On The Analysis Of Syrian-Iranian Relations After The Islamic Revolution

This article mainly analyses the relationship between Syria and Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. From 1979 to now, Syria and Iran have maintained close relations in the fields of politics, economics, and securities. Why Syrian-Iranian special relations could endure for about nearly thirty years? Reasons are as follows.First, in the 1980s, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution led by Khomeini changed the environment of the Middle East drastically. Meantime, the Iran-Iraq war and the conflict between Israel and Lebanon provided a perfect opportunity for Syrian-Iranian strategic cooperation. In order to fight against the old enemy Iraq and balance "little Satan" Israel, Syria and Iran had to cling on mutually. However, with the development of the war and changes of the situation of Lebanon, there're more divergences between Syria and Iran. In one word, at that moment, the main feature of Syrian-Iranian relations was close relations, but many troubles and tensions.Secondly, in the 1990s, global and regional environments changed beyond one's imaginations. Using the Gulf War, America took dominance in the Middle East. Under these conditions, Syria and Iran made different choices. Syria attended the anti-Iraq coalition, followed the arrangement of the gulfs security imposed by USA and agreed to talk with Israel. In contrast, Iran kept neutrality in the war, opposed to the peace process provocated by America and became one victim of "dual containment". In 1996, Turkey and Israel signed mutual military corporation agreement endorsed by America. To balance Israeli-Turkey alliance, Syria and Iran revived their past close partnership again. But in 1997, Hatami the reformist leader became the third president of the Islamic republic. He called cultural dialogue and implemented moderate foreign policy. Therefore, Syrian-Iranian strategic relations manifested the characteristic of "alliance dilemma" again.Thirdly, after the 9.11 event, using the Afghani war and the 2003 Iraq war, America becomes the only dominant country in the gulf. Meanwhile, Syria and Iran bravely and publicly opposes to America and its ally Israel. Iraq and Lebanon become two main platforms for games between Syrian-Iranian strategic alliance and American- Israeli partnership. In a sense, Syria and Iran act roles like the Soviet and China had played in the Vietnam War. In other word, the gesture of "anti-hegemony" played by Syria and Iran confronts to hegemony imposed by America. There is an opportunity for other powers such as EU, Russian and China and so on. In the end, the author suggests that our country should use this "strategic opportunity" and attend the Middle East in all dimensions.