The Russian Federation intelligence interests in the Middle East in the context of Syrian conflict
Interesy Federacji Rosyjskiej na Bliskim Wschodzie w kontekście konfliktu syryjskiego

Summary/Abstract: Russian Federation deciding to support president Bashar al-Assad, under the pretext of fighting against the Islamic State, hopes for a return of the old, strong and friendly – in relation to the Kremlin – system of government in Syria. This article aims to identify the causes of the Russian military intervention in the Syrian conflict, taking into account Russia’s interests in the Middle East. It seems that these reasons are varied. One of the factors are the close relations between Russia and Syria, thus the protection of Russian interests in the region. However, they do not fully explain Kremlin’s decision. The role of motivational factor also plays a geopolitical aspect – a distraction from the war in Ukraine, as well as obtaining certain benefits in exchange for help in stopping the civil war in Syria. Russia is a key partner for the international coalition, because of its long-term cooperation with president Al-Assad. It has its intelligence structures in Syria, which, thanks to the long infiltration of jihadi circles, affect the activities of the militants from North Caucasus and Central Asia. It seems that the Kremlin, by engaging in the civil war in Syria, is trying to put pressure on the West in terms of the sanctions regime and European security policy.

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