In spite of the seemingly cozy relationship between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, a new “Cold War” may be in the offing. In recent years, Moscow has pulled itself out of an economic and diplomatic wilderness to reemerge as a heavyweight world power determined to make its voice heard. Its newly gained influence not only extends over its traditional spheres of influence but has also penetrated the Middle East at a time when the Obama White House appears to have concluded serious engagement in this complex region brings isn’t beneficial to US interests. Populations throughout the Arab World no longer view America as a great protector, but rather a great destroyer subsequent to the mess created by US-led military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. And as far as the predominately Sunni nations are concerned, its flirtation with Iran that could result in the normalization of relations, has won it few kudos. Obama’s last minute flip-flop on his decision to attack Syria’s chemical sites was perceived as a betrayal of the Syrian opposition. Likewise, US attempts to undermine Egypt’s transition have spawned conspiracy theories. Most supporters of the
interim government believe Obama to be a Muslim Brotherhood sympathizer while others are convinced the US, fearing the rise of nationalist sentiments, is using the Brotherhood and April 6th activists to push the most populated Arab nation toward anarchy and chaos. Amid reports of nefarious US plots (which may or may not be true), America has been cast under a cloud of suspicion, which has opened a window for Russian President Vladimir Putin to exploit. As Al-Watan rightly opined some months ago, “US policy is gradually withdrawing from the region and this is why there is the need to create alternative strategic axes to protect the interests of Arab countries.” GCC states seek greater self-reliance with hopes of cementing a
federation; a joint military command was announced in December. Some member countries are diversifying their weapons purchases and, notably, the United Arab Emirates has recently introduced military conscription for all adult males under 30, a move that will triple its armed forces. Egypt is believed to have penned a $2 billion weapons deal with Russia, which is likely to be signed, sealed and delivered following the upcoming presidential election when Putin is expected to make a state visit to Cairo, where it’s safe to predict he’ll be greeted with roses. Like the US, Russia works for its own interests. Putin is not in a personal buddy-buddy relationship with Syrian President Bashar Assad, but he does need to keep a grip on his country’s naval facility in the port of Tartus as well as access to Syria’s offshore waters over which Russia holds development and exploration rights. Moreover, he is eager to prove to any prospective regional partner that Moscow won’t abandon its allies. It appears that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has woken up to the possibilities of cooperation with Russia. The Israeli website Debka.com suggests Abu Mazen has launched a “diplomatic intifada” against Israel and has exited from the US peace initiative. “His meetings with President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev marked his breakaway from the US-led peace process with Israel, four months before it was due to expire — and signaled his bid for Russian backing of a Palestinian state.” The report adds that Abbas surprised Israeli and American intelligence agencies with a bombshell and “for the Russian leader it was a chance
to show the international community and the Obama administration that he was several steps ahead of the game on the three hottest Middle East issues — Iran’s nuclear program, the Syrian conflict and the Palestinian bid for statehood.” Russian media has revealed that during the Palestinian leader’s recent four-day visit to Moscow he negotiated a $1 billion contract with Prime Minister Medvedev for the Russian development of a natural gas field off Gaza’s shores. Clearly, this will negatively impact the atmosphere surrounding peace talks, but if Abbas is past caring who can blame him! As years of compliance with US diktats and willingness to compromise has delivered nothing but empty promises and expanding Jewish colonies. Far from the Middle East, tensions between Moscow and Washington/Brussels and ratcheting up over the West’s support of anti-government demonstrators in one of Russia’s main trading partners, Ukraine. Sergei Lavrov has warned the situation there is “getting out of control” and blames the EU for fanning the flames.
“Members of several European governments rushed to the Maidan (square) without any invitation and took part in anti-government demonstrations. This is simply indecent,” he said. Lavrov has also warned the US not to interfere in Ukraine and urged Kerry to cease making inflammatory statements. Moscow is not about to let Ukraine slip out of its net and if the West succeeds in pulling Kiev in its direction, Russia could be forced to mull invasion in order to keep the EU (and potentially NATO) away from its borders. How the power play between Russia and America will pan out over the coming year could either leave the currently cordial relationship between Washington and Moscow in tatters or, in the best case scenario, renew a balance of power bringing both of these essentially hegemonic nations to heel, ultimately for the benefit of all. Email: Sierra12th@yahoo.co.uk.By Linda S. Heard- Eurasia Review
