The U.S. and Russia: A Complex Relationship in Syria

The ongoing conflict in Syria has been a major point of tension between the United States and Russia. Despite the varied interests and motivations of both nations, there has been a question of whether the two can work together to find a resolution to the conflict. This article explores the potential for collaboration and the necessary conditions for such a partnership.

Why the Chance of Cooperation is Slim

The conflict in Syria did not arise in a vacuum; instead, it was greatly influenced by the actions of the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. and its partners Turkey and Saudi Arabia played a significant role in exacerbating the situation, aligning with internal factions to overthrow the Syrian government. The U.S.'s objective has been to eliminate the Assad regime, which it believes needs to be replaced to prevent Iran's influence in the region.

Additionally, Russia has a vested interest in maintaining its influence in the Middle East, particularly through the sale of weapons. Their efforts to support the Syrian government, especially under President Assad, have been motivated by strategic and economic reasons rather than purely humanitarian ones. The U.S., on the other hand, adheres to a principle-based foreign policy, viewing Russia's actions as increasingly authoritarian.

The U.S.'s Role in Exacerbating the Conflict

The U.S. has sought to prolong the war to maximize the extraction of oil and other natural resources, aiming to severely damage Syria's economy and infrastructure. This approach is deeply troubling for the Syrian people and highlights the broader geopolitical games being played by superpowers in the region.

Furthermore, the U.S.'s history of regime change and its disregard for human rights has set a precedent that makes collaboration with Russia on Syria challenging. The U.S. has been accused of various illegal interventions, including altering the course of nations to serve its interests rather than those of the people.

Conditions for Cooperation

For the U.S. and Russia to work together in Syria, several conditions need to be met:

A mutually agreed-upon objective focused on eliminating terrorist organizations like ISIS and restoring stability to the region. A commitment to respect the sovereignty of Syria and seek a resolution that includes the various stakeholders of the conflict. Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities in order to align the strategic interests of both nations. Aceess and transparency in the exchange of information and resources to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in operations.

Without these conditions, any attempt at collaboration would likely fail due to the fundamental differences in the motivations and objectives of both countries. The nature of their involvement in Syria has been vastly different, with Russia supporting the government and the U.S. seeking to overthrow it. This asymmetry in approach makes a cooperative solution difficult to achieve.

Conclusion: A Difficult but Not Impossible Path

While the current situation in Syria is complex and fraught with challenges, it is not impossible for the U.S. and Russia to find a way to collaborate. However, it will require a significant shift in both countries' strategies and a willingness to prioritise the interests of the Syrian people over their own geopolitical ambitions.

The question of whether Russia and the U.S. can work together in Syria is not just about the International Space Station or arbitrary concerns like hacking. It is about the future of a nation torn apart by conflict and the potential for truly meaningful collaboration in the face of great adversity.