Valdai Club

If Israel’s operation is truly exceptional, then Qatar and its allies, Turkey, the Arab League, and Iran, are either not interested or unable to escalate the situation. If Israel’s goal was to put an end to diplomacy, then it has achieved it. Qatar will no longer provide mediation services, writes Kamran Gasanov.

The outbreak of the war between Israel and Iran on June 13 took all players by surprise - both regional and major powers with interests and a presence in the Middle East. Russia today, despite regime change in Syria, remains a key player. It has a strategic partnership with Iran and close trade and investment relations with the monarchies of the Persian Gulf. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates are members of BRICS, and together with Qatar they act as mediators with regards to Ukraine. The Russian President was very warmly welcomed in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

The overthrow of Assad has made Turkey the main current external actor in Syria, but now it is facing growing competition from regional and extra-regional players. Although in economic matters, competition may benefit Ankara, in security matters, it is more obvious and risky for Turkey, writes Kamran Gasanov.