Recently, Russian leader Vladimir Putin called for Iran, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE and Qatar to cooperate and participate in the talks over the Syrian problem.
The Russian approach to fighting terrorism in Syria has already proved resolute and effective, Azam Molaee, a Research Fellow at the Institute for Middle East Strategic Studies, wrote in her article.
"The question is what factors have forced Russia to turn to Middle East powers and start elaborating a universal strategy on fighting terrorists?" the article read.
First, Moscow’s pivot to Middle East countries in the fight against terrorism stems from their role in the settlement of the Syrian crisis.
Putin intends to resolve the Syrian conflict and fight such terrorist groups as ISIL before they create threats to peace and security in the region and neighboring countries, and even in Russia, the author wrote.
After the Russian operation began, it became clear that the crisis cannot be resolved until regional countries agree on the issue. This is why Moscow has repeatedly underscored the need for cooperation and dialogue by all countries involved, Molaee pointed out.
Of course, such countries as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and the UAE are engaged in the US-led coalition.
Second, Moscow might also have a strategic interest in its efforts to find a collective resolution to the Syrian conflict, the author assumed. The countries Russian invited to participate in an anti-ISIL coalition are important partners for Russia in trade and investments. They are also traditional US allies in the Middle East.
Thus, Russia’s plan to broaden its ties in the region is aimed at both developing economic ties and reducing US dominance in the Middle East, the article read.
"There is no surprise that Putin could use the military operation against ISIL to reduce US influence and make Russia a significant player in the Middle East," the author concluded.
