Moscow strengthens its presence in the Middle East

Russia has strengthened its presence in the region more than any time ever especially after the Western and American withdrawal. Today Russia’s relations with Assad, Iran and Israel are in their best. Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon can also be included since Iran is dominating Iraq and Lebanon. In this respect we can also talk about growing relations between Gulf countries and Russia in many levels.

Russia helped Iran which was looking for improving it relations with the West and consequently this helped Iran keep its nuclear program. 

The mutual relations helped Russia play more effective role in the region’s crises such as in Yemen, Syria and Iraq. The Russian and Iranian attitudes towards the Syrian revolution were almost identical. The two countries helped Assad and supported him. They also made agreements that prevent any contradictions in their interests from emerging.

Undoubtedly, the worries of many countries in the region about “terrorist” organizations played an important role in developing these countries’ relations with Russia. 

Moreover, there is another factor which helped strengthen the Russian growing influence which is the leftist and nationalist parties which have praised the Russian intervention in Syria under the pretext of fighting “terrorism” and political Islamic movements.

These attitudes show a great detachment from reality in terms of understanding the geopolitical massive changes in the region.

The most important factor in this context is the Israeli factor which has opened the door before Putin to enter the region with unprecedented power.

Moscow has collected its cards and arranged them. Starting from Iran to Assad and Israel turning thus into a superpower in the region that has a say in every crisis. This situation won’t change soon unless this Arabic weakness changes. Till that time things won’t change especially after the US has abandoned the whole region.  Fayez Sara in Asharq Al-Awsat

Translated by Orient Net English