Russia's ambition in the middle-east is to reduce dependency of the region on the US by being able to act as a mediator between the countries; to gain contracts to build refineries, nuclear reactors and infrastructure and to sell conventional weapons, and defense systems to the region. Russia has failed miserably in keeping US out of the Middle-East as it did not have any coherent foreign policy for the countries. Russia currently suffers with a weak economy, corruption and political imbalance. The Cold war has left Russia with most of its resources distributed among countries that once were part of it and, to make matters worse these countries hate Russian imperialism.
Russia's image in the middle-east can be seen as more of a sales-man than a diplomat. Russia have notable interests in Iraq, Iran, Israel, Turkey and also in the Palestinians. Israel have been one of the largest arms customer, but as relations dipped because of its confused foreign policy, the US entry was imminent. Currently Russia have good relations with Iran and the Palestinian Hamas lead government. It had good relations with Iraq, which of-course the US foiled it. One must note that the Russians did not support sanctions against Iraq. Firstly because it is a customer to Russia for arms and contracts and secondly, because if sanctions are imposed, Iraq will find it hard to pay Russia what is due. Billions of dollars was lost when US attacked Iraq. Russia was hurt and obviously may see a similar loss in Iran. Russia's nuclear and arms deal with Iran is something US sees as another chance. Russia recently equipped Iran with a missile defense which can destroy incoming cruise missiles. Russia says Iran has the right to have it. It also says that US will not be hurt unless it attacks. But Russians are careful not to help Iran to make the bomb, its a question of security for itself. The Bush Administration is not stupid to overlook this? On the other hand Iranians are scratching their heads- why US is being so rude and not willing to listen?
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