Sharp Differences between Moscow, Damascus Play out in the Media

A woman at empty Souk al-Hamidieh, as restrictions are imposed as measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Damascus, Syria March 24, 2020. (Reuters)
A woman at empty Souk al-Hamidieh, as restrictions are imposed as measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Damascus, Syria March 24, 2020. (Reuters)
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Sharp Differences between Moscow, Damascus Play out in the Media

A woman at empty Souk al-Hamidieh, as restrictions are imposed as measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Damascus, Syria March 24, 2020. (Reuters)
A woman at empty Souk al-Hamidieh, as restrictions are imposed as measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Damascus, Syria March 24, 2020. (Reuters)

In a sign of the growing divide between Damascus and Moscow, a Syrian lawmaker released on Friday a strongly-worded article critical of Russia and President Vladimir Putin.

In his article, “What if Assad Was Angry with Putin?”, MP Khaled Abboud declared that Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah party were regime leader Bashar Assad’s main allies.

Russia’s intervention in the Syrian conflict achieved joint Syrian-Russian interests in confronting the United States. The intervention did not “save” the regime, as Moscow has repeatedly claimed at various formal events, continued the MP.

Moreover, Abboud alleged that “if Assad were to become angry, then he can pull the rug right from under Putin even in the Kremlin.” Assad can “dash” all of Putin’s “glory and accomplishments.”

He warned that Syria can “drown” Putin in a long conflict in the Latakia mountains, Hauran or the Syrian Desert (Badia), describing Russian troops as “occupation” forces.

“If Assad wanted to stand against Putin, the Russian president would not only be defeated in Syria, but Russia’s expansion throughout the world will be curbed and Putin’s name will forever be crossed out from Russian history,” he stated.

Observers told Asharq Al-Awsat that the critical article reveals that Damascus’ rulers are upset with the recent Russian media campaigns against them.

Russia has been growing increasingly critical of Damascus, issuing a series of scathing attacks against the regime over the spread of rampant corruption in Syria, its inability to impose its authority in areas under its control and the drop in Assad’s popularity, whom Moscow now views as a burden.

A Syrian lawmaker cannot make such statements without receiving the green light from the higher ups, remarked the observers.

Abboud was not the first official to come out and condemn Russia. Just days ago, former ambassador and military official, Bahjat Suleiman slammed Russia for only intervening in Syria “54 months after Damascus was left alone to confront a cosmic conspiracy.”

Moscow has yet to respond to the criticism, but decision-making circles said that such statements reflect a “total lack of political responsibility or awareness” during this dangerous time in Syria.

Former diplomat Rami al-Shaar, who is close to the Russian foreign ministry, said Russian officials have been “shocked” with the statements coming in from Damascus.

He added however, that they have stressed that such criticism is not being made by the Damascus leadership and should therefore, be dismissed.



UN Calls for Independent Probe into Civilians Harmed Trying to Get Food in Gaza

 Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
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UN Calls for Independent Probe into Civilians Harmed Trying to Get Food in Gaza

 Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday slammed as "unacceptable" the deaths of Palestinians seeking food aid in Gaza, a spokesman said, calling the loss of life in the territory "unthinkable".

"The Secretary-General continues to call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for the perpetrators to be held to account," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

"We are witnessing unthinkable loss of life in Gaza (and) the secretary-general condemns the loss of lives and injuries of Palestinians seeking aid," he said. "It is unacceptable civilians are risking and in several instances losing their lives just trying to get food."

At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded by Israeli fire near a food distribution site in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, local health authorities said, in the third day of chaos and bloodshed to affect the aid operation.

A spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross told Reuters that its field hospital in Rafah received 184 casualties, adding that 19 of those were declared dead upon arrival, and eight died of their wounds shortly after.

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched its first distribution sites last week in an effort to alleviate widespread hunger amongst Gaza's war-battered population, most of whom have had to abandon their homes to flee fighting.

The Foundation's aid plan, which bypasses traditional aid groups, has come under fierce criticism from the United Nations and established charities which say it does not follow humanitarian principles.

The private group, which is endorsed by Israel, said it distributed 21 truckloads of food early on Tuesday and that the aid operation was "conducted safely and without incident within the site".

However, there have been reports of repeated killings near Rafah as crowds gather to get desperately needed supplies.

On Sunday, Palestinian and international officials reported that at least 31 people were killed and dozens more injured. On Monday, three more Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli fire.

The Israeli military has denied targeting civilians gathering for aid and called reports of deaths during Sunday’s distribution "fabrications" by Hamas.