... an atmosphere of over-compliance that shuns even small projects
At this point, the Syrian issue is far from the core of global politics. Meanwhile, the situation in the... ... fallout. But sanctions have affected the plans of the Arab monarchies. Furthermore, the European Union is in thrall to the U.S. sanctions policy in the new environment. Even... ... they might be willing to support reconstruction, perhaps hoping to get Syria out of Iran’s orbit. But for now, they are hesitant to take the risk. For the same reason...
... restrictive measures not only create difficulties, but also form prerequisites for mobilizing Syria’s internal resources and expanding Russia’s economic presence
On June 17... ... Russia economically. Russian business has experience in dividing up the roles with Iran, the leading economic player in Syria. For instance, the global media took notice... ... the Syrian reconstruction effort. The German expert
Muriel Asseburg
notes that the European Union’s consolidated standing is eroded by differences between the United...
... like it or not, the West, including Europe, are on the losing side of the conflict in Syria and this automatically limits leverage
During the 11
th
EU–Russia Expert Network... ... he expects from the Syrian constitution talks, how the U.S. is exerting pressure on Iran via sanctions and what the EU and Russia have in common when it comes to the Middle... ... will be following the process very closely.
There are multiple reasons as to why the European Union has limited influence over this situation. The EU has been sidelined...
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 ...
What might be a “second option” for Russia in Syria?
The situation around Russia in Syria is up for debate. No doubt, Russia would like to lead a reconstruction effort in Syria, in harmony with all relevant partners, including the UN, the EU, the USA, China, India, Turkey, Iran, Israel, the Sunni Arab states including the Golf Council Countries (GCC-states), Egypt and Morocco. However, many of the parties on the list of wished-for partners are strongly hostile to each other, and it might therefore perhaps not be possible ...
It is becoming increasingly more difficult for Moscow to retain its position as an honest, if not completely independent, broker
On February 14, the leaders of Russia, Turkey and Iran will meet in Sochi to discuss Syria and hold separate bilateral meetings. Recently, new developments have emerged that could prove dangerous if each state pursues its own hidden agenda. The three states depend on the Astana format for settling the Syrian issue.
By 2019, the Syrian ...
Russia and its partners can arguably win the war, but they cannot win the peace in Syria
Historically, the Middle East has never been a Russia’s strategic priority comparable to Europe, the North-East Pacific ... ... Black Sea area and in the Northern and Southern Caucasus, in trade and investment, in energy and in tourism. The second was Iran — another difficult ally, which played an active role in many international matters very important to Moscow — from civil ...
... EU-imposed sanctions and restoring a modicum of economic relations with Western Europe.
Russia also hoped that developments in the European Union, including Brexit and elections in France, would lead to a less Atlanticist, less Russoskeptic EU. These hopes ... ... exports by about a third. Expansion of Russian arms sales has not compensated for this shortfall.
Russia’s intervention in Syria has brought Moscow into a situational alliance with Iran, and has led to close and not always friendly interaction with Turkey.
Rhetorically, furthering Eurasian economic integration ...
... Hamas, among other “terrorist” groups, including the Islamic State — in addition to accusing Qatar of working closely with Iran.
Saudi Arabia’s 13 demands on Qatar — with Turkey backing up Qatar — appear eerily reminiscent of Austro-Hungarian ... ... development of eastern Ukraine and Crimea?
What should be done about refugee crisis from eastern Ukraine to Russia and from Syria and other countries to the European Union countries? How should Russia and the European Union respond?
Impact of rise of China
China is the elephant in the ...
According to European and Russian experts on the Middle East, use of force against Syria is fraught with dire consequences.
On September 23, Russian International Affairs Council held a meeting of analysts from ... ... ECFR Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program, settlement of the Syria situation should impact both relations with Iran and its talks with the "group of six" on the nuclear program. Mr. Levy believes that the Syria and Iran issues ...
