Russia is a central player on a number of key issues in the Middle East. Moscow’s support of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and its determination to soften sanctions on Tehran have often forced the West to take a step back. So just what is Moscow up to? Veniamin Popov, a former Russian ambassador, gives Marc Perelman his insight into Putin’s high-stakes diplomatic moves.<br />http://www.france24.com/en/taxonomy/emission/18004<br /><br />Visit our website:<br />http://www.france24.com<br /><br />Like us on Facebook:<br />https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter:<br />https://twitter.com/France24_en
