There is more to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran/Syria/Lebanon than meets the eye


February 22, 2018
Arthur Goodman
Russia has a big influence, and seems to have replaced America as the overarching superpower in the region

downed Iranian drone

Our post,, “Air clashes between Israel and Syria and Iran” on 13 February, reported on the escalating air battles played out in the space of 24 hours between Israel and Iran/Syria. Alastair Crooke, writing on the Russian website “Strategic Culture Foundation”, analyses the important role played by Russia in the escalating tensions between Israel and a Syrian government supported by Iran and Hezbollah. Alastair Crooke says Russia has now replaced America as the superpower exercising influence in the Region. As the military patron of Iran and Syria, it has given notice that Israel can no longer expect to attack Syria from the air without losing some of its aircraft. While not being willing to commit forces to help Iran if Israel attacks, it will provide sophisticated air defences to both its client states, and it will not be willing to allow its own forces to be harmed.

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