However, it is undisputed that Russian involvement in Libya has intensified in recent weeks and months. The involvement in Libya is an extension of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) policy, as presented in a strategy paper on Russian foreign policy in the autumn of 2016. Foreign states should cooperate with strong regimes, no matter how ruthless they may be, Putin told "Newsweek" magazine when the new strategy paper was unveiled. That is where the country has tested its new strategy, says political analyst Randa Slim from Washington's Middle East Institute. It seems as though Russia has just begun working on its Middle East policy.

Source: Egypt Independent March 16, 2017 14:26 UTC