With the Geneva based peace talks on Syria in intensive care after eight rounds of "negotiations" had failed miserably to bridge the gap between Damascus and the opposition, Moscow is touting Astana/Sochi forum as a viable alternative; calling the parallel forum for peace talks as offering a "golden opportunity" that the two sides to the conflict must not miss. 

 

It seems that the Russian government is banking on its own pressure tactics on both parties, including Damascus, to narrow the differences between them and bring the stalled talks to fruition on Russian terms. 

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin must have a master plan of his own up his sleeve to solve the seven-year-old conflict to end the bloody civil war that took a heavy toll on human life estimated by UN sources as  well over one million people as well as on the infrastructures of the country that would require billions and billions of dollars to rebuild. 

 

This is not to mention the other big casualty of the war namely the internal displacement of millions of Syrian people and the millions who fled their country and became refugees in neighbouring countries and beyond.

 

President Putin wants not only a military victory in Syria but also a political one to coincide with his bid for reelection in the upcoming Russian presidential election due to take place next March.  

 

Putin knows only too well that the key for a lasting solution lies squarely in his hands and he and he alone can make or break the peace process in Syria with or without Damascus' cooperation. 

 

Putin needs a victory in Syria to prop up his chances for his reelection even if such a goal would require twisting the arms of Damascus if necessary. 

 

Having secured for his country long-lasting air and naval bases in Syria after intervening militarily in a massive way in the civil war in the country, Putin has earned himself and his country the power to exercise hegemony over all strategic decisions in Syria. 

 

Putin in other words, calls all the shots in Syria! Accordingly the stage is set for Moscow to consolidate its gains by securing peace and stability in the country on its own terms but also with the cooperation of the vulnerable opposition by extending them offers that they cannot refuse.

 

Besides, Putin knows very well that the reparation of Syria would run into several billions of dollars and he needs international donations for this purpose. The Russian leader appreciates the fact that he can not have donations from countries for this purpose if he does not secure a peace deal that is fair and equitable and above all acceptable to the opposition.