Russia and the Middle East: Policy Challenges

This study surveys Russia’s foreign policy objectives, focusing on its relations with is neighbors and its interests in the Middle East. Russia has been eager to regain at least some of the regional stature enjoyed by the Soviet Union, and has sought to foster ties with different elements across the entire political spectrum, from Israel to moderate Sunni states to the radical axis. Russia’s steadfast support of the Syrian regime is one example of Russia’s drive to use the region to enhance its own strategic situation – vis-à-vis the West, the former Soviet Union states, the Middle East, and the threat of radical Islam.