Over the past week, diplomatic actions have averted — or, at least delayed — military strikes on Syria by the United States. Wikinews sought input from a range of international experts on the situation; and, the tensions caused by Russia's support for the al-Assad regime despite its apparent use of chemical weapons.
File:Ghouta chemical attack map.svg
Tensions in the country increased dramatically, late August when it was reported between 100 and 1,300 people were killed in an alleged chemical attack. Many of those killed appeared to be children, with some of the pictures and video coming out of the country showing — according to witnesses — those who died from apparent suffocation; some foaming at the mouth, others having convulsions.
Amongst Syria's few remaining allies, Iran, China, and Russia continue to oppose calls for military intervention. In an effort to provide a better-understanding of the reasoning behind their ongoing support, the following people were posed a range of questions.
Iran, China, and Russia have remained as allies to the al-Assad government despite the alleged use of chemical weapons in Ghouta on August 21, 2013. Wikinews queried the listed subject-matter experts regarding the diplomatic relations between these nations, and the reasoning behind such.
((Wikinews))  There are suggestions China wants to maintain its financial ties with Syria as its third largest importer in 2010. Would you agree with this?
((WN))  Do you think China is talking from experience when it says that foreign countries shouldn't get involved with Syria's internal affairs?((WN))  China abstained from a UN Security Council resolution on Libya — do you think they are trying to reprise what happened in Libya in terms of regime change?
((WN))  Do you think a political solution is the only realistic means to resolve the Syrian issue?
((Wikinews))  For many years, Syria has been considered Iran's "closest ally". What vested interest does the Iranian government have in keeping Bashar al-Assad in power? 
((Wikinews))  Do you think Iranian support for the Syrian government is a way of standing up against UN sanctions imposed on them, and opposing American imperialism?
((Wikinews))  The UN has "overwhelmingly" confirmed use of chemical weapons in Syria. Do you think both sides have used chemical weapons?
((Wikinews))  Would you agree that part of Iran's vested interest in Syria remaining under al-Assad is bound to two factors: religion and strategy?
((Wikinews))   Iran is home to the world's most populous Shiite Muslim nation. The Syrian rebels are Sunni. Could this be a Sunni vs. Shiite alignment in the Middle East? 
((Wikinews))  Russia is one of Syria's biggest arms suppliers. Do you think this means Russia's interest lies in economic benefit, as opposed to the humanitarian crisis?
((WN))  Do you believe Russia distrusts US intentions in the region — in the sense of countering the West on regime change?
((WN))  The Russian Government accepts that chemical weapons have been used in Syria. How does it come to claim that the rebels are behind the attacks even though it is widely accepted that the al-Assad government has stocks of weapons?
((WN))  Would you agree that Russia's vested interest in Syria remaining under al-Assad is bound to two factors: economics and ideology?

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Wikinews interviews specialists on China, Iran, Russia support for al-Assad