The New Nation - Internet Edition

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad during his latest visit to Moscow has not only sought to strengthen military cooperation with Russia, but also has been quoted as saying that his country would have peace talks with Israel only after Bush's successor enters the US presidency.

The Syrian president's visit in the wake of the war in Georgia has been significant in that Moscow has accused Georgia of being supplied by Israeli-made arms. And Bashar Al-Assad has termed, the war as 'the apogee of western efforts to encircle and isolate Russia.' Bashar accused the US of persevering in its Cold War policy of containment.

Assad cited the conflict as an impetus for strengthening military cooperation with Moscow, and opposition to US plans to build a missile defence system in Eastern Europe.

As US President Bush lacks trust in Muslims, Arab leaders clearly seem inclined to seek Russian weapons to protect themselves. And Russia would only try to take advantage of this situation. The latest Russian move is probably an indication that the days of a unipolar world are coming to an end.

Assad also reportedly held out the possibility that Russia could site Iskander missiles on its territory in an effort to counter the planned deployment of a US missile shield in Eastern Europe, which Russia views as a security threat. Moscow has come under severe criticism from the US and Israel for reinvigorating Soviet-era weapons trade with Syria, a close ally of Iran.

The US has voiced its grave concern, 'We are obviously very concerned about reports that Russia may be providing weapons, weapons systems to Syria,' State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters the other day.

Meanwhile, Syria's president has been quoted as saying that he is ready for peace talks with Israel, but only after the new US leader takes office. The U.S. is much more interested in Syria helping security in Iraq and stopping interference in Lebanon, Assad is reported to have said.

There is thus the need for a new realisation of the world situation on the part of the US. The world has changed. Continuing with the Bush legacy will certainly require the US to pay a heavy price. We cannot say what the US people will do, but the world will abhor Bush kind of presidency any more.