On May 14, 2020, Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), in cooperation with the Institut Montaigne (France), held an online expert discussion focusing on the approaches of Russia and France to security in the Persian Gulf
On ... ... region and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on regional conflicts. Particular attention was paid to the dynamics of the U.S.-Iran relations and the motives of the two states in implementing their policies in the region. The discussion also touched upon ...
Iran in the Middle East: Regional Spoiler or Stakeholder?
Iran’s critical role in shaping the security agenda of the Middle East is indisputable. No matter what we discuss — the Syrian settlement, state-building in Iraq, civil war in Yemen or political dynamics in Lebanon —, Iran remains the big elephant in the room. Its impact on the region is profound, multifaceted and controversial. The predominant view in the West in general and in France in particular is that Iran is more part of the problem than it is part of the solution. Of course, Iran’s friends and partners, including Russia, argue the opposite. All these disagreements notwithstanding, the broad international consensus is ...
... gruelling battle for Kobani, and Iraqi government troops have stopped the offensive with Iran’s help. But the terrorists are still in control of a vast area. The opponents... ... “the rear” by staging high-profile terrorist attacks in Great Britain, France and Canada and even in Australia, which until recently seemed far removed from... ... responded
by launching air strikes on ISIS positions in Libya).
So this latest war in the Middle East looks set to continue for a long time. The air campaign is likely to expand...