Alexey Khlebnikov

RIAC and IRAS Working Paper #59/2020

The West is trying to lay the groundwork for gaining leverage over the current authorities in Damascus

The new Syrian authorities cannot simply cut ties with Moscow. They know well that Russia can be helpful in many pragmatic ways, including counterbalancing other actors, e.g. Turkey, the U.S. and the…

While Assad’s visit to Moscow did not yield breakthrough agreements, it confirmed the importance of the Syrian dossier for Russia, contrary to the claims that Moscow is slackening its focus on Syria

There is a clear willingness for reconciliation expressed by Moscow, Abu Dhabi, and Damascus, as well as established dialogues between their respective leaders

On Middle Eastern states’ pragmatic approach and neutrality

An extension of the CBM is seen by Moscow as a bargaining chip but neither Russia nor its opponents will realistically benefit from vetoing an extension of UNSC res. 2585.