Carnegie Moscow Center
Edward Snowden’s stay in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport has contributed to the already charged atmosphere of U.S.-Russia relations.
Russia has the potential to play a critical role as a global mediator, moderating international tension and fostering global understanding. Unfortunately, as things stand today, this potential remains unrealized.
Shifts in Russia’s foreign policy following Putin’s return to power result from significant changes in the country’s domestic situation and a shifting global environment.
It remains to be seen whether the Russian and American presidents can establish a productive relationship for the remainder of Obama’s term and what role Susan Rice, the new U.S. national security advisor, will have in shaping U.S. policy toward Russia.
Russia is re-emerging as a power in the Middle East. Yet Moscow’s objectives today are vastly different.
Russia is clearly concerned with the rise of Islamist extremists in the Middle East and is looking for ways to prevent destabilization in the region. At the same time, it is seeking to improve ties with various Arab countries.
Hillary Rodham Clinton was seen as unwelcome in Russia for her criticism and her attitude, but her work with her Russian counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, was productive on a range of issues.
Enhancing Russia’s soft power is one of the Kremlin’s goals. However, Russia’s image in the world is often negative, and, to be really attractive, Russia will need to change.
It will be difficult for Washington and Moscow to drag the Syrian regime and opposition to the negotiating table. But for now, the U.S.-Russian effort is the only chance for peace.
The formation of a Russian Special Operations Command is meant to counteract any threats that an increasingly volatile Syria and an unstable Afghanistan will pose to the Russian state.