Michael Oren : While U.S. focused on mediation in Middle East , Russia acted in Crimea . He says Russia has influence with Syria and relations with Iran to upend talks on nukes . Russia has played its cards well , while U.S. risks being outmaneuvered , he says . Oren : Russia should reassert itself in the Middle East and try to protect its allies .
Michael Oren : While U.S. focused on mediation in Middle East , Russia acted in Crimea . He says Russia has influence with Syria and relations with Iran could upend strategy on nukes . Russia has played its cards well , while U.S. risks being outmaneuvered , he says . Oren : U.S. should reassert itself in the Middle East and move to protect its allies .