Russia’s Actions in Syria: Underlying Interests and Policy Objectives

Simon Saradzhyan presented his views on Russia’s interests and policy objectives in the course of a special event held by Harvard University’s Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies on November 16, 2015. The event, which drew faculty and students, but was also open to the public, was entitled  “Russia in Syria: Understanding Moscow's Military and Political Endgame.”

Mr. Saradzhyan argued in his presentation that Russia’s national interests in Syria do not hinge on continuation of Bashir al-Assad’s rule. Therefore, Vladimir Putin could be prepared let Assad go as long as Russia has a say in transition to the new government in Syria and that government agrees to honor Russia’s national interests at stake.

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