Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamenspiel
I stand corrected on that, memory failed me. The Ottomans did accept the local language(arabic) and cultural norms of Syria, though they did exploit it economically.
Still I think the Russians, in getting involved in Syria, could be in for a repeat of their Afghan adventure in the late 80s. I can understand Putin's goals in eastern Europe, they are out of there depth in the middle east.
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During Ottoman rule, the area was full of Assyrians, Armenians, Greeks, etc.. They did not speak Arabic, and the Ottomans decimated them.