ceasefire, one gradually sees through Russia’s strategic plan for a new Russian Middle East. The
features of the Russian foreign policy represent what I call ‘Sykes-Putin’ – rearranging the Middle
East and its coalitions in a way that serves Russian dominance in our region. What caught my
attention more than the ceasefire itself was its timing, the parties invited, and the location to
discuss putting an end to the Syrian crisis,” writes Ma’moun Fandi. “Undoubtedly, Russia could
succeed in reaching a solution as regards Syria. Russian boots are on the ground and they are
achieving success, the other parties have war fatigue, and for the first time a cooperation between
a global force (Russia) and a regional one (Turkey) is taking place.” Fandi sees the ceasefire
conference as a strategic ploy to separate the moderate opposition from the radical terrorists –
such as An-Nusra Front and Jund Ash-sham – in order to eliminate them. Who will object to the
annihilation of radical terrorists? However, this means the regime will have the upper hand in
future negotiations. “Calling opposite parties to redraw the map of regional coalitions is a
quantum leap in Middle Eastern diplomacy. All this indicates that a new Russian Middle East
lies ahead. But would America allow a Sykes-Putin at the expense of the old Sykes-Picot?”
