Russia's New Initiatives in the Persian Gulf

Shortly after giving a much-discussed speech at the annual security conference in Munich, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan from January 11-13, 2007. This was the first trip of a Russian head of state to the three countries, and following Putin's speech the trip took on greater importance, especially the visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The trip highlighted how Russia's perception of its role in the international system has changed. In recent years, Moscow has represented itself as a "great power" with global influence, which was evident in Putin's harsh criticism of the United States during the conference.

Russia's new attitude and its renewed sense of power have shaped its moves in the Middle East, particularly in the Persian Gulf, and are part of Russia's goal of playing a more important role within the international system.

Russian moves in the Middle East aim at establishing good relations with every regional player. Therefore, Putin seeks positive ties with Israel, Iran, Syria, and Egypt, trying to keep a balance among the different interests and perceptions of these actors.

The idea of Putin helping Riyadh with nuclear power development was discussed during the meeting. All major regional players in the Middle East appear eager to gain nuclear energy capabilities.

Therefore, Russia wants to exploit the opportunity to increase its regional involvement by giving support to those countries in search of nuclear energy.

The role of a "nuclear technology supplier" that Russia wants to play within this region is also an effort to show that Russia has the capability to represent an alternative for those regimes allied with the United States.

The strengthening of relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states is part of Russia's strategy for achieving this goal. Russia wants to use its role as a weapon and energy supplier, as well as a supplier of nuclear technology, to enhance its relations with all the major regional actors involved in the balance of power. It wants to use its relations with these states to place pressure on its geopolitical competitors, especially the United States.

Source : www.pinr.com