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Russia wonders, can the west deliver on Syria? Russia wonders, can the west deliver on Syria?
(about 1 hour later)
As to Lord Ashdown’s suggestion that the west “outflank Russia with diplomacy in Syria” (Opinion, 16 October), we would have welcomed that. But it was not done, and I daresay, is very unlikely to happen at all. The key reason is stated by Ashdown himself, ie the west’s choice of regional friends.As to Lord Ashdown’s suggestion that the west “outflank Russia with diplomacy in Syria” (Opinion, 16 October), we would have welcomed that. But it was not done, and I daresay, is very unlikely to happen at all. The key reason is stated by Ashdown himself, ie the west’s choice of regional friends.
Even British history proves that once upheavals have started, it takes time to arrive at a Glorious Revolution. Though, indeed, in our time, unity of all outside players can make a huge difference. That would require legitimacy and common ground that is of this world. A complicating factor is the west engaging in a face-saving orientalism. Even British history proves that once upheavals have started, it takes time to arrive at a Glorious Revolution. Though, indeed, in our time, unity of all outside players can make a huge difference. That would require legitimacy and common ground that is of this world. A complicating factor is the west engaging in a face-saving orientalism.
Related: We Syrians are losing our faith in the international community | Letter from 25 Syrian civil society actors
Russia is open to cooperation on a political settlement in Syria. What is in question, however, is the west’s ability to deliver on its part of the perceived deal, including bringing those very allies onside.Russia is open to cooperation on a political settlement in Syria. What is in question, however, is the west’s ability to deliver on its part of the perceived deal, including bringing those very allies onside.
As to the “ladder”, please, rest assured that we’ll have enough humility to accept that assistance, if need be, as well as Britain’s “widow’s mite of explosives”.Alexander KramarenkoMinister-counsellor, Russian embassyAs to the “ladder”, please, rest assured that we’ll have enough humility to accept that assistance, if need be, as well as Britain’s “widow’s mite of explosives”.Alexander KramarenkoMinister-counsellor, Russian embassy
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