Russia Criticizes Syria’s New Leadership in UN Briefing Amid Rising Sectarian Violence
Russia openly criticized Syria’s new leaders during a closed UN briefing, warning against rising jihadist threats and drawing comparisons to the Rwandan genocide. Despite maintaining military bases in the region, the Kremlin expressed concern regarding sectarian violence affecting the Alawite population and the dissolution of national institutions, urging for a unifying approach to governance.
In a recent confidential United Nations briefing, Russia criticized Syria’s new leadership, expressing concerns regarding the rise of jihadists and drawing unsettling parallels to the Rwandan genocide. Despite maintaining military bases in Syria, Moscow’s private commentary highlighted its unease with violent sectarian cleavages, particularly affecting the Alawite minority, following recent brutal incidents triggered by opposition attacks.
The Kremlin’s remarks underscore its strategic intent to re-establish influence in post-Assad Syria as it navigates a complex political landscape. Vassily Nebenzia, the envoy to the UN, made comparisons between current sectarian violence and the historical atrocities witnessed in Rwanda. He remarked ominously about ongoing brutality, emphasizing that “no one” had intervened to halt the killings.
According to Anna Borshchevskaya from the Washington Institute, Russia is employing a strategy that involves private critiques to maintain its standing as a global power without jeopardizing its relationship with a seemingly fragile Syrian government. In this vein, Moscow is not openly criticizing the new regime as this might undermine their position in Syria.
Nebenzia also expressed concerns about the dissolution of Syria’s army and significant workforce reductions, warning that such actions might lead to an “Iraq scenario,” reminiscent of the sectarian turmoil following Saddam Hussein’s ousting. Critics of the new administration assert that the layoffs were particularly detrimental to Alawite workers, leading to calls for a more inclusive governance structure.
In a recent interview, interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa stated his administration’s intention to avoid sectarian divisions and expressed hope for maintaining strong ties with Russia. He announced that a forthcoming government could include Alawites, which might alleviate concerns regarding sectarian tensions.
At the UN meeting, Russia condemned the actions of Syria’s new leadership, calling them a “corrupt foundation” for governance, while expressing apprehension about the role of foreign fighters. Testimonies related to the violence included reports of non-Arabic speaking participants, suggesting the involvement of foreign militants, prompting concerns among the Security Council members about national stability and community relations.
As the 15-member Security Council negotiates a unified statement to address the escalating violence, all attending envoys emphasized the urgent need for protections that reflect Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious demographics. Russia communicated aspirations for an agreement to solidify a response to the ongoing crisis.
In summary, Russia’s critical stance towards Syria’s new Islamist leadership indicates a complexity in its foreign policy objectives amidst rising sectarian violence. This private critique reflects Moscow’s strategic approach to reassert its influence while addressing inclusive governance concerns in post-Assad Syria. Furthermore, the international community’s response hinges on the new authorities’ performance in ensuring stability and protecting the rights of all Syrian citizens, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
