Russia’s “Ummah Pivot”, or its post-2014 comprehensive engagement with the many Muslim-majority countries along its southern periphery and beyond, comprises one of the most important pillars of its contemporary grand strategic balancing act between East and West. This severely limits Russia’s economic diplomacy but does not outright exclude its possible effectiveness. Concerning Iran, Russia should applaud its anti-terrorist contributions but consider highlighting its regionally destabilizing role vis-a-vis Israel, though in a sensitive and fair manner. It also must gently encourage Armenia to abide by last year’s ceasefire agreement when it comes to unblocking all regional economic and transport corridors. Iran: Recalibrating Russia’s Balancing ActFirst and foremost, the strategic dilemma with Iran in Syria must be publicly clarified at the elite and civil society levels.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 18, 2021 18:00 UTC