Russian Involvement in Syria

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/04/us-syria-russia-idUSBRE8330E020120404

Nations like Russia continue to be a roadblock in the United Nations attempts at brokering peace in war-torn Syria. Considering Russia's warm relations with the Syrian government, it is not surprising to see them, as well as fellow ally China rejecting the UN's calls for Assad to step down and take responsibility for what has occurred. While Russia has stated that it supports a ceasefire on both sides, it continues to assert that arming the rebels, or even siding with them, will lead to long term consequences in the region, and more bloodshed in the region. In this post-Soviet world, Syria continues to be one of Russia's most strategic allies, placing it at the forefront of all dialogue between the Syrian government and the rebels. Russia seems determined to protect Assad while accepting Kofi Annan's plans for dialogue between the two parties in an attempt to save face in the global community. With nations like Russia strong-arming the other members of the UN, it becomes increasingly difficult to stop Assad from breaking the ceasefire and having troops fire across the border at fleeing refugees.

While Russia attempts to give off an image as fair and just, it is easy to see that their refusal to agree upon a joint resolution against Syria is simply an attempt at appeasing an ally. With another powerful nation like China joining Russia, the UN cannot do anything other than hope Assad will be open to a peaceful end to the fighting. Considering Assad has ordered his military to shoot at refugees across the border (thus angering neighbors like Turkey), the possibility of a working ceasefire seem out of the question, and with Russia's position on its Middle Eastern ally left unchanged, there will only be more inaction.