(MENAFN- Jordan Times) The endurance shown by the Syrian regime, especially in the aftermath of an explosion at a national security building in central Damascus, may add a new regional dimension to the Syrian crisis.
The rocky road to a settlement in Syria, with its regional ramifications, is likely to bring about geographical and political transformations in the whole region, causing countries to tackle their specific problems and create their own scenarios.
The reaction of the Syrian military after the assassination of four key military figures demonstrates the strong organisation of the army.
The escalation of this protracted Syrian crisis, however, might push the entire region into a long dark tunnel.
The Syrian crisis may mark the start of a new era. It brings to mind scenes from the Cold War of over 20 years ago.
The assertive return of Russia to the international scene today points to the unilateral policies that have dominated world politics in recent years and that are facing a serious challenge.
The continuous Russian and Chinese veto of Arab and Western-backed resolutions condemning the crackdown in Syria started a new race to rebuild international alliances.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned against any anti-Syria movement outside the United Nations. This means that Russia is ready to regionalise the Syrian conflict. As part of this quest, Russia sent an indirect message to Turkey by hosting the Cypriot foreign minister in Moscow a few days ago.
Iran, Syria's ally, also sent a clear message. Deputy head of Iran's Armed Forces Joint Chiefs of Staff Brigadier General Seyyed Masoud Jazayeri said that "enemies of Syria cannot currently do anything but bomb and terrorise the people".
He added: "Syria's allies did not enter the arena in favour of Syria until now, but if they enter, they will direct a big blow to the enemies of Syria, in particular Arab countries allied to America and the Israeli entity." (Al Alam news, July 24)
Jordan, in particular, will have to watch out for its strategic interests, as it faces a real test. The greatest challenge facing the Kingdom today is how to deal with the consequences of the Syrian crisis and the risk that terrorist elements could export their methods to neighbouring countries.
One likely indication that the Syrian crisis might soon expand into a larger regional problem was the Haaretz report, on July 22, that Israel issued a complaint to the UN after Syrian troops entered the demilitarised Golan zone.
In a world where interdependence and conflicting interests go hand-in-hand, global and regional developments are intertwined and working to create a new world order.
The Syrian regime's steadfastness has taken the conflict to a new political phase that might result not only in reconfiguring the region, but also in shaping a new world order.
The writer, political analyst and expert in intercultural studies, is lecturer at the University of Jordan. He contributed this article to The Jordan Times.
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