President Vladimir Putin went to the Middle East this week, where he visited Israel – the second visit by the Russian leader to that country in less than two years. Russia has suffered considerable loss of influence and economic assets in the region as a result of the “Arab Spring,” while the smoldering civil war in Syria and Iran’s refusal to submit its nuclear program to international scrutiny are further jeopardizing Russia’s interests. What was Putin’s main challenge during his tour of the Middle East? Can he reverse the negative trends for Russia’s interests in the region? Could Israel become a more valued and even the principal partner for Russia in the region?
