This Is an Awkward Position. The Middle East conflict has long been a tinderbox, primed to burst into flames given the proper spark. Currently, the civil war in Syria appears to be generating sparks that could spread the flames of this massively complex conflict to the entire region and beyond.
As I’ve noted in this space in the past, the conflict in Syria began as a proxy war between Shiite Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia. Iran backs the current Syrian government led by the brutal dictator, Bashar Al-Assad. The Saudis are long-time backers of rebel groups seeking to overthrow Assad.
The Obama administration has consistently favored the side of the anti-Assad rebels but the rise of ISIS in the region—which also seeks to overthrow Assad—has put the American administration in the awkward position of supporting groups that are fighting the same enemy that ISIS is fighting.
The bold entry of Russian air and naval forces into Syria last month in support of the Assad regime further complicate an already volatile situation.
In response to last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris, the French military has been carrying out a large-scale air campaign against ISIS in Syria.
As recently as this week, a Russian warplane was shot-down by Turkish forces and the destruction of a Russian helicopter by a U.S. backed militia group, resulted in a further escalation of tension. The helicopter is widely acknowledged to have been performing a search and rescue mission for the crew of the downed Russian fighter.
While the Russian response to these defensive activities is still unknown, the aggressive responses by all involved are certainly escalating quickly.
Here at Jewish Voice Ministries, we’re passionate and dedicated to keeping you and others informed about these developments and equipped to live prudently and victoriously in these tumultuous Last Days.
It’s also very important for you to know that we’re also standing stronger than ever in our support for Israel and the Jewish People. And we’re using every medium and resource at our disposal to educate, illuminate, and persuade others while ministering—in very tangible ways, to some of the poorest and most vulnerable of the world’s Jewish communities.
