This is with reference to the article “Russia: Syria’s game changer” (Jan. 3) by Harun Yahya. The views of the writer make perfect sense. People following his articles would testify that he had been stressing the need for taking Russia onboard since the very beginning of the Syrian crisis. People criticizing the Russian support to Assad’s regime appear to be either biased toward Moscow or are not well-versed with the dynamics of international politics. In global politics, there is no concept of a free lunch. Every country has the right to protect its interest and to act accordingly. I would like to add a few things on this issue. With the fall of Soviet Union, the United States turned the entire world into its playground. We all now know the hazards of living in a unilateral world. I don’t wish to see another Cold War but Russia could prove to be a potent force to counter US’ unilateral policies. The Muslim world can play an effective role in ending Washington’s monopoly. That does not mean that Muslim countries should sever ties with the US but they should adopt a non-aligned approach and try to improve ties with Russia. They should give priority to their interests. Why should we harm our relations with Russia or China to please the West or to be more particular the US?
This should not be taken as anti-US rant. We should also not play as Russian satellites promoting Moscow’s interest. We should hammer out a strategy that gives us a good bargaining position on various issues. — Sharif Mujahid, Jeddah
Alliance with Russia
