The balance of power in the Middle East has shifted following Russia's involvement in Syria. Disappointed with the US, regional states, plagued by sectarian and religious violence, are increasingly turning to Moscow to help them solve internal conflicts. Iraq and Afghanistan could well be the next to ask Russia for assistance.
#Lavrov: We are willing to offer our help to #Afghanistan and contribute to the defence capabilities of the Afghan law enforcement forces
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) 13 октября 2015
Last week, a senior Russian defense official did not rule out that Russian troops could help Tajikistan patrol its border with Afghanistan to prevent extremists from entering the country. The Taliban has been increasingly active in Kunduz, an Afghan province adjacent to Tajikistan.
Should this happen, Russia's growing presence in the region will coincide with America's diminishing one, Walla!News noted. Putin is using the moment to promote ties with former Soviet republics and allies, many of whom are concerned with the rising terrorist threat.
The 44th US president will soon leave the Oval Office. He decided not to tarnish his name by pulling the plug on the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan, the media outlet noted.
The other reason to remain in Afghanistan has to do with the Taliban's growing assertiveness. Washington is increasingly aware of the fact that the US-trained Afghan Armed Forces have been incapable of rooting out the insurgency.
