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When the Syrian Civil War began four years ago the Syrian government lost many of its political contacts all over the world but there was one ally who decided to stick by them; Russia. Russia has been a close ally to the Syrian government for many years now and because of this, Syria wants them to expand their influence around the Middle East. In an article by AlMonitor, “Syria Keen on Russian Expansion in Middle East” by Ziad Haidar (translated by Joelle El-Khoury) it states how the Syrian Government wants Moscow to expand their influence within the Middle East as the United States (U.S.) and its allies begin to expand as well. This also comes as fighting increases in Yemen and throughout the Middle East.

While Russia attempt to expand their influence throughout the Middle East, Tunisia also plans to renew their ties with the Syrian government. In an article posted by Reuters, “Tunisia Says Plans to Renew Ties with Syria to Help Track Fighters” reported by Tarek Amara, writen by Patrick Markey and edited by Raissa Kasolowsky in states that Tunisia is considering renewing ties with Syria due to the increasing threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) around the Middle East. Tunisia wishes to renew its ties so that it can keep up with the insurgent fighters within Syria that threaten the rest of the Middle East but Tunisia says that these ties will not be very complex and may or may not include embassies in Syria.

Violence within the Middle East continues to increase especially with the continuing rise of the Islamic State. This violence is seen throughout the whole world and it could potentially affect other players not in or near the Middle East. Russia has always been an important stakeholder in the affairs of the Middle East due to its close ties to Syria but if they decide to expand their influence furthermore then it could cause more problems than fix them due to the many stakeholders that are in this conflict. Many argue that it could even lead to another Cold War especially if Syria begins to renew its ties within the Middle East and possibly even the world.