Officials from the EU and US have severely criticized Moscow for its imposition of anti-democratic measures, including: state control of the media; cancellation of governor elections; a restrictive NGO law; and human rights abuses in Chechnya. Moreover, the US was a vocal supporter in the three ?color revolutions? in Georgia , Ukraine , and Kyrgyzstan that toppled Soviet-era leaders friendly with Moscow. Given Moscow?s behavior, members of the US Congress have openly questioned whether Russia belongs in the G-8, never mind this year?s privilege of hosting the summit. In turn, Russian officials have vehemently defended their policies, and criticized the US government?s predilection for interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
As a means of building global influence and political capital, Moscow has become a forefront actor on significant international disputes. In a decision that surprised its Quartet partners, the Russian government invited Hamas to Moscow following their election victory, and Moscow has since assumed a representative role for the Quartet and its guidelines (see associated War Report). Standing by its longtime ally Syria , Russia has defended President Asad and his government against the UN probe exploring Syria?s connection to the assassination of Lebanon?s Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri . Russia has also agreed to sell advanced missile systems to Syria, and ignored US protests over the arms deal. Furthermore, as the builder of Iran?s nuclear energy facilities, and with their recent offer to enrich Iranian uranium on Russian soil, Moscow has staked out its role as a vital player in the Iranian nuclear crisis.
Through its involvement in pressing international matters, Russia is attempting to regain the role of world power and simultaneously deflect western concerns about the policies of its government. Namely, if Moscow can influence Hamas, Tehran, or Damascus in ways that please the West, the uproar over anti-democratic laws and human rights abuses is quieted. In the case of Hamas, Moscow?s position as the Quartet?s unpredictable actor may help facilitate an agreement: they are the only member willing to meet with Hamas prior to its acceptance of the guidelines; they disagree with the US and EU?s characterization of Hamas as a terrorist organization, and are allies with a Syrian government that has hosted Hamas? leadership for years. If Hamas is persuaded to abide by the spirit of the Quartet guidelines (though their wording would be different), it is likely to be accomplished through the negotiation and persuasion of the increasingly influential Russian government.