Russia’s Middle East Policy: All Tactics, No Strategy
Since the turn of the century, Russia has been ever more active in the Greater Middle East (an area stretching from North Africa to the Indian subcontinent).
Its policy here, however, is radically different from what it was in Soviet times, when Moscow was a key player in the region. That policy is now completely devoid of ideology. The new goals are, in the descending order of priority: commercial gain, stability in the former Soviet republics, and influence on the international arena.
The commercial considerations are quite obvious. Intense international competition means that in many markets Russia is losing out to other nations due to its lack of technological prowess or political clout.
Russian manufacturers (the defense contractors or the atomic industry) find warmer welcome in those countries which, for one reason or another, are at odds with the West.
In the Middle East than means primarily Iran and Syria. Libya used to be in the same group – until about five years ago.
