conSenSuS evADeS uS, RuSSIAn expeRtS

Addressing the summit, Andrey Bystristsky, chairman, board of the foundation for development and support, Valdai Discussion Club, Russia, said Russia is trying to forge a balance in the Syrian crisis to strengthen relationship with its regional partners. “Russian exit from Syria is unpredictable and it will largely depend on other nations like the US because Russia also has interests in the country especially regarding its national security and stability of the region,” said Bystristky.

On his part, Vance Serchuk, executive director, KKR Global Institute, USA, said: “A political solution has always been sought since the Syrian crisis began. The experts had a general view that Russia would be part of the solution and not being a part of the problem but it has since failed to work out. From the reality of the US and the perspective of our partners in the region, Russia has not been a constructive force because it has directly enabled the Assad regime in its brutal campaign against its own people.”

He added that the US has previously achieved their objectives in the Middle East region and that it was important that it stays engaged in the Syrian crisis until a lasting political solution is reached.

On how the new American doctrine change the dynamics in the region, Vance said the new US approach has elements of continuity and elements of change especially as there has been greater recognition of threat especially from the Iranian power and its expansion which requires a proactive robust approach in pushing them back. “There is now a difference in psychology and how the region regards American power.”