Insight - Russia's Syria diplomacy, a game of smoke and mirrors
(Reuters) - Sitting at a long table in Russia's Foreign Ministry, Syrian opposition leaders outlined a plan to protect Moscow's interests if the Kremlin agreed to the removal of its longstanding ally, President Bashar al-Assad.
Throughout the meeting last July, one of many since the start of Syria's civil war, Russian officials sat stony-faced. When the Syrians had finished, there was a long silence.
"The Russians listened but never spoke, and when we were done speaking, we were told that Moscow is dedicated to human rights and we were told to get on our way," said Mahmoud al-Hamza, a Moscow-based member of the Syria National Council, who was present at several such sessions.
More than two years after the Syrian conflict erupted as part of the "Arab Spring" uprisings, Assad is clinging to power thanks in large part to Russian diplomatic and military support.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/06/06/uk-syria-crisis-russia-insight-idUKBRE95506C20130606
