SYRIA'S RISKY ARMS RACE.

RUSSIA; SYRIA

The article considers the role of foreign countries in Syria's revolution, focusing on arms transfers to the government of President Bashar Assad and covert arms transfers to the rebels opposing the government. Arms transfers by Russia to Syria are considered as part of Russia's overall support for Assad's government. A meeting between Russia's Foreign Minister and a delegation of revolutionaries is examined as an indication that support might be weakening. Abu Saddam, an arms dealer in Lebanon who is illegally transferring weapons to the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the main armed opposition to Assad, is discussed. Saddam states that the transfers are funded by individuals from Arab countries.