SYRIAN CRISIS IN SCOPE OF THE US-RUSSIAN COMPETITION IN MIDDLE EAST

Authors : Serdar YURTSEVER, Abubaker ALAMAILES

Pages : 33-48

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Publication Date : 2018-12-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study addresses the issue of the competition between the United States and Russia in the Middle East. The study examines the most important aspects which the two powers are competing for in the Middle East. These aspects include: geopolitical field, energy field and arms race. To better understand the US-Russia competition in the Middle East, the current Syrian crisis is taken as a case study. The investigation shows that the attitudes of the United States and Russia have been contradictory and disagreeable in Syria. The strategic interests and objectives that one party seeks to achieve are contrary to the interests and objectives of the competing party. As a final result, the study proved that what is happening in Syria represents the sharp competition between the United States and Russia which can be considered as an extension of their broader competition in the Middle East region. Also, since Syria holds a significant position in the region in strategic, economic, and energy terms, the possibility of reaching a complete solution depends on the compatibility of visions and attitudes between the two major powers and this is unexpected to be accomplished in the near future.
Keywords : Middle East, Competition, Syria, US