Russia Sends Missiles To Syria

MOSCOW — Russia began delivering 50 anti-aircraft missiles to Syria yesterday. An ally of Moscow throughout the Cold War, the Syrian regime is a key supporter of both Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Pantsyr–S1E anti-aircraft missiles are part of a $900 million contract signed earlier this year between Syria and the Russian state arms firm, Rosoboronexport.

Russian observers believe that about 10 of the weapons, which are extremely accurate at short range, could be transferred to Iran. But President Putin's government denied any possibility that the missiles could be re-exported.

Israel has accused Moscow of allowing Syria to transfer Russian anti-tank missiles to Hezbollah — which were used against Israel last summer. Last month, the Moscow liberal daily Kommersant reported that Russia may sell advanced fighter planes to Syria.

The Kremlin appears increasingly willing to arm countries opposed to American "hegemony." As well as reasserting Russia's status as a great power, it also creates commercial opportunities.