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TURKISH POLICIES IN SOUTH CAUCASUS CONCERN FOR MOSCOW - REPORT
NEWS.AM
March 21, 2013 | 12:08
Complex and often-contradictory interactions among Turkey, Russia,
and Iran are shaping regional dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean,
Caucasus, and Central Asia, says the report issued by Center for
Strategic and International Studies.
In its report Washington-based think tank focused on three pairs of
bilateral relations between Russia, Iran and Turkey. The report says
the current Turkish government has made improving relations with
Russia a priority since it took office in 2002.
It is mentioned that Russia's positive interests with Turkey are
principally economic.
"Turkey is a major energy export market, but there have also been
dramatic increases intrade, investment, and tourism. Iran is a minor
trading partner and energy competitor. Moscow's engagement with
Tehran is driven by geopolitical goals vis-Á-vis the United States
and a desire to temper Iranian influence over Muslim populations in
Russia and neighboring countries," the report says.
"For now, Turkish policies in the South Caucasus are probably a bigger
concern for Moscow than those of Iran. Many Russian analysts talk of
a North/South axis of Russia, Armenia, and Iran that is opposed to
an East-West axis of Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan."
The analysts also say that Iran's foreign policy reveals focus on
advancing national goals.
"Time after time, as well, Iran's foreign policy reveals a clear-eyed
focus on advancing national goals over pan-Islamic ones, for example
through sustaining closer ties with non-Muslim nations such as Armenia
than with Muslim nations such as Azerbaijan or Saudi Arabia."
From: Baghdasarian
NEWS.AM
March 21, 2013 | 12:08
Complex and often-contradictory interactions among Turkey, Russia,
and Iran are shaping regional dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean,
Caucasus, and Central Asia, says the report issued by Center for
Strategic and International Studies.
In its report Washington-based think tank focused on three pairs of
bilateral relations between Russia, Iran and Turkey. The report says
the current Turkish government has made improving relations with
Russia a priority since it took office in 2002.
It is mentioned that Russia's positive interests with Turkey are
principally economic.
"Turkey is a major energy export market, but there have also been
dramatic increases intrade, investment, and tourism. Iran is a minor
trading partner and energy competitor. Moscow's engagement with
Tehran is driven by geopolitical goals vis-Á-vis the United States
and a desire to temper Iranian influence over Muslim populations in
Russia and neighboring countries," the report says.
"For now, Turkish policies in the South Caucasus are probably a bigger
concern for Moscow than those of Iran. Many Russian analysts talk of
a North/South axis of Russia, Armenia, and Iran that is opposed to
an East-West axis of Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan."
The analysts also say that Iran's foreign policy reveals focus on
advancing national goals.
"Time after time, as well, Iran's foreign policy reveals a clear-eyed
focus on advancing national goals over pan-Islamic ones, for example
through sustaining closer ties with non-Muslim nations such as Armenia
than with Muslim nations such as Azerbaijan or Saudi Arabia."
From: Baghdasarian