The Days of the Arabs
If Baghdad is serious about purchasing Russian air defense systems, several issues should be considered
ShortThe main issue for Moscow in the Middle East in the years ahead will be the implementation of a shift from a military-political approach to an economic one or in other words from risk based approach to opportunity-oriented
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As Russia seeks to expand its cooperation with Turkey beyond Syria, Moscow is unlikely to deter Ankara from a new offensive against the Kurds should Turkey decide to take action
Washington’s strategy to weaken Iranian influence benefits Moscow and even its relations with Baghdad
ShortHakim’s visit to Moscow shows both internal and foreign audiences that Iraq aims to balance its international policy and serve as a venue for dialogue between various actors, both regional and global
ShortIraqi leaders realize that to maintain stability, they need to show Americans and Iranians that Baghdad may always appeal to Moscow as a backup partner
ShortSadr’s background and views suggest he will not be an easy partner for Russia
ShortIraq is important for Russia not only as an economic and trade partner, but also as a factor in influencing regional policy
ShortOn October 23, 2016 Al-Sumaria TV channel broadcast a live interview with former Iraqi Prime Minister and Vice President Ayad Allawi in its Special Conversation programme. Leader of the National Coalition Ayad Allawi raised the question of calling a regional UN-sponsored conference after the liquidation of IS in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.
ShortOn October 17, Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi announced that an operation to return to Mosul had begun. The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) had completed a serious campaign before launching the offensive. However, if the logic of war states that the city must be surrounded before the operation is set in motion, then we must clarify the specific features of Iraq here.
ShortThe diplomatic conflict between Iraq and Turkey erupted in part due to discontent among Iraqis over the presence of Turkish armed forces on their territory. This issue has dragged on for a long time. The government in Baghdad has demanded that the Turks withdraw their troops from Iraq, while the Turks cite the need to train and equip the Kurdish Peshmerga and Sunni armed groups for the battle…
ShortAs the assault on Islamic State’s Iraqi capital of Mosul continues, Iraq also loses its Minister of Finance. On September 21, 2016, the Council of Representatives of Iraq voted in favour of the resignation of the Minister of Finance Hoshyar Zebari. Hoshyar Zebari has accused former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of orchestrating the vote of no confidence. The power struggle continues not only…
ShortAgainst the background of the Russia–US agreements, an interview with Abu Mohammad al-Julani – leader of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly known as the Al-Nusra Front), one of the largest rebel groups in Syria – appeared on the Qatari Al Jazeera website. Al-Julani’s analysis of the situation is important: “With this agreement, the Americans stand side by side with the Russians in support…
ShortOn August 25, Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi congratulated the people on the liberation of the town of al-Qiyyarah from Islamic State terrorists. Fighting for this place (which includes an air base) had been going on for several weeks and is seen as part of the preparation for an offensive on Mosul, Islamic State’s capital in Iraq. But the operation to retake one of Iraq’s largest…
ShortRussian Aerospace Forces (VKS) warplanes have been deployed in Iran’s Hamadan, according to media reports on 15 August 2016 . The move followed the meetings between the leaders of Russia and Iran at a summit in Baku, leaders of Russia and Turkey at a summit in St. Petersburg, and heads of Foreign Ministries of Iran and Turkey. Therefore, there is a chance that the deployment of the Russian…
ShortThe attempted military coup in the Turkish Republic once again forces the authorities to rethink their domestic and foreign policies. The pursued course has led to a country not having positive relations with any of its neighbours.
ShortOn June 22, Assad dismissed the former government and appointed a new prime minister, former Minister of Electricity Imad Khamis, replacing Wael al-Halqi. The new prime minister has been tasked with forming the new government, yet it is clear that key ministers will retain their posts. The reason is the interaction of those political forces that are represented in the country’s parliament.
ShortThis is not the first time since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003 that the long-suffering city of Fallujah, dubbed the “City of Mosques” for the sheer number of these holy places that it contains, has come under siege. In 2003 and 2004 Fallujah was stormed by military contingents consisting primarily of U.S. troops. In 2014 Fallujah fell into the hands of ISIS. Two years later…
ShortPoll conducted
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In your opinion, what are the US long-term goals for Russia?
U.S. wants to establish partnership relations with Russia on condition that it meets the U.S. requirements 33 (31%) U.S. wants to deter Russia’s military and political activity 30 (28%) U.S. wants to dissolve Russia 24 (22%) U.S. wants to establish alliance relations with Russia under the US conditions to rival China 21 (19%)