shallowest knowledge of Vladimir Putin that he does not stand for the same things America does, at least in its public pronouncements, and these competing visions are the basis for America’s reluctance to make space for Russia in a region that America has dominated for over half a century. Specifically, Putin neither cares about upholding international norms (in this case banning the use of chemical weapons), or preferring diplomacy over military action; nor does he particularly care about the plight of Syrian refugees or any other humanitarian issue. In fact, his own nationalism, abuse of political rivals and dissenters and right wing crackdown on homosexuals in Russia ought to tell you everything you need to know about Putin. What he does care about is checking - and where possible eroding - American power, and the Middle East is the next front line in a confrontation that is eerily reminiscent of the Cold War.
In light of the above, one must hesitate to use the word ‘partner-ship’ when dealing with Putin, but could there be a benefit of Russian involvement in Syria in particular, or the Middle East generally? As American Republicans have complained about President Barack Obama, ironically using a famous quote by Democratic governor Mario Cuomo, ‘you campaign in poetry, but govern in prose’. The Russians, acting as (dis)loyal opposition in the global house of commons, have been sniping and undermining American efforts at every turn. As there are no clear paths forward in the Middle East, policy criticism comes naturally from any outsider who has not rolled up his sleeves and dug into the morass of Arab politics. If Putin wishes to descend from the pulpit to the trenches, why not let him?
What are the downsides of Russian involvement? First, Russia is already arming Syria and Iran, Syria’s main backer, so it must be acknowledged that Russia is already involved. It is true that America might have to share the world power stage with Russia, at least in Syria, but American power is already on the decline. The EU and the rise of
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