Playing to Lose? Russia and the "Arab Spring"

In responding to the "Arab Spring," Russia has attempted to protect its interests in the region, block Western initiatives, and prevent contagion closer to home. Since the fall of Libya's Qaddafi, Moscow has been all the more determined to shield Syrian president Assad and draw Central Asian regimes closer to Russia. But there is little evidence that Moscow is credibly reclaiming its former standing as an international power broker.