Russia Supports Jordan More than Syria?

Tony Badran argues that the relationship between the Syrian regime and Russia might not be as strong that President Assad insinuates.

Badran argues:

Far less media attention was given to another visitor to Russia at around the same time that Assad arrived there: Jordan's King Abdullah. The king's visit was focused mainly on military and technical cooperation. Jordan has developed a number of joint military ventures with the Russians in recent years.

A few days later Premier Vladimir Putin - who had met with King Abdullah but not with Assad - also received Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan. The Saudis began discussing arms deals with the Russians last year, when Putin made his historic visit to the kingdom when he was still president. Meanwhile, Saudi-Syrian relations have sunk to their lowest levels in recent history. Whatever the purpose of Bandar's visit, the Russians were clearly not giving Syria any special privileges, and seemingly they were not interested in placing all their eggs in Bashar Assad's basket.

Badran provides a close look at President Assad's recent overtures toward Russia, and Russian relations with other (pro-US) Middle Eastern countries. Must read.