New Developments in Russia-West Conflict: Political Scientist

“New developments are being observed in the global conflict between Russia and the West,” wrote political scientist Garik Keryan on his Facebook page.

“It is no secret that the Kremlin is able to mitigate and bypass sanctions thanks to those Muslim states that have not joined the sanctions. The incident of burning the Quran is already becoming a political factor for Russia. Recently, during his visit to Dagestan, Putin visited the Juma Mosque in Derbent, where he received a Quran as a gift from the assistant to the republic’s mufti, Zapir Salimov. At the same time, on June 28, the first day of Eid al-Adha, the Swedish police allowed a protest action to take place in front of the main mosque in Stockholm that involved burning the Quran. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that the police's decision was 'legal, but inappropriate.'

On the same day, an action took place where a man publicly tore pages from the Quran, wiped his shoes with them, then stuffed the book with pork and burned it. The Russian Foreign Ministry described the incident as a blatant violation of the rights of believers. I believe that these reactions will be felt in our region.

Another reality: the West is increasing pressure on Erdogan, demanding that he ratify Sweden’s entry into NATO. What will the Turkish president do at this fateful moment, considering he aspires to be the global leader and protector of the Muslim world?”