International Business Times: "Assad's regime is an alternative to ISIS"

The US publication International Business Times wrote about whether cooperation between Russia and the US in Syria is possible against Islamic State after the terrorist attacks in Paris. There is a hope that the leaders of the two states will be able to agree on the joint fight against international terrorism for the first time during a long period of disagreement between Moscow and Washington.

The terrorist attacks in Paris showed the increased capabilities of Islamic State, and that, in turn, puts pressure on Russia and the United States in their search for joint solutions to the ongoing civil war in Syria, which has become a place where ISIS recruits militants. During an informal meeting in Antalya, Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama expressed their common interest in the convening of the UN negotiations on the settlement of the Syrian conflict and establishment of a ceasefire.

However, the differences between the two countries relate to the figure of the current Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad. The Obama administration is negatively disposed towards him, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is going to support the Assad regime till the very end. This fundamental difference limits the strategic partnership between Russia and the US

The terrorist attacks in France became another confirmation of the confidence of Russia that Assad's regime is an alternative to ISIS. According to analysts, the strategic objectives of Washington and Moscow are very close, but there are differences in tactics. In this situation, the only way out could be the possibility of a compromise from both sides. This will allow the two powers to maintain their strong positions in the Middle East and effectively counter international terrorism.

The analytical magazine Forbes wrote about what changes are waiting for the world energy market after the sanctions are lifted from Iran. Despite the fact that the markets are filled with oil, most likely Iran will soon be ready to export 500,000 barrels per day, which is going to have an extremely negative impact on the global oil sector, but will improve the economic situation of Iran at times. However, according to some analysts, Iran should focus not on the oil, but on the gas sector, as the country has huge reserves of natural gas and can be a leading supplier of this type of energy resource.

Once sanctions are lifted, Iran will be able to compete with Saudi Arabia in terms of oil exports, despite the fact that the oil industry of the Republic requires substantial investment. Europe needs gas supplies and Iran can provide its significant reserves of LNG, but most likely the government will make a stake on the oil industry, which will lead to a further drop in oil prices and will have an adverse impact on the global economy, but will improve the overall situation of Iran. To date, the investment climate in the country is extremely favorable. China, for example, is ready to conclude an agreement with Iran on supplies of natural gas, Russia is expanding its strategic partnership with a longtime ally. Despite the fact that Saudi Arabia is still the leader in the Middle East, Iran has every chance to surpass its longtime rival and bring the country to a new level of economic development.