The Big “Syrian” Game

Civil War?

Chemical Attack? 

Death toll??

Democracy?

Violation of World Peace???

Is the unrest among the Western nations about this? Or is it about a bigger game? The Game of Thrones – The Throne of Oil and Gas...

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ivil War in Syria has intensified since 2011 but the lines were crossed when a chemical attack was reported, killing over 1400 people of whom 426 were children. The ‘chemical attack issue’ has created much unrest in among the powerful nations- Europe, America and Russia. But the concerns here are driven neither by the cause of humanity and world peace nor due to violation of laws, there is a whole new angle to it.

The Attack

In a bid to suppress the protesters, the Syrian Govt has been trying everything -  legal and illegal. It has been so reported that small amounts of the nerve gas, Sarin were being used since long to weaken the rebellion. But things turned ugly when the people were exposed to a stronger dose, leading to massive death, busting Assad’s evil tactics.

The Defensive

Probe has revealed that the chemicals used to produce Sarin  for ‘6 years’ were supplied to Syria by none other than the United Kingdom, but the UK govt earlier denied any actual handing over of chemicals. Later it came to light that chemicals were sold by two UK firms between 2004 and 2010 for healthcare products and cosmetics, which may have been stockpiled by Syrian president Bashar-Al Assad and used against his own people.

The War

There is much debate over an attack on Syria. While America insists on a war, most European nations believe Assad’s govt should be punished, but not through war. Russia is in favor, given that the US Senate backs the military strike. About 1/3^rd of the Senate votes are still undecided. Voting is due on 9^th Set 2013.

The Catch

But, is it really about the people? Well, maybe not.

Syria’s location vests great powers to its conqueror. Located close to the Mediterranean Sea, Syria is rich in oil and natural gas reserves. The Levant Basin is estimated to hold about 380 million cubic meters of natural gas. Before the inception of Civil War, Syria produced about 180,000 barrels of oil a day, which has currently come down to 20,000 barrels a day.

Also, Syria is a part of two major oil and gas pipelines; one towards Russia and another connecting Syria to Pakistan via Iran. The areas along the proposed pipelines have been observed to suffer most unrest.

The Secret Motive

If US and UK succeed in their attack and get a control over Syria, Russia will lose its monopoly over gas and oil, which could be a possible motive.

Preparation

Though the military intervention is still impending, war bells are already ringing. The US has its five warships ready for attack on the Red Sea. Ships have lined up in the Arabian Sea too. Air bases of Lebanon and Jordan can possibly be used for aerial attack. Russia is likely to provide fighter planes while UK supports through land.

Conclusion

It is not hard to see that no matter who gains from this war, the economy is certain to lose its hold. Sky rocketing oil prices will surely touch the moon, economy and trade will further tumble and the world will see darker times of crisis.

With threats of dire consequences and worldwide protests against military action on Syria, how it all ends is yet to be seen..



Source: NDTV India