Over ten years ago, Syria’s people rose to call for reform, resulting in devastation. At home, two U S presidents, with opposite approaches to foreign affairs, did nothing because I suspect they saw no benefit to the US from any form of involvement. President Biden may feel the same, but times have changed, and it is now in our interests as Americans to be involved.
Syria seemed to most Americans a hornet’s nest. Despite the initial peaceful nature of the protests, the regime grossly overreacted, and the insurrection became militarized and understandably violent. This in-turn attracted out-side forces and funding that insured a monstrosity of actions that went beyond the pale of human interactions and are being investigated as we speak, as war crimes on both sides, although the regime and its supporters deserve the lion’s share of blame.
Here in the US Redlines were drawn and then mystifyingly ignored, resulting in the diminishing of US clout. Russia stepped in, supported the regime, and the US did nothing to discourage Russia from establishing hegemony over regime-controlled areas. Iran for sectarian purposes helped the regime duke it out with its sworn enemies, while Turkey fearing a massive new influx of refugees at its borders helped the revolutionaries withstand the regime’s attack.
US officials gave lip service to Syria’s historic plight and lamented the fate of the millions displaced, the hundreds of thousands killed (on both sides), and the almost as many imprisoned and tortured but lacking a clear-cut solution, the US allowed the suffering to go on. It is now in everyone’s interest, especially in the West, that this chapter of history is closed, and only Russia-with America’s blessing-can do it.
Russia gains an unopposed foothold in the region, and the US gains in a rebuilding effort worth billions of dollars. By actively intervening the United States can also right a historic wrong and regain its status as the world-leading source of good. Another and possibly more critical side benefit of US-Russian coordination in Syria is that it could be a harbinger of US-Russian coordination in other parts of the world. Let us face it we, meaning America and Russia, have huge and more pressing problems on our hands.
Both the US and Russia need each other. In real politic terms, President Putin would welcome any lessening of tension caused by Russia’s activities in its bordering counties, and President Biden would benefit from Russian support for his efforts to confront China.
Coordination would start by allowing Humanitarian aid, securing refugee return, and opening communication channels between all parties involved. These activities can only proceed with muscular Russian protection and under the auspices of the United States of America. It is in the US and Russia’s global interest that the crisis in Syria ends. A solution proposed by reconciled Syrians must be encouraged, and it will lead to solving this crisis to the benefit of all.
