Now the central challenge facing U.S. and other Western diplomats huddling about Syria this week at the United Nations is how to stay relevant. Even as Russia flaunts its diplomatic success, it’s also securing a military future with Syria. It was at least the fourth event in the past year aimed at reviving Russian trade with Syria — and Russian companies are heading back to Syria in early October for a conference on rebuilding the country. “Russia built it in the first place, and wants to rebuild this and strategic economic ties,” said independent Russian analyst Vyacheslav Matuzov. Among the most vocal proponents of renewed trade with Syria is Georgy Muradov of Crimea.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 27, 2018 03:00 UTC