The need for Syrian Conflict8448487
Through the ongoing conflict in Syria involving the Bashar Al-Assad forces as well as the rebel army it may have been observed that "Syrian conflict" has become one of the extremely crucial cases for your world. Both Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama have made their points in showing that it's inside their countries interests some thing. Therefore, it poses the issue why the situation in Syria is indeed necessary for Russia along with the United States of America.
Firstly, it can be worth mentioning the strategic geographical and political location of Syria - It's access to Mediterranean and beyond which is in the center of four important countries/regions: Israel, Iran, Kuwait and Caucasian states. The initial two of them have hostile relations and also under the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the conflict seemed very plausible. Syria is located between those countries and Iran is strongest ally in the Middle East, which can make them an incredibly strategically located country.
The last two countries, Kuwait and Caucasian states are relatively all-around Syria. What's important, is the fact that destabilization of Syria and the large numbers of Islamic extremist mercenaries (who partly make up the rebel army) could have affect situation in those regions (Kuwait - that is extremely important since it has become the final biggest oil exporter for the USA in last 20 years) and former Soviet Caucasian states, which have already causing problems due to activity of its 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 interest in the very center east) are extremely worried about the sponsor an orphan syria. Barack Obama feels a lot of pressure from your Israeli government (and apparently the Kuwait government which is supporting the rebel army in the first place), who emphasize the specter of Iran for the whole Middle East.
The second, essential aspect is the power over the med Sea. The Russian Naval Base in Tartus established in 1971 under agreement of Soviet Union and Syrian governments can be basically named because the only opposition to USA/NATO domination on the Mediterranean and beyond. In the event of failure of Bashar Al-Assad, the existence of Russian base could be put under question with the new government. In addition, Putin would loss his only ally in the Middle-east region and what's more, an income provider as Russia may be the biggest exporter of weaponry for Syria.
Lastly, Barack Obama follows the ideological superiority of USA over other countries thereby feels obligated to intervene in Syria. The conflict in Syria might be described not only as conflict between Al-Assad and rebel forces, but in addition as being a conflict over the diplomatic domination between Putin and Obama. Every possible closure in the Syrian conflict is sure to have major influence on both relations between Russia and USA and the way forward for the center East.
