Europe Stays on Sidelines As Syria Conflict Unfolds

At the Russia-EU summit, the talk turned again to Syria and the prospects for a settlement, but it made little sense to have a dialogue at this particular meeting.

Why does Syria need Russian arms?

It seems that all external players are aware that the upcoming peace conference on Syria will serve as a turning point. If a shift occurs in favor of a compromise between the warring parties, it will be a truly historic event, given the long-standing impasse.

Endgame Draws Near in Syria

After a relative lull, a recent flurry of news suggests that the endgame in Syria is approaching.

Kerry Breaks the Ice in Moscow; Russia Sticks to 'Principle' on Syria

With respect to Russian-American relations, the positive atmosphere is due to the fact that the agenda has become very narrow.

Russia, The US and Syria After the Boston Bombing

Russia’s differences with Western countries and the US on the Syrian question, for example, are conceptual in nature.

Syria As a Mirror of the Changing World Order

The Arab Spring and the crisis in Syria merely aggravated contradictions that had formed a gap between Realpolitik and the observance of the de jure intact norms of international law. Today’s question is this: Is the international community able to take concerted actions or will inflated ambitions of regional centers of power gain the upper hand?

Russia Still Key to Political Transition in Syria

Addressing the nation for the first time in over six months, Syrian President Bashar Assad thanked Russia for its efforts to help find a political solution to Syria's conflict.

To Govern, Not to Act

Political power was the focus of 2012. Three of the world’s most powerful countries underwent a change in government.

Russia Will Not Change Its Position on Syria

The world is tired of the never-ending Syrian deadlock, so any news promising change becomes a sensation.

Talking point: the logic of Russian foreign policy. Мarie Mendras and Fyodor Lukyanov join oDRussia editor Oliver Carroll for a debate in Paris.

Moscow and the Middle East: Repeat Performance?

Just as the Soviet invasion and occupation of Afghanistan vitiated many of the achievements made by Soviet foreign policy toward the Middle East from the 1950s through the 1970s, Moscow’s strong support for the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria threatens to negate the achievements of Putin’s foreign policy.

How the Arab Spring Muddied Post-9/11 Clarity

Last Tuesday, September 11, while the United States was commemorating the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, anti-American demonstrations erupted at U.S. consulates in Libya and Egypt.

Шанхайский ход Анкары

Отношение к Европе является фактором, из-за которого Анкара и Москва сейчас тяготеют друг к другу.

Is Democracy the Solution for the Middle East?

The main task for all Arab Spring countries is to create a stable and effective government.

Syria As a Systemic Failure of Security Mechanisms

Many accuse Moscow of supporting a “force of the past” – the Assad regime which is increasingly losing ground. In return, Russia has accused a number of countries of siding with opposition leaders, while having a very vague idea as to where these people can bring their country. The question arises: What if all the parties to the conflict are not up to the mark?

Syria After Annan

To expand on the success it achieved in the Middle East in the first months of this year, Russia should offer an effective plan for change of power in Syria.

The Importance of Being Russia

It has been a long time since I was as acutely aware of Russia’s importance as during the recent conference on the Syrian crisis in Ankara.

Why Does Russia’s Stance on Syria Baffle Everyone?

“Why does Russia support dictators?” a French correspondent who has come to Moscow to find out about Russia’s stance on Syria asked me.