Russia Eases Stance on Syria?

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia should listen to some of the French arguments about Syria. This may be a sign of a radical shift in Russian relations with Syria.

Putin made the comment after talks in Moscow with French President Francois Hollande, whom Putin said made some new proposals on dealing with the nearly two-year-old conflict in the Arab state.

His remarks were unusually conciliatory for a man who has spent most of the past two years criticizing the West’s stance on Syria’s civil war. Russia has backed Assad financially and by using its veto at the UN Security Council to shield Assad’s regime from sanctions for cracking down on what began as peaceful protests.

The fact that France has been among the most vociferous critics of Assad and a major booster of the Syrian opposition makes President Putin’s remarks interesting.

Bible prophecy tells us that Syria will ally itself with a German-led Europe. However, the current Assad government in Syria, backed by Russia, is at odds with the Europeans, who are supporting the rebels.

Russia could keep fighting to prop up Assad, but Putin’s remarks may indicate a change in Russian foreign policy. If Russia abandons Syria, it would be a devastating blow to Assad—and would probably herald the end of the regime.

For more information on why the battle in Syria will soon affect you, read “Russia and Europe Moving Toward a Deal on Syria?” and “A New Strategic Partnership Emerges.”