Russian influence increases in Middle East, former US diplomat warns -

Chicago: A former US diplomat warned that for the first time since the 1973 Arab-Israel war, Russia is trying to increase its influence in the Middle East, rocking US interests. These Russian efforts with Iranian assistance will prove dangerous for the United States. The Saudi media have upheld this warning issued by James Jeffrey, who played an important role in the Trump administration.

Jeffrey, who is the President of the Middle East Program in the thinktank ‘Woodrow Wilson Centre’ issued this warning to President Biden while talking to the media. The war in Syria is the biggest blunder of the Barack Obama administration; because this war allowed Russia to build its domination in the Middle East, on a platter. Russia has deployed its military in Syria and increased the capacity of the air force and naval bases. Jeffrey reminded that Russia has deployed its S-400 air defence system in Syria, in view of the war. Jeffrey claimed that Russia is contemplating to set up military bases even in Iran.

Jeffrey reprimanded the Biden administration, keen on signing a nuclear deal with Iran. Jeffrey said that with the new nuclear deal will make it easier for Russia to increase its influence in the Middle East. Suppose the United States signs a nuclear deal with Iran. In that case, Arab allies of the United States like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) will look up to Russia as an alternative. A few days ago, UAE had suggested that Russia be considered for military cooperation.

UAE issued this threat after the United States stalled super-advanced F-35 fighter jets to UAE. Jeffrey reminded the Biden administration, pushing to sign a nuclear deal with Iran, regarding this. Russian influence is not limited only to Iran and Syria. Jeffrey said while talking to the media that Russia is also increasing its muscle in Iraq and Turkey. Jeffrey said that Turkey has opened a military front with Russia- a member of NATO in Syria. At the same time, he cited that Russia supplied the S-400 air defence system to Turkey.

Withdrawal of the US military from the Gulf will provide momentum to the Russia-Iran cooperation. Jeffrey warned that in such a scenario, the Iranian confidence would be fortified and the US allies’ security in this region will be under threat.

Meanwhile, Soviet Russia had its influence in the Gulf countries before the historic Arab-Israel war in 1973. Whereas, Soviet Russian soldiers were deployed even in Afghanistan, beyond the Gulf region. Russian influence ebbed in this region after the 1980 decade. Jeffrey is cautioning that the Biden administration’s wrong step will open up the Middle East sector for Russia.