Putin's Middle East Policy:Features and Trends

The international situation during President Putin's term has been favorable to Russia in general.The Russian economy has witnessed a fast growth with steady increase of its national power,and its diplomacy has been increasingly active and tough.Given that background,Russia's Middle East policy is being adjusted,featured with more aggressiveness and independence.Russia is playing a proactive and unique role in Middle East affairs,thus promoting Russia's political position and expanding its influence in the region.The diplomatic resources Russia can use to deal with other big powers like the U.S.are increasing indeed.In the post-Putin period,Russia is expected to continue its foreign policy for resuming its big power status.Accordingly,Russia will sustain its independent Middle East policy that differs from and keeps certain distance with that of western countries.On the basis of maintaining both competitive and cooperative relations with the United States,Russia will join with other big powers to participate in Middle East affairs,thus gradually producing a situation of multilateral cooperation in the region.