That delicate relationship between Moscow and Ankara now tested by events in Nagorno-Karabakh and Libya is once again coming under strain in Syria. This civil war is long lasting and not something the Russians have been able to sweep under the carpet. In the north-east of the country, where Assad is once again in danger of losing the key city of Palmira, and not just there, a resurgence of rebel activity has marked the end of 2020.

Novaya gazeta is not just speaking for itself when it quotes an “expert” to the effect that the rebels are supported by Turkey “which is interested in cultivating terrorism in many regions of the Near East.” Clearly the upcoming summit between the presidents of Russia and Turkey is going to be something of a struggle.

Асад рискует вновь потерять Пальмиру

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31 декабря 2020, 14:30  Фото: Sandra Auger/Reuters Текст: Наталья Макарова,  Ирина Яровая