In the Syrian conflict: what does Russia gain? From STRATFOR

While no one really wants war in Syria, the United States feels pressured to maintain global credibility by punishing the use of chemical weapons. But why is Russia so involved and opposing such action?

The Syrian conflict is just a shadow game for the real concerns: global position and energy, not Syrian oil. Russia's strength abroad and at home relies heavily on its energy sector. With the United States continuing to advance in natural gas exports, Russia feels its global position being threatened.

In front of the cameras, Washington and Moscow will use humanitarian reasoning for their stance on Syria - their true motivations will stay behind closed doors, but you don’t have to be left in the dark.

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