The October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel caused a significant shift in the geopolitical balance of power in the Middle East. Russia initially hoped to benefit from the distraction from Ukraine, but the ensuing upheaval created strategic headaches for them. The war's impact on Syria and Iran, key Russian partners, left Russia in a weaker position.
Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023
Russia's initial expectation of a distraction dividend
Increased US resources directed to the Middle East
Russia's strategic weakening due to upheaval in the Middle East
The severing of the horizontal axis of influence (Iran to Lebanon)
Maria spoke with Hanna Notte and Natasha Hall about the new balance of forces in the Middle East at the start of 2025, and what the current geopolitical situation in the region means for Russia.