The value of Syrian Conflict3700391
During the ongoing conflict in Syria involving the Bashar Al-Assad forces along with the rebel army it could have been observed that "Syrian conflict" became one of the extremely crucial cases for your world. Both Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama make their points in showing that it is within their countries interests to do something. Therefore, it poses the question why the specific situation in Syria is really necessary for Russia and also the U . s ..
Firstly, it can be worth mentioning the strategic geographical and political location of Syria - It's use of Mediterranean and beyond which is in the center of four important countries/regions: Israel, Iran, Kuwait and Caucasian states. The first two of them have hostile relations especially underneath the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the conflict seemed very plausible. Syria is found between those countries and Iran is strongest ally in the center East, that make them an incredibly strategically located country.
The final two countries, Kuwait and Caucasian states are relatively all-around Syria. What's important, is always that destabilization of Syria and also the large number of Islamic extremist mercenaries (who partly from the rebel army) could possibly have impact on situation in those regions (Kuwait - which is essential because it may be your fourth biggest oil exporter to the USA in last 15 years) and former Soviet Caucasian states, which may have already causing problems because of the activity of the company's extremist groups. Hence, both Russians (avoiding destabilization and increase of influence of extremist groups in Caucasian states - mostly Chechen groups, that are actually Muslim) and USA (supporting Israel against Iran and protecting their economic desire for the very center east) can be extremely concerned about the syrian refugees charity. Barack Obama feels more pressure than normal through the Israeli government (and apparently the Kuwait government which can be supporting the rebel army right from the start), who emphasize the threat of Iran for the complete Middle East.
The second, very important aspect is the power over the med Sea. The Russian Naval Base in Tartus established in 1971 under agreement of Ussr and Syrian governments might be basically named since the only opposition to USA/NATO domination on the Mediterranean and beyond. In case there is failure of Bashar Al-Assad, a good Russian base might be put under question through the new government. Additionally, Putin would loss his only ally in the Middle-east region what is more, an income provider as Russia is the biggest exporter of weaponry for Syria.
Lastly, Obama follows the ideological superiority of USA over other countries and so feels obligated to intervene in Syria. The conflict in Syria could be described not only as conflict between Al-Assad and rebel forces, but also being a conflict in the diplomatic domination between Putin and Obama. Every possible closure in the Syrian conflict will definitely have major effect on both relations between Russia and USA and also the way ahead for the guts East.