Failed US Foreign Policy Helps Russia Score Major Points in Eurasia

The United States devised a strategy aimed at containing Russia through tough sanctions but this plan backfired: not only has Moscow warded off the attack it has also strengthened its ties and partnerships in Eurasia, a Turkish newspaper reported.

"We have long said that [restrictive measures imposed by the US] will not pay off," the Star newspaper noted. "While everyone was waiting for Russia to make concessions, Moscow managed to create a platform of economic unity, with Brazil, India, China and South Africa joining," the media outlet said, referring to BRICS.

In addition, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), comprising China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, added new members to its ranks. India and Pakistan are expected to become full SCO members in 2016 but their admission has already been approved. Needless to say, other nations want to follow suit.

"This could be seen as [Moscow's] major strategic move. The geopolitical tide is turning in Russia's favor," the newspaper observed.

The Star is convinced that even those post-Soviet states that wanted to cut ties with Moscow after the end of the Cold War are improving relations with Russia now. They know there is no future without these ties. The easiest way is to explain this trend in terms of fear but that is not it.

"As a result of unilateral geostrategic moves by the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany and Israel in the Middle East Eurasian countries consider being 'under Moscow's wing' the only way of ensuring their security," the newspaper pointed out.

This is, according to Star, a survival instinct in action sparked by a legitimate concern.

"The nations of the region are seriously worried that the United States will focus on redrawing the map of Eurasia after Washington is done with the Middle East," the newspaper said, meaning more countries will side with Russia.