The value of Syrian Conflict3655146
In the ongoing conflict in Syria relating to the Bashar Al-Assad forces as well as the rebel army it could have already been observed that "Syrian conflict" became one of the most crucial cases for your world. Both Vladimir Putin and Obama have made their points in showing that it is in their countries interests to do something. Therefore, it poses the question why the problem in Syria is so necessary for Russia and also the United States of America.
Firstly, it's worth mentioning the strategic geographical and political location of Syria - It has entry to Med and is also in the center of four important countries/regions: Israel, Iran, Kuwait and Caucasian states. The initial two of them have hostile relations and particularly within the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the conflict seemed very plausible. Syria is found between those countries and Iran is their strongest ally at the center East, which can make them an extremely strategically located country.
The last two countries, Kuwait and Caucasian states are relatively near to Syria. It is important, is destabilization of Syria and also the large numbers of Islamic extremist mercenaries (who partly from the rebel army) could possibly have influence on situation in those regions (Kuwait - which can be extremely important because it may be the fourth biggest oil exporter for your USA in last fifteen years) and former Soviet Caucasian states, that have already causing problems due to activity of the extremist groups. Hence, both Russians (avoiding destabilization and increase of influence of extremist groups in Caucasian states - mostly Chechen groups, who will be actually Muslim) and USA (supporting Israel against Iran and protecting their economic interest in the Middle east) are really concerned about the donate to syria. Obama feels a lot of pressure through the Israeli government (and apparently the Kuwait government that's supporting the rebel army right away), who emphasize the specter of Iran for the complete Middle East.
The 2nd, essential aspect may be the charge of the med Sea. The Russian Naval Base in Tartus established in 1971 under agreement of Soviet Union and Syrian governments may be basically named as the only opposition to USA/NATO domination over the Med. In the event of failure of Bashar Al-Assad, the existence of Russian base could possibly be put under question by the new government. Additionally, Putin would loss his only ally within the Middle-east region what is more, a return provider as Russia could be the biggest exporter of weaponry for Syria.
Lastly, Barack Obama follows the ideological superiority of USA over other countries and therefore feels obligated to intervene in Syria. The conflict in Syria might be described not only as conflict between Al-Assad and rebel forces, and also as being a conflict on the diplomatic domination between Putin and Obama. Every possible closure of the Syrian conflict is sure to have major influence on both relations between Russia and USA along with the desolate man the center East.