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Source: http://www.worldcrunch.com/why-russia-wont-back-down-standoff-syria/4607
Why Russia Won't Back Down on Support for Syria
(Kommersant-Russia) Maksim Yusin - Russian experts explained why Russia is not likely to give in on a UN resolution on Syria: If Moscow abandons its ally Damascus in this critical moment, then the message it will be sending to allies around the world is that one cannot rely on the Kremlin. Damascus is one of Moscow's most important trading partners, with military contracts signed in past years worth $4 billion. Moscow is not convinced that the opposition in Syria would continue this partnership if it comes into power. Russia's only military base located outside of the former Soviet Union is in the Syrian port city of Tartus. Russia is wary of the Syrian opposition. Its leaders are oriented towards the Persian Gulf monarchs, Turkey and the West, but not in the least towards Moscow. Russian internal politics also plays a major role in this affair. A month before the presidential elections, Vladimir Putin does not want to appear weak to either voters or his opponents.