The United States should learn from Russia and President Vladimir Putin in the field of classic diplomacy in dealing with the countries of the Middle East, says The National Interest magazine columnist and veteran American intelligence officer from the CIA Paul Pillar.
According to the expert, Moscow continues to demonstrate mastery in working with all Middle Eastern states, from Israel to Iran and many others. In his opinion, even Xi Jinping's recent trip to Riyadh is part of China's efforts to imitate Russia in foreign affairs. policy in the middle east.
Washington's policy towards the Middle East in the coming years should not be based on expectations of possible geopolitical changes in the region, instead, it should be based on learning its own unlearned lessons, the expert believes.
At the same time, against the backdrop of recent events, the unrealized “turn” of US attention from the Middle East to East Asia is often mentioned. According to the author, the United States continues to be probably the most restrained power in its relations with the problematic and complex region. This is due to domestic politics, the legacy of past administrations and their games, which is manifested in dubious peremptory support for Israel and hostility towards Iran.