According to Salame, while Moscow has been actively involved in Syria Washington is not interested enough in what is happening in the region.
"On the one hand, Russia is extremely active in Syria. When it comes to the Middle East, Russia, unlike the US or China, plays the role of a regional power, not a global one. To some extent, its current strategy in the region is reminiscent of the policy it had during Russia’s wars with the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century," he said in an interview with TV5 Monde.
On the other hand, the White House continues to adhere to Barack Obama’s policy of non-involvement in the Middle East, the expert said.
Washington does not want another military operation in the Middle East, Salame said.
"As a result, there is an asymmetric situation never seen during the Cold War and in the post-Cold War era. Russia is actively involved in the Syrian crisis while the US distances itself from the situation," he pointed out.
"The US strategy is like this: if Russia wants to be engaged in Syria we’ll not interfere. Washington is not interested in abandoning Obama’s approach," he concluded.
