With the foreign-instigated war on Syria into its fifth year, is there room for opti-mism about a possible end to the bloodletting? Recent developments give rise to guarded optimism that there may be a dim flicker of light at the end of Syria’s long dark tunnel. It would, however, be prudent not to assume that peace will descend on Syria tomorrow. That may still be a long way away but it appears there is much greater awareness among all parties involved, especially foreign backers of the takfiri terrorists, who realize they have created a monster that needs to be brought under control before it devours them as well.
Will the long-delayed Russian supply of S-300 surface-to-air missiles to Iran ever near resolution? A large delegation of Iranian defence officials was in Moscow to attend the International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) air show in the last week of August. The show is held every two years at the Ramenskoye Airport 40km (25 miles) southeast of Moscow. The Iranian offi-cials also had discussions with their Russian counterparts about the delivery of the S-300 systems for which a contract was signed in 2007. Dmitry Shla-pentokh provides background to the Russia-Iran S-300 deal.
How Islamic Iran should deal with Russia is the subject of this analysis in which a realistic assessment of the reality is called for.
Countries subjected to US-led sanctions are finding creative ways to overcome their ill effects as demonstrated by arrangements made between Iran and Russia. Arrangements have been made for exporters in the two countries to receive payments in local currency using branches in their respective capitals. This is a major step forward in thwarting the illegally-imposed sanctions on both countries.
Russia and the West are heading towards Cold War type rivalry, especially in Central Asia that Moscow considers its sphere of influence.
The Eurasia region of which Central Asia is a vital part, has become hotly contested territory for influence. There are many players involved of which Russia, Iran and China are the principal actors. Their policies will have profound impact on the region.
Islamic Iran and Russia have signed a massive trade deal that would be conducted in their local currencies bypassing the US dollar. Countries around the world are getting fed up with US policies and are abandoning trading in dollars.
Neither the West nor Russia is able to achieve their objectives in Ukraine resulting in a stalemate but greater suffering for the people.
Russia is emerging as a major power but its economy is still weak despite being endowed with enormous natural resources.
Russia and China have again frustrated Western imperialist plans to intervene directly in Syria. By vetoing the Security Council resolution that would have paved the way for referring Syrian officials to the International Criminal Court, the West thought it could disrupt the government of President Bashar al-Asad through the backdoor now that their mercenaries are on the verge of defeat.
China's security arrangement proposal with Russia and Iran has caused panic among warmongers in Washington DC. The US is definitely on its way out as other powers assert themselves.
Crimeans do not know what they got themselves into when they voted last month to join Russia. McDonald's has decided to close its restaurants in Crimea depriving people of satiating their cravings for a Big Mac! They are in big trouble.
The US and its allies do not care for the people of Ukraine; their interest lies in destabilizing Russia that is becoming increasingly assertive.
New round of talks over Iran's nuclear program are about to begin in the Austrian capital Vienna in a few hours. How much progress will this round make depends on whether the West is serious about resolving this artificial crisis or is it merely using it to exert pressure on Iran in an attempt to force it to change its independent policy.
Crimeans have defied Western calls to boycott the referendum and have voted overwhelmingly to join Russia. Early results from more than 50 percent count showed that 95.7 percent of the vote was in favor of joining Russia. Western rulers are livid with the result and have vowed not to accept it but what can they do?
The Crimean Tatars, the indigenous people of the peninsula who are Muslims, have been completely ignored in the gladiatorial tussle between the Western-backed neo-Nazis that have grabbed power in Kiev and the Kremlin bosses led by Vladimir Putin.
The Western-inspired unrest in Ukraine can only go so far. Russia will not allow its interests to be undermined in such a brazen manner by the US. Without European Union support, that has no stomach for a fight on its borders, the US will not achieve its objectives.
Deft diplomacy by Russia and the Islamic Republic of Iran helped US President Barack Obama save face over Syria. He had got himself into a bind until the Russians’ offered him an escape route.
The speed with which developments vis-à-vis US-Iran relations occurred in the last week of September has given rise to guarded optimism. There is, however, a long way to go.
Russia acknowledges Hizbullah's strategic influence in the Middle East.
