The most significant political development in the Middle East over the past two years has been Russia's increasing military and political presence in the area; this includes improving relations with Egypt. Both nations are presently holding joint military exercises in El-Alamein, marking the first-ever deployment of Russian Airborne Troops stocked with their own equipment on the African continent. Furthermore, reports suggest Moscow is negotiating with Cairo to lease military facilities, including a former Soviet base in Sidi-Barrani. If true, this would significantly alter the strategic landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding naval deployments. Over the past two years, the most significant political development in the Middle East has been Russia’s increasing political and military presence. In addition, Russia recently announced that it will be building an airbase near Latakia, Syria, which could potentially serve as a hub for future operations against ISIS.
The most significant political development in the Middle East over the past two years has been Russia's increasing military and political presence in the area; this includes improving relations with Egypt. Both nations are presently holding joint military exercises in El-Alamein, marking the first-ever deployment of Russian Airborne Troops stocked with their own equipment on the African continent. Furthermore, reports suggest Moscow is negotiating with Cairo to lease military facilities, including a former Soviet base in Sidi-Barrani. If true, this would significantly alter the strategic landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding naval deployments. In addition, Russia recently announced that it will be building an airbase near Latakia, Syria, which could potentially serve as a hub for future operations against ISIS.