Moscow’s intervention in the Syrian conflict sent ripples through both the Middle East and the Russian Federation itself. This chapter explores the responses of Christians in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Russian Muslims to the Kremlin’s moves, looking specifically at these minorities’ history, positionality, and reactivity vis-à-vis Russia’s official narrative. It will be argued that the feelings and judgements of MENA Christians and Russian Muslims are not overdetermined by their confessional affiliation. Rather, the mixed responses of these communities, ranging from disengaged criticism to compliance with official positions, mirror factors such as pragmatism, a calculated distance from politics, and exposure to authoritative state discourses.
Criticism or Compliance? The Syrian Crisis Viewed by Russia’s Muslims and MENA Christians
Matteo Benussi;
2020-01-01
Abstract
Moscow’s intervention in the Syrian conflict sent ripples through both the Middle East and the Russian Federation itself. This chapter explores the responses of Christians in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Russian Muslims to the Kremlin’s moves, looking specifically at these minorities’ history, positionality, and reactivity vis-à-vis Russia’s official narrative. It will be argued that the feelings and judgements of MENA Christians and Russian Muslims are not overdetermined by their confessional affiliation. Rather, the mixed responses of these communities, ranging from disengaged criticism to compliance with official positions, mirror factors such as pragmatism, a calculated distance from politics, and exposure to authoritative state discourses.
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