its impact on global energy trade flows and ties will be far-reaching. Moscow is likely to become a key beneficiary of these changes; the crisis in the Gulf also strengthens Russia’s hand in its relationships with China and India, where advantages might prove more durable.
Sergey Vakulenko
Commentary
Carnegie Politika
Beyond Oil: Hormuz Closure Puts Russia in the Lead in the Fertilizer Market
The Kremlin expects to not only profit from rising fertilizer prices but also exact revenge for the collapse of the 2023 grain deal.
Alexandra Prokopenko
Commentary
Carnegie Politika
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin”: A Deep Dive Into Russian Propaganda
Talankin and Borenstein’s documentary is a unique inside look at a regime that threatens the world and has killed thousands of people in its neighboring country. And many critics and general viewers alike draw parallels between the Putin regime and their own governments.
Ekaterina Barabash
Paper
A Tight Spot: Challenges Facing the Russian Oil Sector Through 2035
Russian oil production is remarkably resilient to significant price changes, but significant political headwinds may lead to a drop regardless of economics.
Sergey Vakulenko

More Work from Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

Lukashenko’s Bromance With Trump Has a Sell-By Date

Lukashenko is willing to make big sacrifices for an invitation to Mar-a-Lago or the White House. He also knows that the clock is ticking: he must squeeze as much out of the Trump administration as he can before congressional elections in November leave Trump hamstrung or distracted.

Artyom Shraibman

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

What the Russian Energy Sector Stands to Gain From War in the Middle East

The future trajectory of the U.S.-Iran war remains uncertain, but its impact on global energy trade flows and ties will be far-reaching. Moscow is likely to become a key beneficiary of these changes; the crisis in the Gulf also strengthens Russia’s hand in its relationships with China and India, where advantages might prove more durable.

Sergey Vakulenko

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

Beyond Oil: Hormuz Closure Puts Russia in the Lead in the Fertilizer Market

The Kremlin expects to not only profit from rising fertilizer prices but also exact revenge for the collapse of the 2023 grain deal.

Alexandra Prokopenko

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

“Mr. Nobody Against Putin”: A Deep Dive Into Russian Propaganda

Talankin and Borenstein’s documentary is a unique inside look at a regime that threatens the world and has killed thousands of people in its neighboring country. And many critics and general viewers alike draw parallels between the Putin regime and their own governments.

Ekaterina Barabash

Paper

A Tight Spot: Challenges Facing the Russian Oil Sector Through 2035

Russian oil production is remarkably resilient to significant price changes, but significant political headwinds may lead to a drop regardless of economics.

Sergey Vakulenko