The Fox News report about the construction of a new Iranian missile base, in addition to the nearly 20 other bases or outposts the Iranians have already built throughout Syria, temporarily overshadowed reports about the Assad regime's war of extermination – with Russian help – against the residents of eastern Ghouta, east of Damascus.
It appears, however, that the world has become apathetic, and possibly accustomed, to the horrific images emanating from the war in Syria, and therefore another few hundred dead civilians, mostly women and children, or more accounts of the immense devastation Syrian and Russian planes have inflicted on civilian infrastructure, don't really keep anyone up at night anymore.
The all-out attack the regime is waging in Ghouta, with the help of its allies from Tehran and Moscow, is merely a promo for what it plans to do in Idlib in the north, followed by the south and Golan Heights. One step after another, one body after another, Assad and his allies are inching toward final victory in the battle for Syria.
The events in Syria expose not only the hypocrisy and cynicism in our world but also that the international community, the same one that often preaches morality to Israel, is fictitious and regardless cannot be trusted to fulfill its promises pertaining to Israel's security. This fact is clearly and directly linked to the ongoing expansion of Iran's military presence in Syria. To be sure, despite Israel's warnings, the Iranians continue to establish their presence in Syria, build bases and fortify their positions. No one opposes them and no one stands in their way; not Bashar Assad, who is still utterly dependent on Iranian military assistance; or Russian President Vladimir Putin, who views Iran as a strategic ally; nor the United States apparently.
While Assad slaughters what remains of his people, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his onslaught against the Kurds. As always, however, there is a giant gap between Erdogan's belligerent rhetoric and his actual actions. Additionally, his megalomaniac Middle East policies appear to lack support from his military and domestic public opinion, which is not thrilled about sinking in the Syrian mud. Ankara's measures, therefore, are restricted to the Syrian-Turkish border area and Erdogan is incapable of affecting any of the developments currently unfolding in the country. At most, he is pushing the Kurds into the arms of the Damascus regime, and instead of limited Kurdish autonomy, he could very well get Assad and the Iranians on his border.
Washington, meanwhile, has unexpectedly shown signs of waking up. Last week we received reports of an overwhelming American attack on a force of Russian mercenaries operating on behalf of Assad, who tried entering Kurdish territory in that sector in an apparent effort to seize the bountiful oil fields located there. The American response was inordinately aggressive and left hundreds of Russian mercenaries and even Syrian dead. Moscow rushed to downplay the incident, essentially signaling it accepts the rules of the game the Americans are dictating. This is an important lesson that illustrates yet again that when it comes to the balance of military power, Washington has a significant advantage over Moscow. However, tipping the scales in Putin's favor are his desire, determination and willingness to make bold moves; not to mention a clear policy and strategy, both of which the Americans lack.
Washington has to demonstrate that its interests extend beyond mere oil and gas fields; it must also show a willingness to defend its allies who feel threatened by Iran. Just two weeks ago, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Beirut. Similar to past visits, this one too failed to address the Hezbollah question, instead focusing on resolving the land and maritime border dispute between Israel and Lebanon so that American oil and gas companies can continue pursuing their interests in both countries unhindered.
However, he who counts his chickens before they hatch could very well discover that Iran, with a military presence already on the ground, a more comprehensive view and greater determination, might emerge from the war in Syria as the big winner – not just militarily but economically.
