On June 16, 2021, the U.S.-Russia summit took place in Geneva. Along with strategic security and cybersecurity issues, President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Joe Biden of the United States discussed the Middle East and North Africa. They talked about bringing some stability, economic and physical security to the peoples of Syria and Libya. Besides, they discussed the topic of Iran. Tariq Khan, an international relations analyst, spoke with Ivan Bocharov, Referent at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), about the U.S. and Russian interests in the Middle East and North Africa as well as about the outcome of the Geneva summit.
On June 16, 2021, the U.S.-Russia summit took place in Geneva. Along with strategic security and cybersecurity issues, President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Joe Biden of the United States discussed the Middle East and North Africa. They talked about bringing some stability, economic and physical security to the peoples of Syria and Libya. Besides, they discussed the topic of Iran. Tariq Khan, an international relations analyst, spoke with Ivan Bocharov, Referent at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), about the U.S. and Russian interests in the Middle East and North Africa as well as about the outcome of the Geneva summit.
Key points:
Over the past 10 years, the policy of Russia and the United States in the region has changed a lot. Back in 2011, the United States was an active actor in the Middle East and North Africa, and Washington violently reacted to the Arab spring. In Libya, the United States participated in the intervention against Muammar Gaddafi’s government. In recent years, the role of the United States in the region has dwindled as Washington continues to withdraw from the region.
The role of Russia in the region has grown in recent years. Russia has branded itself as a fighter against the terrorist threat, while reinforcing the image of a stable and predictable partner. Moscow manages to cooperate with almost all parties of conflicts in the Middle East.
In recent years, China's influence in the MENA region has been on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted harm on the economies of many states, while China appears to be emerging victorious. Its position around the world is strengthening, and soon there will be a larger Chinese footprint in North Africa and the Middle East. China puts a premium on the economical dimension when pursuing its policies.
Despite the positive results of the Geneva summit, Russia and the U.S. remained opposed to several issues in the MENA region, including the Syrian settlement. Perhaps, there will be positive changes when it comes to relief efforts for the Syrians.
The issue of the threat emanating from Iran was discussed at the Geneva summit. Also, the NBC journalist asked Putin about it a few days prior to the summit. The Iranian threat is of concern for Washington, but this “threat” is not of great importance to Moscow. Perhaps, as part of the fight against Trump’s heritage, Biden will try to revive the agreements with Iran on the nuclear issue.
