Russia's Role in the Middle East

[SAT]

Brookings Doha Center, Doha, Qatar

The Brookings institute recently had the above discussion. The summary is quite interesting.

Adnan Hayajneh, on the other hand, took a very negative stance on Russia’s role in the region

Despite Russia’s growing involvement in the region, following Putin’s accession to power in 2000, Hayajneh said that Russia would not be able to play a constructive role in the region, or be able to counter American influence. “Russia does not think as a superpower,” he said, describing relations between Arab countries and Russia as mere “diplomatic niceties.” He portrayed Russia as a declining power, one that does not represent a model of democracy for the Arab people. Russia has never sided with Arab countries, stood up against U.S. interests in the region (particularly in the case of Iraq) or played a constructive role in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. Furthermore, he added, any weapons deal between Russia and Egypt would be detrimental to the region.

http://www.brookings.edu/events/2013...le-middle-east

It is interesting to hear the Middle Eastern view.

or played a constructive role in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. Furthermore, he added, any weapons deal between Russia and Egypt would be detrimental to the region.

Interesting

[Guest]

Re: Russia's Role in the Middle East

Interesting statements. I don't agree with some of them.

1. "Russia has never sided with Arab countries". That certainly is not true. They have not sided with all of them, but they have certainly sided with Lybia, Egypt, Syria, and most prominantly, with Iran, with whom they have a pretty solid mutual defense pact.
2. "(Russia has never) stood up against US interests in the region". Not true. As one example, the "Great Game", the moniker that currently refers to control of the Caspian Sea oil, notably in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, has been waged between the US and Russia back to Bill Clinton days. ("Great Game" has been used as a reference to various competitions for influence, expansionism, and profits between the West and Russia and China dating back to the 19th century. It is highlighted in Rudyard Kipling's novel "Kim".)
3. "(Russia has never) played a constructive role in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict." That's a pretty subjective statement, one that is influenced by the author's bias and perspective. Russia has certainly, in recent years, taken a more active role in the geopolitical side of the conflict, with Putin's frequent interchanges with Netanyahu and Abbas.
4. "Any weapons deal between Russia and Egypt would be detrimental to the region." Again, this is subjective, and probably untrue. It would certainly increase Russia's influence in the region at the expense of the US's, but the US has cut back its military aid to Egypt, something that makes the Israelis nervous since the aid is needed to combat jihadists operating in the Sinai. The Israelis fear if the jihadists gain the upper hand, the conflict will spill over into Israel. Russia's aid to Egypt would therefore actually provide better stability in the region.

As far as being able to "counter American influence" in the region, that is already happening as America's influence is indeed dwindling. Putin pretty much took the lead on the chemical weapons agreement in Syria. And, there are a lot of reports on the intenet of conversations between Putin and Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia concerning Syria. Many of the reports are sensationalist in nature, so I will not link them here. But they point out the growing interest, if not influence, Putin is showing in the region. I believe he is taking advantage of the decrease in American influence caused by the Obama Administration, and inserting his wedges wherever he sees an opening.

wlnf

[Guest]

Re: Russia's Role in the Middle East

Israel and Russia to negotiate free-trade agreement

http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-P...reement-334603