Macron leading light in alliance to dominate Middle East

French President Emmanuel Macron is playing a lead role in a Western alliance in efforts to tackle the Syria crisis and go up against Russia and Iran in the region.

France joins the USA, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, in forming a buffer towards Russia and trying to negate the role of Tehran.

The turning point was the recent move by Donald Trump to seek the withdrawal of US forces from Syria and suggestions by France of possibly upgrading its involvement there.

The "Five" developed their plan in Washington in January with a view to sharing the spoils in Syria and establishing a confederation in the country.

Turkey is also claiming a role in this "share out" in view of creating a "security belt" across its borders with Syria and Iraq.

Nicosia looks favourably on Macron's new role in the region and expects to be thoroughly informed when the foreign ministers of the two countries meet.

Read more in Sunday's Greek edition of Kathimerini Cyprus newspaper