March 08, 2017
U.S.-Russia Competition in the Middle East Is Back
The past few years have been characterized by increasing American-Russian competition all over the globe. The primary focus, has been on Russia’s ongoing efforts to challenge NATO, weaken transatlantic resolve, and intimidate its neighbors. Other than its intervention in Syria, Russia’s ambition to reassert itself in the Middle East has received far less attention. But in almost every discussion these days with Middle Eastern government officials and policy experts, it is one of the first subjects that comes up. This focus stands in strong contrast to two years ago when Russia’s role in the region was an afterthought to American engagement in the Middle East.
Russia views the Middle East as its near abroad, and is in the early stages of executing a long-term strategy in an attempt to return itself to the powerful stature and influence it had in the region during the heart of the Cold War. It is working to undercut longstanding U.S. relationships in the Middle East and restructure the regional order more to its liking. Indeed, Russia’s strategy in the Middle East is no different than its approach to undercutting NATO and the EU in Europe.
The obvious starting point was Russia’s decision to intervene in Syria in the fall of 2015 at the request of President Bashar al-Assad. The intervention is historic, representing the first time the Russians have put boots on the ground to support an ongoing conflict in the region since their support for Syria during the 1973 war with Israel. And by all accounts it has been a success, solidifying Assad’s position in Syria, protecting its single military base in the Middle East, and causing regional actors to rethink Russia’s role in the region all at a relatively low cost.
Read the full article at Foreign Policy.
More from CNAS
-
U.S. General Says Iran Is in a ‘Bad Place’ as Protesters ‘Rise Up’
Video
CNAS board of advisors member Ret. Gen. Philip Breedlove joins ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ to weigh in on Iran’s mounting instability, the regime’s response to demonstrations and ...
By Philip Breedlove
-
What’s Behind the Protests in Iran?
Video
Anti-government protests in Iran that started over the country's economic situation have continued for a third week. "The Daily Report" breaks down who and what's behind the d...
By Elisa Catalano Ewers
-
Lebanon Is Disarming Hezbollah. The U.S. and Israel Can Do More to Help.
Commentary
This article was originally published in Foreign Policy. The Lebanese government is now at a pivotal point in its vital efforts to disarm Hezbollah and reassert full authority...
By Elisa Catalano Ewers
-
‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ Everywhere Except the U.S.
Video
Global markets remained resilient as investors grow accustomed to President Trump's unorthodox military operations, viewing them as temporary shocks rather than long-term risk...
By Rachel Ziemba
