Despite their military intervention in support of the Syrian army during the long years of war with a common goal, Russia and Iran are trying to impose their influence through various non-military means in the country. How are Moscow and Tehran working to strengthen their presence on the ground? Both countries are intensifying the use of what is known as soft power in Syria across several sectors.
In the northern province of Aleppo, there are numerous Iranian educational, service, and religious centers. According to information obtained by "Al Arabiya.net," the number of these centers is estimated to be around 20, distributed throughout the province, which is the second-largest province in Syria. These centers are located in the poor popular neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo, with the idea for their establishment dating back to an Iranian official who worked in his country's consulate in Aleppo in 2016. In addition to providing educational services for students, these centers have even begun offering food, as sources from "Al Arabiya.net" revealed an Iranian restaurant in the Al-Layramoun area of Aleppo that provides meals for students and teachers under the supervision of an Iranian national.
In this context, Wajdan Abdulrahman, a political analyst specializing in Iranian affairs, noted that the Russian-Iranian competition is not new; both sides have been competing for years despite accepting the differences in their positions. He pointed out that Moscow and Tehran are looking out for their interests in Syria and are working jointly concerning the war in Ukraine, but they differ when it comes to Syria.
Abdulrahman added to "Al Arabiya.net" that the problem with the competition between the Russian and Iranian sides will escalate as the situation with the Syrian government stabilizes, as it leans more towards Russia than Iran, especially since the relationship between Damascus and Tehran may be affected by accusations against Syrian intelligence of providing information about Iranian interests to the Israeli side, referring to Israel's recent targeting of Iranian leaders in Syria.
On the other hand, Russian activity coincides completely with Iranian activity, but in different areas of the city. According to a knowledgeable Syrian source, Russia does not enter poor areas but is present in the wealthy neighborhoods of Aleppo like Al-Furqan, New Aleppo, and Nile Street. According to sources from "Al Arabiya.net," the Russians are trying to influence Aleppo society through the Russian language, unlike Iran, which is attempting to establish its presence through educational projects with religious objectives.
What about security agencies? It is noted that the competition between the Russian and Iranian sides has reached the security apparatuses in Aleppo. It is said that many security institutions have come to favor Russia, while others lean towards Iran. Nonetheless, both parties are trying to win the favor of the people of Aleppo through their humanitarian assistance. For example, the Russian side built a hospital after the earthquake in February 2023, while Iran provides food aid in the poor neighborhoods of Aleppo from time to time, according to sources from the city.
