Sharqalawsat
Iran, Russia and other forces that want to
expel Sunni Muslim Syrians from some
areas and replace them with Shias are
invading Syria, says Syrian columnist
Ghassan Al Imam. He also believes that
Russia is trying to provoke Turkey and
this could trigger an all-our war in the
region. In an article in the Saudi daily
Sharqalawsat, Imam argues that Russia is
providing air cover to militias from Iran,
Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan in their
attacks on opposition-held towns in a bid to occupy them and expel their residents. “Syria is
now under a regional and international ethnic invasion that threatens its territorial integrity.
There are many militias fighting alongside with the regime forces from Iran, Lebanon, Iraq,
Afghanistan and other countries. They are invading many areas with the aid of the Russian air
force with the aim of expelling their residents and replacing them with Shias. This is happening
mainly in parts of Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, and some areas close to the border with
Lebanon,” he says. “At the same time Russia is trying to provoke Turkey and besiege it
militarily and economically. These provocations may trigger an all-out war in the region.
Therefore, the US needs to intervene to prevent further escalation and ensure Russia will respect
its promise to halt hostilities. Failure to do so means the situation could spiral out of control.”
