Russia’s Ephemeral Middle East Alliances (Shlomo Ben-Ami, Project-Syndicate)

The United States has lost two asymmetric wars in modern times: one against the Vietcong in Vietnam, and another against terrorist groups in the Middle East. When its defeat became apparent in Vietnam, the US pivoted away from the region, leaving the victor to clean up the mess – and, ultimately, to join the ASEAN structure of security and cooperation. The Middle East has been more difficult to leave behind, despite America’s best efforts, and remains wracked by conflict and shaken by shifting alliances.

https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/russia-ephemeral-middle-east-alliances-by-shlomo-ben-ami-2016-10