Abstract

Since Russia’s intervention in Syria, Moscow seems to be back in the Middle East with full force. This chapter highlights that Russia has never been completely absent in the region and that it has had strong roots in Syria and elsewhere since Soviet times. However, Russian interests in the Middle East have changed since the Cold War. In the Middle East, especially since the advent of the so-called Islamic State, a plurality of actors has emerged more visibly, and the role of regional powers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel has became more accentuated. This chapter reviews the historical development of Russia’s engagement in the Middle East and discusses Russian bilateral relations with selected countries of this crucial region.