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.



Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Possible this Week or Next

US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
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Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Possible this Week or Next

US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

US President Donald Trump said there is a "very good chance" of a ceasefire in Gaza this week or next, after meeting Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday for the second time in two days to discuss the situation.

"We have a chance this week or next week," Trump told reporters.

Israel's military chief said on Wednesday "conditions have been created" for the advancement of a hostage release deal in Gaza, as indirect negotiations were under way between Israel and Hamas.

"We have achieved many significant results, we have caused great damage to the governance and military capabilities of Hamas," armed forces chief Eyal Zamir said in a televised speech.

"Thanks to the operational power that we have demonstrated, the conditions have been created to advance a deal to release the hostages."

Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his meeting with Trump focused on freeing the hostages held in Gaza, and stressed his determination to "eliminate" the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas.