Russia: Future of Middle East uncertain

Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said yesterday that forecasting the ultimate state of the Middle East is challenging in light of the region’s current “uncertain” period.

Peskov’s remarks came during a press conference in Moscow where he commented on developments in the Middle East following the collapse of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime in Syria.

In response to a question about Russia’s role in the resignation of ousted Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, who fled to Moscow with his family on Sunday, Peskov told reporters that “the decision to step down was entirely Assad’s personal choice,” declining to comment further on the matter.

Regarding concerns about the impact of Al-Assad’s departure on Russia’s military influence in the Middle East, Peskov stated: “Now, of course, is the time for a deep analysis of the events that are taking place.”

He added that predicting the region’s final form is currently challenging given this period of uncertainty.

Russia, he said, remains in contact with all countries in the region, emphasising the importance of ongoing dialogue. He noted shared interests with numerous nations in areas like trade and the economy, underscoring Russia’s commitment to maintaining and advancing these cooperative processes.

On Sunday morning, Syrian opposition factions entered the capital, Damascus, taking control of it after regime forces withdrew from public institutions and streets. This marked the end of the 61-year reign of the brutal Baath Party regime and 53 years of rule by the Assad family.

Bashar Al-Assad governed Syria for 24 years, from July 2000, succeeding his father, Hafez Al-Assad who was president from 1970.

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