Here we go, the game is on ...

Russia weighs increasing military aid to Arab world

Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent

Syrian President Bashar Assad is scheduled to leave for Russia on Wednesday for a two-day visit that has been described by analysts as important at a time when Moscow may be considering closer ties with the Arab world.Syrian media have described Assad's visit to Moscow as "a working visit" to discuss closer ties in a variety of unspecified areas.

A number of reports in recent months have mentioned large arms deals between Russia and Syria, including advanced anti-aircraft missile systems.

Russian and Syrian analysts have said that Israel's military assistance to Georgia has paved the way for a particularly successful visit for the Syrian president, whose country has taken a clear stance on the side of Moscow in the recent conflict in the Caucasus.

"The significant military assistance provided by Israel to Georgia in its war against Russia will affect in the future - and probably in the near future - ties between Russia and Israel, and Russia's attitude toward Arab states," a Russian analyst said in an interview to Syrian television. "Russia will re-examine its ties with Israel, and it is not unlikely that Moscow will now decide to increase its military assistance to Arab countries in conflict with Israel, including Syria."

Russia has held up the transfer of certain weapons systems to Syria and Iran as a result of U.S. and Israeli pressure, but now there is hope in Damascus that the situation will change in their favor, and Russia will authorize the arms sales.

Comment: It is now clear-Russia has decided to once again become a super power-at least in their own eyes. Fresh with petro dollars, empowered with the same old thinking and set of beliefs, Russia is making its move. She has drawn a line in the sand, has thrown herself in totally now, no more pretense of being a supporter of Israel, with its decision tore-arm the Arab countries. question is, what will the West do, especially the USA? We have options, will we execute them?