The U.S. and Global Security Review - Blog by Michael Novakhov

Moscow's overriding area of diplomatic concern is Syria, one of Russia's most longstanding Middle Eastern allies. If the regime of Bashar al-Assad falls -- to ISIS, or any other rebel group -- the Kremlin worries its influence in the region will fall too. A flurry of diplomatic activity in recent days has seen Putin also host the King of Jordan and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi -- not traditional Kremlin allies -- in an apparent effort to boost trade and woo regional leaders into an anti-ISIS coalition, which would, of course, include the Syrian government. So far, however, there have been few takers. Moderate Syrian opposition groups, their Saudi Arabian backers, and Washington, are all mistrustful of Russia and balk at Moscow's insistence on keeping al-Assad in power. But the Kremlin appears to be carving out a unique and increasingly influential position in a region where it once held sway. Putin woos Mideast: Should West worry? Friday August 28 th , 2015