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Source: https://geopoliticalfutures.com/russias-illusion-of-influence-in-the-middle-east/
Russia's Illusion of Influence in the Middle East
(Geopolitical Futures) Kamran Bokhari - While media reports have made it seem like Russia's influence is growing in the Middle East, it faces serious geopolitical constraints. Russia and Turkey remain at odds over Syria, and Iran rescinded permission for Russian aircraft to operate from one of its bases. While Russia and Iran cooperate closely to ensure that Assad remains in power in Syria, there is a huge debate within Iran on trusting Russia. Russia supported U.S.-led sanctions against Iran in 2012 and for many years delayed the supply of the S-300 missile system to Tehran. If Iran, which has had a close working relationship Russia, cannot fully trust the Kremlin, Turkey has many more reasons not to. Turkish and Russian interests have historically collided in the Black Sea region. Even today, Turkish and Russian proxies are at war.